Prologue: A Shift In The River Of History

View Online

Fate is an interesting thing, isn’t it? It may flow like a gentle river, carrying whatever is in its current. Or, it could become a raging ocean, the waves thrashing about and the undertow taking down anything in its way and placing one somewhere that is totally unknown. That is something that happens to a tenno who is taken from his realm through the raging river of space and time. And then, comes into contact with a new world, a new land, and many new beings.

--Canterlot Castle--

The day was just beginning as Celestia raised the sun on a cool, crisp fall morning. The morning sunlight revealing a beautiful autumn morning through what remained of the leaves in the trees and branches. This was her favorite of all seasons. And anyway that she could make it more beautiful than it already was, she’d find a way.The very tall and curvy alicorn mare smiled up towards the sun that she had risen and giggled lightly to herself.

“It is such a beautiful morning. I am sure that all my subjects will think so as well.”

She gazed at the sky for a few more moments before heading into her chambers to get ready for the day. A good shower, and a nice form-fitting dress that was a beautiful white with gold trimmings where the lower par split on the left side of the dress. And of course all her other regalia including her golden crown.

Yes, today was going to be a good day. She will tend to her usual important matters than have some time to herself in her favorite gardens in the castle courtyards. How she wished that her sister stayed awake in the daytime more often though. She wished she’d be able to spend more quality time with her own sister. But, she also did enjoy what little time they did get together. But now that she was dressed and ready for the day, it was time for her to get going.

--Ponyville--

The town was already up and about. Ponies getting to their jobs and the younger ones getting to school. Six of these ponies, in particular, will play an important role in this story alongside the one who will be disrupting the flow of history in this world upon his arrival. These ponies being Twilight Sparkle, a lavender unicorn who’s thirsty for knowledge and books certainly unmeasurable by any other ponies. Applejack, who is the most honest and trusted mare in all of ponyville, and a true friend to the very end. Rarity, with her beauty that is matched with her generosity. Pinkie Pie, with her laughter and smile that makes any sad pony smile and brighten up their day. Rainbow Dash, with her undying loyalty and awesomeness, makes her a force not to be underestimated. And finally Fluttershy. With her kindness and compassion towards others, makes for a wonderful friend to be around should things get too tough. These six’s destiny with the tenno unknowingly.

Twilight was laying on her bed, absorbed in a good book as she usually is when she has time to herself. She was a soft and squishy looking mare. Then again, she is a big bookworm, but that didn’t mean her figure wasn’t hard to look at. She was in the middle of turning to the next page in the latest spellbook she had acquired from a book fair she had attended. When all the sudden there was a loud ‘BOOM’ and the sky lit up with a circular ring of icy white light that expanded out, just like one of Rainbow’s sonic rainbooms. The sound makes the unicorn mare fall off her bed with a sudden.

“Ah!”

All six of the mares saw it from their windows except for Rainbow Dash who was lounging up in the clouds and Applejack who was harvesting her family’s apple trees. The large, unknown aircraft soared through the sky at a downward angle.clearly indicating it imminent crash to the ground at the rate of speed it was falling. The flying metal monster landed just on the outskirts of the small town, sliding across the ground and digging into the earth. Eventually coming to a stop just shy of the local lake/swimming hole where some ponies had gotten out of the way just in case it may have caused some injuries or deaths.

Soon, Twilight and her friends arrived on the scene along with Celestia and a few of her guards. They all walked around and explored the exterior of the ship. None of them really finding a way inside of the interior. Twilight’s gaze looked to her mentor with a look of worry.

“While it is a wonderful thing that nopony was hurt, I am still concerned as to what or who is in this thing. But clearly, however, it was flying, something went horribly wrong. What do you make of this, princess?”

Celestia wasn’t quite sure what to make of it herself. The type of design and sleekness of it was something she had never seen in all her years of life.Though it was certainly something to behold. Suddenly, a sound of metal being hit against catches her attention along with every other pony. The guards draw their weapons as a hatch from an entrance to the aircraft flies open. From the smoke that was bellowing out, a large figure started to step out. The guards assumed a more defensive stance as the figure appeared out from the smoke, but then a look of horror fell upon all their faces when they saw what looked to be a child being carried in the metallic being’s arms. The child kept a firm hand on the creature’s shoulder, a light pulsating glow coming from where he was touching it.The metallic figure walked closer towards the group. The guards watched it carefully as it carried the child in it’s arms. The boy uttering out a few words.

“Please….help…”

The figure continued to walk closer to the group. It appeared that the creature was being controlled by the child, for the glow stopped and the metallic being dropped to it’s knees just as the child seemed to have passed out from his injuries. Twilight and her friends were quick on their feet to rush over to both of them and lift the child into Applejack’s arms since she is the strongest out of the group.

“We need tuh get him to the hospital! He is gonna bleed out if we don’t get him help!”

Shouted the orange farm pony. They all agreed to do so and rushed him there as a group. When they left, Celestia’s gaze felt to the metallic creature who now kneeled there, completely motionless as if it was a puppet without its master. Which in a sense it was.

“Your Highness, what shall we do about this...thing?”

Asked one of the guards as he was tempted to poke it with the end of his spear. She looked at the creature again and thought on it. He seemed to have need of it before. Perhaps it would be best if they brought it along with them. She gave a nod to her own thoughts.

“Bring it with us. Something tells me that child is going to need it and would be a might bit upset if he had lost it. But for now, his medical needs take priority. Once they stabilize him at Ponyville General, we will have him moved to the castle medical wing along with this puppet of his. That way we can question him without many other ponies trying to get after him.”

“Of course your highness, right away.”

The guards pick up the extremely heavy warframe and take it to the castle. Little did Celestia and all the other ponies know, that the presence of this child, this tenno, was going to change their lives and thus change the future of Equestria with the butterfly effect.

--Canterlot Castle Medical Wing--

The child sits up, letting out a groan of pain. His vision is blurry at first, but it slowly starts to clear up. He felt like he was sitting on something soft and wrapped in something warm. He looked down to see it was a very nice bed and blanket. He definitely wasn’t on his ship. Wherever he was, the inhabitants seemed to have taken him to a place that thankfully wasn’t a prison cell. Once he got a good look at the room and caught ascent of antiseptic, it was apparent that he was in a hospital room. A very nice one in fact. He finally looked over to see his warframe lying on a large metal slab that was on the other side from his bed. He slowly gets up so as to not irritate his injuries which were well bandaged. And makes his way over to the motionless creature.

“Hey there Hydroid...thanks for carrying me out. Thankfully we do need that somatic link chair anymore to connect anymore, otherwise, I might be in a bit of trouble.”

He looked over his frame’s form to make sure that there were no signs of tampering while he was out. Everything seems to have checked out after a glance over. The weapons were still there as well. He finally got around to noticing that he was completely naked. Then again, whoever had to tend to his wounds had to get his armor off him to fix him up. It was just a matter of finding his clothing so he could get dressed. He eventually finds it neatly folded on the countertop that was on the other side of his bed. Once he slips into it. He gets ready to go do a bit of exploring. From what he could tell, the people here didn’t really see him as much of a threat. Not that he’d become one for them of course. They saved him and took care of him. Just as he was about to head out, the door opens, a nurse coming inside with a tray of medicines and a cup of water. But to her surprise, she sees that the patient is up and moving around which causes her to drop her tray and take a few steps back.

“A-ah...you are awake…”

“I am, thank you for taking care of m-.”

He said as he turned around before getting cut off by what he saw. He certainly wasn’t expecting a...humanoid equine creature. She was definitely taller than he was. She had a white fur coat and a light blue mane and tail which were both long and straight wore a standard nurse outfit that hugged her body in all the right spots. All the human could do is scratch his head in thought.

“Where the hell did I end up…?’

The nurse stared at him for a little bit. She was expecting a rather on edge response from him, but simply got that question. She slowly approaches him, taking action. He may look like a child, but a being who can control a metallic puppet as scary as Hydroid certainly isn’t JUST a child.

“You are in Equestria young one. I was told that your aircraft crash landed over on the outskirts of Ponyville. You were taken to the hospital there to get stabilized and patched up, but your recovery was moved here to the castle.”

He blinks a few times and walks over to the window to look outside. Sure enough, the area did look like it was a castle. It had roaming guards and tall walls. He turned back to the mare and nodded.

“Ah...so it is. Um...I want to thank you for bringing Hydroid along with me. Even more, so that you didn’t remove the weapons from him. It is pretty rare that a ruler would put trust in a complete stranger like myself. Or just giving me the benefit of the doubt I suppose.”

The nurse was a little bit on edge now at his words. The child spoke so...maturely for his age as well as acted like it. She stepped back a bit as he approached her and looked her over. His eyes tracing along her figure. She could feel it too, which made her blush heavily.

“S-Something wrong…?”

“Hm? Oh no. I am just curious about you is all. I have never seen someone like you before. I take it there are quite a bit like you out there as well?”

“Y-yes. We are ponies here. Though we have no idea what you are. You resemble something of what my friend Lyra talks about and obsesses over all the time. But you seem...very different. Oh, pardon me, my name is Healing Vision. What might yours be?”

“Ah yes, forgive me. My name is...is…”

He blinks a few times as he tries to remember his name. Nowhere to be found in his mind. In fact, the whole incident before he got here was completely blank. He grabs at his head as a small headache comes around. This getting the nurse’s attention right away.

“I...can’t remember anything before the crash and my name.”

“Don’t force yourself…”

She said as she gently took his hand into hers, removing it from the side of his head. That last thing she needed was one of her patients hurting themselves over a name. She sets him down on the bed and smiles gently to him.

“We don’t need to know right now. But you are awake. And I have been instructed to tell the princesses that you have awakened. Just rest here for the time being while I go and tell them.”

With that, the nurse makes her way out of the room. He sat there for a good thirty minutes, trying to remember anything he could regarding how and why he ended up in this new world. Eventually, he heard the sound of hoofsteps coming down the hallway, and by the sound of clanking metal. It must have been armored guards as well. Two of them enter and stand at attention. Then Celestia herself makes her way inside. Her eyes solely focused on the tenno in front of her. She had a firm gaze, but not one of hostility.

“I have been made aware that you cannot remember your name or why you are here. But tell me young one. What exactly are you? And what is this creature that you seem to have power over?”

He stands up from the bed and looks up at the mare in question. Judging by her appearance and clothing, she was the ruler here. And she was almost three times the size of him! He blinks as he gazes upon the amazonian mare and gulps lightly.

“Well, I am a tenno. And that is Hydroid. He is my warframe.”

“Warframe…?”

Asked Celestia with an arch of her brow. What would a child be doing something like this? He nodded again to her question.

“Yes, I have complete control over him. When I am in combat, he takes down my enemies so that I can get things done to help out my kind. They can also command their own warframes as well."

“How...old are you, child?”

“Oh, I am over a thousand years old. I just only awakened from my slumber five years ago.”

What surprised her is that he said so….casually. As if this wasn’t a big deal to him. Clearly, she had many questions for him. But she needed to give him a name to call him by. And she had the perfect name for him.

“Very well then. If you’d please come with me. I would like to discuss your arrangements with my sister. And you will need a name. I give you the name Void Walker.”

It was certainly a fitting name for him.And one that will be known throughout Equestria for years to come.

Act: 1 All It Takes Is One Little Action...

View Online

--The Royal Study--

The door of the room opens up, lightly hitting the wall behind it as Celestia makes her way inside, Void Walker close behind. From what he could see, this was a place that the princesses frequented. With a few shelves of books and comfortable pillows and a table with comfortable looking chairs and even a nice fireplace, he could see why they’d enjoy time here to get away from everyday tasks. After he gazed around the room, however, his eyes fell upon princess Luna who seemed to be a bit shorter than her elder sister but was still taller than him. With both princesses sitting side by side on the pillows in front of the fireplace now, they both look to him.

“Void, this is my sister and the other ruler of Equestria. Princess Luna. Luna, this is Void Walker. The young colt that I had brought to recover in our hospital wing.”

Luna’s teal gaze fell upon the tenno. Looking over every feature that was available to her vision. She took notice of his armor first and the sigil that is glowing faintly on it. But then she gazed upon his face, then his eyes.

“So you are the one who’s craft crashed outside of Ponyville. I saw the guards bring you here along with that...thing. Who are you allied with?””

Void arched a brow in confusion as she asked that. He wasn’t allied with anyone he could think of. Luna noticed the confusion on his face and bowed her head a bit.

“I only ask because of the emblem on your chest. It is a symbol we have never seen before. And I am just curious as to who it belonged to.”

Void placed a hand on his chest with a proud smile. This was something that he proudly wore no matter where he went. Both of them noticed the smile and awaited an answer from him

“This is not a symbol of an alliance, this is a trophy taken from one of my enemies.I killed an enemy, they sent someone called the Stalker after me to kill me. But I took him first and I earned this.”

“You’ve...killed?”

They both ask in a bit of shock. He nodded and walked over to them. He sat on the pillow across from them on his knees and the back of his feet with his hands resting on his thighs. A sitting style that is second nature.

“I may have been asleep for many, many years, but I still controlled my warframe and killed those who stood in my way of protecting my fellow tenno and my comrades. Taking the life of another is something I am used to.Not that I enjoy doing it of course, it is what must be done from where I came from.”

Luna’s eyes went from firm to sympathetic, as did Celestia’s. This made Void till his head a bit. This kind of look was something new to him. He knew what it was, sure. But, he had never had it directed towards him.

“To think that you come from a world where children are used to controlling walking weapons...it is outrageous!”

“You seem to forget. I am not a child. I have been alive well beyond the appearance of my form. Is it so hard for you believe that we can not only control our warframes, but be are weapons ourselves?”

He said as he lifted his hand up and formed it into a fist, an icy white aura forming around it. But that wasn’t frost magic. Or any kind of magic for that matter. It is pure void energy. Something that stirs and grows within Void every day.. Both princesses gaze intently at the energy before it goes away. Clearly, by what he was showing them, he could be a possible threat to them and their subjects. An immortal being that controls a deadly walking metallic creature, and can use some kind of….energy as a weapon as well. Just as they were about to speak with him again, the door opens up with a maid bringing in drinks and refreshments.

“Your Highnesses, the drink and snack you have requested for our guest i-.”

She suddenly trips over what appeared to be a misplaced book. The food and drinks spilling across the floor. Void was quick to get up and rush to the mare’s aid. This caught the attention of the two sisters as they watched on with interest as he went to go and help out a complete stranger.

“Ow….my ankle…!”

Cried out the mare as she struggled to get to her hooves. Void knelt down beside her and took hold of her left arm and draped it over his shoulder and slowly helped her up, letting her lean against him for support.

“M-my apologies princesses, sir. I should have been more aware of where I was walking…”

“Accidents happen. How badly does it hurt?”

“I-I think I twisted it in mid-fall. I can still move it, but it hurts when I do…”

Celestia calls in a guard to come and help with the situation, still, a bit surprised to Void jumped to help a stranger so quickly. But at the same time in her mind, she was quite pleased with it.

“Guard, please aid Sugar Cream to the medical wing, the poor dear has twisted her right ankle. Please make sure that she is tended to.”

“Of course your majesty.”

Said the guard as he took the mare into his arms. She gazed back at Void and offered him a weak smile. A light blush forming across her cheeks as well. Before she speaks.

“T-thank you sir, you are very kind to worry about me. But I will be fine after a bit.”

“Well, try and stay off of it as much as you can. Don’t want to make any worse.”

He said as he walked over and picked up the book that the mare had tripped over. He holds it up and arches a brow at the princesses. Clearly, the tenno was about to give them a bit of a talking to.

“Pardon me princesses, but you should know better than to leave things like this lying around. I believe a someone by the name of Twilight Sparkle would be very upset if she knew her mentor did not take care of her books.”

Celestia’s eyes widen a bit at this. How does he know about that? She hasn’t told him anything yet. Perhaps there was a moment when he was at the castle medical wing when the six of them visited where he heard Twilight mention something about her being her mentor? Or even knowing her great love for books?

“How do you…?”

Asked Celestia with a dumbstruck expression on her face. Luna covered her muzzle with a hand as she giggled to herself. Her sister was getting a talking to by a stranger and she thought it was pretty funny. She liked Void already, that was certain. He walked over to one of the bookshelves and place it neatly next to the others where an open spot was. Then turning to walk back over and begins to pick up the mess on the floor.

“My body was motionless, but I could still hear every word that was spoken around me. Those six are...really nice. Especially the one named Twilight. She seemed worried about me the most along with a rather soft-spoken one. I think her name was...Fluttershy? And there was one who kept on making a fuss about how much she loved my clothing. It probably why they were so neatly folded and together when I found them. And then, there was this one who would NOT stop talking. She seemed so hyper and happy. Not that it is a bad thing. And then there was one whose voice I remember before, I think she was the one who actually carried me there the whole way. A strange but also kind of attractive accent. And then there was this tomboyish female voice. It kind of reminded me of a contact I had back in my world. She is all about adventure and finding treasure. She is a tough woman.”

After he finishes picking up the food, he tosses it into the burning fireplace and sets the cups and plates onto the table which surprisingly didn’t break. After which he returned to the pillow in his usual sitting position and stared at the now wide-eyed mare. She just couldn’t tell what his intentions were or read him at all. First, he talks about being a weapon and killing, then all the sudden her rushes to a pony’s injury and helps her. He is even nice enough to pick up the mess. She clears her throat and returns to giving him a normal gaze.

“So, now that you are here Void. What are your intentions?”

“Well...I really don’t have any. With my cephalon making repairs to my ship.I should be able to leave from here within a month’s time. You can open a portal for me and I will be on my way. That way you won’t have to worry about me at all.”

He said with a slight smile. However, his smile faded when Celestia closed her eyes and a frown fell upon her face. This wasn’t good news at all. He already knew what she was going to say…

“You can’t...can you?”

“I am sorry Void. We do not possess the means nor the technology to return you home. I am afraid….this is your new world now.”

Void’s gaze fell to the floor. Hei closed his eyes and lets that news sink in. What about his fellow tenno? The friends he has made? What about the Lotus? He’d never see them ever again. And what about his presence here in this world? Would it change anything about it? He slowly raises his head to gaze into Celestia’s eyes. A warning could clearly be seen within his eyes as she looked back.

“Princess...are you familiar with the ‘butterfly effect’?”

“I..am not.”

She said in a rather curious tone.

“It is an old meaning of my universe. It means that one small action could have a big and lasting change in the future. My being here in your world were I do not belong is something to that effect. Time has a way of getting rid of irritants such as myself in a world one doesn’t belong. What events unfold is unknown, however. They could be good, they could be bad. But this one action of me coming here could set off a chain of unknown greater events. I just thought you should know this while my presence here is still neutral.”

Both Celestia and Luna listened intently to his words. With the serious tone of his voice and the gaze, he gave them both. They could tell that he was indeed worried not just for his sake, but those around him as well. She gave a gentle smile and reached over to place a hand upon his shoulder.

“You are very kind to worry about us and our kind. Yes, you aren’t one of us but, you have shown no hostility towards us and you are here by a method that was not voluntary So we can’t exactly exile you. This is why I have brought you here to discuss your living arrangements. I am entrusting my student with you in her care. It is as you said, she is the one who seemed most concerned for you. I believe she will make sure that you are well taken care of.”

“What you are saying is you want her to keep an eye on me. Just in case I do something I may regret right?”

Celestia giggled but nodded in response.

“You are quite clever. But that is one of the reasons, yes. I want you to try and do your best to bond with her and her friends. As you said before, they all seem pretty nice. Why not get to know them better? I think they’d all like to befriend you at some point. I know Twilight would definitely be the first.”

He knew she was only doing this to make sure that her subjects were safe. But at least she wasn’t throwing him in a cell or something or trying to take Hydroid away from him. He gave a nod and accepted the terms that Celestia had made out and her sister agreed to. Once everything was spoken of and agreed to. Void went and retrieved Hydroid, and by retrieved, meaning disappeared and took control of him. Now the princesses didn’t seem as tall. Once inside of Hydroid, he was able to move more swiftly and became much stronger. Once they made it out into the courtyard. Once outside, a voice came over Void.

“Operator! Are you there?! Answer please!”

“Ordis! It’s good to hear from you, you crazy bastard!”

“Thank the stars, you are alive! You had me very worried, it’s too much for an old cephalon like myself!”

Celestia and Luna looked at Void like he was crazy. They look around him to see that there wasn’t anyone there. Was he using some kind of telepathy or something along those lines? He only continued to speak as if someone was directly in front of him.

“How goes the repairs on the ship?”

“Everything is going well. I have the landing craft portion of the ship up and running. Though everything else will take me quite a while to fix up. Shall I send the landing craft to come and get you?”

“Yeah, I need to head somewhere anyways where I am expected. Also, activate the shields of the ship when they are up. We don’t need anyone but myself near or inside the ship. Also, whenever you are able to, move the orbiter from the crater to more stable ground. I imagine it would make repair a bit easier.”

“Of course, operator. Sending your landing craft to your location.”

“Thanks, Ordis. And I am glad that you are alright.”

With that, the coms went quiet and he turned to gaze at the sisters who stared at him with wide eyes and an open mouth. He laughed as he saw this.

“Sorry, I was speaking with my cephalon. He will have things fixed up within the time I spoke of. Thankfully my landing craft suffered no damage. It’s coming this way to come get me and take me to the location where you said to meet with Twilight.”

“Landing craft…?”

Asked both princesses at the same time. Sudden there was a loud mechanical roar of the landing crafts engine as it rose from the area below the courtyard. It flew above them in a circle the stopped directly over Void. he turns to the princesses and gives a wave to them before leaping up and latching himself into the mold of the bottom of the ship that turned to bring him in. The ship turns around and zooms off towards Ponyville. Where Void was to begin his new life in a new place. And surely make an impression with the way he was to arrive there.

Act 2: Oh Wow, A Human!

View Online

--Ponyville, Outside The Library--

A pacing Twilight waited eagerly for her new guest/possible friend to arrive from Canterlot Castle. She had been waiting anxiously all morning for him to arrive.She could not wait to ask him all kind of questions about his kind and his world. The ever knowledge craving unicorn’s tail was swaying behind her rather quickly.

“I hope he will become good friends with the girls and I. Oooh this is so exciting! A new being means a who new research project for me to work on!”

Clearly, the bookworm unicorn didn’t care about who was watching her excitement. Many eyes were on her for a moment until the roaring sound of Void’s Xiphos drop ship flew in close. The flying monster roaring and blowing the loose leaves and grass in all different directions as it drew closer. The sound of the cylindrical chamber was heard as is shifted and turned. Hydroid leaped from the mold and landed in front of Twilight on his feet. The ship then quickly left as soon as it came, disappearing into the distance. The frame stopped within six feet of Twilight before Void walked out of it. Twilight’s eyes widen and her pupils shrank as well, her jaw nearly hitting the ground. A few others did the same thing while some ran and hid.Though there was one mare whose gaze never left Void. Those golden eyes growing wider and her pupils glimmering with absolute want. Though she watched him from a hiding spot. Void smiled up to Twilight as he approached her. She wasn’t nearly as tall as Celestia or Luna, but he came just above her breasts.

“You are Twilight Sparkle I take it? I wanted to thank you and your friends for taking care of me when all that happened the other day. And thank you for staying at my side during your visits when you didn’t have to.”

He said with a slight bow forward. Twilight blinks a few times as shakes herself back into reality and smiles to him. He comes up with his bow and locks his gaze with hers. And his eyes certainly caught her attention. They had an icy white glow to them, a dark blue outer iris and an icy white inner iris. They were certainly eyes that could capture one’s soul if they stared into them too long.

“I-It was no issue at all. I am to assume that your name is Void Walker? Celestia said that is the name that was given to you since you can’t remember your own. Anyway, it is a pleasure to finally meet you now that you are conscious and moving. But how did you know how I was and that I stayed with you when you were out?”

“As I explained it to your rulers, I have an excellent memory. I listened to you and your friends speak, the way they breathe and by smell. And your scent always seems to be fresh paper and ink. And by the way, you speak, you are quite intelligent. Plus you have an adorable little snore when you sleep.”

She blushed a bit when she called her snoring adorable. He gazes shifting to the side as she circles her hoof into the ground. This made the tenno chuckle and smile as well. If it’s one thing he liked, it was intelligence. Twilight cleared her throat and motioned for her to follow him.

“Well, l-let me show you your room! If you would come inside with me please.”

Void gave a nod and disappeared back into Hydroid, resuming control once more. This startled her again but she calmed down quickly. This made Void laugh, although his voice was now mechanical as if he was speaking through a high tech filter.

“I will need to get used to that…”

“Yeah, I can imagine that something like this is quite new to you.”

Twilight and Void walk into the library, closing the door behind them as they entered. The first thing that he noticed was a large amount of books on the shelves in the huge open bottom floor room. Void definitely knew she loved this place simply because it was full of books She must have been the bookkeeper of this library as well. Once they head up the stairs, there were a few doors that lead into a few rooms One that leads to her room, and the door across from hers was going to be his room which was already nicely furnished and had a wonderfully sized bed. He stepped into the room and looked around It had a desk and chair on the far right, the bed was on the left and a window on the back wall and even a shelf full of books. He stepped out of Hydroid again and stood over the bed, falling on top of it and nuzzling into the pillow with a gentle sigh.

“So this is what a real bed feels like...so soft and warm.”

He said as he hesitantly gets up from the bed. Only to find twilight...poking and prodding at hydroid with curiosity in her eyes and even a notepad floating around her as the quill starts writing down notes. Boid laughed lightly as he watched her.

“I bet you were waiting for me to come out so you could get a good look at him huh?”

She jumps a bit as he had caught her. She lets out a light giggle and scratches the back of her head.

“Sorryyy...I just been wanting to learn about this thing that you control without effort. And your ship is quite something as well. Though there is some kind of barrier that was preventing me from getting closer earlier today. I was really hoping to get inside and have a look around.”

“Oh trust me, you would leave right about the time you entered. There is...someone in there that would drive you crazy with his manner of speech. But anyways, feel free to look at him as much as you want. But please, do not touch this, these or these. Last thing i need to find out when i return from looking around is that you got hurt.”

He said as he pointed out his arca plasmor shotgun, his akstiletto prime and his nami and skyla prime blades. After talking a bit more, Void makes his way back outside. As he takes his first steps towards the town square, he is tackled to the ground by a mint green mare with two-tone white and silver mane and tail. She straddles over him with a big smile and a long gasp.

“I never thought I’d get to ever see one. But you are really….a human! I knew that your kind existed! I just knew it!”

She gave him no time to respond, she wrapped him up in her arms and shoved his face right into her breasts, nuzzling into him and holding tight. Void flailed and spoke in muffled tones as he fought to breathe, eventually, he got tired of it and void dashed out of the mare’s grip, leaving her to fall to the ground from where he was. He holds out his hand in a defensive stance ready to blast her with void energy if need be.

“Back! Back I say!”

He said in a slight shout, the energy swirling around his arm and wrist as he keeps his gaze on her. The mare quickly rises to her hooves and steps back a bit, waving her hands rapidly.

“Wa-wait! I wasn’t trying to hurt you, honest!. I just got excited to see an actual human is all! Please!”

He stares at her for a bit his eyes looking into hers for any sign of truth. He didn’t find any deception so he lowers his hand back down to his side. She smiled at him and slowly walks up to him, examining his features and swaying her tail happily at a quick rate.

“You must be a human child by the look of you…”

“Physically I look young, yes, but I am quite old. I am over a thousand years old in fact.”

“Oh wow! So humans are immortal?!”

“Well, no, not all humans, but I am a tenno as well-.”

He was cut off by her reaching up and caressing and rubbing his cheek with her hands. She was gentle in her approach and it made him blush a bit as she gazed into his eyes. She couldn’t help but giggle to herself when she noticed this.

“Human skin is so soft and yours is so pale...you must not get enough sunlight. But you...are quite handsome. And since you are more than mature enough. How about you follow me home and I will make sure that you are WELL taken care off. You’d be helping me out as well~.”

She said as she gave him bedroom eyes. This made him blush heavily and his heart pound hard in his chest. He pulls away from her and backs away a bit. Putting his hands up with a nervous smile.

“A-another time. I am still adjusting to this new world. Don’t get me wrong.You are very pretty for what kind of being you are. But I am not looking for anything like...that. But I am flattered. Now if you’ll excuse me..”

He said before running the other way as fast as his legs would carry him. Eventually, he found himself in the middle of the town square and blinked a few times. He scratches his head as he gazes at all the busy ponies going around and doing their shopping and business at their stalls and such. This must be the marketplace. It kind of reminded him of the one in Cetus with how busy it was and the various items they were selling. He bumped into a few of the adult ponies on his way through. It got to the point where he just dashed through the crowd just to get out of it. After he made it out a rather familiar and posh female voice called out to him.

“Ah, darling! You are up and about! I am quite pleased to see you made a full recovery~.”

Void turned to see a rather soft and curvy white mare with sapphire blue eyes and a rather well kept purple mane.and tail. She certainly knew how to dress well too. He smiles up at her and gives a small wave.

“Ah, I remember your voice, but I did not get your name. You were the one who was obsessing over my armor. I never knew it could inspire someone to make clothing from it..”

The mare giggled lightly as looked down at Void, batting his eyes at him flirtatiously. What was it that made them do that at him..?

“Well, it certainly looks good on you. Where are you heading now young stallion?”

“Well, as of right now, I am just looking around at the new town I will be staying in. And I may look young, but I am over a thousand years old...as I have told everyone else I have bumped into.”

Rarity leans down and locks her gaze with his. She could definitely see that he has seen quite more than someone that looked his age should have. She loved the feeling of his bare skin when she placed his cheeks in her gentle hands.

“Oh my...handsome and eternally young. Momma likes very much~.”

She said as she releases him and bows her head in greeting to him. Even giving him a little curtsey

“Well, my name is Rarity. I am the fashionista who owns the carousel boutique not too far from here. Would you be interested in me making a few outfit for you? I’d be more than happy to do so. No charge~.”

He noticed a glint of hope in her eyes, wanting him to say yes more than likely. He knew exactly what she wanted from him in return. And it made him chuckle lightly.

“You just want a new model dontcha? You know, our body structure isn’t too different except for our heads and lower legs. But since you are offering, I would be more than happy.”

She gasps and claps her hands together and bounces on her hooves at the same time. She then grabs his hand and pulls him along with her to the boutique, very excited that he accepted her offer.

“Oooh, excellent! There’s not a moment to lose!”

She said as she nearly made him lose his footing as she dragged him on. What has he just gotten himself into? Clearly, the mare was giddy about giving him some new clothes. Little did he know that he was about to start something that would follow him for a very long time.

--Carousel boutique--

Once they were inside the store, Rarity smiles to Void and points him to the stand in the back of the store in the fitting room. Heading to her sewing room to gather her measuring tape and notepad.

“Alright sweety, strip down to your undergarments and wait for me there so I can measure you. I will be there momentarily.”

She said before disappearing into the room. He was a bit nervous about stripping down for a complete stranger. But he had to remember this was for a professional service. So he had that to remind him. Once he was down to his underwear, he looked at himself in the mirror and noticed he definitely needed more metal on his body. Being asleep for a thousand years really reduces one’s muscle mass. And he was feeling and looking pretty soft. Maybe toning up a little wouldn’t be such a bad idea Having both muscle and void energy would only make him stronger when Hydroid isn’t really needed. He hears hoofsteps coming towards the room. Expecting it to be Rarity, he stands ready for measurements. But it was not her, not at all. In came a filly with a white coat and green eyes, a two-tone lavender and pink mane and tail.

“Rarity, have you seen m-. Oh...my…”

Their eyes met for a moment and then her gaze fell over his body. Void was quick on his feet and vanished from vanished from her sight, using his tenno skills to hide instantly. Sweetie rubbed her eyes as she then heard Rarity come from the other room.

“R-Rarity….I could have sworn I saw somepony in here...nearly naked.”

Rarity’s eyes widen as she runs to the room with the items she retrieved floating behind her. When she sees that no one was there, but Void’s armor was still laid out where he had put it, she pushes Sweetie along away from the doorway and laughs lightly.

“Oh you are just seeing things, darling. Hurry up or you will be late to meet with your friends! I need to work on something for a customer who will be coming by soon.”

Once she had gotten her little sister out of the building and on her way, she returns to the fitting room and looks around. Wherever he was, he is an excellent hider.

“You can come out now, dear. She is gone!”

Void reappears on the stand where he had disappeared. This making Rarity jumps a bit and place a hand over her heart. He had startled her a bit it appeared and she lets out a sigh of relief.

“I..was not aware you could do that! Very quick thinking when my sister came in.”

She said before walking up and beginning to take his measurements. She was quick in doing so, writing down all the numbers on her notepad and mumbling to herself. She couldn’t help but admire his soft and pale skin and how warm it was. It was as if he was a walking furnace and a body pillow all in one. She certainly wouldn’t mind taking him to bed. For snuggles or otherwise.

“Alright, we are done with all that. Anything, in particular, you wish for me to make?”

Void rubbed his chin in thought and nodded to her.

“Well, something that matches with my current color scheme A form-fitting top and maybe something loose for the bottom, but not too loose. And makes sure that is its long sleeve, please. And could you place the emblem that is on my armor somewhere on the outfits as well? I am not asking for too much am I?”

“Oh no no no. You are fine, sweetheart. I did ask what you wanted, and I intend to make something truly wonderful for you.”

After he gets dressed in his armor, he rushes up to Rarity and gives her a warm hug from behind. This caught the mare off-guard as she turned her head quickly to gaze down at him. But his next words made her heart melt and a smile from across her face.

“Thank you for doing this Rarity, I plan on repaying you with the same generosity you have shown me today...I promise.”

She lets out of soft coo and turns around to wrap him in her arms and squeezes him into her soft form. And she didn’t want to let go at all. He was just so...adorable to her and she wanted to keep him all for herself. But she knew he probably had other places to go. So she reluctantly lets him go.

“Come by within a couple of days and I will have these made for you. Be safe out there, sweetie. And don’t be a stranger!”

Void smiles and waves to Rarity on his way out. His adventure for the day continues. The question is, who will he run into next?

Act 3: What Is A Tenno?

View Online

Void was continuing to make his way through the town of Ponyville. After having been tackled down by a stranger and given free custom clothing from Rarity, he definitely felt this place had no shortage of exciting moments. The question is. What was going to happen next? He makes his way to what looked like a candy-coated gingerbread house. Once he gets close enough to the sign he tilts his head and then looks into the window.

“Hmmm, no doubt that this is where all the sugary treat is made...if that wasn’t obvious enough from the building itself.I have never really had sweets like this before...they all look quite nice.”

He eyed the cupcakes with icing of all kinds of colors, the chocolate chip cookies that looked as if they were made just now and a lot more treats that looked amazing. Little did he know that while his gaze was upon the sweets, another’s gaze was upon him. The pony bounces up to him and places her hands on his shoulders. Then wraps him in a tight hug and squeezes him into her soft and plush body.

“Hi!”

She exclaimed. Void starts flailing about in the embrace a bit, his face buried in Pinkie’s ample breasts. She smelled very nice, however. Like cotton candy and cake batter. Though he wasn’t about to enjoy the scent for long as he felt his air supply being cut off. He lightly taps his hands on one of her breasts and tries pushing away. Pinkie squeaks and blushes as he touches her and looks down to see he is struggling to breathe. She quickly releases him and starts apologizing.

“Oh, I am so so so sorry. I was just so excited to see you and I couldn’t help myself! I mean, you were in the hospital for three days and I was worried about you. And as a friend, you should worry about your friends when they are hurt and-.”

Void puts a hand up to stop her as he caught his breath. He looks up at Pinkie and smiles weakly. Clearly, this was the pony who he had heard talking faster than someone using Volt’s speed buff.

“You know, you are the first one to smother me with affection today...so I really can’t get mad at you. You must be Pinkie Pie, correct?”

“Mhm! That’s me, the party pony of all Ponyville. Speaking of which. When is your birthday? I throw a party for all my friend’s birthdays. It's always so much fun!”

“I am your friend? But you hardly even know me. I have been awake for only a day after all. You shouldn’t make friends so easily with strangers...let alone a stranger like me who doesn’t really belong in this world. It could get you into a bit of trouble.”

Pinkie wasn’t deterred by the warning it seemed. She only smiled more and took both of his hands to her and stared into his eyes. A little mistake on her part, as she’d have a hard time breaking away from them. But she was still able to get her message out to him.

“And friends should always stick by friends when they are in trouble. Believe me when I say this. I would do anything to see my friends smile and help them. That includes you, Void.”

“Wait, how do you know my name already…?”

Hehe, that’s a secret! ….And you have very beautiful eyes...has anyone told you that?”

Void blinks a few times and pulls away from Pinkie. He had beautiful eyes huh? That was something he never heard before.

“Thanks...I guess?”

Pinkie blinks a few times as if she has come out of some sort of trance. She lightly shakes her head and reaches into her bag that was at her side and pulls out a wrapped package. She holds it out to him with a beaming smile.

“I had hoped to give you this whenever you’d woken up. But now is a good time as any I suppose!”

Void reaches out and takes the small box. He opens it to find a cupcake with cream frosting and words written on it saying ‘get well soon’. He couldn’t help but gaze to Pinkie and offer her a warm smile. He approaches her and wraps his arms around her as tight as he could into a hug. Pinkie smiles a big smile seeing that he liked her little gift and wraps her arms around him as well.

“First Rarity, now you. You girls are just too nice to me...thank you very much Pinkie. I shall enjoy this sweet treat very much.”

He takes it out of the box and takes a bit of it. It tasted absolutely amazing. He has never had anything like this before. At least as far as he can remember. He finishes the cake off in a few more bites and tosses the box in a nearby trash can. Once that was done. Pinkie giggles lightly and gives him one more hug.

“I’d like to hang out with you a bit more, but I have a delivery I have to make within the hour. I hope to see you soon!”

And with that, she was off. He didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye in returns. With all this going on in one day, he’d figure he better return to Twilight’s home for the rest of it. Things were getting a bit too crazy for him Plus he was getting worried about Hydroid being left alone with her as well. That last thought actually made him start running back to the library.

--Later That Afternoon--

Void walks into the library to see Twilight circling Hydroid. She was in a lab coat and wearing glasses. She didn’t look too bad in them either. Next to her was a chalkboard with..all kind of numbers and figures and pieces of paper with the same thing on the table next to it. From what Void could see. She seemed to be stressing about something. He closes the door behind him and approaches the pacing unicorn mare.

“Um...Twilight? What are you doing?”

She quickly spun around as she heard his voice. She looked like she had done something wrong or got caught with doing something she wasn’t supposed to. She gives a sheepish smile as she quickly removes all the wires from Hydroid that shei had attached for readings.

“I-I was just...well you know...I am sorry! I couldn’t help myself and I wanted to know more about this..thing! Please don’t be upset!”

Void put a hand up to stop her and calm her down. He couldn’t help but chuckle at her and approached her and Hydroid. His gaze falling upon his frame. He places a hand on Hydroid’s chest then gazes back to Twilight.

“I am afraid that your tools here will not help you in your studies. Your kind doesn’t possess the technological advances like we do. I cannot tell you everything about warframes, as they still hold quite a few mysteries my kind hasn’t discovered. But if you are truly eager to know about them. I could offer you the knowledge I possess.”

She gasps and gets a big smile on her face. She grabs Void by the hand and drags him over to the couch along with an empty book and quill and ink. All this happening at once which nearly made the tenno fall off the couch with how much force was applied. Clearly, Twilight’s hunger for knowledge excited her to the point of bouncing up and down where she now sat.

“Ooooh oh oh tell me tell me!”

“Well...I am not sure where you want me to begin…”

“Well, tell me about your kind. I remember you saying something about humans. But you say you are a tenno. Is there a difference?”

“Well, I used to be human. I have been asleep for a thousand years. From what i remember. I was put into a pod after other tenno children and I were found in an abandoned ship. It was called the Zariman Ten-Zero. Which is what the term ‘tenno’ came from if I remember. a...woman named Margulis. She took care of us and comforted us when we were being experimented on by the Orokin. It is how we are able to control the warframes.”

He said as he looked back to Hydroid who stood there like an ever watching sentinel. Twilight’s eyes widened and a frown came across her muzzle. They experimented on children?! That did not sit well with her at all. Having adult test subjects is one thing, but children?

“They...really did that to you? Don’t tell me that they also made you use your frame to…”

Void nodded.

“You guessed it. We were forced to use the frames to kill the Orokin’s enemies. It didn’t matter who they were. But eventually, with the main threat pushed back and destroyed. We ultimately betrayed the Orokin because we were fed up with what they were doing to us and what they were using us for. So we destroyed them.Just a few years ago, I woke up from what felt like an eternal slumber to find I had no memory of my life before I was put into the pod. Thanks to a man named Teshin, I was able to regain my powers and my memories.”

Void went on to tell Twilight about the Corpus who was pretty much a cult worshiping money and never really liked to fight for themselves because they used robots to do their work for them. And the Grineer who were nothing but angry clones that decayed over time and wanted power that did not belong to them. And that the Orokin were just greedy and selfish and only cared about their continuity and how they sacrificed the young to do so. Once he had explained all he knew. Twilight looked back to Hydroid and then back to Void.

“So even before you were asleep...you and he has been through quite a lot. Battling your enemies and fighting for what you believed in. And You and your fellow Tenno had no one to help you?”

“Well, there was one being that did help us. Her name is Lotus. Though she used to know as Natah. She was part of the sentient race that was going to wipe us all out. But through certain circumstances, she grew a humane affection towards us and saw us more as her children rather than her enemy. Other than her, all the other tenno and I had been each other.”

Twilight gave a nod as she wrote down his words. But when he explained what had been going on, she felt sympathy for him. And now that he was in a new world with none of his kind, she wanted to be there for him in any way possible. Maybe Celestia knew that she could help Void. She is an expert on friendship after all. And he is staying with her. So why not? She stands up from her chair and sits beside him on the couch, lowering her quill and notepad onto the table as she stares at him with a caring gaze.

“Void, I came to visit you because I knew you’d be needing somepony to count on in this world. I want you to know that you have myself and my other friends as well. Sure, you are a new lifeform here and we do not know much about you, but…”

She reaches out and takes one of his hands into hers. Void’s gaze falls down to twilight’s hands, then up to her face. She smiled warmly at him and he could see in her eyes that she was speaking from the heart.

“...that doesn’t matter. You have not shown us any ill will and you have been most cooperative during your stay. I think you will be fine here in our world. And whatever comes, we will face it together.”

