//------------------------------// // 6 DBZ With Girls Toys // Story: The Line Between Fire and Light // by Stolenalicorn //------------------------------// The message had been sitting in the chest for hours, but that was hardly surprising. However, James was certainly not expecting to receive a message himself, particularly from Princesses Celestia. It wasn't a formal invitation, and by the hurried scrawl James guessed the plea for help was dire. He couldn't afford to ignore the request for help, and it had already been so long since he was last there. He collected his emergency bag and pulled the capsulized Epoch from it. With a flash he was back at the morning prior. He knew the message wouldn't show up till later that night, but it would be better for him to be on his way now and arrive just as the message is sent. He could always monitor the box and appear to ensure causality. He changed into the sayian armor he had stolen from Freeza longer back now than he bothered to remember and began casting his polymorph spell. Much to his relief the armor stretched and shrank to appropriately fit his new form. Two slits in back he had not noticed before grew to accommodate his wings and even the under suit made room for the new appendages. He wasn't expecting a true battle, but he would prefer to be prepared. A few quick system checks and he violently melted out of the scene and onto the road leading into Canterlot. In all his time visiting Equestria, he had never visited Canterlot beyond Celestia's castle. Now as he waited for her summons, he found himself with an abundance of time to explore. But first he had to set observation on the box so he knew when he had to show up. It was near midday that the alarm sounded on his system telling him the box had opened. Without hesitating he shot up into the air and stretched his wings as he maneuvered his way towards the castle. He landed hard on the balcony by the throne room. Two unicorn guards stood in his way as he approached. James stretched his wings and stood tall as he summoned the scroll from his bag. “I am here at Celestia's request.” The guards looked to each other for a moment before the doors opened for James. The Sister Princesses and Cadence waited in the throne room as he entered. “We appreciate your prompt arrival, James.” Celestia said, standing to address him. “I fear that something horrible is happening in Equestria, and we will need your help.” “I will help however I may.” James said as he stood before the dais. “Thank you. We're still waiting for Twilight, once she's here we'll tell you everything.” Princess Cadence said. “Come, wait up here with us. It is better that we stand together should the worst arrive.” Luna offered. “Thank you.” James said as he calmly walked up the stairs and stood next to Luna. The next few minutes were filled with anxiety as the princesses silently contemplated their plan. Time felt to stretch beyond it's constraints as each second felt longer than the last. Eventually the door opened and Twilight hurried into the room. “I came as quickly as I could.” She said as she skidded to a stop. From there the princesses began explaining what was happening. They spoke of Discord's betrayal and the dire events taking place in Equestria. James remained silent as he absorbed the information. His face was set in stone as they began to lay out their plan. Celestia's face and voice were resigned as she spoke. “We must rid ourselves of our magic before Tirek has the chance to steal it from us.” Luna approached Twilight as she spoke. “Tirek is set on possessing Alicorn Magic. When he comes for us we must not possess what he is looking for.” Twilight didn't hesitate as she believed she understood the plan. “I am more than willing to give up my magic.” Luna realized she needed to explain further at the proclamation. “You do not understand, our magic cannot just disappear into thin air. Somepony must keep it safe.” Cadence looked to James and Twilight. “We've decided that it must be the two of you.” she said. Twilight was stunned as she listened. “But why us?” Celesita walked towards Twilight as she explained. “We do not believe Tirek is aware that there is a forth Alicorn Princess in Equestria. And your presence is barely known beyond this room, James.” James wouldn't hear anymore before he spoke up. “Not a bad plan, but there needs to be one change. Twilight gets all of the power. If it's split between the two of us that's one more chance for Tirek to claim it if he finds out about us. And if she has the magic I can lure him away from her, or even act as bodyguard. Besides, we have no idea what will happen if you try to give me your magic, I'm not a pony and have artifacts embedded in my body. A reaction between my magic and yours could be as dire as what you fear.” “You can both escape to your world, James.” Luna argued. “We are not planning to fight just yet. Right now you need only to prevent him from winning.” “There's no way I can do this.” Twilight said as she started to back off. “I'm only now beginning to understand my own Alicorn magic. If I take all of your magic too …” Cadence held her hoof up to Twilight's. “Twilight, you