Chapter 1: The Wolf

“YOU’RE TOO LATE!” Nightmare Moon laughed gleefully.

“How…” Twilight mumbled quietly.

“It’s too bad. I expected more of a fight.” Nightmare chuckled.

Dash struggled uselessly against the magical bonds that held her and her friends together.

“It’s useless Dash.” AJ sighed quietly.

“No we can st-” Dash was cut off as an unearthly howl echoed from the forest outside, sounding almost too close for comfort. Nightmare’s attention shifted to the howling, a small spark of curiosity lighting inside her. She remained calm, turning back to her prisoners and snickering quietly.

“What the hell was that?” Dash questioned as she glared at Nightmare.

“Oh Rainbow, that is nothing you should be worried about. I’m your problem right now…” Nightmare laughed, slowly approaching Dash with her usual menacing aura filling the room.

“I’m not scared of you.” Dash growled. There was a sudden very loud bang just beneath them. After a few moments it died off and there was a loud scratching. Dash’s confidence faltered for a moment. While Nightmare truly didn’t know the cause of the noise, she couldn’t be happier that it was effecting them.

“You will be.” Nightmare whispered, her magic surrounding Dash’s neck. Dash gulped and stared at Nightmare with a little fear in her eyes.

“Let her go!” Twilight said quickly. Twilight’s mouth was forced shut, a stab of pain hitting her as her teeth ground together. Twilight stared fearfully up at Nightmare.

“Oh Twilight… If you want me to stop, all you have to do is say… please.” Nightmare said sincerely, still holding her mouth shut as she leaned down closer to the purple unicorn. There was another loud bang followed by an even louder cracking as it seemed something incredibly large slammed into the heavy wooden doors just at the bottom of the tower.

“Please let us go!” Pinkie said loudly. Nightmare’s eyes shifted to an angry glare as she stared at Pinkie.

“I wasn’t talking to you.” Nightmare growled, flicking Pinkie into the wall and leaving her unconscious.

The sound of claws colliding with stone echoed from down the large staircase.

Twilight stared pleadingly back up at Nightmare again. Fluttershy started to shake a little more than she already was as she stared at her unconscious friend. Nightmare groaned and shifted her attention to the source of the noise.

“It was fun for the first five minutes.” She shouted.

The tower was filled with an almost dead silence for a few seconds before an even louder and particularly vicious growl echoed from the staircase. Almost immediately after something large started to charge up the stairs. A large jet black furred creature, with a broken chain dangling from its’ front left paw leaped out from the darkness and stared at Nightmare with a hungry gaze. “Oh you’re new.” Nightmare cooed, smiling at the creature. The creature remained silent as it slowly scanned the room. Its’ eyes fell on Pinkie’s unconscious form and it bared its’ long sharp teeth as it slowly approached her. “Mm… You’re quite hungry aren't you?” She hummed. Her magic turned everyone to look at Pinkie as the wolf creature approached the pink earth pony. The wolf sniffed Pinkie and stepped back from her almost seeming put off by the fact she wasn’t conscious. It turned towards the rest of them and bared its’ teeth again. Nightmare’s smile grew. “Oh right, no fun if they’re not squirming.” She said, snapping her fingers. Fluttershy was released from the shackles immediately.

Fluttershy immediately crawled back from the approaching creature. It growled at her and Fluttershy stopped moving altogether. The creature turned to Nightmare. “Oh how easy do you want it?” Nightmare sighed. The creature growled loudly before pushing off the ground and launching itself right at her. Nightmare teleported in a flash of blue light, reappearing on the opposite side of the room. The wolf growled and stared at Nightmare again. “Don’t you growl at me, you’re the one who intruded. The least you could do is act civil.” Nightmare hummed, approaching the creature slowly. Its’ eyes narrowed as it continued to stare at her.

The creature now noticed how big she was and it gave a small shake. It stepped back from her and appeared to slink up. Nightmare stopped and cocked her head curiously. The wolf began to stand up on its’ hind legs. As it rose it quickly matched Nightmare’s height, its’ eyes directly in line with hers. “So you know some tricks, how interesting.” Nightmare smiled, continuing her movement toward him. The creature prepared to lunge at her again.

As Nightmare seemed to be distracted Fluttershy crawled back over to her friends and tried to release them too. Nightmare’s magic sparked to life and the creature was muzzled. The creature charged at Nightmare and attempted to claw her. The rage was clear on its’ face as its’ lips curled back completely revealing its’ teeth again. Two shackles appeared around its’ hands and splayed his limbs out into the air. It struggled against the bindings violently, not even appearing to care that it couldn’t escape them. Nightmare approached it and put a hand up to its’ snout and caressed it. “Oh you poor thing, so angry… so full of hate. How I love it…” Nightmare laughed loudly. The wolf glared at her as its’ hungry gaze returned.

Twilight’s magic kicked to life as she attempted to free herself. Rarity’s magic also worked to free her.

The creature thrashed around as its’ struggling returned. “Unless you want to be spoon fed to this dog, I suggest you be SILENT!” Nightmare’s last word echoed loudly through the chamber as her head snapped to the group.

Everyone froze and stared at Nightmare. The wolf’s hateful glare returned in full as it began to snarl despite the muzzle. Its’ muscles bulged out violently as it thrashed around with even more violence. Her magic now straining slightly to contain it. Nightmare turned back to the wolf and several chains wrapped around it, attaching it to the wall. “Now now, no need to get snippy.” She stated. The wolf struggled even more and began to push against the wall. “Now if you promise to behave, I’ll remove the muzzle.” Nightmare said. The creature snarled again.

Twilight’s magic again sparked to life and she managed to break Applejack and Rainbow Dash free. “Oh you are truly trying to get on my bad side aren’t you.” Nightmare sighed, turning to the group once more.

Dash glanced to AJ and she nodded. Dash’s wings shot out and she got lower as she stared at Nightmare. “That’s better.” Nightmare smiled, oblivious to their undeserved freedom as she turned back to the wolf. “So, anyone have a good name for a pet?” She asked aloud.

The wolf snarled and thrashed around as it attempted to get at Nightmare. Her magic surrounded the wolf and started to crush it. “If you will not behave, you will be disciplined.” She growled in return.

The creature despite the pain it was in still struggled, though it started to weaken. Out of nowhere Dash slammed into Nightmare, completely catching her off guard. Nightmare’s magic dispersed from the wolf and she struggled under Rainbow’s weight. “Insolence!” Nightmare shouted angrily.

Dash was suddenly teleported away from Nightmare as the wolf attempted to leap onto her, its’ claws fully extended and prepared to kill anything it came in contact with. Nightmare’s eyes widened, and in a sudden burst of light she was gone from the room entirely.

The wolf looked around the room in search of its’ current target.

“No one get near it.” Twilight said quietly.

Dash and Applejack backed away, pulling Fluttershy with them.

Rarity teleported Pinkie away from it.

The wolf glanced between them as it appeared to be deciding which of them to take down first. It stared at Fluttershy and bared its’ teeth.

Twilight’s magic created a shield in front of the wolf, blocking him from approaching. The wolf growled and backed away from the bright light. Fluttershy pushed away from Dash and AJ and slowly approached the shield. “Fluttershy wait!” Twilight said fearfully, making the forcefield stronger.

The wolf stared at Fluttershy and approached the forcefield, its’ eyes narrowing as it tried to block out some of the light. Fluttershy kneeled down and stared at it through the shield. “He...hello there.” Fluttershy said to it.

The wolf growled and raised itself up again, it stared down at her and put its’ front paws on the forcefield before stumbling back as a painful shock shot through its’ body. Fluttershy turned back to Twilight quickly. “Turn it off please!” She begged.

“It’ll kill you!” Twilight said. Fluttershy just continued to stare pleadingly at her friend, her lip beginning to quiver. Twilight bit her lip and slowly let the forcefield die down. Fluttershy stood up and slowly started to walk towards the wolf. The wolf growled at her and revealed its’ teeth. Fluttershy paused for a moment before continuing.

“Fluttersh-” Dash cut herself off as the wolf actually started to back away from Fluttershy.

“Please don’t run away.” Fluttershy said softly, stopping and staring at it. The wolf stopped and stared at Fluttershy. “Is it okay if I come a little closer?” She asked quietly. It stared at her and snarled slightly but didn’t make a move to attack her. Fluttershy smiled a little and slowly started to walk towards it, stopping a couple feet in front of the beast. “Hello.” She said softly.

The wolf stared intently at her. Fluttershy held her hand out to it and waited patiently. The creature sniffed her hand and returned to staring at her. Fluttershy moved forward and placed her hand on the side of its’ muzzle. It curled its’ lip and growled quietly, though with a little less viciousness then what anyone had seen so far. “You’re not so mean are you?” Fluttershy smiled wider and wrapped her arms around it, hugging the wolf gently. The wolf just froze and its’ face blanked.

“Wow. I think she broke it.” Dash said before she started to laugh. Fluttershy looked up at it and scratched the top of its’ head. The wolf’s tail wagged slightly and its’ tongue slipped out from the corner of its’ mouth.

“You’re such a nice wolf. Good boy!” Fluttershy giggled, returning to hugging it tightly.

AJ slowly approached the wolf. “Is it okay if my friends say hi?” Fluttershy asked softly.

The wolf stared pleadingly at AJ. She laughed quietly and hugged it too. Dash crossed her arms. “I’m not hugging it.” She said bluntly.

“Why not?” AJ asked. “Are you scared of it still?” She chuckled.

“I’m not scared! I just don’t do hugs.” Dash said, staring intently at the wolf.

The wolf stared back at her with an even more pleading gaze.

Twilight approached the wolf with a little uncertainly before she hugged it too.

“I’m fine with not hugging it.” Rarity said. “It’s so dirty.”

Fluttershy looked at Rarity with almost the same guilty and sad look as the wolf. Rarity grumbled quietly. “Fine.” She sighed as she joined the hug.

Pinkie finally regained consciousness and her eyes widened as she saw the huge wolf. She smiled widely and nearly tackled everyone as she clung to it. The wolf closed its’ eyes and began to accept its’ fate. “I love him!” Fluttershy squeed, pressing her face into its’ chest.

“Yeah it’s cute. But shouldn’t we be worrying about Nightmare Moon?” Dash stated.

“Yeah we should.” Twilight nodded.

The wolf instantly looked out the window out the now silent castle. “What do we do?” Fluttershy asked, looking curiously back at Twilight but still clinging lovingly to the wolf.

“We ca-” Twilight got cut off as the wolf stuck a single clawed finger out.

“What’s it doin?” AJ questioned as she stared intently at the finger.

“I think it’s giving us directions.” Fluttershy suggested.

“But it’s a wolf… That can stand… What is it exactly?” AJ asked as she now stared curiously at the wolf.

“I don’t know, but I think it wants to help us.” Fluttershy said happily.

Twilight stared silently at the wolf for a few moments and it appeared as if she was thinking. “Girls.” She said. Everyone turned to Twilight and stared at her. “I know this is going to sound a little crazy… But I think its’ a werewolf.”

