> To Change With the Moon
>  by DJ-LUN3RDA5H
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1(Re-write)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Awakening from my sleep, I held my eyes shut tight. The light invading my vision and hurting my eyes. I rolled over in the bed but something didn't feel right... This bed was not mine.

This couldn't be the stale bed with sheets that could be used for sandpaper that were provided by the cheap motel I had been living in for the past two months. No, the sheets were smooth and silky and the mattress too soft and plushy.  

This brought up the question. If I wasn't in my crappy motel room, whose bed was I in and where was I? The thoughts that ran though my mind scared me. I went out drinking the night before and I didn't remember much after. So that meant I had gotten drunk. A chill went down my spine as I imagined the things that could of happened. 

When I was intoxicated there were certain aspects of my personality that were hard to control. My moonlit escapades have had me wake up in some places one would deem... unusual to say the least. Though they always held some sort of consistency, I almost always awoke at the highest peak of the surrounding area. From what I could gather from my foggy memories I have been able to decipher some of IT'S  habits. It liked the heights and open areas, so it could bask in the full moons light. It would always go searching to find the most optimal place to spend it's time and it would kill any living thing in it's path there. It was a heartless beast that showed mercy to nothing or no one. 

So I was surprised when I felt something to my side in the bed with me move. I jumped out of the bed and landed on my feet. Spinning around I focused on the source of the movement. What I saw surprised me. There was something in the bed and it was... different. It was new to me and unlike anything I have ever seen before.

Its body had a dark blue coat. The fur covered it's well toned, strong looking muscles. It looked very powerful, even with my strength and speed it looked like it could easily give me a run for my money. Walking around the bed to get a better idea of what I was looking at I saw something else that surprised me. It had a pair of wings that were lazily splayed out behind it while it slept. I smiled, it must have been very tired when it fell asleep, because it didn't even bother to get under the covers. Though it didn't need to, as the room was warm enough on it's own.

It shifted it's position once again, allowing a ray of light from a window to give me a clearer view of it's head. I noticed that it had a horn about ten inches long protruding from it's forehead. What really drew my attention however was it's most defining feature its mane seemed to be blowing in a nonexistent breeze, it looked less like hair and more like an aura. The edges were a blue color but the rest was black as the depths of space and seemed to suck in any light not letting it escape. Within the darkness were little twinkles that seemed to be emitting their own light, like stars throughout her mane. It reminded me of the night sky, the sight of this beautiful creature was amazing. I could hardly believe my own eyes, all I could say was...

"Wow."

My voice echoed louder than anticipated. I stood rooted in the spot, watching it for a while to make sure I had not accidentally woken it from it's slumber. After I was sure it wasn't going to awaken I once again found myself lost in its starry mane, It reminded me of my childhood. The good times when I would lay in the grass and gaze at the stars all night. I could spend entire nights out side in my favorite spot under an old maple tree. Staring endlessly at the night sky until the sun came up in the morning.  

As I was taking a walk down memory lane while staring at some unknown creature that was sleeping in a bed in front of me, I didn't notice the door behind me slowly open and something sneak into the room behind me. Escaping my notice, they stood directly behind me. With a well placed strike to the back of my head, I was knocked out.


~{T}~{C}~{W}~{t}~{M}~


The back of my head throbbed with pain as I wandered back into the land of the conscious. A wave of dizziness overcame me as I got up too quickly. My hand swung up from my side and touched the source of the discomfort. Forcing a sharp pain onto myself as my fingers touched the sore and broken skin where I was struck.  I muttered out a slew of cuss words as I felt a light wetness on my fingertips, looking back at my hand, I confirmed it to be my own blood.

I looked around to find out where I was. I was currently sitting on a bed that was too small for me to comfortably lay down on. The room itself was white a square room with white walls, off white floor, and a rather sturdy looking wooden  door that was at the other end of the room from where the bed was. I started to worry wondering why I was here, how I got here, and what who ever put me here planed to do to me. Panic set in quickly my mind flew though thoughts of who it could be. The government? some sort of mob boss? Someone who I owed money to? or even someone who held a grudge against me... I couldn't tell for certain.

I strained my senses to see what I could pick up on, I had no success I was unable to smell any distinct scents, nor could I hear anything but my breathing and the steady thump thump of my own heart. Frustrated I sighed looking down at the table that sat in the rooms center a simple table made of wood that was painted white to got with the rest of the rooms décor or lack of it. I walked up to the door and tried the handle, it only proved to be futile however the door was locked. Seeing how I was going no where fast I decided to do an inventory of everything I had. My possessions included one dark grey tee shirt, a light grey hoodie, a pair of jeans, underwear socks, shoes. Upon searching my pockets I found my Smith and Weston First Response pocket knife, and a brass Zippo my father gave me for Christmas as a kid.

"Great, nothing useful, I wonder what will happen next?" sighing I knew that nothing positive could come from my current predicament. I heard the door on the other side of the room unlock, and Instantly afterwards I was able to pick up on several heart beats. I smirked, "Saw that coming." 

The  door swung open and in strolled a creature that was very similar to the kind I had seen only moments before I was knocked out. 

"Huh, didn't see that coming."  I said as I looked it over.

This one was different it was larger not by much but clearly so, in place of the blue coat that adorned the other one this one had a coat whiter then the purest snow. She had a similar astral mane and tail as the other one, but it was slightly less impressive. Because in place of the nights sky there where streaks of color. She sported golden regalia so I figured she was a member of high society maybe even a member of royalty. 

It motioned for me to sit at the table. I slowly obliged while it took a seat opposite of me. Looking up after I had made myself comfortable, I looked directly into it's large, magenta eyes. It was defiantly intelligent. The entire time I was looking it over and sizing it up while it was doing the same to me. Her eyes held no fear, anger, or hate. But something was off. She had old eyes, too old for her face. And in them I could see one thing. Curiosity. 

Then she spoke ... 
> Chapter 2 (Re-write)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I am Princess Celestia. Can you understand me?"

Her words were slowly paced and sounded clearly, as if she were talking to an infant. I looked at her, noticing that her eyes were searching me for something, but I couldn't quite grasp what it was. I sighed, it was probably better to cooperate with her, than end up in a far worse situation. The full realization of which quickly dawned on me. I was not simply trapped in a cell or dreaming. I had awoken in a different world, seemingly impossible yet so real.

Before I lost myself in thought, I remembered where I was. I gave a short bow of my head to show respect.  "Greetings, Princess Celestia. My name is John, and if you don't mind me asking, where am I and what I'm doing here?". There was a short pause after I spoke. She gazed - no, leered at me in such a fashion that caused me to lightly frown in return. 

"Good. You can speak. To answer your question, you are currently in a holding cell for questioning. So now that we are acquainted with each other,  let us begin. First off you will not speak until spoken to. Second you will do anything I say, and finally you will not ask any more questions unless you are given permission to. Am I Clear?" The sudden change in her mood surprised me a little, but I nodded to show that I was listening. "Good now tell me how and why you were in my sisters bed chambers."

I then understood why she was so serious and direct. I knew I wouldn't be nearly as gentle, if things where the other way around. I knew I had to say something as she was expecting an answer, but would she believe me? Throwing caution to the wind, I decided to answer truthfully...

"Well... I have no idea how I got there at all. Last thing I remember is going out drinking then I woke up in your sisters room."

"HA. So you forgot the entire night before because you were in a drunken stupor? What a sad excuse for a living being, tell me. What are you and where do you come from?" 

Willing myself to stay calm, and ignore how rude she was being I answered her question. "I am from Earth. There, the dominant race of intelligent beings are known as humans. There are other species that share the world , but none have been found yet that show the same level of intellect and complex thought process."

She opened her mouth to ask another question but was interrupted when my stomach sounded it's desire for food. She looks at me with a raised eyebrow as I smirked back. "Sorry, guess I'm kinda hungry."

"Hmph, Very well. I could do with a lunch break myself, but before we continue, please tell me what does 'human' diet usually consist of?"

"Humans are omnivorous, and we try to balance our diets between various fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, and dairy products." after some more thought I added, "Also, could I also get some water to drink, please. I'm rather thirsty." She gave me a nod and left the room, after the door locked. All sounds from outside the room where effectively cut off, leaving me once again to my own thoughts, and once again, alone.

I was used to being alone.  After my family was broken up I spent years never really connecting with anyone for long. I grew up with a large family, my father was a sort of "head of the house" so to speak. I always was treated nice. Then there were my many uncles. Most of them weren't really related to me by blood at all but our group was a close knit one so every one referred to each-other as family. I had many brothers and sisters there were about thirteen of us, I was the only child to my two parents, while every one else was a child from my uncles or were just adopted into the family. I was the third oldest of my generation, but due to my status as my fathers child I was to inherit his position as head of house. Something which I failed at miserably when it was thrust upon me suddenly. A shiver traveled down my spine, every time the memory washes over me. I absolutely hate myself for what happened.

I got up from the floor and moved over to the ill fitting bed to lay down. Due to my height I was unable to lay on the bed without one part of my body hanging off the edge. It was a small bed that was almost square, I figured that it wasn't built for me so it's shape and size would have been better suited for others that native to this land. Though what was confusing to me was that the princess was just a bit larger than me. So this bed would be even more uncomfortable to her. Did she give me a small bed on purpose, was she trying to torture me through minor inconveniences and tiny annoyances?

My answer came three hours later with my "lunch", the door to the room opened which aloud me to pick up the familiar sound of three different heartbeats.However when the door opened no one came inside the room, instead a tray was pushed inside the room and the door was shut and locked afterwards leaving me in silence once again and alone.

The meal wasn't bad by any standers it consisted of scrambled eggs which really didn't surprise me. How would they be able to make any other kind of eggs? Also there was one of the best apples I have ever eaten and a pitcher of water with a glass. The meal was basically made just to help me stave off my hunger for a few more hours so nothing fancy. After I was done with the meal I placed everything back on the tray and put it on the floor in front of the door. But I kept the cup still filled with one glass of water for myself. For the next two hours I took a nap... dreamless sleep. 

When I woke up, I just let myself lay there with my eyes open. Letting my mind wander over the past few hours of the day I had been having. I looked over to the door and noticed that they must have taken the used food tray with them. I turned my head and looked at the glass of water the glass with perfectly smooth sides, in a perfect cylinder shape, and I thought back to the fork I ate my eggs with. A though formed in my mind and I lay there completely confused as to how they would use those objects without any hands. All they had where hooves and wings. Maybe they could manipulate the glass or utensils with their wings but that would be very difficult. I sat up on the bed making a mental note to ask when the Princess comes back.

After another hour and a half or so... I'm just guessing at this point it has to have been the greater part of a day since I first woke up, maybe its even been two days. I was unable to tell time at all, there are no windows, no clock, no sound to hear any outside activities. Its just past, present, and uncertain future to me at this point. I decided it was best for me to attempt to sleep again. I lay down on the bed and drift off into sleep.

I "dreamt" of the past once again.


~{T}~{C}~{W}~{t}~{M}~

I was in my room, Upstairs in the east wing of the house. With me were two of my younger siblings and my elder brother. The the first shot rang out, it was loud, but muffled by the thick walls of the estate. I'd heard a gunshot before, back when my father took me and my brothers out shooting to show me how to shoot a gun and how to react if someone pulls one on me. So this was no new noise to me, but this... this was different this wasn't shot outside, in our woods or on a range this was in our house, my home.

Another shot rang out, and at that I found myself on my feet racing toward the source of the sound at speeds I normally refrained from. When I made it to the balcony of the main hall, I saw that our large front doors where wide open and as I looked over the railing I saw my Uncle Peter crouching on the floor next to my fathers body that was surrounded in a pool of blood. His normally white shirt was stained red with blood. I saw my uncle clutching onto his gun, but I gathered myself tried to keep myself calm and analyze the situation, like my father taught me to.

One glance was all I needed to confirm that my uncle was not the one to blame in this situation. No, in his hands was a 9mm Beretta, a favorite of his. But looking at my father told me that he had been shot with a shotgun it was the only thing that could make a spread like that. Gathering myself with a deep breath I leaped over the railing and landed on the ground floor only to be joined seconds later by my eldest brother who seemed to have followed me slightly after I left the room. Hearing the sound of us landing my uncle spun around with gun in hand but upon seeing who it was he quickly lowered it. That was the first day in my entire life I saw any of my uncles cry, as a single tear rolled down his cheek he quickly summed up what I assumed from the beginning and confirmed my fears.

"I'm so sorry John. Your father... Is dead" he said through his heavy Scottish accent.

"Yes uncle, but now I need you to tell me what happened" I said in a calm collected tone. Yes I wanted to freak out, yes I was angry, yes I even wanted to cry, but now was not the time for that. It wouldn't bring my father back to me anyway.

My uncle recounted about how he answered the door and one of the members from one of the other packs was at the door asking to have a quick word with my father. Naturally my uncle retrieved my father and set about back to what he was doing before he answered the door. Later he heard yelling and went to go investigate. Halfway through his walk  back however he heard the first shot. After that he pulled his own gun and when he got to the main hall he saw the man that was at the door, standing over my father with a shotgun in hand, when the man saw my uncle with his pistol and turned to run. My uncle, an excellent marksman pegged him in his right arm in the ball and socket joint effectively shattering it and causing him to drop his gun before he was out of sight. My father had been shot with silver buckshot, he was dead before my uncle even got into the room.

"They will be back before the end of the night," One of my other uncles said aloud.

My uncle Peter, my eldest brother, and I had just finished explaining the events that had happened earlier that day to the rest of the family, excluding my youngest siblings, they had no need to know the truth as of now nor did they have to know what was going to happen next. My mother, two of my aunts, and the rest of my siblings were escorted to a secure area of the house while the rest of us armed up and prepared for the up coming battle. To others it might have made more sense to leave but we were being watched. If we attempted an escape we would certainly die, however if we held up here we had a slim chance of survival one that we needed to take.The battle started shortly after the sun was completely hidden from view by the horizon it started slow with snipers firing from both sides. We held the upper hand for a while due to our knowledge of the surrounding area but we were out gunned and It was none to long before gunfire was heard in the west wing. They had gotten in one of the side entrances and were making their way through the house.

