1:15 pm - Valley North of Aephoceria - Ash's P.O.V.

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I was sitting on a rock that was once part of the standing stones that surrounded me. On my shoulder was Dusk and, resting their heads in my lap, were a pair of wolves, one gold and the other silver. Not too far away, sitting on his hind legs, was another wolf, this one being bigger then the two resting in my lap. It’s fur was dark grey, almost black, in colour. Meanwhile, standing not far off, was my brother Rage.

"Hey Rage," I said, trying to give Dust a few scratches but he suddenly took off from my shoulder.

I went to look back at my brother and only had a split second to register the fist approaching my face before I suddenly felt weightless and had an intense pain in my left cheek. After my body came back in contact with the ground I let out a groan of pain. Giving my aching cheek a rub and sitting back up I heard a chorus of growls coming from my canine companions. The three of them were drastically bigger then just a second ago, now towering over us both, and glaring down at Rage with a burning hatred.

"Fenrir, No!" I cried out, causing the almost black coloured wolf to stop growling, but his glare didn't stop. "Skoll, Hati you too."

"Wait Fenrir, Skoll and Hati, you mean the wolves of Ragnarok!?" Rage asked as he looked at me and then back up to the giant wolves.

"Yeah," I said getting up and standing up straight. "I persuaded Odin to leave these three to me and F.Y.I. they're not big on strangers especially ones that slug me or mistreat them."

"Duly noted," Rage said looking a little shook up at the towering wolves.

"Okay guys, you're freaking my brother out, so why don't you go stretch your legs," I suggested.

Without hesitation the three left and I watched them go until they were out of sight.

"They're alright," I said.

"If you say so," Rage said.

"Now, I can only assume that I'm going to be in a whole lot more trouble when I get back, ain't I?" I asked.

"How do you like sleeping in the doghouse?" Rage asked.

"Ain't got one of those," I said.

"Oh don't worry, I think Moon is planning on having one made just for you y'know, considering you missed her give birth and all," Rage said.

"Oh gods help me," I said as buried my face into my hands and dragged my hands down.

"There is no getting away from that I suppose...might as well rip this band-aid off then," I said.

"Whoa now, hold on, we ain't going anywhere till you explain to me why you've been gone for 2 months," Rage said.

"2 months...the portal must have affected time," I said as I looked over to where I was sitting.

"So, going to explain?" Rage asked angrily.

"Alright, alright, take it easy...Okay, two months ago…" I began.

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12:15pm 2 Months Ago

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I had teleported myself to the valley north of Aephoceria. I was wearing tan coloured hiking boots and a set of blue jeans, dark green shirt and a black denim jacket with a woollen interior and several pockets both inside and outside. With me was both Whispering Wind strapped to my back, along with a duffel bag which I slung over my shoulder. I gave a quick look at my surroundings to confirm that I was alone, before I made my way to the ridge that overlooked the valley. I sat down on the ground to wait when I heard the familiar sound of paws tapping against the ground, looking over I saw three familiar wolves walking over to me.

"Hey boys."

Hati was the only one to approach me and lay his head in my lap. The look on his face said it all, 'what's wrong', he was asking.

"I did something stupid," I said as I brought a hand to his head and began to pet him. "Really stupid and...I don't think I'll be able to face them again," I said before I ceased my petting, causing Hati to move his head away while I just leaned forward, resting my arms in my lap and letting my head hang down. "Just wish I was anywhere but here."

Suddenly there was a howling boom that spooked the three wolves and me, an area behind me seemed to split open, creating a tear in reality along with a powerful wind that seemed to pull anything that wasn't nailed down inside, which included me. The wind sent me rolling across the ground like a tumbleweed before I managed to grab onto a buried rock with both hands and halt my tumble. When I looked ahead to try and find a way to get away from the rift in reality I saw Fenrir, Skoll and Hati were being dragged towards the portal and I knew, even if they changed their size, the portal will either alter its shape to swallow them, or worse, not care and break their bones so they are forced through. Not wanting to take the risk I reached out with my right hand and used my magic to grab the three and levitate them away from here. As I was levitating the wolves away from both me and the portal I felt the wind increase in intensity and my grip slipping, causing me to be sucked through the portal.

The ride through the portal was not as long as I had anticipated, but the landing once I was out was certainly as painful as expected, especially since my face decided to dig a trench in the ground before stopping.

"Why did I have to open my mouth," I said once I managed to dig my face out of the dirt so I could look at my surroundings. The first direction I decided to look at was up and let me tell you, what I saw was one hell of a shock. Thousands upon thousands of orbs dotted the sky like ornaments upon a Christmas tree, each one looking to have something inside it, ranging from a milky way, planets, stars and not too far away there was a giant tree.

As I looked at the tree I noticed there were several landmasses scattered around it.

"Yggdrasil?" I asked to no one in particular before I shook my head to remove that particular thought.

Getting up from off the ground I checked to see if I had everything, like my limbs, Whispering Wind and my bag. I then looked at the skid marks from my landing to determine where the portal that spat me out was, only to find air.

"Oh perfect, once again I ask myself ‘Why do I have to open my big mouth’," I groaned, finding a mossy rock to sit on and thinking about my situation.

As I sat there thinking about how I would be able to get home and my chances of survival in this place, I remembered what I was sitting on. Looking down I saw the fresh green moss covering the rock with a few flowers scattered over it. I knew plants required both water and sunlight in order to survive, which meant that wherever I am must have an abundance of both, unless this was like Discord's own personal Loony Tunes dimension where nothing made sense. Shaking my head I decided that maybe I should continue to think optimistically about my situation and looked around to see if there were any edible foods, any living being or better yet, a way back. Looking up at the 'sky' I noticed a bright silver moon hovering overhead, so using that as a time keeper/compass I decided to follow the direction it was either coming or going. After five minutes of walking I came to a ledge. A ledge that turned out to be a sort of island, just hovering in mid-air, much like the time I played capture the flag back in heaven, only here there was only cloud and a few scattered islands below, no landmass.

Looking ahead once more, I saw what had to be a countless number of other islands, just scattered before me, going onward as far as the eye can see. On one not too far away there seemed to be buildings standing atop one, so stretching my wings out I flew over to the island, finding it to be bigger than it looked. Once I was on the ground I walked towards the closest building, which was a small house, it was then I realized this building seemed to be built in the middle ages, having a thatched roof with stone walls held together by mortar, and yet, despite how old the building's design was, it looked like it was built fairly recently, about a year or half a year ago. Shaking off my thoughts about the building, I made my way to the front door, knocking on the wooden frame, after waiting for a response I decided to go with a different tactic.

"Hello!" I shouted out, but still no response came, so I decided to take a chance and place my hand on the door. "I'm coming in, I mean no harm."

