The Second Journey: Misunderstandings

Chapters

Chapter 1: Prologue
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5

Chapter 1: Prologue

Hey! Have you read the story before this? It wont make a lick of sense if not!
~Linky~

~Author's Note~

So, I plan for this story to be much longer than the previous. I already have a few twists planned out for the plot line. As you will see, it starts off right where Feelings of Etherealism ended, so the somewhat cliffhanger is getting resolved.

Enjoy. :)

~Chapter 1: Reanimation~

Slowly, my eyes opened.

I was reconnected with my body after a week, and it didn't quite feel right yet. Because the muscles hadn't worked at all in that time frame and from the injuries it sustained, some of the neural pathways connecting to it's limbs had deteriorated. I very carefully and unsteadily rose up to a sitting position, and I was aware of Chroma holding me in a death-grip around my midsection. I focused after a few seconds, and there she lay on my chest, eyes wide, red, and swollen from crying, disbelief etched into the features of her face, and the greatest, most pure hope I had ever seen written in someponys expression.

Luna was lying next to her, just as disbelieving and hopeful, before she smiled at me in genuine happiness. The drain on her energy from the spell finally caught up to her and her eyes rolled into the back of her before she dropped unconscious. Chroma, in the meantime, was slowly, shakily reaching a hoof out to touch my face. She lightly caressed my cheek, testing to see if she was hallucinating. My reaction was to smile and lean forward, grasping her in a tight hug.

She hung there in my arms for a few seconds, still unsure as to how she ought to react. She finally swung her hooves around me, clutching me in a hug so tight I could feel my ribs protesting against the strain. I didn't care. I simply took it, and tightened my grip back. "I'm sorry." I whispered in her ear, and I gently stroked her mane. She started to cry again, but this time she had my shoulder to cry into.

We sat there for who knows how long, simply glad to hold each other one more time.

We all found ourselves back in the throne room, but on happier tidings. The Princesses called court off for the next day and night to recover, and to enjoy the victory over Nightmare Moon. Luna had gotten some of her guards to pull nine mattresses into the room and numerous blankets, and Celestia ordered snack foods (with Pinkie's help, of course) and we had a little bit of a celebration that Pinkie chose to name our 'CONGRATULATIONS-ON-KILLING-NIGHTMARE-MOON-AND-COMING-BACK-FROM-THE-DEAD!" party. We dealt with the somewhat gruesome name for a 'party' simply because it was actually something to celebrate over.

We had arranged the beds into a giant square and sat together, shoulder to shoulder in a circle. I had Chroma on my right, Luna on my left, and then continuing clockwise, Celestia, Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and ending next to Chroma, was Spurspark. in the middle of all of us was a large tray covered in numerous confections of varying tastes, and then behind Applejack, was her contribution to the evening - a cask of her best cider. She got Twilight to teleport back with her and pick it up.

We were laughing and carrying on, enjoying life to the fullest. Myself especially, considering that was technically my second time dying, but this death, was much more dire. I had never even intended to enter Equestria, but now that I was in it, I was determined not to leave again. Currently, Spurspark was recounting a tale about yours truly back on Earth. It was an entertaining one for sure, back on the occasion of the first time I got decently drunk - his eighteenth birthday, around when we started referring to each other as one of the ponies from the mane six, so I was Rainbow Dash. "So, here he was, hammered, lying on my couch after playing a game drunk and still schooling us at it with his precision and creativity, and all he said randomly was 'RD is RD!'" They all stopped for a second, and he finished the story. "Rainbow Dash is Really Drunk!"

We both laughed at the story, simply because it was a great night, but the others also chuckled at the play on words. Rainbow actually burst into laughter to match our own. "Oh - I need to use that!" She managed between breaths, and fell into laughter again. Our laughter died down, and we sat in companionable silence for a few more seconds.

Eventually, Chroma and I glanced at each other at the same time, making eye contact, and we stopped and stared at each other, grinning. We leaned towards each other into a passionate and loving kiss. When it ended we separated an inch, staring at each other. Twilight was the first to break the silence with an awkward cough, and when we looked up, her, Fluttershy, and Luna were blushing, Celestia was smirking, Rarity was watching us all mushy-eyed like she was watching some scene from a movie filled with cute fluff, Rainbow and Applejack were gagging, Pinkie was grinning, and then Spurspark spoke up. "You know, you should keep it in your pants in public Ink. It's not very polite." I tried to glare at him but I found it hard to stay serious after a comment like that. However, all the other ponies were staring at us like we grew a second head.

Except for Celestia and Luna, what with them having seen our memories and knowing what the human expression meant. Celestia looked shocked and even managed to pale slightly, and Luna coughed on the swig of cider she was in the midst of taking, then proceeded to blush even more, reaching the point of being beat-red. I noticed that both mine and Luna's wings had extended out a bit and that they were similar in size, and then we made eye contact. Wings instantly shot back to our sides. The Princesses stared at Spurspark and I, unsure how to deal with this, and Chroma continued to stare at me. "Care to explain?" she asked.

It was now my turn to cough awkwardly. "Uhh - maybe later. Suffice to say, it's an expression where we are from." Her curious gaze was still present, but she managed to contain herself for now. I turned back to the circle, and noticed from the corner of my eye that Luna was still blushing, looking somewhat away from me. I paid it no heed, figuring it to still be embarrassment at being witness to my friends sense of humour in person. Then I remembered something. I turned my head around over my shoulder and stretched out a wing, looking at the size of it.

It was the size of Celestia's wing.

I blinked and stood up, walking away from the mattresses for a moment and stretching my wings out to the side, seeing my full wingspan. I could drape each wing across three ponies if I so wished. I gave them a light test flap, and I could feel the power stored within them. Looking to my shoulders again I noticed the muscles at the base of my wings connecting them to my back had also grown considerably in size to accommodate the sheer mass of the appendages. Going a little further, I pushed down hard, once.

I had to sweep off to the side, and slow down, because I nearly nailed my head on the ceiling. I started changing how I flapped, to find out how to hold my altitude even. I discovered that doing about a quarter of a flap at low power was enough to keep me aloft, and now that I was somewhat stationary, I turned back to those below me.

All their expressions were of wonder. Luna spoke first. "We saw when thou thrust the Nightmare into thine body it instantly began to accommodate her, changing form."