My family fell one by one till It was only my siblings, my mother, my aunts, and myself. We knelt there in our own house, in our own home tied up powerless... weak. Then the leader of the other family walked in, the one that demanded our full "extermination" as he put it. He killed my aunts first, one shot to each of their heads he forced the children and I to watch it happen. Next was my mother, he planted a dagger straight into her heart and sliced her head off with a large sword. He told us that since she was my fathers wife she had to die a special way. He then turned on my eldest brother, claimed him to be my fathers blood son. I wanted to scream out, to try and do something.

I watched as the silver blade plunged through my bothers back and out through his chest. I watched the life leave his eyes as crimson blood dripped of the end of the blade, pooling around him. The rest of the children and myself were shot indiscriminately, no particular order or place. He just shot without aiming and left us there as he walked out with while my family lay there dead and dying. I closed my eyes at the scene that had been replayed so many times before. Opening them to a red haze of stinging smoke and heat, while my lungs burned with an intensity of pain I had never experienced before...

~{T}~{C}~{W}~{t}~{M}~

I screamed, bolting myself upright as the trauma washed over me. The cold chill of sweat running down my neck bringing me back to the world I had found myself in. I stretched my arms and legs as I got up from the bed, my face as pale as the white walls of the room I was in, a cold sweat on my face, I looked around the room and recognized my surroundings. I was alive. I made It out of the fire. I was the only survivor, and I'm more alone now then I ever have been.
> The Truth
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	As I sat there on the bed for the next few minutes, I noticed that once again the door was starting to unlock. When it swung open another tray of food is pushed into the room. However before the door closes a gruff voice sounded out.

"The Princess will join you shortly after you finish your meal."  The voice was obviously male but it was almost as if he was trying to make his voice sound deeper and more masculine then it actually was. I chuckled at the fact that he was probably doing it to try and intimidate me.

It was obvious that if I ever did get out of here I was most likely going to have to deal with the guards on an almost daily basis. That and the citizens might have an adverse reaction to my appearance because I am so different from them.

"That's only if they let me out of this hell hole," I sighed.

I got up to retrieve my tray from in front of the door. Examining the food in front of me I noticed it was the same meal as last time; eggs, an apple, and a glass of water. I quickly ate the food and swapped the empty water glass from my last meal with the fresh one. I then placed the tray next to the door with all its contents.

Within minutes the tray is removed from the room. Only to let someone take its place in the room. The Princess walked over and took her seat opposite of me at the table. I noticed the smell of freshly roasted vegetables clinging to her coat. She had most likely just finished her meal as well, but it was defiantly twice as good as my own. My mouth watered slightly at the smell, though in the back of my mind I know I will never get a meal fit for royalty while I'm trapped here. I have to get out, find a way to escape, but the door...

I could try to push pass the Princess the next time the door opens and make a run for it. Then again what about the guards? I contemplate how far I'll make it before they would be able to take me down. I decide it’s worth a try. I'll do it any ways. I'll leave this place if it kills me, which it just might. If I go off of the knowledge I currently have from just seeing the princess and prior knowledge from my world then the guards outside would have no problem taking me down even with my enhanced strength and speed. I used what I know from my world to guess that the male guards are most likely larger and stronger then the princesses. That means I would have to use speed to get past them, but they had wings so they would easily catch up to me. I was still convinced that I was going to do it, I just hoped that I could get outside before they caught me. I wanted just one last view of the sky.

The princess clears her throat to get my attention. I look up at her once I break off my train of thought "Yes, I'm sorry can you please repeat that?"

"Well, I said that I would like to continue our conversation from the last time we met." she had an irritated tone most likely because she thought I was ignoring her.

"Oh yes fine but before we get started can you tell me something?" she looked at me with curiosity and I quickly added "How is it that you use utensils such as a spoon, fork, or this glass for example?" I finished by pointing to the glass filled with water that was on the table between the two of us.

She answered by letting out a short laugh and saying "Oh it is very simple, I can simply use magic to lift it, there is no difficultly to it whatsoever." Then, to support her point her horn then lights up and surrounds the glass with a golden glow that then causes it to lift off of the table and orbit around my head in a slow pace before coming back to a rest on the table.

As I sat there staring at her and the glass trying to process what I just saw. The princess adorned a face of confusion as she took note of the look of surprise and wonder on my face. A short moment of silence later she spoke up

"So I take it that your world has no magic, am I correct?" I could only respond with a simple nod. Pleased that she had her answer she continued asking questions about life back on Earth. It started off with simple, general topics such as our different types of government, history, and even religion. To which she really take an interest in, asking about the different types and their practices. She did however quickly lose interest in the subject when I mentioned that allot of wars were started because of religion.

I answered all the questions to the best of my ability, all in all it felt like getting a test on everything I have ever learned. Then the questions started to get a little more personal, they started off rather innocent with things like courting rituals, how they changed over time to how normal relationships functioned. As well as marriage and how the ceremonies for it where preformed. The questions became more intimate when she started asking questions of a sexual nature. She seemed to enjoy my embarrassment through the entire subject. She would even sometimes make rude references about my personal love life and my current status as being single and most likely being alone for the rest of my life due to my current predicament. That comment might have hurt a little more than she intended it to but there was no way she would have known about my personal history, so I just let it go.

After a couple more hours of her questioning and insulting me we both grew into an uncomfortable silence. She had a sudden change in her demeanor. Before she was acting rude, uncaring and overzealous but she was now analyzing everything about me. All that I had said, my behavior, my tone, and my facial expressions. She was in deep thought with a very serious look on her face with just a hint of ... sadness? Seeing her change so suddenly must have struck a chord in me because I felt sorry, that I should do something, anything to help. I finally caved into my stronger instincts to help another. After a deep breath to collect myself I spoke up...

"Is there something wrong Princess?" I managed to say with full sincerity in my voice. I must have surprised her with my question because her eyes widened ever so slightly, only to have her look down and sigh.

"I am going to ask you something and you must be honest and truthful about it." She looked back up at me her eyes locking onto mine.

"Very well, I will tell you anything you want to know. Go ahead ask." I never broke her gaze though the entire sentience so she knew that I wasn't lying.

"During your time here I have been observing you and so that I may learn more about you to see if you may or may not be a threat. During that period of observation I asked my sister, Princess Luna, to use her power to watch over your dreams. She told me this morning that you had a dream last night however she did not tell me about the what you had dreamed of. She said that if I wanted to know, I would have to ask you directly about it." She then paused for a second and the room was so quite that one could hear a pin drop and then be able to tell where it landed. She then continued, "So, this is me asking you what was it that you dreamed of last night that was able to make my sister, one who had seen the darkest of all nightmares in this world, unsettled?"

I let out a short sigh and spoke. "The reason she didn't tell you is because it was no dream. It was a memory. Something that happened to me in the past, I will tell you about it but you must promise me that you won’t tell anyone else nor bring it up again unless I do. Oh, and please ask your sister to stay out of my dreams."

As I finished she nodded to show that she understood and I began to recount my past for her with every horrid detail. She did not take her eyes off mine for a single second through the whole story she sat there simply listening, not talking, not feeling uncomfortable and only listening. I haven't had any one to talk to like this for a long time, a very long time.

After I finished my story she took a minute to let all that I had said sink in everything from my father being shot, to the fight, even the slaughter of the remaining members of my family. She then looked up at me and I saw a single tear drop from her eye all she said was "Why?"

"Because they could, they wanted us gone for one reason or another so that's what they tried to do," I shrugged my shoulders. "There's really nothing I can do about it now. I've already failed at keeping the rest of my family alive. So now it's just me and all I can do is keep living on and remember them."

"I want to apologize for the way you have been treated since your arrival here. I need you to understand we have never seen anyone like you before, so I thought it would be best to keep you here until we were sure you would not bring any one else harm. That is why I have been so rude and cruel to you, I have been trying to get you mad to see if you would attack someone out of anger."I was about to speak so I could reassure her that I had no intentions on harming any one for any reason, but she raised her right foreleg to stop me from talking. “But you have been nothing but calm and kind, for that I would like to thank you. With that said I would like to formally make you a citizen of Equestria until such a point when we can figure out how to send you home. I would also like to inform you that for the next couple of weeks or so that you can have a room here in the castle to stay until we are able to send you home or until you find a more permanent residence"

I couldn't help but smile at the words she was saying mostly because it meant I was getting the hell out of this horribly boring room, but other than that she did seem to be sorry about the situation she put me in. "I accept your apology and I can tell you for certain that I plan to harm no one whilst I stay here. But there are some questions that I have, first how long have I been in here? Second may I please have a room with a view of the sky if it isn't too much trouble and third may I get a tour of the castle so I can get used to my surroundings?"

"That good to hear, to answer your first question you have been In this room for about five hours but to you It would seem longer because I put time dilatation spell on this room so time inside would travel much faster. So from your perspective those five hours must have felt something closer to three days? The answers for you other questions are both yes but I'm afraid the tour will have to wait till tomorrow, because for now it is night and we must get you to your room."

At this she stood up and walked to the door that unlocked and opened as she approached. She then turned around and said “Well, are you coming?"  I stood up from my seat on the floor and walked over to the open door that swung open and walked outside to get my first real view of this new world.
> Good Night, Good Morning
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

My first look at this new world, sucked to say the least. As I looked around I noticed that we were standing in a hallway with stone walls dimly lit by only a few torches. The air was cold and smelt damp.

There were three others besides the princess and myself. From the armor they were wearing I guessed that they were guards, though different to what I thought they would be. What stuck out about them was their height difference, only reaching up to my chest. Unlike the princess who was at least 3 inches taller then me excluding the length of her horn. Something else that confused me was that two of them had wings but no horn and the other, which I believed to be in charge because of the difference in uniform, had a horn but no wings. I looked at the princess in confusion.

"John, I would like to introduce you to the captain of the guards Shining Armor," the princess indicated towards the horned one. "If you ever get into any trouble do not hesitate to ask him for help." Shining nodded.

"If you follow me I will now take you to your room where you will be spending your nights until we get this problem sorted.”

The princess then turned and started off at a brisk trot down the hall with me walking quickly by her side, the guards following not too far behind.  We reached the end of the hallway after passing several other doors, then after climbing a staircase that lead up to another hallway and into guess what… another hallway.

All of the corridors were remarkably similar in that they had large white stone walls with a marble floor. They had large cathedral like ceilings with large windows on one side and doors to separate rooms on the other. The windows let in the almost golden rays of the sun that shined brightly in the sky. Each hall seemed to resonate peace and tranquility. After going through a maze of hallways we finally reached one that was different from all the others.

"This Hall leads to the bed chambers," The Princess indicated a couple of rooms in the hall, "This room is mine," I looked and saw a large white door with a golden sun symbol on it. She then pointed a hoof at another door that was just as large only navy blue and had a sliver crescent moon on it, "That is my sisters, just across the hall from my own. And finally this room will be yours for the time being."

The princess came to a stop in front of a door that was at the end of the hall between both her and her sister’s rooms.

“Inside you will find a bed large enough for you to sleep on and a full bathroom complete with a shower. But if you wish to take a bath you will have to use the one down the hall over there. You must be very tired after your ordeal and I will leave you to rest. Goodnight John I shall see you tomorrow."

As if on cue with her departure I felt the grip of exhaustion take hold of me. I walked into the room and lay down on the large, comfortable circular bed. Looking out of my window I noticed the crescent moon rise before sleep took hold.

"Good, not a full moon. Yet"

*****************************************************************************************

I woke up the next morning to the warmth of the suns golden rays shining on my face. Sitting up in my bed I took a look around my home for the time being. On one wall there were two pairs of large windows that gave a great view of the sun or moon when it was at its highest point in the sky. Just outside I could see a balcony that had a small fire pit in its center.
The whole room was painted in a plain white. To the right was a white stone fireplace that looked as if it had never been used. Other than that the room was very unfurnished and boring. There were a couple of white candles dotted around the room for lighting during the night, but they had no scent to them. 

The only thing that was able to take my interest was the high ceiling that seemed to mirror the weather outside down to the very last cloud. It was remarkable really at first I thought the room had no ceiling but if I looked close enough I could just make out. I chalked it up to the magic I had seen the princess use the other day because if I tried to figure it out any other way it seemed impossible.

The bathroom was not much different than the bedroom either. It had the same white walls but only had a white ceiling and tiled floor. It had a counter with a sink and mirror but other than that the only supplies were a couple bars of soap and white towels. I used the sink to wash the sleep from my face. Looking into the mirror I noted to myself that if I was going to stay here for any amount of time I needed to get more clothes and at least a toothbrush. After I decided to take up my concerns with the princess I left my room only to be greeted by one of the guards.

"I have been instructed to bring you to the dining hall for the morning meal," the guard then turned and started walking down the hall while I followed quickly behind. 

"So what’s for breakfast?" I asked the guard mostly to break the silence between us.

"Well, we do not call it breakfast in the kingdom because of Princess Luna staying up through the nights. So we tend to refer to it as the morning meal. Also you may have whatever you desire the chefs will take your order when you arrive." 

"Oh... cool"

When we reached our destination the guard pointed the door out to me with a hoof and left to go back to his duties. I walked in the hall to be greeted by Princess Celestia and three others.

Two of them I recognized. One as the Captain of the guard Shining Armor, the other as Princess Luna but that was only an assumption being as how we were never formally introduced. The forth however was a mystery to me. She had a pair of wings and a horn. Her coat was a light pink and her three color mane did not look as if it was blowing in a breeze like the two princess’ manes did, but just looking at her seemed to make my mood lighter and happier.

The dining hall was large and had an equally large table in its center. Princess Celestia sat at the tables head while Princess Luna sat at her right. Shining Armor and the one who I did not know sat next to each other on Celestia's left.

When I walked in Celestia looked up at me with a warm smile. "John, good morning I hope you slept well."

"Yes I did, and thank you again for the room." I said with a slight nod. 

"So”. Princess Luna spoke. “You are the one that sneaked into my bedroom?" 

"Oh... Yeah. Sorry about that, I didn't mean to intrude." I responded as I shifted nervously from foot to foot.

"Tis quite alright, no harm was done. Come in and sit, the meal is about to begin." She said as she patted an empty cushion next to her with a hoof.

