Author's Notes:

Yeah Yeah Yeah, I took my time. Well, I'm a pretty lazy ass xD. But atleast I upload it! It is all that matters... no? Okay. Maybe not but whatever. Second part of the fight against the Changelings!

Crossover with my little friend FrostTheWolf
From his story Bound by Scales - Chapter 7

That… hurts… a lot...

Groaning I raised to a sitting position from where I landed. Rubbing the back of my head I struggle to open my eyes, succeeding in opening the left one while the other refused to open.

Looking around I found myself on what seemed to be the leftovers of a perfume stand. All around me were broken flasks with liquid of different colors on the ground and on my persona.

Taking a swiff of the scent I let myself fall to the ground again, feelings shards of glass breaking yet not cutting me when my head made contact with the little crater that my landing made in the ground.

Of all the things… I swear somebody wants to kill my masculinity.

Indeed I landed on a female perfume stand. To make it worse I smelled like strawberries, I hate strawberries. Last one I ate got a giant bug inside.

With a sigh I began to stand again, my body aching as I did so. The pain was pretty strong yet with all I have passed through till now this was nothing.

When I straightened my back I came just in front of what seemed to be a calendar. My eyes traveled through it. But much to my surprise, the time that I was away is… it can't be right.

… I was dead for… One thousand two hundred twenty six years!?.

Pushing this little information on the ‘Worry After There Aren't Wars or Personal Problems’ folder I made my way outside. When I got outside of the stand I find myself a few blocks of the district of the cathedral. Just when I was about to make my way towards the cathedral the world took a green tint. My eyes grew wide as I forced my senses to stop feeling the magic around me. For fear of getting my nerves fried.

That… that was a lot of magic. Chrysalis is VERY angry. She wasn't even close to this when she threw me! Whoever is at the receiving end of her power should be either stupid, brave, or the mix of both. An complete idiot fills the criteria.

But now there was another problem, Chrysalis was out of my league and I doubt that without the full force of the guards we could take her out. Things are never easy on my line of work even after so many years.

Then I clicked my fingers, an idea.

Chrysalis may be too powerful to defeat head on, but Cadence’s magic defeated her on the show. So maybe (even if we got an overpowered Changeling) the results shall be the same as the show… right.?

….

After all this is over I will go see a psychologist. With another sigh I took a glance at my left arm. It seemed to have been the one to stop my fall. It hurts to move but it didn't seem like there was anything broken, just a few big bruises that traveled the whole side of my arm. Looking at my belly, I could make up another big bruise, the skin was purple but there didn't seem to be any broken bone. I didn't want to see my face for fear of seeing my right eye.

Twisting my body again, I was greeted by many popping sounds from my bones. With a smile I began to concentrate on my magic pool. It was pretty low, but it would do. Looking towards the Cathedral again, I tensed my body.

Without looking back I began to jog, just as the green glow in front of me seemed to engulf the sky. No doubt Chrysalis’s doing.

An idiot indeed, it is a good thing I didn't pick up a fight with Ken. He seems to be able to hold his ground against that...Monster., Something I don't think I could do unless on my peak.

While the fight was breaking loose I made a dash towards the cathedral. When I reached the cathedral I saw Ken being pushed away from Chrysalis by some kind of green flying plate. Without stopping I enter the structure and saw all the ponies huddled together at the side of the green magic dome on the ground.

My footsteps began to echo on the room, making many pair of furred ears rise to the air. The effect seemed intantaneusly as many pair of eyes stopped on me.

The first one to act was the rainbow maned mare and the orange mare with blonde mane. Both of them took a step forwards and stood between myself and the other mares.

Recognition passed through their eyes for a second as they lowered their guards slightly, but then became tense again. Regarding me with suspicious.

“Don't move from their partner, yer can't be the real one. Ya must be one of those Changeling fellas!” Shouted the blonde maned mare with a southern accent.

“Yeah, how the buck can you even stand? We saw you go to the other side of the city! Chrysalis blasted you! You must like have all your bones broken! and last we checked you weren't a pegasus!” Shouted the rainbow maned mare while flaring her wings towards me. Narrowing my eyes my anger seemed to flare, but with a deep breath I resigned to talk to her on a cold monotonous tone. There wasn't time for this.

“First off, I survived worse landings. Second, my name is Gray and do you see green blood coming out of my cuts? I don't think so. I have seen Changelings in disguise with scratches and they all bleed the same color, green.” I said without stopping walking, I wasn't trying to seem intimidated towards them. Not like I could, they were the same height as me if not a little smaller by some centimeters. They took a step backwards as I continue to walk towards them.

“How do we know this isn't a trick!?” Shouted the rainbow maned mare.

“Because I’m not just anypony. I’m Gray Fullbuster, royal Knight of Equestria.” I said while straightening myself.

…

“Pfff… HahaHAhAHA” The rainbow maned mare's wings locked and fell on her back, rolling on the ground while laughing her ass off. The other mare just looked at me in the eyes, looking directly into my soul with her piercing green eyes.

“No-Not to blow your ego, but you don't- Pfff hahaAhaHAH” The mare continue to laugh on the ground.

My anger flared slightly at her but controlled myself from snapping at her again, something that was becoming harder by second.

“He ain't lying Rainbow.” Said the orange mare. That made the rainbow maned mare stop laughing as she launched herself in the air. Landing just in front of me.

