The Heart
3rd Person POV

"I need one hundred CCs of saline stat."

beep...beep...beep

"Doctor, his heart rate is lowering."

beep...beep...beep

"Get the defibrillator, NOW!"

beep...beep...beep

"Where is that defibrillator?!"

beep...beep

"His heart rate is dropping dramatically."

"Damn, if we don't him stabilized him then I can't operate. Where is that damn defibrillator?!"

beep

"Here doctor."

"Thank Celestia it's not broken."

................

"Doctor, he's flatlined."

"Set the defibrillator to the maximum."

"Max."

"Yes, maximum!"

"Here you are, Doctor."

"Is everypony ready, here we go. One, two, three, clear

Zap...

"Nothing."

"Fine then here we go again. Stay with us kid. One, two, three, clear."

Zap...

"Damn, alright one more time. One, two, three, clear."

Zap...beep

"Doctor his heart is back."

"Excellent, let's stabilize him. Xavier if you can hear us, stay with us. Alright, let's get him prepped for the operation. We are not going to lose this patient."

***

beep

"Xavier."

beep...beep

"Time to wake up Xavier."

beep...beep

"They need you Xavier, your time to go isn't here yet."

beep...beep...beep

"Yes return to the land of the living."

beep...beep...beep

"Find the heart Xavier, locate the heart."

beep...beep...beep

"Find the heart.

***
Xavier POV

I slowly opened my eyes. The sounds of a heart monitor beeping away told me I was in the hospital again. I looked around, but the light in the room was hurting my eyes like crazy. That's never happened before. I looked after my eyes adjusted and could see I was in a much bigger room than the last time I was here. I can't wait to see the bill for this stay. I tried to pull my right arm up, but nothing happened. I looked over to see my arm right arm was in a cast and my left leg in one too. I thought magic could heal anything. Actually how long have I been in these and this room? The sounds of snoring passed over my ears, and I knew only one creature who could snore like that. Flame.

I followed the noise of his snoring and found him curled up sleeping on Fluttershy's lap. Where did they come from? I slowly realized that my vision hadn't fully returned to me when it adjusted to the light. But as I tried to focus on them, my vision was a blurry mess. I realized my vision was blurry because I didn't have on my glasses. Aw man, I don't have my glasses. I bet they broke from the fight with Stray Wolf. Even though everything was blurry, I could still make out Twilight, Barb, Rarity, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie, Flame, Lyra and Moon Star. Moon Star though had a new look about her than the day Twilight, and I found her. Her mane and coat were clean and fresh looking like she had finally had a bath. She had on a pair of black framed glasses, and her mane was done up in a ponytail. She was wearing a light tan shirt with the moon and shooting stars passing over on the front of it. She also had on a dark brown skirt. She looked so cute in her new clothing than when I first saw her in those tattered clothing. She was in Twilight's lap snoozing away.

How long have they been here? I wanted to speak up but considered not to. The way they looked while they slept, told me that they hadn't gotten a lot of it lately. I decided instead to test out the rest of my body. I wanted to see how weak I was from being in this hospital bed. I raised my left arm and right leg without much resistance, so I was well off. I could see from my left arm that a small amount of my muscle mass was gone. I've lost some muscle mass, so I haven't been here for just a few days if I had to guess, probably no more than a week or more. I flexed my fingers and looked at my mark. I tried to use my powers, but nothing happened. So I'm drained. That's going to take some time to recharge. I decided to see how bad my voice was. I gave a few soft coughs to get my voice back.

"Yes," I said

Oh a little horse. I guess I should have expected it since I haven't talked in a while. I looked over to see Moon Star slowly wake up. She pushed up her glasses as she rubbed her eyes. She blinked a few times before looking at me. I waved at her and watched a smile come to her face. She gently leaped off Twilight and ran up to me. When she was close, I could make out her eye color. They were a soft blue color. She was about to speak, but I put up a finger to my lips. Shouldn't have her wake up Twilight and the others just yet. She nodded her head as she knew what I was gesturing. We both had a quiet conversation, while the others slept.

"Dad." She said

"Yeah, that's me," I said

"You're awake." She said

"Yes, I am Moon Star. You look charming." I said

"Oh, Rarity made them for me. Daddy, I'm so happy your awake than when you were sleeping." She said

I rubbed her head as she stood smiling at me. How sad to think that I know who her birth father is? I won't let Stray Wolf touch a hair on your head ever again, Moon. I hope Twilight made it as a single mother while I was in the hospital. The sound of the door opening drew my attention. I looked up to see Red Heart coming in with a metal tray. She was looking down as she came in. I watched her eyes trail up from the tray to me. I smiled at her, but as we looked at each other, she began to shake. That's a strange way to react. She dropped the metal and gave a loud scream. It hit the ground with a giant clank. Everypony awoke from the noise.

"What is it Red Heart?" Asked Twilight

"Stray Wolf." Said Rainbow

"No, he's awake," said Red Heart pointing at me.

They looked at me, and they all seemed amazed that I was awake. There acting like I just came back from the dead. I looked at them all before I spoke up.

"Hi, so anypony want to fill me in on what's going on," I said

They were all still frozen before they all screamed together the same phrase. I was sure the whole hospital knew I was awake now.

"XAVIER YOUR AWAKE!!!"

***

I sat in the bed as everypony had pulled up their chairs to the bed. Flame sat on my head since he wanted to be close. Moon Star sat in my lap, snuggling my chest as I stroked her mane. Another reason Flame had to sit on my head. I was used to it since he would climb to get a better view of things that were happening.

"Before we talk about what's been going on, do you remember anything at all?" Asked Twilight

"Not really, I just remember using my powers to shield my head before Stray Wolf smashed my head into the ground. Then after Stray Wolf was done bashing my head in that's where everything goes blank. So who wants to fill me in on the details." I said

"Well after finishing that Stray Wolf kicked you in the ribs and was about to end your life when he decided to spare you." Said Rainbow

"Why?" I asked

"Because he wants you to get stronger. It seems he thought you were a formidable foe." Said Twilight

"His deal is that you are to train and get stronger. So that when he returns, you will please him with a great fight. But if you lose that fight, he'll kill you and take Moon Star back." Said Fluttershy

"Don't let him take me back." Said Moon Star

"I won't ever let him do that, Moon. So he spared me as long as I give him a fight he will remember. He sure is an impressive foe. I'll have to think of some way to get past his ability to heal his wounds," I said

"I don't see how ya can fight that." Said Applejack

"If there is a will there is a way," I said

"When you came into the hospital, you had massive damage to your body. You had severe internal bleeding. You also had lost a good amount of blood. Lucky for us, you didn't need a transfusion. You also had a broken arm and leg, severe concussion, and six broken ribs. You were on the verge of death even before you came in. At one point, we had to bring you back to life with a defibrillator. We thought we nearly lost you on the operating table. But even after the surgery, you only had a thirty percent chance of surviving." Said Red Heart

"We swore you were going to die." Said Flame

"Man, I never thought I would be so close to death. So how long have I been in this bed?" I said

"Three weeks." Said Red Heart

"Three weeks!" I said

"Yes." Said Red Heart

"But I should have lost more muscle mass than I see," I said

"Oh, I fixed that problem. I went over to see Aloe and Lotus Blossom; they own a spa here in Ponyville. I learned how to give massages. I used them on your body while you were in the coma. It kept most of your muscle mass intact." Said Twilight

"So how much did I lose?" I asked

"Only about fifteen percent." Said Red Heart

"Well, that's not all too bad. A week's worth of intensive training to gain that back." I said

"Glad to see your not down." Said Pinkie

"Please Pinkie, I am have almost died, but I won't let it keep me down. I have a second chance at life, and I'm going to take it, not mentioning I still have another fight with Stray Wolf," I said

"Wait, you want to take this guy on again." Said Barb

"Yes Barb, he threatened to take Moon Star away. It's my job to protect her, plus I have a feeling that I might be the only one who can defeat him," I said

"Then you got to get stronger. So after you get out of this hospital, I'll set up a training regimen for you." Said Rainbow

"Sorry Rainbow, but Xavier already has a strict training regimen. It is the one that gave him his body." Said Flame

"Thanks for the offer Rainbow, but I'm good," I said

"Oh." Said Rainbow

"But that doesn't mean you can't train with me. I could use a partner, plus having a few sparring matches with you doesn't seem to be a bad idea to add to my training," I said

"Deal." Said Rainbow

"Thanks, Rainbow and also for all of you watching out for me," I said

They looked at me as I ran my hand through my hair. I felt horrible for putting my friends in this situation once again. I looked back at my hand as I closed it up. I felt a tear or two escape my eyes as they rolled down my cheeks.

