New Horizons

by Nugget27

Rating: teen
Tags: Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Alternate Universe, Human, Romance, Original Character, Princess Cadance, Queen Chrysalis, Adventure, Shining Armor
Length: 56313

The Third Installation of the Bald Ostrich Saga.

A rewrite of New Horizons...

Bald Ostri, the stallion from the past! Once the consort of Princess Luna, the Slayer of Griffins, had just blown up the mothership of the Storm King's invasion Fleet and left Canterlot. With Chrysalis and Blaze in tow, he's leaving Equestria to explore the world!

Published 2024-05-12 04:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2025-01-25 04:06:35 UTC

The Dawn of a New Day

I hopped off my wagon the day after the Friendship Festival. Luna had just killed my entire mood, but… Hey, there’s a world to explore, a whole new world. Honestly, I am pissed, but I wasn’t worried about myself. Apparently Equestria’s about to go to war, so I didn’t want to stick around long enough for that. Chrysalis hopped off the wagon soon after me, as did Blaze. The three of us just woke up, and had stopped at a waterfall that was at the base of Mount Canterlot, which was, unsurprisingly, the name given to the mountain Canterlot was sitting on.

I watched as Blaze stretched like a cat, before she ‘accidentally’ got into my space while I was also stretching. “Good morning, Ostri. Are you at least feeling marginally better now that we are away from any Equestrian politician?” She asked.

“Eh, I still feel like shit. Though I suppose I do have something to look forward to.” I sat on my ass and started petting Blaze. “Did you sleep well, at least?”

“Of course I did, I got to cuddle up with my favorite stallion, and my favorite changeling. I would’ve slept better if we were all in a good mood, but it appears only I am in a good mood.”

Chrysalis shook herself, before taking a brush out of one of the storage compartments in the wagon. “I’m in a good mood. I’ve got a stallion, who’s a hunk, and I get to travel the world with him after being cleared of all my crimes.” She sat down next to me while she meticulously brushed her mane out. She hummed in content, with her eyes closed as she leaned over and kissed me. “And I am going to do my best to bring my new coltfriend out of his funk. I’m certain some morning tickling would do?” She tilted her head.

“I swear to god, if you tickle me, I probably won’t swing at you, but I will pout at you after you’re done.” I leaned into her and she promptly responded with a kiss to the top of my head, right in between the ears. “Didya sleep well?”

“I did. I used you as a pillow.”

“But… Blaze is a much more comfy pillow! I used her as a bed last night!”

“While I am luxuriously fluffy and soft as a bed, I do not appreciate having both of you laying on top of me. I am all for cuddling, but do refrain; I will only severely enjoy the cuddling.”

The three of us then started sorting through what we were actually bringing on our trip. Most of it was food for me, which consisted of a bunch of cans of chili, some dried vegetables that can be boiled up, a canteen along with a large, large water container. The container was filled at the lake, and the canteen was promptly filled up by Blaze using her magic to carry the much heavier containers. My collection of knives were in a box, save for the decorational, ceremonial knife that was actually stupidly sharp. It was made out of obsidian, but had some enchants done to it to make it less brittle. I tucked that, which was in a sheaf, under my wing, where I strapped it to my body.

Chrysalis had packed up a couple of things, despite her being able to transform clothes onto her sexy body, she did pack in a dress, a maid dress, and a nurse outfit for some reason. She put that in a small suitcase, which was way smaller than the trunk I had for my food and knives. I knew I was going to want to grab a crossbow, modify it into a little rocket launcher, since I had a lot of fireworks in a separate trunk.

Blaze didn’t have much, other than a ball, a food bowl even though she didn’t need food in the same sense that I do, and that was it.

I hopped back into our wagon to put the trunks and suitcase back in and looked around. The inside of the wagon, despite how cheap it apparently was, was pretty spacious. There was enough room for a bed, big enough to hold Blaze and Chrysalis, and since Blaze was my bed, it was plenty of space. The bed was actually kinda shitty, but it was soft enough, and Chrysalis said she could stick a cloud into it to make it softer in the future. The wagon had a roof, one made of cotton, thick, thick cotton that was held up with five supporting beams, which held a tarp on top for rain.

The cotton was for insulation, as much as it can provide in an open ended wagon, and the tarp was for weather.

With that said, the thin, wooden support beams for the cotton roof were strong enough to have several shelves, where Chryssy and I kept our toothbrushes and a cup to use for brushing our teeth with. Along with a pack of toothpaste. That was on the left hand wall of the wagon. On the right hand side was a map of the world, which was very similar to planet Earth. Different names for the continents, and very different countries, but they were there. On a shelf next to it was a journal, listing the marked locations we put on the map and the reasons for why we wanted to go to them.

There was Griffonia, apparently griffins loved war heroes. That was located where Canada usually is.

There was what was essentially the Korean Peninsula and Japan, or the only main island of Japan. Honshu, was what Japan was called in this world. We were going to keep heading north from Griffonia and into the Crystal Empire, located somewhere in what should be Alaska. Since the sea levels were a lot lower, there was the Bering Land Bridge along with a few other things. Luckily, I won’t have to find out what kind of weirdos live in this world’s version of Florida, since that got hit with an asteroid apparently, long, long ago, and was promptly crumpled to dust while Celestia and Luna were fighting each other.

While Blaze was reluctant, she did agree to try and guide us through her homeland, Honshu.

I grabbed that before hopping back out, and after I grabbed a can of chili. Each can had six servings in it and I had about fifty five cans on me. I had more cans of various fruits and vegetables, even canned pasta, so I had enough food to last me until we reached the Gryphus, the capital of Griffonia.

Chrysalis took her toothbrush, took the tube of toothpaste, before promptly spreading the stuff on both our brushes. She continued to brush her mane as we brush our teeth. We rinsed, and the cup was put back into place. Chryssy pulled out a mirror from somewhere, dunno where, and looked herself over. “Do I look good, Ostri?” She asked.

“That you do. You look lovely… I wonder if those legs are good for being pillows.”

“Mmm, I could get my socks out, and they would be. Otherwise, they are rather mediocre for cuddling; my carapace is hard and protective. However, my legs are good for holding my lovers in place while I keep them safe and warm from the harsh world outside.” She rubbed one of those sexy legs up my neck, coming to a stop under my chin. We shared a kiss while Blaze rolled her eyes.

“If you two are going to mate, just do it already.”

“We’re getting started with dating, you mutt. We are taking things slow; I definitely am as I do not wish to harm Ostri more than he already has been.”

“What did you call me?” Blaze asked. “A mutt?” She tilted her head and whimpered. “I thought you loved me, Chrysalis.”

“Quit acting, you stupid pup. You and I both know you don’t care.”

“Fine!” Blaze walked up and nipped Chrysalis’s ear. “That is for calling me a mutt, though. Seriously, you two need a den; you smell like you’re both about to mate.”

“We’re just kissin’, Blaze. You know what that is.”

“I know, you kiss me on the forehead everyday before you disappear, and you still do it before you go to bed when you return. I can tell you and Chrysalis are somewhat compatible, personality wise, so I am looking forward to when you two are mating.” Blaze grabbed our little travel book, and handed it to me. “I believe Chrysalis wanted to visit her old Hive before we begin heading north? It would be a bit of a detour, but we need to head west to get to Griffonia anyways.”

“We should. You wanted to check in on the Hive, Chryssy?”

“I do. They are only my children, after all. I wish to also see how King Thorax is handling the Hive, perhaps lend him a hoof of advice? He may just chase us off. I would just like some closure to my children, if they hate me, if they love me, or if they forgive me for being a horrible ruler.”

“Alrighty then. Let’s get moving-” Blaze paused. “Wassup, girl?”

“We are not alone. Four alicorns, five mares. They’re coming down the mountain from the same path we climbed down the mountain from.” I slumped over. “I know.”

Chrysalis sighed as she put her dress away, and promptly took a hat out of my trunk, a sunhat that I didn’t notice being in there until she pulled it out. “Why can’t those annoying ponies leave us be? We were well on our way to going to my old kingdom after we enjoyed ourselves before hoof.”

“I don’t fucking know,” I shrugged. “This lake looked like it’d be the perfect spot to stop after such a shitty week; I wouldn’t mind swimming around in it. Fuck me, I haven’t even got a fire going to heat up this,” I lifted the can of chili. Chrysalis’s horn lit up and a fireplace was quickly put into place after her magic took hold of various rocks, pieces of wood, and even got the canteen out to put the fire out. She then promptly lit it, before the can cracked open, and she perfectly took one portion out and into a metal bowl.

“God damn that was cool,” I tapped my forehead, where my horn should’ve been if I were a unicorn. “That just makes me wish I became a unicorn when I came to Equestria. Flying fast is cool, but I can’t do it for very long, or control how good I am at flying.” I shrugged and motioned Chrysalis to lay down by the fire. “C’mon, we’re dating, right? Cuddling is a must. And it would also make Luna sad or whatever.” Chrysalis had already slipped on some socks and laid down in front of the fire.

“You really are not making any effort to not hide anything, ain’tya?” I asked. Chrysalis was sprawled out in front of the fire, making sure to show off her legs, flanks, and everything shy of her rear end. That combined with the socks that went all the way up her legs, with her rear-leg-socks stopping just at her flanks, I won’t lie, it was a very enticing sight.

“It is making you want to come over here and cuddle with me while your food cooks, doesn’t it? I require breakfast as well, Ostri, and I feed on emotions. Lust is an emotion… and you aren’t feeling it.” She said as I laid down on the side of her stomach, and rested my head on her shoulder. “But you are feeling love. I suppose I can work with that…” she hummed as her horn lit. I could feel her taking a little nibble.

“You can go wild, Chrysalis. You know it won’t affect me that badly.”

“And risk hurting you? I think not. I only need to ‘go wild’ if I know there is a big fight going on. Between you and Blaze constantly feeding me with ambient emotion, I am only ‘eating’ breakfast with you right now as a common courtesy, without getting into any of your supplies. You need food more than I do, physical food, and we need to make your food last a while. That cannot happen if we share every physical meal together, Ostri.”

“Alright… though at dinner, if we reach another town, we are going to have dinner together. It will be a nice evening. I’ll put on… something, and you can put on that nice dress that you’ve got. It’ll be a nice evening, and Blaze can watch the wagon, or do whatever she does when we leave her alone.”

“I chew on your shoes when you’re out and about…”

“But horseshoes are made of metal, are they not?” Chrysalis asked.

“They are, she’s read my mind, and knows what’s going on in there at all times. She’s talking about human shoes to try and take the piss out of me. Those are made out of rubber and plastic, and other things.” I lightly bopped Blaze on the nose, since she was now in my face with a shit eating grin. “I adore ya, bud, but c’mon now!” I laughed and the three of us just started watching the fire go.

“Your food is going to burn if you leave it on the fire too long,” Chrysalis said, removing the bowl off of it for me. “And wait a moment for it to cool; I don’t want you hurting yourself.”

“Fine, Mom…” We continued watching it as we enjoyed the ambient, morning air. It was spring, so it was a very, very nice morning. It was a little chilly, which made the warmth from the sun a nice contrast to everything else. Occasionally I would sniff my food and hold it near my cheeks to test how hot it is. I was getting back into a good mood by the time the chilly was cool enough to eat it.

“Wanna try some, Chrysalis?” I lifted a spoonful up to her.

“It smells good, but I know I’ve had some before your banishment. That stuff cannot compare to your cooking.” She shrugged. Before taking the spoonful. “I was right; your cooking is much better.”

“Glad you still remember my cooking, even after a thousand years. Now if only Luna could be bothered to remember my name a thousand years later.”

“That bitch,” Chrysalis shook her head. “You promised to teach me how to cook, by the way. You never did.”

“I can teach you on a date, when we get a hotel room with a proper kitchen in it.”

“That would be nice,” Chrysalis hummed.

“And who were you calling a ‘bitch’?” We all immediately groaned.

“God dammit, this morning was going to be so damn good too!” I sighed. I looked up to see the Goody-goody gang and the four princesses. “What the hell do y’all want!?” I asked. “I thought you all hated the ‘monster’ that I’ve become, or whatever.” I noted, and silently cheered when Luna’s eyes landed on me and Chrysalis; she didn’t look happy. Chrysalis noticed too, since she immediately brought her forelegs up, and pulled me closer to her, while casting a glare at the group that had just so thoroughly ruined our morning. Cadance was watching us with… Curiosity.

“Morning Cadance. Are you feeling better after yesterday’s… interesting events?” I asked.

“I’ve been better, but yes. I am feeling better, thank you for asking,” Cadance started approaching us. Only because she was the one princess here that I wouldn’t mind speaking to, none of us stopped her. I know Chrysalis just didn’t wanna fight, and Blaze knew what I was thinking. She laid down in front of us. “How are you doing? I know that… after some of the things my aunts have done, you aren’t exactly… excited to see us.” I only now noticed that Shining was standing behind the group, giving my group a judgy-glare.

“Not gonna lie, I was feeling a lot better 'til they all showed up. If it were just you and Shining Armor, I'd be in such a good mood, I swear to god.”

Cadance flicked between me and Chrysalis and giggled. “I can see why; I didn’t think I’d see the day that Chrysalis would actually protect another living creature from harm, while wearing socks. No offense, Chrysalis, but…”

“I know. I foalnapped you and ruined your wedding, and have done numerous things to you that probably weren't legal by Equestria’s standards,” Chrysalis hummed. “I am surprised that you are more pleasant to speak to than your aunts.”

“Well…” Cadance shrugged. She then pointedly looked me in the eyes. “There are a few things we wish to discuss, but I suppose we shall talk about that after Auntie Celestia and Auntie Luna have their word with you.” I nodded and extended a hoof. Cadance tilted her head, before we bumped hooves. Luna and Celestia were just sitting there in shock. “If you ever stop by the Crystal Empire, let me know; I wouldn’t mind having tea with you without me almost getting assassinated, alright?”

“You bet, Cadance.” I am actually starting to like Cadance. “Need a guard or somethin, just hit me up. I’m no mage, so I can’t protect you with a shield, but I am pretty proficient with knives.”

“Of course!” She nuzzled me very quickly before backing off. “And if you need a place to stay the night, my door is always open!”

“When… Did you and Cadance become friends?” Celestia asked.

“She met me, we shared some water at an overpriced, shitty cafe, and I told her what Luna did to me. Instead of hounding me any further, she tried being nice to me. I think, before she almost got shot, she was about to go on, and on, and on about how she was going to rip you and your sister a new asshole for what you’ve done to me.” I nodded to the pink princess that had slotted back into place. “I tend to fight back when threatened, and I treat any kindness shown my way tenfold. Now, what do you want?”

“Well… Equestria just had war declared on it by the Storm King.”

“That’s cool. Have fun with that.”

“You… don’t care? I thought you did when you saved everypony at the Friendship Festival.”

“I blew up a ship. That’s it. I did it because you and your sister were doing fuck-all, and it looked like you were all gonna lose if I didn’t step in. Add in the fact that it looked like my pet kitsune and my marefriend were going to be in harm’s way, and you’ve got my reasoning for helping out at all. Plus, I am kinda chill with Apple Jack, and she was definitely gonna get hurt during that whole thing, so that’s a bonus.”

“But you’re a general of Equestria-”

“I was a captain of the Lunar Legion, a dead branch in your army, Princess. That was… I believe it was phased out by the Lunar Guard if I am not mistaken. Plus, I’m defecting. I would legitimately rather try to make love to a kumiho, that will eat my kidney and then me, than fight a war for two assholes that just spent the last week using me as an emotional punching bag. So fuck off, will ya?”

“That’s no way to talk to Princess Celestia, Ostri,” Twilight said. “And you technically initiated the war by blowing up that warship!”

“You’ve got a super weapon, ten times the forces, apparently the God of Chaos, and griffins as allies. On top of that, hundreds of very, very capable unicorns. Just stomp out the Storm King's race, call it a day, and go back to living however the fuck you wanna live. It ain’t my problem, Twilight.” Pinkie raised her hoof. “What do you want?”

“When you and Chrysalis get married, can I plan out your wedding reception?” I blinked. What the fuck?

“Y’know what? Sure. If you find out me and Chryssy are getting married, and can find us, we’ll let you plan out the whole reception.” Pinkie did a cute little hoof pump. I won’t lie, it was very cute.

Celestia inclined her head, realizing that she definitely wasn’t going to be getting anywhere with me, and she backed off. Luna was next in line. She walked up to us, with a look that could kill a lesser being. Unfortunately, I was once human, and I do not cower to prey animals. So I just got up from the very, very comfortable spot that was Queen Chrysalis’s shoulder and stepped forward. We stopped nose and nose, glaring at each other, before Luna took a step back. I raised an eyebrow and got ready to dodge in case she decides that hitting me is a good idea.

“What?” I asked.

“You moved on rather quickly, I see,” Luna noted. Huh, I didn’t notice that Chrysalis pulled me off my hooves and back into her embrace.

“That’s a shame. Do you have anything of importance you want to say to me?”

“I wanted to say that I was…” Her horn lit up and it lifted a very familiar, matching set of boxes. She opened them up and revealed… our wedding necklaces. You know, when I first found those again, in pristine condition, I broke. I completely broke down. Now as I stared at them, all I saw were empty promises, empty whispers of how much I was loved and cared for by the mare I was going to marry. I stared at them for a moment, before shrugging. “How much did you spend on these?” Luna asked.

“Don’t matter anymore; they were worth every little bit I spent on them when I first commissioned them. Now I think they were a complete waste of blood, sweat, tears and money.” I nuzzled Chrysalis, who happily kissed me back. “Why do you ask?”

“These had to cost you a fortune, Ostri. What were these for?”

“Eh… Why do you care, anyways? You would've said no if I proposed a thousand years ago." Luna was tearing up as she turned the open boxes towards her, and she started tearing up.

“What I’ve done to you, since you’ve returned… I truly ruined you, didn’t I? There is no turning back, is there?”

“Debatable. Had you left me alone after we broke up, I would’ve been happy with being your friend; we could’ve rekindled some love between us. Nah, you just had to sick your sister on me and then only keep coming back to make sure you don’t lose your little ‘fountain of knowledge’ or whatever. However,” I hummed. “Nah, I ain’t gonna risk getting burnt again. You wanna piss off in Canterlot with Celestia, Twilight and her friends? You said I am undeserving of love, so quit crying about how you ruined me. Because I deserve what happened to me, apparently.”

Celestia stepped between us and ushered Luna away from me, as poor, poor Moon Butt was crying! Ah damn that sucks. The two started walking back up to Canterlot, where they should’ve stayed to help with the cleaning efforts. Most of Twilight’s friends, save Pinkie, Rainbow and Apple Jack, okay, so just half of the ‘gay squad’ were glaring at me now. They turned to head off to wherever the heck. That just left Cadance and Shining Armor.

“So, you two needed something?” I asked.

“Yeah…” Shining hissed. “I would be mad, but after what Luna told you after you literally saved Canterlot? Sure, it was bloody, but you did save the day.” He shrugged. “Well, I’ll let Cadance do the talking, since you two seem to get along nicely.”

The princess of love nodded. “I’m glad you didn’t go running back to Auntie Luna; so many ponies make that mistake of returning to an abusive lover, and it never ends well,” she walked over and hugged me with her wings. Wow, Cadance is a lot softer than Luna ever was. She pulled back pretty quickly, and took a deep breath. “So I believe trains heading into Griffonia, from Equestria, are going to be stopped because of the impending war. Luckily, there aren’t border checks everywhere, along the borders, so assuming we avoid those, you can smuggle us back into our kingdom.”

“And that is?” I asked. “I thought you were an Equestrian leader.”

“Actually, I am the Princess of the Crystal Empire. I can lead Equestria in a dire situation, but right now, I want to check in on my kingdom and my daughter. We’ll be patient; you probably have a lot of places you’d like to visit, and to be honest, myself and Shiny won’t mind some tourism and it’s your wagon. I can cook, and Shiny can help keep the wagon safe if need be.” I hummed and grabbed my travel book.

“Mmm… I dunno, the Crystal Empire is somewhere I wanna see. That’s our third stop, actually. Question, why not take a chariot… nevermind, that’s a fucktarded idea.” I shrugged. “Well, we got the room, it’ll be a bit cramped-” Blaze’s eyes lit up and the wagon grew slightly in size. “Nevermind, what the fuck, Blaze?”

“I am a kitsune, I am magic, bitch!” Blaze threw her forelegs in the air before promptly falling on her back with an 'oof'. It was adorable.

Shining Armor whistled as he slowly started staring at my fox, who was struggling to get on her stomach. “Sweet Celestia… You’ve got to let me know where you found her, Ostri.”

“In a forest, a thousand years ago. I was gonna cut her head off, but then she acted cute and pretended to be dead so I could still get the bounty for killing her. Blaze is awesome, by the way. I doubt many kitsune would happily let me do this.” I grabbed Blaze just as she stood back up, threw her on her back, which made Cadance and Shining Armor jump, only for Blaze to start laughing as I hopped on her and started rubbing her belly. “Kitsune are usually proud animals, and don’t like being babied all that often. Again though, Blaze is awesome and is the best dog I could’ve asked for.”

“Well then…” Shining Armor shrugged. “Are rations going to be a problem, by the way? Me and Cadance have our own-”

“Nah. Just help pay for food whenever we hit a pitstop and-” they looked confused at that. “A pitstop is a place you stop to refill stuff, get food, other supplies, all that fun stuff. Help with that, and it’s cool as long as you two don’t overeat, Cadance. I know you alicorns need a lot of food.”

“I’ve been needing a diet anyway; I’m getting a little fat.”

“You look fine as is,” Chrysalis pointed out. “I’d form a herd with you if you weren’t my mortal enemy not too long ago.” We all sat there, staring at Chrysalis. “What? Cadance is a beautiful mare, even if she is a little too pink and too innocent for her own good. Besides, I’ve got a stallion now; it won’t stop us from forming a herd if we desire it, but…”

“We’ll see how we’re feeling at the end of the journey,” Shining shrugged.

Soon, me and Shining were sitting together, sharing a bottle of vodka that he had bought while in Canterlot, while Cadance and Chrysalis were whispering to each other like fillies. “Whaddya think they’re whispering about?” I asked.

“Probably ways to embarrass us in public,” Shining shrugged. “I don’t mind; Cadance is lovely to be around. When do you wanna get moving?” He asked.

“Well, it’s almost noon, but I’m not really in a rush to get anywhere. This spot here? This waterfall? A perfect spot to spend a day or two at. You don’t wanna see Cadance while her fur’s clinging to her body? Me and Luna…” I hummed. “Well, you know, I bet you’d find a soaking wet, because she was swimming, Cadance to be sexy, wouldn’t ya?”

“I would…” Shining nodded. “You make a good argument.” We cheered, and downed our last shots. We may be mini horses, but we’re still horses, so we were barely even buzzed. “C’mon, let’s go convince our marefriends to go swimming with us. This is basically our vacation until we get home.” We both agreed that that would be a good idea. It was. Chrysalis, when wet, is sexy…

That can be taken so poorly out of context. Chrysalis was covered in water, not horny. I think. She probably was horny anyways. We ended off the night, having some good food, after we went into Canterlot to get an actual dinner before we hit the road in the morning. I was having a great time.

The Road to Baltimare, plus first date! woo!

The next morning, none of us wasted any time getting a move on. We brush our teeth, Cadance and Chrysalis brushed their manes and tails, and the three ponies present had a quick serving of canned flavored shit(aka canned apples), and we were about ready to get a move on. When we all hopped back into the wagon, Shining armor looked around before his eyes inevitably fell upon me. He noted how despite this being a horse pulled wagon, there was no ‘horse’ pulling the wagon forward.

“So, Ostri, how are we going to get moving if we’re all in here?” He asked. “I thought you were pulling the wagon.”

“No, I wasn’t. Blaze was.”

“But… she is in the wagon too, you’re using her as a pillow while reading a Daring Do book.” I looked it over before humming.

“Hey Blaze, wanna pull the wagon?”

“It is my job, Ostri, so yes I do.” Her eyes lit up and our wagon started moving down the road. “Will this suffice until we reach our first destination? And no, it will not be Ponyville; this road stops there first for some reason. We’re heading west towards Baltimare as soon as we are done here. That’s our first stop,” she said. Both of our new traveling buddies were just staring at Blaze in pure shock. Not too long after the wagon started moving, I was just laying there, idly stroking my fox’s jaw.

“Ostri,” I looked up at Cadance the moment she spoke up.

“Whaddup?” I asked.

“Are you sure this is fine with Blaze? Most unicorns that end up doing this, stuff like this, tire out quickly.”

“You see… Kitsunes are a lot stronger than the average unicorn. I’d say if Blaze were pissed off enough, she could probably beat the shit out of Twilight. I think. Never really got a gauge on how strong Blaze’s magic is, but in a battle of raw attrition, you aren’t beating her. From what I’ve been told by Blaze, as kitsunes get older, they become more magic-based and not… well, flesh and blood-based. Blaze is a thousand years old, and is an entirely magical entity at this point; she doesn’t get tired.

“Granted, she loves sleeping, and eating occasionally, and clearly enjoys physical contact,” I nodded to how Blaze was now laying her head on my neck. “Bud,” I chuckled and nuzzled her. “She’s gotten a lot cuddlier after I returned from getting sent through time and space against my will.”

Cadance tilted her head, like she was gauging the two of us. “You do know what I’m the princess of, correct?”

“Love?” I asked.

“You are correct. I help ponies find love, I can tell a pony if there is no love in their relationship off the bat, and if there will be no love in that relationship. Sometimes my emotions do cloud my judgment, like when Luna lied to me about how you two broke up,” both she and Shining Armor snorted. “And I can even sense just platonic love. If it’s love, I can sense it; I am an empath, basically. I believe my abilities will never be anywhere near as robust as… Chrysalis, for example, since she literally eats emotions, but I can sense others’ emotions, with love of any form being the one I can pick up the most.”

“Huh. So…”

“It’s also why I’m leaving Canterlot. After seeing the lengths Luna has gone to, just to keep you in a loveless relationship for ‘war knowledge’ or whatever. Then she and Auntie Celestia have the audacity to come back, after already breaking you down in so many ways that you’re almost emotionally dead, to ask if you’d like to fight a war for them. After saying things to you that clearly stung in a different way for you than it would’ve for others… ‘undeserving of love’?” She asked. “What does that mean to you, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“I’m an orphan. Never really had anyone to love me up until I started dating Luna a thousand years ago.” I chuckled humorlessly. “God damn, we were awful. We did every little thing together besides any oddjobs I had, I fought a battle for her, kissed at every opportunity. It was lovely. Fuck, hearing the voice that used to whisper to me about how much she loved me, to that? Ah, any love that I did have for that woman died. All I’ve wanted is somebody to call family, and now I’ve got Chrysalis and Blaze to call family.

“I didn’t want to get dumped into the future of a world where I’ve found a family in, I didn’t wanna fight a battle. I didn’t want to fight a war. I didn’t wanna get emotionally beaten and slapped around to the point of me no longer caring about others around me, aside from these two,” I felt Chrysalis creep up behind me just to wrap her forelegs around my neck. I laughed as she pulled me off of Blaze and started showering me with kisses, nuzzles, nips, the whole shabang.

Once we calmed down, Blaze took the time to climb up on both of us, draping her torso across mine and Chrysalis’s sides, while her tails wrapped around us like a protective little barrier. I sighed and rested my head on the changeling’s neck while we stared at the royal couple.

Shining started chuckling. “Boy, I never thought I’d see the day where Chrysalis is more affectionate, genuinely affectionate, for another creature in my life. And then she’s more loving than Auntie Luna and Auntie Celestia?”

“I know. What a bizarre time to be alive, is it not?” Chrysalis shrugged. “I just care about not being alone anymore. Believe it or not, but changelings are highly social creatures, relying on a weird mixture of a pack and herd structure. We either need another changeling, or we need another creature to bond with. So imagine how I felt when Ostri showed me genuine affection when we first reunited. And then I get this little hunk of stallion all to myself… romantically, at least. Blaze wouldn’t let me fully keep custody over this little morsel.”

We watched the wagon as it slowly pulled out of Ponyville. Luckily, since Twilight and her friends were stuck in Canterlot for the time being, we weren’t bothered. We did get a few looks, since the wagon just looked like it was moving on its own, but it took us no time to just fully get away from Ponyville; it was basically a one stop-shop town. You stop, you get gas or call a local a dumbshit, and leave. Chrysalis stuck a hoof out the wagon, which quickly took the form of a human hand, as she flipped off… Starlight Glimmer.

“Yeah!” I laughed. “Vete a La mierda, perra!” It took two years of Spanish class for me to learn how to say that properly.

“What the buck did you just say?” Shining Armor asked.

“Called Starlight a bitch. Is that not accurate?”

“Well, she was one until she reformed…” Cadance admitted. She and Shiny had a good natured chuckle over that.

“See? A bitch,” I chuckled. “Ah, I shouldn’t be too mean. She actually felt bad about not being able to send me back to my time, before I got yoinked from it… Do you guys not speak a lick of spanish?”

“No… what even is Spanish?” Cadance asked.

“Ostri, stop speaking strange languages from your old homeworld. It is strange," Blaze said. She was laying on her side, being cute.

“No. Me gusta hablar de maneras que confundan a los ponis.” I got hit with a newspaper. Two, actually. Cadance and Chrysalis blinked, realizing that both of them had newspapers. They smirked, before they started to promptly assault me at the same time, with their newspapers while I did my best to shield myself.

“Blaze, save me!”

“Got it,” Blaze threw me into the middle of the wagon, where the newspapers followed… only for Blaze to jump, land on top of me, and keep me pinned under her big, fluffy butt. It wasn’t heavy, Blaze is a magical entity, but like… “I saved you from being assaulted by newspapers, did I not?” She glared at Shining Armor who was snickering. Within moments, both he and I were pinned under the kitsune.

“Mec, c’est vraiment nul.” I grumbled.

“Ostri, stop speaking in ‘French'. These ponies only know of the language that you’re referring to as ‘English’ in your head. In fact, most creatures on Equus will only know English.”

We remained somewhat quiet for the rest of the trip. Shining Armor, despite us not getting started on the right hoof, was actually pretty chill. Apparently our favorite royal couple started seeing just how manipulative their mother country’s diarch is, and were just dying to get away. Granted, there still was a war going on, apparently, but like, none of us particularly care. Well, Shiny did; he is a guard at heart and wants to keep ponies safe, which is completely fair to him. He just agreed with the argument that Equestria, for all intents and purposes, can easily mop the floor with the Yetis.

Halfway through the day, we ended up stopping around a small lake. I hummed… Fish sounds good. I hopped off the wagon and made my way down to the pond and took a nice, long look in it. The fish in this bitch are huge! Oh… I have no idea how to cook a fish, but Blaze might. Chrysalis and Blaze were watching me while Cadance and Shining were getting the camp set up. Only when Cadance looked up, did she urged Shiny to join us by the lake.

“Do you plan on swimming again, Ostri?” Shining asked.

“Mmm. I’m tempted. But also, fish. It has been so long since I’ve had any form of meat, and fishsticks sound good right now.” I hummed. “Or just a slice of salmon.”

“...What were you before you became a pony?” Cadance asked. “You should not be having urges for meat. Ponies can eat meat, but only do so if they have protein deficiencies; I’ve never seen one crave meat before.”

“I was a hairless, omnivorous ape. I didn’t like fish all that much, but I can’t get KFC, and I can’t eat a steak since that would require eating a sapient creature. Fish is the next best thing!” I pulled my knife out and started watching the water. Shining became more interested in my knife skills after that, as he watched the water with me. In a heartbeat, my hoof shot forward, and my knife caught a knifely-I’ll kill myself now- sized fish. I looked it over, while Blaze started sniffing it.

“I can teach you how to get the parts you want to eat off of this one,” Blaze shrugged. “Cooking it would be another story, but Chrysalis and I can probably tell when it would be safe to eat just with our magic…” Blaze took the fish from me before walking into a nearby bush. Not too long after she walked out with a sliced up, perfectly butchered fish. “I figured I would just save you the hassle, Ostri. No point in making our pony travellers more uncomfortable.”

“We don’t even mind,” Cadance waved a hoof. “I’ve seen griffins eat, everypony needs to eat, and have preferences for what they want to eat. I do know how to cook a fish should I ever get a griffin ambassador on short notice. I even like fish in small amounts. I can get that cooked up real quick, and we can have a nice lunch.”

“Offering my mate a lovely lunch, Cadance? Your husband is right there, you know,” Chrysalis said with a shit eating grin.

“Oh shut up, Chrysalis, you’re right there and I would like to think that I know better than to take your mate from you.”

“That you do. It is why I haven’t jumped you. If I knew how to cook, however, I would be more than willing to offer my stallion a nicely cooked dinner.”

“I can show you how to cook a fish,” Cadance offered. “At least then you can do it in the future with the fish. It’ll just smell really bad.”

“I can live with that.” The two trotted on over to the fire while me and Shining looked at our respective marefriend and wife as their hips swayed. They actually swayed a lot more than usual. Chrysalis looked over her shoulder and grinned; she knew exactly what she was doing, and Cadance definitely knew what she was doing to Shiny. The two of us sat there while Blaze rolled her eyes and jumped in the lake to wash the blood off.

“Those are the nicest set of hips on anypony ever,” Shining Armor whispered.

“I didn’t think I’d be watching a horse’s ass sway in my life, or be turned on by it, let alone a bughorse, yet here I am.”

