I hadn't been able to get away to go back to Ponyville since Zecora had told me the news despite wanting to speak to the doctor. Zecora had insisted that my place was here and that she could handle it. We actually had an argument about it until we reached a compromise. The two of us set up an appointment with the doctor to talk about things as soon as possible. Scarlet had volunteered to set up the appointment, and when she came back two hours later she said the earliest we could talk with the doctor was a week. Something about that seemed suspicious, but I trusted Scarlet.

To say that the celebratory lovemaking that night was amazing couldn't even cover it. Zecora and Scarlet both were extra into the deed that all three of us were both tired and inseparable for the rest of the following day.

For that week, I threw myself into the work of helping to rebuild. The construction had begun in earnest with Sunset having discovered ancient instructions on old Dragon building techniques which she and I both translated into modern common speech. A couple older Dragons among the group of refugees were slightly familiar with how things worked, having been hatchlings when Old Aelyssia fell.

During our exploratory missions into the ancient hoard beneath Virynth Atheos, we found a room full of pristine clothing made for Dragons of all sizes and sexes. I made an announcement to them that I would be distributing most of it to them if they so wished. I was surprised when about three fourths of them took the clothes and began to wear it. They were made of a material I couldn't readily identify, but it was loose and tough, perfect for flying. Most of those who didn't accept the clothes were the younger generation, who had been used to walking around naked their entire lives. Still, I wasn't too surprised when Smolder accepted several female made clothes, while Garble took some for him and his mother.

Chrysalis and the Dazzlings remained around, of course. The former was relegated to cleaning up the debris filled streets. At first I'd made her use her normal physical strength until she collapsed and had a bit of a breakdown. The two of us had a serious talk where she said she felt helpless and useless without her magic. I spoke to Sunset about the issue, and she explained that there was a specific magic dampening ring that allowed for certain spells to be used, but not others. I contacted Celestia about it, and in a day she'd send me one which I put on Chrysalis' finger. She was now able to use the most basic of magic: telekinesis, but I still had her watched.

The Dazzlings felt similarly useless, at least until Sonata discovered how to use her wings properly. She used it to fly around and get a feel for the land and where the worst of the debris in the city lay. The others soon figured out how to use their own wings. That was when they came to me and asked for permission to travel east. They were hoping to find any news of their kind. It took me some time to think it over, but I eventually agreed, on the condition that they were accompanied by some of my best guards to ensure they didn't escape. I saw some indignation in Adagio's and Aria's eyes, but Sonata quickly calmed them both down. The former two reluctantly agreed and on the fourteenth, they left with an attachment of six guards accompanying them.

Gemini and Mica, along with Captain Lahar, had been making great strides in teaching the new Imperial Guard how to best defend a castle and their new ruler, me. They were all now wearing ancient Aelyssian armor and every time I encountered my two guards, they were in a field training with staves and wooden swords. When I asked why they weren't training in the air, Gemini snorted and told me that she taught what she knew, not what she didn't. "To know how an enemy fights is the surest way to victory," she said. With that, I left her and Mica be, trusting that they were doing what was best for the new members of the Guard.

For the most part, I spent my time visiting with the reclamation teams and speaking to many Dragons in the camp. I would spend hours speaking to young and old Dragons about a great many things. Mostly about what they wanted for the newly restored Empire. Older Dragons were surprisingly nostalgic in their own way. They spoke a lot of how things were when they were hatchlings, how they didn't need to scrounge for scraps or fight for territory. Everyone lived well. Many of the young folks, having heard the many great stories about Old Aelyssia, wanted the new Empire to become a beacon of strength in a world they felt had grown soft. They didn't seem to hold much hope for that, seeing as I was now their new Emperor.

Ember was with me at the time one of them said those words and was about to throw hands but I stopped her. I'd asked the young Dragoness why she'd thought that and she explained that I was friends with Ponies, who she viewed as soft and weak. I was quick to remind her that there were two powerful Ponies who raised the sun and moon for the entire world. Not only that, but Ponies had powerful magic. She argued that magic couldn't do much to a Dragon, and while she argued about it, Ember had leaned in and told me to show her up. So I did. I surprised the young Dragoness with a powerful wind attack out of nowhere, sending her sprawling. I stood, looming over her, and calmly explained that if used properly, magic could easily take down a Dragon. I reminded her of a Pegasus named Flash Magnus who had defeated some Dragons without needing Unicorn magic.

According to Ember, during breakfast on the seventh day after I received the news about my child, the general consensus on me was that while they would honor my claim to the throne, I needed to continue proving my worth to them, which I felt was fair. Still, apparently the fact that I spoke to Dragons every day spoke volumes about me. Zecora, Scarlet and Sunset agreed with me, but I just thought that I needed the opinions of as many as I could meet so I could better meet their needs in the coming months and years.

After breakfast and doing my normal rounds throughout the palace, Zecora, Scarlet and I went back through the doorway portal back to Ponyville, making our way to its hospital. It was time for answers.

"I triple checked your wife when she was here last time, Sir Bethridge," Ponyville's residential doctor, the same one who had treated Scarlet all those months ago, said in a calm tone. His name was Charlie Horse. I was sitting in his office with Zecora sitting next to me and Scarlet on my other side. "I'm no expert when it comes to humans, Zebras, or the combination that your wife is, but we have magical means to see inside the body. There is a mass growing in what I assume is your wife's womb. If those human biology books of yours are anything to go by, then it's definitely a living fetus." He lifted his horn and floated over a piece of paper that had what looked like an ultrasound. There was a small black patch with a smaller black mass of random shape sitting in the center.