Giving the door a light push it swung open with a small creak, I entered the house slowly to make sure I didn't spook anyone in case they were hiding. After entering the house I saw there was a fair bit of dust covering almost every surface and yet the furniture was made of wood, and well put together, if a little crude, and none of it appeared to be rotting. I began to search the house and found only one other room, which must have been the bedroom, with a bed and neatly folded sheets atop it.

"The original owners must have abandoned this place, but why?" I asked aloud, as I brought a hand to my chin in thought.

I then decided, that the best thing to do was to do some recon around the building and see if there was an explanation to be found. So, walking outside once again, I spotted what looked like some kind of guard tower not too far away. From what I could tell it didn’t have much wear and tear from age on it. I figured it might give me a decent birds eye view. without having to stretch my wings and give my position away to anything that may be hostile towards me. I then decided to just teleport to the tower and arrived without incident. Looking around I saw several other buildings, each one looking like it was built in the same era as the house, and there were buildings that had a very high-tech but familiar shape to them, however those buildings seemed to be crumbling into dust and rust, almost as if time itself had inverted, where the futuristic buildings become the past while the buildings from the past become the future. I had also noticed there were no weapons or corpses on the ground, so that meant there wasn't a battle or anything sinister so far that would cause the occupants to simply abandon this place, I then saw the buildings were just...scattered around, making the surrounding buildings have a very awkward shape, especially if this place was considered a village. I suddenly heard the sound of shifting stone on stone, as if someone moved something not too far away from me, facing the source of the sound I spotted the culprit, and when I saw them my vision became red with hate.

The individual was a well-built muscular male, he had white skin like mine with short black hair and a beard that went around his mouth, he was also wearing a white shirt and blue jeans and had fairly hairy arms, but the reason why my hatred had spike was because of the black wings on the figure's back, a pair of wings with black feathers that belonged to only one kind of creature, my kind's oldest enemy, the fucking fallen angels.

"You!" I roared as I banished my bag into a pocket dimension so I could retrieve it later. My shout caused the scum to turn to face me, as I dove at the murderer like a falcon locked onto its prey, with Whispering Wind drawn with full intent to run the bastard through.

However, just as I was about to run him through, my prey leapt backwards, avoiding my strike and causing me to stab the ground instead.

"What the hell man!?" the fallen angel cried out as I yanked Whispering Wind out of the ground. I turned to him, trying to put all my hate into my glare. "Alright look, if this is your place, that's fine, I'll just head on back to- what are you doing!?" The fallen angel cried out as I moved to attack again with a thrust, but he blocked my attack with a shield that seemed to unfold from his arm, almost like mine, however this one was round.

I found it slightly amusing, and also irritating, how this bastard of all creatures thinks he can talk me down by claiming he has no idea what he did to me and my people, he saw my wings that's for damn sure, and the only angels whose wings had been blackened like his are the ones who committed the deed. If he is just playing dumb to spite me, then I had no intention of making his death an easy or pleasant one.

" Don't think you can talk your way out of judgement!" I shouted while striking him with an under arm swing, but once again my blade only hit his shield.

" What judgement? What the hell did I ever do to you? If it happened in a bar, then I'm sure we can work something out," the fallen angel said while I continued my assault, with each strike meeting his shield.

" Don't play with me fallen one. You'll pay for what you did to my people." I said as he blocked another one of my strikes, I then decided to go with a guard breaker strike from the Three way war, which worked like a charm, then, using the sole of my boot, I kicked him in the chest, sending the bastard into what might've been a tavern at one point.

With a grunt I approached the building and stood in the gaping new hole in the wall. I saw my quarry lying on the floor momentarily stunned, before he saw me and got up onto his feet.

"Alright pal, now you're starting to piss me off!" the bastard said as he removed what looked like a two handed bearded axe from the age of the Vikings, which he had sheathed on his back, which began to glow blue from the runes inscribed on it.

Realizing he was about to unleash an attack, I decided to end him before he could do that, so I rushed at him, but he slammed the axe into the ground, covering it in a sheet of ice, which caused me to momentarily lose my balance as I slid towards my opponent, and, before I could do anything, I felt the edge of his shield strike me in my left temple. The blow was hard enough to knock me off my feet and hit the ground, where everything went fuzzy for a few seconds. As my focus came back I felt a boot on my chest and the axe blade under my throat, and when I looked up at the face of the fallen angel I saw it had changed to the head of a black furred wolf. "Now, as I see it you got two options. Explain why you attacked me, or beg for your life. The choice is yours."

"Me...beg not even in your dreams you bastard," I declared, snapping my fingers and teleporting beside him while standing on the ice covering the ground.

While he was recovering from my sudden change of location I grabbed the fallen angel by the fur at the top of his head and threw him into what was once the bar of this place. I heard the sound of several smashing bottles and splintering wood before it went silent, while a cloud of dust surrounded the former bar, obscuring my vision of the fallen one.

"Just so you know pal, that trick of yours, changing your appearance to throw me off, you're gonna have to come up with something a little more impressive than that," I said as I kept my guard up while staring at the bar.

In the next moment the axe from before came flying out of the rubble, so I used Whispering Wind to deflect it, but, while my focus was on the axe, I failed to account for my opponent charging at me while I was busy avoiding the weapon. The charging wolfified fallen angel wrapped his arms around my waist, picked me up and kept on running till he threw me through a wall and back outside. I would've landed on my back, but I decided to use my wings to help me land on my feet and, when I looked back at the beast, he was charging at me with that axe in his hand, the quick retrieval of which while I was temporarily disarmed surprising me, but I widened my stance and kept calm and waited until he got close. The fallen angel then readied his axe to take a swing at my head and, as he swung, I leaned backwards far enough I would've ended up on my back, but, once again, I used my wings, but instead of getting onto my feet I used them as a stand to balance my body while tucking my legs in, so that my knees were touching my chest, before, like a spring, I used the soles of my boots to kick my opponent in both the chest and lower jaw, forcing him to stumble back and clutch his jaw in pain, while I placed myself on my feet again.

At this distance and light I was now getting a better look at the being before me and, from what I could see of his chest and arms, they were covered in black fur that matched the fur covering his head, the nails on the tips of his fingers had grown and sharpened into what looked like claws and, as I was glaring at him, I noticed he had shards of glass and wood in his fur from when I threw him into the bar.

"You fallen angels disgust me, even though you slaughtered my family and my people, you won't be satisfied until you see the job done, won't you," I spat while I levitated Whispering Wind back to my hand.

" Fallen Angel? I'm a fucking werewolf!" the bastard shouted as his axe lit up once again, the blade seeming to be covered in some form of ice, before he suddenly charged at me, intending to take my head off, but I had my own surprises in store.