"I'm so sorry I put you through all of this once again. I never thought that fighting Stray Wolf would put me so close to death. I'm so sorry to you all." I said

I let more tears run down my cheeks before I felt Twilight hug me. She was soft since my chest was still sore from the fight. She seemed to be crying herself.

"No need to apologize to us, Xavier. We knew you were just trying to defend us. You have no reason to say sorry. We're all just glad your back." Said Twilight

I pat her on the back as we cried, but soon the other joined in the hug. Even Red Heart got in the action. I guess I have left an impact here on these ponies, and they sure have made an impact on me. I wrapped my one good arm around them as they let me cry. It was good to have friends who looked out for me because if I didn't have them, I surely would be lying dead in that field.

"Thank you, all of you, for being such great friends," I said

***

So my hospital stay wasn't over with after I woke up, I was still had to stay. They still wanted to keep me at least one more week to make sure I was ok. I just couldn't wait for the bill I was going to get. So for around a month of my life was spent in Ponyville Hospital. But at least the girls could go back to their respective houses. I initially was moved to this bigger room to allow the girls to stay with me while I was in my coma. But now that I was awake, they could go back home. Though they never left me alone those last days while I was in the hospital.

For the next few days, the girls came by and spent the whole day with me. First up to see me was Rainbow and Flame. She desperately wanted to learn my training regiment, since Flame had no idea what my training regiment was. I think she wanted to try it out before I got out of the hospital. Or she wanted to throw in our fighting matches and make sure it was all fluent. Either way, that was fun to have them there with me. When we weren't talking about exercising, I finally got to know a little bit more about Rainbow.

I learned that Rainbow was a major super fan girl of the Wonderbolts. She knew every Wonderbolt member and adored the general of the team, a pegasus by the name of Spitfire. By the sound of her name, she seemed like the right candidate for being the general. Rainbow was training so that she could become a member of the Wonderbolts. It was her long time dream, since she first saw a Wonderbolt show as a filly, to become a Wonderbolt herself. I could see her accomplishing her dream of being one. She seemed happy that I supported her desire to become a Wonderbolt one day.

Th next pony up was Lyra and surprisingly Bon Bon. Lyra had to give me another hug, which turned into her crying her eyes out. I just let her get it all out, and you know who else came into the hug, Bon Bon. She never liked it when Lyra felt done, but she was also happy that I was alive. I let them both cry it out. After they had finished crying, Bon Bon handed me some of her candy she made for me and wow was it amazing. Bon Bon knew how to make candy. Pinkie knew baked sweets, while Bon Bon knew candy. Lyra, on the other hand, brought over her lyre and played for me. She was fantastic at playing it. Every note in the song she played told the story of the music. It was sad to see them leave, but they told me to stop by anytime. I accepted their offer, and they left for the day.

Fluttershy came next, and man did she bring a surprise with her. She brought over some of her animal friends as she thought I could use nature in my healing process. She brought all sorts of animals with her from bunnies, cats, bird, squirrels, and dogs. They were all so sweet and friendly. It was a nice way to feel outside when stuck indoors. While enjoying her animal friends, I asked her about the test I helped her study for before I wound up in the hospital. She told me she passed and thanked me for helping her out. I said that I was happy to be of assistance to her. Soon her time came up, and she went out, but not before giving me yet another surprise. She gently lowered her muzzle to my face and began to rub her cheeks against mine. Her fur felt strange on my skin but gentle at the same time. After that, she left with her friends, leaving me rubbing the spot where she nuzzled me. I smiled as I looked out the window as yet another beautiful day was coming to an end.

Well, Applejack made the next day enjoyable. She decided to bring over her brother, Big Mac. She thought it was a good idea for me to meet the rest of the family since I was working at the farm. He was much larger than Applejack, well maybe by an inch or more. He had a red coat and orange mane. His hooves were a yellowish-gray color. The different hoof color was because he was a stallion. His eyes were sap green. He was wearing a pair of worn jeans and a white muscle shirt with a short sleeved button shirt over it. He had a good amount of muscle on his body, but something told me that Applejack was much stronger than him. He wasn't that bad of a stallion. It was finally nice to meet a stallion in this town of mostly mares. But I still hadn't meet Apple Bloom yet. Applejack told me that she had some crusading to do today, and we would meet me later on. I was ok with that.

I got to know Big Mac before he headed back to the farm. Applejack stayed around, and we had a picnic of sorts in the room. After three weeks of not having any of Apple Family cooking, I devoured it on the spot. Applejack giggled as I ate her family's home cooking. Well, the food didn't last long between us both. For the rest of the day, we talked till it was time for Applejack to leave. She still had a farm to attend. She told me to come back to work after getting back my strength. I thanked her for still keeping me as an employee. She then surprised me with her nuzzling treatment. First Fluttershy, now Applejack. Huh, this is getting interesting.

Pinkie Pie came next to see me. She brought plenty of baked sweets and man did they taste good. But man they were filling and delicious. If I ate enough of them, I sure would gain a lot of weight. But I was always amazed at how Pinkie could look so good and not crazy fat. But trying to understand her is like trying to understand the universe as a whole. So just accepting Pinkie Pie for who she was, was good enough for me. As I ate the sweets, I learned that she came from a rock farm. Of course, it was a crazy idea that ponies would have a rock farm and why any pony would do such a thing. She was also the oldest of three other sisters. I wonder if they are as chipper and hyper as Pinkie. Soon it was time for her to leave and she bounced out the room, still defying gravity. I still love that hyperactive pony. I laid on my pillow as I feel asleep from a busy day with Pinkie Pie and the possible sugar high.

So after a fun filled time with Pinkie Pie came a calm day with Rarity. She came in, but with a few bags. I had wondered if she had gone shopping, but instead, they were full of my clothing she had made for me. Of course, she was kind enough to mend my coat again. I swore that that thing was going to be amended by Rarity for the rest of my life. But the other clothing was fantastic. It was all hand made and looked even better than the clothes you could find at any fashion store. If Rarity were on Earth, she would run every fashion industry out of business. The first shirt she showed me was one with my mark on it. It was incredible to see she was able to get the Fable mark correct. The next were shirts with all the mares I had made friends with cutie marks on the shoulders. It was a nice gesture of my friendship to each of them. She pulled out her phone and showed me a picture of the suit she made for me and was it amazing. It finally clicked that I had missed my date with Twilight. Man, I'll have to talk with Twilight about putting up a new date time. Now for the rest of the day, Rarity told me her dreams in the fashion industry. Now I wasn't a crazy fashion guy, but what else could a man in my position do. Rarity had generously made the clothing for me and wasn't charging me a bit. So yes, I listened to her talk. Her dreams were to expand her business to Canterlot and then Manehattan, a pun on New York's Manhattan. Then finally see her fashion all across Equestria and may be Eques and I do believe she could do it. Like I said before, she could run every fashion business on Earth out of business, so see her style all across Eques wasn't an unattainable dream. Well her time came to an end and yet again, a mare nuzzled me. She walked out and told me that she drop by the day I left to give me some clothes. She would deliver the rest to the library. Man, I need to look into this nuzzling thing. I wonder if I could talk to Lyra about it because I have no idea how Twilight will react.