“What!? But look at her- I mean him! He looks like a mare! He isn't all that thought either. Just look at his muscles! Compare to the guards he is a walking stick!” Shouted the cyan mare who began prob my arms and chest. Taking a deep breath I was about to say something but was interrupted as the ground around us began to tremble. Dust came down from the roof and everyone became quiet as explosions sounded from outside. My head slowly darkened, looking towards Applejack who was glancing around us as if the building would give up at any second.

Ken... Just stall her for a few minutes, I'm ending this.

“Where is Cadence?" My voice became grim and deeper. Applejack's eyes snapped back and me and I could swear she flinched a little when her eyes landed on mine.

“Cadence? Well sorry to step on yer hopes partner. But we can't get er out of that fancy bubble over there.” Said the orange mare. Pointing behind towards the green magic dome.

Nothing is ever easy... Another explosion from the outside made the room tremble. Shit, I don't have this for this!

Walking pass Applejack and ignoring the yell of indignation from Rainbow Dash, I began to walk towards the magic dome. Pulling my arm on it I could feel the complexity behind the spell.

The spell code, known as the spell matrix as the Unicorns call it was something that I studied during my year as a Lieutenant. Every spell, except neutral type have an spell matrix which are like pieces. The more complex the spell the more pieces it have. Starswirl and I made a discovery not long ago thanks to my powers. How I could absorb magic from my spells, researching this we made a major breakthrough of how a spell could be absorbed if the matrix could be understood, if someone was to try and absorb magic without the knowledge of how the spell was made and worked then the spell would most likely explode. The only restriction was that destruction and some neutral spells are out of question for their matrix changes constantly and can't be absorbed. With this in mind I began to push my magic on the shield, feeling how my magic reacted to it. The magic dome began to resonate with my magic, after the third time my magic was pushed in the shield I could feel it reacting. The matrix came to life and I could make its form, the pieces that formed this spell…

Hmmm… the spell is so simple that it is complex! Nine neutral shields fused together with a great amount of magic input behind. Damn, it have way more magic than I could absorb with my limited magic pool. There is no way for me to break it or even wear it down a little. Defeating Chrysalis is nearly impossible, but there is a chance if we take her by surprise. Shit, I need to destroy the spell from the root and that really isn't my field. I would need a Unicorn like Starswirl with the knowled- My eyes widened as the solution came crashing to me. Turning around sharply I could make Twilight’s unconscious body on the butter furred pegasus mare with pink mane’s legs. The mare in itself seemed to be about to pass out herself as the cathedral continue to tremble ever so slightly from the fight going on outside. She was surprisingly not hurt in any way, her light sky blue eyes flying at every corner of the room. She was wearing a green dress with petal pattern sew into it, it hugged her body perfectly and her cleavage seemed to be about to burst from her chest. They seemed to be double D size yet they were pretty cramped in there so I could be wrong.

Fuck, control yourself hormones!

Making my way towards her I was stopped by another member of the group. Her pearl white fur covered in dirt just as her purple curled mane. She was wearing a dark purple dress that got some scrapes and dirt with a gash on her right breast that showed her dark blue bra.

“Don't take another step ruffian, I’m well acknowledged on the knights serving under the crown. None of them’s description matches with you, pardon me but I can't trust you near my friends seeing the situation we are in, poor Fluttershy as you can see is scared enough as it is...” Her blue eyes were trying to burn a hole on my head. Just in time a tremor bigger than the last ones shook the cathedral.

“Look, we can talk about me all you want later but right now our only hope is getting Cadence out of that bubble.” I said taking a step forward, my frown loosening a little at her fearing gaze.With a sad sigh my shoulders fell as did my frown to be replaced by an tired gaze.“I’m going to help her, If anyone here can help me free Cadence then it is your friend back there, I give you my word that nothing would hurt your friend.”

Our eyes were locked, black eyes and blue eyes locked in a fierce battle of will. In the end, Rarity let out a sigh of her own and stepped aside.

“Fine, but I’m watching your back mister.” She said with a worried gaze.

Passing her side I couldn't stop myself from putting a hand on her shoulder, she flinched slightly at my touch but didn't move away.

“Thank you.” I said, with that I began to walk towards Fluttershy. Her rapid moving eyes landed on me once I stood in front of her, she saw this and her eyes slowly from my burned shoes that continue on one piece began to rise. Somehow her eyes became smaller than they already were, it hurt my heart to see such fear come to someone because of me.

“Miss, can you scoot a little? I need to take a look at her.” I said making a nod towards the unconscious unicorn on her lap. Her eyes became a little wider but another sake of the cathedral made them return to their panicked gaze. Lowering myself I put a hand over her shoulders and began to try and put a warm smile on my face, it was something that I was natural at. Something that came from taking care of so many foals, she was no different and I could see it in her innocent eyes.

“Don't fear okay? This will be all over and you would be able to return home. But for that to happen I need you to move a little so I could treat your friend please? I promise nothing bad would happen to her.” I said, her eyes continue to look at me and even as the shaking came again they didn't changed. For my part it was like the world came to a stop, I could feel myself loose into her eyes. After a few seconds the world returned and I found myself with an arm on her right arm that was over Twilight’s head just over the horn. Her face light up as she pushed away from me and let go of Twilight. Seeing this I used my left arm to grab her head before it could touch the ground.

All eyes were now on me and I could feel myself sweating a little.