I took the paper and looked at it while digging into my pocket. I pulled out my phone, opened Google, typed in ultrasound of a month old fetus in the search bar and pulled up several images. They looked fairly similar to what the photograph in my hand was showing. I looked back at the doctor. "I…I'm honestly at a loss here," I admitted. "It's been a week since I heard the news and I'm still trying to wrap my head around how this is possible." I felt Zecora's hand tighten in mine. Quickly turning, I saw a slightly hurt expression on her face, so I immediately added, "Oh, don't get me wrong, sweetie. I'm happy beyond my wildest dreams. I really am."

And I meant it. I had always wanted to be a father and sire children with my wife, but when I came to Equestria I thought that dream was dead. Even when I discovered that the human world beyond was basically Earth, I wasn't sure if impregnating Zecora in human form would do anything. Still, the shock was still there. And it was now beginning to be replaced with worry. I'd placed that worry aside during the past week, focusing on my new Imperial duties, but now that I was back in Ponyville, it was starting to settle in a bit more. Squeezing Zecora's hand back, I turned once more to the doctor. "Doc, can you tell if the baby is healthy or not?"

The doctor pursed his lips. "If your wife was a Pony or a normal Zebra, I would say yes despite how different her wombscan looks," he said, "but this is entirely new territory for me and I'm pretty sure it'd be new territory for any doctor." He took a deep breath, and exhaled. "I'll be honest, Sir Bethridge, I'm in way over my head here. I'm a Pony doctor, not a human one." He then turned to address Zecora. "Like I said, Mrs. Bethridge, your symptoms are pretty much in line with a Pony pregnancy and even a Zebra one. Morning sickness, unusual cravings, and the mood swings all fit in with how a pregnancy can affect a mare's body."

"Human women have similar symptoms," I admitted. "I still can't believe I didn't see it sooner."

"Hey, don't blame yourself," Scarlet said, putting a wing around me gently and giving me a reassuring smile, "you've been busy with helping to rebuild things in Aelyssia."

"She's right, dearest," Zecora added, putting her arm through mine and leaning against me. "No one blames you."

I took a few moments to collect my thoughts, trying to calm down and not fall back into my old habit of blaming myself. After calming down, I gave my wife and my girlfriend a wry smile. "You're the one who's pregnant, but I'm the one freaking out," I said to Zecora. I looked at both of my mares. "Thank you both."

Zecora and Scarlet both leaned in and kissed my cheeks. Zecora was the first to speak as she said, "I would be lying if I said I wasn't worried, but the fact that I am bearing your child at all makes me happy beyond anything I could have ever hoped."

I smiled at her, hiding my own worries. My mind was racing with dozens of different scenarios. What if this child was some horrifying amalgamation of human and Zebra? What if they were in pain for their entire lives? What if there was some kind of brain damage for them? What if they somehow died in the womb? The what ifs bounced around in my mind for a while before I got a hold of myself and pushed those thoughts down. One thing at a time. I looked at the doctor. "Doc, I hope you won't be offended if I have some other physicians look at her. I don't doubt you when you say that she's pregnant, but I just want to be sure the baby is healthy."

The doctor smiled, almost in what looked like relief. "I was actually about to suggest something similar," he said. "A union between two entirely different species isn't something I've ever heard of before. I would highly recommend Doctor Healing Note up in Canterlot. She's one of the most accomplished physicians out there."

"Healing Note, got it," I said, making a brief note in my phone.

"And since you're a Knight of Equestria, you should have access to some of the Royal Healers, too," the doctor said.

"I'll ask the Princesses," I nodded. "Hell, while I'm at it, I might ask some of the Dragon healers if they could take a look."

Zecora's hand, the one that was in mine, squeezed tighter. I looked and saw her giving me a reassuring look. "Dearest, you are worrying too much about this," she said with a kind tone, one she used whenever I was especially upset.

Scarlet jumped onto my lap and gave my cheek an affectionate lick before nuzzling my face. "She'll be alright," my marefriend said.

I took a deep breath, then exhaled. "I really hope so," I said a bit shakily, "but I know I'd feel better if we got second opinions."

"And we will," Zecora reassured me, letting a bit of her own worry show again. "I'm worried, too. I want our foal to be healthy, but you're right. We are different species. But I'm also excited for the possibilities. I've wanted to be a mother ever since I was a teenage filly, and now, against all odds, I have the chance."

Scarlet joined in as well. "If either of you need anything from me, just say the word and I'll be there. I won't leave either of you hanging."

I looked at my marefriend and a warn smile came to my lips. "You're beginning to sound like Rainbow Dash."

Scarlet's smile turned into a saucy grin. "Oh trust me, I'll do things that little skittle won't do."

A wave of relief washed over me, and I said the words she was probably hoping to hear. "Oh my God, how horny are you?"

As the three of us walked down the snowy streets of Ponyville, the sun shone down from the sky onto the white blanket covering the sleepy town, but since it was so low in the sky, it didn't warm anything up. There were snow clouds approaching from the west, and my weather app said that there were three to five inches of snow forecast for the next five hours. We received many different greetings of surprise and welcome. Those I saw were all surprised to see me back so soon, so I briefly explained that I'd managed to create a portal from Aelyssia to Equestria, and how I was coming back for a visit for the day. Surprisingly, I didn't see the Mane Six around despite me having come through the Golden Oaks Library to come home. Then again, I wasn't too worried about it.

As we walked through the gate that separated my house from the rest of the town and approached the house, I blurted out, "I've gotta say, getting the news on my birthday was a stroke of pure amazing coincidence."

My wife and marefriend shot me a surprised look. "Wait, last week was your birthday?" Scarlet asked in surprise.