“We’re the luckiest stallions in Tartarus, Ostri. You know that, right?”

“That we are. It’s a good feeling, ain’t it?”

“That it is, my guy, that it is.”

“Hey Shiny, where’d Cadance get socks from?” Our respective girls were wearing socks.

“Uh… yes.” We joined the girls at the fire and were promptly snuggled up to said girls while Cadance taught Chrysalis how to tell when a fish was cooked thoroughly. Soon after, us ponies were eating fish on skewers while Chryssy had a nibble of mine just to see what it tasted like. It ended with me and Chrysalis sharing our skewer. It was a bit of a surprise, seeing just how much we all got along after a day, but like… especially Cadance and Chrysalis.

They had to of coordinated that hip swaying thing. They just knew it would break mine and Shining Armor’s brains. Then the whole sock thing.

“I think you two are just gonna take this whole roadtrip to torture us stallions with your lady-charms,” I noted after we finished our food.

“Well, what else are me and Cadance supposed to do? We’re running tests to see which of you two are cuter, what turns you on the most, all that fun stuff. I’ve been alive for a thousand years, and Cadance believes she can learn a thing or two from me. So far, it has been rather exciting, especially when you started watching my hips, you naughty little stallion.”

“In all fairness, I have no excuse. They’re nice hips.”

Cadance giggled. “Oh dear, you two are getting along so much better than I would’ve expected.” She hugged Shining Armor. “I’m glad we left Canterlot when we did; initially Celestia and Luna told us to go along with you, since we needed to head home anyways, so that we could try and manipulate you into coming back to Luna’s embrace. I don’t see myself doing that, it’s messed up and unfair to you, and…” She pointed at how Chrysalis started looking angry. “You want to-”

“If I see Princess Luna again, I am going to kick her flanks so hard that it’ll send her flying to the moon!” Chrysalis vibrated in sheer rage for a moment. “You were at least upfront with what those old hags were trying to do, which I do appreciate. I assume you two are just here to enjoy the ride and get smuggled home because of the impending war? You no longer care for your pathetic aunties' games?"

“Yeah…” Shiny rubbed the back of his head. “Luna rubbed us both the wrong way after what she had said to Ostri, on top of all the other things she’s apparently been doing to him. Poor fella just needs a moment to relax and unwind.”

“And this road trip helped me do that,” I noted as I sipped on ‘canned coffee’. “I’m having a blast at just having some peace and quiet.”

The next few days were pretty much the same, travel a few miles west, take a detour if necessary, then we stop, have lunch, and keep moving. This repeated until we reached Baltimare. Much like Baltimore, it was on the coast, but not of the ocean. Baltimare was on the coast of a huge lake that was more akinned to an inland sea than a lake. It essentially took up the spot where Ohio should’ve been, and Baltimare was on the coast of that. We stopped when we reached a small suburb, stretched our legs out at the park, and started walking.

“How do you know nopony will steal your wagon?” Cadance asked.

“Blaze hit it with an invisibility spell. Nopony’s even gonna know it’s there.”

“Huh… I never thought about doing that before.”

“That is because we Kitsune are masters at hiding things, or ourselves, and are naturals in spells that conceal us, or whatever we wish to hide. My kind likes to remain elusive for a reason, Cadance. This is how we continue to remain elusive.” She hummed. “Though I am not doing that good of a job at it myself; I am only the pet of a pegasus, traveling with a rather… renowned Queen.” Now was a good time to mention that everypony was staring at our group.

With a kitsune, the Crystal Empire’s princess and prince, Chrysalis, and myself, we were an odd little group.

“How… is it demeaning for you to be Ostri’s pet?” Cadance asked. “I know you love him, but you’re clearly a sapient being.”

“It does not. I am more animalistic than you think; using telepathy is still rather difficult for me. I am sentient, I am smart, but I would not consider myself to be close to fully 'sapient'. For instance, if I did not have magic, I could not speak for the life of me. It’s hard conveying animalistic thoughts into that of the Equish language so that my thoughts may be beamed into Ostris, or yours, head. I rather enjoy being petted, I like playing fetch,” now was a good time to mention that Blaze was carrying her rubber ball in her mouth. “And I love being around Ostri, so it’s a win-win. We’re also soulmates, literally soulmates, so there’s also that. If I wanted to be treated with respect, I wouldn’t demand belly rubs at every opportunity. However, I do not care for such things like respect. Just some love and care is all I desire.”

“...Soulmates?” Cadance asked.

“Don’t question it, Cadance,” I waved a hoof. “Basically me and Blaze are best buds.”

“Alright, then, Ostri. So why did you want to stop in Baltimare, and why did we stop so far away from downtown?” We were only a couple miles south of downtown, it was still kinda far, but I guess that was a fair question.

“You saw the map I’ve got in the wagon, right?” Cadance nodded. “Well, Equestria is mostly centered around the mountain range that Mount Canterlot happens to be on,” Chrysalis chose now to give me a more pocketable, if I had pockets, version of the map of Equestria. I pointed at where the Appalachian mountain range was. “It just happens that Mount Canterlot is surrounded by mostly flat terrain that allows for places like Ponyville to exist. In my world, which is very similar to yours, just different sea levels and slight differences in geography.” Cadance and Shining Armor were looking over my shoulders as we watched. Chrysalis, because of her beautifully long legs, could easily see what I was pointing at without looking over my shoulder.

I pointed to where Maryland was, which was almost untouched by Equestria. “This is where Baltimore, the human equivalent of Baltimare is located.” I pointed to the Great Buckeye Lake, aka where Ohio should be. “Baltimare is right here, though. With that said, I wanted to see this place, since it’s also on the way to the Badlands and Manehattan; two other places I wanna stop at.” I noted how the streets stopped suddenly and went down to a little dock, which led to the complex canal system that Baltimare was apparently renowned for.

“This is where I wanted mine and Chrysalis’s first date, me, trying to row her down a canal in a gondola, failing while Chryssy makes fun of me, and we have a good laugh… and dinner after all is said and done. That, that is why I want to come to Baltimare, Cadance.” Cadance’s eyes widened before drifting to me and Chrysalis.

“By the Sun…” she whispered. “I think it just now hit me that you two are genuinely dating now,” Cadance chuckled. “Well, I always did want to explore the city back when I wasn’t a princess. Me and Shining Armor can watch Blaze for you while you and Chrysalis get started on your date.”

“That would be awesome. This is why you’re the best princess, Cadance.” Blaze immediately started flanking the pink alicorn.

“Enjoy your date!” Blaze said before picking Cadance up by the scruff of her neck and started carrying her deeper into the city. Shining Armor was shaking his head, but followed the kitsune along like an obedient puppy. Cadance, after getting over being carried like a foal, started giggling up a storm. It turned out that she probably will like being babied by Blaze.

Once those three were out of sight, Chrysalis nuzzled me. “I didn’t think you wanted this place to be the spot for our first date,” she whispered.

“Is… this bad?”

“No, I’m quite pleasantly surprised. Usually the female changeling, or female pony that make plans for dates.”

“Mmm, usually with humans, it’s kinda impressive for the guy to come up with plans for the date. I think. I dunno. This is only my second time dating anyone; I’m only mentally about nineteen, Chrysalis.”

“...What?” Chrysalis asked. “Nineteen!?”

“Yeah. I was mentally eighteen when I first started dating Luna. I will admit, I was a bit of a prick during that time. I like to think that I’ve improved, but I probably didn’t-”

“Ostri, you’re barely nineteen, you are an adult, but you are quite young. I still wish to try dating you, but do know that I am going to be cautious. I know how easy it is to manipulate somepony so young. I want this to be my first, genuine relationship, not a manipulation…” Chrysalis snarled. “Those two assholes had to know how young you were, and ruined you. If I had enough love, I’d beat Tartarus into Celestia and shove Luna’s head up her own flanks!” Chrysalis shook her head before nuzzling me. “Sorry, Ostri. Even though I have standards, and while I know I am not a good changeling, I just…

“What Luna did is wrong even to me. I am the same changeling that almost took over Equestria, at the expense of every mare, stallion, and foal. The fact that Celestia knew what she was doing, and urged Luna into helping, and Luna doing what she did without questioning her sister?” Chrysalis pulled me in for a nice, long hug. I blinked a couple of times, before leaning into it.

“Come now, this is a date, not me talking about how I will personally beat the flanks off of those two horrid ponies. Let’s enjoy our afternoon. Shall we, Ostri?”

We proceeded to find a place where we could rent out gondolas, and we were promptly denied service because of Chrysalis being Chrysalis. So we were just sitting on a bench, on one of the many docks for the canals. I was sitting like a human, holding my head in my hooves as I was grumbling about ponies being racist. Chryssy was rubbing my back, in a way Luna never did; a comforting away that made me feel good about myself.

“You don’t need to give me a ride in a boat, Ostri, you are aware of that right?”

“I still wanted to. It would’ve been such a good date too!” I pouted. “I was looking forward to this and everything!”

“I know, dear. I’m disappointed that you couldn’t pull through on your plans, but take it from me, Ostri. As a mare that has had many plans literally blow up in her face, just let it go. We can still possibly get a gondola if I transform and rent one out…” She paused. “Nevermind, that stupid stallion required an ID and proof of citizenship in Equestria to rent a boat.” She hugged me. “We can get ice cream, you tell jokes as stallions like to do, and we can share stories. That is rather typical of pony courtships.”

“Mmm, alright. I do have a really fun one my Dad used to tell me.”

“And what was it?” Chrysalis asked.

“I dunno the joke. My Dad never told me that.”

“...Why is that?”

“Dad left before I was born. My Mom did tell me the joke…” I pointed at myself. “It was me, since I’m a shitty joke; she did drop me as soon as I was born too.”

“Oh my, bucking, Hive, Ostri. That is messed up.”

“Hey, it’s not all that bad. At least what Luna did to me was… only the third worse thing to happen to me? Or second? Being a horse isn’t too bad.”

“Ostri, ‘horse’ is a slur for ponies.”

“I know. Still, being dumped by Luna was the second worst thing to happen to me, an orphan.” Chrysalis smirked. “Hey, it’s making you smile at least.”

“You are lucky that I enjoy a little dark humor. Do you know what the loudest noise in the emergency room is in hospitals?” She asked.

“The heart rate monitor flatlining?” I asked. We both blinked, before we started giggling like a pair of idiots. “God we are awful.” I leaned into her while she let out the cutest little giggle I’ve heard in a hot minute. “Wanna go grab dinner somewhere? We’ll have to get takeout.”

“I wouldn’t mind eating physical food right now, as long as there are no apples; I’m a little allergic. However, why must we get takeout?” Chrysalis asked.

“I like seeing your gorgeous face over whatever disguise you can come up with. So we need to get takeout so I can keep looking at it while we eat dinner.”

“...Ostri, that is the cheesiest, most botched attempt of flirting I’ve ever heard from a stallion. And I’ve been told my hooves are sexy.”

“...But they’re hooves.”

“I know.” I guess foot fetishes are a thing in ponyland too. “I do appreciate the effort. Though I doubt I can be the prettiest thing you’ve ever seen.”

“You are very pretty, though. And awesome!” I gestured to all of her. “Cute, floppy little ears, lovely mane and tail, badass fangs? The horn being jagged? Fucking nice. You look badass, and you’ve got nice legs, and beautiful eyes. She lowered herself so I could properly position her head with my hooves. “You’re beautiful, Chryssy.”

“I don’t think I’ve heard anypony say that to my natural form before,” Chrysalis giggled. “It feels nice, being called pretty, you know.”

“I sure hope you like being called pretty; if you didn’t, I’d question my approach of dating anything female.”

“Way to ruin the moment, Ostri! You could’ve stayed silent, we kiss, and then we go get dinner! Dammit!”

“What can I say? I ruined parents’ lives so much that they died to death… I think.” We chuckled and shared another kiss.

Meanwhile.

“I knew they’d kiss on the first date!” Cadance hoof pumped from a rooftop. She and Blaze had been following the couple to the gondola rental shop, up until they sat on a bench. Shining Armor got dragged along for the ride, while both the alicorn and kitsune were placing bets.

“They aren’t kissing, they’re nuzzling each others’ noses now. Though they were kissing for a brief moment. Nothing more than a peck,” Blaze clapped her paws. “Oh, this is going to do so much for Ostri!”

“I know! After what my… they aren’t my aunts anymore, but those two. Well, after what Princess Celestia and Luna have done to him, Ostri needs every bit of good he can get. Chrysalis… admittedly has been getting mentally deranged since her latest defeat; she deserves this too. I’m just glad that the two of them seem to be getting along nicely.” She watched as Ostri walked into a nearby restaurant and walked out with two takeout boxes, one entree, and one box full of breadsticks. The entree was spaghetti.

“And… he is stealing an idea from a story in his world,” Blaze rolled her eyes as Ostri and Chrysalis accidentally kissed after they both got ahold of one magically long noodle.

No, Chrysalis did not magically make that happen; she only planned that out the moment she realized that they were going to a Poman restaurant.

“Can we go get ice cream like we planned?” Shining asked. “Or are we just going to follow those two around like a bunch of creeps?"

“We will, after Chrysalis and Ostri… phewy, Ostri fell asleep on a bench…” Chrysalis turned one of her wings into that of a pegasus, before slowly draping it over her stallion. She nuzzled Ostri, and glared at anypony that so much as glanced in her general direction; they might want to harm her and possibly hurt Ostri in the process. In fact, each time she glared at somepony, she pulled Ostri deeper into her embrace.

Though Chrysalis made it clear; Ostri was hers, and hers alone.

Interlude pt. 1: the Elements track Ostri down.

Meanwhile, in an Apple Jack pulled a wagon not too far east with her friends in it. They had been trailing Ostri’s group ever since Princess Cadance and Shining Armor had gone with them for undisclosed reasons. Apple Jack, personally, didn’t see the point. Ostri wasn’t the best pony, sure, and he did blow up an invading warship, but Ostri didn’t deserve what happened to him, constantly being lied to, betrayed, and manipulated, and treated overall like shit.

It also didn’t help that Apple Jack watched as, for the first time ever since Luna’s consort returned, that Luna was genuinely upset about ‘how she ruined the love of her life’. Apple Jack was there, when the two initially talked in the throne room. That wasn’t genuine. Nothing, nothing that either of the Royal Pony Sisters had done until Ostri finally left Canterlot and Ponyville behind was genuine.

Meanwhile, Ostri had been pretty honest with how he was feeling. Apple Jack already sided with Ostri's honesty more than she sided, or trusted, the princesses at the moment.

It didn’t help that Twilight, as much as AJ wanted to stick with her friend, was sticking by Princess Celestia until the bitter end, apparently. Since Twilight and Celestia had the idea of sending Shining Armor and Cadance with their group, because according to some unicorn bullshit, that the farm pony couldn’t be asked to understand, Twilight can track where her brother is. By extension, if Shining Armor is with Ostri, Twilight can track Ostri. Cadance and Shining Armor weren't even in on the plan; they just thought of it as a vacation with the added bonus of being able to go home and avoid the war.

Pinkie, didn’t really care about what was going on except she did say this:

“You know, Twilight, Ostri looked pretty happy before we showed up at his camp last time.” She pointed out. “Then he stopped smiling as soon as Princess Celestia opened her mouth. He smiled when I asked if I could plan his wedding reception out. I bet Ostri’s pretty happy, finally has a marefriend that cares about him, he and Cadance get along just fine, too. He’s got a super, super duper awesome pet fox that he loves so much! And I bet he and Shining Armor are best friends now!"

“What’s your point, Pinkie?”

“Ostri should be left alone! He only got mentally abused while he was depressed after Princess Luna broke up with him in one of the harshest ways I’ve ever seen! Plus he doesn’t seem a day older than twenty, Twilight; at a minimum he’s five years younger than all of us. Don’t you think that going after him, when he is clearly dangerous and mentally unstable, is a good idea?”

“He killed a ship full of yetis! Princess Celestia said we should try and reform him!” Twilight didn't feel the need to add that she could break Ostri in half six times over with her magic.

“Ostri saved Canterlot from being invaded, Twilight. Also, Ostri doesn’t need reforming, he needs time away from everypony, and time with his loved ones. He's getting that right now, so he'll finally start smiling again.” Pinkie said calmly. “Seriously stop. I don’t want to make anypony angry.”

After that, Pinkie went back to her normal, bubbly self. Everypony felt a full body shiver; never before had Pinkie been so calm, or concise when speaking.

It was horrifying to say the least.

At some point, the only unicorn in the group decided to chime in. “I, for one, think he is rather barbaric! What kind of stallion turns Princess Luna for Queen Chrysalis?” Rarity asked. “That creaton should be locked up!”

“Well,” Rainbow scratched the back of her head. “It sounded like Ostri all but swore his allegiance to Princess Luna. And Luna dumped him. Then she decided to do what she did to him. If that were me, I would’ve blown up the castle. I don’t think Ostri’s that bad, girls. He did technically save everypony from an invasion twice. He at least has good intentions no matter how extreme they are.

“On top of that, Ostri hasn’t done anything objectively illegal to Equestria. Breaking a princess’s heart isn’t a crime as far as I can tell. Blowing up some griffins a thousand years ago, and an invading airship are technically crimes against the yetis and griffins.” Never before had anypony heard Rainbow Dash use actual, somewhat sound reasoning before. Something is seriously wrong. Pinkie being serious? Rainbow thinking things through? What the buck is going on?

“He uhm…” Fluttershy whispered. “Ostri said he’d let me study Blaze if she was okay with it. Ostri’s scary, but… he just needs somepony to be nice to him. If Queen Chrysalis is staying in check because of him, and Queen Chrysalis is keeping Ostri in check, then it’s a good thing.”

“And,” Discord suddenly appeared out of nowhere. “While I am going to enjoy the incoming chaos, I must agree with Fluttershy on this one, or she won’t let me hold or hug her. What that stallion is capable of doing is so deliciously chaotic, and you’re helping to fuel it, Twilight. By the way, Shining Amror stopped trying to ‘get information’ on Ostri after the first night. He’s just curious about Ostri’s group now; he shares one bottle of whisky with Ostri and they’re best buds! Heck, what’s more chaotic is that good ol’ Chryssy and Cady are getting along swimmingly!”

“But… Ostri said he’d let Cadance die!”

“No, he didn’t, actually.” Discord pulled out the script for Dawn of a New Day and started reading it. “He said he wouldn’t guard Cadance, but after some consideration, Ostri offered his services to Cadance if she ever wanted them. It’s weird; the only alicorn that has shown Ostri kindness in recent times is the only one he’d willingly put his life on the line for. I mean, come on Twilight, wasn’t one of your ‘friendship lessons’ about treating others how you want to be treated?”

“Ostri is treating everypony rather poorly-”

“Ostri happily watched the Cutie Mark Crusaders,” Apple Jack pointed out. “Saved them from a timber wolf and everything.”

“He’s a good sport,” Rainbow added. “He says I’m a better flier than he is, even though he’s as fast as I am. Straight up told me that I have a good reason to be confident in my flying abilities, too! I just hope he takes up my next offer for a race; it was fun having somepony that can almost keep up with me!”

The mares slowly started pulling into Baltimare. Discord had long since ran off to get popcorn. He knew that a certain, yellow pegasus and Queen were happily enjoying themselves at the moment. They had just concluded their date, of simply sitting on a bench together, since Chrysalis wasn’t legally allowed service, and eating dinner together. Ostri had long since fallen asleep, and Chrysalis was holding her coltfriend protectively, not letting anypony within three hoofsteps of her.

The group unknowingly passed by Ostri’s wagon, which was still invisible.

Author's Note

This is much, much, much shorter than usual, but I wanted to answer a few things and set up next chapter.

How the Elements all respectively feel about Ostri. And how they found Ostri in the next chapter. No, it will only end terribly.

So Much for Happiness.

We met back up with Cadance and Shining Armor at the suburb we had left the wagon in. Blaze was happily tippy tappy from her perch inside of the wagon. Shiny and Cadance were eating ice cream. “So, how’d your day go, guys?” I asked as I sat flopped down in the grass nearby the wagon.

“It was going great, me and Shining Armor got to see the sights, Blaze gave us some more insight into how you and she are so close to each other, I didn’t know there was a spell that literally binds your souls together!” Cadance clapped her hooves. “I’m honestly glad I learnt that was a spell exclusive to kitsunes. I bet Twilight would love to be able to make a textbook out of all the notes I’m taking!” Cadance, did, in fact, have a notebook full of notes about kitsunes.

Me, being the kitsune expert that I totally was, sat there, and hummed. “I take it this is a favor that Twilight asked?”

“No, Twilie’s been trying to get into your old bedroom in the Castle of the Two Sisters forever,” Shining explained. “To study what was in the bedroom, as nopony besides Luna had been inside of it since she was banished. Twilight wanted to study what was in the bedroom until she caught Blaze sleeping on the bed one night, before promptly getting chased out by her,” Shiny chuckled. “She wrote to me and Cadance all about how she finally met a kumiho, but couldn’t study it.”

“...I told her this when we first met, if she met a kumiho, she woulda fucking died.”

“She knows that now. Blaze has been telling us some key differences between the kitsune and kumiho… such as all the unsavory things kumiho likes to do to other sapient beings when they are bored. Kitsunes… are way more proud of themselves than even I thought.” Cadance shrugged. “Blaze’s kind has always been a bit of a mystery, and I figured for Twilight’s birthday, I’d bring her a whole sleuth of notes and facts about kitsunes. Like how she literally will not let anyone but you or Chrysalis touch her tails. And she’s only letting Chrysalis do it because Chrysalis is your marefriend.”

“Mmm, yeah. Blaze and Fluttershy do get along, but Fluttershy kept toying with her tails.”

“I tried so, so hard not to growl at her, Ostri. I like Fluttershy; she’s just a sweet little angel, so I let her touch my tails even if I would rather not let her touch my tails.” Blaze scoffed. “Luckily she did catch on rather quickly and apologized to me when we were alone.” Huh. Fluttershy might not be too bad then. I guess I kinda forgot she was there; she’s pretty fucking quiet.

That's good at least. I may seek her out if I just want some silent company.

While I wasn’t a fan of Twilight, I could admit that Cadance wanting to do something nice for her sister in law was pretty nice.

“So, how was your date, Ostri?” Cadance asked.

“I fell asleep after we had dinner,” I pointed to Chrysalis. “She held me like a baby for a solid hour before deciding to wake me up…”

“I couldn’t help it! You looked so peaceful!”

“Well, that was the first nap I’ve taken in a minute where it wasn’t plagued with horrible dreams.”

Cadance raised an eyebrow. “What kind of dreams?”

“Just small, horrible things, like back when Everfree City was a thing. Blew up a bunch of griffins, heard them scream; some of them didn’t immediately die from the explosion of fireworks. It was not a pretty sight. Sometimes I dream and I do it, and I can clearly see every single griffin that was rolling around in pain. Sometimes I am one of the griffins that survived getting hit with a firework. Recently I’ve been dreaming of the airship I blew up. Sometimes it would be just me following a random yeti, seeing what their life was like before they died. Sometimes I dream that I’m Tempest Shadow, watching her men die.

“And thinking back on it, with those dreams, I kinda feel bad for that lady. Her horn’s broken, so she clearly went through some shit that resulted in it being broken. It’s just a shame that she couldn’t find help, or anything, really. I may go back to Canterlot and break her out of jail. Yeah, she’s a war criminal, but she clearly is alone. From what I can understand, most ponies don’t even leave Equestria, so seeing a pony come back to attack Equestria says a lot about what they’ve gone through.”

“...You are a lot more empathetic, given you threatened to kill her if she didn’t surrender,” Shining pointed out.

“It was that, or let the invasion continue. I’m only sane because I tried not to think of the soldiers I’ve killed as people. I didn’t personally stab anyone during either the invasion of Everfree City, besides that one general, or in the Canterlot Invasion. If I stab a person while looking them in the eyes… Fuck. I feel like a piece of shit already, I’d feel awful if I killed somebody and watched life leave their eyes. It’s why I initially saved Cadance from that one assassin. Why sit back and watch her get killed when I could make a difference?

“I clearly can’t be happy for long periods of time, if my time in Equestria is any proof of that so far. May as well try and save people that will actually be able to find joy.”

Shining Armor smirked. “And you said you only saved everypony at the Friendship Festival for Chrysalis and Blaze.”

“That had a large influence, I won’t even lie. I hated the idea of the festival, I hated that I was basically forced into attending. But ponies were going about their day, being happy, and enjoying their lives. Then these assholes show up and try to ruin it. They were gonna ruin it and hurt people. And… knowing that I did stop a lot of potential casualties, admittedly feels really good, man. It took a lot to obtain peace, but world peace is usually, and hardly, ever obtained through everybody becoming good friends.

“Hell, back home, everyone had super weapons that could blow the world to shit six or seven times over. Nobody, the people in power at least, liked each other. We got along, though, while others were ‘lightly encouraged’ to not use their super weapons, and play nice. Less they get wiped off the face of the earth.”

“Huh…” Cadance and Shining said at the same time. It looked like as they thought about it more, I wasn’t wrong. Or they now understood how awful the human race is. Either or; it’s probably a mix of both.

“To me,” Chrysalis said, wrapping a leg around my neck. “It sounds like my special somepony is finding a new purpose in life?”

“Maybe. It’s silly to think that I can be some sorta super hero, but hey, if I can keep some people safe so that they can live another day and continue experiencing happiness that I can’t have, I’ll try it.” Blaze nuzzled me. “I know, I’ve got you and Chrysalis; I’m just so emotionally fucked right now that I don’t know if I truly can be happy.”

“I know. As your soulmate, I can see what you see, feel what you feel, and know your thoughts. It hurts feeling a void inside of you, Ostri. You were so happy when you first returned, so happy to get your life back together after it got uprooted, and…” Blaze took one, long deep breath. “I hope that this new purpose you’ve found, or at least something that makes you feel good, will bring you happiness. You deserve it at this point. Now start smiling before I tickle you.”

“Whoa, we don’t… we don’t gotta go there, Blaze.” I raised both my forelegs and started backing up.

“Ostri… You blew raspberries into my belly a lot. I think it’s time I tickle your belly.” I couldn’t get away in time; Blaze caught me in a heartbeat, and since she actually has the body of a predator, she pinned me down, but instead of going for the throat with her teeth, she started licking my neck. It slowly turned into raspberries, dunno how she was doing that with her very obviously canine face, but… it fucking tickled. Everyone else just watched as my pet kitsune did her damned best to make me smile.

God damn did she do a good job. I was a giggly, limp mess, with my lower body being pinned down by Blaze’s chest, while my upper body was held in her forelegs. She was happily grooming me. “There it is,” she said as she ran her teeth through my mane. “You’re at least happy. It’s not joy, though. It is a common misconception, but I am at least glad you are still capable of being happy. I will ensure that you feel joy… I will do my best to piece you back together, Ostri. As your best friend, not your soulmate, not your pet, your best friend, I will help you. I may not act it a lot of the time, but I still do consider you a little kit; I will be your shield from the world. Emotional or physical.”

I woke up the next day snuggled up into Chrysalis’s embrace. It seems as though that at some point, which I wasn’t too against. Cadance and Shining Armor went and got a hotel room to… invest in some favorite adult pass times that wasn’t disappointment. In other words, they wanted to go have sex. I understandably didn’t ask where their hotel room was going to be, since it wouldn’t make a dent in my own personal funds; being a princess, and ruler, or the Crystal Empire had its benefits apparently.

Blaze was sleeping outside, I could see her laying flat on her side, adorably, she was using one of her tails as a pillow, and the others as a blanket. I kissed Chrysalis, brushed my teeth, and patted my fox on the head. I kinda felt bad; I was literally dating Chrysalis and I was spending so much time on Blaze. I’m sure Chrysalis is fine with it, and fully understands why, but I still felt bad. Blaze, so far, has just been the only thing that has remained a constant for me. Constantly friendly, constantly loved me, and hasn’t done me any wrong besides tickling the shit out of me last night.

Today, however, I wanted to go spend the day on my own. I loved Chrysalis, I want to spend more time with her. I love Blaze, I would not mind spending the day with her, but I just wanted some solitude. I grabbed a small coin purse, filled it up with a hundred bits, which should be more than enough to spend on food for the day, and other small things. I made sure I had my knife, even if I probably wouldn’t need it, it never hurts to be prepared. Chrysalis reached out and pulled me into a hug while her eyes were still closed.

“Going somewhere, Ostri?” She asked.

“I am.”

“Do you mind if I tag along?” she asked.

“I… I was hoping to at least use today on my own. We’ll be spending a couple days in Baltimare, Chryssy, I promise, that tomorrow, tomorrow I will spend the whole day with you. Just you, me, and whatever you wanna do.” Chrysalis purred when I started nipping her neck. “Just spend the day with Blaze; I know you two get along well, so…”

“I know. I don’t mind spending a day with her. And…” she got up nice and close to my ears. “I know you feel bad about not being able to give me some proper one on one time, Ostri. Don’t worry, I am a patient mare; if you wish to take things slow with me, please do. I would rather wait for you to feel ready, and be happy, than force you into something at all. If Blaze can make you happy, good. We both have mutually agreed to trying to piece you back together, while Blaze is trying to piece both of us back together…

“Frankly, you need her help more than I do. As long as I have somebody to interact with, like I do with you and Blaze, I am fine. I’m a highly social creature, and thrive in groups. Now, don’t let this old lady hold you back from some time alone; you need it.”

“Hey, you’re not just some old lady, you don’t look a day over twenty.”

Chrysalis giggled. “Thank you, Ostri. Now fucking go, go enjoy yourself, alright?” We shared a kiss, I gave one more headpat to Blaze, who conveniently woke up to just nuzzle me, before passing out again. She definitely knew what I was up to if what she said yesterday was any indicator.

As I started walking back up the street into the downtown area, I started seeing just how different the road was from one I’d see in New York. There were practically no sidewalks. There was no yellow paint, no concrete or tar, it was just a dirt road. Sure, downtown did get better, upgrading to a brick road, or something way closer to something you’d see in Rome rather than a typical road. It’s pretty much walking up or down the road, and just being polite about who goes first. Ponies are pretty racist, but they’re usually pretty polite to other ponies. I stood off to the side as a wagon passed by, and the next one waited for me to walk past them before they kept moving again.

I think if ponies weren’t incredibly racist, or mean to Chrysalis, I would be more willing to stay in Equestria… just far, far away from Canterlot.

While I was walking, I picked up a newspaper from the local newspaper colt, and, I will admit. Seeing a colt wearing a little ‘paperboy’ outfit was kinda cute. Yes, he did use puppy eyes to get me to take a newspaper. I was gonna need one anyways; it was wise to stay up to date, after all. It also at least showed that my heart was capable of doing things, such as finding things cute. Though I didn’t need a colt to help me do that; Blaze sleeping in her bundle of tails was the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. If I were a little more innocent, and didn't want to spend today alone, I would’ve crawled up into that bundle of tails and spent the day snuggled up under them with Blaze.

I walked into a nearby cafe to try and get breakfast. The waitress was pretty nice, she took my order, and was pretty nice. I just bought some waffles and some scrambled eggs. I asked for some water, since milk was fucking two bits. That was as much as the two waffles and handful of scrambled eggs I just ordered! Yeah, bits are pretty good, especially my older bits, which are apparently worth twice as much as the average bit. I looked up when I heard two chairs scoot. Low and behold, Cadance and Shining Armor.

“How’d y’all find me?” I asked.

“We just saw you on the way by,” Cadance admitted. “I’m surprised you don’t have Blaze or Chrysalis with you.”

“Eh,” I shrugged. “Humans have these ‘off days’ where they just want a night alone, or a day alone. Today just felt like it.”

“Oh… I feel that,” Shining grabbed Cadance. “C’mon, let’s go back to the wagon; I’m sure we can get Blaze and Chrysalis to do something with us; I’m sure you can abuse your princess-iness to make it so nopony can throw Chrysalis out.” Shining and I shared a ‘brolook’ as he pulled his wife away. I could tell that Cadance wanted to stick around and make sure I was alright, and I could appreciate that, but again, the gift of solitude. Sometimes it’s nice. I was given my plate, I thanked the waitress, and started reading the paper as I ate.

As it turned out, yeah, the Griffins did shut down the borders, but were allowing some ponies, who were fleeing the country because of the war, to come through if they needed refuge. It was just official stuff like trains, or royal chariots that weren’t allowed in. I hummed; Celestia and Luna were basically twiddling their nonexistent thumbs; they weren’t even evacuating Canterlot when that would be a main target. It was the main target during the invasion Chrysalis pulled. Hell they weren’t evacuating Ponyville when that’s where six ponies, the only ones who can use the superweapon that is one of Equestria’s main defenses, were.

Discord was doing fuck all, but Celestia said she expected that.

The guards were supposed to wear their standard uniforms, and despite what I’ve told Luna and Celestia during the Battle of Everfree City, were keeping their captains in their typical uniforms. My tactics essentially followed what happened in that Patriot movie. Kill the people in charge first, take everyone else out. Because of how absolutely archaic these ponies still were to war, I bet that would still work. Oh… the guard doesn’t fucking have battle armor; most of what the guards are wearing is ceremonial gear.