Okay… last time I did this was when I was twenty two. No worries, not like I could made her enter in a coma or anything. Okay, maybe not a coma, just a long sleep. But the point’s the same, focus, pull, push, and don't get distracted. I can do this, I can do this. My thoughts were swimming with the possibilities. For I was never one to do this, my talent goes more into absorbing magic once I got the matrix down, not giving it. Let's see… how was it again? Hmm… Slowly I lower her on my lap and put one of her hands over the other, after that was done I close my eyes and put mine above them. Just over her cutie mark of her hand I began to pour my magic into it. Her body became tense as I began to pour my magic slowly, my breath began to deepen the more magic I put into her.

Damnit, a normal unicorn should have woke up by now. Don't tell me I fucked up something? Wait, who I’m talking to? Dammit! I need to stop talking to myself in moments like this… ponyfeathers it seems like a visit to the psychologist AND a therapist is in order after this ordeal is over.

With a sigh I was about to give up, but then I could feel her magic pool explode. Quite literally really, her magic was overcharged making her raise herself faster than I could react while her body began to expend the extra magic by speeding her blood circulation.

SMASH

“OHWWW!” I hear another voice groan in pain alongside me. Rubbing my chin with my right hand I began to raise, seeing as my job was done. When I open my eyes without stopping tending my sore chin I took a glance to the downed Unicorn mare, who began to rub the back of her head. … Thanks god it was the upside of her head that hit me, if she was a little taller I don't wanna think what would have happened.

Damn mare, if that reaction is anything to go by then I did mess it up. Well let's see how long she have before crashing down. Let's hope she can solve this problem before that happens though.

“Oww… Hey you okay? You are quite the hard headed you know?.” I asked with light humor towards the downed mare. She open her eyes which were a little moist with tears forming at the sides.

“No, no. It was my fault really. It is just that I suddenly felt energized, which I continue to do but I don't know why this happen. I mean, I feel like I just drank a gallon of coffee which I don't usually do unless there is something really important going on. But that can't be right, because last thing I remember is getting hit by a spell from-” Her eyes grew wide. “The wedding!!! What happen!? Did we lose!? Did we won!? Wait why I’m looking at a mare, where did the stallion go? Is this a dream? Wait was the wedding a dream? Wha-” With a mental groan and a facepalm I put my hand over her mouth. Making her eyes cross to look at the offended hand before raising towards mine.

Aaaand that nails it. Supercharged as Clover calls it, now I have a hyperactive Unicorn on my hands. One of the pillars of the cathedral gave up as the sky suddenly began to glow in green light, rocks began to raise in the air with a sickening green glow. Oh… this isn't looking so well. Does Ken continue alive? How I hate being unable to use my magic sense without feeling my lungs froze.

“Okay, Twilight what I’m gonna tell you is very important. You see, the Changelings did attack the wedding and yes I’m a stallion. Now, why I wake you up is because I need you to try and free Cadence.” She was shaking with energy, I didn't know how much time I could hold her down but her eyes emotions are being ricocheted. Sadness, fear, anger, fear, concern, anger, fear, and the cycle continues. But she continue to pay attention to me so that’s a plus. “I’ll go outside and help the battle against Chrysalis. You, need to free Cadence, can I count on it?”

She gave me three… maybe thirty rapid nods making me wonder if her head continue attached to her spine.. But with that I turned around and was meet with pink.

“Oh~ What did you did to Twilight? I never saw her that energetic, not even when she eats my double sugar coated coffee cake with sprinkles. Which is only when she is gonna stay awake all night which is almost every Thursday. Wait! Can you do that to me? Can you? Can you can you can you-” Another groan but this time with a amused smile on my face. Pinkie Pie, element of laughter and best pony. She was my pillar and what I aimed to be in the past, when everything came down. Looking at her now, I couldn't even fathom being annoy or even mad at her innocence.

“Sorry Pinkie, but there are dire matters to attend to. When this is over I would gladly try it on you.” Somehow a shiver passed my spine but I pushed it aside.

Pinkie’s eyes grew wider than they already were and she froze mid air. Then she touched the ground and cocked her head to the right, her face holding a questioning gaze.

“How did you know my name? Oh~! Are you a psychic Can you read minds!?” She began to shout things again. Shaking my head with a warm smile I took a turn towards the giant doors to the outside where a battle beyond imagination was being held.

None of the mares decide to stop me or talk to me, and even so I wouldn't have. With one last glance behind me I saw Twilight working on the dome, with her horn glowing purple. Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash looking at her worryingly.

But my eyes caught Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, the later being hooping on her place and waving at me. Fluttershy being trying to hide inside Pinkie’s body as said mare ignore her completely. My smile changed from amused to saddened.

At Least I got to meet the mane six, in a way some would say that I could die happy now, heh.

That is when I hear a shout from the outside.

“This insolence, this transgression, IT SHAN'T GO UNPUNISHED!” Chrysalis's voice boomed as the cathedral's roof began to fall on some places.

Thinking the worse, I made a dash towards the front doors, or more like were they used to be.

My eyes grew wide as I could make Chrysalis's hand flaring with magic.

“No..." Ken and Revaan seemed to be on their own world.

All of them ignorant of the raging Queen at the other side of the battlefield. Looking at it now I could make all the houses around the cathedral and the entrance of the castle completely and utterly destroyed, Rubble and fragments of random things were floating up in the air covered in a green aura. Wisp of green fire seemed to appear and disappear all around me in the air.

The Queen was high in the air, my magic sense wasn't needed to told me that she was focusing a lot of magic on her hands and was about to attack Ken and Revaan.

