Author's Notes:

WARNING PLEASE READ IMPORTANT!
I fear I my have gone over the top on the gore in this chapter so fair warning and sorry if this chapter seems disturbing. Also sorry for the long wait.

Spike was walking down the street looking at the list of groceries he had to collect from the market for Twilight.

"Aw man, why do I need to do the hard work? I also I have another mouth to feed now that Trixie's staying with us?" Spike grumbled in thought.

As Spike was looking down at his list he wasn't looking where he was going and bumped into somepony leaving him to recoil and rub his head. He looked at who he ran into and saw it was both Feather Duster and Silver Tray and both wore casual clothing. Feather Duster wore green pants that hugged her curves along with a turtle neck top with no sleaves while Silver Tray wore a simple yellow dress.

"Hi you two," Spike said with a small wave.

"Oh Mr Spike," Feather Duster said.

"Just Spike is fine Feather. What are you doing here; collecting groceries like I am?" Spike asked.

"No actually we're both returning home for the week," Silver said.

"Why?" Spike asked.

"Master Ash said he needed the house to himself for the week and he asked us to take the week off with payment," Silver replied.

"Did he say why?" Spike asked.

"No, but he looked a little sad when we saw him this morning," Feather said.

"I see," Spike said rubbing his chin with his finger.

"Well we must be going. I hope you have a nice day Spike," Silver said with a small wave.

"Hm...Oh yes of course, sorry for keeping you," Spike said with a wave.

"Not at all it's always nice to talk to a friend," Feather said as they walked away.

When Feather Duster and Silver Tray were out of Spikes view, Spike went back to his thinking.

"I wonder why Ash wants to be alone for the week? The only time that happened was when the girls got nosey with Ash's past. I should tell Twilight when I get back," Spike thought as he walked through the market.

Later that Night

Princess Luna was walking through the dream realm; thousands of doors were lined up in two rows stretching out like a never-ending corridor that had no walls, only a vast void of stars and planets, surrounded the doors and Luna. This space was similar to the world between worlds but at the same time different. Luna was inspecting every dream that lay beyond the door checking for nightmares.

"Hello Luna,"

Luna turned in the direction of the voice and saw Dream Catcher walking towards her with a smile on her face.

"Hello Dream Catcher, how's the dreams on your end?" Luna asked.

"I recently walked in on a wet dream with a stallion and Celestia give...," Dream Catcher was cut off when Luna covered her muzzle with her hand.

"I’d rather not know what happened," Luna said with crimson cheeks before she removed her hand from Dream Catcher’s mouth.

"Your face says otherwise," Dream Catcher said with a knowing smile.

"I don't want to know and that's that," Luna said trying to hide her blush.

"Luna you’re going to need to learn these things sooner or later," Dream Catcher said.

"Then later it is," Luna said as she walked away.

Dream Catcher just rolled her eyes and smiled as she followed her little sister. They walked past so many doors each one different and unique in its own form. The pair walked in silence each one observing the colours and shapes of each door until Luna caught sight of a pair of doors. One had a picture of a pair of swords crossing over each other with a flaming background, the edges of the door were flickering with flames, all except the ground. But, the one Luna had an interest in was the door next to it. The door was black and had a few specks of light dancing across it and in the centre was a white silver moon with a black silhouette of a wolf's head, howling at the moon.

"Beautiful isn't it," Dream Catcher said.

"Hmm," Luna replied with a smile while she stared at the door.

"Rage’s door is different," Dream Catcher said.

"Yeah," Luna replied not breaking eye contact with the door.

"Tell me Luna, is it the door you like or the human who dreams behind it?" Dream Catcher asked with a cheeky grin.

"What," Luna said startled out of her staring trance by the words.

"C'mon Luna admit it, you like him don't you," Dream Cather said with a small laugh.

"I don't know who you’re talking about," Luna said turning away from her sister.

"You know who; he's tall and muscular, has black hair and green eyes, extremely handsome, owns a pair of wings which you can tell are strong just by looking at them, kind hearted, loves to draw, I wonder if he ever drew naked mares before," Dream Catcher said placing her finger on the side of her head as she said the last one.

"Cease with thy words!" Luna shouted with even redder cheeks only making Dream Catcher laugh.

"Oh come on Lulu, you know you like him," Dream Catcher said calming down from her laughter.

"For the last time I don't like him. Now we can keep this up until dawn and when I wake up I'll be sure to send you back to the moon myself, or maybe we can get on with our duties," Luna said in an irritated tone.

"Fine, fine I'll go; but may I suggest you strip down to your lineage before you enter and give Ash a nice surprise," Dream Catcher said as she disappeared just before a bolt of magic could hit her.

Luna looked at the spot where Dream Catcher stood with a look of annoyance on her face and a smoking horn. Her face relaxed and she turned back to the door that led to Ash's dreams; she reached out towards the knob but was hesitant to go in. Luna took a breath sucked up her courage and grabbed the knob and turned it. When the door opened Luna was looking at the backs of faceless humans. They all seemed to be cheering at something Luna walked inside; the faceless humans didn't even bother to move out of Luna's way as she just walked through them, as if they weren't even there, she kept on walking until she saw what the faceless were cheering for. It was an area like the training grounds in Canterlot, only larger. There was sand in the arena and sharp objects along the walls, like rusty saw blades, spears and anything to stab or slice anyone who gets too close. Also in the arena she saw Ash, he was looking at the crowds with a look of fear on his face. Luna watched curiously and saw that he was a young man barely over the age of 15 years. All of a sudden, Luna heard the sound of a rusty door being opened. Luna watched as ten creatures ran out of a steel gate on four legs. Each one looked like more faceless humans, but the creatures didn't wear fancy clothes like the other humans they had nothing covering the torso. The lower half was wrapped in bandages and rags and they were all bald on the top of their heads. The creatures also looked skinny and half-starved, but they acted more like animals. Their hands were nothing but a single claw. They let out cackles of wild laughter shrieks and howls that would be burned into Luna's memory for eternity. Some were muttering words that Luna couldn't hear, some were twitching and one was running around in a circle like a dog chasing its tail. The creature continued to run in circles until it ran straight at the wall of sharp objects and impaled itself on it. Luna was horrified by what was happening but couldn't look away from the mess of blood and gore.