I summoned my own shield to my wrist and, as he made his swing, I raised up my left arm and activated my kite shield just in time to block his axe and lock his shield, before I impaled the fallen angel in the gut with Whispering Wind.

"Now, join your fallen brethren in hell," I said, but instead of slumping over and coughing up blood, the bastard grabbed my right hand and brought me closer, driving the blade of Whispering Wind deeper into his gut. " What? How are you not dying?"

" Because, like I said, I'm not a fallen angel and I'm more than just a werewolf. The All-father has named me the Equestrian god of war, as well as its guardian." my opponent said.

This caused my eyes to widen at the mention of Equestria and him being a god, before he continued to speak.

"So this little toy of yours," he said, as he made me pull the blade out, the wound healing within seconds. "Is only a minor inconvenience."

I couldn't make heads or tails of what I was hearing, at first I would have taken this guy as both a liar and a fool, but after my encounter with both Elisa and Evan I knew there was more than one Equestria out there. But could the same go for gods? I knew Odin wouldn't place a god of war back home without me knowing about it and, as for this guy here, he doesn't seem to have even the faintest idea what I'm talking about, so I relaxed my stance, took two steps back and sheathed Whispering Wind on my back.

"Okay, so you're not a fallen angel, my bad, I screwed up there, however, in my defense, I only know of one type of humanoid creature with wings like yours." I said as I folded my arms over my chest.

" If you're referring to the color, then I guess I can see where you're coming from. Damn, that sounded racist." the being said as he turned back to his original form and sheathed his axe. " Care to start again over some drinks? I think that bar still had some bottles that didn't get smashed."

" Fine by me." I said and followed him into the bar, where, upon entering, I noticed the ice had dissapeared. "So the ice doesn't last long it would seem."

We were able to find a bottle of scotch and two fairly clean glasses, my new acquaintance pouring the both of us a glass and he raised his for a toast.

"Here's to a horrible mistake that didn't escalate further, Skald!" he shouted before we threw back our drinks and filled it again.

After downing the second shot, I decided it was about time we both get some answers, so I decided to break the ice with a simple.

"So, who and what are you?" I asked.

"Glad to see we're using our words this time. My name is Joe Huffstutler and, as I mentioned before, I am a werewolf, though, due to an encounter with the elements of harmony, I also have the powers of an alicorn. I'm the king of Herot, prince of Equestria, as well as its god of war and protector, though the last two titles were recently given to me, like two weeks ago recently. Though I'm something greater than all those titles combined," the now named Joe said.

"Really, and what would that be?" I asked.

"A husband to the loves of my life, Jackie and Luna, and father to three wonderful children, Jack, Orion, and Scootaloo." Joe said and took another shot. " Alright, your turn. Who and what are you? And since you keep mentioning it, who were your people?"

*deep sigh* "Where do you even start with me?" I asked taking a sip of the scotch. "Well I have a lot of titles, the first was Prince of Aephoceria, then Captain of the Hyrule Guard, Lieutenant in the Dunwall City Watch, Member of the Three Hundred of Thermopylae, Captain of the Wolf Raiders, Frost Bringer, Dead Caller, Warden, Lord Warden, The Silent Sentinel, Private in the Australian Tunnellers during World War One, Corporal in World War Two, Sergeant in Vietnam, Knight of Freedom, Father, King of Equestria, Husband, God of Balance, Hand of The Reaper, Harbinger of Conquest, there are a bunch of other tittles that I couldn't remember off the top of my head, but if you wish to address me by name, it's Ash Blade." I said, pausing to take a large gulp of the scotch. "My people were kind and peaceful during our time, when the world was still young and wonder and adventure was in abundance, we were called the Demonic Angels, children of both Angels and Demons...But that ended when the Angels and Demons who disapproved of us attacked, and my people were slaughtered without mercy whether they were young or old, man or woman, as punishment God cast the guilty Angels from Heaven, leaving the feathers of their wings charred black forever more," I said as I took another sip of the liquor.

"So, because my wings are black and I look human, you thought I was a fallen angel. Hearing how they and some demons slaughtered your kind, I guess I would react the same as you did." Joe said before he took another swig. "So you're also a father, that's nice. What're the kid's names and who, may I say, is their mother?"

"Pipsqueak, or Pip for short, is my eldest son and Midnight Star, Midnight for short, is the younger one, I also have one on the way. As for their mother it's Luna, but I have other partners as well Nightmare Moon, Spitfire and Tempest Shadow," I said.

"Luna! Well, she is beautiful, smart, knows war strategies, and can drink me under the table. I had no idea Nightmare was her own person, the entity that latched onto Luna was some floating eyeball with tendrils that we called a Nightmare." Joe said, causing me to raise an eyebrow at that. "I have no idea who this Tempest Shadow person is, but I do know Spitfire. She let me train the Wonderbolt recruits and I turned them into flying marines. I think I know Pipsqueak, he likes to dress as a pirate on Halloween." Joe said before he took a long swig straight from the bottle and brought out his wallet, taking out a photo and handing it to me. "Here we are."

Taking the photo I looked and saw that it appeared to be taken in front of the barn at Sweet Apple Acres, with a lot of different ponies in front of it, but each one was a member of the Apple Family on account that I recognized a large majority of them from previous celebrations, so this must mean that it was taken during the apple family reunion.

"That's what they look like?" I asked as I suddenly realized that this lot all stood on four hooves, like it was described by Elisa and Evan when they first came to my world.

" Of course that's what they look like. What else are they supposed to look like?" Joe said.

I then decided to bring out my phone. I unlocked it, went to the gallery and showed him a picture of me with all of my family and friends enjoying the feast we partake in after Heat Season.

"What the hell, they're anthros? Damn, Luna and Jackie have some big knockers." Joe said causing my left eye to twitch.

“Hey careful there slick, one of them is my wife you're talking about, and the other already has a stallion with a foal on the way," I said as I raised an eyebrow at Joe.

"Uh right," Joe said as he rubbed the back of his head.

"So tell me something what's someone like you doing in a place like this?" I asked.

" Funny story actually, you see that bubble over there with the giant tree?" Joe said while pointing to the giant tree I saw earlier.

" I was experimenting with the crystal map in Twilights castle, which also serves as a gateway for the Bifrost, and chose the trunk of Yggdrasil, rather than the worlds surrounding it. The door opened to its branches and I was subjected to the vast wonders of the unknown. While I was looking out, I noticed this pile of junk floating around. Ever the curious one, I sought out an adventure. Then, of course, I met you. We fought, took turns kicking each other's ass, settled our difference over some booze, that may or may not be contaminated with some foreign bacteria, and swapped stories. So, what about you, how did you find your way here?" Joe asked.