I nodded. "I noticed as well. Even the tone of my fur seems darker than before." I held my wings straight out to the side again and cupped them, discovering that they could hold enough air to simply allow me to slowly fall directly down. I lightly touched down on my rear hooves and then front, and sat down, examining the altered appendages once more. A funny thought occurred to me and I looked up to Rarity. "I think my clothes will need to be somewhat. . . adjusted, Rare."

She snorted, a most unladylike sound. "Really? You don't say!" She chuckled, and I responded in turn. I trotted back over to my spot in the circle and lay next to Chroma, snuggling close. I pushed my wing out over her and laid it on the ground next to her, cupping her to my side. With my wing draped the way it was I completely covered her back from her neck to her rump, and half my wing was still lying against the mattress in such a way that there was no strain on my muscles from it hanging over somepony. She looked up at me and smiled.

I smiled back and turned to the others. "So, I suppose I really should thank you. All of you. For what you have done for me. I could never express my gratitude enough."

They all smiled back, but Rainbow brushed a hoof against her chest and examined it. "Yeah, we're awesome, aren't we?" I saw Applejack's rear leg stick up and kick RD in the flank, which caused her to yelp and jump in the air. "Hey! What the heck was that for?"

AJ turned to her, smirking. "Yah darn well know what, sugarcube. Now, behave."

We all laughed again, and when it quieted down, Twilight was smiling at me. "Well, you are very welcome, Ink. I would do it for anypony here, any day. I couldn't bear to lose a friend, especially after just getting them." We all da'wwwed, and hooked a hoof around each other's shoulders, from myself around to Twilight. I noticed Luna and Celestia seemed to be feeling a little left out and awkward with how they were smiling slightly and scuffing their hooves on the mattresses. I made eye contact with Twilight and winked, flicking my head towards the Princesses. I lifted my hoof, and Twilight made the connection. She smiled and draped her hoof across Celestia's back as I did Luna's. We startled the both of them, but they grew accustomed to it, blushing, and then draped their hooves over us and each other. We all laughed, and simply sat there like that for a few seconds before we separated. I noticed Luna slowly dragged her hoof across my back, maintaining contact as long as possible, before separating. I found this curious, and I enjoyed it, but once again I let it slip to the back of my mind.

A couple more hours passed, and we all decided to call it in for the evening. We cleaned up the throne room, deciding not to leave a big mess for the cleaning ponies to deal with, and started to say goodnight to everypony. Celestia did so first. "Alright, everypony, I enjoyed this evening very much, but I must now retire. I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow. And once more," She walked over and nuzzled my neck. "Thank you, Ink, for saving my sister."

I nuzzled back. "You are very welcome. But I would do it any day. I should be thanking you for bringing me back from the dead." We separated and she was smiling at me, and I smiled back. She went over and hugged Twilight, saying goodnight to her student, before leaving the Throne room.

The mane six likewise decided to make for their beds, and all said goodnight as they passed by. Spurspark left as well, giving a brohoof on the way past, and then it was just Luna, Chroma, and I. I was about to suggest Chroma and I leave for the evening, but then Luna spoke first. "We are sorry, but we would like to thank Ink privately for his aiding us, if thou dost not mind, Chroma?"

She smiled. "Of course not. I will wait outside for you, hun." We shared a quick kiss before she trotted out into the hall. I turned back to Luna, who began to sit on the floor again. She looked like she was starting to cry.

I sat next to her, concerned. "Are you alright, Luna?"

She sighed, a tear rolling down her cheek. "It was all our fault, Ink. We caused thee great pain, and we can never undo the damage we caused." She turned to me, eyes filling with tears. "We are wretched. Unable to hold back our own emotions."

I shook my head and wiped away the tear that fell down her cheek. "No. You are most definitely not wretched. I think Nightmare Moon was more along the lines of you accidentally splitting your emotions off, shutting them out without dealing with them, and they developed into their own being. Like a kind of bipolar, split personality. Because of how long they had to fester and grow, they seemed to have somehow developed their own sentience, and became a living thing in your mind that forced you into submission." She went to look down, but I put a hoof under her chin and directed her gaze back up. "I'm sure you saw that, too, when I pulled you both from your body. You had individual souls. And as for undoing the damage," I smirked. "what damage? You managed to resurrect me in a sense, I still have my friends, and those I love." By the end of my little speech, I was full on smiling. "You have nothing to be ashamed of or sorry for. I forgive you for everything."

She was smiling now, down to sniffles. "Thank thee, Ink. Thine words mean the world to us." She swallowed. "To me." She leaned forward and hugged me, nuzzling into my shoulder. I reciprocated, holding her close.

We sat like this for a minute before separating. "Well, Luna, I suppose I should bid you goodnight. I hope you rest well."

I was about to leave when she called out, "Wait!" I stopped and turned to her, curious as to what she wished to say. She swallowed nervously, and dragged a hoof nervously across the floor in circles, blushing.

"Would. . . Wouldst thou please accompany me tonight? I need somepony to comfort me after these trials I have faced for the past month."

Chapter 2

~Chapter 2: Invitations~

"Umm. . . Let me talk to Chroma for a minute?"

So, this was not at all what I was expecting. I was unsure how to process this request: I knew that it was for the company alone (well, hoped - and yet not), but the dirty part of my mind interpreted it as a proposition. For, you know.

Other stuff.

She nodded, and I walked towards the doors slowly and left. I entered the hall and Chroma turned to me smiling, but her smile fell when she saw my face. "Whats wrong? Why are you so pale?"

I blinked and shook myself a bit. "Umm. . . Luna invited me to accompany her tonight." Chroma's face also dropped into a blank mask.

"What."

I waved my hooves in the air defensively. "No! No! It's because the events and nightmares over the past month have left her insecure. She wants the comfort from company."

This seemed to sate Chroma somewhat. "Okay. What did you say?"

"I said I needed to talk to you first."

She slowly nodded. "Well, I don't really know how to respond. On one hoof I understand her need, but on the other I feel iffy about letting my stallion spend the night with another mare, away from me."

I gulped. "Well, I could ask if she is alright with you being there as well. She really needs this."

