I sat in my chair in front of the fireplace as I read through a book about runes. I used to know these by heart a long time ago but after being in stone for a long time the knowledge has run dry a bit, so I got some of the old texts and worked on relearning runes. As I read through two books already and started on the third and I already started to remember some old ideas I had a long time ago.

As I read I heard the door opened, I looked over and saw Stella walking in. I raised an eyebrow at her.

“You spend more time here than your home, should I make you a room for you?” I asked.

“Well, if you’re asking.” she said with a smile. I chuckled and closed my book.

“So, how’s school?” I asked. She shrugged.

“School’s school, I learned stuff, did work and all that.” she said as she sat on a nearby stool.

“Sounds, fun.” I said. I paused for a moment. “Still hearing that voice?”

“Sometimes, Twilight tried to look into it but couldn’t find anything, maybe I’m going crazy?” she said.

“Crazy? What’s crazy?” I joked. She giggled a bit at that. We spent some time chatting and I helped with her homework, math and history, it works out that since she’s good at math and one of my favorite subjects is history.

“It’s kind cheating that you know this since you probably lived it.” she pointed out.

“It’s not cheating, you’re just using sources to find the answer, even if one of them is someone who lived it and can tell about it.” I said. She rolled her eyes and went on finishing. I looked over and notice a note on the bench. I went over and looked at it, I saw the crest of Byrgenwerth on it. I frowned as I opened it and read through it, I raised an eyebrow at what it says.

“What’s up?” Stella asked.

“It seems some people appeared in Byrgenwerth after testing something, the headmaster want’s me to come and take a look.” I said.

“Byrgenwerth? Isn’t that a school?” she asked.

“A school and research place, the granddaughter of an old friend runs the place.” I frowned a bit. “Tia doesn’t like that place very much since they look into things more… dark than normal.” I said.

“Can I come?” she asked. I looked at her for a moment.

“It’s a very creepy school that had a very dark history, and you want to come?” I asked.

“I’ve been spending my time here and everyone else gives this place a wide berth, I think I’ll be fine.” she said with a smirk.

“Right… just stay close.” I said. The two of us went outside and headed to the everfree. After walking for a bit we came to a clearing. I moved a rock that broke the circle of magic and the spell faded, revealing a small ship.

“Don’t you have more… futuristic ships?” Stella asked.

“I do, but I like the old tech.” I said as I climbed up with her following behind. “Okay, it’s going to be some time till we get them so just enjoy your time.”

With that and taking the ropes off I had the ship rise up and pointed it to Byrgenwerth.

Jak

“Are you completely sure you know what you're doing, dad?” The voice of my twenty year old daughter, Nyx asked as I made sure the last screw was put in tightly.

“I've been doing for almost ten years, I'm pretty damn sure I know what I'm doing.” I replied as I took a few steps back and took a look at the large unfinished mech like suit.

“I know that, dad. I've been helping along for half those years.” Nyx said as she sat atop my work bench, swinging her legs back and forth off the ground.

“Then why are you asking?” I asked her with a raised brow, earning a small laugh from her.

“I can name a few reasons, like that time you tried to make the Jetboard Mk II.” She said as she pointed at the burnt pile of scrap in the corner of the large room. I blankly stared at it before looking back at Nyx.

“It wasn't my fault the power cell was unstable.” I said in defence. She looked at me with a deadpan look. “Don't give me that look.” I said as I walked up to her and picked up the cloth rag next to her before wiping my hands clean.

“So what is it that you've been working on? You've been working on it for weeks without telling mom and I what it is.” She asked as she took another glance at the unfinished suit.

“In theory, this thing should with mining operations while decreasing the risk of dying and increasing the efficiency of any worker. I'm also trying to make it environmentally friendly by making it powered by a Power cell but that'll take me a bit of time.” I told her as I placed the now dirty rag back on the workbench.

“Knowing you, it'll probably take at least four days.” She said with a grin.

“That's a short amount of time for something like this.” I told her with a smirk.

“You've done harder jobs than this. I mean you're not insane after being stuck in stone for Celestia knows how long, you fought the War of Haven City and the War for the World against the Dark makers.” She listed off a few major events that had occurred years ago. With a chuckle I turned around before walking back to the unfinished suit.

“And don't forget marrying your mother.” I told her as I grabbed hold of the hanging chain next to it and began to pull, causing the suit to be lifted up. I let go of the chain once I heard a click and the suit staid up.

“So when do we go meet with Wilhelm?” Nyx asked as she got off the bench.

“In an about an hour so we should-” I was cut off my the sound of a portal behind me. Turning around I was faced with a summoning portal to another displace world. “Huh, here I thought I'd never be called.” I spoke out. I looked back at Nyx as she looked at me with hopeful eyes. With a sigh I nodded.

“Fine you can tag along only if you promise not to get in trouble.” I told her, earning the familiar motions of a Pinkie promise before poking herself in the eye. With a small laugh, we both stepped through the portal.

Jace

After an hour of flight Byrgenwerth came to view. The place expanded a bit since the last time I saw it, which was during the plague. I steered the ship until we were just outside of the property to land. After tieing the ship so it doesn't float away the two of us headed off towards the school. As we walked I keep glancing into the woods as the feeling of I’m being watched, it seemed that Stella was having the same feeling.

“Something wrong?” I asked. She nodded a bit.

“Feels like I’m being watched.” she said.

“I feel it too, I believe some of the students do experiments on the wildlife around here and if it survive the tests it goes out and live a new life.” I said.

“Right… that’s not real… right?” she asked. I didn’t saw anything as I continued forward. “Right?”

We walked for some time until we came to the school that overlooks a lake. I saw that there’s some things has changed about the place but the overall feel of this place still kept me on my toes. It’s the same feeling like the Workshop and the throne room in the Valley only crank up to eleven. We continued on passing some plants that looked like they came from a sci fi or a horror book, also I think one of them was looking at me funny.

We came up to the steps and saw someone waiting for us. She had brown hair and green eyes that were behind a pair of glasses, she smiled warmly as we approached.

“Well, isn’t it the great Jace, I heard so much about you.” she said. I shrugged.

“I did a lot of stuff but them being great I don’t know.” I said as I looked at her. “So, I’m guessing you’re Alice.”

“That would be I.” She said as I shook her hand. “Now I would like to talk to you but I do have a busy schedule.”

