“So, why are we here again?” Rainbow asked from behind me as we walked through the center of the Crystal Empire. Due to the recent events from the Equestria Games many crystal ponies that were out and about waved to us. Some even walking up to give us a happy greeting. “I mean we were just here a month ago.”

As always, it was a beautiful day because of the Crystal Heart providing the perfect weather. Usually, it would be Philomena and Angelfeather walking beside me. This time, however, it was Fluttershy and Philomena on either side of me. Angelfeather insisted on it because of how late in the pregnancy Fluttershy was. She tended to get tired when walking a good distance now. She was wearing a simple sundress with pregnancy support underneath. According to her that support really has helped. I’ll take her word for it. Angelfeather was walking beside Fluttershy with the rest of the girls behind us.

“It’s because of the visit from the Duke and Duchess of Maretonia,” I said back to her.

“And yes, that’s why you’re wearing the same dress as you wore at the Gala,” Rarity’s voice was tinged with amusement due to how Rainbow feels about dresses.

I waved to a family that had just walked out of their house because they waved to me.

“Ok, I get that,” Rainbow sighed and I could tell she was trying to be patient due to the tone in her voice. “But what I don’t get is why we need to be here? It’s not like we’re going to do anything.”

I heard Twilight’s patient sigh before she started to explain, “We are here because the meeting with the Duke and Duchess of Maretonia is an important one. With all of us here, Celestia’s son and us, the Elements of Harmony, will show them how important this meeting is for us. How important they are to us. This is why we are all wearing our best dresses. Or suit in Fred’s case.” Rainbow gave out a soft hum in acknowledgment. Even though she understood it, that short hum told us that she still didn’t like it, but she would also go along with it.

“Oh thank goodness we’re almost there,” Fluttershy mentioned after a little huff while we approached the guards stationed around the castle grounds. “I’m starting to get tired and my hooves are starting to ache.” I offered my arm to her, which she took gladly to support herself. Fluttershy, however, because of her pregnancy wasn’t wearing the same dress she wore at the Gala. Instead, it was a simple sundress with a beautiful blue Morning Glory flower directly over her baby bump. The dress itself was a light yellow with light pink accents to go with her coat and mane colors. Rarity told us that the big flower over her belly signifies the growing life within. I thought it was a beautiful gesture.

“I’m sure there are chairs inside,” I told her softly before leaning down giving her a light kiss.

As we approached the guards, Spike quickly ran up to join me by walking in front of me. He too was wearing a white shirt, tie, and black vest as I was. “Hi guys,” he greeted the two guards with an excited wave. Him and his hero self-worship from others.

“Greetings, Spike the brave and glorious,” one of the guards greeted. “Welcome back to the Crystal Empire.”

“Greetings, Prince Fred, Philomena, and Princess Angelfeather,” the other one greeted with an equal stoic reaction. Then greeted the others when we walked by them. “Greetings, Princess Twilight.”

The other one finished with, “And the Elements of Harmony.”

“Thank you, gentleman,” Rarity cooed at them and probably batting her eyelids at them too.

A couple of minutes later, Mother, Aunt Luna, and Cadence all walked out of the castle doors to greet us. The dresses that they wore must be for just special occasions or meetings because I haven’t seen them before. Mother’s dress one of the kinds that had one large strap over her right shoulder that swooped down diagonally to cover her chest. A golden-looking lace-type belt was cinched around her waist. Its length ended halfway between her knees and her hooves. It was white with gold edge accents with what looked like golden lace mixed in. She was also wearing her tiara and golden shoes on both hooves. Her long multi-colored hair was put into a long large golden hair net type thing as well as her tail.

Luna’s dress was exactly the same except the strap was on her left shoulder and the colors were dark blue for the dress’ main color with light blue glittering edge accents. She was also wearing her tiara and light blue polished shoes on her hooves. Her hair as well as in a long large hair net along with her tail but it was dark blue in color with light blue glitters.

Cadence’s dress was a double strap v-cut dress of light blue with glittering yellow trim and accents. She also had a yellow lace belt around her waist. Her dress ended just above her knees and was just tight enough to show off her curves. The v-cut was deep enough that, without the lace, would be good eye candy. Her hair was dun up in a bun that ended in a short ponytail. Her tail was done in a tight braid to complete the picture.

“My sunshine boy,” Mother greeted me with open arms drawing me into a tight hug. “Back so soon.” She said it as a rhetorical statement while I hugged her in return.

“Indeed,” Luna greeted with a hug as well after I let go of Mother. While I was hugging Aunt Luna, Mother was happily greeting Fluttershy. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched her take Fluttershy’s hands in hers with a wide smile.

“How are you fairing, Fluttershy?” Mother asked her with the happiest face I’ve ever seen.

The rest of the girls were saying hello to Cadence with questions about how she was doing since the games.

“About ready to burst,” Fluttershy giggled happily. “The recent doctor’s visit told me that I could give birth any day now. And I can’t wait to hold him or her.”