What the fuck. That’s not even a question. Just what the fuck. How did Celestia and Luna spend their whole ass guard budget on ceremonial gear? Sure, it’s normal, but most countries back home still have proper field gear. Fuck, if that was standard gear, the guards were outright fucked when it came to moving anywhere. The yetis could hide in a bunch of bushes and just jump any guard units marching to and fro. I almost laughed at how Equestria didn’t use its trains to move guards out. Gold stuck out like a sore thumb in the green hills of Equestria.

Granted, the Storm King did apparently invade Manehattan with a small unit of yetis, and were taken down by the local police force, which had a swat team consisting of highly trained unicorns, before the guard was even dispatched. I saw a photo and… holy shit, how is this one city doing a better job and preparing its own armed forces than the government?

An ancient war hero was brought back from the past to fight the war with Equestria. My eyes twitched. There I was, on the second page, standing there with a firework and match in hoof.

“We summoned him, as he was once Luna’s lover, so we thought he would want to fight for us. But… sadly loyalty is hard to come by, apparently,” said Celestia during an interview. The. Living. Fresh. Fuck. Is. Wrong. With. This. FUCKING. Mare?! She has the fucking audacity to say that? She has the fucking gull to sit on her ass, after doing what she’s done, and talk shit about me? Fuck, I might join the Storm King and burn down Canterlot after mounting that cunt’s head on a fucking pike- no, no I don’t. As much as I fucking want to, Celestia is still Celestia, and Luna is still Luna. As much as I hate them now, I still don’t want to bodily harm either of them. Emotionally? All day, everyday, all day, everyway. But… These were the same mares I spent every day with. Hung out with Celestia after I tried to not be a prick to her, dated Luna.

I’m not gonna seek revenge for this. I’m going to be the bigger man in this instance, take it on the cheek, and just not deal with that shit.

“Sir,” the waitress took a seat in front of me. “I hate to bother you while you’re enjoying your breakfast,” I looked up and looked the pink mare in the eyes. She was wearing a simple hat, which had the cafe’s logo on it, and that was probably it for her uniform beyond the white apron she was wearing. “But… are you that stallion that saved Canterlot from the Storm King’s first invasion attempt? During the Friendship Festival?”

“Uh… depends.”

“Well, if you are, thank you. My cousin was at the Friendship Festival when you stepped in; I don’t care what the princesses say, you’re not a bad pony.” I blinked a few times. “So, are you Bald Ostrich, the war hero that was brought up in the newspaper?”

“Yeah. I just go by Ostri, though. Why’re-”

She stood up, and only then did I realize she was a pegasus. She draped a wing over my back, and nuzzled me. “Thank you, then. I wish you stuck around to try and fight for Equestria, but… you were never interviewed. You couldn’t give your side of the story. Why’re you fleeing Equestria?” She asked. Huh. Somepony’s trying to stay informed. I can respect that.

“I used to date Luna. Used to. She dumped me. She didn’t summon me, somepony named Starlight accidentally dragged me into the future, against my will, and Luna dumped me upon seeing me. Then she wouldn’t leave me alone, pretended like it was my fault that we broke up, and then said I didn’t deserve love. That’s why I’m not fighting anymore. Princess Cadance asked a favor from me, and since I actually don’t mind her, I agreed to smuggle her out of the country.

“Good choice that was, eh? She’s a good mare.”

“Oh… wait, Princess Luna did what to you?” She processed my very, very abridged story. “What the… so Princess Celestia lied?”

“More or less. Don’t matter; after I reach the Crystal Empire, I’m taking the Bering Land Bridge into Gilo Mono. I’ve got a friend from there and was hoping to see the sights. After I do that, I may settle down in the Crystal Empire; I hear it’s a nice place to live.”

“Good. I don’t think I’d want to fight for Equestria if the princesses did that to me.” The waitress stood up and bowed, and noticed my plate was clean. “Want me to take that?”

“Sure, lemme get my bits to-”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll tell my boss that I just served a war hero-”

“No you aren’t. Take my money, miss. I don’t want ya getting in trouble.” I set my bits on the table. “Sounds fair?”

“...But how else can I repay you for what you did in Canterlot?”

“Simple; forget that you saw me. I was never here.”

“Alright… I still think you should let me pay your bill.” I put down twenty five bits, enough to buy groceries for a week.

“Then take this, take however much you need to pay off the bill, and keep the rest as a tip. I insist.” I stood up. “Thank you for being a bit more understanding than I would’ve expected.” The mare just stood there, wide-eyed at the amount of bits I put down, as I walked out of the restaurant… and walked nose to nose into the Twilight Sparkle. Her friends were behind her, at least most of them looked a little sorry.

“...What the fuck are you doing here?” I asked.

“We need to talk.”

…I hate Equestria.

Author's Note

Twilight is gonna get Twilighted.

There is No Fight Left in Me.

I sat down at a picnic table, seeing as I don’t think I can actually flee, with Rainbow Dash being the better flier than I, Apple Jack’s definitely stronger than I am, and Twilight has magic that could kill me pretty easily. I grumbled, but luckily, I was sitting next to AJ; I didn't mind her. Apple Jack must’ve sensed my mood, or is good at reading faces, because she took her hat off and hugged me. I blinked a few times; I thought she’d hate me. Meh, if she doesn't, that's nice, at least I’ll have somepony to talk to while I ignore Twilight.

“Sorry about this, Ostri. But… Princess’s orders, and we can’t really argue with Twilight,” Apple Jack said. She reached into a saddlebag and pulled out an apple. “Want one?” She asked.

“Mmm,” I hummed. “I dunno, you just offered me an apple from one of the best farms in the country.” I won’t lie, Apple Family Apples must have coke in them.

“I know. Figured you might as well have some sort of comfort. If it were up to me, I’d be grabbing my family and getting the buck out of Equestria, and coming back to help fight the yetis that are invading.” She handed me the apple. “Well?”

I unsheathed my knife. “Bet. We can share this one, since I know you probably didn’t bring a lot of these, and this is a part of your travel supplies.”

“Put that knife away, Ostri,” Twilight demanded. “You’re just gonna-”

I took the knife and started peeling the apple at record speeds. I was kinda shocked with how precise I was. Every slice was perfect. “Anyone else want a slice besides Apple Jack?” I asked and soon, in mere seconds, the apple was skinned.

“I won’t turn down a snack,” Rainbow admitted. “Plus, watching you use that knife is kinda… awesome. I don’t think I’ve seen anypony use one so proficiently while cutting something before.”

“I have cupcakes!” Pinkie said. “So I’m good!” She pulled a cupcake out of her mane. Y’know, I’m fresh out of fucks to give, so I wasn’t gonna question how Pinkie did that. At least she’s not an asshat.

“It’s too early for brunch,” Rarity pointed out. “And I’m scared that you’ll find some way to poison us.”

“I wouldn’t mind one, Ostri,” Fluttershy almost whispered.

So four slices, got it. I tossed the knife up a couple times, catching the handle every time, before quickly making work of the apple. “Y’all care about seeds? It’s a cultural thing from my home; I don’t fuck with apple seeds.”

“What kinda pony takes the seed out of the apple?” Apple Jack asked. “Kinda pointless to do that.”

“When apple seeds used to be bad for you, you would too. Just something I can’t let go of.” I cut the seed out of my slice before handing a slice to the four ponies who actually wanted one.

“How the hay didn’t you cut yourself?” Rainbow asked. “And can you teach me how to do that?”

“Sure, just catch me one day if I come back to Equestria, and stuff.” Twilight was glaring at me. “What? Can mares bleed out the ass like human females can?” I may get screwed here, but I was at least going to mentally screw with Twilight before I go out.

“W-what!?” Twilight and Rarity blurted out, before Twilight quickly regained her composure. “No, I’m just wondering why you four are being nice to him! And Ostri, you made Princess Luna cry. You helped instigate a war-”

“No, the Storm King did, I just retaliated.” I corrected it. “He invaded first, and his demands that you, Luna, and Celestia were basically killed. Same with Cadance, which I wasn’t gonna let happen; Cadance doesn’t deserve that shit. It’s his dumbass fault for not preparing for everything, like a pony that will actually fight back.” I took a bite of my apple slice and started speaking with my mouth full, like a gangster. Honestly, I would be angry, I would be pissed, but I was done giving a shit. If Twilight tried bringing me back, I was gonna slap the shit out of her, spank her, and hand her back to Shining Armor and Cadance.

Or just let her drag me away. I honestly can’t be asked to care about what happens anymore.

“B-what!?” Twilight asked.

“He did make a good point,” Apple Jack pointed out. “Technically, the Storm King swung first.”

“And I fucking shot him in the knee. Boom.” I chuckled. “I want to fucking die,” I grumbled. “Twilight, I know you wanna do whatever fucktarded thing you wanna do, but like… Today was a potato day for me. I wanted to wander the city, do fuck all, get lunch at some point, fuck off to somewhere else, eat dinner, and head back home to cuddle with Blaze, or probably Chrysalis. Then I was gonna actually take Chrysalis out with me to the city; I promised her that much and I intend on keeping it.

“And also, the only reason why I’ve not stabbed any of you yet, is because Shining Armor and Cadance wouldn’t be very happy if I did that. And also four of you aren’t too bad, admittedly, which is why those four haven’t been stabbed in the face..”

“Oh please,” Rarity rolled her eyes. “You’re rather barbaric, cruel, and chose to break the heart of a princess-”

“Who broke his first, Rarity,” Rainbow pointed out. I slowly closed my mouth and reached over to Rainbow, who was on the other side of Apple Jack from me. “Are you gonna hit me?”

“No, I’m brohoofing you. You’re using some fucking logic. Thank the fucking lord for somepony having a god damn brain!”

Rainbow smirked and brohoofed. “You owe me another race, by the way.”

“I’m down; I need to get better at turning before I do that though; you’d kick my ass if I don’t.”

Twilight and Rarity were just sitting there slack jawed. “Rainbow, that is a criminal.”

“He didn’t even do anything illegal,” Fluttershy pointed out. She was actually speaking up now… she’s getting mad, oh boy. “Twilight, Ostri legitimately isn’t that bad-”

“He said he’d stab us on sight if he wasn’t traveling with my brother!” Twilight growled.

“I’m doing that out of respect for him, Twilight. I don’t want my friend to have to attend his little sister’s funeral. I may be a lot of things, I may be a sack of shit. I may not even be a good person, but I do know how important family can be to people. Shiny and Cadance absolutely adore you, despite you being a cunt, and they love you. Love’s dangerous, Twi, it can feel good, and it can fucking hurt. It fucking hurts when the people you love die.” AJ gave me a sympathetic look and gave me another hug. Nevermind, Fluttershy beat her to it.

“You just need some time alone. Come on now,” she coaxed. “I’ll take you to a more secluded spot in the city, and leave you be, young stallion.” I cocked an eyebrow at her. “You’re not even twenty years old yet, Ostri, I can tell. I can also tell what it looks like when an animal has completely given up any fight it has in it; you’ve been beaten down so much that you aren’t even attempting to fight back… even if it is for more reasons other than just being defeated.”

“God damn, Blaze was right; you’re a sweetheart.” I genuinely smiled for the first time in a minute. “Thank you, Fluttershy. You’re a good mare.” I got up, only to feel something big and fluffy from behind me. I slowly turned my head around and came face to face with Blaze. “WHOA!” I fell on the table, or would’ve if Blaze didn’t grab me with her magic, spun me around in her magic, and grabbed me by the scruff of my neck. I involuntarily went limp in her grasp. I could feel Blaze’s animosity through our bond.

“Why did you use your brother as a sentient tracking device? I’m only here because Shining Armor said he sensed you in the area.” She glared at the rest of the mares present. “Did none of you attempt telling Twilight that she is being more of a bitch than I am?” She asked. She glared at each one, save Fluttershy. She actually nuzzled Fluttershy. “Thank you for at least making an attempt to move my colt away from the situation before I arrived. I can tell that Ostri is only really feeling any hostility towards Twilight Sparkle and Sparkling Rarity.” Rarity’s eyes widened at that. “I can blow your brains up with a thought, so please, do not follow me or Ostri. He greatly expressed his desire to be left alone for today, so I shall find somewhere where he can be alone, and return for him once he is sufficiently out of his current mood swing.”

I felt Shining Armor walk past us as Blaze slowly backed away from the table. “Twilie,” Shining asked sternly. “Why did you follow me and Cadance?” Shining sounded fucking mad. No, that isn’t anger, that’s disappointment.

“Because Princess Celestia tasked me with trying to convince Ostri to come back to Canterlot with us-”

“To fight a war he already wants no part in,” Shining said bluntly. “Twilight, please, please think for a moment. Say you found somepony you loved, loved with every bit of your soul. In the same way I love Cadance?” It seemed like Twilight was beginning to listen. “Now imagine they broke up with you, and blamed you for the break up. Now imagine that they mentally abuse you for however long, to the point that it leaves you emotionally broken. Now, imagine how much you would want to come running back to that pony with your forelegs wide, wide open?” Shiny asked.

“I would if they wholeheartedly apologize!”

Shining Armor took a deep, long breath. “Okay, how much do you trust Cadance’s judgment on relationships?”

“A lot, of course.”

“She doesn’t think Ostri and Luna can even come close to what they once had,” Shining Armor said plainly. “You may not like her, but Chrysalis is an even more capable empath than Cadance is, and she can sense just how broken Ostri is. Blaze, who is literally soulbound with Ostri, can feel exactly what Ostri is feeling. Go ahead and ask her how Ostri is…” He turned back to me. “Thank you for not immediately attacking her, Ostri. I know you’ve been through a lot, and are a second away from snapping, so thank you for at least having some self control.”

“Man,” I chuckled. “If I had anyone like you growing up, I probably wouldn’t have been such a sack of shit. Well, I wouldn’t have been such a sack of shit if I had anyone growing up.” I nodded to him. “Take care of your sister, man.” Shining nodded while Twilight and Blaze apparently had a very, very silent, telepathic conversation.

Twilight slowly looked at me. “Ostri…” she’s starting to look remorseful finally. “Blaze just… showed me what you’re feeling. I didn’t even know the type of magic that Blaze was using even existed. How, how mentally distraught are you that you aren’t even willing to fight back anymore? If we brought you back to Canterlot, without anypony interfering, you wouldn’t have fought the issue, would you?”

“Honestly, I’m tired, Twilight. I’m being dead honest here, when I say this. So far, my life has been a shit. Aside from Luna and Celestia at first, and then Chrysalis and Blaze. I’ve nobody to call family. Grew up in an orphanage, which did very little for me, and I’ll admit, I grew into a real asshole. Treating it like I owned the place when I first showed up in Everfree City, I told Celestia stuff. I told her to look after her sister in a way that wasn’t super great or respectful.” I smiled a little. “God damn did Luna make me feel loved and cared for when we were dating.

“That got torn away as soon as I was beginning to actually grow. I was already getting accustomed to the fact that I’m no longer human, which to this day, feels horrible. I see the woman I love so coldly drop me like a used tissue. Discarded with very little thought until I’m ‘useful’ again. I was about to finish my schooling when I showed up in Equestria, I had friends I knew I wasn’t gonna see again. I get to Equestria, and begin getting acquainted only to get uprooted again. I’ve gotten used to the fact that my life sucks, and being in this more… modern age just reminds me of how much I fucking hate being alive sometimes.

“If you dragged me back, I woulda let it happen. I would’ve let myself get ‘all the rewards and awards’ from leading this country to victory in a war when it never needed my help. I would’ve ended up hanging myself once it was all said and done, if Blaze and Chrysalis weren’t here, then I legitimately would’ve just crumpled and let myself waste away. What makes me useful anyways? I can kill people, woohoo… Glad that’s all I’m good at besides leading a life of shit.” I looked Twilight in the eye. “Tell me, why would I want to live? Say the world is fucked up, and Blaze and Chrysalis were either dead or gone. I woulda let myself starve to death in my old bedroom, Twilight. I’m tired of trying to find my footing, but I’m trying to for the people I love.”

Twilight walked around the table and placed a hoof on my shoulder. “Ostri…”

“Be quiet, Twi. We can have a more civilized conversation after tomorrow. I was only going to stay in Baltimare until tomorrow night, but I’ll stay one more time so you don’t gotta hunt me down again. If you can give me a legitimate-no, I won’t fight a war-but we can talk. It won’t end with me going back to Canterlot; I’ve still got a promise to Shining Armor and Cadance to make good on, and a marefriend and the fluffiest best friend I could ever ask to live for. Chin up; you got people that love ya, go enjoy the day with them and apologize for not listening to them. You’re a princess, but it doesn't mean shit if nobody loves you, but you clearly have people that love you.

“Just listen to your friends every now and then. Good friends will tell you when you’re being a dumbass. Bad friends would’ve joined in and hounded you into making me come with you.” I pointedly looked at Rarity. “You’re a bitch. I hope you can prove me otherwise in a couple days, if not, that’s a shame, it doesn’t really matter.” With that, Blaze turned to start walking up the street to find me somewhere more reclusive.

“Hey Blaze,” I said. “Where’s Chrysalis?” I asked. “Or Cadance?”

“Chrysalis heard Twilight was here, and Cadance stayed behind to talk her out of killing Twilight.”

“Good. I really didn’t want to witness anyone dying, or be the cause for anyone dying. Seriously, that is one more thing I just don’t want.” I took a long, deep breath. “Can you stay with me, Blaze?” Now was a good time seeing as she had carried me into a park and laid me under a tree. She had gotten up to leave when I asked that. “I… I know I said I wanted a day alone, but…” I shivered. “I just need somebody here with me, Blaze. I’m so fucking done with everything, Blaze. Just… Please wrap me up in your tails, and hold me.”

“Okay, Ostri.” The moment she laid down, I immediately ran up to her side, and flopped into her. In a heartbeat, I buried my face into her shoulder and started crying. “Ostri…” She whispered. “You… No, you’re not alright, that much is clear. I don’t think I’ve seen you cry before.” The two tails rubbing my back at least felt a little good. “What exactly happened? I am only not reading your mind right now because I know you need to get this off of your chest.”

“Why can’t I be left the fuck alone?” I asked.

“...Please elaborate, Ostri.”

“Why can’t Luna and her fucking cunt of a sister leave me the hell alone? I’m trying to be civil, I’m trying to not physically lash out at them. I just want some peace and god damn quiet after the fucking rollercoaster of bullshit my life’s been over the last couple of years. I just want to travel, see this new world since I could never really explore my own, and spend my time on the planet with you and Chrysalis. I hope that I can also at least leave the world a little better than it was when I came.” I sobbed. “Just… why? Just. Fucking. Why?” I still had the newspaper as I wasn’t entirely done with it.

Blaze read the article and slowly started growling.

“That. Fucking. Piece. Of. Shit.” Blaze snarled. She shook her head. “Ostri, do you want me to go take care of those princesses? They straight up lied about you, and I personally will not stand for it.”

“Blaze, no. Retaliating won’t make anything better. After I have that chat with Twilight in a couple of days, we’re going to stop in the middle of nowhere for a day, and just camp. Just somewhere, nice, quiet, and the ever fresh fuck away from everything. Hell, I’m tempted… to just grab you, walk into the nearby woods, and just camp. Just like old times when a night of oddjobs left us in the middle of fuckall, sitting around the campfire, watching the stars, and simply just having some time alone.”

“I wouldn’t mind that. Perhaps invite Chrysalis along as well? She may say she’s fine with just spending time with Cadance and Shining Armor, frankly I’m shocked at how well they get along, but we are technically her ‘Hive’ now even if you don’t realize it. She probably benefits a lot from being around us, since we supply her with emotions to eat, and I know she wants to spend more time with you, even if I am present.”

“That wouldn’t be too bad of an idea…” I sighed and picked up the newspaper. “Might as well see what else is popping around Equestria; as much as I’ll hate reading this shit in the coming weeks, I know I have to. It’s better to not be in the dark than to get blindsided.” I was also going to try my best to try and avoid… “Say Blaze, didn’t you notice how more ponies were leaving the downtown area?” I asked. As I was saying, I was gonna do my best to try and avoid the places that the Storm King invaded, and if he already did invade, well, I might actually roll up and try and help out. Just because I’m ‘not loyal’ doesn’t mean I’m unwilling to help people out.

“I have, why do you ask?”

“Well, the Storm King’s country is located somewhere in… China, I believe, or just somewhere in Asia, since he’s sending forces from the east and west., apparently. The fucker’s going for the big cities first, since those are where the most ponies are at.” Blaze peeked over my shoulder and started reading it with me.

“The downtown area is a main target, according to changeling spies that were smuggled into the Storm King’s forces.” I blinked.

“Why the fuck did this King Thorax, and the press, announce that there were changelings spying on this asshole? Like bro, you aren’t supposed to publicly announce this shit.” I facehoofed. “Does nobody on the fucking planet use their brain-” I kept reading and read what the heck the griffins were doing. “Oh hey, these guys improved,” I chuckled and pointed at the articles. The griffins essentially made fireworks stronger, and smaller, and could shoot right out of a crossbow… Essentially these guys made muskets.

“A long, long time ago, my ancestors came up with a way to take over Equestria, a thousand years ago. Once, a proud tribal leader decided to head for the heart of Equestria, Everfree City…” Holy fuck. Why is the only fucking race on the planet that remembers what I did to the griffins?

“It’s because of how severely you beat them, Ostri. Few survivors, if any, ran back to the north and told stories of why Equestria was a lost cause. You made them fear you, and also respect you, look."

King Beak also says this:

“If the Princesses don’t want that pony they summoned from a thousand years ago, I’ll hire him. A pony that was the mastermind behind fully stopping an invasion on his homeland is a pony I want in my payroll: Just imagine how much better the griffin military could benefit from such a being!” I smiled at that. I knew I had another potential home if I didn't settle down in the Crystal Empire, or in Honshu. I hummed for a while and looked at Blaze.

“Hey bud, why… were you… reluctant to lead me and Chryssy through your homeland?” I asked.

“I am a kitsune that, when I had blood, had some kumiho blood mixed into it. While Hybrids are not usually unaccepted in Honshu, and also, the territory is shared by kitsune and kumiho. I don’t want to risk running into another creature and having them kill you or Chrysalis because they were bored and saw a weaker, ‘inferior’ being that looked fun to toy with.” She shook her head. “I can defend you, and give everyone a reason to not harm either of you, but I want to ensure your wellbeing, not roll the dice and hope for the best.”

“That’s fair…”

“I will still lead you through Honshu; I may be somewhat young, but I will be damned if I let anyone hurt you or your mate. I just don’t know how viable living in Honshu would be.”

“It would be nice and far away from actual society…” I hummed. “Nah. I offered several ponies, like Rainbow, a race, Cadance a security guard if she needs it. I still need to ship Luna a dildo so she can pleasure herself without ruining another stallion’s life.” Blaze snorted.

“Oh, we have to do that, Ostri. That would be funny!” Blaze let out that human-like laugh, but it seemed to have changed just a little. It actually sounded more adorable than haunting because it came out of something not human. This just sounded like a cute girl, giggling away. “I know Ostri, I am adorable.” I climbed up on her back. “Hey, you’re the horse here, I should be riding on your-” she stopped when my wings slowly started going up and down her neck, and just slightly past her chin. “Oh, that feels good, please continue doing that.”

And that’s how Chrysalis found us, well, Cadance, Chrysalis, and Shining Armor.

“I see you are doing better now,” Chrysalis noted.

“Yeah…” Blaze fell asleep while I was petting her, but I continued to practically lay on top of her and continue petting her. It felt nice, Blaze liked it, and it was helping me a bit better about myself. “Ah, me and Blaze had each other’s backs for so damn long, that…” I shook my head. “Ah, sorry about up and disappearing, saying that I wanted the day alone and whatnot, just to do this,” I gestured to the kitsune I was using as a bed. “I just think if I didn’t have some form of company, I woulda threw myself in the canals and let this nightmare of a life end.”

“...And here I was thinking you’d lash out at Twilight and her friends.” Chrysalis walked around, wrapped her forelegs around the both of us, and laid her head on top of mine. Despite me having a kitsune to add to my stature, Chrysalis was still a lot taller than either of us, apparently. “I would much rather you have Blaze here to keep you anchored, rather than finding your body floating down the river, Ostri. Do not apologize for needing company when you clearly needed it. I just apologize for not being able to get to you quickly enough; Cadance talked me out of killing everypony that tracked you down.”

“It wouldn’t be a good idea, or legal, to kill off one of Equestria’s main lines of defense during a war.”

“Say guys,” I pointed at the newspaper. “Since Equestria’s spies, the changelings, are fucking stupid, they announced what cities are getting attacked in the public newspaper.”

“...Oh.” Chrysalis groaned. “I am going to have to teach Thorax not to do that. I thought he left the military and spywork to Pharynx…” She shook her head. “Luckily, I believe that the drones had enough sense to back the fuck out of the ships after they got what they needed.”

“Oh well,” I shrugged. I got up from the pile and did a stretch before tumbling right back in. “It’s a beautiful night to sleep under the stars. Hey Shiny, Cadance, wanna join?”

“Uh… isn’t this sorta thing-”

“Ostri asked if you wanted to cuddle, Shining Armor,” Blaze said with her eyes closed. “He likes both you and your wife. Just accept the offer and join us. Neither me or Chrysalis will mind…” She lifted her head. “Not here. Not fucking here.”

“Uh, Blaze, is something wrong?”

“...I believe the kumiho that was trying to court me, before I left Honshu a thousand years ago, has finally managed to track me down. I can feel him in the area, and I know he knows I’m here too.” Huh.

“So we’re fucked.” I grumbled as I stood up.

“We might be,” Blaze admitted.

I fucking hate life.

“Well, it’s been a good run,” I threw my hoof around a couple of times. “Who knows? He may not be all that bad.”

“Well… he was rather handsome last time I met him. I just wasn’t looking for a mate at the time so I didn’t take him up on his offer.” Blaze shrugged. “For a kumiho, I don’t think he was that violent, but we won’t know for sure… Let us go to the outskirts of town, Ostri; at least then he won’t target anyone in Baltimare besides us.”

“We are coming along,” Chrysalis said. “I’ve been fueled up with love, and between me, Cadance and Shining Armor, if this kumiho becomes violent, I doubt we would lose a fight with it.”

“Alright then. C’mon guys, let’s get moving.”

I Just Can't Catch a Break, can I?

We made it to the edge of town just as the sun was setting in the west horizon, bidding us goodnight. Fortunately, we all couldn’t go to sleep just yet because some kumiho’s out and about, and might kill a few ponies if we don’t immediately see the fucking thing. Once we reached our destination, we just waited. It wasn’t anywhere in particular, just a spot away from the downtown area so nobody got hurt. Personally, I think I’m gonna get obliterated the very moment I raise a hoof to this kumiho, should it be violent.

It probably will be violent.

“Where is it?” Shining asked before doing a full body shiver. Everyone that had a horn did the same, whereas Blaze looked unfazed, and I had no clue as to what the fuck was going on.

“Something powerful just showed up, and we cannot see it,” Chrysalis growled.

“I know where he is,” Blaze noted. “It is natural to be overwhelmed by a kumiho’s presence; most kitsune and kumiho are just magical creatures; we have more magic to spare than the average, living being comprised of blood and flesh.”

“So uh…” I scratched the back of my head. “How likely is it that your ex-”

“He is not my ex, he tried to court me, I was not interested at the time.”

“Okay… How likely am I gonna die if I try stabbing this guy?”

“Immediately.”

“Cool. I am useless then.”

“Worry not, he will not harm you. I believe. If he is here for the reason I believe he is here, he will know how soul bonding works, and should know if he kills you, he kills me as well.”

“...What?”

“You will live as long as I, and I will live as long as you. So long as neither of us are injured, we should be immortal.”

“Huh. Neat.” I shrugged. “More time to fix my broken brain, eh?”

“You are not broken, just hurt. But yes, that is just more time to heal you. And more time for you to spend with Chrysalis; like us, she will be leading a rather long life.”

“Cool…” I nuzzled Chrysalis, despite her being on edge, she did take the moment to plant a kiss directly on my nose. I would’ve mentally broken had I not remembered why we were here.

Something jumped down from the trees, something roughly the size of Blaze. Like Blaze, it had nine tails and was very fox-like. Unlike Blaze, however, it was a bit bulkier and was clearly a male. Blaze’s eyes were blue, whereas this guy had blood-red eyes, and looked more akinned to a silver fox, whereas Blaze’s creamy coat, so she was much lighter in color. This guy was a lot darker, because I guess it’s more of a dark silver rather than a light silver.

“I see that you go by Blaze, now.” The kumiho said calmly. I think I could only hear it because I was bound with Blaze. “And have found yourself a pony for a master….” It shook its head with a stupid grin. “I find it cute, honestly, Blaze. You were such a proud female as a pup, and then you found a pony and befriended him instead of eating him. I respect it though; having something that massages you whenever you ask seems nice.”

“Shut up, Murk.” Blaze grinned. “It is good to see you.”

“It is good to see you as well, Kurama. Or Blaze as you go by. It has been a while since we’ve last spoken, correct?”

“Yes it has.”

“...What the fuck is going on?” I asked.

“Murk, this is Ostri, my soulmate. Ostri, this is Murk, my puphood friend, and suitor, apparently.”

“Hey now, you said you had an interest in me, just that you didn’t want a mate immediately upon reaching maturity, Blaze. You’re still a wondrous sight, even after a thousand years.”

“You’re quite the sight yourself, Murk.”

Everyone else was kinda in the dark, so I explained what was going on. “So Blaze, this big, dangerous thing you were hyping up… was your childhood friend?”

“We were best friends, thank you, Ostri.” Murk smiled. “We played together, slept together, not in that way. Get your mind out of the gutter, we were pups. We even ate together back when we needed to eat physical food more than once every four months.”

“Huh… That is pretty cool.” I started walking forward. “You won’t bite my head off, right?”

“And risk harming Blaze? If I wanted to do that, then I would be going against the Kumiho code.” I raised an eyebrow. “We are very loyal to those we care about. We may be a little violent, but we can be friendly.”

“A little violent?” I asked.

“Okay, so some of us do like torturing other creatures… if they tried hunting us first. Whoa there, pony, why are you so close?” I was within arm distance of this guy now. It was probably a bad idea to be this close to something I know could kill me, but also, I don’t care. I’m flat out of shits to give, and if I die, oh well! Besides, like any reasonable person with their well-being in mind, I like approaching wild animals because…

“You look fluffier than Blaze is.” I could hear Blaze mentally huff at that. “I wanna pet you, but I need your word that-”

“I’m not going to hurt you, you imbecile. I would’ve bit your head off by now, and I’ve seen Blaze’s memories just now. Petting seems delightful.” Murk laid down on his stomach to give me easier access to the top and back of his head. “Go on.” I did as said, and as expected, he was fucking soft. Blaze trotted up to us and gave us both a few lovely licks in the ears. “Blaze, I may claim your master while I claim you as my mate. This is delightful.”

“He is mine, Murk, but if we become mates, you may borrow him.”

“What the buck is going on?!” Shining Armor asked.

“They’re discussing custody over me, Shining. Also, they might have babies at some point in the future.”

“Oh… Wait. You…”

“Yes, you weird stallion that this one seems to like. He now owns two magical creatures because we like being petted and massaged at a moment’s notice.” Murk cooed. “Oh, to think I was going to murder somepony before coming out here. No no, I think I will refrain so that this one does not get in trouble by some arbitrary system based on another arbitrary system called ‘morals’.” Muk rolled his eyes, licked my cheek, and pulled back. “Go pleasure Blaze; she’s getting jealous.”

Oh. She definitely is.

“How dare you say a male kumiho is softer than I am,” Blaze said when I made my way over to her. I reached up to cup her cheeks in my hooves, despite the lack of fingers to do so. “No, I am not soft according to you.” I lowered my hoof. “Did I say you cannot pet me? No, do not touch me, but you may pet me.”

“What the fuck kinda logic-”

“You’re on thin ice, Ostri. Don’t make me make you sleep on the mattress of the wagon tonight.”

“...Please no.”

“Then pet me. I demand to be pampered.” I happily complied with that while Murk just stood there, slowly waving his tails as he watched us. He nodded, walked over to me, and picked me up. “HEY! That pony was petting me, you asshole!”

“And I want to go to sleep. I swam across the ocean and have been walking nonstop for weeks; I would like some rest. You can have him back once we get back to this wagon of his. I may not need sleep like a mortal would, but how can one hate sleeping?”

The next day, I woke up after being tugged out of the pile of kitsune and kumiho by Chrysalis. I knew what I promised her yesterday, so I didn’t object even if I would’ve liked five more minutes. I’m gonna be spending the day with Chrysalis. I think Blaze stayed behind to keep watch of her new… friend. As in they were probably gonna run into the woods, and do whatever magical fox things do to make more of themselves. With that said, I don’t think me or Chryssy wanted to stay and figure out how, or hear them do the things of unspeableness to each other(sex. I could see Murk staring at Blaze’s ass before I went to sleep).

Well, before either of us could actually sneak off, it turned out that Blaze and Muk had woken up and followed us off the wagon, to where Cadance and Shining Armor were sitting around the campfire. Cadance had… pancakes going. Pancakes, syrup, butter and various other things to top pancakes with. Included were various berries. The four of us blinked at the sight, before we all sat around the fire.

“So…” I pointed to the campfire. “How?”