Twilight would be lying if she said that she didn’t want to know more about him and was sweet talking him into giving her more information. But she also meant every word of what she was saying. Void gave a gentle smile and nodded to the unicorn. He suddenly wraps his arms around her in a hug, this catching Twilight by surprise. But she lets out a soft sigh and hugs him back as well.

“Thank you, Twilight. You certainly don’t have to go through all this trouble. But I want you to know it is greatly appreciated. You and a couple of your friends have done so much for me already. I just hope I have the chance to repay the kindness.”

Little did Void know that he would indeed get his chance sooner than he thought. For in the near future, he would be able to show Twilight and many others just what he was capable of. Both with his void powers and Hydroid. It was quiet at first, then Void heard something. SOmething flying right towards them. He squeezed Twilight a bit more tightly and pulled her off the couch and to the ground.

“Void what are you~?!”

CRASH!!!

In came tumbling through one of the windows was a cyan blue pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail. Plowing straight into the couch and knocking it over in the process, just missing Twilight and Void. The pegasus crashed into one of the shelves of books which fell on top of her after the collision. Void having not released he was on top of Twilight Pushed himself up by resting his hands on her breasts in the process. He got up and made his way to the pile of books leaving a heavily blushing Twilight on the ground. Everything happened so fast that she was still in a bit of shock. Void started pulling the books off the pegasus to help her out of the pile. Once she was free, she looks up at Void with slightly blurred vision and a painful look on her face.

“Ouch..I...guess I overdid it on that last trick, hehe…”

Void looked her over carefully and saw that she had quite a few bruises and cuts on her body from the crash. He reaches a hand over her body and focuses hard. A green glowing mist seems to pour from the palm of his hand when he does this. Both Twilight and Rainbow watched in awe as the bruises and cuts disappeared and Rainbow’s pain faded away. Twilight’s eyes widened as she became so impressed with this ability that she totally forgot about him grabbing her breasts.

“Void...you can heal injuries?!”

“Well, so long as I get to the injured person in time, yes I can. All my fellow tenno can do it as well. Thankfully she wasn’t too badly hurt. She must be made of strong stuff.”

Rainbow smiled proudly and stood up with her hands on her hips and chest puffed out in pride.

“You better believe it. I am one of the toughest ponies in all of Equestria, and quite possibly the best flyer too!”

Void crosses his arms and lets out a light chuckle, his gaze falling on the very athletic but still soft in all the right places pegasus mare.

“Your...accident just now shows me otherwise. So you are the mare I have heard speaking about all her exploits when I was still sleeping. You are Rainbow Dash if I am not mistaken.”

Rainbow looked around with a heavy blush on her face. She didn’t like being called out like that, by someone who is shorter than her no less. And that smirk he gave her only ruffled her feathers a bit more. Though she knew that he was only giving her a hard time. She gives him a smile and places a hand on his head.

“Yeah, I am pretty awesome. By the way, good to see you are up and about. You had us worried there at first. But I knew you'd pulls through.”

Twilight stood up and dusted herself off and gave a knowing smile to them both.

“Well, of course, he would have pulled through. From what I have learned about his kind, they are quite tough. You will never believe how old he is either Dash!”

SHe looks down at him and comes up with a guess.

“He looks to be right around Scoot’s age, if not a bit older.”

Twilight chuckles and shakes her head.

“He is over one-thousand five-hundred years old!”

Rainbow’s jaw dropped and her eyes nearly popped out of her head with how wide they were.

“No way...that’s…”

“She is telling the truth. It’s a long story. I will tell you some other time. Or you can look at Twilight’s notes should you be interested. But for now. How about you help out Twilight and I with this mess you made hmmm?”

Rainbow darts her eyes side to side and gives a sheepish grin.

“Oh look at the time, I gotta go do a...thing. Very important!”

SHe was just about to take flight and leave the window she broke. But Void anticipated this and grabbed her by the tail making her flail and fall to the ground. He stood over her and leaned down with his hands behind his back and gave her a smile, but it seemed more sinister with his words.

“Now now, it’s only fair you stay and help. After all, I did fix you up with no charge. Or perhaps I should get my first bit of this land’s currency from you, after all, should you choose to leave.”

Rainbow felt a shiver go up her spine as he spoke to her, the strange thing is, she liked it. The way he stood over her like that and the way he spoke.

“Y-yeah...you are right. I’ll stay and help…”

Twilight was speechless at the display in front of her. No one has ever been able to break down Rainbow like that with a few words. Void continued to impress her, that was for sure. After which they began cleaning up the library. The question is. How will Void fair against their last friend. The shy pegasus mare that seemed to care for him almost as much as Twilight does?

Act 4: Hey Kiddo...

View Online

Void walked around in his orbiter inspecting everything that he could. With the internal part of the ship fully repaired, he was finally about the have his consoles and navigation up and running once more. But it would still take quite a while for the mobility of the ship to become available. What was he doing in his orbiter one might ask? Well, he actually snuck out in the middle of the night just to check on things. Even taking Hydroid with him as well. Void walked about the ship as himself though most of the time though.

“Everything is looking good, Ordis. I noticed you got the ship up onto its landing gear as well. Excellent job.”

“Of course,Operator. I am the best ship cephalon in the universe after all.”

Void laughed lightly.

“Technically you are the ONLY cephalon now. But either way.”

As he finally finished looking through the ship, he takes over Hydroid again and starts to make his way to the exit of the ship. Ordis suddenly comes over to coms however.

“Operator, unknown creature seems to be stalking around out there. Please be careful wherever you may be headed.”

Void chuckles lightly and pats his Nikana Prime that rested on his hip, fire radiating from it. A fierce blade indeed should anyone or anything try to do battle with him.

“I will be alright Ordis. But you know I always know you care. And I appreciate it.Truly. I will return within a couple of days. If you need me, just call me.”

“Of course, Operator please return-COVERED IN BLOOD-- safe and sound~.”

Once Void was outside, he walked through the shielding that Ordis had surrounded the ship with. Sure, you could get out of it, but once you were on the outside, Void had to be the one to get another person in. Once he was far enough from his ship, whatever was stalking around outside made it’s presence known by growling and sneaking about. Soon enough it sounded like there was more than one. Void placed his hand on the hilt of his blade, ready to draw at a moment’s notice. Soon enough, timber wolves approached out of the shadows and growled and snarled at Void. All he could do was chuckle lowly and draw his blade, fire licking the air in the process.

“Oh please…”

The timber wolves barked aggressively and leaped towards Void, making their intentions known. Void’s motions were quick and precise, butting through the wood and burning it up in the process of each one, leaving nothing but ash as he cuts through, the trail of fire and energy flowing through the wind like flowing ribbons through the night sky. Once there was none of them left, he twirls the blade a few times and sheaths it slowly until there was a ‘click’ when the guard rested against the scabbard.

“I have faced creatures more powerful than you.”

He said as he began walking once more, heading out of the forest just in time to see the sun rising for the morning to fully start. However, a glowing golden light and a familiar voice caused him to stop once more.

“That was quite impressive, Void. I knew that you were no ordinary child. But your skills with a sword are on par. I cannot wait to see what other skills you have hidden.”

Void’s gaze fell upon the princess. She did not see the glare through Hydroid of course, but she could feel it coming from void.

“I am not a child. Stop calling me that…”

Celestia could hear the irritation in his voice.But he was right. He was definitely not a child. Not anymore after what he has been through. She bows her head and apologizes.

“It is hard to remember that you are a being who is over a millennium and a half years old when they have such a youthful appearance. I did not mean any offense to you.”

Void sighed and shook his head. He turned fully to Celestia with his hand resting on his blade’s hilt. He approaches her with his gaze locked to hers.Once he got close enough he speaks in a low tone of voice, almost sinister and cold.

“I will not be called a child ever again. I am sure that I have seen more carnage than you will ever see in your lifetime, princess. You royal types are all the same. Thinking you are all high and mighty because you run things from the top. You are all greedy and care about self-preservation, just like the Orokin. Maybe you will meet their same fate.”

Celestia stared back in shock as his words. Almost hurt by them as he talked so coldly to her. But in her mind, she was sensing something was rather off about this threat.And her thought was reassured when he began to speak again.

“N-no, she isn’t like the Orokin. Don’t you dare make threats against her. She is letting me stay in her kingdom and trusting me…”

Suddenly Void stumbles out of Hydroid and falls to his knees, grabbing at his head. His eyes start darting around to look for the source of his other words. Sure enough his doppleganger was sitting atop of one the large branches of a big oak tree. It was his exact copy, though the eyes of it were black in the sclera and solid gold in the iris. It gave a soft but all knowing wicked smile to Void and spoke in a nearly demonic tone of voice that echoed.

“Hey kiddo. Long time no see.”

Said the doppelganger as he sits there, kicking his legs lightly. Celestia was also able to see him as well apparently. As he gaze went straight for him as well. She looked between them both and watched as Void got to his feet and stood in front of Celestia as if to protect her.

“What...is that Void?”

“The consequence of my actions…”

He said as he kept his eyes on his copy. He only laughed and stood up from the branch. He disappeared and reappeared in front of Void. He approaches him and tilts his head lightly with a toothy grin.

“You are letting these being make you too soft, kiddo. Soon I will have the right time to fight to take hold of your mind and body if you aren’t careful. Then you will have more than just this world trying to get rid of you. You and I both know that what you said to this...thing you are trying to protect is true enough. Let me take over for a little while. And I can ease your burden. They will all hate you in the end anyway. They will all use you. Just. Like. The Orokin.”

Void’s memories of those awful orders he had carried out rang through his mind over and over. Maybe his copy had a point? Why else would they keep him around and let him run free? What if they had a plan for him to where he would only be a tool? A weapon to do their dirty work? Void shuts his eyes hard and squeezes his hands into fists. The material stretching audibly But his oncoming despair was cut when Celestia wrapped her arms and wings around him in a protective manner, he horns glowing in a threatening manner.

“I don’t know what happened back in your world when you served these..’Orokin’. But I would never EVER think to use Void in such a manner. I don’t know who you are but, I won’t let you take hold of his mind. And whatever this world tries to do to him. He had plenty of friends here already who will help him in any way possible!”

Celestia’s eyes stared daggers at the copycat. As if a mother protecting her child from the evils of the world with her embrace. She presses her forehead against Voids and concentrates hard, her magic flaring up as she begins to calm down Void mind with a warm soothing feeling that runs through his form.

“I won’t let it happen…”

She whispered. The doppelganger slowly disappearing with a chuckle. Leaving a few last words.

“We shall see what the future entails then. Remember. No matter the actions. Good or Bad. There is always consequence. And that could be good or bad as well.”

Once he was gone Celestia slowly removes her wing from around him, and was about to remove his arms from him but he gripes at her clothing and stays close. She notices this and kneels down in front of him with her arms still around him. She could see a bit of doubt still in his eyes as he looks up at her.

“Why though? I don’t understand. You barely even know me. Even Twilight and her friends seem to trust me and I barely know them and they barely know me. I don’t get why you have so much faith in a stranger from a whole other world. And even after what you had just seen…”

Celestia gently cups his jaw in both her hands, a warm and soft gaze meeting his in return. She speaks to him in a soft and caring tone.

“Because. Another being from a different world came to ours and at first, he was here with his brother to try and take our power and world from us. But he grew to care and love the way we lived. And betrayed his own brother to save all of us. If not for that, I, my sister and our subjects may not be here today. So you see, I will not make the same mistake to judge you simply because of what I had seen. I am giving you the benefit of the doubt, Void. As I should have done for him in the first place.”

Void couldn’t help but wonder who she was referring to. But that could wait for another time. All he could do was just step away from her and disappear back inside of Hydroid. He turned away from her.

“I...I need to think.”

And with that, he took off running. Jumping up and leaping from branch to branch to cover more ground. Those words running through his mind over and over from what she had said earlier. All Celestia could do was watch him leave. She felt sympathy for Void. She may not know what it is like to be in a world where you feel you don’t belong. But it certainly wasn’t going to stop her from helping him. Regardless of how she felt however, she would need to let her sister and twilight know of what she had witnessed. While she trusted him, she wanted her student to remain safe.

--Everfree Lake--

Void sat on his heels in front of the water staring into his reflection. The words of his double and the words of Celestia clashing in his mind, one trying to overpower the other. Who should he believe? An entity that has been with him for a long time? Or a ruler who claims to trust him simply because she claims to have learned a lesson long ago? His thought process was interrupted by the sound of a raven cawing to him from his right side. The bird eyed him curiously and started hopping over to him as birds did. It hopped up onto his right leg and stared up at him, making a light grumbling sound as if trying to talk to him. Void was surprised that an animal like a raven would approach him so easily. But it is said if you befriend a raven, they will always come to you when you need someone.

“Hey there. Come to keep me company huh? I think I may have something I could give you..”

He said as he reached for a pocket and dug around in it. Turns out he did have something for the large dark bird. He took out a sugar cookie and crushed it in his grip, then held out the smaller bits to the raven which happily started pecking it from his hand. The raven seemed content with her new friend’s gift and flies up onto his shoulder and affectionately rubs the side of her head against his cheek. He reaches up and lightly scratching under her beak and gives out a light sigh.

“Well, at least I don’t have to worry about you trying to trick me into thinking I am doing good or bad. Thanks for coming to keep me company. I appreciate it. Though you probably can’t understand a word I am saying huh? I need to give you a name...I think I will call you...Lotus. Yeah, that will do nicely.”

The raven seemed very pleased with her new name. Little did Void know that this bird was more than just that. And that she could understand him completely. And that she’d play a rather vital role in his new life here. While the world would start to fight against him, other forces would start fighting alongside him. This was the first of many allies he was to gain.

Act 5: A Rainy Night In A Cottage

View Online

Void was on his way home from meeting his new raven friend. And he was sure that Twilight was wondering where he could be right now. Especially since he had not told here that he even left or where he was going. It all started with going to his ship and making sure everything was getting repaired to making a new friend in the Everfree forest. Not that he was unsatisfied with it, not in the less. However, that run in with his doppelganger still had him a bit worried. He usually appears when an important choice is nearing in the future. At least, that’s how it has always happened. As he was walking back, he hears a bit of a commotion going on just down the way. He gets there to find a couple stallions surrounding a yellow pegasus mare with a pink mane and tail who had a small white rabbit with her.

“Come on, sweetheart. Come out with us. We promise it’ll be fun.”

“Um...thank you for the offer. But I am not really the tavern party kind of pony...now if you’d..please excuse me, I need to get home…”

She said as she tried to make her way past the two stallions. However, they weren’t going to take no for an answer. The other grabs her by the arm and pulls her back. Hard enough that it caused a bit of pain. She lets out a whimper and tries to pull away. The little rabbit with her hops down and starts kicking the larger stallion in the leg as hard as he could. But he is just a rabbit after all. The stallion looks down in annoyance.

“Get lost you little rodent.”

He said as he kicked Angel away, sending him into the air. Fluttershy’s eyes water as she saw her pet being kicked away and in pain.

“Angel!”

She cried out as she tried to pull away to get to him. Luckily, Void stood nearby and caught the rabbit in his hands before he could hit the ground. He gently laid him down on a tree stump that was nearby and shakes his head as he approached the group. Seeing the way that they were being so forceful with this mare when she clearly didn’t want to go with them brought back memories of when he watched his fellow tenno being dragged off by the people who experimented on their bodies. And seeing this had apparently triggered that memory. He decides to step in.

“Seriously? Just because she won’t go with you, you try and force her? If you are trying to pick up on an attractive female like that, it’s not going to get you anywhere. Let alone trying to take others when they already said no.”

The stallion turn to look at Void and see that he is well armed. But apparently, that didn’t stop them from talking up a big game. They let go of Fluttershy. And start approaching him as they drew out knives. That was their first mistake.

“Oh yeah? And what are you gonna do about it? And for that matter. What the hell are you supposed to be? Some kind of freak of nature. How about you go back to wherever it is you came from and stay out of other ponies business?”

“I could tell you to do the same thing. But it looks like you two are more muscle heads than anything. So your minds could not comprehend the meaning of ‘No, go away I am not interested.’. I thought unicorns were the more intelligent species of your kind here, but you two must be the exception since you think knives will help you in this situation. And in case you didn’t understand what I am saying. You are morons.”

“Morons huh? Try saying that when you are face down eating dirt!”

Said the first one who lunged at him and plunged the knife directly into Void’s chest, or tried to at least. Once the blade made contact with Hydroid’s metal structure, the blade broke right off the knife’s handle. The size of the knife let alone the type of steel it was made of was not going to break through Hydroid. Fluttershy scurried over to Angel and scooped her up into his arms and hid behind Void. He just chuckled lightly and grabbed the hilt of his sword and pushed it up into the gut of the stallion who tried to stab him. The stallion exhales hard as his eyes widen as the air was knocked from him. He collapses and nearly falls to the ground but not before Void catches him by the shirt and tosses him towards his friend sending them both to the ground.

“Now, I suggest that you take your friend and leave. You will not be leaving with her,” he said as he scooped up the mare in his arms and chuckled lightly. She blinks a few times in surprise at this and squirms a bit.

“She is coming with me~.”

“W-wait!”

“Nope, you are coming with me, sweetheart.”

After he gets done carrying her away. He can’t help but chuckle and set her down once she was safely away. There were a bit further down the road now, conveniently close to her home even.

“I was just kidding. Just wanted to get them away from you. Sorry if I frightened you.”

When he sat her down and spoke those words, the mare was relieved to see that it was just a little joke. She also appreciated that he came to her aid when he did. However, his appearance frightened her quite a bit and made her back away from him.

“N-not that I am ungrateful for your help...but, you are rather scary to look at. Please don’t be upset…”

Void suddenly steps out of his warframe in a bright snow blue light. This makes Fluttershy cover her eyes, but when she gazes upon Void, her gaze goes from frightened to absolute joy when she saw the tenno before her. She didn’t waste any time in rushing to him and wrapping her arms around him in a warm hug, even nuzzling into his cheek. This surprised him, however. But she felt so warm and soft. And she smelled very nice. Like honey and springtime flowers.

“Oh, I am so happy you are up and about Void! When did you get out of the hospital? I have been worried…”

Void blinks and suddenly remembers who she is. He brings his arms around her in a hug to return the gesture and chuckles lightly. He can’t help but press into her soft warmth as well. She just...felt so nice.

“I just got out a few days ago. Hasn’t twilight told you yet? It seems to be that way for all of her friends.”

“Oh no, she hasn’t told me. But this is a wonderful surprise! Please let me make you some tea and snacks back at my cottage. Both as thanks for a friendly treat.”

“I don’t know, Fluttershy. Twilight may be wondering where I am and I am not sure if she will be happy with me when I return. Best to get it over with…”

She gives him a sad and disappointed look. Which coming from her started to tug at his heartstrings a bit. Her cyan blue eyes looking at him as if they were on the verge of shedding tears. He definitely couldn’t say no to her now. Twilight was just going to have to wait a bit longer it seemed. He smiles at her and steps back into Hydroid.

“But you know what? She can wait. Lead the way Fluttershy. I would be happy to come and visit with you.”

Her saddened expression quickly vanished when he said that. He grabs his hand completely overlooking the fact that he was back in hydroid. Now that she knew who was inside it, her fear had completely subsided.

“Yaaaay.”

She said in the most adorable way ever. Void felt that one hit him hard.

So...cute…

Was all he thought to himself before he let Fluttershy lead the way. Little did Void know he was in for a long rainy night. Clouds started to hover over the once sun-filled sky. The rain was coming and soon.

--Fluttershy’s Cottage--

The sound of a fire crackling in the fireplace echoed as Void sat on the couch waiting for Fluttershy to bring out the tea and cookies. Void sat there quietly as he listened to her hum in that soft and beautiful voice of hers. The way the home smelled, and the sound of the fire and her humming. It reminded him of his own home when he was a child. Far before the Zariman. Before this who tenno thing began. He looked over at Hydroid who stood there motionless by the fire against the wall. He turns his gaze to the floor in front of him. His mind wasn’t really focused on anything in particular of his last thought. But He hears Fluttershy walking into the room with the plate of cookies and the tray of tea. She noticed his distant gaze and carefully sets the things on the coffee table. She sits across from him in the chair and starts pouring the tea.

“Is something bothering you, Void? You seem to be daydreaming.”

His gaze comes up to Fluttershy and he gives a slight shrug and a soft smile. He takes the cup of tea and sips on it lightly. Green tea, his favorite.

“Just memories of my childhood home is all. The sounds and smells seem to bring me back to that time before...well I became what I am today. But enough about my past. I am sure a pony like you doesn’t want to hear about the gory details. You seem like the kind of mare who doesn’t like fighting or anything like that.”

Fluttershy sips some of her tea and shakes her head. He was right about her. But she didn’t want to know about those parts of his past But she did want to know about him. Though there wasn’t much to tell. Nor did he seem willing to. However, she felt it would be a good conversation starter to ask what his plans were for the future in this world.

“So...I am curious and you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. But I am curious as to what you will do in this world you have found yourself in now. Do you feel...well...alone?”

Void thought on it for a moment. While he was the only tenno let alone human in this world. He didn’t really feel lonely. Twilight and the others have been kind to him, a complete stranger with the ability to cause harm to others and the weapons to boot. But in all this, they seemed fit to trust him to let him wander around free. That was truly something different in his eyes.

“Well, with you and your friends being so nice to me, I really don’t have a worry that involves me being alone. As for my future here however, I don’t really know. I don’t know where I’d fit in with my abilities, or my knowledge for that matter. After all, my world revolves around blood and steel. While also just trying to survive and living an immortal life, forever stuck in this young form. Before my awakening, I just thought I was a machine for killing that lived over a thousand years until I found out I was controlling that machine while in a pod slumbering in a stasis-like slumber. Will my body ever start aging again? I don’t know. But I will need to find a purpose here in this world should I be able to survive. I don’t want to impose on Twilight forever.”

Just then he heard the sound of thunder shake the little cottage along with the sound of rain pounding against the rooftop. Fluttershy nearly jumped out of her fur when she heard the clap of thunder. Void gets up and walks over to the window. He gazes at the sudden rush of rain falling hard He lets out a sigh of annoyance and turns to Fluttershy. He wasn’t annoyed at her, not in the least, but the storm itself. And the fact that he was going to have to walk home in this. He walks over to Fluttershy who seemed to be shaking slightly. Though she quickly regains her composure. Void walks over to Hydroid and places a hand on his chest.

“I should get going, Fluttershy. I wish I could stay here with you a little longer, but if I don’t get home before this worsens, it’s gonna be bad.”

Another loud clap of thunder roared out. This time making Fluttershy let out a yelp of fear and she quickly made her way over to Void to wrap herself around him. She was shaking hard. Enough so that Void could see her wings shaking as well. He knew right then what the issue was. He sighed lightly and looked down at her as she huddled close to him on her knees.

“You have a fear of thunder and lightning huh?”

“Please...just stay with me till the storm is over. Normally I would just hide under my blanket and pillow until it’s all over. But with somepony else here...I feel safer. So please…”

Void looked down at Fluttershy as she gazed up at him hopefully, almost pleading. He couldn’t say no to that. After all, he has fears of his own. And if they came around, he would want someone to stay with him too. He gave her a nod and gently took her hand in his as he reassured her he wasn’t going to leave until the storm was gone. She gave a joyful smile and stood up. She took his hand and lead him to the bedroom upstairs. She wasted no time in pulling him onto the bed and snuggling up close to him. It felt wonderful to her to have somepony with her in times like this. However, Void was feeling a bit strange. A large blush formed on his face as Fluttershy pressed herself against him with her arms around his sides.

“Thank you for staying with me Void. I am sorry if this is rather...uncomfortable for you. But sometimes just having Angel with me here isn’t enough when these bad storms roll in.”

Void felt his heart getting ready to explode. He has been around way too many beautiful mares in the past couple of days who have either tackled, smothered or suffocated him with their affections. Well, except the green one who only seemed interested in him because he is a human. But this was too much. At least with Fluttershy, she was a bit more gentle though. All he could do was just look at her with a gentle smile. He sighs softly and calms down.

“It’s no trouble. Just...don’t tell Twilight about this. The last thing she needs to find out about is that I am laying in bed with one of her closest friends. She may take that the wrong way. Then I may be out of a home.”

Fluttershy blushed lightly and hid her face in his chest. A gesture that only made Void find her even more adorable. But he kept it in check.

“Well, you are always welcomed to come stay here should you need a place. You could be with me more when the weather gets like this.”

Void chuckled softly.

“That is a sweet offer. But I wouldn’t want to impose. But I will definitely come by and visit you should I have the time again.”

For the rest of the night, Fluttershy spent her time clinging to Void. They both eventually fell asleep. The storm would continue on till the next morning. It was going to be snuggles the whole night long for these two. And if Twilight ever found out about this, Void could only imagine the trouble he’d be in.

Act 6: The Orbiter Flies Once More!

View Online

It has been quite sometime since Void found himself in this new world that he now calls home. And he has made quite a few friends in his time there as well. He has even frown quite attached to Twilight who he had been staying with of all his time when she didn’t have to put up with him at all. But today, that may very well end for her. For today, something will happen that may very well allow Void to be on his own from here on out. Not that he wouldn’t still consider Equestria his new home. But he longs to live among the stars as he always had done.

Void decided it was time to go and check on the status of his ship’s repairs. So he merges with Hydroid once more before making his way out of the library. Before he could make it to the door, Odris’ voice came through the coms of Hydroid. From what Void could tell, Ordis seemed rather excited to have finally gotten ahold of him.

“I have good news, Operator! The orbiter is completely repaired and ready to fly again. I even cleared out the old storage area in the back of the ship to make room for personal living quarters. The segment has already been created and installed. We can finally get off the ground!”

Void’s heart nearly exploded out of joy when Ordis had told him the news. He was about to rush out the door until he thought about something. He remembered Twilight asking if when he got his ship fully operational, that he’d take her with him so she could see how everything worked. And with how much she had done for him, he wouldn’t feel right in denying her that. He speaks to Ordis once more.

“I am going to be bringing a guest aboard. Please do your best to not scare them off huh?”

“I will try not to frighten them with my usual outbursts. I will be waiting for you, Operator.”

Mystogan walks upstairs and into Twilight’s room. It was still early morning and she was sleeping soundly all wrapped up in her blanket. Void walks up to her and gently shakes her, trying his best to wake her up without startling her. She lets out a light moan and slowly opens her eyes as she gazes up at Hydroid. Thankfully she doesn’t scream in terror.

“Mmmh...everything okay, Void? Are you heading out again?”

She asked in a rather adorably sleepy tone. However, his next words would make her perk up as if she just had coffee injected into her veins.

“My ship has been fully repaired and is ready to take flight. I did promise you that I’d take you aboard once it was complete.Do you want to come with me?”

Twilight’s eyes did indeed widen awake and a smile slowly formed on her muzzle. She jumped out of her bed and wasted no time in tossing off her sleep clothes, even right in front of Void who blinked a few times as he saw Twilight naked before she got into her usual outfit. Apparently, she didn’t care at this point, she was beyond excited for this. She jumps next to him and smiles up at him.

“I am ready! Let’s get going!”

“U-uuh...yeah, let’s get going..”

Void was blushing hard from what he had just seen. He was so glad that his was controlling Hydroid and not outside of where she could see his face beet red. Once they made their way outside and towards the area where his ship was, the sun was rising into the sky as the morning full began. And just on cue, Celestia appears before the two of them with a smile on her face.

“Ah, good morning my faithful student, and you as well Void. Are you two heading out somewhere?”

“Yes! Void’s ship is completely repaired and ready to be airborne. He promised he’d show me the inside! I am excited to see just how that behemoth of technology works! I brought my quill and notepad and will write down everything I can!”

Celestia arches a brow as her own curiosity rose. She wanted to see this in action as well. She turns her gaze to Void and smiles down at him. Void could see that she wanted to come along as well just by the look in her eyes. He laughed lightly and shook his head.

“Yes princess, you are welcome to come along as well should you wish. All I ask of you both is that you do not touch anything inside. Understand?”

They both nod in agreement and follow Void as he leads the way to his ship. Twilight and Celestia whispered to one another as they walked down the path. Celestia didn’t admit it, but she was almost as excited as Twilight was to see just what this ship could do. Ponies had airships and zeppelins and such like that. But this was something far more advanced.

“How high do you think it can go, princess?”

“I am not sure my dear. But I imagine it can exceed the high of the highest flying pegasus. Possibly even over the tallest mountain in all of Equestria.”

Void could hear them whispering behind him. He only smiled to himself as their guesses were extremely far off. He was actually glad he was bringing them along with him. Their minds were about to be blown as he planned on taking them all the way out into space, far from the ground of the earth to be sure. Once they reach the ship. Void noticed right away that the ship nearly looked brand new and was sitting fully on its landing gear. Ordis did a wonderful job. But Void didn’t expect anything less of his trusty ship cephalon.

“Ordis, lower the barriers and the ramp. I am here.And I have two guests with me.”

“Two? Oh my, the operator is bringing friends over! This is wonderful!”

The barriers lower with a low hum and the ramp that leads inside the ship lowers with the mechanical sound of the lowering hydraulics. Already both Twilight and Celestia were impressed by just those two things. Void makes his way up into the ship on the ramp and looks back at the two hesitating ponies who stood at the foot of the ramp. From what they could see from there, it looked rather….unsettling. All the blinking lights and wires and metal of the inner ship we so different to them.

“Don’t be afraid, it’s just the inside of the ship. Be sure to watch your head as you come in, princess. The last thing we need is to have you get a head injury.”

Celestia did indeed need to lower her head a bit as she and Twilight made their way into the orbiter. The first thing they saw as they walked in was the arsenal where Void stood. He walked out of Hydroid and left him where he always stood when Void wasn’t using him. The inside of the orbiter was black and snow white.Just like his usual color scheme. They also noticed the various weapons that were stocked in the lower part of the ship. Twilight’s eyes grew wide as she looked at the metal marvel. Celestia was just as impressed with what she was seeing as well. Void chuckles lightly and motions them to follow him down into the back of the ship. They first come to the left door which was covered in infestation. Void made sure to give them a stern gaze before speaking to them.

“Under NO circumstances are any of either of you to enter this room. You will not like what you see. This is a room that I have used for one purpose, and that is to rid my frame of any infections that it has gained.”

They looked like they didn’t want any part of that room anyways. Even Twilight inched away from the infestation that seemed to be reaching towards her and her mentor. Void quickly moves on to the middle door which opened up to what appeared to be a wide open room with a large machine that sat in the back center part. As he approached it, the machine moved and opened itself up to reveal a chair of sorts. Though what caught Celestia’s attention was the treelike roots that surrounded the chair and seemed to float behind the whole structure.

“This was what I used to link to my warframe before I regained my true abilities. This is called the somatic link. I would sit here on this device and use the transference energy from within to control Hydroid. But now that I have my abilities. I can use transference and basically ‘possess’ hydroid at will.”

“And this machine cannot be used anymore?”

Asked Twilight as she looked at it as she wrote things down on her little notepad. Void nodded to answer her question. Suddenly Ordis speaks over the ship speakers. This made both Celestia and Twilight jump in surprised.

“Hello, humanoid equines. I am the ship’s cephalon. My name is Ordis. It is a pleasure to meet you both. And what the Operator says is true. We had an incident a while back. But thankfully he can use his void abilities without fail.”

“Where is his speaking from? I cannot see him!”

Shouted Twilight as she looked around frantically. Void puts a hand up to try and calm down the unicorn. Even Celestia was concerned for her star student at this point.

“Twi, easy! He is on the ship! He is part of it! Calm down!”

“Oh and operator, your new living quarters are ready as well. Though...you may want to get some furniture...it is rather bare.”

“Oh right! I need to see this.”

Void started to run towards the exit of the room with Twilight and Celestia not far behind him. Once he gets to the door of the bottom right of the ship, it opens up to reveal a rather spacious room with shelving and plenty of room for furniture and a bed. What he was most excited about was the large window at the other side of the room. He couldn’t wait to gaze out that window once the ship was in the air and more so in space. He even noticed tanks that could be filled with water and fish. He’d definitely have to get those in use.

“Woooow….and just think Twilight, you won’t have to bother with me anymore! Now that I have a place to call my own, I will no longer be a burden to you!”

Twilight’s eyes lowered to the ground and a frown came upon her face as she felt saddened by his words. He really thought of himself as a burden to her? While it is true that he worried her when he was out and having someone else within her home meant that she had to take care of both herself and him. It didn’t mean she didn’t enjoy his company and even the long night he stayed up with her. Void turned to see that saddened expression on Twilight’s face and gives a confused stare in return. He looks up at Celestia and then back at Twilight.

“I...don’t understand. I’d thought you’d be happy to see me finally out on my own after my ship was up and going again.”

Celestia walks over to Twilight and places an arm around the tearing up unicorn/ Void was truly at a loss of words now. What did he say that upset Twilight so much. He looked towards Celestia and blinks a few times.

“What...did I say wrong…? I thought she’d be happy. She has completed the order you gave her after all.”

Celestia shakes her head gently and takes Twilight’s cheeks into her hands.She wipes away the unicorn’s tears and speaks to ehr in a gentle tone.

“Did you not tell him, Twilight? Communication is key in any kind of relationship my dear. How is he supposed to know what is on your mind when you do not let him know what it is? You can see he is at a loss for words on why you are so upset. Go tell him.”

Twilight looked over at Void and approached him. She placed her right hand on her upper arms and began to speak.

“You are right. It was an order. And I was mainly nice to you at first so I could get on your good side so I could study you and your warframe. But….”

She starts to tear up more.

“That’s not how I feel anymore! With how much time you have stayed with me and the late nights you have helped me with. And especially the time you spend with me when you really didn’t have to. I grew to like you as a real friend. And to hear you call yourself a burden on me. It hurts…”

Void reached up and placed a hand on Twilight’s cheek gently. A soft smile coming across his face as he gently rubs his thumb against it.

“Listen to me, Twilight. I have enjoyed staying with you. But I know you have yourself to worry about. And it’s not like I wouldn’t come visit you or anything. But now that I have my own home here in the ship. I can be out of the way for everyone and none of you would have to worry. Besides, out in the stars is where I belong. I spend the majority of my childhood on a ship, then in a cryogenic sleep for over a thousand years on a moon. Hy change what I am used to? You will still see me daily. I promise. And if it makes you feel any better, I feel like I have gotten close to you as well, Twi. You are a smart, caring and a wonderful mare who is blessed to have so many friends and a wonderful mentor like you do. And if you ever want to come visit me, I’d be happy to come and get you. Or even the others for that fact. I am sure they’d want to experience the view I am about to show you and the princess. Now, no more tears, Bookworm. I am not going anywhere.”

Void reached up and wrapped his arms around Twilight in a gentle hug. Twilight sniffled lightly and wraps her own arms around him in a bit more of a tighter squeeze than he did, though.

“It’s all going to be alright, Twi. I am not mad at you. Though I do wish you told me how you felt sooner. We could have been circling the planet by now, silly girl.”

Celestia watched how Void consoled the mare. He was gentle and kind. And the way he spoke to her was as if he were definitely as old as he is. Though stuck in the form of adolescence, he was more mature than she was lead to believe upon her first impression of him. He was absolutely nothing like a child.

“Now then, shall we get this ship in the air? I am going to show you that this ship surpasses any flying device you possess here in this world. Ordis, begin lift off.”

“Understood, Operator. Firing up the engines.”

The sound of the roar of the multiple thrusters from the back of the ship echo throughout its frame.The ship shakes a bit which made both Twilight and Celestia nearly fall off balance. The ship began lifting into the air as Void walked up the ramp onto the bridge. He had gotten used to the ship moving about like this after all.

“You two better come up here if you want to see the lift off. And hold onto something. First-time flyers really aren’t good at maintaining balance.”

Both mare took his advice and held onto the consoles that were on the left and right side of the bridge of the ship. With a loud ‘BOOM’, the ship took flight as the thrusters adjusted from vertical to horizontal flight, taking off into the sky like it was nothing. Void stood there watching as the sky changed from it’s light blue to a dark one, then eventually the blackness of space. The ride was now a completely smooth and shake-free cruise as the ship seemed to have stopped in orbit of the planet. Void looks back to see the two mares holding on for dear life with their eyes shut tightly. He couldn’t help but laugh at this and walked over to them.

“You thought that was something, just wait till the descent back. That’s gonna be a blast for you. But you very well can’t see what it wish to show you with your eyes closed.”

They both slowly open their eyes and look out the front window of the ship. What they saw was absolutely beautiful. Their planet was miles and miles away from them. Never have they seen such a wonderful sight. And Celestia stared at the sun with awe. Never had she been so close to the very thing she raises and sets every day. Their eyes were as wide as saucers and their jaws nearly hit the floor.

“By the sun...literally! And where you are from, others like you possess the kind of technology?!”

Celestia asked in astonishment. Even she had never dreamed of making it to the stars. Twilight was especially excited by what she was seeing. Void suddenly heard Ordis speak over to ship’s coms.

“Operator...you will not believe this! We are going an incoming coms! And it’s..from The Lotus! But I….I don’t know how!”

Void’s heart beat heavily for a moment as he eyes widen in shock. How in the hell was she getting through between worlds?! That should be impossible! Void gulps heavily and nods. If this was really the Lotus…

“P-put her through.O-Ordis…”

There was a bit of noise interference at first, but then he heard it. The voice of the one being that cared for him and protected him all those years while he slept. The only one he could ever see as his mother other than Margulis.

“Tenno? Tenno, are you there? Please speak to me, my child!”

It was. It was really her. Void was quiet for a moment, but he soon spoke up.

“Lotus...”

“Oh thank the stars! You are alright. I have been worried about you for months ever since I had lost connection with you. Where are you? My connection with you is stable now, but somehow I cannot sense you in the universe...at all.”

“I..I am in a totally different world. A different universe. What I do not understand is how this is possible that you are speaking with me now…”

“I...cannot say for sure myself. But if you are indeed in another world, then it may be possible to bring you back. I want you back home...back home to where I know I can keep you safe. You fellow tenno need you.”

Celestia walks up beside Void and places a hand on his shoulder gently.

“I am afraid that there will be no returning to his world for him. And he very well knows that. I don’t know who you are. But if you were so worried about him. Why didn’t you do anything to help him in the first place? If you considered yourself his mother, you should have done all you could to make sure he stayed where he belonged.”

“Tenno, who are these alien beings? What do they mean that you cannot return home? Are they holding you against your will?”

Void looks up at Celestia, then back to Lotus. He shakes his head lightly.

“No, I am here because there is no way to get me back home. They do not possess the means nor the technology. I am...afraid I will never return to you and my fellow tenno. And she is right. During that whole entire scuffle with the corpus and grineer ships….you did not lift a finger to help or send other tenno my way. So I took a chance and went into the wormhole. And now I am here. I either accepted death at their hands or I take a risk and hope that I came out on the other side alive. I am not going to hold that against you Lotus. I still love you and miss you. But what’s done is done. I will never return to see you again, nor will i ever see another of my kind.”

“Tenno...I..”

“He is now under the care and protection of beings who will make sure that he is aided when he needs it the most and will always be at his side. And that will never change.”

Celestia was seriously upset at Lotus right now. The fact that someone that Void called ‘mother’, someone he trusted and needed in his time of crisis didn’t help. It didn’t sit well at all. Void, however, placed a hand on Celestia’s to reassure her it was alright. His gaze then turns back to Lotus once more.

:I will continue to look to you for guidance and help. But understand I will never ever return. It’s just how it is. Besides…”

He looks over at Twilight who now stood at his side then looked up at Celestia and gave a smile.

“I am here with others now who will always be here for me, just as I will with them. Just know I will be alright. And you won’t have to worry about me, mother.”

The coms went silent for a moment, but to Void, it felt like an eternity. But then Lotus spoke once more.

“Whoever you are, my child seems to have put his trust in you. Don’t you dare stab him in the back. If I ever find out that you did. So help me, I will find a way to get him back to me. And I will make your life miserable. Please stay safe… my child, my sweet Ryuji.”

The coms drop after that name was spoken. Once he heard it, however, his eyes widen and his head starts to hurt. He places his hands on his head and crouches down in pain as a headache racks over him. It felt like by hearing that name, something opened up inside of him, but he wasn’t sure of what. He just knows that it hurt.

“My name...is Ryuji...I remember now… I…”

He falls to his knees and hands as his vision goes blurry. Both Twilight and Celestia kneel down and offer him support on their shoulders. This was definitely going to cause trouble down the road for both him and Equestria. As the name had unlocked something that the Lotus needed to keep secret. But in a unknowing world that could be full of threats, she wanted him to be well protected. And all this will indeed, change the flow of how things will play out in this world now that he is here.

Act 7: You ARE Meant For This World

View Online

Ryuji looked about as he stood in a grey foggy void that seemed like he was standing on top of an endless body of water. His eyes shifted about as he heard whispers upon whispers coming from all directions. He did not know what was going on exactly, but it was starting to worry him. Where was he? And why did everything feel so cold and lonely? It almost felt like he was back in the void. But there weren’t even any corrupted grineer or corpus.

“What is...this place?”

Beats me, kiddo. I am only here because I felt I needed to come and watch over you.”

Said his doppelganger as he approached him from seemingly out of nowhere. Ryuji looked at his copy with an arched brow. He came to ‘watch over him’? That was new. Usually, he liked to cause him trouble or give him warnings. Just as his copy showed up, the whispered started to become clearer. And what they said didn’t exactly help Ryuji feel comfortable.

”Get rid of the agitator. He will derail the plans we have set out for the future…”

“He is a cancer upon our world, he must be removed before things fall apart. He will shift the balance…”

“The other one will surely cause trouble as well. Though not physical, he still resides in the real one…”

Ryuji and his doppelganger looked around for any signs of movement or even life. But all that was there were just whispers in whispers. The copy just laughed and looked over at Ryuji. He had a smug look on his face, knowing full well what was going on.

“You hear that, kiddo? Apparently, you and I don’t fit into the unknown forces’ master plan that governs this world. So it appears that they wish to remove us from it. By what means I am wondering…”

“I...I don’t know. But if they intend to try and remove me by force, I will not go willingly. I like it here.”

“The fact of the matter is you will be removed with any method that will work.And we will not give up until your existence is erased. You bring technology into this world that could undoubtedly turn the tides in future events that shape this world. And we have worked too hard to have you come and ruin all of our hard work. You and your...metal creature will not disrupt the flow of our world. And remember this...the princesses and your new friends will not be there to help you all the time.”

The doppelganger was about to say something to stand up for Ryuji, but he spoke up as he squeezed his right hand into a fist tightly, the material could be heard stretching as he did. The doppelganger turned his head to see a fierce look on his face.