“Right, I have to ask, in the later there was two beings that came here.” I asked. She nodded.

“At the time a small group were looking into these Tokens that the Displaced have to learn more about it, then a Magi and a Half-breed came out a portal and… here we are.” she said. We continued on into the building and as we did I continued to look around. I looked around and waited for something to jump out and try to eat me, I knew that nothing will but old habits die hard.

“So, these beings, were are they?” I asked Alice.

“One of the old classrooms, we put them there to wait for you.” she said. I raised an eyebrow at this.

“You made that sound like there experiments.” I said. She turned and smiled at me.

“Not all things that come this way become experiments… only few.” she said as she led me to a door. “They’re in there.” I nodded and watched her walk off.

“She’s a bit creepy.” Stella said. I shrugged a bit and reached for the door handle. As I grabbed it I waited and listened for a moment and gestured for Stella to move back a bit before I opened the door quickly. Falling out was the half-breed that was listing to us, she looked that of a black furred horse with a horn and wings. I raised an eyebrow at this.

“What are you doing on the floor?” I asked her as she looked up at me, looking oddly familiar.

“Asshole.” She said as she stood up and dusted herself off. She wore a sleeveless blue shirt and a pair of jeans.

“Says the one who was eavesdropping on us.” I said to her. She sounded like an older Nyx which threw me in a loop for a second. Stella looked at her and blinked a few times. She opened her mouth to speak but closed it as someone else spoke instead.

“Nyx, I told you not to get in trouble.” A man spoke behind her. I looked behind her and saw what looked like a Magi that went through a wasteland in the past. Oddly enough, he looks familiar.

“Nice to meet you two,” I said cheerfully. “It’s nice that you’re not freaking out over this sort of thing, being in a different world and stuff.”

“Why would we freak out? My dad has done this alot before.” The half breed said. I chuckled at her.

“You would be surprised.” I said as I stuck out my hand to them. “Names Jace, nice to meet you.”

“Jace, eh? Names Jak.” The Man introduced himself as he shook my hand. I smiled at him.

“Hey! What about me!” Stella said.

“Then introduce yourself, numbskull.” I said with an eyeroll. She glared at me for a moment before looking at the two of them.

“Hi! I’m Stella.” she said with a smile.

“Pleasure to meet the both of you.” The half breed said. I looked at her for a moment.

“Let me guess, you’re Nyx.” I said with a grin.

“How did you know? Was it because my dad mentioned literally minutes ago?” She sarcastically asked.

“No, it’s was the sound of you falling, you have a certain sound as you fall.” I said with a eatshit grin on. Stella groaned a bit.

“Nyx, stop.” Said her father in a stern voice. The half breed, now known as Nyx had folded her ears atop her head after hearing her father. Stella looked at the two of them as she pressed her lips together. I coughed to get her attention.

“Sorry…” she said shifting a bit. I rubbed her head a bit as I looked at them.

“I have to ask, were you pulled into this world by force or you walked in?” I asked them.

“We walked in by choice after a portal opened in the middle of my workshop.” Jak answered as Nyx stepped back to stand next to him.

“Good. It’s nice that you weren’t pulled in, it kinda sucks.” I said to them.

“Because it happened to you a lot.” Stella said crossing her arms.

“You have no idea.” I said with a chuckle. Nyx looked over to Jak and shrugged.

“Sounds troublesome.” Jak commented.

“It is.” I deadpan. Nyx blinked at me with my sudden shift of expression. “Now… the question is what to do now?”

“Don't know, I only crossed through thinking that someone called for help.” Jak answered with a shrug.

“Not really… the people here were researching tokens and I guess they summoned you two here.” I said with a shrug.

“Hmm… I was actually beginning to doubt my token would ever be used.” Jak said to himself as he stroked his beard.

“Aren’t you working on something?” Stella asked. I looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “What, they have that grease and oil smell on them.”

“We were but decided to finish it at a later date.” Nyx answered without missing a beat.

“What are you making?” she asked.

“A mining suit.” This time, Jak was the one that answered.

“Cool~” she said with a smile. I chuckled a bit.

“It's not as cool as might think, kiddo.” Jak said with small grin.

“Still.” she said.

“A mining suit huh, do you need anything for it?” I asked.

“Not really. I made sure dad had everything he needs.” Nyx answered, earning her bemused look from her father.

“You make it sound like I often forget things.” Jak said to her. Nyx only smirked.

“Because you do.” She answered back. I chuckled at this as I felt someone tap me on my shoulder.

“Excuse me.” that someone said. I turned to see a male magi standing there. “Headmaster Alice asked me to give you this.” he said as he hands me a note. I took it and saw that there were some items that were waiting to be sent out to the Valley but no one came by and now she wants me to take it over there.

“I see… well I can take them over there.” I said to the man. He nodded and headed off. I turned to see Jak looking at me. “What?”

“Was there something wrong?” He asked with a raised brow.

“Doing a delivery, some of the people who were supposed to come here didn’t show up and the headmaster asked me to take them over.” I said with a shrug. “Want to tag along?”

“I see no harm with that. Sure why not.” Was his answer.

“Does that mean we can leave? I'm really starting to get the creeps.” Nyx spoke out.

“Here I thought you said your the Harbinger of Nightmares.” Jak said, earning a blush from the half breed.

“I was eighteen and going through a phase okay!?” Nyx exclaimed in embarrassment. This got a laugh from her father. I chuckled at this.

“Well let’s head out to my ship, might take a few minutes to get the stuff they have on board but as soon as we get them on we can go.” I said. Jak nodded.

“Alright, we'll wait outside… if we find the exit that is.” Jak said, adding the last part after a cough.

“Right, if you follow me I’ll show you out.” I said looking at the walls of this place. “You can get lost in this place, it does that to visitors.” With that I had began to lead them out of the maze like halls before exiting the building. Once outside and instructed to wait on the airship, I went back inside to get the items I have to take back to the Valley.

Jak

After Jace escorted us out and told us to wait on his ship, I began to think. The man's name rings a few bells but I can't quite grasp why. A tap on the shoulder brought me out of my thoughts.

“Something wrong, dad?” Nyx asked as she looked at me with a bit of worry. I shook my head.