The Queen began to point one of her hands towards Ken and my eyes grew the size of dinner plates.

My mind suddenly flashed me a memory, a memory that I thought would never bother me again. But just as it came it was gone, leaving me with a knot in my chest.

No, I won't let it happen again!

My magic began to spike, focusing as much as I could on my left arm. It was not in a constant calm flow like I naturally do. But more like a river, fast and strong. There wasn't time to think about the downbacks of using so much magic, using almost all of it.

But I didn't feel weak, it was like my magic wasn't drained at all. But I didn't care. My left arm shoot towards the sky with a blue glow around it. All the time ignoring the burning sensation on my chest.

“Ice-Make! Rampart!” My left arm hit the ground, hard. The rune didn't even have time to appear as ice began to form in a perfect line in front of me, growing taller by every second. Just when Chrysalis launched her attack did my ice wall reached Ken and Revaan.

BOOM

Chrysalis’s attack came to an halt as my wall came to life. Ken was startled if his wide eyes were anything to go by, looking around he spot me and I gave him a toothy smile.

Thought I won't come didn't ya? Pouring a little magic on my legs I made a jump forwards, sending me in the air just a little over the ground. Before reaching Ken my momentum began to loosen and I began to skid making me flinch as the side of my shoe finally gave up. But it was soon forgotten as I saw Ken a few feets in front of me.

“Sorry for being late, Ken! Just woke up Twilight, she knows more about magic than me. I can't seem to be able to free Cadence and it seemed like you needed a little help.” I said, but then my eyes widened. There, at his side was one of the whole reasons of coming to Canterlot. She notice me too, but a look of pain came and she began to clutch her head.

“Luna?” I whisper as she began to breath faster, my attention was taken away from her as I hear Ken addressing me.

“Gray, how long do I need to hold her off for?” He asked me, oddly calm for fighting something so insanely powerful.

“Wha? Ugh. Forgot about her for a second. We just need to hold her off until Cadence realize the spell.” Looking at the direction of the Queen my eyes narrowed. “What I can't fathom is why is Queen Chrysalis so powerful? I don't remember her being like this from the show…” I muttered the last part to myself, not really wanting to divulge the true behind my existence.

Ken gave me a cocky smile as his dragon arm began to consume his body. “It was the same with Pandemonium earlier. Let me deal with this.” Before I could act, Ken shoot himself towards Chrysalis with two swords. I saw the blades grow green for a second before he began to swipe at Chrysalis’s barrier. She looked at him with annoyance and hate. Then, cracks formed around the barrier of Chrysalis.

She didn't let Ken continued his onslaught, flaring her horn the shield grew in size and pushed Ken away from her. He was sent flying towards us and was intercepted by Revaan. Using this as a distraction I made a dash just under the Queen, a few steps from her backside. She lowered herself to the ground with her cracked shield surrounding her. Acting quickly a blue rune formed underneath me.

“Ice-Make! Ice Impact!” The glow underneath me signaled my position to the queen, she was about to turn around but the ice structure I made hit her before she could. The shield broke into million of shimmering pieces as the Queen herself was throw towards Ken and Revaan.

Ken was the first to act, launching himself towards the stunned Queen. She didn't have time to act as Ken grabbed her by the face and hurled her to the ground. Cracks formed around her exoskeleton as dust began to rise, obscuring the Queen.

“This is for all the lives you’ve hurt.” Ken said as he fell to the ground. “Is she alright?” Looking forward I saw Luna looking at me with a pained face. Forgetting the fight I ran towards her just as she fell to her knees and began to grasp her head.

There didn't seem to be anything wrong with her, but her expression while she looked in my eyes changed very fast. She closed her eyes and almost fell to the ground but I used my smaller body to support her.

She did grow up, a head bigger than me. Can't believe she barely reached my waist before.

“DO YOU THINK YOU CAN STOP ME!?!” I hear the Queen yell from somewhere behind me. My heart became a knot as it did not want to let go of Luna.

Then I feel something, it was subtle but even without trying to sense the magic around me I could feel it. It was warm, powerful, it eclipses Chrysalis’s own power.

“Not stop… Stall.” I hear Ken said with full confidence.

Then, whatever this magic I feel came rushing towards me. Raising my head I could see a giant pink barrier passing through my body and towards the Queen. Yells around the city and cheers made me smile a little, as I began to raise so did Luna. Who continue to look at me with her face changing from pain, sadness, then anger. Only to repeat all over again.

“We- but we… thou can't be real… thy cannot be…” Luna began to say as tears began to swell around her eyes.

The knot in my heart worsened and the first thing that came to mind was hugging her. So I did just that, opening both arms wide I gave her a hug as tears began to fall down on my face. Resting my chin on her left shoulder. This new statute will take time to get used to...

“Shhh… I’m here, I’m back.” I told her, she just shook her head and pushed me away. Her face became one of confusion and pain.

“No… he is dead. Thou cannot be him… He-he died. He died, there was no body, no funeral. I’m not falling for this, thou aren't real, thy can't be real.” She said as she grabbed her head.

“Luna… it's me, your uncle. I’m back, I promised you that I would come back.” I said with a smile, pushing her slightly I looked at her in the eyes.

Tears came in greater number as she tried to stop them, “Uncle…” With a hiccup her body shot at me, crushing me in a embrace that put my bones to test. “Thou are back… thou are alive!” Awkwardly and with difficult because my lungs were lacking oxygen I began to pat her on the back, evading the wings.