"KILL HIM!" a voice boomed out across the arena.

The faceless humans let out cheers for blood, much like when Luna was in the griffon kingdom watching the gladiators kill each other. One by one the nine remaining creatures turned towards Ash slowly like a creaky rusty door to gaze at him. A mouth with no lips split across the faceless creature’s heads, where a mouth would normally be, forming terrifying smiles. These moths were filled with sharp teeth and a long slender forked tongue; that looked like it was too long for each mouth and wiggled like a snakes. All of a sudden, the creatures leapt at Ash, Luna turned her gaze and saw him pick up a sword to defend himself which he held it in two hands. Luna saw he was trembling.

"A Nightmare," Luna whispered to herself, she acted immediately but when she tried to use her magic but it fizzled and died. "My magic isn't working, but this is impossible. I was able to stop Uncle Corvo from having nightmares," Luna said as she watched Ash use his sword to block against the creatures claws.

Ash swung back at them but since he was younger smaller version of his present self, he was struggling to just keep the blade up. Ash put a lot of effort into blocking the attack but one of the beasts banged the sword out of his hands. Ash looked back at the beast to see a claw knock the wind out of him and threw him a few feet away from the monster. Ash looked up and a creature jumped on top of him its face centimetres from his. The beast opened its mouth and clamped down on Ash’s throat, making it impossible for Ash to scream. The other creatures joined in, tearing off flesh from parts of his body. Ash was buried in the pile of creatures. Ash tried reaching out to grab something but he began to feel his life slipping. Luna was horrified as she watched Ash get devoured but the creatures. When she saw his arm go limp she was ripped from the dream and landed back in the hallway of dreams. Luna looked at Ash’s door and saw it disappear before she stood.

"Just what caused you to imagine something so terrifying Ash," Luna said as she left the dream realm.

Three Days Later

"It's on the tip of my tongue but I just can't remember. I know something was supposed to happen this week but I can't remember what it was," Rage said lounging against a wall off to the side of Celestia's throne.

"Give it a while, it will come to you," Celestia said as she saw the last visitor for day court leave.

"I’ve tried to remember it for at least three day’s now yet I'm only getting a blank," Rage said.

"Well it mustn't be that important if it continues to elude you Rage," Celestia said.

"Yeah but it is still frustrating," Rage said.

Celestia gave Rage a warm smile she was actually getting along with him and was giving him more breathing room. Just then, her ear perked up when she heard Luna and Dream Catcher pass the throne room.

"His dreams are getting worse Catcher and my magic is ineffective against them," Luna whispered.

"Well if you can't help him then what can I do? I doubt my magic would do any better than what you could do," Dream Catcher said.

"What do you two mean his dreams are getting worse and whose dreams are they?" Celestia asked causing the two night alicorns to jump and look towards Celestia. They walked inside and walked to the centre of the room while Celestia rose from her throne and walked down the steps to meet them.

"Sorry Celly, it's just something that's happening in the dream world," Dream Catcher said.

"What is it? I would like to know if one of my subjects is troubled," Celestia said.

"That's the thing Tia, it's Ash's dreams. At the beginning of the week Ash has been having nightmares and it has continued up to today as well. The only thing Ash is getting is at least 2 hours sleep every night before he wakes up," Luna said.

"What is happening in these nightmares?" Celestia asked.

"Ash is in some kind of arena he is at a young age and faceless humans are cheering for blood to be spilled. Just then steel doors open and something comes out of them. The first time it was ten humans who were more like feral animals. The second time crocodiles, and both dreams end with him being eaten," Luna said with a shudder.

Celestia was shocked by this as she tried to say something.

"So the Griffin Kingdom arena is hitting Ash harder than I thought," Celestia finally said.

"No Sister it wasn't that arena, it was a completely different one; my guess it's from Earth," Luna said.

"What's this about the Griffin Kingdom arena?" Dream Catcher asked.

"I'll tell you another time," Luna said.

"What do you think Rage?" Celestia asked turning to the spot Rage sat in but when her gaze reached the spot Rage had gone. A window was open above where he sat allowing a breeze to enter the room.

"I take it he knows and he's going to do something about it," Dream Catcher said.

"Dream Catcher, can you summon Discord and Chrysalis and have them meet us in Ponyville?" Celestia asked.

"Of course, but what about you two?" Dream Catcher asked.

"We're going to Ponyville to get answers," Celestia said.

Twilight was sitting in the library next to Trixie with five different books in her magic grip. Twilight had taken on her own role as a mentor for Trixie and Trixie was happy to be learning new magic. Spike was dusting off the shelves around the library, when suddenly a flash of light went off and it disappeared just as it had appeared. Standing in its place was Celestia and Luna. Spike was so shocked by the sudden appearance he fell off the ladder. But, before he hit the ground he was wrapped in a golden aura and set on the ground gently. Once that happened the golden aura disappeared around Spike.

"Sorry for startling you like that Spike, we should have written to tell you we were coming," Celestia said as her horn had the same golden aura around it before it disappeared.

"Princess what brings you here," Twilight said running up to Celestia and giving her a hug while Trixie stared in disbelief.

"Hello Twilight sorry to drop in unannounced," Celestia said with a smile and hugging Twilight back.

"It's fine; oh I'd also like you to meet Trixie. I've been helping her with small magic spells to help her improve her magic," Twilight said walking over to Trixie and helping her stand up.

"Your highness," Trixie said with a bow.

"Please don't be so formal Trixie, but I must continue on with why Luna and I are here. Have any of you seen Ash today,” Celestia asked.

"No, in-fact I haven't seen him since he left for home after you visited with the delegates from Saddle Arabia," Twilight said.

"Actually Ash hasn't left his house since then. He even told the maids to take the week off," Spike said.

