Tsaranon

> Another glorious day in mother Russia

> stretch and don my Tsarly robes

> Look out to my window

> swarms of peasants are gathering around to see their leader

Greetings peasants!

> "Hail the Tsar!"

What is it that you wish?

> "Freedom!"

> oh fuck

> what do I say now

I am planning on it, but it will take time

> The peasants start to riot

> shit

> my adviser comes

> "Sir, the peasants are trying to break down the gate"

Yes, I'm very aware

> "Kill the Tsar! He's not going to help us!"

> "It seems they plan to kill y-"

I can hear, thank you

> "I have a solution"

What is it?

> "I can send your soul elsewhere, so that you may live on"

I don't pretend to understand, but I am willing to try anything

> the peasants have smashed in the gate and are advancing to the palace

> we rush into the chapel

> my advisor urges me onto the altar

> he begins to chant in some dark mysterious language

> or maybe it's Latin, I don't know

> his chanting ebbs and flows, building up slowly

> I sit with my eyes closed, hoping to god that this doesn't banish me to the ninth level of hell

> the adviser's chanting reaches a fever pitch as he utters the last phrases

> The last word is spoke, I feel a shock to my chest

> the colors of the world around me melt and I am sent into a void of black

> I shock awake

> I jump off of the platform

> Wherever I am, it's certainly more colorful

> A smaller horse, about as high as me, approaches

Well hello there creature, I don't suppose you can help me?

> "of course I can"

> stumble backwards

> nearly flip over the altar

Unholy speaking beast! Depart from me immediately!

> "I mean you no harm sir"

The devil speaks only lies!

> "Sir, please calm down"

I shall not succumb to your temptations!

> she hits me across the face with her hoof

> "Now then, will you behave yourself?"

> I nod a consent, grasping the cheek that was hit

> "What are you, strange creature?"

I could ask you the same

> "I am Princess Celestia of Equestria, and who are you?"

I am Tsar Anon, of Russia

> "I have never heard of this Russia, nor of a Tsar"

What is an Equestria?

> "This is Equestria. Now what is Russia"

Russia is my homeland. I beautiful country of much natural beauty, and many wonderful people

> "People?"

Humans, such as myself.

> "So you are a human...."

And you are a horse

> "Pony actually. Now care to explain how you got here?"

My adviser sent me here so that I may escape death

> "I see. Have you a way back?"

None that I know of

> "Would you be needing a place to stay?"

If you would be kind enough

> "Of course. Now, explain to me what a Tsar is?"

Tsar is king. He rules the country of Russia

> "So you're human royalty?"

Yes

> "Then I shall have quarters arranged for a king"

Much thanks

> She leads me to a throne room

> "Wait here, while I get the room ready"

> she wanders off

> I sit patiently

> another pony walks in

> "Oh Celestia, what in Equestria are you!?"

Begone peasant!

> The pony flees, screaming

> no doubt the others will know I'm here

> the princess returns

> "I have gotten your room ready. I will also sent a team to build you your own castle. You will be a vassal under me, that way, you may still maintain your authority."

> the idea of being someone's vassal was appalling, but what choice did I have?

> Night was fast approaching, and I went to my room

> A large regal bed lay on the left side, to the right was a bookshelf

I hope they have Tolstoy

> I take a book detailing the history of the ponies

> it doesn't take long before I fall asleep

> I dream of my family being killed, and a new, less competent Tsar being on the throne

> what a horrid dream

 

> awaken in the royal chambers

> oh right, ponies

> replace the book you fell asleep with

> a slightly shorter night blue pony enters the room

> "so the rumor is true, there is a creature from another realm here"

Yes, I am real, and who might you be?

> "I am princess Luna, Celestia's sister"

How pleasant....Could you tell me when to expect my castle?

> "I would say next week it should be ready"

> it would've taken the serfs months to build a castle

Alright

> she walks away

> I begin by wandering around this palace

> large corridors, and many servants

> I stop one, and he gives me a hot chocolate

> A delicacy from the new world

> a massive library on the left, putting mine to shame

at least I have tolstoy

> find myself in the throne room

> no one is around, I decide to test the throne

> suddenly, a peasant pony appears

> "Please, help me"

what is your trouble?

> "My farm is not growing any food"

You have sinned. This is your punishment

> "Are you not going to help me?"

I shall not intervene with holy matters!

> she pony runs off, crying

> the little sinner had it coming

> another pony approaches

> "Please spare me your time"

what is your complaint?

> "I need help with building a new house"

You peasants are very strong, I'm sure you can handle it

> "but"

I have spoken!

> the peasant slowly walks away, downtrodden

> yet another peasant walks in

What is it you want?

> "We would like a blessing to be married"

Denied

> the pony flees to his lover

> Celestia enters

> "Tsar Anon, what did you do!?"

I handled some problems while you were away

> "You upset the populace! Is that how you treat your subjects in Russia!?"

Not always, but I don't know how matters in your realm go by, so I just deny them

> "Well you've left me with much to clean up"

> she detains me in my room

> I'm not allowed to leave until my castle is built

> at least I've got Luna to keep me company

> she decides to teach me a little about ponies

> Apparently, Luna and Celestia are the gods, they raise the moon and sun

> sounds like heathen talk to me

> Ponies come in races: Earth, Pegasus, and Unicorn

> Unicorns can perform magic

> Pegasii can fly

> Alicorns can both fly and use magic

> only the royal family are alicorns

> With all the details learned, I can hardly wait for my castle to be built, so I can start ruling again

> it's going to be a long week of waiting

 

> finally

> my castle has been built

> the princess announces it to me by barging into my room

> "pack your bags, your castle's ready"

I don't have any bags

> "just get moving"

> I and my imaginary bags go to a village called ponyville

> This is where my castle is

> I go inside

> already furnished throne room

> wander about

> professional grade walls and archery slots

> find my quarters

> massive bed of the softest material I have ever slept in

I like it

> the princess smiles

> "I'm glad, now I've got matters to attend to

> she vanishes

I should probably begin work administrating

> go to the throne room

> sit on throne

> feel all-mighty

> an orange pony with some sort of hat walks in

> "well sheeyoot, I never woulda guessed there'd be a new king. Let alone such a weird looking one!"

That's Tsar to you! And I shall remind you that you are in the presence of royalty, so I recommend you do not speak ill of me.

> "Alright yer highness"

> she gives me a mocking bow and walks out

> damn peasants being snooty

> I feel my crown lifted off of my head

> a pink pony is behind me, messing with my crown

> "well hiya there princey! I'm Pinkie Pie"

Well, Pinkie Pie, I would like it if I could have my crown back

> "of course!"

> she thrusts the crown onto my head

> "we'll have to throw you a proper coronation party!"

I've already had one in Russia

> "but this isn't Rassa"

Russia

> "Rossa?"

Russia

> "Whatever, I'm gonna go get the party ready!"

> she bounces out of the room

> These ponies disturb me to no end

> a purple pony walks in

> "здравствуйти"

> I gasp in shock

You can speak my language?!

> "Only a little, you haven't given the royal archives much information about it"

You can read?

> "Yes"

What is your occupation?

> "I am the town librarian"

Why did you come here?

> "I just wanted to welcome our new ruler"

At least you have the courtesy to be respectful

> "The other ponies don't understand the amount of respect you are accustomed to receiving"

Well it was a pleasure, Miss.....

> "Sparkle, Twilight Sparkle"

Miss Sparkle

> She walks out of the room

> I feel the urge to get this over with faster

> I take a walk around town, so that all the ponies can meet me at the same time

> I am swamped with hellos and other greetings

> I stumble through the crowds with no destination in mind

> to avoid the masses of ponies seeking my attention, I hide inside a store

> "Welcome to the Carousel Boutique!"

I hope you don't mind if I hide out in here

> she gasps as she realizes who I am

> "oh no, not at all your highness"

> I turn to look at who I'm addressing

> she's a white pony with a pure purple mane, well kept.

> "Is there anything I can do for you?"

What do you sell?

> "Dresses, socks, clothing in general"

Robes?

> "Of course! I would be honored to make a regal adornment for you!"

fantastic

> "Please step onto the platform so I can get your measurements

> I step onto the stool and she uses a measuring tape to go around my chest

> awkward small talk

> "So, how did you come about being in ponyville?"

The peasants were staging a rebellion, and my adviser sent me here to save me from them

> "oh how ghastly! Such uncouth creatures! Lift up your arms please"

And you? Are you not a peasant?

> She seems hurt by this comment

> "I dream that someday I may not be......"

Well, you are a very pretty peasant

> she brightens up a little

You certainly maintain yourself better than the others. Far less dirty, and much more refined in your behavior.

> she's practically beaming now

> "Do you really think so?"

Absolutely

> she jots down some numbers onto a pad

> "Alright, I've got the measurements, your highness. You may step down now."

Thank you Miss

> "Rarity, call me Rarity"

What a beautiful name

> she blushes lightly

> "I'll have the robes finished in a few days."

Thank you again, Rarity

> "Would you like to use the back exit, to avoid the crowds?"

Oh yes please

> She directs me to a door

> I exit and sneak around the crowd of people nearby the store

> I make it back to my castle in one piece

> surprise!

> "HAPPY CORONATION!"

wow....she pulled through

> speak of the devil

> "Hey Tsar, come on! Let's dance!"

> she pulls me out into the middle of the crowd and forces me through various dance moves

> I'm not much for dancing

> eventually I escape and resort to simple socializing

> most of the party is nearby as I tell stories

I wish my grandfather could've seen my coronation back in Russia.

> "Why didn't he?"

Our land was being ruled by an evil group of men called the Tatars, and my grandfather fought against them. I was there, being taught military strategy, and I saw him wounded in battle. When I rushed over, he said to me, "My child. I have saved this great land, now you must rule it"

> "Wow! What a great man!"

> they all enjoyed my stories, and I enjoyed theirs

> "Once when I was visiting the princess, she started to choke on a piece of alfalfa. I rushed over and tried to save her. The guards took over pretty quickly, but they said if I hadn't tried, she would've died."

> a good time was had by all

> the party ended with the crowd splitting to either side of the room

> I walked down the middle

> and Pinkie crowned me Tsar of ponyville

> everyone cheered

> some lingered, but most went home quickly afterwards

> I returned to my quarters and slept heavily

 

> the week passes by unremarkably

> just the usual administrative stuff

> it's nice not to have boyars screaming at me for trying to help the peasants

> I have the ponies do some things to make it more at home

> I have an orthodox chapel built

> I teach the ponies to make various tools that I'm accustomed to having

> one day

> I hear a pony enter

Yes? Oh Rarity! How good to see you again!

> "I've got your robe ready."

Fantastic! How much do I owe you?

> "Free of charge, your Highness. It was my honor"

Oh, but I must repay you somehow. I know! There's a meeting of all the vassals tonight, Celestia will be discussing  politics. It's not the most exciting stuff, but there'll be a banquet, and a reception.

> "Are you offering me a chance to go to Canterlot?"

If you would like

> her eyes immediately light up

> "Of course I would!"

Servants!

> two servant ponies enter the chamber and stand next to Rarity

Give her the royal treatment. Make sure she's as pretty and proper as she wants.

> she looks to me with a look of utter gratitude

> The two servants show her to a room, so they can dress her appropriately

> the day goes on, and at various times I've seen servants scrambling about the castle

> night falls

> I knock on the door

Are you ready, Miss Rarity?

> "nearly there darling"

> she opens the door

> she's got a flowing red gown on, and her mane seems even more lustrous than usual

> "let's go"

> we board the train and depart to Canterlot

> We arrive at the reception

> many nobles and their dates are here, chatting amongst each other

> Rarity stays with me, as she doesn't know anyone

> I approach a couple

Ah, Lord Upper Crust!  So good to see you again.

> "It's a pleasure to see you again, Tsar anon, and who is it that you've brought with you?"

This is Rarity

> "Is she of the nobility?"

> Rarity looks worried

> I stand firm

No, she's not, but she's kind, and one of the prettiest in Ponyville

> Upper Crust whispers to another pony

> "That town must be full of hideous ponies"

> I huff at them

> Rarity is visibly upset

> I turn to her

Pay them no mind, they are self-centered jerks.

> she seems calmed down

> we speak with several more people before being called into the dining hall

> unfortunately, we're seated next to Upper Crust

> He speaks obnoxiously loudly about us to those around him

> "Can you believe Tsar anon brought a low-life peasant girl with him?! What idiot would do something so unfit for his status!?"

> Rarity is on the brink of tears

> I am at the breaking point, that's when he says it

>  "Celestia knows, she's probably some harlot from the street corner!"

ENOUGH!

> the entire hall turns to see the source of the disturbance

> I remove my glove, and strike Fancypants with it as firmly as I can

> the sharp slap resounds around the pitch quiet room

> He seems baffled

In my culture, that signifies a duel. You have insulted both me, and this poor creature, and as such, I challenge you in a fight to defend our honor.

> still confused, I take him outside, followed by the entirety of the party

> I draw my pistol, one of the various tools I had the ponies make me to make me feel at home

> Upper Crust, as well as many others, stare at my pistol, an object they'd never seen before

> I explain the rules

we put our backs together, take ten steps forward, turn, and fire a single shot towards each other. Whichever shot lands successfully is the victor.

> Upper Crust's horn begins to glow

> we take our steps off, counting as we go

one...two....three...

> each step lands with a thud that seemed louder than life.

eight...nine....ten!

> I wheel around quickly, the crowd a blur as I try to aim towards my target

> lucky for me, Upper Crust's pony body doesn't offer him the same agility

> I level my pistol and take steady aim

> Upper Crust gets enough time to get his eyes to face me

> he gets to watch as the flint strikes the pan

> the first gunshot in Equestria causes many in the crowd to jump in fear.

> Upper Crust stands perfectly still

> his eyes are locked with mine, his horn glows

> the glow on his horn fades

> his knees buckle

> a red stain on his white undershirt shows through

> he keels over to the right, landing with a thud, dead, if not unconscious

> I holster my gun

> I walk over to Rarity and embrace her

> I then speak to the crowd

I shall not have me, or any of my friends insulted in such a manner as he has tonight. That is an unacceptable attack on me which will be challenged on the dueling field.

> the field remains silent

> I whisper to Rarity

> "Let's get out of here, clearly these ponies aren't  welcoming to us"

> Rarity and I board the train home

I'm so sorry that had to happen

> "It was quite honorable what you did, defending a peasant girl like me"

I don't know about here in Equestria, but in my land, if a noble finds a good match in a peasant, he defended her to the death, no matter what the others said.

>  she looks to me, tears of joy in her eyes

And knowing that I'm going to be contacted by Celestia regarding this, I don't regret it

> she sniffles, and hugs me

> the train arrives in the station

You're more than welcome to stay in the castle if you want

> "No, it's quite alright. I've got plans with some of my friends tonight"

> I give her a smile as we part ways

> I arrive at the castle

> I get washed, and dressed for bed

> I'm going to get such a lashing in the morning

 

 

> and so I did

> I awoke in the morning with a crash from my door that most likely broke it

> the raging stomps of an angry alicorn fill my ears

> "Tsar Anon! What in tartarus did you do!?"

> I sleepily stir and respond

I defended myself

> "You shot a pony"

in my defense

> "You killed a noble!"

> I turned to face her, my bloodshot eyes lock with hers

I was only dealing with a threat in a proper and civilized manner. I explained to him how it worked, and he did not refuse the challenge. He understood that there was the potential of his death, it was only his own hubris that brought his demise, I was merely a tool to beget the final ending.

> Celestia looks at me, pondering

> I huff, it's too early in the morning for arguments

> "I still cannot just let this go"

Do what you must

> she considers her options

> she knows that she can't take me away, because my crime was just, and it would spark outrage

> but she must do something

> her eyes lighten as she comes upon a solution

> "Your treasury shall be emptied in the name of the princess"

> this was unexpected, and I couldn't formulate a response to refute, so I conceded

Yes, your Highness

> she vanishes, and from down the hall I hear the jingling of money being sucked away

> I am a noble, but I am a pauper

> tax collection isn't until a month from now

Fuck

> I grunt and go back to bed

> when I awaken, the severity of what has happened hits me

I'm......I'm poor

> I could lose my castle

> I could lose my title

> I could lose my life

> the peasants didn't need to know it though

> I go about business as usual, as if nothing changed

> I come to my throne

> oh good, here's that rude orange one with the speech impediment again

> "Howdy Tsar, I heard about yer little predicament"

> I felt a twitch in my hand as she spoke those words

> the news of my weakness, my vulnerability has somehow leaked

> The peasants know I am virtually powerless

> My how news travels in this land

I suppose you're going to mock me for that too?

> "Well, actually, I thought I'd try to help"

> the sudden reversal of her attitude catches me utterly off guard

Really?

> "Well sure! I think defendin' Rarity like that was mighty kind of you, we all do"

We?

> suddenly my hall is flooded with peasant ponies

> My brow lifts and my eyes expand

> if I were not in my throne right now, I'd have fallen over

but what are you going to do to help me?

> "Well....we haven't got the money for the taxes yet....but we figure we could cook and clean and whatnot until we do"

> I'm honestly touched

> in a past life, I was sentenced to death by a peasant mob

> now, I am given comfort and support by a peasant mob

> I step off of the throne and down the steps into the crowd

> the stinging bliss of this irony makes itself present in my heart

> I fall to my knees and weep

>  the crowd of ponies swarm around me, giving words of comfort and conciliatory pats on the back

Thank you all, thank you all so much

> I try to collect myself, and go sit back on my throne

> the ponies disperse to various parts of the castle, to perform tasks that would otherwise have gone undone

> I sit and observe a yellow pegasus dusting everything

> she sneezes as she picks up a cloud of dust from a window pane

> "Oh my Mr. Tsar, don't you ever clean this place?"

> her weak voice is barely heard over the din of the other ponies at work

the servants are supposed too

> "well they haven't been doing a very good job. I'll make sure this place is clean as a whistle"

> I can't help but smile at her good nature

> I'm called into the dining hall

> the orange one, as well as Pinkie Pie, have laid out a breakfast feast

> various pastries line the tables

> "There ya go yer Highness. I hope you enjoy it"

> I look around, examining the food set before me

BREAKFAST EVERYONE!

> the two chef's look to each other then to me

> this was meant to be only for me

> I answer their confusion

If you are going to be helping me, the least I can do is ensure you are all well fed

> the two smile

So dig in!

> I and the two pick our pastries as the others fill in the room

Orange one, what is your name?

> "Applejack, yer Highness"

Applejack, have you seen Miss Rarity?

> "No, I can't say that I have"

> I knew what I must do

> I finished off my pastry

> I donned my robe

> and I departed to my destination

> walking was miserable

> but apparently it's degrading for a pony to be ridden, even by a king

> finally, I manage my way to the carousel boutique

> I enter, and a sing-song voice calls out from a back room

> "Welcome to the Carousel Boutique!"

> Rarity steps out from the back-room to greet her guest"

> she observes me briefly, before turning away

Why aren't you with the others?

> I hear her sniffle

> "I...I just couldn't bring myself...all of this happened because of me"

> she begins to sob

> I try to comfort her

Remember what I said on the train?

> "....yes"

I don't regret it

> "but why? I'm just some lowly peasant girl!"

> I decide on a different tactic

> I climb over a few crates of cloth and sit next to her

> she still avoids looking at me

> I start to rub my robe

You know, this is probably the nicest made robe I've ever had

> her sobbing slows, but she's still sniffling

> "do you really think so?"

The best seamstresses in Russia can't even compare

> she giggles lightly

> I run a hand through her mane

> it's as though my hand is running through threads of the finest silks

> she looks to me, stains of tears run from her eyes down her cheek

> "But why? Why care for such a pathetic peasant such as myself?"

Because you aren't just some pathetic creature. You're Rarity, the beautiful, kind mare who stole my heart.

> there it was, I had made it official

> I felt as vulnerable as could be, even more so than moments ago when I thought I would become a debtor

> her stunned silence was not assuring

> she stared blankly at me, as though I had just spoken to her in Russian

> Did I? In my emotion had I accidentally slipped into my mother tongue?

> she embraces me, digging her face deep into my robe

> that would be a no

> she heaved more sobs into my robe, and I ran my fingers through her mane, one hand wrapped around her

> once she had settled down, she went to re-beautify herself

> she came out as she looked before she was upset

Shall we go to the castle?

> she nodded and hummed an affirmation

> we arrived at the castle and were greeted by what must have been the whole village

> Rarity's friends immediately surrounded us

> Twilight is the first to ask

> "What took you so long Rarity?"

> I stepped in before she could answer

It took some convincing to get her here

> a blue one spoke up

> "Convincing for what? She should have to work just as much as everyone else."

Well that's just it. She felt the blame was entirely on her, because I was defending her in the duel. It took a lot to talk her out of it, but I did finally get her to come.

> Rarity lowers her head

> "I'm sorry I didn't come immediately"

> they all forgive her nearly instantly

> everyone gets back to work soon

> Rarity departs to fix my wardrobe, as she says

> I'm left with administrative duties

> which were few, since most of the town was working in the castle

> so I spend most of the rest of the day reading

> I miss Dostoyevsky

> later in the evening my door Rarity enters the doorway

> The door, as I had suspected, was broken, and so my room was open to the hallway

> she clears her throat to call my attention from the book

> she trots over to my bed and sits on the edge

> "Did you really mean that?"

Mean what?

> "What you said...in the store?"

Of course, why would I lie about something like that?

> she stares off at the wall

What do you want to do about it?

> "I'm not sure.....I mean, I love you too, but it's so much to take in"

> suddenly the blue one from before reveals herself in the doorway

> "ah ha! Rarity and Anon love each other!"

> she sprints off down the hall chanting the line for all to hear

> Rarity becomes flustered, and a deep red

> she chases after the blue one

> "Rainbow Dash, you come back here this instant!"

> I sigh and chuckle

> it's dark out

> I turn off my lamp

> I fall to slumber

 

> I awaken to find a pony sleeping in my arms

> apparently, during the night, Rarity slipped into bed with me

> my stirring has roused her

> "Good morning Tsar"

> she bats her eyes, attempting to make this scene as romantic as possible

Good morning Tsarina

> she jumps at the title, ecstatic

> I smile and roll out of bed

Mind telling me what became of the blue one, Rainbow Dash was it?

> "Yes, she ran down the halls screaming, I managed to chase her down, but I'm certain somepony heard"

> I didn't really mind, I never intended to keep it a secret

> nonetheless, it was a disgusting invasion of privacy

> I moved into the closet to get changed, finding new regal clothing very similar to what I had in Russia

> I put on some clothes and walk out of the closet

> Rarity is smiling

> "what do you think?"

How did you know I wore this in Russia

> she seems surprised to have mimicked my garb so precisely

> "I just had a hunch"

> I exited the room, and was intercepted by a pony on my way to the throne room

> "Breakfast will be ready shortly"

thank you ma'am

> Soon enough breakfast was called

> I entered the room with Rarity by my side

> the entire hall turned to observe the Tsar and his companion sit at the table

> We took seats near some of Rarity's friends

> Rainbow Dash speaks out

> "See, I told you!"

> Twilight responds

> "So you did"

> I clear my throat

I would appreciate it if you wouldn't gossip about me...us..in front of us.

> "Sorry Tsar, but we're just so gosh dern excited for ya!"

> Pinkie Pie gets her face out of a pie long enough to speak

> "Ya! Rarity's a really keeper!"

> I look to Rarity, who is doing her best to tune her friends out

> I take her hoof and kiss it, shocking her out of her daydream

I know

> the entire room "aww"s

> That was the end of that conversation

> now, food!

> after, administration

> once again, not a whole lot to do when everyone's already in the castle

> I did go and visit a local shaman

> she spoke entirely in rhyme

> "Ah, what do we have here? The Tsar? My what a strange looking creature you are!"

> That makes two ponies who've called me strange

> get's old quickly

And you must be Zecora, the shaman

> "Right you are, mighty Tsar. What potion do you need? Or is it advice you should heed?"

Neither at the moment, I was just told there existed such a place, and I thought I should make myself known to you, and vise versa.

> "A pleasant man you seem to be, to come out here just to meet me"

> we bid our farewells and I went home.

> life was pretty boring the past month

> no administrative crisis

> I had no money for adventures

> the majority of my time was spent practicing my sword skill, or becoming more proficient with my musket

> Rarity disliked such tools, seeing them as barbaric, but I needed to only remind her, I had no magic to defend myself with.

> the month ended, and the tax was collected

> much to the jubilation of the peasants, I had lowered the tax by 10%, as a form of thanks for providing me with necessities while I was made a pauper

> the peasants cheered, Celestia did not

> My less than normal income meant that the tax I paid to Celestia was less

> She took it as an act of defiance

> I received a letter

> "Dear Tsar Anon, Your continuing pestering of me and my administration is wearing my patience thin. First you attempt to take my place, then you openly kill a fellow noble, and now you are refusing to pay the full tax on all of my vassals. Should your defiance continue, I will take measures to remove you."

> Eternally yours, Princess Celestia

> grave news from the capital

> I had to tread lightly

> Rarity was there to comfort me though

> She always knew the right thing to say to cheer me up

> "Celestia is just being firm, I'm sure she doesn't mean it. Besides, you won't have to worry, because I know that you won't do anything bad."

I cannot be certain

> "I have faith in you"

> her faith warmed my heart

> perhaps I could manage to bandage my wounded relations with Celestia

> that's when the raids started

> One morning, a pony, slightly singed, alerted me that dragons were attacking the town

> I wrote to Celestia immediately, pleading with her to deliver me troops, post haste.

> she returned a letter

> on it, written in beautifully calligraphic letters, was "NO"

> I did what I could, I raised a militia

> hardly dragon slayers, but the best I could manage

> the peasants lined the streets, spears and wooden shields arming them

> a flock of dragons circle overhead, then dive

> the dragons would swoop and pick up a pony or two

> those not grabbed would jab at the underbellies

> the dragons were largely undisturbed by the spears, which would cause only light bleeding, if they penetrated at all

> something did disturb them though

> as one dived, I fired my musket

> the lead ball hit with a thwack, in the throat, slightly to the left

> the dragon did not pull out of his dive and landed with a resounding crash onto part of the village

> the other dragons fled, the "thunderstick" had scared them off

> the ponies gave a resounding cheer, which gradually turned to weepings as dead loved ones came into their minds

> it took the rest of the day to remove the dragon body from the town

> those who were displaced were invited to sleep in the castle

> I had a very sleepless night, one that even the comforting feel of Rarity sleeping next to me couldn't fix

 

> I spent the next few months concerned for my safety

> the peasants worked to restore their houses

> I paid some extra workers to come and assist

> the resilience of the peasantry is astounding, capable of continuing onward despite so much working against them

> truly, a model we should all follow

> Rarity had all but moved into my castle by this point

> the peasantry took a liking to the "royal couple" and I could often hear them gossiping about us

> I didn't mind, it gave them something to enjoy in their miserable lives

> "How much do you think the Tsar really loves that mare?"

> "Quite a bit, I've heard she made him swear off of meat!"

> the two giggled

> It was true though, Rarity did have me give up meat. A price I was glad to pay for her.