Well, last up was Barb, Twilight, and Moon Star. Barb didn't stay long. She had to get some paperwork finished up and sent to Princess Celestia. So it was just me, Twilight and Moon. Well, Moon instantly got my lap and snuggled into my chest and decided to take a nap. I laughed a little, but she was still so cute no matter what she did. So now it was just Twilight, and I. Twilight had told me my other two books hit the market, and all three were selling like hot cakes. I surely was rolling in bits. Twilight had opened a bank account for me to store the bits that were coming in. I was happy that I had plenty of money from the royalties, but still wanted to work for Applejack to have spending money till I had my fourth book completed. But she gave me a surprise as she handed me my brown framed glasses. I put them on and was finally able to see much better. Twilight had used her magic to repair them and wanted to give them personally to me. I thanked her and decided to have a conversation with her.

"So how was Moon Star?" I asked

"Oh she was great, but I'm not too sure about her abilities. I still haven't found what type magic she can use. Though I'm glad, you finally woke because she never wanted to leave your side. Now she can sleep much better at night. I think we all can sleep much better at night." Said Twilight

"Ha, I bet. Now Twilight I'm sorry," I said

"Please Xavier not that again." Said Twilight

"No, I'm sorry for missing our date," I said

"Oh, I forgot about that while you sat in this hospital. Rarity showed me the suit and man it is dashing. I think we can't let Rarity's time and work go to waste. So you still want to go out with me." She said

"Yeah Twilight, I still would love to go out with you," I said

"Well thank you Xavier, but the date can wait till you're back to tip top shape. I don't mind waiting a little longer to go finally out with you." She said

"I think I'll agree to that," I said

We both laughed as she pulled out a book for me. I held it in my hands, and she scooted up a chair to me. She smiled at me with one of her biggest happy faces ever. I raised my eyebrow and looked down to see it was one of my books. It was the first I wrote. It was titled 'The Knights Quest.'

"Why did you give me this?" I asked

"This might sound strange, but would you read it to me. I want to hear your words in your voice," Said Twilight

I chuckled a little before opening the book. "Chapter One, The Knight. The sun rose over the vast plains."

I had read through the first few chapter before I heard snoring. My eyes wandered over to Twilight. I had knocked her out. I chuckled to myself as I closed the book and set it on the nightstand next to me. I stretched my body as best as I could as a yawn came loose from my mouth. Man I'm tired, well since everypony is taking a nap, it wouldn't be so bad to take a nap myself. I laid my head on my pillow and gently closed my eyes, and before long, I was out.

***
Twilight POV

I woke to the sound of nothing. I had closed my eyes to imagine the story better but had fallen asleep. I was kind of tired with all the paperwork I had been dealing with lately. Plus having a ten-year-old daughter wasn't easy either. Though Barb helped where she could, I only wished Flame wasn't a fat lazy cat. Sometimes I wanted to hit him and make him work on the library but had no idea how Xavier would react. Plus while Xavier was in the hospital, Flame didn't sleep or eat much. He seemed to be worried about Xavier. I soon gave a yawn. Oh, I could take a nap. I wonder if Xavier would mind if I snuggled with me like Moon. I'm sure he wouldn't mind. I gently crawled into bed with him; I was happy that I was much smaller than him. Otherwise, I would have hit his cast. Though it probably could have come off by now. I snuggled with his arm around me. I looked at Moon slowly breathing in and out and then up to Xavier. Something about him drew me up to his face.

I gently removed his glasses and placed it onto of the book on the nightstand. I looked at his face as he slept. I know it was creepy, but it was still like a dream. Ever since he came into Equestria, my life has been a new adventure. Something about him just kept drawing me to him. I gently ran my hand across his face as not to wake him. Seeing him sleep made me worry that I was back where we started. But I had to tell myself that he was just sleeping and not in a coma. I stopped as he began to move a little. Everything in my body was screaming mix messages about him. Oh Xavier, only if you knew how I felt about you. My feelings for him only started after the bet. I just thought of the date as a fun way to get to know Xavier, but after he had got placed in the coma, it was something more. Watching him while he was in the coma told me how much I deeply I felt for him. Sure my mind thought it was crazy that I was finding something attractive about a human who could easily kill in my sleep. But my heart was telling me that he was sweet and gentle and would care for me if I cared for him.

I felt my face slowly become flush. I lowered my muzzle close to Xavier's cheeks and began to rub. I knew that Xavier would never know that I nuzzled him, but at least I would know. I gently nudged both cheeks before looking at his lips. My heart was telling just gently to press my lips against his and give him a quick one, but my mind was yelling no. I wish I knew what to do. Oh, Xavier, I'd like to know what your feelings were. I sighed as I pulled the covers up my legs. I laid my head gently on his chest and listened to the beat of his heart. I listened to the rhythmic beat of his heart as it carried blood and oxygen to his body. I looked up at his peaceful face. I knew he wouldn't hear me, but I had to get it off my chest. At least my heart and brain had the same idea.

"Xavier, I love you," I whispered

With it off my chest, I snuggled into his. The warmth of his body allowed me to fall asleep much easier. The beat of his heart also made it much easier to close my eyes and let the world of dreams fill my mind. But I had to look over at the door that Red Heart came in through. I hope Red Heart allows us to stay and sleep with him. His warm body and rhythmic heartbeat began to take its toll on my tired body as my eyes began to shut. I had given one more big yawn before I let myself drift into the world of dreams.

***
Xavier POV

I stretched out my body as the warm, crisp morning air touched my bare skin. It felt nice to feel the air on my skin after being stuck in a room for nearly a month. Oh, how I longed to be outdoors. I had been freed from the hospital last night and came home to Barb's excellent home cooking, another thing I so longed to have again. My body was back to normal, except for the missing muscle mass, I was alright. My bones had all healed, and I had no scars covering my body. So it was finally time to get on my exercise regimen and get back to my tip top shape. I had gotten up early to meet Rainbow for the beginning of my training. After a while of stretching my ears caught the sound of wing beats. I looked up to see Rainbow come flying down.

"So you're ready for this." She said

"As I'll ever be, couch," I stated with a wink

It seemed to catch her off guard as she blushed at my action. She coughed to get herself back under control, "Well yes, now we will follow your regimen to the letter, but I added the sparring matches in throughout. Now first up is your morning jog. I'll fly ahead, and I want you to chase after me, let's see if you still can run."

"Oh, I sure can," I said

"Then let's go." She said

She used her wings to get herself back into the air and began to fly forward. I chuckled as I followed close behind her. Never had a run like this, this should be a fun week of working out.

"Come on, this a run. Not a walk." She said

I chuckled again as I followed even closer to her. It made her smiled and moved faster ahead. This is going to be great. So that's how it started, my week of training started with one hard run. But it got me ready as this week was going to be one of the most difficult weeks of my life as I trained to become stronger.

Everyday was the same, wake up and jog behind Rainbow, having her fly a little faster each time. I would deal with my upper body as Rainbow watched. I would hang upside down and do crunches. At night Twilight would cook me meals to help out with my exercising, I was glad she had Barb helped her out. Other days I would lift weights that Applejack had in the barn with Rainbow. I would swing between the beams in her barn as she and Rainbow watched. Rainbow was ready at a moments notice to help me out. They cheered as I continued to work out.