"By the calendar, yeah," I replied. "Timeline wise, not really."

"What do you mean?" Zecora asked, slipping her arm through mine as Scarlet landed on my back and wrapped her forelegs around my neck.

"Well, when I came here, the date back on my Earth was February," I explained, "but when I got here, by Equestira time it was late June. So technically I have a few more months before I turn thirty-one. But timeline-wise, the eleventh would be my birthday."

I felt Scarlet squeezing me tightly. "Well, then happy late pseudo-birthday," she said sweetly.

Zecora turned me towards her and gave me a deep kiss for a good ten seconds before breaking it, giving me a lidded look. "If I'd know, I'd have prepared a nice surprise for you," she said sultrily.

Scarlet leaped off of my back and tackled me, sending the both of us sprawling onto the ground as she kissed me hard as well. She eventually released me, giving me a grin. "We'll give you a nice surprise tonight regardless."

I smiled. "You both gave me an amazing surprise that night regardless." I ran my hand through Scarlet's crimson mane, then slowly sat up, brushing snow off of my chest as Scarlet jumped off of me. Zecora walked up, held out her hand, and helped me to my feet. I looked at the two mares I'd fallen in love with, then gave them the biggest smile I could muster. "Thank you for caring so much for me."

"That's what wives and marefriends are for, you silly man," Scarlet said, hovering nearby as she retook her spot on my back. "I know I act silly and raunchy, but I know when to be serious. I meant what I said back at the hospital. I'll be there when you need me. Both of you."

Zecora smiled at her. "We appreciate the sentiment," she said, "and the same can be said of us about you."

I nodded. "If you need anything, we'll be there for you too."

Scarlet looked between the two of us, her smile widening as she flew next to us while we made our way to the house. As we did, I noticed that it was a bit quieter than I would have expected. Part of me attributed it to the snow absorbing the noise, but something else popped into my mind. As I slowed and stared at the house, Zecora noticed this and looked at me curiously. "Dearest, is something wrong?"

I didn't answer right away. Instead, a small grin formed on my face as I cleared my throat. "Fool me once, shame on you! Fool me twice, shame on me! Come on out, Pinkamena Diane Pie! I know you're in there!"

There was silence for a bit. Then, my door was flung open and a pink blur rushed out, tackling me. I felt the warm affectionate embrace of the pink party pony then a few affectionate kisses. I laughed as Pinkie's hug tightened around me while she nuzzled my face in between kisses. "Whoa there, you pink menace!"

"I can't believe you and Zecora are having a foal!" she exclaimed happily, her blue eyes wide with joy and excitement. "I was walking down the street when I had the biggest combo I've ever had! I says to myself, I says, 'Pinkie, somepony's gotten the biggest news of their lives!' And then I just knew! I also knew it was somepony's birthday a week ago and I didn't know who, until I remembered I didn't know your birthday, so I knew it was your birthday, but you're also having a baby too!" She bounced up and down on my chest, and I was afraid she would burst something with how excited she was.

"Jesus, how much sugar has this mare had today?" Scarlet said as she landed and smirked.

"Actually, not too much," a new voice said from the door.

I looked and saw a welcome sight. Twilight Sparkle stood in the doorway, a wide grin on her lips. I waved. "Can someone help get this pink maniac off of me?" I asked in a teasing tone.

Not two seconds later, I heard someone galloping up and begin to pry the clingy Earth Pony off. "Alright, sugarcube, up and at 'em," Applejack said as she hoisted Pinkie off of me. She gave me an apologetic look. "She's been like this all mornin'," she said as she placed Pinkie down on all fours again. Applejack then held out a hoof to me. "Here, lemme help ya up."

I gratefully took her hoof and she pulled me to my feet. "Thanks, AJ."

"Shoot, ain't gotta thank me fer nothin'," she said with a dismissive wave of her hoof.

I smiled, then turned to see the others coming out of the house. Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Rarity all stepped out. But it was who came out next that surprised me. Not only did Princess Cadance and Shining Armor step out, but so did Princess Celestia and Princess Luna None of them were even wearing their normal outfits. Their smiles were beaming wide as the solar and lunar princesses strode up to me, Zecora, and Scarlet. Celestia was the first to speak as she lifted up on her hind legs, wrapping her hooves around me in a tight bear hug. "Congratulations, dear friend," she said, a tone of total joy escaping her. "I'm so happy for you."

"Let us not forget that we missed your day of many happy returns to you as well," Luna said, giving me a smile of her own before she turned to Zecora. "Congratulations to you as well, Mrs. Bethridge."

Zecora, looking a bit overwhelmed by this, could only nod dumbly for a bit before she stammered out, "Th-Thank you, Your Highness."

"Nay, don't call me that here," Luna said. "Right now, my sister and I are visiting you all as friends and common ponies."

Celestia's grip on me tightened a bit. Had I not been endowed with Earth Pony strength, I'm sure she would have broken several bones. Still, I had a slight suspicion that there was more to her actions than met the eye. I hugged her back, letting the warmth of her embrace wash over me. It was like being wrapped up in a warm summer's day. "I didn't expect to see you and Luna here, but I'm glad to see you," I said.

I felt her smile as she nuzzled my face affectionately before she slowly pulled away, only for Luna to take her place, giving me an equally tight hug. Unlike Celestia's, hers felt like I was being embraced by the cool summer night. She nuzzled me affectionately as she said, "We're both happy to see you as well."

After she let me go, Cadance came up next. She reached up and put a hoof on my shoulder, giving me a knowing look and a smile. "Who'd have thought you had it in you?" she asked in a surprisingly raunchy grin.