While Mother, Fluttershy, and Philomena, I leaned in to whisper to my Aunt, “I’m assuming you’ve been keeping an eye on Cadence’s dreams?”

“I have dear Nephew,” she whispered back, taking the opportunity while Cadence was busy talking with Twilight and the other girls. “She is obviously deeply concerned over Shining’s proposed actions. She’s been having nightmares about his followers slaughtering ponies and humans in the streets. Images of her drowning in blood have been the most frequent recently. And a deep sorrow for what she’s lost in Shining Armor.”

“That’s pretty much what she’s said in her letters to me,” was my whispered reply.

“Oh I think that’s wonderful, Philomena,” Mother’s giddy excited voice once again cut through the many conversations. When I looked over at them, Mother had turned to Angelfeather as well. “I’m so happy that you and Angelfeather have decided to have children with him.”

Suddenly Pinkie appeared beside my mother grasping her arm shaking it slightly in excitement, “Don’t forget me.”

“You too, Pinkie Pie,” Mother giggled, leaning into Pinkie as a sideways hug. “As I said before, I was never expecting my sunshine boy to return and even less of being a grandmother. When are your heat cycles?”

“Oddly enough,” Angelfeather spoke up with a wide smile and a growing blush, “both Philomena’s heat and mine are at the same time next month.” She gently took my arm pulling me to her as Philomena stepped up on the other side of me taking my other arm. “We plan on getting married just before that, so our heat will happen during the honeymoon.”

“A happy time indeed,” Aunt Luna was all smiles, putting an arm around Mother.

Mother didn’t say anything, but squealed loudly, and put her hands to her lips bouncing on her hooves.

“More than one of us had the same reaction, Princess,” Rarity’s soft cooing voice somehow broke through Mother’s squeal of delight as she and the rest of the girls surrounded us.

“Oh yes, I’m quite happy for them,” Fluttershy looked up to me with assurance in her eyes. “I’ll be just fine for a few days.”

“I was worried for Fluttershy because I would be away soon after our foal is born,” I said aloud for everypony to hear. “Even after we all talked about it, I still feel a little guilty about being away so soon after she’s given birth.”

“Now sugarcube, we’ve told ya that you don’t have to worry about that.” AJ had a smirk on her face when our eyes met. “Not only will we all look after her and your foal when you’re gone, but Discord as well.” She paused with an uncertain look on her face. “Of course, I don’t know how I’d feel about him watching over mine,” she added softly as an afterthought.

“My heat won’t come around again for a few months, so I’ll be more than happy to look after him or her,” Pinkie offered, happily giggling away.

“I’m so happy for you, Fred,” Cadence stepped up, and as the group parted for her, she gave me a hug.

“He will,” Philomena agreed with a smile of her own. “Why I asked for child with him.”

“And I know that he won’t become like my father,” Angelfeather commented.

Cadence had a smile on her face as she looked up to me, but there was a certain sadness in her eyes to go along with it. “I think so, too. I think he would be a great father.” Her smile faltered and my heart sank at what she said next. “I wanted to have a foal with Shining Armor, but now that won’t happen. We’re officially divorced and it doesn’t look like he’ll change anytime soon.”

“Maybe you will find somepony else?” Twilight asked more of a suggestion, which surprised me because it didn’t quite sound like Twilight. “There’s always hope for my brother.” That did and sounded more like Twilight.

While looking down at Cadence, with my heart practically bursting for her, there was a certain look in her eye that I couldn’t quite place. The corners of her mouth tugged a little before frowning then looking up to Mother. “The Maretonia dignitaries should be here shortly,” Cadence said before turning around and starting to walk away. “We should get ready.”

“Of course we should,” Mother agreed, turned, and walked next to Cadence. Aunt Luna did the same followed by the rest of the girls.

I leaned down and whispered to Philomena, “Would you stay with Mother, Aunt Luna, and Cadence? Especially Cadence. Twilight and Angelfeather need to stay with me right now anyway.” With a nod, Philomena turned and followed the group.

Once far enough away out of earshot, Twilight sighed. It was a sigh of regret and sorrow. “She really wanted to have a foal with my brother,” she said softly and put her arm in mine. Just before Angelfeather did the same and we started following the whole group inside. “And now it looks like that won’t happen. Cadence may not be as old as Celestia, but ever since I’ve known her she’s been wanting a foal of her own. That’s why she was such a good foal sitter when I was growing up with her.”

There was a pause as we walked into the castle. Between us three the atmosphere was a somber one as I processed what Twilight just said. “There was a certain sad look in her eyes when Cadence said it wouldn’t happen now.” Again, whispering to her so my voice wouldn’t echo in the crystal halls. “Now I know why she looked so hurt when she said it.” I already knew where we three were going. It was to the top of the castle where the flag was. My mother wanted us three to unroll it, but only I would be physically doing it. Twilight and Angelfeather would simply be standing there for political support. We were going to unroll a black banner that had a golden symbol that represented Maretonia. And with nothing else to say, because we didn’t know what else to say, we started up the stairs toward the banner.

