I wake up feeling sweaty and sticky as memories of last night fill my mind making me smile. I'm married and I'm a father, life couldn't get better. Well... maybe without the looming threat of a necromancer and oversized feline turkeys over our heads...

I yawn and notice my hands are groping Celestia's and Luna's backsides making them moan and cuddle closer to me. I lift my hands up and wrap them around their backs as they hum in content and I feel Luna kiss my cheek.

"Good morning, our love," she says with a smile.

I return the smile. "Good morning," I reply. I look at the clock and see it's six-thirty. Whoops, we overslept.

"We better get up. I think people might wonder why the sun isn't up yet," I tell her.

She looks confused and looks at the clock. She then gasps and shuffles out of bed.

Celestia and Shella mumble as they wake up from the disturbance. "What's the matter Luna?" Celestia asks her.

"We overslept!" she replies.

"What!?" Celestia says surprised as she looks at the clock and gasps as well. She gets out of bed and they both make their way to the balcony.

"Don't you need to cover up first? Unless you plan to stand outside naked for all of Canterlot to see," I tell them with a chuckle.

They both squeal and their horns glow as robe's cover their bodies and they then walk out and stand on the balcony. They raise and lower the sun and moon then come back in and sit on the bed.

"Why didn't the maids wake us?" Luna asks.

"I don't know, but I'll find out later. For now though, you and Adrian need to get ready for your trip to Terra, but first we need a bath." Celestia says and sniffs the air.

"Sounds fun," I say with a wiggle of my eye brows.

"Oh be quiet you. You had plenty of fun with us last night, I still feel sore from the pounding you gave me," Shella says and struggles to stand.

I chuckle and pick her up bridal style as I follow Celestia and Luna into the bathroom and we all get cleaned up.

We're all sitting in the Dining Hall eating breakfast. The doors open and a perky Cadence skips into the Hall with a smile on her face. I go wide eyed at the zombie of Shining Armour following in behind her.

They both sit down with Shining across from me. "The fuck happened to you?" I ask him.

"Cadence... horny... hours of sex... dehydration," he mumbles as he faceplants the table.

I look at Cadence who's smiling widely while talking with Celestia... and they're shamelessly taking about the sex they both had last night.

"Where did she... *groan* Learn all that from?" Shining asks. "I didn't even know she was into horn play."

I have an awkward expression on my face. Shining looks at me and groans again. "You taught her them didn't you," he accuses me and sighs. "You have no idea of the hell I went through,"

"Oh come on, it couldn't of been that bad," I tell him.

"She made me blow three times in a row and used magic to hold off my orgasms... without any breaks... We stallions need at least ten to twenty minutes to recover!" he replies before collapsing again.

"Really? Then yeah that's my fault. I can go three to five times before needing rest and can last for ten to twenty minutes before blowing," I tell him.

"Really? Damn, you lucky bugger. Stallions would kill to be able to do that," he says with a chuckle. "No wonder Cadence expected me to keep up... you're making me feel inadequate compared to you," he says .

"That wasn't my intention," I tell him.

"I know... but alicorns have higher stamina than a normal mare. Just like stallions, mares need to rest after they orgasm, unless they're in heat, but alicorns have magic within them that I guess helps with their stamina or sex drive... To be honest, I was having trouble keeping up with Cadence ever since we got together, and it's just getting harder," he tells me with a sad frown. "And now you've raised her expectations of me... I'm not going to survive her needs," he says with a sigh.

I frown and look at Cadence who's laughing with Celestia and Luna while her cheeks are red.

"Explains why I thought she was insatiable," I say.

"Don't remind me," he says and frowns. "Can I speak to you in private?" he asks.

I raise an eyebrow at him but nodded as we stand up and head for the door.

"Shiny? Where are you going?" Cadence asks him.

"Oh err. Adrian and I are heading to the Barracks to get the team heading to Terra with him ready," he replies.

"Ah, okay. Just be back before lunch alright," she tells him.

"Of course. I'll see you later, honey," he waves to her and we leave. We walk down the hallways and he sighs. "I knew I was biting off more than I could chew when I first courted her, but she's so kind and caring and the way she and Twily used to play and read together... I fell in love with her," he tells me.

"So what's the problem then? She loves you just as much, if not more," I reply.

"That may be true, but she's an immortal alicorn. I'll grow old and die one day while she'll still be here, not ageing a day. No doubt morning me for months or even years once I'm gone. I don't think that would be fair to her. My lifetime would just be a drop in the ocean compared to hers." he says sadly. I can see tears forming in his eyes.

I don't like what he's getting at. "So what are you going to do about it?" I ask him.

He sighs and looks at me with a serious expression. "I want you to love her in my place. I've seen how you care for the Princ... the Queens, treating them as mares and equals. You could keep her happy for far longer than I ever could," he says.

I sigh and frown sadly at him. "I'll be honest with you. She said she'd love to join our herd if she wasn't with you when we... you know, but she also showed she loves you dearly as she kept mentioning you as well," I tell him.