Chroma thought for a few seconds, biting her lip in thought and glancing away. When she looked back at me she nodded. "I'm fine with that." She suddenly blinked, and chuckled to herself. "What am I saying. I know Luna. She would never go behind my back like that. These feelings are so irrational."

I chuckled with her. "Jealousy? No, everypony is subject to that at some point. Lets go ask, though." She nodded and we reentered the throne room, to find Luna sitting where she was when I left. She looked up at us and smiled slightly. I decided to break the ice. "So, would you mind if Chroma was there as well?"

Luna stopped for a second before responding. "Why, yes! Didst thou really feel it necessary to ask us? Thou art welcome anytime, Chroma. Thou art a dear friend."

She smiled. "Thank you, Luna. I appreciate it. Shall we?" We fell in on either side of the Princess and proceeded to leave the throne room and make our way down the halls of the castle towards her quarters. We reached the large double doors bearing the design of her charge as Princess of the Night, and entered. The lighting was dim, with a bluish cast, and long, thin navy blue drapes ran from ceiling to floor against every wall. At the far end of the room was a large four poster bed, big enough to fit five full-grown stallions, and draped similarly to the walls. To the left was a raised platform leading to a balcony, and through the balcony one could easily view the night sky when gazing up, and one of the gardens when lowering their vision.

If one looked closely they would be able to make out various items stored behind the curtains, but could not make very much of it. And to the right, the curtains were double-layered, the thin navy blue over thick, non-transparent pale blue - similar in tone to Princess Luna's mane in season one, to be exact - and I found myself incredibly curious as to what lay behind it.

The princess walked into her room across the tile floor - I noticed the tiles were patterned to match the constellations in the night sky - and proceeded to strip off her regalia, throwing it over to the side and grabbing it with her magic to slow its descent to the floor wherever she tossed it. She leaped into the air assisted by her wings above her bed and dropped through the open top of the piece of furniture, grunting as she plopped into the mattress. Chroma and I couldn't help but smile at Luna's antics; it was absolutely adorable the way she did it.

We followed the rest of the way into the room and approached the side of her bed, pulling across the veil to see her lying atop the sheets, gazing at the ceiling. She looked over at us and smiled. "Please, make thyself comfortable, both of you. We have no qualms about sharing the bed. It is much too large for our self alone."

We laughed. "Alright Luna." I said and climbed onto the bed, Chroma in tow. It was surprisingly perfect for my tastes; not so squishy you sink into it, but not a rock. It was comfortably firm. I walked closer to Luna and lowered myself down to my belly, right next to Luna's head, but not touching. Chroma came over and laid down likewise in front of me, turned towards me, on the opposite side of Luna's head. Luna glanced up at us and grinned, before suddenly whipping her front hooves and her wings out, grabbing a hold of us and pulling us down directly to her sides. I yelped and Chroma screamed lightly, and we all fell into laughter against each other. As our laughter died down to giggles, and further into companionable silence, we slowly drifted to sleep, limbs and wings wrapped around each other.

When I awoke, my eyes opened to a room full of blue and orange. The sun was cast through the window lending it's bright citrus beams in, and the dark navy of the curtains contrasted the rays heavily, but they were complementary. I felt refreshed, no morning drowsiness, and happy. I looked to the side at the two contained within the grasp of my many appendages, and I reveled in their beauty.

Luna and Chroma were sleeping, directly next to me, with Chroma's head nestled into the Princesses throat. Luna had her chin resting on top of Chroma's head in turn, and their hooves wrapped around each other in a tight hug. I myself had my hooves wrapped around them, Chroma had a wing clutching my lower half, Luna had a wing wrapped around under and behind me, and I had a wing draped on top of Chroma, who was on top of Luna, effectively covering all of us. We did not bother getting under the sheets, and it was not necessary; our combined body heat was more than ample requirements for fitful rest.

I slowly lifted my wing and returned it to my side, and carefully extricated my hooves from around the two. They grumbled a little, but tightened their hug around each other and quieted down, smiling. I stood up, mindful of the Princess' wing, and carefully lifted it over top of Chroma, the same way I had used my own. Luna rolled over opposite me, taking Chroma with her, and sighed heavily. When Chroma hit the other side of the bed however, she let a cute little snort, grunt, and huff out at the same time. I grinned, and stepped off the bed.

I stretched myself out, twisting my neck to crack it and relieve a little bit of tension that had built up over the night. I quietly walked across the room toward the balcony, careful not to let the clopping of my hooves ring too loudly. Thankfully the drapes around the bed and room assisted with that by muffling and absorbing the sound somewhat. I stepped up to the outside platform and lifted my forelegs onto the railing, looking out at Canterlot Castle.

The sky was mostly clear with a few stray clouds, and was the purest of blues. The white marble of the castle was iridescent in the bright light, and the gold accents shone wonderfully, matching the rays of the sun. Down below, I could see a few ponies tending to the gardens, watering flowers, feeding the birds and the koi in the fountains, and relaxing on the benches drinking juice on their breaks. I smiled lightly at the tranquility of it all. Hard to believe that just yesterday was my supposed funeral, and a week ago marked the death of Nightmare Moon, and my own. Just goes to show that life continues, no matter what happens to you.

I rested there, basking in the warmth of the sun and beauty of the morning before light hoof falls came up behind me. I looked over my shoulder to see Princess Luna approaching, smiling. Without her regalia she seemed much more innocent looking, and exposed. Her mane was no longer bound back by her tiara, and a few long locks draped down in front of her ear, pulled back and over her shoulder. She looked breathtaking.

She walked all the way over to my side on the balcony and sat on her rump, looking out on the morning with me. I nodded to her in greeting with a smile, and she winked in response, grinning. My smile grew into a grin as well, and I looked back towards the bed. Chroma was still resting fitfully, and the sheets had been pulled over top of her. I could make out the even rise and fall of her chest through the sheets.

"It is a beautiful morning, is it not?" Luna said quietly so as not to wake the pony in her bed.

I looked back to her, then to the sky again. "It is."

I saw her turn to me out of my peripheral vision. "This may come across as rather sudden, but we. . . wish to spend more time with thou." I turned to her, making eye contact. "We - I, wish to know thou more. Viewing thy memories seems too callous, and rude, a way of getting to know thee. I. . ." She broke eye contact and looked back over the castle. "I have never felt this way about somepony. I am drawn to you, and I can't hold back." Her gaze lowered somewhat, contemplatively. "I don't know what to make of it."