“Nothing is wrong, Nyx. I'm just thinking.” I answered before looking back at the large building. I then turned to look at her. “I just feel like I've met that man before but I can't seem to recall. My memory is slipping already, sooner or later I'll be as forgetful as my mother was.” I said to her, adding the last part as comment of my past life.

“What was she like?” Nyx asked out of the blue. I looked at her with a confused glance. “What was Grandma like?”

“Who, Velvet? Ask your mo-”

“No. I mean YOUR mother.” She said with a frown. I blinked at this before answering.

“Nyx… You know how I feel about this subject.” I told her in a serious tone. Her frown only lessened slightly. “I'll… I'll tell you when we get home.” I told her.

“You promise?” She asked with hopeful eyes. With I nod, I proceeded to do the motions of the pinkie promise.

“Promise.” I said after finishing the silly rhyme. This got a smile out of her before we heard the large doors open. Jace walked out with two others with some boxes on some hover pads. Stella followed behind and saw us, she waved at us as I saw that her eyes shone. She frowned for a moment then followed quickly behind. For a moment, her eyes looked that of a metal head.

“Hmm.” I hummed quietly at this before dismissing it for now. After a few minutes Jace walked up to the deck.

“Alright, everything is ready, everyone ready to lift off?” he called out.

“I hope I don't get airsick.” Nyx said as she gripped onto the railing. After a few moments I heard the engine started to pick up and we lifted off the ground. We raised above the ground over the trees and started headed out.

“Excuse me.” I heard someone say. I turned to see Stella there. “Does either of you get airsick?”

“Sometimes. It depends if I'm really sick or exhausted.” Nyx answered still holding onto the railing. With a chuckle, I released her grip from the railing, earning a yelp from her.

“Calm down, sweetheart. It's not like you're going to fall while I'm here.” I told her with a calming smile. She calmed down before nodding. Stella walked over and hands her a pill jar

“If you feel sick.” she said with a smile. “They taste like gummies!” This brought a bright smile onto Nyx as she took the jar.

“Thanks.” Nyx thanked the child in front of her. I chuckled at this before I turned to look at the passing scenery. I watched the forest below past us as we headed towards the mountains. The air became a bit colder as I saw a dome come around us before we past some mountain tops. There was some snow fall but it stayed warm.

“I forget that this ship has that. “Stella said. I looked at her as she was refolding a jacket.

“I know how that feels.” I muttered under my breath. She smiled at me as we went over the mountains. About thirty minutes later a bird landed near Nyx and stared at her, it was a purple bird with white stripes on it’s wings.

Nyx stared at the bird with fascination as the bird did the same. It hopped over to her and tilted its head at her. Nyx slowly moved her hand towards it before gently petting it. The bird didn’t seem to be afraid by this, it did nibble at her hand before hopping on it.

“It's so cute.” Nyx said before looking at me with a large smile on her face. I smiled at this as well, seeing her happy brings me joy. The bird looked at her until it jumped up on her head and sat down on her head. Stella giggled at the sight.

“It seems that it likes you, Nyx.” I told her with a small chuckle. “A little bird friend.”

“I kinda want to keep it.” Said Nyx with a smile. The bird nibbled at her head a bit before it went asleep on her head. “Can I?” She asked me.

“If the bird stays with you by the end of the trip, I'll think about it.” I told her.

“Almost there! You can see the place from over the edge.” I heard Jace yelled out. I looked over the edge and saw a large city coming up. The more we got closer the more active I saw it become, I also saw more ships around the place which are more advanced than this one.

“This place is big.” Nyx spoke out.

“Almost bigger than New Haven.” I said soon after she spoke.

“What’s New Haven?” Stella asked.

“A very large city that was built over the ashes of Old Haven.” Nyx answered after turning to look at Stella. She nodded as we landed at the docks. I looked around and saw two large suits waiting for us.

“Those are loader suits, they are used to carry heavy stuff.” Stella said.

“Interesting,” I said as I looked around the suits. I gave them another quick glance before turning to look at Nyx, seeing that the bird was still on her. “I guess the little bird really likes you.”

“Sooo?” She asked with hopeful eyes. I nodded with a smile. “Yes.” She whispered.

“But only if it wants to come back home with us. You can't force any animal of any nature to do what you want.” I told her as the bird flew and perched itself onto her shoulder. I looked over and saw the two loaders picked up the cargo and headed of into the docks. Jace was talking to someone.

“Have to thank you for that last shipment, really helped out with some mine work, also… still nothing.” the last part he whispered as the man nodded. I narrowed my eyes at the man before seeing the all too familiar symbol on the side of his shoulder.

“Wilhelm?” I asked outloud. The two of them looked over at me. Jace looked at the two of us.

“Guess you two met?” he asked.

“Yes actually, I was there when the world was at the very brink of total annihilation.” Wilhelm said as he walked over to me and held out hand. Taking a hold of his hand, we then shook them in a friendly manner before letting go.

“Those were the days.” I said with a smile, earning a chuckle from the Parthian ambassador.

“It's like you to reminisce those days.” Wilhelm said.

“Well, this helps with the introductions, since there aren’t any.” Jace said. He looked over at me. “I have a few things to do but they will only take a few minutes.”

“Alright, I suppose we'll wait here.” I told him before giving a quick glance behind me, seeing Nyx and Stella in conversation. Jace walked off the ship and started to talk to some others as I stood by Willhelm.

“So, if I'm not mistaken you're here to inform me of your progress towards the prototype mining suit.” Wilhelm said, turning to face again.

“It's almost there, I've been working on the frame and build of the suit before I start working on the actual machinery.” I told him, informing him of the suit.

“I see and?” He asked with a raised brow.

“I need a volunteer to make sure the suit doesn't feel like a cage of sorts.” I explained to him. He nodded as one of his guards appeared out of the corner of my eye and got his attention. The Guard must've whispered something to Wilhelm as the latter nodded before dismissing the guard. As this was happening I saw Jace walked back onto the ship.

“Okay, I’m done with that.” he said as he looked at us. “What did I miss?”

“We were just discussing something.” Said Wilhelm as he turned to face Jace.

“ I see.” he said as he pulled out a bag, took out something and put it in his mouth. He tilted his hand with the bag to us. “Want one?”

“No but thanks.” I told him as Wilhelm took one and ate it. Nyx and Stella came over and Jace hands her another bag to Stella.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what were you two talking about?” he asked as he pulled out a white chocolate ball.