As I sat down next to Luna the mysterious pink one sitting next to Shining Armor had a huge smile on her face as if she knew something the rest of us didn't.

"Well I do believe that we haven't been properly Introduced my name is Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, but you can call me Cadence for short." She smiled "And you must be this John I've heard so much about. Tell me what do you plan on doing with the time you spend here?"

"Well to tell you the truth I actually don't know just yet what I am going to do, in addition I don't even know how I got here so I don't know if I can go back." I ended with a small frown.

"Oh..."She seemed sad but had the same smile as before on her face which left me a bit confused. Luckily a dark pink female with a horn walked Into the the room to save us from the awkward silence that was bound to happen.

"Good morning I shall take your orders now if you are ready." The pink female looked toward me as if to get mine first. 

With a deep breath I cleared my head and a thought passed through my mind something wonderful that I haven't had in a long time shall be my first official 'Morning Meal' here as it were. "Yes may I have four blueberry pancakes please? With maple syrup and a slice of butter on top if it wouldn't be too much trouble."

Everyone in the room looked at me like I had two heads until finally the pink female spoke up. "Umm... Excuse me sir but what’s a pancake?" My response was to look back at her as if she had two heads which made her shift uncomfortably on her hooves. 

I looked around the table for support only to find none. "Let me get this straight. You don't have pancakes here?" My tone was that of utter disbelief I looked around and everyone shook their heads in confusion. "Well show me to the kitchen that problem is going to get fixed right NOW!" I addressed the pink female “I am going to make them all a meal from my homeland. One they shall never forget". The pink female left the room quickly behind me whilst I was walking off grumbling "No way am I living anywhere that doesn't have pancakes."

*****************************************************************************************

After half an hour of yelling matches between the morning chef and I our creation was complete and with the aid of several waiters we had made our way back to the dining hall. The chef and I placed the plates in front of each member at the table and I sat back down at my seat next to Luna.

Every one also received a glass of milk and a small container that was meant to be a fancy syrup holder. The three members of the table did exactly what I thought they would do in this situation. They looked down at it and then back at me but when the food’s enticing aroma wafted up to them they picked up their forks and after pouring on some syrup took a hesitant bite. 

A loud and collective "Mhmm.” could be heard from all of them as they savored their meals. After the meal Princess Celestia asked what I put in the meals and I was happy to elaborate.

"Well Princess Luna and I had blue berry pancakes but I decided to mix it up a bit for the rest of you I made strawberry for Princess Cadence, while Shining Armor had chocolate chip, and Princess Celestia received banana pancakes." Everyone was happy with their meals and we all engaged in some light conversation for about half an hour before everyone had to excuse themselves to return to their duties.

Which left only Princess Luna and I alone and because her sister was up now she was off for the rest of the day. Well mostly free. Celestia apparently asked Luna to be my babysitter for the day so I wouldn't get in trouble. 

"So what do you wish to do today?" The navy blue princess asked.

"Well if possible I was hoping to get some supplies for my stay here, get to know a little bit more about you guys, and maybe you could give me a tour around the castle?" 

Princess Luna frowned slightly "The last two I could do with no problem but we are going to try and keep you from the public for a bit so I'll send somepony to pick the things up for you. What do you need?"

"Well you know just the essentials like a toothbrush, some better soap would be nice, and I need at least three days’ worth of clothes... wait did you just say somePONY?" I looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

The blue princess looked at me in confusion. “Yes I did why?"

"So you guys are all ponies… huh guess that explains a lot." 

As I sat there and thought about it, It did make sense that meant that the ones with horns where unicorns and the winged ones I saw earlier were pegasi. It also meant one more thing that I was now living in a world of herbivores. I had a feeling I wasn't going to see meat for a long time.

The blue princess pony stood up and smiled, "Well come on then let’s go."
> The Race/Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I smiled and looked at the dark blue princess leading the way through the maze of corridors we had been walking for about 30 minutes and according to her we weren't even half way done. I decided to accompany our walk with some conversation hoping to learn more about this new place.

"So let me get this straight there are earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns," She nodded so I continued.

"Then what does that make you, Celestia, and Cadence?"

"Well we are a different race all together. We are called alicorns and are seen as goddesses in the eyes of our ponies not only for our physical differences but our power and immortality. “She looked up at me and continued.” For example I am viewed as a goddess of the moon because it is I that raise it to the heavens every night, while my sister raises the sun."

"So, you raise the moon at night?" she nodded "Can you control what phase the moon is in?"

"Yes I can, though I stick to a fairly common rotation only breaking it for special occasions." She stopped for a moment in thought. "How would you like to see me create the night tonight?"

"I would enjoy that immensely." I smiled back happily and then I reminded myself of why I wanted the tour so soon. "But first can you tell me what moon you are putting up tonight?"

She stopped walking and put her hoof to her chin in thought. "I was planing on another crescent moon tonight but if you want I'll let you pick out tonight's moon. It's the least I could do after the events that have happened since your arrival."

That was something I thought I'd never hear. I would get to pick what moon will shine that night. I had wished for that so many times my entire life and standing here before me was a being that could bend the moon, my constant torturer, to her will as if it was an everyday thing and to her it was. I stood there with a mix of emotions jealousy, anger, relief, fear, and love. I was getting something I had longed for, the ability of choice.

Then I had a crazy idea, something that sounded insane to me. Perhaps if I told her then she could make it stop. I wouldn't have to face a full moon ever again. I could be free and enjoy the night. But that idea was snuffed out when reality came into play. They had already invited a human, one of the most dangerous predators in existence into their land. What would they do if they learned of the subspecies that loses its mind at the sight of a full moon? A far more dangerous creature with strength, speed and no conscience to speak of, the end result would not be pretty for either party.

That meant I had to go back to the old ways secrets, lies, hiding, and chaining myself up so I don't harm anyone. I do not want to spread my curse through a land that hasn't been touched by it yet, but my selfish human need to live prevented me from doing the right thing and telling others of my situation. A nudge in the ribs brought my mind back to reality.

"Hello? Are you ok John?" The lunar princess asked with a concerned tone in her voice.

I shook my head as I came back to reality, "Huh? Oh.... yeah, no I'm fine, and to answer your question a crescent moon sounds great."

She smiled again and returned to walking with me following behind. "Right then it is settled we shall have a crescent moon tonight. Maybe I'll even make a couple star consolations from your home."

"What, you can make the stars too?" I said in shock

"Of course." she replied with a smug grin, "Did you not hear me when I said I make the night?"

"Wow that's amazing, and all your sister can do is raise the sun?"

She blushed underneath her blue coat. "I will take that as a complement, but do not underestimate raising the sun, for it is no easy task."

"Oh I meant no offence it just seems like creating the night as you put it takes a far more..." I waved my hand around in the air as if trying to catch the right word. “…A far more creative mind. Now that I think of it watching you two work together on an eclipse would be interesting to say the least."

She looked up at me in confusion that was evident in her voice, "What is an eclipse?"

"Huh, well I guess since you guys have control over the sun and the moon you wouldn't ever cause an eclipse unless it was by accident. Anyway, an eclipse is when the light from the sun or the moon is blotted out by another celestial body." Seeing I got her full attention I further explained. "For example a solar eclipse is when the moon moves in front of the sun blocking out the light on the planet below. It is a truly stunning event."

For a moment she seemed lost in thought then she spoke up. "It sounds interesting I shall have to take the idea up with my sister she most definitely would want to give it a try."

For the next few minutes we walked silently only to have her speak when she was telling me where we were and point out some things in the castle. We eventually made our way to the royal garden and it was quite the sight to behold. There were a multitude of flowers all around in every kind of colors and shapes. The scent of nature hung in the air. Something else caught my attention also statues, everywhere. I asked about them and Luna showed me around telling me the story of each one and as time pasted we laughed, joked, and became more comfortable around each other. I was so lost in the beautiful sights around me and the beautiful princess of the moon that was so kind to me I wasn't paying attention to a rock protruding in my path. I tripped and fell with an impressive lack of grace directly on my back.

With a slight chuckle the princess looked down at me and said, "Are you ok?"

I laughed a bit in return and replayed, "Besides injuring my pride a bit, yes I'm fine."

She bowed her head a bit and said, “Here let me help you up."

I simply replied thank you grabbed on the back of her neck as she helped me up. The situation I found myself in when a was stood up was interesting to say the least we both stood there in silence our faces inches apart with my hand still resting behind her head. Realizing what it would look like if someone just so happen to see us I quickly let go and turned around. But not before noticing that she closed her eyes and tried to close the distance between us. Felt my blood rush to my ears as I tried to forget what just happened. That's when I saw it; a statue of some strange creature. There was no plaque under it like the others so I just had to ask.

"Princess, tell me who or what is this?" I indicted by pointing to the statue.

Her tone went cold but I could still see the tell-tale signs of a blush from our earlier moment.

“That is Discord god of chaos." She then proceeded to tell me his story from the beginning from his first downfall, to his resurrection and his second downfall.

"So he's in there? Trapped in stone forever?" I asked looking at the statue.

"Yes, at least until he gets out... if he gets out again. He is an immortal like I, my sister and Cadence. He has all of eternity to escape and only time will tell." She said coldly.

"Can he hear or see us?" I asked looking over the statue once again.

The princess looked at me with a puzzled expression on her face, "I don't know, maybe. Sometimes I think he can."

I walked up to the statue and looked it right in the eyes like I was trying to see into his very soul. A single thought in my mind. 'Chaos? Huh he'd sure get a kick out of meting me.'

I then turned around and walked back to the princess.

"So are there many other kinds of creatures in this world that are like you and me?" I asked.

The answer I got was surprising. Apparently there are quite a number of the living beings here have at least some sort of intelligence with some of them also being capable of complex thought and communication like humans. The two that stuck out in my mind the most where the griffins and changelings, though she didn't speak very highly of the latter.  I thought that those two species would be my best chance at being accepted for what I am or at least being able to live semi normally. But I knew I should at least try living here first.

************************

"Well it seems to be getting late if we hurry you could watch as my sister lowers the sun" The princess looked at me with a mischievous grin. "How bout we race for it?"

I looked back at her "What..." but before I could say anything else she galloped forward and yelled

"GO!"

I ran behind her as fast as humanly possible. I didn't want to out run her mostly because I had no idea where we were going but I enjoyed the moment immensely running side by side with her though the castle walls reminded me of the good times I had with my family. We raced past guards, maids, butlers, and several ponies in the halls laughing and enjoying ourselves. Midway through a hall Luna stretched out a wing and slapped my back.

"You're It" She yelled and laughed as she picked up speed galloping a head of me. I sped up too, not staying too far behind her, laughing while we ran. Up ahead a pony pushed a trolley out of a room she just finished cleaning. Seeing the new obstacle in our way Luna spread her wings wide using the high ceilings to her advantage and fly over the trolley, while I had to take a different route by doing a wall run on the adjacent wall and landing on the other side of the it.

As Luna looked down and saw this she said, "Fancy moves, but I will still be the winner." she then stuck her tongue out at me as she landed on the ground in front of me galloping just out of reach. I looked ahead of where we were going and spotted Celestia on a balcony overlooking her kingdom. So with a burst of speed and agility I dashed forward gave Luna a slap on the flank and shouted "You're it." before doing a flip over the blue princess and running ahead. I heard her laughing behind me as I reached my target planted a hand firmly on it. Upon touching It I shouted "Victory." while Luna trotted up to me still giggling and slightly out of breath.

When Celestia cleared her throat I looked over and noticed that my hand was now planted firmly on the royal flank directly over a symbol of the days sun. Now fully embarrassed I removed my hand and turned away and muttered an apology. To this Celestia simply rolled her eyes and smiled.

"It's quite alright, though it is nice to see Luna having so much fun again. It has been ages since I heard you laugh that much Lulu." She smiled at her younger sister.

Luna simply smiled back and glanced quickly at me and then back at her sister, "Oh yes John is ever so much fun we just raced all the way here from the garden. I'm surprised you are not tired at all." She finished addressing me.

At this my smile had faded just a bit but not enough for them to take notice. "Yeah, I did a lot of running back home." It wasn't a lie, I did do a lot of running but not for fun no I was always running from someone, always alone.

Celestia must have taken notice of my mood turning for the worst and she decided to change the subject. "So what brings you up here my friend?"

I perked up at that last word 'friend' I haven't had a friend in years did she really consider me her friend? I decided it was best to not over analyse the situation and just go with the flow for now. "Well Princess Luna asked if I wanted to watch while you lower the sun and then watch her 'make the night' as she put it." I heard Celestia giggle and noticed a slight blush under Luna's dark blue coat.

Celestia straightened up, “Very well then let’s get this show going," and with that her horn let off a golden glow. The sun moved with her and in no time we sat there together enjoying a beautiful sunset.

I sat on the far right next to Luna and only took my eyes off the view when I felt a pressure on my hand I looked down to find Luna's hoof laying lightly on my hand. I looked back up at her and noticed a small blush on her face, so I simply smiled and moved my hand up the crook in her foreleg and gave her a light squeeze which she returned. I looked back to the sun set after I noticed her small smile.

After a few more moments the sun was hidden over the horizon and Luna stood up from her spot and walked to the end of the balcony. A blue glow surrounded the princess’s horn as a crescent moon made its peak over the horizon to take its place high in the sky. After the moon made its peak, Celestia let out a yawn and gave us her farewells as she went to bed for the night.

Luna and I then spent the next half hour recreating Earth's night sky as best as we could from my memory. It was surprisingly close to the real thing. Luna filled in the blank parts of the sky with some of her own favorite constellations that she had made herself. We spent the night sitting next to each other huddled close  pretending like we were doing it only to escape the cold.

When Luna caught me in a yawn she said, "Alright you should probably get to bed. You are going to have a busy day tomorrow."

I looked at her confused, "What do you mean?"

"Well you said you needed new clothes right?" I nodded and the princess continued. "I have a trustworthy friend who just so happens to be a clothes designer coming to the castle tomorrow who will make you some new clothes. She should arrive soon actually, her name is Rarity."
> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  I made my way back to my bedroom reflecting on my night with Luna, smiling the whole way back. When I finally flopped down on my bed sleep was quick to take hold leaving me to float through the darkness that is a dreamless sleep. As I lay there my head was filled with an endless dark laughter from a voice that I could not identify. 