“I said I could cook. So I bought things to make pancakes this morning.” Cadance gave me a smug little grin. “I figured some pancakes would help lift your spirits, plus we need to figure out what our new friend wants out of coming to us. Because he may have claimed that he just wanted to mate with Blaze, but… we aren’t sure of why else he’s here. There should really be no reason for him to immediately warm up to you, given what you’ve said about kumiho.” She then levitated a plate of pancakes to me and Chryssy, and a stack to the two fox things that I apparently own now. “Don’t worry Chrysalis, I made these pancakes with love, so you’ll get actual nutrients out of it, rather than just enjoying the flavor of the food you eat.”

“Thank you, Cadance.” Chrysalis nodded, sat down regally as any gorgeous Queen should, and practically laid on top of me.

“How the heck did you three get along so quickly anyways?” I asked.

“We both understand the value of love, even if it’s for different reasons.” Cadance admitted. “And Shiny and I usually try not to hold grudges; Chrysalis had a good reason to do what she did… at first, and we understood why she did those things. With that said, Chrysalis can be a decent pony when she wants to be, and can be friendly; she claims its so that she can maybe convince us all to form a herd by the end of the journey though.”

“You two are rather attractive for ponies; I would not mind forming a herd.”

“...That herd’s gonna include two stallions and two mares if we all agree?” I asked.

“It would,” Cadance nodded. “Are you opposed to that?”

“...Mmm. Honestly, if we do form one, I’d be hard pressed to find a reason for any of you to do me like Luna did. Cadance is literally love incarnate, Shining’s a bro, and Chrysalis is pretty… well, pretty lovely.” Chrysalis swatted me with a hoof for that. “Meh. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. For now… Blaze, how are you feeling about Murk?” I asked. Both canines had just woken up and crawled out of the wagon.

“I am excited to have an old friend back… and excited to have kits of my own.” She squealed. “Oh you will love seeing kitsune-kumiho hybrids. You’ll find them adorable.”

“I am simply here to be with Blaze, and since you’re her soulmate and your companions are your friends, I won’t harm you or anyone in your group. I do like you, Ostri. Good choice of soulmates, Blaze. I also won’t harm anyone unless they try to hurt me first. Or Blaze given that she will be my mate come this mating season. As much as we Kumiho love a good fight, or violent when it comes to seeking revenge, we are relatively peaceful unless provoked. So far, none of you have given me a reason to believe you wish me harm.” He nuzzled Blaze, who was snuggled up into his side. “We will definitely spend some… time together alone so that we may mate, and we will be doing so while you are still in town. Once you are ready to go, Blaze should be carrying our pups.”

“...Huh. How does that work? Y’all are literally magic.”

“We’re also animals. We mate the same way most creatures do. Through sex,” Blaze nipped her new mate. “I am looking forward to seeing Murk’s prowess in that field-”

“Okay, not while we are eating, Blaze,” Cadance shook her head. “It’s nice to see love in the air, but please reserve ‘den talk’ to when you two find a den to mate in, alright?”

“But you and Shining Armor have a foal,” Chrysalis pointed out.

“We don’t talk about having sex at every turn though,” Shining pointed out.

“You sapient races and your stupid need to dance around reproduction,” Murk shook his head with a smile. “It amuses me sometimes. Especially now.”

“I wouldn’t refrain from speaking about sex,” Chrysalis said, sipping on some tea that Cadance just poured for her. “It’s perfectly natural. I only refrain from doing so because Ostri isn’t sure if he would like to mate yet, and we were supposed to go on a date together, while I am in disguise, today. That way we can actually partake in some of the attractions that this city may provide for us, and grow closer as a result.”

“We can try a double date,” Blaze pointed out. “I heard some ponies speak of it, and always wanted to try it.”

“Blaze, my friend,” Murk nipped her. “You spent too much time with mortal races.”

“So I like seeing how others live their lives and would like to try it. Cry me a river, mate.”

“I will… However, I am not opposed to that idea. However, tonight I would like to mate, mate.” Murk and Blaze giggled. “We already know each other, we might as well skip to the good bit, correct?”

“You are correct. We will try it one time though, with Ostri and his mate.”

“Agreed.”

With that we ate breakfast in silence. Like me and Chrysalis, Shining and Cadance wanted to go explore the city. And probably find Twilight and her friends and chat with them. It only made sense, after all, with Twilight literally being family. By extension, her friends should have some sorta history with Twilight’s brother and Twilight’s sister in law, given their importance to the kingdom as living superweapons or whatever. Chrysalis finished her plate first and I soon followed. Before I could even blink, Chryssy thanked Cadance for cooking, and turned into what Celestia looked a thousand years ago, just smaller and with just wings. She then carried me downtown on her back.

“So, what shall we do first, hmm?” Chrysalis said. While we were walking around, we walked onto the boardwalk that seemed eerily empty. There was a ferris wheel, empty stalls where various vendors used to be, and… nobody was here. “Phewy. Everypony fled the downtown area,” she pouted. “This date is going to suck then. How the hay do we enjoy ourselves if there are no ponies to operate the rides on the boardwalk?” All of one. There were bumper cars, surprisingly. I hummed and looked around after sliding off her back. Along the sidewalks leading up to the boardwalk were tons and tons of storefronts.

“I know some Equestrian intelligence said that Baltimare is gonna be a target, mainly the downtown area.”

“Manely, hmm?” Chrysalis asked.

“That was terrible and you should be ashamed of yourself for saying that.”

“I know…” Chrysalis’s ears drooped. “‘Tis a shame that you do not enjoy puns.”

“No, I love shitty puns. I was just saying, ‘that was a shitty pun.’” I nuzzled her. “Good attempt at least. Say, wanna break into a clothing store, since they’re all empty, and try on a dress or two? In your natural form; there is no point in keeping the disguise up if you aren’t wearing anything.”

“Mmm. Alright. I will have to magically grow any dresses to fit into them. I’ve always wanted to be a proper queen and dress up for my stallion in Shining Armor…” I rolled my eyes at the pun, but I knew where she was coming from. “A mare does always like to feel beautiful. Perhaps I can find a suitable wedding dress should we get to that point in our relationship, Ostri?”

“...I’d be honored if you deemed me worthy enough for that. I can commission more wedding necklaces, and hopefully, this time, I can use them.”

“I still want to break Luna’s neck for that, you know,” she said as she nonchalantly threw a table into a store’s front door, shattering the glass it was made of, before moving all the glass out of the way into a nearby corner. We had hooves, so we weren’t in any danger of actually hurting ourselves if we stepped on the glass. We wouldn’t even feel it. It was just annoying to walk with something jutting out of your hoof. While Chrysalis looked around, I noted that she chose a few suits for some reason.

We spent a majority of the morning trying on dresses, in Chrysalis’s case, and suits in my case. Sometimes I would manage to get Chrysalis to get into a suit, and I must say:

“Chrysalis, if you ever wear that to a date of ours in the future, I will drag you to the nearest hotel room and fuck you so, so hard.”

“...I will look into keeping a suit or two.” I know we were basically stealing a bunch of clothes we didn’t need, but they were just gonna get blown up by the Storm King’s forces anyways. We only ended up taking a suit each, and a couple dresses for Chrysalis. I needed to point out that I wore my suit, while Chrysalis wore one of the dresses throughout the rest of the day.

“If you make offers like that, perhaps I will put on a snazzy looking suit. I know stallions tend to like mares who can pull a suit.”

“You don’t just pull the suit, you’d fucking kill other stallions in it.” Chrysalis actually started blushing. “You seriously look wonderful, regardless if you wore clothes or not, but if you wear that suit… Again, dragged by the tail, hotel room, hot, love filled sex.”

“I love a stallion that is upfront with what he wants… sex.”

“You and I both know that ain’t how I roll, Chrysalis. If I just wanted that, I’d be a slut.”

“I know,” Chrysalis giggled. “But ultimately, a relationship does often lead to sex. Even if we do form an emotional bond first.”

“Yeah, that’s true. However, we are dating, we might as well smell the roses along the way. Enjoy the moment and all that, y’know?”

“I know. This will be my first proper relationship as well. Well, I’ve had relationships, but that was while pretending to be somepony else. This will be the first relationship I’ve had while being me. So far, I’m glad you’re a stallion that doesn’t run at the very sight of me. Instead, after being told that I was originally going to kill you, you ended up hugging me. What kind of crazy stallion hugs a crazy mare that wants to kill them?”

“Me. I love a crazy mare. Just please don’t kill me. I would very much like to stay alive while we’re dating.”

“...I wouldn’t do that, you know.” We walked past another store, which we promptly broke into, and walked out with some candy bars. Our stomachs growled, well, mine did. Chrysalis just emulated the sound after hearing me. “Perhaps we should go somewhere to find something more substantial?” We quickly found the diner I ate at before Twilight and her friends rudely interrupted my day yesterday.

I’m still a little upset about that, but what the heck am I gonna do? Nothing.

We were interrupted when a cannonball whizzed past my face. Well, it woulda hit me in the head had Chrysalis not grabbed me and pulled me back. The cannonball flew right into the diner, causing a lot of screaming… likely the employees inside. I didn’t even hesitate, I started running towards the diner and peeked inside. It… Oh dear fucking god. It blew a hole right through the building. First, and foremost, it broke through the glass window, which then slammed into the front counter, making a huge hole. Then it kept going into the kitchen area… Some poor stallion, who didn’t look any older than twenty, was sadly where the cannonball ended up.

“Holy fuck!” I shouted. Oh. Mmm… I winced, imagining if that were me. “Everyone okay?” I asked, despite knowing the answer. Luckily, the waitress that served me yesterday was unharmed, mostly. She caught some debris in her right foreleg, which wasn’t anything substantial, but it was enough pain for her to not walk properly. She had climbed back up from her spot. “C’mon, get moving! I don’t give a damn about how much your boss is paying you, get the hell outta here!”

“Our boss… left yesterday,” the waitress noted. That… dickhead.

“...What did he tell you?”

“To stay and work, or we’d get fired.” She cried. She yelled when she saw the poor kid who took the brunt of the attack. “Oh dear Celestia!”

“You heard my coltfriend,” Chrysalis said. “Get moving. Get as far away from downtown as you can.”

Everypony blinked, seeing Equestria’s biggest villain a few weeks ago, actually telling them to do something that would keep them from getting killed. “RUN!” She shouted in something that almost sounded like the Canterlot Royal Voice. Almost immediately, another Cannonball damn near hit us, if Chrysalis hadn’t caught it with her magic. “Just one, bucking day with my stallion is all I ask for…” She growled.

“Chrysalis, can you teleport?” I asked.

“I can.” We watched as the diner’s employees started helping each other towards the back of the store, where it’d be safer to exit from than the front. “You want your fireworks?”

“No. Go get everyone in our group, find Twilight and her friends, and I want you guys to get outta here. If I’m lucky, Blaze and Murk will come to help me. If not, oh well. I’m gonna buy y’all enough time to get outta here.”

“...Okay. If you die, I will bring you back from the grave to kill you.” That told me she wasn’t gonna listen; she was gonna get everyone, come here on foot, and try to help me. She walked towards the back of the diner before teleporting, likely to wherever the wagon was. I immediately pulled my knife out and hid. There were people coming in. I laid right next to the cannonball that hit the poor fucker that was currently dead. It was doing me no good, mentally, to be so close to somebody who just died.

Somebody who didn’t deserve to die.

As soon as the first few yetis walked up to us, it was just a small group, maybe four of them, I sprung to action. Using my wings, I slammed into the first fucker, driving my knife into his skull, an audible crunch could be heard. I grabbed the crossbow that he happened to be wielding, before aiming and shooting it into the second fucker. I used the first asshole as a meat shield, yanked my knife out of his head and stabbed the third one in the heart. I stabbed the last one in the arm.

This all happened in about a minute.

“Now.” I said, panting slightly. “What to do with you?” I asked. I yanked the knife out of his arm, earning an audible scream. “I know you probably have a similar anatomy to humans, so I probably just stabbed you in the elbow. So tell me, why the fuck did you and your buddies shoot a cannonball into this diner?”

“...How’d you move so quickly?” he’s a lot more together, mentally, given that I just stabbed his elbow.

“I’m pissed off. You interrupted my date and almost killed a bunch of civilians. You did kill a civilian. You know, back on Earth, there’s laws against that.” I got in his face. “Wanna live?”

“Uh…”

“Yes or no. Tell me. Do you want to live?”

“Yes!”

“That’s a shame, then. In your next life, don’t target innocent bystanders.” I started bashing his head into a table until I heard more footsteps. In a heartbeat, I finally stabbed the yeti in the face and ducked and hid in the corner of the room. I grabbed the crossbow I fired, and grabbed the quilt full of arrows from the first yeti I had killed. Some yeti, wearing a shitload of badges and whatnot, and overall just looked like he was in charge stormed in.

“WHAT HAPPENED HERE!?” He asked, shocked at the sight of four of his men who were in various degrees of mangled corpses. I cocked the crossbow. Man, I was hoping to buy one of these. I’ll have to modify it to make using it easier; it was made for something with opposable thumbs. Luckily, wings, with enough force, can substitute for a thumb. I shot a bolt into the ‘captain’. Right in the eye as soon as I had the bolt locked and loaded. I loaded another one before breaking off the handle; now I can just slam my hoof on the trigger to shoot it.

I checked if the bolt was okay, before diving into the back of the building, and outside. I took to the air, and saw a shit ton of yetis. Well, it wasn’t that much. It was just an airship’s worth, I think that’s anywhere between thirty and forty yetis in the crowd below. I immediately slammed down onto the side of the roof that was facing away from the approaching yetis. While it wasn’t a lot of them, I was one guy, against forty guys. I only had one crossbow, not that many bolts, and none of my usual gear… as in my fireworks.

Maybe I shouldn’t have sent Chrysalis away. Then again, if she ends up coming back here with the crew, this might actually be a winnable battle. Instead of doing that though, I let the yetis storm the building while I tried to sneak away. I know Chrysalis just teleported off, but those diner employees can’t; none of them were unicorns, and if they were, I doubt that magic research has progressed enough for the average unicorn to be able to teleport. I shot a random yeti in the back of the group with the crossbow.

“HEY!” I shouted, slamming down behind the yetis, getting in between them and the warship. “OVER HERE!” I waved and jumped like a dumbass. I could hear somebody try and load a cannon behind me. Thank god for pony ears; I don’t think I woulda noticed that if I were still human. And luckily for me, nobody got the memo of ‘if your guys are in the line of fire, and the enemy is between them and your cannon, don’t shoot your cannon’. I was also thanking whatever god existed for allowing me to move as fast as I could. I flew towards the ship under the first volley of cannon fire, and turned around. The group of forty yetis… Mmm.

I just got a whole army killed. I’ll say that much. God I am going to feel that when I try to get a goodnight sleep.

I wasn’t allowed to ponder upon what I just did since Blaze came out of nowhere and tackled me. “WHY THE FUCK DID YOU TRY TO TAKE ON ANOTHER ARMY?” She shouted. “YOU COULD’VE DIED!”

“But-”

“I know… you thought you could help people run away to live another day. But think, Ostri, think. What if the-” she was cut off by Murk who just hopped onto the deck of the airship. From the sounds of it, he was letting that more violent and animalistic side of him loose on the crew aboard. “If the people you fought weren’t stupid, you would be dead. Do you understand that?”

“I know… But I watched a poor dude, probably not even past the age of twenty, get blasted by a cannon. More people would’ve died if I didn’t try something… I’m just really lucky that Jesus decided to stick a horseshoe up my ass, I guess.” Chrysalis soon walked up to us, noting the amount of mangle corpses she walked past on her way to get us. Behind her was Shining Armor, Cadance, and Twilight and her friends. On Chrysalis’s back was a set of fireworks.

“I was assuming you needed these,” she said as Murk, now covered with blood, hopped down from the airship. “I see that-”

“That nobody on this planet has gotten any better at warfare since my disappearance. Seriously, why would anyone shoot a cannon in the same direction that their men are standing in?” I asked, trying not to focus on the dead bodies behind Chrysalis.

“...I was going to say you surprised me, but I suppose that also works. I hate to admit that even my own Hive never improved upon open battles as we’ve never had to fight an open battle. Though, may I inquire why you sent me away?”

“Didn’t want you getting hurt. And before-”

“I know, those ponies in the diner needed time to get away. From the looks of it, they will be able to get away because you decimated an army.”

“Good.” I sat on my ass. “Can we get away from here? The smell of blood and the sight of dead bodies really ain’t doing me any good right now.” Luckily for me, Blaze was already moving us to the park she had me sit in after my encounter with Twilight. Unfortunately, Twilight and her group of friends had followed us, with Rainbow prancing.

“Oh… I bet it looked completely awesome… Even if the results were kinda brutal.”

“They attacked civilians, Rainbow,” I pointed out. “You know, something so fucked up that most humans agreed that doing so was fucked up. To the point where it became illegal to do so during warfare.” I pointed out. “Oh fuck me…” I held my head in my hooves. “I killed forty fucking people!”

“...You also saved everypony who hadn’t managed to flee Baltimare before the invasion, you know,” Twilight said. “That was the only airship, as the Storm King has started growing… cocky. Most cities, save Manehattan, fell or gave up as soon as yeti forces showed up. Canterlot hasn’t given up yet either because of you, you know… I am starting to see why Princess Celestia and Princess Luna wanted you to stay and help fight the war. I don’t think I’d use my enemies on my enemies like you did.”

“Still not happening,” Chrysalis spoke up. “Nor will it ever. Ostri is remaining quiet and hasn’t paid much attention. Even if it did serve its purpose of helping others, I can tell that he is still coming to terms with the fact that he just killed yet another group of people. As such, myself and Blaze shall be saying ‘no, he will not help your country fight a war.’”

“I’m not trying to! I know how broken Ostri is. Look!” Surprisingly, Twilight was ignoring how I had two magical fox things. “Blaze and that other kitsune haven’t let go of Ostri since we got here.”

“Kumiho.” Murk corrected. “I’ve just become ‘soulmates’ with Blaze, and by extension, this little horse… What the fuck did you ponies do to him to break him down so badly? He is damn near an empty husk of a creature that’s barely hanging by a thread. If not for his mate and my own mate being here for him, Ostri would’ve killed himself a long time ago.”

“...Princess Luna and Princess Celestia,” Twilight shook her head.

“Deary, you do know that he broke Princess Luna’s heart, right-”

“AND SHE BROKE HIM!” Everypony present yelled at Rarity. They all blinked.

“Rarity,” Cadance said. “As the Princess of Love, Ostri loved Luna. He loved her so bucking much that he apparently slaughtered dozens on her behalf because they wanted to kill Luna. Heck, for whatever reason, there is something in him that still loves Luna. However, nothing romantic can ever, ever happen because of that love. That love is probably the only reason he hasn’t gone to the Storm King and asked if he could help burn down the very country that my aunties love and care for. Luna… never loved him. There was never love present. Perhaps she did in the past, but that was… y’know, in the past.”

“And my own opinion may not matter,” Chrysalis said. “But he was noticeably happier when we had our little day out before… whatever happened happened. As far as I can tell, as long as Ostri is spending time with somepony, or somebody he cares about, he is happy. Especially when it’s either me being his marefriend, or Blaze doting on him like she would with her own offspring. Ms. Rarity, you may think that this may end like all fairytales end, with love and the villain defeated, however…

“Nevermind. Ostri, I hereby sentence you to snuggling with Blaze until you feel better. No questions asked. I will help you snuggle with Blaze when I get the chance.” Before I could even argue, Blaze picked me up by the scruff of my neck and carried me off. Murk followed…

You know, being buried in two magical fox things’ fluffy set of tails is really nice. It doesn’t do much to stop nightmares, or stop dreamwalking ex girlfriends.

Author's Note

I was originally going to tack on the invasion scene in the last chapter, but figured having more of a chapter dedicated specifically towards it and the new appearance of Muk fit better. Lemme know how it was, if it sucked, if it sucked butt, or if it was good. thank you for reading...

Next chapter, two assholes may or may not use dream walking to try and pinpoint where Ostri is.

Interlude pt. 2: Naptime Dreams, and nosy Princesses

My vision slowly drifted into a snowy, white field. I blinked a few times… this is one of the few times I’ve… Wait, I’m dreaming. Neat. Well, at least I’m not having a nightmare. I glanced around, noting that the white field I was in, was actually a small glade in the middle of a snowy forest. It… was serene, to say the least. If this is the sort of dream I’ll get, just a little moment away from everyday life, of complete, utter peace, I am all for being able to have that in the dream world at least.

“Good, I can tinker with your dreams, as it appears…” I slowly turned around to… Murk, sitting on his haunches, only a meter or two away from me. “Goodnight, Ostri.” His silver coat stood out amongst the snowy field and trees, his nine tails waved gracefully behind his back, while two were curled around front, resting in front of his paws. If I were not shocked by him being in my dreams, I would’ve walked up to him and bopped him on the head for being cute.

“...How are you here? I thought only Luna could dreamwalk-”

“Kumiho and Kitsune are very much capable of doing the same. We have to be able to manipulate mortals, after all. However, that is not why I am here. Before you even ask, yes, Blaze can technically do this as she is both Kitsune and Kumiho, but I do not believe she knows how to. I only learnt this because of an ancient one of my kind, who happened to be my mother.” Murk tilted his head. “You were thinking I was going to ‘screw with your brain’ weren’t you?”

“...Maybe.”

“I will do no such thing. As I have said, I am soulbound to Blaze, a common ritual for our kinds’ mating habits. No, Blaze is not looking to mate with you. What this means is that I, by extension, am soulbound to you since you are also her soulmate. Seeing as we are both bound together, your wellbeing is one of my top priorities… Just ignoring the survival side of this, you are technically a part of my family now. I am, above all, loyal to my family, Ostri. When I was reading your mind earlier… I noticed something important…

“You are emotionally broken, depressed, whatever you may call it. You’ve been so broken down that I’m certain that, even if you could very likely fight a bear and win, you’d let it kill you. The only reason why you didn’t let those yetis kill you is because you wanted to buy those ponies time to run away. You are so emotionally distraught and whenever Blaze or Queen Chrysalis makes any progress on you, something happens that resets their progress.

“And I am not here to demand you unbound with Blaze, or tell you to grow up or quit feeling. Emotions are important to all living beings that can feel them. If there was no love between Blaze and I, we would simply be mates and not care for each other. If a dog couldn’t be happy to see its master, it would wither away and die with no sense of purpose. Emotions help us feel alive and enjoy living. The fact that you’re barely hanging on for Blaze and Chrysalis, and myself now that I am here, is scary, Ostri. It is horrifying to see something so… empty. There are fleeting moments of love and happiness, which is good; it means you aren’t unsaveable. However, it does not make me any happier to see you like this.”

“...Well…” I scratched the back of my head. “God damn you for being so on the nose, my man.” I chuckled humorlessly. “Man, if I were just given some time, after Luna broke up with me at first, I would be fine.”

“...I presume that was your first option as a mate before Chrysalis?”

“We almost became mates. Why are you asking this if you can rip this information from my mind.”

“I respect my family and am loyal to them. Your brain and its memories are something I do not touch unless I feel you are going to ask a trivial question.”

“Oh.”

“Now, what did Luna do to you?” I told him what happened. You all know the story by now, Luna broke up with me, and said it was my fault. Yadda yadda, I don’t deserve love, yadda yadda, I am just some worthless fucking twat. I would continue, but Murk growled at me for thinking that just now. “...What kind of messed up creature would treat their mate in such a fashion? Fucking queen ants are nicer to their mates; at least they have the nerve to put their mates out of their misery instead of torturing them.”

“Man, fuck if I know. Hey, this glade’s nice and all, but I’m tired of sitting in the snow-”

“You’re asking for permission to cuddle?” Murk smirked. “I don’t believe Blaze or I have gotten the chance to tell you this. I am a huge cuddlebug. You could’ve tackled me the moment you noticed that I was in your dream, and I would’ve allowed it. I just don’t allow anyone to cuddle me, however. You, with you being a part of my family? I will allow you to hug me whenever you like. I know you get dopamine from it, so it'll help you if you hug me. Come here, you stupid horse. Allow me to groom your mane, your ears, and whatnot to make you feel just a little bit happier. As I am not the most helpful when it comes to emotionally helping others, I cannot fix you, but I can help you feel loved and appreciated. Ostri.”

That was the last thing said before I bowled into him. To be frank, Kitsune, and Kumiho are the best cuddle buddies, apparently. Chrysalis is great, but… actually, she could probably magic up nine tails and wrap them around me too. I laid silently, relishing in the top quality, Nap Time Kumiho Grooming, until it stopped. Mid lick, on my forehead. I blinked a few times… god, being groomed has always felt good since I became a pony, that I was completely out of it. I blinked a few more times, looked around and up at Murk.

“Uh… what’s up?”

“We are not alone, as it appears.” Murk laid his head in between my ears. “Don’t worry, I’ll resume grooming you after a certain somepony leaves. Perhaps outside of the dreamworld so that you’ll actually be able to feel it for real?”

“Wouldn’t Blaze get jealous?”

“No. She’d be happy to see that we are getting along so well.” Murk hummed. “Then she’d demand your attention, or mine depending on how she is feeling.”

“Mmm. Wanna sneak off at some point and get her a bag full of something sweet and sugary?”

“...That I do.” We both had a short ‘cheers’', with rocks, to Blaze. Unfortunately for us, we ended up being visited by a certain, blue whorse. “Good one, Ostri, very original,” Murk said as Luna descended from where ever the fuck she had came from. She blinked a few times at the sight of Murk, before her eyes landed on me.

"...Shut up man. I thought it was cool." Like Blaze, Murk can let out a very human-like laugh.

“Did you dye Blaze and teach her to dreamwalk?”

“Man, I don’t know how to even dreamwalk myself. Don’t you need to be able to use your magic in an external way to be able to do that anyways?” I asked. I couldn’t be asked to get angry at seeing Luna right now. “Meh, it doesn't matter. No, I found a Kumiho that wants pups, and Blaze is apparently very, very attractive by Kitsune and Kumiho standards. So, I have two pets, or rather, I became the Kumiho’s pet. So here I am, laying in the Kumiho’s grasp because he knows dream magic, somehow. I am not questioning how because I do not care enough to figure out how. With that said, however… why the fuck are you here?”

“...I was checking in to see how you are doing,” Luna said. She was very, very obviously lying.

“You can use dream magic to track down creatures, Ostri,” Murk said flatly. “She’s hoping to track you down for some reason.”

“...You stupid fox. Stay out of mine and Ostri’s business.”

“I would if you hadn’t so thoroughly ruined him, woman.” Murk growled. “Now say what you want to say and get out.”

“I… Ostri, why don’t you even look remotely angry? I thought you’d at least be shouting at me, but you’re just… laying there, smiling slightly. Are you… feeling better?”

“No. I just can’t get mad right now. I just can’t be asked. What’s the point of getting mad when it won’t change the results of what will happen and what might happen? You and your sister are probably getting ready to stop in Baltimare and award me as war hero after slandering my name in the newspaper. To bring me ‘home’ and title me the general or whatever. I could fight back, I could not. I honestly don’t think I can put the effort to fight back anymore. All I requested, when we first broke up, was that you leave me alone Luna. If you ever actually loved me, you would leave me be. Just please, please let me heal. I can’t stop you; you’re a lot stronger than I am, magically and physically. However, back when we were on more even footing, I never took advantage of you, I never made an effort to hurt you. I still want to do my damn best to not actually lash out at you… However, if you show up tomorrow or ever, and Blaze, or Murk, who is more than willing to rip your head off, I won’t stop them from doing so.

“But please, just leave me be. I’m starting to at least feel happier, despite me killing yet another fucking squadron of troops for your country or whatever. I’ve got a marefriend that loves me to death. Cadance and Shining Armor are very protective of me, and I can appreciate that. Blaze and Murk are nothing but sweet to me. Please just give me time, and as I said, maybe we can look back at this one day and laugh, maybe we cannot. Maybe I’ll end up dead in a ditch somewhere because I just couldn’t take it anymore.

“I’m being the bigger man though, and I’m choosing not to lash out at you, or Celestia. Lulu, I know of so, so many ways to ruin this country and burn it to the ground. I could go to the Storm King, request those stone ball-thingies that were gonna be used on you, and capture every princess alive right now and fuck you all over. I could, but I know that fighting back isn’t what I need or want to do. It’s not the right thing to do. So, one more time, please leave me be. I just want to live my life and be happy. I cannot do that if you do not allow me to.”

“...You’ve not called me Lulu in quite a long time. It felt… Is this what it felt like? A thousand years ago?”

“Meh, not that it matters. Say, did you burn those necklaces or whatever? If not and you hunt me down with your sister, can you bring those? I wanna sell them and try getting new ones made for me and Chryssy if we choose to get married. Might as well start the tradition a thousand years late to the party and all that.”

“You know,” Murk said. “You don’t need to sell them. Just tell Cadance the idea, and she’ll probably give them to you for free. She is the Princess of Love and leader of the Crystal Empire. I’m sure she’d love the idea of introducing a new way to signify that your heart belongs to another.”

“Good point. Nevermind then, Luna. Bring those anyways; I could always use some more travel money.”

“...You aren’t even getting mad that you know that my sister and I will attempt to make it to Baltimare the moment we are done having this conversation?”

“Nope. Don’t care. Cadance will rip your assholes-anew. Murk, try and stand down if my ex shows up tomorrow.”

“...Telling me not to harm the woman in front of us? You have greater respect for this mare than she does for you. If I were you, that mare would've been dead already for not fucking off."

“I just don’t wanna kill anyone. I’ve killed enough to burn in hell for a lifetime.”

“Can I kill her while she is in the dream with us?”

“Will it kill her?”

“No. It will just force her out of the dreamscape and make her wake up. Her joints might feel awful when she wakes up and have phantom pain... in relation to how I killed her. Bite her head off? She'll feel her head getting bit off throughout the incoming weeks.”

“Please just don’t do it within my sight, please, Murk-” the Kumiho was gone, dragging Luna, who was now too shocked to scream, into the forest surrounding my little place. Muk walked back out after it sounded like a tree got snapped into two, and curled up around me. “...How’d you do it?”

“I broke a log and shoved it in Luna’s head.” Luna soon came back into my dream.

“WHAT THE BUCK WAS THAT FOR?” Luna shouted. She looked visibly disturbed.

Suddenly, an idea came to mind. “Hey Murk, can you kill Luna with fire? I wanna watch this.” Murk proceeded to kill Luna again, and again, and again in front of me. You know, this is like those old flash games, where you whack some person with level of authority, or somebody that has fucked with you, constantly to relieve stress. As much as I apparently claimed to not wanna see Luna die, seeing her get killed with a traffic cone was kinda funny. Hell, she even got nuked once, stabbed in the ass by a fake Nightmare Moon, all while Murk’s tails were wagging.

“This may convince me to not immediately kill her if she shows up tomorrow, Ostri. I can get my violent tendencies out here, at least. I know you’re taking some joy in this.” Murk said as Luna got blasted with a fake ‘Elements of Harmony’ and all they did was burn her to a crisp. “I wish I could do some of these methods in the land of the living, but unfortunately, they are restricted to dreams.” He stopped, and grabbed Luna by the snout. “Quit entering this pony’s dreams, and I will stop killing you in them.” He then bit her head off.

“Hey, I will admit, seeing Luna in pain, while knowing nothing truly awful will come of this? It helps. It helps a lot… Or I may be a sociopath.”

“No you aren’t. You’re just seeing justice. It’s satisfying, is it not? As arbitrary of a concept as that is, I do find it quite nice.” He spat dream Luna’s decapitated head on the ground.

“Popcorn?” We both jumped when we saw a fucked up looking snake, goat, lion, horse, dragon, whatever the fuck chimera pop up in our dreams. “What? I heard that a Princess was getting destroyed in her own domain. How could I not stop by and watch?”

“...The fuck?”

“Oh, my apologies. I am Discord, Spirit of Chaos, and good friends with a pegasus named Fluttershy, I believe you know her?”

“Yeah. How are you here?” Discord raised an eyebrow. “I’m assuming you’re a being made up of nothing but magic too, hence why you’re here.”

“That is completely correct.” He clapped as Muk literally just sat on the new Dream Luna’s head until she stopped squirming; she suffocated. “So, Popcorn?” Both me and my Kumiho smirked and took a piece of popcorn. “Oh! Reenact when General Grievous died in Revenge of the Sith!” As requested, Luna came back through the dreamscape and got blasted in the chest. It was quite… gruesome and awesome, to be frank. That was the last time she showed up.

“Phewy. Well, Ostri, if you ever desire a hand, give me a call, my number is nine, one, one. I’ll be there in a jiffy. I cannot say I can actually give you a hand; that would require me giving you my hand.” As he said that, he detached his arm and gave it to me. “But I can give you a paw!” His other arm, while holding the detached arm, floated off his body. I need to point out that the other arm was a lion paw. “Well?”

“Holy shit, that is fucking awesome. You got any other magic tricks?” Discord seemed to have a field day with showing both myself and Murk his chaos magic in my dreams until I woke up. It was fucking sick, dude.

Author's Note

a bit on the short side but... hey, Ostri got some form of therapy out of watching Luna get her shit kicked in for a solid hour straight. Next chapter, we'll see if our man can just flee Baltimare before the Princesses can get into a chariot.

Moving On... I'm GONNA BE A FUCKING UNCLE! WOO!