“We were talking about a prototype mining suit I've been working lately. The suit was commissioned by Navarax to increase the efficiency in certain mining operations while also lowering the risk of certain harm.” I told Jace without missing a beat.

“I see, if you want I can get some engineers to help, if you want.” he said with a shrug. I opened my mouth to speak but was beaten by Wilhelm.

“Jace, this is Navarax’s best engineer and he said it himself once before. Jak is responsible for almost everything the Empire possesses.” Wilhelm said to Jace.

“Well, I wasn’t listing then.” he said with a grin. I rolled my eyes at the both of them.

“What I was going to say was thanks for the offer but the Prototype’s current fuel is an unstable mixture of Eco.” I told him.

“Alright, still if you need help just ask.” he said. He blinked at me for a moment. “Errr… what’s Eco? Sounds familiar.”

“Eco is a powerful substance capable of physically appearing in the form of a cluster or gas, ore, a prism, or a crystal, and comes in the six different known colors of light eco, dark eco, green eco, blue eco, yellow eco, and red eco, each color possessing a different and specific property.” I said as if I've said it before. He nodded at this.

“Got it, Thanks.” he said with a smile.

“Anyway, I must be off. I was informed that they're missing files in the embassy. A thief maybe on the loose.” Wilhelm said before walking away. Jace grin disappeared at this as he walked over to one of the guards that came on. He whispered something and the guard nodded and went off.

While that was happening, I took another quick glance behind me and saw that the girls seemed to haven't heard a word. I mentally sighed before looking back at Jace.

“So that aside, what do we do now?” I asked.

Jace

“Well, I guess see the sights.” I said to him. “There’s a lot to see in the Valley, what do you want to do?”

“Hey Nyx.” He called out to his daughter behind him. Nyx stopped her conversation with Stella and looked at Jak. “Hows ‘bout we take a tour around the city?” He asked, earning the bright and giddy smile of his daughter. He then looked back at me.

“A small tour sounds great.” Jak said with a smile. I nodded and the four of us left the docks and went on a tour of the city. As we walked I pointed things out to them and acted like a tour guide which made Stella giggle. We passed some city folks and some bowed while others nodded towards me. I saw Nyx looked around at the places while Jak was looking at the people and half-breeds.

“The city has a Haven vibe to it.” Jak commented as we walked.

“Does it now, don’t know if I should take it as a good thing or a bad thing.” I joked.

“Take it however you want.” Jak said with a simple shrug. I chuckled a bit.

“I’ll take it as a good thing.” I said as we continued. After a few minutes we came to view of the church, it stood tall and proud in sight but I remembered it casting a large shadow over the city. “That’s the church, one of the many important building here.”

“How come?” Nyx asked. I stopped and looked at her for a moment.

“It’s very old, like since this this place was built, a lot of people are religious and it looks very important.” I told her. Jak simply nodded as he looked at the building. “Any other questions?”

Both Jak and Nyx shook their heads in unison before we continued walking. We walked for a good hour until we got to the park and took a break. We sat down under a tree for a few minutes

“Despite the way it looks from afar, the city is quite a sight from within.” Jak said with his arms crossed and leaning against the tree while Nyx seemingly appeared hanging upside down from a branch.

“Yeah and the people seem nice too.” Nyx as as she lowered a bouquet of Midnight flowers. “A nice man gave me these and commented on my beauty.”

“I don’t blame him, this place is more open about Half-breeds then… some places.” I said.

“Sounds like this world has its fair share of racism, I suppose?” Jak guessed, looking over to me. I shrugged a bit.

“Something like that, Half-breeds are what they sound like, half of something with half of another, most see them as nothing as dirt to them.” I nodded at Nyx. “That’s why when ponies like her come everyone see them as Half-breeds.”

“Reminds me of the days before Haven City went into chaos. The City had different sections, Farms, a Port, market but then came the residential zones. The apartments for ponies who followed the rules blindly and then there were the slums, populated with non-equines.” Jak said in disgust towards the subject.

“Yeah… I kinda know the feeling.” I said crossing my arms. I saw Jak look at me for a bit. “Big civil war, about five thousand years ago.”

“Can you guys change the subject? Your vibes are bringing me down.” Nyx said as she again appeared from within the tree.

“Sorry.” I said as I looked up to see raven looking down at us.

“Change the subject.” it said in Nyx’s voice. Nyx looked around confused.

“I've been forgetting things a lot but I'm pretty sure ravens don't normally talk.” Jak said, looking at the raven in question. The raven looked at him for a moment.

“I’ve been forgetting things.” the raven said in Jak’s voice. It then went off and made different sounds and other voices.

“Must be a pet to someone trained.” I said.

“Get that stinking bird away from me!” the raven said. It made some other sounds that sound like a slamming door and something breaking.

“Okay, abandon pet.” I continued.

“It's almost like recorder in a bird.” Said Nyx as she now hung next to her father.

“Though why is it abandoned? It seems like a perfectly health raven bird.” Jak said afterwards.

“Health raven, recorder.” the raven said in both of their voices as it hops down onto Jaks head and looks down at him. This earned a giggle from Nyx and a chuckle from Jak.

“I have a shoulder pad for that.” Jak said to the raven. The raven hopped down and looked at Jak as it cawed at him.

“I think it likes you, dad.” Nyx said with a smile as her own bird hopped onto her open hand.

“Odd, I'm usually horrible with animals.” Jak said back. The raven tilted its head at Jak and started to peck at his shoulder pad. “Any thoughts Jace?”

“Any thoughts on what?” I asked. “Oh the raven, it took a shine to you.”

“Why, though?” He asked with a confused tone.

“Reasons.” the raven said with a caw. It nibbled at the shoulder pad and looked at Jak.

“That, ravens are super smart and they remember faces.” I told them. “I guess it just likes you.”

Jak looked at the raven before simply sighing and shaking his head with a chuckle. He then looked at Nyx.

“I guess you aren't the only one with bird friend now.” Jak said to Nyx, earning a small laugh from the latter. The bird on Nyx’s head made a singing chirp as the Raven copied it. I chuckled a bit at the sight.

“So what now?” Nyx asked after laughing. I shrugged.

