7:00 am Aephoceria Master Bedroom Third Person P.O.V.

---

Celestia's morning light flitted into the master bedroom through the massive open windows and woke up the two sleeping mares laying on the bed. The pair opened and wiped the sleep from their eyes and looked around the bed but only saw their missing partner. They also noticed the bed sheets were clean from their activities last night and the windows were open allowing the morning air to enter the room and clear out the smell of sex.

"Was it all just a dream?" Nightmare asked as she looked around.

"If it was it was the best dream I've ever had," Luna said before she snuggled into Nightmare's generous bust.

"I...Indeed...Where's Ash?" Nightmare asked as a blush crept onto her face at the thought of her...husband.

"Now that is a question isn't it," Luna said as she removed her head from Nightmare's fur and looked around for their missing partner.

The two alicorns of the night then got out of their bed and went to get cleaned up before they left in search of their king. They eventually came to a balcony overlooking the training ground and upon the balcony was Rage looking down.
"Rage have you seen Ash anywhere?" Luna asked.

Rage responded by pointing down so Luna and Nightmare walked forward and looked down and saw Ash fighting six Guardians. However each swing of his sword seemed shaky and he seemed tired and looked out of breath.

"How long has he been doing this?" Nightmare asked.

"Couple of hours now. He hasn't even had a proper breakfast before he came here and started training, something about getting his body strength back in order," Rage said before they looked down and saw Ash was now on the defenceive, trying to get his second wind till a guardian punched him across the face.

Ash then fell to the floor and a guardian prepared to lay a strike on him but Ash swept his legs under the guardian which knocked the guardian onto his back. The remaining guardians held their swords at Ash's neck and after a bit Ash rested his head on the ground and dropped his sword thus surrendering. The guardians then backed off and allowed Ash to get up but when he did he collapsed again. Seeing this the alicorns and Rage flew down and helped Ash up.

"I told ya this was going to happen ya stupid ass," Rage said.

"Oh sure like you know everything Mr. Know it All," Ash said as he was set down onto the bench.

"No but I knew that having just a slice of toast and some water wasn't going to fill you for training. Hell you haven't even let your stomach settle down yet. If this keeps up your going to end up wrecking your body instead of fixing it," Rage said.

"I once fought a battle on nothing more then a handful of maggots Rage," Ash said.

"Yet you didn't have four years of being dead to catch up on did you," Rage said causing Ash to look away in annoyance before Rage helped him up and began to lead him out the doors. "C'mon eat first then help get your body back in order."

Once the two were gone Nightmare looked at Luna.

"Maggots?" Nightmare asked with slight disgust.

"I know what your thinking but when it comes to survival many will do what most will consider repulsive and Ash is no different. Besides it was a long time ago and Ash has brushed a lot since then," Luna said before the two left the training yard.

---

Ash's P.O.V.

---

I was sitting down in the Dining Room enjoying breakfast with the others with Luna and Nightmare sitting on either side of me.

"So Ashy now that your back what ya gonna do first?" Pinkie asked.

"Well I really want to get my body strength back and also get my magic under control as well," I said making a certain lavender furred mare's ears perk up.

"Your magic?" Twilight asked.

"My body has been slowly absorbing magic during the years of my death. I have so much of it I don't know what to do with it all. It works fine for simple spells but almost every time I do something more difficult I get more then what I asked for. Example, when I tried to teleport to the training grounds I ended up in Neighpan before I ended up on top of Mount Everhoof then being submerged near Coltlantis before going to the Badlands and then finally back where I started," I explained.

"Wow and here I thought Daring Do liked to travel," Rage said before I grabbed him by the ear with my magic causing him to squirm in pain while letting out protests and apologies before I released him.

I then ran my hands through my hair and felt it was quite short. I then remembered the ponytail I had my hair/fur in when I was Bones and decided to continue with that look. Brushing a hand over my hair, my hair extended as my hand ran over the ends till it became long enough. I went to summon a simple hair tie but it came out as a silver wolf head that had a hole going through the top to the bottom and it opened at the back so it could clamp to something. I then shrugged it off and tied my hair into a ponytail before using the wolf hair piece to hold it there. When I was done I saw everyone was staring at me.

"What?" I asked.

"You just made your hair longer as if it was no big deal yet Zecora said magic and manes don't mix all that well," Rarity said.

"Well that my be true but unless if you have a biological understanding of how the body works or how long it will take for the hair to grow and such then yeah magic wouldn't work. But, since I'm a god I'm allowed to bend the rules of matter and reality to my will. Twilight how exactly does alchemy work?" I asked.

"Uh in order to gain something something must be given inn turn," Twilight said.

"Exactly but with the powers of a god I can literally make something from nothing," I said awing the others

"Hang on a sec I thought you said your magic was going screwy," Soarin said.

"What I said is my magic messes up almost every time with complicated spells, this was superposed to be a standard hair tie not this," I said as I pointed to my new hairpiece.

"Well I think that look makes you look much more handsome then before," Nightmare said before she reached over and started twirling her fingers through the hairs of my new ponytail.

"Agreed it gives you that...roguish look," Luna said before Luna and Nightmare gave me a kiss on my cheeks and snuggling into my sides causing everyone's eyes to widen.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa what the hay is going on here?" Rainbow asked.

"Uh well...," Nightmare started.

"Both Ash and I have asked Nightmare if she would like to join our marriage," Luna said causing most of the group's jaws to hit the ground.

"And she accepted," I said.

Suddenly a squee came from behind me and was soon pulled into a hug by somepony with pink fur. At first I thought it was Pinkie but the voice didn't sound right. Managing to push myself away I saw it was Cadence squealing our ears off.

"Is that even legal?" Spike asked.

"Indeed it is Spike besides I doubt it would stop these three," Faust said.

"Regardless," I said as I pushed Cadence off me. "I cared deeply about Moon here when I was Bones and I still do."

"Wait...Moon?" Nightmare asked as she tilted her head to the side and looked at me with a puzzled expression which was one of the cutest sights I've ever seen.