> In fact, I surprised her with my love one day

Rarity, look what I got you!

> http://imgur.com/dIWxg

> "Oh Tsar! It's beautiful!"

Open it up

> she couldn't take her eyes off of the egg as she opened the top to reveal a ring

> http://imgur.com/w6O77

> her eyes grew wide as the brilliance of the diamond graced her eyes

Rarity, will you marry me?

> her throat caught

> she was speechless

> she stared at me, her eyes spoke the words for her, but she said it anyway to affirm

> "Oh yes Tsar yes!"

> she tackled me with an embrace, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks

You know what this means right?

> "What?"

Remember what you said when you first met me? That you dream that someday, you will not be a peasant?

> "yes?"

Now you're not a peasant, now you're my Tsarista.

> her face immediately contorts in disbelief, but gradually unwinds into one of sheer euphoria

> "So I'm...?"

> I slide the ring onto her horn

Royalty

> she buries herself into my chest

> I can feel the tears of joy soaking through my shirt, but I pay it no mind. This is love

> Eventually Rarity calms herself down enough that I can release her

> I grant her the ability to plan the affair

> Since I proposed the traditional Tsarist way, I concede that the wedding shall be in a pony style

> When I write to Celestia about it, her mood towards me shifts immediately. She is very pleased I've decided on a pony wedding.

> Despite this, she refuses to be the conduct the ceremony herself, assigning her sister to the task

> I snort in frustration, clearly she just dislikes me greatly.

> I'll be fine though, I like Luna much better personally

> It takes less than a day for the news to spread through ponyville

> ponies lined up at the door to congratulate me

> Rarity's friends get beyond the line and come inside the castle

> "Good fer you sugar cube!"

> "Congratulations Rarity!"

> "I always knew you two would end up together!"

> very generic comments, but each sent a tingle of pleasure up my spine

> I thanked each and every comment I received

> It was a long day of thanking

> by the end of it, I was worn down

> Night descended

Rarity, are you coming to bed?

> "and miss the first time we'd sleep together as fiances?"

> she trotted to bed, we snuggled close, the warmth of our love tangible

 

> this day has been in the planning for the past month

> this day, I get married to the most wonderful mare

> I am in my room, surrounded by ponies who are congratulating me and giving me tips to look my best

> I am mostly disregarding them, pondering in awe at the reality of this day

> I wait anxiously for my time to enter the chapel

> I hear Luna speak my cue, and I stride to the alter

> vested in the royal robes Rarity had sewed herself, I maintained an outward confidence

> inside, my heart was an intense inferno of love and fear

> what if we mess up?

> what'll happen afterwards?

> a million what ifs ran through my head as I waited for Luna to announce my bride-to-be

> Rarity's name is called, and the entire chapel shifts to see

> she steps into the room, a pure white dress, a veil, and a train handled by her little sister

> I couldn't see her face, but I know she was flush with joy

> she came to a halt beside me, and the ceremonies proceeded

> there are no prayers involved in a pony wedding, so it was much shorter than I would've expected.

> A colt presented me the ring, and I slid it onto Rarity's horn

> I held my hand out as Rarity daintily placed the ring on my finger

> my hand was trembling, as she slid the ring, she took hold of it and whispered

> "It'll be fine, I promise"

> her reassurance meant the world to me at that moment

> we turned to hear Luna conclude

> "And by the blessings of the Equestrian Royal Court, I now pronounce you Man and Mare. You may kiss the bride"

> She stood about waist high, so I knelt

> The passion between us was electric, the moment our lips met was as if a nothing else in the world existed

> we pulled away from each other gently, our lips sticking to each other, begging for the love to last

> We stepped out of the chapel to find a massive crowd of ponies had come to see the newly wed royal couple

> they all cheered and stomped their support as we went down the stairs and into the carriage

> pure white with gold trimmings, it looked much like the egg I presented the ring in

> I aided her inside, and I ducked in

> On the ride back to the castle, I became lost in Rarity's eyes

> the two of us sat silent, allowing ourselves to fully come to appreciate this moment

> we were no longer Tsar Anon and Rarity

> we were the royal couple

> the carriage came to a stop outside the castle

> the reception was held in the castle courtyard

> many ponies were already there when we entered

> the music artist started as soon as we walked in

> Many ponies danced, I tried to avoid it

> inevitably, Rarity pulled me in for the traditional couple's dance

> the dance was a sloppy affair, I was not accustomed to the music being played

> I followed Rarity's dancing closely, flailing my arms and shifting my weight to match her

> in the end, I managed to maintain some air of capability

> Once the dance was over, I avoided it for the rest of the party

> The party layout was impressive, Pinkie Pie did well with them

> The games kept many ponies entertained. Simple games such as pin the tail on the donkey did wonders.

> The wedding cake, a massive cake that stood at least half my height, it was a color theme close to Rarity's, white and purple.

> The cake was a deliciously sweet vanilla, and perfectly moist. Pinkie Pie did well with the cake as well

> The party lasted well into the night

> I spent most of the time talking with nobles I hadn't seen since the duel

> During a lull in the conversation, I was struck with something

> Though nothing physical had collided with me, I felt the blow in my head

> the edges of my vision blurred and blackened as gravity took me to the floor

> The gasps of party members were the last things I heard before I entered unconsciousness

> The time outside of the realm of the party-goers was filled with nightmarish prophecies

> I saw through the eyes of someone, of who I know not

> I foresaw a letter, with words I could not make out

> A bright flash brought me to another scene of royal guards scrambling to fight ponies

> the guards, apparently unprepared, were slaughtered by the ponies. The scene concluded with a maniacal laugh from a female voice.

> then, the darkness returned

 

 

> out of the darkness came a sound

> the heaving cries of a lost love

> I latched onto the sound, grasping it to bring me into reality

> I opened my eyes slowly, observing myself to be in my room on my bed

> the pressure on my chest made itself apparent when I saw Rarity weeping onto me

> I quickly wrapped my arms around her

> she jumped and screamed

> I held to her firmly, so that she couldn't escape my arms

> I leaned in a gave her a kiss on the snout

> she looked to me with a relieved smile and giggled

> "I was so worried"

How long was I gone?

> "Two days"

> a twinge of hunger struck my stomach, which protested it's state audibly

> She giggled again

> "let's get you some food"

> Everyone in the palace was very happy to see me walking once more

> I still am having difficulty coming to terms that what I felt as a few minutes lasted two days

> I received my food, fruit, and a potato stew, and I ate quickly and heartily

> my stomach made it clear that it really had been two days

> I recovered quickly from the initial black-out, nearly forgetting the horrible images I had seen

> Things returned to normal, a doctor's visit from Twilight confirmed I was not any worse off than before

> but in sleep, I was plagued with the visions

> horrible images of dead or dying ponies

> ponies begging for mercy, being struck down by a rebel army

> the images in the dream differed, but each night gave me the same image, the princess, dead in a pool of blood, blood issuing forth from a gash in the neck, and two punctures in the side

> I would awake from each dream with a start, usually scaring the daylights out of Rarity

> I would never tell her what I saw, just that I had "some nightmares"

> I tried everything I could to remove the dreams:

> herbal teas

> magic spells from twilight

> reading various happy stories before bed

> each resulted in the same image, Celestia

> Finally I couldn't take it anymore

> I swore to stay awake

> I paced about my castle, taking midnight walks and sitting by the fireplace, contemplating

> Rarity arose from her chambers sometime after 3 in the morning

> "Why don't you come to bed sweety?"

I can't

> "Is it those dreams again"

> I responded with silence

> "they can't be that bad"

I see ponies dead, others dying, and more still in the process of being killed. Their anguished screams fill my ears, begging me for mercy, but I am unable to deliver it. Instead they are delivered agony and misery. Their bleeding carcasses tossed aside as if they meant nothing. I then enter the palace at Canterlot and see the princess, dead, nearly decapitated, her head attached by a flimsy amount of muscle, along with two wounds to her side. Sometimes I swear I can hear her scream as if the memory of her death lingers within the palace, echoing the murder.

> I take a moment to collect myself before I burst into tears. I heave a sigh and answer her next question preemptively

It's the same thing every night

> Rarity walks over and sits by my side, without saying a word

> her touch is reassuring, promising me that it's just a dream, that everything will be alright

> I calm down enough, and follow her to bed, sleep getting the better of me

> I did have the nightmare again that night

> the next day, for the first time since coming to Equestria, I prayed

> I begged mercy from God above, questioning what transgression I had made to have such a plague thrown upon me.

> Another blow to the head strikes me

> it feels as though a stone has struck me from behind

> I fall to the floor and the world fades to darkness once more

> I dreamt of a barren wasteland, nothing but windswept sand and stone

> A figure approached me

> a modest looking man, early in his age, though his eyes spoke of a wisdom known only to those who have seen much. He spoke in a grave voice that seemed somehow familiar.

> "Hello, my son"

Who are you to call me son? You are most certainly not my father.

> "Paternal no, but spiritual"

> I must take a moment to ponder what is meant by this

> I stare at the features of the man presented to me, his outward appearance was nothing familiar

> The meaning of the words spoken reach me, and cause my heart to skip

> I immediately fall to my knees and lower my head

Forgive me for not recognizing you, my Lord

> "All is forgiven my son. I have come to answer your prayers"

I am most grateful

> "These nightmares are not terrors I have sent as punishment. They are visions of what must be done."

You wish me to slay my liege?

> "she is unkind to those around her, defying the tenets of the good faith. She is an unjust ruler, who must be made gone."

It shall be done, oh holy one

> a wind picks up and the man is blown away as dust

> I awaken in my bed once more, Rarity standing beside me

> "Anon, are you alright?"

Yes. I think all those sleepless nights finally got to me

> she sighed in relief

Excuse me

> I rushed off to deliver an order

> I scribbled furiously, demanding the blacksmith ponies to develop as many firearms and weapons as possible

> I then madly wrote another letter requesting the unicorns to develop vast amounts of gunpowder, as well as develop a harness to allow ponies to fire muskets

> I sent these letters out as fast as I possibly could

> We were preparing for war

 

 

> the stocks of weapons and gunpowder flowed in gradually

> the unicorns also did a very impressive job on the harness, surpassing my expectations by grafting a musket on each side of the pony

> the stockpiling of weapons did raise suspicion however

> First, Rarity confronted me

> "Tsar, ever since you blacked-out again, you've been acting strange"

> I had to tell her the truth, I couldn't find the strength in me to lie to my wife

I know this sounds suspect, but last time I had a different dream that explained everything. The nightmares, they were visions of the future. I am to go to war against Celestia, and I will be victorious!

> Rarity took a few steps backward in shock. She sat down, attempting to make sense of it all in her head

> I could tell the corporeality hadn't reached her yet as she walked out of the room speechless

> Next came a not from Celestia

> " Dear Anon,"

> "It has come to my attention that you are currently building an arsenal. As in recent times our relations have improved, I am willing to allow this, though I must know for what purpose it is being built."

> "Eternally yours, Celestia"

> Simple enough to handle

> "Dear Princess Celestia,"

> "I am currently stockpiling weapons as dragon migration season is fast approaching, and due to the lack of assistance I received last season, and the destruction wrought from the lack of assistance, I am taking preventative measures to ensure the safety of my populace."

> "Your faithful vassal, Tsar Anon"

> she responded favorably, granting me permission to build what would eventually lead to her downfall

> the cache grew in stature, encompassing rifles, muskets, swords, and even siege equipment

> I now set to training

> the ponies were fit into their harnesses, and instructed on the proper method for firing and reloading

> powder, gun cotton, and ball were loaded in quick and proper succession before they primed the pans and fired

> a four footed platform for firing granted them a significant boost in accuracy over a standard infantryman

> they were instructed on earthen works building, sieging, and different formations

> The training lasted a month, and once training was complete, I wrote Celestia a formal declaration of war.

> I marched toward the palace

> the march lasted five days, stopping to alternate ponies hauling the cannons

> when we had come within view of the palace, we set a camp

> the ponies rested, uttering complaints of sore hooves and heavy equipment

> the ponies mostly slept, a few staying outside the tents to converse

> under the guise of darkness, I had the bombards unlimbered and loaded

> when the moon showed midnight, I called for the siege to begin

> a magnificent roar uttered from the cannons as  twenty balls glowed red hot in their flight across the night sky and into the city, burning streaks across the darkness

> the first volley landed with a booming crash that signified damage to the walls, and the splintering of wood from houses behind the wall

> the leaders screamed to load another round into the bombards, and less than a minute later, another round of deafening booms sounded from the metal tubes.

> volley after volley was launched from the massive cannons

> from what little could be seen, several fires were now burning from within the city, the damage sounded to be significant, though only daylight would tell the story.

> When daylight did break, the damage was indeed significant. Eight massive holes were put into the walls surrounding the town, large enough for entire formations to cross through

> much of the market district lay in ruin, large craters and debris from burnt down houses sat in the street

> a few stray cannon balls embedded themselves into the palace itself, producing large cracks, and even demolishing a portion.

> it looked to be that much of the guards barracks had been wiped clean, either from fire or from cannon shot

> The signs were promising, and I had the troops enter formation and march to the wall

> the holes in the wall made the wall virtually indefensible, and as such, were abandoned

> the formations entered the gaping entryways forced into the barrier, and reformed on the other side

> we marched the streets, only meeting light resistance, which was cut down by the volleys of musket fire

> Hardly a sole was lost from my army when we came to the gates of the palace

> The gates, which had been mostly untouched, proved a challenge though

> bolts of magic came flying toward the formations, knocking a dozen of my soldiers dead.

> The first lines fired, cutting down some of the soldiers in front of us. Wafts of smoke blowing in the wind.

> the first line knelt down and began the process of reloading as the crack of the next line's weapons sounded

> even more of the royal guard fell dead, their metal armor providing little protection from the lethal velocity of the ball

> each line in the formation fired, each leaving a cloud of smoke that became synonymous with the death of the guardsmen

> the guard scrambled frantically, attempting to find some sort of cohesion in fray

> they formed into a classic Testudo, surrounding themselves by as much as they could manage to put between them and the hail of lead being shot

> they advanced gradually

> the shields did well to deflect the shots, causing most to glance off and ricochet. Though a few soldiers in the formation did fall.

Fix Bayonets!

> the leaders of the formations chanted my order, and all gunfire ceased as the ponies plugged their muskets and rifles

Charge!

> the formations ran forward, embracing the melee combat

> the guard broke Testudo to engage

> the ponies rammed into the guardsmen, impaling those they could

> the guardsmen did their best to dodge and counter, which the ponies had been prepared for

> the ponies drew their swords, creating a triple threat of metal that proved too much for the guards to handle.

> in the chaos of battle, I and a regiment of ponies stormed the castle, clearing the halls of any remaining guards

> we reached a massive set of oaken doors, standing well over twice my height, and reinforced with metal beams

> the ponies barged continuously, causing the door to groan before eventually splintering

> the doors came down with a resounding crash, and I entered the throne room

> there sat Celestia with a face of determination

> she would not surrender

> I quickly leveled my musket onto my Bardiche, and fired a shot

> Celestia attempted a dodge, but the bullet penetrated into her left side

> I dropped my musket as Celestia charged in a regal fury, firing bolts of magic that were of poor accuracy

> I unholstered my pistol and Celestia executed a roll in an attempt to dodge, I fired and struck her again on the left side, more to the rear

> Her hind leg crippled by the bullet wound, she struggled to raise herself

> I charge with my Bardiche, roaring with a combination of anticipation and adrenaline

> I could feel my heart pounding as I shifted my weight and heaved the great ax toward Celestia

> the ax cleaved upwards into her throat

> the crack of her spine signified that I had shattered her vertebrae

> The ax came to a halt, just short of complete decapitation.

> Celestia's anguished cry echoed through the room as she fell, dead, to the floor

> I bellowed an animalistic roar of victory, a deep growl from the bottom of my throat

> the cheers of the regiment who had watched the exchange from the hallway rang into the room

> I looked outside to see my banner being hoisted onto the flagpole, and the following victory volley of the bombards on the ridge outside the city

> I ascended to the throne and sat where Celestia once stood, a symbol of my dominance over her

> suddenly, the massive doors picked up and slammed into the door frame

> a black and blue pony materialized in the center of the room

> it laughed the same laugh I heard in my first vision

Who are you?

> "I am Nightmare Moon, and I'm here to claim the title that rightfully belongs to me"

The title of this land belongs to I, who have slain the princess and freed the peasants from her oppressive tyranny!

> "Ha! You are nothing but a fool, a pawn in my game at the throne! You think this all happened out of some coincidence? That you could have actually stood up to Celestia on your own? I laugh once more! Ha!"

I have defeated the princess, I fought her on the field of battle and stood victorious!

> She laughs uproariously

> "Why do you suppose her magic didn't hit you, hmm? I deflected it from you. Why do you think the guards were in such disarray, despite you having sent a formal declaration of war? I have been intercepting your mail this entire time, stopping it from reaching Celestia and replying to it in her name."

All the strife about Taxation? The refusal to send troops to stop the dragons?

> " Twas I, giving you reason to despise Celestia!"

And what of my wedding? Why did Luna show up if she never got the letter

> the specter of a pony glows white and changes form into that of the princess.

> " 'Twas I again! All the more hatred for you to harbor against her when she sent her sister in place of her to mediate! The visions I implanted were the final step, I had to make it seem a reality for you to accomplish it. It was all the easier when you began to pray, and I only had to impersonate."

> My sight turned red as I drew a pistol

> I leveled it at her as she formed back into her dark self

Celestia stood innocent the entire time!? You caused me to betray her trust!?

> "Yes, and now, I will claim what is mine"

> the boom of my pistol sounded

> a bolt of dark magic flew from her horn

> the two collided mid-flight, causing a blast that sent me tumbling off the throne

> my attempt to rise was met with a hoof stomp on my back, forcing me to stay down

> "Insolent human!'

> I turned my head to see her mane emanating a dark aura

> she lowered her head, pointing her horn toward my head

> I screamed as the torment of being disintegrated sparked my nerves to life

> a white flash overcame my eyes as the pain subsided, death overtaking me

 

> My eyes opened slowly

> my head throbbed horribly, intensifying with each heartbeat

> my vision was blurred, and my hearing muffled, but I heard a distinct voice yelling in Russian

> my hearing returned before my eyesight

> "He's awake! The poison is wearing off!"

> a crack to the head from the butt of a rifle threw me into full consciousness

> several men picked me up by my robes and raised me to their level

> "You had us worried, Tsar"

> the throbbing of the newly formed bruise nearly drowned him out

What's going on here?

> "Don't you remember? The peasants were upset that you weren't helping them."

> I remembered

> "Now hold still!"

> a man bound my hands behind my back with rope

> I was thrown to the ground, I struggled to get onto my knees

> I looked around and found myself on the balcony, in full view of a mob of cheering peasants

> one of the men behind me spoke

> "Here is the man you've wanted to see!"

> the crowd cheered hysterically

> I felt the metal of a rifle barrel touching the back of my head

> "He thought he could escape us by poisoning himself! Ha!"

> the crowd laughed along with him

> I was hauled to my feet and thrown toward the railing of the balcony

> I managed to stop before I fell over

> I felt the rifle prod me again

> all sounded was drowned out by a ringing in my ears

> I could not move my body as I tumbled over the edge of the balcony

> the ground was fast approaching, though despite all my will, not a signal of movement had reached my limbs

> I felt a trickle from the base of my neck, and a few droplets of blood flew past my face as I fell to the earth

> I resigned myself to my fate, and closed my eyes

> my last thought was of Rarity, and if Nightmare Moon had managed to falsify my love for her as well

 

> I never did hit the ground

> rather, when I opened my eyes, I was laying in bed, in my castle

This day just keeps getting stranger and stranger

> I crawl out of bed, no sign of anybody

> particularly, no sign of Rarity

> I walk about the castle, it is utterly silent and empty

> my ears ring in the silence

> I enter the town, the ponies treat me as one expects peasants to treat royalty

> none of them are as friendly as once before

> I walk into the carousel boutique

> Rarity is working behind the desk

> "So good to see you again Tsar"

Rarity, what's going on here?

> "Why, what do you mean?"

Why aren't you living with me in the castle?

> "Because the castle is your home, and this is mine."

> I grasp my head with one hand and shake it, in a vain attempt to shake away my confusion

So we never got married?

> "Tsar, are you feeling alright? Should I call a doctor?"

When's the last time you saw me?

> "When I delivered your robes"

> I stumble out of the room in confusion

I never married Rarity? I never fought Celestia? I was never shot in the peasant riot?

> so many questions raised, and nobody to give me answers

> I board a train to Canterlot

> I go to Celestia, hoping her infinite wisdom can deliver me my sought after answers

> I explained to her my rebellion against her, Nightmare Moon killing me, and my death at the hands of peasants in Russia

> she listens carefully, but returns me with a blank stare

> "I'm sorry Tsar, I don't recall any of that"

> clearly, since she's still alive

> I return to my home, unsure of what to do

I know it happened, I could feel the vaporization, I was bruised from the rifle butt. I felt the blood of dead ponies on me.

> at that moment, a severe feeling of dread came over me

> it spawned from nothing, yet the feeling of something much more significant than myself coming into being overwhelmed me

> I went to the mirror to observe myself, wondering just how bedraggled and confused I looked

> I sat in front of the mirror and checked my face, observing the creases and the bags under my eyes

> it was then that the face of Celestia manifested itself in my mirror

> but something was different, her eyes, the pupils were shrunk, and they held a visage of dementia

> she head laughed a twisted, disturbing laugh

> I took hold of my pistol and backed away from the mirror

> the surface of the mirror began to stretch and the head of the demented Celestia pushed against it

> I fired, and the mirror exploded into fragments

> the creature was gone

> I sighed in relief that the creature was dealt with, though I felt, deep inside, that was only the beginning

 

> time went by much slower than previously

> it was much lonelier without Rarity in the castle

> the other peasants weren't as warm to me as they once were

> this frigidness they showed led me to become misanthropic

> Peasants would come to me, asking for tax relief so their sick relative may receive proper healthcare

> Not a ridiculous claim by any means, but since my return, no peasant has come to see me as anything but their leader

> I denied his claim

> Celestia was of course upset, my drastic shift from kind and caring to cold and ruthless had given her reason to write me a number of rather scathing letters

> she went far enough to threaten my beheading. This had grabbed my attention

> the self perpetuating cycle had made itself known to me when I had stopped to think about it

> being mean to the peasants would return me no kindness

> no kindness from the peasants would me I would be mean

> and so it repeats

> I quickly reversed direction upon hearing this, and declared my love for all things pony

> the peasants found it hard to accept initially, their ruler suddenly and utterly reversing his views, but they warmed up to it eventually

> the creature from the mirror had been dealt with, and my own hatred of ponies had been dealt with, what more could the fates throw at me?

> a godsend, it would turn out

> I received a letter from someone I'd never met before

> "Dear Tsar Anon,

> "We are the Changeling hive, a race of creatures from a region nearby yours. We have heard of your strong leadership and kindness toward all, and we wish to join you in your pursuits. We would be greatly honored if we may visit your palace, and draft a treaty that would bind our two regions in eternal friendship."

> "Queen Chrysalis"

> I race I had yet to encounter, thought it seemed a friendly one

> I responded promptly, granting them permission to come for a diplomatic affair

> by the week's end, the queen had arrived

> she stood nearly as tall as Celestia, she was gaunt, and insectoid in appearance. Her horn was crooked, and her legs, wings, and mane contained holes

> she was far from a good looking creature, though if she came on good terms, I would not deny her

> we spent the day drafting a treaty, a joint union between our regions. The changelings would exist with the ponies peacefully, with little harm done to either race.

> Both the Queen and I would live in the same castle, mine, in order to maximize administrative efficiency

> Before signing the treaty, the queen described changelings to me, so that I may better understand what I was allowing to transpire

> Changelings were other insectoids, much like her, who could take the form of any pony they so chose. They fed off of the affection of others, which I found difficult to comprehend, though I allowed it.

> the queen reassured me that while normally hostile, under this treaty, the changelings would remain placid and contained.

> I signed the treaty, and the queen immediately set to work

> "where's my room?"

Most rooms are empty, take your pick

> she queen erupted into flame, which quickly died to reveal and alicorn

> "I thought it might ease you if I took the appearance of something more familiar for you"

> I gave her a smile, the idea of kindness from another had been long lost to me

That's very nice of you, Chrysalis

> She licked her lips

> "No problem at all"

> The ponies nearly threw a revolution when I explained to them what had happened

> "You can't expect us to coexist with those parasites!"

I understand your concern, but this is a new era, an era of peace between the changelings and the ponies. They have vowed to remain peaceful, and shall not harm any pony. In fact, they have offered us their protection should anything threaten us.

> the ponies looked to each other in confusion

 

> "Could he be telling the truth?"

> "Are they really promising all this?"

> in the end, the ponies accepted it, Celestia was more difficult to convince

> soon after sending a not explaining the situation to Celestia, a bright flash of light brought her to me

> "Tsar Anon, what in Equestria do you think you're doing?"

I am forging an alliance that will bring peace and prosperity to the ponies!

> "You are granting the enemy permission to live amongst us!"

> Queen Chrysalis enters the room

> "Why all the shouting? Oh, hello princess"

> Celestia lowered her horn, ready to duel with the Queen

> the Queen chuckled a little

> "Princess, I mean you no harm. I'm sure Tsar has told you of the treaty?"

> "How am I to trust a creature who spends its life living a lie?"

> "Point taken, but give it time, I'm sure you'll come to love me"

> Celestia lowered her guard, but maintained a very stiff air of suspicion around her

See Celestia, she isn't going to harm anything. She's as interested in benefiting her people as I am mine.

> "I suppose, but should anything go wrong Tsar, tell me immediately"

> Celestia shot Chrysalis a glare before she teleported back to Canterlot

> "It's so hard not being trusted. I can make one miserable sometimes"

I suppose I'm not fit to judge, but I find you to be quite pleasant

> Chrysalis sniffles a little

> "That means a lot to me"

>  she breathes in deeply, and heaves a sigh, before walking out of the room

 

> Several days have gone by

> the changelings have kept good to their word, and are hardly distinguishable from normal ponies

> The queen has proven friendly, and at times, caring

> I was in my room, wallowing in sorrow

> I missed Rarity deeply, the love I had worked so hard for, that had burned so brightly in me, extinguished by some unknown force

> I hear a few footfalls enter the room, but I think it best not to show my face

> "What's wrong Anon?"

> I speak to her, still refusing to look

I had a love once, but through a cruel twist of fate, she is gone. I long to feel her soothing touch, to have that one moment of blissful embrace that I once had.

> I hear what sounds to be a gust of air, and I decide to investigate

> the queen has vanished, and in her place, stood Rarity

> I looked deep into those azure eyes, staring at me with the very same longing I feel

> I get up and make my way over to her

> I place a hand on her cheek, her coat is as soft and pleasant as I remember

> she nuzzles against my hand

> I fall to my knees, struggling to stem the flow of tears from my face

> I embrace her, the glow of love warming my heart

> she returns the embrace tenderly, and I can't help but allow a trickle of tears to fall down my face

> I bask in the moment, and release

> Rarity erupts into green flame, revealing Queen Chrysalis once more

> I stammer out in gratitude

Thank you so much. That was truly wonderful.