As soon as Joe asked me that I leaned back and slumped against the back rest of my seat with a dejected look on my face.

"...Running if I'm being honest," I said but the look Joe was giving me said it all 'c'mon I know there's more to it than that'. "The Equestria I live in is in a bit of a jam with a neighbouring kingdom, the caribou, the reason of their invasion is to achieve male domination over females, by turning them into sex slaves *ptui*," I said, spitting into a nearby brass vase in disgust at just saying that. "And to make matters worse, they claim to be doing it in my name, saying I ordered such crap, especially when they went through the trouble of robbing my resting place an-."

"Wait, wait, wait, wait, do you mean ‘resting place’ as in a grave?" Joe asked.

"Yeah, I died and came back as a god a few years later, after the caribou first invaded and conquered about ninety eight percent of the world, but anyway, I had just returned to the place I call home after dealing with...something the caribou were working on," I said trying to avoid bringing 'her' up after what she did. "And, upon arrival, I realized that we were under attack by the caribou. As I made my way down to the streets Granny Smith managed to stop me and inform me that the caribou had managed to grab Applejack, Apple Bloom and their mother Buttercup," I said, stopping when I heard the sound of breaking glass. I saw Joe's glass was now crushed and his drink was dripping from his hands, the expression on his face not that of a calm man. "I hear ya, I was the same as you when I found out, so much so I decided to do something stupid."

"What?" Joe askes as he went to clean up his hand, after I offered a clean hand towel I summoned for him, which he took and nodded in thanks.

"I decided to tap into a power I didn't fully understand and used my anger as a fuel for said power, along with my own demonic power to kick it up a notch, but magic driven by emotions is a...very dangerous thing," I said as I conjured up an orb that would show the battle where I turned into that...thing.

We watched the battle from the beginning, where I turned, to the point I fled, after I almost killed Applejack, and, when it was done, the orb disappeared and I just sat there nursing my drink waiting for his disgust and rage. " So, that's the stupid thing I decided to do."

" Wrong!" Joe shouted, kinda surprising me with that answer. "You did what was necessary. You defeated, no, slaughtered an invading force that would gladly take all the females and kill any males they saw getting in their way. You not only defended your home, but you also sent a message to any survivor, if there were any. And that message is, ' To protect those I love, I will do terrible things'." Joe said as he reached behind the bar and found himself another glass, filling it and throwing it down his throat before taking another swig from the bottle before continuing. " Anyway, it's not like I haven't had moments like that either."

" What do you mean?" I asked purely out of curiosity.

" Since Arminius, my first Lycan ancestor, there is a darkness that is locked up inside us. When released, we go into a rage where our vision is tinted red, and all we care for is spilling the blood of those who wronged us or put our loved ones in danger. When the Romans took Arminius' infant son, in revenge for the massacre at the Tuetoburg forest, he fell into this darkness and killed not only the soldiers that kidnaped his son, he destroyed the entire Roman empire. We call this state of bloodlust the Fenrir, after the great wolf. Since Arminius, the Fenrir has only been unleashed a total of eight times in the last thousand years, and four of them were mine." The mention of Arminius briefly caused memories from my worlds version of him to surface. Clearing my head from those thoughts, I looked over to Joe, who took another swig and fixed me with a glare. " However, you ever lay a finger on our friends, in whatever universe, in that way again, I'll drag you down to Helheim and let Garm have you as his personal chew toy."

"Thanks, like I don't feel crappy enough, now you're giving me shit." I said, feeling my mood plummet even lower.

"Sorry, I just really care for those three." Joe said as he came around from the opposite side of the bar and brought an arm around me " Listen. From what you told me, you've lived with them for a long time and they trust you with their life. I honestly don't think a one-time fuck-up like that will have them run for the hills whenever you approach."

" You really think that?" I asked sceptically with an eyebrow raised.

" Hey, if I can execute Blueblood, using the Blood Eagle, and still have my wives stick by my side, then I think they can forgive you. Though I think you were right in going somewhere till that little incident blows over." Joe said causing me to nearly choke on my drink when I heard the words Execute, Blueblood and Blood Eagle in the same sentence.

"Jeez is this guy old school or what!" I thought, but shook it off.

"You may be right," I said, looking at my half empty glass and letting out a snort of laughter.

"What's with you?" Joe asked.

"Sorry, sorry it's just...here we are sitting in a bar, a god of Norse religion and a god connected to Christion religion, by being both demon and angel, surely there's a joke in there somewhere," I said, chuckling.

"Perhaps. It's been a while since I heard a decent two guys walk into a bar joke. However, I can only think of this. You know what you get when you cross a donkey with an onion?" Joe asked

"No, what?" I responded

"You get a piece of ass that'll bring a tear to your eye." Joe said

"Haha, that is a good one. You know what you call a farmer with a sheep under each arm?" I asked.

"What?" Joe asked

"A Playboy." I said.

"What do you know, Little Nicky has jokes." Joe said, causing me to raise an eyebrow at him.

" Who's Little Nicky?" I asked.

" A character played by Adam Sandler. He's the son of the devil and an angel named Holly. You know what, why don't I just show you?" Joe explained and conjured up a magic screen in front of us.

"...Can't say I've ever seen that before." I said a little weirded out by that display. "So, what now?"

" Well," Joe said as he got up from his seat and looked to the giant tree. " I think I'll head back home. Though I think I would like to return here, this place is pretty amazing." Joe said. He went outside and placed some kind of device on one of the rocks, a portal opened up and, as he was about to step through, he stopped and turned to me. " You know, you're welcome to come, unless you want to mope around here by yourself?"

"Ah, what the hell, it might be fun?" I said.

Joe then walked through the portal and I followed behind him. We soon stepped out onto the branch of a tree, or more specifically, a branch of Yggdrasil. Joe continued on, with me not far behind, until we arrived at some kind of door.

"This way." We went through the door and found ourselves in a familiar room. " Welcome. This is Twilights castle, though you probably already know that."

"Don't worry, I do." I said

"That's terrific." Joe said, when, off to the side, we heard the door open and the more equine looking version of my wife and friends, along with a pair of human children with wings on their back, walked in. " Well, hey, I was about to come and get you guys." Joe said, as I saw a familiar midnight blue aura surrounded him, dragging him over to both Luna and Applejack. Once he was in their arms, or rather their forelegs, they started to squeeze him in a hug.

"I told you not to leave us so soon, but do you ever listen? Nooo, you just jump from one dangerous situation to another." Luna said while smothering Joes face in her...chest fluff?

"You leave without telling us again and I'll have you muck the pens with an olive fork!" Applejack exclaimed, tears staining her eyes.