“Oh. What’s that?” Fluttershy asked curiously.

“Its’ a transformed pony.” Twilight stated in a matter of fact tone as if she was about to start a lecture.

“Twilight, now is NOT the time for a four hour long lecture. We need to find Nightmare Moon!” Rarity scolded.

“She asked what a werewolf is.” Twilight said defensively.

The wolf simply growled and continued to point.

“Well he’s tryin to help either way lets go after Nightmare!” AJ said firmly.

“Then let’s go!” Rarity said as she headed towards the staircase. Everyone else stood up and ran to the door, but only Fluttershy stopped in the doorway. She turned back to the wolf and stared at him.

“Did you want to come with us?” She asked.

The wolf stared at the open window almost contemplatively for a few moments before it got down onto all fours and slowly followed them.

“I think he’s given up on trying to eat us.” Twilight chuckled. The wolf growled at her and she jumped. He seemed to straighten up and bounded out of the room. Twilight stared blankly at Fluttershy.

“I think you made him mad.” Fluttershy said.

“I just…” Twilight muttered. “I don’t even…” She sighed and walked down the staircase.

“Are you coming Fluttershy?” AJ called up the staircase.

“Coming!” Fluttershy called, quickly hurrying after her friends. The group walked towards the castle and they saw Nightmare standing in front of the elements.

The wolf growled and got down low. “Shh.” Fluttershy said quietly, placing her hand on top of the wolf’s head gently.

“We need to get the elements from her.” Twilight said. The wolf stared calmly at Twilight before stepping away from the group.

“What’s he d-” AJ was cut off as the wolf ran at Nightmare.

“What?” Nightmare mumbled, turning to the wolf. Utter shock washed across her face as her magic lit up, sending it flying. The wolf hit the ground with a loud cracking sound. It remained motionless on the ground.

“Mangy mutt!” Nightmare growled. Her eyes shifted to the entrance to the tower, seeing nobody there. Her attention snapped back to the wolf as she approached it. Fluttershy and the others peeked out again and looked at the elements. The girls bolted for the elements.

The wolf shook its’ head and started to struggle back onto its’ paws. It stared at her, pain clear on his face. “You are a bad dog, and you will be punished like one.” Nightmare stated, a glare sending fear into the wolf and causing him to whimper. He glanced to the girls and he took a shaky and painful step towards Nightmare, despite his fear he still challenged her. Nightmare’s horn glowed once more, as if she was about to cast a spell. She was interrupted by a bright light from behind her, twisting around and going wide eyed. The wolf took its’ only opportunity and charged at her. He was stopped as a bright rainbow slammed through her and right into him. He was thrown back into a wall and laid there motionless again.

“We won!” Twilight cheered as the girls all noticed Nightmare Moon was gone and was replaced by Celestia and an unknown alicorn.

The unknown alicorn looked up at the smiling Celestia and hugged her tightly and started to cry into her neck.

“Shh… Shh it’s alright… You’re fine and that’s what’s important.” Celestia said comfortingly.

The girls walked up to Celestia and the unknown alicorn, Fluttershy’s eyes shifted up to where the wolf was and she watched it stand slowly up and quietly and shakily move towards a fallen wall that lead out into the forest. It collapsed halfway and laid there motionless again. Fluttershy ran over to the wolf and kneeled down beside it. “Oh my goodness… are you okay?” She asked quickly.

The wolf laid there and quietly whimpered in pain. Everyone stared at the wolf and soon approached him too. Fluttershy put a hand on the wolf’s back and shushed him. “Shh… it’ll be okay.” She said soothingly.

“It looks like he might have broken something… and it sounded like it too…” Twilight said quietly. Everyone heard a soft sobbing, turning to see the unknown alicorn was crying.

“It’s alright Luna, you didn’t do this to him.” Celestia said comfortingly. “You had no control…”

“It’s all my fault… I… I shouldn’t have been freed.” Luna shook with more tears. The wolf shakily raised its’ head and licked her arm.

“No.” Celestia said calmly, “It’s one of the greatest things that happened to me. You’re back and I’m going to make sure that you never feel alone again.” She said as she hugged Luna. Luna pressed her face into Celestia’s neck and clung to her sister as if her life depended on it.

The sun’s light started to peek out from over the distant horizon.

The wolf shakily attempted to stand again, this time forcing itself through the pain. It took a few shaky steps and attempted to leave into the forest.

“Wait you can’t go out there you’ll die!” Twilight said quickly. The wolf continued its’ slow march towards the darkness outside. Fluttershy grabbed the wolf tightly and held him still. The wolf collapsed one final time and whimpered pitifully. This time it didn’t sound like pain… but a pleading whimper… almost like it was asking for forgiveness.

“Please, let us help you. Then you can go home.” Fluttershy pleaded quietly, putting a hand to the wolf’s cheek again.

It started to shake as sunlight washed over its’ body, a few small wisps of smoke ran up from its’ body as its’ hair began to recede. Its’ whimpers died off as it began to shrink to a more normal size.

“Oh my god... It is a…” Twilight mumbled to herself.

“Werepony!” Pinkie announced to the entire castle.

The final traces of the wolf vanished and left behind a naked black skinned earth pony stallion, tears running down his face as pain washed over every inch of his body.

Everyone’s eyes were now on the stallion as he laid there silently crying. Fluttershy didn’t move an inch, now hugging the stallion gently. “It’s going to be okay.” She said softly.

AJ slowly approached them and kneeled down beside the stallion too.

“G…” He started to mumble only to start to cough a little.

“We need to get him to the hospital.” Twilight said. He went limp as the pain overcame him and his body forced him to pass out to spare itself. “AJ you and Dash need to carry him.” Twilight said quietly. They nodded and started to lift the stallion up.

---------------------------------------------------

The slow and steady beeping of a heart monitor flooded the stallion’s ears as he slowly woke up. At first he felt absolutely nothing, his mind was a hurricane of different emotions, none of which he could grasp onto long enough to decipher.

“He’s awake!” Twilight said quickly. Everyone in the room stood up and approached the bed.

The stallion slowly blinked and tears welled up in his eyes. His head fell limply back and he stared silently at the ceiling as tears slid down his face. “Hey… I saw you crying enough back at the castle.” Fluttershy said tenderly, grabbing his hand and smiling lovingly.

He tried to suck back his tears but failed miserably. “W...wh…” He managed to stammer out.

“What’s your name?” Fluttershy asked.

It took him a while to calm down enough to finally be able to speak. “C… call m… me J…” He said shakily.

“It’s nice to meet you J.” Rarity said as she smiled down at him. “I’m Rarity.

“It’s great to know the name of the man we carried here.” AJ smiled. “I’m Applejack by the way.”

“I’m Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight said.

“I’m Rainbow Dash.” Dash waved.

“Hiya J, I’m Pinkie Pie!” Pinkie waved happily.

“I’m Fluttershy.” Fluttershy smiled widely, squeezing his hand a little more.

“It’s nice to meet you all.” J said with a small smile.

“I hope you know you’re a werepony!” Pinkie whispered loudly.

“Yeah… I know.” He chuckled quietly.

“How exactly did that uh… start?” Twilight asked.

“I was born with it.” J said.

“I thought you had to be bitten to become a werepony.” Dash commented.

J’s eyes widened slightly, “It didn’t bite any of you did it?” He asked quickly.

“Naaaaah…” Pinkie said dismissively.

“It was actually really cute and cuddly.” Fluttershy giggled.

J blinked slowly and a look of disbelief washed over his face. “I… wha?” He mumbled.

“It sort of just stopped trying to kill us after Fluttershy hugged it.” AJ said.

“It’s an ani…” J trailed off and his face slowly blanked. “It’s…” He tried to start again.

“It was pretty calm after Fluttershy tamed it. Or… you, it you…” Twilight babbled.

“We’re separate… and… I thought it hated me just like…” J muttered as he seemed to get lost in thought.

“It even helped us by pointing to where Nightmare Moon was.” AJ said.

“I can’t believe that… at least it couldn’t have been TRYING to help you.” J said. “Though… I guess these injuries prove me wrong…” He mumbled as he stared down at his chest. “I’m… happy it did help…” He sighed and started straightening up. He groaned quietly as he let go of Fluttershy’s hand and began to push himself off to the side of the bed.

“Hey wait!” Fluttershy said quickly, grabbing his arm.

“I don’t like hospitals. I’d rather be at home and in my own bed then in this… cardboard cutout.” J said.

“You can’t walk with two cracked and three bruised ribs and a dislocated ankle.” Dash stated.

“Mm… Didn’t think it was that bad…” He muttered before his eyes fell on the I.V connected to his arm that was feeding painkillers into his system. “And that’s why.” He sighed as he reluctantly fell back into the bed.

“You aren’t leaving this room until the doctor gives you the all clear to walk again.” AJ said.

“I’d still rather be at home… at least there I can rest comfortably.” J grumbled.

“Where do you live?” Twilight asked curiously.

“In town… Not too far from here actually.” J said. “Just got a new place with a little help from my old caretaker.” He chuckled.

“You have a caretaker?” Dash questioned.

“Had.” J corrected. “He taught me everything I know, I had a lot of time on my hands back in the orphanage…” He trailed off.

“You’re an orphan?” Dash asked. “I’m so sorr-”

“Don’t be. It’s not like I even know who my parents are… hell there was a time when I believed I never had any at all.” J said with a quiet laugh. “It’s funny how you can rationalize being left alone like that…”

“Well hey, you can stay with me if you want. Better than being alone right?” Twilight suggested.

“Oh… Um thanks.” J stammered quietly.

“What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t offer!” Twilight smiled.

J shrugged slightly before smiling back. “I don’t know…” He said.

“Twi?” AJ asked curiously.

“What? Is it wrong for me to ask that?” Twilight questioned.

“No.” AJ shook her head. “Just kinda curious as to why yah’d ask… seein as we just met him. Though can’t say I wouldn’t do the same thing.”

“Then why didn’t you?” Dash chuckled, raising an eyebrow and crossing her arms.

“Ah was gonna. It just now came up.” AJ said defensively.

“Mmhm. I’m sure you were.” Rarity said.

“Well why didn’t you offer? You are the element of ‘generosity’.” AJ said as she turned to Rarity.

“Oh please dearie, you could at least show yours by being honest. You weren’t going to.” Rarity huffed. AJ glared silently at Rarity.

“You all can fight… I’m just going to sleep a little more.” J sighed quietly as he laid his head down.

“Yah want me to be honest?” AJ questioned as she continued to glare at Rarity.

“Girls please… This isn’t the time to fight.” Twilight stated.

“I’m damn sure yer a hussie.” AJ stated, her gaze never leaving Rarity. “Yah can’t seem to stay with any stallion fer longer than a week before jumpin to the next one!”

“I may have had my fair share of dates, but at least I don’t drive them away like a stampede of cows! I think you know what I’m talking about Cowgirl!” Rarity laughed quietly.

“They can’t handle anythin that Ah’m used to.” AJ stated.

“In other words, you are used to being alone?” Rarity hummed.