> "Not a problem"

> she leaves the room to allow me to recollect myself

> after that moment, Chrysalis and I became fast friends

> relations with the changelings only improved as I wrote to Celestia time and again to update her on the status of the integration

> they improves substantially after the changelings proved the second part of their treaty

> the dragons had returned, I had anticipated this, and had an armory built to equip a militia

> the changelings reacted immediately, taking the shapes of various predators, gryphons, phoenixes and the like.

> the changelings fought against the dragons, slashing at their eyes, and clawing at their bellies

> my militia scrambled to get armed

> some of the changelings were beaten, but returned, this time without forming into a creature

> The untransformed changelings bit into the dragons, and they seemed to become parasites, draining the dragons of their life-essence

> the dragons turned pale, before falling to the ground, dead

> my militia had returned to the field, and fired their muskets at the other dragons while the changelings fled from the hail of bullets

> each volley of fire, the flock of dragons diminished with satisfying thuds as their brethren fell to the ground, dead

> by the end of the exchange, the dragons had been thoroughly defeated, with only a few left of the initial several dozen

> Very little in the way of property damage, save for a field or two of crops that were burned

> I contacted Celestia regarding the incident, she returned a letter warning us of a visit she is coming to make. She also mentioned answering some questions I have.

 

 

> Celestia had left us little time to prepare for her arrival

> We had two days to clean and prepare a room for her

> the cooks baked as much as they could as fast as they could, knowing her penchant for cakes

> When she arrived, everyone was thankful the scrambling to impress was over

> "Hello Tsar Anon"

Good day Princess

> She turns her eye to Chrysalis

> "I suppose I owe you an apology. You're proven yourself quite...reformed from the devious mind you once were."

> "I've found the best way to extract love isn't to force it, but rather, to reciprocate it"

> "Indeed, I'm sure you've won the hearts of many with you and your hive's valiant efforts against the dragons"

Princess, you mentioned something about answering questions in the letter?

> "Ah yes, you recall when you came to me with stories of your death, and supposed past life?"

Yes

> "I may have found a way for you to have your answers"

> she seems to strain, and her horn begins to glow

> "I am sending you to Queen Cosmos and King Eternity"

> I tried to puzzle just where the two fit into this while she prepared the spell

> the lowered her head, and tapped my shoulder, and I was enveloped in a blinding light

> I squinted my eyes closed and shielded my face

> I felt as though I was rushing ahead unnaturally fast

> When I felt I had come to a stop, I lowered my arms and opened my eyes

> I was in outer space, or something similar to it

>  I was still standing on something solid, however

> I walked further along until two massive thrones came into view

> A booming voice rang in my ears as I approached

> "Greetings Tsar Anon!"

> I saw no one

King Eternity?

> "I am he. He who made the universe, he who knows all within the universe, and he who controls the fate of everything."

> I knelt to a knee, out of respect

> a female voice spoke out, once again, from no where

> "Rise, Tsar"

Queen

> I rose by her command

I have come to ask some questions, king

> "I know"

What happened to me

> "Nightmare moon used you in a scheme to control Equestria"

This I know, but when I died, why was I transported back to Russia

> "You were not meant for death then"

So you put me into a peasant revolution?

> "I had to act fast, before Tartarus devoured your soul. Your body in Russia lay vacant, and so your soul went."

When I died in the peasant revolution, you sent me back to Equestria?

> "You are meant for that land. You are meant to do great things there, far greater than you could do in Russia"

Why did my relationships vanish? What happened?

> "Lest you fall to the same fate twice."

> the realization of the truth was reassuring, a form of closure

> the Queen spoke

> "Anything else, inquisitive Tsar?"

Why can I not see you

> "We remain ethereal so as to avoid the flaws of the corporeal. We must not be limited in our abilities, as the entirety of time and space would collapse."

> for the first time since appearing there, I blinked

> upon opening my eyes again, I was in my castle once more

> I felt extremely dizzy, and nearly collapsed onto Celestia

> I moaned in discomfort as Celestia chuckled and asked

> "Questions answered?"

ugh....yeah

> I heave, but do not evacuate my stomach

> "Alright then, I suppose I'll be heading back to Canterlot then. Oh and thanks again Chrysalis, for protecting my land"

> "As was promised, Celestia"

> the entire room was spinning as Celestia left, leaving me unable to protest

> "Are you going to be alright Tsar?"

Yes, just give me a moment

 

> Several days go by, and I puzzle what it is that I am destined to do

> I spend most of my time in my room, pondering

> the only interruption I have is Chrysalis, who has taken to a new form of entertainment

> she walks the halls on two legs, as a human

> When the transformation first happened, I was reading in my room

> I see a shadow of a human in the doorway, initially in shock, I deemed it a trick of the mind

> I couldn't take my eyes off of the shadow as it danced across the doorway to make room for the creature causing it

> When my eyes met hers, I felt a burst of emotion indescribable

> I started from the top of her head, crowned with a shining blue-green head of hair, I followed downward to her glowing green eyes and slight lips

> I progressed downward to find that clothing does not come with the transformation

> I covered my eyes, to spare her and me the shame

> "What's wrong? Do you not like it?"

I love it, it's been so long since I've seen another human

> "Then why do you cover your eyes?"

well, on earth, you'd be showing far too much of your body. Your bosom and hips are exposed.

> "Oh, I'm sorry"

> I hear the distinct sound of fire consuming her instantaneously

> "There, better?"

> I return my gaze to see she had dawned a simple grayish dress.

Much

> She stumbled her way away, still unused to balancing on two legs

> that was the day I think I first felt a tinge of something deeper than companionship with her

> it had become clear to me that she meant to do what she could to give me joy, a trait not unlike love

> her selfless actions dedicated to my happiness was a refreshing splash from the cold nature of the peasants, who despite my many attempts to please them and befriend them, still saw me as nothing more than a leader

> and I missed having love. With Rarity gone, I had no one. My heart lay empty, a void missing a key ingredient to making a man whole.

> I had resigned this feeling as nonsense, knowing well enough that she didn't feel the same

> or so I thought, until she entered my room one day, not in any other form, but rather, as herself

> "What does love feel like?"

That's a good question. I suppose the best way to name it is a feeling of intense longing. You have to have that person in your life, you want nothing more than to spend as much time with them as possible, and make them as happy as you can.

> "Oh my....."

Why? What's wrong?

> "I...I think I'm in love"

Oh that's wonderful! Who with?

> she looked me in the eyes, her gaze begged me not to force her to say it, but I was too excited for her to pay that any mind. I had to know.

> "With......with you"

> my eager smile faded for a moment as I contemplated what was being said

> that slight flame that I once dismissed as fruitless, was suddenly igniting

> Initially, upon seeing my smile disappear, she seemed concerned, and during my pondering, I knew she could taste the war being waged by my emotions.

> My mind had been made, and I moved to speak

> "I know what you're going to say"

> My mouth hung open, caught short of words, I took a moment to collect myself, yet again

So we're on the same page then?

> "Yes"

> she transforms into her human form, dressed this time, and rushes to embrace me

> I reciprocate happily, and whisper into her ear

Be you changeling, pony, or human, I shall be glad to call you mine.

> it was only a short time after that before I had considered my path

> I caught her by surprise when I walked into her room, the first time I had done so since she moved in

> she had turned it into a hive of her own, the walls were covered in a aqua blue organic substance, and her bed, in the middle of the room, seemed on a pedestal, adorned with a top, that mirrored the pedestal, hanging from the ceiling above the bed.

> "Oh Tsar, I wasn't expecting you"

I thought I could just check in, and offer you a gift

> I present to her the jeweled egg, a custom of the Tsars

> "Oh my, it's gorgeous"

Open it up

> she twists off the top layer and removes it

> inside lay a platinum ring, ringed with sapphires of midnight blue and a large deep green emerald in the middle

> She tears her eyes away from the ring for a moment to see me, offering her my hand

Would you be my Queen?

> she squeals with delight and embraces me

Didn't you taste this coming?

> "I did, but it doesn't make this moment any less special"

> I laugh a little on the inside at this

> this marriage will be a traditional Russian Orthodox wedding, mediated by Twilight Sparkle, as she's the only pony with any knowledge in the Russian language

> I am granted Celestia's blessing, this time it is not Nightmare Moon

> Better still, a distinct lack of disturbances signify that perhaps this is the proper path of fate I was meant to take from king Eternity.

> I stand at the altar as the organs play and Twilight leads a chorus in a Russian prayer

> imagine the audience's shock when instead of Queen Chrysalis the changeling walking down the aisle to the altar, there is a human

> She gracefully glides on her two legs, her green-blue hair draped over her shoulders

> the pure white wedding dress looks stunning on her, and my heart flutters

> She stops at the altar, and we look into each other's eyes for a moment, though I cannot see through her veil

> she whispers to me

> "I don't speak Russian, I don't know what to do"

> I give a silent chuckle and respond with a reassuring smile

Don't worry, follow my lead

> Twilight begs god for his blessings in this marriage, and we dive into prayer several times, before we read our vows

>  Twilight asks us to read our vows, which for the sake of allowing the audience to enjoy the moment as well, were written in English

> I read mine, vowing to love her despite what the conditions may be, that I would do my best to serve her as a loving husband, and that I would never carry a doubt in my mind that my love is pure.

> hers were very similar, swearing intense, ceaseless love, and that she would always try to act in my best interest

> as if she hadn't been already

> We are asked to present the rings

> I slip on the emerald, which mimics the beauty of her green eyes

> I in return, receive a beautiful regal purple stone, which ironically carries both the names Alexandrite, after several of the Tsar royal family, and Chrysolite

> "Do you, Tsar Anon, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

> "Ya dyelayoo (I do)"

>And do you, Queen Chrysalis, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

> She spoke her Russian with the very same accent I had

> "Ya dyelayoo"

> "Then by the power vested in me, I pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride"

> I removed her veil, and she was just about the most beautiful creature I had ever seen

> We embraced, and her small, soft lips met with mine

> the crowd cheered frantically

> We exited the chapel of the castle, to find all the peasants in town had crowded to see us

> They were all extremely confused to see a human in place of the Queen

> They cheered nonetheless

> we kissed as the cheered, which only served to make them cheer harder

> the peasants began to chant, demanding we kiss again

> I made a motion to kiss her again, but when I moved in to touch her lips, she transformed back into her true form

> it made no difference to me, I married her for who she was, not what she could become

> the peasants fell in love with the moment though, a human kissing a non-human. "Interspecies Love" was the headline in the newspaper the following day, with a picture of us two, mid lip-lock

> The article was quite well written, it defended that love can conquer all, using the barrier of our different species as reasoning.

 

> the first test of our newly formed bonds would come in the form of a disturbing demon

> I was walking down the halls, on my way back to my room, when I heard a bizarre sound, that of water splashing

> I listened carefully, and pinpointed the room the noise was emanating from

> I opened to door and entered to find a familiar creature

> it seemed Celestia was transferring herself into the room through a mirror

> an unorthodox tactic, though perhaps she was testing a new spell

Good Evening Celestia, what brings you here?

> she looked me directly in the eye, before dropping her eyes to observe my body

> "You"

> that was not Celestia's voice

> something in it sounded, wrong, demented

> it was then that I noticed her eyes

> her iris and pupil were small, her eyes bloodshot

> she wore a smile that removed any doubt of the sanity of this beast

> I backed away slowly at first, the demon Celestia following lightly, each step bringing her closer to me

> I turned and broke into a sprint, she called to me

> "I love it when then run from mommy

> I ran to my weapons stash, and took a pair of pistols, and my bardiche

> the wide halls of the castle allowed for proper movement of the weapon

> I turned to find the monster right in front of me

> she lifts a hoof, motioning to kick at me

> I widen my stance and heave the ax toward her, she dodges back, only being grazed

> she moans in pleasure as the blood trickles from the cut down her neck

> "OOoooh, that felt good. My turn"

> her horn glows as a beam of magic drives itself at me

> I shift quickly, though the beam still hits me on the shoulder

> the sensation that followed was one of overwhelming pleasure, nearly bringing me to my knees

> the muscles in my shoulder contracted suddenly, my nerves sending signals of rapture to my brain

> I was left panting in an attempt to recover

> she beast approached me slowly

> "See how much fun we can have together?"

> using my good hand, I drew a pistol and fired, she shot penetrated into her shoulder

> her legs buckled, not in pain, but rather in further pleasure

> she screamed in ecstasy, I could hear a distinct dripping coming from what seemed to be behind her

> "Ahn! Yes! Oh Yes! keep on fighting!"

> I took the moment to recuperate, but she had recovered before I

> I found myself on the ground, the demon Celestia looming over me

> "I'm going to have a lot of fun with you"

> Suddenly, the beast erupts into green flame, causing her to leap off of me

> She rears around to find Chrysalis

> "I thought I tasted dementia"

> "You should be tasting love, dear"

 > "Your love is twisted"

> The demon Celestia casts a spell, which Chrysalis deflects

> Chrysalis returns fire with another bolt of fire

> The demon takes the blow, and shudders in pleasure

> "Keep doing that, and I might just take you instead of him"

> Chrysalis transforms into a Rhinoceros and charges at the beast

> Chrysalis's horn gores into the Celestia's side, leaving a gaping gash

> the Celestia takes the moment to launch a counter attack, blasting Chrysalis at point blank

> the spell send Chrysalis flying back, struggling to get back up

> I take my bardiche and swing overhead, hoping to cleave the demon into two parts

> To my surprise, my ax falls straight through her, not leaving a mark

> "uh-uh dear, I can't let you do that"

> she turns to me and summons chains from the wall to bind me

> A swarm of changelings burst through a door, heeding the mental call of their Queen

> "Oh ho, how fun! The last changelings I had broke."

> the changelings take on various forms, ranging from unicorn to rams

> the creatures charge at her, in an attempt to swarm her

> the Celestia blasts them with magic, knocking some unconscious, those that manage to come within biting distance vanish upon coming into contact with her

> the others, seeing this, back away

> "They'll be my company back home, I'll make sure they are received warmly"

> she winked at me while she said that

> Chrysalis wasn't taking their teleportation well

> "I can feel their anguish"

> she stands firm, ready to duel once more

> the two hurl spells at each other, each deal some damage to each other

> though it would appear the Celestia's spells cause more pleasure than pain

> Chrysalis seemed exhausted and weak kneed when the Celestia approached

> she was still strong enough to avoid the chains the Celestia had summoned

> "I...I won't give up"

> "I love a fighter"

> the fighting had caused them to switch places, and Chrysalis was standing between me and the monster

> I felt myself begin to transport

> Chrysalis feels it too, and turns to look

> "I believe in you Chrys, you can win, and whatever you do, remember, I love you"

> that statement seemed to empower her, and I saw her return her eyes to the Celestia with a renewed vigor, before I found myself in some sort of dungeon

> it was dank, and somewhat dark, though enough light shined through to see various instruments of torture

> there were hanging planks, whips, some sort of platform

> what baffled and disturbed me was the lines of phallic shaped instruments hanging on a wall

> I did not want to see those used

> I, along with some other changelings, here bound to a wall, in silence

> I sat there and prayed for Chrys's safety, hoping that my love could reach her from this unknown place

> It took what felt like an eternity before a change occurred

> the walls around us began to melt away, as though the world was made of water

> the chains dissolved and we were dropped onto the floor, which would itself vanish, leaving us standing in pure nothingness

> suddenly a bright light shined, and I found myself once more in my castle

> the monster was severely burned, though breathing

> The changelings fled

> I remained by Chrysalis, and questioned her

What happened?

> "We dueled, I sent bolts of fire at her, she sent bolts of something at me. The fighting came closer and closer to each other, until eventually we were face to face with one another. She lept forward and kissed me, locking horns. At that moment, I felt an intense disgust, as her tongue wrestled mine, but I also felt something else, love. Not for her, but from you. I felt as though you were right there next to me, embracing me and giving me all your love. The love gave me strength, and I sent a bolt of magic from my horn into hers, causing her to combust. And so, there she is, defeated, and you returned."

> I gave a heartfelt sigh of relief, and explained to her the scene at the dungeon

> I felt proud that my love could find its way to her, even when we don't know where we are.

> the charred, severely burned body of the Celestia heaved a response

> "I will have my toys"

> I fired my other pistol into her head, silencing her for good

> the body quickly dissipated, vanishing from the hallway

> Chry's magic restored the room back to normal, as though the horrible creature never visited us

 

> The following morning I had to deal with a crisis

> one of the changelings, a rather stupid one, who had so far failed to integrate into pony society, has caused a mass panic

> he apparently turned into a flower, and when a pony started eating him, he started talking to her and ran away

> the sight of a sentient flower caused a riot amongst the ponies, who scattered every which way

> in his stupidity, he transformed into me, hoping that would calm them down

> his inability to create my robes left his version of me in nothing more than a basic dress

> he then dug himself under the mayor's house, and continued to stay there

> after tallying the damage done, I had found it to be something to the tune of 11,000 bits, including costs for reconstruction, paying for medical care for the wounded, and recompense money for the families with those who died in the panic

> during the fleeing, three fillies were trampled to death, one mare had her ribs cracked and leg broken, and one stallion had his skull caved in, most likely leaving him mentally handicapped for the rest of his life

> I spend most of the day contracting construction crews, and signing documents holding me accountable for damages done

> after spending time out of the castle, I went inside and logged the allocation of money to each source of spending

> once this was over, I had resolved to kill the creature who started this. He was a threat to society, and his actions in humiliating me were deemed treasonous

> it took a considerable amount of discussion amongst my advisers before they had talked me out of it, though I still remained determined to see him punished

> I sent a note to the guards, telling them to escort him out of my lands and into Canterlot. He would be notified of his banishment, and that returning to my lands would be punishable by death

> Chrysalis was pleased with this outcome, as she saw him as a humiliation to the Changeling hive, as well as a notoriously stupid pest

> I wrote to Celestia, requesting her to provide him a tutor, so that he may be properly educated without becoming a public menace

> With the crisis averted, I resolved to see an orchestra performance

> it was a piece I had requested, performed by the famous Octavia

> It was a beautiful combination of the styles of many of the great composers of Russia, such as Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky

> The ponies in the audience thoroughly enjoyed it, and it was a tremendous sigh of relief after a stressful day

> Several days later, I and Chrysalis were called to the capital

> I wasn't sure why, but I imagine it was something to do with that cursed changeling

> We entered the palace and were greeted by the entirety of the royal family

> "Welcome Tsar and Tsarina!"

Hello Celestia, Luna, and......

> "Cadence"

> Chrysalis tensed upon hearing this name

> I turned to her, her face was stone still, her eyes flashed to me to signify her discomfort

> The one called Cadence looked away from me, and her facade immediately shifted from one of cordial greeting to one of horrified malice

> "What are YOU doing here!?"

> Chrysalis stared at her, paralyzed

Chrys, what's going on here?

> "What's going on here!? This THING attacked me on my wedding day and tried to take over canterlot!"

Is this true?

> Chrysalis bowed her head in a nod

> "I can explain"

> "Oh this I've gotta hear!"

> "Back then, the hive was starving. We hadn't had any love to feed on in months, and we were desperate. So I did what I could to provide love to them. That was then, this is now. Now, I'm different. I've realized that the best way to justify love is to create it. I've dedicated myself to bringing peace and kindness to those around me. I would like to ask you for forgiveness"

It's true, she's brought me nothing but happiness

> Celestia speaks up

> "and she had yet to cause any trouble amongst the ponies"

> Cadence turns to Celestia and gazes into her eyes, for any hints of falsehood

> content that there are none, she turns to face Chrysalis again

> "Well then, I guess I'll have to forgive you"

> I Chrysalis's breathing returned to a normal breath, and her muscles released, she was relieved that the apology was accepted

> The day went reasonably smoothly, and Cadence dedicated herself to befriending her once tormentor

> At dinner that evening, the discussion turned to something sinister, as Celestia brought up a subject

> "May I have you attention?"

> all chatter in the room ceased as Celestia waited for all eyes to fixate on her

> "I would like to inform you all that I am not long for this world"

> the tableful of various nobles gasped at the notion that their monarch was soon to pass

> "I have had premonitions, my time draws near"

> her eyes fog over as she announces her fate

> "The dreams haunt me, dreams of terrible loss, of grieving ponies"

> one of the nobles speaks up

> "If it is true, you shall be sorely missed!"

> Celestia smiles at the weak attempt of reassurance

> Luna seemed particularly distressed by the announcement, her appetite lost, she left the table soon after

> truth be told, most of the guests at the dinner were left shaken by the event

> Would her prophecy hold true?

> Could the princess really be bound for the afterlife?

> The answer came when a familiar pony made herself known

> the time was near to midnight, I was still about, handling some tax work that I had brought with me during the trip

> Chrys had begged me to join her in bed, but I couldn't bring myself to, it was as if fate refused me sleep

> A resounding crash from the center of the palace sent my pen askew as I jumped in shock

> I immediately took my weapons I had brought with me, and fled to the center of the noise, Chrysalis not far behind me

> I ran into a battle between Celestia and Nightmare Moon, the two posed, horns pointing toward one another, as bolts of magic met each other between the two

You again!?

> The two were so pitted against each other, they did not notice me, which gave me an opportunity to attack

> I shouldered my musket, and fired at the dark horse

> the bullet entered into her side, and caused her to gasp and recoil in pain, granting Celestia a moment to counter attack

> Celestia fired a beam at Nightmare Moon, who quickly recovered and returned with a beam of her own

> the two beams met, and a struggle for domination ensued

> I drew my pistol, and attempted another shot at her, only to be met with a force throwing me across the room

> the struggle for domination was being lost by the princess, and a bright flash erupted when the energies collided against her horn

> The light silhouetted the princess as she threw her head back in a cry of anguish

> I watched as the princess disintegrated, skin first, then bone

> her entire body disintegrated into specs that floated through the air and burned away

> the scene concluded with an ear shattering explosion that left only a scorched mark where the princess once stood

> I struggled to regain myself, I think I may have been concussed

> Chrys managed to stand and took her turn fighting Nightmare Moon

> her bolts of fire are met with ones of darkness, which negate each other

> I draw my pistol and attempt to aim, but my eyes blur over and the bullet flies above the shadow pony

> I use my arms to pick myself up and take a moment to get oriented enough to balance on my two legs

> Cadence has entered the fray now, firing off beams of pink magic toward Nightmare Moon

> Chrysalis is sent flying back as Nightmare Moon forces her away to deal with the new threat

> Chrysalis is knocked unconscious when her head strikes a pillar

> her attention focused on Cadence, Nightmare Moon summons a bubble of shadow around Cadence

> a brief pause as the bubble slowly shrinks

> a low rumble emits and Nightmare appears to be strained

> part of the bubble breaks, revealing a bright pink glow emanating from within

> more and more of the bubble breaks until the structure is compromised, and Cadence emerges untouched

> as soon as Cadence breaks free, however, another spell by Nightmare envelops her

> this time, the shadow outlines her body, and slowly crawls its way up

> Cadence lets out a shriek as the crawling darkness creeps up her legs, and onto her body

> the darkness slides over to her neck, and onto her head, forcing its way inside her

> a sickening crunch defines the success of the spell, and the darkness quickly retreats as Cadence's body falls to the floor

> Nightmare moon, now panting, turns to face me, the only conscious member of the fight

> I had drawn my final pistol, and leaning on my bardiche for balance, I attempted another shot

> the bullet is deflected off of a field that the midnight mare had summoned

> A gasp of horror fills the room as yet another pony steps into the fray

> the guardian of the night, Luna, makes eye contact with the rogue alicorn

> Nightmare Moon grins, and chuckles lightly

> "So good to see you again, dear Luna"

> Luna grits her teeth and snorts

> She charged at the winded Nightmare Moon, who retaliates with a beam that Luna deflects

> Luna's charge succeeds and she impales Nightmare Moon's neck

> the dark mare cries out in pain, but also stomps on Luna, forcing her back

> I had stumbled my way over and took a swing with my ax, which lopped off a wing

> Nightmare Moon screeched in pain, and threw me against a pillar

> Luna's horn clashed with the weakened Nightmare

> "Funny how even after so much damage, I am still able to overpower you"

> "We'll see about that!"

> both alicorns charged a bolt in their horns, which slowly glided to the point where both horns met

> just before both bolts met Luna looked to me in sadness

> "Goodbye Tsar"

Where are you goi-

>the last thing I recall was an exceptionally bright flash

> I woke up the next morning to the conversation of two guards

> "he's waking up!"

> "Get him to the infirmary, immediately"

> before I knew it, I was being moved down the halls of the castle

> I was able to bring myself to ask several questions

What happened?

> "Nightmare moon attacked, don't you remember?"

> it was all a little blurry, but I recalled

How's Chrysalis?

> "the damage to her head was pretty severe, but she'll be alright after a few weeks"

Cadence?

> "dead"

> Should've expected as much

> Something itched in the back of my mind, something I needed to know about

Luna?

> the two carrying me stop for a moment, and the guard stifles his tears

> "Sacrificed herself to save us all"

> there was a brief moment of silence where the guard collected himself before we continued to move toward the infirmary

> "Now, I must ask you, what happened to Princess Celestia?"

> I did not want to inform him of her demise, though there was no hiding the truth

Vaporized

> there was a brief moment where the guard tensed, and he bored a tremendous frown upon his face

> I was deposited to the infirmary shortly, and was issued anesthesia so that the doctors could perform tests on me

 

> My first night of hospitalization was humiliating to say the least

> poked and prodded with various needles, having multiple spells cast on me

> the worst was the sponge bath

> I was once someone of prestige, who no one looked in the eye

> and there I was, allowing a total stranger to view me naked, and speak to me as if I were a child

> it didn't help that there was nothing in the way of privacy protection

> which made it all the worse when Octavia walked in during the bath

> The day went horribly

> The doctors solidified the tissue in my leg, to create an organic cast for my broken thigh

> Chrysalis is in a coma after having her skull caved in

> and to top it off, I had a sneaking suspicion that left me awake at night, weapons by the bedside

> unfortunately for me, my suspicion was right

> the night had dragged on, and I lay in bed, listening to the chirping of night birds

> I head a distant clop of a hoof, which gradually becomes closer

> I catch a whiff of that smell, a retched odor consumed with sex

> and I heard the deranged laughter

> she had returned

> I took hold of my pistols, and attempted to heave myself out of bed

> my solid leg hit the floor hard

> I leaned on my bardiche for balance

> out of the shadow, she appeared

Why do you torment me so!?

> "Because sweety, you're in need of a lover!"

I am chaste!

> "My point exactly"

> she licked her lips, and I fired a pistol at her

> the bullet entered into her neck, she moaned in delight

> she moved closer, and I fired the other pistol, much to the same effect

> I dropped both used pistols, out of hope

> I turned to my comatose wife, willing all I had in me that she would recover faster

> with my head turned, I did not see the demon Celestia lean in

> a whisper brushed past my ear

> "Such a shame to see her in such poor shape. I would so much more enjoy it if she were able to put up a fight"

> I would too

> I strike in the direction of where the whisper was coming from, and am met with no resistance

> I turn to look, she's laying on top of the bed

> "Why not come join me, Anon dear? We'll have oh so much fun!"