"Who are you?" I shouted into the darkness only to have a deep disembodied dark voice respond.

"All in good time my friend. All in good time."

****************************************************************************

I woke that morning even more tired than when I went to sleep. I rubbed my eyes and moved over to sit on the edge of my bed, trying to force the sleep from my body. After getting up I walked into my bathroom to splash some cold water onto my face, looking around I was greeted by the sight of new bathroom supplies. One new toothbrush, some unscented shampoo, three bars off soap that smelled great though I failed to pinpoint the scent. Also oddly enough was a tube of Colgate toothpaste. I thought about asking the princess about the toothpaste but decided against it as the conversation would likely leave more questions then answers. So after freshening up a bit and  quick shower I made my way down to the dinning hall to eat.

Upon entering the dinning room I was greeted by the two princesses. Taking a seat next to Luna I noticed that Shining Armor and Princess Cadence were missing. When I asked about them Princess Celestia was the one who replied to me.

"Sadly Cadence had to return to her own kingdom last night and Shining is busy trying to train a replacement for his position here as Captain of the Guard. I do so hate to keep them apart but until there is a suitable replacement he must remain here for the time being." She ended with a sigh.

"Well Princess I'm sure that it won't be much longer till Shining finds someone. Plus there is a saying back in my world 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder'  basically it means the time they spend apart now will only make the time they're together only that much better." 

Just then there was a knock on the door and the waiter and a white unicorn with a purple mane walked into the room. She smelt of soaps and perfume but nothing so overpowering, instead it just seemed to add to her character. When the unicorn walked into the room both Princesses greeted her and she took a seat next to Celestia. The waiter then took our order and left the room. The purple maned unicorn then turned to me and said,

"Hello darling my name is Rarity and you must be this John that I've heard so much about." Rarity said while eyeing me over with curiosity, most likely due to my appearance bring so different then the quadrupeds she's used to. 

"Hello Miss Rarity. Yes I am and if I understand correctly you will be the one that will be making clothes for me?" She simply responded by nodding. "Thank you for going out of you way to come here and help me."

"Oh think nothing of it dear I am more than happy to help and with you being so different than us it will give me a new challenge that should prove to be quite fun." She said with a tone of excitement. "So If is alright with you I would like to get started as soon as possible so that I can take your measurements and draw up some ideas."

Shortly after our conversation ended our meals were brought in and we held some light conversation while we ate,mostly about Rarity and her friends. They talked about the happenings around the town she came from a place known as Ponyville
I was able to learn that apparently Rarity and five of her closest friends are known as the elements of harmony and that they have saved Equestria and some place called the Crystal Empire on more then one occasion. We also shared some laughs over some stories of Rariy's younger sister and her friends antics around town while trying to get something called a cutiemark. I decided I would ask Rarity more about them later though, for now I just wanted to enjoy the exuberant energy that seemed to just flow through the air.

**************************************************************************** 

"Dear you have to hold still if I want to get this measurement correct." Rarity said for what must have been the fifth time that day. 

A giggle could be heard from the bed across the room from a certain blue princess as she found my predicament amusing due to the fact that Rarity had been trying for the better part of 20 minutes to get a single measurement. I simply sighed and straightened my self out to allow the purple maned fashionista to take my measurements once again. 

"That's it if you can't hold still I'll make you." Her horn glowed a light blue and I suddenly felt my body becoming ridged bellow the neck. "Ah that's much better." Her horn lit up again as she started taking my measurements and writing them down on a piece of paper with a quill. 

"What did you do to me?" I asked struggling to move my body. "And why can't I move?"

Rarity simply sighed and replied, "Well you wouldn't stop moving so I cast a freezing spell on you dear. Twilight showed me how to do it a while back. Don't worry its not permanent and I will lift it when I'm done."

I simply sighed and resigned my self to my immobile fate allowing my senses to take over to try and find some sort of entertainment. As I looked around the room I noticed it was one of the guest rooms in the castle the room itself was not that interesting to say least It had two windows on one of the walls with a rather boring painting in between. The curtains for the windows were a shade of purple that was only slightly lighter then the mane of the mare in front of me taking my measurements. To my right was a medium sized bed with purple sheets that matched the curtains perfectly. Resting on that bed with her forelegs crossed over a purple pillow she was laying on was Princess Luna with a smirk on her face looking up at me as the white unicorn manipulated my body to get different measurements. 

"Ok, all done. I should have some sketches for you to chose from later." Rarity then released me from her spell. "But for now shoo come back later." As I left the room with Luna, Rarity used her magic to close the door behind us.

I turned to the Princess next to me, "So what do you want to do now? I have a couple hours and you are free until tonight."

"Well to tell you the truth I'm rather tired and should rest up I have quite a bit of work to do if I want to free up some time for tonight."  The princess looked away and started walking down the hall with me walking next to her. "I was wondering though would you like to stargaze again tonight?"

"I would love to Princess, but first can you show me to the library since I can't spend the day with you I might as well read a few books until Rarity is finished with my clothes." 

"Very well then follow me." She said as she picked up into a quick trot down the hall.

**************************************************************************** 

I walked up and down the isles of the large library looking at the high ceilings decoratively painted with a wide assortment of things. It all varied from a Minotaur, to depictions of dragons, and griffons, but what held my attention the most was the center piece a large sun with a crescent moon in it with two alicorns flying around it one with a pink mane while the other was a dark blue with a lighter blue mane.  As my attention shifted to the massive expanse of books in the library I browsed the collections looking for something of interest. My eyes flitted over the spines of the books quickly reading each tile before shifting on to the next I kept this up for several minutes walking slowly up and down each isle until on book caught my eye I took it from its place on the shelf skimmed the first few pages of it happy with my selection I walked to the next isle and repeated my process until I held three books in my grasp I decided to walk over to a nearby table and sit down while the sunlight poured in though a nearby window. 

I looked over my book choices rereading each title.

"Changelings Mask of Deception"
"Griffin Pride Lands: Culture and brief history"
"Daring Do and the quest for the sapphire stone" 

As the day went by I read each book and when I finished at what I guessed was three I decided to go check on my clothes. During my short walk to Rarity's room I noticed for the first time that everyone was staring at me, though most tried to be discreet about it I still noticed. What I didn't understand was why they were staring now. I had been there for three days and I had met most of the ponies in the castle. When I reached Rarity's room I was finally glad to be rid of the stares. 

"Hello Rarity how are you doing with my clothes?" I asked as the mare looked up from her sketch book.

She in turn greeted me with a smile, "Hello Dear I'm doing very well actually I have everything all sketched out and all the measurements done. I should have the clothing all done by tomorrow afternoon but the shoes and other things might take a day longer."

Happy with the good news I gave myself a mental high-five. "That's great news Rarity thank you soo much. Although the other things I'm not worried about in the slightest after you finish my clothes you can go back home and just mail me everything else when you finish it ok."

"Oh it's no problem dear but that is actually a great idea and it would allow me more time to make everything perfect." The purple maned pony turned to me." Now would you like to see my designs before they are finalized?"

"Sure, I would love to" A light blue aura gathered around her horn and the book as she floated it into my grasp. As I looked thought the book I noticed the designs for a tee shirt, long sleeve shirt, a pair of pants, a pair of boxers, socks (which for some reason when I asked her to make them for me it caused her to blush profusely), and shoes alone with some other items I asked her to make for me. 

"Wow Rarity these are great thank you,"

"I told you she would be able to help you, did I not?" Rarity and I turned to find that Luna was now standing in the door way."Anyway. John, Rarity dinner is to be served shortly are you coming?"

After a walk down the hall with Luna and Rarity I found my self in the dinning room sitting next to Luna and engaging in a light conversation with Celestia. The waiter came into the room earlier then usual and walked up to me and whispered something into my ear just loud enough for me to hear but no one else. As I stood up from my seat the waiter walked to the door and back toward the kitchen. After I revived several confused stares from everyone in the room I said,

"Well I have a surprise for you all tonight I will be making Dinner so sit back and wait I shall return."


After some time of showing off my skills to the chef and putting on some flare while throwing dough spreading tomato sauce and sprinkling vast amounts of cheese the meal was cooked and ready. After the plates were set up everyone at the table received a slice. Unlike last time however everyone excluding one purple maned unicorn dug right into their meal. 

"So tell me what Is this?" Rarity asked eyeing her slice.

"Well back where I come from it is called pizza it has other names too but I just call it pizza." I picked up my slice and took a bite after I finished it I said, "Try it you'll like it" 

The purple maned mare hesitantly took a bite of the pizza and then another and another. By the time we were all finished  Rarity had two slices Celestia had three and Luna and I each had 5 and we where both eyeing the last slice. I thought about suggesting roshambo(rock,paper,scissors) to decide who gets last piece but one quick look at her hoof told me that would just be mean. I instead opted to instead pick up a knife and fight her for it. After cutting the slice down the middle as apposed to plan A (yeah I'm not going to fight an immortal moon goddess that just insane) I gave Luna a slice and took one for my self. 

The dark blue mare smiled as she took the slice and gave an appreciative "Thank you." I simply smiled an response and took a bite of my half a slice. After the meal and conversation Luna turned to me with a nervous look on her face. "I was wondering... would you like to stargaze to night in my room? I have a telescope that we could use."

"That would be great, hey its almost sundown now why don't we go get it set up?" I replied enthusiastically. We got up, said our good nights to Rarity and Celestia and set off for the walk to Luna's room. A calm silence was in the air as we made our way. However I became confused when Luna stopped walking when we were just a couple yards from her door. I turned to the night princess behind me and with a voice that gave away my concern I asked.

"Hey, Princess Luna. Is everythi..." I did not get to finish my sentence however as Luna who was only about an inch or two shorter than me pressed her lips to mine. Due to the shock of being surprised I had no time to react before she pulled away and looked at me with a nervous look. As soon as I saw her expression change from nervous to sad and her gaze fell to the floor I knew I had to do something. She went to go say something but was soon taken by surprise as I pulled her into another kiss that she returned with passion. After she pulled away I saw her eyes glance over to her bed room door and I only smiled and nodded as a reply.
> A Night to Remember (7)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	As I walked into her room the first thing to hit me was the strong scent of the lavender, it was nothing too powerful but as I let wash over me I felt calm and relaxed. I looked about the room noticing some dark purple candles, the source of the lavender scent, standing against the walls on black metal platforms. My eyes moved over to the wall on my right, where there was a large bookcase that was home to some very old looking books and scrolls along with a large fireplace that looked as if it had been used recently. To my left was a dresser with a large sliver framed mirror atop it, next to the dresser was a door that I assumed lead to her private bathroom. Opposite of the door I had just entered, there was a glass door set between two large windows, leading out to a balcony facing west. Where one would have a perfect view of the sunset. In front of the balcony doors sat a large, impressive looking desk composed of a dark wood stain that made it look almost completely black. However, I did not have enough time to properly appreciate any of this due to the impatient mare pushing me further into the room.

I found myself on top of a large circular bed in the middle of the room with a collection of sliver pillows scattered around it. When I landed on the bed Luna pounced onto me. I Vaguely noticed the black silk sheets being displaced around us as she kissed me. I quickly returned the kiss with an equal and heated passion. She then lifted herself away from our kiss, standing on all fours. I propped my self up on my right hand and put the other hand behind her head. 

"Are you sure your ok with this?" she asked as I began to  trail kisses up her neck stopping to give a playful bite every now and again. When I reached her ear I simply said that everything was fine with me as long as she was up for it. I smiled when her ear flicked after I had finished whispering to her. "O-ok" Was all she said before we returned to our heated embrace, only breaking for air when we had to. 

She broke the kiss first and with a sultry look said, "I think you should take these off."  Indicating my clothes by pulling on my shirt with her magic. 

I grinned back, "You know you may be onto something there." and with a small show of strength I rolled over effectively flipping her on her back electing a small scream and giggle from my lovely companion. 

I began to remove my clothing while still on top of her, but after only removing my shirt I noticed that  she had already removed and put away all of her regalia. As I started to remove the rest of my clothing I saw her horn light up as she raised the moon into the sky. After the moon was raised and all of my clothing removed I pounced on top of my new lover causing her to fall into a giggle fit once again. I trailed kisses up her neck and we resumed our embrace kissing once again as I had my arms wrapped around her. 

Just as things started to heat up a primal growl escaped my throat. She seemed to like it. However, it caused me to pause slightly. When an all to familiar burning chill ran down my spine I began to panic. When I looked out the window my fears were confirmed, because instead of the nights quarter moon was a full moon at its peak in the sky. Luna was quick to notice that something was bothering me, due to the sudden change in my demeanor.

"Hey. Is something wrong?" She asked, concerned about me.

I ignored her and did the only thing I could think of at that point. I leaped off of the bed and ran out the open glass door to the balcony. When I reached the railing I heard Luna call out to me. But when I turned around she gasped in shock as her eyes met my own, now glowing red from my worsening condition. I turned away in shame, hating having to hide who and what I was. It was a lesson taught to me from birth, to always lie and trust no one with your darkest secrets but  your own family. But... I didn't have a family any more.

I looked over the railing and saw that it was a good sixty foot drop. A normal human would likely perish from such a fall, but would be no problem for me. With my mind made up, knowing that I had to get out of there before my full transformation I vaulted over the railing. The only thing I heard before landing was Luna call out my name again. I started running as fast as I could, heading for a nearby forest. Some place far away from where anyone could find me. 

It took all of my conscious will to keep my self from changing. When I finally thought I found a nice secluded part of the forest I let everything go. It felt like fire was dancing across my skin as thick brown hair grew to cover me, every bone in my body was breaking so that they could reform into a more 'appropriate' shape. I felt my skin rip and tear as I grew larger and my muscles became thicker and re-positioned themselves. My skull cracked and changed shape as I began to grow a muzzle. My teeth began to take a sharper more predatory shape, the tips of my fingers felt like they were going to split open as large black claws grew from were my nails should have been. 