I began to fight with Rainbow. At first, she would beat me, but as the week grew on, I was able to beat her. She smiled as I was getting back my strength. In the beginning, it was hard since I hadn't trained for a long time, but I was growing stronger. Soon all the girls cheered me on as I pushed my body. Soon I was able to do push ups while Rainbow was on my back. I beat her ass each time when we spared. I did laps around the beams of the barn. I could run up to the speed of Rainbow. My body was coming back to me. As the sun was setting on the last day, the girls were waiting at the library and timing my run to see if I had grown faster. They easily saw me coming towards them as the sun was setting behind me. They cheered me on as I came even closer to the finish line. I came to a stop, and they stopped the timer. I had beat every time I had set. We all cheered as I had done it, I had returned to tip-top shape, and it was all thanks to Rainbow and my friends. Now I was ready to grow even stronger and face Stray Wolf once again to put him finally down once and for all.

***

The train slowly rattled across the rails. I watched with heavy eyes as the sun was just coming over the horizon. I yawned as I tried to keep myself up. I looked over to all the girls knocked out, well except for Twilight. But it was common for her to get up around seven in the morning while it was common for Rainbow to sleep till one in the afternoon unless she had work. So I bet you're all wondering why Twilight woke us all up at seven in the morning and we were on a train. Well, the answer is easy, Princess Celestia. After finishing my last run, we all celebrated with a large dinner put on by Barb, thank goodness for that. Well after eating, Barb spit up a letter telling us to meet Princess Celestia in the Crystal Empire. I guess Princess Celestia had been receiving letters about me, Flame and Moon Star from Twilight. So Celestia wanted to meet us for real. She was visiting the Crystal Empire, so that's where we were headed off at this point. Since it was a long journey, we all had to leave early. Everypony was out cold except Twilight and me. She had her head in a book, and my reason is that is hard for me to fall back to sleep after waking up.

"So how much longer till we reach the empire?" I asked

"Oh, just a few more hours." She said

"Hmm, so what is the Crystal Empire like?" I asked

"Oh, it's amazing. Everything comprises a material that looks and shines like crystal. Rarity goes crazy every time we visit." She said

"Sounds about right for Rarity," I said

"Yeah, but wasn't always that way." Said Twilight

"How so?" I asked

Twilight began to tell me the tale of the Crystal Empire. She said that a tyrant by the name of King Sombra ruled the empire. He enslaved the crystal ponies, but Celestia and Luna were able to stop him. But they could only trap his spirit below the ice of the barren ice fields around the kingdom. But Sombra had placed a curse on the Crystal Empire to disappear for a thousand years and when it returns, he will as well. Well, the empire did return, and Celestia sent Twilight and her friends to find a solution to save the empire. When they arrived, Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor were already having trouble protecting the city. Twilight and the girls found a way to help the empire by throwing together a festival, but Twilight hadn't realized that the crystal heart that protected the empire was a real. Well, she and Barb ran off to find the heart, while Sombra was making his way into the empire. Well, they found the heart, but Twilight became trapped, so she gave the heart to Barb. Barb returned that heart and became the hero of the empire. Now the empire is ruled by Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor.

"Now that is one incredible tale. But now, could you tell me a little about the ponies were going to meet," I said

"Sure, well first is Celestia, my mentor. She is amazingly powerful with her magic as you can see with the sun. But she is also very gentle and light-hearted. She only strikes out in anger towards those that deserve it. She took me under her wing when I was just a filly and has been teaching me magic ever since. Oh, she will love you as long as you won't think of hurting any of her ponies." Said Twilight

"I don't plan on it," I said

"Next is her sister, Princess Luna. She was once the feared mare in the moon, Nightmare Moon. But after my friends and I saved her, she quickly took back her position as princess of the night. She is as powerful as Celestia. But she can walk the dream realm, unlike Celestia. She walks it to make sure ponies sleep peacefully at night, though she is still learning the new modern world that she now lives. But she can be kind as long as you get on her good side." She said

"Huh, well duly noted," I said

"Now where should I even start with Cadance. She is the sweetest of any pony I have ever meet. Her magic, as I have said before, is in love. She makes sure ponies have a happy love life and can find love. She was once my foal sitter while I was just a filly and she is also my sister-in-law. She never lashes out at any pony. I have to say. You sure will like her." she said

"You said, 'sister-in-law,' how can that be?" I asked

"Easy, Prince Shining Armor is my brother, but I typically call him Shining Armor. He used to be the captain of the guard before he married Cadance. He is a kind hearted guy. He is at times overprotective of me. He is tough, but I think you could easily beat him at that. He is great with a sword and can dual wield two of them. But the best things is that he is my BBBFF or Big Brother Best Friend Forever." She said

"Sounds like my type of guy," I said

"Yeah, I guess so." She said

"So Twilight, tell me more about your adventures in Equestria," I said

"Oh gladly." She said

She told about Nightmare Moon and how she met her friends. They all then came together when they were hunting for the Elements of Harmony and used them to free Luna from the grasp of Nightmare Moon. Twilight was able to stay with her new found friends in Ponyville. Next was two creatures that are called Draconequus. One was called Discord and other Eris, Discord's daughter. They are a bunch of animal parts mashed up together into one thing. Well, they escaped and started to cause chaos across Equestria. Discord even tried to turn Twilight and her friends away from the elements, but the letters Twilight sent Celestia snapped her out of it, and she was able to save her friends. Then together, they returned Discord and Eris back into stone. Next was a female queen who rules over a strange species of bug called Changelings. Her name is Queen Chrysalis. She tried to take over Canterlot by posing as Cadance in Cadance's and Shining's wedding. The reason how is that Changelings can transform into anything, go figures with a name like Changeling. Twilight and girls tried to stop them but failed as there were too many drones. But Cadance's and Shining Armor's love for each other expelled Queen Chrysalis and her Changelings from the kingdom. Last of course was King Sombra.

"You girls sure had an eventful life," I said

"Sure have." she said

Twilight returned to her book as I looked at out the window at the passing landscape. My mind was heavy with the thoughts of everything Twilight told me. Man to think to that Twilight has a brother who is a swordsman like me. I should probably tread lightly around him with Twilight. I don't want to figure out how well his skills are with wielding two swords. I looked over at Twilight and then back out the window. To think she and her friends have taken on such evil and came out fine. But Stray Wolf defines a new type of darkness. I know something about this Pandora character connects to Stray Wolf, but how. I got pulled from my thoughts by Twilight's voice.

"Hey, Xavier."

I looked to see her staring at me. She seemed to be a little uneasy about something she wanted to get off her chest, "Yeah."

"Well, I know it sounds weird to ask this now, but could we have our date here in the Crystal Empire. I always wanted to go to a club here, but I've never had a date. You don't mind, do you." She said

"Not at all Twilight, I would love to go clubbing with you. As long as your brother doesn't kill me for taking you to the club," I said chuckling.

"Oh please Xavier, once he gets to know you, I'm sure he will be okay with it. Thanks again for taking me out on this date." She said

"No problem Twilight, I always follow through on my side of the deal. Plus it will be just nice to spend some quality time with you, honey," I said with another hearty chuckle.

It made a blush start to appear on her cheeks, "Oh, you."

She turned her attention back to her book as mine when back to the window. I gave a large yawn as I felt so sleepy. The rattling of the train car on the rails sure is tiring. I may as well see if I can get a nap. I leaned my head up against the window and closed my eyes and behold. I was out.

***
Dream Realm

"Xavier."

I stood in the blackness again, but it didn't feel like death's grip was on me. I felt like the first time I appeared here. I turned to find the light I saw when I first came upon this world. It shone brightly with its warm light and spoke in a soft, calming and warm voice.