After we got up to the tower, we could see everything from the castle to the train station we got off of. There was only one string that was tied to the railing that would unroll the banner. What was also up here was a brisk breeze that blew not only my hair but Twilight’s and Angelfeather’s as well.

“Wow, this is really pretty up here,” I heard Twilight say softly. Her voice sounded like a girl on a date that was standing on a lookout point watching a sunset.

“I wouldn’t know,” I said with a chuckle as the breeze blew Twilight’s hair in front of my face. My ears picked up Angelfeather’s giggle then noticed her put a hand to her mouth in amusement.

Twilight turned her head to look at me, which got her hair out of my face. “What do you mean, you wouldn’t know?”

“Oh look, there it is,” I teased while looking out onto the city with a smirk on my face.

I turned my head just a little, enough to see Twilight look at me curiously before facing forward again. Obviously dismissing what I said as a joke or something like it.

“Whoops, now I can see it anymore.”

Angelfeather’s giggling got a little louder as she tried to hold in her mirth.

I heard Twilight let out a calming sigh then turned her whole body to face me. More than likely she did Cadence's calming technique. Now able to see, I looked over to see her put a hand on the railing and the other on her on her hips. And gave me “the look.” “Alright, what is it?”

Angelfeather spoke up in my defense, “Twilight? The wind is blowing your hair into his face.”

While Angelfeather was talking, Twilight had to wave her own hair out of her own face. That got Twilight to pause and take a good look at her hair. Then finally saying, “Oh, sorry.” When she turned back around again, she took her hair with her.

That was good because I saw the Maretonia dignitaries off in the distance. Looking down, I also saw Mother, Aunt Luna, and Cadence standing by the guards who greeted us before. “Here they come. Not just the two, but two others behind them. Looks older.”

“Parents maybe?”

“I believe they are,” Angelfeather said, “because Griffonstone has had dealings with Maretonia. My father specifically. Parents of the Duke.”

“Oh, alright. They should know you then when we go down there to join them.”

“Yes, they will, Fred.”

When they got close enough, I pulled the string to release the long black banner. It rolled out completely before the wind started getting hold of it and started blowing it to one side. I saw them look up just once which lasted only a second before greeting my mother, Aunt Luna, and Cadence. After their greeting, all of them turned toward the castle.

“Alright, let’s go meet them,” I told them and made our way downstairs. For once, I was looking forward to meeting them. These would be the first foreign dignitaries that I would be meeting for the first time in my life. Much less the first time while being in Equestria. I was rushing downstairs to hopefully meet them as they were coming into the castle. It was a little tiring to walk back down all those stairs, but we did get there just as they were walking into the castle.

The Duke looked almost like he just stepped out of old Egypt. He was tan in color with dark gray hair and the most square, and long, looking goatee I ever did see. He wore a robe in a style that covered him from neck to hooves of mostly a light blue color. A magenta and gold sash went from his left shoulder and down across his chest where it was connected to a belt of like colors. And those same colors were on the big hat on his head as well. He certainly stood out in a crowd.

He wasn’t the only one that stood out either. His wife, or assuming it was his wife, was a fair-looking white-coated mare that only came up to his chest. She also had on a large hat-looking thing that brought her height up to his face. Her hat was a shiny silver flat half-circle that rested on her head behind her ears. The bottom was a bright reddish-pink that connected to a shawl that was draped over her shoulders to cover her front. She just wore a simple purple colored dress with a silver belt with white lace on it.

The older stallion behind the Duke looked like an old general. Complete with Mohawk helmet and blue military-style uniform. He had a dark gray coat with white hair. The older mare wore a dress that was so old-fashioned looking it had one of those bouncy butt extenders that you could launch a tennis ball off of. She was in a light blue coat, but couldn’t tell her hair or mane color because that was all covered by her dress and a large hat.

“My sunshine boy! I want you to meet the Duke and Duchess of Maretonia.”

I stepped forward next to my mother, put a hand to my chest, and bowed my head respectively. “Duke. Duchess. Welcome.” After standing upright again, I motioned behind me, “May I present my fiance, Princess Angelfeather, and my friend Princess Twilight.”

“Duke. Duchess.” Angelfeather stepped forward next to me putting her arm in mine again. “A pleasure to see you once again,” she said with a practiced political voice and also bowing respectively to them. While she spoke, Mother stepped aside letting Twilight step up beside me.

The Duke bowed his head slightly, “My greetings, Princess Angelfeather.” Then did the same to Twilight, “Princess Twilight.” And with a look of interest, he looked over to Angelfeather again. “There were rumors going around that you were to be betrothed to Princess Celestia’s son. That came from a very old treaty.”

“It did, yes. But shouldn’t we adjourn to the conference room? I could explain more there.”

The Duke nodded, “Yes, of course. I believe that is part of what we need to discuss.”