"Right?" Scarlet replied, exchanging a look with Cadance before both burst out laughing.

"Scarlet, have you been corrupting the Princess of Love?" I asked in a scolding tone.

Scarlet faked a gasp and put a hoof to her chest. "Moi? You must have me confused with some other mare."

"In all seriousness, Jethro, I am really happy for you," Cadance said with utter sincerity, her eyes locking onto mine. "Having a foal is one of the ultimate forms of love out there. If you ever need a foalsitter, don't hesitate."

"She's the best foalsitter in the world!" Twilight perked up from behind Cadance.

"So I've been told," I said.

Next up was Shining Armor. I guessed that he was a plus one with Cadance, but I was glad to have another guy there. He and I exchanged a hoof/fistbump and he said, "Congratulations, Sir Bethridge."

"Just Jethro, please," I replied, "and thank you, Captain. It's good to see you again."

"You can call me Shining," he said with a smile of his own.

I looked at them all. Each of them had smiles on their faces. Pinkie's was definitely the widest as she stood on her back legs and pushed me towards the door with her front hooves on my back. "Come on! Come on! You're missing your party, all of you!"

"Ah! Not so hard!" I said with a laugh as Pinkie pushed me onward.

That didn't stop her, however. "You ruined the surprise, so the least you can do is enjoy the party!" she exclaimed with a giggle.

"Okay, okay, I give," I chuckled as I was pushed into my house. As I entered, The Cutie Mark Crusaders suddenly appeared out of nowhere, a large envelope in Apple Bloom's hoof. "Here ya go!" she said, "It's for the foal!"

"Really? Thank you!" I took the envelope and looked at it. To my surprise, they'd painted a blue shield on it with a small pony foal painted in the center. Said foal was rearing up on its hind legs, a smile on its face and a small cloak around its neck. I looked down at them. "Can I open it for the baby?"

"Knock yourself out!" Scootaloo said.

I looked over at Zecora, who nodded at me as she took one side of the envelope in her hand. "Together," was all she said.

I nodded back, and the two of us opened the manila envelope. Inside was a rather sturdy looking sheet of white paper with some gold fringe on it. Written in gold letters was the following:

On this date, January 18, the foal of Jethro Bethridge and Zecora Bethridge is hereby given a permanent place among the roster of the Cutie Mark Crusaders

Signed: Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo

I looked down at the CMC, looking over their expectant faces. Kneeling, I held out a fist and said, "Cutie Mark Crusaders…"

As one, they placed their hooves on my fist, and we all shouted, "Forever!" Then, as one again, they glomped onto me, hugging me tightly but with enough force to send me sprawling onto my back. Soon the four of us were all giggling and I was hugging them all close in my arms and wings. We were surrounded by everyone else, all watching with approving smiles. Pinkie sat down next to us, getting into a ponyloaf position before getting into my face, wide eyed and all smiles before saying, "Come on! There's so many presents to open and so many games to play!"

Pinkie wasn't wrong. I don't know how she knew it was my birthday, but I decided to accept it as something Pinkie had figured out with her Pinkie Sense. That was, until she revealed sheepishly that she'd stumbled onto my wallet and saw my birthday on my Oregon license. She was all ready to apologize, but I stopped her and forgave her, asking her not to do it again and to ask if she wanted to know something about me. She Pinkie Promised, of course.

When we entered the dining room, there was a massive multilayered cake sitting on the table and two piles of presents in the corner, one for my birthday and the other for me and Zecora to help with our child. Pinkie insisted that Zecora and I sit and let the rest of them pamper us. To our surprise and delight, they had also made some traditional Farasi desserts, including South Farasi Peppermint Crisp Fridge Tart and Mareoccan Shortbread Cookies. They'd prepared other things besides the cake, too, such as chocolate mint chip ice cream (my personal favorite), chocolate chip cookies, and more.

We gorged ourselves, especially the three fillies and Spike. For the first time, I thought Celestia had met her match in terms of cake lust in Zecora. Since she was eating for two, she ate several plates. I ate more than I thought I could, but those two seemed to start an impromptu competition. Celestia won, of course, but it was close for a while.

After devouring most of the treats, Pinkie zoomed over to the presents and began piling them onto the table in front of me and Zecora. She had a major grin on her face as she and the other stepped back and waited for us to open it.

Zecora started first with the gifts for the two of us for our baby. She picked up a large envelope which had the words Congratulations on your new bundle of joy – Rarity Belle written on the front in impeccable cursive. She opened the envelope and pulled out the paper inside, reading out, "Good for a lifetime: custom made clothing for your new foal at a discount."

When we both looked at Rarity, she gave me a smirk. "I knew better than to say for free with you. You would never have accepted it, even if I did offer, which I wanted to do."

I walked over to her, hugging her tightly. "You know me well, my friend," I said.

Zecora too came and hugged her. "Thank you very much."

Rarity blushed a bit, then waved a hoof. "Pish posh, darlings," she said, "it's the least I could do for you both."

Rarity had also given us something else. When Zecora opened the soft bundle, we were greeted by a warm looking blanket made specifically for the foal. It looked an awful lot like the one the show's version of Rarity had made for the yet to be born Flurry Heart, but I said nothing about that, only thanked her again.

The next present Zecora opened was from Twilight. To nobody's surprise, she had given us several parenting books as well as children's books that were both fun and educational. I even saw copied of a few human children's books among them, such as Goodnight Moon and Grandfather Twilight. When I asked, Twilight admitted that she'd spoken to Twyla and she'd suggested buying several human children's storybooks to get the best of both worlds. Twyla had bought several classics, including said book, and Twilight had paid her back by bringing her bits which turned into cash. Twilight sheepishly admitted that she'd asked for copied of the books for herself, causing everyone else to laugh. We both thanked her gratefully and promised to use them appropriately.