> using my rock leg as a platform, I shift my weight and bring the ax down on the bed

> the ax bounces off of the bed fruitlessly, and the Celestia is nowhere to be found

> I hear her voice to the left, but see no one

> "I'm over here! Now, over here!"

> her voice changes location seemingly at random

> I know my fighting her would be impossible, so I do what I can only hope would work

> I spring myself onto Chrysalis's bed and embrace her

> I squint my eyes and tense my body, waiting for the inevitable teleportation that'd separate us and send us to her dungeon

> I reminisce about all the wonderful times we've had together, watching her try to walk as a human, our wedding day, the time she turned into Rarity for me

> each memory manifested itself as a tear that fell onto the body below me

> the taunts of the demon Celestia faded out my hearing, all I could do is remember

> the demented Celestia makes herself known to me by appearing next to our bedside

> "Starting the fun without me? We can't have that!"

> suddenly a bolt of fire springs out from under me, stunning the crazed alicorn

> I look down to see Chrysalis, one eye open, stirring

>  "ugh...I feel like I got hit by a train"

> I can't help but smile at the out of place humor

> the demented Celestia collects herself, and springs forward

> Chrysalis transforms into a giant frog, and with me in her arms, leaps from the bed to dodge the alicorn

> she reverts back quickly

> "that made me dizzy"

> the demon Celestia responds to her awakening

> "Oh good, you've got your queen awake. Double the fun!"

> her taunt is met with another fire bolt

> the alicorn charges, and I limp away toward my weapons

> the Celestia pays me no mind, intent on settling the score with Chrysalis

> I knew Chrys was weak, so I had to act fast

> I grabbed my musket and turned to see Chrys and the demented Celestia trading shots at one another

> I took aim quickly, not caring for where the ball hit, so long as it did

> the crack of gunpowder rang in my ears, and the Celestia fell to the floor

> she was heaving and moaning loudly

> "Ahn! OOOoooooh yes!"

> a brief overlook of her body indicated that the ball found its path into her in an area that was intended for penetration

> Chrys took advantage of the demon Celestia's paralyzation by stomping on the monster

> I heard a outstanding cracking that would denote a broken neck

> whilst the demon was convulsing on the floor in ecstasy, I hobbled over with my bardiche in hand

> an overhead swing brought the ax down onto her neck

> the previous fracture facilitated a full decapitation

> Chrysalis lit the two pieces  in a green inferno

> the body was the first to burn away, leaving the head to continue its blissful moans

> silence befell us as the head turned into flakes of charred dust in the wind

> Chrysalis collapsed immediately afterward, and I carried her to her bed

> I joined her in her bed, the feeling of her soft breathing a comforting sensation in an otherwise grim and painful day

 

 

> I was awakened the next morning by two guards

> "We've got someone to speak with you"

> I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and rose from bed

Take me to him

> The guards escorted me to a rather ragged looking earth pony

Who am I addressing?

> "I am Sure Foot, leader of the Army of the pony Republic"

So the rumors are true, there's a civil war afoot?

> "That's what I'm here to try to prevent"

So what are you asking for?

> "We want our voice to be heard!"

How about this, I'll allow for election of officials to represent the peasantry in the house of nobles. I'll even allow you to set it up how you'd prefer, by population, everyone has the same number, your choice.

> He stared at me for a moment before hopping out of his chair

> He paced about for a moment, seeming to ponder the idea

> He stopped pacing in front of me, and took a seat right in front of me

> The rebel leader spat into my face, leaving a glob of spit in between my eyes, and drops of spittle all over

> "We demand true freedom! Not your little tricks to placate us!"

> Without being able to speak to him further, he walked out of the room

> I wiped the spit off from my face, and returned to my bed

> As the day progressed, set up for the new government was underway

> I received a notification from the Changeling Hive that due to the Queen being incapacitated, I am to be the interim "queen"

> Even more exciting than that was the meeting held by an assembly of nobles, who were to appoint a new Monarch

> I attended said meeting, where several candidates spoke their minds, attempting to convince the others why they would be best suited

> I decided to throw my hat into the ring

Greetings Mares and Gentlecoats, I'm sure many of you know who I am. Unique from you by species, I hold all of your concerns deep in my heart. Before I was put here, I was the Tsar of Russia, making me already experienced in the affairs that come with ruling a nation. I know what it means to maintain relations with the nobility. I know what it means to invest to bettering the lives of the peasantry.  I can promise you a reign that will not only be fair and just, but prosperous, and stable.

> many nobles seemed impressed with my resume, though others remained unconvinced

> after me, two more spoke up, accusing me of being an outsider, that I could not truly understand what it was to be a pony

> After our speaking, a brief section of voting was held

> the two major competitors were Fancy Pants and I

> with the votes tallied, I had won by a vote of 42:18

> some of the nobility were upset, but the majority seemed content with the result

> Fancy Pants and I shook hands, neither with poor feelings

> Quickly afterwards, I was coroneted

> the process lasted about an hour, the majority of it was swearing an oath

> I knelt down, and the pony placed the crown unto my head, officially declaring me Tsar of Equestria

> I quickly set to work on attempting to halt to rebellion

> I sent guards to towns to train a defensive force, capable of holding off a rebel attack

> As well, I used my new position in the changeling hive to my advantage, sending changelings in disguise to infiltrate the ranks of the rebels

> by nightfall, I had received word about a raid had commenced in Ponyville

> I rushed to the village as quickly as possible to oversee the troops

> a handful of 1000 guard and a semi-trained militia of 1500 contested against  1500 rebels

> the rebels used primarily farming tools, Scythes and hammers, with the occasional sword

> the guards were mounted with harnesses for musketry, and fired into the mass of charging farmers

> the guards fixed bayonets and braced to receive the charge

> once the charge had reached beyond a point in the streets, the militia formed behind the enemy lines

> the militia, armed with pole arms, followed the peasant rebels

> when the peasants met the guards, the rebels were surrounded, and stabbed and slashed from both ends

> the rebels were quick to surrender

> The skirmish brought me a prisoner of notoriety

> third in command for the rebel army

What made you think that you could attack such a large village as this?

> "You gotta try, otherwise you'll never succeed"

> I took the prisoner back to Canterlot, and put him on trial

> the court found him guilty, and sentenced him to imprisonment, with no outside communication to be had

> before bed, I received a notification from the changelings within the ranks of rebels

> the army size was roughly 400,000 total, but after speaking on good terms about the new Tsar, many have resolved to abandon the army

> the report also made note of a plan to try to extract the second and first in command to a pro-monarchy town for trial

> I had hoped that that would be enough to settle down the peasants, but only time would tell

 

> while things have been going well at war, things at home were not so well

> Chrysalis had been recovering slowly, but was conscious for the most part

> she would slip in and out of consciousness occasionally

> I would spend time with her as much as I could, though I could hardly bare to see her in such a condition

> She would ask for embraces, or kisses, things I would normally deliver without question, were it not for her current status

> much of the hole in her skull was still weak, not much more than a membrane covering the hole, and her brain was swollen,  I feared that jostling her too much would exasperate her condition

> I did my best to make her feel loved though, even though I myself had not been feeling as much

> Between responding to hundreds of separate reports from guards who were training militias, and tabulating spending, I was often left weary and weak by the end of the day

> every day was the same, perform administrative tasks the entire day long, save for a few minor pauses for lunch or to relieve myself

> The pressure was beginning to mount on me, and I had not source to release it

> my mind took to the idea of defiling my chastity

> back in Russia, I had sworn an oath upon the bible, that as the Tsar of Russia, as appointed by the head bishop of the Orthodox Church, I would remain chaste

> the reason being that I was not the naturally selected Tsar, but rather the one appointed by circumstance, and my having children would create a disturbance in the line of succession

> being in Equestria now, the reasoning is void, but the oath still stands, as it was sworn on the bible, in the name of God

> I began to fear that if I were to feel any strong emotion for Chrysalis, I would not be able to control myself, and violate my sworn duty

> this in turn made Chrysalis upset, as I had become more distant, and cold

> I wished nothing more than to comfort her, but I was unable, physically due to a massive stack of work from a recent disturbance, and emotionally due to my vow

> the disturbance was the more pressing of the two

> the same changeling I had banished during my reign as vassal of Celestia, going by the name Bezmin, had created a new issue

> Recently, Bezmin had discovered that his ability to impersonate inanimate objects can be extended to include impersonating nothing, creating a void that destroys matter it contacts

> Bezmin was attempting to only partially transform into a void, by nullifying his arm

> he was unable to do it, and turned his entire being into it, removing part of the floor of a room, as well as most of the objects in the room

> he then attempted to seal said hole with a green slime that he secreted, which was not viscous enough to plug the hole, but instead fell into it, drenching the clothing of many of the royal staff

> Bezmin then turned into a phoenix, in an attempt to dry the clothing with heat, resulting in an inferno

> after the fire brigade had suppressed the fire, the damage, clothing and reconstruction included, totaled over 21,000 bits

> I sent a note of payment to a construction company, who immediately began work on rebuilding

> I then contacted an army of seamstresses to take the sizes and orders of the nobles and staff who lost clothing in the fire

> the day had been trying, and I was just about ready to go to bed when I was confronted with another problem

> several ponies halted me, demanding an explanation why Chrysalis was so upset with me

> "Tell us why Chrysalis feels like you don't love her anymore!"

That's ridiculous! Of course I love her!

> "Then why is she practically in tears, thinking that she's not good enough for you!?"

I admit to being more distant than normal, but not of my own choice. My situation is precarious, and I have little time to spare for anything, lest the nation fall to pieces

> I did my best to remain calm and explain my situation, but the ponies simply refused to understand my side of the story, instead adamantly insisting I work the impossible

> "Just spend some time with your wife!"

You don't think I want to? I want nothing more than to feel her embrace, but if I took even that moment, then a soldier in a town won't get the orders to resupply, and then he'd lose a battle against the rebels, or a messenger won't get his payment, and that letter of diplomacy he was carrying won't get to where it was meant to be, and a war will start.

> "We get it, but you still need to spend time with your wife!"

> I argued with them briefly, before I let my emotions get the better of me

> I shouted furiously in Russian, too upset to even focus on English

> this quieted them, and they departed

> I, however was thoroughly upset

> throughout the debacle, the issue of my chastity arose several times

> I was posed with a very difficult choice

> Do I maintain my oath of chastity, and deprive my beloved wife of the affection she wants and deserves?

> Or do I break the vow, and prove myself not only dishonest, but given to temptation and indulgences?

> The idea racked my brain as I slowly fell to sleep, still raging furiously

> I awoke in the middle of the night, my head spinning

> Sweat dripped from every pour in my body

> and I heard that laughing

> the demented, maniacal laughter of the demon Celestia

> I grabbed my pistol and waited

> she manifested herself at the foot of my bed

> I pulled the trigger and the hammer struck the pan

> a bright flare sent the ball to the demon

> when the ball struck, the Celestia disintegrated, the same way she had by the hand of Nightmare Moon

> her flesh peeled away and burned to dust, exposing organs and muscle, which too charred off, leaving only bone, which disintegrated before me

> I stumbled out of my bed

Who's there!?

> I heard another laugh, this one deeper

> I turn to see Nightmare Moon behind me

> I fire my second pistol

> Cadence takes Nightmare Moon's place, her eyes going wide when the bullet strikes

> I hear that sickening crack of her internal structure being demolished, the same way she had by the hand of Nightmare Moon

> she falls to the floor, and is absorbed by the darkness of nighttime

Why are you playing these games on me!?

> I take a step, and fall through the floor into a dark void

>  as I am falling, images of fleeing ponies appear in front of my eyes, and I watch as three fillies are stomped to death in the panic

> their heads explode under-hoof, and their bodies are pounded and flattened

> I close my eyes to shield myself from the gruesome spectacle

> I open them to find myself in the cold Russian winter

> the entire village appears abandoned, aside from the tavern, which glimmered with light from inside

> the room greeted me with a gust of warm air

> inside was a foul den of treachery

> men sat at the tables, gambling what little copeks and rubles they had managed to spare, and when that ran out, some had gambled away their clothing

> others sang obnoxiously loud songs, faces blushed with the warmth of liquor

> more still, emboldened by the very same liquor that brought men to become loud and obnoxious, found in the liquid a type of boldness, and embraced it by brutalizing their neighbor at the bar

> and then there sat couples, engaged in the acts I so desperately attempted to avoid, diving into each other's faces with false passion delivered into them by the drinks of the night

> others still held their partners against the wall, openly fornicating in public

> and as soon as I was finished observing the graphic nature of this event, the peasants of the room turned to ponies

> the ponies went silent, all fixating their eyes to me

> "Join us Tsar, it's so much fun!"

> "You don't know what you're missing!"

> "We're so lonely Tsar, we want your company!"

> the room split in two, and sunk inward, taking all the occupants victim to what was below

> I fell into a pitch dark cavern, and all was silent

> suddenly a flame flitted upward and illuminated the room, to show shadows of demons repeating the very same acts those of the tavern were

> the several more jets of fire shot upward, exposing the entirety of the cavern

> the ponies and peasants I saw before were being tortured, held over flames, stabbed, clawed, and bludgeoned by the demons

> the inhuman creatures stood crouched, eyes bulging and bloodshot. Sharp teeth lined their mouths, and a serpent's tongue flitted from between the lips. They stood on goat's feet, and their exposed spines protruded outward, giving their backs spines

> the demons stopped in their revelry at the pain of the tavern guests and contorted their necks to face me, no matter the angle

> "Join us Tsar, it's so much fun!"

> "You don't know what you're missing!"

> "We're so lonely Tsar, we want your company!"

> The demons then lept from their stands on various places within the cavern

> the landed by me, and swarmed, clawing at me, gouging skin from muscle, and muscle from bone

> each rending blow I felt as a searing pain, each bite a burning stab

> it was as though the demons themselves were made of fire, yet solid, as each touch blistered and burned my skin

> I fell to the ground in agony amidst the swarm

> all went silent and my location had shifted again, but the pain had not subsided

> "I want you to bed me Tsar. Make me feel like the woman I try to be for you"

> the voice of wife rang through the darkness

> "Break your vow, you aren't in Russia anymore, there's no point in keeping it"

> several voices spoke their turn, mocking me, telling me of my faults, goading me into breaking my oath of celibacy

> a face appeared from the darkness, the face of Chrysalis

> "Please Tsar, I want your passion, I want you love"

> the face slowly began to melt and twist into that of some sort of demon

> "I want your life, I want your soul!"

> the demon's head extended outward, and took me into its animal maw

> the teeth dug into me, and I felt as though I was in the midst of an mighty pyre

> my senses went numb amongst all the pain and torment

> then, nothing

 

> My eyes shot open late in the afternoon, two doctors were hovering over me

> I gasped for air and squirmed, the doctors held me down

> "Tsar, we're going to have to ask you to remain calm"

What happened?

> "Your internal injuries caused an infection, and you slipped out of consciousness due to fever"

> Those horrible dreams, were just fevered delusions?

> They seemed so real, so detailed

> I rested myself back onto the bed, and the doctors continued their treatments

> Those dreams had to have meant something. They wouldn't have been so horrifying if it didn't mean something

> The tavern customers, sinners, were sucked into a cavern, and tortured by inhuman figures

> Hell

> then, Chrysalis spoke to me, begging me to break my vow of celibacy

> God was warning me that breaking my vow would result in my damnation!

> My mind had been made, I would not break the oath, under any circumstances

> it was a difficult choice, and I know my wife would not be happy with it, but I will not be eternally damned

> Come evening, the treatments had done their work, and the doctors pronounced me fit to walk about

> I did so, attempting to work, despite the doctors advising me otherwise

> I managed to get a little done, but the horrific visions I had seen, I had felt, kept creeping into my mind

> finally I just gave up all together, I sought solace in the one person I knew I could depend on

> I walked my way into the infirmary, and greeted Chrysalis as she lay in her bed

> I kissed her hoof, and took her into my arms

> just that action alone released so much pent up stress

> I spent the rest of the evening sitting with her, attempting to describe the horrid images I saw

> she listened intently, and did her best to console me, as I was clearly distraught by it

> I did not tell her of my intent to keep my chastity, the moment had been so perfect, I did not want to ruin it with such bad news

> the evening whiled away with our talking, and soon enough it was late into the night

> "Why not sleep with me Tsar, like we used to? I promise it'll help you feel better."

> I felt confident in my ability to control myself

I think that's exactly what I need right now

> She shifted over slightly, and I climbed into bed, snuggling tightly against her

> She scooted slightly towards me, backing herself into the spoon I had created

> I wrapped my arm around her, the warmth of love, so far gone from me, returning once more

> I sighed in contentment as the muscles in my back, perpetually tightened from constant work and stress, released

> all memories of those awful visions melted away, I was in a different world, a world with the most wonderful woman in the world

> Along with the memories of the event, melted something else though, that something manifested itself in the form of a husband's bulge

> Chrys shifted positions, clearly feeling it

> she  turned to look at me

> "You've been so busy tending to business of the state, you've forgotten your own needs."

> Anxiety swelled within me, I knew I shouldn't allow this, but my passion spoke louder

> She transformed into a woman, bare

> "It's been so long since we've been together."

> she made a move toward my groin, which prompted a reaction from me

> I took my open palm across her face, she withdrawed from  her advanced

> she stared into my eyes, on the brink of tears

> I stared into her eyes, keeping my mouth firm

Now you know that you shouldn't be doing that

> she sniffled, and looked away

> I put on a smile

You know I married you for who you were, you don't need to turn into anything for me

> she looked back to me, now smiling, and embraced me with a kiss

> she transformed into her changeling self once more

> she again made an advance onto my crotch, this time, uninhibited

> her motions were swift, and pleasure sent sparks up my back as she engulfed me into her mouth

> her warmth clouded around me, and her moist mouth rubbed enjoyment into my skin

> all the previous apprehension faded away with the bobbing of her head, and I was in my own world of satisfaction

> She stopped herself and climbed on top of me

> she slid herself down onto me with a squeal of delight

> her slick walls wrapped themselves around me tightly, sending a jolt of gratification through my body

> she began slowly, putting her passion into each thrust, shaking the bed lightly

> every movement was like static climbing through me, culminating to a jolt at the peak of every thrust

> my body began to sway naturally, forcing myself deeper into her, rocking in rhythm with her

> she moaned breathily with each movement, and she clenched around me harder with each passing moment

> I began to feel the pressure swell on me, and I knew the moment neared

> Chrys picked up speed, tossing her mane aside and rocking the bed harder

> she kept herself quite, but still yelped and squealed her pleasure

> her walls were tight around me, massaging me toward the eventual goal

> the pressure mounted as her speed increased, until I released

> The feeling of my release inside her sent her into her finish as well

> he walls seized erratically, vibrating and pulsating powerfully, before her convulsions became waves of rapture

> her walls convulsed in time with my releases, happily taking them in as their own once they leave me

> we both gasped for air, before she fell on top of me

> the moment was spectacular, and it took the better part of half an hour before the effects of it began to wear off

> I stayed awake for a while longer, basking in the love

> Chrys nuzzled into my chest, before heaving a sigh and drifting to sleep

> I followed suit

> the apocalyptic visions did not haunt me that night

 

> the morning brought about a feeling of self-hatred

> I had intentionally defied God's will, and now I am damned

> I turned to look at Chrysalis, sleeping happily next to me

> I smile

> I had intentionally defied God's will, and I couldn't be happier

> I would much rather spend an eternity in the land of fire than to see her upset for a second more

> I rose from bed carefully, so as to not disturb Chrys, and I dawned my robes

> I exited the room and went to the royal chambers, where a messenger awaited me

> during the night, the changelings had kidnapped the leader and second in command of the rebel army

> I was to decide their fate

> I decided against immediate execution, as tyranny does not help in a rebellion

> I put them on trial as I had the other leader I had captured

> the leader pleaded not guilty, and failed miserably in defending himself in court

> the judge sentenced him to life imprisonment, with no outside contact, and a death penalty would be permissible at a later date

> the second pleaded guilty in exchange for a lighter sentence, 25 years imprisonment without outside contact

> after I had presided over the trials, I received another letter granting me more good news, and a warning

> lack of proper leadership has fractionalized the rebels, causing many to abandon their army, and those that remain are infighting

> of the 400,000 that were once the rebel army, only 50,000 remain, and more are dying off every day

> the warning was that a plot to attack the armory at Trottingham was underway

> I wrote a letter to the guards stationed in Trottingham, warning him to raise his defenses

> I myself went to Trottingham as well, to strategize with the officers

> I slept the night in the barracks, and in the morning, we set our defenses

> earthen works on the outer perimeter, with sharpened stakes for additional defense

> the city was to have several buildings occupied with large stores of troops, others with skirmish squads

> the armory was to be guarded by heavy infantry, meant for sustained combat

> come evening the rebel army was detected outside the city

> morning brought us a few buildings on fire, caused by an apparent night raid

> the fire squad worked quickly and doused the flames

> by mid-morning the rebels struck, charging towards the earthen works

> the initial charge was a slaughter, magic bolts and musket balls struck down any who neared

> there was a small contingent that went past the earthen works and attacked into the city, where they faced heavy resistance from skirmish squads who took potshots at the rebels

> the rebels walked past a museum to engage a line of musketeers, they charged head on, a few fired the muskets they had managed to find

> while the rebels engaged, troops poured out from the museum building and attacked from the rear

> the rebels were literally forced into the bayonets of the musketeers

> none made it to the armory

> the rebels surrendered, their morale soundly defeated by the lack of organization and lack of armament

> We had captured the new rebel leader, and took him back to Canterlot, in an attempt to broker a peace deal

> the negotiations went far smoother than the initial ones

I am not an unreasonable man. I offer you a compromise: you will be given representation in the house of nobles, which will be hereafter named the Council of Equestria. In return, I ask you lay down your arms.

> the pony stared into my eyes briefly, trying to detect any hint of betrayal, before heaving a sigh

> He looked away for a moment, before looking to me again with a smile

> "I guess you've got a deal"

> I took his hoof into my hand and we shook on it

> I signed the official document and he signed it as well

> I allowed him freedom and he went back to his army, waiting just outside Canterlot, to inform them of the treaty

> an hour later, the army had disbanded, each pony going to their respective homes

> I announced the treaty to the people of Equestria via speech, and letters asking provincial and municipal leaders to inform their citizens

> Canterlot received my speech well

Denizens of Equestria, a new era has dawned on this great nation. What was once a land illuminated only physically by its former monarch, is now a land ideologically illuminated as well. The rebel cause has been smitten, not by military brutality or political tyranny, but rather by acceptance. The rebels have agreed to peace, on terms that every pony will find favorable. From this day forward, all ponies of the peasantry are to have representatives come to have their voices heard. No longer are the nobles the monopoly of philosophy and political influence. Every pony deserves their voice to be heard, and they shall, in the new Council of Equestria.

> the ponies cheered exuberantly, and continued would continue to do so well after I left my platform

> the crowd was in a fit of sheer hysterical happiness, strangers were hugging each other, and freedom filled their hearts

> when I returned to the palace, a bold noble pony addressed me in my throne room

> "Who do you think you are?! This is unacceptable! The peasantry cannot be given the right to vote, they know nothing of politics! They will run Equestria into the ground!"

> the pony was heaving, and ranting as if he was rabid

> I gave him a moment to calm himself, before I snapped my fingers

> three guardsmen surrounded him, spears pointed towards him

I am the Tsar of Equestria, I believe in a system that treats all ponies equally. If you have a complaint, take it to the council for a vote. Know your place, or I shall give you one in the dirt.

> the noble swallowed in fear, trying to dodge the spear points

> the guards retracted their spears, and the noble pony ran away, frightened thoroughly

> no noble did ever come to complain to me after that

> I set up the provisions for the new Council: each district may have one representative. The nobles still hold permanent seats on the Council, but gain no special privilege over their peasant counterpart. Elected representatives serve three years. Finally, all acts passed by the Council may be denied by the Monarch, and similarly all acts failed by the Council may be passed by the Monarch.

 

> with the new government stable in place, and no major disasters to handle, life went back to its usual calm for most of the ponies

> it wasn't the ponies that were having troubles though

> just outside of the frontier lands of ponyville, a major war had broken out

> the Buffalo, the pony equivalent of natives, were defending their lands against Diamond dogs, greedy outlaws who want to strip it dry of resources

> in a past time, I would have called the natives godless heathens, and left them to die

> in Equestria, there are no god fearing men

> I made my way with four regiments of royal guard and two of militia to the frontier lands

> the train ride was long, and I took the time to learn more about the creatures I'd be mediating

> the buffalo are in every way identical to the Siberian natives my forefathers, and even myself, had fought against to claim lands in the name of Orthodox Russia

> they set up temporary camps of tribes, and do not farm or harvest, only scavenge

> the Diamond dogs were a group of creatures whose sole purpose it was to harvest minerals

> they act similar to the underground crime syndicates in Russia, taking slaves to work their mines, and reaping the profit from unregistered gems

> the dogs were the ones intruding into native lands, and they are willing to fight for their right to claim it as their own

> the buffalo defend their lands fiercely, not wanting to upset the balance of nature, which they believe the mining the dogs are doing does

> the train pulled to a halt in the station

> I exited the train to find most of the town present at the station, they greeted me cheerily, and mostly in unison

> "Welcome to Appleloosa!"

> I nodded my acceptance of their greeting, and began to allow the soldiers to file from the train cars

> the townspeople seemed concerned that so many soldiers were being brought, frantic whispers broke out amongst the crowd

Fear not citizens, these ponies are on orders of peacekeeping, no harm shall be done to your town

> that seemed to calm them down a little, though the whisperings still continued

> once the train had been unloaded, we marched to the boundary of the town, and into buffalo territory, a semi-desert land with only resilient plant life

> only an hour into the actual march did the buffalo find us

> they circled around us, in some sort of fear tactic

> I had the regiments form into boxes of two lines, first line with bayonets, the second with guns loaded

> I shouted to the buffalo

We come with terms of peace! Discontinue your attack and allow us meeting with your chief!

> the circling gradually came to a halt, and I called the formations off

> one of the buffalo, a massive creature elaborately decorated with war paint, approached me

> "You want to see chief? We will allow, but only you. They must stay"

> he made a nod toward my army

How far is the camp from here?