"I...uh I figured you'd like it better if I called you that instead of Nightmare," I said before the dark alicorn wrapped her arms around me and rubbed her head against my chest.

"I appreciate that...but I'm not afraid of my full name and I'm not going to change it," Moon said.

"So can you make anything else longer besides your hair?" Spitfire asked wiggling her eyebrows and completely ruining the moment causing Nightmare to stop and then glare at the mare while a few nearly choked on their breakfast.

"Actually if you must know he did make his member grow last night when he ravished both Luna and I," Nightmare said as she stuck her tongue out at Spitfire.

Suddenly almost every mare's face turned red and some had a lustful look on their face.

"Nice going moon butt," I thought.

"Well you were quite spectacular last night," Luna's voice echoed inside my head reminding me about alicorns having the ability to read minds.

"Well, well stud now you've got me all excited for heat season," Spitfire said in a saucy seductive tone.

"What!?" Moon shouted in shock.

"Oh I didn't tell you Moon, you see during the heat season Spitfire here joins us in a good rutting as long as she follows a set of rules set up by Ash...Um what was it again honey you had a way of saying it?" Luna said causing me to roll my eyes.

*sigh* If you want a piece of this ass you have to catch me first," I said causing Luna and Spits to giggle.

"And since then we've been heat season fuck buddies," Spitfire said happily.

"Damn dude you trying to make us feel inadequate?" Soarin groaned.

"Oh why are you complaining if you want another mare convince RD to go out and date another," I said.

"Oh no Soarin here is all mine," Rainbow said as she wrapped her arms around the vice-captain of the Wonderbolts.

"If you have been sleeping with her then why have you not asked her to join your marriage?" Nightmare asked.

"Well...I wasn't comfortable with the thought of having a herd before I died but with living here for so long...I'm starting to consider it," I said.

"Hey Ash there anything else you can grow?" Rainbow asked.

"Rainbow can we please end this discussion?" Rarity pleaded.

"I didn't mean it like that Rarity geeze get your mind out of the gutter," Rainbow said causing Rarity to stutter with a response.

"Actually...I've been holding back with my actual size," I said confusing everyone letting out another sigh.

I stood up and backed away from the group. I then closed my eyes and released a fair amount of energy from my body. Suddenly I felt my bones shift and lengthen and my body began to grow and kept growing till I felt the pressure in me decrease to a more comfortable level. Upon opening my eyes I saw I towered over everyone. Faust was easily the tallest of our group standing at 10.5 feet not including her horn but now her horn came up to my chin.

"Sweet, mother of me," Celestia said as she looked me up and down.

"Normally among gods we grow to as large as we can as a show of how much power we have. Elisa and Evan here ain't that different," I said as I gestured to the two who simply shrugged as if not caring.

"Why didn't you grow to...this size when you came back instead of pressurising your magic like that? There is no need to do that if you thought we would freak out I mean sure we're all startled but" Twilight trailed off as I held my hand up to stop her.

"It's not that...well maybe it's a little bit like that but the real reason is two things; One if I stayed like that I dread to think on how much customised furniture would have to be made just for me plus..." I trailed off before I brought myself back to my smaller size of 6.1 ft "This size make me feel more comfortable, I don't want to be towering over everyone despite what everyone says."

"Fair enough y'all know the old saying 'the bigger they are the harder they fall'," Applejack said.

"Eeyup," Mac agreed.

"Well you shouldn't be putting all this pressure on your magic it's not healthy. You could at least become taller just a bit not over the top but maybe become...around about our size," Luna suggested

I then thought about it for a few seconds before deciding it might be for the best after all. So releasing some energy once more my body grew till I was 9.9 ft, the same as Nightmare, and my wives seemed to like my new size very much.

"Wow able to adjust body by holding or releasing magic energy, this is incredible," Twilight said as she began sketching something down on a notepad.

Suddenly the foals came in to say goodbye before heading to school. A thought then crossed my mind before I got up.

"Hey you guys mind if I walk you there, I'd like to say hi to Cheerilee and see how she's doing," I said earning nods from the foals. I then gave a kiss to my wives then led the foals out of the castle.

I walked with the foals through the castle and out the lobby and was greeted by an elegant golden carriage with a roof above it. Royal purple windows, golden ornaments and statutes of angels and demons covered the vehicle while on the roof was a golden crown. Meanwhile the carriage was pulled by a pair of Greek fire horses. The two were made of horse armor and had the blue flame flickering inside them like the guardians. Seeing how I wasn't going to get out of this the foals and I hopped into the carriage before we drove into the streets of the city. Ponies stopped and stared at me as the carriage drove by while the foals enjoyed the soft cushioned seats. Soon we made it to the school and I saw the place was massive. I then told the driver who was a mare to head back to the palace who gave but a hesitant nod before leaving. I entered the hallway and saw several lockers going along the walls and a few doors leading to a different classroom and each door had a sign on it that had a number along with the name of a city. The foals then led me to their class before they went to take care of their bags. I then entered the room and was met with a large room with the tables set up like a set of stairs facing the blackboard and I saw all the foals of Ponyville and Cheerilee were here but were surprised when I entered.

"Your majesty," Cheerilee said as she curtsied.

"Hello Cheerilee I didn't mean to interrupt I'm just here to drop off some students of yours after a late morning," I said as I stepped to the side so I could allow the foals to pass.

"Oh please it's quite alright your majesty we were doing roll call just now so nothing was missed," Cheerilee said.

"I see and how are you finding this place, is it suitable?" I asked.

"Oh it's perfect your highness this school has everything and more that's needed for education from a preschool to a university," Cheerilee said.

"That's good to hear and how have you been?" I asked.

*sigh* "Complete your majesty, now that I can teach again. I was overjoyed when Queen Faust mentioned this place and the opportunity to teach again," Cheerilee said.

"Cheerilee you know you don't need to address me as your highness or your majesty, please just stick with Ash," I said as I placed a hand on her shoulder.

