“What the fluff did I want with five tons of coal?” I said as I stared at the piles of coal that almost reached the ceiling of the antechamber in front of the throne room, censoring myself in favor of Golden Spark. She had gotten hungry on the walk from the dining room, so I opened the nightgown -- it was called a daygown, but you know about old habits and dying -- I was wearing and let her suckle on my breast until she was full.

I had just finished breakfast when a guard came into the dining room to tell me of the recent delivery followed by Hearth telling me of my late-day demand for the stuff.

“I don’t know, your majesty. You said to not question your idea,” Hearth answered, seemingly unperturbed by my blatant disregard for the modesty nobles set themselves to.

I set Rainbow Dash and Light Sweet down on the floor and sat down, contemplating what my half-asleep mind had come up with. What the fuck am I going to do with this? Why coal? Why this room?

Feeling a bump against my leg I looked down and chuckled. Light had pinned Rainbow in a cuddly hug against my leg, and the trapped filly was trying her hardest to get away. I reached down with my free hand and scratched Dash behind her ears, making her accept her position for the moment.

“You had also said to give you these.”

I looked up and saw two tokens floating in the maid’s magic. They just made me more confused. “How in the flying fluff monster are those going to help me figure out what to do with this flipping coal?”

One was Kat’s gem, the other was a coin with a snake descending from a cloud on one side and a tornado surrounded by a circle of some kind with small dots on it. That’s Typhon’s token.... Let’s see... gravity and wind.... No wait. Coal is just- I sat up a bit straighter as I realized, Pressure and heat.

“I know what I was planning,” I whispered, my vision blurring as I grabbed the two objects. “Kat Shifter, Queen of Gravity, and Typhon, Master of the Breath, I call upon your help to pay homage to those I loved.”

Not even a moment later, Kat tumbled through a portal, her clothes torn and a few burn marks over body while panting hard. "Oh mon dieu, I really need to take care of those things one of these days."

“Hey, Kat.” I said as I took in her appearance, noting that there wasn’t really anything hidden from view. “Man, your boyfriend must be really into BDSM and fire.”

"That's not funny, Max," Kat commented as she laid in the air. She snapped her fingers, a new set of clothes taking place of the remains of the old.

I shrugged, “More censored than what I was thinking.” Golden, having filled herself, bit my nipple as hard as she could. “Gyah! Okay, let’s give you a burp,” I said as I put her to my shoulder and patted her back.

Kat tilted her head. "You start a foal-sitting service?"

I sighed as Golden spit up on a towel Hearth some how got, “No.... I-.... A lot has happened. The short of it is I got together with Celestia, found Rainbow here in a cave, and had twins.” I gestured to the three fillies.

She looked even more confused. "Is it even biologically possible for a human to give birth to foals?"

“Here it is, apparently,” I shrugged. “That or I’m part alicorn.”

"Yesh," she cringed. "It's points like this that make me glad I don't have a womb."

I looked down, trying not to bawl my eyes out again. “I just wish Celestia was able to watch our foals grow into mares....”

Kat blinked. "Uh... Come again?!"

I lifted Light and Rainbow into my lap, setting their sister between them. I sat looking at them for a few minutes before I cracked. “Luna and Celestia were murdered by a pegasus just yesternight,” I said with pure venom and rage. “He’ll know what true torture is once I get my hands around his skinny little neck!”

“H-he... used cursed blades t-to-” I hugged my foals to me and let the tears fall.

Kat's expression was completely neutral. "If you will excuse me for a moment." She disappeared through a portal, coming back a few moments later, gasping for breath and covered in sweat. "I'll apologize to that planet later, you were saying?"

“T-they- they made me-... me their heir!” I wailed as I cast myself into grief once more.

Next thing I know, Kat is hugging me, just giving me a shoulder to cry on.

“A-and they- they gave me t-their m-m-magic and- I- Just- HURRICANE WILL PAY!” All around the room flowers and plants blew away as dust, their Time taken into myself.

I slowly inhaled. No, save it for that stallion. Now isn’t the time to have a red-out, I thought as I breathed. “I-I’m sorry if you got hit by my powers,” I said once I was calmed.

I heard a snapping sound. "I would appreciate not having my clothes destroyed for the third time today. Please be careful from now on."

I pulled back, confused. “Your clothes were all organic?”

"Leather and silk," Kat confirmed.

I cringed, trying to keep my mind clean. “Conflicting interests. Must keep language clean.”

Kat smacked the back of my head lightly. "Not like that!"

I smiled apologetically. “Anyways, I called you to help me with this,” I gestured to the coal in the room. “I want to turn all this into two solid statues of diamond.”

"Hoo," Kat breathed through clenched teeth. "That's gonna be a toughie. I've never done anything bigger than handheld gems."

“Not even your lover?” I raised my hands as Kat tried to smack me again. “Okay, okay! I knew it would be tough. That’s why you would control only the pressure, I would control time, and Typhon would control the heat.”

"Speaking of which," Kat looked around. "Where is that windhead boyfriend of mine?"