"That is strange Twilight, will you gather your friends and have them all meet us here?" Celestia asked.

"Of course. C'mon Trixie," Twilight said.

Both Twilight and Trixie ran out the door leaving Spike with the princesses.

"I think I should get the boys and Gilda, they are friends of Ash too," Spike suggested.

"Good thinking Spike, we will wait here for the remainder of our family before we leave for Ash's home," Luna said before the dragon left.

Soon everyone was rounded up and inside Twilight’s library followed shortly by Chrysalis, Dream Catcher Discord and Eris.

"Anyone care to tell me why my mid-day nap was disturbed," Rainbow said with a yawn.

"Indeed, I was in the middle of an extremely exciting game of cards with a bowl of pudding," Discord said.

"Oooo what type of pudding?" Pinkie asked.

"I believe it was a steak and kidney pudding by the name of Albert, but anyway why are we all here," Discord asked.

"We’re here to discuss Ash," Celestia said calmly.

"Has the famous knight of Equestria joined the dark side," Eris said as she changed into a dark suit with a black cape and a black helmet that covered her head and she started breathing heavily

"No, far from that and what is that you’re wearing anyway?" Dream Catcher asked gesturing to the outfit.

"It's from one of the greatest movies ever made from Ash's world," Eris said changing back and everyone in the room giving her surprised and strange stares.

"As I was saying the reason why is because Ash has been having nightmares since the beginning of the week," Celestia said.

"Isn't that Princess Luna's and Princess Dream Catcher's department?" Big Mac asked.

"It is but my magic has no effect on the dreams so I can't dispose of them. Also the nightmares are getting worse," Luna said.

"So what do we do about it," Rarity asked.

"We need to ask Ash what is going on," Celestia said.

"Uh Princess, no disrespect, but are you sure that's the wisest idea?" Thunderlane asked.

"No, but if we don't ask him we'll never get anywhere. Unless you care to tell us something Discord," Celestia said causing everyone's eyes to fall onto the older Draconequus.

"Why do you think Discord knows something?" Fluttershy asked.

"Because Discord invaded Ash's mind and found out the story of Ash's burn mark," Chrysalis replied folding her arms over her chest.

"And I paid the price thank you," Discord said blowing a raspberry at Chrysalis.

"What do you mean?" Applejack said with an angry look on her face.

Discord just pointed to the spot where his arm was bandaged giving everyone in the room a clear indication of what it was.

"Ash must have been mad at you if he did that," Gilda said.

"Yes well I did Pinkie Promise not to say anything, but the cats out of the bag there. I cannot tell you anything more," Discord said.

"Well since we can't ask you we'll just have to ask Ash," Celestia said.

"Lead the way Princess," Twilight said as she let her out the door first

The group of friends walked over to Ash's home Celestia's mind was filled with possibilities of what could happen, most of them not ending well. When they arrived they saw that one of the two doors that made up the front entrance of the mansion was open. Everyone walked up to the door; the air coming from inside the house was as cold as a tomb causing a few in the group to shiver. Mac stepped inside first, he was the only one who had confidence in his step.

"What's the matter with ya'll? You’re acting as if this place is haunted," Mac said.

"Easy for you to say," Comet said under his breath.

Inside, curtains were spread across the windows. The only light was from the cracks of sunlight that the curtains didn't cover.

"Hey Ash! You here?" Spike shouted gaining no response.

"This place is too fabulous to have curtains go across every window," Rarity said as she grabbed all the curtains in her view with her magic and pulled them away from the windows allowing more sunlight to enter the house. "Much better," Rarity said pleased with herself.

"Let's check upstairs," Luna suggested.

The group followed Luna as she walked upstairs, but there was no sign of life. Luna led them to the main bedroom, she grabbed the doorknob and was about to turn it.

"I wouldn't do that," A voice called.

The mane 6, except Rainbow Dash, the stallions, Spike, Eris, Discord and Trixie jumped and huddled when they heard the voice, but the rest were ready to fight.

"Show yourself," Gilda demanded.

The lights on the second floor turned on and sitting up against the railing that protects everypony in the house from falling onto the staircase below was Rage. Only he looked like he was in pain and was clutching his side with a bruise on his cheek.

"Rage what happened?" Twilight asked. Surprised at how he looked she walked over to him and helped him stand.

"Thank you Twilight...And to answer your question, Ash happened to me," Rage said grunting in pain.

"Wait; Ash did this to you, why?" Chrysalis asked stunned.

"I'm kinda the last person Ash would want to see this week. He gave me warning to leave. But, I wanted to apologise for me mistreating him over the years, especially during this week in particular.

"I don't understand what's so important about this week?" Soarin asked.

Rage just gave a cold look at him before he limped over to the bedroom door and knocked hard on it three times.

"Hey Ash, look I know how you’re feeling right now and you want to be left alone, but our friends are here - well more like your friends and their kinda worried about you; so don't you think you should tell them abo..."

*CRACK*

A black obsidian blade went right through the door causing everyone except Rage to jump and for Fluttershy to fall over. But, she was in so much shock she was as stiff as a board of wood.

"If they’re so worried and you want to help me Rage and make up for the pain I went through, then you tell the story to them," Ash's voice sounded from the other side of the door

The sadness and anger were clear in his voice. The group heard footsteps get further and further away from the door and soon silence over took the room once more.

"C'mon," Rage said as he limped away from the door with the scythe blade still stuck in it.

"Where are we going," Twilight asked recovering from the shock.

"Like Ash said, if you all want answers then you need to listen to the story I'm going to tell," Rage said as he walked to the stairs

Everyone followed Rage to the stairs, once they reached the bottom Rage turned to the group.

"Can you all wait in the living room while I grab something please?" Rage asked. Everyone looked at each other before they nodded and went into the living room.

A few minutes later Rage walked in with a large bottle of apple cider for everyone plus three more, all of them floating in his magic grip.

"What's all that for Rage?" Caramel asked.