“Ah…” AJ muttered as she glared silently at Rarity.

J had put a pillow over his head to block out the sound and he only pressed it down harder after what he had just heard.

“You two are funny.” Dash chuckled.

“Oh excuse me? You aren’t even in the same league as us Ms. Betterthaneveryoneelse, but some of us have lives. You know, lives that you have to take your head OUT of the clouds to see.” Rarity stated.

“Shut… Up.” J said as he threw the pillow over his head at the wall. “If you’re going to fight take it somewhere else… Or better yet STOP.”

“I win sex!” Pinkie giggled.

“Yes Pinkie… we know that.” Twilight sighed.

“Um… could we maybe…” Fluttershy started.

Dash glared at Rarity as she balled her fists up.

J muttered something quietly and tore the IV from his arm and began to stand up again. “You, sit down.” Twilight stated, her magic forcing J back into the bed.

“I’m not going to sit here and listen to anyone tear their friendship apart of STUPID FUCKING REASONS!” J nearly shouted as he tried to struggle, only succeeding in tiring himself out even more.

“Everyone SHUT UP!” Twilight screamed. Everyone in the room froze, their mouths clamping shut. “YOU ARE GOING TO BEHAVE!” Twilight growled, glaring at Rarity and Applejack.

AJ nodded slowly. Rarity simply looked down at the ground, taking a step back. Twilight’s glare immediately switched to Rainbow. She backed down too and looked over at the wall.

“Good.” Twilight said softly, smiling and sitting next to J. It wasn’t till then did she noticed how tight her magic was holding him.

J was shaking slightly and he refused to look up at anyone. Twilight’s magic immediately released, her own expression going blank as she looked at the floor. The entire room remained silent for another few seconds before J’s barely audible mumbling broke it wide open. “I… if this is what friendship is… th… then being alone was better…”

“Please just… We’re really trying.” Twilight said quickly.

“Yeah! Please don’t hate us.” Fluttershy said pleadingly, her eyes seeming to almost inflate as they grew glossy.

“I don’t hate any of you.” J said shakily. “I… I just…” He mumbled. Fluttershy continued to stare at him, her lip starting to quiver slightly. He shot up and hugged her. Everyone in the room besides J and Fluttershy felt a surge of guilt, looking at each other slowly.

Rarity turned to Applejack. “I’m… I’m sorry dear.” She apologised.

“Ah’m… sorry too… Ah shouldn’t have said what Ah did.” AJ said in the same tone.

“Maybe I got a little carried away.” Dash shrugged, looking back at the two.

“We all did.” AJ nodded.

“I’m sorry if I hurt you.” Twilight said quietly, looking back at J.

“It’s… fine…” J said as he closed his eyes. Fluttershy sniffled softly and hugged J gently. “I’m sorry I made it seem like I hated all of you… I don’t…”

“It’s fine, we were acting immature.” Twilight said with a small smile.

“Well all but two of us.” Dash said as she looked between Pinkie and Fluttershy. Pinkie stared at Rainbow for a solid minute.

“She means you and Fluttershy.” Rarity said.

“Ohhhhhhhh.” Pinkie nodded. Twilight and Applejack just started to laugh.

J chuckled a little and yawned quietly. “I’m… going to actually try to go to bed…” He said as he let go of Fluttershy and laid down.

“How about we leave yah alone for that?” AJ suggested. Fluttershy stared quietly at J, a smile on her face.

“Don’t worry. I promise I’ll be here when all of you come back.” J smiled back up at her.

“We’ll come back soon.” AJ said as she walked slowly from the room. Fluttershy nodded and stood up, her and Rarity exiting shortly after.

Dash walked up to the door, “Twilight you coming?” She asked.

J stared up at her with a small hopeful look. “No, I’ll catch up with you guys later.” Twilight waved them off, glancing back down at J.

“Alright, take your time slowpoke.” Dash chuckled, heading out.

“Thank you for staying… I mean I would have liked for them to stay too but…” J started to ramble.

“I get it.” Twilight reassured with a laugh.

“That’s great.” J sighed in relief. “I…” He trailed off and his cheeks reddened slightly.

“You don’t have to say anything, I understand.” Twilight said softly, grabbing his hand and squeezing it.

He laughed quietly. “Yeah… I guess you do…” He mumbled. He squeezed her hand back and slowly sat up. He stared quietly at her and his eyes watered slightly before he hugged her tightly against his body. “Thank you…” He said quietly.

“Oh… um… Friend hugs. Good!” Twilight choked slightly, not from tightness, but from a surge of embarrassment.

J let go of her and silently stared at her for a few moments. “Sorry if I… um overstepped any boundaries…”

Twilight stood silent for another moment. “You must be tired…” She started.

“Yeah… yeah I am…” He nodded slowly. “Um… I… I guess I’ll see you later with everyone else…”

Twilight took a seat next to J and leaned back into the chair. J stared silently at her for a moment and scooted over in the bed. “I’m… fine here.” Twilight reassured.

“Okay.” J nodded as he laid his head down, his eyes never leaving hers.

“I mean… Unless you want me to.” Twilight said.

“Only if you want to!” He said quickly, “I don’t want to force you to do anything.”

“It’s not forcing if I want to!” Twilight said in an attempt to calm him down.

“H… huh?” J mumbled as he stared wide-eyed at her.

“I… d… I’m…” Twilight stammered, her cheeks burning bright red. J glanced away nervously and remained silent.

“You know I’m really tired.” Twilight started, scratching her neck.

“Well um… that chair can’t be comfortable… and you know there’s… plenty of room here on the bed.” J said, slightly opening his arms.

“Sure…” Twilight nodded, slowly switching over to the bed. He slowly wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer.

“You… um looked cold…” He said quietly.

“You look hot.” Twilight said.

“Um… thanks… I think you are too.” J said quietly. His face blanked slowly as he realized what he had just said. “I mean um… yeah… I mean that.”

“No It’s actually really cool in here.” Twilight smiled.

“Oh… um… I…” J said before he squeezed her close and pressed his face into her neck. Twilight sat there in his arms and relaxed into him entirely. “Twilight.” He said softly, looking up at her. “I… I know this might sound… selfish of me… but…” He started.

“Yeah?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Please don’t leave me.” J begged quietly.

“I’m not… going anywhere.” Twilight said softly, hugging him tightly. He continued to stare up at her in silence. His breathing started to grow a little heavier as his face reddened. Twilight rested his head on her chest. “Just get some sleep okay?” She smiled.

“That’s going to be near impossible with you here.” He smiled back, gently squeezing her again as he nuzzled his face into her body. His eyes slowly started to close. “Twilight…” He started with a small yawn.

“What is it?” She asked.

“I l…” He trailed off and started to snore quietly.

“Good night.” Twilight shook her head, a quiet laugh escaping her mouth.

Chapter 2: Fallen But Not Broken

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A few hours later:

“Why did you call us all here Twilight?” AJ asked as she entered Twilight’s house.

“I got a letter from the princess.” Twilight said, glancing around at her friends, then to J (who is on the couch by the way).

J straightened up and stared curiously at Twilight as he waited for her to begin explaining.

“About what?” Dash asked curiously. “Some new evil rising that we need to stop?”

“Oh please, I don’t think anyone would attack right after Nightmare Moon.” Rarity said.

“Hey, you never know!” Dash said.

“We don’t know if it’s good or bad, just that something strange is happening in the ruins of Luna’s old castle.” Twilight said.

“That sounds interesting.” Dash said as she stared intently at Twilight.

“Any idea what could be causin it?” AJ asked.

“No idea… Isn’t it exciting?!” Twilight asked giddily.

“Um… maybe.” Fluttershy mumbled.

“Well… New isn’t always bad.” J laughed. “This could be the greatest discovery of a lifetime… or just someone doing something stupid. Either way it’s going to be fun to find out.”

“Let’s do this then!” Dash said restlessly.

“Alright alright… J you coming?” Twilight asked.

“I’m going to have to pass… I’m still a little doped up and… I think a bed is going to be the only place I’ll be when it wears off.” J said.

“Okay, just rest then.” Twilight smiled, poking his cheek gently.

“Don’t worry I will.” J smiled as he grabbed her hand and squeezed it.

“Now!” Dash said impatiently, flicking Twilight’s horn. Twilight twitched and the six of them disappeared in a flash of violet light.

J sighed and shakily pushed himself up off the couch. He took a few steps before his leg gave out and sent him face first onto the floor. “DAMN IT!” He shouted.

“Twilight told you not to walk without help!” Spike said from the kitchen.

“Fine then help me get up to the bed!” J said.

“How do I do that?” Spike asked, looking at the height difference.

“Nn… Never mind… Just get me a pillow…” J sighed. “And a blanket…”

-----------------------------------

The girls found themselves back in the castle they had been in the previous night, this time it seemed a lot less creepy.

“So where exactly are we looking?” Dash asked.

“I dunno. Maybe we should split up and look for clues?” Twilight suggested. Fluttershy shook her head violently.

“Why would that be a good idea? If there is something here it’d want us to split up.” Dash stated.

“I dunno… Was just a suggestion!” Twilight huffed.

“Let’s just start searching.” AJ said. The six of them began to walk around the main room to thoroughly search it.

Dash approached Twilight, “So.” She said as if expecting Twilight to know what she was talking about instantly.

“So?” Twilight said quizzically.

“You do anything yet?” Dash asked curiously.

“About what?” Twilight asked.

“You do know none of us saw you leave the hospital until J left. With you.” Dash said. “So. What did you two do?”

“We just slept together.” Twilight shrugged.

“Oh? How was it?” Dash asked with a grin.

“Good I guess. He’s really nice.” Twilight smiled.

“I noticed.” Dash chuckled. “You know, I wouldn’t think you’d be the kind of mare to take things that fast.” She commented.

“Well he didn’t want to be alone. So I just climbed into the bed and… You know, slept.” Twilight shrugged. “If you felt alone I’d do the same with you.”

“You… oh. Oh! I thought you legit slept with each other!” Dash said quickly. “Oh god I feel stupid right now…” She started to laugh.

“What?” Twilight asked curiously.

Dash just fell silent and stared at Twilight, “You don’t…” She facepalmed, “I thought you two had sex in the hospital!”

The entire castle shook, a couple pieces of broken stone fell from the walls.

“Everyone alright?” AJ asked loudly as she looked around. Fluttershy clung to Applejack and nodded.

“Yes dear… But I do think we should hurry up.” Rarity suggested.

“We should find where that came from.” Dash stated.

“Let’s do it then!” AJ said. Twilight lifted her foot and took a step, the ground in front of her immediately cracking. Dash instantly pulled her back.

“The floor’s not stable…” Dash started.

“Oh! There must be nothing underneath it then!” Pinkie said.

“We should check it out then.” AJ said slowly. Twilight’s magic created a runway across the room for everyone to walk on, leading to what she assumed was the basement.

“Come on!” Dash said as she rushed across the runway. The six of them slowly descended into the basement and its’ many… many stairs.

“Ah...mng...phh…” Twilight panted, her chest heaving.