"The time has come." She said

"What time has come?" I asked

"The time has come." she said

"Yes I understood you the first time, but what time has come?" I asked

"Find the heart." She said

"Look you haven't exactly given me a description of this heart. So how I'm supposed to find it without a description," I said

"You will know when you see it. Locate the heart, Xavier. Then we will talk. The time has come." She said

"What do you mean by that all?" I asked

"Find the heart." She said

The light began to grow in strength and brightness. Once again I had to shield my eyes from the light. So many questions still lingered in my mind as the light pushed me out of the darkness and back into reality.

***
Present Day

I woke to my body shaking back and forth. I opened my eyes to see Twilight's smiling face. I stretched out my body and gave a nice long yawn. I looked out the window to see that we had stopped.

"We're here sleepy head. The others are getting the luggage. Come on out and see the great Crystal Empire." Said Twilight

I got up from the bench I was sitting on and popped my back. Oh yeah that felt nice. I walked out of the cabin into the bright afternoon sun. I had to cover my eyes of how bright it was. After my eyes had adjusted, I was amazed at my surroundings. The empire was simply stunning in beauty. Everything was how Twilight described it. It was an empire that looked like it composed of genuine crystal.

"Now this is impressive," I said

"Xavier, over here."

I looked over to see Twilight waving to me. I ran over to them as they were gathering their bags. Cadance had invited us to stay over at the Empire for the next three days. It sure allowed me to go site seeing of an empire this beautiful. I went over to Flame as he sat on my bag. Rarity had been generous enough to make me a travel bag. It was a shoulder bag that could fit everything I needed. The others had suitcases or a bag, all except Rarity. She had boxes for luggage. It made her look like she was going to be staying here a couple of months. She sure does know how to pack for three days. Flame climbed my leg as he got onto my shoulder after adjusted my bag on my shoulder.

"I don't see why somepony would need that much stuff for three nights." Said Flame

"Please Flame; this is stuff for three days." Said Rarity

"Could have fooled me." He said

"Enough chit chat, let's head to the castle." Said Barb

We all nodded and left the train station to the massive castle in the middle of town. It didn't look like any castle I had ever seen. It looked more like a rocket or a space cannon. The city was also amazing, the buildings shone and looked like crystal, though the ponies not so much. But it did look like they looked neat, especially the cute mares. They all had different coat colors and mane colors that were more upscale in color tone. Strange to think an empire of ponies could have more tone in color than the town of Ponyville. As we walked, I realized most of the town was made up of earth ponies. There were a few unicorns and pegasi, but earth ponies outmatched them. Interesting to think that earth ponies make up the most of the population, unlike Ponyville. I wonder if that is the same in any other city in Equestria. We kept on walking and passed a massive crystal statue of Barb holding the crystal heart. Soon fillies and colts ran up to Barb wanting her autograph.

"You were right about the empire adoring her," I said

"Yeah, they go crazy when they see her." Said Twilight

"Just like Rarity goes crazy when she comes here," I said

"I do not." Said Rarity

Twilight and I began to laugh as we waited for Barb. I could see Moon and Flame were confused about what was happening. So I gave them a short version of what happened here in the Empire. They made the 'o' face after I was done telling them everything. After Barb had finished signing autographs, we moved towards the castle.

Crystal guards protected the castle from those who would wish to harm it. Again they were all earth ponies and not mentioning all male. I didn't see one female, but I sure there was one around. I saw they were standing around the crystal heart as it was spinning in place below the castle. I wonder if that's the crystal heart that Twilight mentioned in her story. Looks heavily protected, must be that important to this empire. We made our way to the front entrance and Twilight got me in with my sword, but the stares of the guards told me to be on my best behavior.

"They sure were giving us the killing stare." Said Flame

"No kidding," I said

We were now walking the beautiful halls of the castle. The castle itself was impressive as it seemed made of pure crystal. It gleamed and shined like freshly polished glass. You could even see your reflection in the floor. Doors lined the halls, which meant plenty of rooms. But I barely had time to wonder what was in those rooms as I had to catch up with the others.

We stopped at a large set of crystal doors. Each door had a mark on it of a crystal heart with gold latches under it. The guards standing in front of the doors pushed them open for us. Once again gave I and Flame the death stare. I know we may look different, but we sure didn't need the death stare. We each set down our bags as we continued forward. The room was massive with crystal windows lining the walls. A red carpet in the middle that went up the throne chair. Crystal guards lined the walls each holding a spear. We walked the carpet as I looked at the throne room. I stopped when Flame tapped me on the head. I looked up and saw four ponies standing upon the crystal throne. Three were mares, and one was a stallion. I could guess the stallion was Shining Armor, and the mares were the princesses, but that was about it.

First up was the mare on the throne. She had a pink coat. Her mane was violet with rose and gold streaks in it. Her eyes were a light purple color. She probably stood around the size of her husband. Her breast had to be around an E-cup. She had on a gold tiara with a purple stone in the middle and purple orb on the top. She had a golden necklace around her neck and golden hooved shoes on her hooves. She had on a pink dress with the crystal heart and golden latches under it on the bottom of the dress. Since she had to be a princess, I presumed that she was an alicorn from what Twilight had told me about alicorns being the princesses of Equestria.

My eyes then turned to the mare next to her. She was much taller. She seemed to be about my height. She had a white coat and ethereal mane. Her mane appeared to flow as if the wind was passing through the room, but no such thing was happening. I shrugged it off as magic. She had she had magenta colored eyes. Her chest was also impressive. It had to be around an F-cup. She was wearing a golden crown with a purple gem in the middle. She also had on a much larger golden necklace with a purple stone in the middle around her neck. On her, hooves were a pair of light gold shoes that went up to her legs. She had on a long white dress with a sun cutie mark around the rim of the dress. I then put two and two together to figure out that she had to be Celestia.

I turned my eyes over to the mare next to the mare I thought was Celestia. She was just a few inches smaller than Princess Celestia. She also had an F-cup, but it could be an inch or so less. She had a dark blue coat, but not as dark as Moon Star's coat. Her mane was also flowing free like Celestia's mane. Her mane was sapphire with a blue outline. Her eye color was cyan. She also had a black crown behind her horn and black necklace with the moon in the middle around her neck. She was wearing a dark blue dress with moons on the rim of it. By putting things together, she had to be Luna, so that meant Celestia was her sister.

Last up for my eyes to look at was the stallion I knew had to be Shining Armor. He had a white coat and a sapphire mane with cerulean and phthalo blue streaks. His eye color was cerulean. His hooves were a sapphire color. He had just a horn on his head and being Twilight's sister. He was just an average unicorn. He was wearing a red shirt with white pants. It seemed to be a military uniform. In the middle of his redshirt was a shield with three stars above it. On his hip were two sabers. He had a good amount of muscle on his body, but I easily had more.

"Hello, Twilight and company. I hope the ride wasn't too bad." Said the mare, I had decided was Princess Cadance.

"No, it wasn't Cadance." Said Twilight

"I'm glad, now who was your friend, who was looking around my throne room with much interest." Said Cadance

I knew she was talking about me, so I stepped forward with Flame still on my shoulder. He leaped off my shoulder as we both bowed to royalty because the thing I don't want to do was piss off Equestria's royalty. I wasn't sure why, but a gut feeling told me that any three of these princesses could turn me to ash, especially Celestia.

"My name is Xavier Young. I'm a human from the planet Earth," I said

"My name is Flame. I'm an animal spirit known as a Fable. I come from the world of Fabalis." Said Flame

"My, you both sure know how to act around royalty." Said Celestia

"I agree with you, sister, raise young human and strange cat spirit." Said Luna

"Thank you, princesses," I said

"Well let us introduce ourselves if Twilight hasn't already told you who were are. I'm Princess Celestia." Said Celestia

"I'm her younger sister, Princess Luna."