represent the element of magic, if anypony can do this, it's you.” Twilight forced a laugh. “Sure you won't reconsider, James.” James smiled back at her. “Positive. I believe in you as much as they do.” He calmly said. Twilight took a deep breath as she began to pace. “Taking on this task is going to be the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But with the help of my friends …” Celestia interrupted her, knowing that things couldn't be as Twilight envisioned. “I'm sorry Princess Twilight. But you must keep your new abilities a secret. I fear that your friends being aware of your new power could put them at great risk. Do you still think you can do this?” Twilight nodded as her face became resolute. “This is my role as a princess of Equestria. I will not fail to do my duty.” James nodded as he stepped forward. “Don't worry, I'll be there to help you Twilight. Trust me, you can do this.” Twilight couldn't help but make a quick joke. “From the pony who just refused.” James shrugged. “I have too many factors that could go wrong. I'm just a bad choice plain and simple.” He said before adding a quick jab. “Also, not a pony.” Celestia spread her wings, pushing James back. “We must begin at once. James, we're counting on you to keep her safe.” “I'll help however I may.” James calmly said. He backed off and observed the spectacle from a distance, only approaching after Twilight hugged Celestia. James escorted her out of the throne room as the three alicorn took their place on the dais. “Come on. We've got to get you home now.” He gently said, stretching a wing behind Twilight. Once inside the library Twilight realized the day hadn't started yet, and that she needed to do it. James stood behind her, hoof gently against her back. While James didn't have the first idea about what to do with Alicorn Magic, he felt that he had a responsibility as the head of the New Guardia Sorcerer's Guild. “Don't panic Twilight. Take a breath and close your eyes.” Reluctantly, Twilight did as he said. “Good, now feel the moon with your magic. Can you do that?” He gently coached. “I don't know.” Twilight said as she began to panic again. James nodded. “Then stop and breath again. When you're ready, find the moon and touch it.” As he looked out the window he noticed a faint glow around the moon. “That's good, now take a deep breath and hold it. As you breath out, the moon sets, focus on that.” Twilight let out her breath as the moon gently sank beneath the skyline. This wasn't the task she had envisioned, it was almost like using her magic for anything else, just on a much larger scale. “Great work there. Now, refocus yourself on the sun. Raise it as you breath in. It's no different than the moon.” Twilight tried to concentrate, but she couldn't help but think that the sun is completely different. She didn't want to let Celestia down and focused a great deal more power on the sun as it shot into the air. James grimaced as he watched the spectacle. He was used to being ignored at the Guild, but there he could reprimand a student and the consequences were decidedly less dire. “Not bad for your first attempt.” James calmly lied. “I need to get better control.” Twilight said. “Never hurts to practice.” James agreed as Twilight ran out of the library, Spike following right behind her. James kept on her tail as she took to the air, and even as she hit the ground shortly after. As Twilight's friends marveled at her James kept an eye on every move she made, both intentional and unintentional. “Another trip to the castle of the two sisters?” Rarity suggested. “We'd be happy to accompany you.” Twilight was quick to shoot them down. “Not today. Tirek is still out there and I need you to encourage everypony to stay inside.” James walked up next to Twilight. “I'll be accompanying her.” He stated simply. “What are you wearing?” Rarity asked, more than a little unnerved at the strange outfit. It was dreadful. “The only armor I had that would fit. Still good though.” James calmly answered. “Come on Twilight. We've got work to do.” “Armor?” Rainbow Dash asked as Twilight and James walked away. James remained silent as he walked next to Twilight into the forest, and as he felt the energy of her friends dwindle. He finally spoke up as he felt the comparatively enormous power approaching them. “Go on ahead, it's time I do my job.” James rose into the air, from his vantage it was easy to find the massive demonic centaur that slowly approached. James grinned and began a basic spell. Tirek noticed the pony from a long way off, a lone pegasus wanted to fight him. It was enough to make him laugh. But it would give him more energy so he gladly awaited the inevitable charge. What he got however was a dart of light piercing his shoulder. The wound didn't last, but the pain lingered, whatever the pegasus had hit him with hurt. He bellowed in rage as he charged, just in time for another dart of light to hit his shoulder. As the Pony drew closer, he saw that it was no pegasus, it was an Alicorn. Tirek smiled in satisfaction, all he had to do was capture this one pony and it would all be his. James realized that he had to hold back. He didn't know if any