Dash hovered beside her and started laughing. “You know Twi… You could have just teleported down. Right?” She asked through her laughs.

“Shhh….hhh… must conserve breathing…” Twilight huffed.

“This place is… really dark.” Fluttershy whispered.

“We have two unicorns.” Dash said. “Sooooo…”

“Yeah… two.” Twilight nodded slowly. Rarity sighed, her horn lighting up and illuminating the area.

“There we go!” Dash said.

“Why didn’t the princess tell yah about this?” AJ asked.

“Maybe she didn’t know.” Twilight shrugged, walking forward into the dimly lit room.

“Then… what could be down here?” Dash asked a little cautiously.

“It’s a mystery!” Pinkie cheered, hopping into the darkness ahead of everyone.

“Pinkie wait up!” AJ said as she chased after Pinkie. There was a loud thunk.

“Ow!” Pinkie yelped. Rarity and the others rushed forward to see AJ and Pinkie standing in front of a kind of… coffin. It was covered in chains and symbols, writing.

“Woah.” Dash said. “This… is new.”

“What’s inside?” Fluttershy asked curiously.

“What’s usually in a coffin?” Dash rolled her eyes. A loud bang from inside the coffin caused everyone to stumble back. “Never mind I was wrong let’s leave!” Dash stammered.

“We can’t.” AJ stated, albeit a little shakily. “The Princess wanted us ta check this thing out.”

“And we have!” Dash said quickly.

“Maybe… Dash is right.” Fluttershy mumbled, clinging tightly to the blue pegasus.

“Now girls… Someone could be hurt. Think of it in… whatever is inside’s body. Trapped and alone…” Twilight started.

“The coffin’s in chains.” Dash said. “Think about why that would be.”

“I don’t know… Maybe we SHOULD go back and ask Celestia.” Twilight nodded slowly. Pinkie approached the coffin and started poking it. Every time she touched it, the castle shook.

“Pinkie knock it off!” AJ nearly shouted.

“Oooo it’s like I’m playing the drums! I see a running theme here!” Pinkie giggled, pounding on the coffin and making the ground shake with each pound (in a rhythm of course).

“PINKIE!” Dash shouted. Pinkie continued to hit the coffin, but the shaking stopped moments later.

“Daww… I broke it.” Pinkie sighed.

“Maybe… that’s good…” Dash muttered as she slowly stepped back. There was series of knocks from the interior of the coffin, seeming to be in the same pattern that Pinkie was doing earlier. “Oh fuck.” Dash stated. Pinkie tapped three times, and was replied with another three taps. A wide smile hit Pinkies face as she giggled.

“Um…” AJ started as she turned to Twilight. Twilight shrugged, just as uncertain as everyone else.

“HELLO!” Pinkie shouted. “DO YOU NEED ASSISTANCE?”

“Pinkie…” Twilight started.

“ONE TAP FOR YES, TWO FOR NO!” Pinkie said. A few moments of silence later, everyone heard one tap. Pinkie turned back to the rest of the group.

“It was just shaking the entire castle.” Dash stated.

“If I was stuck in some dark box I would shake the castle too!” Pinkie laughed.

“It’s chained in there. Chains aren’t usually a sign of it being nice.” Dash stated. There was one tap from the coffin.

“Well it can definitely hear us.” Rarity said. There was another single tap.

“Nn… I’m not freeing it.” Dash stated.

“What do you want us to do mr. coffin man?” Pinkie asked. There was a tap. “Yes what?”

“Pinkie. Taps can’t give us defined answers.” Dash said. The tapping started again, this time it was three times.

“Wait, what does three mean.” Pinkie asked, putting her ear up to the coffin. The tapping started again, growing north. Pinkie followed the tapping, which stopped on one of the symbols. She raised a finger and was about to touch the marking.

“Pinkie stop!” AJ shouted. “Just because its’ askin to be freed doesn’t mean we should!”

“We should at least take procautio-” Twilight stopped as Pinkie touched it. Everyone stood silent for a moment as nothing happened. “Good… Nothing happened. Now just step away and…”

Pinkie started rubbing it, smearing the symbol off the coffin.

“WHAT THE HELL!” Dash shouted sounding more fearful then angry. As a small part of it smudged, the symbol disappeared entirely. One of the many chains broke, the pieces falling to the floor. There were as many symbols as there were chains. Everyone except Pinkie stepped back from the coffin.

“Pinkie maybe we should wait for the princess to know about this before we go releasin whatever it is.” AJ said.

Pinkie stuck her tongue out and rubbed her finger across another symbol, making another chain break as it disappeared.

“She isn’t going to listen.” Dash stated.

“Yeah... “ AJ nodded. Pinkie hummed as she rubbed her hands against two symbols at a time. Two of the chains immediately broke.

“Maybe we shou… Nnn…” Dash muttered. “She isn’t going to stop until it’s done…” She sighed. “We can help.”

“I wanna do it!” Pinkie whined.

“Fine…” Dash sighed again. Pinkie continued until there was only one chains left, smiling eagerly as she stared at it.

“Here comes whatever’s inside the coffin…” AJ mumbled. Pinkie licked the last symbol and spun around, showing her tongue was glowing with the ink that was on it.

“Ooooph… tonguesh.” Pinkie said.

“Oh god here it comes.” Dash said as she and everyone except for Pinkie stepped back. The final chain dropped off, and nothing happened. The six of them were left in absolute silence.

“Well that’s… good.” AJ said. There was a single tap.

“It can’t remove the lid.” Dash sighed. There were two taps. “Or… it can…” She mumbled. The coffin made a crackling sound as a crack started at the top and slowly moved down. Fluttershy hid behind Rainbow.

“Everyone get ready!” AJ said. Dash nodded and got into a lower stance. Pinkie stood excitedly in front of the coffin and hopped up and down.

“Oh dear.” Rarity mumbled, taking a step back.

“Pinkie get back here now!” Dash shouted. Twilight’s magic grabbed Pinkie and yanked her back behind everyone. The split coffin opened like a door, and a tall, seven foot pony in all black walked out. The thing that caught their eyes was the head, and the fact there was none...

“AH!” Fluttershy screamed, bolting away and flying upstairs.

“Holy shit.” Dash muttered quietly. The headless pony stood there silently.

“Pinkie... Why…” AJ mumbled. The dark figure walked towards the group, the sound of his black metallic clothing rattled, now realizing they must be really, really heavy.

“We should leave. Now.” Dash stated. The pony stopped and turned to Rainbow. “Now!” She said as she started to back away from him.

“It’s scary up here! Is the scary pony gone?” Fluttershy called down.

“NO!” Dash called back up. The pony approached the group and stopped, seeming to stare with it’s eyeless body, sending a chill down their bodies.

“It was a really bad idea to release him.” AJ stated as she shot a glance back at Pinkie. Pinkie ran past everyone and hugged the unusually tall pony.

“That isn’t going to work on everything we meet!” Dash said quickly. The figure paused for a moment, staying still, its’ attention shifting down to the pink pony. “Pinkie…” Dash started. The pony’s arms moved out slowly, looking as if it was about to grab her. Dash got down low and prepared to rescue her friend. His arms wrapped around her gently, inciting a giggle from Pinkie.

“Okay… This is just…” AJ mumbled.

“You should come home with us and see Ponyville!” Pinkie exclaimed.

Dash slowly blinked. “I… G…” She muttered.

“Sugarcube. He doesn’t have a head. Ah think people will take about as kindly to him as we just did.” AJ said. “Possibly even worse.”

The pony walked past the group slowly and started to approach the stairs.

“No one listens anymore!” AJ groaned. Twilight’s magic lit up and created a wall in front of the stairs. The figure stopped for a moment before turning to the group again.

“Twilight… I don’t think it liked that.” Dash said quietly. AJ stepped in front of Twilight. The headless pony approached Applejack, stopping and seeming to stare down at her.

“I’m not going to let you hurt any of mah friends.” AJ stated as calmly as she could. It’s hand grabbed the back of AJ’s shirt and lifted her up. She struggled against his grasp. The pony moved her slightly out of the way and set her down gently. AJ took in a few deep breaths and stared at the pony.

“You stay away from Twilight.” Dash growled.

“Will you stop being mean to our new friend!” Pinkie practically screamed, snapping everyone’s (or mostly everyone’s) head to her.

“I… but…” Dash mumbled.

“How do we…” AJ started. The pony approached Pinkie and lifted her onto his shoulder, turning back to the others.

“Okay… maybe we should calm down a little…” Dash started. The pony approached Dash and tapped her forehead once. Dash pushed his hand away.

“That means yes.” Pinkie giggled.

“I know what it means.” Dash grumbled.

“Sooo.” Pinkie said, kicking her feet and smiling as her heels hit his clothing, making a clanking sound each time.

“I don’t know.” AJ said quietly.

“Away!” Pinkie declared, pointing forward. The pony walked to the stairs once more. As he climbed it and disappeared, everyone heard a scream as Fluttershy appeared and bolted into Rainbow Dash.

Dash caught Fluttershy. “He’s… not going to hurt you.” She sighed.

“But he’s... “ Fluttershy paused for a moment. “He?”

“Well. I assume it’s a he.” Dash said. “But… It’s hard to tell with all that armor on.”

“It is?” Fluttershy cocked her head.

“What?” Dash questioned.

“I love him!” Pinkie shouted from upstairs.

“Let’s… get him back to town…” Dash sighed as she flew up to the top of the stairs.

------------------------------------------------------

“I’ll be right back.” Spike said, hopping up the stairs and disappearing into Twilight’s room. J continued to snore, his arm dangling off the couch. He choked on his snoring as a knocking on the door shook him.

“Nnah… Who’s there?” J called loudly. The door handle turned and slowly creeped open. J was caught off guard, staring at the tall black pony without a head as it walked in. “Holy shit!” He shouted, he threw himself back and knocked the couch backwards sending him painfully to the floor. “FUCK!” He shouted. The figure walked over to the toppled couch and stood in front of him. “So much pain… I think I re-broke a rib…” J groaned as he gripped his chest. He shakily stared up at the tall figure. The pony pushed the couch back up and kneeled down beside J. “Hi… there…” J mumbled quietly, still a little uncertain about the strange pony. It placed a hand on J’s chest. “What are you doing?” J questioned as he started to struggle only to realize he wasn’t being held down. Not a moment later, the pain he had been feeling disappeared. “Huh?” J mumbled. “What’s… going… on?”

The pony stood up and extended a hand.

“Um… Okay?” J questioned as he extended his own hand and shook the pony’s. J’s hand was grabbed and he was pulled to his feet. “Not a good idea!” J said quickly as he was fully prepared for his ankle to give out. The pony stood there patiently, waiting for something that wasn’t going to happen. “Oh… you healed that too…” He mumbled, taken by surprise by the fact he was healed so quickly. “That’s… new…”

The pony turned to the door as Pinkie and the others ran in. “J what are you… you’re… standing?” Twilight stammered.

“Yeah… Thanks to him.” J said as he stared at the pony. “Whoever he is.”

The pony walked over to the bookshelves and scanned them, searching for something.