Looking at the scene kinda reminded me of the situation back home, only there will probably be fists flying when I come back.

"I'm sorry I was such a fool. I promise, the next time I feel like doing something dangerous, I'll let you know first." Joe said, trying to sooth his mares

" Pinkie Promise?" Said mares asked in unison.

" Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Joe said while doing the motions of the sacred promise, which earned him a smile from both of them and a kiss on each cheek. After the tender moment, I noticed everyone in the room was staring at me and Joe noticed it. " Crap, where are my manners? Everyone, this is Ash Blade, Ash Blade, this is everyone."

As I looked at the more equine version of the my friends and wife I realized they were all staring at me, now with looks of both curiosity and suspicion, so I took a quick breath and stepped forward.

"Hi, nice to meet you all," I said.

"Hey Joe where'd ya find this clown," Rainbow asked as she made a gesture at me with one of her hooves, causing me to raise an eyebrow at her rudeness.

"Silly Dashie, he's not a clown, if he were a clown he'd be wearing white face paint, have green hair and have a biiiiig red smile over his mouth, unless he just decided to not wear it today," Pinkie said.

"I can assure you I'm no clown, Miss Pie," I said.

*gasp* "Are you psychic?" Pinkie asked, suddenly appearing out from the collar of my jacket and using her hooves to grab the sides of my face, in order for her to turn it towards her.

"No," I said simply as I used my left hand to grab Pinkie by the scruff of her neck and pull her the rest of the way out of my jacket and setting her on the ground. "Good to know that Pinkie is a Weird here as well though."

"Hey!" Pinkie yelled.

"You better take that back pal, or I'm gonna knock those teeth of yours back down your throat," Rainbow Dash yelled, zipping forward in front of me, with a hoof ready to carry out that threat.

"Hey take it easy here, I believe you misunderstand when I say Pinkie is a Weird. I mean to say she is a wielder of Weird magic," I said.

"Uh?" Rainbow said.

"Beggen yer pardon Mister Blade, but Pinkie is an Earth Pony, she can't use magic," Applejack said.

"First off, just Ash is fine, Mister Blade just makes me sound like an old man, especially when I'm only ten quadrillion years young. Secondly Pinkie here, as just demonstrated, just randomly made herself appear out of the collar of my jacket, as if she were a rabbit in a hat. Not to mention her ability to warp reality around her, based on her subconscious desires, is what we call Weird magic. It's called Weird because it has a very complex and weird set of rules that don't apply to the more well-known forms of magic.”

"Wait a sec, you mean to say there is a way to categorize Pinkie!" Twilight yelled, it was then I noticed a few hairs in her mane and tail were sticking out in crazed spirals.

"Wait, that's what you're holed up on, not that fact that he just said he's ten quadrillion years old!" Spike cried out.

"Young, Mister the Dragon, not old, young. There is a major difference there," I explained.

"How so?" Luna asked.

"Well if I were old, then I'd probably be looking like an old man, but, as you can see, I look like I'm still in my mid-twenties. So, young," I said.

"That's what people say when they're trying to bullshit themselves. Anyway, Dash, quit intimidating our guest." Joe said. Dash grumbled before landing next to the others. " Secondly, Ash here is from another universe and Equestria." Everyone in the room went slack-jawed after hearing that. " Long story short, he needs to be away from his own Equestria for the time being, and I offered to house him for a bit."

" Another one? Isn't our house full enough as it is with us, Discord and Brok?" Luna asked causing me to raise an eyebrow at the last name

" I didn't mean at our house darlin', I just meant here in this Equestria." Joe clarified

"Well, I suppose I can offer one of the rooms here? Would that be okay with you Ash?" Twilight asked, bringing my focus on her.

" That'd be just fine." I said with a polite nod of my head before something else clicked in my mind. "Wait, Discord lives with you, and who's Brok?"

" Yeah, Discord became my familiar after I kicked his ass when he escaped his stone prison. Over the years, he's become like the crazy uncle you can tolerate in small doses before it gets annoying, and he played a vital part in sending Tirek to Helheim. As for Brok, he's the best damn smith in all the ten realms. He's the one that crafted Mjolnir, Gungnir, even Frostbite and my shield here." Joe said confirming the name and individual to the one I had in my head. The door then slammed open, revealing what can only be described as a blue midgit. " And speak of the Dwarf, here he is."

" Shut up you half-backed turd, I just came by to tell ya there's something wrong with your TV." the blue one, now named Brok, exclaimed.

"Wow, ain't he polite," I thought, already getting a full mental image of this guy.

" What's wrong with it?" Joe asked.

" There ain't nothing good on!" Brok said. When he noticed me his gaze immediately fell on my wings. " Hey, what's your deal, your mother fuck a bat?"

Now that to me was just asking for an ass kicking and, as much as I wanted to smite the big mouthed pest, I held back ,but that didn't mean I wasn't going to give him a piece of my mind.

"It seems the master dwarf here has a death wish, or maybe he'd prefer I rip his tongue out and stick it up his ass, where all his shit ends up," I said.

"What you say, fuck stick!" Brok shouted as he marched up to me.

"Bring it on tiny, I've killed beasts a hundred times your size, and with a fouler attitude then you," I growled out.

"Hey, hey, cool it guys," Joe said as he came between us "Now, I love a good scrap as much as the next guy, but c'mon."

"Tch," I grunted before I went to walk around Brok and Joe. "I'm gonna get some air."

"Yeah that's right, run ya lil piss ant, run and go suckle on your mama tit like the wee babe ye a-," Brok began but didn't finish, when I decided to show him just how powerful I was, by releasing my aura.

It was the same aura I used not too long ago, when I was on the bridge of the flagship and became that thing. The aura flooded the room, changing it to have a darker tone of colour. I could hear several individuals grasp their necks as if they were out of breath, when in reality they were just holding it. I made sure they were not harmed, however the aura that surrounded Brok shifted and twisted and took the shape of skeletons, which ran their hands over Brok's body, along with beasts that were a terrible sight to behold, circling around him like sharks around wounded prey.

"Brok, Rainbow Dash let me give you both a solid piece of advice. Don't start a fight with someone outside you're weight class," I said, looking over my shoulder and letting the aura vanish, leaving everyone who was holding their breath to release it before I left.

Finding my way out of this place was easy enough, the castle had the same layout as the one back home. Once I made it to the front doors I pushed them open without an effort and spread my wings, taking off without a destination in mind, I just needed a place to be alone and cool off. Before I knew it I was over the Everfree, so I just shrugged and decided to go to the Everfree castle. After a few short minutes of flight I arrived and, as I approached, I saw Joe was already there. It seemed he was waiting for me, causing me to shake my head and continuing my descent.