Next, Zecora opened a massive bundle from Pinkie, who was growing more and more impatient. The box had a lid which she opened. Inside we saw dozens of foal toys, each organized by age. There were toys which taught shapes, blocks, toy trains, dolls/action figures, and so much more. A part of me dreaded the idea of all of our child's toys being strewn about the house, but that dread melted away because seeing all of these toys made the reality of our miracle all the more prominent. We hugged and thanked Pinkie so much that she blushed as well.

Rainbow Dash's present was opened next. She'd found some Wonderbolt toys that Pinkie had either somehow missed or deliberately excluded. There were figures of Spirfire, Thunderlane, and various other famous members of the team. There was also a pack of what looked like Wonderbolt trading cards as well as a book that had all of their stats and win/loss ratios. Nobody was surprised, but we weren't any less grateful. She even gave us a hastily written note that read "If your baby has wings, I'll teach him or her how to be twenty percent cooler like me! -RD."

Applejack's gift was large and covered in a large blanket. When we removed the blanket, we saw a brand new crib made from applewood. The sweet smell of apples instantly permeated the air. Inside the crib were a number of hoofwoven quilts and blankets, apparently made by Applejack and Granny Smith. The crib had been made by Big Mac with a bit of help from the Crusaders who had hoped to get their cutie marks in construction. The crib also had a mattress in it and a baby mobile above it, the latter having small apples and apple trees hanging from them. I hugged Applejack and thanked her, promising to come down and thank the others when time allowed.

Fluttershy was nervous to give me her gift, but Zecora eventually opened it. We both gasped when we saw an exquisite painting depicting me and Zecora. I was standing next to her while Zecora sat in a rocking chair, her hands over a pregnant looking stomach. The two of us were looking at the pregnant belly with smiles full of love and warmth. We were sitting in a cloud with the sun shining down, illuminating her stomach. One of my wings was around her and one of hers around mine. It was truly a masterpiece, and I immediately hugged Fluttershy tightly, Zecora quickly joining. I promised to put it up where I would see it often, causing the butter colored Pegasus to blush.

When it came to the present from the Princesses, I had to admit I was a bit apprehensive, but all three of them reassured me that we would love the present they'd given to me. The box they floated over to the two of us was small, but it was heavy. Zecora and I looked at each other, then back at the box. Slowly, we both opened it. What we saw inside made both of our jaws drop.

Sitting inside was a snow globe. The stand was made of gold with silver swirling patterns around it. Inside the sphere, aside from the glittering false snowflakes, was a depiction of my two houses, painstakingly recreated. There were miniatures of myself, Zecora, Scarlet, the Mane Six, Spike, and Celestia and Luna. They were all standing in front of the house, smiling up at us. There was a brass panel on one side with an engraving that read Friendship is Magic. I could feel magic emanating from it and apparently so did Zecora, because she asked the princesses about it.

Celestia was the first to answer. "The magic within will ensure that it never breaks or fades and will also protect anypony in close proximity to it."

"'Tis also able to glow in the dark and project the starry night on the ceiling," Luna said with glee.

"You can also add in any other creature to that scene with some magic," Cadance finished.

We both looked at it once more. On the bottom, I noticed that they'd installed a music box on it. I twisted the knob, and to my astonishment, a music box rendition of the My Little Pony theme came out of it. Zecora and I looked at each other, then both of us smiled before turning back and thanking the princesses.

After that, I was immediately inundated with presents for my belated birthday. Everyone watched as I picked among the presents, keeping an eye on Pinkie as she grew more and more impatient. Inwardly, I grinned. Teasing her was fun, but eventually I picked her present first. Opening the large heavy box, I saw several large jars full of candy inside, but not just any candy. I unscrewed the lid of one and picked out what looked like an M&M, only instead of a big M on it, there was a J. I picked up another, seeing that there was a Z on it. I looked over at Pinkie, and she gestured for me to take a bite. Shrugging, I did so.

Now, one of my favorite candies was M&Ms. I thought for sure when I arrived in Equestria I'd never see them again, so I had hardly touched the large bag I had stuffed away in the cupboard. However, the candy I tasted was by far better than any M&M I'd ever tasted. It took all of my willpower not to devour them all. I looked at the lid and noticed that there was a label on it. It read Pinkie's M&Ms. I looked up at her and she was beaming proudly. "Weeeell?"

I looked at the other jars. Each were filled with homemade bite sized versions of Earth candy. Snickers, Milky Way, Twix, Butterfingers, and more. They were about the size of Halloween candy, and all looked homemade. I opened the jar of the Butterfingers one, taking a bite. An explosion of flavor washed over me and I had to force myself to slow down so as not to choke. After swallowing, I looked at Pinkie. "I don't know how you did it," I said, "but you made snacks from home ten times better! How'd you do it?"

"Ah ah ah, that's a Pinkie Pie and Diane secret," she said with a wink.

I opened Twilight's present next. Once more, there were several books among them, which she described as ancient tomes regarding magic. There was even a history book called Legends of Skyros. That was the second time I'd heard the name, but I decided not to ask about it right now. I promised to read them.

Rarity's gift was a number of yet more new clothes. I almost made a joke about my closets being full to bursting, but I realized belatedly that the clothes were royal in appearance. Not only that, but they had remarkably Old Aelyssian style to it. I then remembered that a few days ago Sunset had reported a book that she'd misplaced. I looked at Rarity and grinned. "Did someone go stealing a fashion book from my Empire?"