“So… he’s what was causing that disturbance?” J asked curiously. “Doesn’t seem that bad.”

“Yeah. Now he doesn’t. But he was in a chained up coffin underneath the castle.” Dash said.

“So. I chained myself in a cave.” J shrugged. “Look what happened after I got out.”

The pony found a book, pulling it from the shelf and bringing it over to the couch. The title was ‘Through A Gryphon’s Eyes’.

“That’s…. a random choice.” AJ said.

“I’d expect something… completely different.” Dash said. The pony set it down on the table in front of them and the title of the book blanked.

“Wh… Stop that!” Twilight stammered.

“It’s already too late to stop it.” J sighed. The front of the book changed, saying only a single word.

‘Stardust’

“Huh.” AJ said.

“I think that must be his name…” Fluttershy suggested.

“Your name’s Stardust?” J asked. The pony tapped once on the book.

“That’s a yes.” Dash stated. Stardust opened the book, now showing everyone that the entire book was blank. Twilight practically cringed at the sight.

“I’m sure he can bring it back…” J said hopefully. The first page changed, showing a picture of normal ponies in an older looking town.

“That’s… cool.” AJ said. Words started to appear under the picture.

‘Before Ponyville, there was a town named Betwixt.’

“Didn’t… know that…” Dash said. “What ever that is…”

“Yeah… Don’t know what that is either.” AJ said.

“It means between.” Twilight said in her usual intellectual tone. Star moved his hand to the next blank page. A picture of what looked like the town, with Canterlot in the distance.

‘It was named Betwixt, because it was settled between Canterlot, and the Everfree.’

“That makes sense.” J said. Star turned the page, this time the picture and words were already there. It was a picture of crooked and dark looking trees.

‘The Everfree prevented the farming, and prosperity of anything nearby, hence why a town had never been build that close, until some attempted to defy the dark avatar of nature.’

Everyone stood silent and looked at the page, waiting for the next one to be turned. The next page was of the town again, with the dark Everfree in the distance.

‘Their crops (as expected) died, but they pushed on and ate scraps. The winds tore down their houses, but they rebuilt. The cold chilled them to the bone, but they bundled together, laughing and playing games.’

“That’s… good… they didn’t give up.” AJ said quietly. The page turned, and a picture of the town, this time much larger.

‘They pushed on, receiving food from Canterlot and other settlements. When the storms came, the pegasus came and blew the clouds away. When the roots encroached on their roads and houses, the earth ponies stamped them out. When the fires went out and the winters grew cold, the unicorns banded everyone together in the warmth of their magic. The shy grew confident, the brave grew stronger. The ones who had more, shared their food and wealth with the weak and poor.’

Everyone looked at each other, the fighting and arguing they had been doing now resurfacing in their memories.

“That sounds… like…” Dash started to say.

“Us…” The rest finished. Star turned the page once more, revealing a picture of the Everfree again, but more menacing, with a pair of angry looking eyes at the top.

‘But where people thought nature was a mother, attempting to harden its’ children and make them stronger… They were wrong.’

The page turned again, revealing ponies of all kinds, locked in their homes. Dozens of pairs of red eyes were seen in the blackness of the dark Everfree, staring toward the town.

‘It was not a kind mother, or tough love. It was an abusive father, who enjoyed the suffering of its’ children. And it did not take kindly to resistance.’

J closed his eyes and shook slightly. The page turned and a broken door was seen, the doorway to a dark house just beyond. Claw marks were all along the frame as if something had broken in.

‘Ponies who wandered into the Everfree returned with a sickness, a sickness that spread. It turned some into monsters, while it simply drove others mad. All who entered Betwixt grew infertile, weak, and poor. What kind of land is that where a rarity is that of a child’s laughter?’

Rarity looked over at Pinkie and remained silent. Pinkie’s gaze had already met Rarity’s, the two simply scooting closer to each other. The page turned, revealing dark skies with clouds as black as night, and needle like thorns as sharp as razors.

‘Where the pegasus lost, the unicorns stepped in and weaved the thorns from the black clouds, using them to help sow blankets and clothes, and the ponies of Betwixt continued their lives as normal. Father Nature did not approve.’

Twilight and Dash had already gotten closer to one another. The next page revealed larger roots entwining their buildings, trapping them in their homes. Vines strong and thorny, with trapped and worried faces in the windows.

‘The vines grew sharper, stronger, longer… But the earth ponies stood up and planted a tree within soil from their old home of Canterlot, and over the years watched it grow.’

The girls looked at one another for a few moments before all gazes shifted to the tree they were inside of. The page turned, revealing a very familiar looking tree, with windows and figures inside.

‘Even in a strange place, things can seem familiar. Their tree grew large enough, and the people of the town found life in a lifeless land. And that life spread. Crops began to grow as the roots filled the town’s soil, and the Everfree’s receded. But the infertility and sickness stayed.’

The girls glanced between each other for a moment as they each thought about how they had ended up here. The pictures on the next page showed larger creatures, those that none could overpower as they marched through the town.

‘As the anger of Nature grew, as did its’ creatures and disease. On the verge of disaster and defeat, Nature laughed at the victory it had strived for. But something happened that no one, not even Nature expected.’

The girls stared intently at the book, all of them wanting to know what happened next. The page after revealed a light, with a tall figure standing over the horizon. It had wings as white as the light it bathed in, with features smooth and silky.

‘An angel descended, sick of the cruelty of Nature and the wrath it was besetting upon its’ own people.’

Their curiosity peaked but none of them spoke up because they understood the answer would be revealed in time. The page turned to a crowd of ponies, laughing and celebrating. The angel healed the sick and made the town fertile, both womb and soil. Nature’s fury peaked at the prosperous town.’

All six of the girls smiled a little. The page turned, and the scene had changed to that of sadness. Kneeled on the ground was the angel, holding a young boy in his arms. The town had gathered around him, their faces out of frame, but streaks of blue could be seen running down their clothes in the shape of tear drops.

‘While the angel healed, Nature conspired. The child wandered too close to the forest, and was pricked by a purple thorn. It was poison, but a special one. The angel’s healing touch did the opposite of what he wanted, and the poison reacted. He watched the child’s life fade away, the gleam of his soul fading as his watery eyes grew still. Nature laughed at the loss, at the angel’s fault. Should he have done nothing, the boy would have been fine. The angel’s greatest asset, in that moment, became his greatest fear.’

Stardust’s arms were limp at his side, his hands gripping the couch cushions tightly. The girls moved to Stardust’s side and hugged him. The page turned on it’s own, and revealed the town watching the angel, who had his back turned to them.

‘The angel turned away from the people, but only to face the forest that had troubled them and caused the pain they had grown so fond of. The previously angelic appearance, was now dark, in black clothing. It’s wings were not of light and hope, but fire. Flames of rage, and vengeance.’

The girls remained silent as the looked at Stardust, none of them stopped hugging him. The next picture showed the angel surrounded by solid black figures, hunched over and filled with hate.

‘The creatures of the forest laughed at him. He ignored them, continuing to the heart of the forest. As if welcoming him, a set of stairs carved itself into the wall of the dark valley in the center of the forest. The angel approached a tree, torn and jagged, looking warped by something sinister. In the center was a face… A face that laughed, a cold, cackling laugh.’

The girls shivered at the words as a cold feeling rushed over each of them. The page revealed the black angel with wings of made with that of fire, burning the tree to the ground.

‘Nature laughed as he died, not angry, not in pain… But happy.’

A sick feeling fell over each of them. The next page revealed the angel staring at the town, and a horror washed over him, extinguishing the flames of anger.

‘Without something controlling them, the beasts grew sentient… feral. The town was being torn apart.’

Silence prevailed the room. It was as if all sound had just died and refused to enter anymore. The next page showed a field of battle that was too gruesome to describe. The angel was kneeling down in the center of the town, the remaining people staring at him with forgiveness in their eyes, yet the angel was still sad.

‘They told the angel it was not his fault, even though he knew in his heart that it was. It was because of him that these creatures are now upon Equestria, and it was his problem to fix.’

The girls silently stared at Stardust. The next page showed a little filly in front of the kneeled angel, his head sulking down to the ground.

‘The filly handed him a sunflower, trying to cheer him up. The angel looked at the filly, tears and disbelief in his eyes. She smiled, her teeth gleaming as bright as the stars in the night sky.’

The girls stared intently at the page again. The angel took the flower, and something reminiscent of a smile lit up the angel’s face on the page after. There were no words on this page. The girls smiled too. The page turned, and the angel was standing in front of the burned tree, his hand touching it.

‘With most of his strength, the tree started to grow, the dark black char of the wood turning to a crystallized blue, glowing gently. He smiled, knowing that the people of Betwixt wouldn’t have a father, but a mother to watch over them once again.’

The girls hugged Star tightly again and smiled wider. Star stood up, pushing everyone back onto the couch and walking to the front door.

“Where are you going?” Twilight asked quickly. Star ignored her and disappeared through the doorway, fading away as he walked into the darkening night. The girls got up and ran out the door after him. The only trace of him was the heavy footprints that just seemed to vanish.

“Where did he go?” AJ asked as everyone started to look around.

“Heeeey there’s some more stuff in here!” Pinkie called. Everyone turned and saw Pinkie had returned to the couch and had turned the page. Everyone ran back and gathered around Pinkie, all eyes were again glued on the book. The angel was staring at the tree happily, but there was another figure behind him.

‘While the tree was changed, and Nature controlled once again… Another was healed as well.’

The girls waited impatiently for Pinkie to turn to the next page. Pinkie nodded and flipped the page. They saw the angel’s face was that of confusion, and terror.

‘The sound of cackling rang out through the valley, a cackling that had burned itself into the angel’s mind just as he had burned the tree to the ground before. But this time, his wings weren’t that of rage, his heart beat with that of fear.’

They held their collective breath and stared at the book as Pinkie turned the page. Before the angel had time to turn around, the icy touch of something slid onto his neck. The object was black, seeming almost unnatural as the darkness of the blade seemed to be that of a dark void.

‘In his weak state, he could not have protected himself. His head grew as black as the blade, matching the solid black armor he was wearing. The shadow of what was once the smooth and pale skin of his head dissipated, leaving the still standing torso alone. And with that, the unknown assailant vanished, leaving only a sinister laughter in its’ wake.’

Everyone fell silent once more, Rarity alone covering her mouth. The next page showed the headless torso on the ground, motionless. There were no words on this page. No one moved from their positions and only stared at the book. Where no one else would Twilight’s magic turned the next page. The tree glowed, returning some of the energy it had received.

‘The tree gave life to the angel once more, but there are some wounds that none could heal. He rose back to his feet, his eyeless gaze set upon the tree. He was thankful, and truly gracious… At least for awhile.’

The girls curiosity grew and they waited for someone to turn the next page. The page turned, but no hand was there to help it. The picture this time was the headless angel walking to the city. Its inhabitants were happy, cheerful. The chaos had faded, the clouds were normal, the vines were gone.

‘The angel thought he was welcomed, but when the ponies of the town saw him… They only saw him as a monster, twisted by the forest.’