"As you wish Ash it's just...Well I wasn't sure if the rumours were true and Pipsqueak and the others of your little group wasn't saying anything," Cheerilee said.

"Perhaps they thought I should tell you. Now I'd better leave before I take up too much more of your time. If you need anything for the school then please don't hesitate to call upon me or the other royalty," I said.

"Of course my king," Cheerilee said with a curtsy.

With a playful roll of my eyes I the left room and then the school and walked down the streets enjoying the sunshine till I saw a familiar candy maker and lyre player walk into a two storied building marked with a sign showing three wrapped candies. I then walked over to the door and entered and was greeted by the sound of a bell above the door before I took the sight of the room in. There were shelves on every wall each shelf holding a different candy and in the center of the room was a trio of display tables. There was also a large wooden counter going around most of the room with a single cash register. Finally I saw a door behind the counter probably leading to the rest of the building. I then saw the cream coloured mare putting some new stock on a shelf yet the mint coloured unicorn was nowhere in sight.

"Sorry but we're not open yet, I'm afraid your gonna have to come back later," Bonbon said without even glancing at me while I just smiled.

"Well if I did that Bonnie then you may just end up too busy for me to talk to," I said.

Bonbon then spun around to look at me and her eyes widened in shock before she vaulted over the counter and wrapped her arms around me in a hug.

"Your Alive!" Bonbon shouted.

"Yep seems that way," I smiled.

Suddenly I hear the sound of a pair of hooves thundering across wood before the door at the back of the store opens. I then see both Lyra and a strangely familiar massive endowed cream furred mare with a blue curly mane and tail.

"Holy Horseapples so the rumours were true!" Lyra shouted.

"Indeed I am now uh Bonnie could you let go please?" I asked causing Bonbon to rip herself away from me before bowing low.

"Oh my gosh I'm so sorry your majesty," Bonbon said as she bowed.

"Come on Bonnie I get that enough from others, friends shouldn't be so formal with each other," I said as I helped Bonbon stand before I looked at the un-named mare. "Have we met once, you look familiar?"

"We have I don't expect you to but before you died you saved me from being raped by a a stalker during heat season," the mare said causing flashbacks to appear in my head of me knocking out a stallion and using a chain to save this mare.

"Oh yes...uh forgive me but I didn't get your name," I said.

"Oh it's Milky Way my lord. I was visiting my cousin here when that stalker appeared," Milky Way said as she gestured to Bonbon.

"Ah I can see the resemblance," I said.

"Wait you were almost raped!" Bonbon shouted.

"It wasn't reported because I turned the stallion in at the police station quietly and once the heat was over Ash confirmed it and the stallion is now facing a long sentence...Though now I doubt he's in a prison anymore," Milky Way said nervously but I placed a hand on the mare's shoulder.

"Don't worry Milky he can't touch you here and he won't either and if he does try something I'll take care of it," I said.

"And if I find him don't worry no one will find the body," Bonbon said as she pulled a cord she got from somewhere taunt with a snap.

"Thank you both," Milky Way said with a smile.

"No prob cousin now tell me Ash what bring's you by?" Bonbon asked.

"Oh I just thought I'd drop in and say hi to one of the best candy makers alive and my favorite stalker," I said.

"Hey I don't stalk anyone," Lyre said causing both Bonbon and I to raise and eyebrow at her. "Okay I used to stalk, not anymore I'm done with that."

"And I thought about picking up some sweets while I was here," I said.

"I'm honored and for you Ash I'm willing to give you a fifty percent discount on all items," Bonbon said as she held an arm out to the store.

"You spoil me Bonnie," I said with a smirk.

After picking up some treats I left and decided to head down to visit the zebras but stopped upon remembering exactly how they view me. I wasn't in the mood to be dealing with that so I decided to visit the Apple Family and perhaps do some chores which might restore my body strength. So with my thoughts set I took off to the orchid.

---

[i12:30 pm Aephoceria Throne Room

---

I was sitting upon the throne of the castle as I listened to my subjects as they came in and asked for help in matters. Mostly it was missing pony requests asking me if I were to see them to bring them back to their loved ones. There was the occasional noble but their requests were more reasonable like bits to pay for construction for those who didn't have a home. Funny thing is that some of those nobles were ones who disliked me from the start, guess things changed when news of what happened when I died changed the perspective of many. Once another of my subjects left I let out a sigh and rested against the back rest of the throne. I then looked down at the throne and saw the throne was made of stars, nebula's or celestial clouds like I was sitting on a galaxy. I made this throne myself and placed every star upon it and coming up out of the back rest were five nebula's shaped like spikes with a bright miniature star on the tip of each spike creating a gentle glow.

"I wonder if I overdid it on this?" I thought as I rubbed the armrests.

"Your Highness Miss Zecora is here to see you," Kibitz said who was standing on my left.

"Oh thank you Kibitz I'll see her now," I said after I roused myself from my thoughts.

The doors then opened and Zecora entered the room with a smile before she got on her hands and knees before me.

"Greetings oh god, there are answers I wish to prod," Zecora said.

"Hello Zecora and please stand it dosn't feel right to have a close friend of mine on their hands and knees like that," I said causing the zebra to rise.

"It warms my heart you remember me, so much so it makes me squee," Zecora said.

*chuckles* "So what brings you here Zecora?" I asked.

"There are certain plants for potions I require, however the trees of the forests have made my plans backfire. If you can help, my eternal gratitude to you sire," Zecora said.

"I'll have Slendermane come by and escort you he will also assure the trees that you are a friend of the forest so they won't trouble you anymore," I said.

Zecora then bowed once more before she left and I turned to Kibitz.

"That was the last appointment your highness," Kibitz said.

"Good now if you'll excuse me I'm gonna go grab some lunch," I said before I got off the throne and left for the dining room and after a quick lunch I left for my personal study to relax after a long day's work.