Just then the doors at the other end slammed open, Making the piles fall and reveal a wolf just barely able to fit through the doorway. “What is this I hear of my friends being attacked?” the wolf demanded as she shoved her way in.

Once she was in far enough I noticed she was covered in wounds, some still pouring blood. It was almost impossible to discern what color her coat was because of the blood matting her fur but her eyes were as red as apples.

OHMIGOSHIT’SHOLOINTHEFLESH! “Peace, Wise Wolf. You will learn what happened in time. For now let’s take care of those wounds,” I said much more calmly than I felt.

“Keeping your cool under pressure is good and all.” Typhon said from the ceiling. “I still think this is one of those times you can show yourself - just a little.”

"Oh mon dieu!!" Kat jumped at Typhon's voice. "Don't do that!" she practically screeched at him.

Biting back a comment, I said, “I wondered when you would say something.”

“There are things even I cannot do, and places even I cannot go.” He shrugged. “I know it might not do much sense from your point of view.”

He floated down, righting himself as he went. “I know eastern magic - I can see to Holo for the time being while you explain what’s going on.”

“Okay.” I said getting to my feet, still holding Golden, Light, and Rainbow. “You want the long version?”

The wolf nodded, “I am curious as to what beings you are; I have never seen creatures like you in all my travels.”

"We get that a lot," Kat commented.

“It makes for good conversation.” Typhon added. “There’s foul magic in these.”

“Those Pegasi were using tainted weapons. If they hadn’t, they wouldn’t have lasted a second against me.” Holo said with a sneer.

“Commander Hurricane,” I spat out. “He’s the one to blame for Luna and Celestia’s deaths.”

“I hate it when ponies I know did great things have evil alternates I have to stop.” Typhon sighed as he pressed the necklace of Seiryu against one of the wounds to try and cleanse it. “The one I knew about from my world got rid of Able-ists in the - well, in the whole of pony territory.”

“Yeah well, this one is nothing more than a racist prick who killed his second in command when he found out she mated with Starswirl,” Holo said as she tried not to flinch at the cleaning. “Also killed Starswirl and his other mate before those of The Harvest put him in stone.”

“I’m liking this place less and less,” Kat muttered. “Racism is something I don’t handle well.”

“You don’t need to handle him. Once he’s mine, To The Pain will look like a mercy,” I promised.

“Leave some for me,” Holo growled.

“Giving him to you would be a mercy I don’t intend on allowing. If you want to do something, get to him before I do and don’t kill him.”

Laughing a little, Holo said, “If I am a mercy, there is no reason for me to go after him.” She smiled. “I almost feel sorry for him.”

"I'd say something... but he dug his own grave." Typhon looked over the wounds. "This might take a while; your body basically has to knit itself back from... well, from this."

“Oh, that reminds me,” I said, turning to Hearth. “May you please get my bag from my room?”

“Yes, your highness,” She said as she bowed and then walked away.

“I have something that will make you even harder to beat,” I smiled back at Holo. “I bought it while I was... visiting Handsome Jack.”

"I guess a warning about foreign tech from me would come across as hypocritical." Typhon scratched his head. "I think you should pace yourself a little, though; go too fast, and you'll find yourself having gained nothing."

I waved dismissively. “I bought only four shields, a gun, and medical treatment for Rainbow. I’m not going to try to bring in something like the internet or nukes; just enough tech that my foals are protected.”

"Yeah, I know the feeling... Still, don't think I didn't notice." Typhon quirked his brow. "Did you try passing them off as golems, or just went on like they have secret identities?"

“They aren’t golems, they’re AIs that were given completely organic bodies they could connect to.” I explained and then muttered, “That moogle is far too generous for her own good; making me buy more things from her....”

"Of course I know that. I meant, how did you explain them to everypony else?" Typhon slapped his forehead. "I know sufficiently-advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic, but come on, give me more credit."

“You’ve never heard of ‘bio-tech’?” I asked smugly. “Their bodies were manufactured, but they’re organic. I even helped test their reproductive systems, and trust me: they work.”

Typhon's eyebrow couldn't get higher, so he settled for staring for a bit longer than necessary.

"Well, I just arrived. I can't very well know the level of golems there are if I only have two pony-like products of science. Honestly? I've seen a golem Twilight Sparkle, and she's also completely organic, you know? The tells are there, though."

Just then Mun and Sol peeked out from their hiding spots on either side of the stairway and flew over to land by me.

“We aren’t golems, we’re miniature tanks that have been given bodies,” they said in sync. “We were made to our commander’s specifications outside of this universe.”

"I. Know. That." Typhon made a gesture with his hands to punctuate each word. "Did you just tell everyone you are compact war machines indistinguishable from ponies? Or did you have a bit of forethought and hid it? That was my original question."

"You're all being weird, so I'm gonna be over here in the not-weird corner."

“Nope, we were completely honest,” Sol, Mun, and I said at the same time.

“Seriously, even though Pegasi went berserk when Celestia was banished, ponies are much more open to new things than in the show,” I continued. “In fact, no one batted an eyelash when I started sleeping with her.”