The girls remained silent and watched the book and waited. The next page was that of confusion. The angel walking the deserted streets as scared mares and stallions watched from their windows.

‘The angel left Betwixt, his tears unable to be released, forever trapped within him. He returned to the heavens, to his loved ones… But even they did not recognise him.’

All of the girls felt tears well up in their eyes. The next page was that of a falling star, surrounded by what looked like rain.

‘And that day, a star fell. An angel shunned by his own people, and his wings taken. He fell amidst not rain, but tears. Tears that shone brightly, like dust in a sunbeam.’

None of the girls could stop themselves from crying. The page turned and showed the wingless angel amidst Betwixt, within the room of the sunflower philly. He reached down and ran his hand through her hair.

‘He helped the ponies of this land flourish and prosper, and they took everything he was. But even with all the tragedy that plagued him… He gave them a future, while they took his.’

The page turned again, the girls wiping away more tears. The picture was that of his hand on her head. The filly’s hair glowed a brilliant golden before changing to a flowing colorful sea. The sparkles and colors immediately striking the girls as they saw the familiar colors, and a sun appear on the filly’s flank.

‘And with all but his kindness taken from him, he gives the ponies a bright future, a sunny future. One where the sunset won’t be something to fear as they wait for the scary darkness to give way to sunrise. Not only did this thought block out his sadness, but… He was happy.’

The book closed moments later, leaving them with a story that they would never, ever forget.

Chapter 3: Reconciliation

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Celestia sighed as she sat down at the desk in her room. She leaned back and was beginning to wonder what had happened to Twilight and her friends, no letter had come through yet, but the energy fluctuations had died down and everything felt calm again. A small commotion was heard outside her chambers, seeming to come from the throne room. She stood up and her gaze locked on the door. She started to feed magic into her horn just in case whatever it was wouldn’t get stopped by the guards. The sound of loud footsteps, slow but steady, were heading towards her room. Celestia slowly stepped back and her eyes narrowed. The footsteps stopped just outside her door, several guards that were shouting simply went silent. Celestia remained calm and waited just as silently for whoever it was to open the door. Unexpectedly, she heard a knocking, not loud, but gentle.

Celestia slowly walked towards the door, her horn still giving off a dull glow just incase it was needed. She grabbed the handle and cracked the door open a little. She saw the guards were standing back, their weapons pointed at a tall pony in black armor, and of course, no head. Celestia stared at the unknown pony with a small growing curiosity. “We tried to stop him princess…” One of the guards said quickly.

“It’s fine.” Celestia said in her usual calm tone. Star tapped on the door and pointed into her room. “Oh… Sure. You may come in.” She said as she stepped aside. Star stepped in and walked to the center of the room, seeming almost uncertain of what to do. Celestia smiled a little as she looked over Star. “Since it seems you’ll be unable to talk, did you want me to get you a pen and paper?” She offered. Star just turned to her and stared. “I’ll take that as a yes.” She laughed. She walked over to her desk and grabbed a few sheets of paper and a pencil before turning back to Star and offering them up to him. Star took the paper and pencil and stood there, still unknowing what to do. “You don’t know how to write?” She asked. Star set the pencil down, only holding on to one page. Celestia watched him curiously. He turned the page to her, and the side that faced her changed.

‘Hello.’ It said.

“Hello to you too.” Celestia smiled.

‘How are you?’ He wrote.

“I’m fine, how are you?” Celestia asked.

‘I’m good. It’s nice to see you again.’ It read. Celestia now looked up at him with a small look of disbelief.

“I don’t recall ever meeting you before.” She said in an apologetic tone.

‘It’s fine. Sometimes I don’t recognize myself.’ It said. Celestia laughed softly.

“Why don’t you refresh my memories if you’re sure we’ve met in the past.” Celestia said. There was a moment of silence before the page simply said ‘Betwixt’. Celestia’s face slowly blanked as she stared at him. “Wh…” She started.

‘It’s been a long time.’

“That… Yes… yes a very… very long time.” Celestia nodded slowly.

‘Are you afraid of me?’

“No. No I’m not…” Celestia said calmly. “Just… surprised.”

‘You haven’t changed one bit.’

Celestia laughed a little, “I wouldn’t say that. I was a little girl when we first met.” She said.

‘So you remember?’

Celestia approached Star and looked up at him, her smile growing slightly with a hint of sadness in her eyes. “Who could forget the day the heavens cried…”

Star stood there for a few moments, the paper slipping from his hand and to the floor. She approached him and entered his arms. “Like dust from the stars…” She finished, hugging the shaking angel. There was a gentle glow as she touched him, and his armor began to turn from black, to white. “I missed you so much…”

The glow spread across his body, but didn’t stop there. A white outline appeared starting from his neck and slowly spreading upward. Celestia looked up at him and her already warm smile grew even more. A face she could never forget was now in front of her, pale white, blue eyes, and long hair as colorless as his skin. The moment she could see him clearly, she could also see the tears staining his face.

“Don’t cry.” Celestia said softly as she wiped the tears away.

“I’m not crying… I’m happy.” Star said, hugging her tightly.

“So am I.” Celestia said as she squeezed him back.

“You are everything I could have hoped for, and more.” Star said, pulling back from her and revealing he had a sunflower in his hand.

Celestia looked down at the sunflower, “Only because I had the greatest friend I could have ever asked for.” She said quietly, a small shakiness in her otherwise calm voice.

“I was just returning the favor.” Star said, stroking his hand through her hair.

“I’m glad you did.” Celestia laughed quietly as she hugged him tightly again. She was almost caught off guard as a set of white wings wrapped around her, embracing her in a warmth that not even her own sun could provide. Celestia laid her head down on Star’s chest.

“No… that won’t do.” Star said. There was a light that radiated from his chest as his armor faded away, turning into almost energy that his wings seemed to just absorb, making them glow as brightly as Celestia remembered as a child. She felt his almost albino skin across hers, and a sting of sensations flooded her, engulfing her body in his angelic touch.

Celestia looked up at him and once more her calm demeanor gave way to something else, her cheeks were tinged with just the tiniest bit of red. “Why don’t you relax?” He said softly, gently lifting her and carrying Celestia to her bed.

“That’s easier said than done.” She chuckled softly. He set her down, making sure she was comfortable before standing guard beside her bed. She laughed a little, “You can lay down too.” She smiled.

“I wouldn’t wish to make you uncomfortable.” He reassured.

“You aren’t.” She said, motioning for him to lay down too. Star nodded and took a seat at the edge of the bed. Celestia laughed a little, “You can lay down.” She reassured. Star lied back, from his position, forming a T with Celestia. Celestia giggled quietly and wrapped her arms around him. Star scooted beside her, a wide smile brimming on his face. The thing she took a moment to realize was the soft, but lengthy appendage lying across her leg.

“Something wrong? Did you need anything?” Star asked, lovingly squeezing her against his body.

“Um… no… not right now…” Celestia said quietly. Stardust held her head to his chest, making the usually firm princess shiver, but not from the cold…

“Just tell me if you do.” He said softly, kissing the top of her head.

“I will.” She nodded slowly. The tingly warmth continued to spread slowly over her body, keeping her blissfully comfortable. She pressed herself even closer and pushed her face into his neck.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re coming on to me.” Star teased, running his hand through her flowing hair again, the sparkling grew more intense.

“You’re the one who’s completely naked.” Celestia chuckled.

“You’re the one that invited me into your bed.” Star said softly, kissing her cheek, then her neck. Each time his lips touched her skin, she almost wanted to scream.

Celestia’s face reddened a little more and she tensed up a little bit. “I did…” She nodded slowly. Star ran his hand down her arm and caressed her delicate looking palm as she felt his breath down her body. She stared up at him with a little uncertainty.

“If I am doing anything to make you uneasy, just say so.” Star said, pressing his forehead into her cheek.

“I… will…” She mumbled. He continued to kiss her neck, moving down her arm and keeping his lips on the palm of her hand as he grabbed it softly. She giggled quietly and stared down at him. Still holding her hand, he moved forward, holding his head in front of hers and staring into her eyes with a gaze she had not seen for many, many years. She slowly opened her mouth as she attempted to speak but couldn’t find the words she wanted.

“I know.” Star said softly, pressing his lips to the delicate sunflower in front of him. Celestia’s eyes closed and she melted into his entire being. Star gently wrapped his arms around her, squeezing her a little more against himself. She wrapped her arms around him and let out a soft moan into his mouth. He slowly pulled his lips away, their foreheads touching and their eyes locking once more.

“Star…” Celestia whispered softly.

“Celestia. I pledge myself to you, and the light you so graciously share with the world… Just as gracious and forgiving as the day I met you.” Star said softly.

Celestia smiled widely and remained silent as she pulled him back into another kiss. His hands held her against him as he sat up, moving her gently into his lap and letting his hands slide down her back. She shivered and shifted around in his lap. She let out a quiet sigh and her lips parted. To her surprise, the clothes she was wearing began to burn, not in a roaring fire, but a gentle sizzle. She pulled back from the kiss and watched as her clothes slowly vanished from her body. “You look absolutely beautiful.” He said, pressing his lips to her neck. She shivered and a small moan escaped her lips in reply. His hands slid down her back as the clothing fizzed away, breathing longingly as he touched her perfectly smooth skin.

“Oh…” She sighed softly as she wiggled in his grasp. The lower appendage she had seen earlier sent sparks through her as it slid across her slit and up her stomach. “Ooohh… my....” Celestia moaned quietly.

“I love you, Princess.” He whispered, gently setting her onto her back and kissing her with his soft lips. Celestia once again moaned into his mouth, her eyes already closed tightly, her lips parted and she waited for him to enter. His tongue pushed into her mouth and ran slowly along hers, taking in the feel and taste of her mouth. She wrapped her tongue around his and her arms tightly wrapped around the back of his head, locking him in the kiss. His shaft pulsed as it stopped between her breasts, making her feel every throb with every heartbeat. Her eyes opened and she looked down at the monster. Her eyes locked on the throbbing mass and she pressed her elbows gently in, pressing her breasts against it. Star slid his head down to her chest, sighing softly as his shaft slid out of the plush grip. Her magic gently surrounded his now unattended shaft in a warm grasp. His hands gripped her chest, his fingers digging and kneading her warm love pillows. Celestia let out a loud moan and her head fell back onto the pillows behind it. “Let me take care of you again.” He said softly, running his tongue up the center of her chest and squeezing her breasts a little tighter.

“Aah…” Celestia cooed. He moved further south, his shaft sliding down her aching cunt. She shivered and spread her legs further apart. His muzzle pressed into her snatch, breathing deeply and bathing in her scent. She stared down at him with and her magic shifted slowly up his body, caressing both his wings before running across the nape of his neck. His wings folded down around her, sliding between her back and the bed. Each feather that brushed across her skin in as the new lusciously softer bed she was in caressed her. She shivered even more and another soft moan escaped her lips. He pushed his tongue between her two velvety lips and ran it up, giving a shiver of his own. “Nnah… you’re tongue is so soft…” She mumbled shakily, juices flowing almost freely from her slit as her body was filled with pleasure.