Then, her eyes closed and her hug loosened strength, making me the only object stopping her from hitting the ground

Damn… I think this was too much for her?

Putting an arm under her legs and the other in her back I raised myself, carrying her bridal style. She looked exhausted but tears began to fall from my face, a tiny smile appearing to my face as I let a quiet laugh.

Even after all those years she continues to drool when she sleeps. Simple thoughts that didn't have anything to do with all the madness I just passed through to get here. Yet I couldn't stop myself as the first thing that came to my mind was all those days I went to wake her up only to find her biting her pillow with drool running down her face.

“What the HAY!?! Girls, There is a DRAGON OUT HERE!!!” I hear the voice of a prismatic pegasus I just meet coming from the Cathedral’s doors.

Doing a mental facepalm I turned around and was greeted by an half destroyed district of the city. Rubble and fire continue going on on various fallen houses and what seemed like market stands. But what really caught my attention was the Pegasus mare flying at high speed towards Revaan who looked more amused than annoyed at the Pegasus.

With a sigh I pushed the want to just sit and brush Luna’s ethereal mane until she woke up and began to made my way towards the group of Ponies who began to exit the Cathedral, all of them with different grades of shock and one seemed to be about to pass out from fear.

“Rainbow Dash they are our allies!” I shouted, Luna didn't even stir from her sleep as I did.

Rainbow came to a stop just in front of Revaan’s snout about to deliver a kick with her hooves. She looked my way for a few seconds and slowly began to turn her head towards the dragon whose eyes were crossing while looking at her and I have to stiff a laugh. She gave a sheepishly smile to Revaan.

“Emh… I knew it! I totally wasn't about to kick him!” She said out loud. She began to fly towards the other member of the mane six and I just shook my head.

I could make out Cadence carrying a passed out Shining armor just like I was doing with Luna, she began to exchange glances from Luna to me and I could see her eyes gleaming with something. I didn't need to be a genius to know what she was thinking.

She began to open her mouth and I narrowed my eyes to her. Her mouth closed and just gave me a sheepish smile.

Ugh, Just what I needed, ponies trying to ship me with my niece… *Shudder* That’s just sick.

“Umm… Gray why is Princess Luna passed out on your arms?” Asked Twilight Sparkle, I could see Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Rainbow Dash talking with Ken and Revaan at the far side and let myself relax.

“She passed out Twilight, I’m not about to left her on the hard ground.” I said with a warm smile towards the sleeping Luna who began to drool on my chest. “So… I see you made it? For a moment I thought that we would have to knock out Chrysalis for it to dissipate.”

“Well, it wasn't easy. I used a complex magic modus that I have been testing for some time to disrupt the spell matrix of the shield. After that it was just draining the magic, but it was more than I could hold so I began expend the extra magic I got on the earth. Using this method I could find a weak point on Chrysalis’s shield and after discovering this I began to channel my magic right there. But the complexity of that shield was astounding, can you believe it? A nine layered shield! Yet it looked like one layer shield spell, I wonder what kind of-” A white hand appeared on Twilight’s shoulder, looking at the owner of said hand I was greeted by the sight of Rarity with a covering Fluttershy behind her.

“Darling, I know you like to talk about magic but I don't think now is the moment to dwell in it.” Said Rarity while giving Twilight a warm smile. For Twilight’s part she looked a little down but recovered a few seconds later.

“Well I’m just glad that it is all over really.” Sorrow passed through Twilight's eyes but it was gone in seconds. I could make that something was bothering Twilight but I wasn't just about to pry on it.

“So you are the one that helped freed Cadence and safe Canterlot?” Asked a familiar voice from behind me. The voice was older, way more regal and spoke of authority. Yet, even with this differences I knew who it was. Turning around I was greeted by a giant female. I say giant, for were Luna’s one head bigger than myself, this one is four or three heads bigger. Making me look up to meet her pink colored eyes. Somehow I flinched when my eyes meet hers, for there was no recognition on those eyes. But suspicion, her eyes didn't seem like it for anyone else. But they were narrowed.

“Well, yes I helped save the city. My name’s Gray Fullbuster.” When I said my name I saw shock and recognition for a second. But it disappeared in a heartbeat. Now her glare could be seen by anyone else.

“Well… Gray I see that you made your homework. But even so, I thank you for your assistance. Sadly now there are other matters to attend to... “ Her eyes then finally caught the body of the unconscious mare on my arms. As if she didn't even notice before. “Thanks for taking care of my sister. But I will take her now.” Her horn began to glow in a golden color, encasing the unconscious Luna’s body. But as she pull her closer to her, Luna’s arms shoot and grabbed my arm. Tears began running down her face, something that almost broke my heart.

“Dont… Gray… don't… go…” Said the sleeping Luna. Her voice almost unheard but I saw Celestia’s ears moving towards her sister. Her gaze softened slightly before hardening. Pulling Luna’s arms off of mine.

“Well, as I was saying…” Her eyes looked behind me and grew wide. Wanting to know what she was seeing I turned around and saw Revaan and Ken talking with a few of the mane six. Mainly Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Applejack. Then realization came to me, as dragons were never known for being good, something that I think haven't changed with the pass of time.

“Oh, I… forgot to mention. Those over there, the dragon and the hu- stallion over there helped on taking back the city.” I said to Celestia, hitting myself for almost slipping my tongue on something that I never said of myself. But seeing another human made that word come back to me.