“Besides, our war hulls are separate from our avatars,” Sol said. “What you see before you has no weapons and only token defenses.”

"Can we move on please?" Kat asked. "This is gonna start making my head hurt. I've already had my daily dose of pain, thank you."

“Here you are, your majesty,” Hearth said, my bag floating next to her.

Placing my three fillies on Sol’s back, I said, “Thank you, Hearth Flare.”

“What is in there that you wish for me to have?” Holo said, her wounds closing before our eyes.

“It’s a shield. One that’ll almost completely get rid of your weakness to cursed things. Until it breaks, that is,” I answered as I dug in my bag, pulling out a grenade. “NOPE.” I reached back down into the bag and pulled out a bigger version of the legendary Hyperion shield The Bee. “Here we are. You’ll have to be careful when it breaks; it takes about five hours for it to recharge fully and there’s a ten minute wait for it to start recharging.”

Holo raised an eyebrow. “And... this will help me how?”

“It takes the damage for you. All of it until it breaks. That means you can be hit by cursed swords and not even be hurt by them.”

She smiled wolfishly. “I think I’ll go after those pegasi, then.”

“After the funeral?”

Holo nodded solemnly.

"I hope you mean only the ones that followed Hurricane," Kat said with a very slight glare. "you cannot condemn a race for the actions of a select few."

“You dare insinuate that I’m like him?” Holo said, affronted. “I am Holo the Wise Wolf, not some petty commoner wolf.”

“The throne room hasn’t been touched yet if you want to catch their scent,” I suggested, setting the shield down. “Aside from moving the dead out, that is.”

“I shall start there once the funeral is over. For now,” She leaned down, her eyes sparkling. “Do you have any apples?”

“Eating would help, yes.” Typhon nodded. “Still, what did you call me for? I doubt it was just to act as a nurse.”

"Apparently, we're artisans now," Kat said, walking up and giving Typhon a peck on the cheek. "And it's good to see you."

“It’s good to be here, yes.” He held her hand. “Art? That’s a new one, though; never been summoned for art.”

“Yeah... I called you here for helping me with a plan I made while half-asleep,” I chuckled sheepishly. “I want to turn about five tons of coal into two diamond statues of Luna and Celestia and place them on either side of the throne room’s doors.”

I sighed. “I don’t know what I was thinking exactly, but I’d rather do something like this and use my powers than let someone else make something for me.”

“That’s… actually not a bad idea.” Typhon hummed in thought. “And with both of us it won’t take as much alchemic know-how to not screw it up.”

“It’s not so much alchemy as it is producing the conditions for it to form naturally....” I shrugged. “Eh, semantics.”

“Trust me, alchemy can make things much smoother.” He replied as he looked at the coal. “Makes things easy - well, easier - when you already know the normal way; like a shortcut in the interstate highway that gets you to Hawaii.”

“But that makes my part almost unnecessary; I’d be more of an observer than a participant.” I shook my head. “I want to play a part in forming the diamond. It’ll take more power and concentration, but it’ll be more satisfying on my part at least.”

“Well, then that’s even easier on my end.”

At that moment, a loud growl was heard. Typhon and I turned to Kat who was blushing. "Ehehe, sorry. Haven't had a proper meal in about a month, so I guess I'm a little hungry. Think we could discuss the details over lunch?"

“It is nearing lunch time.” Sol said as her own stomach growled.

Light reached towards me grunting and wiggling her wings and Rainbow pointed to her mouth.

“Okay, let’s go to the dining room.” I turned to Hearth. “Please get Holo some wheat so she can fit in the hallways.”

“I am not fat!” The wolf in question said indignantly.

“I didn’t say anything of the sort,” I said as I exposed my right breast and let Light latch on, turning to walk to the dining room.

"Come on, Ty!" Kat said, dragging her boyfriend by the hand. "I can't wait to tell you everything that's happened in the last three years."

“If I were anyone else, I’d have trouble with the idea of temporally-inconsistent relationships.” He said as he simply levitated a little off the ground; Kat wasn’t going to let him catch up on his own, most likely.

Kat ignored his comment. "I met so many people, learned a lot, got Cancer, and made some new friends," she listed off, catching up to us quickly.

“Try making the temporal disturbances yourself and being the only one to notice them.” I said, opening a door and then closing it with a sigh. “Over half a year and I still don’t know the layout of the castle.”

Kat deadpanned at Typhon. "Seriously? Nothing when I just casually mention having Cancer? ...oh who am I kidding. You're impossible to surprise."

“Interjecting something is kind of hard in these conditions.” He replied. “And I’m sure I’d be more worried if we were back on, say, Earth. Harder to get a decent doctor, you see.”

"Would you like to meet Cancer?" Kat asked, a glimmer of mischief in her eye.

“I can see the capital letters, too.” He rolled his eyes. “There’s subtitles to everything everyone says… and some things they don’t, but that’s mostly me. But yes, yes I’d like to meet him - assuming I don’t end up getting bit.”