“I learned more from you ponies than I thought I ever would. And one urge in specific that I’m having for the first time…” He breathed into her dripping pussy.

“What… would that… be…” She panted quietly.

“To make you mine.” He said softly, licking her clit roughly.

Celestia bit back a small scream and her entire body stiffened up slightly. “Mm… Years… Years of healing, helping…” He said with a growing need in his voice, kissing her clit, then the area above, moving slowly up her body. She shivered and squirmed a little under his touch as she shakily watched him move up. As he reached her chin, he stopped. “It’s time I take what I want this time… And I want you.” He whispered, the head of his shaft splitting her lower lips apart.

Celestia stared down at him and remained silent. She quivered slightly and her magic faltered. He bit down on her ear and nibbled as the two finally became one.

Celestia moaned loudly and she pushed down onto him. “I’ve needed this…” She breathed into his ear.

“You’re going to get it every day from now on.” He said, groaning and forcing more of himself into her, gripping her tighter as his pent up and overloaded beachballs slid closer and closer to her sopping wet pussy.

“Fu...nnnf….” Celestia moaned quietly. “So… much…”

Star inhaled again, breathing in the smell of her hair as his hips moved back, instinctively thrusting back moments later. She groaned loudly and shivered as she instinctively wrapped her arms around him. He pulled most of the way out, sitting up once again and watching her slowly sink down his length. “Mmmnahhh… so good…” She moaned quietly as she pressed against his body. Star’s wings wrapped around his lover, tightening and holding her in his embrace as he started to thrust at a regular pace, her juices spilling freely onto the bed. She buried her face in his neck and started to grind back down on him, rubbing his length in a new and even more pleasurable way. Her magic managed to weakly come back to life and surrounded his bloated balls, gently kneading and massaging them with her warm magic. He moved his head up an ran his tongue along her horn slowly but roughly. She let out a loud moan and her horn sparked a little in his mouth. “Do that…” She mumbled into his neck. He took the tip into his mouth, teething on the tip and moving his hands down to her hips, grinding her around in circles at the base of his shaft. She shivered and her snatch tightened significantly around the intruding object, her walls beginning to massage it as her body begged for him to release into it. She could feel him starting to swell in him, the burning seed in him now warming his shaft to an even more searing level.

“OOohh gasfhhsfffssss!” Celestia babbled as she violently orgasmed, and her walls squeezed and milked his length violently.

“You want it don’t you?” Star whispered and groaned.

“YES!” She almost screamed.

“And why should I give it to you?” Star asked, his sack tensing slowly.

“I neeed iittt!” She slurred, she gripped him tighter and pressed her face back into his neck, “Pleeaaasseeee…”

“As you wish Princess.” Star whispered, his entire body relaxing. The head of his cock flared out, stretching her interior further as the first slit stretching blast of his cum shot up directly against her cervix. She screamed loudly and thrashed around on his lap. Star dugs his hands into her ass and held her tightly to him as another wave of his love deposited into her, seeming even hotter and tingly than before.

“Fuuuffffnnnnnnnn!” She blabbered out as another of her own orgasms came crashing through her body. Her walls continued to milk his searing hot shaft for all it was worth. Her body quivered and her grip began to falter as her body was overloaded. He hugged her gently against him and kissed the top of her head.

“Shh…” He said softly, continuing to release his pent up lust into her as it spilled out slightly with every pulse. She went limp in his arms and her head fell onto his shoulder. Celestia felt a quivering in her womb that made her entire body start to shake. Her eyes weakly moved down to see the seed he was filling her with was making it’s own room.

She managed to squeak out another weak moan and her slit tightened even more, locking his shaft completely in her. As his seed was now completely trapped inside, her stomach began to expand with every single throb of his shaft. “I can’t wait to be part of your life…” He sighed softly, thrusting his hips once and forcing a plus sized load into her after kissing her neck.

“Y… you… already… a… are…” She weakly mumbled.

“I was the moment I touched you.” He said in his usual soothing voice as her gurgling stomach started to slow, pressing against his. She weakly moaned again and laid her head back down on his shoulder. “I’ve missed you.” He smiled, stroking his hand through her hair.

“I… missed… you… too…” She sighed quietly, returning a weak smile. Star’s smile grew slightly.

“Want to go again?” He asked quietly. She laughed weakly.

“I’d… love to…” She nodded.

-----------------------------------

The same night:

The girls looked around at the empty building. Now they all realized… only they were left in the house.

AJ slowly stood up, “We should… get to…” She started before sighing. “We ain’t gonna find him…”

“After that… I’m sure he just needs some time alone.” Twilight said.

“I think we all do.” Dash said in a more docile and quiet tone than normal.

“I’m going to go check on Sweetie.” Rarity said as she walked towards the door.

“I’m going to stay here. One: Because I want to make sure J stays okay. And two: Because it’s my house.” Twilight laughed. “You all should get some rest.”

“That’s a great idea.” Dash nodded, “Flutters I’ll take you home.” She grabbed Fluttershy’s arm and pulled her out of the house.

“Ow… Okay.” Fluttershy grunted, waving quickly to the others. Rarity waved at everyone else too before walking out.

“Ah’ll see yah in the mornin.” AJ said as she waved goodbye and left.

“Bye!” Pinkie said as she hopped out of the house and vanished down the street.

“Twilight!” Spike shouted from upstairs.

“Yeah?” Twilight called back.

“I think something’s wrong with J!” Spike said. “He’s locked himself in the bathroom and I think he’s crying!” Twilight teleported, appearing in front of the bathroom door and knocking.

“J?” Twilight called.

“I’m… F…” J mumbled weakly. His voice coming from just on the other side of the door. “D… don’t worry about… m… me…”

“That isn’t an option. Now unless you’re naked open up!” Twilight stated.

The door’s lock clicked open almost a second after. Twilight opened the door and looked in at him. J now had his back against a wall with his head in his hands.

“I’m….” He mumbled quietly as he gripped his head a little tighter.

“J? Maybe you should sit down…” Twilight said quickly, running over and grabbing him. After a moment tears fell down onto her arms. He shook slightly and refused to look at her.

“W…” He squeaked out.

“J talk to me.” Twilight pleaded softly. He slowly lowered his hands and looked at her, a small river of tears flowed down his face.

“Why… d… do you care… about me…” He mumbled quietly.

“Because it’s my job.” Twilight said softly, hugging him gently. He smiled weakly. He shakily hugged her back.

“C… can we sit… down?” J asked quietly. The two were transferred from the bathroom to the couch downstairs in a purple flash. “Thank you…” He sighed as he continued to hug her.

“Anything you want to talk about?” Twilight asked.

“I… I think you’ve heard enough stories for one night…” He said quietly.

“I’ve heard enough stories for a lifetime.” Twilight laughed, motioning to her library.

He laughed a little, “I guess you have.” He said. He looked down at the ground and went silent as his small smile started to fade.

“Please talk to me?” Twilight asked, grabbing his hand gently.

J looked up at her for a few moments. “You… know… I used to dream a lot… Back when I was a naive… little kid… before I learned what cruelty could truly be…” He said quietly.

“J…” Twilight started.

“I wanted to be a guard.” J said with a small smile. “I mean… they looked so cool and brave…” He laughed quietly.

“Armor doesn’t make you brave.” Twilight chuckled.

“It wasn’t just the armor… I loved the thought of being able to protect people.” J said. “I still do…”

“It is a good thought.” Twilight smiled. “You did a great job the other day.”

“Yeah…” He nodded slowly. He paused for a few moments, “I remember when a recruiter came to the orphanage… It was the happiest day of my life. Finally I’d be able to go somewhere other than the hell I was living in…” He laughed weakly. “Finally…” He trailed off as a few more tears rolled down his face. “I was stupid for believing that… the bullies always need someone to pick on… The tranquilizers they put in my ‘special’ dinners helped that out… they made it so the wolf wouldn’t harm anyone… and I was too weak to fight back on my own…”

“There are always going to be bullies… But that sounds awful.” Twilight said quietly.

“Sadly… I was able to get used to it… I never knew anything else… I got used to the names, the attacks… and the loneliness…” J said quietly as he closed his eyes.

“Well… that’s what’s good about us ponies.” Twilight started.

J looked up at her. “Huh?”

“We adapt. But it’s also one of the worst things… We get used to the bad, so used to it we become numb to anything good. Adjusting is easy enough, but re-adjusting… Even if the change is good, can be hard.” Twilight smiled. J smiled weakly back and hugged her again for a few moments.

He sighed quietly and steeled himself, “The day the recruiter arrived… I tried to go right for him, to get out… I was so numb to everything that I didn’t even realize what had happened until I hit the ground…” He said shakily. “I was so weak… After… the beating I just… ran and hid… I wanted to die… Everything came down around me… and I wanted it all to end…” He started to shake a little and choked back a few tears. Twilight’s grip on him tightened. “I thought everyone hated me… No… no I knew that… I believed it… I believed it… even when the door to my hiding spot was thrown open and… he picked me up…” His shaking began to subside. “He carried me into the kitchen and started pouring water over me… He said, ‘Once you stop crying I’ll stop soaking you.’”

“That sounds like torture…” Twilight mumbled.

“Yeah… It does to you.” J laughed quietly. “But once I stopped crying the first thing he did was make me something to eat… He told me that everything he was making then was mine, and no one else would ever be allowed to touch it… I didn’t believe him at first… How could I? I mean… no one ever had done something like that for me before… But that’s when he put some of the usual stuff into another two pots and threw lids on them… ‘Now, you’re going to tell me what happened and I’m going to give you all of this,’ He said as walked over to the freezer and pulled out something I had never seen before… ice cream. ‘And when I do. You’re going to enjoy it. Understand?’ He laughed as he grabbed me a spoon and handed me the big bucket of ice cream and the spoon. I had no idea what to do… Until my stomach rumbled. I then dug into it and… well I didn’t stop until I got hit with my first case of brain freeze.” J started to laugh. “Before that… I didn’t know that there was such a thing like this… someone who cared… someone who didn’t want to be with me just because it was their job… but because they wanted to be with me… I didn’t know what having a friend felt like until that day… the worst day of my life… the day my one dream died became the greatest…”

“You know now don’t you?” Twilight asked, hugging him a little closer.

“Yeah… I do.” J smiled. He gently squeezed her. “He showed me things I never noticed before… He egged me on into doing so many things… And he took it upon himself to raise me…” He started to shake a little again. “He was the father I never knew…”

Twilight smiled and gently ran a hand down his back to comfort him.

“He gave me a chance at a life I never had…” J said quietly. He closed his eyes and smiled. Twilight hugged him close again.

“He sounds like an amazing pony.” Twilight said.

“He is… Maybe some day you can meet him.” J said as he looked at her, his gaze meeting hers.

“I’d love to… Maybe some day you can meet my family.” Twilight sighed softly.

“I’d love that.” He smiled wider. “It’s been a long day for both of us… what say you to going to bed?”