"Just in case you all need it after I finished, it's not exactly a nice story and I'm gonna need two of these to help me forget I told you this," Rage said as a bottle of cider floated over to each one of the friends and he held two of the other bottles.

"This is that serious huh," Thunderlane said.

"Who are the last two for?" Celestia asked.

"Ash, if he decides to join us," Rage said.

"Ok so now what?" Rainbow asked trying to un-cork her bottle.

"Get comfortable and I'll start off with some questions if you have any," Rage said.

"Yeah, why is this week so important to you and Ash?" Soarin asked.

"This week is the anniversary of the most painful week anyone should have to go through; this week marks the week of Ash's imprisonment 6 years ago and his release only 2 years ago," Rage said earning gasps of shock from everyone but Discord.

"Wait he was a prisoner," Twilight said shocked.

"What was his crime?" Gilda asked.

"That's just it, he didn't do anything," Rage said.

"Huh?" Everyone said confused.

"If he didn't do anything then how come he was placed in jail?" Applejack asked.

"Maybe I should start from the beginning when the tragedy of this story began," Rage said as he drew a rune in mid-air.

"What are you doing Rage?" Luna asked.

"Don't worry, just be ready," Rage said as he finished the rune and it glowed.

"Ready for what?" Eris asked.

Just then everyone was sucked into a portal that opened above them.

The portal opened up in a forest during spring and everyone fell out with a thud.

"That," Rage said as he stood.

"Where are we?" Twilight asked rubbing her head.

"More like when and where," Rage said.

"What do you mean?" Twilight asked.

"We're inside Ash’s memory archive; this is where all his memories are stored and if I'm not mistaken this is a happy memory," Rage said looking around.

"I thought you said this week was a terrible week to begin with," Rainbow Dash said.

"It is, we’re just a few days early that's all. We're actually a few years earlier it’s before Ash was imprisoned," Rage said.

"Then when are we?" Dream Catcher asked annoyed.

"Ask him," Rage said pointing into the forest.

Everyone looked at the forest and saw a boy running through the trees and stopped right next to them, but he didn't even notice them.

"Is that?" Comet asked.

"Yep, that's Ash at age 7, but in dog years he's at least 44 years old," Rage said.

"Aw he's so cute, I just want to hug him and never let go," Chrysalis said cooing at Ash's younger age.

Just then Ash bolted after he heard a twig snap.

"Whoa he moves fast," Soarin said with a whistle.

"C'mon, I know where he's headed," Rage said as he ran after the memory Ash.

Everyone ran after Ash and he stopped when he reached a cave.

"Where are we," Trixie asked.

Rage looked at her and smiled before he turned his gaze back to Ash.

"Home," Rage said as he walked towards the mouth of the cave. Once he entered Rage saw Ash looking around the large but empty cave.

"Guys you here?" Ash called.

The entire group were inside the cave now looking at Ash.

"Razor, Sooty, Nicki, Rose, Copper, are you here?" Ash called.

'Who's he talking to," Trixie asked.

"You'll see," Rage said.

Ash took a few more steps into the cave going over every inch of space. Suddenly, the sound of rocks moving came from behind a large rock, Ash moved closer silently without a sound. When he was close enough he placed his hand on the rock but; as soon as he did five young pups leapt out from behind the rock and tackled Ash to the ground.

"Wolves are attacking Ash," Trixie said as she watched in shock.

"No Trixie look closer," Rage said.

Trixie did as instructed and watched, but to her surprise instead of harming Ash they were licking him and running around him in happiness.

"Trixie doesn't understand, why aren't they hurting him?" Trixie asked.

"Well it's because that's his family," Rage said.

"His what!" Trixie shouted.

"You heard me," Rage said turning to watch Ash.

"Ok you guys, you got me. Now can you let me up please?" Ash asked.

The pups complied as they backed away from Ash to let him sit up; once he did he started patting and rubbing the wolves much to their delight. Rage looked at his group and saw that Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Twilight, Fluttershy and Applejack were letting out tears of happiness. Celestia had a hand over her smile and was trying to hold back tears at how beautiful the moment was. While the rest smiled and watched, Rage looked at Ash again and saw one of the pups with a copper coloured coat, he knew the pup as Copper, given the coat colour; run further into the cave and come back with a ball in his mouth.

"Hey everypony," Rage said gaining the groups attention. "Ever wondered why Ash is able to resist the puppy dog eyes."

"Yeah, how is he able to do that?" Rarity asked.

"You’re about to find out," Rage said pointing to Copper.

Ash had finished patting one of the pups when he saw Copper approach. Copper dropped the ball on the ground and rolled it towards Ash with his nose before he sat on his hind legs and wagged his tail.

"No Copper you know how long it takes for me to wear you out from doing this," Ash said

Copper just looked at Ash before he nodded to his siblings. Each one nodded back and walked over to Copper and sat next to him. The group was confused by the action but Ash, Rage and Discord knew where this was going.

"Don't you five dare," Ash said pointing a finger at the pups.

All at once the five pups cocked their heads to the side and let an ear flop down while the other ear stood straight. They each gave out little whines and wagged their tails. As soon as they did this Discord gripped his chest at his heart and fell backwards, while he cringed from the cuteness overload. The others awed and cooed at how adorable the pups were; even Gilda was affected. Rage could see Ash was trying to stay strong but he was fighting a losing battle.

"Alright, alright, just stop with the cuteness - it hurts," Ash said as he picked up the ball "I swear you five are too cute for your own good," Ash held the ball out for the pups. The pups then crouched and wagged their tails in the air. Ash threw the ball as far as he could into the cave and the pups ran after it. "This is going to take a while," Ash said as he sat on a stone and waited for the pups to return.

“Guess that makes sense since Ash was treated to those pups levels of cute our puppy dog eyes won’t affect Ash because it’s not cute enough,” Twilight said.

"How are such levels of cuteness possibly reached by five wolf pups?" Luna asked.

"Even though they’re young their knowledge of cute is superior to our own," Chrysalis said.