I stopped and looked at Typhon, a devious smirk on my face as I thought of Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and I eating each other out and using strapons to fuck each other silly. You wanna read my mind more?

"Cancer is a girl, Ty," Kat corrected. A second later, Kat's left arm was covered in what looked like red sludge. "Typhon, Max, meet my symbiote, Cancer. She was a gift from another Displaced."

“First - Max, it’s written all over your face you are thinking of something naughty, but I don’t read read minds - that easy, anyways; second, as long as the symbiote is not working off of your hormones, I can’t think of a better partner than one you can’t be separated from without a really damn good fight.” Typhon then waved a little. “Hello, Cancer; I hope things work out between the both of you.”

“Looks like she’s younger than Rainbow. Nice to meet you, little one,” I said as I turned to continue walking. Damn, Thought I made the image strong enough.

The sludge shivered in response. "Yeah, she's still very young. Can't even speak yet. But we have been practicing her special technique." Kat flexed her arm and it transformed into a massive blade. "Doesn't last long, but she's very effective."

“I’ll say; it’s creativity like that what makes abilities worth it.” He twirled his hand, and there was a small metallic crossbow bolt on his hand. “I’ve been practicing psychokinesis, and I think I can imitate some of Clover’s moves.”

"Cool!" Kat exclaimed as Cancer slithered out of sight. "See, it's stuff like this that make me know we're a good couple." She slid up against him, leaning her head on his shoulder.

I flinched as I opened the next door. “Here we are. Let’s grab a seat,” I said, almost speed walking into the room.

"Great! I'm starving!"

“... I could use a bite to eat.” Typhon mumbled, having caught the subtext of that.

As I walked to the table I noticed that a tan pony with red eyes and white tufts on her ears was seated near the close end almost covered in apples completely, the pile almost filling the table. The pony had an apple in her hoof about to take a bite, revealing canines larger than a Thestral’s.

"Woah!" Kat exclaimed. "Vampire bat pony. Haven't seen one of those in a while."

The pony blushed and said, “I suppose I asked for a bit much....”

“That’s your dinner as well as your lunch, Holo,” I said with a playful frown.

"Oh, wolf pony. My bad. Heh, Ben would love that scan."

I sat down at the end of the table. “Might not like the addiction to apples, though.”

“It’s better than a vampire fruit-bat pony; might make it a mite hard to focus.” Typhon held out a pair of chairs with the wave of a hand, toying around with the bolt on the other. “After you.”

"Aw, so thoughtful," Kat said, taking the offered seat. "Before we go, I want to get blood sample from Holo. I never did get Ben a birthday gift."

I picked up an apple and bit into it wordlessly as the others sat down, Sol and Mun giving me worried glances.

“I think you are going a little too fast there, Kat.” Typhon tapped the bolt on the table. “Things like blood are usually fifth-date shenanigans.”

"That is not what I meant and you know it!" Kat said, blushing profusely.

“I would not agree to it anyways,” Holo said, biting into an apple. “I have lost enough blood for the next century.”

"Just some hairs then?" Kat asked nicely. "Just a bit of DNA is all I ask."

“I think she was pointing you to the blood she lost on the way in. There might be some that didn’t get on the coal,” I spoke up.

"Oh." She turned to Typhon. "Remind me to grab some of that blood, would you? Please and thank you."

“What would everypony like to eat?” A waiter asked, having come from the kitchen and looking expectantly at Typhon and Kat.

“I have some on me; I was cleaning the wounds.” He absent-mindedly made the bolt spin over the tip of his finger. Neat trick, the point didn’t even touch him even if it looked like it; made good armor, too. “I’ll take a salad, so long as it doesn’t have grass or flowers - can’t process those, you see.”

"Thank you, Ty. I'll take some meat if you've got any. Rare if you could."

Nodding, the waiter turned and walked to the door leading to the kitchens. Only to be run over by two Thestrals carrying three pies each, sending the ponies tumbling to the floor and the pies into the air.

Typhon watched as the pies flew through the air. He debated on the proper way to retrieve them, if it was to be done simply, if he wanted it to be showy, it was like they were frozen in mid-air while he thought. He simply waved a hand and caught them as they were, not feeling motivated to do much more than that, and brought them over to the table.

“You don’t have to resort to stealing to eat, Sky, Shadow,” I said, finally getting something to smile at.

“Yeah well, you didn’t include free eating in your deals,” Sky said as she untangled herself and stood up.

“I had thought that it was obvious enough not to mention.”

“You need to say room and board. It’s almost tradition.” Typhon eyed the new arrivals, then Max. “I’d invite you over, but it’s not my table...”

“I know it is, but I thought that when I offered them a room here they would assume that they could order things from the kitchens,” I explained. “You may join us if you wish.”

“What did you expect? Two burglars to not try to raid the kitchen?” Shadow asked as she trotted over to a chair. “It would’ve happened anyways.”

“That much is true.” Typhon nodded slightly. “Midnight snack runs, at the least.”

"Oh mon dieu that little one is so fluffy!" Kat squeed. "I want to hug her and squeeze her and call her Jane!"