“Don’t know.” I said. “Is there anything you want to do?” Just as Nyx was about to answer, the sound of an acoustic guitar. Looking at the direction it came from, I could see some people with instruments near the fountain. A man that looked to be twenty years held an acoustic guitar, a women slightly older than the man held a violin and finally a young man in his late teens was setting up a small drumkit.

Nyx saw this and grinned before dropping down from the tree. She then made her way to the group and with slightly worried look, Jak did to while the Raven landed next to me and watched as Jak walked towards Nyx.

From where I sat, I could see Nyx talking to the guitarist. She seemed to have asked something as she pointed at her father and after a brief pause, the man nodded and handed the guitar to Jak.

This confused him as he had no idea what's going until Nyx explained. Jak let out a sigh with a smile before he sat on the fountain edge with the guitar in his hands. Nyx looked towards the older woman before briefly talking to her. Finally, Nyx spoke to the teen drummer and with a grin, the kid smiled.

Nyx then stood in front of the group before making a few hand gestures that caused her hand to emit a blue aura. Blowing the aura like one would blow a kiss, Nyx had casted a certain spell that only affected the woman and the teen. It was then the music began.

I stood up and walked closer, interested in what is happening. Once I was close enough, I sat back down and listened in just as Nyx began.

When she finished the large group that came to listen started to clap. I saw Nyx blushed a bit as Jak handed the guitar back to the man. The two walked over to me as I smiled.

“Did you two become a duo or something?” I asked jokingly. Jak chuckled at this before shaking his head.

“No, nothing like that. There's a talent show back home that's coming up soon and Nyx here wanted to participate with her friends but they lacked a guitarist to make Nyx’s song work.” Jak said as he placed a hand on Nyx's shoulder. “It just so happens I'm quite the experienced guitar player.” Nyx rested her head on his hand as he spoke.

“Right, well you did fantastic.” I said. I looked over at Stella. “Doesn't your school hold a talent show?”

“Yes and no I'm not joining.” she said. I rolled my eyes and looked back at the other two which Nyx was staring at her.

“How come?” Nyx asked while Jak looked as if he heard something.

“Never my thing, people going up and doing something in front of others, not for me.” she said with a shrugged. Her eyes started to look around before looking back at Nyx.

“I can't really argue with that.” Nyx said while shrugging. “I was actually convinced by my friends in joining the talent show.”

“She's afraid of being the center of attention.” Jak said soon after, much to Nyx’s dismay. I chuckled a bit at this as I started to look around. I saw other people walk around but there were some who were glaring at us, mostly at Nyx.

“Let's get moving.” I said quickly.

“What's the hurry?” Nyx asked, tilting her head as she did.

“Like I said before, this place is more open to half breeds than others but there are some who aren't.” I said. Jak looked over to the passing people in time to see a glare directed towards Nyx. His blank look soon formed a deep frown.

“Lead the way.” Was all he said as he glared back. We headed off in a random direction as I looked around.

“All I can say is that they aren't stupid to do something while I'm around.” I said.

“I see but whatever they do, they better have deathwish.” Jak said as the skin of his hand turned grey for a brief second. I nodded and looked forward.

“So, anywhere you want to go next?” I asked in a cheerful tone.

“You ask as if we knew the place.” Jak said as he crossed his arms. I chuckled.

“Then where ever it is!” I said. This got a giggle out a Nyx while Jak rolled his eyes.

“So where to?” Nyx asked with a smile. I thought about it for a few moments.

“How about… the gardens.” I asked. Nyx nodded with a bit of excitement. I noticed an barely noticeable smile on Jak's face.

“All right then, follow me.” I said. I took them through some streets to get there quicker until we got to the gardens. “Here we are.”

The gardens were a whole section of the city filled with different types of plants, giving it almost a chaotic rainbow look, over the years it grew and people have been adding new flowers and plants into the garden which seemed to change over a few months. Everytime I come here it seemed to change a bit. I smiled a bit.

“Not like any other gardens you two have seen huh.” I asked the two. Nyx shook her head at this before looking back.

“I've only seen the Gardens of Canterlot palace.” She said before taking another look. “Haven City has a hanging garden but it doesn't compare to this.” She said. I chuckled.

“I believe it’s the spirits of the land that live in the gardens since over the years no gardener was needed to tend to them.” I said. Jak raised a questioning brow at this but stayed silent while Nyx looked around.

“Spirits of the land, not the weirdest thing I've heard.” Jak spoke with a chuckle.

“It may be weird in your world but here it’s understandable.” I said. I looked over at Nyx and nodded at the gardens. “Well, what are you waiting for, standing here will only show you a sliver of what to see.”

“You two go on ahead, I'll catch up.” Jak told us. Nyx’s smile faltered slightly but nodded in understanding. I watched as both Nyx and Stella went off into the gardens.

“You alright?” I asked Jak.

“Honestly, I don't know anymore.” Jak said as he placed a hand on his forehead and lightly massaging it. “But I'll be fine.”

“You sure…” I asked looking at him. I frowned a bit. “What’s wrong?”

“Don't worry about it.” He said, waving his hand dismissively. I frowned and nodded.

“Well, if there’s anything you need help with just give me a shout.” I said. I looked away for a moment and shook my head. “Odd, I got the feeling of deja vu.”

“What for?” Jak asked. I shook my head a bit and looked at Jak.

“Don’t know, just feel like I said that before.” I tilted my head a bit. “I don’t remember.”

“I see.” Jak said before looking at the direction the girls went. “We should probably catch up.” He said. I nodded and headed off into the gardens. We found them checking out some red and yellow flowers. Nyx turned and saw us.

“You're back.” She said with a small smile.

“When did we leave? You’re the ones that left.” I said. Stella rolled her eyes and chuckled. Jak groaned as he shook his head.

“This place is amazing, I've never seen a garden so full life like this.” Nyx said with a smile. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw some of the flowers brighten a bit.

“That’s nice to know.” I said. Jak looked at the flowers as if he was in deep thought before chuckling to himself. Nyx heard this and looked at him with a confused glance. I looked at the flowers and smiled, getting the idea… kinda.

“They appreciate what you said, Nyx.” Jak said to Nyx, earning a smile from the latter.

“How does he know that?” Stella whispered to me.

“He can speak to plants.” I whispered back. Both Nyx and Jak didn't seem to hear us as Nyx showed Jak around, showing him a few exotic flowers, each in a variety of different colors. Jak showed interest in the things Nyx had shown him.