I blinked, letting this process. This. . . This sounds like how I felt for Chroma after getting to know her better in the hospital. Is that maybe when I developed an attraction for her. . ? Is this Luna developing the same for me. . ? I looked back over the castle, thinking. This wouldn't be unwelcome if that's the case. But. . . Where does that leave Chroma?

I turned back to the Princess, who was now looking at me again. "Is this okay with you, Ink?"

I thought for a second longer. "I would love to get to know you more, Luna," Her expression brightened. "but I must always stay true to Chroma, if my assumptions on the way your feelings have developed are correct." Her hope dwindled. I looked back over the castle and sighed. "Back home, polygamy was. . . not very common. Most even frowned upon it. If it is more common here, I may grow accustomed to it, but. . ." I shrugged, looking back to Luna. Her expression was crestfallen, and she was looking at the ground next to her. I reached a hoof out and lifted her face to look into mine. "but I am willing to work to make it happen faster."

I smiled at her brightly and sincerely, and she smiled back, expression growing tender. Our faces began to slowly drift closer together, and when a hairs breadth away, some shuffling back in the room snapped us out of it. We returned to our original positions, blushing and wings slightly unfurled, and looked in at Chroma. She had just awoken, and she was sitting upright in bed. Her forehooves were stretched straight into the air, and she yawned deeply. At the end of her yawn she cast her gaze about, searching for us. When she saw us at the balcony she smiled. "Morning."

We smiled back and nodded to her. We glanced at each other, glad she didn't seem to see, and walked back into the room. I spoke up.

"So, who's hungry?"

Chapter 3

~Chapter 3: Dining with Dames~

Thanks to Luna running Night Court, and because she just rested, she was free to spend the day with us, and was more than happy to do so. In fact, she was the one that mentioned this and invited us to accompany her for the day. First on the agenda though, is breakfast.

We trotted down the castle halls, making our way to the dining hall, having idle chatter as we walk along. Chroma was currently explaining the inspiration for one of her upcoming orders. ". . . and his taste for militaristic styles caused him to ask for the pony in a peaceful, relaxing picnic sipping wine with a mare, while wearing full armour."

Luna and I snorted at the clash of the savage with the sentimental. Luna spoke next, making an offer. "We have an array of armaments, from antique to advanced, that thou may reference for thy work."

My ears perked up. "Hey, you have full suits of armour?"

She looked at me, somewhat startled. "Yes, we have them on display with our collection of art." She cocked her head to the side slightly. "Thou wish to view them as well?"

I nodded vigorously. "I have always had an interest in arms and armour. I used to train with a type of blade called a katana. I don't know if you have anything similar, but I would love to retrain in a new art."

She grinned. "We would be most delighted to teach thou!"

This startled Chroma and I. "You have trained in fighting?"

She nodded. "We know numerous arts - ancient ones, long since rendered obsolete - ranging from those once practiced by earth ponies, pegasi, unicorns, griffins, and other beings dwelling within this plane."

I blinked, and then a large grin grew across my face. "Oooooh - I wanna learn the pegasi and griffin ones! If it's not too much hassle that is." I said. Chroma and Luna laughed. "What? It's a great way to keep fit, and it's awesome, and you get to swing sharp objects!" I blinked. "Wait, what kind of weapons are even used in these arts?"

Luna giggled. "The griffins utilize their claws, so we adapted spikes into greaves for backhand strikes, and pegasi used to use wing blades for quick slashing strikes."

I skipped a little. "Oh, this is exciting!" We reached the dining hall and the unicorn guard pulled the doors open with his magic, granting us entry.

Princess Celestia was already at the table, munching on a salad while reading a few scrolls before heading to Day Court's first session. She looked up at us when we walked in and smiled. "Good morning everypony. I trust you all slept well?"

Luna smiled and trotted up to her sister, nuzzling up to her. "Yes, dear sister, we did."

Celestia hesitated for second, uncertainty in the features of her face. "I. . . must ask, is that 'royal' we or 'we' as in 'we three?'"

Chroma, Luna and myself all laughed, and I responded. "Yes, 'we' as in 'we three.' Luna asked for the company after what she faced recently, so we were there to help her get a fitful nights sleep." Chroma and I walked up, nuzzling Luna in a manner portraying close friendship. She responded in kind, and we looked back to Celestia.

She nodded, chuckling. "Okay, very good. Thank you for doing that. We - as in, Luna and I-" she said with a wink, "appreciate your efforts to ensure we have peace of mind and are safe. Ink, your efforts shall never be forgotten. I still believe I am forever in your debt."

I chuckled. "I thought we settled this? I fulfilled my debt to you with this. I do not expect anything from you in return, Princess."

Chroma looked at me, eyebrow raised. "What did you owe the Princess for?"

I swallowed. Damn, I'm slipping up a lot recently. "It. . . has to do with how I came here from where I'm from originally. It isn't ruled by the Princesses, so I needed her permission to stay in Equestria. She granted it to me."

Chroma nodded, looking a little displeased. "A lot has happened around you that I don't know."

I sighed. "Yeah. I will explain it all to you soon." I really shouldn't hold the truth from her; she deserves to know, especially if we are to be an item. I refocused my attention to address everypony once more. "So, whats for eatin'?"

Celestia smiled. "Simply hail one of our waiters and place your order."

Chroma and I nodded, and we went to the side of the table opposite Celestia, taking our seats. Luna followed suit and sat on the opposite side of me from Chroma. A colt proceeded to approach us. "Good morning, Princess Luna, Master Ink, Master Chroma. How do you wish to begin the day?"

Thinking for a second I made my decision. I allowed the others to order before myself though. Luna spoke first. "We would greatly appreciate a croissant, accompanied by a bowl of fruit salad, and breakfast tea, please."

The colt nodded and turned to Chroma. "For you, madam?"

She thought for a second and chose. "I will just have a daisy sandwich and milk, please and thank you."

The colt nodded once more and shifted his gaze to me. "And finally, sir?"

"May I please just have a couple of slices of buttered toast and a glass of orange juice? Don't feel like anything too fancy."

He nodded one final time and trotted off to gather our food. I turned back to the group, and Celestia spoke up. "So what do you have planned for the day, everypony?"