“I… see.” I didn't like the tone of her voice, it was obvious she didn't believe in me.

“Yes, Ken is the stallion’s name and Revaan’s the dragon’s.” I said, but she didn't seem to even hear me as she began walking with Luna’s body floating behind her. Twilight then I notice wasn't with us but talking with Cadance and the weakened Shining Armor. Looking towards Celestia again I saw her eyes narrowing, I could feel the air pressure lower as her magic began to flare slightly.

She have grown much since the last time I saw her…

Forcing my senses off I made a jog towards her just in time to hear some of the words she said to Ken and Revaan.

“-Dragons, no matter the age aren't know for helping any other species without some sort of reward.” Her gaze turned towards Revaan. “They made an oath too, to never interfere between the affairs of other species. So that means you want something from this little escapade.”

I knew that she would change, but this isn't the Celestia I knew. She was never one to point fingers or discriminate someone by their race alone. Could the Changeling attack change something in her heart? Or was it me that made her like this? I shook my head and my face hardened as I reached her side. “Celestia, calm down. They are good people! They helped for the good of their heart-” my rant was stopped as her head snapped towards me, looking down at me with a glare that I have never seen in her face before. Whatever I wanted to say died down just by her gaze.

“You should stay quiet Gray, for even now I have doubts about you. If not for Luna’s words I would have you imprisoned until I could talk to you. I can feel your magic and there is something about you that bugs me.” She said with venom on her words, I could even hear a low hiss coming from her mouth making a lump form on my throat.

“That… is actually where you are incorrect.” Revaan replied, taking Celestia’s attention away from me. “I am bound to Ken and he is bound to me. Therefore, his will is mine.”

“Plus, Gray did summon us.” I hear Ken saying from somewhere, but my body was frozen. My gaze looking at the back of Celestia’s head. “If I didn’t help him when he needed it, he would’ve passed out in the forest without any magic. Geez, who knew politics in this world was so extreme.”

“Matters not, the city is in a state of panic. The wedding as per Princess Cadence’s petition would be held tomorrow. But for now I shall comfort my little ponies about what happened today. You along with Gray can sleep at the new barracks at the castle. For your… dragon friend. We don't have a place big enough for a dragon.” Came the words from my niece, or was she? Did I even deserve to call her that? Was I nothing but a bad memory?

“Ken, I can just return home.” The booming voice of Revaan made me stop my sulking, finally looking their way. “I’ll see you back at the temple when you return.”

“Same here, man. Catch you later.” Said ken as his dragon hand began to glow, making Revaan disappear in a tear of the fabric of space just as when he appeared. My gaze returned to Celestia, I was too tired both mentally and physically to even care anymore. I saw her horn glowing and Luna’s unconscious form came floating next to her, her body being over a golden like bubble that seemed to work as a makeshift bed..

“We will talk later. The moon shall rise soon and I have work to do. Ask Captain Shining Armor for your quarters.” The cold voice pierced my hearts in ways that I didn't think were possible.

Everything that happened so far. I couldn't understand. why? That simple question rebounded on my head. Why did she despise me? Since I said my name her demeanor changed drastically, was my presence bothering her so much? If so, was it really a good Idea to came here in the first place? Should have I just hide and live my life in isolation?

“Wow… I never saw the Princess like that! She looked like a pansy meany pants! Hey, what happen to Gray? Hello? Anybody home?” I could feel Pinkie Pie talking at my side, but I didn't care. I just wanted to understand if my actions were the right ones.

Time… was it really a bad thing to sacrifice myself to stop Deliora? How many towns would have fallen under its darkness if not for my actions? Was there another way? Sure, losing me should have put a damper on them for a few weeks or months but even so. It was the right thing to do, my life so other could live. Was that not my oath? To protect others no matter what until the day I die. Does that means I don't have to fulfill my oath anymore? I died did I not? But why, why does it seems-

“Sorry but about this Gray, but if anyone asks… Rainbow did it.”

SLAP

“Wha-I-where?” Blinking a few times I could feel pain on my left cheek. Moving my head forward again I saw Ken with a smile on his face looking at me, his dragon arm raised in the air. “Did you just slap me?” I asked him in a cold tone. My face showing no emotions.

“In all seriousness, Rainbow told me too. She said you were “pulling an egghead” on them” He said, making my left eye twitch. Pushing my depressed thoughts away I just let out a sigh and began to rub my temples.

Womans, their manipulation abilities are really something to fear even after centuries being dead.

Raising an eyebrow I crossed my arms over my chest. “So you slap me for no other reason, just than a mare telling you to?” I asked him in a monotonous tone.

“Ummm… yes?” He told me with a shrug.

Letting another sigh escape my mouth I began to rub my temper again. “I know the feeling, I can't say no to them no matter what. But what do you mean about me pulling ‘an egghead’ on you?”

“You were starting to look pale like a zombie. I needed to get you to snap out of it.” He said.. “Oh and if you were wondering why Revaan isn’t here, he went back to our home. Now… I think maybe you have some questions for me?”

“Questions… sure.” I said, my mind once again flashing back towards Celestia’s face.

“Gray? … Are you okay? You’re staring off into space again.”

Shaking my head to dispel the thoughts of my niece’s glare I let another tired sigh and began to rub my temple once more. “Yeah… just… there are some things on my mind. It is just that I didn't… well, thought that my reunion would be like that.”

“Hang on a second, Reunion?” He asked me. “What do you mean by that?”