“What say I?” She giggled. She yawned quietly, “With you… I’d love too…” He smiled and gently kissed her cheek. After a few moments they both froze and their cheeks reddened. Their eyes met and without warning both leaned in and met with a small kiss that lasted for little more then a few seconds. They both pulled back and stared at each other.

“Wow…” Twilight mumbled.

“Yeah…” J nodded slowly, he gently pushed her back and grabbed her hands. Twilight calmly stood up and he followed with her. As if on cue he let go of her hands and lifted her up.

“Oh my… I…” Twilight mumbled as her blush brightened and she stared at him. He silently carried her up the stairs and opened the door, he gently set her down on the bed and smiled. She smiled up at him and as he climbed into the bed her magic flashed brightly, removing all but their underwear. He laid down beside her and pulled her soft body against his own. She laid her head down on his chest and slowly closed her eyes.

“Twi…” J’s soft voice startled her from the beginning of sleep.

“Huh?” She mumbled quietly, looking up curiosly at him.

“If I’m not here when you wake up… Well you’ll enjoy what comes after… I just know it…” He smiled softly as he kissed her forehead.

“Alright…” She mumbled as she closed her eyes again. His warm grasp wrapped around her and she nuzzled closer before falling back to sleep in his arms.

--------------------------------------------------

The next morning:

Twilight was woken up as a sweet smell fluttered into her nostrils. “Spiiikeee! What are you doing up so early the sun isn’t even u-” She cut herself off as she saw Spike was still fast asleep beside her bed. She then noticed J was missing and she instantly stood up.

“Lay back down! I’m fine!” J called up. Twilight ignored him and walked down the stairs.

“What makes you think you can just leave m-” She trailed off as she noticed he was still in only his underwear, and he was cooking. She slowly walked up behind him and laid her head down on his shoulder as she wrapped her arms around him, her entire demeanor changing as she relaxed, “What are you making?”

“It was going to be breakfast in bed.” He chuckled as he gently kissed her cheek. She giggled quietly.

“It can still be breakfast in bed…” She smiled back, returning the kiss.

“Well milady I only intend to give you the best.” J said as he spun around and pulled her against his warm body. She shivered and laid her head against his chest. “Now I’m going to carry you back upstairs. I do not want you coming down here on your own, do you understand? I’m giving you the day off and you WILL take it.” He smiled as he picked her up.

“Only if you’re taking the day off too.” She said as she laid her head down on his shoulder. He smiled warmly down at her and slowly carried her back upstairs, he laid her down in the bed and tucked her in.

“I promise.” J breathed softly as he kissed her hand. She giggled quietly and gently pulled him down.

“That’s what I want to hear.” She smiled as he nuzzled his face into her neck. “And feel…” She shivered. He laughed warmly and hugged her tightly.

He took in a deep breath and the soft subtle scent she gave off filled his nostrils causing him to shiver. “That…” He breathed quietly, his body pressing instinctively against hers eliciting a soft moan from her. “You smell… so… good…” He whispered.

Twilight gave him a soft playful shove. “Shut up.” She said softly.

“You do.” J smiled as he gently peppered her neck and shoulders with kisses. She sighed quietly and shivered under the new attention she was receiving.

“We can lay up here all day today… but first you promised me breakfast…” She breathed into his ear, she gently leaned up and nipped the very tip eliciting a soft moan from him.

“You’re right… I did promise you a special breakfast.” He nodded slowly as he gently pushed away from her. He smiled warmly down at her and she returned it.

“I’ll be waiting right here.”

“I know…” He nodded as he stood up and slowly backed out of the room, his eyes never leaving hers. She sighed peacefully as she watched him descend the stairs. She laid her head down and started to close her eyes. After only what seemed like a minute to her she was woken up as she was lifted up and someone slipped underneath her. Her eyes slowly opened and she looked up to see J’s smiling face looking back down at her. She smiled back up at him and yawned quietly as she snuggled back against her new bed. He caressed her cheek and gently kissed her. This time the kiss seemed to last for an eternity. She shivered and relaxed completely as he pulled back. Her eyes slowly slid down to the area of the bed where he had occupied the night before. Laying there was a large plate filled with some of the most delicious looking foods she had seen in a long time. She went to grab the plate only for him to grab her hand and return it to her lap.

“No, let me take care of you.” He said softly as he grabbed the plate. “You just choose what you want.”

“I have what I want.” She smiled as she looked up at him.

“And I have what I need.” He smiled back down, gently pecking her on the lips. After he pulled back his lips were replaced with what she could only guess was a cinnamon roll. She took a large bite out of it and moaned quietly at the flavor. As she slowly continued to eat it he took to gently kissing and nibbling on her neck causing her to shiver even more, she unconsciously pressed her legs together and pushed down onto his lap. As she finished the roll he gently licked her face clean causing her to giggle.

“Don’t do that! It tickles!” She said through her laughter. He smiled and continued to lick her face before focusing on her lips. She instinctively grabbed his head and pushed her tongue out against his, drawing them both into their first passionate kiss. The food remained forgotten as she melted into her boyfriend’s body. He gently caressed her stomach and playfully lapped at her mouth as hers did the same to his. Both took in the flavor of the other and moaned quietly. She pulled back slowly and their tongues slid apart. They both panted quietly and stared into each other’s eyes.

“That was…” J started.

“... Perfect.” Twilight finished as she slowly turned over in his lap. She placed her hands on his shoulders and smiled shyly. “Can we do it again?” He smiled back and kissed her again. He ran his hands up her back and she rubbed back against them, almost edging him up. She stopped moving once his finger ran against her bra strap. She pulled back and bit her lip as he shakily unhooked her bra. With no strap holding it up her bra slipped between their bodies and vanished under the blankets they were wrapped in. He fell back and pulled the blankets completely over the both of them eliciting a giggle from her as he pulled back.

He smiled as her magic gave off a gentle glow which brightened the darkness under the blankets.

“Mmah…” Spike yawned as he woke up. “Good mor- Oh you’re still asleep…”

“I left food down there for him…” J whispered quietly. Twilight smiled and playfully tapped his nose. “Oh so that’s how you want to play…” He smiled.

Spike walked out of the room and nearly fell as he suddenly rushed down the stairs, “OH MY GOD LOOK AT IT ALL!” He shouted.

J and Twilight didn’t hear his shout as J’s grin grew. “Oh, I didn’t think we were playing.” Twilight laughed quietly.

“I just got a little lost in being this close to you.” He said softly as he nuzzled her cheek. “It’s really hard for me not to…” He started kissing her neck and his hands moved slowly down her back. “If you don’t want to play around a little that’s fine with me.” He said in between kisses.

“Now let’s not get ahead of ourselves…” Twilight said, sighing softly and leaning into him.

J smiled and he gently caressed her back and as his hands gently ran over her soft and supple flank he rubbed both her cutie marks. “Okay… Just tell me if I’m going to far.” He whispered into her ear as he went back to kissing her neck.

“I’ll let you know.” Twilight shifted onto his lap and bit her lip gently. He smiled up at her and softly pressed his fingers into her soft flesh, gently kneading and squeezing her ass.

“You look even more amazing in this light.” J smiled, “It really brings out all the color of your body.”

“You really think so?” She laughed quietly, looking down at herself. He nodded and his smile widened.

“I know so.” He said. He slowly leaned up to kiss her but froze midway. His ears twitched as though he had just heard something that took him by surprise.

“What’s wrong? Not getting second thoughts are you?” Twilight asked, pressing her nose against his.

“Someon- No two people just walked in downstairs.” J stated. Twilight blinked a few times.

“You think that might be Star?” Twilight asked. J shook his head.

“TWILIGHT? ARE YOU HOME?” An older sounding male voice called up. Twilight gasped, jumping up and bursting out of her room and downstairs.

“You’re half naked!” J said quickly as he shot up from the bed and scrambled to at least get some pants on himself.

“Twilight!” Her father Night Light said happily as he hugged her tightly. “Did we catch you at a bad time? I mean look at you… You should have at least gotten dressed before coming down.”

“You should have knocked before you barged in.” Twilight stated, crossing her arms and staring accusingly up at him.

“You’re my daughter. And this IS a public building.” Night chuckled.

“You’re my father, and no it isn’t. It’s MY house.” Twilight said, hitting him in the shoulder.

“Sorry. It’s a library that you live own.” Night said as he rubbed his shoulder.

“So because I have a lot of bookshelves and books in my house, it’s now a public place that people can walk into?” Twilight raised an eyebrow.

“Point taken.” Night said, “Well I’m sorry we barged into your home so we could come see our daughter.”

“Oh shut up and hug me.” Twilight smiled, practically tackling her father into another hug. She heard a small tapping beside the two and looked, seeing Twilight Velvet waiting patiently. Twilight’s face beamed as she dragged her father with her as she hugged her mother.

J quietly stepped out of the bedroom and looked down at everyone, still a little curious as to who the new ponies were. A smile crossed his face as he saw them all hugging. Her mother’s eyes shifted up to J and an almost sly smile spread across her face. J’s smile faded and his face blanked. “You never told me you had a boyfriend.” Velvet laughed.’

“I… what?” Twilight stammered, her head snapping to J.

Night blinked slowly and his gaze shifted up to J.

J slinked slowly back into the bedroom. Night’s horn lit up and J was instantly teleported down into the living room. “Wha… what would make you say that?” Twilight stuttered. Velvet poked Twilight’s bare breasts, making her blush brightly. Night slowly turned back to Twilight and calmly stared at her.

“Yes. Why haven’t you told us?” Night asked calmly.

“He’s not my boyfriend, I was just letting him grope me… In his lap.” Twilight corrected.

“Mmhm. That sounds exactly like something you would do.” Night nodded slowly.

“Oh Night, stop bugging her.” Velvet chuckled, crossing her arms and staring at her husband. “I’m sure you’d love for me to tell you about YOUR parents when we were dating.”

“Don’t you even start.” Night stated.

“You snuck out behind grandpa’s back?” Twilight questioned, her expression that of absolute bafflement.

“No… I didn’t…” Night said slowly.

“And don’t even get me started about the sex.” Night teased. Twilight just started to giggle quietly, covering her mouth tightly.

“I… D… Shut up.” Night grumbled.

“Now why don’t you put some clothes on. Oh and I don’t believe I’ve got your name sweetie.” Velvet said, staring over at J.

“J.” He said, “I’m J.” He slowly stood up. “I should go get a shirt on… I’ll um be right back.” He quickly bolted up the stairs.

“Oh what are we going to do about you?” Velvet laughed, shaking her head and glancing to Twilight. Twilight just silently stared at her parents for a moment before disappearing in a flash of purple light. Velvet turned to Night. “And you had better behave yourself mister.”

“I will…” Night grumbled. “Don’t worry. I won’t TRY to kill him.”

“Good. I’ll make us some tea.” Velvet smiled, kissing Night’s cheek and walking into the kitchen.

Worlds Betwixt

by Vinyl_Wubs

Chapter 1: The Wolf

Chapter 2: Fallen But Not Broken

Chapter 3: Reconciliation