"How did you know I was coming here?" I asked upon landing.

" Did you forget that I'm a werewolf? I caught your scent by the door and it led to the forest. The only three places I know that reside in the forest are this castle, the tree of harmony down in the gorge there, and Zecora's hut. I didn't think you would go to Zecoras since she doesn't know you, so I made a deduction." Joe said

" Impressive." I said as I walked past him

" Thank you, though I do have one question. Why do you have a spicier version of Celestia's scent on you?" Joe asked once my back was turned towards him and the moment Joe asked that my anger returned, as the memory of what that bitch did to me replayed in my mind. " Nevermind, I came to cheer you up, not rattle the cage further." Joe said quickly. This made me work to force my anger down before I went to sit on the stairs, not long after Joe sat down beside me. " So, I explained the situation to them about you, I'm not gonna lie, they're a little shocked, but willing to look past what you did. Not to mention Brok was way out of line."

"Yeah, though I should really learn to reign in my anger from time to time." I admitted.

"No shit. Listen, Pinkie's setting up a party at my place, so if you want to hit the reset button, that'd be the best place to do so." Joe said

"I really don't know if I should." I said.

" Not wanting to attend a Pinkie Pie party? Now I'm questioning your sanity." Joe said almost causing me to chuckle...almost "Wait here a moment." Joe said as he got up and left. Five minutes later Joe returned and plopped a large cask next to me. "In my time in Alfheim, Lord Elrond gifted me with a cask that he claims to have been brewing since the very creation of Equestria, over ten-thousand years ago. And since fifteen minutes here is one year in Alfheim, this shit is older than dirt. I've waited for the next special occasion to open this bad boy and, I believe, that this might be that time. That is of course, if you'll join the party?"

"Well aged elven wine from Alfheim," I said shaking my head. "That's a dirty move mate...and it sucks that it works."

"So, I take it that you're coming?" Joe asked.

"Something tells me that you're going to persist until one of us gives, and I'm pretty sure we know that we're both particularly stubborn, so, what do you say I just make it easy for the both of us," I said as I began to spread my wings to take off again.

"Oh, please allow me," Joe said.

I decided to motion for him to go ahead and to hide my wings within my body.

"Whoa!" Joe exclaimed in shock as he saw my wings recede into my back.

"What...Surely that's not the freakiest thing you've seen in your life," I said.

"No but...it is on the list, and fascinating at the same time," Joe said.

"Yeah, I don't really bother with the mechanics on how I can fit my wings in my body, all I know is that it's possible to do and that it's a lot more simple then you think," I said.

"Neat, but why?" Joe asked.

"Well, an illusion or invisibility spell only conceals my wings from sight, not touch, plus doing it like that just drains magic power as time goes on. It also helps me squeeze into tighter spaces, which I normally wouldn’t fit in if I have them out. And I don't draw as much attention in crowded areas, like here and back on Earth," I said.

"Huh...All good points...Think you could teach me?" Joe asked.

"Party first, trade info later," I said.

"Fair enough," Joe said and teleported us just outside of what looked like a manor, inspecting my surrounding more closely I recognized Sweet Apple Acres.

I was about to ask Joe why there was such a lavish place in the middle of an apple farm, when I remembered just who he was married too, and shook my head. I then wondered just how exactly he managed to get Granny Smith to agree to something like this, I mean, if the Apple Family here were anything like the one's back home, Granny Smith would never allow something like this on her farm, princess involved or not.

"Hey Ash, you coming or what?" Joe asked, already a few steps ahead.

"Huh...Oh sorry, lost in thought," I said as I quickly jogged over to catch up with Joe. Once we made it to the entrance I reached for the door because Joe was carrying the cask, but, before I turned the handle, I paused. "Hey, what are the chances that at least half the town, that Pinkie managed to get over here in the short time we were gone, is waiting on the other side."

"Only one way to find out," Joe said.

Without another word I turned the handle, opened the door and we both stepped inside, only to be met by a dark room. As the lights turned on we were greeted by a very large 'SURPRISE!' from everyone within and, lo and behold, Pinkie managed to invite a large majority of the towns folk, along with a certain princess from Canterlot and a royal couple from the Crystal Empire.

"Figures," I quietly mumbled to myself.

Joe then took me around his house, introducing me to everyone. I decided to let them introduce themselves, I didn't want to seem rude or be hailed as a psychic, as Pinkie put it. I introduced myself as Ash, no titles, I wanted everyone to believe I was just a temporary new face in town that was invited to stay, which wasn't really a lie, I just decided to not mention why I was 'passing through' here and, after meeting almost everyone, I decided to just take a seat and breath for a bit.

"Thirsty?" Joe asked as he approached with a glass of the elven wine.

"Cheers," I said taking the glass and raising it towards him. Taking half a mouthful of the liquor and savouring it for a moment before I swallowed, releasing a sigh. "Good stuff."

It was then I noticed that most of the group from before was approaching me, so I decided to get out of my seat so I could face them properly.

"So, you enjoying the party?" Pinkie asked with her excited bounce.

"I am, thank you, but there's one last thing that needs to be addressed," I said, placing my hands at my sides and bowing at the waist. "I wish to apologize for my actions earlier today...regardless of how I feel on a personal level, lashing out at all of you, when you had done nothing wrong, was unjustifiable and there are no excuses for my actions."

"Peace, Ash Blade, and please raise your head," Princess Luna said, causing me to straighten up. "Our husband has explained a bit to us of what has transpired in your home and why you are here, so I suggest we take this as an opportunity for a clean slate."

"Yes, please," I said.

"Very well, I am Princess Luna, but, as an acquaintance of my husband, you are welcome to call me Luna," Princess Luna said.

"Tis an honor," I said with another friendly bow at the waist.

"An ah'm Applejack, also Joe's wife or, as he prefers, Valkyrie. Nice ta meet yer sugarcube, welcome to our home," Applejack said as she held her hoof out for me to shake.

"Thank you for your warm welcome Applejack," I said as I grasped her hoof and gave it a shake, making sure she didn't try to shake my arm off.

"Hiya I'm Pinkie Pie, now, I only have one question for you...milk or white chocolate?" Pinkie Pie asked, causing me to raise an eyebrow at her like she was crazy.

"Why must one choose, when both are better together?" I asked and just like that Pinkies eyes lit up with stars. She wrapped me in a hug with those rubber like limbs of hers.

"Oh, I'm going to like you!" Pinkie cried out, finally releasing me. I looked to see the next one up was Twilight.

"Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle, do you mind if I ask a few questions?" Twilight asked.