I hopped off my wagon with a long, deep breath. It turns out that Blaze was told of Luna and Celestia showing up and being assholes while I was out. The wagon was… in what looked like a refugee camp. A field littered with wagons, white tents, there was even a small clinic being held by the local guard with aid from any hospital staff or unicorns that knew how to use healing spells. I took a nice stretch and nodded. Cadance and Shining Armor were at the clinic lending aid however they could. Most ponies were eyeing Chrysalis, Blaze, and Murk somewhat warily, but seeing as Chrysalis was the strongest being with magic present, some seemed a little thankful that she wasn’t openly hostile.

In fact, she was sitting on top of my wagon watching the horizon, her horn was lit as though she was waiting for a cannon ball to come hurtling through the sky and crashing into the campsite.

“Why’d y’all move the wagon while I was sleeping?” I asked as I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. A can of chili was tucked under my wing.

“You slept for a whole day.” Blaze pointed out. “Murk woke up, and told us to get out of Baltimare before two of our ‘favorite’ alicorns showed up.” Blaze lit the fire pit in front of the wagon. “So we moved the wagon, and Cadance and Shining Armor requested that we stop here to see if anypony got hurt. I’m certain that you would love to see that the ponies, that you gave time to flee, are doing fine.” Blaze nosed towards a group of ponies that were watching me. They were all from the diner. That gave me a genuine reason to smile.

“I’m glad I made a difference somewhere.” Chrysalis, sensing that I was getting breakfast, or just wanting to pester me, hopped down from the top of our wagon, and wrapped her forelegs around my neck as I heated up my can. “Good morning, dear. Did you sleep well?”

“I have. Shining Armor has announced that I am the main line of defense for this refugee camp until the Royal Guard can arrive; they should be here by the end of the day. Most of the ponies initially thought I was mind controlling him again, but then noted that he said that while I was holding you liked a plushie and was wearing a sleeping cap. Seeing as it was widespread news that I’ve defeated Princess Celestia in a duel, most ponies began to relax just a little.”

“...You were carrying me around like a plushie?” I asked.

“Yes. Do you think I would leave you alone? Some physical contact, such as cuddling with you while you are asleep is necessary for your pony biology; I would know. I also had to be somewhat aware of what was going on amongst the camp, so I had to cuddle with you and be mobile. So that’s what I did; carry you like a plush. Is that bad?”

“No. I think that’s cute.” I pried the can open and let it sit. “So, anything happened while I was apparently knocked out for a day?”

“I am now pregnant,” Blaze announced. “Chrysalis offered to keep watch over you for a few hours, so Murk and I ran into the nearby woods.” I noted that she had been laying down the whole time. “Don’t worry, I can still run and use magic. I just don’t believe I can see any combat any time soon; I don’t want to risk hurting the pups I am carrying.”

“How many pups are you carrying?” I asked.

“Around four. They all should be nice, strong, and healthy given who their father is. That does mean I, or Murk will need to hunt more when they are born. Young kitsune and kumiho do require food until they reach maturity at thirty years old.”

“How long… does it last?”

“Not that long, only one hundred and twenty days. By the time we reach Chrysalis’s Hive, I should be a quarter through this.” She smiled. “What?” I squeezed my way out from Chrys’s grasp and stumbled over to where my kitsune was. I rested my ear on her belly and listened. Nothing yet. I could hear four little heartbeats though. I slowly lifted a hoof up to my muzzle as I listened. I blinked a few times as I felt tears start filling them. It wasn’t from being sad at least.

“Oh my… god.” I stood up gently, as though if I moved too fast I could hurt Blaze or the little treasures in her belly. I was so scared of accidentally doing just that. “Do we need to do anything? Like get you food, water, any of that?” I asked as I gently moved a hoof to the Kitsune’s jaw, and started rubbing away. Blaze’s tails wagged ever so lightly; she was getting happy at my sheer excitement at the news. Or she just liked getting her jaw rubbed.

“I produce enough magic to sustain the pups’ nutrients while I am carrying them.” She giggled. “You are being so gentle; it’s adorable, Ostri. You can still hug me and whatnot, as I am not glass that needs holding or anything. As long as I don’t run too much, or fight too much, I, and the pups, will be fine.”

“...I… Uh. Holy fuck. I never thought I’d see you carrying your own pups,” I chuckled. “Oh man, I cannot wait to spoil them when they’re running around and being little hooligans.” I clapped my hooves.

“Watch out, Ostri, your pony side is showing,” Murk said with a smirk. “You’re more excited about pups than Blaze and I are.”

“I love puppies, dude. We humans have basically grown and survived for thousands of years alongside dogs; I think it’s impossible for anyone that likes dogs to not think that puppies are adorable. And they’re gonna be fox kits! Do you have any idea how much I’ve wanted to hold one before I came to Equestria? I couldn’t, because there were a lot of hoops in holding one, let alone owning a fox kit. Now, if you two will allow me to, I can hold one!” I clapped my hooves more. “Oh… Can I hold one when they come?”

Blaze shook her head as she adopted a very doggish-grin. “Ostri, you’re going to be their ‘babysitter’ whenever my little rascals start being overtly annoying.”

Score! I clapped my hooves, before Chrysalis pointed out that my food was getting cold. And also teasing me for looking cute. Murk and Blaze, even Chrysalis were staring at me. “Is something on my nose?” I asked in an ‘am I in trouble?’ tone… Why did I ask that as a joke? Why am I actually joking around? And making shitty jokes while I’m at it.

“No, you’re happy. Not even just happy, there is some joy inside of you right now,” Blaze pointed out. “Is the prospect of being an ‘uncle’ in your mind really all it took to get you into a much, much better frame of mind?”

“I guess? How could I not be excited? My best friend, who happens to be my pet, is gonna have babies. I’m gonna be able to play with puppies for thirty years, and it will be so, fucking awesome!” I clapped my hooves; thank god for wings as I was holding the chili can with those. “Mmm. I think this is helping me a little too much. I asked you, jokingly, if something is on my nose when it’s the first thing I look at whenever I blink or open my eyes.”

“...You told a horrible joke,” Chrysalis was the one to clap her hooves this time. It was adorable. She eeped when I kissed her right on the nose after she did that. “WHAT THE BUCK!?” She shouted. “LET ME KNOW NEXT TIME YOU DECIDE TO DO THAT!” She nuzzled me and started smothering me with kisses. “So that next time, I can kiss you back.” Her voice got rather husky when she said that. “After all, what kind of marefriend would I be if I did not reciprocate your kisses and your hugs?”

“You’d still be my Chrysalis, Chrysalis.”

She cringed at my very amazing line. “You cheesy little bitch.” We shared a kiss anyway.

A few hours later, I was walking around the refugee camp, seeing how everyone was. Chrysalis had to remain on watch, and Murk was being extra protective of Blaze. Basically, I was left to my own accord. I was… feeling great for once. I saved some ponies, Blaze is going to be a mother, I’m going to be an uncle. I’m gonna be a father one day if me and Chryssy keep going at this rate… I’m going to be a fucking dad one day. I might technically already be a Dad. I watched as Fluttershy was tending to the less serious injuries on as many of the foals as she could.

Pinkie was doing her damn best at keeping morale up with her antics and it was working.

Rainbow, despite wanting to help keep morale up, was just helping Pinkie with her antics; a Sonic Rainboom would say ‘hey, we’re here! Come and kill us!’ Twilight somehow got Starlight to come by, dunno how since Starlight was still in Ponyville, but I wasn’t questioning it since she was apparently able to contend with alicorns in terms of magic. So I just assumed she teleported. Between the two of them, Starlight and Twilight could heal ponies in seconds, which is what they were doing until they caught sight of me.

“Hey Starlight,” I waved as they approached. “Wassup?”

“...You seem so mellow in comparison to when I first… dragged you here by accident. Sorry about that, by the way. I’ve never got to say that.”

“...Hey, you apologized.” I smirked. “Appreciate that. But… Hey, I’ve got a few friends, I’m gonna be an uncle, and I’ve got Chrysalis to look forward to when I wake up everyday. I… this is the first time I’ve stayed happy without interacting with Blaze, or Chrysalis, hell, even one of Twilight’s friends… Well, excluding Rarity; fuck that bitch.” They offered me some water, which I took. “So, how is healing everypony?”

“Nopony got injured, save for…”

“The one pony that took a cannonball to the head,” I said bluntly. I squirmed at that. “Fuck. That fucking sucked, dude.”

“...Hey, I was actually going to hold a little ceremony for you.” Twilight said with a small smile. “You clearly have your heart in the right place; those ponies you saved? They were singing your praises once they got somewhere safe and got over their initial shock. Most of the camp knows that they kept their homes from being completely ransacked by the yetis’ battalion. I’ve just requested that their savior’s cutie mark and colors be kept a little hush-hush. You could use a bit of a break for once, don’t you think?”

“...Damn.” I chuckled. “No longer sticking to Celestia’s flanks?”

“No. After what Cadance had told me, I… Don’t think I can see Celestia in the same light that I once did. What she did, to you, is beyond messed up. What she wanted was to have you fight a war for her, when you needed some rest and care. So no, I’m not trusting her judgement anymore. Rarity… seems to have distanced herself from the rest of us because you aren’t doing the ‘right thing’ and falling in love with the princess like ‘the stallion should in fairytales’.”

“Man…” I tilted my head. “Wait, what ceremony?” Twilight lifted up a blue little ribbon, with a metal center that was actually colored to match the elements of harmony, I’m assuming.

“It’s not as fancy as the suit of armor you’re supposed to get with it, but I don’t think that would fit your style. You are now Ostri, the Defender of Harmony… However, I suggest that as soon as you make your stops in Equestria, you get out. I know you don’t truly wish to fight anymore, and frankly, the changelings, nowadays, are so nice that I think they'll help you feel even better than you do right now.”

“When’s the ceremony?”

“It just happened. I gave you the medal, you go about your day. You deserve some peace and quiet. You can’t get that if everypony here is singing your praises; I had to pull my princess card, as did Cadance, to keep everypony from doing that.”

“Y’know what, Twilight?” I wrapped my foreleg around her neck, after stepping beside her. My hoof rested on her shoulder. “You’re quite alright after all.” We both looked up as we watched a royal chariot pull through the skies. My least favorite alicorns just flew in on a chariot. “Motherfucker…” I shook my head. “Hey, if you hurt me enough to not kill me, but badly enough to warrant medical attention, I’ll pay you money. That way I can pretend to be dead and those two cunts will piss off.”

“...You don’t seem like you’re mad, sad or… You’re still smiling.” Twilight pointed out. “Are you alright?

“Nah. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is gonna ruin my mood. Blaze got done telling me that she’s having pups. Chrysalis and I are getting along swimmingly, and for the first time in a while, I’m feeling content. I’m feeling happy. Princesses be damned, I won’t help’em anyways, and I’ll be back at my wagon if you need me. I’m gonna go hop in the snuggle pile that Blaze and Murk just made. Send your friends, excluding Rarity, my way if you can. Starlight, come talk with me if you can as well. Chrysalis, Cadance, and Shining Armor’s got a job to do, so I’ll be here until their jobs are done.”

“Okay… Chrysalis won’t hurt me, will she?”

“No. She shouldn’t want to. When she first wanted you dead, she was a little insane, and you bruised her ego by offering her ‘mercy’ after ‘beating’ her in battle. See y’all!”

I could, in fact, not get to my wagon in time. The waitress from the diner… I never got her name. Like, ever. Well, the waitress brought me over to the diner’s staff team, or the surviving crew. All but one cook. She walked up to me and waved. “Hey… Bald Ostrich was your name, right?”

“It is, but I prefer going as Ostri.” I reached out with my hoof. “How’re you doing… you never gave me your name, by the way.”

“Oh, I’m Blossom; my cousin was the captain of the night guard… Was. She read what Princess Luna called you in the papers, after watching you save Canterlot, and left the guard right after. The princesses have been trying to find a replacement ever since.”

“...You are relatively calm, given you watched your coworker…”

“I know. It’s just that… Those of us that survived, are just happy to be alive still. We’ll obviously hold a funeral Carrot Cake, and let his family know what happened to him… But we’re just happy to still be alive. You may think it’s a bit weird, since apparently you never lived in Equestria… but we ponies have learnt to move on when one of us dies rather… quickly. Especially if we barely knew the pony that died.”

“I’m assuming because we’re prey animals, and y’all’s ancestors watched a lot of each other get eaten before.”

“...Huh. That may be why ponies move on so quickly. I never thought of that.” Blossom led me over to where the rest of her coworkers were. “Hey everypony! It’s Ostri, the pony that-”

I was pulled into a six way, bone crushing hug. I yelped upon initially having six sets of forelegs wrap around various locations of my body, such as my neck, barrel, legs, flanks. Ponies are less weird about touching each other in spots close to more… private parts of each other. I suppose when your species doesn’t wear clothing, that’s relatively normal? I don’t fucking know. Moving on so quickly after watching one of your own kind getting put on the front page of a newspaper is a little odd…

But it kinda makes sense with my own little ‘theory’ which is probably more of a fact. The Apple Clan, or the ancient Apple Family always had one pony on watch, because Equestria was a lot less tame back in the day.

After that was all said and done, I started wandering around some more, instead of heading to that cuddle pile I said I was gonna join in on. I kept on walking until I heard… Some ponies behind me. Well, just one. Celestia was here, apparently, since I could hear Cadance yelling at her from across the camp. I couldn’t make out what was being said, but I glanced over… and Celestia did not look very happy. Well, she looked borderline uncomfortable.

“You let your pet do that to me?”

“Do what? Keep you from harassing me?” I asked. I was still in a good mood despite Luna being here… Mmm, yeah, Blaze becoming a mother is definitely raising my mood a lot.

“Kill me like that!”

“You’re alive. Quit bitching.”

“...You know what I mean.”

“That’s a shame if I do or not. So, does this mean you and your guards are here to keep this place safe? Me and my group wanna get moving; we’ve still got a Hive to stop at, after all.”

“...You’ve not cursed at me or told me to go away yet. Is something wrong with you?” She asked, walking beside me. “You’re allowing me to be here.”

“Eh, I don’t think it matters if you’re here or not. Answer my question; is there a group of soldiers here that’ll protect this place?” I asked.

“...Yes.”

“Cool. I’mma tell Cadance and Shining and Chrysalis, and we’ll start heading down to the Hive. I wanna get moving asap; the Hive’s a good week’s worth of traveling away and I’ve been screwing around in Baltimare for too long.”

“Can you at least look angry, sad, anything other than content?”

“Nah.” We stopped at my wagon, where everyone present, Shining and Cadance had already made their way over here apparently, was glaring at Luna. “Hey Blaze, how ya doing?” I asked. I got on my belly again and laid my head on my fox’s belly. Same, four heartbeats. I slowly looked at Murk. “No killing the princesses; they’ll be why we’re leaving this camp.”

“I am more reasonable than that, Ostri, come on now. I only strike if struck first; you know this!

“I’m just making sure.” Blaze started sounding like a car engine. One glance behind me told me why.

“Why are you…”

“Blaze is carrying pups.” I smiled. “I am fucking excited about that. Wake up after a whole day of sleeping and the next thing I know, Blaze tells me the news. I’ve been in a good mood ever since.” Luna blinked a few times.

“It… Is nice to see you being happy, at least. Is it too late to say I love you?”

“Where’s those wedding necklaces, woman? I need to see them.” She levitated the two boxes. I snagged both, opened them and hummed. “Yeah, those’ll sell for like twenty bits somewhere, I think. If I’m lucky, they’ll sell for twenty-five bits.”

“...Wedding necklaces?” Cadance asked. “I never heard of those.”

“It was a tradition I was gonna start up a thousand years ago.” I gave a sultry look to Luna who started looking excited. “I may start…” I turned to Chrysalis. “The tradition with the mare I love. I gotta sell this junk first, though; gotta pay for the wedding somehow.” I lifted mine and Luna’s necklaces. “You two ready to go?”

“Yeah. Twilie and her friends will be following us, by the way. They… Uh,” Shining hummed. “Well, I’ll tell you when we leave camp-”

“LUNA BACK THE BUCK AWAY FROM OSTRI YOU FUCKING BITCH!” Cadance shouted. “YOU’VE NO RIGHT TO LOOK SAD OR DEPRESSED AFTER WHAT YOU JUST DID! SLANDER A GOOD STALLION’S NAME AND HAVE THE NERVE TO THINK HE’LL COME AND MARRY YOU?!” Now everypony was looking our way. They all started whispering at that.

“Hey, isn’t that the pony from the papers? The one that was Luna’s consort?”
“Why isn’t she leaving that stallion alone? He clearly didn’t want anything to do with Luna judging from what she said during the interview.”
“That stallion-” I didn’t care, I motioned for the rest of my group, save Shining who was slowly growing more and more aroused at his wife’s tirade, to get on the wagon.

“YOU BUCKING HARLOT, LEARN HOW TO TREAT A STALLION INSTEAD OF LICKING YOUR SISTER’S BUCKING PLOT! THAT'S ALL YOUR MOUTH'S GOOD FOR, SEEING AS YOU NEVER HAVE YOUR OWN BUCKING IDEAS! YOU EAT THEM OUT OF YOUR SISTER'S ASS, DON'T YOU!?"

Luna could quite clearly hear the whispers and Cadance’s.. That’s the first time I’ve seen her angry. It’s terrifying. Anyways, Luna looked about ready to cry.

“Hey,” Blossom stepped out from the crowd. “Didn’t Princess Luna say that Ostri, who saved a lot of ponies, was a spy for the Storm King or something?”

“Yeah, she did!” Another pony shouted.

“I knew Princess Luna’s just as bad as Nightmare Moon!” Some old mare shouted. "Always out to ruin at least one pony's life!"

Ah, Luna’s running away like a bitch to hide under Celestia or something. I dunno, I stopped looking after ten seconds. I will admit, her hips are still nice... Only because they were making her run away from me as quickly as possible. When Luna tripped, the moment I looked away, I will admit, that was kinda funny. After I looked away, I turned my gaze to Cadance who looked like she didn't just yell so many slurs, that I'm surprised that she knew them, at her aunt. Or that she just insulted Luna, in ways only a pony that loved her could, for ten minutes straight.

“Okay! So when we get home, since the Elements of Harmony, save Rarity, are moving to the Crystal Empire… I’m writing a declaration of independence. The empire has plenty of unused space to be turned into farms. Everypony just sent letters to their families, and their families are going to be smuggled into the Crystal Empire by griffins!” Cadance looked so much happier now.

“I hope you know that Shining Armor’s gonna wanna have sex with you when you two get somewhere private. You just turned him on and into overdrive with what you were saying.”

“I know!” Cadance clapped her hooves. “I’ve never been so angry before! The look on Luna’s face… You seem to be doing better. Excited to see Luna’s reputation fall through the earth?”

“Nah. I’m happy because I’mma be an uncle to a bunch of kitsune pups. And,” I lifted the necklaces. “MORE TRAVEL MONEY! WOO!” I clapped my hooves. “So, I think I’m gonna propose to Chrysalis when we get to the empire; by then we should know if we wanna marry or not. Then our honeymoon will be filled with hot, kinky sex… Hey Cadance, can you make something like these necklaces for me and Chrysalis? I wasn’t joking about starting a new tradition.”

“...Ostri, you’re telling me to start a new tradition that shows just how much two ponies love each other…” Cadance nodded. “I will. You didn’t even have to ask after you put the idea in my mind… I’ll stick a necklace on Shining and I while I’m at it.” We all looked out the back of our wagon… and yelped when Pinkie climbed into it. Apple Jack was pulling the wagon full of the rest of the Bearers along with a very reluctant Rarity.

“WHAT THE BUCK, PINKIE!?” I shouted. “How the buck-”

“I wanted to hug you; you’re in such a better mood that you wouldn’t deny me a hug no matter what!”

…

…

Pinkie hugs were really nice as it turned out.

Author's Note

i'd say roughly by the time the gang reaches the Equestrian/Griffonian border, Blaze will have four little pups running around. I kept Luna's bit short, and Celestia off in the distance for a reason; Ostri doesn't care about either of them. He barely even really gave Luna the time of day before Cadance started yelling at her. He didn't even pay attention to what Cadance was saying, as he straight up didn't care about Luna at the moment. At a minimum, Luna's reputation is gonna shit itself at least. Celestia... is down a super weapon and a god of chaos, soon the changelings won't be supporting her either when they see what their mother is doing.

Entering the Badlands

We ended up stopping at a small little river of some sort. It was a small thing, really, well, it wasn’t. It was quite the sight, if I’m being honest. We were sitting in a valley next to a long, winding river that ran through the bottom of the valley. According to Twilight, this was one of the most efficient routes to the changeling Hive, or Chrysalis’s old kingdom. The hills were steep, almost cliff-like with how they went down at an almost vertical drop. They were stony hills too, with the top being nicely… well, topped with trees and greenery. The river itself… was breathtaking, if I’m going to be honest.

It wasn’t the largest river I’ve seen, it certainly wasn’t the longest river I’ve heard of, as it only stretches for a few miles, apparently. The more accurate description could be a creek. The sound of water rushing as it fell down a tiny, two foot waterfall and rushed forward was relaxing. The river in the specific spot we were stopping for the day was rather shallow; you could see every individual stone at the bottom of the water and you could practically walk through it. That’s what I did, actually. The water, unlike most places back home, was clear, crystal clear. So it wouldn’t result in me contracting something from sitting and relaxing in the water.

So that’s what I was doing, laying on my belly, in the water in one of the shallower parts of the already very, very shallow parts of the river. I had my eyes closed as I simply listened to birds as they happily sang their little birdy songs to the world. The water rushing past me felt… nice, honestly. The feeling of wet fur was something I could do without, but the water touching the skin beneath my pelt… It almost made me feel like I was in a very shallow swimming pool. The stones I was laying on were so smooth, that it felt like I was laying on tile flooring…

Really, really smooth tiles.

I rested my head in the water and hummed. “Oh my god.” I whispered. I knew the rest of the group was sitting along the bank of the river, probably giving me weird looks.

Ponies do like swimming, and are pretty good at it. Though sitting in kinda cold water for the fun of it was apparently bizarre to them. Just soaking a portion of their body was really, really weird to them.

“Ostri, what are you doing?” Twilight asked. I could hear her walking towards me, water was slishing, sloshing, and gently splashing as she made her way over to me. You see, we just stopped, I saw the spot, and went ‘I don’t wear clothes anymore so I can just do this’. It’s something that I’ve been hoping to do at some point in my life when I was still human. Now that I’m a shithorse, I can do this at least. I think Twilight was the one that came over here because she was the loudest, and also the only pony to mention anything.

“This is relaxing,” I said contentedly. “Very, very relaxing.” I stretched my legs forward, before laying like Superman. My wings laid, sprawled in the water, which made me realize just how nice the water feels on them. My hindlegs laid straight behind me. “This feels so good…”

“...But the water’s not deep enough to swim in. All you’re doing is getting a small amount of yourself wet for no reason.”

“It feels good. Humans like water, this water’s the clearest I’ve seen in the last two decades of my life. It’s the coolest too.” I stuck my tongue out and lapped a few drops. “Oh my lord!” I chuckled. “Aw fuck me. If I did that back home, I woulda contracted several parasites, cancer, and woulda had to get my head amputated.” I chuckled. God damn, humans are fucking up water. I will admit, for all of ponykind’s flaws, they do know how to work with nature rather than outright conquer it like humanity has.

“What?”

“Earth sucked. Equus, ignoring certain, immortal assholes, is way better.”

“Oh.” Twilight rubbed the back of her head. “When you feel like it, can you let me question you? I know that… your life before transporting to the present day probably is a sore subject, but-”

“Mmm, sure. Not much was kept about back then, was there?”

“No. Nopony really thought to write anything down besides scholars. Back in the day, those were far and few between… I’ve also a feeling that Princess Celestia actively erased anything from history barring you; something, anything would’ve remained of you if she hadn’t.”

“Well,” I hummed. “You can do that here, can’t you?” I asked. “Like make a magic, water proof, temporary cushion and lay on it if getting your fur wet’s a thing you aren’t all for.”

“But you’re relaxing-”

“I can relax my body and still use my brain. I am talking to you with my eyes closed, after all. If it weren’t for these wings, I woulda rolled on my side and taken a nap.” I noted that… I sniffed the thing that just wrapped itself around me. “You just want an excuse to cuddle with a sexy stallion?” I asked teasingly. A wing, very, very gently hitting me upside the head was my response along with a giggle from Twilight.

“Huh. This is kinda nice.” Twilight hummed in delight. “I suppose I should ask you… how did you make a living? Assuming you didn’t just live off the castle?”

“Oh. That’s easy. Back in the day, especially early on when the Royal Guard was more akinned to a very, very small militia. The main force at the time was the Day Militia, or the early stages of the Solar Guard. The Lunar Legion, something I was actually a relatively high ranking in, was way, way smaller. And even then it didn’t matter since there were only a couple hundred ponies in each section of the Equestrian military. Since the military wasn’t big enough to go take care of local affairs constantly without making the capital city weaker, there was a system that Everfree City used. I think it was common in other cities as well.

“Basically, mercenaries. There was a board near the center of the town’s marketplace. The crown usually offered jobs, but some ponies did put up their own jobs that they needed done. I may have been allowed to live at the castle, but most of the food I got was put on the table by me. I was one of the few ponies, that wasn’t a unicorn, that could go take care of most problems for one reason or another. Most ponies back then, and even now, are pussies. And also don’t usually think of ways to kill things. Most of the jobs back then usually involved killing some animal that was causing too much of a problem. So I used fireworks, knives, all that fun stuff. I wasn’t really good with anything I used to kill said animals with until Luna started teaching me how to fight…” I chuckled. “Only good thing I got out of dating her, a thousand years later.”

“So what was Starswirl actually like?” Twilight asked. “You seem to not like him.”

“Looking back at it, he had a good reason to not like me. But also, he was fucking racist. No matter how good an earth pony or a pegasus was, he was always looking down on them. And any mare that wasn’t Princess Celestia or Princess Luna, were treated rather poorly by him. Not abusive, or anything. He just didn’t respect them. He was a bit egotistical, understandable given who he was, but he was an asshole because of it.” I waved a hoof as I spoke. “He was, technically, better than everypony around him because of his magic and wisdom or whatever. The problem truly lied in how he genuinely thought he was better because of it. You’re only as good as how people perceive you, Twilight. It doesn't matter if you’re the best at anything, if you don’t have people that like you, or nobody knows who you are, it doesn’t matter.

“Starswirl was an asshole. The only good thing he left behind was his progress in magic and spell development.”

“...Huh.” I could hear Twilight writing what I said down. “You’re only twenty?”

“Yeah. I did a lot of thinking when I was alone after me and Luna first broke up. It dawned on me that I didn’t leave my mark on anyone besides Blaze. I fought an army, and it didn’t matter. Luna didn’t remember me at all, and I was all but forgotten.”

“You left your mark on me,” Chrysalis said. I assumed, by the splishing and the sploshing, that she was walking up to join us. I felt myself be lifted from Twilight’s grasp, and laid against a cool, hard carapace. My hooves fell back into the water. “I still remembered you, after all. I still felt some semblance of love when I first reunited with you. I will admit, my original reasoning for coming to you was not good, but having some form of love was enough to bring me back to my sanity. In fact, if you had not been the one to initially take that job in finding me while I was a changeling princess, stuck in a beartrap, I would be dead, Ostri.” She started grooming me. “Your mark is more impactful than you realize. Even if it is subtle.

“Look at Blaze, for example; she adores you more than anything. She was gushing, while you were napping, about how gentle you've been with her after she got pregnant. Plus,” she hummed as she made me open my eyes. “Look.” I started reading over the newspaper.

“Where’d you get that?”

“I teleported to the nearest town and purchased one. Well, I teleported in as Cadance, with her blessing, and got it for free.”

Princess Luna, or Nightmare Moon?

In recent times, Princess Luna has been making great strides in lifting her public image since her return from the Moon. In the spark of the incoming war from the Yetis, Princess Luna went back in time to bring back her old consort. A yellow pegasus that loved Luna with all his heart… abandoned her upon hearing of the reason why he was brought back? As it turns out, this is untrue. Princess Luna did bring back her old consort, a pegasus named Bald Ostrich. So far, he, at Canterlot, stopped the initial attack on our nation’s capital, allowing Equestria to stand another day in all her glory.

Several weeks later, when Baltimare was being invaded, Bald Ostrich, singlehoofedly, took out yet another invasion force. Princess Cadance, the Princess of Love and the leader of the Crystal Empire was there to witness it. As was the Princess of Friendship, Princess Twilight Sparkle. Both acknowledged Ostri’s bravery, as he had fought a battalion of Yeti soldiers, forty soldiers. Princess Cadance, in front of the Baltimare Refugee camp, had a few choice words to say to The Royal Pony Sisters, allegedly, mentally torturing Bald Ostrich despite his heroic acts.

Princess Luna, despite hearing of what her consort had done, chose to walk over to him and begin harassing him while Princess Cadance talked at Princess Celestia. The words… were rather unsavory.

There was a photo on the page… Huh. Luna was gonna hit me across the face before Cadance showed up and started laying into Luna’s ass with the righteous hoof of god.

Some are wondering if Princess Luna’s true personality is not too far off from her alter ego, Nightmare Moon. A cold hearted being that loves nothing more than making ponies suffer. Perhaps Princess Luna is just like her alter ego, but only in regards to making the stallion that loved her, and has fought wars for her before she brought him forward in time, suffer for doing the things he was brought to the future to do.

“Hah.” I smiled. “That’s funny. Half of that was kinda true. Well all of it was. Just not the part where Luna actually brought me back.

“Me and Cadance… may have told the press that Luna was the one that brought you back,” Twilight admitted. “After what she’s done to you, Luna’s image is the least we can do for you.”

“...Mmm. I’d rather nothing come of this. I’d rather not leave my mark on Equestria and disappear. As much as I hate this country, the people are good people, and their country doesn’t deserve to fall into ruin because their leaders are dickwads. I’d rather everypony just not do anything. I’d rather not strike back in any way, shape, or form. I’ve learnt long ago that petty revenge gets people nowhere and just leads to more violence.” Or keeps the cycle of bullshit going.

“What was Everfree City like?” Twilight asked.

“It was nice. It was pretty small, smaller than Ponyville. Though in the past, Equestria was a lot less populated back in the day. Uh…” I hummed. “Can’t say much about the people, since I usually heard them talking shit about Luna. And I was a bit mad about that at the time. It was… I’ll be real, Equestria has not changed much in the last thousand years. Everfree City looked like a less colorful version of Ponyville and was clearly built with function over form. It also had a castle in it that doesn’t look like a treehouse.”

We continued on our way the next day, occasionally, I’d have Fluttershy come in our wagon to let her study Blaze’s pregnancy.

“How is she doing?”

“Well, it isn’t too different from a fox,” Fluttershy noted. “It’s just a little longer since Blaze is a bigger animal than a fox,” she noted. She held her ear up. “They’re starting to kick around in her belly.”

Blaze chuckled. “You don’t need to tell me that,” she flinched. “I can feel them trying to run around inside of me.”

“Though the fact that she isn’t eating to keep her pups alive is weird,” Fluttershy noted. “Uhm. I think because she is a being entirely made up of magic, that she can keep her pups alive through magic alone? I’m not big into magic.”

“You are correct on that,” Blaze nodded. Fluttershy wrote that down. “What? Plan to help more kitsune or kumiho?”

“No. While it’s very, very rare for anypony to have a kitsune as a pet, it is good to have this all written down so everypony can tell if their kitsune is healthy.”

Now was a good time to say that Fluttershy managed to turn Murk into a fox puddy. She was petting him while occasionally stopping to check over Blaze and write something down. “Your Kumiho is rather lovely, Ostri. For how dangerous you claim they are, he’s quite lovely.” She smiled when Murk jumped on his haunches, and grabbed Fluttershy with his teeth. I almost jumped, but noted how my other fox literally just pulled her down, very, very, gently and was holding her like how a child would hold a stuffed animal. “Oh my,” she giggled. “This is nice. If I got to sleep like this everyday…”

“Mmm, Murk’s been helping me with my nightmares. He can dreamwalk, apparently and can help Blaze do it. So we all snuggle up together, Chrysalis in tow, and he drags everyone into my dream. It keeps my mind off of things. But yeah, Blaze and Murk, piled together, are the best bed I’ve ever laid on.” I settled down on Blaze, being careful with her belly. “I’m surprised you made Murk love you so much in like… ten seconds.”

“She’s very sweet,” Murk admitted. “It’s hard to hate her. She’s even being careful of my tails.” He nuzzled the pegasus. “This is mine now. I don’t care what you say. We are keeping Fluttershy.”

“I don’t mind. Fluttershy’s so fucking nice,” I chuckled. “Honestly, she’s so quiet that I forget she’s there,” I nodded to the pegasus who was too busy squealing in delight to care. “But when I remember she is there, or she makes her presence known… She's a delight. Honestly.”

The next few days, the lush, green countryside of Equestria slowly gave way to sand and then that sand slowly but surely started turning into greenery again. Chrysalis was watching the map in the wagon the whole time, and occasionally peeked out the wagon. Something was probably wrong, because she was getting more and more antsy. Blaze and Murk really didn’t care all that much. I nuzzled her and she nearly jumped out of her exoskeleton.

“You alright? You’re not looking like your usual, calm and collected self, Chrysalis.” She had her tail tucked between her legs, her ears were pinned against her head. With ponies, ears mean a lot of things. With a predator like Chrysalis, that means she’s preparing for a fight or preparing to flee… I think. I based a lot of ear body language on dogs, and so far it’s been accurate.