I screamed in pain and agony throughout my transformation until there was no more air in my lungs. Afterwards I took a long deep breath, filling my lungs with air and causing them to expand even larger then they were before. I tilted my head up to the sky looking at the full moon and let out a bone chilling howl. The transformation was complete. The Beast Was In Equestria. 
> Luna's Chapter (7.5)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	As they walked down the halls leading to her bedroom, Luna was trying to gather up her confidence and steel herself for what she was about to do.

'I haven't been in a relationship for so long I don't really know what to do. How much about that has changed since I left?'  She glanced over to the human she was walking with and a little red light went off.  'Oh great, I forgot he's not even a pony what if he's not interested?' 

She started to panic, though Luna was easily able to hide it due to years of experience from dealing with rude nobles. She was about to just give up telling him how she felt when an all too familiar voice called out to her from the back of her mind.

'What are you so worried about we are the princess of the night, goddess of the moon. If you want him then just take him MAKE him ours. Let your self indulge in the darkness that still resides in your heart.'

Luna stopped walking just a short distance from her room. The voice had made Luna lose her train of thought. 'Nightmare Moon... I thought that the elements of harmony had destroyed you and removed all of my dark powers. How is it your thoughts still poison my mind?'

The voice of Nightmare Moon responded with a laugh. 'While the elements may have been able to remove most of my dark power and left you in control most of the time know that I lay just below the surface and you'll never be rid of me. Plus I still have just enough power to take over when you lose concentration or are weak. So I can do  things like this.'

Luna was unable to control her body as it leaned forward and kissed the human standing in front of her interrupting him mid-sentence. She quickly regained control over her body again but she simply stood there rooted in the spot, too scared to move. Her gaze fell to the floor and she was about to utter an apology before she was pulled into another kiss by the human. 

She couldn't be any happier at the moment, even though she had momentarily lost control to Nightmare Moon it had turned out for the better. Though she knew she would have to tell Celestia about it tomorrow, this night will be hers to enjoy. Luna's eyes glanced over to her bedroom door and back to the human, he caught her glance and with a smile nodded. Luna felt her cheeks grow warm as a blush crept it's way to her face.

'Tonight is going to be interesting.' She thought to herself as she pushed him into the room. 'I wonder if he would like a full moon it isn't scheduled until next week but I could always fix that later.'



~{T}~{C}~{W}~{t}~{M}~



Luna lay in the bed confused and concerned as the human jumped off of her and set out at a sprint throwing open the doors to her balcony. She called out to him but gasped in shock when he turned around his glowing red eyes piercing the nights darkness. The princess felt a chill run up her spine from the raw emotion his eyes seemed to radiate.

The human jumped the railing causing Luna to run over to the balcony she just knew there was no way he could survive that fall he had no wings he couldn't fly. When she looked over the balcony he was running across the court yard headed away from the castle, far too fast for her to catch up with. Even if she tried to follow he would lose her quickly. She had to 
let him go.  

'Shame he was kinda cute for a... what did you call him? A human?' Nightmare Moon's voice echoed from the depths of Luna's mind.

'This. This is all your fault you did.... something what was it. What did you do?' Luna demanded.

'I did nothing I only helped you get you feelings out to him after I kissed him you where in complete control. I was just there for the show.'  Nightmare replied with a laugh.

Luna started to blame herself for what happened. 'Did I do something wrong? He seemed like he was having a good time and then out of no where just freaked out... I will have to talk to Celestia about this, she'll notice he's missing.'

As she was mauling over her thoughts a howl cut through the night air causing all who heard it but Luna to go silent in fear, for Luna it only sparked a memory about something that she thought had long since been forgotten. It was something she hadn't heard since her banishment.


~{T}~{C}~{W}~{t}~{M}~


Flashback


It was the night of Nightmare Moon's release from her thousand years banishment to the moon. Every month like clock work for the last few years someone had kept her company if only for a night. They had sung her a song, one filled with rage and sorrow it greatly touched Nightmare Moon. The fact that someone could have feelings so similar to her own. She had fallen in love with the song and by extension it's singer. Before long she had decided she was going to meet them and thank them for keeping her company.

Nightmare Moon stood at full height and drew in as much power as she could muster her horn aglow with magic. The air around her began to swirl, her astral mane and tail grew in size and began to swirl around her forming a large cloud above her as her magic gathered. She put all the power she built up into one spell to summon the singer to her side she needed to see them to thank them. Her magic reached out in all directions as she sent out her spell to find the singer and bring them to her it might take some time but she would finally meet them. She put all the power she built up into a spell that would summon the singer to her side. She needed to see and thank them for keeping her company. She released her spell, it might take some time but she would finally meet them.

So she waited. And waited. All night she sat there but they never came. Nightmare was heartbroken once again. As she might never be able to meet the one she had come to care for and looked forward to meeting for so long. So she left. If she couldn't meet the singer that night, then she would make sure that night would never end.



~{T}~{C}~{W}~{t}~{M}~



The voice of Nightmare Moon echoed Luna's thoughts. 'That was... But when? When did he get here?

Luna shook her head to clear her thoughts, 'No I have to focus. I have to get him back to the castle we have to find him.'
She spent the rest of her night gathering trustworthy guards that would be capable of finding and bringing the human back to her. When the day started and the sun began to rise she knew there was only one thing left to do she had to tell Celestia. Everything.

Luna stood outside of her sisters door gathering up her thoughts and trying to think of a way to tell Celestia what had  happened last night. With a sigh she knocked on the door three times and waited for an answer.

"Come in." A voice said through the door.

Luna opened the door and walked in the room closing it behind her with her magic. Celestia was sitting outside on her balcony, enjoying the sunrise. Luna walked forward slowly her hoof steps almost silent in her approach, as she reached her sister she slowly felt the wall she put up keeping her emotions in from the long night start to crumble and crack. She took a seat next to her sister just a bit closer then she normally would have. Celestia didn't even have to look away from the horizon to figure out something was bothering her younger sibling.

After the first time she ignored her sisters subtle hints to emotional stress she made a personal promise to herself to never let it happen again. Celestia knew that she had to address this problem soon.

"Sister is there something bothering you?" Celestia asked in a calm even tone that poorly hid her worry.
Luna felt her emotional wall start to crack under a nonexistent pressure, "I.... I have some news to inform you of the human." She said said nervous for no reason,

"Oh... how is he doing? Adjusting well I hope." Celestia said with a smile that started to falter when she noticed her sisters normally strong and regal facade break as she took on a look of sadness.

Another crack in Luna's imaginary wall quickly formed. "I..Uh...Well he was doing fine Up until last night that this."

'Because you drove him away just like how you did with everyone else way back when before you became me.' Nightmare Moon's cruel words rang from the back of Luna's mind.

The wall broke. Luna was silently crying as tear after tear rolled down her face. no one could destroy Luna's spirit as quickly and as thoroughly as herself. It was one of the things that allowed the darkness to take root and cause her transformation into Nightmare Moon. Celestia did the only thing she could and wrapped a wing around her sister pulling her close to try and comfort her. For the most part it worked, just being in a close embrace to her sister had allowed Luna to calm down. Enough to explain most of the previous nights events while leaving out certain details such as what they were intending to spend that night doing and Nightmare Moon's voice. Celestia had enough to worry about in Luna's opinion, she wouldn't bother her with that just yet.  

"So..." Celestia began after letting it all sink in, "Well you said that the search party is already looking for him now?" Luna simply nodded. "Good, In that case I think it is time then for us to enact a little idea I've had lately." Celestia walked back into her room and levitated a quill and parchment in front of her and began writing.

"Sister what exactly is this 'idea' of your's?" Luna asked as she walked from the balcony to her sisters side.
Celestia smiled as she rolled up the scroll and threw it into her fireplace sending it off to her faithful student. "We are going to get the elements to release and try to reform Discord. We might need his power now to try and help the human to get home."
> It's a bird, It's a lion, It's coming right at me(8)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The morning sun broke down through a clearing in the canopy above. The light shining down like pillars, illuminating the forest floor . As I sat up to rub the sleep from my eyes, I winced when the effects of sitting up too fast only worsened my headache. Giving myself a once over, I found I was completely covered in blood. From my face, to my hands and my chest.

A quick look at my surroundings showed me what my victim was. A short distance away from where I was laying, was what looked like the bloody torn up corpse of a lion. The remnants of what appeared to be pair of leathery wings at some point were protruding from it's back. I stood up to get a closer look at the beasts kill, but a searing pain in the back of my leg caused me to cry out and drop to the ground.

As I inspected my leg, I saw a stinger to what must have been extremely large scorpion tail protruding from it. Deeply Embedded into my left leg. The sight made me smile as I prepared to pull it out.  Heh, Here the food can bite back. Clenching my teeth I gave the stinger a quick yank ripping out and causing a great deal of pain.  After it was removed my leg started to heal up instantly. Though it would take about an hour or two before I would be completely healed but that didn't worry me much. While I was standing over the lion-thing I noticed that the scorpion stinger did in fact belong to it.

A cold breeze whistled through the trees, reminding me of another pressing issue I was going to have to deal with soon. I was completely naked and my only clothes where god knows how far away, in who knows which direction. I let out a disappointed groan and decided that I should probably climb to the top of one of the trees so I could get a sense of direction. Walking over to a tree that was fairly tall I flexed my fingers and extended them. A hot sensation ran from my palms to my finger tips. Looking down at the claws now protruding from my fingers, I deemed them worthy of the job at hand.

With a satisfied nod I looked up to the tree and jumped as high as I could, I dug my claws into the tree causing the bark to fall of the tree where I grabbed hold. I looked down noting I was about ten feet above the forest floor. In a quick motion I made my way to the top of the tree, laughing at a confused and scared looking squirrel on my way up . Breaching the tree top showed a wonderful view of my surroundings.

There... was Canterlot Castle, my destination, about twenty miles west from my position. The rising sun from behind me made the castle itself look beautiful. The way the reds, yellows, and oranges played off the sky behind its white walls.
Anyone watching the sunrise from the castle was probably looking right at me and didn't even know it. The thought was funny to me, causing me to laugh again at my predicament. It did not last, as my mood quickly turned sour. I was most likely never going to be allowed in those walls again. I laughed and jumped from my perch in the tree I felt the shock of landing vibrate up my bones as I started heading towards a nearby pond that I spotted. I was going to need to clean off all this blood if I were planing on going anywhere.

As I approached, I found the pond was quite large. Easily matching the length of two swimming pools. So it was perfect for me to get a drink of water on one end before walking around to the other to wash off. The water was clear and clean it tasted fresh. The blood and dirt cleaned off easily in the cool water, it didn't leave me smelling like flowers afterwards but it worked. Cleaned off completely I headed for my destination. I had to at least get my clothes, and having my knife and Zippo would be helpful too.  


~{T}~{C}~{W}~{t}~{M}~


It wasn't the most pleasant walk back to the castle. I forced myself to hide from the guards that were regularly patrolling the area. There were groups of them going though or flying over the forest and It caused me a great delay as the day had already passed.  I sat there couching behind a bush in the palace gardens, staring up at my balcony. Or what used to be my balcony. Checking around to make sure there were no guards present, I took my chance. Running to the wall below the balcony, I started my ascent. Climbing up the wall was the hard part, it had to be done quickly as the white walls would easily give away my shadow cast by nights quarter moon. Which still provided an ample amount of light to see by.

The room itself didn't change much since I was last there, though the enchantment on the ceiling was turned off expressing the room in it's more simple elegance. Walking over to the bed, I noticed a stack of clothes. Both my old ones and the new ones Rarity made me along with a note and the extra items I asked for. My new possessions included four tee-shirts, three long sleeve shirts, a hoodie, a pair of shoes, a pair of boots, four pairs of pants, five pairs of socks, a belt, my knife, and my Zippo.

Including a very special item that I had requested. A back pack that I would be able to wear during my transformations without it getting damaged or broken, due to some enchantments that had been placed onto it while Rarity was making it.
I stuffed everything into the backpack and put on a pair of black jeans and black tee-shirt. Though, after some thought made my way though the room stuffing whatever I thought would be useful into the bag some soap, toothpaste, and some of the unscented candles from around the room. Stuffing the sheets in my bag I headed for the balcony once again noticing that the night was drawing to a close and I would have to get out of there soon. I jumped, this time slowing my decent by trying to use the wall to slide.

It was unsuccessful to say the least. I ended up having my foot catch on something and landing on the ground with a loud painful thud. Face first, from a sixty foot drop, it hurt. Standing back up I rubbed my nose where most of the pain was emanating from, it was bleeding so I pinched it to make the bleeding stop. I started to head towards the forest. My new, temporary home. At least until I find a community that will accept me. Hopefully, that will not take too long. My first destination the Griffin Kingdom 



~{T}~{C}~{W}~{t}~{M}~/~{T}~{L}~{a}~{T}~{G}~



It was now two weeks after I ran from Canterlot and Equestria. I couldn't go back there now, the ponies would be afraid of who and what I was. So I was on my journey to find a new place to live somewhere were I could be accepted I figured I had three tries before I abandon all hope and attempt live on my own. I had read up during my stay in Canterlot so I narrowed my list down to three spices that might accept me. They were all omnivorous so it would make things easier for my adjustment into their society. First I was going to try the Griffin kingdom, then if that didn't work out the dessert lands of the Minotaur, and lastly the Hive home of the Changelings. Most would call me crazy for trying the Changelings but I figured the shape shifters would have something in common with a Lycan so I added them to my list.

It was a cool morning the air was crisp and the sun was just making it's peak over the horizon, the light was shining dimly through the trees. However none of this was my focus I had all my senses tuned to the creature in front of me, today was a hunting day and I was planing on having a white rabbit with a black spot on it's back for breakfast. I had been observing my prey for a while now, he was fairly large and would be an excellent catch to start my day. Crouching behind a bush I prepared to go for the kill a burning sensation was felt in my finger tips and teeth as they both extended becoming sharper and more predatory. As a Lycan I could transform parts of my body separately from the others, so I wouldn't have to change completely if I got in a fight or was hunting. When I got into the optimal position I tensed up my legs and leaped into the air aiming to land on top of the rabbit, it didn't have a chance.

Or at least it wouldn't have a chance if when I jumped out of the bush I wasn't tackled to the ground mid air. The forest floor for was full of activity as I struggled with a ball of brown fur and white and brown feathers. Random punches were thrown landing in varied places on each of our bodies. Grapple holds were unable to hold ether of us for long as we would wiggle out of them quickly. The struggle ended with a golden claw on my throat and my hand on theirs, with my claws pointed at their neck. 