He frowns and looks down. "I know she does, but I'm thinking about the long term here. You can make her happier than I could, I just want her to be as happy as she can be," he says and closes his eyes.

"Do you really mean that?" I hear Cadence say behind us. Oh crap, how much did she hear?

"Cadence!? W-What are you doing here?" he asks her in surprise.

"I wanted to join you, I haven't seen Spitfire and Bright Mind for awhile and wanted to catch up with them... but I heard you talking about me and, well... Shiny, do you really think I wouldn't be happy with you?" she asks him.

Shining frowns sadly. "You're an immortal. One day I'll die leaving you and the foal without a father... you'd be happier with Adrian," he says, tears slowly falling down his face.

Cadence walks over to him and, to my surprise, slaps him across his face and then kisses him deeply. "You may not be immortal like me or Adrian, but I love you all the same... It might take me awhile to come to terms when you pass, but I'll treasure every moment I'll have with you forever," she tells him.

Shining silently cries as he hugs her tightly. "I'm sorry... I just want you to be happy," he replies.

She smiles and hugs him back. "I know you do, but I am happy with you, Shiny. I have been for the past year. I'll admit Adrian is... more skilled in the bedroom than you are," she says with a blush. Yup, this just got awkward. "but I want you by my side until that day comes," she tells him.

Shining smiles and chuckles. "Alright. I'll do my best to keep you happy," he says. "You go on ahead, we'll catch up to you, I still have something to ask Adrian," he tells her.

"Okay, don't take too long," she replies and kisses him again.

Cadence waves goodbye and heads to the Barracks. "Adrian... I still meant what I said. Just, this time. When I'm gone... please take care of her for me," he asks.

I smile and place my left hand on his shoulder. "Sure, but that's not for a long while yet. Just enjoy the time you have with her." I reply.

"Thanks. Now then, shall we get going, your Majesty," he says teasingly.

I groan and lightly punch his shoulder. "Don't get started with that. You're my friend, just call me Adrian," I tell him and chuckle.

"No can do, your Highness. I'm on duty right now, meaning I have to address you by your royal title," he says and smirks.

"You're doing this on purpose aren't you?" I ask and glare at him.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, my King," he says and starts walking ahead of me.

I sigh with a shake my head and follow behind him. I'll get him back for that later.

We arrive at the Barracks where Bright Mind, Spitfire, Hammer Strike, two changeling guards and a unicorn guard are waiting for us.

"Alright, you six have been selected to go and protect King Adrian and Queen Luna while they go to Adrian's home world and meet with the King there," Shining tells them.

"And who is this King we're meeting?" Spitfire asks.

"His name is Vortigan Llywelyn, the twelfth King of Reymorah," I reply.

"That's him. King Adrian and Queen Luna will try to gain an audience with him to discuss a possible alliance and aid against the gryphons," Shining says. Oh that's right, they don't know about Grogar yet.

"So we just gotta protect their flanks while they're there basically?" Hammer asks.

"Basically? Yes, as we don't know how they'll react to a new race. So I want our best protecting our King and Queen," Shining replies.

"Alright. I wonder how good human guards are in a brawl?" Hammer wonders to himself.

"I haven't seen the soldiers in action myself, but I've heard the stories about them," I tell him.

"Well, whatever. We'll find out once we get there. Oy, Spits, how's that new bow working out for ya by the way?" he asks Spitfire.

Spitfire pulls the bow on her back off and holds it up. The limbs look like pegasi wings and there's a red ruby on the front above the grip. She doesn't have a quiver or arrows on her.

"Not too shabby. I gotta hand it to the horn heads over at the research department," she says.

Wait... isn't that the ruby from the Elven bow I found in that dragon hoard? "Can I see that for a second?" I ask.

"Hmm? Oh, errr, sure," she replies and holds it out.

I take it and look closely at the gem. Yup, I feel elven magic in it. I pull the string back and an arrow of fire forms, but instead of taking mana from me, I see wisps of magic pulled from the air to form the arrow. I slowly move the string back and the arrow disperses.

"I see they altered how the gem works," I say and hand it back to her.

"Huh? Altered?" she asks confused and looking at the gem.

"Yes, that gem was originally from an elven bow that had four gems with elemental alignments bound to them. They draw the mana from the wielder to form an arrow depending on the gem currently activated. By the looks of it, they only gave your bow the fire ruby gem and altered it to gather mana, or magic from the air," I tell her.

"Hmmm, so they didn't think of it themselves... that's just lazy," she says and laughs.

"Yes yes. That's good and all, but I need you to get ready for when the portal is opened. Here's a list of gear and provisions you'll need," Shining says and hands them all a list. "Oh and, Bright Mind. I want you to observe the magic on Terra while you're there. See if anything could be adapted with ours," he tells her.

"Yes sir," she replies. She's always way too serious.