"Not at all, as long as you don't mind if I choose to keep my privacy. But I can’t say for certain if I don’t know the question.," I said, turning to the next mare. This mare, being Rainbow Dash, was predictably hovering in the air, what was surprising was the intensity with which she seemed to study me. After a few seconds I decided to break the ice. "Was there something you wished to say, or are you just going to stare?"

"Hm...oh uh...I just noticed you seem...different, like something was missing," Rainbow Dash said.

I cocked a head at Rainbow wondering what it was she meant, when I remembered my wings were out when we first met.

"You mean my wings?" I asked.

"That’s it!...So where are they?" Rainbow asked.

"Just hidden, they would have been in the way if I left them out," I said.

"Rainbow, ain't there supposed to be something you oughta be saying right ‘bout now?" Applejack said through gritted teeth as she gestured to me.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll get onto it, sheesh," Rainbow said.

"How ya doing, names Rainbow Dash, fastest thing alive," Rainbow Dash said, causing me to shake my head.

"Wow, even across dimensions, the ego that belongs to one Rainbow Dash knows no bounds," I said, which caused her friends, Luna and Joe to giggle and chuckle.

"Hey," Rainbow said.

"Also, Rainbow, I mean no disrespect, but I've seen beings that could leave you in the dust before you can even get off the starting line," I said.

"Oh, like you perhaps?" Rainbow Dash asked as she leaned into my face with a good natured grin.

"Maybe," I said, returning the grin with a small smirk of my own.

"Ohhh it’s on. You and me, let’s go," Rainbow challenged.

"Whoa, cool you're wings hotshot, I ain't going anywhere for a bit, what say we enjoy the party and race tomorrow?" I asked.

"Pfft, fine, but only because Pinkie's parties are fun," Rainbow said. I nodded and turned to the next one.

"Greetings darling, my name is Rarity. I am the owner of Carousel Boutique," Rarity said. It was then I decided to let my gentlemanly instincts take over for a bit, so, using my magic, I raised her right hoof, taking it into my right hand.

"Charmed milady," I said and placed a light kiss upon her hoof, causing Rarity's face to flush a beautiful pinkish red.

"Wow, I didn't realize you were such a smooth talker," Joe said.

"Well, I used to be a knight. Sometimes I just can’t keep myself from being chivalrous," I admitted with a wink in Rarity’s direction .

"Oh, uh, well um...anyway, this lovely dear is Fluttershy," Rarity stuttered, pushing the timid pegasus forward.

"Um hi...it's...It's nice to meet you," Fluttershy said quietly.

"It's both a pleasure and an honor to meet such a brave mare," I said.

"Pfft brave...Fluttershy?" Rainbow asked before she started laughing, causing me to quietly glare at the cocky show off.

"Yes, actually, do you want to know why?" I asked.

"Oh please, enlighten me," Rainbow said, wiping a tear of laughter from her eye.

“Well, for starters, she came over to me to greet me, even though she’s probably still afraid of me because of the incident earlier, am I right Miss Shy?” The nodding motion of the pink hair, which covered her face almost completely, confirming it. “And, if your universe is anything like mine, she probably saved all of your lives a couple of times because of her courage. Especially you, as her oldest friend, should know you can always count on Fluttershy.”

"Hear, hear," Luna said as she too smiled at the butter yellow pegasus.

"Damn straight," Joe said.

It was then I heard an applause from around us and it seemed like everyone heard my little speech and was stamping their forehooves on the ground. During the applause I looked at Rainbow, who was looking at the ground while rubbing one of her forehooves with the other in shame. I cleared my throat, making sure to get her attention, before I made a gesture towards Fluttershy.

The message was clear and Rainbow seemed to get it, because I saw her nod a few times, although it was slight, before she glided down towards Fluttershy. I turned back to my seat and joined Joe, who sat just across from me.

"That was really well put, thanks for sticking up for her," Joe said with a smile.

"I only said what was true...in fact, she reminds me a lot of my worlds Fluttershy, just a...different shape, if you know what I mean," I said, causing Joe to laugh.

"What's this about different shape."

Looking to my left I saw it was Luna.

"Oh hey, um, well, you see the individuals from my world share a great many similarities to everyone here, but when it comes to their bodies...well, they often say a picture is worth a thousand words," I said as I took out my smartphone, opened the gallery and showed the lunar princess my family.

"Oh...these are...well they look...uh," Luna said, trying to find the right word for what she was seeing.

"Bizarre. It's okay, I know you mean no offense. If anything, I think that would probably say the same thing," I said.

"Wait a sec, is that us from your world," Applejack asked as she and the other girls came over to see.

“Yep, I'm pretty sure you can all guess who is who," I said.

"Oh my such unique styles of clothes, it seems that this version of myself is quite successful in the clothing industry," Rarity said.

"What in sam hill is hanging of that gal's chest?! I mean those are huge, surely they would get in the way of work," Applejack said, making a reference to my world Applejack's breasts, leading me to take back my phone.

"Everyone has their own working style Applejack and we all make do with how we're born, but just so you know, just because she has a different body shape then you, she is not interior to you in strength. I mean I've seen her and Big Mac kick down fortress walls as if they were bucking apple trees for crying out loud," I said surprising the group.

"Now that sounds like a story I got to hear," Rainbow said.

"Another time perhaps," I said.

"Hey Ash, you know any good songs?" Pinkie suddenly asked.

"I know a few, why?" I asked.

"Why don't you play a few for us, y'know ,to liven up the party," Pinkie said.

"Well I...uh," I started.

"Aw come now, don't tell us you have stage fright," Joe teased, causing me to raise an eyebrow at him.

"Pinkie," I said.

"Yep?" Pinkie asked.

"Is there a place here where a temporary stage can be set up?" I asked.

"Sure," Pinkie said before she zipped off and bout 15 seconds later she came back. "Got it set up out the back."

"Great, if you will all kindly follow me please," I said as I got up and began to lead the group out the back, where we came to a simple stage. I proceeded to the centre before turning to face the crowd, summoning a microphone and my violin, which I began to tune. Once I was done I took in a breath and began to play.

As my bow ran along the strings, the sounds of multiple instruments joined in from somewhere, thanks to me using the harmonious heart (y'know, that thing that causes ponies to burst out into song in sync). I knew I had everyone's attention, but most of their faces changed to shock when I actually began to sing. When the last note was played the party guests cheered while Joe, the mane 6 and Luna could only stare in bewilderment.

" What'd you think?" I asked as I got off the stage, snapping the group out of their bewilderment.