^_^

“Let me start at the beginning,” Mother said as everypony was seated at the table. We were on one side and the four of them were on the other side. “Years ago, I fell in love with Fred’s father, John Justice and we had him. I was completely happy for two years until Blueblood rushed the throne room in an attempt to kill my son. John sacrificed himself to give me time to escape to the human world. Where Fred grew up with my human counterpart. Then arrived here and since then I’ve never been more proud.” Mother looked to me with a proud smile before continuing. “Until I fell in love with John, I was teaching human hatred. But I couldn’t do that anymore after falling in love and having Fred. I’ve been trying to undo that mistake ever since. A short few months ago, certain members of the Equestrian Council wants slavery to continue. With that goal in mind, they bribed the king of Griffonstone to send his daughter to marry my son. It was a political trap under the guise of joining Equestria with Griffonstone to end human slavery. If Fred didn’t marry, then they could cry foul that we didn’t really want to end slavery and the movement would be dead.”

That’s where Angelfeather took over with a long sigh of regret. “I’m ashamed to say that my father sold me for money and political expediency. I was sold and dropped off here. My father hasn’t contacted me since.” But with a smile, she looked at me with a happy smile and took my arm again. “Over that time, Fred and his friends have been nothing but supportive. He has shown me that he will never be like my father. Even going so far as offering to refuse the marriage even though it would have hurt his chances to end human slavery. For those reasons, I have agreed to marry him and have his child.”

“And what happened at the games?” the Duke asked.

That’s where Cadence took over. “Shining Armor has been hiding his hatred for humans even before we met. Since Fred arrived, Shining was trying to make Fred attack him, so he could use that against Fred. It never really worked and all came to a head a day before the games. Fred was finally coerced into a fight that Shining lost putting him into the hospital. After the investigation revealed that Fred was coerced and Shining’s underlying hatred, did Shining Armor ponynapped Fluttershy and his own sister.” They were shocked at that and for the first time since meeting them did their political stoic faces break. “His goal was to kill Fluttershy’s foal, which would have killed her. Then he would brainwash his own sister.” Cadence looked over at me with a thankful smile. “I’m happy and thankful that Fred was able to rescue both Fluttershy and Twilight. He also didn’t kill Shining Armor, but instead broke his horn, so he can’t use magic. But he’s still dangerous even without his magic.”

“Do you think that he could be a threat to Maretonia?”

“If he is it won’t be at first,” Twilight spoke up this time. “Right now he has his sights on the Crystal Empire. He’s said that if human slavery ends, then...he...will...”

Cadence sighed, “He said he would kill all humans in the Crystal Empire and any pony that stands in his way.”

“Then it is a concern to us because we have humans as well.”

“Then will you join us in ending slavery?” Mother asked, her eyes practically pleading.

“We can discuss that,” the Duke said and from then on I didn’t say much else.

^_^

It was a long meeting with lots to discuss, but eventually, it was over and all of us made our way to the guest room the girls were waiting in. Nothing was said as we walked in to see Fluttershy sitting in a chair by a table at the other end of the room. In chairs around the table were Rarity and Philomena. However, AJ and Rainbow weren’t there and Pinkie was snoring away on the bed. Fluttershy spotted me first and brightened immediately, “Fred! How was the meeting.”

Pinkie didn’t wake up, but Rarity and Philomena smiled at us.

“It went pretty much as expected,” Cadence said while trying to sound cheerful.

“So, why do I hear a but coming?” Rarity questioned, looking at us with a curious eye.

“We asked if Maretonia would help us end human slavery,” Mother said softly.

“But they also have human slaves and also don’t want to give them up without a cost,” Aunt Luna added.

“Oh my. What was the cost?” Fluttershy asked. She was worried by the look on my face and even got up from the chair to walk over to me. I met her halfway and gently took her arms in my hands with a reassuring smile.

It was my turn. “The cost was something that I simply couldn’t give,” my voice held sorrow in it that was echoed in my eyes while looking down at her.

“What was it?” she urged after taking my arms in her hands as well.

With a soft sigh, I told her, “They wanted an heir to their throne from me. If we wanted their support then it would cost Equestria an heir to their throne that I had to give. That, in essence, would give them a permanent political foothold in Equestria that would be more powerful than the Equestrian Council. Like another ruler that would rule beside Mother and Aunt Luna. Simply because the child came from me.” I shook my head. “But I couldn’t do that. They wouldn’t even allow me to raise the child. It was disgusting what they were proposing. And all for more political power.”

“The meeting was all for naught,” Aunt Luna huffed in frustration and sat down on the edge of the bed.

“That’s awful,” Fluttershy commented, hugged me, and rested her head on my chest. We were careful of her baby bump of course.

Rarity snorted in disgust, “The nerve of those dignitaries having the gall of asking such a thing.”

“I agree, Rarity,” Mother kissed my cheek as she walked by and sit next to Aunt Luna on the bed. “We were all in shock that they would even suggest such a thing.”

“I couldn’t be around them after that,” Cadence’s voice was tinged with anger. “I told them the meeting was over and for them to leave immediately.”

“It was the right thing to do,” Twilight agreed then walked over to sit by Mother. “All that preparation and...and...showboating for nothing.” Yeah, Twilight was a little upset. She snorted in a very horse-like way before crossing her arms under her chest and crossing her legs.