“We are nearing the Hive, and I am a bit scared of how they will receive me. On top of that… This looks nothing like the Badlands.”

“Mmm, that would be a reason to make you jumpier, I suppose.”

“Actually,” Cadance spoke up. “Last time Starlight was here, with Trixie, she mentioned just how much nicer these lands have gotten. After the metamorphosis, Thorax noted that the area started growing vegetation again. Nopony knows why, and neither do the changelings, but they do like their new home.”

“I see.” Chrysalis nodded. “That still does not quell my fears. Thorax, more than likely, has won over his brother by this point. Well, the brother closest in age to him. All changelings are related, and usually two changelings that are close in age to each other are very defensive of each other. Since Pharynx is the older of the two, he is often more dominant; he’s held a soft spot for Thorax that I once found adorable… However, I think this means that Pharynx will be more than willing to fight me for him. I do not wish to go through that.”

“I’m sure if we explain everything-” Shining Armor was interrupted by the girls, in their own wagon, screaming. I grabbed my knife and immediately jumped out of the wagon to find… A big lizard thing. It almost looked like a giant, fire-themed komodo dragon. It had red and white scales, had fucking flames spewing out of its mouth that made it almost look like a constantly flowing mustache. It just damn near torched the girls had Twilight and Starlight not made shields instantly. Shining Armor and Cadance were off my wagon immediately; Shining went into big brother mode and immediately tried putting himself between the… I guess the Fire Lizard. He started blocking its flames as the Apple Jack did her best to try and pull their wagon out of harm’s way.

Almost immediately, three more of those fuckers, all just a little smaller than the first, blasted from the ground, sending dirt, rock, and debris everywhere… Only for everything to freeze. Murk slowly stepped off the my wagon as it came to a stop. His eyes were glowing, almost on fire, as he slowly stared at the monsters attacking us. “Ostri, put your knife up. You won’t need it while I am here.” The same aura in Murk’s eyes was holding the monsters in place. “Come now, little ones, where is that fighting spirit you all had a moment ago?” He asked, tilting his head.

It would almost be cute if Murk wasn’t so fucking terrifying in this moment.

“Come now, you are fighting prey animals, and there are four of you that are still alive out of your little pack.” The lizards, which were roaring up a storm and trying to get away to no avail, had their mouths sealed shut by the kumiho’s magic. “One of you just tried making a move for Blaze,” I looked behind Murk to notice… one of the lizard things completely gored. All that was left of it was its legs. The rest of it was smeared on the ground. “And another one of you tried attacking my soulmate.” I slowly turned around to see…

“Holy mother of god.” I whispered. One of the lizard things was right behind me, with a sharp rock jammed into the back of its head. Said rock pierced the skull and went all the way through, and the rock was rather long. The lizard’s head was propped up with said rock. I slowly started backing up towards the girls, Shining Armor and Cadance. The ponies with horns were shivering in fear.

They could probably feel just how much magic Murk is letting off.

“Allow me to remind the world why kumiho are not to be trifled with. Come, spit your fire out.” The first four lizards started looking hotter, and hotter, as though something was forcing them to breathe fire, but their jaws wouldn’t open to release the flames. Murk looked at the rest of us. “Look away.” Fluttershy buried her face into Rarity, who was simply watching on, like she knew something horrifying, but simply could not look away. Her eyes were glued to the scene before her as each lizard’s skulls started burning away as fire started erupting from their eyes and nostrils. Four thuds broke our trance as we watched the bodies fall to the ground.

And just like that, the threat was gone. Murk simply sat on his haunches, before I found myself lifted into the air by his magic. Unlike the vice-grip that was holding the lizards, the magic holding me was gentle, as though I was a piece of expensive pottery. I slowly drifted through the air, before I was set down in front of the Kumiho who looked entirely different from the one that had just killed six creatures without breaking a sweat or showing any remorse. He licked my muzzle.

“Did you think I would hurt you?” He asked, sounding somewhat hurt.

“No. you just reminded me why you kumiho are fucking scary, dude. What the actual fuck?”

“Hmm. I suppose I could’ve been less brutal or ‘psychotic’ with how I approached that. However, one tried lunging for Blaze and you. That pissed me off.” Chrysalis crawled out of the wagon and started looking around. Even she nearly threw up at the sight before her. “Blaze, is luckily unharmed, and nobody is hurt.” He nuzzled me. “No matter what, as long as I draw breath, nothing shall come to harm you, or those you care about, Ostri. I will be there to keep you safe before you can blink.”

“Oh dear Celestia…” A new voice said. Chrysalis actually did throw up upon hearing that voice. “What the buck happened here?” Murk allowed me to go comfort my marefriend as everypony started looking at the new voice. Most of them looked excited, some of them looked relieved. Standing before us was a Bug Moose thing and a bunch of colorful bug horses.

Author's Note

and that seems like a good place to end it. a nice little cliffhanger and a showcase of just how violent kumiho can be; Murk was beginning to feel like a male Blaze to me, so I had to showcase just how much more cruel he could be compared to the original Best Girl. Do not fuck with Murk's family. It will usually involve a very painful death.

The Changeling Hive

The two groups mostly started staring each other down. It was kinda funny, in retrospect. A bunch of bug horses, led by a bug moose, were staring our group down. My group was, admittedly, a lot weirder. Firstly, it was mostly ponies, and then there was Chrysalis, and then there was Blaze and Murk. Murk’s tails waved back and forth, as though he was deciding upon whether or not these… I think these are changelings, if these changelings needed to die or not. The selection of ponies was kinda funny too. There was an alicorn princess from way up north, her husband, and six national heroes of the same nation these bugs were allied with.

Behind our group was a bunch of lizard things, that these guys definitely watched get butchered by Murk. Murk in question was beginning to slowly step in front of our group.

“What is going on, here?” The Bug Moose asked. Well, there were actually two. The one that spoke was huge. His head was yellow, so were his legs. I’m sure if he were standing next to Princess Celestia, he’d be either just as tall, or taller than her. His neck slowly darkened to match his green, sparkly torso. That’s the thing, he was fucking sparkly. His wings were sparkly, his horns, which would go nicely on a wall if he decides to be a problem.

I watched as poorly concealed excitement filled his eyes upon seeing Cadance, Shining Armor, and Starlight. “Well? Is anypony going to speak?” He asked.

“Howdy,” I stepped forward, seeing as I was the de facto, totally manly leader of the group. “So our group almost got murdered by a bunch of lizard guys.” I eeped when Murk grabbed me with his paws, and pulled me into his chest. He rested his head on the back of mine; he pulled me so I was still facing them. “This guy here, his name’s Murk, killed them in response. Granted, it was kinda bloodier than it needed to be, but Kumiho are, for all intents and purposes, very thorough in making sure whatever was a threat remains a was.”

“I see. And your name is? You must be important if you are taking the lead of this group, when there’s two Equestrian rulers in it.” The other Bug Moose asked. “And our old Queen as well.” The other Bug Moose was smaller and darker in coloration, and I could tell he wanted to try and size up Murk, but definitely knew how poorly that would go.

“I,” I stepped forward, out of Murk’s grasp. “Am Bald Ostrich, feel free to not call me that name, it’s something dumb I came up with once upon a time when I did not have a name. Call me Ostri instead. I was once the consort of Princess Luna, but Luna’s a bit of a dick despite her not having one. So now I’m your Queen’s consort, and have been trying to leave Equestria to avoid any more of the war that’s apparently going on.”

“Ah,” the smaller Bug Moose hummed and titled his head. “You’re that pegasus that used… fireworks as weapons?”

“Well… I can’t deny, nor confirm that information. I can confirm that I am a pegasus.” I spread my wings, before tucking them against my side.

“So you’re that pegasus that Princess Celestia said would try and attack our Hive…” The Bigger Bug Moose mused.

“The fuq?” I asked. “I came here because Chrysalis wanted to see her kids for one last time, and see if they like her or not.” I waddled around Chrysalis and started moving her forward. It was kinda hard, since her ass was basically in my face due to how much taller she was, but I did push her to the front of the group. “Chryssy ain’t evil no more; she’s got me and I think she’d rather spend her time with me, instead of fighting anyone anymore.”

“...Is this true?” The Big Bug Moose’s wings buzzed. “Oh my Hive…” He started giggling. “MOM’S GOT A COLTFRIEND EVERYBUGGY!” He announced that in something almost resembling the Canterlot Royal Voice in terms of volume. Just like that, the fact that there was a bunch of dead lizards behind us was all null in void. Instead, me and Chrysalis were surrounded by a bunch of bug horses, hounding us with questions.

“How’d you tame Mom?” One would ask.

“Does this mean we can have you back?” Another asked soon after.

“We missed you Mom!” Another would say.

These three general questions, though phrased differently between every changeling, were what we were being drowned with. Chrysalis was looking like she was shocked, happy, and about to cry all at once. She brought a hoof up to her mouth as one of the drones-

“Alright everybuggy,” the smaller of the Bug Mooses raised his hooves. “I’m glad that the Queen is back as well, and that she isn’t completely evil anymore,” he gestured to the dead lizards. “But we are not in safe territory right now. And frankly, despite how powerful that Kumiho is, I do not want to have anybuggy or anypony, or anyone to get set on fire by one of those lizards. Let’s get back to the Hive first!” That at least got all the changelings off of us.

As soon as the changelings got off of us, we all piled onto the wagons and started following along. Pharynx stuck behind, making sure we stayed with the group. Blaze worked over time, since we didn’t want to wait for Apple Jack to get hitched back into her wagon again. Both wagons were moving as fast as the small horde of changelings. We got to what looked like a rocky, stoney, hill-tree mix-thing. Actually, it just looked like an ancient, petrified tree that was massive.

And partially blown up.

“Welcome to the Hive,” Thorax said as soon as our wagons were inside so nothing would try burning them.

“That thing won’t be too dangerous, will it?” Pharynx asked, eying Murk. “I saw what he did to those Pyromanders, and I could sense his growing hostility until we showed signs of being peaceful.”

“Murk won’t hurt anyone,” I began to clarify. “Just don’t attack his mate, or me, and he’s chill.” Murk laid his head right between my ears.

“Okay then,” Pharynx kept a wary eye on Murk for a moment more, before dropping the topic. “So, why are you traveling with two of Equestria’s rulers, and our old Queen?” He asked. He chose to ignore the rest of Twilight's friends and Starlight at the moment.

“Cadance is trying to go home, and can’t ‘cuz of the war. Twilight and her friends are traveling with us because, as it turns out, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are really not good ponies. Chrysalis is traveling with us because I’m dating her. As Thorax so formally told the hive. ‘MOM’S GOT A COLTFRIEND’ I mimicked Thorax’s voice pretty poorly.

“Pfft, that was pretty spot on,” Pharynx chuckled. “How the buck did you score her?” He asked.

“She was gonna murder me, so I hugged her. Then it turns out she’s horny-” Chrysalis hit me with a newspaper. “So we started dating. It’s been pretty cool so far.”

“So Mom,” Thorax said, he trotted, no, pranced up to us. Chrysalis was still swatting at me with a newspaper. “...Is what your coltfriend saying true? You two are dating? No mind control involved?”

My buggo shook her head. “I’ve actually been trying not to manipulate Ostri. After what Princess Luna has done to him, I’m surprised that he is as mellow as he is.”

“Imma be an uncle,” I smiled, patting Blaze, who was actually laying on the ground. “You alright, girl?”

Thorax was suddenly on Blaze in an instance. “She’s pregnant?” He asked. He took a sniff of the air. “She is! Oh, how far is she? Can I hear the little ones inside of her?!” Blaze and I slowly turned to each other and looked each other in the eyes. “Please?!” Thorax looked at me.

“Hey now,” Blaze giggled. “You can ask me. I am the one that’s pregnant after all.” Once prompted by Thorax, Blaze laid on her side and allowed Thorax to listen to the little rascals in her. She wasn’t too far along, so he probably wasn’t getting much. The bug moose was surprisingly gentle with Blaze.

“So,” I said, taking a step back by Cadance. “You know Thorax the best. Was he always like this?”

“He is.” Cadance giggled behind a hoof. “He loves foals, nymphs, anything that’s young. Kitsune Pups that aren’t even born yet are included… Apparently.” After a moment, Blaze found herself being guarded by a very, very diligent Thorax.

“So Mom,” Thorax said. “Since you’re reforming now, are you going to partake in a metamorphosis? I bet you’d look really pretty!” He kept hugging Blaze.

“Hmm,” she hummed. “Are you inviting me to rule once more? Because I, frankly, do not wish to do that. I’ve been a ruler for damn near a thousand years, and it is about time I took a break.”

“...Could you maybe help me learn how to rule? I’ve been doing my best, but I’m still not what you would call a good king.” Thorax asked, finally letting go of Blaze before Murk could whop the bug moose over the head with a magical frying pan. “And…”

“I can be an advisor, yes, and my first bit of advice, Thorax, don’t work with Equestria. Trust me.” Chrysalis walked over and stood over her son. “I am proud that you’re ruling everyling so well. I do not want you to rule as I once did, as when I ruled, we faced constant hardships and ended up invading Canterlot when I could not find any other alternatives to ending our constant starvation,” my queen shook her head, before planting a kiss on Thorax’s forehead. “It seems you all have been rather busy with rebuilding the Hive; mind showing me and my coltfriend around?” She asked.

“...How do we know you aren’t controlling him,” a smaller changeling, I’m assuming it’s a teenager. She was a grayish blue, changeling and somewhat thin. Her whole build was… rather meek, if I’ll be honest. Chrysalis’s carapace showed just how much muscle she was packing, same with Thorax, and every other changeling I’ve seen so far. This kid really wasn’t packing much of anything. The kid’s cyan eyes stared up at me and Chrysalis with suspicion. “Or everypony here? It seems like something you would do to try and begin ruling the Hive again.”

“I would’ve leapt at that opportunity if I were planning on it, Ocellus.” Chrysalis smirked at the young drone's suddenly wide eyes. “What? Are you surprised that I remembered your name, young one? You hatched not too long before my last invasion on Equestria, which resulted in everyling’s ‘reformation.’” She tilted her head. “After all, I was a mother, I still am. Believe it or not, but I did initially strike out at Equestria for all of you, even you, young one. Even before you and every other nymph hatched. I wanted to ensure your future, Equestria was the key to that future, and I failed. King Thorax did ensure your futures, which is why I am allowing him to rule and want him to rule as he has been; the Hive comes first, and you all being ‘changed’ ensures you all won’t go hungry.” Chrysalis shook her head. “Plus I do not have the power to mind control this many ponies at once, especially when Twilight Sparkle has wards in her mind that keeps it safe.

“As for Ostri? Look at him. He is in tip top condition, and fit. He would not be as such if I were actively feeding or draining him of love; I only use mind control to make doing so easier. Notice how in shape he is?” I wasn’t paying much attention until my name was said. I was laying in Blaze’s fluff, since Blaze looked like she could use a hug. Not really, but she looked huggable, so I hugged her.

After that I got my daily kitsune hug in, I got up and actually joined the fray. “So, Ocellus, was it?” I said, walking over to the kid.

“...Yeah.”

“Chrysalis ain’t here to do shit. All she wanted to do was make sure y’all were okay, and see how y’all felt about her. All she wants is to simply enjoy her life now.” I laid down in front of the kid, where a little book was laying flat open. “Whatcha reading?” I asked.

“...Daring Do, I guess.” Ocellus tilted her head. At the same time, she flipped the book upside down so it wouldn’t close on itself. “Are you alright? You’re kinda lacking emotions… Well, you’re kinda happy, but kinda… empty. That’s usually not a good thing; it’s definitely not the Queen, since you would be dead by now if she were actively feeding off of you.” That was directed at yours truly.

“Oh yeah, I’m fine. I’m just a thread away from killing myself, nothing too big.” I said dismissively. Luckily, Murk walked up behind me and wrapped his forelegs around my chest, and pulled me into his chest. It was kinda cool.

The little drone tilted her head, several other drones around us, including Ocellus, started looking concerned. “Why…?”

“Luna.” I patted her on the head. “Well, enjoy your reading I guess. And give Chrysalis a chance; I can tell what she wants right now. She sees you, a somewhat young changeling. I’m willing to bet she wants to hug you, ey?”

Ocellus slowly looked between me and Chrysalis. Her… left eyebrow remained raised, as a skeptical look came to the fore. “But…”

“Trust me, Chrysalis missed y’all. If she didn’t, I wouldn’t have gone this far out here; I’d be in Gryphus by now if not for Chrysalis’s request.”

Ocellus slowly peaked around me, at Chrysalis who took the time to make herself seem sad and meek, and nodded. “Okay. I’ll give her-” Chrysalis leaped over me and the kumiho holding me, and snapped the little drone in her hooves. In moments, Chrysalis was sitting on her ass, showering the poor girl with love nibbles, nuzzles and raspberries. “Oh dear Chrysalis!” Ocellus started squealing before she became a giggling fit, lying between Chrysalis’s hooves. Somehow Chrysalis found a way to tickle somebody until they were giggling, but not laughing uncontrollably. It was kinda cute.

It made my sad ass actually smile.

“I did not think you all would still use that phrase,” she hummed. She nuzzled Ocellus again. “My beautiful little lady. I heard you were attending school. A School of Friendship. As stupid as ‘friendship lessons’ are, are you at least doing well in those? And your regular courses as well. Your education is very important and ponies, despite their flaws, have better education systems than the Hive has ever had..”

“I-'' Ocellus hiccup's. It was cute. “I-I am!” She hicked.

“Good, you are doing myself, and Thorax, proud then. I am not so sure about sending you to the School of Friendship anymore, hmm? At least the one still in Ponyville.”

Twilight cleared her throat. “We will probably reopen up in the Crystal Empire once we get there.”

“Then I suppose sending you will be all the same. Just keep my sons and daughters away from Equestrian soil, please. I’ve no longer the authority, but this is just a request. Thorax, have you broken into my treasury while I was away? If not, do not refrain. That’s there for a reason. Use that to pay for this changeling’s travels to the Crystal Empire, and do get more changelings into the School of Friendship. As dumb as I may think it is, you all do need to be re-educated on socializing with other races. Plus having actual teachers for things such as math and reading are vital to the development of the Hive.”

“Yes Mom!” Thorax pranced over to us. He ended up hugging Chrysalis who was still holding Ocellus. My marefriend hummed in delight and leaned into the hug.. “So about that tour?” Thorax allowed Chrysalis to stand up a moment later, Ocellus was now on her back. Chryssy decided to hold the young drone’s book in her own magic, keeping it open.

“Tap the side of my carapace when you finish reading the page, dear,” she instructed. Ocellus immediately tapped her side and the page turned. “Now King Thorax, do lead the way and educate everypony here on our rich history. I can help with that if you need; I am only a thousand years older than you are.”

Thorax saluted his mother.. “Got it, Mom.”

The two of them started leading us into the depths of the Hive, as it turned out, Thorax knew a pretty good amount of history about this particular Hive. He knew about how it was founded, all the wars Chrysalis was a part of, all of two. Chrysalis did fill in any blanks… as Pharynx walked up beside me.

“So, the Queen chose you as a mate?” He asked.

“Yeah.”

“Why? You’re a thin, little thing.”

“I really don’t know, but I hope what I was doing will keep working. Why'd You ask?” I tilted my head. “Planning on beating my ass to see if I can keep her safe?” Or some other generic shit.

“No, I was just wondering… Also do stay with her. Even if you two aren’t dating, or your relationship falls through. Mom, and most changelings, need social interactions. You just staying with her is probably what’s keeping her sane, so thank you.” Pharynx smacked me upside the head.

“The fuck?!” I yelled.

“I can’t seem too sappy, y’know?” Murk dropped from the ceiling somehow and sat on top of Pharynx. “Phlurg!” Murk continued to sit there while the rest of the group was staring at us.

“Pharynx, this is why you don’t smack Mom’s new coltfriend when he’s soulbound to a Kumiho or a Kitsune,” Thorax said in a slight, friendly, scolding tone. He was clearly playing around based on that poorly concealed smile.

“Sh-shut up and help me brother!” Pharynx pleaded. Thorax chuckled and walked up to Murk, petted him for a few seconds, before lowering himself to his fallen brother.

“Long live the king!” Thorax has a good evil laugh as it seemed. He walked away cackling up a storm, and Chrysalis couldn’t look any more proud if she tried.

“Thorax?! Thorax?! Don’t leave me here! Thorax!” Pharynx sighed. “How the heck are you so heavy? You’re a bucking magical entity!”

“I can control how heavy I wish to be. However, I do have an Ostri to carry by the scruff, so you get to live… for now.” Murk laughed at Pharynx’s genuine fear. “I’m joking. It wouldn’t be fair to kill you over you playing with my soulmate. After all, I quite like changelings; my last friend was a changeling before he passed on from this plane of existence after we spent half a century together.” I raised an eyebrow at that. “What? I can be social, and often enjoy it. I just wanted to tease Blaze for choosing you as a friend.” Murk let off of Pharynx after placing three swift nips and ear licks. “I like this one, by the way.”

“I hate you,” Pharynx grumbled. “Your fat butt was denting my carapace.”

“Oh please, you’re fine,” Murk rolled his eyes. “Be lucky you weren’t one of those stupid lizards.”

“Oh, I know. I watched what you did. I say I’d feel bad, but that particular group kept trying to get into the Hive to eat us ‘lings. The only reason why noling went and did anything about it was because I didn’t want to risk anyling getting killed in the process; it takes a lot of changelings just to take down one of those… Though you were brutal on those things.”

“They tried attacking my mate and were mere moments away from killing this thing,” he picked me up by the scruff. “They deserved their deaths.”

“I can’t disagree with you on that,” Pharynx nodded. “Bucking things tried getting into our nursery not too long ago.”

Chrysalis’s horn lit up at that. “They what?”

“...The Queen is a mother first and foremost,” Thorax chuckled. “It took everyling to chase those pyromanders out of the Hive.”

“You know,” Murk hummed. “I think I went too lightly on them.”

We eventually made it to the aforementioned nursery.

“Holy shit.” Baby changelings are adorable. I couldn’t help but lay in a pile of them as they climbed up and over me and used me like a piece of playground equipment. I smiled happily as one even took a nap in between my legs. “Can we keep this one in particular?” I asked, looking up at Chrysalis.

“No, it is unwise to take hatchlings out of the nursery until they are at least a year old, that one,” she prodded the blue little fella in between my legs. “Cannot be more than four months old. Old enough to run and fly and play, but not old enough to do so outside of the safety of this nursery.” She smirked. “Are you enjoying yourself?” one hatchling started gnawing on my wings. I couldn’t be asked to get mad, because look at how happy he looks! Who cares if my wings get slobbery? I don’t! “I’ve not seen you so… relaxed. Ever.”

“You didn’t tell me how cute the hatchlings are!” I growled. “How could you?!”

Thorax put on his best shit eating grin. “We went through Mom’s old den; we found her hatchling photos.” Chrysalis’s head snapped in the good King’s direction. “Would you like to see them, Ostri?”

“...Yes.”

“Ostri, no. Don’t you dare.” She then glared at her son. “And WHY THE BUCK DID YOU MENTION THAT TO MY COLTFRIEND?! DO YOU HAVE A DEATHWISH?”

“No, I just thought he’d like to see it, Mom.” Thorax was smirking.

Chrysalis growled, “I will kill you.”

“No you wouldn’t.” That smirk was a shit eating grin.

“Dangit. I tried.” Chrysalis shook her head. “If you call my baby self cute, Ostri, you’re sleeping on top of the wagon tonight.” She glared at Thorax. “And my last act as your Queen, will be making you sit in the corner when you’re done.”

There was a major problem with me seeing that photo album. “That’s cool.” There was a pile of sleeping nymphs on my back. “I can’t move. There’s changelings on my back.”

Several hours later, the changelings were, in fact, removed from my back. “So one of the things I’ve been struggling with,” Thorax said as we wandered into what looked like a ballroom. “Was finding recreational activities for everyling to do. “So Pharynx suggested going out, and stealing a bunch of instruments, sport equipment, and all sorts of pony things that ponies like doing.” I noted that there was a group of changelings. “I didn’t agree with it, but Pharynx went out and did it anyway. So I went back and paid for everything. So some of the changelings have been learning how to play various instruments.”

Various changelings were in fact, holding various instruments. There were violins, violas, bass guitars, acoustic basses, guitars, one changeling even had a piano. There was a church organ, and even a nice set of brass instruments. There was a changeling for each one of these, each one was, I think they were masterfully doing it at least, tuning their instruments to perfection. There was even a changeling with just a microphone and a set of speakers behind him, her, I don’t know. Chrysalis and I started walking towards the center of the room, Ocellus had opted to ride on Thorax’s back for this moment, for some reason.

Every changeling was snickering to themselves.

Right as they started playing. The changeling with the mic started playing, and to be frank, he was a pretty solid singer in my books. He didn’t sound awful, that’s for sure. Chrysalis and I stared at the changelings before we slowly turned to each other. I blinked and now Chrysalis was the size of a normal pony. We kept staring at each other, while the… changeling band, I guess, kept playing.

“They planned this, didn’t they?” I asked.

“It seems like they did.” Chrysalis offered a hoof. “Well, will you allow me to sweep you off your hooves?” She asked. I took her hoof, and despite me not being used to dancing on four legs at all, let alone actually having four legs, Chrys did lead me through the motions pretty well. First the forehoof, left or right, it didn’t matter, then the back hoof. If you went with the left foreleg first, the right back leg came next. Before I knew it, we were twirling around the dance floor, slowly moving around the room. Lights, very small lights in the ceiling twinkled and sparkled as we moved about.

Chrysalis had her eyes closed the whole time, happily taking in the music while dancing with me. Then her eyes opened when I nearly tripped. Since I no longer had Chrysalis to lead me in our dance; she was lost in the moment.

“Are you struggling?” She asked.

“A little. I was doing so well too,” I grumbled.

“Look in my eyes,” Chrysalis said. “And repeat the motions with me, and we’ll fall back into our rhythm.” I nodded and we stared into each others’ eyes. We swayed and we stepped, we spun and we twirled. Chrysalis even decided to throw me, spin me around, before pulling me back into her embrace as we kept dancing. No matter what, we held eye contact as she took the lead again… Before I had a silly little smile for the briefest moment. I spun Chrysalis around, before hopping on my hindlegs.

Chrysalis immediately knew what I was doing and shared my grin. I took the lead, now on two hooves… It didn’t work very well, since walking on two legs is kinda hard without proper feet, and I don’t think Chryssy was any better than I was. We laid there for a moment as the song had come to an end. We were chuckling to ourselves before an idea came to mind. I crawled up to Chrysalis while she continued to lay on her side. She then opened her eyes… right as I pulled her into a kiss.

We laid there for a moment, Chrysalis instantly got over the shock of me kissing her and she kissed back. She pulled me closer to her, wrapping her hooves over my shoulder and around my back as she slowly pulled back. A now predatory smile wrapped onto her face before she dove back into the kiss tenfold. Before long, the two of us were laying there, cuddling while the changeling band played us a song.

“That was…” Chrysalis whispered in my ears. “Wonderful.”

“It was, it truly was.” I chuckled. “Man, we gotta do that more in the future. You and I have all the time in the world to do so.”

“That we do. Would you like to share one more dance with me, or would you like to cuddle some more?”

“We can dance and then cuddle.” I suggested.

Chrysalis smirked and kissed my nose. “I like your line of thinking. Come, this song is rather beautiful. Let us dance again.”

Author's Note

So, I found Starlight Waltz by Ponyphonic and thought this would be a wonderful song to have Chrysalis and Ostri dance to after they had their first kiss. I also would think it's a fun little bit of irony, that a song made for Luna, is being played for Chrysalis and Ostri, rather than Luna and Ostri. Like this could've been them if Luna wasn't such a piece of shit.

I Found a Filly I Guess?

After me and Chrysalis had our last dance, we stopped for a moment and looked around. Cadance and Shining Armor were dancing together, were. They both stopped once the changelings stopped playing their music. Some changelings were dancing together, Ocellus was dancing with another changeling around her age. Blaze was laying on top of Murk, and Thorax and Pharynx, and several other changelings were totally, and discreetly, watching me and Chrysalis.

The girls were dancing too, Fluttershy and Dash were dancing together, Pinkie was waltzing with Apple Jack, and Twilight was dancing with Starlight for fun. Rarity was staring agape at us.

“That,” I whispered to Chrysalis. “Was wonderful.”

“It was,” Chrysalis reverted herself to her usual height. “However, what will make this magnificent, however…” She grabbed my cheeks before planting a kiss on my lips. My brain shuttered and broke for a moment, before it kicked back on and told my face to kiss back. We slowly pulled apart after a good minute. “Now, however, it is truly a wondrous moment.” She laid down on her stomach and I followed suit, snuggling up into her side. “It is good to see you enjoying moments like this; I was scared that you were emotionally too far gone.”

“Mmm,” I smiled. “I’ve got you to look forward to, and I’ve got Blaze, Murk, and their future pups to look forward to every morning. Who knows? Maybe I’ll have my own kids to look forward to; I could actually be there for them.”

Chrysalis tilted her head. “What are you implying?”

“Well, if we get married, we’re going to have to have kids, aren’t we?” I asked.

“...You want us to get married?” She asked.

“I’m hoping we do; I’m starting to be surrounded by people I can call family, and I hope we can make it official when we reach the Crystal Empire. By then we both should know if that’s what we truly want.”

“Hmm,” Chrysalis nodded. “By the time we reach the Crystal Empire…” She hummed. “I believe that’s a fair timeframe; we’ll be there possibly by the end of the year, or Hearth’s Warming for ponies.”

“Oh my days…” Rarity said, interrupting our moment. She said it rather loudly. “You two…” She started walking up to us. “Bald Ostrich, do forgive me, but I don’t think I’ve seen you so… at peace, ever. Not when you were with Luna, not when you were sitting in the river like a mustang, no, at that moment you looked so…”

“Happy?” Pinkie asked. “I keep telling everypony, just let Ostri spend some time with those who love him, and who he loves, and he’ll be better before we’ll know it!”

“But…” Rarity took a deep breath. “Okay, even I cannot be this blind…” She lifted the newspaper, where Luna almost punched me in the face because I was meeting her with indifference. “Nopony should try to attack somepony they claim to love.” She stared down at it for a moment. “You’re the same stallion that literally fought armies for her, and she treats you like this because you stopped loving her?”

“She dumped me because she felt I wasn’t needed anymore.” I shrugged. “Meh, don’t matter now,” I grabbed Chrysalis, gently got her to lay on the ground, before flopping into her side, and resting my head on her neck. Oh, she is very, very weirdly soft for a creature with an exoskeleton. “I got my Chrysalis, and I love her dearly.” I nuzzled into her neck and she planted a kiss on my cheek… before I grabbed her cheeks and kissed her on the nose. “I’ve moved on, or at least, I’m trying to. And with everything I’ve got going for me, things are actually starting to look good again.”

Rarity nodded. “While I do not agree with you not dating a princess…”

“Pfft,” Chrysalis and Cadance said at the same time. “How can a princess compare to a queen?” They both blinked. “What the buck, get out of my head, you stupid mare-”

“You two share a braincell now,” I said. Then me and Shining Armor shared a look.

“We’re fucked,” he mouthed to me.

“I know…” I mouthed back.

“Are you two talking without speaking?” Cadance asked.

…

“Please don’t get mad at us. You share a brain,” I said in my defense.

Rarity giggled. “Oh my, that line sounds so cheesy, no offense, Chrysalis-”

“Ostri used that on me on our first date. I stole it from him.” She giggled. “It worked in capturing my hearts.” She sighed. “This is lovely. If we were not on a roadtrip to get as far from Equestria as we could, I would not mind staying in the Hive again, even if I wouldn't be in a position of power.” Chryssy closed her eyes and started grooming my mane, between the ears, behind the ears, my neck. Whatever she could get her fangs and tongue on, got groomed. We laid like that for a few hours.

A few hours later, I was sitting alone, just outside the Hive. Not far enough to be in immediate danger, but far enough to actually be alone. It was another one of those days, where being alone seemed lovely right now. Shining Armor explained the feeling to the girls, so they let me be. At least, that’s what I thought. Rarity came trotting out of the Hive to see me cleaning out my back hooves with my knife. I was a horse, a small one, that’s yellow. So I was really in no danger of hurting myself, no matter how close that sharp object was to my equipment; I know how to use a knife better than that.

“Sup,” I greeted as I moved to my front hooves. That was done in half a second. Now all the dirt, mud, whatever the fuck was on my hooves were gone. “Can I help you, Rarity?” I asked.

“I… stopped by to apologize for how… rude I’ve been to you since we found you again, Ostri. It’s… my judgment was clouded by the idea of fantastical relationships that could flower from you dating a princess. You seem… rather sincere in how you deal with things. And… while you may not show it, you do care about Luna in some capacity; you seem adamant about not striking back at her in any way, shape, or form… That’s better than what she’s been doing to you, from what Cadance has told me.”

“Eh,” I shrugged. “Luna and Celestia may never find a way to actually occupy my brain, but…” I shrugged. “I still wish them well; they were once friends of mine. I don’t stab old friends in the back regardless of how much they’ve stabbed me in the chest with a loaded shotgun. That’s just not how I’m gonna roll. Since trying to fight back again those two is like trying to fight a bear, as a human, with my bare hands. It usually doesn’t end well, and I will probably die. ‘Sides, I’ve got reasons to live for now, so why dwell on the past?”