I stepped into the study and listened to the sound of rain falling against the roof and windows but with a wave of my hand the rain ceased. The view of the windows changed to that on an even ground in a snowy field at night with a forest of winter pines in the background, a dusting of fresh powder on them. The temperature in the room then dropped dramatically till I snapped my fingers and a fire sparked to life in the fireplace. I then walked over to the shelves of books and reached forward and brushed my fingers across the bindings of each book as I passed them till suddenly a book catches my eye. The binding is old and worn yet the golden words engraved upon it shone like new. A single tear fell from my left eye from the memories of someone reading this book to me when I was a boy in need of a good bedtime story. I then removed the book off the shelf and brushed my hand across the front cover before I walked over to the fireplace. I was about to sit in the chair to read it but decided to read it on the floor, suddenly there was a knock on the door and I was greeted by the CMC.

"Oh hello kids come in," I said as I gestured for them to come in and as they entered they looked around the room. "I take it school's over for today?"

"Mm-hm but there was a really big mob of ponies outside asking for ya. Ah think it was a bunch of journalists," Apple Bloom said.

"Oh that would have been my fault you see I was walking around the city and they most likely want to interview me on how I came back, surprised it took them this long," I said.

"Blimey dad it's cold in here," Pip said while rubbing his arms.

"C'mere kids it's nice and warm by the fire," I said and the foals walked over and sat right by the fire. "Not too close kids don't want to burn yourself," I said causing the five to move back a bit.

"These windows are really cool Uncle Ash," Rumble said.

"Yeah you use magic on them?" Scootaloo asked.

"Indeed it's an illusory enchantment on the windows so basically I can view any landscape at any time during any weather I wish as long as I can think of it. There's also a sound spell that creates sounds that match the windows view along with a temperature spell which is why you were so cold when you walked in. Right now this is the weather, scene and temperature I normally use when I wish to curl up before a fire and read," I said.

"Wow that's really cool," Rumble asked.

"Is it hard to do?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Mm it's not the most difficult to cast on it's own but syncing all these spells together is the tricky part. But with time and practice you'll be able to do it," I said nuzzling Sweetie Belle's mane eliciting a giggle from the young mare.

"Hey dad, you said you normally use this scene for reading what book are you reading?" Pip asked as he gestured to the windows.

"Very perceptive of you my son I'm actually reading a story that someone used to read when I was about your age, it became a really nice bedtime story," I said.

"Can you read it to us?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Sure I don't mind," I said with a smile.

"It's not a mushy fairy tale is it?" Scootaloo asked.

"Are you kidding me this books got sword fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles all the kinda stuff any good book may need," I said.

"Well...it doesn't sound too bad I'll try and stay awake for it," Scootaloo said trying to play it cool but I could see she was a little bit interested so I decided to have some fun with her.

"Hm you know if you fall asleep you won't be able to have any of these sweets I brought from Bonbon today," I said as I summoned a brown bag of said treats causing the foals eyes to light up.

"Wait the Bonbon from Ponyville, her candies are the best," Rumble cheered as his wings buzzed with excitement.

"Yeah Granny and Auntie Pinkie Pie make the best baked goods but the chocolates and lollies that Miss Bonbon makes are legendary," Apple Bloom cheered.

"Alright then grab some sweets and settle in you guys," I said as I handed the foals the bag before I decided to change into my wolf form to get comfortable.

"Whoa!" the foals cried out.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Dad...your huge, much bigger then when you normally change into a wolf," Pip said.

I then looked at my body and saw my fur colour and tribal markings were still there but as Pip mentioned my body was indeed larger, almost the size of a horse.

"Well I'll be...I wonder if this has anything to with my position now?" I said while whispering the last part to myself.

Suddenly the foals came towards me and rested against my belly while nuzzling into my fur.

"Wow Uncle Ash your really soft," Apple Bloom said while rubbing her head into my fur.

"She's right I could fall asleep on you," Scootaloo said who was also nuzzling my fur.

"Can we stay like this while you read the story?" Pip asked causing me to hum in thought.

"Alright but I don't want any chocolate or sugar getting into my fur alright," I said.

"Deal," the foals said before they relaxed against my fur while I used my magic to open the book.

"Alright here we go *clears throat* The Princess Bride by William Goldman Chapter 1...," I began.

---

9:30 Aephoceria Castle Hallways Third Person P.O.V.

---

Both Luna and Nightmare were wandering the corridors looking for both their husband and foals to let them know that dinner was ready.

"You seem nervous Moon," Luna said.

"I am...It's just how do you think Pip will react to me being a second mother?" Nightmare asked.

"Nightmare you have nothing to worry about, if anything he may end up worshipping you when Nightmare Night comes around just as he worshipped me. Between you and me both Ash and I were nervous wrecks when we went to adopt him which ended up being one of the greatest decisions we've ever made. I may not have given birth to him but he now shares our blood, both ours and Ash's," Luna said.

"Oh yes I've been meaning to ask but why did he drink that potion that replaced the blood in him. From everything I've seen and what you've told me he sounds like the type of child who wouldn't be interested in that...Much like his farther," Nightmare said and that's when Luna lost her smile.

"Well...It's not exactly something pleasant we wish to remember but since you are our wife now I suppose it's only right that I tell you. You would most likely be told sooner or later but please don't bring this up with Pip, he still has nightmares from it," Luna said.

"I understand," Nightmare said.

"Okay back before Ash gave his life we were both going through our royal duties when a couple entered the castle claiming to be Pip's birth parents. They showed us the birth certificate and asked, no demanded, Pip be returned to their custody because they said they couldn't feed him when he was but a babe and that they didn't feel comfortable with having a 'former' slave and well...me, after what happened when we returned from the moon, being his adopted parents. Naturally I became upset and I was ready to tear them limb from limb but Ash held me back yet I knew he wanted to do the same thing. That is until mother came and explained in private that by law the birth parents had right to reclaim ownership of their orphaned children. Both Ash and I were devastated and when Pip left we shut ourselves away and let ourselves fall into a mess till our friends arrived and pulled Ash up just enough to get him to go to Trottingham and check to see how Pip was settling in while I stayed at home. Fluttershy stayed with me most of the time and helped me through my grief and when Ash returned he returned with Pip. When I recovered from my surprise I asked Ash about what happened and he explained that Pip's parents were gravely mistreating him and were using him only for his title to promote their company while trying to corrupt his mind to be like many other nobles. That was when I saw a burn on Pip's arm from a fire poker and that made me madder then I've ever been in my life, madder then when I first became you. But Ash said he had returned what they did and sent them off to be tried and judged and thanks to their former servants we found out they had a lot more then child abuse to answer for and were declared guilty," Luna said before she noticed Nightmare's hands had become fists.