> "2 miles"

I shall make sure they get no closer than 500 yards

> the buffalo turns to another and consults him in whisper, before turning back to me

> "Agreed"

> we followed to buffalo carefully, ensuring no traps were in place

> after about another hours march, we stopped dead in our tracks, and the leader buffalo let out a massive bellow

> three different groups of buffalo stepped out from behind rock formations and sand dunes

> "We mean peace, your warriors stay here, with guards"

> I ordered my army to hold their position, and continued on into the small tribal village

> the leader led me into a particularly large tent, where a much older buffalo sat

Greetings, chief

> "Hello, Tsar"

I have come to aid you in your struggles against the dogs

> "We have fought hard against them, to keep the earth balance good. We greatly appreciate your help"

> the chief lit a pipe, and took a puff, blowing the smoke slowly from his massive nostrils

> he handed the pipe to me, and I inhaled slowly, the smoke flowing into my lungs, filling my body with warmth

> I exhale slowly, feeling the current of smoke float its way out of my nose and mouth, the smooth taste of burning herbs greeting my tongue on its way out

> the chief snorts a slight chuckle and smiles

> "the earth mother is glad to have a man with her"

> I spent some time later discussing what the diamond dogs were doing, where they were, and what kind of forces did they have

> after the meeting, I left the chief's tent, him following suit

> the entire village looked on as the chief spoke a foreign tongue

> once the chief had completed his speech, the village cheered, and swarmed me

> they held a large feast that night in honor of my promise to help

> Fruits of every kind, fresh from the plant, and vegetables cooked on an open fire

> my army and I ate heartily, as did the village

> we participated, somewhat foolishly, in a war dance ritual, which included a partner's dance between the chief and I

> I felt quite silly jumping about a camp fire from foot to foot with so many watching

> and I nearly lit myself on fire when I had to jump through the campfire, robes are quite flammable

> but the night went on and the village settled in for bed, the army and I followed suit quickly

> the morning would bring us glorious battle, one that would bring a surprise to the diamond dogs

 

> We awoke early in the morning, the village warriors were dressing themselves in paints and feathers

> my army donned their uniforms and took hold of their weapons

> when mid-morning had come, we set out for one of the several mines the diamond dogs had constructed

> the mine was not far from the village, the buffalo set the camp there for easy raiding

> when we found it, it appeared as a work camp, with long houses and several other buildings

> the outlying terrain was rocky, and hilly

> I had my army hide amongst the terrain, out of view of the camp, and set up the artillery

> the buffalo charged into the camp, destroying buildings, and knocking over lamps that lit fires

> ten minutes after the charge, the buffalo fled, the typical raid as far as the dogs knew

> they chased after, pounding the ground on all fours

> several caught up to the buffalo, and tore their necks as they dragged them to the ground

> the buffalo fled for a while, but stopped when they came upon the reinforcements they had brought

> the dogs slid to a halt when they caught eye of the reinforcements, and the two armies eyed each other

> the dogs charged, flying at the buffalo with full force

> the buffalo counter charged

> some of the dogs lept, and using momentum, ripped the buffalo from their pack, flinging them to the ground before pouncing on them and tearing them apart

> the skirmish lasted only half an hour, the dogs clearly had the victory, and wanted to press it

> the buffalo retreated, and the dogs followed

> once the buffalo had reached a certain point, the artillery fired

>  thirty balls of twelve pounds of solid iron plowed their way through the chasing dogs, disintegrating limbs, and bludgeoning holes through their bodies

> the cannons reloaded, this time canister shot

> another salvo sent a scattering of smaller balls through the entire army. The two pound balls shredded through the bodies of the dogs, leaving them either bleeding or dead on the ground

> the dogs were intent on their defeating the buffalo, and ignored the casualties

> once the dogs had gotten past another point, the cavalry charged

> quick running, the cavalry maneuvered around the side of the dogs and harried their backs

> pistol rounds buzzed between the dogs, finding hits amongst the spines of their victims

> grenades were tossed, sending dogs, or pieces of dogs, flying into the air, while knocking others down

> the cavalry retreated quickly, and the infantry stood

> the infantry fired their muskets in volleys, cutting down the already diminished army of dogs

> the sight of the infantry finally inspired the fear for them to turn tail

> the dogs ran from the infantry formations, whilst still being harassed by the musket balls that plunged their way into the meat of the creatures

> the cavalry ran around again, tossing grenades and firing into the group, before taking their lances and cutting through the formation

> when the dust and smoke had cleared, there were no survivors

> the bodies of two thousand grotesque dogs lay on the ground, silent

> several hundred more lay weeping and groaning in agony

> the natives went to care for the wounded, while I ordered explosive shot into the cannons

> a minute later, thirty bombs exploded in or over the diamond dog camp

> the parts of the camp that were not demolished were set ablaze by the explosions

> by the end of the night, the camp was nothing but charred wood and ash

> the natives celebrated with much cheering and dancing

> another feast was held, and the warriors were adorned with more decorations for their valor in battle

> I mimicked the buffalo, and bestowed medals for particularly brave soldiers in my army

> the cavalry received the majority, though there were medals in each group

> the natives and I even traded honors, them bestowing feather-dresses and beaded symbols to my men, and I pinning royal medals of service to the native warriors

> after the award ceremonies, the buffalo gave mighty bellows of victory, my men cheered amongst them

> the celebrations went into the night, though I took to bed earlier than others

 

 

> as the buffalo showed me locations of other mining camps, similar victories emerged

> virtually no casualties from my army, and only few on the part of the buffalo

> eventually, the diamond dogs had either been killed, or they evacuated from the territory

> it came time to push into their lands

> we marched, unimpeded, to the capital, where the pack leader signed a treaty recognizing our demands from them

> his cowardly sniveling as he scribbled the document revealed the true nature of his kind

> I took the document confirming that the dogs will not go into buffalo territory with me as I went home

> I boarded the train and we chugged back towards canterlot

> the train ride was uneventful, save for some raucous from enthused troops

> when we pulled into the station, I was greeted by a frantic messenger

> "Sire! Sire! The queen is not well!" 

> my breathing cut for a moment upon registering this news

What is the matter?

> "She is unconscious and fading fast! Come to the carriage, quickly."

> he took me to the carriage, and I left the army to its devices as I rushed to the palace

> the ponies cleared a path for the racing carriage, diving out of the way

> we came to an abrupt halt in front of the palace, and I rushed inside as quickly as possible

> weaving through halls, I noticed a significant number of broken mirrors

> I came to the royal bedchambers, and there she lay

> two medics were on either side of her, giving her cold water and measuring her vitals

> I stood heaving, desperately attempting to regain my lost breath, before entering the room

> the two doctors understood the emotion in the room, and left

> Chrys was scratched and gouged in several places, a number of puncture marks were on her body

> her breathing was pained, and slow

> her holes had returned

You were weak in my absence. You had no love to feed from. I left you alone. I left you without love. What kind of monster could do this to you?

> "the same one who has been trying to get to you for a long time"

> I turned around, and there stood the same demon Chrys and I had defeated twice over

Is it not enough that you take my love, must you mock me in this sad hour too?

> "Oh deary, I didn't want to hurt the poor girl. She didn't want to play."

I know of few who would

> "If you won't play either, I guess I'll just have to make you"

> her horn glowed, and the curtains reached for my arms

> I dove away from them, crashing into the body of the demon

> "Come now Anon, isn't it time you gave in?"

I will have my revenge

> the curtains flung forward again

> I scrambled onto the back of the demon in order to dodge the curtains

> realizing my position, I quickly leap off of her, and am met with a kick to the back

> the kick tosses me through the stained glass window, detailing Luna's heroic sacrifice to defeat Nightmare Moon

> The glass embeds itself into my right shoulder and arm

> I fall from the tower into an open roofed practice area for the soldiers

> I hit the ground, narrowly avoiding a crate of pole-arms

> one spear tears a gash into my side during the plummet

> I writhe on the ground momentarily, trying to reorient myself after having the wind knocked out of me by the fall

> I struggle to my feet and stagger into the nearby armory, resting on a cannon

> I hear an ominous echoing of hoof falls from a distance

> I stand gasping for air, clutching my side, doing my best to ignore the searing pain with every movement my arm makes

> each twitch, the shattered glass cuts deeper into me

> the form of the demon emerges from the strewn shadows of dusk

> "Oh, you've gone and hurt yourself. I guess I'll just have to play nurse for a while until you're better"

> I shift position and wrap my hand around a pull string

You won't be touching me

> I rip the string from the cannon, the metal piece on the end sparking on its way out of the metal tube

> the sparks shower onto the black-powder charge, and the cannon erupts into a violent explosion

> the cannon's weight is sent backwards, and the force of the explosion knocks me backward

> startled, the Celestia demon spreads her wings

> the canister inside the cannon disintegrates, sending a dozen two pound iron shots sailing toward the demon

> two shots smack her left wing and continue onward, another on the right wing

> a fourth shot tears a chunk from her foreleg, and splinters the bone

> I fall to the ground in agony

> rolling, I pick myself up with my good arm

> the demon is pinned by the neck and a hind leg

> the shot from the cannon had sent several pieces of weaponry airborne, an ax and a spear finding their marks on the demon

> she squealed, begging to be released

> I limped my may to her, her eyes and voice begged for mercy

> I picked up two grenades and two extended fuses

> the two fuses were tied together

> I forced one of the metal balls into the demon's mouth, silencing her pathetic pleading

> the other, a form of poetic justice, I placed in her so as to ruin the one thing she enjoys most

> I lit the two fuses and felt the smile of satisfaction come to my face as the fire burned slowly toward their purpose

> the demon moaned her protest, struggling against the ax, causing it to dig deeper into her neck

> I stood back, and ducked behind a crate

> the two explosions left my ears ringing, and I held onto the crate for support as I rose

> the demon lived yet, though in a sorry state

> most of her mouth had been strewn across the room, and one of her eyes hanging by a nerve

> the pressure wave from the other grenade had opened a cavity that granted me access to her internal structure

> metal shards were embedded into the demons vaginal system, carving holes into her uterus and dismembering one of her tubes

> the demon breathed heavily, her lungs spoke her sorrow with the grotesque hum of air swirling within

> having witnessed the severity of the damage done, I knelt before the creature, still pinned by what was left of the weapons

> I moved in close, and whispered to her

I hope to God that hell hath a special fury for you, as the winds of Lust are ill capable of delivering a proper punishment for your sins

> the demon managed to eke out a single tear from the remnants of her ducts

> I took a lantern hanging from a post, and poured the oil within into her exposed organs

> The match rubbed against the wood floor and lit in a tiny blaze

> the small piece of burning wood fell into the oil soaked beast, and from little, came plenty

> I felt that same smirk of satisfaction as the creature writhed in agony, her once pink, moist organs becoming blackened and dried

> she writhed on the floor, desperately seeking relief from the pain, then as suddenly as the pyre started, she collapsed

> she knew her defeat, and waited for the flames to carry her from the mortal realm

> I grasped myself, realizing my pain once more

> I knew a doctor would have to tend to my wounds, but I could not peel myself away from the burning demon

> her body converted to ash just as the moon had risen

> I left the armory, and stumbled my way into the castle proper

> ignoring the pleading of staff and nobles to aide me toward the hospital, I made my way to the room in which Chrys lay

> I fell next to her, jostling the bed slightly

> in between breaths, I spoke

She's gone Chrys. I got her.

> I took my good arm and lay it on her chest

> the normally gentle, warm skin felt cold and hard

> Chrys's labored, shallow breathing returned to a smoother, steadier inhaling momentarily

> the respite from her poor health was short lived

> her breathing altogether stopped shortly after I lay my hand upon her

> I stared at her, mentally pleading her to take a breath, to wake up, to give some sign that she was alive

> I lay in silence, unable to even withdraw my arm

> the two medics stormed in

> "Sir, we need to get you to th-"

> they halted upon observing the scene before them

> they took a moment of silence, and approached slowly, before completing their thought in a much more solemn tone

> "We need to get you to the infirmary immediately"

> I remained in silence while the doctors brought a stretcher and placed me on it, carrying me out of the room and down to the infirmary

> the doctors refused to give me sedatives as the slowing down of the body in my state could be fatal

> instead, they applied anesthetic, removed the glass shards, and sewed up the gash on my side

> they left me in a room to heal

> I could not sleep that night, I could not get the voice of that demon out of my head

> I was the one who left Chrys to fight her

> I was the one who left Chrys to fight her without a source of love to feed on

> I was the reason she died

> Come morning, the news had spread to the town

> a national day of mourning was held, and the royal chamber was opened up to viewing of the body

> the entirety of the town had come to see their fallen queen, and many from out of town lined up for their turn

> each would come to the bed, and shed tears, which would fall onto her body

> come mid-afternoon, I cut off the viewing, and had the body placed into a casket

> I had the casket placed on the steps leading to the palace

> the guards kept the crowd from reaching the casket

> more guards lined either side of the casket

> I stood behind the casket

> we stood in silence, both the guards and the crowd, for half an hour, before the services began

> We held a prayer, in Russian, for the fallen queen

> After the prayer, I issued orders to the guards lining the side of the casket

Load Charge!

> each guard took a charge of powder from their pocket, and poured it into the chamber of their musket

Ready arms!

> the guards took the musket to their shoulder, and cocked the hammer

Fire weapon!

> the guards fired their salute to the fallen

> I issued the orders several more times before calling the guards to stand down

> the services concluded, we brought the body back inside, before the storm came

> the changeling I had sent to Canterlot to be educated so that he could be integrated into society had caused another crisis

> when being studied for his ability to turn into a null, one of the students asked him to turn into the biggest on he could

> he turned into a null larger than 3 miles, and destroyed the swamp he was testing in, in the process

> the destruction of the swamp and wetlands had led to an irrigation crisis

> the only feasible source of water to reroute would've caused issue with the griffons, who share a resource treaty with the ponies regarding the river

> instead, I had the most elite of the weather team bring in a hurricane from the coast

> the massive storm would dump enough water to replenish the supplies lost, and the weather team were steering it so that it would not damage any populated areas

> the residual of the storm would break up over Canterlot, and cause heavy rains

> with everyone safely inside, we laid the body on the bed again, and awaited word from the coroner for preparations for burial

> the storms outside were fierce, and the castle shook with thunder

> I lay next to the body of the recently deceased queen, stroking her mane, considering what I could have done differently to save her

> I leaned over her and spoke to her as if she was still capable of hearing me

I'm so sorry

> a tear dropped from my cheek onto her

> I bent down, and planted a kiss onto her snout

> Chrys's chest thrust upward, and she took a long inhale

> I jumped, startled by the new development

> Chrys inhaled quickly and deeply several times, before leveling out to a steady, stable, healthy respiration

She's......she's alive. She's alive!

> I shouted for everyone to hear, and the heavy hoof falls signaled that they had heard

> they rushed inside and stormed the bed

> they stood deathly silent in awe, the rising and falling of the queens chest captivating them all

> I had to get several guards to take remove the onlookers from the room

> after remaining for a while with my resuscitated wife, I removed myself from the room as well, leaving the doctors to care for her, and placing guards to ensure she is undisturbed

> Chrys may still be unconscious, but at least she was alive, and that miracle in itself was enough for me

 

> within a few days, Chrys was awake and back to her usual self

> I was just settling in to a pleasant normalcy when a message arrived

> a group of creatures calling themselves Sea Ponies had requested that I and Chrys come to discuss diplomacy

> initially I was skeptical, but the townspeople assured me they exist

> This was a good opportunity to test the new naval fleet I had built for Equestria

> the flagship of which, the IEN Tsar Anon, would be mine and Chrys's new home as we sailed to meet the sea ponies

> the massive three masted vessel carried 230 cannon, and with favorable wind conditions could make way at 16 knots

> a marvel of engineering, it was something I could proudly present my name on

> Chrys and I settled our quarters

> smaller than our usual room, but still comfortable, with a view of the water

> I was excited, as I hadn't been involved with a navy for years

> the trip reminded me why

> the trip was short, only a day's sailing, but excruciatingly boring

> being stuck on a ship, even one as large as this, gave little to do

> after tossing and turning in agonizing boredom, we reached our destination, and were hailed by a sea pony messenger

> the creature resembled Rainbow Dash from the chest up, but below lay a long fin in place of wings and legs

> I spoke briefly with the creature

> "the princess wants to see you"

How do you expect me to get down there?

> "You swim, duh!"

I can't breathe underwater

> "figure it out!"

> the sea pony ducked under the water and swam away

> I thought hard on the subject, what was I to do?

> the scuba gear!

> Chrys and I quickly put on the pressurized suits, including the heavy helmet

> in our haste, Chrys dropped her helmet with a ringing crash on the floor

> she picked it up and put it on, it appeared to be unharmed

> the deck crew of the ship tied us to the railing, and tossed us over the edge

> the weighted boots aided us to descend quickly

> what I saw was bizarre

> a city, in the shape of a coral reef, ponies busily swimming from place to place, sitting atop shells, eating kelp and seaweed

> our boots hit the sea floor with a dull thud, and we made our way toward the center of town in our sluggish manner

> we were a curiosity to those who passed by, but we ignored the stares and made our way to the massive structure in the center

> we were greeted by a Luna equivalent

> "Welcome Land walkers! We welcome you to Seaquestria!

> we were ushered inside, where just as the outside, it appeared to be a coral reef

> the Luna led us to a room, where sat a Celestia look equivalent

> "ah welcome, take a seat, I'd like to discuss much with you"

> we took our seats, and the Celestia started

> "Now then, there is not a whole lot we can offer you as far as resources, as we both live in significantly different styles. What we want to offer is protection. You protect us, and we offer your trade ships guidance and safety in our waters."

That sounds reasonable

> The Celestia smiled and moved a document for me to sign

> I leaned over and scribbled my signature, before passing the paper over to Chrys

> I heard a sharp cracking

> I looked over to Chrys, and her mask's glass had a crack spreading across it

> the pressure of being this far down had stressed her helmet

> she looked to me with fear in her eyes and a tear fell down her cheek before the mask shattered

> water rushed in to claim the spot that air once held, filling Chrys's suit until it was full

> I attempted to pull her toward the surface, but her waterlogged suit prevented her movement

> the sea ponies rushed to her aid, and tried to lift her with my help

> her suit was too heavy

> I tugged on the line that connected us to the ship, and a moment later, I felt a tugging back

> Chrys was being dragged across the floor, towards the ship

> I excused myself from the sea pony princess before rushing as fast as the water around me would let me, to follow Chrys

>  I tugged on my line and I too felt myself being pulled to the surface

> when I was thrown onto the deck, two ponies were performing resuscitation on Chrys

> the pounded away at her chest, and blew into her mouth, but despite their best efforts, she remained blue and unmoving

> the medics on board told them to stop after half an hour, declaring her dead

> only a brief moment after getting her back, she drowned

> my heart stood shattered for a second time, though I remained hopeful that perhaps she would pull through as she did before

> the doctors took Chrys below decks, and I stayed with her for as long as I could stand to

> her wet, cold skin disturbed me greatly, and eventually I had to give in

> no matter how much I loved her, it didn't seem to take any effect

> I went to bed for a very restless night

> come morning, she did not arise

> come afternoon, she did not arise

> come evening, the deck crew had decided on a burial at sea

> they set her in a coffin, latched closed tightly, at the stern of the ship

> all the deck crew stood at the stations in salute

> this was Chrys's second funeral, and it was not any easier than the first

> prayers were held in Russian, and English

> the entire boat spoke with the prayers, the entire way through

> at the closing of the prayers, the coffin was dropped from the back of the ship

> when the coffin hit the water, all 230 cannons fired a salute

> the concussion of the shots resounded as if the entire ship mourned her loss

 > the flag of mourning was raised

> we sailed back to Canterlot in a solemn mood, the once optimistic crew having seen the first casualty of their careers

> I sat in a silent shock the entire trip back, considering the symbolic connection between her being buried off of the ship that bares my name, and her being lost to my life forever more

 

> the trip home felt like an eternity

> when I entered the castle, I was immediately bombarded by another messenger

> "Sire! We have an important visitor to see you!"

I am in no mood

> "You will want to see her"

Bring her in

> at this, the doors open to reveal a rather worn pink alicorn

> he coat was matted with dried mud, sand, and who knows what else

> her pink, purple, and blonde mane was bedraggled, and poorly maintained

> she appeared to have some injuries, and was shaking violently

> despite all this, I recognized her

Cadence!? But you're dead! How!?

> "I found my way out, but we need to go back for the others"

Found your way out?

> "Yes, it was difficult, but I managed to find the entrance back to the mortal realm, but there's no time to explain, we need to save Celestia and Luna!"

 But you just got back, surely you'd want to rest a little

> "Not until I see them back"

> I called for the messenger

Go fetch the Generals, tell them to have their army ready in three hours, tell them this mission is of vital importance.

> "Yes sir!"

> the pegasus bolted out of the room

> I stepped down from my throne

It's so good to see you again Cadence

> I wrapped my arms around her and embraced her, temporarily releasing me of the mourning I felt for my lost wife

> "It's great to be back"

It's going to take some time before the troops are ready, how about you go wash off?

> "May...May I see my husband?"

Oh yes, Shining Armor?

> "Yes, that's him"

I'll see if we can't find him, in the mean time, feel free to freshen up, meet old friends, rest a little. Looking at you, it must have been a difficult journey

> "Thank you very much"

> she walked away, shaking significantly less than before

> I went about warning others that I would be going away for an unknown amount of time, and that they should expect to take on my responsibilities in my absence

> Several hours had passed and the army had made itself whole

> 1.4 million musketeers, 200,000 non-standard combat troops, 550 cannons, 270 rockets, 125 bombards

> If there is a chance the princesses can be found and rescued, I will make sure it happens

> Cadence returned, looking much cleaner, and having a few bandages on her legs

Care to show us where to go?

> she looks on at the force I had amassed in a slight awe, before shaking herself out of it and responding

> "This way"

> she flew above the forces, who marched behind her

> she led us deep into the everfree forest, stopping occasionally to allow a cannon to get itself out of the mud

> her guidance ended in a clearing, where a circle of ruins lay

> "Here's the portal"

How do we open it?

> I saw five tablets, each with a different inscription

> Cadence looks over them, before motioning to one

> "this one, that's the one I saw on the door out"

> I had a unicorn charge the run with magic, causing the inscription to glow

Now what?

> "wait for it"

> a few moments passed before a low rumble shook the world around us

> in a bright flash, I felt myself thrown, as if through the entire universe itself

> I fell into another field, and heard the loud crashing of my army landing behind me

> after some recollecting, and heavy lifting, our army was right side up and ready to move again

Well, you're the guide, where do we go?

> "oh, right, this way"

> we made our march through the realm, which much mimicked the world we had come from

> the wilderness seemed to stretch for ages, the trees making dark the world below them

> the further we trekked, the darker it seemed to get, and the more twisted the trees became

> "We're entering Tartarus now"

What was the world we were just in?

> "That was part of another realm, a much more peaceful, calm realm"

There are multiple realms?

> "Oh sure, Elysium, Tartarus, amongst others"

And you can just walk through them, just like that?

> "you'll see how in a moment"

> just as she said that, the world around us went completely dark, and five doorways glowed a near blinding white

> each doorway held a symbol above it

Do you know what any of these mean?

> "it's a long forgotten language, but I do recognize the symbol"

> she points to the door fourth from the left

> Cadence casts a spell, which removes the other doorways and expands the one she selected

> "we'll be going into Tartarus now, it's not a nice place, don't expect it to be easy"

I'll try not to forget that

> we walked through the doorway and found ourselves in a tundra, familiar territory for me

> Cadence immediately took to shivering

> I took off my robes, made of fur, and threw them over Cadence

> "I couldn't Tsar"

Back on Earth, this was what my homeland was like. I'll manage. You keep it

> I gave her a reassuring smile, and she melted and took the jacket

> I called back from the doorway

Put on your arctic gear, it's cold in here!

> the first of the soldiers to walk through were wearing their thick winter clothing

> Cadence continued to walk us through when the snow gradually shifted to ice

> "I think we're on a lake"

It's a fair guess

> the infantry marched onward, but the artillery had to take it much slower

> we slowed to match

> the wind was howling on us, trying desperately to freeze us in our tracks

> as we painstakingly made our way across, the wind picked up

> a bombard started to slide across the ice, and took it's towers with it

> it slid, and crashed into another bombard, which fell off its carriage

> the massive tube hit the ice and sent a crack splintering outward

> the soldiers scrambled quickly and erected the tremendous artillery piece

> when the bombard started to wheel away, the crack spread

> each rotation of the wheels caused the crack to continue

> the sound of ice slowly shattering echoed across the distant mountains

> cadence took to the air and looked for solid ground

> the ice had started to give, and the bombards were sitting lower than the rest, and lowering with each passing moment

> "I've got a spot!"

Unicorns, focus your magic to be in tune with Cadence!

> thousands of horns glowed, and the ice continued to sink

> a loud crash brought one bombard under the water

> the ground below me shifted, and a divide developed between my legs

> then, the crack was gone

> crunchy white snow engulfed my feet, where broken ice once stood

> the entirety of the army seemed undisturbed, save for a wet bombard

> the crew of the bombard chipped away at the developing ice, and we continued onward

> the crunching of the hooves of a million and a half soldiers fell with each step

> the near white out conditions left me worried, though I trusted Cadence to take us in the right direction

> another rumble

What was that?

> I ordered the army hold

> another, more violent rumble

> then, silence

> a moment to see if it'd return, which it didn't

> the army continued to move

> a few moments later, a particularly large mound of snow made itself known from the blizzard

> I sent some of the specialists to climb the mound

> they dug into it with ice picks, and climbed, dropping ropes for us to climb up once they reach the top

> "Hey, this doesn't feel like snow!"

> suddenly another rumble, and the whole mound shook and writhed

> the ponies on it held on for dear life

> the mound rolled around and showed us a massive gaping maw, lined with hundreds of teeth

> the snow had come off of it to reveal a white-blue skin, and a body at least 100 feet long

an ice worm?

> the creature bellowed a horrific bellow, and the musketeers took their marks

Fire!

> the musketeers fired, and bullets zipped by and hit the creature with smacks, but to little effect

> the specialist ponies began to dig into the creature with their ice picks, hacking away at its flesh

> the worm rolled, and tossed several off of its back

> the others held on, and continued

> one of them opened a large hole, and inserted a grenade

> a deep explosion rocked the tundra, and the worm roared and dug itself underground, throwing off the last of the specialists

> "Just one of the many horrors you'll find in Tartarus"

These are creatures of myth! I grew up on stories of the terror these monsters wrought onto humans, except those were just stories.

> "Well, these aren't stories"

the medics gave the specialists the once over, and we continued to march

> the troops were growing weary, and we'd have to stop soon

> the blizzard showed no sign of disappearing

> I stopped a few hours earlier than expected, and ordered the troops construct winter housing

> the ponies began building igloos and various snow fortresses to protect themselves from the cold

> Cadence and I retired to our own igloo, and she told me of some of her travels, and how she came into the place labeled as hell

> "We were all in a realm, I think it might have been Elysium, except that Nightmare Moon was there with us. We fought her more, and in the process ended up in another realm. After defeating her, she flew  away somewhere. Eventually the Princesses and I found ourselves at the doorway. None of us could understand the symbols, and we didn't think it'd be smart to split up, so we chose a door and went in. We kept on doing this until we ended up in Tartarus. We tried our best to not get separated, but when Luna went scouting, she never came back, and when Celestia and I went looking for her, we were attacked by some horrible creature with six legs. Celestia teleported me far away, to keep me safe. I went looking for Luna first, but when that didn't work, I found another doorway, and kept trying until I got out and found you."

Sounds like you've been through quite a lot. It's very kind of you to put yourself through it all again to save them.