I slowly drifted to my butt tattoo… The clock thing, I guess. “Oh.” Where’d that go? My cutie mark is just fucking gone. What the hell? Aren’t those more permanent than an actual tattoo? “What the heck?”

“Your… cutie mark is gone,” Rarity noted. “How…”

“Yoho!” Discord popped out of nowhere. Oh fuck, I missed this dude. We shared a brohoof/claw/whatever the fuck. He then pulled me onto his lap and started rubbing my ears, and I won’t lie, this felt good so I let it happen. “Hello, my dear friend Ostri, one of the few ponies alive that truly appreciates a chaotic magic show! So as you have noticed, your cutie mark up and banished! And I may, or may not have had a claw in that.”

“Oh. That sucks.”

“Well, I suppose you can have another one. It just won’t be the same as this one; your old cutie mark never really meant anything or did anything for you. It just showed how good you were at readjusting, no matter the time, space, or universe you’re in, you found a way to keep trucking. That’s how I interpreted it, at least. On this grand adventure, you will find out who you are, and maybe become something more? Hmm?” I tilted my head. “What, is this a lot to take in?”

“No, you stopped petting me, and I like the feeling.”

“Oh, you’re just like Fluttershy! You both sure do love being pampered!” Discord chuckled. “Are you going to take my advice seriously?”

“Mmm, I lived once before without finding out who I was, or what I was good at. I don’t particularly give two damns if I find something I truly can be, what I’ll be, or can be. Right now, I am in contempt. Right now, I’m not worried about anything, or the future. I’m just happy to live in the present, day by day, enjoying life. Obviously, I have a few things to look forward to, but besides those… Why look to the past, or to the future, to find happiness? I can find it right here, right now, in the present.”

“...Dang, you just ruined the point of me taking your cutie mark! Most ponies would be distraught about that, but I suppose you really aren’t like most ponies. Well, I suppose you’ll find yourself eventually, or not. You probably already did; I hated cutie marks anyways. Such a narrow minded way of defining who or what you are, with a symbol that hardly means anything that can be interpreted in any way, shape or form and be taken the wrong way.” Discord shrugged and set me down. “Now, come along, Rarity, our boy needs to sit and relax on his own.” He snapped his fingers and I was sitting on a cushion, wondering what the fuck just happened. He grabbed Rarity like she was a stuffed toy, and teleported off, presumably, into the Hive.

I put my knife away and started watching the sun as it settled in the distance.

“Good evening,” I blinked out of my stupor a few hours later to find… Murk sitting next to me. “Blaze is asleep right now, before you ask. It’s getting dark and it’ll get dangerous, come inside, Ostri.” I hummed, before allowing the Kumiho to grab me by the scruff of my neck, and promptly got carried into the Hive. “You really are just a giant puppy, you know that, Ostri?” He set me down right by the main entrance, where our wagons were. It’s where Blaze was sleeping. “So I believe this will help you go to sleep?” He started grooming me after he wrapped his tails around my whole body. It did, in fact, help me go to sleep.

I woke up the next day to a bunch of changelings buzzing to and fro, in and out of the Hive as they went about their daily business. Scouting squads waved to me as they stepped out. Murk and Blaze just woke up, as we were sharing a dream once again, thanks to the kumiho. Pharynx came rushing by, into the Hive, looking somewhat concerned. I stepped out of the Hive shortly afterwards to see… A filly walking towards us. A pink little filly with a curly mane and tail that were both light blue in color and tied into place with little bows. She was kinda adorable, and also sweating profusely and looked dehydrated.

Why the buck is a kid this young out here? It’s not as hot as it once was, according to Chrysalis when the badlands were a desert. It was still hot as balls out here, though. I was, understandably, concerned… if the changelings noticed this kid out in the… savannah for a lack of a better term, why weren’t they helping her? I flew into the Hive, quickly grabbed my canteen, filled it with the water container in my wagon, and flew right back out of the Hive as quickly as I could. I even sent off a sonic rainboom when I did that. I skidded to a stop just next to the filly as she was about to collapse.

I caught the poor girl in my arms. “You good?” I asked, holding the canteen to her mouth. “You’re kinda… sweating and look awful.”

The filly didn’t even respond, she grabbed the canteen and started emptying it. While she was doing that, I carried her into the Hive and brought her into the hive, gently. I walked back towards where my wagon was, hopped up into my wagon, changelings were watching me as I refilled the canteen and gave it back to the filly who kept drinking until she couldn’t drink anymore. The filly had freckles, red eyes. She had a cutie mark, which was apparently not very common for a kid at this age, but I could be wrong. It was a red rook.

The poor kid started panting after she had her last canteen full of water. “Oh, thank you!” She said in between her catching her breath. “I don’t know how long I was going to last out there if you hadn’t done that!” She took a deep, long breath, before pushing the canteen aside. “Golly, you sure did save my flanks, sir.” She nuzzled into my arms. “Thank you!” She hugged my neck as well.

“Kid, what kinda man would I be if I left you out in that heat, when you clearly needed some help?” I asked.

“I…” The kid tilted her head. “You aren’t helping me just to help me?”

“I’m wondering who the fuck your parents are; why the hell would they let their daughter out into… this place? You coulda gotten eaten by something!” I shouted, bringing a hoof into the mattress that made up the majority of the floor in the wagon. The kid ‘eeped’ at my voice suddenly rising. “Sorry kid, what’s your name? You look like you could use some help.”

“I’m… Cozy Glow,” she whispered. “You won’t make me go back out into the badlands on my own, will you?” She asked.

“I won’t-”

“Hey, What’s going on here?” Starlight Glimmer popped her head into the wagon. “Where did you get that filly?” She asked.

“Saw her wandering through the Badlands towards the Hive. I picked her up, gave her water,” I gestured towards a can of apples I just opened. “I’m giving her food, too.” I patted Cozy Glow on the head and held the can of apples down to her. “If you need anything else to eat, just let me know; I’ll get you somethin’, though I can’t promise that it’ll be something other than canned stuff.” I patted her back and let her rest against my side while she ate to her little heart’s content. I couldn’t help but smile a little. “So, where’s your parents, kid?”

“...I ran away from home; I lived in Canterlot and my parents were hoping for a unicorn filly. They didn’t get that so they neglected me and-”

“And say no more! You’re staying with me, for the time being, or until we find you a proper home, aight?” I asked. I’ll be frank, kid’s alone, kid deserves a home. Or at least food and water. I can give her that until… Well, I won't leave her in Equestria; that sounds like it would be awful.

Thorax popped his head into the wagon as well, his eyes widened. “So that’s what Pharynx was talking to me about? He said there was a filly out and about in the Badlands and that she needed provisions stat. I see you got that covered already-

“...Wait a second, Cozy Glow? What are you doing here so far from the School of Friendship?” Starlight asked. It seems she knows this kid.

“I saw you and everypony leaving Ponyville, so I started following you guys. I got lost somewhere and-”

“Well,” I patted her on the head. “You’re fucking nuts,” I chuckled. “I couldn’t imagine following two wagons for… how long? About a hundred and a half miles and being fine.” Cozy Glow flopped into my side and my wing instantly laid itself over the pink little filly. Cozy blinked a few times, before smiling and genuinely laying there… Until Blaze moved us both out of the wagon, and into the open of the Hive’s ‘lobby’ room. “Hey Blaze, how’s it going?” Blaze started intently watching Cozy with a focus I’ve never seen on my kitsune before.

“Ostri, when did you say you were going to randomly get a filly?” She asked.

“Uh, never. Cozy just sorta… showed up, somehow. Apparently she followed us all the way from Ponyville.” I answered.

“Well, she is my filly now,” Blaze said as she moved to yoink Cozy out of my grasps, only for the poor kid to yelp and duck behind me.

“Ostri, what is that thing?” Cozy asked… I never told her my name. Nopony’s said my name until now too. That’s odd.

“It’s a kitsune, she’s my best friend; she also loves playing with kids. Just be mindful of her tails, and we’ll be good, aight?’

“Golly, you sure do have tastes in pets. What if she eats you while you sleep?” Cozy asked.

“That’d basically be suicide; we’re soulbound and are together. If one of us dies, so does the other. Basically Blaze wouldn’t hurt me, and she won’t hurt me. Like she’d want to do that to begin with,” I chuckled. “Still not buying that Blaze won’t hurt you?” I asked. The kid nodded. “What this, then,” I stood up, walked up to Blaze. “Open your mouth please,” I requested.

“Ostri, you are not sticking your head in my mouth!” Blaze giggled. “I know you won’t push me over, because you’re being careful about the pups I’m carrying… Here, I shall aid in my cause of seeming like not a threat to you.”

I got sat on by Blaze.

Author's Note

So, seeing as this story takes place basically right after the events of the MLP movie, which happened way before Cozy turned out to be evil in School Raze, I decided to put her in here. She'll be the Cozy we all know and love, who will steal your heart, and then probably carve it out of your chest with a broken beer bottle.

also sorry about how long it took to get this out; I was facing a severe writing block when it came to this story. however, i did at least get this out. next chapter everypony else will meet Cozy and get something spicy between Blaze and Cozy.

Interlude 3: You Can't Outfox a pair of Magical Foxes.

Blaze laid and watched as Ostri started playing with Cozy Glow at her request. She watched with interest. Murk sat down beside her, and joined in watching the spectacle. Cozy sat down eventually, her mane and tail were loose and sweaty, and covered in dirt. The little filly adorably sat down in front of Ostri, facing away from him, as the stallion’s body moved on its own. Ostri started working his tongue through Cozy’s mane while he brushed her tail with the brush Chrysalis typically used.

“So Cozy Glow is just traveling with us,” Rainbow pointed out. “And she followed us all the way from Ponyville.” She looked at the rest of the girls. “Don’t you think that’s a little odd?”

“I wanted to know where my professors were going,” Cozy said. “Something was clearly going down, judging from what the newspaper was saying,” she pulled a newspaper out from under her wing. Blaze and Murk worked in tangent, looking out of Cadance and Shining Armor’s eyes respectively. Using Ostri’s ability to read, they started smiling. The griffins had announced how they weren’t aiding Equestria during the war, especially after hearing about what Princess Luna was doing to her consort.

The Storm King just took Appleloosa, and there was…

A bounty for Ostri. Apparently he didn’t get off scot free from taking out the main invasion ship for Canterlot, or Baltimare.

“Blaze, Ostri was reading it, we could’ve just processed what he was reading,” Murk pointed out.

“...” Blaze sighed. “Dangit,” she shook her head.

“You know,” Ostri mused. “The griffins may offer me sanctuary from that stupid bounty; the king said he wanted to speak with ‘that one fast, yellow pegasus’ in the last article.” Ostri shrugged. “Most ponies probably won’t go after me either.” He mused. “I could turn myself in, get the bits for travel money, and fly out pretty easily.”

“Ostri, you know that the last person that did that, ended up dying,” Blaze pointed out.

“True.”

“You know,” Cozy spoke up. “I told Mayor Mare to go ahead and evacuate Ponyville, since the Storm King was going to go there next. They’re all heading up towards Griffonia, and subsequently onto a train to the Crystal Empire,” Cozy said innocently. “They all were leaving Ponyville, including all of your families,” she added. “Zecora too.” The topic of Cozy Glow suddenly traveling with the group was dropped by the Element Bearers almost in a heart beat. To them, it felt as though an invisible anvil's been lifted off their chest; they now knew that their families and family were going to be safe.

“Hoo-boy,” Apple Jack sighed. “That solves that problem at least; everypony we know is going to be safe and sound.”

Rainbow nodded. “I suppose… Though why didn’t you leave with the rest of Ponyville?”

“Where in Equestria would be safer, during a war, than with Headmare Twilight Sparkle? She’s with all of you, Discord is on our side, there’s an old war hero you’re traveling with,” Cozy gestured to Ostri. “Shining Armor and Princess Cadance are both very capable with magic, and then there’s those two,” Cozy nodded to the two magical foxes. “A kitsune and a kumiho. Those two alone could obliterate an army, and just the kumiho could easily keep us safe. Nopony would even need to do anything.” She said, eying Murk.

“She wants to somehow soul bound with you,” Blaze noted. “She is sorely mistaken-”

“Most creatures on Equus don’t know about soul binding,” Murk interjected. “She knows way more than she’s letting on, and her intentions are not very good despite her ‘sweet’ little facade she’s putting on. Ostri clearly adores her, and has some sympathy for the ‘poor girl’ because they’re both orphans.” Murk sighed. “I don’t know how we’re going to tell him; he already loves that girl, or at least, what she’s pretending to be.” They watched as Cozy finally settled under Ostri’s left wing, and nuzzled into the shoulder right after. She pretended to sleepily blink while staring up at the pegasus after he had started to start focusing on a word search that Ocellus had made for him.

It was actually a comprehensive book of crosswords, word searches, and other things that Ostri seemed to actually take some good enjoyment in. Chrysalis was watching over his shoulder, helping him with a crossword the two had just started on.

“She knows that he finds her adorable,” Blaze shook her head. “I would as well, if it weren’t for all the ‘ideas’ she has in mind for him once he is no longer useful…”

Chrysalis and I had successfully cleared one more crossword, it was actually kinda difficult. Ocellus watched with intent, as she had just asked us how we liked it. “C’mere, Ocellus,” I patted the spot next to me. “You made this whole, thick book full of puzzles, word searches, and whatever you could think of… yesterday?” I asked, I’m genuinely impressed.

“Yeah… Do you like it?” She asked again, hoping for a confirmation. “I… don’t know if you would or not, but I figured you could use something extra to do while you’re on the road.” Ocellus soon found herself under my right wing, and I was nuzzling her. She was sitting there, bug eyed.

“I love it, Ocellus. I couldn’t imagine coming up with this within a week, and you did this in the span of an afternoon. You’re fuckin’ smart, kid. You’re gonna go far, kid. Keep it up.” I patted her on the head, before rolling over to simply hug her. The little changeling eped again, before setting in for snuggles. Changelings, as I have found out during my time here in the Hive, are excellent cuddle buddies. I looked to my left to see if Cozy was still there, only to see her with Blaze, happily trying to cuddle with her.

Then, Blaze picked Cozy up and hopped into the wagon.

Blaze and Murk casted another joint spell, one that only members of their species, kitsune and kumiho, can perform with soulbound beings; they briefly merged their minds into one as Blaze’s body hopped into the wagon, where Cozy Glow blinked a few times. She looked around, before quizzically looking up at the female fox in question. As much as it probably wasn’t a good idea to use Blaze’s body for this, Cozy has yet to actually touch Murk, and she was a filly. A filly couldn’t do much to a kitsune.

“Why did you take me up in the wagon, is it nap time?’ Cozy asked. She yawned. It was fake.

“Why do you plan on… enslaving my owner?” Blaze asked. “After you get all powerful and all knowing and take over Equus with ultimate power?”

“...What?” Cozy asked. “You know what I’m thinking?!” She whispered.

“You’ve done enough research on mine and my mates’ species to know about soul bonding. You should also be aware that we are both very capable telepaths; it is how we interact with our owner and friend, Ostri.”

“Are. You. Kidding. Me?!” Cozy asked. “So this plan-”

“You could drop the plan, you know, live as a happy little filly that doesn’t plan on enslaving her current guardian because he helped keep her safe and warm,” Blaze interrupted. “Have you noticed just how quickly Ostri’s taken a liking to you? He adores you, and I can tell that, at some point, may start seeing you as his own daughter. You act as a normal, sweet little filly, and continue acting like one, or you can be a conniving little shit and ruin what little mental health Ostri has. Take your choice. Pick the wrong one, and Murk, my mate, will eat you alive by the end of the road you take.”

“Pfft, Ostri wouldn’t let you hurt me. I’m cute and loveable and-”

“He finds you cute and he does think you’re loveable. However, if Ostri breaks, he’ll probably snap and kill you. Or he’ll let us kill you while he wallows in his own despair. You, yourself, basically do not have parents, correct? That they treated you like garbage, so for all intents and purposes, you’ve disowned them?” Blaze asked, tilting her head. “Ostri and Chrysalis could be wonderful parents; Chrysalis has done this song and dance before, so she can help Ostri, and Ostri, again, adores you.”

“Or, I could somehow get soulbound with you, and take over the world,” Cozy grinned maliciously.

“Then allow me to make this clear,” Blaze grabbed the pink, little filly by the head with her mouth. Cozy’s eyes widened with shock before immediately closing on instinct to keep her eyes from touching the suddenly razor sharp teeth within the kitsune’s jaws. “I can eat you alive, right now, and spare my owner the trouble. I can easily bite your head off and let everyone know just how evil, cruel, and awful you can be before doing so. I can let Twilight know of your little plans to make yourself the empress of friendship, which is adorable; even with all that power, an ancient kumiho could come along and ruin those plans in an instance.” Cozy’s body dangled from her neck, while her head remained in the fox’s jaws. Her screams were muffled by a silencing spell Blaze casted on the girl.

“Or,” Blaze spat out Cozy. “I can sense that all you truly want is a friend, but for all the wrong reasons. You could have a friend for the right reasons, and allow Ostri to befriend you. I can be nice, friendly and protect you just as much as I protect my little stallion. You can live a long, happy life before you pass away from old age, or forever if Ostri wants you to be soulbound to us. Though soulbinding doesn’t immediately mean myself and my mate will follow your commands. As it stands, Murk and Ostri are in charge depending on the situation. Their words take precedence over yours.”

Cozy shivered. “You are really, really scary, you know,” the filly grabbed her head to make sure it was still attached to her shoulders. “What’s stopping me from just stabbing Ostri with a knife at night?” Just as Cozy got finished saying that, Ostri hopped into the wagon and waved.

“Yo, Thorax said he came up with a recipe for something called rock soup. It sounds stupid, but it might be good. Wanna…” Ostri trotted over to Cozy and stuck his hoof in her mane. “Why are you covered in slobber?” He asked. He tilted his head.

“Me and Cozy were just having some nice, bonding time, and before you came in, I was kissing her entire face.” Blaze lied.

“Mmm, I can tell you’re lying. What happened?” Ostri said.

“Okay so,” Blaze pointed at Cozy. “She wanted to take over the world and enslave you because you kept her from dying of thirst, so you can get to live by her side or whatever.” She said, truthfully. “I gave her a choice, with some… minor suggestive notions. She won’t be doing that anymore.”

Ostri blinked and slowly started turning his head to Cozy. “Kid, Blaze almost never lies to me, and I can tell when she is because she always stutters in her telepathy when she does it. I’m going to pretend like I didn’t hear any of this happened. I hope you don’t pull through with those plans; I like ya kid, I really do. I’d much rather you be a friend than an enemy. I’d much rather see you grow into a lovely mare rather than possibly get thrown into Tartarus, killed, or whatever ponies do to evil people.” Ostrich went through the storage compartments in the wagon, before he grabbed a tower, wetted it with some water from the large water container, and then started cleaning the filly’s mane out.

“There, all fresh, and brand new. C’mon you two, everyone’s gathering around to get a serving of Thorax’s cooking. It’s apparently really good.” Cozy blinked a few times. Blaze started smirking as the filly slowly began to relax into the stallion’s embrace as he carried her out. A small smile had formed on Cozy’s face the moment he cleaned the slobber off of her, and started cradling her… up until he had to start walking, but the point was, Ostri was starting to grow on Cozy.

Just a little.

That filly is going to probably break Ostri’s heart.

Author's Note

Hopefully, Cozy gets mellowed out. Hopefully. Probably not.

Reaching Manehattan

The following morning, everyone hopped into their respective wagons, and we were on our way again. Blaze and Murk were snuggled up, Shining Armor and Chrysalis… were cuddling. That’s a bit odd. Cadance was laying practically on top of me while Cozy sat in her own little corner. As it turns out, Cadance was very warm. One of the next places on our list of places to visit was Manehattan, which was just on the way up to Griffonia and it would be our last pit stop before we reached the border and one of the closest cities to the Equestrian border, Ravenfield. From there, most of the traveling was a bit of a blur that day.

The lush, green savannahs that made up the Badlands slowly gave way to the rolling hills and blue skies of Equestrian woodlands. The road was long, but we were markedly back in Equestrian territory. Seeing as we were back along the giant sea that should’ve been where Ohio was, we did get to a nice view of the beachfront, and we kept traveling up it for two reasons: To see the sights, and so we’d have one less side that we can actually get attacked from. Given that the sea… was the sea, most creatures in the sea shouldn’t be able to just climb on land and eat Rarity or something.

By lunch time, we all had stopped at a bridge that was built over a decent-sized river that fed into the sea that made up the Ohneighian Sea. Yes, that’s the name. Yes, it is stupid. It’s also a mouthful. However, it was a spot to stop and have lunch. Apple Jack offered to cook for the group today, and was going to just cook up on a small little campfire. Then Pinkie hopped off the wagon with several boxes she didn’t have; it was an open back wagon; I could tell she wasn’t storing it anywhere.

Pinkie had put together a full on kitchen, with ingredients and all, by the time we all disembarked from our wagons. She had kibble, mixed with eggs, various vegetables, and meats… Don’t ask how. Anyways, those kibble, egg, veggie and meat mixes were poured into bowls and given to Blaze and Murk, even though they didn’t really need food. She gave them the food anyway. There was a cake, vegan pasta, feck, even hayburgers being cooked in her kitchenette that had aparated out of nothing.

I sat down next to Rainbow, or rather, she sat down next to me. “Say, while we’re waiting for lunch, wanna have that race?” She asked. “Not a flying race, just one on the ground. It should be more fair, since I’ve not seen you fly since our race, mister.” She tapped my wings. “Not exercising those bad boys is gonna make you weaker, and slower, overtime, Ostri.” She was now eying my wings rather closely, she even rubbed a hoof through one of them. “They are soft, the feathers I mean, for a pegasus that flies as fast as you do.” She offered me one of her wings. “See?”

Her wings were rather coarse, but still kinda soft. “And that,” I sat after poking her wings a few times. “As much as I’m touching them. Back when life was old, touching a pegasus’s wings was basically like touching their private parts without consent. It may be different since we both kinda consented,” as in I let Rainbow touch mine since I knew she wasn’t interested in me like that. Or stallions. Rainbow, shocker, is gay.

“Eh, it’s sorta the same still, except friends can touch our wings… most of the time.” Rainbow shrugged. “So a leg race?”

“Mmm,” I got up and shook myself to rid myself of the sleepy feeling I was developing from laying in a wagon all day. “Alright,” I stretched and started walking with Rainbow Dash to her friends’ wagon, which would be our starting line. I found a lone tree that honestly looked fun to be under right now. It was kinda hot, kinda humid. Some shade sounded nice. “Whoever makes it to that tree first?” I asked. I nudged Rainbow, who sat beside me.

“Yeah, that seems fair-”

“And I’ll be joining y’all’s race,” Apple Jack said. “I would try and stay and cook, but it seems that Pinkie,” she gestured to the kitchen, again, that Pinkie had pulled from out of nowhere. Chrysalis was sitting beside her, wearing the cutest outfit I’ve ever seen on her. An apron, a pink, frilly one, with a matching chef hat on her head. One ear was tucked under the hat while the other was hanging just outside of it. She and Pinkie seemed to be going over recipes and Pinkie was showing her how to actually cook. My marefriend listened with great interest; Pinkie seemed to mellow out, for now, enough to actually teach Chrysalis.

“Hold on you two,” I said. I took in the sight for a moment longer. “Okay, I’m ready. I’m just remembering just how lucky of a stallion I am,” I lowered to the ground and got ready to run. “Whenever you two are ready.” We all broke out into a dead sprint towards the tree. Apple Jack came in first, tagging the tree by bucking it to stop herself. Rainbow came running after her, skidding to a stop just as she reached the tree. I ran past the tree and skidded to a stop. I don’t trust my hooves to stop me before hitting the tree. We were all relatively close to each other, each of us being just a foot or two away from Apple Jack.

I stumbled over, as I still didn’t really have good stamina, and flopped over in the grass. I wasn’t tired, no, horses can go for miles as it seems. I just wanted to lay down under the tree. “Fuck.” I wheezed. “I am in awful shape,” I was panting slightly. Apple Jack and Rainbow Dash were too. They didn’t drop in the grass like I did though.

“I think you’re just not used to exerting yourself that often,” Apple Jack nodded. “Honestly, I’m impressed that you kept up with Rainbow Dash at all. We both kinda learnt that I’m faster on the ground than she is, but Rainbow Dash is more accurate with her turns. It’s not common for a pegasus to be as fast as Dash on the ground, let alone be able to keep pace with an earth pony for the most part, even if they will usually get outrun by an earth pony.” She nodded.

Pinkie and Chrysalis had stopped what they were doing. Pinkie whispered something to Chrysalis, who simply nodded, and whispered something back to the party pony. The two of them went back to cooking right afterwards.

Shortly thereafter, we were called over the whole picnic table that Pinkie had on her, for some reason. She might as well be Brock from Pokemon; he always had a table on him for some reason. And a frying pan. Despite being offered to sit at the table, I took my food, which came on a tray, and went and laid in the grass. I just found it to be nicer to be sitting in the grass during weather like this. The sun was… well, being a sun, but it was cloudy enough to keep the sun from being too hot. Though not cloudy enough to block out the clear, blue sky that was always fun to stare up at when you’re contemplating life. There was a nice, gentle, and constant breeze, keeping it nice and cool, but not chilly. It was a wonderful day to just eat in the grass.

“Why’re you laying in the grass, dear?” Rarity asked. “Surely it would be better if you ate at the table, so nothing could get into your food.”

I held my tray in my wings. Wings are a good second set of arms, not really, but for stuff like this, they weren’t too shabby. “Meh, I just think this is more fitting,” I took a bite of what ended up being a calzone. “Pinkie, how did you make this?” I asked. “We don’t have cheese, bread, or anything to make calzones with.”

“Oh, I just picked up some supplies a little while ago, and thought you could use a calzone.” Pinkie waved hers in the air; her mouth was full. She realized that and swallowed whatever was in her mouth without chewing. “Do you like it? I taught your marefriend, who seemed all too willing to learn so she could cook actual food for you, and I figured a calzone would be impressive. That specific one was made by Queenie!”

“Pinkie Pie,” Chrysalis interjected. “Please refrain from calling me Queenie. Anything else will do.”

“Okay, Queenie!” Pinkie said cheerfully.

Chrysalis chose at that point to just ignore Pinkie being silly for the time being. “But how is it? I cooked it with extra love-”

“Chrysalis, c’mere and lemme kiss the chef.” I motioned. “This is delicious. So get yer sexy ass over here and let me kiss you!”

The next few days of traveling went over pretty quickly, mostly because I spent most of it while sleeping on top of Blaze. Seriously, get yourself a kitsune, they are the perfect bed if you’re a horse that’s little. The ocean still has not given way to the rest of Griffonia, but we’re only going this way because Twilight asked us to. Apparently this was the quickest way to get to Griffonia with the highest chance of meeting back up with many of the Equestrian refugees that decided to leave Equestria before the Storm King inevitably assfucks it. This’ll give us the highest possibility of running into Ponyville’s residents that were supposed to be leaving the country.

On the fourth day of heading up to Manehattan, which I was hoping to see, since it was pretty close to an actual city I’ve been wanting to see on Earth, Cozy Glow woke me up from my nap. “Hey Ostri,” the little filly nudged me. “I…” she looked pretty pitiful. Granted, she was originally gonna enslave me or something. “I’ve been meaning to ask you to help me with this,” she undid her mane and some of it fell over her eyes. Just barely some of it fell over her eyes at least. “Can you please help me with this?” Cozy pulled out a pair of mane-cutting scissors. “I borrowed these from Professor Rarity and was hoping that you could trim my mane and tail. They’re getting a little too long.”

“Wouldn’t Rarity or Cadance be better qualified to cut your mane than I?” I asked. “I barely even keep up with my own grooming,” mostly because Murk does it for me. “Why didn’t you just straight up ask Rarity instead of borrowing her scissors that she had for some reason?”

“Well… right now, you’re the closest thing to a parent that I have right now. Unless we go to an actual barber or groomer, typically dams help keep their foals’ manes and fur nice and tidy. You’ve already groomed me before, and brushed my mane, so why not trim it?” She asked.

“Mmm,” I looked at Blaze. “Help me.”

“Cozy,” Blaze started. “While I am a bit apprehensive of your presence, especially with something so sharp, in such proximity to myself or my soulmate, I did decide to give you a fair chance. Ostri is not from Equestria, let alone this planet. In fact, he isn’t really even a pony-”

“So he’s like a changeling? That would explain why that bug likes you so much.”

“I heard that,” Chrysalis said. She was reading through a book that Twilight let us borrow. No, I don’t know where Twilight was keeping a collection of books, but she apparently had some to help her friends kill the passage of time with some good, ol’ fashion literature. “That’s a little racist, Cozy Glow. It’s semi-understandable; ponies are rather xenophobic from my past experiences with them.” She shrugged. “Though I could assist you with your mane as well; I’ve had to pretend to be a foal’s dam for a while. The experience was rather enjoyable.”

“But I want Ostri to do it,” she gave me some nice, big puppy eyes. “Please…” She even tilted her head.

“Why can this actually be the real you? Just a sweet, little filly that wants to be pampered?” I asked.

“What do you mean by that, Ostri? From what I’ve heard, that is Cozy. Just a helpful, cute little filly,” Cadance asked.

“Cozy’s a little psycho, according to Blaze and Murk. I’ve got full trust in both their judgements given how easy it would be for one of them to rip information from anyone’s mind. Like they could guess what your kinks are right now… not guess, I suppose, more like know what your favorite bedroom activities with Shining are, like cuddles.” Cadance blushed for a moment before giggling at that.

“But…” Cozy gave me a pouty, bottom lip. “I’m cute and lovable! I’m not a bad pony-”

“Sure,” I chuckled. “But I’ll bite and trim your mane and tail. You best not bite me, or stab me in the neck later.” I took the scissors from the little filly and sat her in front of me, facing away from me.

“So why do you think Cozy’s a sicko?” Cadance asked. “In your words, not mine.”

“She wanted to use the power of the Kumiho to rule over Equestria or something. Originally it was with the magic of friendship, now it’s Murk. Murk, however, doesn’t trust her.” I shrugged. “I was gonna be enslaved for keeping her from dying of dehydration and heatstroke, though, so that’s cool. Either way,” I cut the first couple inches of Cozy’s mane. She started purring at that, as I continued to work. D’aw, her tail’s wagging while I do this.

“...What the buck?” Shining Armor asked. “Blaze said that?”

“Eeyup, and Blaze don’t fuck around when it comes to my safety or general well-being. She doesn’t lie to me, ever, and fails when she does attempt it.”

“So I hate lying to you with every fiber of my being. Are you going to blame me?” Blaze asked. “Do keep this hush-hush. If everypony blabs about Cozy Glow, it’ll reduce her chances of proving herself to actually be the sweet little filly underneath all that psychoticness. Thus it wouldn’t end well for her; Cozy is well aware of that.” Cozy’s tail stopped wagging for a moment, but resumed when I got the final touches of her mane.

“Am I doing a shitty job?” I asked.

“You’re doing fine,” Cadance sat beside me. “Cozy, do you like Ostri?” She asked.

“I do,” Cozy admitted. “He’s kind of nice, even if he’s a bit wary of me now. Why do you think my final plans involved putting him in a position where he couldn’t get hurt? I’m thankful for what he’s done for me so far, and can be kind in return for kindness; the Cutie Mark Crusaders taught me that.” After I got through her mane, I grabbed her tail and started working on that too, until it didn’t drape down to her ankles. By the time she was done, she was looking in the mirror Chrysalis used, and nodding.

“How has my mate done, little one?” Chrysalis asked. “I would say you look adorable… though I am keeping my eye on you.”

“Pfft, we both know you’re a bit sick in the head too, Queen,” Cozy snarled. “But Ostri did a decent job…” She spun around, hopped up on her hind-hooves and kissed my cheek. “Thank you!” She said cheerfully. She blinked when I didn’t respond. My eyes were set on Chrysalis, who looked a little hurt. “What? She wanted to kill you when she first met you, didn’t she? She’s no better than I am!” How the fuck did she know about that?

“So?” I asked. “I know what she wanted when we first reunited. However, I don’t care. Right now, we love each other, and she won’t hurt me. I’m trusting her with my life, and so far she’s done nothing but show that she's earned that trust. Now,” I growled. “Turn around and apologize to my marefriend. Chrysalis likes ya, kid, no need to be mean. She’s just being cautious, like I am after figuring out you wanted to enslave me.”

Cozy rolled her eyes and groaned out an apology. She got stuck under Murk’s butt for that. It was not a pleasant moment for her.

When we reached Manehattan, since we needed to actually get through Manehattan into Griffin territory, the first thing I noticed were Royal Guards. Not just police, like Manehattan was rumored to have, not like the police that were competent enough to defend the city from the Storm King’s attempts at invading the city. No, actual Solar and Lunar Guards were roaming the streets. All them eyed our wagons as we came through. As it turned out, a horse-drawn carriage with no horse pulling drew attention just as much as the wagon full of national heroes in it.

That didn’t stop me from hopping out my wagon, while it was still moving, and Blaze soon followed. We walked over to one of those little things, where you stuck a coin in it and got a newspaper. It was very old school shit, but I doubt Equestria has the internet when it can barely cart its army to where the army needs to be… Luna is in Manehattan, or at least went to Manehattan, while Celestia stayed behind to defend Canterlot.