“You are wrong. They will be there when I need them because they are my friends. And even if they can’t get to me. I still have my own abilities and Hydroid. Send whatever you want to try and destroy me. But I will make sure to destroy it first. I am here in this world now and I do not plan on leaving it now that I know I am not welcomed. Besides, that’s how it was in my own world. I ruined a bunch of plans for many people. So, this will be no different.”

Suddenly the sound of hoofsteps echoed through the fog. It sounded like there were at least two figures approaching. Both Ryuji and his doppelganger were now fully on guard and ready for anything.

“Stand your ground, kiddo. I got your back.”

Luckily when he heard the voice of one of them call out his name, his guard lowered a bit until he finally saw Celestia and another alicorn at her side. Ryuji blinked a few times at the new one then looked back at Celestia. It seems like as they approached, the whispers grew quiet on the spot. The dark blue alicorn looked between Ryuji and his doppelganger then back up at her sister.

“Uuh..sister? Are there supposed to be two of them…?”

“Well, technically yes. Though that is a story for another time.”

“Alright kiddo, they are here now, I think you are in good hands. See you around.”

The doppelganger vanished into the fog. Leaving Ryuji along with the princesses and a rather confused feeling as to why he’d even show up to help him. That wasn’t the issue at the moment though. He looks toward the two soon enough to see Celestia walking toward him in a brisk fashion. She kneels in front of him and gently takes his lower jaw into her hands.

“Are you alright, Ryuji…?”

He blinked a few times as he lightly grabbed Celestia’s right arm.Her touch was warm and gentle, and her eyes held a genuine concern for him it seemed. It felt strange but nice to him. He just gives a nod and a light smile.

“I am fine, don’t worry about me. Though when you are told that you will be erased from existence because you don’t fit into the world’s future master plan. It kind of throws you off.”

Celestia’s eyes widen a bit as she looks to her sister who had the same expression. She then turned back to Ryuji and pulled him into her closely. This surprised him a bit but then he looked up at her wondering what was going on.

“Sister, can you change up this dreamscape for us? I don’t think we should stay here much longer. I get the feeling that this place was crafted by….somepony to throw off Ryuji.”

“Of course, sister. I am on it.”

The dreamscape suddenly flashed white. Instantly bringing them to a new one that was in an open meadow with the sky revealing the most beautiful grey and gold colors. It was at the time of twilight, Ryuji’s favorite time of the day. The wind blew through the air at a gentle speed, blowing through Ryuji’s hair as Celestia let him step back a bit. She gazed at him with a worried stare as she had heard what the whispers were saying to him as she traveled through the last dreamscape. Ryuji looked out over the land in the distance to see Ponyville just off where he stood. This must be just on the outer part where the large grassy hills were. The view was breathtaking to be sure. Ryuji just walked a little further away as the wind caressed his form, making the lighter pieces of his armor flow gently as his eyes scanned over the horizon.

“You...heard what they said to me didn’t you? Apparently, I do not belong in this world because I will be foiling their plans. And they will be sending anything after me to make sure it doesn’t happen. I won’t lie…”

He said as he fidgets with his hands a bit. The brave front he puts up all the time seemingly starting to slip. Both Celestia and Luna could sense his fear and nervousness. And it bothered the white alicorn greatly. And she did not know why.

“I...I am scared for my life. Sure, I am a strong warrior, and as myself, I can control the power of the void. But even that has a limit. And if I am caught without Hydroid when they strike…”

He turned to them with a weak smile. Celestia could see the worry in his eyes, however. She approaches him and gently pulls her into her arms as she kneels down in front of him again. Ryuji felt safe when he was in her embrace. He hesitantly wrapped his own arms around her and looked up at her. Seeing her beautiful purple eyes gazing back down at him with protection in them. She shakes her head lightly as she speaks to him with a smile.

“I believe that you are meant for this world, Ryuji. That you were brought here because it was meant to be. Do not let them have you think otherwise. And no matter what, you will never be alone, nor will you face these forces alone. Remember, you have not only Twilight and her friends who have come to really like you. But I will most definitely be there for you as well. I...can’t explain it. But ever since I first laid eyes on you, I felt this protective nature I have for you grow.”

Ryuji continued to gaze up at Celestia with a look of curiosity. She really felt like that towards him.It made him wonder why. He lowers his gaze to the ground for a moment then back up to her.

“Why worry about me? You are one of the rulers of this land. Surely you have better things to worry about than someone like me. Twilight is more of your concern than anyone else in fact. She is your star student after all. And I am still a stranger to this world. That’s why I don’t understand…”

Ryuji was under the impression of the only reason why Celestia even took an interest in him was that he wasn’t a pony. And the fact that he possessed technology that could very well cause great trouble should he be so inclined to turn on her at any moment. He felt like that he was just something for her to use until he was no longer needed. That’s how it was back in his world. Other than the Lotus, no one else really cared for the tenno children because of what they could do. Celestia could see the doubt of her genuine care for the tenno in his eyes. And Luna could feel it coming from him as well.

“Your hesitation to believe the words of my older sister are understandable. She has told me of your trying times you have mentioned from your realm. But I am going to tell you now, she is not that kind of pony. For my crimes, I was banished for over a thousand years. But that was for the good of all. It wasn’t easy for her to do. And even after I had returned to try and resume my horrible agenda, Twilight Sparkle and her friends freed me from the darkness and I was eventually reunited with my sister because she forgave me, As did everypony else. You are a threat. That much my sister and I have agreed on.”

“Luna, that’s enough. He doesn’t need to hear anymore!”

Luna shakes her head.

“If we are to gain each other’s trust, we must be upfront with him just as he has with us, sister. It is better he finds out now than later when it would feel like he had been stabbed in the back. No one wants to feel that. And from what you have told me about him, he has experienced enough of that.”

Luna walks closer to Ryuji. His gaze following her as she then stands in front of him. He could tell she had something that he needed to here before this went on any further. And he was ready to hear it.

“Sister...please…”

“He needs to hear this, Celestia. You know he does.”

“Just tell me. I can handle it.”

“Ever since you came here, we have had agents spying on your, watching your every move. We even had them investigate your aircraft. But we could not find a way to further our study because of...some kind of non-magical barrier. And we have also seen your abilities at first hand. You harness strange powers and even stranger weapons. Both my sister and I immediately saw you as a potential threat. And we still do.”

Ryuji steps back a bit and lowers his head. He felt like all those kind words he had been given were all just lies. Lies to make sure he did not cause any trouble. Not that he had any intent on doing so. But it still made his heart ache a bit.

“However…”

Ryuji lifted his gaze back up to the dark blue alicorn as she said that. He could see a smile form on her muzzle after she said that.

“You have shown that you are not here to bare us any ill will. Nor to any of our subjects. Therefore, it is only fitting that we give you the same level of trust just as you have with us. We also ask that you forgive us. We were only making sure our subjects were safe. And that we meant no disrespect towards you.”

Celestia’s eyes shift back to Ryuji. From the look of him, she thought that he was going to be very upset with all this. His hands were balled into fists and his gaze was downward. But his hands softened and so did his expression. He looked up to both of them and nodded.

“So, we are on the same page then…? No more tricks? No more lies? We will not hide anything from each other anymore?”

“No, no more of that. You have our word. And if it helps you feel any better, the friendships you have begun with Twilight and her friends have all been genuine as well. None of them knew our intent. Now…”

Celestia said as she placed her hands on his shoulders gently.

“What can I do to help you feel better after all this? Anything, you name it.”

Ryuji felt like a burden had been lifted off his shoulders after all this. He felt like finally for once, he could lower his guard after all these years. He suddenly wraps his arms around Celestia’s body and hugs into her. The sudden movement surprising her, but she welcomed it. Even going as far as wrapping her wings around him.

“Just...keep the promise you made to me and the Lotus. I will not rely on you a lot. But even a warrior will need help every now and then.”

Celestia smiled warmly and held him closely like a mother held their child. Even more so when she didn’t want to let him go.

“You have my word,Ryuji. I promise you this here and now.”

Act 8: You Will Not Take Them From Me!

View Online

Ryuji stood at the bridge of the orbiter as the ship slowly circled around the earth. He had just woken up from a much-needed rest and felt better than he had ever in months. Having had his personal quarters furnished comfortably, he now had his home in the stars as it always had been. And not only that, he felt he weighted about six hundred pounds lighter. Not because he was in space. Because he could now be upfront and honest with the two rulers of the kingdom that he had come to inhabit before he got his orbiter up and running, and they, in turn, would show him the same courtesy. And not only that. He did start to feel a deep bind slowly but gradually start for with Celestia. Her kind words and warmth certainly had a wonderful effect on the tenno. Before he had left the planet, he gave Celestia a communicator he had crafted in his foundry and taught her how to use it. And they seemed to be speaking over it quite a bit. Nearly every morning and every night before they went to bed, they’d talk about their day and asked each other what they’ve been up to. However, the usual time never came. And for some reason, it put Ryuji on edge. And he did not know why.

“Ordis, send a call to Celestia. I don’t know why, but something seems...off today.”

“Contacting Celestia now, Operator.”

The coms made a few beeping sounds as he waited for a pickup. He waited and waited until there was no answer and the coms ended. He didn’t know why, but there was a feeling in his gut that told him to get to Canterlot and quickly. He made his way to the arsenal and inside of Hydroid. He grabs his trusty arca Plasmor shotgun, his akstiletto primes, and of course, his nikana prime, his most valued sword. He makes sure he has plenty of ammunition on hand and a few specter orbs should he need them. Ordis watched Ryuji move around in haste. The cephalon was wondering what had his operator in such a rush.

“Operator? Is something amiss?”

“I don’t know, Ordis. I need you to prep the landing craft though. Something is bothering me about Celestia not answering. Be ready for me to call you should I need a carpet bombing though.”

“Of course, I shall be ready to-DESTROY YOUR ENEMIES- help you in any way possible, Operator.”

The dropship flew from the orbiter at high speed, making its way to the point that Ryuji set it’s destination too. Something told him that he had to get there fast. And from what he could see as he closed in on Canterlot, it wasn’t looking good. He had to act fast. Or else things could get bad for everypony in that city, and possibly Ponyville.

--Late Night Before--

Celestia was sleeping soundly in her bed after a long day of doing her royal duties. She had just gotten done speaking with Ryuji as part of their nightly and daily ritual. She was so very happy to hear his voice before she went to bed. She couldn’t help but feel her heart beat quickly when they spoke together like that. Almost as if she was a filly with a crush on her school sweetheart. She clung to a pillow that rested against her breasts in her arms and nuzzled into it with a goofy grin on her face as she talked in her sleep with a heavy blush on her face.

“Oh, Ryu...you are just the sweetest stallion ever. Of course, I would be happy to…”

She giggled as she slept. Suddenly Luna bursts through the door with a look of worry on her face. She yelled at her sister in worry. Something was clearly going on just down the stairs of Celestia’s tower. The commotion could be heard from Celestia’s room.

“Sister, sister wake up! We are under attack!”

Celestia shot up from her bed in shock as she heard Luna say those words. She was quick to get to her younger sister’s side as guards made their way to surround and protect them both. Ponies wearing a form of armor that was black and dark purple started their way up the stairs trying to fight past the royal guards that were blocking there way. One of the squad leaders that were with the group protecting the princesses started to give orders on getting them to safety. They did as they were told and used one of the many secret passages laid out through the castle to move them to the royal throne room. As they sneaked about, Celestia asked to see if Luna or even any of the guards knew what in all of Equestria was going on.

“Sister, do we know what is going on? The armor those ponies were wearing weren’t of any enemy lands I know of.”

“I don’t know myself...but they have captured the bearers of the elements and are holding them hostage. Where that is we do not know. I remember some of them saying they were part of some kind of cult...a very ancient one. And they believe it is there duties to make sure that the flow of history and future remains unaltered. But why would they-.”

It hit both sisters at the same time. They both knew who these ponies were really after. It looks like the Fates made good on their promise to come after Ryuji, but in more ways than one. The plans must have been to take his new Ponyville friends hostage and now the princesses as well.

“We must not let them obtain us, sister. Should they do so, they will most definitely be waiting for Ryuji to come and find us.”

Luna nodded in agreement. Just as they made it into the throne room, however, company was waiting for them there. A massive group of armored ponies and one heavily armored with a cloak on her back. She was a tall, heavily built mare with plenty of muscle. And the weapon of choice was a two-handed hammer. Her white mane and tail were long and straight, and her crimson eyes stared at the princesses as a wicked smile curled on her muzzle.

“Good evening to you princesses. We had a feeling you’d be coming here.”

After a struggle, the princesses were now bound and their horns rendered useless by anti-magic rings. The ponies threw them to the ground in front of their throne and the larger mare chuckled darkly as she leaned forward with her hammer resting on her shoulder, then she paced back and forth in front of them.

“Now then, once he realizes that you are all in trouble, he will come running. And then I will personally kill him myself and the Fates will reward me and my comrades. Beings like him do not belong in our world. And you of all ponies sanction him? I am quite disappointed in you, Celestia.”

She spoke with a heavy Russian accent. The only place in all of Equestria had ponies with that kind of accents. The Mareland. Celestia’s eyes widen as she made her plan known to wipe Ryuji from existence. She struggled and tried to get to her hooves. Even Luna wasn’t happy to hear about this.

“NO, I won’t let you hurt him you bitch! Don’t you dare lay a hand on him!”

She screamed out as she got to her hooves only to fall back to her knees. She glared up angrily at the grey mare who only laughed at Celestia’s struggle. She reached down and grabbed under her chin to lock eyes with her. A wicked idea passing through her head.

“You seem rather fond of this creature. Perhaps I will slowly torture him in front of you before I deliver the final blow. Or maybe I should just mentally torture him by inflicting pain on you and your sister. After all, our goal isn’t to kill you. Our goal is to kill him. And the Fates have demanded it be a slow and merciless death. So that he can be made an example of.”

Celestia’s glare remained, but tears started to flow down her cheeks as she kept struggling. The fact that she was powerless to do anything to prevent this now tore her up inside. She had made a promise to protect Ryuji. And the fact that she couldn’t do so now was hurting her on the inside. All she could do was hope that by some miracle, he would triumph over this. And she had faith that he would be fine. After all, with his tales that he had been sharing with her of his battles, this shouldn’t be a problem for him.

“You will not prevail...he is stronger than you think he is. I know full well he will destroy you without a second thought. You and your damned cult followers. Your Fates are nothing but little children when their plans are derailed.”

The mare snorted and slapped Celestia across the face as she spoke those words, leaving a large handprint and even drawing blood in the process. That clearly touched a nerve with the large mare. Celestia lets out a cry of pain as she is hit.

“I may not be allowed to kill you, princess. But I will hurt you more than that should you not watch your tongue.”

--Present Time--

Ryuji walks up the main courtyard steps as he scans his surroundings. Right out of the gate, he is met with a small army of the same ponies that had invaded the castle earlier. They all had weapons drawn and pointed directly at Ryuji. One of them shouted out to him as he pulled back on his bow.

“Give up now and your loved ones won’t have to suffer a slow and cruel death! You are our true target! So make it easy on yourself and die with honor, creature! And we will release your Ponyville friends and the princesses!”

Ryuji stood there for a moment and chuckled darkly. He looks up to the sky and begins to speak in a dark tone. Which sat the ponies off a bit and put them on edge. They may know who he is and his weaknesses. But they don’t know what kind of being this tenno is when those he cares about is threatened.

“Ordis, smear their blood on the ground and leave their corpses burning.”

“As you wish, Operator.”

The sound of his dropship roaring through the sky could be heard by many. And as it flew closer missiles flew passed Ryuji and directly into the large crowd of armored ponies. And the armor certainly did not help them at all. A few large explosions couple with the screams and wails of pain could be heard from outside the castle as the guard and invaders continued to fight. Enemies laid they're either completely dead and destroyed or ponies struggling to stay alive with missing limbs and bleeding profusely as they struggled to crawl away from the now approaching warframe. Ryuji drew his akstiletto prime and began finishing off the survivors as he approached the castle and made his way in.

“You are all going to die for this…”

He said as he walked into the castle and began to shoot down all the charging ponies with deadly accuracy.Memories of those he had lost from the orokin, the grineer, the corpus. Those he cared about started fueling his dark murderous intentions. He soon switched to his arca plasmor shotgun which when shot, it released a small compact wave of radiation that vaporized the enemy unfortunate enough to be in its way. The guard only watched on in both awe and horror as they watched the invaders fall so easily to Ryuji’s weapons.Soon enough, he had run out of ammo for his weapons. And just as he finally got into the throne room. There was a few more groups of guards and the larger armored mare waiting for him. He saw both Celestia and Luna were exhausted and had quite a bit of injuries on them. She must have kept her word and inflicted pain on them both. This did not sit well with Ryuji at all. What rage he had now turned into pure hatred for these ponies.

“Ah, the guest of honor has arrived. We knew you’d come eventually. The Fates demand it after all.”

Ryuji drew stopped as the few groups closed in on him. He squeezes his hands into fists and growls in an angered tone. The sight of Celestia and Luna covered in blood and bruises was enough to push his mind into the darkest parts of his mind...where the doppelganger could influence him greatly.

“I am going to make sure you all die slowly for what you have done to them. I will not let you take them from me nor will I let anyone else!”

He drew his sword and charged forth with a rage-filled warcry as he slashed his way through the oncoming troops who caught fire from the burning blade. He then sinks into the ground and forms a large wave of water that swallowed the group next to him and rushed forward, slamming them into the wall that they were flung to. They all watched in shock as he took the form of….water?! They soon had a sword rammed through their chest before they could get up from the sudden drag. Ryuji then turned his attention to another group and threw large heavy orbs of water at them which seem to penetrate through their armor quite well. At least it left them with a great amount of pain. But Ryuji soon made it worse by impaling them with his blade as well.

With all the rest of them out of the way, Ryuji dashed toward the larger mare who was still in shock at the creature’s abilities. Unfortunately for her, that was going to be her downfall as Ryuji moved in quickly and didn’t give her time to react. Ryuji was fueled by rage and anger for what had this enemy had done. And he wasn’t going to let up until she was dead. He moved around her quickly, sliding the tip of his sword under her armor and severing the leather straps that held it in place. The swinging of the large-headed hammer was easy enough to spot coming and was easily dodgeable. After a while, the mare was now vulnerable to his fiery sword which he began to attack using quick cuts and stabs. He danced around her as he attacked the tendon of her legs to get her to drop to her knees, slashing at her back, sides and anywhere he could land a lethal blow. His speed only increased as the resistance decreased from the mare. Soon enough he gave one more final slash before sliding his blade back into its scabbard with a loud click. Blood started gushing out of the larger mare’s body as he eyes widen in pain before she collapses and dies in front of him.

“Fuck your Fates, and fuck their plans. I will kill them to if I have to. You will not take the ones I care about from me. Never.”

Act 9: The Shadows Move In

View Online

It was a few hours after things finally settled down from the invasion of the cult that had tried to lure in and kill of Ryuji by holding Celestia and the others hostage. Thankfully, the rest of the others weren’t hurt. A bit shook up. But that was it. After regaining their composure from all of it, Celestia called Ryuji, Twilight and the others into the throne room once it was cleared out. The air was still smelling of blood and death, but not so much as it was before. And by the time they all gathered,it was just about nightfall. Once they had all gathered, Celestia lets out a sigh and looks upon them all before dismissing the guards from the room. She then turns her attention back to the group.

“First off, I am very happy you are all unhurt. I was afraid what was being done to us...was happening to you as well down in the dungeons. That being said, I do not think I need to tell you all why it is this happened.”

All the ponies turn their gaze towards Ryuji who was standing behind them with Hydroid a couple feet behind him. He was expecting to see looks of anger and blame heading his way. His averted his eyes quickly and closed them, tightening his fists as he gets ready to apologize.

“I..I am sorry this all happened to you. I know this is all my fault. Perhaps it is best that I should leave here and never return. I just...I just wanted to help you fight off these other ponies…”

He drops to his knees and places his hands on his thighs and bows low. The ponies blink at this gesture, a bit shocked that he’d do this. Does he not remember who he is to them? Clearly, it hasn’t sunken in yet. It made them all feel a bit sad that he still thinks of himself as a burden to them. Especially Celestia. And the fact that he’d bow like this asking forgiveness for something he didn’t do only made it even more so. Celestia shook her head and called out to him.

“Ryuji, to your feet, please.”

He lifts his head slowly and rises back to his feet. Celestia lets out a light sigh as she stood up and walked over to him. Her eyes fixed on his as they locked gazes.”

“When will you learn that this isn’t something that is solely your burden? You have Twilight, her friends and myself to count on. This is something that you need to get used to and stop blaming yourself for when trouble comes around. This wasn’t your fau-.”

“But it was!”

He suddenly cuts off Celestia. He shakes his head as his body starts shaking. As he began to speak, they could all see he was genuinely upset at himself just in the way his voice shook as well.

“If not for me, this wouldn’t have even happened! None of you would have been taken hostage or even got hurt because of my very existence here! I don’t know what is going to happen in the future that wants me dead, but I don’t want to drag you all into it! And now that something like this has happened...I..I…”

It looked like Ryuji was just going to break down right then and there. The way his eyes twitched as he closed them, fighting the urge to just burst into tears. For the longest time, his heart started to ache at the very idea of losing friends once more because of him. Thoughts ran through his head of possible scenarios that were much worse than the ordeal they had today. Just as he couldn’t take it anymore, He felt the warmth of multiple arms and the softness of Twilight and her friends coming together and embracing him into a close hug. Ryuji’s eyes opened as this happened and shift his gaze about. Even Dash joined in.

“That’s enough, Ryuji. We won’t hear any more of this nonsense of you blaming yourself anymore. The girls and I have been in far more peril than this. We have saved Equestria many times from bigger threats.”

Said Twilight.

“She is right, darling. It may have been scary at first. But we had faith that you’d come and help. We believed in you because we know you care. And that you are all of our friends. You need to get that into your mind and stop thinking that we’d blame you for something you can’t control.”

Rarity said as she leaned in and gently nuzzles the side of his cheek with her own.

“No more of that, Ryu! No matter what happens you can count on us to be there for you! If you ever need some cheering up, you know I am good at making others smile! Just leave it to you aunty Pinkie!”

The rest of them reassured him as well that this was in no way his fault. They continued to hug him until he started feeling better. The warmth and love of them were enough to make him calm down and think clearly. All those dark thoughts seemed to slip away in the embrace from his friends. His friends…

“You see, Ryuji? Nopony blames you here for what has happened. If anything, they were more worried about you rather than themselves since you were the target of the cult. Now, I trust you are all worn out from this, so I have made sure to get guest chambers for all of you. I recommend you all get some rest. However, I need to speak with Ryuji, alone.”

“Of course, princess. We will go and get some sleep then.”

Twilight said as she and her friends gave one last group hug to Ryuji and walked out of the throne room leaving him alone with Celestia. It was quiet for a moment, but then Celestia wrapped Ryuji in his arms suddenly and nuzzled into him in an affectionate manner. This shocked him, as he certainly didn’t expect that. She squeezed him close to her form as she lightly gripped the back of his neck as she embraced him closely.

“You were so reckless when you came in here earlier...I was so so scared when I heard one of those cult followers telling their commander that you had come…”

“Princess...I…”

“You don’t have to call me that Ryuji. Especially when it is you and I. Celestia is just fine. Or...even Tia, if you want to. I really wouldn’t mind it...at all.”

That warmth that he had felt the last time she embraced him like this started to flow over his body again. This time it was more of a nervous and exciting warmth. Like he was experiencing a rush of some sort. He did not quite understand why it happened to her of all the times he was hugged by the others. He lightly pushes away from her after the warmth seemed to get a little too much for him. He takes a few steps back and looks up at Celestia who seemed a little disappointed that he pulled away from her.

“I don’t know why. But this feeling I get when I am close to you like that. It makes me feel uneasy, nervous. I mean, not in a bad way. I just don’t know.It feels like a connection i had with someone in my world a long, long time ago. But this one feels more...intimate. Something a mother and son are forbidden to have.”

Celestia blinked a few times as a blush slowly formed on her face. Her heart started beating nearly ninety miles an hour. Did he say what she thought he was saying? That he felt much deeper feelings of love for her that a couple should feel for one another? This left her speechless as thoughts ran through her head. Had this been why she was also quite fond of him? She did want to protect him from anypony or anything with all her power. But she thought it was simply because of a more motherly connection she had for the tenno.But now that she thought about it..the dream she had before the whole ordeal from earlier…

“M-maybe you are just not thinking clearly about this. I think you need to go and get some rest, Ryuji. If this is still on your mind, please come speak with me tomorrow about it..in my study.”

“Hmm...perhaps you are right. Though, I will definitely seek you out when I aw-...”

Ryuji suddenly disappeared into a flash of light and soon Hydroid began his movements once more. He rushed toward Celestia with great force and speed before pushing her down and rolling to the side with her in his arms. A black figure with darkness radiating from it’s form nailed a blade into the pillar that Celestia stood in front of just before Ryuji rolled her out of the way. Celestia lets out an ‘oof!” as she falls to the floor, she quickly looks up to see Ryuji kneeling on one knee in a defensive posture with his sword out in a quick draw. The figure tore the sword from the pillar and turned to face Ryuji. What he saw threw him off-guard to be sure.

“It can’t be…”

Ryuji...is that..?”

The figure before them was none other than a dark copy of Hydroid Prime.Everything was exactly the same, right down to the last little detail of the blade that as a dark copy of the nikana prime. Though it did not seem to possess any of his guns. Celestia’s eyes widen in fear of the dark copy as she gazed upon it. For once, she was actually afraid of a being that posed a threat to her. The feeling she got from this being...it was ominous and terrifying. If Ryuji turned around to gaze at her, he would see her visibly trembling. Even Ryuji got a sense of danger from this thing. The dark hydroid seemed to be silent, not a breath came from it. It just stared at Ryuji menacingly, ready to attack at a moments notice. And Ryuji could feel it.

“Get out of here, now. This thing is going to kill you if you stick around any longer…”

“Don’t fight with me on this...please. I will not have this imitation lay a hand on you…”

Ryuji slowly got to his feet and stared at the dark Hydroid prime. He was afraid for his life, but that feeling of protecting Celestia outweighed his fear. The started circling around one another. Suddenly the both leap forward and charge at one another, soon meeting with rapid sword clashes as they moved about the room, matching move for move. Celestia wanted to stay and help him. But the fact that he had urged her to teleport away from the fight only made it harder for her to do so. She did get out of the immediate area however and made sure she stayed out of the way of the fight. She watched as the two connected their swords over and over. I was as if the copy knew exactly how Ryuji was going to strike and when. The copy started to prove too much for Ryuji as the fight went on and on, eventually tiring him down to where he was getting sloppy with his movements. The copy took advantage of this and started wearing him down further. Eventually cornering him and knocking his blade from his hand. As the copy raised its blade to strike him down, there was a shout and a bright light filling the room.

“NO! I won’t let you hurt him! I made a promise I intend to keep! Get away from Ryuji you monster!”

Suddenly a concentrated beam of golden light penetrated through the middle of the dark Hydroid. Making it reel back in pain as the silent scream could be seen as it twitched and thrashed about with a now burning hole through its middle. Ryuji opened his eyes to see Celestia lifting into the air with a look of anger and hatred for the dark Hydroid on her face. Even her eyes were glowing in rage as she flew over quickly and stood in front of Ryuji and placed her hands out in front of her, her horn starting glowing brightly and soon, another golden beam of concentrated magic when right through the copy’s head, removing it completely. It staggered back until it fell down to its knees and melted away into the ground before disappearing into a black cloud of smoke. Celestia quickly went back to normal and watched as Ryuji stood up and tried to make his way to Celestia. But suddenly, he comes falling out of Hydroid in complete exhaustion. Celestia gasps and quickly catches him in her arms and hugs him close to her form. Almost as if she was fearing of letting him go, he’d vanish.

No more...no more. Please leave him alone…stop tormenting him!

She screamed in her mind. She truly wished that the Fates would just leave him alone and let him lead a better life that what he has had to deal with in his old world. She believed that Ryuji didn’t deserve this kind of treatment simply because of what he was or what he was capable of. She could see that he was a kind soul who just wanted affection and love, but didn’t know how to take it in stride. She held him closer as she suddenly heard whispers filling the room. And a voice that came over clearer than the others.

“You know you won’t always be around to protect him, sun princess. One day that thing will have to defend himself on his own and he will fall. It is demanded by us. He does not fit in our plans.”

“I will damn sure try to stay with him! Not only that, he has his other friends here too! You will .not take him from us. And definitely not from me! My mother will surely step in should you continue this just to destroy one life because he doesn’t fit into your plans!”

“Oh please, Faust is too busy to waste her time worrying about something that doesn’t belong in this world. She’d probably be happy we are trying to get rid of something so...ugly and potential threat to her world.”

Celestia’s anger started to rise again with the insults thrown at Ryuji and now clung to Celestia and hid his face in her chest. This only made the mare wrap her wings around him in a protective manner.

“You monsters won’t get the chance...never again..”

She said in a low growling tone. She stands up and carries her off to her bed chambers. The whispers fade into nothing after they left the throne room.Now more than ever, Celestia felt that she had to protect him not only out of a promise she made, but to keep himself because of her feelings toward him. There was no hiding them now.

Act 10: This Is My Family Now

View Online

Ryuji suddenly opens his eyes and sits up quickly while breathing heavily. He gazes around the room frantically as his heart beats nearly ninety miles an hour. He suddenly feels a hand press against his chest in a gentle manner along with one running up and down his back in a comforting manner. He turns his head to see Celestia laying next to him with a concerned look on her face. Her warm soft voice already starting to calm him down with her touch.

“Relax, Ryuji. Everything is fine now. There is no more danger present.”

She said as she laid him back down softly so he could relax. Hesitantly he does so and places a hand on his stomach as he feels himself calming down. He closes his eyes again and sighs. He was just happy it was all over and that he could relax a little. He turns his gaze to Celestia who head her head propped up with her hand as she rested on her side.

“Everyone is alright though? That…thing didn’t hurt anyone else?”

Celestia shakes her head lightly as she scoots in a little closer to Ryuji. She placed a hand on top of his that was resting on his stomach. She gave him a reassuring smile knowing full well that he was worried about her and everyone else before himself. That is one of the things she loved about him. He is so selfless when it comes to other ponies’ well-being. But it also worried her to, as that what got him nearly killed a few hours ago. Which also caused her to be enraged and use her powers to kill that copy of Hydroid. She had never felt such emotion like that in ages. Which brought her mind back to her feeling for Ryuji. Those feelings made her heart melt and her body warm as she thought about him. She loved him wholeheartedly. But how was she going to tell him this? And how would he even take it? Her thoughts were suddenly broken as he sat up and got out of the bed.

“Where is he..? Where is Hydroid?”

He looks to the furthest corner of the room to see him standing like a statue. As if a sentinel watching ever vigilantly. He walks up to Hydroid and places a hand on his chest. He traces it down as he sees all the damage that the frame took has healed. This was expected since the inside of the frame was indeed organic. Though the proper term would be ‘infested puppet’ as described by one of the grineer leaders when Ryuji confronted them before fully awakening.

Celestia looked at Ryuji and his warframe. She never understood their bond. He spoke to Hydroid as if it was a living, breathing being. And he always referred to ‘it’ as a ‘he’. While it is true that Hydroid’s body structure resembles a male, it still seemed odd to her. But she didn’t judge Ryuji for it. After all, that thing is what he uses to fight his battles. Little did the alicorn know that using Hydroid was only half of his abilities. And that on this day, she and Twilight both were going to experience a frightening piece of his power, that very thing that unlocked within him when he learned his name once more. It was going to make him more of a threat than ever.

“Ryuji...I am curious about your bond with that thing. I am not judging you for it of course. But you act as if it was your best friend. May I ask why that is?”

She asked as she got up out of the bed and made her way over to him, her purple hues tracing over the frame’s physical form. Ryuji smiles as he lowers his head then looks back up to her. She noticed that the slight bit of mist in his eyes. He was revisiting memories.

“Hydroid and I go way back. It is because of him, that I escaped death quite a few times. Especially when I woke up from my slumber. I trust you saw the way he carried me outside of my ship when it crashed? It was the only way I could get him to help me...I was too injured to fully merge with him. That is how it also happened when I woke. Even though I was controlling him with touch. He still carried me to my ship. Even when the Stalker who was possessed by Hunhow had my throat in his grasp, Hydroid...came to life and destroyed the blade that was impaled into him by the Stalker, severing Hunhow’s possession and ultimate saving my life. How he did it, I do not know. I wasn’t merged with him nor did I have physical contact. He just...broke the blade in two on his own.”

Celestia listened to his story intently. She now fully understood while the bond was so strong between the two. To have a puppet come to life without its master’s hand in order to save that master...it truly was spectacular. Even magical in her mind. She approached him from behind and wrapped her arms and wings around him in a loving hug. Ryuji turned his head to look up at her with a confused gaze, though he didn’t pull away from the embrace.

“You don’t have to rely on just him anymore though. You can...rely on us too. Twilight, her friends, Luna, and especially myself. You don’t have to fight alone, let alone be alone. We are your family now.”

That word…’family’. He remembers saying that all those years ago on the Zariman. When it was just himself and the other children who had survived and acclimated to the void. The words his spoke rang in his head over and over. As he closed his eyes.

This is my family now…

--Later That Day--

Out in the gardens of the castle, Ryuji, within hydroid sat with Luna, Celestia, and Twilight. They were discussing the future plans to be prepared for any future attacks on the tenno. Perhaps even train some of the more elite guards in the use of firearms that Ryuji can have made for them. After all, to have a special branch of guards that can use these weapons would be extremely valuable to the kingdom.

“So then, Shall I go and search for resources on the nearby planets then? That is the only way I will be able to properly craft the weapons should my overabundant supply drain. After all, you plan on making half the guard able to use my weapons. Isn’t that right?”

He said as he looked at the three of them. He wasn’t sure why Twilight was here. She wasn’t exactly a ruling authority. Nonetheless, he was happy to see her though. Celestia nodded as an answer to Ryuji and went on to explain her reasoning.

“You know of warfare and your weapons would be an invaluable asset to our ranks, Ryuji. Should we run into any more invaders such as the ones who tried to hurt you or any other kind of enemies, the weapons you possess distributed to our soldiers would definitely help us in defending our home, your home.”

“I agree with you, Celestia. But what if my weapons were to end up in the wrong hands? Then things will be more troublesome than they are already.”

That isn’t entirely true, Ryuji. You did say something about the blueprints being kept only on your ship, yes? So what we will do is create them aboard while your ship is in orbit, and then fly down the cargo to our soldier’s quarters and distribute them that way. We plan on giving them to our most elite, who will not reveal the proper use of these weapons, even under the greatest of torture. You have our word.”

Said Luna as she reassured the worrying tenno. His gaze turned to twilight who smiled to him happily as she bounced a bit. She was to play a part in crafting the weapons with him as well. After all, she has a brilliant mind, and if anypony could help Ryuji make the weapons at a decent rate, it was her.

“I cannot wait to be helping you as well, Ryu. That, and I will get to go up into space often as well! I am so excited about this!”

Ryuji laughed lightly at this. Of course, that’s why she was so excited about this. Ever the knowledge-hungry unicorn. But that was one thing he really liked about her. Her intelligence really lured him in. And no one could notice the bright smile on his face as he and Twilight spoke, this would have possibly worried the sun princess and her future with Ryuji. After all, Twilight also had secret feelings for the tenno. And she’d have plenty of time to reveal them to him with their time up in space when the project moves forward.

Ask they walked along the gardens continuing to speak, the sky suddenly clouded up and grayed. Rain began to fall which made Ryuji and the three of the ponies look up in surprise. He lifted up his hand a bit as the rain bounced of the metal of Hydroid.

“Strange turn of weather. I do not believe we were scheduled for rain today.”

Said Luna, as she formed a barrier with her magic to cover herself and her sister.

“Indeed, shall we go in and-...”

Her eyes widen as a glim of something pokes through the clouds and darts it’s way toward Ryuji. Something wasn’t right here. Not at all.

“Ryuji, look out!”

She screamed as she tried to make a dash for him. But she was too late. The object appeared to be some kind of light blue glowing lance that pierced through Hydroid’s structure, the lance giving off and electric-like flow of energy through the warframe, causing Ryuji to let out a shout of pain as the frame drops to its knees with a heavy ‘thud’.

“HAA-AAAAAGH!”

Scream Ryuji before being thrown out of his warframe by force, his body tumbling and rolling a good distance away from the group. They all three hurry over to him in a panic, but are stopped by four cloaked figures who appear out of nowhere in front of the now struggling tenno. Ryuji struggles to get to his feet from the pain as he takes hold of his chest. One of the figures speak in a loud whisper.

“You see? This is why we cannot have this creature in this world. Should your plans go through with success, our plans for the word will be ruined. And we cannot have that.”

“Indeed. To have such power at your disposal would surely derail our plans.”

Said the other cloaked figure that stood next to the one who spoke first. The three ponies started to make their way towards the group with angry glares and brightly glowing horns. But three of the figures appeared behind them with blades at their back where the hearts were in stabbing range. Making them freeze in their hoofsteps.

Ah-ah-aaah. You take one step closer, and all three of you die right here, right now. You see, you weren’t of any of our concern, but with your meddling in our attempts. You will be dealt with if you cause us trouble once more..”

Celestia growled in anger as she watched the main figure walk over to Ryuji who struggled to scoot away from the figure. Whatever had pierced through Hydroid hurt him greatly internally. All three of the ponies could see he was in great pain through his eyes and that he was scared for both his life and theirs. Soon enough, however, the figure reached down and took hold of Ryuji’s throat and lifted him into the air. The hand squeezing hard as Ryuji began to choke, trying to get in what air he could. He took hold of the arm and tried pulling it away as much as he could with a defiant look in his eyes, masking his fear. All three could only watch with tears starting to well up in their eyes

Ryuji watched this as he tried to fight back. the emotional pain on all their faces started to tear him up inside. as he struggled to breathe, the figure pulled out a sword and aimed it directly at his heart. Though before he looked over to the group of the other three and gave them a nod.

Don’t kill them, but hurt them in the most painful way possible while this thing is still alive. I want him to suffer in every way before I end his life.”

“No, leave them out of-...this! They got nothing to do with my...existence!”

He said as he coughed between his words. His struggling becoming more erratic. Before they could speak to him, Celestia and the others were suddenly stabbed in the back of their thighs, the blades twisting and turning, they all let out screams of pain that rang through Ryuji’s mind over and over as the stabbing proceeded multiple times. Their cries of woe echoing through the gardens, but no guards coming to their aid. They were probably preventing that as well. Ryuji felt his sadness and rage well up in his heart. Suddenly he goes limp for a second, his eyes shut completely. Celestia watches this as he stops moving and lets out another cry of despair as she focuses on him now.

“Ryuji, RYUJI! YOU NEED TO WAKE UP! PLEASE!!”

Just as the figured holding Ryuji was about to deliver the final blow. Ryuji’s eyes shot open with a complete change, the sclera turned black, and the iris now glowing a bright gold.

“AAAAAAAAAAHH!!!!”

He lets out a scream that seemed to be mixed with a darker, sinister voice. A shockwave of pure void energy pushing the cloaked figure away from him as he released. He quickly falls to the ground bit lands on his feet and disappears. He reappears by Hydroid and quickly grabs Nikana prime by the hilt and pulls it out. Instead of fire, it was pure void energy that now covered the blade.

“I am going to kill all of you! ALL OF YOU! YOU HURT MY FAMILY, NOW I AM GOING FUCKING TEAR YOU TO PIECES!!!”

He shouted in that dark sinister tone. He suddenly dashes forward and disappears inside the figure holding Celestia. The figure’s body suddenly explodes with blood and innards splashing everywhere, the same thing happening to the other two before they could do anything about it. The three ponies drop to the ground in pure shock covered in the blood of the three figures. Ryuji appeared in front of them covered in just as much as they were. Celestia watched as Ryuji slowly watched towards the other figure with a rather evil glare on his face and baring his teeth like some kind of wild animal. She noticed his eyes, and had seen something like that before. Then it hit her...his doppelganger. The figure that had tried to kill him earlier started backing away from him as Ryuji approached.

“You may kill these bodies, but we exist on a higher plane. We will dispose of you in the end! Do not think you are victorious on this issue. We will continue to throw everything we can at you! We will-.”

He was interrupted by Ryuji dashing into his body and began to feel the inside of his body tearing apart. The same thing that happens to his group happened to him, but on a much more gruesome level. There was nothing but liquefied flesh and blood exploding from within his body, not even any bone was left. Ryuji reappeared once more with his blade in hand.

“Then I will kill you over and over again. To protect my family. I will go as far as to let my void demon take full control. If it means saving them.”

The ‘void demon’ he spoke of was, in fact, the doppelganger that resided in his mind. The one that spoke to him when he consumed the kuva, and the one that he has seen over and over after helping Rell, who was another tenno finally be at rest and depart from his warframe, Harrow. Ryuji suddenly fell to his knees and shoved the tip of his sword into the ground to keep from falling forward. He struggled to keep himself up, but he did it nonetheless, holding onto the hilt with whatever strength he had left. Luckily, with their deaths, the lance inside of Hydroid vanished completely. This gave Ryuji enough time to take refuge inside of his frame. The healing process beginning as he was safe inside. Though he struggled to get to his feet for a moment before making it over to Celestia and the others.

“Ryuji...you..”

Celestia said with a bit of fear in her voice. Now that she had seen what he could do if driven to it, she feared Ryuji more than anything now. As did Luna and Twilight. They all tried to scoot away from him, but the stab wounds didn’t help in anyway. Ryuji dropped to his knees in front of them. The rain ran down his face making it look like tears were flowing down it. As he spoke, they could hear his normal voice once more.

“I..I couldn’t just let them hurt you like that. It was all i could do to save you! I never wanted you to see this side of me! I am sorry! I am so so sorry!”

He said as he slammed a fist down into the ground. He tried holding back his sobbing as much as he could. The shaking could be heard as the metal on the frame shook as well. When Celestia realized it was truly Ryuji, her fear subsided for now as did the others. Ryuji couldn’t take it anymore. He flew out of Hydroid and wrapped his arms around Celestia’s neck and hugged her closely. Celestia could feel his whole body shaking as he began to sob within her chest. How could she had forgotten that this tenno was a kind and wonderful being? He only did what he had to to make sure everyone was saved. She could not fault him for that. She wrapped her arms around him along with her wings and spoke softly to try and calm him down.

“Sssshh….it’s alright, Ryuji. It’s all over now. You won. We can all get fixed up in the medical wing.”