> She smiled before yawning

Get some rest, you've well earned it

> We both fell asleep, huddled together for warmth

 

> A very restless night led into morning

> the blizzard persisted, and we continued to trudge our way towards Celestia's last known location

> the ice flew across the air, cutting into the warmth of my body, rubbing my skin raw

> Cadence was faring better than I, as she had a coat of fur, something I was extremely envious of

> several hours of heaving my feet forward, resisting hypothermia, and following Cadence past uneventfully

> it was what I imagined was noon when the snow in front of us sunk downward

> several of the musketeers were sucked down into the newly opened sinkhole, they scrambled for traction on the icy slope, but fell

> as suddenly as the sinkhole appeared, it burst through the snow to reveal the ice worm

Rockets into ready position!

> the ponies laid down the stands, and braced them against the snow

> the musketeers had opened fire onto the worm, aggravating it, making it charge at us

> the worm arced through the sky, and landed with its mouth to the snow, swallowing musketeers as it burrowed under again

> the first of the rockets launched with an audible whoosh, and despite the blizzard conditions, remained true to its course, exploding upon impact with the worm's body

> from deep underground came a terrible roar, and the worm retracted its wounded body

Bombards at the ready!

> the bombard crews took to their cannons, lifting the massive balls into the tubes, and priming the charge

> the worm breached the snow once more, swallowing more musketeers as it lept high into the air

Fire!

> earth shattering booms shook the world around us as the bombards launched their balls directly at the creature, who recoiled from each shot

>the rockets fired as well, their telltale crackling whoosh notifying of a successful launch

> the rockets struck the beast in various spots, blowing away chunks of its ice white flesh

> the worm charged, the rockets still pelting it

> it wriggled at an alarming rate, its massive maw open and ready to swallow as many soldiers as it could

> a bombard shot rang out

> the top of the worms head exploded as the shot exited

> the body of the worm came to a gliding halt

> I had the officers work quickly as possible to asses to damage done

> "four thousand dead, six thousand wounded beyond capability of combat, sir"

Fix them up, and have another ten thousand escort them out. These are the symbols on the doors you need to get out, in this order

> I handed him a notebook with sketches of the runes used to get in, in reverse order

> Cadence approached me

> "How bad is it?"

Could have been much worse, I've got the roster of dead here

> "Any nobles or officers?"

> I browsed through the list to see if there's anyone of particular notability

Seagoer, Steamer, Shifty Shadow, Sh-.......

> "what, why did you stop?"

> I hesitate to respond, but eventually take a gulp and speak

Shining Armor

> it takes a moment for her to register what that meant

> she stared blankly at the white, an interior struggle for her to come to terms with the new fact

> she lets out a hiccup before falling to the snow

> she looks down at the ground, tears streaming from her eyes

> aside from a few sobs, she cries silently

Cadence, I'm so sorry

> she doesn't acknowledge

I know how you feel, I've lost loved ones, three times. The heart rending sorrow, the realization that the one that you loved so much is now gone from your life forever. It's a horrible, sometimes debilitating feeling. Makes you wish that you weren't alive to feel it anymore.

> she looks to me somewhat baffled

> "What do you mean?"

You wouldn't know it, but King Eternity reset the universe when I died. I lost my wife in the reset, it was as though she never loved me. Then after I married Queen Chrysalis, I came back from defending the buffalo from diamond dogs to find her dead. She did come back to life later, but she drowned at a diplomatic mission with the sea ponies. While on the boat back, I shot myself, twice. Neither reset me back before she had died. I lost her twice. I still feel the heartbreak from both times.

> "I'm..I'm so sorry for you"

I appreciate it. If there's one thing that Chrys has taught me, it's that compassion can go a long way to mending a broken heart, and right now, you need it more than me.

> I kneel down and wrap my arms around her neck

> she rests her chin on my shoulders. I feel the tear drops falling off her cheeks

> "Thank you Tsar"

I would love to give you time to settle down and recollect yourself, but the longer we spend here, the further Celestia and Luna are from us being able to find them. I don't want to sound insensitive, but you do have a job to do.

> "No, you're right, we have to find the others"

> she sniffles and picks herself up

> I rise from my knees

> she takes the lead once more

What a kind mare, that she can still feel sorry for me even when she's so upset herself. It's quite touching.

> the army picks itself up quickly and departs once more

> low mumblings have started amongst the troops of unfair treatment and unpleasant weather conditions

> whenever I overhear one of these whisperings, I remind them that this is the military, it is to be expected that it will, at times, be uncomfortable

> that generally quiets them down

> with no other major issues, the army made good progress, and we stopped on a rise, off in the distance a suspicious structure convinces me that we are near the portal to the next realm of Tartarus

>  Cadence and I shared an igloo once again

Are you alright Cadence?

> "I'm still a little shook up"

well I'm here for you

> I wipe a tear from her under her eye with my thumb

> she gives me a weak smile

> "Thanks Tsar"

I never had anyone to support me, and I've felt how horrible it is to have to handle this alone. I wouldn't want anyone to feel like that.

> "I would've been there for you"

> I respond with a smile

Try to get some sleep, it'll help

> we bid each other goodnight, and slept huddled together for warmth. One more day of this frozen wasteland completed

 

> the morning brings more snowstorms

> the howling winds are whispers in my ear, enticing me to give in to the cold

> I staunchly refuse, knowing that surrender would mean abandoning everything

> to maintain my sanity in the cold, I speak with Cadence

How are you feeling today Cadence?

> "Better than I was, thanks to you"

> her sweet voice helped to tune out the manic whisperings of the blizzard

> Tartarus responds to my tuning it out by pelting me with chunks of hail

> I take the blows, small bruises developing on my shoulders, but refuse to yield an inch

> the Royal Family will be saved

> Cadence's wonderfully upbeat personality, and bright coat and mane serve as an anchor to a positive attitude

> her rose fragrance wafts into my nose, inviting me to breathe in deeply and release a warm sigh

> "Something the matter Tsar?"

Oh no, just the usual cold and concerned

> she's always so nice to me, even in her own mourning

> suddenly a flying chunk of ice struck me on my forehead

> wait a moment, why was I thinking like this? I am a married man!

> the winds rasp a response

> "You were a married man"

Chrys still holds my heart!

> "what's that Tsar?"

Nothing Cadence, nothing

> "Are you feeling ok?"

I'm not sure, but the sooner we get out of here, the better

> "Come on Tsar, you know you want her"

> I speak in my head, so as to avoid alerting Cadence

I am faithful to my wife

> "You're wife's long gone, Anonymous, she's right there, alone, sad, scared. She needed someone to comfort her, and you were up to the task"

I will not hear more of this!

> another chunk of ice pelts my head

> I would stay resolute to Chrysalis, she was my greatest love

> and yet, there was something about Cadence

> the wind was right, she did need my comfort, and I provided it

> We shared some emotional moments together, could that have been enough?

> I wouldn't give in to Tartarus and its mind games, Chrysalis was my wife

> but the nagging feeling that it could have been right persisted

> was this even Tartarus's doing, or did I actually feel this way?

> we came to another circular structure, and selected the proper rune

> the portal opened, and in the blink of an eye, I found myself eating sand

> from a tundra to a desert

> the temperature change was excruciating, and the heat made me itch horribly

> Cadence gave me my robes back, clearly not needing them for this section of Tartarus

> "Alright, this is the level I last saw Celestia"

If Celestia is in here somewhere, we'll find her

> the army reorganized and we continued our march

> the ground was firm, and the snow storms had gone, a significant upgrade in my opinion

> climbing sand dunes and maneuvering around Cacti constituted much of the day

> Tartarus did enjoy playing tricks on us and giving us mirages of Celestia or Luna, only to have them vanish

> every time the mirage faded,  it was a small disappointment, but it did not hinder my desire to continue

> we set up our tents for the evening, and the soldiers built makeshift camps

> dusk had struck when a rumble shook through the land

Don't tell me there are sandworms too

> in between the soldier's camps and the officer's camps dug a bizarre monster

> it stood on six legs which rose into the air, then bent downward

> its head was crocodilian, but its body was covered in fur

> the creature roared, and tried to bite down on scrambling ponies

> several ponies exited from their tents and fired on the monster

> the bullets made their mark, but the monster was more annoyed than damaged

> the monster spun around to face the musketeer that shot him

> with his back turned, the monster was mounted by a specialist, who proceeded to stab it many times

> the monster yelped, and spun in circles to thrown the specialist off

> the specialist responded by jumping from the monster's body and cutting off one of the monster's legs

> the monster bellowed in agony, and attempted to flee

> the musketeers had fixed their bayonets, and stabbed at the underbelly of the monster as it tried to dig away

> blood spattered from the creature, but the musketeers continued to disembowel it

> the creature had stopped attempting to dig, and instead rolled over, twitching

> the ponies had opened a cavity, and were stabbing into the creatures organs

> the crocodile beast let out a final weak roar before its life left it

> the creature dissolved into sand, and was carried away by the winds

> "Tartarus is done playing games, it seems"

I will match whatever it does

> the rest of the night went undisturbed, and the soldiers held a minor celebration for the victory

> Cadence and I shared a tent, and the close sleeping conditions did much to exasperate my already conflicted mind

> I prayed to God for an answer, but it was interrupted by a violent shaking

> apparently Tartarus doesn't like God

> I went to sleep, but only after reassuring myself that what I was feeling was merely a trick of Tartarus

 

 

 

> Morning brought me no relief to my doubt

> it sat inside me, a small ember burning under my heart

> I had to say something to her

Cadence?

> "Yes?"

How're you feeling today?

> "Not bad, you?"

I'm a little worried

> "why's that?"

I've been feeling something, and I'm not sure if it's Tartarus or not.

> "Oh? What are you feeling?"

I think...love

> she eyed me suspiciously

> she turned away and didn't say anything, instead heading to the front of the army to guide them

> the action did much to relieve my anxiety. At least now that it's out in the open, I don't have to hide it

> I took command and we progressed onward

> the blistering heat sent more mirages, which I quickly dismissed

> we marched past the mirages of Celestia and Luna, which faded as soon as we went past, only to reappear in the distance

> another image joined the false Celestias, a pillar

> we made our way over to the pillar, it was of a solid metal, seemingly iron

> inscriptions were on the pillar, and curiosity got the better of me, forcing me to move in closer

> I moved to brush sand and dust off of the pillar, but as soon as my hand made contact with the pillar, a mighty roar was emitted

> the pillar articulated, and slid under the sand

> I stumbled backwards and the roar returned, followed by a violent shaking of the sand

> a few hundred yards away, six more pillars shot out of the sand, followed by a massive body

> the entire being was not constructed of iron, but rather it seemed to be armored in it

> the body pulled the pillars out of the sand to reveal that the pillars were actually tentacles

> the last two tentacles shot forth from underneath us, and dragged two soldiers under the sand

> I took command as quickly as my mind could comprehend the situation

Musketeers, hold fire, loose formation! Artillery at the ready!

> the artillery scrambled to load powder, shells, and rockets, while the infantry set themselves ten feet from their neighbor

Specialists, attack tentacles on sight

> Right after I issued that command, four tentacles came crashing down from above, sending infantrymen diving to avoid it

> the specialists scrambled to try and remove the armor, to no avail, and were sent airborne when the tentacle whipped about to remove them

Cannons, fire! 

> the field artillery fired, and metal balls flew the distance in the blink of an eye, only to come to a sudden halt midair

> "Tsar! It's got a shield!"

How do we break it?

> "We have to dispel it"

Specialists, sabotage defense!

> several thousand ponies rushed forward, weaving in and out of falling tentacles

> the specialists halted and emitted beams from their horns to remove the shield

> the shield became visible, a pink bubble encompassing the entirety of the kraken's being

> the shield absorbed the beams, but vibrated and fluctuated wildly

> "It's not enough"

> Cadence took to the skies, flying full speed towards the monster

> she weaved around tentacles swatting at her and she flew

> in and out of a forest of tentacles, she rolled around an incoming strike

> she stopped above the force field, her horn glowed

> she flew high into the air, before rolling into a nose dive

> she pointed her glowing horn straight down

> the horn came into contact with the shield, causing a crack to spread across its entirety

> the shield had lost its stability, and it shattered

> Cadence flew back, and landed safely

> she fell to a knee, panting, and visibly exhausted

You did wonderfully

> I turned my attention to the specialists, who now at close range, were under heavy assault by the kraken

Bombards fire!

> thunderous booms sounded, and massive pieces of iron flew through the sky, crashing into the body of the kraken

> the kraken was knocked around by the shots, temporarily stunned, granting enough time for the specialists to evacuate

> the shots dented the armor and caused several pieces to fall off

Rockets, fire!

> the hissing of the rockets leaving their launch pad turned to a fading whine as they made their way toward the monster

> the rockets landed on and around the kraken, some exploding to little effect on the thickest portions of its armor, others dealing a good deal of damage

> the rocketry left much of the armor shattered, and dismembered two tentacles

> the cannons and bombards fired simultaneously, a salvo that was to us ear shattering, and to the kraken devastating

> the holes opened by the bombards and rockets became targets for the field artillery, which left gaping cavities where balls forced the body aside

> the kraken roared furiously at the damage, and attacked with its remaining six tentacles

> the tentacles left a number of men diving away

> the rockets fired in retaliation

> the creature erupted into explosions that swallowed the area

> all that could be seen from the smoke were shards of metal and chunks of meat

> when the smoke cleared, the beast lay dead

> an eye missing, massive trauma to its body, its beak underneath was missing the lower half

> only three tentacles remained attached

> a few chunks of organ of ungodly size lay strewn about on top of fragments of metal, as if Tartarus were offering us a meal on a plate

> the smoldering remains laid dormant, and we accounted for the damages

> 2500 wounded, 750 mortally, the others would be able to resume full combat service quickly

> the battle having left many wounded immovable, and exhausted my soldiers and Cadence, we decided against continuing onward, and established a camp for the day

> Cadence and I shared a tent, though she was fast asleep, recovering from her massive expenditure of magic

>  the supply cart baring the fruits was destroyed, leaving many of the soldiers feeling disheartened

> I left the tent to commend the brave wounded, the specialists, and generally attempt to raise moral

> l was invited to drink with the troops, which I politely declined the alcohol, but enjoyed the social event

> I returned later, having made the men laugh with stories and having listened, and addressed general complaints among the troops

> Cadence was partially awake, though she appeared sleepy

How do you feel Cadence?

> a weak smile graced her lips and she spoke in a groan

> "exhausted"

You were amazing out there. You deserve some rest.

> I yawned

And I think I'll join you

> I laid myself down next to her

> she shifted positions, resting her head against me

> she nuzzled my chest, before heaving a sigh and falling to slumber once more

> I took a moment to evaluate the day

> little progress had been made, and many were hurt in the process

> I glanced at the sleeping Cadence on my chest

> but at least I got that done

 

> I was pulled from slumber by a pressure on my cheek

> I opened my eyes slowly, at first seeing nothing but the pitch black of Tartarus's night

> as my pupils dilated, a bright white pony loomed over me, with a hoof on my face

> "Tsar, is it really you?"

> her warm, motherly voice registered nearly immediately, and any soporific feeling I had vanished

> I responded in hushed tones, the news was great, but I was unsure if the proper time to announce it would be in the middle of the night

Celestia!?

> "Oh thank goodness"

How'd you find us?

> "I heard tremendous explosions and the sounds of battle against a monster of Tartarus, I thought it had to be some living soul"

> I picked myself up and wrapped my hands around her neck, an embrace she returned by placing a hoof on my shoulder

It's so good to see you again

> "it's good to be amongst friends"

Do you know where Luna is?

> "I've been trying to track her. I can get in tune with her magical signature, but I cannot pinpoint her location"

Any direction is better than none. In the morning you can eat and clean yourself before we leave. Rest up Celestia, you're safe now.

> her eye lids lowered in relief, and she collapsed between Cadence and I

> before I could think of anything to say, she had fallen asleep

> I fell back to sleep myself, unsure if I was not already dreaming

> Come morning, the body of the white monarch still lay between Cadence and I

> Cadence jumped when she awoke, first in fear of the unknown creature sleeping next to her, then in joy when she recognized her

> "Tsar! Tsar! Celestia's here!"

I know, she came in late last night

> "And you didn't wake me?"

You were so exhausted from that battle, I thought it'd be better to let you sleep

> she shrugged off my minor error, instead thrilled to have Celestia amongst us

Better yet, she can help us find Luna

> Cadence practically squealed with delight at this

Let's eat up, we've got a princess to find

> we all scarfed down our meals, anxious to exit this land of torment

> while the army organized, Celestia bathed

> we marched in the direction Celestia told us

> While Celestia took lead of the army, Cadence and I hung back

> "Tsar, I want to talk to you"

Alright, what do you want to talk about?

> "About what you said yesterday"

> in all the excitement, I had nearly forgotten how she hadn't said anything about it

> she leaned her neck over, and brought her mouth to my ear to whisper

> "Truth is, I think I feel the same way"

> my heart fluttered uncontrollably at this great news

> the happiness of these two recent event nearly sent me into hyperventilation

> I had to physically stop walking and catch my breath

> "What's wrong? Is this a bad thing?"

No, no, far from it. I just...I never expected this, especially after how you acted yesterday

> "I wasn't sure how I felt yesterday. It was so soon after Shining Armor, but you were so kind, so accommodating. You did everything in your power to make sure I was alright. I guess I fell for you."

> The high spirit of the moment did not leave me that whole day, even when we transitioned from the desert to something resembling hell proper

> the world around us shifted from one of sands and heat waves to one of solid rocks, molten magma, and screams of pain

> this did not look promising, I could only pray that Luna was unharmed in this realm of despair

>  When we entered, a roadblock of sorts met our path

> a mob of twenty or so diamond dogs halted us

> "This is dog territory. You aren't coming through here unless you can help us get out."

> "Hey, wait a second, that's the human who put us in here!"

> "Hey, yea! Come on boys, let's give him an initiation."

> apparently oblivious to the massive army standing behind me, the dogs charged

> the crack of gunpowder and the zip of bullets as they flew past me were the sounds of the dogs defeat

> twenty dog bodies lay bleeding and wounded

> of course, being dead already, they could not die, but the bullets incapacitated them

> we continued onward, the majority of the gangs did nothing to halt our mass of troops

> we set up camp for the night, assured that we would remain unharassed

> "I'll send a pulse to Luna, it may draw attention to us, but it'll get her moving our way

> I didn't like the idea of additional casualties, but I didn't like the idea of staying here longer than necessary even more

> Celestia sent her message, it felt as though a pressure wave had flown from her horn

> Cadence retired before I and Celestia, which gave me time to talk with her

Celestia, it really is wonderful to have you back

> "and I cannot express how grateful I am to you and Cadence for coming to find me"

You've already made it much easier for us, that is enough in itself. Since finding us, you've given us direction, you've commanded the troops, and you've increased moral through the ranks considerably.

> "I'm only doing what I can to help"

and you're doing is superbly. I think I'm going to go the bed though, The sooner we sleep, the sooner we can leave to find Luna

> "I think I'll stay up a bit later yet, good night Tsar"

Goodnight, Celestia

> I entered the tent, and in the process, awoke Cadence

> "Tsar, are we special someponies?"

> I laid down next to her, and rolled to look her in the eye

> My nose was just out of reach of her snout

Do you want to be?

> "I'm not sure"

> I stretched my neck and planted a gentle kiss on her snout

How about now?

> she smiled and giggled

> that would be a yes

> she yawned

Goodnight Cadence

> "Goodnight Tsar"

> We fell to sleep, the horrid song of anguished screams and hollering of the damned singing us lullabies

 

> morning brought us renewed horrors as we marched through the landscapes

> horrible monsters with lines of jagged teeth smiled menacingly at us while torturing their prisoners

> the creatures suddenly lept from the perches on various rock formations, attempting to grab at soldiers

> the soldiers fought back, smashing heads and breaking teeth with musket butts, and stabbing out eyes with bayonets

> the monsters retreated into the darkness that surrounded us

> at any one time, we could not see further than a quarter mile in front of us. Darkness formed a bubble around us

> Celestia urged us onward, alerting us that the Luna was getting closer

> as we neared Luna more and more, the darkness encroached

> pictures began to form on the black veil that surrounded us

> the pictures appeared to be moving, and sound was played along with them

> I saw images of Rarity, Chrys, and Cadence lying dead, and a voice taunted me

> "Fate laughs at your love! You're doomed to heartbreak! Tsar can do everything right, except keep a mare!"

Cadence, are you seeing this?

> "Depends on what you're seeing"

What are you seeing?

> "Genocide, and you?"

the ponies I love most, dead

> each has their own personal hell

> we continued onward, Celestia urging us that Luna is right nearby

> as we progressed, the pictures became bodies, and the voices taunting me became less and less human

> even after closing my ears to the noise, it was deafening

> the terrifying sound of demonic laughter mocking me in the most tender of subjects

> then suddenly, silence

> the veil lifted and we were once again within the fiery doom of inner Tartarus

> before us stood the princess of the night, Luna

> Luna rushed over and laid her head against her Sister, the pony equivalent of a hug

> we each received a hug

> she was in tears of joy when she spoke

> "It is so good to see you again. I had just about lost hope."

> "Now, we can leave Tartarus"

Actually.....

> "What's the matter Tsar?"

I was hoping we could dedicate some time toward finding my deceased wife

> "Ah yes, the changeling queen. I should be able to tune to her"

> the conflict inside me was raging. My newfound love for Cadence burned passionately. My established love for Chrys was rock steady

> I didn't know what I was going to do, but I knew that it would be better to do it, than to leave Chrys here

> Celestia took a moment to search the frequencies of magic that were being used by souls in Tartarus

> Finally, she came across one she recognized as Chrys, and we found ourselves heading towards the outer rim once more

> We established camp after a full day's journey, feeling exhausted

> the soldiers were feeling good, their mission was accomplished, and they'd only have to be here for a while longer

> I was in high spirits as well, it seemed that Eternity was on my side, or that I was defying Eternity

> a slight mood killer came from a night skirmish from some tribe of spirits

> they came in, but before they could steal anything, were attacked by soldiers

> what was originally an attempt to scare off the scavengers turned into a full blown skirmish

> bayonets met talons, and daggers went against dogs teeth as the tribes fought for dominance

> a foolish mistake on their part, they quickly found themselves riddled with bullet holes

> the creatures were forced to drag themselves away, legs shattered, bleeding from numerous holes on their bodies

> being spirits in Tartarus, they were unable to die, and had to live with the agony of losing a battle so severely until they could properly recover

> the raid averted, we returned to our business, and the princesses and I retired to our tent for some well earned rest

 

> After our morning meals, we headed out in search of the lost changeling Queen

> Celestia took the lead, driving us onward toward outer Tartarus

> the heat of the desert blazed down upon us, Tartarus's last stand against our rescue missions

> we remained well hydrated and stepped forward

> Tartarus continued its mirages, granting me views of my lost love, taunting me by putting me so close, but keeping me so far

> right in front of us, a massive sand pit opened up unexpectedly

> the pit sucked in a few musketeers, and when they found themselves at the bottom, they were cut in half by massive pincers

> out of the bottom of the pit dug beetles of ludicrous proportions

> the swarm climbed up, into the musket fire of the soldiers

> some musket balls penetrated the exoskeletons, and the beetles bled green, but did not falter

> I ordered the army retreat, and the army ran back to gain distance between the beetles and ourselves

> as the beetles emerged from the lip of the hole, the musket lines fired

> some beetles fell dead, others charged onward, their pincers snapping together in anticipation of a kill

> the cannons took their aim and fired grape shot into the beetles, killing those they hit

> the swarm pressed onward until it hit our lines

> the musketeers fixed their bayonets and charged, dodging the pincers and stabbing at the beetles

> the beetles reared upward to stop onto the musketeers, who stabbed at the exposed underbelly

> the beetles gushed thick green blood and collapsed, only to be absorbed by the sands of Tartarus

> the troops were ordered to clean themselves of the blood, as we didn't know what potential harm there could be in it

> we continued onward, and Tartarus began to play with illusions

> a dash of sand blew into my eyes, and when I opened them again, half the army was dead and bleeding on the sand

> when I asked Celestia what happened, she told me that the army was complete, and upon looking again, it was

> next, Luna screamed and said that I was skinless, which I was not

> various soldiers would report unpleasant visions

> Tartarus was getting desperate to stop us

> we persevered through the mind games, until Celestia told us to stop

> "She's near"

> my heart exploded in a thousand beats per minute, the excitement of reuniting had me dying to have her in my arms again

Spread out and find her

> I took a flag

Each search team will have a flag, when we find her, wave it so that others may see

> I and the princesses headed off in a direction, while the other search teams fanned out in others

> we scanned the horizon, and climbed sand dunes to find her

> on top of a dune, I placed my hand to my forehead to block the sun glare

> I wanted nothing more than to see something that would lead me to her

> I spotted a black dot in the distance

> we rushed toward it to find Chrysalis, laying on her side in the sand

> I planted my flag down next to her, and fell to my knees

Chrys! We found you!

> I picked up her head and took it into me arms

> "It's great to see you again Tsar"

Can you stand?

> "I'll try"

> I picked her up, and noticed that she had hunger holes, massive ones

> she stood on her four legs for a moment, the hunger holes taking out whole chunks of her legs

> with a nauseating snap, her legs broke, leaving her hooves planted in the sand, but her body to fall over

Chrys! Are you ok?!

> she whimpered a moment before responding

> "I'll...I'll be fine, I can grow them back, but I need to feed"

> I felt the tears welling in my eyes

Take all you want Chrys, I'm here for you

> I took my head into her arms again and let the tears fall

I love you Chrys

> "I know you do Tsar"

> I felt drastically weaker suddenly, not to be unexpected, but this was one a level that Chrys had never let me get to

> I looked up at my surroundings

> through the tears in my eyes, I saw streams of purple magic swirling about me

> I looked down at Chrys, whose eyes were glowing a bright purple, and she began to laugh

> the voices of the princesses called out to me, they sounded distant

> the swirls encroached upon us, and we sank into the sand

> darkness surrounded me, and nothing but sheer silence was heard

> then, the sound of wind whistling in the distance

> the noise grew progressively louder, and louder, bombarding my ear

> I started awake in a pile of snow

> all around me was nothing but sheer whiteness

>  I picked myself up

> I was in the tundra again, alone

> a severe depression thrust its way into my heart

It was a trick...that wasn't Chrys. Tartarus took me away from her. Tartarus took me away from all of them!