"You can call me Cadance."

"The names Shining Armor."

"Well I'm glad the pleasantries are over with, can I ask how you are all related to each other," I said

"Easy, Shining is my husband, and I guess Twilight might have told you that she and I are sisters-in-law. While Celestia and Luna are my aunts." Said Cadance

"Huh, large family." Said Flame

"Sure is, now to a few other points, Twilight tells me you had a run in with a pony Timber Wolf hybrid named Stray Wolf." Said Celestia

"Yes, that is true," I said

"Interesting that pony and wood were merged so well." Said Luna

"Yes, but princesses Stray Wolf wasn't just some freaky science project, he was perfect. He was able to use the wood on his body to heal any attacks. Stray Wolf was unbelievably powerful. I believe he could kill any guard before they even laid a hand on him. This thing was something out of a horror novel. It was nothing I had ever seen." Said Twilight

"Or none of us have seen." Said Rarity

"From the letters and the reports that Twilight gave me about the fight you had with Stray Wolf. It doesn't sound like anything I have ever heard of or seen in Equestria or even in Eques." Said Celestia

"So this guy is new." Said Shining

"I don't think so, he stated that he was once a pony doctor and then turned into Stray Wolf. He was trapped in a stone prison till he broke free of it." I said

"So he comes from an early time in Equestria. At least we know he worked in the medical field. I'll start looking into missing person cases and the fire he caused. Maybe we can find his real name." Said Celestia

"To think somepony that violent is here in Equestria." Said Luna

"Kind of amazed myself." Said Applejack

"Well enough chit chat about that, Twilight did you bring her." Said Cadance

"Sure did Cadance, come on out Moon. Xavier and I are here for you. You have nothing to fear from the princesses." Said Twilight

Moon poked her head out behind Twilight's legs and looked at the princesses as Cadance came down the stairs. Moon was afraid, but Cadance kept her distance to keep Moon happy. She bent down to Moon's level and cooed to her as not to scare her.

"Now who are you?" Asked Cadance

"Moon Star."

"Moon Star what a lovely name. Twilight tells me that you have a beautiful pair of wings on your back. Can you show me them to me." Said Cadance

"It's alright Moon." Said Twilight

Moon Star gently unfolded her wings from her back. She had no idea how to use them or the horn. She was still an earth pony, but an alicorn creation of Stray Wolf. Sure Twilight told me that she could teach her how to use her horn and magic. While Rainbow could teach her how to use her wings and fly, but something told me to have Fluttershy deal with practicing with her wings instead of Rainbow. Cadance just looked at them.

"Those are some beautiful wings you have there. Now can you use them or the horn on your head." Said Cadance

"No, I have no idea how." Said Moon

"I see, now the last question, who is taking care of you?" Asked Cadance

"My mommy and daddy." Said Moon

I could already feel my gut telling me to get ready for trouble.

"Now who are your mommy and daddy." Said Cadance

"Twilight and Xavier are my mommy and daddy." Said Moon

We all turned as Shining was having a coughing fit. I watched as he seemed completely surprised by Moon's comment. His coughing caused Moon to go back into hiding behind Twilight. Twilight looked back as Shining spoke up.

"What, you're a mother now, and your husband is that human." Said Shining

"Now wait a minute, I'm just a friend here. Nothing is happening between us." I said

"Is that so." Said Shining

"Yes honey it is, now calm down before I make you." Said Cadance

"But." Said Shining

"But nothing, Moon Star wants a family. Twilight and Xavier are filling that void. Now calm down, or it's the couch for you." Said Cadance

Shining immediately quieted down at the mention of the couch. Man, she knows how to rope her husband around. I hope I don't get a mare like that. Flame crawled up to my ear and began to whisper in my ear.

"She's your kind of mare Xavier, the dominant one," he said snickering.

My face began to grow flush. Sure I had a thing for cowgirls, but another was the idea of domination. I had started to form a fetish where I wanted a girl to dominate me in sex. I always hated when Flame began to pick up on my fetishes as he always seemed to pick the right time to throw them at me. I sure hated that about him.

"Now Xavier," I was snapped back to reality with Cadance's voice. "I hope you are committed to raising Moon Star with Twilight."

"Yes I am, I gave Moon Star my promise that I would be there for her. I have never broken any of my promises. To me, that is a sacred bond you never break." I said

"Like a Pinkie Promise." Said Pinkie

"You have a sweet heart human, now Moon." Said Luna

Moon poked her head back out as she looked at Luna.

"You wouldn't mind showing us your powers that Twilight has been speaking about." Said Luna

"I haven't seen anything you can do yet either. Would you mind showing me?" I said

"Ok." Said Moon

"I think we should outside as the palace probably isn't the best of places to show off these powers." Said Celestia

"I think that's a good idea, let's all head out." Said Cadance

As they all headed out, Shining passed me and whispered something into my ear.

"I'm watching you." He said

He left with the others as I gave a big sigh. Flame was snickering at my situation. I looked up at him, and he shrugged at me as if nothing happened.

"What, you just great luck with meeting new ponies." He said

"I sure do Flame, I sure do," I said

***

We all stood outside as a few guards set up some targets and training dummies for Moon. Crystal ponies had gathered to see what was going on. They were murmuring about Moon Star. But Moon seemed to ignore them and kept her cool. I stood next to Twilight because I had to ask an important question.

"So what exactly can Moon do?" I asked

"While you were in your coma, I had Moon show me her powers. Since we know Stray Wolf transferred some of his powers into her, I swore she would use dark magic. But instead, she has mental abilities. Just watch, and you will see why we have to keep her out of the hands of Stray Wolf." Said Twilight

"So her mind is her weapon," I said

Moon Star looked back at us all.

"Alright Moon, show us what you got." Said Celestia

She nodded and began to look back at the targets. Her ponytail began to glow and start to levitate. Her hands began to form white orbs around them. She seemed to be concentrating a lot of energy into her hands. She looked at her hands and sent out two beams of white energy. Once they made contact with one of the targets, it was gone. Just a few splinters sat around where it once stood. I blinked a few times as if it was all just a figment of my imagination. She destroyed that target like it was nothing. She raised her hands up into the air, and the other two targets went up into the air. She made her hands come down, and the targets came plummeting back into the earth below, shattering them to pieces. Next, without moving her arms at all, a training dummy was ripped limb from limb. I could already feel my blood run cold.

If Stray Wolf gets his wooden hands on Moon Star again, then I have no idea what Equestria and Eques could do to stop the destruction that would follow. Finally, Moon Star raised her hand up to the last dummy. Nothing happened for a few seconds until it started to blow up like a balloon and popped. That made my blood turn into ice. My daughter could have killed me without even laying a finger on me.

"That is impressive." Said Celestia

"Seems more demonic to me." Said Shining

"Yes it may be, but she was only showing us." Said Cadance

"So did I do ok." Said Moon

"You sure did Moon." Said Twilight

She gave a smile before running up and hugging Twilight. Her powers had stopped way before that. Sure it was scary but impressive as Celestia stated. She could attack long range and never be in harm's way. Sure her powers made my blood run cold, but only because I was surprised by them. She still was a sweet little filly who had been forced to receive these powers.

"Now what?" Asked Moon

"Now you live with your parents in Ponyville." Said Celestia

I looked over to Shining. He didn't seem too thrilled about that. But he seemed accepting the fact that Twilight and I were going to be acting as Moon's mother and father, though he might have had some motivation as Cadance gave him a pretty scary looking glare. I went over and rubbed Moon's head but was drawn away from the fun by that female voice always ranting about the heart I was supposed to find.

"Xavier."

I turned my head, and it was like the world around me had gone silent, and it was only her voice that I could hear.