All he could do was continuously apology to her, Twilight and Luna. He held onto Celestia for dear life. Soon enough the guards found them all and quickly made their way over to the group and got the princesses to the medical wing immediately. Reluctantly, Ryuji finally released Celestia so she could get medical attention. Through all this, Ryuji’s psyche had been slightly damaged from the emotional trauma. This meant that in the future, his doppelganger could be triggered should something like this ever happen again. And if they couldn’t figure out how to maintain it, it could go out of control. The future….is going to have it’s downs for sure. But as long as Ryuji had his family. He knew the good would definitely outweigh the bad.

Act 11: In Order To Gain Power...

View Online

Ryuji sat in the hallway with his head down, his eyes on the floor as Celestia, Luna, and Twilight get fixed up in the medical rooms. The rain could still be heard hitting the roof and against the window and the thunder clapped every now and then. He clasped his hands tightly as the images from earlier repeated in his mind over and over. The way those he cared for looked at him, the carnage he inflicted. The killing was a part of what he was. But the way he did it to those four figures...from the inside. It was something he had never done before. Ton uses the power of the void to possess a living being and tear them up on the inside only to have their body explode...But he had no choice. He was either to die and let his new family be tormented further, or give his void demon partial control to save both them and himself from death. His thought process was suddenly interrupted by that all too familiar voice.

“Hey kiddo. How are you holding up?”

Ryuji’s gaze slowly rises to see his doppelganger leaning against the wall across from him with his arms folded, offering a smile that seemed both friendly and sinister at the same time. Ryuji looked around as time seemed to stop for him. Doctors and nurses who were walking past him suddenly froze in place, and the rain outside had stopped in place as well. What this all in his mind? It must be.

“Y-yeah. I am doing alright. A good bit of rest and I will be fine. But I'm more worried about..them.”

He said as he looked back towards the rooms that had the three ponies in them. His gaze then returning back to the void demon in his image. The double walked over and sat next to Ryuji and placed a hand on his shoulder, almost in a comforting manner.

“I gotta hand it to you. It took balls to do what you did. You took my power without me corrupting your mind in the process. You know that is always a risk you will face with me. And yet for those you care about, you were willing to take that dangerous step. You know I have nothing against you personally. Hell kid, I like you. But I am a demon, after all, itis in my nature to corrupt my host’s mind. And with that slight mental damage, you took from the emotional trauma, you need to stay on point and not let me slip in. My power is ever available to you. It will make you stronger for sure, but at the same time, it gives me an opportunity to penetrate your mind and claim it for my own.”

Ryuji nodded in understanding. He knew the risks. But that still didn’t stop him. He turns to look at his doppelganger with a determined gaze. This making the demon arch a brow in curiosity. Ryuji stood up and walked over to the window and gazed out into the still outside. He tightens his hands into fists. And lets out a light grunt.

“Then I will have to improve my mental fortitude even further. I will get stronger so I can draw upon more of your power when I need it and decrease the risk of full corruption. This will not stop me from protecting those I hold dear. I will not let myself be a defenseless tenno who cannot fight without his warframe. I will further improve my own void abilities and physical and mental strength. Because I know one day...Hydroid will be out of reach at some point. And I will not be unprepared. All I ask of you is your support. After all, you have been with me since the very beginning. Haven’t you?”

The doppelganger chuckled lowly and stood up as he approached Ryuji’s side and nodded. This new found desire that he was feeling from Ryuji certainly caught his interest. Would this void demon’s vessel become something greater than he initially thought? He certainly could not wait to see the end result.

“You will is strong Ryuji. And you have a heart that is kind, but you are also not afraid to get your hands bloody. I won’t lie, I consider myself lucky to be a part of you. Why do you think I appear to you from time to time? To see how you grow and develop. Just remember, you need to better yourself all around to draw from my power when you need it. In order to gain power, something must be given in return. Show me that you can deny what I desire and take what solely belongs to you. Show me that you can lay claim to my full power. I want you to, dammit.”

Ryuji had never heard the void demon speak to him in such a personal manner..and with such encouragement. Does he truly want the tenno to become so powerful and not have to worry about overpowering the demon with ease? Well, regardless if he did or didn’t, his new found desire and determination would surely see to that. Anything to keep his new family safe. He knew hard times would be ahead and that he will suffer hardships. But that is the life of a tenno. So why stop now?

“Make me proud, kiddo. I will be watching you as I always do. Don’t get yourself killed.”

With another pat on Ryuji’s shoulder, time seems to start moving forward again. Was this all just in his mind? Or did time truly stop? It didn't matter either way. As he watched the rain resume its fall, he heard the doors behind him open.He turns his gaze to see Luna, Celestia and Twilight walk out as if they had never even been hurt in the first place. No wounds, no bruises, no anything. Their medical abilities are highly advanced to be sure. Then again, they were only stab wounds, thankfully it was only just that. Ryuji quickly makes his way up to them and looks them over. A smile forming on his lips.

“You are all okay...thank the stars…”

Before any of them could say anything, Ryuji wrapped his arms around all three of them in a hug. They all returned the embrace. But Celestia looked to Luna and Twilight and nodded to them.

“You two go get some reason. I need to speak with Ryuji about something rather...personal.”

“As you wish, sister.”

“Of course princess.”

Ryuji watches both Luna and Twilight head off to..wherever they were going before turning his attention to the white alicorn with a slightly worried look on his face. Celestia noticed this right away and shakes her head with a smile. She brings her hand down to lightly caress Ryuji’s left cheek.

“There is no need for you to worry, Ryuji. You are not in any trouble. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Would you...please come with me? I have something I need to tell you. And I feel now this is the proper time and only time I may feel...well...brave enough to tell you.”

Ryuji was actually really concerned with what she wanted to tell him. Was she really okay? Why would she want to tell him something she didn’t want others to know about? She reaches down and takes his hand into her as she suddenly teleports them both into her chambers. He actually handled his first teleportation very well. Then again, having been in the void, it really wasn’t all that hard. Celestia walks them both over to her bed and pats the spot beside her, inviting Ryuji to come sit with her. He wastes no time in doing so and sits beside her, his gaze looking up towards her face and then down to her hands. Judging by the blush on her cheeks and the way she was fidgeting with her hands, this must have been really hard for her to tell the tenno. He slowly reaches over and places a hand on top of her and offers her a warming smile.

“Hey...take your time, Tia. I have no place to be in a hurry. Whatever you need to tell me, there is no rush..”

Her heart nearly leaped from her chest as she felt his hand rest on top of hers in such a soft and comforting manner. Ryuji was acting like the kind soul he was to someone he cared for greatly. However, the words that were about to come out of Celestia’s muzzle were going to throw Ryuji for a loop. And hard. She sighs and finally gains the nerve to tell him exactly how she felt about him. No more hiding it.

“Ryuji...in the time you have been here, I have watched you ever since you came here. I have watched you make friends with my dearest student and her own friends as well. And you have come to their aid and mine multiple times when you didn’t have to. And you have promised to further aid us in the future as well.I cannot express my gratitude enough.”

“Oh, Tia. It’s no issue at all. Sure, things have been hard as of recently. But I always came out on top. I promise I won’t ever let anyone get away with hurting you or any other members of my new family. In fact, I plan on increasing my own strength from here on out. I cannot rely on Hydroid all the time, for he may not be near when I need him one day. So in order to keep my loved ones safe, I am going to get stronger for them.”

She suddenly takes hold of his hands and clasps them in her. Her gaze now only inches away from his. Ryuji’s heartbeat suddenly started to pick up as he felt her eyes gaze into his with such...love and want. Here it comes…

“I..I have fallen in love with you, Ryuji! My heart aches because I have fallen in love for the first time in nearly over a thousand years! You..are brave, kind-hearted, and so caring to those you hold dear and are not afraid to defend them. You have become so so very precious to me, Ryuji. I just can’t hold back my feelings anymore!”

Ryuji blinked a few times at her sudden confession. She loved..him? But why him? He wasn’t any kind of royalty, let alone a pony. That last few seconds of silence felt like an eternity for the tenno as his gaze remained locked with hers. A blush started forming on his face as he struggled to find the words to speak.

“Tia...you can’t be serious with this. You have developed those kinds of feelings...for me? I will admit, the thought of having a partner here has crossed my mind. But never did I dare dream it would be you. I would consider it an honor to become your partner. But…”

He said before standing up and walking away from her.He lowers his head and balls his hands into fists as what he was going to say was going to probably hurt Celestia. He knew it was going to hurt himself as well.

“I can’t...at least not now anyway. Things are still too volatile with me and these...Fates. And the last thing I need is for them to use you against me. If I gave you my love now. They would exploit that and find a way to kill me as I am now.”

Celestia could feel her heart nearly breaking as he declined her confession. But what he said stopped her from breaking down into tears. He said ‘At least not yet.’. That meant...she still had a chance with him! And a very good one at that.

“S-so, you aren’t saying no...right?”

He shakes his head lightly, he turns back to her and approaches her, lightly bringing his hands to her cheeks and rubs them gently.

“No, all I am saying is not right now. Give me more time, Tia. Let me get stronger and let’s get this kingdom well protected from future threats. By then, should you still feel these feelings for me, simply ask again. And I will give you my answer. But for now…”

He leans in and wraps his arms around her in a tight hug, pressing his form into her body as he does so.

“Please continue to be there for me when I am in need of support. I will look to you quite a bit during these times after all. Will you do that for me?”

She wraps her arms around him in a tight embrace, nuzzling into his cheek as she holds onto the one she loves for dear life.

“You could ask me to move mountains for you, and I would be happy to do so…”

They remained in the embrace for a bit longer as the rain hit against the window of her chambers. Ryuji had quite a bit of a way to go, but now with the motivation and the prize now waiting for him at the end, he was ready.

Act 12: Tossed Back In Time

View Online

Ryuji watched as his landing craft flew from his orbiter with a large cargo box in tow that was latched to its bottom. As he watched out from the front of the orbiter, he couldn’t help but wonder if this plan was going to go well by giving these ponies the weapons of the tenno. He felt like this was a critical decision on his part. But at the same time, if it was to help his new family and home from invaders or any kind of potential danger, the consequences seemed rather trivial. Once the landing craft was out of sight, he presses a button on his communications console which linked him directly to Celestia and Luna at the same time.

“The third set of weapons is on their way. Construction on the fourth batch is underway.”

“Excellent work, Ryuji. Now that we have some of the weapons, you can begin teaching the selected guards. But, before you do that take a few days to relax. You have been doing a wonderful job for the past six weeks. Why do you come back down to Equestria and go see your friends? Maybe even come and visit Tia and me? We’d be more than happy to have you.”

Ryuji thought about the offer as he looked back to his foundry which was in the middle of creating a weapon for himself. It was a copy of his blade that Hydroid used. But with this, he’d have a blade of his own if Hydroid wasn’t near. And also he’d be able to engage in close combat, not having to rely solely on his void abilities. He responds back to Luna with a slight nod over to come.

“I don’t see why not. I think I just might take you up on that offer. I am sure Celestia would be more than happy to see me huh?”

Luna could only giggle at his words. She gazed at her sister who was behind her who was quietly showing her excitement by clapping her hands quietly and dancing on her hooves side to side.

“Oh, I think she will be more than happy to see you once again, Ryuji. Trust me.”

“Very well.Let me finish my work here.Then I will stop by in Ponyville, then make my way over to the castle. I trust that you already got the shipment?”

He asked as he saw his landing craft already making its way back and docking back into the orbiter.

“We have. We shall keep the cargo save with ‘round the clock guards. Now, hurry up and finish up there. Tia is starting to lose control of her excitement. She misses you terribly and cannot wait to see you again. She is dying to see you again.”

“Luna!”

Celestia scoffed in the background. The coms cut off after the sound of laughter and playful struggling was heard. He just smiled to himself and walked over to his personal quarters to go and take a little nap to pass the time so that his blade would finish up in the foundry. He falls back onto his bed before gazing up at the ceiling, the quiet humming of the ship’s engine slowly bringing him into a slumber as he turns on his side.

”Ryuji. You need you wake up, my dear. My daughters need your help. Should the entities that have traveled to the past success in their plans, your time will be changed. And will cause you nothing but trouble as well as for the rest of Equestria. Please, hurry!”

“Operator?! Operator, wake up!”

Ryuji sat up quickly with wide eyes as he heard or call out his name. He quickly gets to his feet and runs outside of his personal quarters to see what all the fuss was about. Once he saw that..nothing seemed to be out of order, he blinks a few times before scratching the back of his head with a light groan.

“What...the hell Ordis? What are you freaking out about this time?”

“Well, first off, your new weapon is finished. And second, we were swallowed up by some kind of bright light for a moment. But...we haven't transported anywhere it seems. Equinus is still the same planet that we are currently orbiting. Could it have been my imagination?”

Ryuji finally makes his way to the front of the ship to get a view of the planet the ponies lived on. It was still there, so apparently, he did not switch universes. He looks down at his ship’s control then rubs his chin in thought. Something didn’t seem quite right with how it looked down there, and he could only do one thing before going back there himself.

“Ordis, send the landing craft to scan over the lands surrounding Canterlot. I have a rather uneasy feeling about this. Bring up visuals as well.”

“Right away, Operator.”

The landing craft powers up with its usual roar to life and drops from the orbiter. It quickly launches off toward the planet to the destination it was ordered. Whenever the ship scanned the area, the landscape looked the same, but it was covered in snow. This already made Ryuji more alert to his situation. Even more so when he noticed a change in the way the buildings of the towns were built. They seemed to be rather...more olden time. And what was more strange, the ponies he could see within Ponyville’s streets didn’t look familiar in the slightest. And the clothing they wore was definitely out of place from what he normally saw.

“Ordis, I am going down there. And I think I need to head to the castle first. Please bring the ship back...and quickly. I believe time is of the essence.”

He said as he used transference to merge with Hydroid as he always did. He grabs his weapons and equips them, ready for a potential fight should there be one.

“Operator? Do you think that we...traveled back in time?! This is truly a dire situation! But at the same time...pretty neat!”

Ryuji cocked his guns as he placed them on his warframe. He lets out a sigh of annoyance before turning to Ordis.

“I just wanted a little nap, and then this happens.”

Once the landing craft returned, Ryuji wasted no time in getting aboard and flying down towards Canterlot castle. If that dream was truly a vision of some sort, he’d have to get there, and soon.

The sound of two sets of hoofsteps and heavy breathing were heard heading down the corridor and a set of footsteps following closely behind them. The two running from the pursuer held onto each other’s hands as the older one lead her little sister away from the one chasing them. They appeared to be little fillies, around the ages of fourteen and thirteen. They were alicorns, one pure white with a pink mane and another a night blue with a light blue mane. And the chaser was none other than another shadow copy of Hydroid trying to dispose of them, dead guards lying on the ground either severely hurt or even dead.

“Tia, that thing is close behind! I am scared!”

Cried out the little blue alicorn. The older one brought her sister closer as they continued to try and outrun the thing that was chasing them. Celestia was scared for her life just as much as Luna was. But as the older sister, she had to put on a brave face for her younger sister’s sake.

“We will be fine, Lulu! We just have to make it to where it can’t find us and we will lose it!”

Eventually, they came to a balcony they cut off their escape. And in the state of fear, they couldn’t open their wings and fly off. At this point, they were too scared to move as the shadow Hydroid stood before them with a gun in one hand and a sword in the other. It stepped closer and closer. Celestia stood in front of Luna in a defensive stance with her arms out, her eyes were starting to well up with tears as she thought that she and her sister were going to be killed here and now. The sword it held onto was lifted up into the air and began to swing down. The sword did not connect with her flesh, however. Only the sound of metal clashing against metal. Both Celestia and Luna opened one of their eyes to see another one of those things, but this one was protecting them!

"I will not let you destroy Equestria's future simply because I exist in it..."

Ryuji said as the deadlock with the shadow Hydroid broke as he pushed forward with force, making the clone stagger back which also pointed his gun at him. The bullets started to fly, and Ryuji started deflecting the bullets away with his sword while charging at the shadow copy. Both the filly princesses watched on as they held each other closely still in fear, but not so much now as their savior fought off the very thing that nearly killed them. Their blades connected and clashed with one another as they tried to cut and stab each other. However, the shadow was matching Ryuji move for move as it seemed to already have a grasp on the way he fought. Ryuji knew he had to do something different, and he knew exactly what that was. There may have been a copy of his warframe, but they couldn’t copy himself. With a flash of light, Ryuji rolls out of Hydroid with his own sword in hand and quickly shoves his free hand in front of him, firing off a highly concentrated beam of void energy which connected with the shadow directly i.n the chest. The shadow staggered back and pointed his gun at Ryuji, which he then dodged as the bullets were released using his void dash. He then charged forward as fast as he could and swung his sword, dealing a severing slash to the shadow’s hand that held the gun. He vanished again as the shadow’s sword came around for a death blow, but Ryuji pivoted around behind the shadow and reappeared as he shoved his blade directly into the back of the dark Hydroid. As the sword was now impaled fully through the dark Hydroid, it caught fire and began to turn away from the element that Ryuji had embedded in the sword. As the last of the shadow burned away, Ryuji took his sword and twirled it in his hand before sheathing it back into the scabbard he had on his back. After that, he turns his attention to the two that were huddling together at the balcony’s edge against the railing. He already knew these two just by looking at them when he first saw them, However, seeing them like this, as fillies made him kind feel better since they didn’t tower over him.

“You two are safe now. That thing will not be coming back to harm you.”

He said as he approached them and knelt down in front of them. They looked at him with gratitude in their eyes, overjoyed that he had come just in time to save their lives from a rather unpleasant death. They both wrapped their arms around him in a big hug to show him their thanks. Ryuji carefully brought his arms around them both as he chuckles lightly.

“This really isn’t necessary, you two. I simply did as I asked to ensure that the future of this land was preserved. Plus we cannot have an Equestria without its two rulers.”

He tries to pull away from them, only to have them hug him a little tighter. He closes his eyes and simply reaches up and runs his hands along their manes. A little comfort from him won’t hurt. Soon they looked behind him to see Hydroid standing as still as a statue, the syndana flowing at his back just as a cloak would from the cold night air.

“That...thing looks like that one over there..is it going to..?”

Asked Luna as she pressed against Ryuji for protection. He shook his head immediately with a reassuring smile.

“No, I promise you he won’t try to hurt you. Without me in there, he won’t move much. Though, I am sure you are wondering why I am here and what I am.”

Just as soon as he said that royal guards came running onto the balcony with their weapons pointed a both Ryuji and Hydroid. Celestia and Luna were quick to call them off after explaining that Ryuji is the one to took down the shadow and saved their lives. After explaining this, the guards went from hostile to calm and grateful for saving them both.

“Please, come inside. Let us provide you with a comfortable room for the night and a delicious meal as a thank you. It is the least we can do for you.”

Celestia said as she gently took his hand and tried to lead him along. He gently pulled away from her grip and shook his head softly. This wasn’t the time to be relaxing, especially since he wasn’t at the right time. He smiles lightly to Celestia and Luna before bowing his head in thanks for the offer.

“I thank you for your kind offer, princess. But, I am afraid I must find a way to return to my own time.”

He said before disappearing back into Hydroid. They watched as the still form came to life and moved once more. He walked over to the edge and began to speak.

“Ordis, send the ship my way. What I needed to do here is done. We now need to find a way back.”

“Wait!”

Cried out Celestia as she ran to him and grabbed his steel hand, a look of hopefulness in her beautiful magenta eyes. Ryuji turned his gaze down to her as she seemed like she really didn’t want him to go. Even her sister was giving the same kind of gaze.

“Please, let our mentor help you. He is good with those kinds of spells and I am sure he’d be happy to help you return to your own time. But in the meantime, let us take care of you. It is the least we can do…”

“I don’t want to cause any trouble here. Are you sure?”

“Yes, we are very sure, now come on!”

Said Luna as she took his other hand with a rather adorable smile on her face. They both lead him inside to castle with the guard close behind. Though Ryuji and the guards diverted both of them to different directions to avoid them seeing the blood and gore that laid in the main corridor. The layout of the castle was still pretty much the same, thankfully. It would appear he’d be staying in this time for a little bit. He just hoped everything back in his own was alright.

Act 13: The Fateless One

View Online

Ryuji was lead to his guest chambers by one of the guards after dinner was served and consumed. Once he got into his room, the stepped out of Hydroid once again to get comfortable on the bed that looked pretty tempting to lay out on and sprawl. Finding out he had gone through time and taking on another Hydroid shadow that almost killed both the rulers of Equestria. So much for getting some time off to himself. But at the same time, he was more than happy to have made sure that things went right and that his time wouldn’t be changed when he made it back. Well, not drastically anyway. However, his interactions with both Celestia and another important item this night would change his own fate in the time that he will return to.

He falls face first onto the bed and crawls up it in a lazy fashion. Resting the side of his face into the soft, plush pillow that seemed to never lose its coolness. This was a very, very nice pillow indeed. He lets out a soft sigh and begins to slowly doze off into a light slumber when a knock at his door was heard. He opens his eyes and looks at the white and gold trimmed door as he sat up on the bed. He was a bit annoyed that his sleep was interrupted right when he started, but he could look that over.

“Who is it?”

“It’s me. May...I come in, Sir?”

“Um...I suppose, princess.”

Sir? He saves her life and all the sudden she is regarding him as ‘Sir’? He simply did what was right. No need to be so formal. But then again, this isn’t the same Celestia he knows. The one who is all friendly and on a more closer basis than the one back in his time. The door opens as the young sun princess wanders in her a rather fetching nightgown that hugged her young curves rather nicely. It seemed even though she was in her early teens, the filly was developing quite nicely. Ryuji watched her move toward the bed and plop down on the edge. She slides her legs to the right side of her body as she turns to face him. He sat across from her with his legs crossed over each other with his hands resting on his knees. He noticed Celestia’s gaze lock onto his own eyes. She seemed rather...entranced by them.

“Is..everything alright, princess? Was there something you wanted to speak to me about?”

She blushed lightly as she fidgeted with her hands that laid on top of her lap. It was good to see that the Celestia he knew was just like this in her filly years. It was...rather adorable to say the least. She finally gets the courage to speak with him about Hydroid. Asking him what it was and how he was able to control it. Giving the same explanation he gave her older self seemed to be the right route, but for some reason, the filly seemed rather...enthralled by the explanation more rather than her older self did.Perhaps it was because, at this age, things like that seemed more awe-inspiring and amazing that they did for a thousand-year-old immortal mare.

“So..you and he can become one and take on your enemies?”

“That is the general idea, yes.”

“That’s really amazing, Sir! Who knew that a being without magic could do such a thing!”

“You know, you don’t have to call me ‘Sir’. Feel free to call me Ryuji. That is my name after all. No need to be so formal.”

He said offering her a smile of reassurance. She blushed lightly as she was told she could call him by his real name. She had almost forgotten the real reason why she had come to see him this night. It took nearly all her nerve to say what she was about to say. But being a young filly who had her life saved by such a heroic and in her mind, handsome being. She felt as if this male was the one she wanted to be with and even marry when she got older. Fairytale books of noble knights saving princesses are most certainly in her collection of literature.

“Ryuji. I really like that name. It suits a fine warrior such as yourself. A warrior who selflessly put himself in danger to save two fillies he didn’t even know. I...I really admire your courage and your noble nature from what you have shown me. Therefore, it is only fitting that I choose you as my husband to be. Somepony like you...deserves to have a princess at his side who will make sure to show you proper affection and love. Especially with how selfless you are.Will you choose me as well?”

Ryuji had a tough choice to make here at this very moment. It was just like when her older self confessed her feeling to him on that day he got out of the medical wing. But this situation was different. This was the younger Celestia. And he knew that in the more youthful state of mind, one wrong decision could cause trouble. He had to find a way out of this without upsetting her.

“Y-you want me as your future husband..? Surely you are kidding. I mean I am no pony. And I am certainly sure there is somepony out there way more deserving of your devoted love and loyalty.”

He was hoping this was working. Being humble about the whole situation, however, made the filly more determined and sat her mind on the idea of him being the right one, pony or not. She crawls toward him and takes his hands into hers with a assured gaze in ehr eyes. She shook her head lightly and smiled warmly at him.

“Oh no...I know you are the one for me, Ryuji. And the more I think about us being together, the more I want to know about you. I...believe it is fate that you and I are to end up as a couple when I am of age. After all, you aren’t that much older than I from what I can tell.”

This may be it, she didn’t know that he was actually over a thousand years old. This may get him out of this situation! He looks down and away from her, pretending to feel bad for what he was about to tell her.

“Well, the thing is...I am much much older than you think I am. It’s a rather long story. But suffice to say that I am literally over a thousand years old.”

He went on to explain his whole story to her just as he did with the older Celestia. Thinking this would get him out of the sticky situation he was in no but, to no avail. The filly simply just could think of a future without him now. It was as if fate had brought the two immortal beings together. But fate wasn’t exactly in a rather generous mood to bring these two together like this. Another force is intervening it seemed. One who did not appreciate what the fates have been trying to do. Ryuji could see the hopefulness in Celestia’s eyes as she gazed into his. Her hands holding onto his in such a loving manner. It was almost too cute to resist. There was something about this younger Celestia that Ryuji adored. But he couldn’t quite figure it out. He decided to hell with it. He will play along to keep her smiling. It’s not like she’d remember this a thousand years down the road….right?

“If,..you truly feel that I am deserving of such a gift. Then I accept your proposal. I shall be your husband to be when you are of age. But for now, now is not that time to think of such things. Marriage shouldn’t be on your mind right now. Being a filly and having fun while you are still young should be your number one priority.”

Ryuji had no idea of what he had just sat in motion with those very words. As of now, his own timeline was shifting and changing from this one small decision of accepting her offer. Even if it was to simply play along with her youthful wishes. She gave him a big smile and leaped forward wrapping her arms around him in a big hug and squeezed him as tight as she could. Ryuji hesitantly returned the hug and chuckled with a slight bit of nervousness.

“E-easy there. No need to get overly excited.”

“Oh but on the contrary my fiance...this is truly a momentous evening indeed! I am betrothed to someone as brave and lovely as you are. I couldn’t be any happier!”

Ryuji sudden realized that he may have taken this more lightly than she had. And if he was to go back on his word...that could spell disaster for both of them. All the poor tenno could do was lay in the bed he had just made for himself...literally and figuratively.

“Now that we are engaged, you can call me Tia, and I can call you Ryu!”

She seemed so very happy with this outcome. Ryuji could tell by the sparkle in her eyes, the blush on her face and the way her tail swished behind her. But finally after a while longer. She bids her new fiance good night as she had to be up early to raise the sun. She even sneaks a quick peck on his cheek before running out with an adorable giggle. Ryuji placed a hand on his cheek and fell back onto his bed with a sigh and light groan.

“What have I just gotten myself into?”

Ryuji woke from his slumber a few hours later to something bright shining into his window. He sat up and rubbed his eyes and gazed at the floating orb that seemed to shine nearly as bright as the sun. Was it morning already? He gets up and makes his way over to the balcony and watches the ligh5t drift away from him a bit. He steps back and watches it approach him slightly, then steps forward again to once again see it drift away. Did it want him to follow it? He could call his ship, but then that would draw attention to pretty much the whole castle. And the drop below lead to the city. His warframe can survive long drops but, not THAT long. Ryuji disappears and walks back out onto the balcony inside Hydroid and jumps up onto the balcony railing. And just as if the light could read his mind, it transforms into a swirling gateway. Ryuji could make out some kind of..glowing tree on the other side. He leaps forward into the portal and vanishes, the light doing so right after he entered. He comes out in the middle of a forest opening that was surrounded by..walls of rock? His gaze shifts left and right as he slowly and cautiously walked forward. The only source of light that was keeping the area lit was this one tree that was sitting in the middle of the whole place. The tree itself didn’t seem like it was made of wood. It gave off a magical, bright glow and it looked like bright precious stones hang long its branches. As Ryuji inched closer and closer, a soft echoing female voice spoke to him. It sounded rather ethereal.

“Leave your steel vessel there, warrior of the void. Only your true self may walk upon this ground.”

Ryuji was hesitant in stepping outside of Hydroid, but he did comply and step out onto the rather soft and fertile ground that the tree stood upon. As he drew closer to the tree, he felt something rather...strange within him. Something profound and indelible that resonated with him here. This is a feeling he had never felt before and it put him on edge.

“Do not be afraid, Ryuji. I have brought you here for a reason. A reason you will surely understand.”

Was this the tree that was speaking to him?! Or was it something...or someone else entirely? He felt the urge to back away from the tree, but at the same time, the irresistible urge to approach it. Like a siren’s song calling out to him, beckoning him to his pending demise. Thankfully, the voice in question did not have ill intentions such as this.

“What have you brought me here for that could be so important as to involve me? Why even me? I have already dealt with enough today. First I am taken back in time to save the rulers of Equestria. Then I stupidly agree to be one of those very pony’s future husband. And now I have been brought before a strange magical tree and a voice from where I cannot see the source.”

“Oh, believe me, Ryuji. I have seen how your presence here has caused ripples in both the past, present, and future. After all, I am the creator of this world. However, I cannot directly interfere with what the fates are doing. Though I have watched them and you. And I must say I do not appreciate what they are trying to do. It is the reason why you are here Ryuji. Every being and creature in my world has a preordained destiny I have sat out for them since their birth. Even the rulers of this land themselves. But you, you truly have free will here in this world. And that is exactly what I needed here. A wild card. A rogue element to venture into the needed timeline to prevent the fates from causing trouble just as they did here yesterday. You are a ‘fateless one’.”

Ryuji put a hand up and pushes it forward in a stopping motion. Clearly, this idea did not sit well with at the moment and he was more than a little upset about it. However, the voice in question did expect this from him.

“You mean to tell me that you nearly killed me by dragging my ship through a wormhole and caused a crash landing that severely injured me because you can’t solve your universe’s problems on your own?! Am I just some pawn to you in your little game between yourself and these fuckers who are trying to kill me at every turn?!”

He was furious. Even going as far as to drawing his sword and advancing towards the tree in a threatening manner. Of course, he knew that stabbing and cutting at a tree wasn’t really going to accomplish anything much. But the source of the voice could see that Ryuji was ready to attack the first living creature that made an appearance before him.

“I don’t know what kind of game you and these fates are playing. But I will not be your pawn nor anyone else’s! This is MY life! And I will not be jerked around anymore!”

He couldn’t resist the urge to stab something anymore, he takes his sword and thrusts it straight into the middle of the tree, the blade piercing more than three-quarters of the way into its trunk.However, when he tried to pull it out, it wouldn’t budge. The sword suddenly started to emit a watery blue glow and swirled around its hilt and took hold of Ryuji’s hand and slowly started to coil up his arm. He struggled and fought against this..thing that was holding him The blade itself vanished after a moment as the strange light coiled further up his right arm all the way to just under his shoulder.

“Wh-what is this?! What are doing to me?!”

He said as he continued to struggle until he was finally released. He fell backward onto his side and quickly made his way to his feet. He took one look at his right arm and could see that the same watery blue light continued to swirl around his entire right arm. Eventually seeing his sword form into a rather ghostly, but still solid blade that gave off the same light.

“You may not be my pawn, Ryuji. But you are in my world. And you know very well, that I know you will always do the right thing. Even if it means sacrificing the few to protect the many. With that element now fully infused into your body and soul. You belong in this world. But still, maintain your free will.”

“Element…? What do you mean?”

“You now possess the element of Guardianship. Your protective nature and both your strong mental and soon to be physical fortitude make you into a worthy holder of this element. I cannot tell you how to wield this element for it is you that controls its power. Your free will is rather….unbreakable. So the path you choose will determine its nature further down the line. But just because you belong here now, doesn’t mean the fates will stop hunting you. Your presence here is still rather...unorthodox and your technology is not welcomed either. So as long as you draw breath, you will be hunted by them. But now that you belong here, the chances of them finding you have dropped to extremely low levels. Now that you have what I needed to give you, you must return to your own time. And I will be the one to send you back just as I have brought you here. Starswirl is a rather accomplished wizard. But you need to get back as soon as possible. I shall send both you, your steel vessel and your ships back in the same place as well. All I ask...is that you do right by those who care for you, Ryuji.”

Before he could say anything else, he vanished from sight. Having been returned to his own time in the world and placed back onto his ship in his bed..as if it was all just a long and elaborate dream. However, when Ryuji returns to Equestria and Canterlot. He will find that things have truly changed for him.

Axt 14: I Do What I Want Now

View Online

Ryuji drops into Ponyville from his landing craft in the early hours of the morning. He was quick to survey the area and notice that things...appeared to be as they were. The Golden Oak Library, Sugarcube Corner and Carousel Boutique were all there. His first instinct was to go and check on Twilight first since she was the closest to him out of her and her friends. He knocks on her door and waits for an answer...nothing yet. He waits a little longer before knocking again. The door finally starts to slowly open the reveal a sleep-deprived Twilight gazing up at Ryuji as he was in Hydroid. She looks up at him and rubs her eyes and speaks to him in a rather unenergetic tone.

“The library isn’t open right now. Come back around nine and it will be open around that time.”

“Twi...it’s me. Ryuji.”

Her ears perked up at that name. Her eyes widen as she steps back a bit in shock. There was only one being with that name that she knew of. But how could he be here now?Celestia mentioned him to Twilight and her other students a few times while they were in her class. And now that she got a better look at him. Celestia’s description of Hydroid seemed to match what the unicorn saw before her to the letter.

“I...I know you...the princess has talked a lot about you with me when we discussed personal matters. You vanished over a thousand years ago.”

“I...you don’t remember me at all Twi…? I stayed with you for a few months when I first came here and then I-”

It hit him long a bag of bricks all the sudden. She or her other friends would not know him because of what he had done in the past when he was taken to it. Once his presence was made known by Celestia and Luna and the decisions he had made, his whole entire time here now had changed. Knowing that all this was partly his fault, he couldn’t be angry with whoever took him back to the past. For all he could say, he may as well be another thousand years of age because of his idiotic mistake have made himself known. But what could he have ever done? Just as he was about to step away from Twilight, he suddenly felt a force drag him out of the warframe that made him nearly fall to his knees. That same dark blue energy that coiled around his arm from before swirled around his arm and hand. He felt it...pulling him towards the purple unicorn who was now startled to see Ryuji pulled out of Hydroid and was reaching for her. He tried to pull back against it with all his strength. His feet even started digging into the ground indicating he was doing his best to stop whatever was about to happen.

“W-what are you doing you stupid element?! Leave her alone!”

He said as he reached up and started pulling his arm away with his other hand. Twilight’s eyes fixed o0n the swirling energy as she started to back away from him. Now on full alert, she readies her horn to defend herself, even though she sees him trying to avoid doing...whatever this strange magic was attempting to do to her. The closer it got to Twilight, the more wildly the magic coiling around his arm spun and reached out. Before his hand could reach her, it stopped just shy of her forehead. Something then appeared atop of the unicorn’s head. It was a crown of sorts with a precious stone in the shape of a star with a deep pink color to it. It seemed to resonate with the crown in question. Ryuji quickly pulls his hand away from her as he notices that design of the stone. It resembled what he saw on that tree that gave him the spectral blade that dwells within his right arm. It took Twilight a few moments to put two and two together before it hit her. She remembered reading something about the elements of harmony. That there was a standalone element that wasn’t present with the other six and had been gone for over a thousand years. Twilight’s gaze suddenly when from fearful to serious.

“Just who are you..? Not only are you the princess’s fiance, but you possess something that only my friends and I possess. An element.”

That first question pretty much confirmed that all her memories of him were no longer existent. Or more to the point, never existed in the first place anymore. This certainly had an emotional impact on him. The feeling that those he grew to care for, knew nothing of him anymore all because of his stupid mistake. Twilight could see the anguish on his face as he clenched his fists.

“Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Dash, and Applejack….they don’t even know who I am anymore. I am a complete stranger to the ones I grew to care for. I have these memories that no longer matter…”

Twilight first that he was delusionally ranting to himself as if he was crazy. But, upon further inspection of his face and the grief forming in his eyes, she couldn’t help but feel, even if a little bit, that his words were genuine.After all, he knew the names of herself and her friends. Especially someone like him who wasn’t even a pony, to begin with. Suddenly, a pang of deja vu. The warm fuzzy feeling when one feels like something like this has happened before, but no memory recollection occurs. Seeing Ryuji in that very state nearly brought the mare to tears, and she did not know why. All she knows is that she couldn’t stand it. She suddenly steps up to him and did what she felt was right at that very moment. She wraps her arms around him in a warm hug and holds her close to her form, running her hands up and down his back in a comforting manner.

“I don’t know why I am doing this. I don’t even know who you are. And yet, something is telling me there is something...warmly familiar about you. Not only that, but you possess the element of guardianship. I must write all this to the princess. She will want to know of your presence and what you have come into possession of. Please, come in. And I will write her the letter. Knowing her, she will not waste any time in coming directly here when she reads it.”

She reluctantly releases Ryuji, having this feeling of if she took her eyes off him for even a second, he’d just...vanish. He follows the mare inside after disappearing into Hydroid. He looked around as he entered. The whole place had no change to it whatsoever. The same amount of books it always had. Even the same little knick-knacks that laid on the shelves and the large circular table in the middle of the main room. Ryuji wandered over to the bookshelf he was most familiar with to find some books still there that he had read in his original timeline there. Not much seems to haven’t changed in the smaller details. But the fact that his friends who no longer knew him still made his heart ache a little. After a few minutes, Twilight returned to the main room.

“Alright, I have sent the letter, now we just-.”

Twilight was cut off by the sudden glow of a golden light appearing in the room, and a tall familiar figure appeared out of the light, landing on her hooves. Ryuji knew right away who it was. And nothing was different about her at all from what he remembered. She was still that beautiful, lovely curvy alicorn mare that he knew before his timeline shifted. Her eyes darted around the room frantically as she searched for Ryuji, not noticing that he was behind her.

“Twilight...your letter. You are absolutely sure that-?”

She turns around to see that familiar metal figure standing before her. Her magenta eyes widening and her jaw hung open as she slowly approached Ryuji who was still within Hydroid. She remembered his warframe so vividly. Her memory going back to that very night at that moment when Ryuji stood in front of her and her sister to defend them from their pending doom. Ryuji’s gaze fell to the ground as Celestia approached closer. He couldn’t speak, as he didn’t know the words to say in this situation. He didn’t know if the princess would be angry or happy to see him. Especially after he practically just up and left without a word. But it wasn’t exactly his fault either.

“Ryuji..are you in there?”

“Princess, I...I…”

He said as he back away from her, still averting his gaze as he could feel hers on him still. Not knowing if it was one of destain or joy. Before he could back away any further he felt Celestia grab his hand rather forcibly, but not in a negative manner, she just wanted to stop him from moving away from her. Twilight watched in shock as the claims of her mentor seemed to ring true thus far. Celestia could tell that Ryuji was uneasy from seeing her.

“Ryu...please come out. I promise I am not upset I know you leaving was bound to happen. Though, I did not expect your to return to this timeline. Don’t think I haven’t forgotten that night. Now, let me see your face, please.”

She emphasized the ‘please’ with a nearly whimpering tone. Ryuji was hesitant in coming out of Hydroid. She does know that nothing has changed about his real self and will never change due to him being a tenno, right? An icy white light fills the room for a moment as Ryuji steps forth out of Hydroid. Celestia’s eyes met Ryuji’s for what felt like an eternity before she knelt down and gently cupped his face in her soft warm hands. A smile slowly forms across her muzzle as tears of happiness start flowing down her cheeks.

“Look at you...it’s been over a thousand years and you haven’t changed one bit. You truly don’t ever physically age. And here I am all grown up. But, I never forgot you.”

“But you should also remember I don’t belong in this timeline. But because of my stupid choices I made that night to reveal myself when I saved you along with the fact I unwillingly became the bearer of the element of guardianship, I will never again be able to return to my timeline where….where I was friends with Twilight and the others. And the Celestia I knew as well. All these memories I have...they are pointless here because neither you, Twilight or her friends do not share them because I never existed here in the first place. I may as well be a stranger to everyone I came to know and care about!”

Celestia could feel Ryuji starting to shake as he spoke those words.That same anguish coming upon his face as Twilight saw earlier. Celestia knew what he was talking about because of what he had explained to her all those years ago. Seeing him in that state tore at her heart. This was supposed to be a happy event. Celestia had found the one to whom she had promised herself to, but he was in a state of sadness and self-hatred because of what he had done to change his present time. And she could understand what he was going through. He had told her just how close he was to who would be her future pupil to only come to this timeline to not have her remember someone who was very close to her in his own time.All Celestia could do was wrap the upset tenno in her wings and arms.

“Listen to me, Ryu. I know that you are hurting because of your choices. But that is what happens when ponies mess with time. And i am sure you knew of this before you were sent back all those years ago. While your memories of the ones you knew only belong to you now, that doesn’t mean you can’t rekindle them with the ones here now. Or even make better ones. Also…”

She reaches down and takes his right hand and arm into her hands, the coiling magic making itself known to her touch. She looks it over for a few moments before returning her gaze to his.

“I also know about this as well. The hidden standalone element that was given to you. While unwillingly given to you, it solely belongs to you given that it is fused body and soul with you. The sooner that you accept this and know that your timeline is forever out of your reach, the easier it will be to move on. Please do not think of me saying this as cruelty, but more of hoping that you will not linger on what no longer exists for your own sake. After all, you have me and my sister who still remember you very fondly. But myself a little more so than she does. And with what you have in common with Twilight and her friends, I am sure that you can and will become friends with them once more, even closer than you were back in your timeline. But, in the meantime, you will have me if not anypony else.”

“Princess, when he first came to my door this morning, I wasn’t sure if he was telling the truth or not. But something about him made me feel that feeling of...familiarity. Like I should know him. He seemed very distraught when I told him I did not know him. But...seeing him in such a state, I felt a strong urge to just wrap him in my arms and hold him. As if I had known him for a while. I just couldn’t stand to see him so saddened. And from what you have just said. I now believe this entirely, that in his timeline he and I were very close friends.But the question is. How is it even possible that I could even feel that connection when it is a totally different timeline?”

Celestia stood up and turned to face Twilight. Still remaining close to Ryuji who had calmed down a little bit but, looked like he had a billion thoughts swirling around in his head. She began to explain what might be the cause of this.

“Perhaps it may be the elements resonating with one another. While Ryuji’s isn’t part of the original six that you and your friends are. It is still one of the elements. But Ryuji’s element is...different from yours and your friends’. His element can change its nature depending on what path he chooses to take with it. My sister and I knew of this element from long ago. But we never imagined that it would belong to the very stall-..tenno that saved our lives on that night.”