> I swung my sword angrily into the snow, trying hopelessly to harm hell itself

> I found my flag laying before me in the snow, and I picked it up

>it would serve as a reminder of everything I had in Equestria, a motivational tool to urge me to return to my life above

> I wouldn't find myself back in Equestria if I wasn't moving

> I began my hike, having to intentionally pick my feet out of the snow so that I may progress

> it quickly became tiring

> Tartarus, not content with having separated me, has now begun to barrage me with winter winds and sharp ice

> the ice stung my skin, wearing it raw, and sending chills deep into my body

> this was not the cold of Russia, this was an unnatural cold,  this was a cold engineered to force man to surrender

> I did not intend on giving Tartarus the glory

> I forged forward, I did not know if the direction I was heading would lead me anywhere, but I knew that by progressing, I was spiting Tartarus

> the fierce cold caused my joints to seize, and refuse me motion

> I forced them to grind, knowing well enough that the agony wouldn't get better by stopping

> I could barely see what was twenty feet in front of me, so I trudged slowly to avoid whatever monsters Tartarus may have placed in my path

> I felt myself walking on an incline, and began to imagine startling another ice worm

> without my army to defend me, I would be eaten in an instant

> but I had to continue onward, I had to keep waging war against hell

> when the rise leveled out, the storm calmed

> I could see much further now, and I was on a cliff

> I planted my flag and looked outward

> All I could see around me was a frozen wasteland

> the frozen wasteland that was intended to be my grave

> Tartarus was watching me, plotting my demise in the frozen wasteland in front of me

 

> I wandered through the night, the blizzard affording me little in the way of sleep

> this supernatural freeze pained me with every step

> my joints grinded against one another

> frozen ice particles fly against my skin, rubbing it raw, and exposing my nerves to the elements

> I had come to accept the jolts of pain from the icy wind against my raw skin as the norm

> only constant scanning of my surroundings kept icicles from forming in my eye fluid

> I persevered onward, the flag serving more and more as a walking stick

> the metal pole had frozen itself to my hand, physically bonding me to the symbol of the nation I led

> I sought to see through the snow to the path ahead, an action thwarted by my uncontrollable shivering

> I knew not what I did to deserve this punishment, but if Tartarus planned for my surrender, it would have to try harder

> and so it did

> it seemed as though my steps were echoing more than before

> I halted, and heard an extra crunch of snow

> I whirled around, and in the short distance I could see in the blizzard, saw a faint blur of a pony

> the blur took few steps closer, and revealed the tell-tale aurora mane of Celestia

Celestia! Oh thank god, I'm saved!

> "You are saved, but not by who you think"

> the voice of Celestia spoke, but something immediately recognizable was different

You again?

> she lept forward, showing her full self to me

> "You didn't think I'd lose track of you down here, did you?"

> I reached for my pistol instantly

> "nu-uh, sorry sweetie, not going to let you use those this time"  

> my pistol is ripped from my hand, and lost in the distant snow

> "poor little Tsarry stuck in the snow. So cold, so alone. He just needs someone to warm him up and love him. I know you want a mare to love."

> she turned around and shook her hindquarters at me

I don't want your perverse love, lust demon

> I jumped forward, another pistol in hand

> just as I was within close proximity, I was knocked away, and landed in the snow a few meters away

> before I could pick myself up, the demon Celestia put her hoof down on top of me

> "Oh we're going to have fun"

> I quickly drew my hunting sword, and jabbed at her

> the sword pierced into her chest shallowly, turning the snow below her red

> "NNNnn, I love it when you tease me"

You should learn to not speak of sin

> I reached past the hand guard and found the notch that served as a trigger

> a pistol, hidden in the hilt, ignited, and launched a ball that lodged itself into the demon's jaw

> she recoiled, and I rolled out from under her

> I picked myself up quickly, and scrambled away

> she fired bolts of magic towards me, I ducked and dodged, but was struck in the leg, and the shoulder

> both of which were now painfully paralyzed

> I had to stop the bolts, so I ran to her

> she fired another bolt, which I ducked under

> I swept under her with the flag pole, still stuck to my hand, and knocked her off her feet

>  I placed my foot on her broken jaw and pressed down, forcing her to thrash

Stop struggling!

> I thrust the bottom of the flagpole into her body

> it slid through, and planted itself into the snow underneath

> the warm blood splatter freed my hand from the pole

> I pressed down on her jaw again, before lifting my foot and stepping away

> my bardiche lay in the snow, abandoned at the start of the fight as I could not wield a two handed weapon with the flagpole frozen to one

> I heaved the mighty ax, and struck into her body, carving a massive cavity

> her bone was shattered, and her organs exposed

> she squirmed in distress, but the flagpole held her firmly in the snow

> I removed a grenade from my bag, and struck a match

> the metal ball was placed inside of the opening I had created

> a few steps retreat, and I waited

> pieces of the demon's body were scattered in the snow, and I returned to inspect the damage

> still alive, the lust demon's intestines were shredded, and a lung was popped

> she took raspy breaths, barely capable of breathing on one damaged lung

> I retrieved my bardiche and removed her legs

> my sword made short work of her ears and eyes

> she flailed wildly during the process, clearly in absolute agony

> I paid it no mind, and continued to pluck her eyes from their sockets

> finally, I picked up my ax once more, and with a mighty blow, carved through her horn

> she exploded in screams and twisting against her anchor, further exacerbating her already weak respiration

> I stepped on her broken jaw again, which cracked under my foot, and shifted my weight on it to leverage out the flag pole

> I planted it in the ground next to her, a message to Tartarus

> I will not capitulate, I will take on every challenge you bring me, and I will endure.

> to put the wretched creature out of her misery, I took hold of her removed horn

> finding her heart, I stabbed through it with the magical ivory

> I gathered my weapons, and limped onward

> the snow was just as biting, and the pain now much worse

> the bolts had struck me hard, and I was far from functional

> I traveled on, well beyond when I lost sight of the body of the demon

> the cold had taken on a more sinister feel now

> Tartarus knew I was weak

> each breath I took, I became colder

> each breath I took, I felt invaded

> I felt the chill spreading through my body

> the frost of hell was getting to me

> I tried to fight it, resisting the corrupting influence as best I could

> it only bought me precious seconds as my body yielded to the cold

> the world around me blurred as Tartarus pushed itself into me

> the whistle of the constant flurry became a hum in my ear

> my face became one with the snow

> the touch of ice upon my face sent a spark of pain that briefly shocked me out of my fading

> I rolled over, to look toward heaven as my soul left my body

> my peripheral vision began to fade when a hoof appeared in the snow

> the pony kneeled before me, and I felt myself picked up

> the warmth of wings wrapped itself around me, reviving my failing senses

> I shivered uncontrollably, being brought back from the arctic tomb that would have been mine

> the pink coat that engulfed me signified immediately who had rescued me

Cadence?

> the embrace was broken, and indeed my suspicions were confirmed

> "Looks like I got to you just in time"

> her voice was doubled, it was her own, and another voice

> I drew my pistol

Tartarus may have fooled me once, but I will not allow you to take me!

> her eyes were a piercing green

> it suddenly dawned on me who my savior was

> my pistol slipped from my hand, and I threw myself onto her

> the pink coat I was embracing changed into the smooth black hide of the one I once called wife

> I choked on my joy, unable to speak

> I embraced her tightly, experiencing what could only be described as total rapture

> I wept, gasping for air between sobs of utter bliss

> barely able to whisper, I said what little I could

I missed you so much

> "I missed you too"

> Chrys lay a hoof onto my back and lay her head onto mine

> the explosion of emotion lasted a good few minutes before I was able to collect myself enough to speak

You were Cadence the whole time?

> "Since we left the castle yes "

Why?

> "Cadence and I both knew that she wasn't strong enough to protect you in Tartarus, so we traded places while you organized the army"

Why did you act as Cadence, why not just be you?

> "As Cadence, I could protect you without distracting you. Had I been me, you would've been more concerned about me than about the princesses"

Why did you let me go looking for you? Why not just tell me to forget about it and go home?

> "I didn't think anything would come from it. I never imagined Tartarus would separate us"

Are the other alright? Did they make it out safely?

> "They're fine, but I cannot say the same for you. Let's get you out of here"

> a ring of green fire encircles Chrys as she morphs

> generally, when she transforms like this, it means she's turning into something very large, or something very different from herself

> in this case, it would be both

> from the bubble of fire, two massive wings appear

> the transformation concludes with a mighty eagle's head bursting forth

> a wingspan of at least fifty feet, and a height well exceeding my own

> "Climb on"

How are you talking?

> "Telepathic link"

> Chrys lowers her body and I grab hold of feathers on her back

> I hop onto her back, and feel the powerful muscles flex as she leaves the ground behind

> within minutes, we were above the clouds of the blizzard, and seemingly home free

I love you Chrys

> "I love you too"

> she beats her wings every so often to maintain altitude

> the thrill of flying was amazing, I had never experienced something like this

> a crack of thunder sounded nearby

> a lightning bolt barely misses striking me

> Chrys rolls out of the way, and I hold on for dear life

> another bolt cracks nearby, another near miss

> Tartarus was not happy with us

> just the way I wanted it

> "This is going to get difficult. Do you trust me?"

Of course I do

> "then hold on"

> she beat her wings strongly and went into a climb

> a bolt of lightning passes under her

> she rolls over, putting me between her and the ground

> she noses down, diving at a drastically steep angle

> several bolts chase her down, she retracts her wings, causing the bolts to miss

> our speed increased more and more as we neared the ground

> I clung tightly to Chrys, placing all of my trust into her

> we passed through the cloud layer to find ourselves in inner Tartarus

> she spread her wings out once more, and leveled herself several hundred feet above the ground

> the landscape below passed by in the blink of an eye

> the demons of Tartarus watched helplessly as we flew closer and closer to our exit

> a bright portal made itself open as we approached, and grew to accommodate the size of the massive bird that was Chrys

> the white portal engulfed us, and I had to shield my eyes

> when I opened them, the sun's glare blinded me momentarily, before I adjusted

> my surroundings were green, and in the distance grew the familiar facade of the royal palace

> once again, I was overwhelmed with joy

> I laid my head onto Chrys's back, and heaved a sigh of relief

It's finally over

> Chrys let out a shrill eagle's cry, a cry of victory

> We had been through hell and back together

> and I loved her more than ever

> within a half hour, we landed on the palace balcony

> Chrys reverted back to the changeling I loved

> she staggered about for a moment, before I caught her

> "Sorry, I'm just exhausted"

I can believe it, rest yourself. I'll see to it that you aren't bothered for the rest of the evening

> I carried her to the bed, and laid her gently upon it

> she snuggled her way into the bed, and I left to prepare myself for bed as well

> we both slept well that night. The nightmare was finally over, and we had survived, together

 

> Morning brought me back to my usual work routine

> factions in the Council of Equestria had developed, some demanding the return of the princesses to power

> I still maintained popular support, however, the deeds I have committed won over the hearts of the peasantry, and nobles alike

> the princesses officially relinquished their power before the council, stating that I was elected fairly by the existing government, and that I had proven myself a worthy leader

> they still lived in the palace, and were still fully capable of making government decisions, I was just the official head of state

> governmental decisions were not something I was growing fond of

> during my stay in Tartarus, treaties with the griffons had expired, and were set for renewal

> the issue arose when the griffons demanded more food from us, but offered nothing extra in return

> my surplus stores of food were too little to feed both the increased demand from the griffons, and my own subjects

> I asked that the demand be lowered so that I may not starve my own people

> the griffons responded with threats of war, and mocking my reign

> tensions between the griffons and Equestria grew, without the resource treaties, the non-aggression the griffons agreed to in the past had expired

> fierce offers and counter-offers came between me and the griffon lord, neither of us willing to accept the other's

> Finally, I had to quell the stubborn nature of the griffons, by backing them into a corner

> I told them that I was physically incapable of providing the requested amount of food and any declaration of intent to force me to pay it would be considered a malicious act on my people, and a suitable cause for war

> Equestria had grown significantly under my hand

> By marrying Chrys, the changeling hives became a part of the empire

> By promising a continuance of their lifestyle, the buffalo voluntarily joined the empire

> By signing the treaty with the sea ponies, they have become a protectorate

> Both I and the griffons knew I was the stronger force, and I had to use that for leverage

> it worked

> the griffons responded with a less aggressive letter, and the tensions lessened

> but, a certain changeling was up to his antics again

> during my time in Tartarus, he had found a portal machine, and transformed into it

> he became unstable, and ended up zapping himself away

> the report delivered to me told that he had found himself near the griffon border, where he attempted to contact several soldiers

> before their eyes, he transformed into a griffon, which thought that it was the beginning of an invasion, and so they chased him

> he fled to the minotaurian lands, and the minotaurs saw the incoming soldiers as an attack

> in the confusion, the changeling managed to escape, but both sides blamed the other for the skirmish

> the two sides declared war on each other, and a minotaurian envoy was dispatched to request aid from me

> I was reluctant to join, as relations had calmed between the griffons and myself

> the minotaurs offered vassalage in return for protection, it was an offer I couldn't refuse

> by dawn the next morning, I had half of the equestrian air fleet sent to defend the minotaurs, along with a quarter of the army

> the rest were left to defend Equestria, which would undoubtedly be the main target of the griffons

> come nightfall, a strange aerial siege had begun, with the griffons standing just outside of gun range, howling and screeching

> they had forgotten about the cannons though

> the artillery lobbed their shot over the walls, raining heavy iron onto the griffons

> the griffons scattered, and reformed out of range of the cannons

> the standoff began

> the griffons stood outside of the walls for three days, attacking trade carts and prevent supplies from getting in

> each day they'd send a few squads to attack, they would be promptly shot out of the sky

> on the third day, a small army of minotaurian forces had arrived on the outskirts of the town

> the besieging army turned to face their new opponents, but did not engage

> the two armies stared each other down until nightfall, when they set up camp for the night

> guards at the walls sounded the alarms late that night

> the griffons had engaged the minotaurs in the dead of night, screeching their victories as they cut down the unsuspecting force

> minotaurian battle druids lit up the night sky, exposing their aggressors to the eyes of the army

> I had a medium force of pegasii fly to reinforce the minotaurs, and the sound of gunshots complimented the screeches of griffons and the bellows of the ox-men

> aerial maneuvers and firing shots into the air raged through the night, and come morning, the losses had to be totaled

> the force of 5,000 pegasii lost 100

> the small army of the minotaurs, 10,000 total, lost 2,000 in the surprise attack

> the griffons, an army of unknown size, lost 3,400, and the whole army looked to be missing a substantial chunk

> I pressed the advantage, and ended the siege by attacking

> the griffons fought to the last, too proud to retreat, and by the death of the last, the body count for the griffons stood at 7,500

> the griffon's siege force was defeated, and on the same day came news of a halt in the griffon advance into Minotaurian territory

> the next few weeks were dedicated to taking back land lost to the griffon advance, and once done, establishing a defensive line

> more attacks on Canterlot came, but a recent breakthrough in reverse engineering made defense all the easier

> a weapon that had made itself apparent in my time as Tsar on earth, the Gatling gun, had been recreated based on a description I gave the unicorns

> with the new tool, griffons were met with a hail of bullets even  line formations couldn't provide

> every night of a siege, one could see the streaks of shots flying through the night sky at griffons attempting a night raid

> the drastic increase of bullet consumption worried me, but ultimately I was extremely pleased with the result

> come the fourth week of the war, the defensive measures had proven utterly effective, the griffons requested my presence at the bargaining table

> the terms were an issue, they demanded near identical terms as when negotiating the resource treaties, except for a slightly reduced amount of food

> I read through the treaty, infuriated, but curiosity gained the better of me

Why do you need this food? Why not have the same amount as before? You are predators, surely you aren't reliant on my aid when you can hunt?

> "Every year we hold a grand tournament, the killer instincts championship. We use your livestock, along with wild animals, as prey. At the end of it all, we collect the hunted prey and feast. This is our culture, our heritage, and we need those animals."

I'm sorry, but I am not capable of providing the amount you've requested. Doing so would starve my people

> "You are a worthy opponent, of that there is no doubt, and we give you much respect for it. Name your price, and we shall try to find an agreeable solution."

> I lowered the amount of food asked, which they begrudgingly accepted, as well as asked for them to open trade to Equestria

> On my side, I would not invade their homeland, and would offer a non-hostility pact

> the griffons, judgment getting the better of them for once, agreed to the deal

> by the signing of the treaty, a new era of peace and good relations was delivered onto us

> with a new market of trade, both of our economies boomed

> with even more landmass, the crowded city populations were able to spread out more, easing social tensions

> a trading ship found a new land, a land of water buffalo

> the water buffalo, from the report given to me, were a simplistic society, well rooted in tradition

> they reminded me much of the Asian nations

> the influence of the empire of Equestria was ever increasing

 

> To celebrate my successes as leader, the princesses insisted I and Chrys take a vacation

> they arranged for a tour around Equestria, so I could appreciate the wonders of the lands that I had made part of the empire

> I was reluctant, but the princesses assured me that they would take care of the government while I was away

> Chrys and I packed our things, and left for the train

> we would work from the outside in, meaning our first stop was buffalo territory

> the train chugged for most of the day, before stopping at Appleloosa, a frontier town on the border of buffalo territory

> we were greeted with a warm welcome by the locals, who insisted that we stay the night in the inn

> we settled into our quaint room, a large bedroom with a window view of the desert

> it was a relief to be away from the extravagant luxury of the palace, and just enjoy a quiet evening with my wife

> until a few stallions wanted to drink with me

> Chrys, being a changeling, doesn't eat or drink, so she stayed in the room

> I went down and was met with the cheers of the townsfolk

> "Yer doin' a mighty fine job partner"

> "You made us richer than we'd ever thought of"

> "Ever since y'all came to power, crime's almost completely stopped, the sheriff's nearly out of business!"

> the tavern erupted into uproarious laughter

> they all cheered, hooted, and hollered, the mood was light and I was starting to lighten up as well

> More so after a few cups of Appleloosa's famous apple whiskey

> in between ranting about how hard it is to be Tsar, and crying my appreciation for everyone in the bar, I had managed to make friends of half the town

You.....you all are a great bunch, but I think I'll be going back to my wife

> stumbling my way out of the tavern, I managed to avoid falling onto the ground and got back to the inn

> I opened the door to find a buffalo sitting in my bed

Ok, I may be drunk, but I'm not that drunk

> "I thought I'd try to get in the spirit of the occasion. I hope you don't mind."

> I sighed, and nearly fell over

No, I suppose not

> Chrys shifted over, and I climbed into bed

> admittedly, her buffalo coat was as soft as a cloud

> the combination of alcohol, and the paradise that was Chrys's fur put me to sleep quickly

> I awoke with a mild hangover, nothing I haven't handled before

> apparently during the festivities, I had purchased passage by stage coach into buffalo territory

> we climbed aboard and sat comfortably, until we met a band of buffalo

> the stage coach operator explained what was going on, and beckoned us to exit

> I stepped out, much to the delight of the buffalo

> "Tsar Human, the earth mother smiles at your return"

> he was even more thrilled to see me when Chrys stepped out of the coach as a buffalo

> "You have taken a proper partner! The earth mother is most pleased"

She isn't a buffalo, she's a changeling, but she wanted to be a buffalo while we were here.

> "She knows well. What brings you to our lands?"

I am touring the lands that have come to be part of Equestria, and I thought I would start with the noble Buffalo

> "Is there anything we may do?"

I'd be more than happy if you'd show us some of the wonderful things that make this land so great

> the buffalo's face lit up with delight

> "We are always happy to show the wonders of the earth mother"

> our new friend took us to a camp, where we met the tribe leader

> "Welcome, Tsar Human! We greatly enjoy your company."

Is it possible that we could get a guide to see some of the wonders of the earth mother?

> "Yes. I shall have Sure Foot show you the way."

sounds wonderful, thank you Chief

> "I hope you find the earth mother beautiful"

> Sure Foot found us and we packed our supplies and left to go see what nature had to show us

> we first stopped at a small mountain, filled with caves

> "These are the whisper caves. They are home to the spirits of our ancestors. When you enter, you can hear the wisdom of the gone from this world"

> We entered one of the caves, and heard nothing

> the deeper into the cave we went, the darker it got

> Chrys summoned a little green light to help us see

> the light reflected off of crystal in the rocks, and the room became more illuminated

> I can see why the diamond dogs wanted this place

> we were in a massive antechamber, with many exotic rock formations

> "each rock is a spirit, sit quiet and hear them speak"

> Chrys turned off her light, and we sat quietly in the dark

> dead silence

> then suddenly, little whisperings in my left ear

> I turned, but saw nothing

> I could not understand what the voices said, but sure enough, there were voices

> after a moment, we left the cave and hiked to the next location

> a series of assorted rock formations stood in the middle of the desert

> "These are the message stones. The earth mother uses them to send us messages."

How exactly does she do that?

> "The shadows will explain"

> dusk was fast approaching, and the long, stretched shadows were clearly visible

> the shadows slowly morphed before my eyes

> within the shadow was a story, which showed itself in my eyes, but it was not visible

> I saw a herd of buffalo running, they ran into a building, which then caught fire, and the buffalo ran away

> the story unfolded similar to a zoetrope, only it did not repeat

> when the story ended, the buffalo looked to me

> "The earth mother is thanking you for helping us"

> several other beautiful natural objects were visited, but none of the super natural quality

> we stayed the night in the buffalo camp, and they celebrated our visit with a feast and music

> Chrys and I enjoyed the night's offerings, dancing about the fire and humming some chants

> we slept in a tent made especially for us by the buffalo

> the morning brought us back to Appleloosa briefly, before we departed to our next stop, the minotaurs

> upon exiting the train, we were greeting by another large crowd

> seems word had gotten to them as well

> it was late at night, when we stopped in Minos

> the minotaurs brought us almost immediately to our rooms, the finest suite available, decorated in traditional minotaurian style

> a rather interesting bird mask hung above the bed, and much in the way of tribal gear, including spears and shields, hung about the room

> a chest height carving of a monkey sat on either side of the bed

> I wasn't sure if that was meant to be a joke, or if it had some sort of traditional meaning

>  despite the rather disturbing scenery, we fell to bed

> I awoke next to a minotaur

Again Chrys?

> "not to your liking either?"

I told you already, I love you for who you are, not what you can become

> I gave her a quick kiss on her minotaur snout, before I jumped out of bed

Now come on, I have no doubt that the minotaurs have a lot to show us

> I quickly changed clothes, just in time, as the minotaur assigned to be our guide had walked in just after I finished

> "We've got quite a lot to show you!"

> the minotaurs took us first on a tour of Minos, the capital city

> much in the way of modern life, shops, hotels, suburbs

> we visited the museum of Minotaurian history, which looked remarkably similar to my hotel room

> in the museum, I found, there is a monument being built to honor me and the soldiers who fought to protect the minotaurs from the griffons

> we visited some shops afterward, mostly just trying to while away the day, as the next part of our trip would have to happen at night

> Chrys bought a deep green jewel, enchanted by Minotaurian druids

> come nightfall, we set out into the woods

> a mysterious greenish glow showed us the path to our destination

> we found ourselves in a stone circle, in the middle, a flat surface with glowing runes etched in

> the circle was composed of a series of upright stones, with a stone laying flat on top of every two upright stones

> "This is one of our nightly rituals, in order to keep our lands fertile and to keep our magic alive"

> a group of eight or nine druids circled around the runes, placing their hands on it

> they began to chant, growing in intensity

> they picked their hands up from the runes, a glowing runic symbol manifesting on their palms

> the druids then turned around, still chanting, and thrust their palms to the outer stone circle

> a beam transferred each symbol , which now floated in between the upright stones  of the circle

> the druids then stepped out of the circle, their chanting still humming in my ears

> they stood outside of the circle, and placed a hand onto the symbol, and the chanting reached a fever pitch

> a beam shot forth from each symbol, and landed in the center of the stone tablet in the middle of the circle

> the symbols faded, and the chanting died down to little more than a whisper

> reentering the circle, the druids lit a candle under the green vapors that hung in the air

> the chanting concluded as the green vapors ignited from the candle

> the candle blew itself out

> "That was quite impressive"

That was

> "I'm glad you enjoyed it"

> we slept in our room one last time, before we left for our final destination on the tour de Equestria

> the morning brought us back on the train, where we headed for the coast

> the train squealed to a halt at a station near the docks

> Chrys and I boarded the ship and set out

> games and entertainment were provided until the ship anchored in the middle of the ocean

> a sea pony popped her head out of the water

> "So good to see you again! We're so sorry about what happened last time. This time we've got a spell!"

> the sea pony's horn glowed and we were enveloped in a field of magic

> the magic carried us down into the water, and we could breathe perfectly fine

> "we have so much to show you!"

> our trip with the sea ponies took us into a coral reef of unnatural sizes

> massive fish, sea anemones, eels, octopi, and all other walks of sea life swam about the reef

> the smallest of the fish was still the size of a small boat

> as we neared the reef, an eel the size of a house launched outward in an attempt to devour me

> the magical field seemed to electrocute the eel, who flinched and retreated

> after floating our way out of the reef, the sea ponies showed us an aquarium, where we could safely observe the sea life

> Krakens clung to the glass tubes separating us from them, sharks the size of frigates flitted by

> Peaceful whales big enough to block out the light lazily streamed by

> exotic fish of all sorts with dazzling displays of bright colors, shimmering scales, and unique patterns proudly boasted themselves

> We wholeheartedly thanked the sea ponies for a look into their world, and we climbed back onboard the ship

> the ship docked later in the afternoon, and Chrys and I spent the day on the beach

> sitting in the sand, swimming amongst the waves, we enjoyed the ourselves

> come evening, we sat together and watched the sun set, the fiery orange and cool purple in the sky beckoning Luna's moon to enter

> Chrys and I spent the night at another inn, sleeping soundly in eachother's arms

> our vacation had come to an end, and admittedly, I was feeling much better than I had before I left

 

> the next 8 years saw a reign of peace, prosperity, and happiness

> no war was made, no lives lost, the government was fair and generous

> it also saw the birth of my little daughter, Princess Winter

> a white alicorn with a grey mane, she completed our family

> when we had decided to have a daughter, we didn't know how we could

> Chrys went looking and found a fertility spell, but it was only for ponies

> she cast it on me, making me viable to a pony, and she shifted her internal organs to that of a pony

> thus, Princess Winter was born

> she was a darling, as kind and joyful as the holidays during her season

> I was entirely happy, life had never been better for me

> that's when Eternity returned

> I fell to sleep and he entered my dream

> I stood in pitch darkness, seemingly floating in nothingness

> a voice that was both booming and silent called to me

> "Tsar Anonymous, your time in this world is no longer justified. You have accomplished what you were destined to. You have granted rights denied to the peasantry.You have created a wealthy, stable nation. You have unified the diverse and broken tribes of Equestria."

But Lord, here have I built myself a happy life. I have a wife and child, whom I love dearly, friendships with those around me, an adoring populace who I have worked so hard to protect.

> "You are no longer necessary for this world. I shall grant you a chance however. Find your way to your home, and you may stay. No leader is truly worthy of leading unless he knows great sacrifice for his people."

> then, nothing

> I jumped awake to find myself laying on the ground

> observing my surroundings, I was in a foggy forest

> the crunch of twigs and dead leaves confirmed the reality of the situation

> these trees seemed familiar, reminiscent of the Russian countryside

> could it be? Was I on earth once more?