"Those lowlife must pray we never meet otherwise I shall drown them in their worst fears for eternity," Moon growled

"I appreciate your words Moon and they just show me you have a mother's protective instincts," Luna said causing Nightmare to smile before the two alicorns stopped at a familiar mural.

"Now what'd ya bet they're all in there?" Moon asked.

Luna and Moon opened the wall and entered the room. The first thing they felt was the chilling temperature of the room and saw it was dark and that's when they saw the moonlit snowy fields in the enchanted windows and the only light within room was the illumination of the flames within the hearth with a large figure laying before it. Luna and Nightmare walked forward till they saw the form was a familiar (to Luna) yet larger wolf laying on it's side and resting against the wolf's belly were the CMC all snuggled together.

"Oh my stars they're so cute like this," Luna said placing a hand on her chest.

"What is this...wolf?" Nightmare asked staring at the great predator lying on the floor before her.

"That's Ash's wolf form Moon," Luna said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"That's Ash's Wolf Form!" Nightmare shouted but quickly covered her mouth however the only disturbance was that of Scootaloo shifting in her sleep.

"Oh that's right you've never seen Ash's wolf form," Luna said.

"Indeed but...I was not expecting him to be so large," Moon said.

"Yeah he wasn't this large the last time he took this form," Luna said.

Nightmare then got on her knees before she slowly reached out and ran her hand across Ash's fur.

"By the moon he's so soft," Moon whispered before she lay her head upon Ash's side and began nuzzling his fur and was soon followed by Luna

"Mm winter pines and moon roses, the perfect scent for a perfect mate," Luna sad after taking a deep inhale of his scent.

"Why thank you both, I do try to keep myself clean and well groomed."

Luna and Midnight looked to see Ash's head propped up and staring at the two with a smile.

"Oh Ash we didn't know you were up?" Luna said.

It's alright...so you enjoying my fur?" Ash asked.

"Oh defiantly I've always wanted to snuggle a wolf," Moon said nuzzling deeper into Ash's fur.

"I take it you've all been enjoying yourselves," Luna said as she gestured to the foals.

"Oh defiantly, I came here to read on my own but these guys wanted to join in so I read them a story someone once read to me and went on till they fell asleep. we also had dinner here as well so you don't have to worry about them going hungry," Ash said as he gestured to a large tray with a set of dishes on it.

"And a few sweets as well," Luna said noticing a few sweet wrappers near the dishes.

"What, can't a guy spoil his son, nieces and nephew every once and awhile?" Ash asked.

"Of course but you could have at least saved some sweets for me," Luna said.

"Don't you mean us?" Moon quipped.

"Oh yes us," Luna said.

"Oh my deepest apologises how rude of me," Ash said with mock shame.

"So what was this book you were reading to them?" Moon asked.

"This...It's called The Princess Bride," Ash said as he levitated the bookmarked book up for the mares.

"Perhaps we should look into this book sometime," Luna said before looking at the foals. "I believe we should get these five off to bed."

"What and disturb their sleep no let them sleep I don't mind them there either," Ash said as he looked at the foals and saw Apple Bloom let out a tiny yawn.

"If that's so then would you mind if we slept here with you?" Moon asked.

"By all means," Ash said.

Luna and Nightmare then wrapped their arms around Ash's massive form before laying their heads onto his soft fur and soon the three descended into the realm of dreams.

---

Dawn Ash's P.O.V.

---

I woke up laying on my side and staring at the lifeless hearth that held but a few embers upon some logs. I went to wipe the sleep from my eyes and saw a massive paw instead of a hand enter my vision and I felt several weights against my sides and belly. I then remembered I slept in my wolf form and that the CMC and my wives used me as a living pillow and upon looking I saw they were all still there, snuggled against my large furry body. Suddenly I hear an awww come from somewhere within the room so I lifted my head up and looked to the entrance and saw Rarity, Celestia, Applejack and Fluttershy were here and they all seemed surprised when I looked at them.

"Good morning," I greeted.

"Ash?" Rarity asked.

"That's me," I said.

"Land snakes Ash, you got big," Applejack said.

"And fluffy," Fluttershy said with a smile.

"Yeah and this lot can tell you all about it once they wake up," I said.

"You all seemed to have a pleasant night," Celestia commented.

"Oh I was merely reading the foals a story and these two joined in as I was about to fall asleep but what brings you all here?" I asked.

"We came looking for our little sisters and were wondering if you've seen them, no need to ask that question now," Applejack said.

"Oh I'm so sorry I should have called and told you about Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle here and how they were gonna spend the night here because of how late it was," I said.

"It was no problem darling Luna and Nightmare came into our dreams and assured us that they were safe with you," Rarity reassured me.

"Well I'm glad to see that was settled, now I believe it is time to wake this lot up," I said as I looked at the group sleeping on me I then nudged the foals while Celestia tended to my wives. "C'mon you guys time to get up."

"Nooooo," Pip whined while trying to push away my muzzle which was poking him.

"Let us sleep," Rumble said.

I then looked over at Celestia and saw her sisters were being just as troublesome as the foals so I shifted my legs and began to get up but Nightmare wasn't having any of it and held me down. Letting out a sigh I teleported out of the cuddle pile before transforming into my regular body while the group groaned and whined at the loss of their bed and pillow.

"What is the meaning of this?" Luna demanded when she woke herself.

"Guys I have things to be doing today so I can't be hugged by you all," I said.