of the Equestrian magic would return if he simply killed the monster himself. He needed to let this play out the way it was supposed to, and that meant letting Tirek get in a few good hits. James's blood burned as he wanted a good fight so badly. It's the feeling he'd been missing, why he was still so fat. He didn't train to fight anymore. He fought to end the conflict fast, not draw it out and enjoy himself. He was going to have fun today. Tirek was surprised by the speed of this Alicorn, but even more so by it's strength. One kick nearly toppled him. His rage grew even more as he saw that it was smiling. If this Alicorn thought it would be so easy, this was going to be short indeed. Tirek opened his mouth to pull away the Alicorn's powers, expecting the surge of strength any moment. However, all he got was a kick in the throat. When he bent forward in pain he saw Princess Twilight running off, back into the forest. This new Alicorn was already proving more trouble than he cared to deal with at the moment so he refocused his efforts on the Princess. A flaming ball of magical energy formed between his horns as he prepared for an attack. James noticed the redirection and shouted out a warning to Twilight, who quickly vanished. Tirek turned, tracing Twilight's position, with a thought the ball shot towards the Library. James got in the way of the projectile, but the magical force was too much for him to hold back and he simply flew along with the projectile into the tree. The blast launched Twilight clear of her home as James was buried under rubble and half burned books. Tirek soon saw his prize flying towards him. Twilight's horn glowed as she focused her magic into a beam. Not spell nor conjuration shaped her attack, only anger fueled her. The magic blast threw him back, it didn't hurt much, but he felt the combined magics in the blast. “Now I understand what your fellow princesses have done.” He snarled. Twilight shot up from her stance as Tirek focused his attention on her. At least until another voice made itself known. James laughed like a maniac as he barred down on the monster, horn pointing forward in his charge. Tirek only had enough time to get his hand in the way as James impaled him. Another magical blast sent waves of agony through Tirek's body as Twilight loosed her newest blast of energy on him. His own anger reached it's boiling point Tirek immobilized Twilight and James and hurled them at a nearby mountain. James was just able to adjust enough to put himself between Twilight and the rocks as they hit. Tirek wasn't giving them a chance to regroup again and had already begun his charge. James teleported in front of Twilight and took the hit head on. Unfortunately Tirek's mass still pushed them through the mountain top. Twilight's shield, though, prevented either her or James from coming to any real harm. Twilight teleported again as she charged another magical blast, this time hitting Tirek squarely in the back, knocking him hard to the ground. The battle raged on. Twilight pummeling Tirek with blast after blast of Magic, James coming in close to attack him physically. Tirek himself using every trick he could think of to keep the two alicorns away where he could hurl his own magic at them. One final shot of magic from Twilight and Tirek combined where they met, blasting away the surrounding landscape leaving them inside a shallow crater. Tirek climbed out from the rubble and saw Twilight and James standing across from him. Twilight scowling and James wearing a sadistic smile. “I see I have few options. So. How about a trade, Princess Twilight?” He said, snapping his fingers. Twilight's friends floated in bubbles around Tirek acting as a shield against James. “Their release, for all of the Alicorn magic in Equestria.” He taunted them as he made sure her friends stayed between him and Twilight. “So what's it going to be, Princess?” James watched Fluttershy and Discord's exchange as he waited for his next cue. Tirek stomped the ground and shouted something at Twilight, James wasn't exactly paying attention now. His interest in the fight gone as it was so close to being over. Twilight agreed to the exchange, knowing now that it was what she must do. “And what of you, Alicorn prince?” Tirek asked. James suddenly realized that he was still involved. “Had I any to give, I would.” James said as he ripped the leg off of his spandex-like pants revealing that there was no cutie mark. “But if it will suit your terms, I will not interfere with your claiming her magic.” It now made sense to Tirek why he was unable to siphon the magic from him earlier, he had given it up and was likely using enchanted items to compensate. “Very well, once I have all of her magic, you won't be a threat anyway!” Tirek said. He snapped his fingers and the bubbles popped releasing the ponies and Spike. “All of my friends.” Twilight said, defiant. “After all he has done to betray you, you still call him friend?” Tirek asked. “Release him.” Twilight demanded. “If that's what you want.” Tirek growled. James sat back and watched as Tirek siphoned away Twilight's magic. James promised himself that's he'd stab Tirek at least three