After we stopped moving I looked up at my attacker and noticed it was a young griffin female with a white feathered head decorated with natural purple spots and a coat of golden brown fur that shined in the sunlight. I looked up into her golden eyes and smiled I knew that I wasn't going to die because she didn't have any of the proper items to do so. The worst she could do was injure me but that would heal completely in a day or two, I was happy I finally found a griffin this meant I was close to my goal. Then I remembered the rabbit I tore my gaze away from the griffin pinning me to the ground and looked in the direction I thought it went.

"Aww... breakfast." I said in a sad voice letting out a sigh. The griffin above me tightened her grip, reminding me she was still on top of me. I smiled at her as I realized  we were in a rather inappropriate position "Wow, usually I go on a couple dates with a girl before she ends up straddling me like this." I stated rather casually.

A pink tinge shined through her white feathers, But only before she tightened her grip on my throat and growled out her reply. "Who, What are you and why did you attack me?"

I let out a small chuckle before I looking back up at her. "Actually, you tackled me. While I was trying to get my breakfast. So now you owe me a meal and an apology. You should probably do both quickly too, as I am kinda in the perfect position to kill you. Then you wont have to apologize and my meal problem would be solved." I ended with a toothy grin that showed my sharp teeth.

This time she was the one to laugh."Are you kidding me the way I see it, my hands around your neck. I could rip out your throat right now and make you my meal."

"Careful. keep talking dirty like that and I might get some wrong ideas." I punctuated my statement with a wink. She scoffed and tightened her grip on my neck causing her claws to dig into my neck, drawing some blood.

In an immense show of strength I flipped her onto her back and pinned her to the ground. My hands held her forelegs out to the side and my body was between her hind legs preventing her from kicking me off. My head was next to hers in the perfect position to bite clean into her neck for a kill or to simply whisper in her ear and scare her. I chose the latter.

I spoke softly causing her to start to shiver, "Now like I said. You owe me and apology, and a meal, otherwise..." I let the sentence hang as I kissed her on the neck right above her jugular causing her to start shaking out of fear. She got the message.

"I..I-I'm sorry! please don't. I-I'll do whatever you want."

"Good," I said getting off of her and reaching out a hand to help her up. She flinched at the gesture, most likely believing that I would hurt her. I gave her a reassuring smile, "Come on, I wont bite. Trust me."

She hesitantly took my hand and I pulled her up from the ground until she was back on all fours again. When she was standing she looked over to me and nervously thanked me. I pointed in the direction that the rabbit hopped off to, "Lets go get breakfast you do owe me after all. So today your going to help me with my hunting to make up for tackling me."

She looked at me and nodded starting to walk forward, glancing towards me nervously. She was obviously still scared of me. So I thought maybe some light conversation would make her more comfortable and the hunt go just a bit faster. "So tell me what is your name?"

"I..uh ,my name is Gilda Gryphon but my friend calls me G for short, or well she used too." she said with a sadly.

I stopped and held out my hand, "Well Gilda, my name is John. It's nice to meet you. Even though I wish we could have net under better circumstances."

She stopped and looked at my hand like she was looking for something in my palm, then she took my hand and returned the shake. The look she gave me made me curious like she was trying to look into my eyes and see if I had any ill-intentions at mind. The golden pools that made up her eyes seemed to find nothing about me that would give her cause to fear me at the moment. Her demeanor changed a little and I could tell she was more relaxed even if it was just a bit.

"You know, you remind me of a friend I used to have." she said as we turned around and began walking again.

"Oh. how is that?"

She looked up at me and then back down at the ground, "Well you're kinda a flip-flop. One second you're about to kill me the next you're being nice. It doesn't make sense."

"Well," I sighed, "That's just life you never know what's going to happen next, and hey a some one who's a 'Flip-flop' could be a great friend."

"Yeah I guess."

"So... What do you say?"

She gave me a confused look through her golden eyes, "What do you mean?"

I stopped and crouched a little, she was only about a head shorter then me but I wanted to say this at eye level with her so she knew I was serious. "Do you Gilda Gryphon want to be my friend?"

"I.. Uh Sure I guess."

"Good in that case shut up." I could smell something in the air and It was close. Gilda went to say something but I cut her off, "The hunt is on. See if you can keep up." I gave her a wink and ran following my nose in search of prey.

I heard her mumble something and take off into the air as I ran though the forest. I jumped over rocks in my path, dipped and dived around trees it was fun nothing could beat running through a forest. All to soon however it had to come to an end, I came to a clearing in the forest about 15 white-tail deer were grazing lazily. None of them had picked up on my presence. I looked up into the sky to see Gilda slow her decent from the skies and silently land in a tree to my right. When she spotted me I waved my hand in a gesture that told her to tell her to stay in place. I followed that by pointing to myself then her, letting her know I was heading to her. After making my way into the tree and sitting on the branch she was perched on I pointed to the deer.

"Ok, so here's the plan you fly around and get behind them over there and scare them forcing them in my direction. Then I will pick out one of them and we have breakfast. Whatda say?"

"Ok, I guess, but don't you think that a that's a little too large of a meal for one uh... whatever you are?"

I laughed in response, "Did you not listen or something. I said WE. We have breakfast remember I ruined your hunt too so we are going to be civilized and kill and eat this together. Like a team. Plus I can see the cave I slept in last night from here so I'll be able to get my stuff. We wouldn't want any of the kill to go to waste now would we?" The look she gave me was one of confusion, sighing I just said. "Go I'll show you later."

With two flaps of her wings she took to the skies flying around the clearing to avoid getting spotted before she had to. As she flew away I got a glimpse of her backside and my mind went straight to the gutter. I found my self thinking more about her physical features. I wondered if she was already seeing someone. My mind wandered off to thinking about other things I could do with her and if she would be up for it. My imagination played games with me thinking about Gilda in compromising situations and positions. I figured it would be worth a shot so I'd give it a try.

A lion's roar brought my focus back to reality. I saw Gilda sweeping down from the sky, sending the deer running in my direction as planed. I jumped down from the tree feeling the air rush past me as i fell. Landing on the ground below I made my way to the very edge of the clearing and prepared myself for my attack. I hid behind a large bush and observed my prey running towards me.  I picked out one of the larger bucks and once he was close enough I sprung out of the bush. My body slammed up against it, bring us both to the ground. The action scared away the other deer, but I had my catch. There was a short struggle on the ground while I wrapped my arms around him. As the deer tried to break free of my grasp I felt it growing weaker and weaker while I suffocated it with a headlock. It's eyes clouded up as the last bit of life was snuffed out of it's body from my grasp.

A soft thud on the ground beside me and I knew that Gilda had landed. "Wow. That's a little cruel don't you think? Wouldn't there be a quicker way to do it?"

"Well yeah I could have always cut its throat that would be quicker and a little less painful, breaking its neck  would have been the fastest way. But both of those could have damaged the hide and I want to skin this thing. Plus, think about it like this most wolves don't even kill there prey before they eat it. They bring it to the ground as a pack then start eating, the prey dies some time between the take down and the end of the meal. Usually it's dead about half way through though, so this guy is lucky I'm not most wolves."

Gilda had a shocked look on her face like she had just learned something new. "So.... your a wolf?"

"Really is that all you got out of that?"

"You didn't answer my question." she stated flatly.

I chewed on my lower lip. I didn't want to start lying, because once you start you can't stop and I had already made that mistake many times before, but I couldn't tell her just yet. "Lets, just save that conversation for later. Okay? Its a long story  that I haven't told many about." I turned and started heading in the direction of my cave. "Yell if anything happens I'll be right back." I shouted over my shoulder before sprinting away.

Reaching my cave I walked in about ten feet before I spotted my back pack. I emptied it of anything unnecessary, leaving it mostly empty with nothing but my knife and a rope I had come across in the forest. I was heading back to the clearing when I heard an eagle's cry in the distance. I sprinted toward the source of the noise. My new friend was in trouble.
> Fun Fact: Shakespeare is believed to have been an insomniac. Another Luna chapter.(9)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Luna paced about her room as she awaited news from her sister. Celestia had left some time ago with a group of guards to pick up the "reformed" Discord. Luna however was still weary. She remembered Discord's tricks in the past, and even though she had faith in the ponies in charge of him, he was a crafty trickster. On top of that, this was the day the guards whom she sent out as a search party were supposed to return with news of their findings. If he wasn't found, then the search was to be called off until a new lead was found.

These things were silently chewing away at her mind, the stress creating more room for someone else to gain power over her being. Luna knew that Nightmare Moon had ample opportunity to take over. However for the past few days she had not heard a peep from the less savory side of her split persona.

Still pacing her bed room she caught a glimpse of something in the mirror above her dresser, spinning around to see what it was she saw....Nothing. She turned back to the mirror and staring back at her was none other than Nightmare Moon. Luna quickly glanced down at her own form and found that she still looked like herself. A laugh brought her attention back to the mirror in-front of her.

"Fret not dear Luna it's just me, and I have no intention of causing you any troubles. I'm simply here to assist you any way I can."

"Ha. Do you really think I am fooled so easily? Tell me, what is it you’re really here for?" The Blue mare stomped a hoof on the ground for emphasis, letting her wings spread wide to make herself look more intimidating.

Nightmare's gaze softened. "As I said I am only here to help you. Luna, we are two halves of a whole. You must keep in mind that I share your emotions, I can tell you're worried and you have subconsciously called for help. I am here to answer that call. "

"If you really are here to help me, then tell me. What should I do about everything that's going on?" she stated skeptically.

"Well, it would help both of us if you told me what was bothering you." Nightmare replied almost sounding kind, though she was starting become annoyed.

"Okay fine. I have been stressing so much lately because apparently I am losing my mind to you and am scared I'll lose control and hurt somepony. Also Discord has been freed and my sister trusts the elements to 'Reform' him. Even though she said she trusts them she's been in Ponyville watching over them the whole time. That means I have to pick up all the work she left behind so I barely have time for myself.

This is the first break I've had in days and I can't even sleep because whenever I try I see HIM staring at me with those eyes he had just before he left me. That's not the worst part though. Apparently we ether have a thief running around in the castle or the human came back to grab his possessions, which he wouldn't have been able to do if I hadn't sent out most of the guards into the forest to find him.

So it's my fault he ran away in the first place and when he came back I wasn't even able to say goodbye." A tear rolled down Luna's face as she finished her impromptu rant.

"It appears that you have quite a bit on your plate. But I know you can handle it, we've been through worse together. You just need to trust yourself and those around you that care about you. I can tell you right now that I have no intent to do anything too outrageous that would bring you any direct trouble. When it comes to Discord, I know the elements will be able to handle him. They've easily taken care of him before and with Celestia watching over them they'll be safe from any mortal danger. However I don't think she would step in if he were to keep his pranks relativity harmless." Nightmare brought a hoof to her mouth as she cleared her throat.

"As for the sleep issue, I can't help you there and for that I'm sorry. But please tell me what is it that attracts you to the human, you barely know him. Sure you've spent a couple nights together talking, but you don't know that much about him at all."

"I... I don't know. It's just like there's this strong bond pulling me toward him. Like a magnet, I don't understand it, but it's there. It's almost tangible, like I can just reach out and pull him in. I just feel like I can trust him. He was the first in a long time to look at me and not see you or a princess he looked at me and saw me for who I was. And somehow, he saw something in me that was likable. That's over now.  He’s gone and I don't even know why."

"You need to give him time I'm sure he'll come back. Then you can talk to him and figure out this whole situation. I do need you to promise me two things however. First if the search parties all comeback empty hoofed, I need you to remain clam. The last thing we need is for you to lose your temper and draw every pony’s attention to me. Also, I need you to decide what you're going to say to Celestia about me. I need you to think carefully about it. You know how she feels about me and the last thing I want you to do is suffer because of me. On the other hoof lying or at least in this case avoiding telling any pony is dangerous road to go down for both of us."

With those words Nightmare Moon faded from the mirror, leaving Luna sitting on her hunches staring at the reflection of herself.


~{T}~{C}~{W}~{t}~{M}~


The wind blew past my ears carrying sounds from off in the distance. From here, they were undefinable, the source of the noise currently unknown to me. I ran on regardless. I held my back pack in one hand while I sprinted toward my destination. I jumped and ducked as I weaved my way through the forest. The trees zipped by me, the ground under my feet almost silent at the speed I was going. As I neared the clearing the sounds became clearer more distinct. The sound of a struggle was slightly muffled by the bushes up ahead. Breaking through the edge of the clearing, I spotted Gilda flying around overhead with a manticore hot on her tail.

I waved my arms so Gilda would spot me as she flew by. When she caught sight of me I pointed to her then the massive tree behind me miming what I wanted her to do with my hands as best I could. When she nodded acknowledging my improvised plan I started to climb the tree till I reached a branch that was in a suitable position. From my spot in the tree I watched as Gilda circled around and then headed upward gaining altitude.

Once she reached a reasonable height her wings spread wide slowing her down quickly. The manticore flew right past her as she started to fall to the ground. Gilda dove downward picking up speed at an amazing rate. By now the manticore had circled around and followed close behind. When Gilda flew under the tree I was in, the leaves rustled in the wake of the wind she was creating.

After preparing myself I waited for the right time, as soon as it was right below my branch I pushed off and started falling toward the manticore. I grabbed his wing on the way down, causing us both to spin in air before plummeting to the ground. As we crashed I felt an audible crunch underneath me followed by a roar of pain from the manticore.

The brute sprung to its feet. One wing flared out while the other just hung uselessly by its side, obviously broken from the landing. Fury burned in its eyes as it rose up on two hind legs. Using its new position, the manticore swung at me with its massive paw. Ducking I dodged the first paw with ease, however the second smashed into my back. The claws dug into my skin creating a burning pain as the flesh under tore, the force of the hit sent me tumbling several feet away. I lay face down on the ground with the warm feeling of blood pouring down my back clouding my senses.