I don't want to think about that right now. I want to rest, maybe find a place to drink… if they are any bars open after this attack obviously. Ugh. Where did Celestia said the barracks where again?

“Nothing, really. Hey, where did Celestia said the barracks where?”

“She didn’t really tell me. All she said for me to ask Captain Shining Armor later to take me to my quarters. Didn’t mention anything on barracks.”

“Well, then our guy’s right over… there.” Looking around I spot the stallion I was looking for. He was being carried by Princess Cadence in a bridal like style, making me cringe a little at the turn of events. The shining knight carried by the lovely princess, not the other way around as stories from my children hood.

Ken took the lead, walking towards the group while I continue to look at the ponies in front of me. The feeling of my once forgotten life began to resurface, things that I don't even remember began to flash in my head. With a shake of my head I let out another sigh, looking up I saw Ken looking at me with a confused expression. Giving him a sheepish smile I began to walk towards him. But not before another thought came to my mind, something that Ken said to Celestia.

When I stood at his side we resumed our walk. The only thing that could be hear were the shouts from the royal guards across the city and the voice of the ponies talking in front of me. How could they simply ignore all the chaos around them? Looking around what once was a street filled with blood and bodies all I could see was rumble. Not a body in sight.

My thoughts returned to what Ken said though, what did he mean when he said I summon him? Taking a deep breath I stopped, Ken doing the same. We were a few feets away from the ponies so they shouldn't hear what I wanted to ask. “Ken, what did you mean when you told Celestia that I was the one to bring you here? Summoned you said I think?” He let out a sigh and began to dwell on his pockets. Then, he took what seemed to be a black scale.

“At one moment, you must have held onto this,” He said. “This scale is my summoning token… Are you familiar with the Displaced?”

Looking at the sky I began to think about it, that word did strung a nerve on my head. That’s when I remember Ken mentioning it before. With a snap of my fingers I looked at him again. “Yeah, I remember you saying something about ‘for being a displaced’ back at the forest. What did you mean by that?”

“Displaced is short for Dimensionally Misplaced,” He said, he tone took a more monotonous tone. Just like Starswirl when he taught those Unicorns a few years… long time ago. “You and I aren’t the only people that were sent to Equestria. Are you familiar with the Multiverse at all?” My head began to hurt, but only a little. Multiverse? I think… I hear that word once, but I think I forgot its meaning. Shaking my head, Ken let out another sigh.

“Well, let me make this simple. There are multiple versions of Equestria. Each one with various differences. Different Displaced are sent to different worlds and do what they want with the abilities they gained. Revaan was concerned about me getting involved because this world is before the events in my timeline. I’m three years ahead of you.”

Cocking my head to a side I began to mull the information that Ken gave me. It was something big, that's for sure. The multiverse, the more I repeated that word the more I understand it. But then I understood what he mean. He wasn't from my Equestria, he was from another one. A parallel from mine, or maybe the original if that actually exist. I could feel a headache coming to my head so I stopped my line of thought and let out a sigh. “So, you mind to tell me that I wasn't the only person who… well… came here? I mean, send to one of those ‘Equestria’ from the Multiverse? Sorry if I don't really get it but I was more into politics and carpentry before getting here. It makes sense though.”

“Trust me, some things are a lot more surprising than others. I don’t know much about them though since I only met a few. But I do know that you can use a Displaced’s token to summon one.” He explained, holding onto his so I could see it clearly.“This is my token.”

He gave me his token, looking at it closely I couldn't see anything different. It seemed like a normal scale. But I knew better than judge things by looks alone, so using my magic sense I tried finding anything wrong with the scale, yet there was nothing different. It was-. “But this is just a… dragon scale, there isn't anything out of place. How did I summon you with this?”

“Do you remember how I found you? You were almost dead until I healed you.” He reminded me. “Did anything happen before that?”

Thinking back, no. There wasn't a scale in my memories. I could remember getting out of Ponyville and then falling to the ground. Then my eyes widen, I remember asking for help but I didn't said it out loud. But that is it. “Well, I remember falling to the ground but there wasn't a scale around me. Before you appeared though I asked for help…”

“Did you feel yourself grabbing onto anything solid?” He asked.

“Well… yes? Maybe?” Trying to think I came with blanks, I don't remember but maybe I did so subconsciously? Maybe it fell on one of my pockets or someone put it on me? Looking at Ken’s deadpan I averted my face in shame. “Okay, I don't know. Wasn't really paying attention to my surroundings hehe..he” I ended giving an awkward laugh.

“One way or another, you summoned me,” He said. “And I was thinking of sticking around to help. The Wedding has been rescheduled to tomorrow, so maybe I can help with a few things… Which reminds me… why were you holding onto Luna earlier like you were cradling her? Is she family to you?”

“In a way… I think. She seemed to remember me. If not for her, Celestia would have me imprisoned and interrogated. It… it is bunch of horse apples really.” I said giving a sad sigh.

“Maybe we can check on her in a few minutes? She should be awake by then.” He offered, trying to show support.

“Thanks, but I don't want to disturb her. Not counting that they would have quite a busy weeks to come. But really, thanks man. I really appreciate the help today. If not for you, Canterlot would be nothing more than a husk of its former self.” I said while raising my left arm for a handshake. He smiled, shaking my hand in return.

“Your welcome Gray. I can help stick around and assist with the clean up effort if you want me too.” He said.