"Find the heart."

I for some odd reason turned my head to the crystal heart that spun in the middle of the castle. I looked at it from afar, but something was dragging me to it. How do I know, I was walking right towards it without even thinking. Nothing around me made a single noise. It was all quiet as I walked towards the heart. I just stopped an arm's length away from the heart. I watched as it spun, the life force of the Crystal Empire and I had no idea why I was standing in front of it.

"Touch it."

The female voice seemed to tell me what she wanted me to do, but my brain was telling me no. The heart was the only thing keeping empire safe. I had no idea what would happen if I touched the heart. But my body just wanted to tap the heart, while my brain was yelling no.

"Touch it."

I heard her voice again run through my head again. I sighed as I knew it would continue if I didn't. I hope that this doesn't backfire on me. Following the female voice, I slowly stretched out my right hand and slowly moved it towards the heart. I was sure I heard the sounds of ponies around me, but their voices never touched my ears. It was like I was deaf to everything around me and my only focus was on touching the heart. Before anypony could stop me, my hand gently rested on the heart. As my hand rested on the heart, a massive blast of magical energy surged through my body. It went right through my nerves, making them feel like they were exploding one-by-one. The power kept swelling till it just stopped. I raised my eyebrow at why it stopped but started to make me worry. The built up of magical energy in my body exploded out. I was sent flying away from the heart landing on my back. My vision began to blur up, and the darkness consumed me once again.

***
Dream Realm

My eyes opened to see the dark filled realm around me. I got up and stretched out my body as I looked around. Back once again, maybe I should think about getting a room here. I got a feeling I'm going to be here a lot more. As I stood around waiting for something to happen, the warm feeling returned. I turned around to see the light, and now I wanted answers.

"Alright, no more bull shit. I want to know who you are and why you wanted me to touch that heart?" I said

"Yes, it's time that you know the truth." She said

The light started to grow in brightness as it always did when it pushed me back into reality. But I had no feeling of being rejected out of the darkness. Instead, the light seemed to grow. I didn't have to cover my eyes, as the light wasn't intense. It was simply amazing at what I was seeing. The light had gone from a small ball to form a shape. After it had built a figure, an intense flash of light came, and I had to cover my eyes from it. When I lowered my hands and blinked a few times, my mouth went wide. Sitting in front of me was a grand dragon.

The dragon was larger than me. I could barely make out a height, but if I had to guess, the size of a twenty or thirty story building. A snake-like shape made up the body. At the end of the tail was a crystal spear. The body consisted of two set of scales. The back seemed to be sapphire in color, and the underbelly was white. I could also make out that his dragon wasn't anthro like Barb was. The dragon gave off a feeling of wisdom and time. I followed the body up to the upper half. In the middle of the chest was the crystal heart. The head also had the crystal heart in the middle. The eyes opened, and they were a smooth emerald color. It looked down at me with those eyes as the twelve wings, six on each side, unfolded from the body. As they unfolded, each started to transform into a different color. On the right side wings were red, white, blue, yellow, brown and light blue while the left side wings were green, cyan, black, gold, gray and pink. Two arms were hidden under the wings as they came off the body. The arms stretched out as it looked down at me.

"Who are you?" I asked

"I am the mother of the Crystal Shard Dragons. I am Crystal Heart or Crystal for short, the guardian of Eques."

My mind began to click together about the voice and the light. It was Crystal this whole time talking to me.

"Wait you're the light and the voice I heard," I said

"Yes I am, I was the one who called you out in the very beginning and watched over you while you sat in your coma." She said

"Wait, but why?" I Asked

"Because, Xavier, you are the only one I trust with the task at hand." She said

"What task?" I asked

"Stopping a great evil from destroying reality as we know it. You are the only one who has the power to defeat this darkness." She said

"But how I tried fighting a powerful evil alone, and I failed," I said

"I know, you can't do it alone. But you won't be alone. For my children will help you save this reality." She said

"Children," I said

"Yes, my kids are the twelve Crystal Shard Dragons. Each of my wings represents the elemental property. They are fire, ice, water, light, earth, electricity, life, wind, darkness, tech, steel, and psychic. They are also the guardians of this world. They will help you with this journey." She said

"So where are they?" I asked

"Sadly, lost in this world. But now that you have awakened me, I can help you find where my children sleep. Together, we can defeat this evil once and for all." She said

I watched as crystal shards began to come out of each of her wings. They floated behind and her and exploded into different colored lights. Each began to form the shadow of what I could only imagine were different dragons. Each was as tall as Crystal. They all began to circle me as I looked up at Crystal.

"Find my children Xavier. They will help you. But never fret as I will always be close." She said

Each dragon began to roar, and Crystal began to glow brighter and brighter. I felt the ground shake under me. I looked down to see the symbol from the back of my jacket started to come up from the darkness. It broke through the darkness and pushed me up. I watched as each dragon was pushed up with me. I bent down because of the force of moving up but got up as it slowed down. I now stood with all the dragons on small circular platforms adjacent to the crystal shard color they represented. I turned around and felt my jaw drop again.

Behind me were two massively beautiful stain glass window. In one, I was in the middle holding up my sword high with Crystal behind me, but her wings bare of color. I looked to see Twelve shadows were also around me. They were each in different places. The other was of me in the middle with my sword stuck in the ground. A large crystal heart loomed over me and shadows stood behind me. I couldn't make out how many or who they were to represent. I looked back to Crystal as she looked down at me. She gently picked me up and raised me to her face. I now met her emerald eyes. I should have felt scared, but I didn't at all.

"I will bring you back here each time you save one of my children. So young warrior, you ready to find your true destiny." She said

"Wait, what about the other stain glass window?" I asked

"I'll explain that one when the time comes. So you ready." She said

I nodded my head at her. She smiled as she gently blew her breath across my body. I looked to see I was slowly disappearing into dust. I looked up to Crystal as she watched me. I closed my eyes as I waited to return to reality with my new mission.

***
Present Day

My eyes slowly opened, but again my vision was blurry. I could hear the faint sounds of talking or maybe screaming. I wasn't too sure yet. I blinked a few times and rubbed my head as everything came back. I slowly lifted my body up to a sitting position as I looked around. I saw who yelling. It was Twilight and Shining.

"He should be in a cell for that stunt." Said Shining

"Xavier probably didn't do it on purpose." Said Twilight

"Hello," I said

Everypony turned back to me as I got to my feet, but that didn't last long as I pushed back to the ground again. Well back to the dirt I go. I had been tackled down by Twilight. She had me in a death grip hug as I would disappear in the next second, though it was understandable since I was in a coma for three weeks and then got myself knocked out again. Who knows, I might just disappear next time. Twilight broke the hug and looked at me. I smiled, but that didn't last long as she slapped me hard on the cheek. I probably did deserve that. I rubbed the spot where she slapped me. For a mare who keeps herself in books, man can she hit hard.

"Bastard." She murmured

I stopped rubbing my spot as I looked at her sitting on my lap. I think that's the first time I have ever heard Twilight curse or any pony curse. She slowly got up, and I followed by me getting myself up. I brushed myself off after standing completely up. Twilight then began to punch my chest softly as the other watches. I watched her just continue to do it. Damn, I feel like a bastard for sure. She walked forward and gently pressed her head onto my chest as I heard begin to sniffle.

"You bastard." She murmured

She just cried into my chest, and I wrapped her in a heartwarming hug. She allowed me to do it as she cried. I gently ran my hand through her mane to calm her down. I looked at the others as they all watched me comfort Twilight. They all had smiling faces, and even Shining seemed to lose his tension towards me. I pulled Twilight back as I gently took my thumb and wiped her eyes clean.