“Alright Nyx, I think that's enough.” Jak said, stopping his daughter from going anywhere. With a nervous chuckle, Nyx complied. “I know that you have a lot of interest in the different plant life but I don't think I can keep up with your enthusiasm and excitement.” Said Jak with a small laugh.

“He doesn't look that old.” Stella said.

“Looks can be deceiving.” I said. I looked back at the two as they walked back.

“Sorry, dad.” She apologized with a small blushing smile. “I'm like you, I forget things sometimes.” She said before giving a quick hug that momentarily surprised Jak. Despite being surprised, Jak hugged back with a smile. Stella gave a sad smile at them and rubbed her arm. I ruffled her hair a bit, earning a giggle from her.

“So where to now?” Nyx asked, gaining my attention. I thought about it for a few moments.

“Don't know, you’ve already seen the places I know of that are good.” I said.

“Than I guess the tours over, right?” Jak asked while Nyx still held on to him.

“Guess so, do you still need to talk to Wilhelm?” I asked him. He shook his head.

“Not for another few days. I have to keep him updated with a few things about the suit.” He explained. I nodded and looked up to the castle.

“You two want to head off home or something else?” I asked.

“Actually if it isn't too much to ask for, I actually want to see this world's version of our home.” Nyx requested, earning a questioning look from Jak. “Dad had told me a lot when I was little that despite being the same town, there's always something different to it that separates from the rest.” She explained.

“Oh there's some… big differences.” I said with a chuckle. I led them to the castle steps. I saw the two looked up at the steps before I ported us up to the top. Two guards saw us and saluted.

“So this is the palace?” Jak asked.

“Yup, this, the church, and a few buildings and places are some that stood the test of time.” I said.

“Cool.” Nyx said in awe. I nodded as I lead them into the castle. After leading them through the place I found the door with the name ‘'Fairgate’ over it. I opened it and walked into the workshop. I turned to them as we got to the main room.

“Fairgate?” Jak said out loud.

“Yup, one of the notable differences.” I said as I walked to the doors. “Now let's look for the other ones.”

Jak

As we walked through the door, I felt myself being warped similar to going through a warp gate. I could see that Nyx felt the same but the effect left the both of once we stepped out through the door onto the other side. Seeing the change of of scenery, I could not only see that we've been warped somewhere, I could feel it as well but despite all that, I said nothing and only comforted Nyx as she felt disoriented by the sudden warp.

“Are you okay, Nyx?” I asked, gaining a weak nod from the mare. “Are you sure?” I asked again.

“I’m...ugh, fine.” She answered with another weak nod. Not convinced with her answer, I did the only thing I could quickly think of. With a little concentration, I forced the dark eco to change my body slightly, causing me to sprout a pair of gray leathery wings. Two horns sprouted from the top of my head as I felt myself grow a few inches and heard a few rips before stopping.

I looked down at my hands and saw that they had turned slightly paler than before before closing them into fists a couple of times to get acquainted with the new strength. Afterwards I looked at Nyx again and saw keeping herself up by pushing against the wall. With a sigh, I walked up behind her before picking her up with ease. She yelped in surprise which was quickly followed by a groan of pain before I used my other arm to cradled her up bridal style.

“Everything alright back there?” Jace asked me as he stood in front of a pair of doors.

“Everything's fine. Nyx is a bit nauseous and unable to walk.” I replied without missing a beat.

“Oh, now how did that happen?” he asked now looking at us.

“She can't really stomach any form of teleportation, worse when it is sudden.” I told him, looking down at Nyx in concern.

“Luckily it’s not as bad as my sister, she can’t stomach teleporting or even going through portals.” Jace said. He opened the door and the two of them walked out. “You coming?”

“Yeah.” With that I began to walk with Nyx in my arms. I walked out of the building and took a look around. What greeted me was a familiar yet different sight.

What would normally be Ponyville was a town strikingly similar, difference being not only the new numerous buildings but the inhabitants as well. It was a completely revised version of Ponyville named Fairgate.

I blinked at this before feeling Nyx move. Looking down, I could see that she looked better than she did when we arrived.

“Are you feeling okay to stand now?” I asked. She nodded and with that I gently placed Nyx back down, hooves first.

“Thank you, daddy.” She said. I smiled at this.

“No problem, sweetheart.” I told her with a caring smile.

“Welcome to Fairgate, a nice and familiar place.” Jace said. I chuckled lightly at that.

“I can see that.” I said to him. “It isn't see some of the similarity.”

Jace smiled before looking around until he saw Stella holding a few books in her hands. “What are those?”

“Books that you forgot to return.” she said. He took one of them and gave it a once over.

“Hell I thought I returned these.” He said before looking over at us. “Sorry, have to do a little pit stop over at the library.”

“Can we come with?” Nyx asked just seconds after he said that. I gave Nyx a questioning glance before giving Jace a shrug.

“I don’t see why not.” he said. He turned around and the two of them headed off. We followed behind them as we looked around. The towns folk that saw us gave us a wave and a smile as they went on their day.

“Hey, some of them look like you, Dad.” Nyx said.

“Because of the ears?” I asked her, gaining a nod in return which, in turn, caused me to roll my eyes.

Jace

The four of us walked through the town, Jak and Nyx looked around at the buildings as I heard Nyx say that some buildings looked the same. I chuckled as we turned the corner and saw the place we were going to, I heard a gasp from Nyx when she saw it.

“There’s the Library.” I said pointing at the Golden Oak Library.

“It looks like the one back home… before it blew up, I mean.” Nyx said. This earned a chuckle from Jak.

“Blew up?” Stella said. I looked at her.

“Don’t ask, it be spoilers.” I said with a smile.

“Right.” Jak said in agreement. “So it's best to forget about it.” With a shrug, He lightly slapped Nyx’s shoulder. Nyx hissed but said nothing, knowing what the slap was for. We walked to the tree and headed inside. The first thing I saw was Twilight fast asleep in her desk with books and papers all over the place. I frowned at this.

“She has a room for this…” I muttered before walking over and stook her. She mumbled something before waking up. She looked around before looking at me.

“Who are you?” she asked tiredly. I rolled my eyes and showed her my book.

“Someone who’s returning a book.” I said. She yawned and stretched a bit before seeing Jak and Nyx.