more times for the agonized wail he heard coming from Twilight. That and he was enjoying stabbing the monster with his face. Tirek grew more than tenfold in size as he finished absorbing his stolen magic. The process complete James stood up. “Well, I've kept my end of the bargain. Time to have some fun.” Without another word James launched himself at the titan, his horn piercing deeply into Tirek's left side. James buzzed around the monster, hitting where he could, continually surprising Tirek with his unexpected strength. James shot up higher into the air and soon Tirek's left temple had a familiar agonizing hole in it. Tirek swatted at the tiny assailant, however he moved too slowly to actually hit James. He was simply too massive now to be a threat. James got an idea and began to chuckle as he grabbed onto Tirek's neck. James's familiar gold fringed darkness enveloped the behemoth and Tirek began to rise and slowly rotate. As suddenly as it began, the magic field disappeared and Tirek dropped hard to the ground landing on his head. Tirek rolled to stand as James continued to fly above him. Once he was on his feet again James came around and with another pass, pierced Tirek's right flank. James laughed as he watched the group run off. This may have been too easy a battle, but he was having so much fun tormenting Tirek. All James had to do was keep from killing Tirek long enough for the girls to do their work. And he could draw this out for a long time. Another pass had James kick Tirek's massive gut, doubling him over and opening him up for another kick to the head. James allowed Tirek to catch him once, however he was simply too strong for Tirek and James easily pried his fingers apart and flew off. Tirek bellowed in anger and increasingly in pain as James continued his assault, laughing harder and harder as he found tender spot after tender spot. James couldn't help but wonder why it was taking them so long. The one sided battle had been losing it's appeal for a while now and he was just hurting Tirek now to keep him distracted. James actually felt quite relieved when he saw the prismatic blast from the fissure and the glowing ball he recognized as the signal for the end of the fight. “Thanks.” James muttered as he slowly descended. The moment he touched ground he closed his eyes, collapsed and began to sleep, quite peacefully this time. Discord felt his power return to him as he watched the rainbow spread over Equestria. His joy was unsurpassed as he realized they had won. It was then that he noticed James sleeping on the ground. An evil thought crossed his mind, but only briefly. With a snap of his fingers the ground around James turned into a bat winged bed that carried him along with Discord. “You must be the one Fluttershy told me about. James, if I remember right.” Discord said, as much to himself as to James's unconscious form. “Well, I guess you did help out a bit.” He smiled briefly, glad that there were those that would help out of no more desire than to aid a friend. He realized that he wanted to be one of them, for Fluttershy if no one else. – – – – – – – – – – – – – James had no idea where he was when he awoke. He felt stiff and sore as he tried to get up. “I've got to start working out again.” He mumbled. He allowed himself a few moments in the soft bed before he began a healing spell. The magic worked through his body, accelerating his already augmented ability to recover as he waited. He would be the first to admit that this was simply a comfort issue as he wasn't actually injured. All he had really done was the equivalent of not stretching before jogging. Painful, but nothing more than exertion. As he stood he took the time to observe his surroundings. Vaulted ceiling, white stone walls, and a canopy bed. He was in a tower in Celestia's castle. The door opened as he approached and standing just outside was Shining Armor. Shining Armor stood at attention as James approached. “Shining Armor?” James asked as he looked at the royal guard decked out in his full and polished armor. “I'd thought you'd be with your sister right now. Or your wife, either is a good choice.” James said, still a little groggy. “Sir…” Shining Armor began to say before James cut him off. “Don't start that now. Unless there's some regulation demanding you do otherwise, just call me James.” James said as his head throbbed, he really needed some coffee right now. “I see.” Shining Armor said with a smile. “James, it was my honor to take my place as your guard, you fought hard to keep my sister safe while she saved Equestria.” Shining Armor followed behind James, talking more casually than he had intended to. James chuckled before he spoke again. “Please, she's tough enough that she didn't need me. All I did was hit the guy a few times.” Shining Armor shook his head. “Not the way Twilight tells it.” James walked along the bridge towards the castle proper. “Trust me, if my role came across as anything but a distraction, it's been exaggerated. You're sister's tougher than she comes across.” “I think I'll trust my sister.” Shining Armor said as he went for the door ahead of James. “Yeah, that's probably for the best.” James