"Oh man regular beds are now ruined for me, not even clouds are that soft," Scootaloo groaned.

"C'mon you lot, we're gonna have breakfast ready soon for all y'all and we got a day to work through stead of acting like lumps on a log," Applejack said.

Agreeing with the farm mare we all had a wash and got changed before we made our to the dining room to eat and as we ate questions were asked.

"-so to sum everything up it appears that my wolf form is more dangerous then it looks," I finished.

"Indeed I was severely tempted to join in when I felt your fur," Celestia said causing both Moon and Luna to grab onto one of my arms each and growl at the solar alicorn.

"No way this is our snuggle pillow and we are the only ones including the foals who are permitted snuggles with Ash," Moon growled.

"Huh?" I began.

"Oh come now Ash you honestly think we're going to be sharing you after last night," Luna said.

"Am I an exception in this rule?" Spitfire asked.

"Hm we'll think on it," Luna said.

"Okay I think I'm actually gonna need to be the one who decides how this is gonna go you two, so don't think for a second you get to make all the rules here," I said before letting out a sigh. "Geeze if the foals were like this I wonder how Akachi would react to my wolf form."

Suddenly my world stopped upon the memories of my friends on earth someone shaking my side drew my attention and when I looked I saw it was Pip.

"Dad are you alright, you seem sad," Pip said cutely but I just smiled and lifted the colt onto my lap.

"I guess I am a little sad Pip I was just thinking about your cousin from earth and how much I miss him," I said.

"Are we gonna go see him Dad!" Pip exclaimed.

"Hm hey Twi do you still have the mirror to earth?" I asked causing the mare's ears to flatten against her head.

"Um...no Ash after...well the caribou came, the mirror was taken from my castle. Last I heard it was in Trottingham which was turned into a research center for the caribou and apparently it still is," Twilight said causing my face to pale.

"A research center?" I asked.

"Oh gods above if those horn heads figure out exactly what that mirror is...," Rage said.

"Then they'll have access to Earth and possibly lead an invasion onto it," Elisa finished just as I brought a fist down onto the table causing everyone to jump.

I then lifted Pip off my lap before I looked at my fellow harbingers.

"Prep the Pale Horse if those bastards think I'm just gonna let them go on an inter-dimensional invasion they're dead wrong, I can promise you that," I said.

"We can't get in like that Ash Trottingham is an island and the defences around it are impervious to any attack from sea and air. The only way in is by the underwater train line and the train is thoroughly searched. Not to mention the place doubles as a city, we saw this when we tried to bomb it when you were still dead, also teleportation is out as well," Rage said.

"You let me deal with that Rage, and Discord," I started.

"Yes?" Discord asked while lounging back in his chair while drinking the glass of his chocolate milk before tossing the milk into his mouth and chewing on it while it made a crunching sound.

"Your coming with us," I said causing Discord to begin to choke on the contents in his mouth. With Fluttershy's quick reaction she patted Discord on the back while everyone stared at me in surprise and shock.

"Discord is coming with us?" Rage asked.

"Yep," I said.

"But why?" Discord asked.

"It's mostly because I've got a gut feeling that we're gonna need you," I said.

"A gut feeling?" Elisa asked.

"Hey believe it or not my gut has never been wrong about stuff like this, like my own personal Pinkie Sense," I said.

"It's true," most of the group agreed.

---

12:00am 1 Week Later Waters Around Trottingham

---

It's been a week since the conversation at the table on getting the portal mirror back and right now Rage, Elisa, Evo, Discord and myself were in a skiff I built myself and heading towards Trottingham.

"Remind me of what the plan is?" Discord asked.

"Ugh we've been over it twenty times now Discord, were gonna sneak through the sewers until we're under the research building. We're then gonna grab the mirror and high tail it outa here," Rage said in annoyance before he leaned into me. "Are you sure your gut was telling you to bring him?"

"I'm sure," I said simply as I adjusted parts of my assassin armor since it was a bit small for me. I made a mental note to have Rarity help me out with adjusting all my clothes before I looked up at the moonless night and dimmed stars, courtesy of Luna's power to cover the sea in darkness. All that was left was to avoid the spotlights of the guard towers and after a few close calls we finally made it to shore and donned my Bones apperance.

Quickly climbing out from the skiff we made our way over to one of the pipes that was blocked by a grate, yet that didn't stop us from tearing the damn thing off before making our way into the sewers. I put my mask on to block out the stink and stayed on the footpath that allowed us to stay out of the sewage. I led the group through the sewers stopping whenever a patrol passed over a nearby manhole so we didn't make any noise to draw attention. While we were down there I heard a lot of whirring and clanking from machinery coming from above.

"Strange but those sounds sound oddly familiar," Rage said.

"Let's worry about that later, right now we have more important priorities to deal with," I said before I looked around and went down a tunnel before stopping at a ladder that went up to a manhole. "This should be it."

I climbed the ladder and gently lifted the manhole and saw we were in some kind of white tiled storage area. Shelves filled with jars and glass boxes each holding strange and disturbing items. I then quickly scanned the room for cameras and when I saw none I gave a head gesture for the others to follow before we all crawled out of the hole.

"Ugh couldn't we have come out in a more pleasant area?" Discord asked as he went to poke a jar containing a very large arachnid of some kind but I just slapped his hand stopping him.

"We're in the lowest room of the building, now all that's left to do is figure out where they're keeping the mirror," I said before I looked at the others.

"And any ideas on how we do that?" Rage asked.

"Indeed actually, you see Twilight managed to make this little devise thanks to the help of Sci Twi, so in case for situations like this we will be able to track the mirror's magic signature," I said as I held up the device in question which was rather similar to the one Sci Twi used when she discovered the portal to here.

Activating the device it began to emit a slow beeping sound so I adjusted the volume down so no one will hear before I began to wave it around and found the beeping speed up when I pointed it upwards I gestured to the group to follow. We went upstairs and entered a large room with faded white stone walls, I saw steps leading upwards to the rest of the building while through a massive archway was an equally massive lobby with guards patrolling it. Quietly, I led the group up the stairs following the tracker till we could go no higher we were in a small corridor that had a small cupboard and a single window with only one set of glass doors. Peeking through the doors I saw the corridor was empty beyond the door so I opened the door and was about to walk through it when a rush of static electricity ran through my fur making me stop and hold a hand out making the others pause.