> I knew not in what direction to move, I observed the sun rising and chose to move east

> weaving in and out of braches and bushes, my head was reeling from what had just passed

> my rage for eternity knew no limits, but at the same time, I was more concerned with returning home

> surely Chrysalis and Winter knew that I was gone by now

> how I longed to just be able to inform them that I was still alive

> my progress east had managed to find me going into progressively less and less wooded area

> trees grew smaller, and bushes became fewer and further in between

>  the cold of the area began to set in, I had not noticed, but it was beginning to snow

> Eternity had been benevolent enough to grant me my royal robes, made of furs

> the forest ended and came into a clearing, whereupon I saw an old village

> the buildings looked decrepit, unused for ages

> some had collapsed roofs, others had vines growing along the walls

> I decided that I should investigate, and see if I couldn't find anything useful for survival

> the steep hill gave way to a level ground where the fifteen or so houses sat

> scouring for ways in, I managed to find an open house

> inside, to my surprise, sat my equipment

> my pistols and muskets, my hunting sword, my bardiche, a few powder horns, packets of shot

> along with some survival gear: canteens, mortar and pestle, bandages, flint and steel

> I gladly took both of these things and made to leave when a creak on the floorboards behind me caught my attention

> I quickly turned around, pistol in hand, to face my new opponent

> a slight woman, a babushka, met the gaze of my pistol

> "Woah there, I don't mean you any harm"

> abashedly, I put away my weapon

> I turned to introduce myself

Greetings, I am-

> "You're the former Tsar aren't you? I thought you died!"

> her face lit up upon recognizing me, and she became hysterically happy to see that I was indeed, not dead

No, I did not die, however, I was transported to another land. A land I am trying to find my way back to. You see, I am on a mission from God.

> her eyes took to those of wonder. Not only was she in the presence of royalty, but a blessed being as well

> "You aren't going to get anywhere on an empty stomach. Please, come with me to my house, it would be my honor to serve you a meal"

> She did have a point, I didn't know when my next meal might be, or how nutritious it might be

> I agreed and followed her to her hut, the only house occupied in this god forsaken village

> I sat onto her sofa and observed as she boiled the stew

> various vegetables and plants were thrown in, some plants I couldn't identify

> she served me a bowl full, and it was expectedly savory

> potato chunks and cuts of beef warmed my stomach from the cold outside

> after the meal, we sat and talked for a while

What was in that stew you made?

> "potatoes, beef, turnips"

But there were plants, ones I didn't recognize

> "that was just a little medicine, to make sure you get better"

> better from what?

> I sat, pondering what medicine she could have possibly thrown into my soup, and that's when I felt it

> my stomach seized, and I rushed outside of the house

> the remnants of the stew churned their way up my throat, and found their place on the snowy ground below

> the snow at my feet turned a grotesque mixture of brown and green, chunks of various foodstuffs floated in the mixture

> the action was repeated several more times

> "oh my, you poor thing, please, come inside"

You witch! You've poisoned me!

> one hand grasped my aching stomach, another wrapped around a pistol

> the crack of the gunpowder and the thud of the body of a crazed woman signaled the beginning of the first of my trials

> I stumbled past the village and into the forest, the poison taking its full effect

> I slumped over, leaning against a tree, trying desperately to avoid releasing more of my stomach contents onto the snow

> it was to no avail

> each heave brought new pain into my body, my nerves began to fire violent signals of discomfort

> my torso aches, my arms stung, my legs faltered

> my resolve remained untouched, I would see Equestria again, there was no other option

> despite hardly being able to hold myself upright, and having to once more cleanse my stomach every thirty feet, I pressed onward

> my steps became heavier and heavier, and I began to slump lower and lower

> the pain I felt rose in intensity, and my vision began to blur over

> the detailed scenery of the forest: the speckled bark of the trees, the snow covered leaves, the few remaining berries of various colors all morphed into blobs of color

> next I felt the cold powder of snow meeting my face, and hearing the distinct crunch of weight landing on the snow covered ground

> darkness enveloped me, the pain numbed, my hearing turning into a dull roar, before silence

> I awoke once again in the middle of the forest, feeling ever more ill

> I could not carry on until I was feeling more well, so I dragged myself against a tree and rested

> my stomach did not cease its continuous purges, and the pain only increased because of it

> misery sat beside me against the tree, whispering doubts into my ears

> if I had already blacked out from the poison, what could happen next time?

> If I die, what would happen to Equestria?

> If I die, what would happen to my family?

No! I mustn't think of such things. Doubt leaves the door open to weakness, and weakness invites failure. If I am not resolute, then Eternity shall see that I never make it home

> hearing myself speak was somewhat reassuring, a sign that I was still alive, in spite of the poison.

> Night fell upon me, and between heaves, I managed to fall asleep

 

> morning took sleep from me

> the cold morning snow fell as I returned to my feet and marched onward

> the poison had mostly passed, however, I was still feeling ill

> infirm, but determined, I leaned on my bardiche and continued

> morning came and went, and nothing of note arose, aside from the still occasional heave

> by mid-day, I felt the sensation of being watched

> I pressed onward, shoving the feeling to the back of my mind

> a snarl from a nearby bush stopped that

> out from the bush lept a timber wolf

> a pistol shot silenced the snarling beast

> but he had brought his pack with him

> three more came, and I drew my sword

> one leaped forward, and I slashed into his stomach

> another came from behind, and I twirled around and caught it in the neck

> the final one I jabbed at, stabbing into its internal organs

> more still showed, at least another ten

> I sprinted, knowing the odds were against me

> the wolves followed fiercely, and far more agile than I

> I drew my pistols and turned to fire, before returning to running

> I stopped with my back to a tree, bardiche in hand

> a wolf ran forward, and I brought the weight of the massive axe down onto its head

> the wolf's head was split into two halves

> I heaved the ax in an upward swing, and undercut another wolf, gutting him

> before I could alter the momentum of the heavy pole ax, another wolf pounced

> I dropped the ax and took hold of my musket, firing at the airborne wolf

> his carcass hit the ground in front of me, a bullet hole piercing just next to the left leg

> slowly, the pack were removed, but not without injury

> one wolf took me by surprise, and I had to take a bite to the arm to prevent my throat being torn out

> the wolf sunk his teeth deep into my arm, leaving it mostly immobile, and forcing me to stab it with the detached bayonet of my musket

> I had fallen to the ground, and while I tried to recover, another pounced, and tore a chunk of flesh from my side

> I used the pistol built into the hilt of my hunting sword and fired, landing a shot into the bloody mouth of the wolf

> I slumped down against the tree, gasping my bleeding arm

> the burning pain from the bite wounds was intolerable, and I was already weakened

> I knew what I needed

> I went through my bag, and found the herbal powders and juices I had collected with the mortar and pestle

> I quickly took lavender and dandelion, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory in nature, and painfully applied them to the wounds

> I then took a few sips of opium extract I had gathered. It was not as strong as the drug, but the pain numbing effects were present

> I bandaged myself and waited

> after the opium had taken its effect, I was able to stand once more

> weapons and utilities in tow, I continued my trek into the afternoon

> I grew the same sensation as before, the feeling of being followed

> learning from my mistakes, I took hold of a pistol

> I scanned my surroundings, nothing out of the ordinary

> then a terrible roar was emitted and a wolf the size of a bear sprung from the foliage

> the dire wolf moved with incredible agility, and I found myself on the forest floor

> the pole of my bardiche lodged into his mouth, we wrestled for control

> I leaned back, and threw him off of me with my feet

> I rolled to standing, and drew my pistol

> the wolf charged forward, and I fired

> he flinched from the pistol hit, but still bit into my thigh

> through the searing pain, I drew a second pistol and fired again

> this caused him to release, and flee into the brush

> I applied more herbal medicine, and discovered a tooth implanted in my thigh

> removal would require surgery with tools I did not have

> leaning heavily on my bardiche, I staggered through the snow, leaving a bloody trail behind me

> evening fell, and I knew that I could not leave the tooth in the wound any longer

> I applied opium and dandelion once more, before digging into the bite with my bayonet

> the intense pain left me unable to breathe and my hands became unstable

> the bayonet cut into raw flesh, but could not release the tooth

> I removed the implement and laid back, hoping that something soon would change

> I felt the same sensation again. The wolf had returned

> remembering something I had forgotten earlier, I reached into my bag and removed a small iron ball with a fuse

> I struck a match and lit the fuse, holding the grenade for a moment before tossing it into a nearby bush

> I was rewarded with a earth shaking explosion, and the sweet sound of a yelp

> the area was strewn with pieces of wolf meat, and blood rained about

> armed with the security that my stalker was vanquished, I took more opium extract, in order to fall asleep properly

> slumber was difficult to achieve, but I managed to find it eventually

 

> morning sparked to life with the sensation of tremendous pain in my leg

> my leg had swollen in sleep, and I had to rely entirely on my bardiche to hold my weight from that leg

> I hopped further into the forest, searching for something to take me home

> in the distance I thought I heard a distressed moaning

> a faint noise, carried on the breeze

> I picked up my pace, going to see whatever may be found

> after stumbling through the forest and nearly falling over on roots, I came to see a familiar white horse

Celestia!

> I nearly forgot about my leg in the excitement, only to be reminded of reality from the pain

> I hurried over as quickly as possible

> the she was barely conscious, nearly frozen to death from the Siberian night

> she shivered intensely, and moaned softly

> I immediately placed my robe over her, and lit a small fire

> I set myself down on her, to provide her with as much warmth as possible

> after about half an hour, she had recovered enough to speak

> "thank you so much, deary"

> her voice was similar to Celestia's, but different

> and since when did Celestia call me deary?

You...you aren't Celestia

> "no, I'm not"

> it dawned on me. I had spared the life of the lust demon.

> "Now let me thank you for saving me"

> her horn began to glow

> I jumped off of her, nearly losing my balance when my leg gave out

> I took hold of a pistol and leveled it at her

> her horn ceased to glow

Afraid of a pistol now? I thought it took so much more to kill you

> "My magic here is limited, I cannot do much"

> I pulled the hammer back

You don't say?

> "Please, if you kill me, I won't be able to recreate myself"

Sounds good to me

> "I can help you!"

I don't want your kind of help

> she paused for a moment, at a loss for words

> her eyes shot to my leg

> "Your leg?"

What do you care?

> "I can fix it up"

> a conflict raged in my head. I knew I couldn't trust her, but at the same time, I needed my leg healed, and perhaps she could help me get home

> I have defeated her before, and if she tried anything funny, I could defeat her again

Do not try to deceive me

> she smiled weakly

> "have you tried to fix it yourself?"

Of course

> "what's the problem?"

There's a wolf's tooth embedded in it

> "why couldn't you remove it?"

It was too painful, and in too deep

> she giggled slightly

> "I can fix it, but I don't know how much you're going to like it"

> that's a good sign

I'd be willing to do just about anything at this point

> I was going to regret saying that

> "I can deliver a pain reliever to it, but because my magic is so limited, I can only create it from myself"

What do you mean?

> "Sit down"

> I awkwardly dropped to the ground, legs outstretched

> "hold still"

> she stood up and walked over, before turning around

> she moved as though she was going to sit

> before I could even realize what was going on, the snow around my leg was turning yellow

> I recoiled in disgust, but the tranquilizer had done its work, and I could not move my leg

> she giggled again

> "There, feeling better?"

> I grunted begrudgingly

> "now let's see if we can't get that tooth out"

> she turned herself around again, and lowered her head near the tear in my pants

> she opened her mouth slightly while staring at the wound

> her tongue snaked its way out of her maw, and slid into the hole in my numbed leg

> she turned her eyes to me, and they gleamed with a wicked look

> her tongue seemed to stretch far longer than it should have, and it wriggled about inside the cavity

> "I gof it!"

> I couldn't feel the tooth as her serpentine tongue scooped it up and carried it out

How long until I can move my leg?

> "I don't know, could be a few minutes, could be all day"

> she winked at me

> it was quite a relief that I wasn't in such serious pain

> as per our agreement, she did not attempt to steal me away. I don't think she was capable of it on earth

> she helped hoist me up, so I could use my bardiche while I waited for the sensation in my legs to return

> we both moved in the same direction, seeking the companionship of each other in this cold, desolate place

You say your magic is limited here?

> "Unfortunately so, sweety. It seems that I cannot cast a spell that extends much past my own body"

you say unfortunate, I say a god send

> she rolled her eyes, and I chuckled a little

Do you have any idea how to get home?

> "why yes, I do actually"

> these words could have been sung to me by a choir of angels

> my face grew taut with an excited smile

Really!? You do!?

> "There are some runes in the mountains. It's about a week from here"

> she had been reasonable until now, I had hoped it could remain so for just a moment longer

Would you please take me to them?

> "You want to spend some alone time with me? Of course you can my dear~"

> not what I had in mind, but at least that was a yes

> the overwhelming sense of relief nearly knocked me off balance

> I fell onto the demon Celestia, who held me up until I could regain my balance

Maybe you are the god send

> she giggled slightly

> the day progressed reasonably untouched, the numbness wore off by the afternoon

> the demon and I set up camp, and I slept poorly that night, I was too busy watching her, to make sure she didn't whisk me away in my sleep

> she had done good things for me, but I couldn't trust her just yet

 

 

> After a night of virtually no sleep, we continued onward

> exhausted as I was, I could rest in the arms of Chrysalis when I got home

> until then, I shall not stop

> we trudged along through the forest, making light conversation to keep what little we had of our sanities alive

I've got a question for you

> "Hmm?"

Why are you here? What in your twisted little mind made you come to Siberia?

> "Why I was looking for you! When I found out you were all alone here, I thought I'd keep you company."

> her tone of voice when she said that sent shivers down my spine

> I couldn't help but imagine what would've happened had we met in less favorable conditions

> She, appearing from the forest

> tree limbs and roots grabbing hold of my wounded legs

> her, cackling maniacally as the roots pulled me through to her dimension, where I would become an abuse toy until my demise

> I shuddered again

> "Oh deary, are you catching a cold? Don't worry, I can be a great nurse"

I'm not ill, you horrid hedonistic monster

> we were a pair, but no one said I had to like it

> we wound our way around tree branches and bushes until the forest faded away

> the ground began to come to an incline, and walking became more difficult

> my feet slipped in the snow, and I fell, nearly tumbling down the now steep slope

> the monster caught me in her wing, which caused her to shiver slightly and let out a low moan

> I immediately scrambled back onto my feet, trying to get away from her wing

I am not your pleasure toy!

> "Mmm..the thanks I get for saving you"

> firmly planted, I continued my climb up the mountain side

> come afternoon, we were both exhausted, but the hardest challenge lay ahead of us

> a sheer cliff stood between us, and the path toward the gate

> the demon rose from the ground, wings spread and beating heavily

I can't do that

> "climb, sweety"

> five pistols, a four and a half foot long ax, a sword, a musket, a pack full of grenades, and a sack full of survival equipment and ammunition

I don't think I have the strength for that

> "well then how do you suppose we solve this?"

I...I could ride you

> I do not know what in the world possessed me to say that

> her eyes lit up at the proposition, the fires of intimate contact burning in her mind

> before I had time to second guess myself, I had been scooped up and was airborne

> my body tensed, and I grabbed on to the demon's neck

Sorry, I do not have experience with flight

> "I don't suppose you have experience riding a mare bare back either?"

No, I can't say I have

> "of course not, only changelings"

> I mentally hit myself on the head for that one

> she flew us to the trail on the ledge of the cliff

> when I got off, she was panting heavily, and she had not retracted her wings

I'm sorry, was it too heavy for you?

> "No, no, it was.....fine"

> I knew what she was doing, I was not oblivious

> I didn't know if it was fear of her own life, or perhaps just trying to get on my good side, but she was doing her best to hide who she was

> I smiled at her

Thanks for the lift

> we continued onward, eventually her wings sank back into position

> the winding trail was slippery, and on several occasions, a foot had lost its grip

> the snowfall began to pick up, further complicating matters

> a massive blizzard began to blow, dampening my ability to see, a vital necessity if I was to continue

> the demon called to me

"In here!"

> I turned to see a yellow glow, her horn, and followed it into a cave

> "We can wait here until the snow stops"

> it's remarkable how normal she could be, when she's concerned for her life

> the snow did not, in fact stop, quite the opposite

> as the day wore on, the snow picked up

> the entrance of the cave revealed nothing but a sheet of white

> the cave was lit only by a pair of torches I had created

> we sat in near darkness, waiting for the storms to pass

> the flickering light of the torches cast shadows on the wall, which entertained my eyes with dances of nature

> suddenly, a rumble

> the cavern shook

> then another, causing even more shaking

> the shaking was followed by a chilling roar, and the crash of rock

> I cast my vision over to the entrance, the blinding white of the blizzard had been blocked by the light dampening rocks of the ceiling

> I was trapped in an enclosed space with the demon of lust

> we eyed each other, and surprisingly, I saw no evil in her eyes, only fear

Nowhere to go but in, I guess

> she sighed

> "yes, let's get moving"

> we walked further into the cave, torches in hand

> the cave expanded into a complex tunnel system

> we climbed over stalagmites, and squeezed between narrow spaces between the walls

> neither of us had any idea of where we were going, but as long as the cave kept going, we would follow

> when what we assumed was evening struck, we set ourselves down for the night, and the torches went out

> I would have to trust her tonight, I could not see anything

> I waited until I was sure she was asleep, and I took to dream as well

> halfway through the night, I was awakened by a strange noise

> a distant echo of a voice reverberated in the caves

> I took a torch and ran in the direction of the voice

> I lit the torch and dodged to stones in my path

> a room opened up, smaller than the one the demon and I slept in

> I heard a gasp

> my head immediately shot to the source

> laying before me was the demon, legs spread, a hoof pressing on her nethers

> upon registering this, I immediately turned away in disgust

> a mistake on my part

> my averting my eyes gave her time to rise and knock me to the ground

> "I have been trying so hard not to do this to you, and I just can't take it anymore"

> she stood over me, and slowly brought her rear down onto me

> I immediately reached for the pistol I slept with, and pressed the barrel against her chin

I cannot allow you to do that

> her eyes were begging me, her arousal had reached its peak, and she urgently needed something

> I would not adulter, no matter how desperate this mare's situation was

> she rose off of me, and I made my way back to the area we were sleeping

> the echoes of her moans bounced through the chambers for the rest of the night, filling my dreams with terror

 

> I had not slept since that incident

> when she returned, we simply sat in silence until it was decided that we should move on

> the long walk through the cave was made in silence

> finally, I couldn't take it anymore

Are you not going to say something?

> "What should I say?"

perhaps an apology?

> "Me? Apologize for that? Don't you know who I am?"

> abashed, I spoke no more

> we continued onward in silence, when the torch burned out

> it would not relight

> we sat in the darkness, unsure of what to do

> In the far distance, I spied a light

> the demon confirmed my vision, and we raced off to it

> she used her horn to glow, producing a soft yellow light that allowed us a limited vision

> after nearly breaking my leg on a rock, we made it outside

> the light of the outside blinded me momentarily, but we stood on the other side of the mountain

> by traveling through the caves, we had shortened our travel time by three days

> a most wonderful happening

> we continued down the trail, and came to a small forest on a shelf on the mountain

> the snow was still blowing strongly, and visibility was low

> the winds roared past my ear, causing me near deafness to the world around me

> which would explain why I didn't hear the bear

> I forced my feet to the ground, and pushed against the wind

> before I knew what was happening, I was falling

> it was only after that I heard the roar of the beast

> he had charged, and tackled me off the cliff

> I was now falling a very large fall

> this was my demise

> after fighting so hard, after vowing that nothing would stop me from returning home

> I was thrown off a cliff by an irate bear

> the moments of approach were filled with confusion

> as I watched the ground below approach, I resigned myself to my fate

> I closed my eyes, and felt myself hit the ground

> the ground was much softer than I expected

> and since when did ground have fur?

> I opened my eyes again

> the demon had spared me from my demise

> I lay, draped over her back, flying just above the ground

> she set us down, and I rolled off of her back

I....I don't understand

> "I can't have you dying on me"

> a torrent of emotion raged

> on one hand, she was the very same she-demon who not only terrorized me, but ended Chrysalis's life

> on the other, she had treated my wounds, and saved my life

> in my confusion, I resolved to thank her

> I wrapped my arms around her neck and embraced her

> she rested her head on my shoulder, breathing softly

> the sensation was strange, intimate contact with my mortal enemy

> we sat, embraced, for perhaps longer than necessary

> I, pondering the reality of what had happened, and my opinion on such an event

> her, accepting the physical contact

> a slight moan and a distinct wet sound shook me out of my state

> upon hearing that, I immediately released her in disgust

Is that really all you can think of doing?

> "I am who I am"

> I huffed, and we continued walking

> the trail led us down the mountain, and we re-entered the woods

> as we were preparing to set up camp for the evening, two native Siberians appeared

> "White man, for what do you come to our land?"

> I realized that the gate back home must be some sort of tribal monument

I have come to use your shrine

> the two looked at each other confusedly, before returning their gaze to me

> "Come"

> they lead us through the forest, and off the trail

> without their help, I may have never found the gate

> the sun had set, and we found ourselves in a small tribal camp

> "Shrine not here, must wait until morning"

I understand

> the two explained us to the rest of the camp, and we were invited into a tent to sleep

> the first true indoors sleep I have had since being cast here

> and better yet, with these others here, I doubt the demon will try anything again

 

> In the morning, we were awakened by the tribes people

> they took us the rest of the way to the gate

> with the demon in tow, we sat at the gate, looking for the proper rune

> the demon, in her apparently vast knowledge, found it

> she tapped her horn to the rune, and infused it with magic

> a bright flash took me to the land of Equestria once more

> she and I stood next to each other, unsure of quite what to do next

> I began to walk away, towards my town

> she followed

> with her powers restored, I feared more for my life than ever

> she did nothing

> the town I walked into was indeed the one I call home

> but it was different

> very different

> and nonsensical

> chunks of earth, carrying buildings, floated in the middle of the air

> isolated clouds rained what appeared to be chocolate

> ponies scrambled about, walking upside down, or being carried away by an unseen force

> and in the middle of all the madness sat a bizarre creature

> a surreal amalgamation of mammal, reptile, and bird, he spoke with a smooth, low voice

> "ah! I new play thing I see. Oh, we are going to have so much fun with you"

> his eyes glowed ominously at those words

> the demon and I fled into the town, and away from the creature

> we ran down streets that altered before our very eyes

> turns were cut off, and new ones opened

> the street made loops into the air, and impossible designs

> yet, somehow, we were capable of running on them

> we navigated this maze of pavement, and ended up at the remains of Canterlot Castle

> the demon and I entered the building, to find two spears pointed at our throats

> "Halt! Who goes there?"

 > after only a brief moment, the guard lowers his spear

> "Forgive me your Highness. As you can see, times are difficult, and we cannot be too careful"

Understood, soldier. Where is Chrysalis?

> I heard her voice call from across the room

> my daughter came galloping over in full sprint, and nearly knocked me off my feet

> "Oh Daddy! I've missed you so much!"

> Chrys came over, and I embraced her as well

I've missed you too

> the whole journey melted away

> the poison, the wolves, the demon, gone

> this was the only moment of my life

> I reveled in the wonderful love for my family, before releasing them

Now could someone please explain to me what exactly is happening?

> "Discord"

Discord?

> "The monster who has changed these lands, his name is Discord. He thrives on pure chaos, he seeks to ruin anything that makes sense"

I can tell. What is the status of the military

> "Nullified. He made their weapons useless"

Is there anything that can stop him?

> a guard chimed in

> "The Elements of Harmony"

Excuse me?

> "The Elements of Harmony, laughter, kindness, honesty, loyalty, generosity, and magic. They have the power to restore the order, and defeat him."

Where are these elements?

> "Right here"

> six familiar mares enter the room

My Goodness, I haven't seen you all in a long time

> "I don't think now is the right time to be reacquainted, darling"

Fair enough. So if you all can defeat him, why haven't you

> "We need to collect the elements first, but we can't do it without getting Discord's attention"

Do you need a distraction?

> "That's what we were hopin' fer"

I shall do my best

> "And I shall go with you"

> "Me too!"

> two princesses appeared as well

> "And us!"

> I had forgotten about the demon, who stood silently, observing the whole meeting

> "I will as well"

> Times were desperate, in my absence, Discord had grown very powerful

> each act of disorder he brought about only served to make him stronger

> we rushed to confront him, while the six mares snuck away to find the Elements

> We met him on his newly formed throne

> "Oh-ho. Looks like we have a little superhero team. Well that's no fair, there's only one of me!"

> he snapped his fingers, and two more discords appeared

> Chrys and I attacked the original, the two Celestias attacked one, and Winter and Luna attacked the other

> Chrys blasted the discord with bolts of magic, which he immediately shook off

> he returned fire with a bolt of magic, which turned her into a chicken

> she quickly morphed back to her standard form

> "How silly of me to forget you changelings can do such things!"

> I fired my musket while he was distracted

> the bullet entered his neck

> "Ow! Did something just sting me? Oh, it's the Tsar himself!"

> a firearm morphed out of thin air, and he wielded it

> he turned it towards me and opened fire, releasing a swarm of bees

> I shielded myself in my robes, too thick for the bees to penetrate

> my vision returned to witness Chrys being repeatedly transformed into various animals

> he held her in his paw

> "Oh now this is fun"

> a rhinoceros, a fish, a swan

> each time, she would just change back to her normal self

> I rushed to attack, and hit my sword against his leg

> the sword went limp upon striking him

> he payed me no mind

> "Well, now I am bored again. Let's try something like this!"

> his paw lit up, and infused Chrys with some sort of spell

What did you do to her!

> "A fun little game I call changeling charades. She no longer has control over her transformations, and she'll keep transforming into things at random, before she ceases to exist."

> those last words sent a shock through me

H-how long until then?

> a timer appeared and floated next to him

> "I don't know, it could be two seconds, it could be five days. Isn't Chaos delicious?"

> he laughed maniacally, and threw Chrys away, at which point, she turned into a shrew

> I could do nothing more than go into a furious rage

> I fired all of my pistols at him, which he promptly negated by turning the bullets into marshmallow

> I charged him with my bardiche, whose blade was made into a balloon

> finally, he picked me up by the foot and dangled me in front of him

> "What can we do with you?"

> a snowball hit his face

> Winter had thrown it

> it would seem the other two discords had been defeated

> "Oh, a snowball fight you want, eh?"

> he dawned a metal helmet, and held onto a portable gatling-gun

> "Say hello to my little friend"

> each rotation of the barrel fired another snowball

> Winter was promptly buried in snow

> as a disgusting extra measure, he went and began to scribe his name in the snow in urine

> the demon Celestia took advantage of this, and using her summoned tentacles, took hold of his limbs

> this caused him to fail to complete his signature, which infuriated him

> "MY NAME'S NOT DISCORL!"

> waves of magic flowed up the tentacles and burned the demon Celestia

> she fell to the ground, unconscious, or dead

> something inside me felt a small twinge of sorrow for the demon

> the symbol of chaos turned his attention to the two princesses flying nearby

> "Ah, Celestia, it's been quite some time, hasn't it? Tell me, do you know what it's like to be trapped in stone? It's quite boring, but maybe it'd be best if you see for yourself"

> and with a snap of his finger, Celestia was made stone, and fell to the ground below her

> "And as for you, princess Luna-"

> before he could finish, an elephant charged into him, goring him slightly with its tusks

> he threw the elephant away, at which point it turned into an iguana

> he moved his fingers and took some blood from the tusk wounds

> his fingers moved to his cheeks, where he painted below his eyes

> Chaos incarnate wore a band over his forehead, and a green vest with torn sleeves