“Hey, I do have a name already!” Shadow snapped, her fur fluffing up a bit. “And if you try, you’ll get more than you bargained for.”

“The tough talk isn’t as impressive if you melt down at ear scratchies.” Typhon waved the bolt. “I can see it; you’ll melt.”

Shadow was lifted into the air by Kat's powers and brought over to the gravity girl. It ended with an immediate glomp. "She's so fluffy I'm gonna die!" Kat cooed, hugging the poofy thestral.

Without warning two darts hit Kat, one in the back of her neck the other on the front, knocking her out with the green liquid they injected. Unfortunately -- for Shadow -- the filly was stuck in the embrace.

“She needs to learn more restraint, that’s true, but do remember that the next time you try hitting her with- well, anything, remember that there are others much faster than you, that can see nearly anything you might think of doing before you even realize you want to move, and can do this.” Typhon didn’t move, didn’t gesture, didn’t even glow; the darts were removed, then poked into both of them. He knew they were empty now, but the message would be very clear.

“No one gets away with hugging me....” Shadow pouted.

“I have to disagree; your retaliation backfired horribly, and mine hasn’t.” Typhon chuckled as he prevented Kat’s arms from being pried open from the outside. “And you’ll have to think twice before trying that with me. Let her hug you; you need hugs - you are a pony.”

“I DON’T NEED HUGS! I’M A BADASS, BADASSES DON’T NEED HUGS!” she shouted squeakily, glaring at Typhon. Her fur was as fluffy as it could get.

“Language,” I said, shaking a finger at the filly. “My foals are in the room and awake, I won’t have them learning that kind of language until they’re grown.”

“I’LL FUCKING CURSE IF I WANT TO, NOPONY WILL GET ME TO STOP!”

"Hehehe..." Typhon chuckled evilly as he contemplated his next feat of air control, perhaps simply muting her curse-words out? It would be easy, like applying whiteout on schoolwork. Perhaps replacing them with underscores.

"I'm not a pony. Currently." He helpfully pointed out.

Kat stirred awake, still not releasing the filly. Letting out a huge yawn, she asked, “Did I miss anything?”

"Look out, we've got a- snerk! I can't do it with a straight face!" Typhon's snorting sort of laugh didn't help, even if he tried in vain to cover his face. "She's too cute for her own good, and image."

Kat blinked, looking at her boyfriend. “Okay, seriously, what did I miss that could make Typhon laugh? He rarely laughs.”

"I laugh all the time... sometimes you just aren't there." He shrugged. "Still, the fierce warrior in your arms has a... strong difference of opinion with you."

She pouted for a second, hugging Shadow closer. “That’s it. I’m canceling my further travels. I’m gonna start staying around home more often.”

"Won't that cause a paradox? I'm pretty sure we're not matching up right now; or that could be the side-effect of my Science Fugue..." Typhon scratched the top of his head. "I went to work on a new golem, then I blink, and I have an automatic teapot that's too strong, the framework for the body, and I'm sure I saw you... or I mixed up the tea and Zecora's herbs."

“Typhon, sweetie, you’re making my head spin again.”

"Long story short; I am halfway done, I made a portable smelter, and I'm not leaving my tea to what I get at random out of my stuff."

“I think you mixed up your tea again, dear. I’ve already gotten the paradox lecture before. Besides, I thought you’d like having me around more.”

"I do; I just don't want to find out the effects of unstable time-travel." Typhon grimaced. "Might, you know, erase an event, if not one of us."

“I’ll be careful when I return. I may not have the kind of powers you do, but I can handle myself in the Void… when I’m not being hunted by Daleks, that is.”

"It'd be better if I were actually Void, or Space, or Time... or simply a dark/light mage... I keep forgetting just how unlikely my own travelling is; then again, I threw myself at it until the world(s) simply gave up and let me get away with it." Typhon smiled at that. "Still, of the two, what do you think are worse, Daleks, or Cybermen?"

“Cybermen, definitely Cybermen.” Kat shuddered. “That was such a freaky experience. Daleks are easy to handle, but Cybermen just give me the creeps.”

Through all of this I was watching Shadow get petted absently, each stroke and scratch wearing down her protests and resolve until she squeaked out, “Okay, fine. I-I’ll- Oh stars that’s good!”

“Less than five minutes and you already have her begging for more?” Sky said with a sly smile, “This is definitely blackmail worthy.”

“Buck you. You’re just jealous.” Shadow stuck out her tongue at Sky.

“There isn’t a way to erase events. You can make them smaller or bigger, but they’ll happen no matter what,” I said, lifting Light to my shoulder and patting her back. “Everything happens in one way or another....”

"Where I'm from, it's possible, and so is in other places. It's called a Ret-con." Typhon smiled. "I can, and I have, changed things. I only know for sure because I already have, although I need to find out how I did it so I can do it. I'm not going in blind like Marty and the Doc, although I do like the car's design..."

Kat smiled, scratching Shadow’s ears again. “Just wait for your birthday, Typhon.”