"What is it?" Evan asked.

"Anyone got a piece of paper or anything that can be thrown away?" I asked.

"Would this do?" Discord asked as he pulled a piece of paper out from nowhere and handed it to me.

"Cheers," I said before I scrunched up the paper into a ball and threw it through the doorway only for lightning to shoot out from the sides of the doorway and turn the paper into nothing.

"I knew it, a wall of light," I said.

"What," Rage, Elisa and Evo exclaimed in shock while Discord looked puzzled.

"But how did they get their hands on something like this?" Rage asked.

"They possibly invented it or...stole the plans from the knights tomb," I said causing Rage to crack his knuckles.

"Now I'm really gonna kill'em," Elisa growled.

"Well we're not gonna get through this way so we'll have to take an alternate route," I said as I looked at the window.

"Uh you sure your up for that?" Rage asked.

"Only one way to find out," I said as I walked to the window.

Peering out through window I saw a balcony above me that went around the entirety of the roof. I then gestured to the others to follow before I climbed up and onto the balcony. Upon arrival I saw the roof was sloped enough for us to climb up easily before going flat with a few gargoyles here and there on pedestals attached to the slop of the roof while a few spots remained empty. I then went to open a door that led back inside but the static going along my fur warned me that this door was also being guarded by a wall of light.

"No good," I said as I looked at the others who joined me.

"Where's the controls, surly we could just find the source and shut it of," Rage said.

"I'm no expert but I'm not seeing any cords for this thing Rage so that probably means it's either inside or...," Elisa trailed of.

"The machine operates on wireless now thanks to the caribou," I finished.

Suddenly the sound of keys being inserted into the door reach my ears so I quickly gesture for the others to hide. Evan, Elisa and Rage leapt over the side of the balcony while Discord and I took positions on the empty pedestals. I was crouching on three limbs while my right hand was prepping it's claws and I was snarling holding my position. Two caribou walked onto the roof and looked around.

"I swear I heard voices from up here," one of the caribou said.

"Ugh like I said those arc pylons can make you hear things, anyway getting onto this island is impossible land, sea, air everything is cut off and this building is full of guards we're safe here," the second caribou said.

"Yeah...yeah guess I'm just being paranoid what with what's going down in Equestria. Can't believe those Harbingers took back the entire country in just a matter of months, normally such a feat takes years," the first buck said.

"I know what you mean brother but we must have faith in our king," the second buck said.

"Yeah...Whoa look at those two they're so lifelike shame the artist made them so ugly," the first guard said.

"I'm not so sure, the Diamond Dog would look good if it wasn't snarling like that," the second buck said before they went inside.

"Well that was just plain rude, why is it you get all the praise?" Discord asked as he relaxed from his posture and glared at me while the others climbed up.

"A. I was called a Diamond Dog Discord and B. I was complemented by a caribou rapist that's just disturbing on a whole new level," I said.

"Oi guys maybe we can have this conversation after we grab the mirror, speaking of how do we get inside?" Rage asked.

I then started pacing across the balcony and looking around for any ideas till I rested my hands on the balcony and looked out over the city. Suddenly I noticed a triangular prism window on almost every building in the city. I then looked at the roof of the building we were on before climbing up to the top and spotted a triangular prism window right center of the top of the roof.

"I think I found our way in guys," I said before I walked over to the window and peeked inside and what was inside both shocked me and made my blood boil.

Inside was a set of six caribou and the mirror to earth but there were three familiar humans, a man a woman and a young boy all three had dark skin and were huddling each other in fear, showing me they were a family. The woman was beautiful and her long dark hair was worn in braids with a tan colored headband holding them all back and she wore a tan colored dress with an exotic pattern upon it. I knew the woman as Rosa. Next was the man, he was bald but handsome and wore a set of jeans and a blue shirt, I knew the man as Jabir. Finally the boy being hugged by both his parents, very short and curly hair wearing a dark green hoodie and khaki shorts and a white shirt, I knew the lad as Akachi. Suddenly I saw Rosa get grabbed by a pair of caribou and all of them had a hungry lustful smile on their lips. Realising what they planed to do I summoned my bow and pulled back on the string loading an arrow before I jumped through the window, startling everyone below. Jabir shielded Akachi from the falling glass and Rosa took the opportunity to get loose from the caribou and get out of the way. I then released my arrow and saw it hit one of the caribou in the gut before I landed on top of the second caribou and pinned him. I then let it register to the caribou who I was before I growled down at him before I took his throat between my jaws and bit down hard on him, making his screams die before they ever left his throat. I then ripped it out before I glared at the caribou in the room, making them take a step back in fright.

Suddenly Blood Ruin comes down making a new massive hole in a caribou's entire torso before Rage descends fully clad in his armor and roars at the caribou. Next Elisa drops down behind a caribou with Shi transformed into a scythe. The caribou turns to see her and Elisa just offers a sweet smile before it twists into one of fury. She impales the caribou before she slams him into a wall. Suddenly two loud bangs go off behind me and I look to see Evan armed with a pair of shotguns while the last two caribou are clutching bleeding stumps where their legs once were. Evan then crushes the head of the caribou on his left with his foot before blowing the head of the other with the shotgun in his left hand once the room was clear I wiped the blood from my face.

"Well you four certainly know how to make an entrance that will leave many breathless," Discord said as he floated down towards us.

I simply raised an eyebrow at his dark joke before I looked over at the small human family. When I did I saw them back away in fear but Jabir stood between me and Rosa and Akachi and took a stance ready to defend them, even if it means death. This action made me smile.

"It's good to see you haven't changed Jabir," I said causing the family to star at me in surprise and Jabir lowered his guard slightly.