“That very well may be, Twilight,” Rarity stood up, walking over to Cadence, “but one thing I can see is that Cadence needs some time in the hot springs down below.”

There was a pause as Rarity and Cadence looked at each other where I could see Cadence thinking about it. After a short sigh, Cadence accepted with a nod and a small smile. “Perhaps you’re right, Rarity. It always did help me relax.” Then she looked up and around the room, “Anypony else wants to join me?”

Twilight, Mother, and Aunt Luna all stood up then disappeared with Cadence into the hot springs down below. That left me with Angelfeather, Philomena, Fluttershy, and Pinkie.

I could tell that Fluttershy was getting tired, so I gently turned her toward the bed. “Why don’t you lay down for a bit?”

“Only if you join me,” Fluttershy whispered as she looked up to me smiling widely and without a blush this time.

That’s when both Philomena and Angelfeather walked up to either side of me. “We will join you,” Angelfeather told us gladly then led us onto the bed. Where Pinkie woke up, saw us getting on, and with a happy giggle made room for us. And once again my head was resting on Fluttershy’s breasts, Pinkie was on top, with Angelfeather and Philomena laying on either side of me. We decided not to get undressed this time but stay fully clothed. Which was fine with me because Cadence, Mother, and Aunt Luna would be coming back.

^_^

(Late at night)

It was strange. I knew that I was dreaming. I knew that I was asleep and seeing this as a dream. It was at night at some back alley in Canterlot somewhere on Restaurant Row. It was behind one of the restaurants and a pony was there in basic work shirt and pants carrying a load of peaches. He appeared to be heading back inside one of them and apparently either didn’t notice or ignored the dark-robed figure stepping out of the darkness. The black-robed figure stepped out of an alley between buildings on the other side of the main alleyway.

This robed figure was odd in that he walked on four legs, but also had arms. A centaur? He was completely robed with a hood over his head, so I couldn’t see his, or her, face. My ears picked up the sound of his hooves against the stone-covered alleyway as it slowly walked toward the pony with the peaches.

It wasn’t until the centaur was almost within reach did the peach pony turned his head just enough to get startled by it. “Sorry, didn’t see you there. I’m sorry but the restaurant is closed right now. It opens for lunch at eleven tomorrow morning.”

There was a pause as it seemed they just stared at one another. Until the centaur spoke in a soft raspy voice that sent chills and bad vibes through me. “Is he friend, or is he foe the pony wonders.”

The peach pony set down his basket of peaches on the ground by the back door then looked to the centaur completely confused. He wasn’t the only one. What he said next just confirmed the bad vibes I was getting from him. “I assure you that I am no friend.” Everything in me was urging the peach pony to run, but there was no way for me to communicate with him. However, he did take a step back from the centaur, now very wary of him. Unfortunately for him, he didn’t run. Because a second after that the centaur pulled back his hood revealing a very pony-like head with a couple of devilish horns on his head. “I am Lord Tirek.” Then rushed the pony, taking the pony’s head in his hands, tilted the pony’s head toward him, and quite literally absorb all the magic from the peach pony.

And it only took about two or three seconds to do so. Then the peach pony simply paled as if all the color was drained from him. Once he was drained, Tirek let him go, and the poor pony fell to the ground like a limp noodle as if dead. After a careful look, proved that he wasn’t dead just extremely weak. I was relieved that the peach pony wasn’t dead, but there was also a sense of dread that came over me. It was that sudden sense of dread that woke me up from what I initially thought was nothing more than a weird dream.

I was awake in an instant with a sudden gasp. Dread still had a grip on me, so there was a need to see Mother and Aunt Luna. However, there was a problem. Getting up. I was sleeping with Fluttershy, Philomena, and Angelfeather. Fluttershy was laying against me with Philomena on the other side with Angelfeather on top. How I got up out of bed with just waking up Angelfeather and not the other two will remain a mystery. After getting up and getting dressed, in just my shorts and pants, I headed for the door. Mother and Aunt Luna’s room was literally next door. Cadence had brought in another bed, so they could share a room. So, all I did was walk out and walk next door. My mind was swirling with the images from the dream as I knocked on the door. A couple of seconds later, my ears picked up hoofsteps then the door opened with Aunt Luna standing there in her nightgown.

“Did you happen to have a dream about a centaur named Tirek?” she asked immediately without me saying anything.

“Yeah, as a matter of fact, I did.” Now more questions were swirling around in my head. One was how would she know? Did she look into my dream perhaps?

“Come in,” she stepped back motioning for me to enter, “it was not a dream, but a vision. One that I’m not surprised that you had given who you are the son of.” Mother was up and sitting on the edge of the bed, motioning me to sit next to her with a somber look on her face. But still gave me a welcoming smile, though tinged with worry as it was. So, I walked over and sat down next to her. “You had a vision about Tirek. The same vision that we had.” Aunt Luna followed me over to stand in front of us.