“Oh, hello didn’t see you there.” she said with a tired smile.

“Hello, to you too.” Greeted Jak.

“Hi.” Nyx greeted with a wave of her hand. Twilight smiled as she stood up.

“I’m Twilight Sparkle, it’s nice to meet you.” she greeted.

“My name is Jak and this…” Jak said placing his hand on Nyx's shoulder. “Is my daughter, Nyx.”

“Oh…” Twilight said before standing in front of Nyx. She looked at her for a moment before smiling. “I had a feeling you were her.”

“Really?” Nyx asked with curiosity. Twilight smiled a bit.

“You have the same colour eyes and voice, just a bit older.” she said. This got a small blush out of Nyx and a chuckle out of Jak.

“Should we put the books in the return bin?” Stella asked. I nodded at her and we did just that.

“So I assume this isn't the first time you meet a double?” Jak asked.

“Oddly enough, no it’s not.” Twilight looked over at me. “Because of this sort of thing I got used to it.”

“Not sorry.” I said with a grin. Twilight rolled her eyes and looked back at Nyx.

“At first I thought you were a Half-breed but now I see that you’re not.” she said with a smile.

“I expected as much from your reaction.” Jak said, looking at both Twilight and Nyx. “There have been times where I met other versions of yourself that would recognize their own daughter in a heartbeat.”

“It’s hard not to.” Twilight said with a warm smile. Stella looked down to the ground for a bit before I ruffled her hair a bit and smiled at her.

“That's true, I suppose.” Jak said with a smile. I caught a glimpse of his skin suddenly turning very pale and back to normal in a fraction of a second.

“What was that?” Twilight asked.

“What’s what?” Stella asked.

“You missed it.” I said with a chuckle. Nyx looked at Jak with concern in her gaze.

“Are you alright, dad?” Nyx asked. Jak didn't seem to answer for a full five minutes before finally blinking rapidly while shaking his head.

“Damn.” Jak whispered as he winced. “Sorry, I was just deep thought and it must've caused my skin to pale for a second.”

“Are you alright?” Twilight asked him before standing in front of him.

“I'm fine.” He replied dismissively. “It happens from time to time.” Twilight frowned a bit.

“Are you sure you don’t want any help?” she asked.

“She does sound like mom.” Nyx said. This earned a giggle from Stella.

“Really, I'm fine. This isn't the first time my skin paled.” Jak said a little smile. Twilight smiled a bit at him.

“So Jak, Nyx anywhere you want to see?” I asked them. Jak simply looked at Nyx with an expecting gaze.

“I guess we can just walk around town.” Nyx suggested. Jak shook his head.

“Or we can just sit and relax for a bit, you've been running around all day after all.” Jak said to her. Nyx chuckled nervously at this before nodding.

“Well, you can rest here.” Twilight said as she nodded to the couch behind them. Jak gave his answer in the form of a smile before sitting down with a grunt.

“Finally…” He sighed as his skin paled to a sickly white and atop his head were two black curved horns. His green-blond hair was now a pure white.

“He kinda looks like one of those demons from your books.” Stella said to me. I nodded as I looked at the other books on the shelves.

“Do either of you want a drink?” Twilight asked.Nyx was the only one who raised a hand at this.

“Some water sounds nice.” Jak said with a groan as his body slowly reverted back to normal. Twilight nodded and headed off to the kitchen. I pulled a book of medicine and looked through a few pages.

“So… can you do that?” Stella asked Nyx.

“Do what, change like my dad does?” Nyx asked before earning a nod from Stella. “Yeah, sorta.”

“Cool~.” Stella said with a smile.

“I honestly don't change often, the ponies back home don't take kindly to it.” Nyx said to Stella. “They don't hate it, it's just that whenever I do change I go insane.”

“Sounds normal to me.” I said out loud. I looked up I saw everyone looking at me, I rolled my eyes. “I been hunting monsters that… some give demons nightmares, insanity is just a bump in the road.”

“That may be true but it is an entirely different thing for those with Dark Eco.” Jak said, this earned him a questioning glance from Stella but Jak didn't seem to notice. “Imagine The incredible Hulk on Super Steroids.” Jak said.

“Hey! I understood that!” Stella said. I chuckled at that.

“Not the way I'd say but, yeah. There are some rare moments where I don't go insane.” Nyx said before sitting down next to Jak. “I'm afraid of losing myself again like I did when I was eleven.”

“See, when you say something like that you jinx it.” I said. Her ears laid flat atop her head and Nyx looked down in sadness. Jak placed a hand onto her shoulder in a comforting manner.

“You’re a ray of sunshine.” Stella deadpan.

“Shut it you.” I said. Twilight walked in with some cups of water and saw what’s going on and looked at me.

“What did you do?” she asked.

“Why do you assume it’s me!”

“Because it’s always you.” Twilight deadpan and handed the other two some water. I grumbled a bit.

“Hey Jace, can I show you something?” Stella asked. I looked around and saw the mood everyone is in.

“Sure…” I said as I followed Stella.

Jak

“I’m sorry for that, Jace can be a bit of… well an asshole.” Twilight said with a sheepish smile.

“It wasn't hard to tell that from the get go.” I said in angered tone before letting out a sigh. “But you don't need to apologize for it.”

“Still, I have to say sorry.” she looked to where the two went off to. “I just don’t see why Stella taken a shine to him.” I merely shrug my response before looking at Nyx in concern.

“Are you okay, sweetie?” I asked her, my voice showing my concerns for her. She nodded silently as a single tear slid down her muzzle. I sighed at this before pulling her into a warm embrace. “Come on, Nyx, you have to let it go. That was nine years ago and nobody thinks ill of you.”

“I know… it's… it's just that when I was out of control, I remembered who I was. The insane mare on the moon that was hell bent on eternal night.” Nyx said as she wiped her eyes.

“You sound just like my Nyx,” Twilight said. “She has nightmares about that but doesn’t know why. Even today she still get’s them.”

“As long as you're there for her, then everything will be alright.” I said to Twilight before beginning to brush my hand through Nyx’s mane. Twilight smiled.

“Yeah…” she said before frowning. “I wish I could say the same for Stella.” I hummed at this as I felt Nyx pull away. Letting go from the hug, she sat up.

“Will you be okay?” I asked her.