Luna looked at Chroma and I and turned back to her sister, smiling. "We are simply going to relax and enjoy each others company today. Work on art, converse, and other such pleasant activities."

Celestia nodded. "That sounds nice." She finished up the last bite of her salad and collected all of her scrolls with her magic. "Well, I should resume with my duties. I shall see you all again soon. Enjoy your day." We all smiled to her and said goodbye for now, and she left the dining hall. Our breakfast was brought out to us moments after, and we relaxed with idle chit chat, food, and each others company.

After eating, we began to walk back toward Princess Luna's quarters. The princess and Chroma were idly chatting as we walked, but I paid it no heed - my mind was on other matters. I couldn't get Luna's offer out of my head, and I was still unsure how to react to it. On the one hand, polygamy was something I grew to frown upon on Earth. But was it just because it was different. . ? Monogamy seems to be out of the norm here in Equestria, to a certain extent, instead. Would I be able to do it thanks to the lacking of disapproving outside influences. . ? Or have I grown too set in what I learned previously. . ?

Gah, this is difficult! I KNOW I love Chroma, I have no doubts there, and as for Luna. . . I am fairly certain I feel the same, to an extent. I feel for her as I did upon first meeting Chroma, and that grew to something more. . . Could it. . ? I need someone to talk to about this. Maybe the girls. . ?

I remembered that they decided to extend their stay a couple of days following what happened - they needed to relax for a bit longer to let any stress from the incident fade before returning to the stresses of home. I decided that was what I would do. I'm going to go talk to them. Find out how they feel about being in a relationship with more than two ponies.

I turned to the mares accompanying me, breaking my extended silence. "Hey, do you two mind if I catch up to you in a bit? I need to go talk to the girls for a few."

They turned to me, slightly surprised. Chroma spoke first. "Sure! I don't have any problems with it. We'll see you later then?"

I nodded. I noticed Luna was watching me closely, curious as to the sudden change in plans. I looked her in the eyes, attempting to convey my thoughts to her telepathically. I'm going to see if I can get help adjusting to these new values. This is for you. And hopefully for myself as well.

She still looked curious, but less suspicious now. She new I felt I needed to do this, and so she granted her acceptance as well. "We also have no qualms about this. We shall expect thine presence whenever thou find thyself available, if it pleases thee." She said with a smile. I smiled back and said farewell before splitting off, backtracking a bit and turning down a different corridor.

My thoughts continued to plague me during my trek to the quarters of the six mares I aim to seek counsel with. So many questions buzzing around my mind. . . and so far, no answers. This seems so sudden, too. What did I do to earn Princess Luna's affection? Well. . . I suppose I technically saved her, her sister, Twilight, and Equestria in general from impending doom at the hooves of her alter ego comprised of all of her negative emotions, but. . . still. It just wouldn't sit right, being in a relationship with her simply because of that. Plus, well. . . shes a Princess. I'm, what, some human that died and fell into Equestria, and work as an artist? Faust, this is the most confused I have ever been in my life.

I reached the door to their room, and raised my hoof to knock. However, I hesitated. Is it right to draw them into this. . ? Buck, should have thought of that sooner. Now I don't know who to talk to about this. Would any one of them work, should I talk to all of them, would only one specific one be the best option, or should I not bother them?

I turned and sat next to the door. Stop. Think this through. Who should I talk to? Twilight. . . eh, no. She might not be the best to talk to in the realm of relationships, as yet. Fluttershy. . . yeah, again. Waaaaay too shy. Rainbow would make fun of me. Applejack, eh, shes a country pony, and I have no idea if country values in Equestria are similar or not to Earth. Pinkie. . . hell no. That leaves. . . Rarity. She might work. But should I ask her help?

As if on cue, the fashionista in question trotted up. "Oh! Hello, Ink. Whatever are you sitting on the dirty old floor next to the door to our room for, might I ask?"

I hesitated again. "Well. . . I was going to seek counsel with you girls. But. . . I might actually be on my way."

She scoffed and waved a hoof dismissively. "Why, darling, don't fret. I'm sure we can be of assistance! What were you seeking help for?"

I looked at her and blinked. "Opinions on relationship issues."

She blinked in response. "Ahh. I see. And?"

I raised a hoof and scratched the back of my neck. "Well. . . I don't know how much you gals can help me, and if I should bring you into this."

She stopped and thought for a second. "Well, I can see how the others may not be the best source of knowledge on the issue. I should have at least a few words of wisdom to assist you. Come, we will take tea over it. Tell me all your problems, and I will help you as much as I can!" She briskly trotted into the room she shared with the others, leaving me blinking outside the door. She returned with two large, ornate red sofas, a small round table, and a silverware tea set. She set them down in the middle of the corridor, and gracefully took a seat on one sofa. She raised a cup of tea to her lips and stopped, looking at me, where I remained in my place on the floor. "Well? Do take a seat, dear."

Chapter 4

~Chapter 4: Perspective~

So I found myself, in a situation, feeling not unlike that of seeing a shrink.

I was lying on a couch on my back, head propped up against the arm, with Rarity sitting on the other couch, sipping tea. To make matters a little worse, she had gone and grabbed a pencil and notepad, working on dress designs. It felt like she was taking notes though.

"So, Ink, what kind of issue are you facing?" She said, suddenly breaking the silence and startling me slightly. I looked to the side to see her staring at me, art supplies lying on the couch next to her. "What is it that's bothering you? I hope it's nothing too serious. Have you and Chroma talked about it?"

I gulped. "That's what I'm afraid of. I am rather uneducated on Equestrian relationship norms."

"Ahh." Rarity said, lifting and lowering her head slowly in a single exaggerated nod. "I forgot you are not exactly from around here, are you?" She said with a slight chuckle. "But, I cant help you resolve this issue if I do not know what exactly the issue at hoof is."

I nodded in response. "Yeah. First, before I mention the other party. . . how is Equestria on relationships between more than two ponies?"

Her eyes widened. ". . .Oh." She gulped and looked to the side slightly, staring off into space, thinking.

My nerves heightened. "That does not come across as a very promising reaction."

She blinked and refocused, coming back to the world. "Oh! Sorry, dear. Lost. . . in a memory." She shifted position on her couch, taking a more relaxed and comfortable position. "But on the matter at hoof; it's generally accepted. There are those who believe that having a single partner is the only morally right thing, and those that adopt more of a herd mentality. It is really up to the individual."