said as he walked into the castle, turning towards the front door to slip quietly away. Shining Armor put his hoof on James's back as he turned away. “Actually, James. I was planning to take you to the throne room.” He calmly said. James grinned as he turned back. “Yay, I'm getting banished!” He said in a far too excited tone. Shining Armor's face clearly showed his confusion at the statement, both for the statement itself and how happily he said it. “Don't worry, I'm just joking. It's probably just a formal thank you. Did Celestia ever tell you that I don't like politics?” James said, following behind Shining Armor. He chuckled as they approached the throne room. “She may have mentioned something about that.” Light shone through the stained glass of the hall leading to the throne room, bathing the walkway in a cascade of colors. On the dais stood all four Princesses smiling down to at James. Shining Armor stopped as they approached, James followed suit and bowed politely. The four Princesses stepped down from the dais and approached as Shining Armor circled around behind them to stand between his wife and sister. James patiently waited as they approached, their smiles clearly showing appreciation. Celestia spoke first, calm and polite. “I believe it is now the time to address your form, King James.” Luna stepped closer as she spoke. “An Alicorn is more than just a shape, it is a symbol. One of royalty and one of service.” Cadance looked briefly to Twilight before she continued Luna's statement. “Each of us earned our status through deeds that showed who we truly are.” Twilight spoke next as she looked to James. “As you did the other day. You refused power that could have been altered by your own magic, making it dangerous to attempt.” “You came to our aid without hesitation or question.” Luna added. “You defended my sister and gave her the time she needed to succeed.” Shining Armor said through his smile. Celestia spoke again as she walked towards James. “You've displayed great selflessness, compassion, wisdom, and strength. Befitting both your form as an Alicorn, and your status as King.” Cadence was the next to break away from the group as she spoke to James. “For your services to Equestria, you will be recognized as an honored friend and hero.” Luna smiled as she brought the relay speech to a close. “I am afraid though, that there must be a formal ceremony recognizing your efforts.” The room fell silent for a moment as James was expecting someone else to begin speaking until he realized that they were waiting for him. “I appreciate your thanks, and accept your appreciation. But I would be remiss were I to not point out that at no time did Princess Twilight actually need my help. Even at it's worst, she had control of the situation. All I did was provide a distraction.” Twilight was flabbergasted at his statement. She mentally went through the whole day again before regaining her composure to speak. “I can recall no less than three times that fight where you saved my life. That's not me being in control.” James smiled at the purple Alicorn. “I promise you, without me you would have been just fine. You're stronger than you think. I don't say that to diminish my role, only because it's a fact. But if you still feel the recognition is necessary I will accept without further resistance.” “We do.” Celestia said calmly. She was curious as to why he insisted on diminishing his role, but felt that it was better to not press the issue. At least not at the moment. “Well, I guess I'll need to get my family ready.” James said with a shrug. “A formal ceremony does call for them to be in attendance at least.” “We would be glad to welcome them.” Celestia said, she was curious to meet his family as she didn't get the opportunity when he brought them to Ponyville. “It should take a week for them to be prepared. There's training that Tali, Tenyo, and Liara have to go through to walk in altered forms.” James explained. Twilight fixed James with a confused look as she thought about what he just said. “Wait, wasn't Tali here when you first brought your daughters?” James scratched the back of his head as he spoke to the group. “No, that was Lucca. This is going to take some explaining.” James uncomfortably said. “I guess I should start with Lady Seto Kamiki Jurai, also known as the Devil Princess of Jurai. She fancies herself quite the matchmaker, and she is really good at it. But it's not often that she thinks one match is enough, especially when there's political favor and power to be leveraged. …” James spent the remainder of the day explaining and answering questions about the intricacies of his marriages to the five stunned ponies. – – – – – – – – – – – – – The day of the ceremony came eventually. Twilight and her friends had just returned from a mission where a mare in control of a village was ridding the population of it's cutie marks, and before returning to Ponyville they detoured to Canterlot. James sat in the design studio he had rented for Rarity as he waited for the dresses he needed for his wives and daughters. Fortunately Twilight had taken the time to explain the situation to her friends as they traveled to