“Tirek, my sunshine boy, is a centaur that was imprisoned within Tartarus for wanting to steal all of Equestrian magic. That was a few decades ago. His brother knew of his actions and told us after coming to appreciate Equestria. We were able to stop Tirek by capturing him before he was able to absorb too much magic to overpower us.” Her wing and an arm were around me as she explained who he was.

“Ok, then if he was in Tartarus, how did he escape?”

“Good question, nephew. It is probable that he escaped a couple of years ago when Cerberus left his post.”

“Cerberus? I recognize that name,” I told them. “It’s an old earth legend of a three-headed dog that guarded the gates to the underworld.”

“Interesting,” Mother mused about another coincidence between our worlds.

“Here in Equestria,” Aunt Luna continued, “he guards the gates to Tartarus, which could be viewed as a type of underworld. It’s a prison that houses the most dangerous of all Equestria. It is still not known why Cerberus left his post. However, I think that it’s clear that is when Tirek escaped.”

“Oh...kay. One thing doesn’t add up though,” I mused in thought. “If he escaped just a couple of years ago then why has he taken this long for him to start stealing magic again?”

Mother hummed in thought before saying, “Without magic, he was incredibly weak after he escaped. It would take him time to recover enough to start stealing magic again. It’s one of the effects of being in Tartarus and a way to keep the prisoners secure.”

“And apparently he has started this night in Canterlot,” Aunt Luna finished. “We need to leave for Canterlot immediately.”

“I’ll start waking up the girls then.” I hugged them both before returning to my room. All three of the girls were still on the bed after I walked back in. And apparently, Philomena was the only one that was still awake. I wasn’t exactly subtle or quiet when walking over, leaning down, and telling her, “Everyone and everypony need to get up, get dressed, and head over to the train station.” She blinked up at me in confusion at first then just gave me a nod after seeing the serious look in my eyes. While she woke up Angelfeather, I gently woke up Fluttershy. She was laying on her side because of her protruding baby bump, so I put one hand on her shoulder while using the other to brush her hair from her face. “Fluttershy? Wake up,” I said gently, rubbing her cheek, and gently shaking her shoulder.

She stirred, turning her head, and blinking up at me giving me a warm smile. She hummed happily and reached up with a hand to rub my cheek, “Good morning, Fred.” I put a gentle hand on her baby bump as she questioned, “What is it?”

“Something terrible and evil is brewing in Canterlot,” I said rubbing her baby bump while looking over at Anglefeather who was just now blinking blearily at me. “Something evil has escaped from Tartarus and is in Canterlot right now. So, everypony needs to get up, get dressed, so we can get on the train.”

“Oh dear,” was her only response as I helped her up off the bed.

I looked over to Philomena and Angelfeather as they too got up from the bed, “I have to go wake up the others, would you help her?” When they gave me a reassuring smile, I leaned down and kissed Fluttershy. “I’ll be back.” Then gave both Philomena and Angelfeather a kiss on their cheeks before leaving the room to wake the others. Twilight was currently with Cadence in her room, to keep her company because of everything that’s happened recently. This means AJ and Rarity were in one room while Pinkie and Rainbow were in the next adjacent room. That way each would have their own bed with two beds in their room. Next door was AJ and Rarity’s room.

Upon entering, they both were still asleep in their separate beds. Rarity was closest, so to her, I went first. She was laying on her back with the bed sheet up to her neck. The two thin straps over her shoulders told me she was wearing one of her nightgowns. Leaning down, I gently put a hand to her cheek and rubbed gently, “Rarity? Rarity, you need to wake up.”

Her slight hum and the flutter of her eyes said that she was waking up. It took her a second to realize that it was me standing over her. “Fred?” she recognized me before yawning.

“There’s trouble in Canterlot and everypony needs to get up, get dressed, and head to the train station.” After telling her that, I walked over to AJ, who was still asleep to do the same.

“Trouble? What trouble?” Rarity’s sudden concern hit my ears as I gently shook the sleeping farmer.

I answered Rarity’s question when AJ started stirring. “An evil centaur named Tirek is in Canterlot stealing magic.” AJ typically sleeps either on her side or on her stomach. This time she was on her stomach while using her folded arms underneath the pillow. My hand was on her back as she woke up, blinked a few times, then raised up her head, and looked up at me.

“Fred? What’s that about trouble?” she asked blearily.

“Trouble in Canterlot,” I said to her. “An evil centaur named Tirek is stealing magic, so everypony needs to get up, get dressed, and get to the train station.”

Her eyes held confusion in them as she sat up in bed. I was happy that she didn’t care about my presence as the sheet fell from her body. My eyes immediately went down to her plump high firm breasts as she said, “Alright, I get that it’s an emergency and unicorns need protection. But why us?”

I had to drag my eyes from the glorious sight and back up to her face. “Probably because you girls are the Elements of Harmony.”

AJ turned her body to sit on the edge of the bed before stretching. My eyes roamed over her body again as her arms raised over her head. “But will we be able to use the Elements if Rarity and Twilight’s magic is drained?”

“I don't know,” I said absentmindedly. I was transfixed on the sight that it took Rarity’s sultry soft voice in my ears to bring me out of it.