I sighed. "That's the same as where I'm from, but polygamous relationships are mostly frowned upon."

She suddenly stopped and stared at me, eyes wide. "Well that explains why you are so unsure about it. I assume those values are ones you grew up around?" I nodded. "But why would that type of belief exist?"

I turned over onto my side, staring at her. "The gender ratio on Earth from male to female is near one-to-one. Equestria, appears to be closer to three or four to one."

Rarity was taken aback further. "Why. . . there are that many stallions where you're from?"

I shrugged. "Well, not stallions, per se, but yes. A lot of men."

"Huh." Rarity said, still surprised. She stopped and thought for a moment before closing her eyes and sighing. "This. . . is not knowledge many are privy to. I trust you can keep this confidential?"

I continued to stare at her, confused. "Yes, anything you say will not pass my lips. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." I said, carefully pantomiming the appropriate actions.

She blinked and shook her head. "I'm not going to ask how you learned of that particular method of promising, but nevertheless, thank you. Anyway. . ." She sighed once more. "I have had a few relationships over time. A couple with stallions alone, and one. . . Two stallions and two other mares."

This took me by surprise. "I. . . never would have thought you the type to enter such a relationship, Rarity."

She snorted, most unladylike. "Believe me, dear, neither did I. I'm still not fond of a herd that big. But. . . it was in my experimental time. Now, I was incredibly close to all involved. We had been good friends at the time, all through school, and we noticed how we got closer and closer over time, never really separating from each other, and becoming very much more physical in our interactions. Not in any lewd manner, mind you, but hugging and touching constantly.

"Eventually, we all went for a summer camping trip, away from our parents and the prying eyes of society. We had a bit of alcohol involved as well - stupid idea, really - and one of the stallions and mares got incredibly inebriated. They began getting even more feely with all of us, and. . . well, the point is, though I may not be a huge fan of herds, those were some of the best days of my life I spent with those ponies, and I wouldn't trade them for the world."

I blinked, taken aback. "What became of those friends and that herd?"

She sighed. "We drifted apart after one of the mares turned into a fiend for attention. She disappeared one day, and none of us saw her again. But, again, what I mean to say is that I know from experience, as you put it, polygamous relationships can be a wonderful thing. There are about as many herds as there are couples in Equestria."

I slowly took this in, thinking it over. "Well. . . I think the biggest thing for me would be to adapt to a. . . herd. . . but you don't think there would be too many issues around with it?"

She shook her head. "Dear, it wouldn't be anyponies right to interfere. But, I highly doubt many would act on their opinions. Ponies love and tolerate all around them and all cultural values, to a certain degree."

I sighed in relief. "Thank you, Rarity. This has actually helped a lot."

She blinked. "It did? Well, I didn't feel I really got across what I was trying to say correctly, but if it helped, then wonderful!" She blinked for a second, and turned curious. "May I ask who the other party is, if it isn't snooping?"

I grimaced. "I would actually appreciate keeping it under wraps for now. Trust me, if things work out, you will find out. One way or another."

She nodded. "I understand, dear. But know, we will all be here if you need us."

I nodded in return. "And I thank you very much for it. I will see you next time then?"

Rarity nodded, smiling. "Of course, darling! Good luck finding the answer to your predicament. I hope everything works out for you." I smiled back, and waved in farewell as she brought the furniture back to wherever she retrieved it from.

I casually walked the halls of the castle back towards Princess Luna's room, still embroiled in the confines of my psyche. Talking to Rarity helped, but this was going to be something I need to solve myself. But accepting new cultural values, if I can, was not an overnight process.

Although, my biggest concern was still how Chroma would take the proposition. I may be on the fence about herds, but her? I have no idea.

I reached the door to Luna's quarters, with a guard flanking each side, standing rigid and staring forward. I was closest to the earthpony one on the left, and the unicorn one on the right glanced at me before rapping on the door quickly. "Your Majesty, Master Ink is here."

I heard a bit of shuffling and giggling, before a response was called out. "Please grant him entry, honoured guard!" Luna called out.

The unicorn lit up his horn, igniting the doors with his magic and pushing them open. I looked through to see Princess Luna and Chroma, and I thought to myself. Oh, they're just. . . uhh. . .

Lying on. . .

The bed. . .

Wrapped around. . .

Each other. . .

Staring at. . .

Me seductively. . .

. . .

My mind proceeded to shut down. A few seconds passed, and -

*Pomf.*

*THWACK!*

*Thud.*

Once my brain rebooted, I noticed some scrambling to my left, and looks of shock on the faces of the guard to my right and the mares in the room, who all proceeded to burst into hysterical laughter. I looked over, and noticed that I had a major wingboner. And I smacked the guard to my left in the face with my wing, knocking him over. He was back in position now, a few feet away, blushing profusely, but he cast a nervous glance at me. The two of us where unsure what to make of the situation.

"Uhh. . . sorry? Eh heh heh. . ." I anxiously said to him before shuffling into the room and nudging the door closed, an awkward grin on my face all the while. I turned back to the still laughing mares, who had laughed to the point of rolling off the bed. I walked up to them and nudged them, a wry grin across my face. "Well, thanks for that, ladies. Way to have me make a foal of myself."

Their mirth died down to a manageable level, allowing them to respond. Chroma spoke first. "Oh, hun, that was too good! The look on your face. . !" She burst into another fit of giggles.

Then Luna provided her view. "But we feel the greatest part was beholding mine guard flying to the side!" She suppressed her own fit giggles by putting a hoof to her mouth, squeezing her eyes shut.

I snorted, grinning. "I appreciate it. Who is the one responsible for this devilish plan?"

Their hooves simultaneously shot out, pointing to each other. The looked at one another after, seeing what they had done, and burst into another fit of laughter. I rolled my eyes and sighed. "Very well. I must torture both of you then!" I leaped at them, using my wings to tickle them. We ran around the room, laughing, having a grand time.

A few minutes passed, and we collapsed on the bed, panting and laughing. I was flopped in the middle, wings and hooves splayed out. Luna was on my right, Chroma my left, flopped atop my wings, but not uncomfortably so. Our laughter died down, and we simply lay there, enjoying the company and relative calm.