Rarity's face went red and she sputtered. "Ah, I, well…" Her ears lowered and she bowed. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "I just really wanted to make something worthy of your title. And I didn't know anything about Dragon fashion, so I, well…asked Scarlet to borrow a book from your new palace."

I shook my head, my smirk growing. "Who knew the Element of Generosity was so devious?" I asked in a teasing tone, which made Rarity sputter again. I held up a hand. "Just give the book back when you're done. Our Imperial Library isn't quite open for business yet, and you don't have a library card." That caused a laugh to pass around the room, making Rarity blush. I walked over to her and hugged her. "I love the gift," I added. "Thank you."

My next gift was from Fluttershy. She had gotten me a large very comfortable looking bird cage for Eve, who I had seen on and off all week. She was currently back in Aelyssia, having gone with the Dazzlings when they left. Hestia had insisted on tagging along, and Eve wanted to spend time learning the common tongue with Hestia.

Rainbow Dash was up next. She got me personal signed posters of the Wonderbolts, including Spitfire, although the picture of her was surprisingly…risqué. I had to hide it from Spike's eyes. Zecora had spotted it, though, and she gave me a knowing smirk before saying in Farasi, "Already have eyes for a certain yellow mare?"

"I hardly know her," I retorted with a chuckle.

I knew Celestia and Luna could understand what I was saying, but I was surprised to see Cadance smirking a bit before she too added "Soon you'll have half of the mares in this town under your charm." And she had spoken in perfect, if slightly accented, Farasi.

Applejack's gift was, unsurprisingly, an apple related one. She'd gave me several large jars full of jam made from the apple trees from Aelyssia. I tasted them all, and wasn't surprised to learn that they were indeed very delicious.

Spike apologized for not getting me a gift for the new foal, but he gave me another sculpture he'd made of crystal. This one, to my surprise, was a depiction of the Dragonborn from Skyrim, of all things. It looked a bit hastily made, but he definitely had the hand, or claw in his case, of a craftsman. I smiled, gave him a hug, and thanked him.

To my surprise, Shining had actually gotten me a gift as well. It was a brand new forged sword. He explained that it was one made of something called magisteel. It could cut through things normal swords couldn't and could create shields and magical armor around its bearer whenever other

After that, it was time for the princesses gift for my birthday. They gave me a manila envelope and I hesitantly opened it. Inside, I saw that there was a deed to yet another plot of land, but this plot was in Canterlot. Specifically, there was a plot with an apparently fantastic view of the valley below, judging from the images of the plot. There was even an amazing view of the castle to the north and Ponyville to the south. I gave them a bit of a glare. "We really should be setting a limit for the amount of bits needed for a gift," I said.

"You're welcome, dear friend," was Celestia's coy reply.

I walked over, spread my wings, and engulfed all three princesses in a hug with them. They hugged me back. Only to be interrupted by a party cannon going off, spreading confetti everywhere. A particularly bouncy pink Pony jumped up. "Now let's kick this party up another notch!"

Pinkie undersold it. She had a lot planned for the party. We played all sorts of games indoors and outdoors, including a long overdue snowball fight where the only rules were you couldn't use magic or flight. We even did some karaoke, which included Spike singing Sugar, Sugar by The Archies, Luna singing Children of the Night and Celestia singing Lullaby for a Princess. I decided to sing Land of Equestria by Marcus Warner and everyone was so struck by its beauty that I thought I once overheard Celestia and Luna discussing its being sung at public events.

By the time the party was winding down, I was dog tired, as was everyone else. Everyone except Pinkie it seemed, who had boundless energy as she helped clean up the party. She even helped put the presents away in the places I wanted them, as did everyone else, except for the CMC and Spike, all of whom were asleep on the couches in the living room.

Scarlet, Zecora and I headed back to Aelyssia despite Scarlet wanting to sleep in the bed back in the mansion. However, she accepted my reasoning that I wasn't done in Aelyssia yet, and she was turning out to be almost as loyal as Rainbow Dash in never leaving my side. When we got back to the castle, it was late, at least late by Aelyssian time. It took all of our energy to get into comfortable pajamas and slide into bed. We were asleep instantly.

I found myself flying through Virynth Atheos' many halls without any memory of how I'd gotten there. I looked down at my body and saw that it was translucent. I was ecstatic. I was back in Morphean form!

I moved along the hallways, making myself invisible and taking stock of everything around me. I would occasionally use my Morphean magic to restore some bits of the castle that had fallen into disrepair back to their former glory. I tried expending more of the Morphean energy, but every time I tried it felt as if I was being pulled back to my body, so I did little bits here and there. It sucked, because I knew that if I had the power that I'd had before, I could restore the entire palace in days instead of the months it would probably take manually.

But ever since the time Eris had hit me with her last blast of magic…

My thoughts trailed off. I had gotten scanned by magical experts and checked by even the Princesses. They said there was nothing wrong with my magic. Still, I couldn't help but feel that something was affecting my Morphean powers.

Suddenly, I felt my astral body being pulled, but not back towards the bedroom. It felt as if a hand had taken my shirt and was tugging me, as if to get my attention. I turned and saw a strange glowing light. It floated in front of me, looking completely out of place, but I couldn't understand why. After a few moments of staring at it, I realized what it was that was off. The light it emitted didn't touch anything else other than my astral form.

It moved away from me slowly then stopped. It felt like it was waiting for me. I tried to detect magic from it, but felt nothing. I experimentally moved closer to it. It stayed still, then moved away again. I stopped, and it went on for a bit until it reached a point in space where it slowed and stopped. The distance between me and this light was the same as where it had stopped the first time.