“Like what you see, Fred?” It wasn’t just her voice that brought me out of it, but also when she put a hand to my cheek and turned my head toward her. “Then why don’t you look over here?” After she asked that question, and while my eyes were now locked onto her, she stepped back, and with an alluring look she pulled down the straps from her nightgown. My eyes watched it drop to the floor. And even with bedhead, she looked beautiful. After she dropped her nightgown, she reached back unclipping her bra, and let it fall to the floor. She hummed with a soft tone that had my second brain stirring in my pants. Her hands ran down her body to her panties and pushed them down as well. “Want to help us get dressed then, Fred?” I couldn’t help but watch her hands run up her lithe form. The dim light from the morning sun shining through the window was highlighting every smooth curve of her body. Her curvy legs, hips, torso, and especially her luscious round breasts were exposed for me to devour. For a seamstress that doesn’t exercise that much, she surely has a body that draws your eye.

“I...uh...really should wake up Pinkie and Rainbow,” I finally was able to say after my brain got back into gear. Although the gear was grinding and sputtering at the moment.

My ears picked up AJ’s amused chuckle, “Rarity? Would you let the man think for a second? What if Pinkie and Rainbow ain’t up yet?”

Rarity hummed in thought while stepping forward before putting both hands on my chest. “That is true. While Pinkie may be up, Rainbow does sleep like a log,” she said in a soft musing voice while looking around me to AJ behind me. Then, she looked up at me with those beautiful eyes of hers, pressing herself up against me where I can feel her breasts squish up against my bare chest. And her waist against mine that there was no way she couldn’t feel my growing excitement. “However, I meant what I said about devoting myself to him. And while I realize that there is a rush here, my body is just...” she paused while pulling down my head giving me a soft kiss, “humming for him this morning.” That kiss had me humming too.

Luckily for me though, AJ had put something on, grabbed my arm, and started pulling me toward the door. “Alright, Rarity that’s enough. He’s got things to do and he needs to do them before you fry his brain with your wily ways.”

And good looks. I had just enough time to give AJ the smallest of thanks for the assist just before she shut the door. And the quiet sound of Rarity’s disappointment through the door. Which meant that Pinkie and Rainbow were next. This should be interesting.

As soon as I walked in…

SLAM

CLICK

As my body shook slightly because of the sudden slamming of the door, Pinkie reached up, grabbed my head, and gave me a head-turning kiss that sent my mind reeling. When she let me go with a happy, “Good morning,” I noticed that she was naked. Not that I minded any and while she grabbed my hand and started pulling me toward the running shower, it gave my eyes a chance to roam over her naked form. She had bedhead of course with strands of hair poking out in every direction. But my eyes locked on to the gentle sway of her tail that her hips encouraged. I could tell that the shower was running due to the sound of the running water and the steam coming from the archway that led into the bathroom. “We need to hurry,” she said to me then stopped in front of the archway, knelt down in front of me, and started to unbutton my pants. “So let’s get you out of these, so we can join Rainbow in the shower.”

All I could do was watch because my brain wasn’t quite in gear. “Uh...okay?” was all that came out of my mouth as Pinkie pulled down my pants and then my underwear.

“What was that, Pinkie?” Rainbow’s question came from inside. “I didn’t hear you.”

Pinkie tossed my pants and underwear to the side, stood up, and then led me by the hand inside the bathroom. “We’re going to join you in the shower this morning,” she said, giggling excitedly. As soon as we walked in, my eyes spotted a very wet Rainbow underneath the showerhead. The whole bathroom was an open design. Off to my right was the sink with mirror and toilet on one side with the large open shower on the other with a short tiled wall between them. At the time when Pinkie spoke, Rainbow was facing away from the shower faucet. Her head was leaned back under the water to rinse it out with her hands running through it. Which meant her chest was forward making her small-ish perky firm breasts her prominent feature that my eyes locked onto.

After hearing what Pinkie had said, Rainbow continued rinsing her hair with, “Alright,” and not even bothering to look over to us. It wasn’t until she placed myself in front of Rainbow that it dawned in her what Pinkie had said. “What?” she asked, stopping what she was doing and opened her eyes to stare right up into mine. And while my eyes roamed over her naked wet lithe form, Pinkie changed the showerhead position to cover both of us. Rainbow simply blinked up at me with a soft, “Oh. That’s what you meant.”

^_^

My shower with Rainbow and Pinkie had a lot of wet rubbing going on but not outright sex. There was no time for it, unfortunately, but still a great shower experience with two wonderful mares. Right now Mother had rushed us to the train station where the crystal train was currently being prepped for an emergency run to Canterlot. Everypony was in their traveling clothes and standing on the train platform. Fluttershy and Angelfeather on either side of me as Mother stood by Cadence explaining the situation.

“Why are you leaving so soon?” Cadence asked after giving Twilight a farewell hug.

“Tirek has escaped from Tartarus and is stealing magic in Canterlot,” Mother’s somber tone was enough to silence the whispering of the other girls around us. Mother then looked around at the other girls and explained, “Tirek is an evil centaur that has the ability to steal magic. He has to start with unicorns first, so he can steal enough magic before stealing from pegasi and earth ponies.”