"Sorry, Twilight for pulling a stunt like that on you, on all of you," I said

"But why did you do it?" Asked Twilight

"Well, it's a long story. You see...AHHH!" I said before screaming out in pain.

"Xavier!" Cried Twilight

What the hell was that? The sudden burst of pain came from my back. It felt like somepony had taken a hot piece of metal and pressed it up on my skin. It was incredible how much the pain hurt.

"Xavier, what's wrong?" Asked Twilight

"My back, check my back," I said

I removed my coat and pulled up my shirt. I flipped around for Twilight to see and well the others because why not. They all gasped, and that sure didn't help me think of anything that good that could come from the pain.

"What is it?" I asked

"You've never had a tattoo on your back, right Xavier." Said Twilight

"Never," I said

"That's not a tattoo. It looks like it's burnt onto the flesh. Not mentioning it is taking up your whole back." Said Flame

"Would somepony tell me what is on my back?" I asked

"Xavier, you know the symbol from your coat." Said Rainbow

I looked down at my coat, "yeah, so what about it?"

"Well, that symbol is burnt onto your back." Said Rainbow

"What!?" I said

***

"Well, that's everything," I said

After they had shown me that the symbol of the crystal heart with the twelve shards around it burnt into my back, we went into the castle. Twilight immediately went into action and made up a paste and began to smear it on my back. I asked where she learned to do something like that, and she told me she got it from her friend, Zecora. She was a zebra that lived in the Everfree Forest that dealt with natural remedies. I made a note to go and see her one day. Well, whatever she made up sure helped with the pain. While she was doing that, I told my tale of meeting Crystal and that I now had to find the twelve shards that make up the Crystal Shard Dragons.

"Amazing to think that the mother of the Crystal Shard Dragons has been in the crystal heart this whole time." Said Celestia

"Sure is Celestia." Said Cadance

"But that doesn't explain the burn mark on your back Xavier." Said Flame

"I was wondering the same thing," I said

"Hmm, I guess time you'll find the truth to it." Said Celestia

After a while of just chatting about what had just transpired, it was time for dinner. We all went into the dining hall and man was it as massive as this castle. I couldn't wait to see the rooms. We had a nice meal made by the local chefs, and it was wonderful. While we eat, we talked a little more. Moon sat on my lap as she ate, while Flame sat to the right of Twilight to the left and me. After dinner, which consisted of three meals, an appetizer, main course, and dessert, we were all stuffed. Cadance called over a few maids to show us to our rooms. Moon was going to stay with Twilight and Flame with me. The maids showed us to each of our rooms, of course, we weren't far from each other. And what do you know, the room was massive.

A huge queen size bed sat in the middle with freshly made linens that looked to be of high quality. The room had a private bathroom with a tub that could be mistaken for a hot tub. It was also big enough for up to five other ponies to be with you. The room also had a balcony that looked out upon the empire and its glory. A desk, dresser, and drawers also lined the room. I set my bag down near the bed. I went over and opened up the balcony doors. I felt the night air hit my skin. I turned around and watched as Flame jumped up onto the bed and fell right asleep. I could tell because he always snored when he slept. Sure he was annoying when he snored, but I had gotten used to it.

I kept the doors open to let the crisp air flow in the room. I decided to go to take a shower before bed. I entered the bathroom, but a knock at my door caused me to come out. The knock came back, so I decided to see who it was. I opened it to see Shining Armor on the other side.

"Can we talk?" He asked

"Sure," I said

I stepped out and closed the door behind me.

"I'm sorry about how I acted earlier today. I've always been a little protective of Twilight. I guess it goes to my profession." He said

"Hey no problem, Twilight warned me that you might be over protective of her," I said

"Seeing you comfort my sister today told me that you aren't the type of guy to take advantage of her. I guess I was thrown off a little when Moon Star said you and Twilight were her parents. I didn't know how to react to it that my sister has been dating something called a human and I only met you today. I'm always looking out for my sister and want to make sure she is in good hands. Though it will take some time to get to the idea of being an uncle." He said

"Yeah, I'm also sorry about getting you in hot water with Cadance," I said

"Ha, I have been in worse. So I saw you had a sword with you. You a warrior." He said

"Sure am," I said

"Well, then how about I make it up to you this way. I haven't had a good opponent in a long time, and you look like you can wield that sword just fine. So how about before you leave, you and I have a duel. It is the least I can do." He said

"You know what that doesn't sound too bad. I could use the challenge. Shining Armor, you got yourself a deal," I said

"Ha thanks, plus Shining is just fine." He said

We shook on the fight, and he said goodnight to me. I waved back to him as I went back into my room. I locked the door and stepped into the shower. After a nice hot shower, I stepped out and threw on some clothing. I looked back to the balcony. The moon and the stars were now high in the sky. I stepped out and looked at the beauty of the night. Luna sure does know how to make a beautiful evening. Nothing back home will ever compare to the nights here in Equestria. I wonder what the night sky looks like in other parts of Eques. I chuckled a little till my mark began to glow. I had looked down at the white light before it died down. That was strange, my powers haven't done anything like that before.

I was about to leave when Crystal's voice filled my head.

"Finally."

I looked around for her, but she was nowhere in sight. I scratched my head at where I heard her.

"Xavier, can you hear me." She said

"Crystal where are you?" I asked

"Give me a second." My mark flashed quickly before disappearing. "That should do it. Xavier, please try to speak to me mentally."

I had no idea how she wanted me to do that. I shrugged as it had to be like talking, but without speaking.

From this point on, when the dragons speak, their words will be in color. For the twelve the color will reflect the color shard they represent, Crystal will be violet. Now if Xavier is speaking with them in his mind, his color will be orange.

"Can you hear me."

"Yes I can."

"So how is this happening?"

"Easy, I reset your Fable powers to allow me to communicate to you. Sadly this is the only way we can communicate."

"Why?"

"After my children were placed in their shards and sent into hiding, I was unable to form my body. For you see, all my kids must be together for me to create my body since they are part of me. Once you find all my children, then I'll be able to fight for you. But until that day, I will help you by talking through your mark."

"So you're the crystal heart that protects the Crystal Empire." I said

"Not exactly, the crystal heart is my prison.."

"Well then I'll have to find your children to free you. But won't your freedom destroy the heart."

"No, the heart isn't a part of me. So even if you free me, it will not harm the empire."

"I'm glad, now were you the one who burnt the symbol of you and your children onto my back."

"Sadly yes I did that to you. Even with your Fable powers, I needed a way for you to handle my children's capabilities and to allow me to speak with you. Sorry if it hurt, I forgot to warn you about it."

"Well next time just warn me about something like that. So do you have any idea where I should start with looking for your kids?"

"Sorry, but I have no idea. But when the time comes, you will know where to find them. Now I think you should get some sleep Xavier; you had an eventful day."

"Don't have to tell me twice and Crystal."

"Huh."

"I will free you from the crystal heart and save all your children, no matter how long it takes."

"Thank you, Xavier. I knew you were the true warrior to pick."

I chuckled at her comment. I took one more glance up at the night sky before heading back in. I closed the doors to the balcony and closed the curtains. I walked over to the bed and without disturbing Flame, got into bed. I laid my head on the pillow and looked up the ceiling. It didn't take long for the comfort of the bed to help me fall asleep. I closed my eyes on one crazy day, but knew that many more days crazy days were ahead of me.

Author's Notes:

So the heart has been found and now Xavier must save Crystal's twelve children. So where will this lead our hero and his friends, who knows? I hope you enjoyed the design for Crystal, her children's designs will be much later on as Xavier discovers each one. I also hope everyone enjoyed the Star Wars ending song to finish up this epic chapter. If you haven't ever seen Star Wars get to it.

Comment, like, follow, share and tell. S.D. says peace to you all and now leaves you all until next time.