“Well it just means we’ll have to be cuter,” Pinkie pie suggested.

"Yeah I doubt you can get any cuter then that," Rage said.

"So where are the parents?" Mac asked.

"Bringing dinner," Rage said pointing to the forest.

The group turned and saw a snow white wolf with ice blue eyes and a black wolf with red eyes dragging a deer carcass to the cave. Most of the mane 6 and stallions were repulsed by the sight, except for Fluttershy because she understood the wolf’s diet. She did feel sorry for the deer but, didn't say a word.

"Let's skip to the end of the meal," Rage said.

Rage snapped his fingers and in a flash it was night time and the small family were sitting around the skeleton of the deer. The pups were lying in a pile sleeping, while the mother watched over them.

"Hey Rage, can you tell us the names of the family?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah the white wolf with black lines running along his back is Razor. The white almost pink pup is Rose. The copper coloured wolf is Copper; Sooty is the one whose coat colour matches Octavia's. Nicki is the one with the light grey coat and white paws and ears, the white wolf is Snow Heart, the mother of the pack and finally the alpha is Night Stalker. Rage said pointing to each wolf.

"A fearsome name for the father," Luna said.

"True, want to know why? When Night Stalker went out at night to keep Ash’s home protected, you wouldn't be able to see him. He would be like a living shadow, not only that; his eyes would stand out making him look more ferocious," Rage said.

"So what got Ash his name if I may ask?" Fluttershy asked.

"That's a pretty interesting tale; not long ago when Ash was out exploring, he heard Night Stalker howling in pain. Ash was the one to answer the call, he ran to his father’s location and saw Night was fighting a bison," Rage said.

"What's a bison?" Fluttershy asked.

"It's like a cow, only bigger and that thing was four times Ash's size right now," Rage said pointing to Ash getting the group interested. "Anyway Ash had to rely on his smarts to survive the beast. They were at an old campfire site and Ash grabbed some of the ashes that remained in the pit and held his stone knife at the ready. The bison charged at Ash planning to crush him but Ash threw the ashes from the fire pit into the bison's eyes blinding it. He dodged to the side and jumped onto the creature and stabbed his blade into the nape of the beast's neck making it a swift and relatively painless end," Rage said earning surprised looks from the group.

"But this still doesn't explain how Ash got his name," Twilight said.

"Yes it dose it was the tools Ash used, remember the ashes from the fire pit and his blade? Night Stalker saw the event and gave the name Ash Blade to Ash," Rage said getting looks of realization from the group.

Just then Night Stalker grabbed a few bones that belonged to the deer and walked out of the cave. Both Snow Heart and Ash saw this and picked up the remaining bones and followed.

"Where are they going?" Caramel asked.

"Follow me," Rage said as he walked after them.

The group walked through the forest until they came to a small clearing. They saw Ash and his parents digging a hole in the ground and placing the bones in it then burying them. Once they were done they sat in silence.

"What are they doing now?" Soarin asked.

"Their burying their kill as a sign of respect," Rage said.

"What?" the group said in confusion.

"You didn't think Ash was raised without manners did you? These wolves actually respected the food they ate you know. Why? ‘Cause the food keeps them alive. When they were done eating they take the bones of their meal and bury them. Other wolves don't do this, but Ash was taught to respect all creatures whether they try to kill you or they’re your food," Rage said.

"That's surprising," Celestia said.

“Indeed, nature is quite fascinating here,” Fluttershy said

For a few minutes no one said anything until Luna spoke up.

"Um Rage is this where it happened?" Luna asked.

"Yeah," Rage said with a heavy sigh.

"What do you mean Princess," Twilight asked.

"This is the place that Ash saw his family's death," Rage said. The group became sad at this, except Eris in Trixie.

"I don't think I'll be able to handle that," Celestia said and the rest of the group just nodded.

"I understand, but you should know, that day happened during the week of Ash's imprisonment and release," Rage said as he snapped his fingers and once again they disappeared.

The group reappeared in what looked like a town during the night and they stood on a side walk watching cars and a small amount of humans pass.

"So this is an earth town," Twilight said excitedly looking around.

Just then they saw Ash walk right past them looking depressed so the group followed him.

"What are those things," Thunderlane asked pointing to the passing cars.

"Cars, however there are hundreds of other names for them, but I'm not going to into them. This is one of the days of the week that added more to his pain," Rage said.

"Why a week?" Celestia asked.

"This week is like Ash's bad luck week as in life changing bad luck," Rage said.

"By life changing bad luck, you mean what exactly?” Mac asked.

“This week is made up of the worst days in Ash’s life; the memory of the death of his family, his imprisonment, his release and another day,” Rage said.

“All in one week,” Pierce said surprised.

“Yeah different year same week and month,” Rage said.

“But if he was imprisoned wouldn’t his release be a good thing?’ Twilight asked.

“Depends on what happened on the day,” Rage said.

“So why is this memory so bad,” Thunderlane asked.

The group rounded a corner and they were shot with a blast of heat. In front of them was a burning building and people scrambling around it, while fire fighters tried to extinguish the blaze.

“Is this,” Rarity began.

“Yep, this is the day Ash lost his arm,” Rage pointed out.

The group silently watched as the saw Ash run towards the burning supermarket and how he reacted when he heard about the child still inside. Trixie, Eris, Chrysalis and Dream Catcher were stunned when Ash charged into the hellish blaze. The group followed Ash and they ran through the fire with no trouble and watched as Ash bobbed and weaved through burning objects. Ash found the five year old child and placed him in his coat for protection; then Ash ran back the way he came. Ash saw his exit was blocked so he looked around and found a brick. Ash placed the crying child on the floor and picked up the brick and tossed it through the window, he picked up the child and ran to the window to see a fire fighter. All of a sudden a hiss escaped next to Ash; he looked down and saw a gas bottle. He turned to the fire fighter and shouted to move and pushed him and the child away from the building while Ash dived just as the bottle went off. Ash was flung into a shelf and fell onto the ground onto his stomach; then a shelf fell on him causing the group to cringe at the sight. Ash’s left arm was the only thing visible and it was burning like crazy. Ash flung his arm around trying to extinguish the flames and screams of pain were heard. Soon the fire made it to the bone and that’s when the thrashing and screaming stopped. Just then, the roof caved in and Rage snapped his fingers and they repapered after the fire was extinguished. Fire fighters were climbing over the rubble some of them were digging around; one of them managed to lift the shelf and he found Ash.