"I'm sure it'll be excellent."

She then blinked. “Actually… I don’t think I even know when that is. Did we ever even tell each other our birthdays?”

"Both are in October. Seventeenth and... I don't think I was told that." Typhon tapped his chin. "Yours, I wasn't told told,I remember that much."

“Twenty-seventh, dear. And I’ll make sure I remember.”

"Me too."

Watching the waiter come back with everyone’s food I said, “It’s the way I understand what I was shown during my first trip through the void. I know it isn’t true everywhere and for everyone, but it’s part of my Truth; my way of viewing the multiverse.”

"Ah! That. Yes, things never truly 'vanish', but it would be like hearing like an alternate version of yourself died. There's involvement, but, honestly, other than trying again and averting the paradox, there's little that you can do about it. I'm doing it because I'm not erasing the reason for the travel in the first place; else, I'd need a reason beyond 'to avert a paradox'." Typhon shrugged as he poked at his salad. "The events shaped a lot of lives, and I can't very well direct that much change at once."

“Can we stop talking about time and paradoxes? My mind’s going in circles trying to follow this,” Sky whined.

“M-may I please- EEP!- eat lunch?” Shadow asked, still under assault from Kat.

“Are you gonna behave?” she asked with a little sterness.

“Yeeeeeeessss....” Shadow groaned as Kat found a sensitive spot.

"There's a reason humans evolved fingers, you know." Typhon chuckled as he took a bite of salad.

“More than one, I should think,” I gave Shadow a devious grin. “And you’re experiencing all ten.”

Kat pulled over hers and Shadow's plate, simple feeding the filly with her powers while keeping her calm. "So Max, let's get down to the nitty gritty."

“What about? The statues are pretty much straightforward,” I said as I took another bite from the apple.

"Still, I think that she means that there is something else you want to ask of us." Typhon then gestured to Kat and himself. "It may not be a conscious thought yet, but I can tell you would like something else as well..."

I scratched my head, trying to figure out what he meant. What does that mean? Does he mean now or when I first thought of making the statues? Giving up, I said, “I don’t know what I was thinking last day; I don’t even remember feeding Light and Golden.”

"Not even seeing if there is something we could do to find your targets?" Typhon gave her a side glance as he ate another bit of salad. "Nothing at all?"

“Shadow and I were going to do that,” Sky said through a mouthful of pie. “Not that difficult to spot a group of pegasi flying around.”

“Besides, I was going to release Discord to help.” I raised a hand to stop the objections I thought were about to be voiced. “I know he isn’t well-mannered at times-”

"That's like saying a hurricane is a little windy. But I see the logic - insomuch as 'logic' can be applied to him."

“Yes, he would be the second most likely to be able to find Hurricane. The first being Sky and Shadow here, with their... less than legal contacts.”

"Oh. Well, that's that." Typhon shrugged. "I know the feeling of getting something done yourself. Then, could it be something to do with the foals? Or security in general?"

Pulling my mind’s defences up I thought, Kat did say that she would welcome Celly and I if we wanted to join them.... “No, nothing like that.... But even with Rainbow and Golden and Light.... I can’t-... I just feel like I’m completely alone,” I finally got out. “I used to like being alone, reveled in it even, but now it’s unbearable. I could barely stand being in Jack’s universe for only five days.”

"I get that." He replied, nodding in appreciation. "It can be overwhelming - loneliness, that is. It takes only a moment for one to be left wondering, 'how could I ever have lived like that?' Yet, we are never truly 'alone'. Not even death and time can change that."

“I know how I did,” I muttered, then said, “‘You never truly appreciate what you have until it’s taken from you....’ I didn’t believe that saying once.” I sighed, fighting off tears. “Now, it’s painfully true.” I held Light Sweet closer, trying to draw comfort from her tiny hooves.

I heard a flapping of wings before grey hooves wrapped around me. After a few minutes I heard Sky say, “I’m truly sorry about your loss.... It’s scary to think about, but I don’t know what I would do without Shadow by my side now.” She paused and whispered, “I hope I never have to find out....”

“Are you completely against bringing them back?” Kat asked, finally finishing her meal. “I mean, there have to be some ways to bring Celestia and Luna back.”

“They didn’t want me to save them,” I whispered. “The-they wanted t-to die....”

“Are you sure?” Kat asked, returning to petting Shadow in full. “You did say the weapon that killed them was cursed. That could have been a factor.”

“And risk killing them myself? I have no idea how their wounds would react if I tried to rewind time.” Tears were rolling down my face at this point, my lunch forgotten. “T-they reminded me that we don’t know exactly how my powers work or what they effect.”

“I didn’t mean just your powers, Maxie,” Kat said, trying not to start crying from seeing me like that. “There are Displaced and other creatures out there that don’t need time travel to restore someone, or someponies. I just don’t want to see you like this anymore.”

“What she is trying to say is that cursed weapons are more than deadly to those of us who are immortal,” Holo said. “That’s how I became the ‘Goddess’ of the Wheat Harvest. So too with the others of The Harvest.”