Twilight was complete dumbfounded at this. The fact that a being that wasn’t even part of their universe held an element within his very being. Both Celestia and Twilight watched as Ryuji held out his hand to his side and made the ghostly blade appear with a what sounded like at haunting ethereal wind with the same coiling magic around his arm. He looked the once physically solid blade over with what appeared to be a long, thoughtful gaze. Both the mares wondered what exactly was going through his mind as he did this.

“I am tired of being jerked around by forces that think they can do whatever they please with me. If I truly have free will. Then from this point on…”

The blade begins to flare up with a fiery aura, the color changing from blue to a dark grey. Celestia’s eyes widened at this. That kind of color didn’t mean anything evil, but it wasn’t good either. She knew his mindset immediately, and she had to do something before he could no longer turn back

“...I am going to do what I want to do. And I WILL kill anyone who tries to use me as their pawn in their little game. After all, I am the ‘Fateless One’ as your creator mentioned to me. It’s time I take back my life and do what it is Ryuji wants to do.”

The blade vanishes back into nothingness and he disappears back into Hydroid, the frame coming back to life once more as he turns and walks away from them both. He begins to walk toward the balcony as he gets on the coms.

“Ordis, send the landing craft to my position. Get me off this planet. I have had enough for one day.”

Celestia ran towards him with Twilight trailing behind her, she grabs the hand of Ryuji’s frame and tries to hold on. The look in her eyes was desperate and pleading. As if she was trying to talk some sense into the tenno.

“Please, Ryu…”

She said in a soft, pleading tone.

“...don’t let this turn you into something dreadful. I know I can never experience what you have gone through. But I want to help you, Twilight wants to help you. You can relive what you had back in your timeline if you truly want it back. But, don’t let what has happened to you turn your heart cold. You are not that kind of being.”

“Let go of me, princess. I am sure that somewhere down the line, even you will use me as some kind of piece in your game of chess with whatever other rulers of this land you may have issues with.”

He said as he jerked his hand away from hers. The roar of the landing craft’s engines could be heard as it flew up and latched itself onto the balcony. Ryuji walked over to it and turned his back to step back into the indention.

“I will return once I am good and ready. Not when you or anyone else tells me to.”

The cylindrical container spins around as the ship begins to take off. Once turned around fully, it takes off into the sky and out of sight within seconds, leaving a slightly heartbroken Celestia and a worried Twilight that walks over to console her saddened mentor.

“Please come back…”

Whimpered Celestia as she choked back tears, leaning against the balcony with her ears pinned to her head in sadness with the look of emotional pain on her face. What she thought would have been a happy day, turned into one of great dread. And as if the weather knew, dark clouds rolled in quickly and rain began to fall.

Ryuji returned to the orbiter and walked over to the window of his personal quarters once he was out of Hydroid. He gazed out at the planet below as thoughts began to swirl in his head once more.

”They aren’t the same ponies you have come to call your family.”

“You screwed it all up. All because this world’s creator chose to let you handle saving the future rather than intervening herself.”

“Why should you be the one to do hers or anyone else’s dirty work? Give in to your anger, kiddo. Give me total control and you will not have to take orders from anyone. I can make it all go away. The memories you have of your family. The feelings you have for the princess. Let me corrupt you and turn you into a being of fear.”

Ryuji knew this wasn’t his thoughts anymore, in fact, it was the void demon trying to prey on him in his current mental state. But Ryuji knew better. And he certainly wasn’t going to relinquish control easily. He opened his eyes to see his doppelganger leaning over his shoulder behind him with a wicked smile with his hands on his shoulders.

“Even you will not tell me what I can and can’t do, demon. SO you may as well forget the idea of controlling me.”

“Be careful, kiddo. This new attitude of yours may cause you more trouble than you think. Especially with your potential relationships with those pastel creatures.”

“They may be the same ponies, but they aren’t the ones I came to see as my family.”

With that, Ryuji walked over to his bed and fell face first into the pillow. He slowly curls up as he pulls the blanket over his body and hugs his pillow as he slowly falls asleep.

Act 15: The Basilisk Flare Finally Revealed

View Online

It had been nearly two weeks since Celestia and Twilight had seen Ryuji ever since he departed from the castle. The reason being is because Ryuji himself started isolating himself from everyone in his ship that continued to orbit around the planet. The only thing he really did was physically train his body and learn just what this new thing that was forced upon his was about. The forever swirling energy around his right arm an ever constant reminder of what was forced upon him. It drove him absolutely crazy. The hands he was being dealt certainly weren’t making the situation any better either. He didn’t want to believe it. But, those ponies were, in fact, the same ones he knew and cared for more than anyone he had ever. But, it wasn’t fair that he got to keep his memories only to have them not know what he even is. But, he really did miss them. All of them. Especially when both Celestia and Twilight came to mind. He missed when Twilight and himself would come up here to hang out on his ship. She would bring books upon books for both of them to read and enjoy. They’d even share his bed for warm snuggles and sleep. He didn’t know why, but he felt safe with the purple unicorn. He saw her as more of a loving sibling more than anything.

But with the sun princess, it was a whole other story. The feelings he had for her ran deep. She was beautiful, warm, and caring. And her smile certainly made everything a bit better if the day was dull and sad. Not to mention both her physical and personality beauty attracted him to her. Even finding out how she acted when she was a filly only made him like her more. And he wasn’t going lie to himself. He would definitely want his first time of intimacy with her. But after the way he had spoken to her and pulled away from her in a cold manner, he started regretting his actions and poor choice of words toward her. After all, nor she or Twilight are the ones he should be angry with.

He paced around on the bridge of his ship in a slow manner. As thoughts went through his head on if he should return today or not, Ordis suddenly spoke to Ryuji in what seemed to be a concerned tone of voice. Then again, over the years, Ryuji and Ordis have grown close with all the things they have been through. So it was only natural for the cephalon to worry for him.

“Operator…? Are you ever going to return to the planet? I am sure that your friends are worried about you. I mean...I know they aren’t the friends you know. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be.”

“I know that, ordis. But it just seems like...all because of the beings with a higher power I am forced to bend to their will and that I should be the one to lose the ones I care for because those same beings choose not to do their own work. Bah, I really do need to stop this self-pity, though. I am a tenno damnit. If I can deal with hordes of corpus, grineer and infested and having my memories of before sealed away, this should be no different.”

He then looks down at the ever coiling energy that surrounded his arm, his icy grey and blue eyes scanning over it before the blade appears in his hand with that same ghostly wind sound. What used to be the physical form of his Nikana Prime that he had crafted himself now bound to him. He took the time to look it over. Ordis seemed to zero in on it as well.

“Now then. What to do with this. They told me it was...an element of guardianship. And something about being a standalone element as well. While it still functions as a regular blade, it apparently has some kind of..supernatural abilities.”

“It is quite strange indeed. I sense no void energy coming from it. Is this magic stuff that the purple one has told me about? It seems to read as such from what my sensors have told me. But at the same time, it is bound to you. As if you have been marked.”

Ryuji lets out a sigh of slight annoyance. He knew that he’d have to return back to them eventually to know exactly what this thing was that seemed to continuously and lovingly coil around his right arm. The blade vanishes as Ryuji lowers his hand and makes his way over to Hydroid. He looks up at the warframe and places a hand over his chest and looks up at him as if asking for his advice. But knowing full well that Hydroid couldn’t speak, it just made him feel better when he spoke to the frame that has helped him for so long.

“What do you think I should do, Hydroid? This whole thing...it’s hard to make a decision. Especial with dealing with so much in such a short time span. You think I should just...leave it all behind and start anew…?”

Ryuji thought long and hard about it. He weighed the pros and cons, with the pros seeming to outweigh the cons by a bit. He knew them all, even though they didn’t know him. Perhaps the more time he spent with them and shared his memories as well, they just might befriend him quicker than they had originally. Twilight even seemed eager to know about the memories he had of her. Maybe...this wouldn’t be so bad. Though he decided on this, he still wasn’t going to allow himself to be used in anyone’s game anymore. He will do what he believes is right now. Even if it doesn’t seem fit with others. After a bit more careful consideration, he decides that dwelling on this will not help anyone. He lowers his hand and balls it into a fist before vanishing into Hydroid and making his way to the landing craft.

“Ordis, I will be gone for a while. Make sure that the ship is well taken care of.”

The landing craft’s engine roared and departed from the orbiter quickly. His first destination was Canterlot Castle. His first priority was to apologize to the one he cared for the most. Even now still regretting his words, trying to figure out what to say to her once he got to her. Little did he know, that he would stumble upon an invasion a certain couple’s wedding day and that it was time to show that no one messes with his home. Be it otherworldly beings or even other beings of this world.

Once Ryuji landed a ways off from the castle, he saw that it was being plagued by...bug-like beings that resembled ponies in a way. He looked around as saw the carnage as both civilians and guards laid in puddles of blood as the invading army tore the town apart. Ryujii’s gaze widens in horror as he gazed upon the death before him. The screaming and the fighting. Both hearing and seeing it as he had come to do something that should have brought happiness was ruined by this. He has had enough. It was time to settle this in his own way.

"I am coming, Tia..."

Time seemed to slow down as he drew his gun from his back as he moved forward. Something he rarely did unless it was needed. He cocked the choke of the shotgun as he held it to his front. The first changeling to notice him flew forward with their weapon pointed directly at him.

POW!

The gun went off, spraying fire from its barrel as the spread landed directly on the changeling’s chest, creating a massive crater in the changeling’s torso. He continued to walk forward with his syndana flowing behind him in the wind as he fired one shot after another into each changeling that charged for him, time still flowing slowly as he stepped toward the castle’s chapel stairs where the wedding was being held. As he ran out of ammunition, he took to using the butt of the gun to fend off a few of them as they crowded upon him. In the time he had them dazed, he quickly reloaded the shells before pumping the shotgun again, ready to go at it again. The shotgun’s shots overpowered the sounds of the current battle, catching both the attention of guards and the invaders. Once they saw who was creating the sounds and what he was doing, the guard who was on the verge of giving up, suddenly got their second wind. And proceeded to fight back harder on the changeling army.

Ryuji didn’t really care about that though. His primary objective laid just before him as he walked up the stairs and kicked open the door. Just as he did he saw the crowd of frightened ponies surrounded by armed changelings who now took notice3 of him, along with Twilight and her friends who were standing near the alter with what appeared to be another alicorn and from what he remembered, Twilight’s brother. And then his eyes fell upon Chrysalis, the queen of the changelings. He then looked up to see Celestia encased in some kind of green prison. Having used all of his main gun ammunition on the changelings outside, he pulls both akstiletto prime from his leg holsters just as more changelings charged forward. Ryuji jumps into the air with his guns forward, time still moving slowly as he glides through, the bullets leaving the gun’s muzzle at high speeds as he twirls and flips through the air, only landing the bullets into the bodies of the changelings with precise accuracy. He makes his way to the front of the altar before holstering his spent sidearms. He quickly turns around and shouts to the ponies that were mixed in with the changelings.

“Get down, NOW!”

They quickly do as Ryuji says and drop to the ground, leaving only the changelings confused. Before they had time to react, it was too late. Hydroid suddenly fell to his knees in a limp fashion. And a pure void-like image of Ryuji rises out from the frame with a slight spin and curled up before letting out a loud eerie scream that echoed as if it was in the void itself. A bright concentrated beam shot from out of his right hand as he levitated around. When the beam made contact with the changelings, it turned them to stone.statues, eventually making them shatter and crumble with how much void energy he released. Once he had used all the void energy he could, he gets pulled back into Hydroid and quickly draws his sword, sliding forward with one quick motion and placing his sword’s edge against Chrysalis’ neck.

“You are not welcomed here. And I don’t care who you are or why you have decided to come and plague this land. But I am giving you one warning before I kill you here and now to take whatever of your kind is left and leave this place.”

Everything was happening so fast. Chrysalis’ heart beat heavily in shock and fear at this...being’s ruthlessness. Ryuji was only toying with her, however, and didn’t give her time to speak as he thrusts his sword into the queen’s stomach, then with a swift cut, he pulls the blade from ehr now flame-engulfed body which turned to ash on contact before sheathing his blade with a click. Little did he know that taking this course of action would change the flow of the future, and that future was what the fates had planned to have happened. But with that one decisive action, Ryujii has ruined it for them.

After Celestia had been released from her prison and the other ponies had been helped, Ryuji walked in front of Celestia after he had come out of Hydroid. Shining Armor was quick to take a defensive stance in front of the princess, expecting the unknown being to be a threat as well. But Celestia stopped the guard captain and shook her head.

“He is not a threat to us, captain. I will handle things from here. Your soon to be wife needs you right now.”

The stallion looked between Ryujii and Celestia and nodded to her. Twilight sees ehr mentor approaching the tenno and quickly makes her way over as well which he had hoped she’d do. As they both stand in front of him and gaze down at him, his own gaze lifts up as he begins to try to speak the words he has wanted to ever since the day he left.

“I..I want to apologize for the words I spoke and the manner I acted towards you two the other day. I shouldn’t have taken out my frustration and anger on either of you. I was just so upset and sad that you two..who i cared for the most back in my time….will never again share the memories I have of you. Sure, I can tell you about them. But memories aren’t memories when you haven’t lived them. I...love both of you so much. But I don’t think that love can exist anymore because of what happened. I just...I just wish I could share my memories with you all so that things could possibly return to the way they were. I just...I am sorry for what I said and did..I truly am.”

Both Celestia and Twilight could see the sincerity in his eyes and hear it in his words. To his surprise, however, they both wrap him up in a hug at the same time and hold him close. The thing was, they were never mad at him, to begin with. Sure their feelings were hurt, but they understood the feelings he was going through as well and just needed to vent. Ryuji sighed lightly as he wrapped his arms around them both. That same feeling, that same smell, and that same warmth. He had missed them all so very much.

“We had..no. We have faith in you, Ryu. Both Twilight and I knew you’d return. ANd you on all days of today, show up at the perfect time. And...I won’t lie...I missed you very much. As for sharing your memories, perhaps one day, we will find a spell so that you can share them with us and the rest of Twilight’s friends. But for now, I am sure we’d all like make new memories for you. ANd we must first start, by introducing you to them. Now then, let’s get this real wedding planned.”

Ryuji turned around to see the rest of Twilight’s friends approaching him with beaming smiles. They surround him and start talking with and bombarding him with all kind of curiously filled questions. Ryuji felt that familiar warmth he felt with them all back in his timeline once again. Something he had thought he’d never feel again because of that one mistake. But there it was again. Running down his spine and making him feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

“I...I am home…”

He thought to himself. Ryuji spent most of his time now just wandering about the castle either with Celestia or checking in on the preparations for the wedding. Even being stopped by some of the staff and guard telling him what a strong fighter he was during the invasion. He even sat some time aside for Twilight when she wasn’t busy prepping the wedding. Everything was going according to plan. Thanks to Ryuji's actions, things were set right.

On the night before tRyuji'sng, Ryuji laid in his bed in the chambers Celestia had set aside for him which was right next to her own bedroom. As he laid there, staring up at the ceiling with his eyes slowly drooping. He heard a knock at the door and sat up with his hands in his lap.

“Yes?”

“Ryu..it’s me.May I come in?”

“It’s open.”

The knob turns and the door opens to reveal Celestia in a rather..revealing nightgown. That certainly is one thing that didn’t change, she flaunts her stuff in front of Ryuji back in his original time, no reason she wouldn’t here. Especially since he did promise to be her fiance. She closes the door behind her and slowly makes her way over to his bed, her hoofsteps padding against the soft carpeting of the room. She didn’t even waste a time in sliding onto the bed next to him. She leaned in close and began to rub and nuzzle against his chest with ehr muzzle.

“Just like all those years ago, you saved me. But you also saved my subjects this time as well. And I love you even more because of it now. I won’t lie. Ever since you left that night, I have wanted you to be in my arms again so badly. My heart has been aching for you.”

“Tia...the version of you in my time had the same feelings that you do for me now. So...would it is right of me to tell you that I feel the same way...but knowing that you aren’t the one I shared those memories with. Does that make me a horrible person to say that I love you still?”

Celestia’s eyes met his in a moment of thought. She understood his hesitation and dilemma. While the timeline was altered, she was still the same Celestia. But she understood his feelings that he felt as if he was betraying her in a way. She was quick to reassure him that wasn’t the case, however. She picked him up in her arms and held him closely. She has him lay his head on ehr soft, large breasts and his body against her own as she ran her fingers through his hair and up and down his back.

“No Ryu. That does not make you a horrible person in the slightest. I understand that you feel you would be betraying the feelings of the version of myself you know. But you must also understand, that while I do not share the memories you possess, I am still that same Celestia. After all, this isn’t a different timeline, you just altered your original one. Perhaps...that is why Twilight felt a sense of familiarity with you. Would it have been a totally different timeline, she wouldn’t have felt anything like that. Time is a rather...tricky thing. That is why we do not mess with it. So please...tell me those words, Ryu. I want to hear them from your voice...please.”

Ryuji hugged his arms around her as tight as he could. He felt his heart beating hard in his chest before he spoke out.

“I love you, Tia. I love you so so much. And I want to be with you forever.”

She felt her heart beat quickly and her body warmed. She felt that same feeling of familiarity that twilight had experienced When he said those very words. It appears that her idea may be right on the mark after all. But for now, She simply held onto him and stayed with him the whole night, letting him fall asleep in her embrace and eventually falling asleep as well.

Act 16: The Beachside Royal Summit Awaits

View Online

Ryuji walked down the corridors of the castle as himself so that the guard and everyone else could know who he was. He waved and smiled to any one of them who gave the same gesture. Though, some actually did a double-take at him and blinked a few times. As if they couldn’t believe he was walking in front of them or passed them. He wondered why they looked at him in such an...awe-inspired manner. Sure, he saved the groom from an evil changeling queen. But that was nothing to look at him like he was some kind of hero or savior….right? He was just doing what he felt was right, that and to mainly protect Celestia and the others.

He finds his way to the throne room after opening two large fancy doors. He walks along the red carpet as he gazes around the room admiring all the stained glass windows that appeared to depict important events of history. One window instantly caught his eyes when he saw what looked to be Hydroid and the dark version as well clashing blades with the snowy night sky in the background. Was this...really preserved for so long after he had traveled back through time?

“Well look at you, kiddo. It seems like you were remembered for your heroic deed of saving Equestria’s rulers from certain death all those years ago.Maybe that’s why they were all looking at you in such a way.”

He said as he pointed up at the window. Ryuji looked up to see...his real self on the right-hand side just above Hydroid with a fierce look on his face and his hand held outward as if he controlled Hydroid with puppet strings. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Was that really something to really put up in a castle though? It’s not that he wasn’t honored by it, he just didn’t seem to think it was worth doing. But now he knows why others have looked at him the way they have today. His thoughts were disrupted by the sound of hoofsteps coming from the top of the stairs where the thrones were. Both his and his doppelganger’s eyes shift to see Celestia staring at them both like she was wondering if anything was wrong with her own eyes.

“R-Ryu…? How are there two of you and…”

“Aah, there she is. The sun princess that fell in love with the tenno that saved her and her sister’s life. I can see why you like her yourself, kiddo.”

He slowly approaches the princess as Ryuji watches him carefully. It’s not that he could really hurt her. But compared to Ryuji, the doppelganger was ten times more sinister than himself, as demons would be. But the demon knew not to upset his host.

“I am the one who gave Ryuji his power in the first place. Because of me and my power he is able to do the things he does. And in return, he is my host. Who I have become very fond of over the years he and I have been together. That still won’t stop me from trying to take him over and turn him into a monster, however.”

“That’s enough. She doesn’t need to know everything about our past. What happened with the orokin and on the Zariman ten-zero needs to remain secret. Especially from her. The last thing I need for her to do is worry for me any more than she already does.”

The doppelganger just laughed lightly and shrugged his shoulders before walking away from Celestia and back to Ryuji. Celestia was still caught off guard that she could see two of him. But lets out a sigh of relief when the demon vanished leaving Ryuji alone with her finally. She quickly makes her way up to him and wraps him in her arms. Ryuji just sighed a bit and returned her affection with a smile. She could lift him into her arms and cradle him like a child should she want to. And he had no issues with that. Feeling ehr warmth and smelling her scent put him in a state of ease. Especially now that he no longer had to hide his feelings from her nor deny hers.

“Did you sleep well last night, handsome?”

She asked as she leaned in and pressed her nose against his in a nuzzle before setting him down. He gave a nod and rubbed the back of his head with a slight blush as he was still getting used to this...affectionate behavior. Not that he didn’t like it. That was far from the truth.

“Y-yeah, I slept pretty well, especially with you at my side. Never before have I shared a bed with anyone. It was..nice.”

He said as he averted his eyes from her as his blush intensified after he said that. She lets out a quiet ‘Aaaww…’ as she feels her heart flutter in ehr chest. She just wanted to pick him up again and smother him in her arms and breasts.

”I don’t care what he has done in his past. He is just so cute and I love him so much!”

She was just about to do just that until she noticed his attention returning back to the stained window that showed the event that happened the night he saved her. She walks beside him and gazes upon it herself. A fond memory returning to her when she had spoken with him that night before he parted all those years ago.

“I know you probably thought I was just a filly who was swooning over a brave warrior who saved her from death. And that i was only saying those things because that is what some young fillies dream of. Finding their knight in shining armor to come and save them. I...I won’t lie. I had this put up for mainly sentimental reasons. So that I could always see you each time I was in the throne room. But, believe it or not, Ryu, you became a legend when this was made known public. I am sure on your way here, you got some rather interesting looks from a few guards and staff.”

Ryuji just continued to stare up at the window for a moment more, than down at his arm that had the ever coiling energy flowing around it with that far off thinking gaze. Celestia could tell he had something on his mind when he did that.

“Tia..it’s not that I haven’t accepted my life as of now. I just wish I knew why. After all, your creator could have picked anyone else but me. She could have even picked another tenno. But she chose me.”

Celestia reached down and took hold of Ryuji’s hand and gave it a loving squeeze. He shifts his gaze up to hers. She had such beautiful magenta eyes. And the way she looked at him made him feel warm and fuzzy all in his body, especially up and down his spine. She got on her knees so that she could be at eye level with him as she laced her fingers into his. She brings her free hand up and gently caresses his cheek

“I do not have the answer for you, Ryu. And I wish I did. But, one thing is for certain, we will find out together.”

Ryuji takes her hand that is caressing his cheek and suddenly get a serious look on his face. Celestia is a bit taken back by this as she sees it in his eyes.

“Tia...I know this will be hard to do. So I will tell you now before this relationship goes any deeper. Both for your sake and everyone else’s. The clone of me you saw. He’s more powerful than you think he is. Should he ever gain full control of my mind and body, and there is no chance of me returning to myself. Please...end my life. I don’t care who you do it. Just make sure it is done.”

Celestia’s eyes widened as tears nearly start to form within them. She squeezes his hands and shakes her head a bit.

“No...no I won’t..there is always a way/ I will not allow you to be taken away from me by some...demon.”

“Tia, please. The fact that i one day could be responsible for hurting the ones I care about. Hurting you. Don’t make me live that nightmare…”

She could feel him shaking suddenly. The imagines of causing pain or even death to those who he loved plagued his mind over and over, all while hearing the demon’s laugh.

“...I am begging you…”

Celestia could see that the possible outcome terrified him. And the fact that he was begging ehr to do so only showed how serious he was. But she wasn’t going to let that happen to him. She’d find a way to make sure he’d stay the way he is. And if the demon ever did take him over, she’d bring him back. She leans in and presses her forehead against his.

“I won’t let it happen regardless. I will not let you go through that pain. After all, you have me and the others to help you. And if things get out of control, we can always use the elements to at least return full control to you.”

“That may be the case, princess. But you can’t always be there for him. There may be a time when he has no choice but to let me take over. And I will be waiting for that chance. After all, I have been with him for over a thousand years. I can wait longer.”

Celestia got a chill when she heard the doppelganger’s voice in her ears from over her shoulders. She instinctively takes Ryuji in her arms and holds him in a protective manner. Even going as far as wrapping a wing around him.

“You won’t get the chance. There is no way in Tartarus that you will ever claim him for yourself. And nor will you ever take him from me.”

“The doppelganger laughs lightly as he walks over to the throne and sits upon it. He rests his elbow on the armrest and leans his head on his fist with a wicked smile.

“Oh, princess. It’s not a matter of how I will take him. It’s just a matter of when. Perhaps a stressful moment in the future will cause his mind to unlock or even a moment that will shatter his heart. There are so many possibilities to attack him when he is vulnerable mentally or emotionally. I just need to wait. Should that day come, you needn’t worry. As a last request from the kid, I will not harm you, your sister and the six ponies that reside in his memory. Now, should he destroy me and take my powers for himself indefinitely. Then you have nothing to worry about. In fact, I would be proud of the kid if he managed to do that. But as a demon, I have to do what I am bred to do.”

Ryuji stood up and walked toward the doppelganger and grabbed him by the collar and brought him face to face. A look of anger forming over the tenno’s features.

“That’s enough. Stop tormenting the ones I care about with your words. You know what I can do if you push me to far. After all, the akstiletto are only a couple feet away when I am with Hydroid. And you and I both know you can’t live without a tenno.”

“You wouldn’t...you don’t have the balls nor the heart to do it…”

He gets face to face with the doppelganger.

“You think I am not willing to?.This will be no different than all those other times. And besides, should I lose you and lose my abilities altogether, it won’t matter. I am a tenno. We adapt. Now, leave us alone.”

The doppelganger growled and knew that Ryuji was right. Without a tenno, the void demon wouldn’t have a proper host. It seemed that Ryuji was more intelligent that he gave him credit for. Celestia didn’t quite understand what Ryuji meant by those words. And that was the whole plan. Had she known that he was talking about offing himself. She would not stand for it. Hence why he was so vague about it. But the doppelganger understood him clear as day. Without another word, he disappears, leaving Ryuji to walk back to Celestia as he shook his head.

“He won’t be bothering us any time soon. Now it can just be you and I.”

Ryuji wraps his arms around Celestia in a warm hug, She wasted no time in doing the same to him. They stood there in each other’s embrace for what felt like almost an hour. Until a guard came in and cleared his throat. Celestia released Ryuji and nodded to him.

“I assume that the train is ready?”

“Yes, your highness. Your other guests are also on the train from Ponyville. All we need now is yourself and Lord Ryuji.”

Ryuji blinked a few times and pointed to himself. A ver5y confused look on his face. Celestia only giggled when she saw his expression.

“Lord…? Since when did I receive that title? And do I have to have that title? Ryuji is just fine…”

“Oh it’s just a formality, Ryu. After all, you are my fiance. It is only natural that my subjects should address you as such.”

“Well, I don’t like it. Just feel free to call me Ryuji. No fancy title needed. But, where are we going exactly?”

“Well, we are heading to a royal summit along the coast. It is being held at a private resort And I...wanted you to come along both as my bodyguard and well...as my fiance of course.”

She said with a blush and smile as she averts her eyes and narrows them with an inner giggle. Ryuji blinked a few times and shifted his eyes with a blush of his own. He vanished into that familiar light. Celestia knowing exactly where he’d end up, teleported at the same time he did. She sees Hydroid moving about and getting ready to make a break for it out the window. But Celestia grabs his hand and yanks him back in.

“Oooh no! You aren’t getting out of this, mister! I planned to have a nice, romantic time with my fiance, and I am going to get it!”

“It’s not that I wouldn’t enjoy that, Tia! But what if things get out of hand when others see me?! They will think you have some kind of secret weapon of some sort if they see me! I just don’t want to cause trouble is all!”

That was only part of the truth. He was actually super nervous about this whole ‘romance’ thing that he had no experience in whatsoever. His feelings for the sun princess were strong, there was no denying that. But the fact he was going to be at a beach resort with her? Faust knows what that would happen. Lewd imagines flashed through the tenno’s mind once they came around. Thankfully he was within Hydroid so it wasn’t visible. As those thoughts distracted him, Celestia smiled wickedly and wrapped her arms around the warframe and teleported them both onto the train. Ryuji blinked and spun around to see that the train was already in motion and they Twilight, Fluttershy, and Rarity were sitting on the seats of the train car. Each one smiling widely as they saw both of them appear. Twilight got up and ran over to Ryuji and wrapped her arms around Hydroid, he tail clearly visibly wagging as she saw him.

“You are coming after all! I am so glad!”

Ryuji sighs lightly and shakes his head. It’s not like he had a choice in the matter now. All he could do now and just find a place to set Hydroid for the ride and come out. He then plops down face first onto one of the seats and lays there for a moment.

”Well, looks like I am stuck on this trip. May as well make the best of it..”

Celestia and the others giggled as they watched this. She took her spot on the seat in front of him while the others went back to doing what they were doing. One more random thought came to mind though. Where were the other three…?

Act 17: A Tenno Surrounded By Swimsuit Clad Mares

View Online

It was a nice and warm, sunny day at the resort. The train ride there for Ryuji was mostly him just lounging on the seat he had chosen with Celestia eyeing him in a loving manner and the others just chatting and getting ready for a bit of relaxation. Apparently, Celestia invited the whole gang, but only Twilight, Rarity, and Fluttershy could make it. Ryuji didn’t want to go himself. But he didn’t have a choice in the matter it seemed. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad though.

Ryuji leaned against the wall with his arms crossed as he watched Celestia and the other bigwigs that ruled over the land converse and meet with each other. Today wasn’t the royal summit of course, but that’s just how royals were. Always saving face with one another pretending to be the most friendly before business got started. And just as Ryuji thought, all eyes were on him. The other bodyguards were especially curious about him. Having never seen something so...advanced and sleek. They saw his sword on his left hip and the way the scabbard shimmered with its own light. But they also grew curious of the metallic objects on his upper legs and on his back that his syndana hid. Was it a pony in some kind of strange advanced armor?

One guard was brave enough to find out She slowly approaches the warframe and leans forward a bit to see...where the eyes were exactly. Warframes may be humanoid like in structure overall. But it didn’t have human-facial features. None of the frames do for that matter. She watched at how...still he was being, no breathing, not even the slightest bit of motion until she got close enough to where he turned his head to look at her which made her jump back in surprise. She is a tall mare, strong and fit, but soft in all the right places. Built like Applejack, just taller than her. She had a black and white spotted coat and a white mane and tail that is long and straight. What stood out most of all were her ember eyes. Like there was a fire raging within them. Ryuji gazes up at her and tilted his head slightly.

“Something I can help you with? Or are you just as curious as the others but actually have the guts to come and say hi?”

“Well, you have been standing there against the wall and not moving. I wasn’t sure if you were actually about to move or even speak of your own accord. Seeing as you don’t have any pony features. I figured you were controlled by magic. Just...what are you anyway?”

“I am afraid that is classified info to strangers. Let’s just say I am the only one of my kind and cannot be duplicated in any way. But, I can see you are a slightly different pony than from the ones I am used to seeing. Not that it is a bad thing of course.”

She arches a brow and places a hand on her right hip, leaning to the side slightly as she does.

“Well, you don’t look like a pony at all. Or a griffin...or a dragon. In fact, you look nothing like any kind of creature in this world.”

Ryuji stood up fully from leaning against the wall as he unfolded his arms and gave a solid nod to confirm her assumption.

“You’d be right in that. I am not from here this universe in fact. But, that is all I can reveal about myself to you. I must be on my way, however…”

He said as he saw Celestia waving him over and making her way towards the exit just as all the others were. He simply offers a wave goodbye and makes his way to Celestia’s side. He certainly had the guardsmare’s interest now. And she was determined to find out exactly who or what Ryuji is.

--Ryuji and Celestia’s Suite--

Ryuji stepped out of Hydroid and flopped onto the bed with a low groan. The tenno was clearly exhausted from the heavy gazes of all those ponies and griffons in the room. Celestia giggled lightly and sat next to him while gently running a hand up and down his back to console him. She knew that it would be a bit stressful for him, but she is also grateful that he came along with her.

“I know it wasn’t easy with them all staring at you, Ryu. But it made me very happy to have you with me and making sure I was safe. I have an idea!”

She said as she got up and leaned over him before straddling his lower body. She leans forward and presses her breasts against his back and nuzzles into the back of his neck with her cheek. Ryuji tenses up and blushes heavily as he feels those warm, soft, fleshy mounds pressing against him.

“How about you get this...confining suit off and let me rub you down with a full body massage? It is the LEAST I can do for my fiance~.”

Ryuji really couldn’t nor did he want to stop her. He is shy about it at first, sure. But, he did like that she showed her love and affection for him physically just as much as she did emotionally. All he did was give a nod to her. With that, she wastes no time in making his clothing and her own vanish with a bit of magic.Little did he know that when she meant ‘full body massage’, she literally meant using her whole body to massage his. She gently brings her hands to his shoulders and began to rub and squeeze them gently. She felt the tension between them and frowned slightly as he seemed to have so much stress upon his form.She did not like that one bit. She began grinding her whole body against his in a steady motion, using ehr soft breasts and curves to cover his body.

“Oh, my sweet. All this stress and tension will not do at all. Momma Tia is going to take good care of you tonight~. First a massage, then...something extra special later in the evening after the day is done…”

Ryuji’s mind became flooded with thoughts of what Celestia meant. These thoughts made him blush even more as she began to rub and grind against his body with ehr now naked form. He wasn’t going to lie to himself. It felt absolutely wonderful with what she was doing to him. The feeling of her warm soft fur and flesh rubbing and rolling over his back and everywhere else as he laid on his front. And her hands, oh god those wonderful hands of her rubbing the tension out of his shoulders. This was the first time he had ever experienced a massage, and he loved it. He could just feel all the stress and worry slipping away from him like a heavy wet blanket was sliding off of him. After a while of this, Celestia giggled wickedly and quickly turned him over on his back and leaned inn quickly to lock her lips with his in a surprise kiss. Ryuji didn’t know what to expect at first bso he fought against her for a few seconds. But when he realized she was only just wanting to kiss him, he calms down and welcomes her kiss. He hesitates before placing his hands on her side then up her back. She shakes lightly as she loved it when he touched her. She knew he wouldn’t jump right on the chance, so she decided to encourage him herself. She leans up from the kiss and takes hold of his hands and laces her fingers through his. A loving smile forming across her muzzle.

“Ryu...look at me. My fiance doesn’t need to act all preserved and nervous around me after all.”

Ryuji’s gaze went straight to ehr face at first. She is beautiful, especially those eyes of hers. Then his gaze slowly trails down to her torso. She is pleasantly curvaceous and her breasts are perfect. Perky and full. Then her hips and rear are full and plump. Plenty to grab onto when the time came. And her legs are strong and fit. One thing that he noticed was the mark on her hips afterward though. He couldn’t help but reach to them and place his hands on each side. Celestia lets out a soft moan as he does this and notices his gaze on her cutie mark.

“So, this is what she meant when she marks you all for a certain destiny huh?”

“..’She’?”

Ryuji nods in response as he gazes back up to Celestia with his hands still resting on her hips.

“Mhm. Your creators told me all about how she marks all of you with this cutie mark because you all have some kind of preordained destiny with these. I never really took notice of them till now. I suppose that explains your abilities of how you raise and set the sun each day. Just as your sister does with the moon. I certainly wouldn’t want that job.”

He said that last part in a teasing manner as he gently squeezed her hips. Celestia giggled and leans down, wrapping him in her arms and pressing ehr warm, soft body against his. They laid there for a little while longer until Celestia got off him and went to slide on her rather revealing white and gold bikini. Ryuji was about to get his own clothing back on when Celestia held out some black and ice grey swimming trunks. He looks them over, then back to his armor, then back to the swimming trunks again.

“I don’t know Tia. I never really wore anything other than my armor for...well a long, long time. Anything like that would be rather...strange to me.”

“Well, what if I told you that Rarity made these for you..? You wouldn’t want to break her heart, would you?”

Ryuji remembered that Rarity was supposed to make him some clothing as well back in his unaltered timeline...and the fact she made something for him now. Well, he couldn’t say no. He sighs and takes the trunks and slides them on. They went past his knees at least so he had a fair bit of coverage. But going around without a shirt was definitely going to be a bit concerning for him. Though, Celestia didn’t seem to mind at all. Especially seeing as the tenno was gaining muscle ever since he started training his own body to not rely on Hydroid as much as he used to. Eventually, the couple made their way to the beach, where Twilight and the others would be waiting in their own swimsuits, all to impress the tenno. Whose plan was this one might ask? Well, it was Celestia’s actually. You see, in this world, it wasn’t uncommon to have more than one lover. And being promised to royalty was no different. Not that Ryuji knew this.

--The Resort Beach--

Ryuji walked along side of Celestia in Hydroid. That’s right, despite being dressed for the beach, he still came with his warframe. It’s not like Celestia could yank him out by force anyway, so she didn’t have a choice in the matter. Once they got to the spot she had picked out in advance, Ryuji noticed that they weren’t alone. He saw Twilight, Rarity, and Fluttershy lounging out on towels under a large umbrella with very revealing swimsuits. Twilight wore a one-piece swimsuit that reveals quite a bit of cleavage and hugged her body nicely. Rarity wore a white bikini that had her cutie mark diamond pattern on the top part And Fluttershy wore a light forest green bikini that could barely hold ehr swollen breasts but was holding them nonetheless. Twilight was the first to notice them coming and hopped up to her hooves and walked over to Ryuji and Celestia. She was excited to see them both but then noticed that Ryuji came with his warframe. This made her pout cutely and cross her arms over him.

“Why did you bring him along, Ryuji? This is a beach. You don’t need him here…”

“Sure, I don’t need him here, but I felt like bringing him anyway. Just in case.”

Twilight looked to Celestia who just gave a slight shrug as if saying ‘It’s not like I can prevent him from doing so.’. Rarity came up behind Twilight and gave Ryuji those fluttering eyelashes.

“Come on, darling. Don’t be shy! Let me see those swimming trunks on you~.”

Ryuji sighs and steps out of hydroid with that usual blinding flash. Once they all saw him, they liked what they saw. Especially Rarity.

“Oh, my...look at you, handsome. The princess is going to have to make sure that you are well protected from the other mares on the beach. Well, maybe not all the mares~.”

She said as she gave him that seductive gaze. Even Twilight and Fluttershy couldn’t help but stare at him with desire in their eyes. Ryuji now suddenly realized that he was surrounded by three and soon four lovely mares as Fluttershy made her way over. And audible gulp was heard when they leaned in and started nuzzling him, including Celestia. All this attention was making his body heat rise to a point where his blush was full across his face.

“L-ladies, please...I appreciate the affection but I don’t think the princess would like it if you all got t-to close l-like this…”

Celestia smiles as she presses her breasts into his back as she places her hands on his shoulders. She leans in and speaks softly into his ear.

“Did you not know, Ryu? It is very common for a stallion to have many lovers. It is what’s known as a ‘herd’. Doesn’t that sound like a wonderful idea~.”

“I-I don’t know. I always believed that a couple should remain exclusive. So this is all new…”

Onlookers watched as all four of the mares showered the tenno with affection. Both regular resort-goers and staff alike. A lot of stallions got jealous and even a few mares. Others watch on while saying ‘Aawwww~.’ and just enjoying the sight of them. Ryuji started feeling lightheaded from all the stimulation. their scents, the softness and their arms wrapping around his upper body. It was all so much. He suddenly vanishes and void dashes from out of the middle with a hand over his heart. The muscle was beating at nearly ninety miles an hour from all of that.Were they trying to kill him?!

“By the Lotus…”

Is all the could say before he turns to see all of them giggling at him. Celestia and Twilight walk over to Ryuji with smiles on their faces.

“Well, that certainly didn’t go the way we thought. We were expecting you to be all about having four mares fawning over you.”

“Don’t get me wrong Tia...it was nice. But with all that going on all at once, it can get to be a little much. Anyway, I suppose since I am here, I will go and explore. I have never really been to a tropical climate like this before, even back in my world. I will leave Hydroid here just in case I need a quick trip back. I shouldn’t be long.”

Celestia didn’t really like the idea of Ryuji going off on his own. But she needed to remember that he is quite capable without his warframe as well. After all, not only does he have his own abilities, but he has that ever-present element within him, the swirling energy around his arm reminding her of that every day.

“Alright, Ryu. Just..be careful okay? Others seeing someone like you may create mixed reactions”

He reaches out and takes her hand into his and gives a loving, gentle squeeze. His eyes gaze up to meet hers as he smiles gently.

“Don’t you worry Tia. I am a tenno after all. If someone wants to pick a fight with me or cause me trouble, they will be in for a real shock. Anyway, see you soon, Tia.”

--About Half An Hour Later--

Ryuji walked further down the beach coast where fewer ponies would notice him. The sun on his skin, the sand on his feet, these new sensations were quite...enjoyable to him. Even as he walked through the sand where the waves came up to cool off his lower legs and feet felt wonderful.

“Where has this peace been all my life?”

He asks himself with a little chuckle as he makes his way towards a long reaching rock that the waves crashed against. He climbed on top of it and made his way to the very edge. The spray of the water felt great. He gets an idea. He suddenly lifts his feet off the ground and crosses his legs in mid-air. He started floating and meditating in that pose with his hands resting on his thighs. He closes his eyes and takes in everything around him. Nothing but ambient sounds as he concentrated on clearing his mind of every little bad thing. This went on for a little longer until Ryuji opened his eyes while hearing hoofsteps approaching him from behind. He stands back up and turns around to find a young filly running to him with tears in her eyes. She had a dark blue two-piece bathing suit on that had ruffles on both the top and bottom. Her fur is a light pink with her mane and tail being pure white and her eyes a strawberry red. Ryuji blinks a few time as she runs into him and wraps her arms around him tightly. He was confused as to what in the world was happening until three older stallions came running after her. In that time the filly hid behind Ryuji and peeked out in fear. The stallions stop and notice the tenno and the filly hiding behind him. They try to approach closer but Ryuji puts his right hand up and his left arm in front of the filly in a protective manner.

“I wouldn’t step any closer than that. Unless you want me to send all three of you into the water. Now, what exactly have you done to this little girl?”

“What does it matter to you, kid? It’s not like you can’t do anything about it anyway. There is three of us and only one of you. But if you must know, we were going to have our way with the little sweetheart. She looks like a mare well enough. She is quite developed for her age.”

Ryuji blinks a few times and takes a look at her for a moment. She was indeed blooming rather quickly for how young she looked. But at the same time, she is a child! And the fact that he called him a kid didn’t sit too well with him.

“A kid? I am older than all three of you assholes put together. And it doesn’t matter how mature she is physically, she is a child! It’s sick fucks like you that need their cocks cut off and to never see them again!”