“I found him,” The fire fighter called getting the others to gather around Ash

One of the fire fighters picked him up giving the group a good view of the damage done to Ash. His jacket was gone and his top was ripped and burned, scorch marks covered him while all that remained of Ash’s arm was a chard skeletal remnant. The arm looked so fragile that as if just touching it would cause it to turn to dust.

“I can’t believe he did that,” Chrysalis said covering her mouth.

“To the family he was a hero, to everyone else he was the one that started the fire,” Rage said getting the group to look at Rage shocked while Luna looked sad.

“How could he be treated in such a way after what he did?!” Comet yelled in outrage.

“I know life’s not fair but he knew he didn’t do it and there was no proof he did do it; so he was free to go,” Rage said as he snapped his fingers and they were in a black void.

“So how was he imprisoned if he didn’t do that?” Twilight asked.

“This is the part of the story that makes this painful I’m sure you’ve all been wondering about this,” Rage said as a line of fire blazed across the void like ink on paper; the line of fire continued until in made the burn mark on Ash’s back.

“Bout time,” Rainbow huffed.

“Rainbow Dash please,” Rarity said to the brash Pegasus hovering in the air.

“I was getting tired of not knowing what the heck that mark means,” Rainbow said.

“I agree with you Rainbow, this secret should have been told sooner; but Ash was worried about what you all would think of him if you all knew,” Rage said.

“So what’s so bad about it,” Gilda asked.

“This mark is by far the most inhuman thing to go through, the most disturbing thing in human history it’s the symbol of…of,” Rage tried to force the words out of his mouth but every time he did it looked like he was going to be sick.

“Slavery,” Discord said.

The group snapped their heads towards Discord at what he said. It took a while for everyone to process the information; once it got through all their faces filled with dread. They turned their faces back to Rage who just nodded for confirmation, Rarity gasped in shock. Most of the group was too shocked to move, Rainbow lowered to the ground and was sitting on her knees she also looked like she saw a terrifying car crash.

“Slavery,” Twilight choked.

"Yes I can show you all if you want but I must warn you this is something that won't be easy to just forget. If any of you want to back out then now is the time to leave, just ask and I’ll send you back to the lounge room," Rage warned.

"If something from this memory is hurting Ash, then I want to help him get by it and the best way to do so is to see this memory," Luna said with determination.

"Yeah, Ash is our friend, he came to help us in the arena and now it's our turn to help him," Rainbow said standing up putting on a brave face.

The group stood tall with determination in their eyes to see this through to the end, even Fluttershy was ready to face what would happen.

"Very well then," Rage warned as he snapped his fingers.

The group appeared in a small room which was made of dark stone the only sources of light were hot coals in a small pit with a metal staff poking out of it and a single lamp hanging from the ceiling. In the light of the lamp was a human with a bag over his face. The human was wearing pants but his torso was exposed along with his left metal arm giving the group knowledge of who was behind the bag. Ash’s hands were in shackles and chained to opposite ends the wall making his arms spread out; Ash wasn't even standing, in fact the chains were the only things holding him up.

"Why's Ash...," Trixie began as she stepped towards Ash.

Suddenly the sound of keys being inserted into a lock and turning filled the room and a heavy metal door swung open. Two humans in identical items of clothing and armour, they also wore metal helmets to hide their faces, stood in the doorway. One of the humans walked over to Ash and pulled the bag off; showing Ash was asleep, while the other closed the door and walked behind Ash.

"Wake him up," the guard behind Ash said.

The other guard nodded curled his fingers into a fist and punched Ash across the face causing Ash to cry in pain. As he woke up he looked around frantically for what woke him up, then he saw the guard in front of him.

"Who are you and where am I?" Ash asked with no kindness in his voice, only to get punched in the face again.

"You'll speak when I tell you to speak maggot," The guard said pulling on his hair forcing Ash to look at him.

"Fuck you asshole!" Ash shot back, and was rewarded with a punch to the gut.

"What's this guy registered for anyway?" the guard asked his colleague standing next to the pit of coals.

"He's been assigned to the pit," The guard said.

"Alright, brand him and we'll take him to the pit," the guard said.

"Wait, brand him?" Mac repeated.

The guard behind Ash grabbed the metal staff from the coals revealing a wide circular end glowing red with heat; the guard stood behind Ash and placed the hot piece of metal on Ash's back.

"AAARRRGGGHHH!" Ash screamed in agony.

Fluttershy buried her head into Mac's chest and covered her ears to try and look away and drown out the scream while Mac comforted her. The rest of the mane 6, the stallions, Gilda, Trixie and Spike watched on, scared for their friend. The princesses and Eris were unsure as to how to react, their faces showed sadness for the treatment Ash went through, shock for the brutality and anger at the ones that did this to him. Once the branding iron was removed from Ash's back, the guard unlocked the chains dropping Ash to the floor, too weak to stand from the pain; so he was dragged out of the room.

"Where are they taking him?" Twilight asked turning to Rage.

Rage just snapped his fingers and they were in a different location they were standing in an area that looked over an arena. Luna recognized this place from Ash's dreams; just then a large steal door opened and 20 humans walked in all carrying weapons and wearing pieces of armour. Opposite the warrior humans another door opened and Ash was pushed in and landed in the sand with an oomph. Ash was wearing the top and the jacket he wore when he turned back into a human in Equestria.

"This place was in Ash's nightmares," Luna said gaining the groups attention.

"I wouldn't be surprised, this place has horrors that would make the bravest stallions cower like little fillies," Rage said.