"Good, meet back here with your gear in four hours, dismissed," Shining says and the others leave to get their things.

"Well then, I'd better get my stuff ready as well," I say and head for the door.

"Sure, I'll see you in four hours then," Shining says and we part ways.

Luna, Celestia, Shella with Mavis, the guards, and I are standing in the Crystal Caves under Canterlot. Twilight is here with piles of papers and notebooks.

"You sure you know what you're doing, Twilight?" I ask her with worry. She's wearing what looks like a traveller's robe.

She turns from her book and glares at me. "I've tested the spell already, although they were no bigger than my hand, they were successful connections. I just need to make the portal big enough for us all to fit through," she replies.

Wait... us? "What do you mean us? You're coming along?" I ask her.

"Uh-huh. I'm so excited to study a new world and types of magic!" she says and squeals. I guess that explains all the notebooks.

I then turn to face Luna. "Is she allowed to come with us? Isn't she needed for those elements of harmony things?" I ask her.

"Yes, but she's one of the smartest mares in Equestria when it comes to magic, and with Bright Mind's aid, they'll learn how Terra's magic works," she replies.

I sigh. "Fine," I say and face Twilight. "Just stay close to us. Terra is a much more dangerous place than Equestria is. Think of it as an entire planet like the Everfree Forest," I tell her.

Her eyes go wide but she nodded. "Alright. Now then, let's get this portal open!" she replies and her horn starts glowing. "I've managed to anchor the portal's location to the same spot you came from," she says.

Purple energy starts swirling in front of her in a golden frame that's standing in the middle of the cave. Nearly a hundred guards are surrounding it as a precaution in case something unfriendly comes through.

The energy latches onto the frame and begins to stabilize. The purple colour is replaced with what looks like a forest with a dirt road ahead. It's the road I was on to the Capital.

"And done! It's safe to go through now," Twilight says and puts on her backpack filled with no doubt writing utensils and books.

I check my gear over once more to make sure I have everything. Armour check. Weapons, sword, shield and stave check. Camping gear check. Crown check. Rations check.

I lose my trail of thought as a puff of pink smoke blinds me making me cough as I swipe my hands in front of me to blow the smoke away.

Discord is standing in front of me wearing a flower pattern shirt, shorts, sandals, black glasses and two cases in his hands.

"Discord? Where have you been?" I ask him.

"Hmmm? Oh! I've been in Terra getting a surprise ready for you," he tells me.

"What surprise?" I ask.

"Ah ah ah, it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you," he says and then turns into his human form. He's equipped in guard armour again, but this time, his weapon is a rather lethal looking halberd.

"Alright, I take it you're coming with us then," I ask him.

"Yup! Someone has to make sure my favourite nephew remains in one piece, who better than his wacky uncle!" he says and pats me on the back.

To be honest, I feel better that Discord's coming with us. "Thanks. Well then, are we all ready?" I ask the others.

Bright Mind, Spitfire, Hammer Strike, the two changelings Chitain and Chameleon, and a unicorn mare named Blade Dancer, are checking over their gear. Once done, they confirm they're ready.

Celestia and Shella then walk up to me with concerned expressions. "Please be safe and look out for each other," Celestia tells me.

I smile and give her a kiss. "Don't worry, I'll watch over them and keep them out of trouble," I reply.

Shella hugs me with Mavis between us giggling. "Stay safe, we'll wait for your return," she tells me.

"We'll get this done as fast as possible," I tell her and then turn to Twilight. "How long will the portal be open for?" I ask her.

"A few hours, but we're bringing another frame with us so we can make a portal home that connects to this one," she replies, pointing to the gold frame bundled up on Hammer's back.

"Fair enough. Well then let's get going," I say and walk through the portal.

I step out the other side just fine. Didn't feel a thing, it was just like stepping out the front door of your house. The others follow behind and Twilight gasps. "I can feel a lot of magic in the air! Nearly three times more than Equus has!" she says. Her horn glows and she levitates a notebook out of her bag... only for it to be launched into the air. "Oh my! It's making my magic even stronger!" she says and looks up at the sky as the book flaps around as it falls back down.

"Well that's a good thing right? It means your spells are stronger to help protect us if need be," I tell her.

"Tis true, we can feel the magic around us. Tis pure and rich," Luna says looking at the area around us.

I look around and spot the boulder I sat on when I first opened the spell book. I walk over to it with everyone behind me.

"Here's where I got pulled from Terra," I say. I look to the left down the road and see two dark red stained spots. "That must be the blood stains from the two bandits I told you I killed," I tell them.

I hear Twilight gulp from that. "I was actually hoping you were lying about that," she says.

"Nope. On the roads you have to be extremely careful as it's kill or be killed since bandits like to ambush people," I tell her. I look around to make sure no one else is nearby. "Alright then, let's get going. It'll take us about two or three days to reach Elysium," I tell them and we begin our trek down the road.

And thus begins their adventure in Terra!