“Please, mister...don’t let them touch me again…”

The filly says as she sniffles between sobs. They actually touched her already?! Ryuji was hot now. He didn’t even hesitate for a moment, he shoved his right hand forward and fired off a concentrated beam of void energy which gits directly in the chest of the first stallion, causing instant death and sending his body flying down the rock. Ryuji void dashes forward to the one on the left and shoves his spectral sword through the stallion’s chest which made him burn away in a dark grey fire, repeating the same with the one on the right, leaving no blood or and trace of them even being here. Except for the one who had a gaping hole in his chest. Ryuji quickly took the filly’s hand and ran down back the way he came to make sure both of them weren’t seen and also get her back to her family. Little did the tenno know, that by saving this filly, he had saved one that was royalty of the other rulers of the land that was present at the summit.

Act 18: A Potential Fix

View Online

Ryuji walked along the shoreline with the little filly’s hand in his. She kept close to her protector while they made their way back to the more populated area of the beach. He was silent the whole time, still a bit upset that she had to go through that with those assholes who molested her. She saw it was bothering him as she gazed up into his eyes. She squeezes his hand firmly and gives him a soft smile.

“I am alright now thanks to you, mister. I owe you quite a bit for helping me.”

He shakes his head in response, he didn’t feel like she owed him a thing. It was simply the right thing to do. If she was a fully grown mare, that is one thing. But she is a filly, a child. Ryuji did not feel one ounce of remorse for what he did. As they walked along, she couldn’t help but look up at her savior in admiration. Even going so far as to squeeze his hand a bit more. Ryuji sighed lightly and gave her a gentle smile. The way she looked at him did make the tenno feel a bit better about the whole situation.

“You don’t owe me a thing, little one. It was simply the right thing to do. Though, you shouldn’t have had to see what I did to them. I just got so upset about what they did. But, I am just glad you were able to get away from them before they...did anything worse to you.”

They finally made their way to the more populated area of the beach and looked around to see if they could find her mother or anyone that might be looking for her. She finally lays eyes on a rather curvaceous mare who was looking around with an extreme look of worry on her face. She shared the same fur color and eye color as the little filly did. She gasps in happiness and lifts a hand up[ in the air and waves it about frantically while she calls out to the mare.

Momma! I am over here!”

The mare in question snaps her head in their direction. She quickly makes her way over to Ryuji and the filly. They both meet halfway into a warm and loving embrace after Ryuji releases her hand from his. To see a parent reunite with their child after being separated, it made Ryuji long for something like that. But knowing that it would never happen again, he pushed it out of his mind before the mare looked over to Ryuji and pulled her daughter closer to her in a protective embrace. The filly saw this and immediately started to reassure her mother about him.

“He saved me, Momma! He saved me from a bunch of bad ponies who were trying to touch me and hurt me! He is truly amazing, like the knights you speak about in my bedtime stories.”

The mare looks down at Ryuji when she picks up her daughter in her arms. Hey, blue eyes looking the tenno from head to toe as she studied his features. Then it hit her. She remembers Celestia talking about someone with his exact appearance walking along the shoreline when the search party began for her missing daughter.

“You...are Ryuji then?”

“Yes, ma’am. I was walking along further down the beach when she came running to me. I wasn’t sure of what was happening until three older stallions stepped out saying that they were looking for her. And they seemed pretty intent on doing rather...unspeakable things to her. So I...disposed of them to keep her safe.”

She blinked a few times and lets out a slight giggle as she looks down at him. Ryuji arches a brow and crosses his arms wondering what is so funny about a situation like that. Though she clarifies after her little giggle.

“I am sorry for laughing. But I expected some kind of large hulking stallion when I heard that from you. But looking at you, you are no bigger than a young stallion nearly reaching his adulthood. So please forgive me if I have offended you.”

Ryuji sighed and shook his head. Normally, he’d get upset about that. But with how many times others had mistaken him for a child, he kind of just shrugs it off now and proves that he is certainly no child. He gazes up at the tall mare with a slow-growing smile as his eyes glowed brightly and void energy swirled around his hands.

“Oh, I can definitely prove to you I am no child. Hell, I may even be older than you are. You don’t appear to be an alicorn. So you certainly can’t be older than I am.”

“It was amazing, momma! This bright beam of energy shot from his hand, and then a sword appeared out of nowhere as well! He was so quick in his movements. He was so brave and strong! Can..can I marry him when I am old enough..?”

Ryuji’s eyes widened at the filly’s sudden desire to marry him. It was just like younger Celestia all over again! But it did make him chuckle when her mother gave a look of surprise when her daughter wanted to marry the tenno. But he was quick to shoot her down.

“I am sorry, little one. But I am afraid that I am spoken for. You see, I don’t think in sun princess would be too happy to find out that her fiance had been stolen away from her by a sweet little filly. But I am flattered that you’d find me as a suitable fiance for yourself.”

And on queue, Celestia sees Ryuji speaking with the mare and her daughter She makes her way to his side as they spoke and knew that for some reason, he’d be the first to find the missing child. She giggles lightly as she heard the filly wanting to marry Ryuji when she got older and felt her heart melt when he said that he was already spoken for. She places an arm around his shoulder and rests a hand on his chest. A knowing smile coming across her muzzle.

“How did I know you’d be the one to find her first, handsome? You never stop amazing me…”

Ryuji smiles up at Celestia and gently places a hand on hers, giving it a loving squeeze as he leans back against her.

“Well, it is almost as if it was meant for her to run into me. Perhaps she will try and steal me away from you in the future huh?”

He said as he teased his fiance with those words. Celestia gave him a rather playful glare before looking back to the mare in question.

“I am just glad that she is safe. And that Lady Hazel has been reunited with her daughter.”

“‘Lady’ Hazel?”

“Mhmm, she is the ruler of one of the far-off lands of Equestria. Just as are most of the others you saw in the conference room we were in. Thought Her husband was the one who attended.”

“Aaah, i see now.”

Said Ryuji as he then bowed his head in departure as he and Celestia started to make their way back to their own group. But before they could go, Hazel called out to Ryuji.

“Wait! There is still the matter of your reward! Anything you desire, name it. After all, you saved my daughter and brought her back to me. Money, power, anything you could possibly desire…”

Ryuji did think of one thing. Something he has wanted for a very long time now. He knew that time travel or changing time wasn’t going to be easy to come across. However, if they could just do this one thing for the tenno, he would be beyond happy. And things would be just as they were before the whole mess started. when he was thrown back in ti me. He walks up to Hazel and looks up into her eyes with a glint of hope within his own. She took notice of this and listened intently for what he was about to ask of her. Even Celestia knew the only other thing he ever wanted in his life and she hoped for her fiance, that it would be obtainable someday.

“This is something I have always wanted to possess for a while now. But, would you happen to have or even know of a spell that one can use to share memories? Mor5e specific, my memories with others? If you have this, it would make me extremely happy.”

Hazel thought about it for a moment. She then looked down at him with a warm smile and motioned for him to follow her to her room back at the resort. Ryuji’s heart started beating quickly as her smile. Could she really have what he has been searching for all this time?

--In Hazel’s Suite--

Ryuji and Celestia watched as the mare dug through her things while her filly sat on the bed still smiling up at the tenno. He smiled back to ehr and noticed that she was still looking at him with a bit of affection in her eyes. He blushed lightly before shaking his head slightly. Once Hazel found what she was looking for, she goes over to Ryuji and hands him a book. He opens it up and reads through a few pages and smiles a smile that tops all of his others. He quickly wraps his arms around Hazel in a tight hug. This caught the mare by surprise but she returns the hug. Celestia seeing this, she keeps her jealousy in check. After all, she remembers how he gets when he is given something or treated nicely. He is a hugger.

“Thank you so much, Lady Hazel! This is exactly what I need. Though I cannot perform the magic, I know a certain purple unicorn who is good with this sort of stuff. Thank you again.”

“You are quite welcome. Anything for the one who rescued my daughter…”

Ryuji turns to Celestia and runs to her, holding up the book in a victory-like pose. When she saw this, she couldn’t think of any other words than.

He..so...cute!

“Look, Tia! We got it! I can finally fix everything now!”

--Back At Canterlot Castle, Casting Room--

Ryuji was a bit nervous at having a spell cast upon him. Celestia and the others could tell this by how he was pacing back and forth with his hand resting under his chin. Just as ever good mare should do for their fiance, she makes her way over to him and kneels in front of him, gently places her hands on his shoulders and gently rubs them, then his upper arms.

“Calm down, my love. Twight is a well-practiced magic user. It is what she is best at after all. She will make sure that everything goes smoothly and then things will be as they were. And then…”

She leans in and whispers into his ear.

“You and I can finally celebrate...alone, in our bedchambers. I am going to show my fiance just how much I love him and want to please him…”

Ryuji gulped hard and blushed heavily at his fiance’s words. He could only imagine just what she had in store for him before Twilight walked over clearing her throat.

“It is written in old punish. But thanks to my in-depth research on the spell. I can cast it with a success with no issues! But it is a powerful spell, so I will need yours and Princess Luna’s help as well.”

Once Celestia and Luna made their way beside Twilight, they all looked at Ryuji who stood in the middle of the circle. He closes his eyes and breaths in slowly, then breaths out at the same pace as he relaxes his mind and body. He trusted Twilight with all his heart. And knowing that this spell will show the purple unicorn just how much he cares for her, and how much she cares for him, he kept this as part of the unbreakable faith in her.

“I am ready. I am ready to have my family back.”

Twilight started the spell off, then Celestia and Luna started casting their magic to add in the fuel that powers the spell. Ryuji is lifted from the ground several feet in the air with his arms out to his slide slightly. The spell appeared to be working just fine for the first half of it. But then, the sound of clock gears clicking and bells ringing started to echo throughout the room. This was not supposed to be part of the spell.

“S-something’s not right...Princesses, stop the spell, this isn’t how it is supposed to work!!!”

Shouted Twilight as she tried to resist finishing the spell.

“I...can’t! The magic won’t stop flowing!”

“Nor can I, it’s like it’s not giving us a choice but to finish!”

Shouted both Celestia and Luna. Celestia opened up her eyes as she watched a clock gear appear under Ryuji and a belly appears around him. All she could do was watch as her beloved tenno was taken through what she assumed was a portal as the ground swallowed him up. The spell finally breaks as it pushed all three of them to the ground. Celestia quickly got to her hooves and went to the spot where Ryuji once stood. There was no trace of him left.

“No..nononono, NO! Ryuji, come back!!!”

Celestia cried out as she fell to her knees in defeat. Fearing that she had lost him forever, she began to cry into her hands. Little did they know, they didn’t send him into a different time. But, into the Gallery of Time. And what awaits the tenno, is something that will ultimately make him shift the timeline not to his favor, but to something dreadful as well. For if one blends two timelines into one, the consequences could be dire.

Act 19: A Chance To Fix Everything

View Online

A bright blue light appears above a large platform with a large working clock behind it. The bell rings loudly as Ryuji flies from the light onto his feet before stumbling forward a bit. The light disappears quickly leaving the tenno dazed and confused as to what has happened. He looks around trying to gain his bearings once more. Eventually, he finally does. His eyes first fall to the massive grandfather clock face that seemed to function just as a regular clock would. But the sounds were very low and loud. He turns and gazes around at the rather gothic decor of the room. Then down at the black and blue platform, he stood upon. It was in the shape of a hexagon and even had a working clock built into it under the glass. He turns again to see the platform has a lengthy pathway that leads to large dark doors that opened up as if they were expecting him

“Where the hell am I now? I am getting a little tired of being yanked around into these kinds of places…”

Obviously, he had nowhere to go but forward. He began his walk towards the now opened doors, his footsteps in sync with the ticking of the clock as he cautiously approached. As he finally made it through the doors, they slowly closed behind him. What he saw in the room was stunningly beautiful. A sandy beachside that leads out into sparkling blue water that the night sky reflected off of. Even the moon had a clock face on it. Ryuji’s mind came to one conclusion. He was neither in Equestria or back in his own universe. But in an entirely different place altogether. As he got closer to the water, a figure in a dark blue hooded robe appears before him. He stops dead in his tracks and looks up to see horn and wings before catching a glimpse of an elderly looking mare under the hood who smiled to the tenno in a gentle manner.

“Well, well. I was wondered when you’d finally make your way here, young one. I knew it was only a matter of...time.”

She gave a light chuckle at the end of her words. Ryuji looked the elderly alicorn over as she lowered down in front of him.

“So, would you mind telling me where I am? I have a hunch that this is some kind of..timekeeping dimension. Given all the clocks and clock faces around here.”

“You’d be right in your assumptions, Ryuji. You are actually in the Gallery Of Time. A place few have the chance to come to and change any part of their time and critical choices should they be so inclined. This place appears to you now because this is the condition of your heart. Calm and relaxing, but also dark and unknowing. Most likely because of the other being that resides within you.”

Ryuji walks over to the edge of the water and looks down into it. At first, he sees only his reflection, but then images shimmer into existence of moments of his life playing like some kind of movie Even images that go as far back as his awakening from his long, long sleep. But the only part of his life he wanted to see again was..there they were. The two timelines he had departed from. One that started it all with his first day in Equestria, and the one when he saved both Luna and Celestia as fillies from the Dark Hydroid.

Ryuji waded into the water as two portals appeared before him. He had two choices. To return to his original timeline, or return to the one he had left moments ago. He looks between the two portals and squeezes his hands into fists. In both timelines, he had grown to love each and every one of his friends. But most of all, he loved Celestia the most. And with these new memories…

“Since these are my timelines, I can do whatever I wish with them right?”

“I may be Mother Time, but even I cannot control your fate, Ryuji. The choice is yours, and yours alone. Though, I am rather curious as to what you will do…”

Ryuji looked back to the portals again and closed his eyes. He thinks of only one thing to try. He clasps his hands together in front of him and begins to remember every single good memory that he possessed out of both timelines. The moment he met the girls, the moment he showed Twilight the inside of his orbiter, the moment that he saved Celestia from Dark hydroid, the moment he finally confessed his love to her. Suddenly the portals started flashing brightly as they began to move closer and closer together. The water around it and Ryuji began to shift and sway. The ever-present swirling energy around his arm fluctuating in both size and glow as he did this. The elder alicorn watched in amazement as he began to combine the two timelines together. This is the first time someone has used sheer will and magic to combine time like this.

“Tia...Twi...I am coming home. And we will all be a family once more.”

Ryuji did not hesitate once the portals became one. He leaped forward with a void dash through the portal before it had a chance to split itself apart. Ryuji knew that meddling with time like this had consequences. But he’d deal with those down the line. All he cared about was getting his loved ones back. As Ryuji flew through the gateway of the portal, he could see things changing and shifting into unknown images. But he kept his mind and sight forward. Moving forward was his prime objective now. No matter what may come, he knows he won’t be alone in the fight. His first thought when he makes it back, to become one with his frame. He doesn’t know how long he has been gone from Equestria, but knowing Celestia, she would have ordered to make sure his frame would be kept safe in his absence.

--Canterlot Castle, 2 Years Later, Hearth’s Warming Eve--

Celestia sat in her bedchambers as she watched the snow fall from the sky from her window. She rested on her bed wrapped in a blanket as the fireplace next to her worked to warm up the room. The crackling of the fire making itself heard every now and again.

“I..I miss him so much...please, mother. Bring him back to me this Hearth’s Warming Eve. I just want my love back. We all missed him so very much.”

The sun princess prayed hard with all her might. Little did she know that her wish was going to true this night. She heard rapid hoofsteps approaching ehr doors before the were swung open by her younger sister, Luna whose eyes were as wide as saucer plates Clearly she had seen something that gave her quite a shock.

“Sister! You must come see this! I feel the same energy once more that Ryuji used to give off surrounding his frame once more! You must come now!”

Celestia flew out of her blanket and quickly followed her sister down to the chamber that held Hydroid in a protective holding box made of strong glass. This chamber was made to house Hydroid as a memory of Ryuji to those who knew him. It was kind of like a memorial. After all, no one knew if he was dead or still alive. Once they were down there, it grew warmer than it normally did there.

“R-Ryu…? Have your returned once more..?”

Suddenly Hydroid jolts to life and lifts into the air as it curls up. Celestia knew what was coming next and proceeded to grab Luna and dive behind a conveniently placed large stone tablet. A large shockwave shattered the container as a loud blast came from the frame. Hydroid landed back on his feet and stepped down from the platform before standing still at the bottom of it. Celestia and Luna slowly made their way out from behind the slab as they stared at the motionless warframe.

“Ryu..?”

Celestia whimpered out, hoping against all hope that it truly was him. A smile slowly formed across her muzzle as a figure stepped out from Hydroid, the light only leaving a shadowy form until it vanished, revealing the tenno has returned once more.

“Hello there Tia...sorry I worried you. But, everything is alright now. The things the way they were. I have fixed it all. And now I have come back to-.”

He was cut off by the happy sun princess who called out his name as she ran to him and scooped him up in her arms and wings. Tears of joy flowing down her face as she held him close and kissed him over and over as she sobbed gently. Ryuji could only smile as he gently cupped her cheeks in his hands as he wiped her tears away with his thumbs. This was truly an emotional moment for them both.

“I missed you too, Tia. Very very much. I am very happy to feel your embrace once more. Do you...do recall any memories that you may have recently acquired? Or rather have some that are mixed together?”

She stared into his eyes as she nuzzled into his soft touch. She had missed his touch for so long. And she had also missed staring into those unique eyes that held the outmost love for her. After he asked that question, she thought back on it and did remember getting a strange feeling in her heart and mind that events had happened that she just now remembered. But she didn’t care at that moment. She had him. That was all that mattered to her right now. Her only answer that she could give him was a tighter embrace and more kisses. How long was he gone for?

“Tia...I was only gone for a few minutes..an hour at most. What happened?”

Celestia blinks a few times in confusion and walks over to the window while carrying Ryuji. What Ryuji saw was breathtaking. A beautiful winter night with lights and decor all along the castle grounds and the city below as well.I The slow snowfall only added to the beauty of the Hearth’s Warming Eve. Ryuji looked back to Celestia with his mouth slightly agape.

“Tia..? How long was I gone…?”

“Two years, my love. Two...very long and lonely years without you. It has been torture. Not knowing if you were still alive or...gone forever.”

“Come on Tia. You know I can’t be killed that easily. I am a tenno. We survive no matter what.”

He said as he lightly takes her cheeks into his hands again. But this time, he leans in and locks his lips with ehrs in a heated kiss. Their lips locked together as they held onto the kiss as long as possible. Luna smiled as she saw her sister happy once more. Even more so on a night like this where loved ones are meant to be together.

“Good for you, big sis~.”

She said with a smile as she departed the room to leave them alone. She had work she needed to do anyway being the princess of the night and all. Eventually, both Ryuji and Celestia ventured to their bedchambers and cuddled up under to blankets of their bed next to the fireplace. Celestia laid her head on his chest and she wrapped her arms around him nearly constantly nuzzling into him. But Ryuji didn’t mind. He happily welcomed her affection as he ran his hands through her mane. Celestia was happy once more now that the love of her life was with her again. And this time, she wasn’t going to let him slip away from her again.

“This is truly the best Hearth’s Warming gift I could have ever gotten. To have you back in my life, Ryu. It’s...so wonderful…”

“And I am glad to be back here with you, Tia. I wasn’t sure what would happen when I did what I did. But here you are. Still in love with me...still my beautiful princess.”

“I will always love you, Ryu. You are my fiance. And that will one change on the day that you and I finally marry as our hearts become one. But for now, I want to sleep with my beloved in my arms. Just wait, I am going to give you the best gift ever when you wake up tomorrow. And it is the gift that I will most certainly keep giving you~.”

She said with a wink before pressing her warm soft body against his. After all, their first lovemaking session is way overdue. And Celestia was going to make sure to mark the occasion on Hearth’s Warming Day.

Amidst all this happiness, however, shadows began moving in once more. As Ryuji had upset the balance the Fates have so carefully formed. But things were going to be on equal ground now. As Ryuji was no longer a being who didn’t belong. And he had his friends and fiance behind him the whole way.

Act 20: You Don't Need Me Anymore, Kiddo

View Online

It was around midnight when Ryuji woke from his slumber next to Celestia who had her arms wrapped around him. He looked over at her to see her smiling in her sleep. He carefully slipped out of her grasp and gt his clothing on quietly. He makes his way out of the bedchambers and down the hall as they guard that patrolled during the night wondered what he was up to. He just told them he was going to get a snack in the royal kitchen. When he goes and gets his snack, he heads outside to the north courtyard and makes his way over to the railing to gaze down at the city below. In his mind, he was as happy as he had ever been. He had his family back, and most of all, he had Celestia back.

“My life couldn’t be any better than it is now. Thanks to that time spell. I have everything back…”

He continues to gaze out as the light falling snow fell from the sky. The city below was absolutely beautiful along with the Hearth’s Warming decorations and lights. He felt that his life was going to be better from here on. But...it was just that one little careless moment that was going to get him in a bind…

“And now, I have to take it all from you, kiddo. I am sorry. But I did warn you about this.”

Ryuji turned to see his doppelganger was now face to face with him. Suddenly a nikana prime materialized his hand and he thrusts it into the middle of Ryuji’s chest. There was no physical wound, but the pain was all the same. Ryuji lets out a cry of pain as he tries to hang on to consciousness for dear life. He became weak in the knees as he glared up at his doppelganger as he slowly began to fall into the snow.

“You let your guard down for just that one moment. And that was all I needed. It’s time I claim what’s mine.”

He said as he disappears into void energy and forces his way into Ryuji’s body. He started thrashing around violently as he was being taken over. The demon expected an easy possession, but he could feel Ryuji fighting mentally. This making the demon smile.

“That’s it kiddo. Make me work for it…”

--A Half An Hour Later--

Celestia jolts up out of her sleep with a deep depressing feeling in her stomach. She knew something had happened when her gaze shifted over to the empty space where her fiance fell asleep in her arms. She gets into something warm and quickly rushes out of the bedchambers and makes her way down the hall and down the stairs. The guard noticed a very concerned face on their princess. She looks to a pair of them patrolling the hall and calls out to them.

“Guards, have you seen Ryuji?!”

“Y-yes your highness! We last saw him heading to the northern courtyard! What has happened..?”

“I don’t know, but I need to find him quickly! I have a bad feeling about this!”

“We are coming with you, princess!”

They said as they chased after her. They finally made their way into the northern courtyard. When they get near the railing, they see Ryuji lying motionless almost completely covered in snow. Had they come at a later time, they may have never even seen him! Celestia's eyes widen in horror at her lover’s motionless body, she screams out his name and rushes towards him as fast as her legs can carry her. She slides next to him into the snow and brushes all the snow off his body before placing him close to her form for warmth.

“Ryuji...RYUJI! Wake up, please! PLEASE!”

No response. She quickly learns down and listens for his heartbeat. It was there, but very slow. She quickly lifts him up in her arms and pushes her way past the guards who followed behind. She runs through the castle holding onto Ryuji’s body for dear life, hoping that her warmth would help even a little bit. When she finally gets to the medical wing, some of the castle staff who stayed to work that night came running out of their office when they heard Celestia crying out for help.

The doctors move him to Celestia’s hospital room at her order. They try their best to find out what exactly was wrong with him over the next two hours. But, there was no injury or ailments to speak off. And yet, he was in an almost near death-like state. However, every once in awhile there’d be a slight thrashing of his body and a bit of void energy rising up from it. And if that wasn’t enough to give away with what he was dealing with, his eyes opened up to reveal them shifting from their original ice grey and blue to pure black and gold over and over again.

“Send a message to Twilight...Tell her that she and her friends are needed instantly. It involves Ryuji is fighting an internal battle and he needs his family here. Hurry!”

“Y-yes your highness! At once!”

Said one of the guards as he and his partner made their way out of the room. Celestia sat at the bedside where Ryuji laid struggling to fight for his own life. She takes hold of one of his hands into hers and holds it in a firm by loving grip with both of hers as she lowers her head. She remembered the threat that his void demon made that day. And it seemed like he was making good on it.

--Within Ryuji’s Mind--

Ryuji now stood within a rather familiar looking large area. It looked like he was standing in some kind of area surrounded by the orokin decor. There was plenty of gold around to indicate that much. He scanned the whole room until his eyes fell on his doppelganger who stood across from him with that same Nikana Prime he had impaled Ryuji with earlier. If anyone else was in his shoes right now, they’d be more than upset with what was going on. But Ryuji has known that this day was possible for so very long.

“It’s my own fault that I lowered my guard. I should have expected it, being a happy or sad moment. So I can’t be angry with you. But…”

He holds his right hand out to his side as the spectral Nikana Prime appears in his hand after the magical energy swirls down his arm. He grips the hilt with a death grip as gets into a battle stance.

“I will not give up without a fight. And I will not let you make them cry. This is MY life”

“That’s it, kiddo. Take up your sword and fight for what is yours. But know I won’t be holding back for what I desire. I will not hesitate to kill you once I have the chance. And then your body will be mine.”

They stare each other down with the intent to kill one another. Their weapons ready to cut and slash at their mental state to weaken one another. Who will prevail? The Tenno, or the demon?

___________

The sound of many hooves running down the hall could be heard a few hours later after the guard sent word of what was happening. The door swings open as Twilight and the others burst through and start surrounding the bed that Ryuji laid on. Twilight took his left side and looked towards her mentor who seemed to be struggling with the whole thing.

“Princess...what has happened to him…? Perhaps we all can help.”

Celestia looks at her pupil with eyes of worry and sadness. She squeezes Ryuji's hand in a loving manner before explaining.

“I-I found him lying out in the northern courtyard nearly buried in snow. He hasn’t been responsive to any of the doctors. Thankfully he isn’t physically hurting. But from the sign his body has been giving off, I fear it is much worse than physical pain he is dealing with now. He is struggling to fight his demon. The one that threatened to take hold of him all those months ago. His eyes have been shifting colors and void energy has been radiating from his body...I am scared Twilight. What if he doesn’t..come out of this...and the demon takes hold..?”

Celestia’s eyes started welling up with tears at the thought of not only losing Ryuji to the demon but having to possibly destroy his body in order to stop him. If she had to do that, it would crush her entirely. Twilight could see the pain in her teacher’s eyes. She kneels down and takes Ryuji’s left hand into her and squeezes it lightly.

“Have you forgotten, princess? Ryuji isn’t going to let some demon take what he cares for so dearly from him. He has proven time and again that he is capable of figuring out ways to win. After all., he has been through time itself to get where he is now. And besides…”

She and the others gather closer and place their hands upon Twilight’s. The all smile warmly and close their eyes just as Twilight does. Suddenly their elements appear on their necks and Twilight’s appears on her head.

“He ain’t gonna fight this fight on his own. He’s got our support his friends and a fellow element bearer.”

“While I am above fighting, I will tear that demon apart! We will not let that monster take him from you or us! Let’s get our favorite tenno back for the princess!”

“I still never got to throw him a party! And that is unacceptable! We are coming, Ryu!”

“Aaawww yeah, time to kick some demon ass! Show him not to mess with our friends!”

“I would do anything to save him, even overcome my fear of fighting. He deserves that much…”

Celestia gazed towards the six mares that seemed to really care for the tenno. Twilight smiles to her mentor and holds out her hand to her motioning for her to take it.

“Come on now, princess. He is waiting for you. We will all help him with this struggle so that he can return to us.”

Celestia takes Twilight’s hand into her and smiles with a few tears of happiness fall down her cheeks as she closes her eyes. Both Twilight’s and her own horn start to glow as they concentrate on entering Ryuji’s mind.

“Thank you...all of you…”

She said before a bright white light filled the room.

__________

The clashing a metal blade and battle cries echoed throughout the arena where Ryuji and his demon fought for their lives and the right to take claim of the physical form that they both shared for years and years. Both of their mental states were on the verge of giving out, but their desire and determination kept them from giving up on the fight. With swinging their swords and throwing void energy at one another, it surely was an intense fight and they were doing all they could to get a leg up on the other.

Eventually, they both collapse to one knee while using their swords as support to keep their bodies from hitting the floor. They eyes meet as they smile at one another as if they were old rivals but friends at the same time. Both of them breathing heavily from the battle that they were fighting with everything they had.

“You promise to keep your word not to harm those I love should I lose this battle, right?”

“You have my word on that, kiddo. It’s the least I can do for you. You have certainly made life interesting for this old void demon. But now, it is time we end this.”

“I won’t let you take what I have worked for. You will die and your powers will be mine. I swear it.”

Ryuji says as he stands to his feet again along with the demon. Who gives off a weak chuckle.

“Don’t disappoint me, kiddo. Or I will have to bear the bad news to that mare of yours.”

“Don’t let him beat you, Ryuji!”

Ryuji’s attention switched to the voice that had called out to him. It sounded like...Twilight?!

“If you let that monster win, I will never get to throw you a party!”

“You still have a lot to do back home, darling! I still need to get you some clothes made!”

“Kick his ass, Ryu! Show that demon who’s boss!”

We are right behind yuh, Ryu! We ain’t leavin’ yuh to fight him yourself!”

“Make that bully sorry that he ever tried to take you from us!”

They all started appearing behind him one by one in a spectral-like form. They each place a hand on his back and shoulder. In doing this, the blade he held in his hand started to glow with a multitude of colors, empowering the blade with magic. And then, he heard the final voice call out to him, the one he never thought he’d hear again.

“Ryu...come back to me my love. I need you. Please, come back!”

Ryuji turns his gaze back to the demon who stared in awe as these ponies somehow found a way into Ryuji’s mind. And with the weapon that Ryuji used now empowered, he knew that this fight belonged to Ryuji. But that didn’t stop the demon from at least charging forward with one final attack.

“You see, I have something you could never hope to gain if you won. I have th3ese lovely mares as my family. And an even more beautiful one as my fiance. Therefore, I will not allow myself to lose!”

They both let out a roar of strength as they charge at one another. And with a final swing from the demon, barely missing Ryuji’s head, he slides in and shoves the blade all the way through the demon’s chest, a bright light exploding from the other side before Ryuji pulls the blade back out and steps back. The demon drops to his knees the same time as Ryuji and lets out another weak laugh. The demon looked at him with the most sincere smile he had ever given the tenno.

“Well done, kiddo...you defeated me. It looks...like you get to live your own life after all. And you earned it. To be honest...I couldn’t be happier than I am right now. I hoed deep within myself, that you’d be the one to prevail this day…”

The demon begins to glow an icy grey color as he is lifted into the air. Ryuji slowly makes his way to his feet, struggling to stand as he does.

“If we are being honest. Then I need to tell you something before you go. I...I always thought of you as a father figure. Even though you never really showed affection like a father should, you always lit a fire under me to do better...be better. And I appreciate that very much. Thank you for being there when I needed you. To give me that push I needed…”

“Heheh, you don’t need me anymore, kiddo. Therefore, I know leaving my power to you is the right choice .”

He looks over to the group of mares that had appeared behind him earlier.

“You be sure to look after him. He can be a handful sometimes.”

He then holds his hands out towards Ryuji as he begins to transfer his full power to the tenno, lifting him off his feet in the process.

“Take care, kiddo. And don’t forget me. I love you, son…”

That was it, the fight was over, and everything at that moment went black for the tenno.

Act 21: The Airborne Assault

View Online

Ever since the demon was defeated that resided in Ryuji’s mind. His abilities have been growing at a rather alarming rate. It was now ten times easier to last longer when using his void abilities. Void dashing and void walking started becoming second nature and his void blast gave off more of a massive impact than before. It would appear that the demon did indeed keep his word.

Over the time of bettering his abilities, a lot has happened. His close friend, Twilight had earned alicorn wings for utilizing her knowledge in friendship and being a true friend to the other girls. Of course, he didn’t find out about this until after the whole ceremony. But he was happy for her nonetheless. And the time that he had finally been about to spend with Celestia finally came after the whole ordeal. Every day after that, the couple spend their free time with one another. Be it enjoying a meal with each other, or her taking him into their chamber and smothering him with love and affection. Not that he minded anyway. He had gotten used to her larger body. In fact, he was really enjoying it. But He just hasn’t found nerve to make more...lewd advances towards her, even though he wants to so badly. Would he even be able to satisfy her?

Ryuji walked along the city streets of Canterlot. Everywhere he went, ponies used to start at him in disgust and would wonder why the princess would take someone like him as her mate. But through it all, the once-shunned tenno was now a welcomed sight to both adult and young ponies alike, as the knowledge was made public about what he did all those years ago when the royal sisters were young. They have even given him the name ‘Time Stream Hero’. A fitting name to be sure. Well, the ‘Time Streamer’ part anyway. With how many times he has traveled through it, it seemed quite appropriate.

However, on this day, it was quieter than usual. Ponies seemed to be in hiding rather out in public. Had something happened the past few days he was up in his orbiter? And if that was the case, why didn’t Celestia contact him on the communicator he had given her? Perhaps it was in his best interest to go and return to the castle rather than go and pay a visit to the local donut shop he had become fond of. He turns on his heels and makes toward the castle at a high rate of speed, his syndana flowing behind him in the wind like a flag. He was already regretting not stopping by first to check on things. Little did he know the feeling that was in his gut certainly entailed dark news…

He made it to the steps of the castle to find guard passed out or just now waking up from being knocked out. The first thing he noticed was the dullness of their eye color as if it had been slightly greyed out. He approaches one of the guards that came to and crouched down in front of them. Gently placing a hand on his shoulder but shaking him for his attention.

“What has happened here…? Where are Celestia and Luna?”

The guard realizing who it was that was speaking to him once his vision cleared grabbed at Ryuji’s forearm in weak desperation. Fear and worry within his gaze.

“The princesses...are in great danger…. You need to hurry to the throne room! Before it’s too late!”

Ryuji didn’t waste any time after those words. He took off once more through the halls of the castle until he approached the throne room. Once he got there, he crouched low and kept close to the wallas he heard an unfamiliar voice. A voice that sounded menacing. Once he took a peek from around where the door used to be, he spotted a rather large red and black centaur looking creature with horns sitting atop of the throne with Celestia, Luna, and Cadence struggling to keep themselves up.

“Giving up your magic so that I cannot take it from you? That was your plan?!”

He said with a wicked smile.

“How does it feel? Knowing that every earth pony, unicorn, and pegasus will bow to my will…”

He said before slamming the orbs together that had the imagines of the three on them.

“...and that there is NOTHING you can do to stop me!”

Ryuji wanted so badly to run in there and do what he could to stop..whoever this was. Especially if he was going to harm those three if he hadn’t already. While his attention was directed to the other two princesses, Celestia spotted Ryuji peeking from behind the wall, she looked at him with a serious look and mouthed one thing to him.

“Find Twilight…”

She then quickly returns her gaze back to Tirek.

“You will not prevail, Tirek…”

“Give my regards to Cerberus…”

He said before casting them into a portal that he opened with his magic, throwing all three of them into Tartarus. Ryuji wanted so badly to fight to save his beloved. But he was quick to leave and make his way to finding Twilight s quickly as possible. Once he was outside and in the open, he called out to Ordis.

“Ordis, locate Twilight! I need to find her, NOW!”

“Right away Operator. Hmm, I see her, but she seems to be moving at a rather high speed.”

“Bring the ship to me and pick me up quickly! We have a big problem on our hands!”

Ryuji’s landing craft soon came down to scoop him up and took off in Twilight’s direction. Eventually, they found one another and met on the ground. Ryuji caught Twilight upon what he had just witnessed at the castle and she told him about the situation, getting him up to date. Suddenly that voice boomed loudly once more.

“Princess Twilight! You have something that belongs to me!”

Twilight takes hold of Ryuji and teleports them out into the open where Tirek stood waiting for them.

“You’re going to give me what I want…”

Ryuji stood in front of Twilight with his arca plasmor pointed directly at Tirek’s face just as he leans in to absorb her magic. He squeezes the trigger sending out a wave of the highly concentrated energy. This made Tirek scream out in pain as he reeled back, nearly stumbling over his own hooves.

“You will not harm a hair on her you bastard. Now give me back Celestia and the others or I will make you regret what you have done here.”

Tirek growls in anger and swings his hand toward Ryuji. Twilight grabs his hand and teleports them both to the library. She looks through the spyglass on her balcony just in time to see a large orange and yellow beam heading their way. In desperation, she reaches out and grabs for Ryuji once more and teleports just as the concentrated magic hits its mark and destroys the library in one shot. Twilight screams as she comes out of her teleportation, but it was only she that appeared to have made it out. Tears began to well up in her eyes as she saw no one rising from the wreckage. Her heart was breaking into pieces thinking that she had lost Someone not only precious to ehr, but to all her friends. Especially to her mentor.

She wanted to scream and cry out for him. But the burning rage that was now in her heart outweighed her need to sad at the moment. She flew off at top speed to go and finish the fight that the monster had started. And she intended to get her revenge for whom Tirek had stolen from her. However, after she flew off, a few minutes later, the hand of Hydroid shoots straight up from the burning remains…

The battle between Twilight and Tirek rages on. Their powers both evenly matched. Tirek gives a wicked grin as he proposes a deal. One that he knew Twilight couldn’t refuse.

“It seems we are at an impasse. How about a trade, Princess Twilight?”

He snaps his fingers as all her friends appear in what appear to be large bubbles.

“Their release, for all the alicorn magic in Equestria!”

“Don’t do it, Twilight!”

Shouted Rainbow

“We aren’t worth it..!”

Said Fluttershy. Twilight gave it some thought. Realizing that her friends are more important than all the power in the world, she agrees to his demand.

“I will give you my magic, in exchange for my friends.”

“As you wish…”

He snaps his fingers and lets them all drop to the ground. He approaches Twilight and chuckles darkly.

“Your turn…”

He begins to drain Twilight’s magic from her body. the sheer pain of so much magic being pulled from her at once made her cry out. And just as the transfer was almost complete…

“Ordis, carpet bomb this son of a bitch…”

Suddenly the sound of Ryuji’s landing craft got closer within a quarter of a second. Heavy gunfire landing a direct hit all along Tirek’s body. He howls back in pain caused by the barrage. They all look up to see Ryuji...flying! On some sort of mechanical wings! They were black and ice grey, just as everything else he had. They were sharp and streamline. They looked like they were built for speed and maneuverability His syndana was torn and tattered and it looked like he had been through her. But warframes are much sturdier than the ponies knew. Along with these wings, he held some kind of large gun with what appeared to look like a twin set of bows at the end of it and some kind of shield and sword all in one weapon. Twilight’s eyes widened as she saw Ryuji was still very much alive

Ryuji...you..you are…”

“I have taken down monster ten times his size that could send out more firepower. Fomorians are more threatening than this ugly bastard> Ordis, another round.”

The same sound of his landing craft was heard as it took potshots at the confused and now angered centaur creature as it took him off his hooves this time. It pissed him off that he couldn’t exactly see what was shooting at him. This gave Ryuji the chance to float in front of Twilight. He smiled within Hydroid and gently placed a hand on her head, petting and running his fingers through her mane with his free hand.

“I got this from here Twilight. You and the others need to go and find what you need to finish this cocksucker off. I am sure I can keep him busy for as long as you need. Also, I wanted to give you this, but I could never find the right time…”

A hand reaches through Hydroid’s body, holding out a necklace with a solid gold design that resembled the design of the symbol on the Lotus’ helmet. Twilight looks at the necklace in awe and slowly takes it from him, admiring the detail and work that had been put into it.

“It’s just a little gift I wanted to give to you for dealing with me...I wish I had something to give all of you. But I///ran out of ideas...sorry.”

Twilight looks over the necklace then up at Ryuji. How she wished that she could just hug him tightly. She didn’t mind Hydroid, but at the same time, she wished it was the real Ryuji.

“I like all of you. And I am happy to be your friend. Now then, go do what you need to do…”

He said as he lifted up into the air and cocked the massive weapon that rested on his other arm.

“I am going to make this fucker pay for even touching you and everyone else I care for.”

He flies off to now stare at Tirek, their eyes meeting for an intense moment as they stared each other down.

“I don’t know how you are still alive and what kind of magic you possess. But once I finish with you, I will be taking it for myself, and kill you afterward!”

“You can’t take what you don’t understand, monster. The void is a force that only those who have spent time in its depths and dealt with the demons within can only tame! Now, get ready to die!”

Suddenly, small metallic object materializes out of Ryuji’s archwing. They quickly move about and surround Tirek and start shooting laser-like projectiles at him. Ryuji himself flies forward while shooting his heavy weapon that shot out wide waves of high powered blades of energy. The little drones weren’t causing much pain, but they did a wonderful job of distracting Tirek. Ryuji flies around and above Tirek as he twirls and loops around the oncoming beams and blasts of magic while continuing to shoot his weapon that even recharged over time if he gave it a break. He was simply buying as much time as he could for Twilight and the others to do what they needed to do to stop this bastard. He draws his melee weapon as suddenly flies in closely, finding an opening. He swings the bladed shield at the vulnerable points he could find before taking to the air once more. He gets ready to fire his weapon once more when a feeling of familiarity came over him. He was quick to react, but not quick enough. As that very same bolt that had canceled his transference once shot through Hydroid, immediately shutting him down and forcing Ryuji out of his frame. The same shocking feeling from before racked his body in pain, but this time, he was able to land on one knee and keep himself from falling as he fights through the pain with one eye open and a low growl.

“Heeeh, so this is what you really are. Just a child hiding in a metal shell of a puppet that you can control. But it seems that fate is on my side as you appear to no longer be able to use it. Now that the weak point is exposed. I shall destroy this puppet, then I will destroy you…”

Ryuji slowly got to his feet and took a defensive stance in front of the lifeless form of Hydroid. Although still in pain from the bolt, he stood strong to protect the one who had been with him from the very beginning. The spectral Nikana Prime started swirling down his arm and eventually in his grip. Ryuji’s eyes stared up at Tirek in a defying manner.

"I will not let you take him from me, Hydroid has always been there for me, and I will be damned if I am not going to return the favor and protect him. You and the Fates can fuck off and die in the void. This isn't the first time I had to deal with this. So come at me with all you got!"

Tirek grinned an evil grin before charging up his magic. Once ready, it blasted directly toward Ryuji who stood his ground with his sword in a blocking manner. When the concentrated magic made contact, there was the sound of a long, echo strike against steel as a dome formed around Ryhui that seemed to keep the still oncoming magic at bay. Ripples along the outside of the dome became visible and waves of wind that directed the energy pushed whatever was on the outside of the dome. This went on for what felt like an eternity. Magic blast after magic blast as Ryuji tried to keep up the dome in order to protect himself and his Warframe. Sweat started dripping down Ryuji’s face as he started to feel the exhaustion kicking in. Little did he know that something was going on behind him. He heard movement. He turned his head to see that Hydroid was...getting up?! How was this even possible?! Ryuji was not in control of him nor could he be if he wasn’t inside

“Hydroid...how are you…?”