A soft thump sounded on the ground beside me motivated me to look up from my new dirt pillow. Gilda's concerned gaze was all I could see as she stood next to me. A deep growl drew our attention back to our attacker as he got into position to charge at us. Gilda moved directly over me in a defensive stance, preparing to try and fight the manticore on her own. I rolled over onto my back as the beast started its charge at the both of us. Once he was close enough I pushed the griffin off of me, roughly tossing her to safety. This didn't faze my attacker as he rose to his hind legs once again to try to crush me.

I grabbed its paw mid descent and using its momentum against him flipped the beast over me successfully slamming the manticore face first into the dirt where his head promptly became stuck in the ground.

I laughed at the ridiculous sight before me. "Hey while you’re spending time as a tree, you should try to learn photosynthesis." I made my way to the scorpion tail. "And I'll just be taking this from you." The exoskeleton cracked under my grasp as I twisted and pulled on it. The manticore's muffled yelps of pain could be heard though the earth that it's head was buried in as I worked to retrieve my prize. When it finally managed to free itself he looked over to me and his pupils shrank as it saw that I was holding an over-sized stinger in my hand, while I wore a cocky grin. The beast made to move toward me but stopped when it noticed Gilda over to the side attempting to get to her feet. It took a charge at her and I did the same trying to get either in between them or to Gilda first.

I was not fast enough. The manticore reached her moments before me and slashed at her with its claws. I tried to tackle the beast out of the way but one of its razor sharp claws caught Gilda's side slicing through her skin and leaving a huge gash down her left side. My friend’s blood splattered onto me only fueling my rage as I wrestled the brute to the ground. After Pinning down one of its arms with my own I stabbed the stinger I had ripped from its tail and buried it into his right eye. Giving the beast a quick but brutal death, its lifeless corpse fell uselessly to the ground. Gathering myself, I grabbed my backpack and rushed to Gilda’s side. After making sure she was still alive and breathing I reached into my pack and pulled out a clean white shirt. Ripping it apart I turned it into a crude bandage and wrapped it tightly to her side to get the wound to stop bleeding.

I knew we couldn't stay out in the open like, so I moved her to my cave, lying her down on my bed I knew all I could do was wait and hope she would live.
> Healing and learning(10)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Sunlight drained over the mountain tops in the distance. The last rays of light landing in a cave, the light shining over the features of a man as he sat near a fresh pile of logs.

After the fight with the manticore Gilda  had suffered a serious injury. A cut from the manticore's claw ran down her side, which was now tightly bandaged with a tee-shirt. She lost a-lot of blood from the wound and the loss caused her to pass-out. She had been out for a while and this caused John to worry about his new friend. His memory still held vivid the images of him carrying his griffon companion back to shelter, while at the same time dragging the corpse of a deer, leaving the offending manticore that he had so gruesomely killed behind.

Over the course of the next few days, he took on the role of her caretaker. The griffon's condition looked grim at first, but over time she proved to be a fighter. 

It had been three days since the attack, three days in which he had taken the roll of  caretaker. The griffon's condition looked grim at first, but as time passed she slowly got better. So far and she had already regained consciousness twice, though each time was short and lasted only a few short minutes total. The human tried to remain hopeful, he had only left her side once a day and never for long, he would always return quickly with fresh water and enough food for them to share. Sadly he spent those nights eating alone while she slept. 

John was resting after returning from his previous search for food, where he caught three reasonably sized fish. They lay on a large stone slab that he had found was rather useful for cooking food. Although it was slow to heat up, he found it stored an immense amount of heat and acted as a perfect grill.

A sound from deeper inside his cave caught his attention. getting up from his spot at the cave entrance he swiftly moved to his makeshift bed that his friend was recovering on. Gilda was slowly regaining consciousness as she looked up her gaze found the man and then wandered around the cave taking in her surroundings. Her dizzy mind slowly processed the new information that was coming in. However her thoughts were halted when two primal desires forced their way to the front of her mind. Hunger and Thirst. these would need to be sedated before she could continue on. Gilda looked back to her host and in a dry scratchy voice spoke, "Water."

The man nodded and produced a canteen filled with water, hanging it to the griffin. She immediately grasped for it and chugged down almost a third of it's contents. 

"Careful if you drink too fast with an empty stomach you'll get...." The griffin  dropped the canteen and clutched her midsection as a dull pain radiated from her stomach. " cramps." the man finished with a sigh. "Tried to tell you."

Eventually the pain subsided and her thirst was quenched. The griffins mind kicked back into gear and started asking questions, ones that she automatically voiced. "Where am I? What happened? Why am I here?"

The griffin started an attempt at standing, but the man was quick to act he softly pushed her back down into the bed to keep her from reopening her wound with movement. "Yeah you're not going to want to do that. If you want the answers to your questions I'll give them to you but please rest." Gilda simply nodded in reply an action which she followed with a wince that was caused from an irritating pain radiating from her head. "Alright as for why your here, You got injured during our fight with the manticore, the bastard gave you that." Gilda's eyes followed the direction the man was pointing and stopped when she was looking at a freshly bandaged gash along her side. The sight of the blood stained shirt being used as a bandage caused her to grimace, not that she wasn't used to the sight of blood but more to that she had never seen so much of her own blood before.

"That he got me that bad huh? This sucks." The griffin let her head fall back down onto the beds pillow as John continued.

"Yeah, would have been a whole lot worse if I didn't get there when I did. If I was just a bit faster you wouldn't have been hurt at all. Sorry." His gaze momentarily fell to the floor but his mood quickly picked back up when he realized that she was going to be ok. "Any way as for where you are, you are currently in my bed and although I wish it was for more recreational purposes.... you are here to rest and heal until I feel you're ok to move again."

"Oh, ha-ha. Like I'd ever get with you". She sneered sarcastically. "But thank you for helping me, not many griffins around here would do that."

John just waved her off, "No problem. If it wasn't for me you never would have ran into the manticore in the first place."

"What happened after I passed out anyway? All I remember is it coming right at me." The griffin asked.

John gave a short laugh, "Well, here's the funny part. After he got near you I tackled that big son of a bitch to the ground took his stinger and jabbed it right into his eye. Which reminds me... I got this for you." He began to dig though his backpack and after a while of searching pulled out two necklaces and after putting one over his own head he showed the other to Gilda. "This right here is so you can say that you got the monster that gave you that scar. It's the manticore's canine. These are two of the biggest teeth I could find on it. Hopefully It will also give you something to remember me by that isn't as unpleasant as a scar."

"Aww, how sweet." She said jokingly, "But for real, thanks. It's pretty cool and besides, it looks way better on me then it does on you."

"Get some rest I liked you better when you were quiet." He joked

Gilda flopped back down on the bed and watched as he walked over to the fire pit and lit a fire to keep the cave warm for the night

Seeing an opportunity to get some of her questions answered Gilda Spoke up, "So... what are you doing all the way out here anyways?"

John smiled as he looked into the fire, "I'm kinda on the run from the princess's back in Canterlot." Seeing the shocked look on the young griffon's face he explained, "Well it's like this... I appeared here in Equestria ripped from my own world by who knows what, and I woke up in the bed of the moon princess. Fun right? It sucked, because after I woke up I got bucked in the back of the head by a guard and then put into a small room to get interrogated. After interrogating me they say 'oh well you're not that bad let's let you go free'. Then I spend a couple nights chilling in the castle which wasn't that bad. But Princess Luna kisses me and I mean what the hell? Right. So it gets intense real fast but I have no idea why and before I know it I'm on top of her in HER bed. We were so close to doing it, but then she went and fucked up. She raised the damn full moon a whole week early. Just because she could. I wasn't ready for it I thought I had more time... I could have killed her! Hell if I stayed in that castle half the staff would be torn to shreds before any one knew what happened! I wasn't ready...." And with that he collapsed and slid down the wall of the cave, his hands buried into his face.
"Why did I lie?"

Gilda watched her friend as he stared into the fire, finally calming down from his random out-burst with deep breaths. She knew she had to do something so, fighting the dull throbbing pain and soreness she got out of the bed and walked over to him and patted him on the back in a comforting gesture before pulling him into a light one armed hug. The man leaned into the hug and sighed. "I'm sorry about that Gilda I don't know what came over me."

"It's cool. So do you want to talk about it?" She asked as kindly as possible, though questions were now eating her up on the inside.

"Sure." He said sighing as he psyched himself up."So were to I begin hmm... Ok the lie lets start with that. I told Celestia and Luna when I first got here I was a human. Which was a lie. Humans are beings from my world that inhabit it there are tons of them every where. But I'm not one of them, I'm a Lycan. Something completely... different. Now that I think about it I have no idea why I lied. I guess it was just instinct, I was always told to lie to anyone who was not like me.

"Why?"

The Lycan gave a sad laugh, "Because humans are cruel creatures. They let fear control their actions and those who don't fear are mean just to be mean. If they found out we exist they would hunt us all to extinction as they have done in the past. They almost got all of us last time and now we live only in stories. But that's back on Earth as far as I know I'm  the only one here. But I still had the urge to hide who I was, what I was. Because I fear rejection, and because I didn't want to scare them and cause them to fear me."

"Why would they fear you?"

John looked out off the cave opening and at the moon high in the sky, "I'll show you in about five days."

He continued, "But for now my friend we have to get you to sleep you need rest to heal." John stood up and scooped the griffin into his arms causing her to give a small eep in surprise before he gently out her onto the bed. While climbing into the makeshift bed him self Gilda spoke up.

"What are you doing?"

"Well, it's called going to sleep it's really simple you just..." He said before Gilda interrupted him.

"No, I mean why are you getting in bed with me?"

"Oh..." the Lycan replied, "Well I have to sleep somewhere and you are in my bed anyways. So until you can fly again we will share this one."

A pair of golden eagle eyes drilled into John's own blue eyes as she contemplated his answer "Fine, just don't do anything stupid." Gilda said, slowly rolling over to get some sleep.

"Goodnight" The Lycan said to his grumpy friend.

"Night."
	
> Bonus Chapter (10.5) 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Morning poured over the mountains. The first rays sunlight filtered in though the treetops to illuminate the inside of a cave. As the sunlight invaded his eyes, John slowly began to awaken. He attempted to roll over, but found his arm trapped. Squinting his eyes and using his other hand to block the sun he identified the problem. It seemed that his temporary "bed-mate" was laying on his arm and apparently they had been spooning all night. They where now laying face to face with each other, Gilda laying tightly pressed up against him. Apparently when the fire when out last night, Gilda had found extra warmth in her friends embrace.

A quite laughed escaped the Lycan as he thought of Gilda cuddling up with him all night, "Aww... how cute." John then began to rub Gilda's shoulder right where her pristine white feathers met her golden brown fur. "Come on." His initial attempts proving futile at waking the sleeping griffin, he began to poke a little more firmly. "Gilda get up. I need to get ready for tonight."

The Griffin groggily mumbled out a reply that roughly translated to "No, too warm. What's tonight?"

"Hmm... Well tonight's the full-moon and I have something very important to show you but I can't get ready if you're cuddling with me all day."

Gilda's eyes shot open wide, "What? Oh uhhh sorry about that." She apologized to her friend while looking up at him in the bed blushing though her feathers. Yet she still lay in his arms not moving.

"If you want we could sleep a little longer, you are going to have to stay awake all night. So you may want to rest." John proposed to the griffin.

"Why will I be up all night?"

"Because what I'm showing you tonight Is going to be very dangerous and the last thing I want to happen is for you to get  hurt." He said as he stroked the soft feathers on the side of her head, "You're a great friend and I'd hate to lose you."

"Oh yeah, uh okay." Gilda shifted position until she lay comfortably on the bed with her head resting on Johns chest.

"Sweet dreams Gilda" The Lycan said as he too drifted back into sleeps warm embrace.



~{T}~{C}~{W}~{t}~{M}~



It was afternoon when the two woke up once again, Gilda stood at the mouth of the cave with John as she waited for him to speak. "Okay. So, uhhh.. how do I say this? Anyway tonight I'm going to... change, when the full moon rises I will lose control over my body and transform. Now I'm telling you this because I don't want to hurt you when I change. I will not be myself and I will kill anything that gets in my way. Please, remember that. I need you to stay safe."

"Can you fly?" Gilda asked flatly.

"No? Why?"

"Then I'll be fine. I'll chill on a cloud all night and when morning comes I'll show you how to get home if you wander off to far." Gilda playfully punched her friends shoulder, "Nothing to worry about."

"Yeah I hope."

"So tell me." Gilda asked as she looked off into the distance, "You said your from a different world and you where taken from it and brought here somehow. How are you taking this so easily?  I mean I know if it where me I'd be freaking out right now but you seem too relaxed about it. Why?"

"It's simple really I look at this like a new start, a new beginning. Sure I was a little freaked out at first, but I never had that many friends back home and there where people that where hunting me down. I finally escaped, even if it was to here. Hell I don't think anyone would be able to follow me here. The way I look at it I'm free, even if the princess are looking for me they wont be able to catch me."

Hmm he seems confident I wonder what he plans on doing if the guard find him? "So", Gilda asked, "What do we need to do in preparation for tonight?"

John put his hand up to his chin in thought and made a list of items they would need. After that they broke up to gather the necessary items. Only to coming back after the sun set and the moon started to rise. "OK, that about covers it." The Lycan said as he counted up the items again. "Rope, big ass tree, a deer, some aconitum also known as monkshood or wolfsbane, and last but not least my currently empty back pack. Well we are good to go and in good time too I have probably ten minutes left." John looked at Gilda as he mauled an idea over in his mind until he decided to voice his suggestion. "Well there's only one other thing I can think of but you might not like it....."

"What is it?"

"Well it might make him less aggressive towards you if you... well had my sent on you."

"And how would we accomplish that?"

"Well here's the fun part." He said sarcastically had he started to explain to Gilda. Several moments of awkward rubbing up against on another later John sat in front of a tree which he sub-sequentially dubbed "Big-ass Tree Lord of the Timberdom" With the rope tied around his neck and and the other end secured around the trees trunk and up the base of it till it hit a low hanging branch  and was tied around the deer's hind legs.

"So," The young griffin said to break the silence that fell between them, "What with the rope contraption?"

"Well the rope is tied to me goes around the tree and to the deer. So when the beast walks forward to try to get the deer he will pull the rope causing the deer to rise up and out of reach like this." John demonstrated by walking forward and like he said the deer moved with him.