"How do you know my name, should I know you?" Jabir asked.

"You should, after all...We've been friends for a very long time," I said as I revealed my true face to the group.

The family of three could only stare at me in shock as I stood before them. Akachi then stepped past his parents and walked up to me while I got on one knee before him. Slowly Akachi reached out and placed a hand upon my cheek and I gently placed my hand over his and held it there. Suddenly Akachi began to cry before he rushed forward and wrapped his arms around my torso. I then picked the boy up and hugged him back as I stood up and I could feel tears flow from my own eyes before I looked over at Rosa and Jabir who had walked over to me and were crying too.

"Is this some dream?" Rosa asked but I just shook my head with a smile.

The two then hugged me and we held it for what felt like hours before we released each other and I set Akachi on the floor.

"Ash what's going on, why are you here, how are you here and why are both Elisa and Evan here, not that it's not great to see you both," Jabir said.

"Same as you Jabir," Elisa said.

"Listen, I'm gonna have to give you the short version since we don't have a lot of time," I said when suddenly an alarm went off and the room flashed red. When I looked around I saw the caribou who I shot in the gut was still alive and had crawled along the floor and pressed a button for an alarm. I quickly rushed over and just as he turned around my boot met his head and crushed it against the wall. "Correction we have no time. Rage grab the mirror, we're gonna need to get to the station."

"Why not just take the skiff?" Discord asked.

"Too many people for one little boat plus we can't fit this mirror into the manhole anyway and before you suggest shrinking it we don't know what that will do to the mirror so that way is out. Rage I hope you can summon your hell train," I said.

"Only one way to find out," Rage said as he wrapped the mirror in a cloth and lifted it up.

"Alright you three stay close to us and once we're safe I'll explain everything to you but for now we gotta get outta here," I said as I changed back to Bones before I led the group out the door. We came to the first wall of light and I saw cords running along the wall leading to a control panel so I ripped open the door and pulled a leaver shutting down the wall of light. "Well at least we know they ain't wireless,"

I then led the group down the stairs using both Salvation and Damnation to kill all in my way. We then made it outside and gestured for the others to run through a street market that had a massive pair of doors on the end and so we did with me covering our rear. We then made it to the door and Discord closed them before he started boarding the doors up along with locks and chains and he did it at record speeds.

"You know that escape was almost too easy," Rage said.

We all then spun around and were met with row upon row of caribou and if I had to guess the, entire island's worth of guards was here and they were all armed with guns. This caused Discord to let out a scream while his skull burst out of his head along with eyes hovering before his skull and his tongue extended to a ridicules range. It went through the jaw of his skull and reached his eyes before his tongue, his skull and his eyes all retracted back into his head. The sight would have made me laugh if it not for the peril we were in.

"It's all over Harbingers surrender yourselves and the slaves or we'll open fire!" one of the caribou shouted into a megaphone.

"Shit this isn't good we can't teleport and fighting will just put this lot in danger," Rage said gesturing to the human family.

"Bones please tell me you got a plan?" Elisa pleaded.

"I...I've got nothing," I said as I stared at the hundreds of guns trained on us.

Suddenly Discord walks forward with confidence before he cleared his throat.

"Hit it!" Discord shouted.

Suddenly several spotlights shined down on us blinding me for a second. When I regained my vision I saw Discord was wearing a Mexican outfit complete with a set of maracas in his hands before music began to play from somewhere and he began to dance and sing.

As the music began I saw some of the caribou began to strangely move with the music. I looked at the others and saw Rage give me a 'what the hell' look while pointing at Discord and all I could do was just shrug. As Discord sang he snapped his fingers causing Rosa to sing some lyrics and she seemed shocked and placed a hand on her throat as if she had no control of her voice, which wouldn't surprise me in the least knowing Discord. Suddenly every single guard began to dance and sing with Discord and that's when it hit me.

"He's distracting them, let's book it before they come to their senses," I whispered to the others who quickly nodded.

Circling around the dancing crowd we then ran down a street heading to the station before I halted in my tracks.

"Crap we forgot Discord you lot go ahead, I'm gonna go grab him," I said before I spun around and dashed back to where we left the Draconequus before anyone could argue. Upon arrival I saw him leading a conga line before he began to dance with the guards who were following his moves perfectly. "He's pretty good, I'll give him that."

I then used my magic to grab Discord and brought him over to me just as the song finished.

"We're leaving Discord," I said as I began to drag him behind me.

We ran down the streets as fast as our feet would take us and I could hear the guards begin to recover their senses before they gave chase. I then noticed the hell train was ready to go and when I looked back I saw the guards were hot on our heels. I then used Damnation and shot at the caribou causing them to stop or duck for cover while we ran. We then made it into one of the carriages and no sooner did we get inside the train began to move forward. I then made my way over to the windows and began to shoot at any caribou that came close and both Elisa and Evan joined me. Before we knew it the train entered the tunnel and we were gone and once that happened I let out a sigh of relief, closed my eyes and slumped into a chair.

"Ash?"

I then opened my eyes and I was greeted by Jabir, Rosa and Akachi.

"Can you explain to us what exactly is going on now?" Rosa asked.

---

2 Hours Later Aephoceria Castle

---

After explaining everything to the trio on the way over they were left speechless, all unsure how to react. Little Akachi, bless him, was too tired for the whole explanation but Rosa and Jabir were just speechless when I told them everything. Ranging from my ascension to godhood and the invading caribou. When I told them when we get the mirror working again we would send them all home, they both insisted on staying till this matter was resolved. I couldn't help but smile at the pair and gave them a hug. Once we made it home Rosa and Jabir were greeted with quite a welcome and many questions about the other side but I halted the questions in their tracks and explained that it was a long night and that rest wasn't important. So with a nod I led Jabir and Rosa to one of the best guest rooms in the castle and Akachi would be sleeping with the foals and once all three were settled in, I myself settled into bed with Luna and Nightmare.

Next Chapter: Chapter 30 The Festival of Frights Estimated time remaining: 25 Hours, 7 Minutes