“How the hay can he steal magic from earth ponies and pegasi?” AJ asked, now sounding concerned.

“He learned that dark magical ability in his distant homeland from his now-deceased mentor,” Mother explained to them. “He and his brother Scorpan came to Equestria for just that purpose. However, Star Swirl had befriended Scorpan where Scorpan had come to appreciate Equestria, our culture, and society. He then went back to his brother trying to convince Tirek from trying to steal Equestrian magic. It didn’t work and after he was defeated he was sent to Tartarus. He was supposed to stay there permanently, however, it seems he escaped when Cerberus left his post a couple of years ago.”

Aunt Luna spoke up to finish the explanation. “If he succeeds in draining enough magic to steal from pegasi and earth ponies, then the Elements of Harmony would be the only way left to defeat him.”

“Which explains why you’re telling us.”

“Correct, Twilight,” Mother smiled at her.

Twilight straightened herself with a nod before turning to the rest of the girls, “Looks like we’re going to hunt this Tirek down.”

“I’m afraid not, Twilight.”

“What?!” Rainbow’s shocked voice cut through as she stared at Mother. “Why not?!”

“I have no doubt that you girls can defeat Tirek with the Elements of Harmony,” Mother said with a soothing voice to calm her down. “However, he needs to be found first. And for that, I must ask another.”

“And who’s that?” I wondered aloud.

“Discord.”

No sooner than Mother said his name, he appeared off to the side with his arms wide open and the happiest smile on his face. “Ta-da! Apparently the one and only being in all of Equestria that can hunt down the fiend.” My arm immediately went around Fluttershy when he appeared. Even though I understand that he and Fluttershy are friends, and even though she vouches for him, there was a strong part of me that just didn’t trust him.

“Why discord?”AJ asked while staring at Discord with a curious expression that echoed in the tone of her voice. Not to mention a little bit of uncertainty.

Mother said simply, “Because he’s the only one that can find him the quickest. Even though we think he’s in Canterlot right now, and even though I’ll have the guard start looking for him, only Discord has the special ability to find him quicker than we can.” Then she looked over to him with a small smile, “And I believe that he has earned this.” In response to this, Discord put the palms of his hands together as if he was praying. And with a happy smile on his face, with his eyes pointed up, there was a golden glowing halo suddenly appearing over his head.

I frowned at him. “A saint you ain’t, Discord.” And without looking at Mother, because I wanted to keep an eye on him, I continued with, “And let’s not forget when his vines captured you and Aunt Luna with him not even bothering to admit that it was his doing. Or even wanting to stop it, I might add?”

“Everything worked out, didn’t it?” Discord huffed in his defense.

Which I didn’t buy. “Which you could have stopped at any time,” I pointed out, narrowing my eyes at him. His halo disappeared as our eyes met. “And it’s the fact that you didn’t stop it that-”

“Fred!” even though Fluttershy didn’t yell, it still stopped what I was going to say. She turned toward me and looked up to me with a hand on my chest, which had me looking down at her. “I know you don’t like him much and yes he has done bad things in the past, but I know he can do this. Give him a chance?” Damn those eyes. “For me?” Damn it.

After dragging my eyes away from hers, I narrowed them again at Discord. “You!” I pointed at him. “Me!” I thumbed my chest. “Talk!” I pointed toward the end of the train platform, so we could talk privately. With one snap of his fingers, he teleported us to the end of the platform. Where he looked at me with his arms over his narrow snake-like chest. “Alright, you know that I’m suspicious of you and don’t trust you. However, Fluttershy does, considers you a friend, and thinks you can track down Tirek.”

“I am her friend,” he sounded honest about it and the look in his eyes seemed to confirm that. But there was also something else in them that I didn’t quite place.

“Then prove it to me, by finding Tirek,” I said to him. “Because I don’t know what will happen to her or our unborn foal if Tirek succeeds in stealing her magic. She’s due to give birth any day now and I want that guy found before he has a chance to steal her magic. Because I don’t want to have to worry about our foal dying if she can’t give birth or if stealing magic from the foal will kill it. Understand?”

The look on his face softened then nodded his head. “I may be the embodiment of chaos itself. And even when I’ve done things in the past, I never wanted to kill. Just amuse myself. And yes, I am glad that Fluttershy is my friend. I value that, so you have my word as the master of chaos I will find him. Because I don’t want anything to happen to her either.”

I held out my hand. “And if you don’t?”

“If I don’t, or if I fail,” he finally said after a minute of thinking it over, “then I’ll give up my chaos magic for good.” Then he took my hand and shook it. I had to raise an eyebrow at that. The look in his eyes told me that he meant it, but how he was going to actually accomplish giving up his magic for good was something that was hard to believe that he could actually do. Much less want to do it. But it was, again, the look in his eyes that had me, at the moment, believing him.

Next Chapter: Chapter Thirty Six: Tirek Part 2 Estimated time remaining: 2 Hours, 22 Minutes