"That will really confuse him?"

"Not at all I give it four seconds before he figures it out."

"Then why?"

"Because I like to piss him off when I can." John said with a shrug.

"Ok one other question. Why do I have to carry your clothes?"

"Because if I turned with then on I would ruin them... But don't act like you didn't want to see me naked anyway." The Lycan said before the two broke into a fit of laughter. Laughter which was cut off when John fell to the ground clenching his stomach in pain. "Yeah.. It's time. OH... by the way his name is Robert. AHHHHHHHHHHH"

"What? You named him?"

Gilda could only watch as her friends body tore itself apart piece by piece. She looked on as hair rapidly grew over the surface of his body, bones cracked and popped as he started to get larger and all through the process. The sound of her friend screaming in imminence pain . The screams and continued until he ran out of breath and after about five minutes that seemed like hours to Gilda the transformation was done. In place of the kind friend she made only a couple days prior was now a giant hunched over being, covered in dark brown fur with a tail trailing out behind it. Gilda took a hesitant step forward to try and get a better look at the beings face but stopped when it started to move.

The creature brought it's nose high in the air and took in a deep breath before looking at the deer that  hung from a rope a couple of feet above the ground. When it took a step forward the deer rose into the air. The act caused the beast to trail its eyes along the rope. From where it was suspended all the way to where the rope was tied around its neck. A small growl escaped the creature as it brought a hand up to the rope and cut it loose with a claw, causing the deer to drop to the ground with a dull thud. Gilda watched as the beast dropped to all fours and walked over to the deer carcass and began to eat. When it had eaten its fill the beast looked up and its gaze fell on Gilda who froze in place when it began to growl.

Oh.. shit did it just see me? Yep it did. Great my legs wont work. Damn that's a big wolf. Gilda was stuck in place as the beast started to circle her slowly sizing her up, after the second or third time around it walked up to the young griffin and raised it's hand to strike.... causing Gilda to flinch back as she prepared for her end.

But before the hit connected the beast stopped and slowly lowered it's hand to the ground. It buried its nose deep in the feathers around her neck and when its own scent came back to the creature it gave a quick huff and bounded off. Leaving Gilda standing alone in the forest.

Gild spent the rest of the night watching the large wolf like creature wander around the forest from the safety of a cloud high in the sky.
> A stupid friend and it begins (11)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

		John grunted as he was pushed from behind one of the two guards escorting him. They had finally done it, they captured me. The two golden armored and seemingly identical grey unicorns him had orders to bring him before the Princesses.

The walk to the throne room seemed ever so short now that he was standing out side of the large oaken doors. John gave a sigh before speaking up, "Okay let's see how everybody's doing." The guards horns glowed as the doors began to open themselves and the sight in front of the Lycan made him smile. Seems like everyone's here, just to say hello to me. They shouldn't have. "Tia', Luna, Hello. Hey Shining nice to see ya, Cadence hello, Discord? They let you out? Cool we should hang out soon." The Lycan came across the last member of the group, a short purple alicorn. "Hmm I don't believe we've met before. I'm John, and who might you be" he said extending his hand.

"This is Twilight she is my sisters best student and her presence is none of your business human." Luna said with a stern voice

"Oh! You haven't heard have you? Well it's my fault really I shouldn't have lied. But It happened, and now I'm dealing with those consequences as they come. So why doesn't everyone take a seat and we can have a story telling time. I'll start with a story about my little white lie to the big white pony." Discord being interested in the being before him decided to humor him. Summoning a chair with a snap of his claws and took a seat near him and a bag of popcorn. These actions received a disproving look from Celestia but Discord simply smiled it away.

"Alright he's got the right idea." The man said pointing to Discord with the heavy chains on his wrists. "Well, here goes. It's not a long story mind you and it will cause more questions then answers but these are questions I will answer. When I first arrived here I told Celestia that I was a human. That was a lie. Back in my own world there are humans, many in fact, but I'm not one of them. I am referred to as what some would call a Lycan."

"What is the difference?" Celestia asked with a skeptical look on her face.

"Many things. For one a human might be even little scared of you right now, I am not. He would be completely trapped if he were in my position right now. I, am just here because I want to be. For example, I can do this." A loud clang filled the air as John tore of the large metal cuffs that restrained his wrists and promptly dropped them on the floor. "Now does anyone have any more questions?"

Luna took the moment to step forward, "The last night you were here why did you leave?"

"Ah well... you see being a Lycan, I am gifted with things that the other humans are not; Strength, speed, the ability to heal quickly are the main differences among many. However, with it comes a price. When the full moon is at it's apex, I transform. The change causes me to lose all semblance of rational thought and become another being entirely, one that doesn't mind killing or causing destruction. Usually I have time to prepare for his arrival but that night when you raised the full moon I wasn't ready, so I did the only thing I could to keep everyone safe. I ran.

Then, I guess I kept running out of shame, and I didn't stop until I made a friend who accepted me." John the cocked his head and addressed everyone in the room, "So what now? Why is everyone gathered? Can't be for a welcome party otherwise I don't think you would have brought me in here in chains."

Celestia stepped forward intently, "We brought you here because we have decided to send you back to your own world. Between Luna, Cadence, Twilight, Discord, and I we should have enough power to create a portal to your world and send you back through it."

"Uhh.. Okay but what if I didn't want to go back? Are you going to force me?"

"Yes." Celestia replied in a calm but serious tone. "Now every one in a circle, John when we open the portal, go through it. I do not want to have to force you."

"Just wondering though what did I do to make you all want to send me back?"He asked curiously.

Discord simply let off a small laugh, "Chaos of course, you simply radiate it my friend and while I think that nothing's wrong with that, our 'benevolent' ruler and sun goddess thinks your uncontrollable and therefore should be sent home. Don't get me wrong I think that we could have a blast together but, part of my freedom is having to 'behave' and listen to Tia'." Saying this got a disapproving look from Celestia and Twilight but Discord simply shrugged them off.

Following Celestia's command, the four ponies and draconequus stood in a circle in the center of the room, sparks began to fly between them all as they drew on their power and all forced it into the center of the circle. A small portal appeared in the circle's center the size and shape of an egg, but it quickly doubled in size as the immortal beings in the circle began to pour more and more power into it. The portal began to change colors from a deep purple to a dark blue with black swirls then changing to warmer colors like reds and oranges to bright pink and light blue.

Finally the portal finished changing colors after going through a round of chocolate brown and cotton-candy pink before stopping on a grass green color with sky blue swirls. Then it began to grow staying in it's egg shape it steadily got bigger and bigger until it was about seven feet tall and three feet wide still maintaining it's egg shape. John stared in amazement at the enigma before him. Slowly he made his way towards it. When he stood in front of the portal he could feel the air around it hum with energy the closer he got the faster the swirls of green and blue moved. Gingerly John raised his hand to the portal and touched it. The portal felt wrong to touch, it was like a solid and a liquid at the same time it was almost like a gel but not quite. The portal continued to overload his senses as he put more pressure on as it's surface it slowly enveloped his hand. When his hand got sucked in, he had a moment of panic and he tried to pull his hand out this was rewarded with a shock as if he had been struck by lightning. The shock sent him flying across the room, smashing into the wall cracking the white stone.

The circle of immortals powering the portal was broken when Twilight jumped to avoid the Lycan made projectile, causing it to become unstable. The remaining entities watched as it rapidly changed colors from a sky blue and green to a violent red and black swirling angrily. Every-one watched stunned as a being was launched from the portal in the same unceremonious way the Lycan was and smashed up against the same wall and landed in his lap. After the being exited the portal popped like a bubble leaving scorch marks across the floor where it had been. John looked down at the person that had slammed into him and was shocked to see an unconscious but familiar face, it was only when her skin started to smoke and the smell of burning flesh hit his senses did he react.

"Someone quick the windows block them all up now!" He shouted as he tore his shirt off his body and used it to cover any of the new arrival's exposed skin. He looked up to see everyone staring at him with questioning looks, and his blood boiled with rage causing his words to start to come out in a low threatening growl. "I said windows NOW!!" His scream got a reaction from every one in the room ranging from Twilight's scared yelp and scurry to hide behind Celestia to Discord's look of amusement. Discord was however the first to comply and with a snap of his fingers all the windows in the room blacked out allowing no sunlight into the room. 

John returned to took his friend, dismayed to find her skin was still burning and starting to blacken in places. "No, no it's not working why?" The Lycan looked up desperately at everyone in the room begging for help but his eyes landed on Celestia and something clicked in his head. Could it be?......... No, but it is worth a shot. "Celestia out now." But the Princess didn't move. Instead she looked as if she was about to say something, but the pleading look from John caused her to let loose a sigh and quickly trot out of the room. She didn't want to leave anyone alone in the same room with two creatures that she didn't fully understand, but the look he gave her was powerful, it was like she had seen a part of his soul through it and Celestia saw fear. Not for himself but for whomever he was trying to protect.

The doors slammed shut behind the Princess. John hesitated for moment before peeking below the shirt to see if his hunch was right and if he had saved the one laying in his lap. It had, the burns started to heal up the second the Princess left the room and he could already tell his friend would be fine. He gratefully hugged the unconscious body, "Oh thank you, thank you. We are soo even now you idiot."

Twilight's curiosity got the better of her and she slowly approached the two sitting on the floor, "Who is that?"

"This, Twilight is a friend of mine and she is an idiot a very stupid stupid idiot. I can't believe she did it. I thought she was joking but no, no matter how many times you warn some one they never do listen do they? I told you to stay away from them to stay out of my world but you never could listen and now look at you. What happened after I left Alex? Why did you do this?"

Twilight was put off after it seemed the Lycan completely forgot she was there and was now talking to his sleeping friend, which if it was any indication by the way he was talking her Twilight could guess they had a very extensive history. In this time Luna made her way to the Lycan, "John who, what is she?" She asked firmly.

"Huh?" He began as he started to put the puzzle pieces that was his mind back together "Oh, yes. This... this is Alex, a friend of mine from back in my world. The last time I saw her she was a human but not any more." He said as his mood turned somber, "When I left she must have tried to find me and getting pulled to this world afterward must not have helped because she did exactly what I told her not to do. She tried to find me and now she's a fucking vampire. This is all my fault if it wasn't for me she probably would have lived a fine normal life."

"A vampire?" Luna asked with a tone of interest.

"Yeah they're kinda like Lycans but don't ever let anyone hear you say that they'll get pissed. She was once a human but then was turned into one. Why? I don't know you would have to ask her. The thing with vamps though is that if they get caught in sunlight they'll burn to death in about a minute, that's why I had to get the windows covered and Celestia to leave or else it would have killed her... There is a great price to being a vampire. You have to deal with the thirst...." He trailed of.

"Thirst?" Twilight chimed in confused about what he meant.

"To survive, much like you and I eat food and drink water, vampires need blood in order to sustain themselves. But it's different, for they have a never ending thirst always plaguing them. After time, some might learn how to quiet their hunger and control it, rather than it controlling them. But it's always there." John explained as he sighed.

"So they're like my vamponies." Luna stated flatly.

"What?!" John said as he stood up after taking time to make sure his friend wouldn't fall when he did, "What do you mean vamponies?"

"A long time ago back when I was Nightmare Moon and the pegasi were still a heavily war influenced race, I set out to make a perfect soldier for my army. I created a spell that made pegasi stronger, faster, and bloodthirsty creatures that would obey me and fight with me for an eternal night. But the price of the spell was clear. After a while it went from them being bloodthirsty to actually needing to drink blood or they would die, and after they started drinking blood for power the sun started to burn them. They couldn't even be in the presence of my sister during battle without enduring pain and eventually burning away."

Twilight took her turn to speak up, "But, I've seen the night guards out during the day it's rare to see them then but they were fine and I've seen them in the same room as Celestia."

Luna smiled at the purple alicorn's quick thinking and intelligence, "Yes, that is because after I was banished Celestia tried to come up with a spell of her own to change the ponies back into pegasi, but it never quite worked. So she came up with a different one. She called it the Black Sun Spell, what it did was remove the vamponies thirst and sensitivity to sunlight  and ended up creating the modern batponies you see today with the only cost of the spell being an abnormal obsession with fruit."

"Would that spell work on Alex?" John asked.

"Maybe, it would require some adjusting but it might. Why?" Luna replied.

"Because she needs human blood to live and I don't know about you but I don't think I see any humans around here. That and I would like to have a friend that wouldn't have to avoid being in the same room as someone else because she would burn to death is they crossed paths." He said curtly.

"Fine what do we do with her now though?"

"You remember that room you put me in when I first got here? No windows and a door that locks from the outside? Can you teleport her down there, so when she wakes up I can explain the situation to her. She takes things hard so she might not act as calmly when she finds out she is trapped in a prison cell, stuck in a different world for the rest of her life." Luna, in her response only nodded and teleported herself and the vampire away from the room.


~{T}~{C}~{W}~{t}~{M}~



Luna and John casually strolled down the many twisting turns of the hedge maze that was behind Canterlot castle, in the beginning of their journey they talked about anything and everything from the smallest thing to John's adventures with Gilda in the forest on the run from the equestrian guard. But now they walked silently just enjoying each-other's company. Until John noticed something Luna had stopped walking. He turned to see her and a thought ran through his mind, Oh shit, this is just like the first time when she kissed me and then we almost... Oh what is she doing?


Meanwhile in Luna's Mind


"You said when you saw him you would tell him how you feel so do it. Do something kiss him, hit him, say something. Come on Luna do something or else it will continue to eat you up inside." Nightmare's voice rung clear inside her mind Luna knew she had to do something. So she acted, she raised a hoof and smacked it across the Lycan's face.
"Oh... didn't see that coming." Nightmare's voice sounded surprised.

When John regained his composure he looked back at Luna just in time to see her press her lips to his in a heated kiss that knocked him over and into the bushes.

"And I didn't see that coming either... Luna how do you still surprise me?" Nightmare's voice faded with a laugh.


~{T}~{C}~{W}~{t}~{M}~


After a round of or two of private activities that left a mess the royal gardener would get flustered about having to clean, the pair made their way back into the castle only to be stopped at the entrance by one of the guards who saluted and gave one message.

"She is awake."