the remote village on their mission. More as a way to help her understand it herself rather than explain it, but there was enough for James to get away without more than the occasional angry look. The hardest one to dress was Tali, as she still wore the environmental suit she had grown up with. James had to find a new Quarian suit that he could alter to a new shape but still keep functional. Eventually he had one that Tali decided would work. James's polymorph had turned her into an earth pony, pale violet with her mane completely black, not that anyone would see once she wore the suit. Tali also had the easiest time adjusting to the new body shape, taking nearly half the time the others did to start walking. James quietly marveled at just how adaptive Quarians could be. Liara was transformed into a unicorn, however she had no mane, instead her head crest remained after the transformation and she remained the same shade of blue as she normally was. Tenyo became a pure white Pegasus, her collected demeanor hiding her mischievous streak that she would happily show when the opportunity for a joke came up. Though she wasn't quite as mischievous as her mother or grandmother. Rarity walked out of the studio's back room. “Are you certain that I can't make something new for you?” Rarity asked as she examined James's altered robes. “I don't think there's time. Besides, it would need to go with my circlet. That piece isn't optional.” James said. Rarity smiled at him as she turned back to the room she had just left. “To be honest, I had already designed something and I got a bit carried away and made it already, just in case.” A hanger with earth toned regal robes studded with green gemstones floated from the back room. “I was thinking I'd call it, “The Gardens of Guardia.” So what do you think?” “It's you Rarity. Flashy, fashionable, and filled with more care and effort than could be matched in this world or any other.” James said with a smile. He was being blatantly flattering, but she had worked hard on it. “Yes, but do you like it?” She insisted. James chuckled quickly before answering. “I love it. Thank you. But unfortunately I have to hurry, there's three women and two girls to dress and the ceremony is only in a few hours.” James said as he turned for the door. Princess Celestia stood on the balcony along with Luna Twilight and Cadence. James stood just inside the castle with his family, waiting for his cue to step forward. “As with every great endeavor, there's never just one pony to thank. Just as Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends defeated Tirek, there was another who protected our Princess of Friendship and fought to give them the time they needed. He used his wisdom to see clearly what it was he was needed to do, and refused to relent until his task was complete. Even as a stranger to our lands he knows that we must stand together as friends and fight for what is right. It is here that we recognize his service and friendship, and welcome him with open hearts whenever he walks our lands. I present to you now, King James Glastos of New Guardia.” As Celestia finished her statement James began to walk forward, Lucca and Tali at his sides with Sara and Amber on the outside, and Tenyo and Liara following behind him. “Greetings, Ponies of Equestria.” James's voice boomed out to the entire audience. He stood tall and his wings stretched out behind him. “I admit, it was my daughters that first brought me to your lands. I did not know then that there were such treasures of hope and caring among it's populace. It has shown in the friendship that you offered me freely. And the care and concern you've shown for each other. I did not know what was to be asked of me when I was called on to help, but I knew that I must help. To help your princesses protect that which makes this place so special, all of you. I thank you all for the honor you have bestowed on me. And the joy from those whom I count among my friends.” James looked out over the crowd as a cheer rose up among the gathered ponies. His wings twitched as he smiled and waved to them. “That was quite the display James.” Twilight said as she walked with James and his family back to the throne room. “He can't help it.” Tali commented. “It's his nerves. You should see how his tail twitches when he has to give a speech in his normal form.” “But I've seen him talk to his people calmly.” Twilight commented, remembering their time in Truce. “That's one on one, and he can do that.” Liara said dismissively. “Finally.” Lucca added dryly. “Well, this was certainly fun, but if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to work. Being away from the console this long means I've got a lot to catch up on.” Liara said to James as they walked to the doors. “Sorry to drag you away.” James said. “Once we get you somewhere where I can change your form I'll get you back. And I'll come by later with coffee.” “Sounds good, and don't forget about that new shipment agreement between Jurai and the Council in eight hours.” Liara mentioned. “It never seems to slow down.” James said. Twilight looked between them as she made her observation. “Don't you have a time