It hit him then. He remembers back to that very first time he actually saw his warframe. That day he had awakened from his long slumber and the Stalker along with Hunhow nearly killed him. The sword the Stalker had impaled Hydroid with. He started moving and eventually broke the sword in two, thus severing Hunhow’s hold on Stalker. But to see him moving as if Ryuji was controlling him is a different story!

Hydroid lifted his hand up and suddenly squeezes it closed before he rushes out of the dome. He casts his ultimate ability around Tirek, essentially trapping him in the tentacles while the others painfully impale him through the sides and legs with brute force.

“Neeaaagh! How is this possible?! You are not even controlling this puppet! It shouldn’t be moving like this!”

Ryuji gave a tired smirk as he fell to a knee, still maintaining the barrier.

“‘It’? ‘Puppet’? Hydroid is more than just some puppet you fool. He is my best friend! And he has been with me for over a thousand years! Warframes aren’t just walking weapons, they are alive! They used to be human just like me! And I am proud to have Hydroid fight with me through thick and thin!”

Just as Ryuji gpt to his feet after resting for a few minutes, a large beam of multiple colors shoots out of the Everfree Forest. It forms an orb with six figures inside of it that fly toward the fight and reveals Twilight and her friends with some...unusual appearance changes. Ryuji gazes up in all at the power they seemed to have acquired. However, once they got closer, Ryuji felt himself lift into the air in from of them. Multi-colored beams swirl around his spectral blade and form one multi colors sword. Tirek growls in anger and fires a massive beam towards the group, but with one simple swing of the blade, Ryuji sends it flying through the sky.

“We are here with you, Ryuji! All of us!”

They all shouted with a smile. Ryuji looked back at them with the very same smile before focusing his attention back on Tirek who now had a slight look of worry, anger, and fear all over his face. Ryuji took and attack stance in mid-air and readied himself. However, time stopped and everything darkened around him. And the voice of a female, almost motherly began to speak with him.

“This is a critical decision you are making here, void child. Think carefully about what you are about to do and the possible future that it will hold for you and your loved ones…”

Ryuji squeezed the hilt of the empowered spectral sword and closed his eyes for a moment, then opens them back up. The multiple colors turning into black and ice grey. His choice has been made.Time slowly begins to flow forward as he flies down towards Tirek who started screaming, knowing his death was feet away from him. Ryuji lets out a mighty cry as he swings his sword straight through Tirek in a diagonal manner. He lands on his feet and rolls forward before recovering and watches the villain slowly vaporize him into the wind as if the arca plasmor had shot him.

“Burn in hell you monster…”

Ryuji heard a clunk behind him. He turned to see Hydroid on his knees, lifeless once more. He runs over to him and catches him before he falls to the ground, placing a hand on his shoulder distributing some transference power to keep him up.

“Thank you, Hydroid. I couldn’t have done this without you..or them.”

He said as he looked up towards Twilight and the others before they go off and return everyone’s magic to them. Another enemy vanquished. And the Fates foiled once more in their plan to kill off the one being that can ruin their future plans.

Act 22: Separation

View Online

With Tirek now gone forever and all the ponies in Equestria now reunited with their magic, things could finally settle down once more. After Twilight and her friends return to Ponyville however, they discover that Twilight now possesses a castle that just seemed to sprout out of the ground. This certainly caught Ryuji off guard as he stood in front of it with a wide-eyed mouth agape expression. Luckily he was in his warframe at the time so no one could really see the ridiculous face he was making. The building was certainly a sight to behold. The crystal shimmered in the sunlight and had a natural glow to it.

As he stood there, he heard the sound of beating wings heading towards him. And judging by their sound, they were heavy wings. He knew exactly who it was that was approaching him. He smiled to himself and turned around to see Celestia along with the other princesses landing on their hooves. Celestia’s gaze fell upon Ryuji. It was a look of absolute worry as she saw the state that his warframe was in. His syndana was tattered, and what appeared to be wounds all over Hydroid were still slowly closing themselves up. Feeling the worse had befallen him as well, she runs over to him and places her hands on Hydroid’s arms, pulling at them firmly but gently. It was clear that she wanted him out of his frame by this gesture. As if saying ‘Give him to me!’

Ryuji noticed this right away and stepped forth from Hydroid and into Celestia’s arms. She scoops him up and wraps him into a lovingly tight hug. Even kissing him over and over making sure that he knew how much he had her worried and she missed him. Ryuji just smiled lightly and took the onslaught of her affections. Not that he minded at all.

“Tia...I am fine. I promise. I was more worried about you. But, it looks like you and the others made it out of Tartarus just fine. I am glad.”

She squeezes him into her heavy bust and nuzzles her cheek against his in an overly affectionate manner. Clearly, she was extremely worried for him more than even he realized.

“I wasn’t sure of how things would go! While we were stuck in Tartarus, my mind was swirling with outcomes I did not want to ever think of again! I...I was so scared for you! Thinking I’d never ever get to see you again. Or..or find you extremely hurt or even...even..”

Ryuji gently cradles her lower jaw in his hands, his thumbs lightly caressing her cheeks as he soothes the worried alicorn. His gaze locked onto her again before shaking his head with a light laugh.

“Yo8uworry and overthink things like that too much, Tia. I am a tenno. We think on our feet and out-clever our enemies. After all, we took down the entire Orokin Empire way back. when I was in my other universe. Taking down someone like Tirek was a cakewalk.”

Of course, he was only saying that to make her feel a little at ease. Ryuji smiled to Celestia once more before turning his head to look at the castle before them.

“I do believe that Twilight and the others have some important work ahead of them since this thing has sprouted up. I wonder if this will have to do with her role in Equestria. She had been so very worried about what she was meant to do as of late. And I believe this is the start of it right here.”

Celestia seemed quite surprised at his intuition on what the castle was for. She knew from the beginning once she laid eyes upon it, but she didn’t tell him a thing! Another reason why she loved him so much. He was so smart and good at gathering information and piecing it together. She gives him one more loving squeeze before letting him down and looks back to Luna and Cadence. Suddenly, Twilight and the others appear before the castle and stare in awe. Rarity was the first to speak.

“Sweet Celestia! Are you all seeing what I am seeing..?”

“Yeah. But...whose is it?”

Asked twilight in just as much surprise. Celestia smiles and responds to her former pupil’s question.

“I believe it is yours.”

After exploring the new castle and Twilight suddenly bursting into a random song with her friends as she normally does, Ryuji stood there looking at Hydroid with a knowing smile. Just like last time, he came through and helped the tenno when he needed it the most. He sighed lightly and closed his eyes, trying to think of the words to say to him.

“I know you can hear me. I just wish you had the ability to speak back sometimes. But, because of you, I have been able to get out of sticky situations ever since I woke up from that long slumber. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without you, Hydroid. And what I said back there...I meant it. You are truly my best friend. Even though you cannot speak, or fully move on your own mostly I still value you as a normal person. As I know that is what you used to be. What I am trying to say is thank you. I hope that I can rely on you as I have always done. But not as much as I used to.”

Ryuji sticks his hand out in front of the frame as if waiting for a handshake. Nothing happens at first so he pulls his hand away slowly. But then, the frame extends a hand to him and takes a firm grip on his. Ryuji smiled widely at this. It was a moment that he’d treasure for all of his life. Yet something sent a cold chill over Ryuji’s spine. He quickly spins on his heel and looks around for anything that might be amiss. Suddenly, everything just stops...everything and everyone but Ryuji. And everything looked like it had a grey film over it. Every step the tenno took, it echoed as if he was in a large empty hall.

"You have certainly been causing us a lot of trouble. It has been quite a while since we have been able to find you..."

Ryuji knew those voices very well that spoke to him. He quickly makes his way into Hydroid, but only to be thrown back as some sort of forcefield appeared around the frame. The impact sends him flying backward, tumbling and rolling across the ground. He grunts in pain and slowly stands up. He watches Hydroid being lifted into the air as a portal opens up behind him. Ryuji’s eyes widen as he knew what was about to happen.

“For too long, you have been a thorn in our side. For too long, you have ruined our plans for this world. OUR world. We control the outcome, not some creature who came from some other universe. We had thought that killing you outright would be the best option. But you proved to be more of a nuisance But, why sully our hands with your blood? So we figured out something that will be even more devastating to you. We may not be able to harm your precious mare and everyone else you love. But...we will take away the very thing that you care so much for. Say goodbye to your precious puppet.”

Ryuji ran towards Hydroid as fast as he could. He reaches the barrier and uses a void blast to try and break it open. It only pushes him back with double the impact. This time it sent him flying back fifteen feet. Ryuji does his best to stand up again. But the impact had broken a couple of his ribs. He grabs at his side in pain and grunts with a wince.

“No...don’t you fucking take him from me! You will regret doing so!”

“Without this protective shell, it will be no surprise the next time some other villain comes along and slays you with ease. We cannot wait to see that agony one day…”

“NO!”

Ryuji shouted and reached out before Hydroid was taken into the portal which quickly sealed up. Ryuji was now in a complete state of shock. His heartbeat quickened and his mind raced. He wasn’t not believing what just happened. Hydroid was gone...taken from him just like that. And he was absolutely powerless to stop it from happening. He tries to get to his feet but only manages to get to his knees as he holds onto his right side where his ribs were broken. Everything started moving again and the grey film vanished as the color came back to the world. As Celestia and the others came out of Twilight’s new castle, they all noticed Ryuji in his state and that Hydroid was missing. They all ran to him and surrounded him with concern. Celestia kneeled next to him and noticed that he was in quite a bit of pain. But took notice of the distraught look in his eye as they twitched.

“Ryuji..what happened..? Where is your frame..?”

She asked as she reached out to place a comforting hand on her fiance’s shoulder. But before she could touch him, he lets out a loud scream of anguish as he slams both of his fists into the ground. He lets out another scream that makes everypony around him except Celestia cover their ears and back away in horror at the tenno’s cries of distress.

“THEY TOOK HIM! HE IS GONE! THEY TOOK HIM FROM ME!”

Celestia understood quickly what he was talking about. She carefully wrapped her arms around his body and pressed her forehead against his before her horn lit up. Ryuji’s screams suddenly went quiet as he slowly closes his eyes, having been induced into a deep slumber by Celestia. She stands up on her hooves with her beloved in her arms and looks to Twilight who asked her what exactly was going on.

“In short, His frame has been taken by those who do not wish him to be here, Twilight. And with him gone, Ryuji is going to need me, you and every one of us more than ever. As I am sure you are aware. Hydroid meant a great, great deal to him. And seeing Ryuji in that state just now was absolutely heartbreaking. I must take him to get him healed and comfort him when he awakens.”

Without another word, Celestia teleports away with Ryuji in her arms. She was certainly going to need to clear her schedule for the day and possibly the next. Ryuji was without a doubt going to need her when he woke up.

--A Few Hours Later--

Ryuji slowly opened his eyes and sat up slowly. He looked around to see he was back in his and Celestia’s bedroom. He looked down at his body to see his upper half wrapped in bandages and the pain of his broken ribs significantly reduced. He lets out a sigh and looks down at his hands before burying his face in them knowing what happened before wasn’t a bad dream.

“He is gone...I cannot use transference to find him. It shouldn’t matter the distance. If I was able to find him back at the kuva fortress, that was because he was still in the same world...but I can’t...I can’t find him.”

At first, he thought he was talking to himself. But once he felt the familiar embrace of his princess wrap around him, All he could do was just lean back against her and places his hands on top of hers, though keeping his head down as the thoughts still plagued his mind, replaying the scene over and over.

“I know he meant the world to you just as I do, Ryu. But there is nothing that can be done...for now anyway. Do not give up hope on finding him. I am sure that one day, your and your Warframe will be reunited.”

“I know that, Tia. But without Hydroid...I am more of a burden now than ever should it come to combat situations. While I do have my own abilities and have cultivated them very well, he and I were unstoppable together. Now...now I am just a tenno without his frame. Missing one half of the whole.”

Celestia placed him in her lap to where he was now facing her. She noticed his gaze was averted from hers. She cups his face into her soft hands and lifts his head to gaze into his eyes. As she gazed into his eyes, she could see the sorrow and worry he was feeling about all this. And she was not going to have that. He has been through too much in his life and now, it was time she was there for him when he needed her the most.

“Ryu...look at me. Please.”

His gaze slowly lifted to meet hers. If it’s one thing he loved about her, it is the beauty of her eyes, and that warm smile she always gave him.

“You have always put the weight of every bad situation on your shoulders ever since you came here. You have been back and forth through time itself to fix things that have been wronged. And now that you have had someone who you have been with for over a century taken from you,I will not stand by and let anything happen to you. Nor will Luna, Twilight, and everypony else who cares for you. You are not alone, and you do not have to fight alone. And..you know you can always rely on me for anything. And I mean anything. I am your fiance after all. We still haven’t had the chance to make proper love yet. And I do believe that in a situation like this. A mare needs to make sure that her love is cheered up by a little bit of physical pleasure.”

Ryuji’s eyes widen as a blush formed across his cheeks. He then averts his eyes again.

“Tia...that isn’t necessary. Besides, I-.”

She places a finger over his lips and shakes her head gently to him, she knew how he was feeling, and it was time to put his mind at ease when it came to both of them and their soon to be nightly ritual of sexy time.

“I know you feel that you don’t stack up to other males in our world, Ryu. it doesn’t matter to me. I love you for you. But, if it truly bothers you that much, I could always perform a spell that will...enhance your size~.”

She said with a playful giggle. This made Ryuji blush even redder at the thought.

“But for now, tonight is all about you my love. Just lean back and let your princess tend to you. Let her ease your burden.”

Without another word, she lays him on his back and lays on top of him partially after removing what clothing both he and herself had on. She smiles and locks lips with him in a deep and heated kiss, taking one of his hands and lacing her fingers with his. It was time for him to receive something wonderful for a change.

Act 23: Another Shift In The River Of Time

View Online

The next day soon came. Ryuji walked through the castle in his usual operator gear. Though as of now, the poor tenno was grabbing at his hips and limping every now and then. As the night before certainly took to a...heavy impact upon his body. Though he wouldn’t say he didn’t enjoy himself. He was definitely going to have to become a bit more durable when those nights came along, or else his pelvis was going to be turned to dust in no time.

Eventually, Ryuji made his way from the main part of the castle out to the eastern courtyard. Here, this is where the gardens could be found in the castle maze. A fun place for Ryuji to hide from Celestia when they had a moment to play together. Sometimes Luna even joined in when it was quiet and they didn’t have any royal duties to worry about. But Ryuji had a rather special place in the maze that only he could access thanks to his tenno abilities. Once he finds the right spot, he void dashes forward to pass through the tall bush wall into a little area that has overgrown with vegetation, essentially blocking out any prying eyes that could find him, but leaving enough light to see around his little hiding place.

He falls back into the soft grass with a sigh of relief as he gazes up at the lush vegetation above which the sun only peeks through slightly. He places his hands behind his head and smiles to himself as he enjoys the silence of the maze. In fact, he was becoming so very relaxed, that his eyes started to droop slowly, lulling him into a light slumber.

A couple of hours pass, bringing the time to 2 PM in the afternoon. Ryuji is suddenly woken up by the sound of flapping wings hovering overhead. He sits up and let out a long yawn and stretches his arms out, his arms and shoulders lightly popping as he does this. He hears his name being called out. But the voice wasn’t Celestia or Luna. But it was certainly familiar. SO, he hops up onto his feel and void dashes out into the open before looking up into the sky to see who was calling out for him.

“Ryu?! Where are you hiding?!”

The voice called out to him again. This time he could tell who it was right away. He runs into a clearing of that maze and calls out.

“Twi, down here!”

He shouts as he waves his hand to catch her attention as he called out to her. The lavender alicorn mare sees her dear friend and gives a rather excited smile as she makes her way to the ground. Once she lands in the clearing, she runs to him and wraps her arms around him in a big warm hug, nearly smothering him into her breasts as she nuzzles her cheek against the top of his head. He wraps his arms around her with his own embrace, not even bothered by her bust. He has gotten used to it after all. After their warm hug, they both release each other and Twilight grabs his wrist and leads him over to one of the white stone benches.

“Oh Ryu, you won’t believe what’s happening! A huge map table just..came out of nowhere in the castle! It’s the map of all of Equestria! And it’s sending us somewhere!”

“So you and the other girls are heading off on some kind of...friendship quest? That’s pretty neat. Hope you all have a good time doing...what it is you all do with that kind of stuff.”

“Oh but you haven’t heard the best part, it’s calling you to!”

Ryuji’s normal calm expression changed as his left eye twitched and an annoyed smile formed across his face.

“Wait...I have to go to..?”

“Yes! Oh, this will be so exciting! The others and I will finally get to spend time with you! We will go and solve this together and hopefully fix this friendship issue the make has called us for!”

She continued on and on. Ryuji could only sigh and lower his gaze to the ground. He really didn’t want to go anywhere now that Hydroid had been taken from him. But at the same time, he needed to learn to be more independent of his warframe. He is a tenno after all. And he possesses great power that he doesn’t need his frame for. Reluctantly, he decides to go with her. He stands up and looks towards her.

“Alright, alright. Calm down Twi. Let me grab a bag with a few things and we can be on our way. I need to get out more and see the world rather than just Ponyville and Canterlot.”

“Yay! This will be so exciting!”

She exclaims, bouncing up and down on her hooves as her tail sways behind her.

“Meeting me at the castle entrance. I will be down after I see Tia.”

After seeing his lover and packing a few things, Ryuji, Twilight and the others set off on the long train ride to the destination that the map had pointed out for them. Ryuji did his usual thing on the way there when it came to train rides, sleep. In which the girls watched him every now and then thinking that he was the cutest thing in all the world. Even Dash couldn’t help but smile and look at him in such a way. Ryuji could care less though, he was sleeping and in dreamland.

“So what do you think about Ryu coming with us on this mission? He is more of a rogue element than anything wouldn’t you think?”

Twilight asked her friends, keeping their conversation to a whisper.

“Well, the map did call him just as it called us. And I think he will certainly be of help. If anything, he is a wonderful young stallion to have around~.”

Rarity said as she sat across from him and lightly brushed some of his hair out from his face.

“He may be small, but that boy can sure handle himself in a fight. Ah was impressed with how he handled Tirek with those fancy gadgets of his and that flyin’ ship as well. That’s some serious firepower.”

“From what Celestia has told me, he has been a little down ever since his Warframe was taken from him that day. Hopefully, this time away from the castle will keep his mind off of it and he will focus more on the task at hand. He is very special to me..and I don’t want to see him feeling like that.”

Ryuji lightly stirs in his sleep before slowly opening his eyes. He sits up to find all six of the mares nearly surrounding him with expressions of adoring smiles. He rubs his eyes and looks between the group with a confused look.

“....What?”

“Oh, it’s nothing sweetie. You are just the cutest thing ever when you sleep is all~.”

Said Rarity before the others nod in agreement. Ryuji simply shook his head and turned his head to gaze out the window just as the train came to a stop. They were finally there. Ryuji went out ahead of them and came to the cliffside that overlooked the town that they had been sent to by the map. Not wasting any time, he jumps and slides down the angled face of the cliff and began advancing towards the little village.

Once he got to the village, he hid between the building as he observed the ponies from the shadows. Right away, he could tell something was very off about them all. They seemed...too happy. And the way they were smiling, it nearly made him shudder.

“Wow...Pinkie is going to be able to call these ponies out just as quick as I did...if not quicker.”

He said as he continued to sneak about the town. Eventually, the girls made it in as well but were stopped by the welcoming committee. But since they were distracted by distracting Twilight and the others, the first house that Ryuji snuck into was the one that the head of the village. Cause to him, it made sense that the leader would live there. He didn’t waste any time in searching for any kind of clues that he could use to further complete this job. Eventually, he stumbled up a dresser. After finding rather..revealing underwear and clothing. He comes across a case of black makeup and a piece of paper that had an equal sign cut out into it.

“Now what in the world would this be needed for..?”

He continues his search throughout the house, making sure that things were put back the way they were to make sure that no suspicion was caused. Soon he came across a stack of papers that revealed even more to him once he picked one up. His expression was all too clear when he read what was printed on the paper.

“Equality for all? Who needs cutie marks when we can all be the same? What is this garbage? Sounds like their leader is about as nutty as the Red Vale’s leaders…”

He resumed the search once more, coming across a chest that had some old belongs inside of it. He came across what appeared to be an old journal of sorts. Perhaps with this, he could learn more about this crazy leader of theirs and finish up this mission. Just as he was about to read it, he heard the doorknob to the front door turn. He closes the chest and makes sure to take the book with him before void dashing through the back wall of the house and makes a run toward the path that seemed to be leading up to a cave of some sort.

While the girls are doing their thing, I will see what else I can find…”

He said as he started walking up the path. He finally made it to the cave entrance that the path lead to after a good while. Once he made sure that the coast was clear, he makes his way into the rather spacious cave. And what he saw only confirmed what he was thinking in the first place once he saw those papers before. He walked up to the enormous wall of...cutie marks. It glowed bright blue and each little cube of the whole thing housed a cutie mark in it! His eyes then turned to look at a floating staff in the center of the cave which also had a glowing light blue aura around it. He walked over to it and take hold of the staff. Once he touched it, the aura went away. As he examined it. He didn’t feel the sense of...magic that he felt when he came into contact with a unicorn or Celestia. Not even a magical artifact. Normally if it was a magical artifact, it would feel like you are running the tips of your fingers over electrical wiring and would feel the flow of power through it. But with this..nothing.

“Alright, time to find out what the hell is going on here.”

Ryuji makes his way over to the wall of cutie marks and sits on a rock before taking the journal and begins to read it. Soon enough, the tenno would understand why their leader was acting the way she was. As time passed while he read, he began to sympathize with her. But it was still wrong to make people think that just because they are different doesn’t make them better than anyone else. And forcing that thought process onto others simply because your best friend went on to a magic school and thought that he forgot about you? Ryuji continued to read the journal until he heard voices coming from the entrance of the cave. He closes the book and takes hold of the staff once more as he sees Twilight and the others being lead in by a light lavender colored unicorn with a dark purple mane with blue stripes.

“And this here is our cutie mark vault-.”

The unicorn’s eyes widen as she gazes upon Ryuji who had the staff in hand. She was speechless for words as she had not thought ponies would find their way up here. But then again, Ryuji wasn’t a pony.

“W-who are you?! What are you doing here?!”

“Ryu!”

Twilight and the others called out in happiness and relief to see that he is alright. Ryuji holds up the staff and looks at the unicorn who stared down at him with a glare. This made him smile slightly as he began to unravel the truth in front of her.

“Starlight Glimmer is your name, yes? And you started this whole ‘equality’ nonsense because your friend got his cutie mark before you and he went off to learn at Celestia’s school? That’s pretty petty if you ask me. Your little journal here told me everything about you and this Sunburst guy. And this staff? It’s just a fancy piece of wood.”

He said before turning around and slamming it down on one of the large rocks hard enough that it shatters into a few pieces. Starlight watched in complete shock as her plot was revealed by a complete stranger. Her horn glowed brightly in the cave as shock turned to hot anger before she fired a concentrated shot of magic toward Ryuji who deflected it with his spectral blade that came out just in time to do so. He jumps over at the wall of cutie marks and holds his left hand against it as his void energy built up in it.

“This ends. Now.”

“No, You can’t do this!”

She shouted as she ran towards him. However, it was too late. Ryuji released a void blast against the surface of the vault which began to crack in all directions before completely shattering. The cutie marks that were once stored suddenly flew about the cave and returned to their rightful owners both in and out of the cave. Starlight fell to her knees as she watched all her hard work crumble before her. All those years...and within a few minutes, this tenno destroyed it all. Ryuji began to walk toward her, his eyes fixed on hers.

“You...you will pay for this. All my hard work. All that time I spent..gone! Because of you!”

Ryuji now stood before her. What happened next was something that she or the others didn’t expect. He lowers himself down to a knee and meets his gaze with hers again. He lets out a light sigh before speaking.

“Look, Starlight. I get it. I really do. You were upset because of what happened between you and your friend. But you did all this because of that. It’s not like you were alone after that. You had your family. And you could have made more friends. Besides, you had a better chance of doing that than I did. I had no friends for a long, long time before I came to this world. Both of my parents died when I was a child and I could do nothing for them. You think you had it rough? I was asleep for over a thousand years combating clones and robots that were trying to kill me. And I did that while all on my own with my warframe. But you? You chose to let something as small as that ruin your chance of having more friends.”

Starlight glanced toward Ryuji. As she listened to him speak and looked into his eyes, she could tell that he was being genuine with his words. As if she could see everything that had played out in his life. She then lowers her head and looks to the ground.

“I just..I just wanted the world to understand how I felt when Sunburst left out of my life when I was little…”

Ryuji places a hand on her shoulder and offers her a light smile. His expression sympathetic to her feelings as he held out his other hand to her.

“Then shrug off the past. And make new friends. You never know who will want to be yours without taking any risk. After all, when I first came here, I didn’t think I’d fit in with any of these ponies that came with me. And yet, Twilight and the others accepted me and showed me I had nothing to fear. Now, I want to help you, Starlight. Will you accept my friendship. And start anew? I promise I won’t turn my back on you. And neither will they.”

The unicorn looks down at his extended hand. His words were genuine and comforting to her. And coming from not another pony, but from a being that wasn’t even from this realm, that was definitely something. She hesitantly reaches out and takes hold of his hand. Ryuji smiles and wraps his hand around her and helps her to her hooves.

“My name is Ryuji. And I’d like to be your friend.”

Starlight’s eyes welled up with tears and a smile came across her muzzle.

“My name is Starlight, it is a pleasure to meet you, Ryuji. And I want to be your friend too!”

She suddenly wrapped her arms around him in a hug. Ryuji smiled lightly and returned the gesture in kind. Twilight and the others all watched with smiles of their own. Happy that this all worked out in the end. Suddenly, the whole entire world started shaking, as if something was under the planet. Everyone had a hard time standing up because of it as they stumbled about. And this feeling that Ryuji was getting...he felt it before when…

“What the hay is goin’ on?!”

Applejack shouted as she grabbed the wall for support. Ryuji knew exactly what had just happened. Once the world had stopped shaking. Ryuji looked towards the others as he released Starlight.

“It seems I have done something to piss the Fates and the flow of time off. That shaking was the flow straining itself with the choice that was just made here today. The path it had originally decided on is no more.”

“S-so what happens now..?”

Asked Starlight.

“Well, for now, we start with apologizing to the villagers. And then, we will go from there. And don’t worry, I will be there with you. Once you tell them your story, they will understand…”

Act 24: A Long Stay In The Past

View Online

It was just another day at the castle. Guards were doing their duties. Nobles came in and out of the castle with their ridiculous demands and the occasional prisoner either going in or coming out after they had served their time. Yes, all was going as it usually did. Except for one thing. There was a large spaceship in the back of the castle grounds! It was in the north garden as that was the only place it would fit since it was so wide open. It seems that Ordis, Ryuji’s cephalon got worried since he hasn’t heard back from him ever since he had Hydroid taken from him. So what does the crazy cephalon do? He takes it upon himself to fly down and part the orbiter behind the castle!

For the past few days, Ryuji has locked himself inside the ship only ever coming out to eat or spend a little time with Celestia. The princess would sometimes come by to check on him. But Ordis would tell her that ‘The operator is currently working on a project.’. She didn’t exactly like that response either. Ryuji is her fiance after all and she certainly had every right to check in on him. She gave a light huff as Ordis had told her the usual ‘he is busy’ thing. Just as she was about to walk away, the hatch from the back of the ship opened up.

“Ah, it looks like the operator is done after all! Now you can-STOP ANNOYING ME-see him again! I am certain you have missed him.”

Celestia’s eyes widen as she quickly made her way to the rear of the orbiter. Before she could get there, She heard something powering up, like a slow startup speeding up. Once she gets there, she sees Ryuji fly out on some kind of high tech hoverboard with a slick design, same as his color scheme even. The twin cylinder engines on the back glowing brightly as they left a trail behind as he zipped about the courtyard. Another thing she noticed was his complete change of clothing. It was completely different from his usual wear. it certainly looked more futuristic and armored. As if it was meant to be worn by a solider or something along those lines. It was very new to Celestia. Ryuji continues to drift and hover on his old toy he had gotten on his time on Venus. And he was now happier than ever now that he had found and tuned it up. He comes straight for the sun princess before stopping a foot in front of her. The way he was handling that thing...it certainly impressed her.

“What do you think, Tia? Like my new look? I figured it was time for me to change out of that old set and go with something a little more...protective.”

“It certainly suits you, Ryu. But is thi8s what has kept you away from me for the last few days..?”

“Well yes. But I was also working on my K-Drive. I had almost forgotten about it until I was searching through my storage. SO now, I got myself a way to get around without having to rely on just my feet or having to bother you for a quick flight.”

Celestia’s ears drooped at that last part. It didn’t bother her at all actually. She loved holding him close as they flew to wherever it is they went. She fidgets with her hands in front of her as she spoke again.

“It doesn’t bother me at all, Ryu. I know you want to cause as little trouble for me as possible. But..could you maybe still let me carry and fly you from time to time? P-Please?”

Ryuji gazed up at her in confusion before he got what she was asking for. It actually made him blush slightly as he scratched the back of his head. He didn’t know she actually enjoyed doing that.

“Well, Tia. It’s kind of...embarrassing when we do that. Not to say I don’t enjoy it. I just...it makes me feel like a child. But, I suppose if it makes you happy to do that, We can do it every now and then. How does that sound?”

Celestia’s ears perked back up and the sway of her tail was clearly evident of her approval. Ryuji smiled and hopped off his k-drive and wrapped his arms around his princess. His nuzzled into her soft form as he ran his hands up and down her back. Celestia was all the more happy to accept his affection as she embraced him herself, a hand running through his hair as she planted kisses all over his cheeks, forehead, and lips. The two of them stayed like this for a good five minutes, but it felt like an eternity for them. Just holding one another in a lover’s embrace. After that, Ryuji going back into his orbiter to retrieve something he had made for Celestia. It was a coms system he had Oris put together for both of them. As he was making his way up from storage, he suddenly got this familiar feeling. The ship started to spark and slowly glow brightly.

“Oh fuck...this again?!”

He rushed up to the bay of the back of the ship and called out to Celestia who was trying to figure out why the ship was sparking and glowing. Before it completely vanished in a flash, Ryuji threw the coms system at Celestia.

“Tia, catch!!!”

He shouted before throwing it to her. Just in time to as he and the orbiter suddenly vanished. This time, she knew exactly what had happened to him now after the whole thing happened. He was either headed to the future or the past once more. Little did he know though that this trip was going to be a very long stay for him. All the princess could hope for is that he returns to her soon. She held the device he had thrown to her close to her chest.

“Please return soon, Ryu. And come back safe…”

--At Some Point In The Past--

Just as quick as he had vanished, he reappeared in the same spot of the castle courtyard. The ride was certainly much smoother than his usual time streams. He walked out of the orbiter to find that much hasn’t really changed. Did the time trip only send him back a few years or months? As he walked out of the ship and into the open, a voice called out his name with a rather shocked and surprised tone.

“R-Ryuji?!”

The voice sounded rather familiar to him. But it wasn’t from his present time. He turns to see a young white alicorn with a bright pink mane and tail. She looked to be about sixteen but developing quite nicely. She wore a typical girly-girl outfit. A white, short skirt with frills, a golden belt, a black mid-sleeve top which hugged her upper form wonderfully and she even had on light pink eyeshadow. Ryuji’s eyes widened slightly before he spoke her nickname.

“Tia…?”

The young princess makes a dead sprint toward Ryuji and tackles him down with a hug and a rather adorable excited ‘squee’. She nuzzled into his chest as she squeezed her arms around him as tight as she could. This could explain why his time leap was so smooth. That and he had merged his timelines into one fluid river back when he went and visited Mother Time.

“Oh my goodness, it has been so long! I take it you have been brought back to this time for a reason?”

She asked as she sat up and straddled over his midsection, making herself rather comfortable on her now and future lover. This was certainly strange for the tenno. But to see his fiance at this age and like this. It was extremely arousing. He shakes himself out of thought and gave her a soft chuckle.

“Well, believe it or not, I was actually speaking with the future you before I got pulled here. Sorry if I had surprised you or any of your guards with my ship’s sudden appearance. I hope that no one was under it…”

“Oh no! Everypony is fine. We were all just so shocked to see your...orbiter is what you called it? Appear again. It has been quite a few years!”

“And look at you, Tia. You are growing up to becoming a beautiful young mare. Though considering your size now. You actually grow to be about eight feet tall. I assume you are only sixteen or seventeen, yes?”

“Mhm! I just turned sixteen last month and started high school. And I get bigger than I already am now?! So how do you and I..I mean..when we are alone..”

“Very carefully. Especially when you are the dominant one on that go around. Let’s just say my hips were very sore the morning after. But, I enjoyed every moment. Especially since it was you. So don’t you worry about a thing. Our love is still and always will go strong. No other mare will do.”

Ryuji takes notice of the blushing alicorn who covers her muzzle with her hands, knowing that her future with him was going to be a wonderful and special time together. All she could do now was lean back down and hug him tightly once more.

“I am so happy...so very, very happy!”

After they stayed like that for a while longer, Celestia helps Ryuji up and takes his hand, leading him to the castle.

“Come on, I know Lulu will be happy to see you as well!”

She dragged him along by the hands through the castle, the guards and staff simply offering him a smile and wave as they passed by. It must have been made clear that he was special to Celestia and Luna. Especially since Celestia could not stop talking about him often. Once they had gotten up to Luna’s bedchamber, Celestia didn’t even bother to knock before busting the door open to reveal her half naked sister sitting in front of a screen playing some kind of video game with an intense stare. It looked like Luna had been developing quite well as she grew up as well.

“Lulu, we have a guest! Look who it is!”

“I am busy right now.”

Ryuji could only smile as he saw the night princess focused on the screen in front of her. He walks into her dark room and crouches next to her so he can sit on his heels.

“They always start when they are young. They become to reclusive hardcore gamer type and it never goes away.”

Luna nearly smashes to pause button on her controller once she heard his voice. Her head turns at near neck breaking speed to see the tenno beside her. Her focused face lightens up with a smile before she wraps her up in a hug, pressing her nearly bare body against him. Ryuji was hesitant to return the hug because of this but did so.

“Uuuh, Lulu. You do know that you are nearly naked,t right? Not too sure Tia would appreciate you rubbing and hugging on me like this.”

Luna smiled lightly and giggled.

“Well why not? I have no issues with it. After all, it is only proper for a hero to see the princesses he has saved in such a way. She is just being a prude is all. But in all seriousness, it is good to see you again, Ryu. I trust you are back in this time for a reason?”

Celestia folded her arms with an unamused gaze and puffed her cheeks as her younger sister called her ‘prude’. She took hold of Ryuji by his arm and holds him against her possessively. Luna just chuckled and sat back on her bed which continued a pile of pillows that she was nested in.

“Oh trust me, if she is truly prude right now, she gets bold when she is older. And her labido is...off the charts we shall say. One of the reasons why I love her quite a lot. But to answer your question, I am not sure why I have been brought here to this time. But until then, I need to figure out what I am going to do.”

Celestia finally remembered what she was going to ask him.

“Oh! Where is your...warframe? That’s what it is right? And his name is Hydroid?”

They both saw Ryuji’s expression change to a slightly sad one when they brought it up. This concerned them both.

“Hydroid was taken from me in a battle at my own time. I don’t know where exactly. But I hope to find him again one day. But for now, I need to establish a reason why I could be here and to venture out in public without causing issues.”

He said as he places his hand under his chin and starts thinking. However, Celestia and Luna both nod in sync as they seemed to have come up with the same idea.

“Intergalactic transfer student!”

They both shouted. Ryuji blinked a few times at this and lowered his arms to his sides. Could that really work?

“You sure that the schools around here would accept that? I mean, sure it is kind of true. But you really think they’d see me as an alien who is coming here to learn everything he can about ponies?”

Celestia nodded.

“Well sure! You look like an alien..not in a bad way of course. And you do have a spaceship and all kinds of technology. It would be a perfect cover-up. No one outside of the castle knows that you are a time traveler and have been sworn to keep it a secret. It’s the perfect plan! I can talk to the headmare at the school and let her know that this is simply a...diplomatic project. That way, it will look like you have a reason to be here without the public having to worry or cause mass hysteria. We can even get you official documents should you be stopped by anyone.”

Ryuji thought about it for a moment. This would certainly help him move about without any of the ponies causing him trouble. That, and he had always wanted to experience the life of a high school student which he never truly got to do himself.

“And of course, since you will be attending the school that my sister and I attend, your home will be right here! Since we will act as your ‘host family’. It couldn’t be any more perfect! We will get you set up this afternoon so that you can start tomorrow. And don’t worry, I will make sure at the paperwork is taken care of and that If possible, We will share most of our classes together. My sister and I have our own private classes. But I am sure you can manage!”

Said, Celestia, as she took Ryuji by the hand and lead him out of Luna’s room before closing the door. He waved bye to Luna and she in return did the same. Celestia then leads him to the room that he had stayed in all those years ago. When he walked in, it was just as he remembered it. Kept nice and neat.

“Go ahead and get settled in, Ryu. I will come back for you later once we are ready to go speak with the headmare. I need to get your documents ready~.”

She said before hugging him tightly and giving him a peck on the lips before skipping out the room and closing the door. Ryuji just sighed and sat on the bed with his hands clasped in his lap. Maybe while he was here, he just might find Hydroid again..just maybe.

“Enrolling in school huh? Well, if there are any bullies who try to give me trouble, I think it will be fun to knock them down a peg..physically or mentally.”

He said with a light chuckle, a bit of that dark side gleaming in his eyes now.

Act 25: Ryuji's First Day Of High School Life

View Online

Ryuji walked through the hallways of Canterlot Academy being lead by Celestia herself. She was chattering on and on as she was giving him the grand tour of the school and its facilities. Luckily they were getting this done before school actually got in session that morning so that he would know where to go and not look like a lost little puppy trying to find help in where he needed to go. It was quite the large campus, and most certainly the elite’s kids spent their days here either learning to take over the family business or start their own. Only the best for daddy’s or mommy’s little prince or princess.

“I am starting to have second thoughts here, Tia. The headmare didn’t really seem too excited about me being ‘grandfathered in’ by one of the princesses of Equestria. Let alone an alien as well. And I don’t want to have to deal with these juvenile rich brats and their snarky attitudes who think they are better than one another.”

Celestia could see the mixture of worry and annoyance on his face and turns to him with her hand still squeezing his. So it seemed that handholding certainly was one of her favorite things to do with her romantic interest as her older self loved to do just that with him.

“Don’t worry, Ryu. I know that you will be just fine. After all with what you are, I know you will not allow them to push them around. All I ask is that you don’t make the first move when a confrontation is unavoidable. It will look better on your part if it is self-defense. And try not to go overboard. They would not understand the abilities you possess.”

Ryuji blinked a few times but nodded.

“Well, of course, I would diffuse the situation with words if at all possible. I’d even keep the fighting to a minimum with only using my fists and feet. But if magic is involved, I won’t hesitate to use my void abilities. I will try not to cause you any trouble though. I promise.”

Celestia smiles warmly to him and takes both of his hands into hers before leaning in to lock his lips with her. He tail swaying behind her as her heart skipped a beat as she gave her first kiss to her future lover. Ryuji certainly has no issues with this and even leaned in and returned the affection. He reaches up and caresses the young mare’s cheeks, rubbing his thumbs against them gently before realizing what he was doing. He slowly pulls away from the kiss to see a heavily blushing Celestia with a goofy smile on her muzzle.

“S-sorry...force of habit. I enjoy kissing the older you quite a lot. I got carried away…”

Celestia giggled lightly as her tail continued to sway. It was obvious that she did not mind. At all.

“Oh no, kiss me anytime you want, Ryu. I am just happy I gave my first one to you. And that when you return to your time, I will have more fond memories of you from the age I am now. How many mares can say that they have waited over a thousand years for their high school sweetheart?”

They both chuckled at that. They embraced one another and continued to show their affection to one another. It was nice that he could hold her like this now that she was at his height. It was a nice change. Once they separated, it was almost time for school to start. It was going to be an interesting first day for him to be sure.

--Later That Morning--

“Students, I’d like you to meet our new interstellar transfer student! His name is Ryuji and he will be joining our class from now on. Please, make him feel welcome!”

The room fell silent at the student gazed upon Ryuji. There was a mixture of both judgmental and curious gazes within the room. Never before have they seen a being so different from them. Ryuji didn’t even bother introducing himself and made his way to the desk closest to the window that was vacant. As he walked closer to a filly who stared up at him with a mixture of curiosity and slight fear, he simply gazed back as if saying ‘I expected that reaction’. He simply sat in the desk behind her and placed his belonging to the side.

And soon enough, in the middle of the class, a wad of paper was thrown at his head. Expecting this to be a bully tactic, he was able to catch it and turn his gaze to the thrower. Sure enough, it was a colt who looked like he was part of the popular clique of the school. Designer clothing, jewelry, and a white cap sporting the school’s logo on the front of it. His snarky smile faded into a frown when Ryuji caught the paper. What made the colt annoyed more is that Ryuji simply ignored him. He just continued to listen to the lesson, do his classwork and whatever the teacher had asked. After all, he wasn’t here to make a name for himself. This was merely a front for him being here to fix or prevent something from cause issues in the future.

Lunchtime rolled around. And since the cafeteria was large enough to hold all the student, it made the day much shorter with fewer periods than the normal school would. Ryuji was sitting alone at a table which was expected as well. But it didn’t bother him one bit. That was until Celestia made her way to him and sat right next to him with ehr lunch in hand. A nice salad with a rather sizable slice of cake. That made Ryuji chuckle to himself as he remembers cake is indeed her favorite food of all time. And it certainly has been kind to her figure. All Ryuji had was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a bag of potato chips as he knew they wouldn’t serve meat here.

“Hello my love~. How is your first day going so far?”

She asked as she planted a kiss on his cheek and nuzzled against him. No doubt that almost everyone noticed this and whispers started roaming around the large room. Ryuji didn’t pay any mind to them though. He had his beloved next to him. That’s what mattered. However, it did not sit well with a few of the popular colts that their princess was getting all cozy with an alien freak. The group of colts got up from their table and made their way toward the couple and surrounded them, mainly around Ryuji though.

“I bet you think you are hot shit since the princess is getting all friendly with you. Don’t read too much into it. She is simply being nice to you cause you are new.”