"That was pretty good, good use of the harmony song by the way." Joe said, so I crossed my bow over my chest and giving the group a bow. " But, now I believe, it's my turn to entertain the masses. Boys, Swagger, time to get the band together!" Out from the crowd of party-goers, Joe's sons, Jack and Orion, along with a rugged looking man, came over. As they made their way onto the stage Joe summoned some instruments for the group. A bass guitar for Jack, a drum set for Orion, a guitar for the stallion, and a guitar and microphone for himself.

With the equipment hooked up and tuned Joe then turned to address the audience. " Hello, party people! Are you ready to rock!?" A chorus of cheers and applause met the question. "Well, then let's rock all night, and party every day!"

As the song went on I couldn't help but nod along with the beat and reminisce about the first time I heard that song. Once the song ended the audience applauded, there were even a few who whistled here and there, I too was clapping, as Joe, his sons and the pony from before took their bows. Soon everyone except Joe left and he gestured for me to approach, so I went back up onto the stage and faced Joe.

"I think we've got time for at least one more song, know any that we could play together?" Joe asked.

I closed my eyes and looked through my memories until one just seemed to appear, the memory of it causing a smile to appear on my face.

"Yeah, I think I know of one. Coincidently this song was sung when I was with the Raven Clan, a clan of Vikings that operated in England. Give me your hand," I said.

"Why?" Joe asked.

"I'm just going to transfer the memory of the song to your head, once you have it you'll be able to sing the lyrics as if you had them memorized by heart," I said.

"Handy, but is it safe?" Joe asked.

"Don't worry, I've recently gained a lot of experience when it comes to mind magic," I said.

My answer seemed to be good enough for Joe, as he reached out and I took my hand, transferring the memory. When it was done Joe raised a hand to his temple and began to rub it.

"Well, that was bizarre, but you could have told me about the headache," Joe groaned.

"It will fade in a few seconds, don't worry," I said before I summoned a lute and began tuning it, once Joe was ready I began to strum the lute.

Once more the audience was captivated by the sound, soon the phantom instruments began to play and, after that Joe began his part by singing, I joined in a couple verses later. Once we ran out of lyrics I stopped strumming and let the lute play out one final hum before going quiet and, like before, everyone gave a loud round of applause, to which we responded with a bow.

After our bow we left the stage and made our way over to a picnic table, where Rarity and Spike were already sitting down, and, it seems, Spike was glaring at Joe.

"Hey, Spike. What's with the look?" Joe asked as I summoned my drink from before

" Like you don't know. You get the band together and don't even bother bringing me in? What happened to Wyld Stallions for life?" Spike asked in a rather annoyed tone.

" You know, I would have, but the song I had in mind didn't require a piano. Besides, you'd rather be in our company, than your marefriend's?" Joe asked, causing me to choke on my drink a bit.

" I... uh... well, see the thing is..." He was cut off by Rarity bringing him close to her and giving his cheek a peck.

" Now Joe, don't tease him like that." Rarity said

" But then the fun's all gone." Joe said, looking over to his right. " Hey Brok, enjoying yourself?"

Suddenly my mood dropped again as I too looked to see the blue dwarf approach.

" As much as one can when sober." Brok said as he grabbed a cup and downed it, only to immediately spit it back out. " Fucking shit, what's with the elf piss?"

"I was using it to help my friend here cheer up." Joe said as he gestured to me. "Speaking of which, you still need to apologize for your actions earlier."

" We all know that's not gonna happen, but tell you what fuck-stick." Brok said directing his attention over to me. " You want a new weapon, armor, trinket, or just want something fixed up, I'll do it for half the price."

" Brok!" Joe said warningly.

"Alright, fine, for free. So what do you say, boy?" Brok said causing me to sigh.

"Tch, a half assed apology is better than none. I guess, but, if you don't mind, depending on if you have it, there are a few materials I'd like for something I've been meaning to work on and, if necessary, I will compensate you for the items I need," I said.

"You know how to work a forge?" Brok asked with a little surprise.

"I'm over ten quadrillion years young Brok, I'd personally find it strange if I didn't know at least some information on how to man a forge," I said, causing Brok to grunt dismissively.

"So, why you need to buy materials from me anyway if you know how to work a forge, you ain't lazy, are ya?" Brok asked.

"Dwarven materials are harder to come by, especially if you have no knowledge on how to harvest them," I said, to which Brok just replied with a strange look. "I said I know how to work a forge, I never said it was to Norse Dwarf specifications, after all, you lot are a very secretive bunch."

"Fair point, but my impression of you has dropped somewhat, now that I know you're a common smith," Brok said as he folded his arms across his chest.

"Brok!" Joe yelled

"Now that was uncalled for and, for the record, I'm no common smith, I have had teachers, not that it matters much to you, I bet," I said.

"Oh yeah, who?" Brok asked.

"Hephaestus, Greek god of fire and the forge, and, before you go and open you're pie hole about how he does a better job with automatons then weapons and armour, keep in mind he is a close second to you dwarves," I said.

Brok just looked at me for a second before he began to pace back and forth a few times while grumbling something under his breath.

"Okay fine, I take that back, but tell me, what exactly do you need them materials for anyhow?" Brok asked.

"Just some modifications to some weapons of mine is all," I said.

“Alright, give me a list of what you need and I'll get it for ya." Brok said, so I conjured up some paper, along with a pen, and wrote down what I needed from the dwarf. Once I was done, I handed it to Brok, who looked over the list. " Well, I can find most of this in my shop, a couple of these from the old shit box, but the last one's gonna take some time."

"Well, how much time is that?" Joe asked.

"At least two days, three if there's something good on TV." Brok said dismissively

"That's fine with me, I'm not in any real hurry to get back." I said and took another sip from my drink. That was when I saw the man from before, the one that was on stage with Joe and his sons, come up to us. " You know, I don't think we've met properly." I said as I extended my hand for a shake. " Ash Blade."

The man just looked at my hand before he placed his hoof in my grip and gave it a shake. " Gunnery Sergeant Bob Lee Swagger, USMC retired, General of Herot and sniper instructor. Listen, Twilight told me about what happened in the map room, so try to keep that temper in check."

" I can only say that I'll try. But, why would only Twilight tell you instead of the others?" I asked.

" Well, when your marefriend comes to you for comfort, you lend an ear." Swagger said.,

"Ah...listen I'm sorry about that I know this ain't much of an excuse, but I've been having a bad way of it lately," I said.

"I know, she told me," Swagger said.

"Right," I said.

"She also said I shouldn't do anything on account of you apologizing," Swagger said.

"So, a warning then?" I asked.

"A warning," Swagger said.

"Right...Well I don't know about you guys, but I've had enough excitement for day, so I'm gonna turn in," I said.

"I'll show you your room," Spike said as he lead me to the door.

Next Chapter: Chapter 51 Day Two on Another Equestria Estimated time remaining: 6 Hours, 2 Minutes