Yeah, this thing's definitely leading me somewhere, I thought. I put up several different magical shields around my body like a few extra layers of skin before I approached it again. This time, I didn't stop, but followed as it made its way towards a fork in the corridor. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw two guards patrolling the hallways, not noticing the light above their heads. The light took a left turn, heading towards the deeper sections of the castle. Heading towards the door that Sunset had found that held the hoard room.

As the light and I both passed through the door, I saw that there were some candles lit in a corner of the room. The light headed towards the room where only the Emperor could enter, but it was away from the candlelight. Curious, I headed first towards the candlelight. The light from before stopped and followed me, making a straight line from me to the Emperor's private room. I had to smirk when I saw Sunset Shimmer sitting at a desk, her nose buried in a book.

I landed and made myself visible, my astral form glowing silvery white. "Sunset, what are you doing up? It's past midnight."

Sunset jumped in alarm, a candle falling and going out as it hit the floor. She looked around then spotted me. "Jethro, don't scare me like…that…?" She got up and peered more closely at me. "Um…I can see right through you."

I chuckled. "Yeah, that makes sense. I'm currently in my Morphean form."

She was instantly by my side, eyes wide as she reached out to touch me. However, her hoof went right through my stomach. She pulled it back, an alarmed expression on her face. "But…how?"

"I told you about it, remember?"

She nodded. "I know, but still, I've never heard of any kind of magic like this before." She looked up at me. "I thought you said you couldn't go into your Morphean state anymore?"

"Rarely," I corrected. "It's random, so I don't know when it'll happen again. The last time it happened was when I fixed the Resplendent."

"Hmm…and you said no magical scans picked anything up that could be affecting it?" Sunset asked.

"Nothing at all," I replied. "Honestly, I'm a bit worried. I don't know anything about Morphean magic. I don't even know what it's really called."

"Yeah…" Sunset trailed off, looking thoughtful. After a bit, she said, "I can try and do some research on it when I can, or maybe Twilight can?"

"I'm pretty sure she scoured every book she could get her hooves on," I smirked.

"That sounds like someone Celestia would choose for a student," Sunset smirked back. "So what brings you down here?"

"Oh, I was being led here by this orb of light," I replied, pointing to the light.

Her eyebrows shot up. "Light? What light?"

"Oh, right, I forgot only I seem to see it," I said.

After briefly explaining what had happened, Sunset frowned. "I've never read anything about magic light orbs leading someone somewhere," she admitted, "but then again, I didn't know anything about your Morphean magic before meeting you. Maybe it's some kind of extension of your abilities?"

I had to admit, I hadn't thought about that. It made a little bit of sense, but I couldn't be sure. "Maybe," I said.

I felt myself being tugged again. Sunset might not have been able to see the orb, but she saw me being pulled. "You okay?" she asked, lighting up her horn.

"Yeah, I'm alright," I said, looking back at the light which was standing in the entrance to the Emperor's private hoard. "That light thing seems to be leading me to the hoard room for me. I'd better go and see what's going on."

"I'm coming to watch," Sunset said. "I know I can't go through the entryway, but if something happens, I can at least get help."

I smiled gratefully at her. "I appreciate that," I said.

The two of us mare our way to the hoard room. I passed through and Sunset stopped at the entryway, watching carefully as her light illuminated the room. I used my Morphean skills to light the ancient but somehow still functional torches lined on the walls. Soon the whole area was filled with the warm ruddy light. Sunset stopped her spell and continued to watch as the light led me to a very familiar artifact. It touched the black staff and vanished into the crystal at the top.

"What's that?" Sunset called out, having to raise her voice to be heard.

"It's the Staff of Sarcanas," I shouted back, looking back at the ancient looking magical artifact. "But how'd you get out of my necklace?" I asked, a bit more quietly to myself, "I know I put you in there."

"What's the Staff of Sarcanas?" Sunset asked.

"I'll explain later!" I looked over at the staff again, and even in my astral form I felt the power it radiated. I reached over and picked it up, looking at it curiously. The staff itself was made of a pure black piece of wood, seemingly as hard as metal. The crystal on top was glowing ever so slightly, pulsating very lightly. He floated back over to the entrance to the hoard room and landed on the other side, looking at the staff with wariness.

Sunset must have seen the expression on my face because she asked, "What's wrong?"

"You know that necklace I always wear that can store things inside it?" I asked. When she nodded, I continued, "I put this inside earlier because this is a dangerous artifact if it falls into the wrong hands. I don't know why it's back where it was, though."

"Hey, is it just me, or is that crystal getting brighter?" Sunset asked.

I looked at the slender crystal on top of the staff. Sure enough, the crystal was glowing a bit brighter. The magical output I could detect had increased as well. "What the fuck?"

"What the fuck indeed," Sunset said worriedly. "And, um…Jethro? You're glowing brighter too."

Looking down at my body, I saw she was right. A wave of concern washed over me, one which quickly turned into fear as a mist came out of the crystal and my astral chest, connecting in the middle. "Oh…shit…" I tried letting go of the staff, but I now found I couldn't. With my free hand, I tried to pry the hand on the staff away, but it too became stuck.

"What's wrong?" Sunset's voice was rising in panic.

"I can't let go!" I shouted.

She tried pulling it away with her magic, but it was like I was stuck with super glue. The light coming from the crystal kept on growing, as did my glowing body. "What do we do?!" she shouted in terror.