Author's Note

Ahoy.

So, yes, finally updated Misunderstandings, but it's only half the chapter. Sorry. But, part of that is because I have a few other ideas whirling around my brain. I think I might need to start up a second fic to work on in tandem to Misunderstandings, if only to make writing this one a little less dull. Because, in truth, it is becoming so.

I figured I would run my couple of ideas by you guys and gals, see what you would like to see most. You can vote on it in the comments by stating the corresponding number.

1) Parallel Alternate Universe; same characters, same events, but I wouldn't be from Earth originally. I would be native to Equestria, yet not. Raised outside of it. If that makes sense.

2) Crossover, MLP + Mass Effect; Shepard and Tali'Zorah in Equestria. Obviously gonna aim for more comedy in that one, if I can.

3) Backstory, BLitz + Morning Star; how they met and their lives so far. Eventually, their lives later on, too.

4) Adventure; new OC's, and the protagonsit will be a pegasus racer, participating in high-speed, high-risk flights across the globe. He will have spills, have enemies, he will succeed, and he will fail. But he will enjoy every minute of it.

I might develop more ideas later and add them to here, or post another blog. We'll see.

Also, don't say "do whatever I want." That doesn't help. :yay:

~Ink

UPDATE:

So, I'm going to go with the Mass Effect crossover. Three votes, and being the only votes yet, plus, I have a few ideas how to start. . . It seems the most logical.

Chapter 5

~Chapter 5: Reprieve~

I blearily opened my eyes, suddenly aware of the fact that I had nodded off, and the distinct lack of other bodies on either side of myself. I lifted my head with an expression not unlike that of a drunken stupor, and looked around, hunting for the mares I had collapsed on the bed with.

To the right, nearby the window, I spotted Chroma sitting in front of an easal, mounting a canvas atop it and preparing her paint on a palette to her side. She was setting up in the middle of the light spilling from the balcony in an otherwise dim room that was full of colours absorbing what little luminescence permeated the rest of the chamber.

Luna was off furthur yet to the right, sitting at a desk that I didn't remember being there before. She had an adorable pair of half-frame reading glasses resting atop the end of her snout, perusing royal documents with a quill suspended in her magic that she occasionally used to mark something down either upon a document itself, or within a heavy black tome to her side. She had an abacus propped up in front of her as well, which would briefly alight with her magic every few seconds running calculations only she was privy to.

I dropped my head back down and groaned as I slowly sat up, shaking the last of the drowsiness from my head with a couple quick sideways jerks. Chroma and Luna both looked up at me, smiling. The light from the balcony highlighted all the best features of her face - How cliche is this world that every time that happens? I mused to myself, albeit without any complaint - and Luna had this adorable look from peering over top of the lenses in her glasses. "Well, it recovers from its hibernation." She teased, smile turning to smirk.

I rolled my eyes. "Ha. Whats up? Actually, how long was I out, too?"

Chroma set aside her palette and trotted over ot me as I dropped from the bed onto my hooves. We shared a quick nuzzle, and broke the short silence. "Only about an hour or two. Luna had some paperwork to attend to, and I have a couple of commisions to catch up on, so we just decided to do some work while waiting on you." She glanced back at her easel quickly, followed by a slight grimace. "I checked, and I have more to do than I thought. I'm going to be at it for a while, so you are free to do whatever anyway. Sorry."

I shook my head. "No problem. People have paid for those paintings; I can spend time with you whenever I want. Go ahead." She smiled back and nodded, trotting back over to her supplies with a slight bit more spring in her step.

I turned back to Luna and walke dover, looking at the stuff she was working on. She leaned back and huffed, blowing the lock of mane that hovered over her brow up into the air for a second. She settled her quill in the inkwell and pushed her glasses up a bit on her nose before speaking. "How We loath taxes."

I laughed. "Having troubles?"

She shook her head. "Nay, We simply tire of it. Couldn't this be left to one of Our underlings to deal with? We enjoy mathematics, but only interesting mathematics; not this dry, repetitive, monetary bullshit."

This time, I really laughed, drawing a confused look from the diarch. "You certainly seem to be catching up on modern dialect! What have you been reading?"

She smirked and rolled her eyes. "Modern literature, from dictionaries to science-fiction."

I continued to chuckle. "Well, I suppose if you like, you can take a break from it. You are the ruler, are you not?"

She smiled, closing her eyes. "We would greatly appreciate some respite from this hell that is calculation of tariffs."

She stood up from her chair, stretching each of her back legs out and leaning back to stretch her forelegs. Upon righting herself again, she twisted her head, releasing a few crackles. She let out a long sigh upon the release, but I couldn't help but notice Chroma shudder in the background at the sound of the princess' vertebrea aligning themselves. I smirked. "Not a fan of cracking joints, hun?"

She vigorously shook her head, staring at me wide-eyed. "It sounds horrible. I will leave that job to my chiropractor and masseuse."

Luna and I both responded with a chuckle. "Yes, although this 'tis but a temporary relief. We shall attend the Royal Sanitarium in the morrow."

I let out a long, drawn-out 'mmm' at the mention of a nearby facility for recovery. "I might be due for a good few cracks under the hooves of a professional as well; after all I have gone through, a bit of stress relief sounds like just the thing I need,"

Luna nodded. "Mayhaps We can attend to it presently?" SHe turned to Chroma. "What say thee, dear? Care to join us in the spa?"

Chroma shook her head as she continued painting. "Thanks, but no. After my painting I will likely attend, though. Work the stiffness out of muscles after holding a brush for hours."

Luna nodded. "Very well. Ink, what sayest thou?"

I stuck my lower lip out, debating. "Yeah, why not." We said farewell to Chroma and left the Princess' bedroom, my following in her wake as we approached whatever chamber held the 'Royal Sanitarium.'

We walked for a few minutes in companionable silence, until we reached the door that apparently housed the room of our desire. Luna strode towards it and pushed the doors open gracefully with her magic as she entered, before stopping. I stepped up to her side and looked in as well, before looking up at my Princess in confusion.

She frowned. "I do not recognize this facility. The castle has changed since my millennia-long departure."

It was the laundry room.

We ended up leaving the room and wandering the castle for another fifteen minutes, asking for directions from the occasional servant we passed, finding ourselves very out of luck.