“Yeah, I think.” Was her answer. I smiled a little at this.

“Do you two want anything else?” Twilight asked.

“No, but thanks for the offer.” I told her with a shake of my head. “What about you, Nyx?” I asked my daughter. She shook her head.

“I'm fine, thanks.” She said with a little smile.

Jace

“So… what is it?” I asked as I looked at a pile of paper on her desk.

“It’s the first part of a book!” she said with a smile. I looked at the top of the paper and saw the words ‘Title goes here’. “I uhh… still need to work on making a title.”

“Titles are hard to make, you’ll get one.” I said. She nodded as she looked at it.

“I wish my dad was here, so I could show him.” she said softly. I sighed and ruffled her hair a bit.

“I guess he just missing out,” I said as I nodded to the door. “If that’s all you want to show me let's head on back down.”

She nodded and the two of us walked down to the main room. Twilight wasn’t there and Jak and Nyx were still sitting on the couch. Stella went to the window seat and pulled a book out that was hidden from sight as she started to read it. I went to the other books and took a look around again.

“So… uhh… sorry about what I said before.” I said rubbing the back of my head. “I sometimes say things before thinking about them.”

“Just make sure you don't do it again.” Jak said with an angered tone. I gave him a side glance and nodded as I pulled a book and looked at it. After a few moments, I closed the book and looked for another.

“Can we go now?” Nyx said, gaining the attention of her father. “I'd rather look around town than spending the rest of our visit sitting down.”

“I suppose,” Jak said, scratching the back of his head as he spoke. “Though we should leave soon, Lord knows what Discord will do while I'm gone. That and you're mother doesn't know we're gone and you know how she gets when she worries.” Jak told her.

“If your Twilight is the same as our Twilight then I know how she gets.” Stella said without looking up from her book. I chuckled at that.

“Well, I’m kinda feeling a bit hungry how about some lunch?” I asked them.

“Sure.” Nyx answered with a smile.

“I guess I'll join as well.” Jak said. I glanced at him and noticed that he was back to normal. I closed my book and put it back. I glance over at Twilight but she was nose deep in a book, or two. I chuckled as the four of us headed off.

“I know of a place near here that’s good.” I said to the two. The two nodded and we headed to the restaurant. After five minutes we stood in front of Mage’s Tavern. There was a sign out saying that we have to seat ourselves so we took the big table out front. Four menus appeared in front of us which made me roll my eyes.

“They are stepping up their game now.” I said with a chuckle. Stella giggled as we all looked at the menus.

“Too bad they don't serve Kangarat.” Nyx said with a mock pout. This earn a little smirk from Jak.

“Well, you'll have to wait until we get home. There's probably another ready to cook.” Jak said without looking away from the menu.

“I don’t know what’s a Kangarat is.” Stella said before closing the menu. I looked through the and saw some things that looked good, I chuckled at one of them and closed the menu. A woman came out to our table.

“Hello! I’m Silver and I’ll be your server today,” she said with a smile. “Can I get any of you something to drink?”

“Do you have any soft drinks?” Nyx asked the waitress.

“We have Root beer, Coke, Pepsi, Ginger ale, Orange soda, and… others that you can see on the back of the menu.” the lady said pointing it out to her.

“Root beer, please.” Nyx requested.

“I'll take a mug of Dragon Fire.” Jak said without looking up from the menu. The lady nodded as she looked over at the two of us.

“Orange soda no ice please.” Stella said.

“I’ll have… the Hunters ration.” I said.

“Alright, I’ll be right back with your drinks.” Silver said before walking away. As she left, Jak placed the menu down.

“Closest to anything I know in this menu are ribs.” Jak said out loud.

“I'm picking the stake.” Nyx said as she placed her menu down as well. After a few minutes, the woman came back with our drinks and took our orders. I just had a sandwich and Stella a burger. After a few minutes of talking Silver came back with our food.

“Hope you enjoy!” she said happily. Jak nodded with a smile before ripping off a rib and eating it, bone and all. I shrugged and started eating my food.

“You remind me of Stripe.” Stella said to Jak.

“Who?” Jak asked after swallowing. Nyx ate in silence as her father spoke.

“Stripe, he’s a dog that eats everything.” Stella said.

“Sounds like every dog I met.” Jak replied with a roll of his eyes before another rib and casually tossing into his mouth before biting down. I rolled my eyes and continued eating. We ate until we were finished and Silver came back.

“Enjoyed your food?” she asked. I nodded as the rest did as well. “Do you want the menu for the desserts?”

“I'll have one.” Nyx said and Silver handed one to her as soon as she said it. Jak shook his head and leaned back onto the chair. Stella asked for one and I shook my head. After a few minutes, I took a sip from my drink… all I have to say is that it’s blunt.

“So… what you’re having?” Stella asked Nyx.

“The pumpkin pie.” Nyx answered with a smile. “I really like Pumpkin pies.”

“Cool, I’ll get the mud cake.” Stella said.

“Isn't that a bit too much chocolate for kid your age?” Jak asked with a raised brow. Stella stuck her tongue out at him.

“You be surprised.” I said as I held my drink.

“Still though, aren't you at least one a little concerned that she might go into a sugar high,” Jak said to me. I merely shrugged as a response. “Alright then.”

"If he knew more about who we are, then he wouldn’t ask." Grakos whispered in my head. I frowned a bit.

‘Shut it you.’ I said to him as I took a drink. Silver came back and took the girls order and went off to get them. After three minutes she gave them their desserts which they happily ate.

“Alright, I think it's about time we go back home.” Jak said once Nyx took the last bite of her pie.

“Aww.” Nyx whined as she heard this. Stella did as well but she had a mouth full of cake so it was muffled.

“Well, I guess it was nice to see the two of you.” I said to them.

“And it was to have met you.” Jak said with little smirk. I smiled and with a wave of my hand as a portal opened.

“One portal back home, free of charge.” I said. Stella waved goodbye as she ate her cake. Jak and Nyx waved back as they crossed through the portal. Through the portal though, I could see what I think was their version of Discord. He seemed to look just like he does in the show except for one thing, his eyes, he had none. Where his eyes would be was just more skin. The portal closed as I looked over at Stella, who didn’t see it as she was eating her last bit of cake. I leaned back and drank the last bit of my drink, wondering what’s going to happen next in the future.