I didn't answer. I couldn't. My astral body was suddenly stiff, unable to move. My eyes were locked on the crystal. I could hear Sunset's shouts, but it was as if they were coming from miles away at the end of a long tunnel. The light became almost blinding, but I still couldn't look away. Just before everything turned white, I thought I caught a glimpse of a wisp of black shooting out of my chest-

I shot awake, full control of my body back. Sitting up, the scream that had been in my throat was finally unleashed. This, in turn, woke up Zecora and Scarlet who were immediately by my side. Zecora used her new magic to light the candles on either side of the bed and Scarlet wrapped her wings around me. She was soon joined by Zecora, who flung her arms and wings around me.

The doors to my room opened and two Dragon Imperial Guards burst in, spears out and eyes wide with laser sharp focus. "Where's the danger, Your Grace?" one of them demanded to know, eyes peeled.

My breath came in labored gasps as I gulped in deep and hard. Slowly, I began to calm down, looking over apologetically at the guards. "Sorry," I apologized, "I had a nightmare. Return to your posts, and thank you for your vigilance."

Both of them placed their right fists on their chests. "It is our duty as your guards, Your Grace," the second guard said. They were just about to close the door when they stopped and whirled around, aiming their spears at something I couldn't see. "Halt! Who goes there?"

"I have to see the Emperor!" I heard Sunset's frantic voice from outside.

"His Grace is not to be disturbed," one of the guards said.

"Let her pass," I ordered. "She's a friend." The guards relaxed and straightened, letting her pass. "Close the door," I said.

When we were alone, Sunset looked at me, still wide eyed. "Are you alright?" she asked. "You're not hurt, are you?"

"Dearest, what's going on?" Zecora asked.

"And what's with that freaky staff you're holding?" Scarlet asked.

I then became conscious of my hands clasped tightly around something. I looked down and found myself holding onto the Staff of Sarcanas. The crystal wasn't glowing at all, but the power I felt from it was intense. I looked down at my hands and saw that I was holding onto it so tightly that the knuckles were white. I forced myself to let go, which thankfully I could do now. The staff fell onto the bed beside me.

Sunset jumped onto the bed, worry clear in her eyes as she looked me over. "Jethro? Are you okay? You're not hurt or anything, are you?"

I took quick stock of myself. Aside from my heart rate racing at a mile a minute, I didn't feel any different from when I'd gone to sleep. I put my hand on my bare chest, feeling my heart rate slowly decrease. "I think I'm alright."

Seeming to realize I wasn't wearing a shirt, Sunset's cheeks went red and she quickly turned away. "Ah, sorry," she said, clearly embarrassed.

I chuckled. Having been on Earth for ten years certainly had done a number on her. "It's alright," I said as I lifted up a t-shirt that I'd laid out on the chair nearby. I quickly slipped it on, then stood up and grabbed the staff.

"Love, what happened?" Zecora asked, a hint of worry in her voice.

"Babe, you're shaking," Scarlet said.

"I'm alright, just give me a moment to calm down," I said as I slowly walked around the room, the staff still in my hand. The three mares watched me with varying degrees of worry as I paced. Finally, after about five or so minutes, my heartbeat reached a manageable rate and I stopped. I looked at the three mares. "Okay, I'm feeling better now."

"Great. Now you can tell us what happened," Scarlet said.

I sat down in a chair and faced them. I told them what had happened, with Sunset chiming in when I didn't have the information she had. Apparently, I'd vanished in a flash of light and a light had shot out of the room, vanishing through the ceiling. She'd tracked it back to my room and had guessed that my astral form had gone back to my body. She was relieved to see that I was okay.

My wife and marefriend were by my side immediately, holding me and checking me over until I chuckled and told them that I was fine now.

That was, until the room around me began to shift.

Sunset was the first to notice it as she raised a trembling hood, pointing behind me. "Um…guys…?" she said.

I stood and turned, freezing when I saw what was happening. My room, while having been cleaned of dust and grime, had once sported a mosaic, but since my priority had been cleaning things up and getting things ready for the city to be inhabited safety. Artwork on the walls wasn't really that important. Which was why the fact that the mural on the wall rearranging itself stunned me so much.

"Whaaat theee heeell…?" Scarlet said, looking around with a wide eyed expression of fear.

There was a frantic knock on the door. "Your Grace!" one of the guards said in a muffled worried tone, "Something is happening out here!"

I turned away from the impossible scene of a mural rearranging itself and rushed to the door. I flung it open to see my guards staring ahead, jaws agape. I stepped out and looked around. I soon joined them in what I was seeing.

The entire hallway, which had some sign of decay and damage earlier, seemed to be vanishing. In fact, some debris on the floor was floating slowly up, placing itself back on the wall where it had fallen from. I went to the nearest window and looked out. My jaw dropped even further as I pushed the window open.

Virynth Atheos was moving.

The entire city seemed to be magically rearranging itself, fixing itself. Buildings that had been destroyed were moving around and rebuilding to their old glory. Windows that were broken were reformed, flags that had been nearly rotted away reformed and floated up to the towers of the castle.

As I watched, I noticed something from my right. Looking up, I saw that the crystal on the Staff of Sarcanas was glowing brightly again. Suddenly, an idea came to me. I looked back down at the reforming city. Holding up the staff, I closed my eyes and imagined that the entire city reconstruction would just halt. Instantly, the sounds stopped. I opened my eyes again and the rubble that hadn't yet been returned to its former place was just hovering there, like it was waiting. I focused again, and the reconstruction resumed. Zecora, Scarlet and Sunset were beside me, watching this with wide eyed astonishment.

As the city continued to revert to its old form, I reached a startling conclusion. I wasn't sure how I knew this to be true, but there was absolutely no doubt in my mind, and it scared me. The Morphean magic had been transferred into the Staff of Sarcanas.