machine? If you're late, you can just use that to get there on time.” “It's not precise. I could go to yesterday with it but not this morning.” James explained. “Besides it's just the end of trade negotiations where they finalize the agreement and decide on what they'll be paying New Guardia anyway.” “That sounds amazing!” Twilght squealed as she flew up into the air. “Can I come?” “Sorry Princess.” Tenyo calmly said. “But there are strict laws in place that prevent James from bringing you, or if he did you wouldn't be allowed to remember anything you experienced. As it could damage the natural progression of your world.” Twilight's expression dropped as she heard the news. “However there are exceptions in place if you were to only travel as far as New Guardia. You couldn't attend the meeting listen in or anything like that. But we always welcome visitors.” Tenyo said as way of compensation. Twilight's tone was decidedly more sedate as she continued on. “Well, it would still be neat to learn more about New Guardia. I was only there for a week and we were a bit rushed.” Sara leaped up at the news as Amber's wings beat fast enough for her to actually take off for a second. “Dad, can she come over?” Sara asked eagerly. James chuckled at his daughter's outburst. “I'll have to see what can be arranged. She has responsibilities here. But as Aunt Tenyo said, we always welcome visitors. Now Spike, when I get back I expect you to show me where that Doughnut shop is.” “Yes, sir. And as one hero to another, that's the best place for doughnuts you'll ever find.” Spike proudly said. James smiled down at the dragon as they walked. “That's a tall order Spike. I've been to hundreds, and you can clearly see I have a lot of experience with good food.” “Will you stop that.” Lucca moaned as she rolled her eyes. “Not while my stomach continues it's persistent refusal to leave.” James joked. “I want doughnuts too dad!” Amber said excitedly. “Yeah, can we get some too?” Sara jumped around as she asked, sparks flying from her horn with each jump. “Alright, alright. We'll all go for doughnuts. You've got your Turian chocolate, right Tali? I'd hate to have you just watch us enjoy dessert.” Tali waved her hoof as she walked. “Oh, that's okay. I already ate it during the ceremony. Unless you have more, then I'll take that too.” Twilight turned to look at Tali. “Oh you'll love the doughnuts. You all get ready, I'll get the girls and we'll all go.” “That's a nice offer, princess.” Tali calmly said. “But I can't eat anything here.” Her words were lost, however, as Twilight ran on ahead unconcerned with anything else going on. “Keelah, this is going to be a long explanation.” Tali commented. “I'll talk to her when we see her again.” James offered. “And yes. I do have more Turian chocolate with me.” “Hand it over.” – – – – – – – – – – – – – The morning sun had an interesting effect on the exterior of Twilight's crystalline castle, as some of the rays reflected and others refracted lighting up the ground on all sides whenever there was any light. James smiled at the general effect as he approached, the illumination was certainly enough to read a book by, but there was not so much light as to be blinding. His knock resonated through the castle and he patiently waited for the door. Eventually a glow surrounded the door as it cracked open. “James? You don't have to knock you know.” Twilight laughed. James smiled as he entered. “I'll keep that in mind. But this is a lady's home, and I shouldn't just barge in without her approval.” “So what's up?” Twilight asked as she lead James into the castle. “Well first your mail box was destroyed, so I brought a replacement.” James said as a capsule raised out of his bag. “Second, I wanted to ask you something.” Twilight led James down a hallway as she spoke. “Sure, we'll get the box in place as we talk.” “I was wondering if you would be interested in having a connection to New Guardia nearby.” James suggested. “Isn't that what the box is?” Twilight laughed slightly as she asked. “No, the box is just a channel of communication. I'm talking about a doorway that you or anyone can use that will lead straight to my castle. Obviously if it's a door with a lock they'll need a key, but that's on your end.” James said as he continued to follow. “Are you serious? A door to another world in my castle?” Twilight said, her voice caught between excitement and panic. “If you want.” James calmly answered. Twilight nearly burst at the suggestion. “Yes! Of course! What do you need?” Another capsule rose from James's bag as he continued to walk. “Just an unused doorway, preferably to a small room or better yet a closet. I'd rather take as little space as possible and the room behind the door will be totally inaccessible unless there's a window which would have to be sealed up or configured as well. Let's just go with a closet if one's available.” Twilight's head swam at the thought of being able to see another world whenever she pleased. James didn't notice her distracted trot as he continued. “I just ask that you pay attention to the clock I'll put on the door. I'd rather not have any more surprise late night visitors.”