Just then a horn sounded and the humans fought each other like a pack of rabid dogs. Ash just watched from the side and tried to stay away from the conflict. As he walked and watched he tripped over. Before he could get up one of the gladiators who’d been killed by his opponent, fell on top of him. Ash struggled to get out from underneath the muscular and armoured corpse; once he was free he saw he and another human were the only ones left in the arena. The human turned towards Ash his face saying his bloodlust wasn't satisfied armed with a sword in hand the human charged at Ash. Terrified Ash reached around franticly for something to defend himself with; the human was extremely close now. Just in time, Ash found something, he held it in front of him and closed his eyes; there was a disgusting squelch, mixed in with a crack and the audience went silent. When Ash opened his eyes he saw the human that tried to kill him a foot away from his face, his eyes glazed over and lifeless. Ash looked at what he held in his hands and he saw he was holding a spear; the tip of it was piercing the human’s chest while blood began to drip into the sand flowing along the spear and stained Ash’s hands crimson. Ash began to shake with fear at what he’d done and pushed the dead body to the side. Once he did this he started mumbling apologies to the fighter while shaking him to get a response, while the human audience cheered.

"What just happened?" Applejack asked stunned at what she’d seen.

"Ash said he never killed a sentient creature before," Soarin said.

"Technically Soarin, that was an accident. He was acting out of fear, also AJ what happened is Ash just lost one of the most precious things life can give; his innocence," Rage said.

"Now this just ain't right. How is this legal?" Caramel asked.

"It's not," Rage said.

"Then why isn't the law...," Rarity started.

"What the law doesn't know they can't stop Rarity," Rage interrupted.

"Hey where are they taking Ash?" Pierce asked.

The group looked and saw Ash was being carried off by two more guards Rage just snapped his fingers and they disappeared once more.

The group stood in a large rectangular cell made of stone, the group looked around and saw a lot of things; a training ring for combat and exercise machines, a small forge - not as good as Caramel's, a small book shelf filled with old textbooks, a toilet and sink with a wall for privacy at least, a few old instruments in a corner, a single small bared window with no glass to let heat or cold in and around 30 people in the cell. There were men women and children of all ages in the room; each one occupying themselves in some way.

"Now where are we?" Spike asked.

"Were in Ash's home for the next four years," Rage said.

Just then the iron door unlocked causing everyone in the cell to huddle against the back wall in fear. Once the door opened Ash was tossed in.

"Got a new addition for you whelps," the guard said as he slammed the door closed and locked it.

Once the door closed Ash tried to get up but was too weak to move. Seeing this, some of the people in the room walked over to Ash and tried to help him up. But, one accidently touched the burn mark and Ash hissed in pain getting the person to flinch back.

"Looks like he was branded, get some water," someone said.

"On it," another said as he walked away.

"What did those monsters do to this poor boy," another one said only this time it was a women.

The group picked up Ash and carried him to a rectangular alter connected to the wall and placed him on his stomach. They removed his top and jacket earning gasps of surprise when they saw his metal arm. His top and jacket were placed next to him while the person who went to get the water came back with a metal filled to the brim. The man poured the water over the burn to cool it off the people held him down gently while Ash hissed in pain.

"These people seem to care for Ash deeply," Chrysalis said.

"Well duh, they went through the same treatment as Ash did, they know how it feels to be here. Also this just proves that there's always a flower even in the darkest of places," Rage said.

"Wise words Rage," Celestia said.

The group turned back to Ash to see the people helping him up, he was offered some water which he greedily drank.

"How are you feeling?" a person asked.

"Empty really I...I just killed someone out there, I was scared, I didn't know what else to do; I only meant to scare him off," Ash said as he began to cry.

The prisoners watched in sadness as Ash cried. All of a sudden a boy pushed past the adults and looked at Ash in wonder.

"Excuse me put can I see that arm," the boy asked.

"John leave this boy alone," the women scolded.

Ash just sat in silence as he watched the boy

"C’mon John, I think our friend here is a little tired," a man said lightly tugging on the boy.

The boy named John waved goodbye to Ash before he left and Ash returned the gesture with a small wave of his own.

"You must be tired, I suggest you get some sleep," the same man said placing a hay filled pillow underneath Ash's head and handing him an old brown blanket that looked itchy.

Ash nodded his head in agreement, he laid his head on the pillow and placed the blanket over himself and soon drifted into slumber

A few hours of tossing and turning in his sleep Ash woke up with a sharp gasp and drenched in sweat.

"Nightmare,"

Ash looked in the direction of the voice and saw the same man who gave him the bed materials. He wore khaki pants and a white top, he had short cut brown hair and a small beard, he also had hazel eyes that looked fierce.

"Yeah about today," Ash replied.

"I understand, I was the same when I first killed someone I was what was known as a green beret," the man said.

"What's that?" Ash asked.

"It's a type of soldier," the man said.

"I don't even know what that is," Ash said.

"Do you know how to read and write?" the man asked.

Ash just shook his head in response.

"What parents don't teach their child to read and write," the man said a little annoyed.

"The ones that leave you in the woods as a baby to die and when you’re raised by wolves you don't learn much of those type of life skills. The only things you can do is walk, talk and survive," Ash snapped back.

The man was surprised by this and then a look of realization crossed his face when he remembered what he said.

"Oh...sorry," the man said.

Ash didn't respond, he just sat against the wall and looked at everyone sleeping in the moonlight that was creeping in through the cell.

"Would you like to learn?" the man asked.

"What," Ash replied confused.

"To read and write and while we’re at it I can teach you other stuff like combat," the man said.

"I don't want to kill anybody, once is more than enough," Ash said.

"I understand but I also want to teach you how not to get hurt, also we have our own forge to make and sharpen our weapons if you’re interested," the man said.

Ash was silent for a few minutes he looked at the training ring and the forge then at the books in the bookshelf.

"You know I'd actually like that," Ash said.

"Very well, you are now my student and I will be your mentor, but remember just because you’re young I won't go easy on you," the man said as he began to walk away.