Eventually we had explored the majority of the palace, and gave up just outside of Celestia's room. Luna sat in the middle of the floor with a huff. "How irritating."

I chuckled, settling down with her. One guard raised his eyebrow at us, but no other signs of life where shown. "Ah well. We can ask your sister, Princess Celestia, when she finishes court."

Her eyes lit up, then narrowed in false hope. "Court proceeds for another six hours."

I slouched. ". . . Oh."

She grew determined and sprung up. "Nay, We shall ask where the spa is immedietely! Fie the court!"

The gaurd swallowed, grabbing our attention. "Pardon your Majesty, but the spa is the room there." He pointed a hoof directly in front of him, at the room opposite Celestia's bedroom.

We blinked at the door, then turned to him. ". . . Your kidding. Your kidding, right?" Luna said into the silence that followed his proclamation in a flat voice.

He nodded. "She wished for the facilites to be nearby her chambers to allow easier access after court before entering her room."

Luna facehoofed. "Very well. Thank you, Sir. You may return to your duties." He saluted sharply before returning his hoof to his side, back to his original vigil. We turned to the spa and entered, instantly being greeted by the hot and humid air of the room. Luna sighed immediately, inhaling deeply after. "We feel ourself relaxing already." We strode in to the attendee closest to us, who bowed immediately upon noticing us.

"Your Majesty. What would you care for today?"

Luna pursed her lips, thinking. "We find ourselves curious as to how these treatments have advanced over time. We will try everything."

The attendee blinked, before nodding. "Very well. And for yourself Sir?"

Luna waved it off. "He shall be accompanying Us. He shall attend the same."

The attendee blinked again. ". . . Very well. Follow me, if you please."

The first room we visited was plain, in the vaguely trapezoidal shape of the golden ratio, bearing only four tables used by chiropractors to set the bones of their patients. They were similar to those found on earth, but with minor changes to accomodate the differences of pony frames. The four tables were arranged in the shape of an X from a birds-eye view, pointed towards each other in the center of the room. Two tables, the ones going back towards the two corners at the wide end of the room, were larger and clearly built for the bodies of Alicorns.

Sitting in the only standard chairs of the room were two stallion Earth Ponies, chatting amicably as they went over some paperwork. They looked up upon our entrance and smiled before bowing to the Princess. "Your Majesty. How may we help you?"

She smiled at them and gestured for them to rise. "We wish to find out what this 'chiropratic' procedure is. Art thou able to assist Us?"

They smiled more broadly. "Of course!" The one closest to me turned to meet my gaze. "Likewise for yourself, Sir?"

I nodded. "Correct. What health information would you like before we get started?"

The Princess and the doctor furthur from me blinked. "Is this not your first time?"

I shrugged. "You could say that." I looked at Luna and winked, and she made an 'oh' gesture with her mouth, slowly nodding once, realising I was talking about my time as a human. The doctors watched the byplay in confusion.

"Well, we will grab the papers and be back momentarily." They exited the room leaving Luna and I to our own devices.

The Diarch turned to me. "What is this information they require of Us?"

I shook my head in dismissal. "Just basic health information; any diseases, bone or muscle issues, problem areas of your body that have caused issues before. . . Just general info to let them know what they can and cannot do to us."

She cocked her head to the side. "We have none of these issues. Do we not need their help then?"

I winked again and grinned. "No, but it feels good. Relieves stress and loosens muscles and joints. Trust me."

She nodded, taking my word for it, just as the doctors returned. They each bore a clipboard in their mouth, holding the papers required for us to fill, and a pen was clipped to each board as well. They set their paperwork down on a table each and slid their chairs over to the tables, gesturing for us to have a seat on said tables. We obliged as they took their chairs, and prepared their pens.

It took about forty five minutes for them to finish, and when they did, they got us to lay down in the position needed to get started. My having previous knowledge of the system for it did so faster then Luna, and just before the Princess could get into position, she saw the doctor taking care of me pop the first spot in my back, resulting in a pleased grunt. She blinked and recoiled in shock at the way he did so, pressing part of his body weight into his hooves directly on my spine. "What is this?! Art thou attempting to injure Our friend?!"

The doctor blinked at her before it dawned on him. "Oh, no, your Majesty! This is what Chiropractic is; we set your bones to release stresses built in the joints."

I groaned in relief after he set the next spot of my back. "Trust me, Luna. This feels amazing."

She hesitated before nodding, gulping as she mimicked my position. Her doctor stepped up the table and got into position himself, feeling out Luna's back, looking for tnesion. He found the first spot, her lower back just under her wings, and pressed down a couple times, cracking the vertebrea.

Once he set that first spot, Luna let out a long, low moan in bliss. "Oh, Faust that feels glorious. Do continue good doctor with thine masterful hooves." He chuckled before setting the second spot, releasing the tension alongside yet another moan, leaving Luna as putty under his hooves while he set her thousands of years of pressure from her joints.

We later emerged from the spa, leaning against each other and stumbling. "Too. . . Much. . . Massage. . ." I panted out, legs feeling like jello. Luna simply grunted in response.

We blundered down the halls, receiving confused looks from the staff of the castle. Occasionally one of us would lose our balance or footing and faceplant, resulting in the other collapsing sideways atop the already fallen. After a few minutes, we made it back into the Princess' bedroom, and proceeded to crash through onto the floor in a groaning pile of pony flesh.

"Eep!" Chroma shrieked, tossing the glass of water and paintbrush she was cleaning into the air. The water from the cup fell back down onto her head, paintbrush dropped into her palette (dirtying itself once more), and glass broke on the ground behind her. She stood there, jaw agape at us and what she did, dripping muddy water. A few seconds passed before one of Luna's hooves shot out and struck the ground, pulling her forward inch by inch. I stuck a hoof over her shoulder and dropped it in front of her neck. She proceeded to slowly pull us forward, ever closer to the bed.

We reached it and I stuck my wings out, flopped straight across the sheets, and Luna wrapped herself around me before I used a single burst of energy to push down and back with my wings and launching into the bed. We collapsed into the sheets, passing out instantly.

Chroma simply stared, jaw remaining on the floor. After a few more seconds she bolted into the bathroom and slammed the door shut, turning on the water for a shower.