Ponyville, the once, kinda thriving little town that mainly sold apples as produce, was a ghost town now, thanks to Cozy Glow getting the whole town to evacuate.

There was still a bounty on my head, from the Storm King, and the Hive, Thorax’s Hive, just announced dropping any relations it had with Equestria due to them mishandling changeling spies, their information too, and lying to the king’s face about a certain pegasus traveling with the old queen. I chuckled at that, and set the newspaper to the side under my wing. I honestly didn’t care about this shit anymore, I just wanted to see how the war was going and… this particular paper had nothing in it. Aside from the Royal Pony Sisters splitting up, which is stupid. The two of them, together, are fairly powerful despite my hatred of them.

Splitting up is a horrible idea, but I suppose having a princess in the only other city that they could defend is a good idea.

“You look…” Twilight giggled. “Your nose was scrunched up while you were reading that,” she kept giggling. “You’re weirdly adorable, Ostri, I hope you know that.”

I snickered. “Me? Adorable? What happened to Princess Twilight and-”

“You’re just experiencing Twilight. I will admit, I’ve always… I wanted a stallion of my own. Before the Friendship Festival, I was genuinely trying to think of a way to ask you out, you know. Then the festival happened, and it turned out that Chrysalis already laid her claim on you. While herds are commonplace in Equestria, I highly doubt that I could convince your marefriend to let me join in on your herd.”

“What brought this all of a sudden?” I asked.

“I think I realize just how much Princess Luna messed up when she broke up with you.”

“Meh, I was a bit of a prick when I started dating Luna. I’d like to think I have grown as a person since then, or at least matured a bit, but being mentally fucked does that to ya,” I shrugged. “Don’t matter though, I’m in a much, much better space than I’ve been in a while.” I leaned into Blaze, who squawked somehow, and started grooming me. “Blaze, I love ya,” I genuinely smiled. Blaze didn’t respond with telepathy, instead, she gave me a dog-esk kiss.

Life is good.

We stopped, got haydogs, hotdogs made of hay, and kept going until we reached Manehattan’s equivalent of Central Park. I patted my kitsune on the nose. “Me and Blaze are gonna walk along the park trail for a few hours, just the two of us.” I announced.

“Why?” Cadance asked. She then ‘O’d. Murk nodded to us, giving his approval that he knew we didn’t actually need. Murk knew about how me and Blaze just wanted to spend some time together; out of everyone here, we've known eachother the longest. It’s been so long since it was just me and Blaze, that he knew the two of us could use some bonding.

“Can I join, too?” Cozy asked.

“No,” Chrysalis said sternly. “You’re staying with me. My coltfriend wishes to have something similar to what he once had back in the day. Also he and his fox demand quality one on one time with each other. We're all going to respect that desire. I believe this will be like traveling through the forest, on hoof, while you go seek out the latest bounty, or finish that next oddjob to get some bits?” Chryssy asked.

“Something like that, yeah.” I nodded.

“I was looking forward to something like this; we’ve not had the chance to camp, just the two of us, as it would slow our escape from Equestria significantly. Ostri and I would get lost in the moment alone. While you all go explore the city for a time, my little pony and I shall have some quality bonding!” She picked me up by the scruff, and gently started trotting down the path. My body started purring while being babied. I love this. I missed this. “Goodbye, everyone! We’ll meet back up with you in a couple hours!”

We stepped into Central Park’s trail and started on our merry little way.

“How likely is it that Luna will either find out we’re here, or bother us while we’re here?” I asked Blaze as we started walking.

“Very likely. However, I doubt there is much we can do about her finding out about our group being in town.” Blaze shrugged. “It is a shame, really. I did like Luna a thousand years ago.”

“I did too,” I nodded. “Well, you know that already.” I shrugged. “It’s a shame too, but…” I nuzzled Blaze. “I’ve got you. I’ll be honest, if it literally weren’t for you…”

“You’d be dead,” Blaze sighed and licked my cheek. “I’m glad to have you again. Murk is a wonderful mate, and Chrysalis, after we stopped her from wanting to kill you, is lovely. Though nothing quite beats just being with you…” I urged Blaze off to the side of the path that was relatively empty. Surprisingly, the road we were walking on was pathed with tar, and they even colored it with yellow and white to mark each side and which direction those sides should go. There were even marks for which side of the city we were on, and we were on the south eastern side.

I stuck my head to the side of Blaze’s belly. “You’re getting taller, y’know,” I noted. “You’re taller than I am, and your torso comes up to Celestia and Chrysalis’s torsos. I’m not complaining, it makes doing this easier,” I patted her belly.

“This is as big as I’ll get. I’m surprised you just now noticed how much larger I am, when back in the day, I was the size of the average pony.”

“Maybe the size of Luna; I remember you carrying me home on some occasions after a hard day of work.” I chuckled. “Your pups are kickin’ around in your belly now.”

“Wonderful… as I said, by the time we reach the border, I should have pups. By then, we should be traveling with the majority of Ponyville’s residents. After that, we should stick with them for a while so that the pups are better protected in a herd, rather than out on the road, alone again. As much as I can defend myself, and my pups, nearly getting my head bitten off by a fire breathing lizard was not fun.” Blaze shivered. “That was terrifying. I hate being preggers purely because of my newfound lack of mobility.” I could hear the silent admittence to the pay off of being preggers. She stretched and ‘accidentally’ got up in my space. “You are so going to love the singular male I have running around in there.”

“You can tell…”

“Yes, I can tell what genders the pups are.” Blaze shrugged. “Are you surprised?”

“No, but like…” I kissed her and my fox froze. “I’m just happy as hell right now.”

“Even with Cozy Glow?”

“I can tell she’s a good kid, just misguided and mentally fucked up.” I admitted. I yawned. “Wanna just lay here on the side and take a nap. The signs say path goers can do that.” Not sleeping in the grass is apparently against pony nature; aside from beds, ponies love sleeping in grass.

“That I would, after we stretch our legs first. We’ve been cooped up in that wagon for far too long.” I couldn’t agree more. I grinned and started trotting beside my best friend. Not even Luna could- oh there is Luna.

Well, there was a Luna. We walked past her and kept going down our little walk.

Author's Note

dw, luna is totally not following where Ostri is going or hiding that by ending up where he ends up.

Truly, It is Time to Move On. Also, I Own a Filly Now.

After me and Blaze made it about two or three miles down the pathway in Central Park, we decided it’d be the perfect time to take a nap. So what we did was walk off to the side of the path and laid in the grass. The signs more than welcomed path goers to lay in the grass to have a rest, or take a nap, as they please. Seeing that in mind, Blaze laid down in the grass, and I laid down beside her, before leaning into her. We both let out a long, contented sigh as I rolled around to get comfy, before settling on my back, in a little ‘salute’. I stared up at the sky for a little while before nuzzling Blaze.

“You know Luna’s been following us this whole time, correct?” Blaze asked. “To ‘talk with her ex’ or whatever.

“So? If she wants a conversation, she can have it when I fit her into my schedule. Right now, I’m in the mood for the eighth degree of take a fucking nap, so I’m going to take a fucking nap. So…” I stretched my legs and hugged the fox’s neck. “We need to do this more often, just you and me, we travel a little ways away from the group, cuddle together, nap, just spend some nice, quality time together. You, me, and some sweet, sweet dreams.”

“That sounded almost like you were going to say something about mating.” Blaze gave me a sly smile. “What do you say, Ostri, would you-”

“...Get your mind out of the gutter.” I shook my head. “Seriously bud, I wouldn’t dream of touching you in such a manner. You’re my best bud, not a fuck buddy.”

“I know you weren’t going that way, nor would you think of me in that way; you adore me so much in a way so different from how Murk does. It’s sweet, it really is. I just couldn’t help how that could easily be taken and spun into ‘nice, hot sex’ or whatever the fuck you mortals call mating.” I snorted at that and laughed. “See? I can make you laugh.” My fox giggled. “I’m so glad to hear you laugh; it’s quite contagious.”

I was actually beginning to choke on my own spit. “I wasn’t expecting that from you of all people, Blaze. You usually have a bit more class than that!” I coughed some more as I tried to clear my throat of slobber. I even started pounding on my chest while Blaze rubbed my back.

“And we’re alone. Who gives a shit about class?” She tilted her head. “Are you alright?”

“I’m dying,” I croaked, before laying my head flat against Blaze’s shoulder.

“What are you two talking about?” We groaned. Why can’t she leave us be.

“Luna,” I said. “I’ll say this once, only because I’d rather not physically harm somebody. Not somebody I used to love. Piss off.” Blaze actually grabbed Luna after I said that, with her magic, forced her wings open into ‘glide’ mode, before chucking her super hard, into the air. Luna screamed as her wings forced her to glide out, out and away from our chosen spot to nap. I think she was sent soaring into the Sun, but I wasn't paying attention, I had a kitsune to cuddle with. We both nodded as Blaze draped her tails over us, and I knew she casted something on us to be invisible.

It was a damn good nap.

We woke up a few hours later and ended up walking into a Chinese restaurant a few hours later. It wasn’t actually called a Chinese restaurant, but it basically was. It was that generic shit, a bunch of dry noodles, chow mein, in a box, though tossed in sauce, ‘meatballs’ which weren’t really meatballs, and a shitload of veggies. It was just something we decided on because I was sick of canned chili and Blaze wanted to see if she could get any meatballs. The ponies selling this shit were actually really cool.

“Would you like a box just full of tofu balls,” those were what the fake meatballs were called. “For your pet?” The cashier asked. “We won’t charge extra; your fox looks kinda cute,” she lifted a hoof. “May I pet her?” D’aw, this mare was adorable. Blaze set her head on the counter. “Oh, you are so precious!” The cashier giggled. “Oh, I needed to see a cute face like that after all the stress of Equestria being at war.” She sighed. Her eyes widened. “She just spoke to me,” she blinked. “You’re sapient?” A pause. Blaze was actively blocking my ability to constantly hear her telepathy. “Oh… You’re like a really smart animal,” the cashier shrugged. “Well, I’ll get you that box full of tofu balls. I’ll be back with your order, Ostri.” She bowed and walked into the kitchen area.

This mare has manners that make the Japanese look like hooligans.

“I like her,” Blaze nodded. “I may kidnap her so that she is not in any danger of getting hurt when the Storm King tries to invade Manehattan again.

“Blaze, no. We can’t kidnap random people.” I smirked. “And no seducing her with your puppy charms to get her to come with us. That’s kidnapping!”

Blaze looked hurt. “I would never kidnap somebody!” My fox smirked and gave me a shit eating grin. “But I can throw your ex like she’s a paper airplane through a park.”

“Yeah, she was interrupting our nap. And that was kinda funny, hearing her scream like that.” I sighed. “Kinda hurts, but the life Luna’s led, has led to me hearing her scream in fear.”

We walked out of the chinese place with our chosen foods, fake meat for Blaze, and chow mein and fake meat and veggies for me. We sat down at a bench and started eating… There’s no chopsticks, but I do have a fork, I guess. I opened Blaze’s box for her, because she gave me puppy eyes, and used the excuse that she’s preggers and needed to conserve magic for the pups.

“Please open my food’s packaging for me…” Blaze laid her head on her paws and looked up at me with the most pitiful look ever. “I’m out of magic for the day and I need my big, strong stallion to open it for me.”

“Fuck you, Blaze,” I grumbled. “You’re mockin’ me for my vertically challenged body?”

“No… I just need help getting to my fake meatballs.” Blaze whimpered. “Can you help me?” I opened her takeout box. “Yay!” She planted a canine kiss on my cheek and dug into her food. “I was out of magic, so you did me a favor, Ostri. I love you!”

Ignoring how she has enough magic to throw Luna into the sky, I found that kinda bullshit, but her puppy eyes were a really solid argument in saying this was an actual thing. Also she’s a sweet little thing, beneath all the teasing and the usage of her being cute to manipulate me into opening her box, because she’s lazy. I love my kitsune and that little kiss was probably one of the most genuine ones Blaze has given me.

It felt good. Being loved by Blaze as much as she loves me.

We began to dig in and it turned out there was a shitload of food; I don’t think I could finish all of this in one sitting, but I’ll damn near try to. In fact, I was about halfway through my food when I looked up and… Luna was standing in front of us again.

“Okay, Luna, that is getting creepy. Are you gonna just follow me around Manehattan until we actually talk, where it’s just you telling your tall tales, about how yer sorry and what not? Because I will be frank with you, Luna, your tall tales won’t work.” I put another fork full of noodles in my mouth. “And to be frank, today was just meant to be me hanging out with Blaze before we make a beeline for the Griffonian Border; you chasing me down constantly is kinda annoying.” Blaze remained silent, eating her fake meatballs with mild disgust in her eyes; she hates tofu now. “Blaze, I know, we’ll get you actual meatballs in Griffonia.”

“Look,” Luna sighed. “What will it take you to listen to me? Genuinely listen? Will you hear how I saw things a thousand years ago?” She looked down at her hooves. “I hate what I’ve done to you, and I hate what’s become of our relationship. I…” Luna was crying. “I want to make things right, Ostri.”

I shrugged, and spoke with a tofu ball in my mouth. “You said you didn’t actually love me,” I damn near growled. “What made you think that was okay?!”

“...I thought you left me to be alone! That’s why I thought you didn’t love me and left me to wallow in my own misery!” Luna shot back. “I thought that… I didn’t need you, after I became widely accepted, because you had ‘tossed me out’ when it was something not in your control. It was… I’m sorry, alright? Can we both acknowledge that we messed up here?”

Hmm. I had a point. But so did Luna. With that said, I didn’t want to hate Luna, despite everything she’s done.

“I know I fucked up, Ostri. I know I did. We had an opportunity to make things… how they were, and I ruined it. Because I couldn’t have thought you actually loved me when we first reunited.”

“So when I first opened up with me calling you beautiful, you assumed I didn’t love you? I was worried ‘bout ya, y’know? I thought you were dead or something.” Luna nodded at my assessment. “Luna…” for fuck’s sake. “You know, Luna…” I shook my head. “Yeah, we both screwed up, but I didn’t leave you by choice.”

“I wish I had thought of that when you appeared next to a mare with the same colors as the one you ran off with.” Luna admitted.

I looked down at my food and picked out the last carrot in the box and tossed it in my mouth. “Don’t matter anymore; you and I aren’t dating. You straight up told me that I’m undeserving of love for saving your ass. Do you wanna know how to get on my good side?” I asked. “Because I can tell you’re genuinely sorry, genuinely sorry for what you’ve done. I can appreciate the apology, so please listen to me, and maybe in the future we’ll actually be friends again.”

Luna began to look hopeful. “How?”

“Well, Cadance has been giving me a lot of advice; you couldn’t see yourself as the problem in our relationship, could you? Because I’m sorry if I made you feel like I abandoned you, Luna, but I didn’t want to leave you. I didn’t want to, as it wasn’t my choice according to faith, harmony, whatever the fuck you believe in. But… What you said to me, what you keep trying to do, tryina keep me wrapped around your hooves so that you can have your perfect little ‘warrior’ of a coltfriend? Tell me, Luna, not Princess Luna, not Nightmare whatever the fuck. Tell me, what was one of the first things I told you about myself?”

“...I…” Luna looked away from me. “You’re an orphan.”

“I don’t have a family, Luna. None that are biologically related to me. My mother gave up on me before I could even open my fuckin’ eyes. I struggled with moving forward throughout my school years, and struggled until I metcha. I met you. Once we started dating, I did love you. I’ll admit to being an unbearable piece of shit to your sister, and possibly to you and Starswirl, as much of a cunt that old fucker was. I like to think I was going to grow into something more bearable, but then Starlight screwed up. Then we’ll go back to that invasion, Luna. I saved your ass, I saved your capital city again. What do you tell me after seeing that I wasn’t showin’ remorse?”

“...You are undeserving of love.” Luna’s eyes drifted to the ground. “Oh..."

“And that,” Blaze finally spoke up. “Is why everyone in our group hates you so much, Luna. Frankly, I, and Ostri, would’ve loved nothing more for things to go back to how it was before Ostri disappeared on us, Luna. I tried sticking with you to help you before you became Nightmare Moon and tried to kill me. You were a friend until you so coldly broke Ostri over the course of a month. Had it just been a break up, and not constant attempts at emotionally manipulating him I would’ve considered letting you lay in the grass with us instead of throwing you through the sky.

“You lied to your fucking niece about how Ostri broke your heart. I’m fortunate that Ostri is so excited about me being pregnant, that he has been getting into a much better headspace, with Chrysalis helping him, with Cadance and Shining Armor treating him like a little brother, to Twilight and her friends coming around and being nice to him. You’re lucky that Ostri didn’t give you the cold shoulder yet again, Luna.”

Luna glared at Blaze. “You did not have to throw me through the sky, by the way. I was hoping for a civil conversation.” Blaze let out a human laugh, which only got a stronger glare from our old friend.

“You tried hitting me in the face the last time we spoke.” I pointed out.

“...That I did. Can I do anything, anything, Ostri to get you to forgive me in any capacity?” Luna asked. “I swear by my crown, I’ll follow whatever task you give me.”

“Give up your crown,” I said coldly. “I know you’ve been pointed in a direction by your sister and have gone in it since I’ve returned. Cut your ties with her, quit ruling. Quit being a cunt. Find me when you find out who Luna actually is, and then we’ll talk about being friends, because I can’t see myself loving you Luna. Not like how I once did, but if you come find me in a few years from now, as Luna, not Princess Luna with her head up her sister’s ass, we’ll talk. Properly talk, maybe catch up and be friends again. Got it, Luna?”

Luna stared at me for a long time, for what felt like hours. She stared at me while the gears turned in her head. For a moment, I could see the Luna I fell in love with all those years ago. I watched as she slowly grabbed her crown, and lifted it off her head. She dropped it on the ground and stared at it for a long time. Her gaze fell back on me and Blaze.

“I, Luna, have relinquished my crown.” She bowed her head. “Now what?”

“Go live. Go find out who you are, Luna. Because the way you were, a thousand years ago, that was Luna. You, as you are right now, aren’t Luna, not the Luna I loved. Go live your life, I’ll live mine, find me when you feel like you’ve grown enough and come talk to me. By then, I hope I’ve become half the man I’m striving to be, for Chrysalis and Blaze and her future pups.” I noted that Blaze and I were done eating. “I’ll see you around, Luna. Wish ya luck on your future endeavors, because as much as you’ve hurt me and broken me down, or how much you’ve tried to fuck with me, I still wish the best for ya.”

“...Why did I have to be such an idiot and ruin what we had?” Luna asked. “Why did we have to get separated? After all I’ve done to you, and you’re… still wishing for me to have a nice future.”

“Hey, you were demonized when we first met, and then probably manipulated by your sister into being a cunt.” I smiled at her for the first time since the day we were torn apart. “You deserve something better,” I hopped up from my seat. “Me and Blaze are escapin’ Equestria and I recommend you do the same. First, though, go ahead and apologize to Thorax for lying to him. Hell, you don’t need to tell Celestia where you’re goin’, just go somewhere… set up a new life for yourself.” I extended a hoof. “Hopefully things will start lookin’ better in the future.”

“To a better future. I swear, by the next time we meet, I will be a better mare.”

“And by the time we meet again, please don’t expect a relationship. Friendship? Sure. I dunno if I can see myself dating you again.”

“Friendship is acceptable. I… still cannot express how sorry I am for hurting you.”

“Don’t sweat it. Go enjoy yourself, Luna.”

Luna and I shook hooves and parted ways.

A few hours later, I was marchin’ on like a weight’s been lifted off my chest. I found Cadance and the group, all having a picnic in Central Park. It looked like Cadance and Shiny bought a shit load of stuff to make into sandwiches; everyone had a sandwich. Even Murk had one.

“Ostri, there you are!” Cadance waved. “When we didn’t at least see you pass by on the trail, we’d assumed you and Blaze either somehow got lost, or went somewhere else.”

“Nah, we had lunch, and then we ran into your aunt.” I said as Blaze went and immediately cuddled with Murk. I found myself pulled into the gentle embrace of Cadance. Chrysalis was laying with Starlight Glimmer… Huh. That’s adorable. Given what Chryssy initially wanted, that is very cute.

“Which one?” Cadance asked.

“Luna. We had a talk, she’s no longer a princess, and is currently leaving Manehattan. Hopefully we’ll get a visitor to the Empire in a few years, and see an actually pleasant mare, and not just an alicorn running after something her sister pointed her towards.” I hummed. “Because at the end of the day, I’ve a feeling that Celestia has enough experience to pull enough strings to kinda force what’s going on, and will use anything to make those strings do what she wants. Luna and I are prime examples; Celestia sucks at war, her guard is borderline incompetent… No offense, Shiny.”

“Eh, none taken. They’ve fallen off a little after I moved to the Empire.” Shiny sighed. “Unfortunately that’s affecting how ponies are surviving the war; I’m disappointed at how many of my officers sent their stallions towards a force that outnumbered them, and were surprised when they lost.”

“So she needs somebody who apparently knows war, and I’m the only guy not willing to play fair during a war, apparently, and that makes me good or some shit. I’ll be frank and say, compared to other people back home, I don’t know shit. I just follow tactics and already established things that humans have done, such as hiding and waiting to strike from your hiding place, or simply not take on an enemy head on when they out number me. Celestia knows Luna and I were a couple a thousand years ago, so what does she do after Luna and I broke up?”

“Get Luna to try and swindle you.” Cadance answered.

“Yeah, Celestia’s fucked us all over. Sucks, really does, but hey, now she’s ruling Equestria… solo again. Luna, now, seems remorseful enough to actually do as I told her, which was give up her crown and go live a normal life for a while. As normal as it can get for somepony that moves the Moon every evening and morning, that is.” I shrugged. “Besides, as much as I want to remain angry at Luna, I’m not the stupid little kid I was a year ago, for me at least, when I first met Luna. A year ago, I’d probably punched Luna in the face and broke her neck. Now? I just wanna live my life, Cadance. Luna can find her way back into it, but not in any relationship. If she does, or doesn’t, don’t mean shit. If I’m breathin’ and enjoyin’ myself, I’m living life and I’m living it good.

“I’ve got you, Chryssy, Blaze, and Twilight and everyone here. I’ve got friends, I’ve got something resembling a family, and I’m happier now. Once we’re done here, let’s go make a beeline towards Griffonia; I want to meet up with Ponyville’s residence at some point.”

“Okay, Ostri,” we all looked around… No Cozy Glow? I looked up and around before turning to ssk Cadance:

“Where’s Cozy?” Something tackled the back of my head, very gently. I blinked a few times, before reaching around and pulling Cozy off the back of my head. “What’re you doing?”

“I missed you,” Cozy sounded so pitiful when she said that.. “I wanted to spend today with you, you know.” She sat on her rear in the cutest way possible, if she meant to do that or not is up for debate; this kid’s just kinda cute.

“...You ain’t lying, are you?” I asked.

“No. I’m not! Why are you assuming that?” The little filly asked. “I just missed you.” She flopped down into my side, and nuzzled up into my chest. “Is there anything wrong with that?” She closed her eyes and let out another sigh. “I really missed you, Ostri.”

“Blaze, Murk?” I asked.

“She wouldn’t stop whining about how I wouldn’t let her go hangout with you and Blaze,” Murk rolled his eyes. “There is something resembling a little girl that just wants to be loved and cared for in that filly. I would’ve let her go bother you if Blaze hadn’t told me how important stuff like this was for you.” He shook his head and smiled. “You’re grooming her, by the way.” I looked down at the kid and blinked a few times. Oh. Cozy was happily humming as my tongue moved through her mane. She brought a hoof up, stopped my tongue, before pulling out her bows, and then let me continue my work.

“Say Cozy,” I hummed.

“Yeah, Ostri?”

“Wanna not be an orphan, anymore?” I asked.

“...What does…” The kid paused. “Mean…” she tilted her head. “You want to adopt me?”

“If I said yes, how would you-” Cozy hugged my muzzle and did something so cute that I think I got heartburn.

“YES! YES! YES! YES!” Cozy squeezed on my muzzle as Cadance began to write out the ‘official’ documents for us to finalize this.

Author's Note

I did some editing, did some adding onto the last scene. Cozy warmed up to Ostri way quicker than Inwoulda thought, and now Luna's running away from Equestria. Celestia... is now fucked.

In the background, I'm gonna mention the war/new shifts in power in Equestria rather than outright have newspapers be used as literal exposition.

I wanna make use of 'gossip' and stuff.

Moving On

A few months had passed since my talk with Luna. Right now, we had actually passed into Griffin Country, and it turns out Cozy Glow wasn’t bullshitting us. Just as we crossed the border, a shit ton of wagons appeared over the horizon. At the forefront of the group of wagons was… Big Macintosh. In tow was his wagon with Apple Bloom and Granny Smith. Following that was… I think literally everypony from Ponyville. As they were all let over the border, each of Twilight’s friends reunited with their parents, Twilight included, which was something she was surprised by.

Cadance and Shining Armor soon joined Twilight’s family in their embrace, Starlight Glimmer walked up to a stallion wearing a starry cape and a slightly out of place, not entirely well groomed mane.

I sat back with Chrysalis with a smile on my face and said. “Wish I had something like that…” Before nuzzling her and asking. “Wanna hug for the sake of it?”

“You dare ask me if I want affection from you, my dear stallion?” Chrysalis asked. “If it were not for our wagonmates, I would’ve requested that we sleep together if you know what I mean.”

“Oh.” I chuckled. “Not one for privacy, are you?”

“I am not. Unfortunately it is rather hard to have those ‘moments’ when sharing a wagon with Love Butt and her husband, which doesn’t leave a lot of space given that you decided to keep Blaze and Murk. Then you decided to also keep Cozy Glow,” she purred as she pulled me into a hug. “I just want a moment with my stallion, where we can get all touchy…” She shivered. “Lovely.”

“Hey Ostri,” Cozy stepped out of the wagon. “Blaze isn’t looking too good,” she said. Her face was looking down… as Murk jumped out of the wagon and glared at my filly.

“Blaze is not dying, Cozy Glow. Please do not scare my soul mate.”

“But…” Cozy lifted a hoof and said. “She sounds like-”

“So I’m giving birth!” Blaze barked. Before another word could be said, I flew over to where Fluttershy was catching up with her brother and I nudged her.

“Hey, Blaze is giving birth right now, and you’re the only pony I can immediately recognize as a vet-”

“BLAZE IS GIVING BIRTH!?” Fluttershy moved at a speed that would make Rainbow Dash jealous as she ran towards my wagon. Blaze was carried out with the combined effort of Chrysalis and Murk, while Shining Armor pulled the bed out of the wagon so that she could have something to rest on. I skidded to a stop just before the bed and held Blaze’s head in my hooves. She let out a whine as Fluttershy instructed her on what to do.

“This,” Blaze growled. “Sucks.” She groaned.

“I’ve got you, girl. I’ve got you,” I whispered.

“I will be back; the little ones will be hungry,” Murk said as he got up to go hunt for food.

“You best be back to meet your son and daughters,” Blaze teased, despite her discomfort. Murk nodded and disappeared into the forest.

“You’ll be okay…” Fluttershy said as she continued to help Blaze. “Just push,” she offered Blaze a stick. “And bite down on that as you do.” Before long, Blaze started pushing and stopping with labored breaths. Not too long after that, a pup popped out. I was expecting it to be a little ‘bean’ but… it looked like a fox kit that was already a couple weeks old; basically it didn’t look like a potato. Just a fox kit with nine tails. I stared at the kit for a few moments while Blaze worked on getting the other two kits out. Soon, there were three kits laying around Blaze’s belly, all whimpering, crying, looking around. Just trying to get closer to Blaze.

The first kit that was born eventually waddled on up to me, its big, round eyes stared up at me, tilting its head. Its ninetales slowly waved behind it, as the fox took in my appearance as I took its appearance in. Its ears twitched a few times as it listened to me breathe. Before long, I was laying on my stomach, being at its level seemed to make the curious little fella more willing to approach me, as he made his way over to me and nuzzled my nose. I don’t think my heart melted so much in my entire life.

I sat on my haunches, picking the little kitsune up in my arms. The fox squirmed a bit as it tried to make itself more comfortable in my grasp, but didn’t actively try to make its way out of my hooves. After a few moments, he seemed to have found a comfy position, wrapped his tails around my left leg, and cuddled let out a happily little shrill.

“That one likes you a lot,” Blaze commented as Murk made his way back with a few geese. Fluttershy, surprisingly, didn’t flinch at the sight of three dead animals. “Thank you, Murk… Would you like to see your pups?” The kitsune offered, moving one of her tails that was covering the other two pups that opted to stick by their mother.

“I would,” Murk laid down and nuzzled them both as Fluttershy took the geese. “Kind One, I do appreciate you, especially for helping my mate give birth, but what are you doing? Those are meant to feed my pups. And I am aware of your-”

“Oh hush. I may love animals, but this isn’t the first time I’ve seen some dead geese. Everypony’s gotta eat, even the carnivores. I was just going to pluck the feathers out of these poor creatures so that your pups have an easier time eating without having to worry about feathers getting stuck in their teeth or in their throat.” Fluttershy soon trotted away, Twilight took her place soon after. With a notepad and started noting down any and all observations she could make, from the pups, to their behavior, to their physical attributes. Heck, down to how Blaze and Murk were treating the pups.

The pup in my arms was soon fast asleep, his snores coming out in small, almost imperceptible squeaks as the dream realm soon swept him up. “Can I name this one, Blaze, Murk?” I asked.

Murk smirked and nodded. “That was the plan; letting you name one of our kits. You seemed more excited about Blaze being a mother than Blaze was, and she was the one that was about to become a mother, not you. So go on, name your pup. These young ones are just as much your pups as they are mine, or even Blaze’s.” The kumiho laid down, setting his head in Blaze’s fur and added. “And you can watch over the pups whenever me and Blaze need a break from dealing with them.”

I sat down, staring at the kitsune-kumiho in my hooves, thinking of something to call him. Should I give him something more along the lines of a pony? Blaze and Murk didn’t really have any rhyme or reason for their names, with Murk likely receiving his name from either somepony, or another kumiho, and I gave Blaze her name. I stared down at the little fellow, nuzzled him a bit and hummed. The little fella looked like he had little fireballs on his cheeks, even if they were just simple, black marks in his fur, mere marks.

But I think I might know what to call him.

“Ember.” I said. “Does Ember sound good?” I asked, looking up at my foxes.

“Ember sounds lovely.” Blaze nodded. “And fits with my name more. I see which one of us is your favorite, hmm?” I snorted as Blaze gave her mate a playful nuzzle. Before long, Fluttershy came back with the geese skinned. I nudged Ember and woke him up, before settling him down on the ground, letting him go eat with his siblings.

A few hours later, the pups were all asleep, with full bellies. Blaze was fast asleep as well, her body and tails curled upland around her pups, happily snoozing away as she was pressed into Murk, who was wide awake. Unfortunately for me and Chryssy, or not so unfortunately, Cadance and Shining Armor had opted to go spend the rest of the traveling up to the Crystal Empire. Cozy Glow asked to go have a sleepover with Apple Bloom and her two friends. So it just left me and Chrysalis alone in our wagon.

Seeing as all of Ponyville was with us, and Equestria long behind us, we were all safe to make our way through griffin territory in peace. Whatever the fuck Celestia was doing, whatever Luna was off doing, if she was genuine and went to go find out who the fuck she is… I’m not sure. I don’t care either.

For the first time in… a year. Holy shit, it’s been a year since I arrived in modern day Equestria.

Holy shit… I’m twenty years old now.

I laid down in our wagon next to Chrysalis, seeing as Blaze and Murk all decided to sleep outside, under the stars with their pups. “G’night, Chrysalis…” I whispered as I snuggled into her underbelly. Before I could even react, Chrysalis’s legs snapped around me. “Chrysalis? What… is going on? What are you-”

“You idiot… this is the first night we’ll be spending together… alone in our wagon.” Chrysalis’s horn lit up. “I casted a Silence Spell on our wagon. Nopony shall be able to hear us. What do you say? Would you like to end tonight, and our trek through Equestria by calling me… Queen?” Chrysalis asked. I stared at Chrysalis for a long, long minute. To say yes would finally move me on from Luna, from Equestria. From what my life was supposed to be like… and I don’t think I mind moving on. In fact, with Blaze’s kits, Shining Armor and Cadance possibly joining me and Chrysalis in a herd by the time we reach the Crystal Empire…

“Well my Queen,” I whispered. “I’m all yours for the night. Don’t hold back; feel free to make me beg even.” I smiled and kissed Chrysalis. “Whenever you’re ready…”

Chrysalis smirked. “Oh-ho-ho. Is this what it’s like to see you come out of your shell once more, Ostri? If so…” My marefriend nuzzled me. “This night is going to be perfect.”

Author's Note

Okay, so i had grander plans and have been trying to figure out how to get them into action. but after reading some comments and doing some thinking... yeah, those big plans really don't have a place in a story like this. This whole series has been solely focused on Ostri, trying to find his place in the world, and moving on from a break up. I know this took way too long to write, way too long to publish, but I wanted to get this just right.

There is only so much I can write when it comes to Ostri rolling around after a breakup. his journey for now is long from over. but this chapter of his journey, getting out of Equestria, and finally moving on, is. I hope this ending was at least satisfactory. I might, might make a new installment when Ostri and company make it to the crystal empire and then explore what the hell happened to Equestria later. might. for now... I'll let Ostri be happy. my man deserves it.