“Well… don't mind if I take you on that offer. I was going to volunteer to help in the reconstruction of the city tomorrow. I think we will need all the help we could get, seeing as half of Canterlot have been destroyed.” I said while scratching the back of my neck. My eyes traveling the destructed city just as the sun began to lower, casting a twilight on the city.

“Same here. I think maybe tonight though we should get the chance to rest a bit. I believe that the city might have some sort of spell to help reconstruct the buildings. But the attacks might have left with some of the children being… orphans. Maybe we should get them some aide and help them?”

“I would gladly like that.” I said with a kind smile. I was about to turn towards the girls when I froze mid step. Slowly I turned to Ken with confusion. “Ken, you said that those… ‘Displaced’ guys have tokens right?” He gave me a nod. “And you said I was one of those… Displaced. That means I have a token right? Well I have lived for years in Equestria and not once did I got summon. Does that mean my token’s… well… broken? Malfunctioning? or something?”

“Hmm… Actually Gray. You haven’t been summoned because you haven’t made a token.” He clarified. “Token’s aren't made automatically. You have to choose an item that represents you, leave a small message on it and then cast it out into the void. You’ll still keep the item you sent out, but sending it into the void has the token be able to span the Multiverse and reach other Displaced. I can help fix that now if you want.”

"You can? Well, I don't really have much on me. The only object that I have that could represent me is this..." I grabbed the necklace around my neck. "This is what I bought before coming to Equestria, there aren't any other objects that could fit I think. So... How does it work? I don't think that just saying a message would work on it."

“You need to channel some of your energy, or in your case magic, into it while creating the message. For example, mine is like this.” He took the black scale again and it began to glow. I thought nothing of it until I began to hear Ken’s voice inside my head.. ‘I am Ken Ahkrin, The Scalebound. Call upon me if you need some help, advice or want to tip the scales in your favor.’ When the message ended Ken let the scale disappear. “Something brief and simple, but get’s your point across. Messages can’t be super long, so twenty seconds should be enough at most.”

Frowning I began to dwell on the anti-logical form of summoning. If it was so easy as putting my magic on an object and talking, then I would have by now a lot of tokens on those other Equestrias. Yet, even so it didn't at up. For trying to infuse an object without runes to process my raw magic worked in only one way. "Well... I don't know. This isn't doesn't have any runes to channel my magic. That, and I told myself to have never force my magic on inanimate objects without runes. Without those the object have no way of storing the magic, for the magic will try to force its way out of the object of choice for the lack of ‘storage’ or in this case runes to keep the magic in place until the bearer needed it. Such an act as trying to pour magic on an un-runned object is seen as…” Blinking a few times I could see Ken giving me a deadpan look, I could hear a faint music coming from his headsets. Scratching the back of my head I could feel my cheeks burn in embarrassment. "Ehehehe... Sorry, I tend to ramble a little when talking about magic. Force of habit that I took from an old friend really, anyway. The point is, do you think it will work? Cause if it doesn't you are buying me a custom made necklace."

“Just trust me on this one,” He assured me. “First, prepare the message that you want to send out.”

That made me frown internally, for there were a lot of ways to start and end it. I could make it so only a few selected people would choose to call me and even so. There would be others who would try to abuse of my friendship if I let them think I’m all in if they are on the good side. But what is to say that the token would reach another displaced? What if it ends on the hands of the bad guys and those, with my lack of knowledge made me trust them? It wouldn't be the first time that it happen to me, what could I even say?

I got it

"Well... I have a message already, but then what do I do?"

“You say it while you're channeling your magic into the item.”

“Okay then… let's see..” Please don't blow on me, please don't blow on me, please don't blow on me…. whatever only Ken is on the explosion radio anyways. “From those who seek justice and peace. If danger is knocking upon thy, or allies art slim. Call for me. For my name’s Gray Fullbuster, fighter of demons and darkness.” When I ended pushing the magic inside the necklace the glow began to dim, until it disappeared completely. Waiting for the magic to force its way out of my necklace, i was utterly confuse when nothing happen. “Well… I certainly was expecting everything in twenty radius to freeze, so… what now?”

“I can take care of what’s next.” Ken replied, using his dragon arm to open a tear in space. Without even looking drained he tossed my necklace inside, it held still on the darkness. Then, to my amazement it began to split and move. It was so mesmerizing that I couldn't take my gaze away from such an act. It was Ken’s arm that shook me out of my stuppor as he grope one of the million of similar necklaces and took it out of the darkness. The rip in space closing behind. “There we go, all done.”

“Well then, let's go and get some sleep. Tomorrow’s going to be a busy day.” Said Ken.

We made our way to the group of ponies, I could see other ponies walking around and crying at the destruction of what could be their homes. Looking at Ken, I began to wonder if he was used to this type of sights. There were many things that I didn't knew about my new allie and friend.

When we reached Cadance,Twilight’s eyes snapped at us but before she could open her mouth, she froze. Her eyes rolled at the back of her head and she fell face first to the ground. Everything came to a standstill as all of us looked at Twilight. Letting out a loud groan I facepalmed.

“Don't worry, she just passed out for having her magic overcharged. Nothing a good two or three days of sleep won't help.” I said, the mane six just exchanged looks between each other and me. Suddenly I feel like shrinking.

I was safe thanks to Ken though, as he gave a polite cough that made all eyes focus on him. “Speaking of sleep, I think a little bit of rest would be good for my bones right about now… Where’s Shining Armor?”