Kat snaps her fingers a little card appears in front of me. “Just… just at least take this. You can use it to bring in someone who could help you understand time. And maybe, just maybe, help use your powers to save them. At least think on it? Please?”

I nodded and took the card, not seeing anything on it. It was just a blank business card. “How do I get in touch with him?” I asked.

“When the time is right, you’ll know. I know it’s cliche, but just trust me on this, okay?” She looked at me with a sad smile. “I just want to see you happy again.”

How did I make such an impression on her? I’ve only spoken with her once, and that was months ago, I thought, still keeping my mind hidden. I hope I don’t ever lose her friendship.

I looked at Kat, tears streaming down my face now. “I-I....” I shook my head, trying to find the words. Eventually I settled on saying, “Th-thank you. I don’t know what I’ve done to warrant this, but thank you.”

“You’re my friend,” she reached out and grasped my hand. “I’d do anything for my friends.”

I pulled her into a hug and whispered, “If you ever need anything -- anything -- You can count on me to help.”

She hugged back. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“That goes for everyone here,” I said out loud. “If you’re in trouble, come find me. I’ll do my best to help you.”

"It goes without saying I'll also help where I can." Typhon smiled, twirling the bolt. "Even if all you need is an open ear."

"Enough sad talk, though," Kat said. "We have two great ponies to honor."

"That we do. I actually have experience with making statues, given that that is what most golems start as; first, though, is if there are any details in particular or a specific pose... maybe even a controlled addition of 'impurities' to make them colored?"

“I want them to be rearing back with their wings out, heads held high and horns crossing in the middle of the door,” I said, wiping away a tear. “I want them to look exactly like they were when they were alive down to the cutie marks.”

"Once we get the raw chunks ready, then that'll be possible, yes." Typhon nodded, eyes going back and forth as he imagined the procedure. "I'll do it down to the feathers, even."

“I would like clean lines between the colors, if we can get it to cooperate. Oh, Typhon, this Celestia had a pink coat if you haven’t already heard it from the wind.”

"All of them do, almost; what varies is the intensity. Still, just because I have some psychic powers doesn't mean I'm psychometric - like that." Typhon eyed her strangely. "Would've made my life one heck of a lot easier. I hear things people say, or imply, or refrain from saying, but speech is still a part of it."

I shrugged, “I don’t pretend to know how your powers work, nor do I think I’ll be able to. I just said that because they’re related to air.

“I think we should get the details of the statues hashed out before we start crushing coal; make sure we’re all on the same page and have the same thing in mind. And yes, the statues will be solid diamond and afterwards enchanted to make sure that if someone gets the idea to try to steal or damage them, they’ll get caught no matter what and most likely will be permanently scarred.”

"While I don't agree with that last bit, as accidents can and will happen, my studies of Crystal Empire magic can help with enchanting gemstones, particularly ones that big - most Equestrian gem magic revolves around shards and small stones, rather than, say, the entire freakin' city." Typhon pointed out. "It's both fascinating, and a little scary, once you think about it."

“There’ll be spikes of diamond going into the floor, and I’ll make sure there are strengthening enchantments on them as well. As for the supposed thieves, they’ll have to actually produce enough force to crack regular diamond before they get hurt,” I took another bite from my abandoned apple. “I’ve thought of every enchantment they’ll ever need to stay put; trust me, not even these two would be able to steal part of one of the statues.” I gestured to the two Thestral thieves.

"You do realize that diamonds are actually rather brittle? Hard, yes; difficult to scratch, yes... but hardly the invulnerable stone that games and movies make it out to be." Typhon pointed out yet again. "And speaking like that is just asking for trouble - the more 'absolute' something is, the easier it is to break. Put conditions on it, it'll make it more robust. I speak from experience - conditional immortality, here."

“Diamonds are the fourth strongest material in this universe, only beaten by titanium, -- the pure stuff, not a compound -- Elementium, and changeling saliva.”

"I guess titanium means some other material in this place..." Typhon mused. "Still, probably magic, or some code or psychic construct. I then retract the objection."

“Gold’s actually the tenth strongest here; One of the blacksmiths gave me a lecture on how good a compound of Elementium, titanium, and gold is and how to shape the metal into armor.” I glanced at Kat, noticing how shocked she was. “Yeah, that’s how I reacted. Anyways, guard armor gets more Elementium the further up the ranks you go, which leads to the different colors on the actual plates.... I could probably write a paper on how to work the metals no matter what the ratio is.”

"I learned similar - though the strong stuff is... well, it's like gold, but magical - plain gold is like back on Earth, a good whack and it bends." Typhon rubbed his forehead. "My... 'specialty' would be the wrong word - 'focus', yes - my 'focus' is more about how to make different things work towards an end goal, so I've done a bit of everything, including studying materials."

I looked over and saw that Kat was actually writing everything down. “This will be great stuff for my thesis!” she said excitedly.

“As much as I’d like to geek out over all the different universes’ metals, I don’t think my guests would appreciate listening to us ramble on,” I said with a giggle.