Celestia was about to protest when Ryuji put his hand up and didn’t even look in their direction.

“Well, as you can see, we were in the middle of our lunch and enjoying a nice conversation until you jocks rudely interrupted. At least she has the kindness in her heart to help out a new student. Unlike you assholes who I am sure pick on the new kids here all the time.

“Oh yeah? Then how about this?”

The colt said he took Ryuji’s drink and poured it over his head, thankfully it was just a bottle of water but still it pissed off celestia to see her lover disrespected in such a way.

“Star Breeze, that’s enough! Leave him alone!”

Ryuji’s hands slowly formed into fists before he stood up and went eye to eye with the colt. The tension was quicken thickened between them as Ryuji glared at him.

“Provoke me again, and I will make your day complete shit. Go ahead push your luck. Give me a reason. I dare you.”

“Ryuji, just ignore him. He is just trying to get under your skin! Please just sit down with me!”

“Oh, what can you do about it, freak? Look at you. Bare skin, nothing like us. You are an alien for sure. Your kind doesn’t belong here.”

He said before grabbing Ryuhi and pushing him into the middle of an open area. Ryuji tumbled forward and pushed himself up off the ground before he was surrounded once more. He was then kicked in the ribs by Star Breeze which made him fall back down. Luckily the armor that Ryuji was wearing softened the blow. Little did they all know that he was smiling a wicked smile while on the ground. The requirements for self-defense was met. With an upward kick of his legs, his heel landed right under Star Breeze’s chin and knock him straight on his ass. Ryuji spun on the hand that he had used to propel himself back onto his feet.

“Woooaaaaahhh…”

“Oh-ho SHIT!”

Colts shouted from around the area as they watched the star athlete of the school get his ass knocked to the ground by the new kid. But his humiliation was far from over. Ryuji stood up on one of the tables and cleared his throat.

“To whoever has been victimized by this..mistake in the gene pool. You all have my sympathy. But, there is something to know about ponies like this. Sure, he’s the school’s number one hoofball athlete and he gets the pretty fillies. So this school is his kingdom..for now. But he has to make sure that he keeps everyone in check should his ‘alpha dog’ status be threatened. And why? Well, it would be too easy to just call him a dick. Nut no. Oooh no. it’s usually one of three reasons, as he is more complex than that.”

He then hops off the table and slowly starts circling Star Breeze as he began his assault with words.

“One. Underneath all that male bravado, there is an insecure little filly just banging on the closet door trying to get out.”

Giggles and ‘oooo’s started flooding the cafeteria after that point.

“Two. Like a cavepony. Star’s brain is….underdeveloped. And therefore lacks self-control and acts out aggressively.”

The giggles become laughter at this point.

“And three. Star has a small cock.”

The laughter and ‘oooo’s get increasingly louder after that last one. Ryuji even saw Celestia going into a giggle fit behind a hand she has placed over her muzzle. Ryuji smiled at the now humiliated colt and made his way back to enjoy his lunch with Celestia. Star was angered at this point and reached into his backpack and threw his hoofball at Ryuji. With one swift motion, Ryuji turned, flipped and landed a firm kick on the ball, sending it right back into Star’s gut hard enough to where it sent him flying backward a few feet. He then took his place next to Celestia and resumed eating his lunch.

“Sorry, Tia. I don’t like bullies and I may have gone overboard with that. I expect he will be wanting another piece of me after school.”

“Oh don’t you worry Ryu. You and I are leaving at the same time. He wouldn’t dare even try it with my royal guard present. So don’t you worry your handsome face. And thank you for keeping the physical stuff to a minimum as you said. It..makes me happy that you don’t rely on brute force.”

Ryuji stuffs the last bit of his sandwich in his mouth then swallows it down. Realizing he doesn’t have anything to wash it down with. He lowers his head and starts to get up before another colt places a brand new water bottle in front of him. He looks up to see it was a stallion with white fur and a grey mane and tail with bright green eyes. Though...he looked more like a shapely flat chested filly with his feminine figure and soft features on his face. Not to mention his mane and tail were long and straight.

“Here you go. A little something for you, handsome~.”

His voice was high in pitch, but you could tell that he was a colt. A very..pretty colt. Ryuji took the bottle with a smile and gulped some of it down.

“Thank you very much. I really needed that.”

“Oh it was my pleasure. You were amazing earlier. Star Breeze has given me and a lot of others trouble over the school year. It’s nice to see the humiliation on his side for a change.”

“I take it he has given you trouble for...your appearance and the way your body is?”

“Yeah, that and my preference to males rather than females.”

Celestia jumps up and hugs the colt into a warm embrace.

“Don’t let him bring you down, Emerald. He is just upset that he can’t have a stallion as pretty as you are”

They separate after the hug. Emerald sits across from them With his hands in his lap.

“So, this is the new guy who has come to our school. He seems...very exotic. And those eyes...just gazing into them sends shivers down my spine. Tell me..Ryuji. Would you like to maybe come see me after school to get to know me?”

Ryuji laughed lightly and shook his head in a polite manner. He takes hold of Celestia’s hand into his and explains.

“Emerald, you are very pretty. Ad I assume you like to be called ‘she’ rather than ‘he’. But, I am afraid I must decline. As I prefer females rather than males. Plus, I don’t think Tia would like it if I got involved with a stallion, let alone somepony that wasn’t her. She is my marefriend after all.”

He places a hand over his muzzle with a light gasp and slightly widened eyes.

“Oooh my...I did not know that you and Tia were so close. It’s...so romantic! A princess and a mysterious traveler from the stars! If they make a tale of your love I want to be the first to get the book! But..if I can’t get to know you as a potential coltfriend. Can we at least be friends..?”

He looks to Celestia then back to the girly colt. He gave a nod with a light smile.

“I don’t see why not. So long as you know I am off limits, we could hang out. Would be nice to have somepony other than Tia looking out for me. I don’t want her to over worry about me you know? She has her own things to deal with.”

“Excellent! Then my name is Emerald Delight! A pleasure to meet you. And yes...I do like to be referred to as female. Thank you for understanding that.”

He said as he extended his hand out. Ryuji nodded and took hold of the hand and gave it a shake.

“And my name is Ryuji. A pleasure to meet you as well.”

Celestia was overjoyed to see that one of her closest friends had become friends with Ryuji. And on the first day for him as well! Little did Ryuji know that he’d be making friends who were more unique than Emerald. But would certainly aid him in finding the problem he would be facing down the road in this time.

Act 26: Long Time No See, Kiddo

View Online

It has been a few days ever since Ryuji started attending Canterlot Academy with Celestia and Luna. Because of what he had done in the lunchroom on the first day, he has become quite popular with the unpopular cliques of the school. Which he preferred. It was those very kinds of ponies one could truly count on in a bind. Even the goth crowd took an interest in him, and they hate interacting with someone who doesn’t dress in all black and heavy black makeup. The skater crowd couldn’t be any more impressed with him if they tried. As they have seen what he could down on his K-Drive and immediately accepted him into their fold. Celestia herself always kept him company when they had free time which meant she hung out with the unpopular bunch as well, not that she had a problem. She got less bored! That, and she wanted to spend as much time as she could with her lover. It was only natural.

It was the middle of the day. Ryuji and Celestia were in their science class as partners. Not only did they make an excellent couple, but they made amazing study/lab partners as well. Before Ryuji started coming here to this school, Celestia’s grades had been slipping. Not because she wasn’t intelligent. It was simply because the ponies that she was working with wouldn’t help her because they would either just stare at her like drooling idiots or not have the nerve to treat her like any other pony. But seeing how long he has spent with Celestia, Ryuji was just the right being to help her. It made him happy to be able to help his princess be the best student she could be.

“So then, we put this much of the liquid into this tube, then let it sit for a few moments, letting bubble, then add just a drop of the mixture from earlier. Be careful now, Tia.”

Celestia nodded nervously as she held to two test tubes in her hands, her grip was firm but shaky as she had never done this on her own before. Ryuji noticed this and carefully took her hands into his as he approached her from behind. This made her blush heavily, but when he took her hands, she immediately started calming down.

“Are you alright, Tia? Here…”

He then began to angle her hand with the mixture in it to let just a drop pour into the other. Once it goes in, it start to bubble and pop, going from a light green to a deep blue. Celestia’s face went from nervous to cheerful as the desired color was met. She careful sat the tubes on their rack and scooted in close as both she and Ryuji wrote on their worksheets with the progress they have made.

“Okay! So this is the proper concoction for a basic cold and flu potion. I can’t believe we got it done on the second try!”

“Heh, there was bound to be trial and error on the first go around, Tia. Nothing is perfectly achieved on the first try unless you were born with the natural talent. Just remember that just because you are a princess, that doesn’t mean it’s the only thing you can be a pro at doing. The whole ‘preordained destiny butt mark’ you all have going on just...irritates me. Why should you only be confined to one thing?”

Celestia giggled and gave him a gentle nuzzle while the teacher was looking away. Public display of affection in school was frowned upon by them if they saw it.

“That’s why you are so lucky to not have to worry about such things. Anyway, we better finish up here. The sooner we are done, the sooner we can go home. Lulu has already finished her classes for the day and she might find that piece of double icing cake I hid behind the stuff in the fridge…”

Ryuji wanted to laugh aloud at that. It always amused him at how serious she got about cake. But he just gave her a light chuckle and nodded.

“Oh no. That would be a terrible tragedy! To not have a big slice of cake to go with your ice cold milk? The world is doomed!”

He said as he placed a hand over his chest in a falsely concerned manner. He then chuckled as Celestia puffed her cheeks up at him with a rather unamused expression on her face which then softened up with a light smile as she knew he was only teasing her as couples usually do. She didn’t have anything to tease him about back simply because he never revealed anything that she could do so with. Oh but the future her knows exactly how to do just that.

Once they finished up their assignment for the day, they both handed in their work after showing the teacher that they had completed it. They made there way out of the classroom and immediately, Celestia took his hand into hers and laced her fingers with his. Ryuji smiled and gripped her hand firmly as they walked out into the main schoolyard to make their way back to the castle.

“So Ryu. What are your plans later after you relax for a bit? I was hoping you and I could...Ryu…?”

A look of concerns fell over Celestia’s face as Ryuji stopped dead in his tracks. His face had gone pale with a wide-eyed look of slight fear and disbelief as he saw who was standing in front of him. He stepped back a few times, his body began to visibly shake as he saw…him. There, in front of him stood the one being he had thought he had gotten rid of for good. But here he was…

“Hey, kiddo. Long time no see. You have been pretty busy haven’t you?”

Ryuji’s heart rate rose higher and higher as the figure before him didn’t seem to disappear no matter how many times he blinked. Celestia looked in the direction that he was facing to actually see what he was seeing. She knew why he was acting the way he was now. As if being an exact copy of him wasn’t enough, she could feel the dark intent radiating off of him. And those black and gold eyes weren’t helping at all.”

“You...I killed you. Why are you here? Why now..? What do you want?!”

The doppelganger looked at him with a confused look then gave a dark and ethereal chuckle, just as his voice was when he spoke.

“Oh, you only severed my hold on you permanently. But that doesn’t mean you are rid of me. I am always going to be here to observe you, kiddo. As long as even a little bit of void energy is inside you, I am going to be there, watching. Not to mention, I am that dark side of you that will never fade. As a tenno, you should know this. I am merely a guide for you these days. What you do is totally up to you now. Be it murderous intent or a helping hand. YOU make the choices now. Always have.”

Celestia took a defensive stance in front of Ryuji with a glare directed at the void demon. She didn’t know what was going on. But she was going to protect him if she had to.

“Whoever you are, why do you torment him so? What exactly did you do to him to cause him such distress?!”

The double smiles lightly and just shrugs as if it was a mere small situation.

“Oh, just tried to take over his body for my own, threatened to kill the future you and any of his other friends should they get in my way after a successful takeover. You know, something that a chaotic entity that lives within a powerful being would do. After all, you don’t know Ryuji as I do. I shared his mind with him for over a thousand years, even as he slept.”

Celestia’s eyes widened and her pupils shrunk at how….casual the double spoke those words. It only made her take a more defensive posture in front of Ryuji, her horn glowing a bright golden glow. It was clear that she was extremely angry with the entity in front of her.

“I don’t care, you won’t cause him any more trouble you...vile demon!”

The double suddenly slides up right into Celestia’s face with a dark smile. This made her freeze up in terror at how sudden and fast he was.

“Oh, you will see me again and again, princess. Every time he gets angry, enraged or even murderous, watch for the shift in his eyes. As I will be watching and enjoying the show. You can count on that.”

With those final words, he disappears in a black aura with an eerie laugh. Celestia turns to see Ryuji on his knees with the same look of fear on his face. His hands were shaking as Celestia took them into her own, squeezing them assuringly as she brought herself to his attention.

“Ryu. Ryu, look at me. It’s alright. I am here. He is gone.”

Ryuji looks up from the ground to Celestia. His expression slowly softened as he stood back up and shook his head to snap himself back.

“I am fine now. Thank you, Tia. I just...never thought I’d have to see him again after what he did. But, it seems like that is no longer the case since he has made himself known once again.”

Celestia gently takes one of his hands into hers again and gently pulls him along.

“Come on, let's get home~. I nice hot bath will make you feel better. And yes, I do mean with me.”

“Wait. What?”

--Later--

The bathroom was full of steam as the water from the faucet flowed into the large tub. The water shifted and rippled as both Celestia and Ryuji made their way into the water and lowered their bodies into the soothing hot water. Celestia was quick to wrap her arms around him from behind and pull him into her lap. Her heavy breasts pressing against his back and her wings wrapped around his form as she rests her chin on his shoulder giving him loving and gentle nuzzles. Even in this time..and at her age, she knew just how to comfort him in his favorite way.

“There we go. Now just relax my love. It’s just you and me here now…”

She said as she gently rubs her soft, warm hands up and down his torso both in front and back. It wasn’t so much as a lewd caressing, but a comforting massage and rub down to take away the tension that had built up in his body. She could see it in the way he stands and walks. His shoulders were always so high and tense even more than a guard who drew the short straw on going tonight patrol in the lower parts of Canterlot.

“Are you always so tense, Ryu? I can only imagine what the older me has to do to help you unwind when you get like this…”

He lets out a grunt and sigh of relief as he feels the tension slowly leaving his body. He relaxes against her soft, plush, warm form as he lets her tend to him in this manner. It truly felt wonderful. But he’d be lying to himself if he said he didn’t miss the way her older self did it.

“Heh, the older you did it more lewdly than this. But, this is very very nice. I can feel the stress melting off my body with this. I truly appreciate this, Tia.”

“Mmmh, you need not even give it any thought, Ryu~. As your future wife, it is only natural for me to make sure that you feel relaxed and loved at the end of the day. When you told me about us from your time, I made up my mind to get a headstart, and I wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

He nodded and turned his head to gaze at her.

“I certainly wouldn’t have said no, not now. I love you, Tia. No matter how old or young I see you in these time jumps, I will be only yours. That much is clear. I just hope that I am not altering my time flow too much to cause negative effects. Though, I do miss being in my original time. I miss not only you but the others as well.”

“Others?”

She asks in a curious tone as she brings her hands to his back now, grasping his shoulders and rubs the tension out of them and she gently peppers his neck with kisses and nuzzles as she listened to him speak.

“Yeah, six other mares who play a rather vital role for many, many, many years to come. I cannot go into too much detail about them. But, just know that they are the first ones who showed me that I belonged here in this world. Especially a certain bookworm who I care very much about.”

Celestia smiles and ‘hmmm’s lowly as she wonders just who these mares are. But if he couldn’t tell her, then she wouldn’t press the matter. She was just happy that he was surrounded by many who care for him in his time, knowing she had absolutely nothing to worry about.

“Well, that makes me extremely happy knowing this. But once your reason for being here ends, how will you return?”

“Well, I suppose it will do what it does after every time jump. It will return me to my present time.”

Ryuji suddenly remembers something and gives a chuckle.

“If I remember correctly, there was an old saying from a character from a book that was published in my universe. He was a wizard that was the head of the magic school or something. And he said “Mysterious thing, time. And when meddled with, dangerous.” I should have taken that quote to heart when all this was going to happen to me.”

Just as he started to relax more, he heard something going off in his pants pocket that he had neatly folded up with his other clothes and armor. He knew what it was too. He quickly jumps up out of the water which surprised Celestia. He makes his way glowing source that was in his pocket it and takes out the coms device. It was sparking blue as if it was imbued with some kind of magic. Once he presses a few buttons, the large full screen holographic that stood about his height appears in front of him, giving a full view of the surrounding both to him and the viewer on the other side. At first, the image was blurry and the voices were hard to make out. But once it became stable his eyes widened as he heard the voices of and saw Celestia and Twilight.

“Ryu? Can you see and hear us?! Hello?!

Shouted Twilight as she continued to fumble with the device. Ryuji was amazed that this thing could work over different times. Could it be because he has gone through time so many times that the magic that does send him drew to his form and affected what he had on him at the time of the jump?

“Y-yeah, I see and hear you both perfectly. What I don’t understand is how…”

Celestia looked up and down at her fully naked fiance and then behind him.

“I...see you are in the middle of a bath. I am just happy you are safe, I was so worried-...”

“Ooooh wow, so that’s what I look like when I get older?! I look so pretty!”

The room fell silent as both Celestias made eye contact. Both of them speechless for many reasons. Twilight met Ryuji’s gaze which had an “Oh shit, How’s this gonna go down?’ look to them. Perhaps he shouldn’t have answered that coms call...

"Heheh, how are you going to get out of this one, kiddo?"

"Shut up..."

He conversated with his double in his mind.

Act 27: Hydroid Returns

View Online

Everything was still for the moment as Ryuji stared back at Celestia and Twilight through the comms unit he had in his hand with the younger version of the sun princess draped across his back and pressing into him with her soft, warm wet body. She stared at her older self and admired just how beautiful she was going to get when she got older. Ryuji thought he was in for the argument of a lifetime. Tears and screaming were the first things he expected from this. But what he got was certainly unexpected.

“I trust that you are taking care of our beloved then?”

The older one asked with a warm smile, no hidden hate or sadness within her at all. Was this really happening right now? Ryuji thought that Celestia would be furious! But it turns out that this certainly wasn’t the case.

“Mhmm! He has had a rough day today. So I figured a nice hot bath with him would cheer him up~.”

“Ooooh he loves bath time with me. He is always so cute when I press into his back. He blushes every time when my breasts press into his back...like what’s happening now~.”

She giggled as she watched her younger self grind and rub against Ryuji, a heavy blush forming on his face which made them both giggle in response. He clears his throat and gets back to the matter at hand trying to change the subject quickly.

“Okay, hold up. First off. How the hell are we even chatting right now? You and Twi are like...YEARS away from me. And yet I can talk to you through this coms unit And second. Why are you not threatening to throw me into the sun when I younger version of you has her naked form draped over me? Even Twi is in shock!”

He said as he pointed to the purple alicorn’s face who had eyes as wide as dinner plates and a massive blush across her muzzle. Celestia looked back at Twilight and couldn’t help but laugh then turned her attention back to them.

“Well, she IS me, silly boy. Why would I get upset knowing that I will have memories of you when I was younger? I think it will be pretty romantic to know that you and I have been lovers for sooooo many years.”

“Oh, I know! It’s like a dream come true! To think that not only we got to see him when we were still fillies, but now as we are starting to mature...it’s the perfect romance spanned across centuries~.”

Both of them seem to be lost in swooning over their conversation about ‘time-crossed lovers’ and such. Ryuji’s double suddenly popped into view for all to see and chuckled lowly, startling Celestia and Twilight.
“Ryu..is that...how is he..?”

Stuttered Twilight in great concern for her friend as much as Celestia was for him. They saw the creature that had caused Ryuji so much pain before in hoping he’d never return again. Ryuji sighed and shifted his eyes toward his double then back to the screen.

“Turns out he never left. I should have known right from the start that getting rid of something that has been with me for my whole life wouldn’t just up and leave simply because my mind bested him in combat. But you don’t need to worry. He isn’t causing trouble anymore. But my main concern is: How in the hell am I going to return back to the present?.I have learned that the forces of time have brought me back and forth to places for a reason…”

“He is always right about these things, ladies. As many times as he and I have been thrown through time. It’s always been to alter some kind of critical moment or something to that effect.”

“Well, I don’t care~. I will help him however he needs. But I am just happy that I get to spend some time with him. Especially when I am maturing into a mare now. That’s when she needs her beloved the most~.”

Celestia said as she pressed into Ryuji again, those warm, soft ample breasts pressing into him once more. The older Celestia watched on in not in anger, but in excitement at this display. If her expression didn’t give it away, her wagging tail would.

“Ryu, could you hand the device to the younger me and cover your ears? I need to speak privately with her. And don’t you dare try to listen in, cause I’ll know if you do!”

She threatened. Ryuji shrugged and handed the device to Celestia and covered his ear. As the two of them spoke, he heard nothing, only blushing muzzles and laughter among their features. This went on for five minutes. Ryuji noticed a blushing and wide-eyed Twilight on the screen as they spoke. Just what in the world were these two talking about?! Soon though, younger Celestia motioned it was okay for him to uncover his ears and she handed the device back to Ryuji.

“Alright, my love. Since I can see you are in good hands, I will let you get back to your bath time with me. Please return to the present safely. I miss you so much~.”

Ryuji simply smiles and nodded with a low ‘hmmm’ coming from his lips.

“I will hurry back as soon as I am able...I love you, Tia. Just hang in there for me a little while longer.”

“And I love you, Ryu.”

She leans in close with those soft, warm lips and kisses at the camera that relayed the video. This made Ryuji chuckles and soon the device shut off the feed. Once he had sat it back down into the pocket of his clothes, Celestia dragged him back to the hot water and resumed to shower him with affection and grooming.

“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. There is going to be a school trip coming up. And no, you can’t not go! Your future wife demands this~.”

Ryuji grumbles. It’s like she knew that he was going to deny the trip right out. And since she said that, he sighed and simply leaned back against her while resting his hands on her soft thighs and rubbed them gently, which made Celestia sighed in delight at the attention.

“So, where will this trip be taking us then? And why drag me along? Isn’t this kind of stuff for the most highly academically achieving students? Last I checked, I am not on that list. In fact, I am faaaarrrr below it.”

He stated as he knew that his grades weren’t the best, but they weren’t the worst either. Celestia frowned as she heard him talk down to himself like that. Sure he wasn’t the smartest person in the school, but he certainly was smart enough to maintain a ‘B+’ through all his subjects. And if everyone knew what he was truly capable of outside of school, they’d see him in a whole new light.

“Well, you are going because everyone who is on the top fifty that is going can bring a plus one along with them. And you are going to be that plus one, silly boy.”

“Why not just take Emerald? I am sure he could use the fun.”

He then remembered that the feminine stallion was actually ranked high up on that very list and sighed.

“Right...he’s way up there with you.”

“Come on, Ryu! We are going out to an island resort for a week! It will be fun! Plus plenty of time for you and I to get to spend together~.”

“Yeah, that part I don’t mind. But fuckface is going to be going to, I am sure. And if he pushed me, I can’t promise anything since it won’t be on school grounds…”

By ‘fuckface’, he meant Star Breeze. The school bully and captain of the school’s hoofball team. If he was going on a trip that involved downtime, he certainly didn’t want him to be there. Celestia sighs and shakes her head, knowing full well that Ryuji meant what he said. And she knew just what he could do if he wanted to.

“Only if things get bad and you are backed into a corner, you are allowed to do something about it. Otherwise will you please try to keep the physical stuff at bay? I know you could tear him apart if you wanted to. But you also need to remember that you are a warrior with over a century of experience. He is just a dumb colt who thinks he is the alpha male. And the only reason he is going to be able to go is that he is the star of the team. All the other members of the team won’t be able to go...unless he invites one of them of course.”

Ryuji just sighs and turns his head to gaze at her, another smile forming across his lips. Celestia wished he’d smile more like that. She thought he looked so much cuter than his usual scowl.

“Alright, Tia. You win. I’ll go and I will try to keep a cool head. But I can’t promise anything.”

She gasps happily and squeezes him into a hug and nuzzles her nose into his neck.

“Yaaaaay!~ I can’t wait till the trip. It happens in the next few weeks, so that gives us plenty of time to prepare! We are going to need to get you some new clothes made for sunny weather and all that other fun stuff.”

“No way.”

“But bu-.”

“No, Tia. You know how I feel about not having my armor on when I got out in public. I still itch without it a little bit these days. That’s what happens when you live in nothing but full bodysuits for as long as I have.”

“Then just leave all the bulky bits behind! You will still be covered without them! Pleeeeaaaasseee pleasepleasepleaseplease?”

When she said that word and the adorable puppy eyes came along. Ryuji grunted in annoyance as she was the only one who could actually pull that off on him. And it bugged him. But given who she was to him…

“Fine!”

“Yaaaay!”

She cheered, spending the rest of the afternoon and evening smothering him with both her body and love.

--A Couple Weeks Later--

Ryuji leaned against the railing of the top deck of the large yacht that Celestia did not mention to him until it was too late. He stood there in the bare minimum of what was left of his armor which was basically a tight-skinned under armor shirt that was long sleeve and what appeared to be cargo pants without all that mechanical armor plating. Even with his clothing fully covering him, he felt so...exposed. He sighed as he lightly swirled the juice he was drinking from a fancy cruise glass with the fruit on the side and even a little umbrella. His eyes were focused on the water. Being out in the ocean and watching the waves...it made the tenno think about his partner more than ever…

“I miss you, bud. I hope I can find you someday soon.”

Apparently, they were heading to some fancy island resort that the smart kids got to go to because of their good grades. He there simply because Celestia chose him as her plus one. And being the way he was, he felt like he didn’t have any right to enjoy such a thing since he didn’t really care nor work for it.

The salty sea air lightly blew into his face and through his hair which he had let fully grow down to his upper back ever since he came to this world. It felt nice. So much that he gets lost in thought, even more, not noticing Emerald Delight coming up on his right and playfully placing his ice cold drink against Ryuji’s cheek which made him jump slightly as lean to the side

“That’s cold!”

He exclaimed. This made the feminine male giggle as he leaned forward against the railing. He was ACTUALLY wearing a female swimsuit, a two-piece that was black and blue and VERY tight around certain parts. If it wasn’t for the obvious bulge between his legs, others would simply see him as a flat chested girl with a very nice rear and hips.

“Wow...they actually let you wear that?”

Emerald giggled and nodded.

“Mhmmm~. Don’t I look hot in it?”

“I won’t lie in saying you’d certainly fool a guy who doesn’t know you like Tia and I do. So...yes. There I said it.”

He said as he turned his attention back to the water with a slight blush on his face. He knows he just said a male was hot, but god damn it. he is just two missing components away from a girl! Emerald giggles at Ryuji’s uncomfortable body language and sips from his drink.

“You know, Tia is worried about you. She knows you don’t want to be near Star Breeze, but you have been spending the whole trip in this same spot. What’s got you so fixated on the water…?”

He asked in a rather concerned manner. Ryuji was his friend. And being how the stallion was, it was only natural for him to worry too.

“It’s...a long story, Emerald. All I can say is I lost a friend, and I hope I am able to find him once more someday soon.”

As the two conversed on the railing, Ryuji suddenly felt something stir inside of him. Suddenly his right arm started swinging about on its own as if an invisible source was pulling at him and tossing him around on the deck. The magic that he normally kept invisible from the student’s eyes that normally swirled around the arm appeared and started to go haywire.

“What the...what is the matter with this thing?!”

He shouted as he struggled to keep his arm under control, fighting back the magic as best as he could. Emerald’s and everyone else’s eyes were now on him as the commotion began. Ryuji took hold of his arm and tried to keep it pinned as the spectral nikana prime started to slowly form in his hand, an ethereal and ghostly wind sound could be heard as it formed completely, the black and ice grey weapon flaring up as it dragged Ryuji back towards the edge of the boat, threatening to pull him off the edge. The commotion brought almost everyone to the upper deck, soon enough, the spectral blade had pulled the tenno over the deck and left him hanging on by the metal railing. Just as Emerald was doing his best to pull against the sword’s grasp. Star Breeze pushed him down to the side and grinned evilly at Ryuji before kicking at his fingers. Ryuji let’s out a grunt of pain as he fights against the pain to hold on.

“Drown, freak.”

“Star, don’t!!!”

Shouted Emerald as he tried to get back onto his hooves. But it was too late, another kick to Ryuji’s fingers forced him to let go and fall into the water below. Or rather, pulled below as the sword took him to the depths. Celestia had come up on deck to witness this just as it happened. Her eyes filled with terror and anger as she ran up to the colt and slapped him across the face as hard as she could.

“You complete asshole! What the fuck were you thinking?!”

She didn’t even give him a chance to answer as her horn glowed fiercely, a magical aura forming around Star Breeze and lifting him up before slamming him onto the deck with force. The princess clearly upset and outraged by the colt’s actions

“H-He had it coming. He messed with the wrong stallion and got what was coming to him...I hope he dies…”

He said before he was thrown into the wall of the captain’s quarters by Celestia.

“He better not be dead for your sake! I will have you thrown into the dungeon and you will live out your days in your own filth!”

After she had taken out her anger on him, she fell to her knees and buried her face into her hand and started crying. Emerald and her friends surrounding ehr to try and comfort the princess as best as they could.

As Ryuji was pulled further and further to the depths, he could feel the pressure starting to affect his body. Just as he felt like he couldn’t last any longer, the blade suddenly lodged itself into what appeared to be some kind of dark crystal with a figure inside of it. With a shimmer of the blade, the crystal began to crack and a bright light filled the ocean floor, bright enough to illuminate the water around the yacht and even cause it to shift. All was quiet for a moment as they all looked around at what had just happened below the ship. Suddenly, an icy grey tentacle flew up from the water and wrapped around the railing. It pulled up a dark figure than landed on the deck with a heavy metallic thud under its feet. It rose up from its landing position and revealed itself to the ponies before it. Celestia looked up from her hands to see..’him’ standing there. The same Warframe, but with sharper and more menacing looking details as if it had gone through a slight transformation while it was encased in that dark crystal. Its head moved around as if looking for something or rather, someone. With one quick motion, it moved toward Star Breeze and quickly drew that oh too familiar shotgun, the arca plasmor and smashed the heavy barrel to the side of his head as the frame pinned him down.

“GIVE ME ONE GOOD FUCKING REASON WHY I SHOULDN'T BLOW YOUR FUCKING BRAINS OUT RIGHT NOW!”

Ryuji shouted in absolute rage, pushing the gun even harder against Star’s skull, it was taking everything the tenno had to not instantly pull the trigger, the finger shaking and tapping against it.

“Ryuji, don’t kill him! He did it out of his petty nature! He isn’t worth killing!”

The urge to pull the trigger was tempting...oh so very tempting. Not only was Ryuji feeling the rage from himself, but the fact that Hydroid had been imprisoned in that dark crystal and separated from Ryuji was also fulling that fire. What was going to happen..?

Act 28: The Unfamiliar Present

View Online

Ryuji kept the barrel of his arca plasmor pressed against Star’s head with force, That urge to just pull the trigger and end this mistake in the gene pool once and for all. He wanted it so bad. And yet in his mind he knew he could do it because he didn’t want to risk altering the timeline in some way or even worse. Take the life of some high school brat. He yanked the gun away from Star and growls in anger.

“No. I am not going to kill you. But…”

He suddenly sent a swift kick to Star’s face which made him fall onto his side and lay on his front. Ryuji then stood over him as he took that nikana prime slowly from it’s sheath at Hydroid’s side and twirled it in his hand so that the blade was facing down.

“I will do something ten times worse to you. Say goodbye to your dreams as a star athlete…”

Before Star could cry out and beg for mercy, Ryuji’s blade plummets down quickly and precise, right to the back of his right knee, not breaking the bone, but severing the tendons and all hope of him ever remaining a hoofball star. And with the way he had severed it, not even magic could fully recover the crippling wound he will have to live with all his life. The sickening slash through flesh was heard along with a cry of pain that came from the pony below him as he then started rolling around in pain. He gives one swipe of his sword to get the blood off it before sheathing it with a click. He turns away with an audible flutter of his syndana and makes his way towards Celestia. Her friends that surrounded her looked up at the warframe in fear but maintained their defensive stance in front of her thinking that he was going to hurt her as well. Even Celestia herself had a slight hint of fear in her eyes even though she tried to hide it. And this put Ryuji off a bit.

“Fine…”

He said as he then walked away from the group and passed Star and a few onboard medical ponies that were tending to him. Celestia knew right away that he saw that fear in her eyes and knew how that made him felt. She was quick to push away from her friends and call out to him as she chased him.

“Ryu, wait!”

Ryuji stood at the back of the yacht with his eyes on the sky. And soon enough, a loud roar of the orbiter’s engines could be heard over the yacht’s with ease. The massive ship dwarfed the little sea vessel in difference. The sidehatch opened up and Ryuji leaped into it with a quick motion and walked into the loading bay.

“Oh no you don’t! You aren’t leaving me here by myself!”

Shouted Celestia as she flies in just as the sidehatch closed right behind her. She even managed to grab the bag she had brought with her. The Orbiter soon took off heading back into space to resume its orbiting of the planet. Ryuji was already on the bridge of the ship with Hydroid standing by as he walked about.

“Ordis, I have reacquired my warframe.”

“Iiii can see that, Operator. But it seems that you have also acquired another passenger. Shall I purge them from the ship?”

Ryuji shook his head after he noticed Celestia coming up the ramp after it had dropped down. She looked at Ryuji with a look of annoyance as she crossed her arms. But he simply turned his attention to the stars and dark space with the sun illuminating the inside of his ship.

“No, Ordis. You should know by now that she is someone of great importance to me. Now, take me to the cast;e so that I can drop her off. Last thing I need is for her to come with me back to the proper time and cause a paradox. And you and I know that could be at any moment, so get us there quickly.”

“As you wish, Operator.”

Ryuji turned to face Celestia who still had a look of disapproval from his actions before. Ryuji simply shrugged his shoulders and walked up to her. He crossed his arms in defense as he gazed up into her disapproving eyes.

“What? Did you expect me to let him off without any retaliation for trying to kill me? You know me better than that, Tia. Scum like him doesn’t even deserve to enjoy a life of happiness when he takes it away from others by being a complete asshole and thinking they are better than everyone else.”

Celestia lowers her ears and looks back at him with a stern expression. Ryuji knew that either way he would have handled the situation, it was going to upset her, as letting Star Breeze off the hook wasn’t going to be a choice for the tenno.

“That isn’t your decision to make, Ryu. He would have been brought to justice either way for what he had tried to do.”

“Don’t give me that, Tia. I saw the look on your face when I came back up. You wanted to kill him just as much as I did because you had thought he had actually killed me. I wasn’t about to let entitled brat get away with it. So I took away his only chance at being something he didn't deserve to have.”

Ryuji made his way back over to Hydroid and runs a hand down his arm as he examines the changes that he had gone through. His features had changed to be more sharper,nearly sinister in appearance. Just what has been happening to him since they had last seen one another. Ryuji traced his hands along the metallic frame of his partner lost in thought.

“What did they do to you…? You certainly aren’t the same since I had last seen you. But...I am glad that I have found you again. I was worried that I had lost you forever when they took you away…”

Ryuji suddenly went in to hug the warframe. What happens next however catches Ryuji, Celestia and even Ordis off guard. The frame lifts his arms up and places his hands upon the tenno’s shoulders softly as it acknowledged it’s operator with the same feeling. As if a father was returning his son’s affection. It would seem that along with these changes, Hydroid has become more of a sentient being than before. Not only coming to life to make sure that RYuji was kept safe from harm, but to now freely move as he wished unless Ryuji had decided to take full control of him. Ryuji stepped back in surprise as he gazed up at the warframe who had removed his hands from his shoulders in awe.

“You..can move on your own now..?”

Hydroid gave a slow nod to the tenno, but reassured him with another pat on his shoulder that he will still always need his operator, no matter the situation. Just as Ryuji would always need Hydroid. Celestia watched the two closely. She couldn’t even be upset with Ryuji anymore since he did finally find the only friend he had ever had before he came to this universe. She gave a heavy sigh and walked over to Ryuji.

“I will take care of what happened when they return. For now, just get me back home before you suddenly disappear like last time.”

--An Hour Later--

Once they finally arrive at the castle, the ship lands in the main courtyard just as the ramp lowers. Ryuji and Celestia walk out onto the stone walkway and look at one another for a few moments before Ryuji takes her hands into his. He closes his eyes for a moment before leaning up and kissing her on the lips. Celestia’s tail sways quickly before leaning into the kiss that he had started. Once it was broken, he reaches up and caresses her cheek.

“I really hope this is the last time I go back into this world’s timeline. I am getting tired of being dragged around.”

They both laugh and kiss again and then hug each other tightly. Ryuji makes his way back up onto the ramp before looking back at the love of his life and leaves her with a few more parting words.

“Hopefully, I shall see you soon again. I love you, Tia.”

“And I love you Ryu.”

With those last words, Ryuji makes his way up into the ship as the ramp closes. The orbiter lifts back up into the air and takes off up and out of the atmosphere. As he makes his way up to the bridge. He saw Hydroid gazing out at the stars before Ryuji joined him at his side. Suddenly out of nowhere, the ship starts to shake and rumble, nearly knocking them both down Something seemed to be dragging them in a different direction as they flew through space. Ordis came over the coms.

Operator! A void storm has taken hold of the ship. I can’t pull away from it!”

Ryuji quickly gets to his feet and runs towards the window to see a light blue, ethereal mass getting closer and closer towards them. He quickly makes his way over to the controls and tries to override the engines to pull a full overpowered reverse on the thrusters, but to no avail. Not only was he getting dragged into a void storm, but that familiar cobalt blue sparking started to envelope him and the entire ship. As they were pulled through the void storm, the cobalt light consumed everything.

--Back To The Present--

The orbiter comes down from the sky on a crash landing course headed straight for the outskirts of Ponyville. Thankfully, Ordis was about to land the ship just in time so that the only thing that was critically damaged was one of the thrusters. Once the ship had landed and the rear ramp opened up, Ryuji came stumbling out and down the ramp before falling to his hands and knees. It was a dark and rainy day when he had returned to what he had hoped was the present. As he looks down into the puddle that he had fallen in. He gets a look of confusion on his face. The reflection he was seeing. It wasn’t his face. Well, it was his face, but his hair was much longer than before. And he had full stubble on his face as well. When he noticed this, he slowly stood up and took a look at his body.

“How the hell did-?”

He quickly covers his mouth with one hand. His voice sounded..deeper. More mature. And very gravelly.Soon after, Hydroid ran down the ramp to join at Ryuji’s side to offer him any aid. He gazed upon his operator, who somehow seems to have aged up to looking to be in his early twenties. Even his clothing and armor seemed to have changed with his growth as well. However, the sound of multiple hoofsteps could be heard in the distance, approaching Ryuji’s position with weapons drawn. The armored ponies quickly surround the ship along with Hydroid and his operator. Ryuji was quick to take a defensive stance and tried to activate his void energy. It failed. He tried again, failure.

“What the fuck…?”

Hydroid could see what was going on and drew the arca plasmor to defend Ryuji. Once the armored ponies came closer, He noticed that their armor wasn’t...what it used to be. Golden plate replaced by futuristic and sleek armor. And their swords and spears replaced with...guns?!

Ryuji thought of only one last thing he could do. That icy grey coil around his arm formed into the ghostly blade that he had been given. However, once the ponies see that, they lower their guns and slowly start to back away. And a female unicorn dressed in skin tight armor approaches Ryuji and Hydroid from behind the group and chuckles lightly as she approaches.

“Well, looks like you made it home after all, darling. There is no mistaking that blade that is attached to you.”

The helmet around her head suddenly expands slightly before collapsing into a form of collar on the armor that she wore. There was no mistaking that posh accent and those sapphire eyes. Ryuji’s stance lightened, but the blade was still visible.

“Rarity..? WHat are you doing in that? I would have never, ever guessed you’d be party of the royal army..if that’s what you are part of.”

She giggles lightly before walking up to him. Hydroid was quick to aim his plasmor gun at her before Ryuji lowered the gun and shook his head at Hydroid. Rarity leans in and gazes at him with a warm smile as she REALLY noticed his changes.

“Oh my..looks like you have finally matured into a full stallion, sweetie. Gruff and very handsome~. I do think the princess will be very happy to see you like this. Though I know she will be happy to see you in general though. Come along. Let’s get you back to her side now.”

As she lead him on, she also noticed that Hydroid was now walking and moving of his own free will. This made her a bit uneasy, but she knew that Hydroid was Ryuji’s friend. However I didn’t stop her from asking about it.

“Ryu, dear. How is that thi-..he able to move freely now? I remember him not being able to do that before…”

“I don’t understand it myself. When he was taken, he was only able to do that if I was in immediate danger. But now that I have recovered him, he seems to have a mind of his own. Which I do not mind. The friend who I have had for so many years can finally tell me what’s on his mind...somewhat finally has the freedom he deserves. But this...new body. Or rather aged up body...I don’t understand. ANd I can’t use my void powers at the moment...so once I get back to the castle, I am sure to get bombarded with questions.”

Once they get to Ponyville, Ryuji noticed that everything was much more sleek and futuristic, just as the armor the guards wore. And in the distance, he could see that Canterlot had changed as well. It looked like a distant future utopia. One thing is for sure, this isn’t the present he knew. Not anymore.

The Tides Of Fate

by Zatoichi Vokunkiin

Prologue: A Shift In The River Of History

Act: 1 All It Takes Is One Little Action...

Act 2: Oh Wow, A Human!

Act 3: What Is A Tenno?

Act 4: Hey Kiddo...

Act 5: A Rainy Night In A Cottage

Act 6: The Orbiter Flies Once More!

Act 7: You ARE Meant For This World

Act 8: You Will Not Take Them From Me!

Act 9: The Shadows Move In

Act 10: This Is My Family Now

Act 11: In Order To Gain Power...

Act 12: Tossed Back In Time

Act 13: The Fateless One

Axt 14: I Do What I Want Now

Act 15: The Basilisk Flare Finally Revealed

Act 16: The Beachside Royal Summit Awaits

Act 17: A Tenno Surrounded By Swimsuit Clad Mares

Act 18: A Potential Fix

Act 19: A Chance To Fix Everything

Act 20: You Don't Need Me Anymore, Kiddo

Act 21: The Airborne Assault

Act 22: Separation

Act 23: Another Shift In The River Of Time

Act 24: A Long Stay In The Past

Act 25: Ryuji's First Day Of High School Life

Act 26: Long Time No See, Kiddo

Act 27: Hydroid Returns

Act 28: The Unfamiliar Present