"Well, it's still relevant - we don't want to put too much weight in the wrong spots."

“Doesn’t mean you can bore us to death,” Sky muttered to Holo, the wolf nodding in agreement.

"I'll build a greenhouse if you want." Typhon rolled his eyes. "Let's see what you think then."

“Will it be filled with Zap apple trees?” Holo asked, saliva dripping from her mouth. “And will it be able to produce them no matter what?”

"If you want - I have control over the weather, so I can cycle things, enchant the supports... every three months or so it could produce a crop." Typhon made a quick sketch on a notepad that appeared out of a brown card. "Usually, they take the whole year, save for the few that produce them... at random."

The wolf-pony was suddenly leaning against Typhon, nuzzling his arm and shoulder as she said, “I am exceedingly grateful for this.... Maybe you’d like some company tonight?”

“Great, somepony that’s more focussed on sex than my sister,” Shadow groaned.

“Hey, I resemble that remark!” Sky snapped, her eyes glittering mischievously.

Kat glared at Holo, growling slightly. “Back off, furry. He’s mine.”

"I don't think she supports your idea." Typhon told Holo.

“Well if you’re willing to share for the night....” Holo trailed off. Everyone knew what she was saying.

“Mine,” Kat snarled.

"This isn't something to be discussing at the table, you know." He reminded them. "Besides, we're talking about building things."

“He’s right, Holo; there are foals present,” I said, trying to keep her from actually putting her hoof in her mouth.

“You know, I wouldn’t mind a roll in the hay,” Sky said, giving the wolf-pony a saucy look.

“We’re just going to go do maintenance on our hulls,” Sol said as she and her twin almost galloped to the door.

“Make sure you use the proper lubrication,” I called after them.

“Jeez, it’s like this entire world is kinky,” Kat commented.

“You don’t wanna know what Discord did to the adult store then,” Shadow said with a shudder.

“...you have piqued my curiosity.”

Shadow leaned up and whispered in Kat’s ear. I knew what she was talking about; the damn thing went right by where I had been standing, trying to go after the Elements. I don’t know why Discord thought of turning all those toys into an octopus, but it was funny seeing it fly away after Applejack bucked it out of the maze.

“Fine, I guess I’ll settle for the thief,” Holo said with a pout. She slowly walked away, making her flank sway as she did so. “You both are missing out on thousands of years of experience, though.”

“I don’t share the love of my life, Holo.”

"There are a few things I find odd about that statement, but I understand the intent." Typhon rubbed his forehead yet again. "Still, she's not asking for marriage, and I think I remember something you had said, Kat..."

Kat muttered something under her breath, looking away before turning back to Typhon. “And what was that, dear?”

Maybe it has something to do with saying I could join you two once in a while? I thought, trying not to let Typhon notice it. I was tempted to say it, very tempted, but I knew it would only lead to a one night stand at the most. She probably means “without an invitation” anyways.

"Something about an invitation? You said you met Max once already..."

Kat blushed profusely. “That was different… it was supposed to be two sets of lovers having fun.”

“You’re still noticing my thoughts?” I huffed. “I guess my training with Discord isn’t worth dirt, then.”

“You shouldn’t let him teach you anything anyways,” Holo said, sitting back down on her side of the table. “He’s the youngest of the immortals -- aside from Cadence, that is -- and doesn’t know as much as the rest of us.”

"Masking the direction of your thoughts is much harder than hiding the thoughts themselves, you know. Also Discord, in my world, is the complete opposite - he knows things; he knows exactly what he's doing, how it's done, why it happens, and that's besides his sheer power and finesse." Typhon grimaced. "Chaos, after all, includes Order by necessity; it's just less... restrained. Also, I don't find ponies attractive as a human, and I don't really think of humans as lovers as a pony."

Holo hummed thoughtfully, “I think I’d like to meet that Discord. If only to have someone to carry on a decent, intelligent conversation with. I’ll leave my offer open for the both of you, incase you decide you’d like to see what I know.”

“Anyways, let's get on to where everyone’s going to be sleeping for now,” I said.

"Technically, I don't need sleep anymore, but Kat and I would need... privacy." Typhon knew exactly what he was doing speaking like that.

“Luna’s rooms haven’t been messed with yet. Just ask a guard where they are. You might like how soft and... firm the bed is.”

“I’ll just take up a corner of the gardens for myself,” the tan wolf said.

Kat blushed a little from what we were implying. She stood up, taking Typhon by the arm. "I suppose we'll see you in the morning then, Max. Sleep well." The guards lead the couple off into the castle.

Dammit. Now who’ll I get to sleep next to me? I thought, making sure I didn’t show my frustration. I guess I’ll just have to ask one of the guards, then.... “You can bet I won’t.” I muttered then said, “I guess we did spend the whole night talking. I’ll see you in the evening, Sky, Shadow.”

Author's Notes:

HOLY SHIT! This is the longest chapter I've written for this story so far.

Yup. Doing a crossover with DJ and Archmage.

Holo is from Spice and Wolf. Go look it up and watch it, it's a good anime and an even better manga.