"Wait you didn't tell me your name," Ash said.

"It's Alex; what's yours?" Alex asked.

"Ash Blade, but you can call me Ash," Ash said.

"Alright you'd better get some rest and I'll see you tomorrow," Alex said; as he walked away as Ash settled down again to sleep.

"The bond between a mentor and a student is a beautiful thing, no?" Rage said.

"It certainly is," Celestia said smiling at Twilight in the corner of her eye.

The smile did not go unseen by Twilight and it caused he cheeks to turn pink. Rage snapped his fingers and night became day in an instant and everyone was busy, some were hammering at something in the forge, the kids sat in front of a woman listening as she told a story’ some men were also doing training along with some exercises. The group turned and saw Ash waking up, he rubbed the sleep from his eyes and looked around at the cell and how it looked alive and it was not long before Ash had company.

"Good morning,"

Ash looked for the voice and he saw the woman from yesterday smiling at him, her skin was dark but beautiful. A wrap covered the top of her head and she wore a long dress with an exotic pattern on it and she spoke in a foreign accent.

"Oh hello," Ash said cracking his neck.

"I brought you some breakfast," the woman said handing Ash a bowl of a strange liquid substance.

"Thank you," Ash said as he took the bowl and placed a spoonful of the bowls contents in his mouth, but as soon as he did he regretted it. “Ugh, I’ve eaten old meat tastier than this,” Ash said placing the bowl to the side.

“I know but we don’t have the luxury of eating the good food like those pigs eat out there,” the woman said.

“Um can you tell me where I am please? Cause I wasn’t told anything when I was pulled off the street,” Ash said.

“We don’t know either; all I know is that we’re all slaves,” the women replied sadly.

“Slaves,” Ash said in confusion.

“Yes once you’ve been branded by the mark on your back you have to serve the ones that gave it to you and from what you told us they assigned you to the pit to fight.” the women said.

“What about you?” Ash asked.

“I serve them food and drinks an-uhh,” the women cringed while her face twisted in pain.

“Are you ok?” Ash asked in concern.

“I’m fine the baby kicked that’s all,” the woman replied.

Ash looked down and noticed the rounded belly the woman had.

“How’d I miss that,” Ash said immediately clamping his mouth shut but the woman only giggled much to Ash’s confusion.

“It’s alright, I know you didn’t mean anything,” the woman said calming Ash.

“Okay, uh did they do that?” Ash asked pointing to her stomach.

The woman only smiled and looked at a man working out who had the same colour skin as she did; the man saw the two and waved. Ash and the woman responded by waving back.

“He looks like a good man,” Ash said.

“My husband is, but most women in this frightful place aren’t as lucky as I,” the woman said her face turning into a frown.

Ash leaned back against the wall and shared her frown.

“My name is Rosa,” the woman said with a smile offering her hand to shake.

“Ash Blade but please call me Ash,” Ash said as he took the hand and shook it.

“Oh yes I forgot, Alex has asked me to help in teaching you how to read and write,” Rosa said.

“Wait, I thought he was going to teach me that,” Ash said in confusion.

“He will instruct you in combat and other forms of teaching like mathematics and history. But to read and write would require a woman’s personal touch,” Rosa said with a warm smile.

“Ok, well thank you,” Ash said as he got up.

“I recommend you finish that first it may taste foul but it will keep your energy up,” Rosa said pointing to the bowl of foul slop.

Ash grimaced in disgust but picked up the bowl and ate as much as he could, then he washed it down with water. Once he finished he got up and put on his top and jacket and walked off to find Alex. Ash looked around and found him sparring with another person with a pair of wooden swords. He was quite good at what he was doing. With one swipe under Alex’s opponent’s legs he knocked him onto his back and held his blade to his foe’s throat. Ash was memorized by the move. Alex helped his opponent up and shook his hand before Alex turned to Ash.

“Glad to see you’re up, I trust Rosa told you about your lessons,” Alex said when he saw Ash.

“Yeah she did. If you think this is the best idea then I’ll follow along with it,” Ash said.

“Thank you for understanding,” Alex said as he walked over to a wooden sword and picked it up. “You know how to use one?” Alex asked tossing the wooden blade to Ash.

“No, the only blade I ever used was a small rock dagger I made but no special training really,” Ash said.

“Well you’re gonna learn how to use a lot of weapons when I’m done with you,” Alex said with a wicked smile.

The group watched with interest as Ash was trained by Alex. And boy was it hard Ash kept getting thrown to the side or hit by the wooden sword leaving bruises all over Ash’s body. When lunch arrived Rosa came along and began to teach Ash reading and writing skills.

“Guess that explains Ash’s fighting techniques,” Soarin said.

“Yeah but Alex and Rosa weren’t Ash’s only teachers. A little while later a man was tossed in this cell. His name was Eli he was a musician who taught Ash how to play the flute and the violin,” Rage said.

“I didn’t know Ash could play the violin,” Rarity said.

“This place actually ain’t so bad,” Pinkie said.

“Yeah this cell is a nice place the only problem is that their slaves and the foul food. This is why they act this way so during the day and night they are free. But, every two weeks they are reminded of the fact their slaves. Some people are picked out of the group and taken to the main room where they are forced to fight and serve the so called masters,” Rage said in disgust.

“Is it that bad?” Gilda asked.

“That fight where Ash killed the man with a spear wasn’t even a mere fraction of how terrifying this place is,” Rage said.

“Will you show us?” Celestia asked.

Are you sure about that?” Rage asked.

The group nodded their response.

“Ok just don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Rage said as he snapped his fingers.

The group appeared in the cell again and saw Ash. He was slightly older and had large build on him plus a few scars. They saw him talking with a new woman who must have been placed in the same cell sometime during when Ash entered and now. Just then, the door unlocks and the guards walk in. The fighters in the cell grabbed their weapons and Ash grabbed a staff and waits for what the guards will do. The guards scanned the room and spotted Ash, the new women and Rosa’s husband and grabbed all three of them then march them through the door. Ash looks back at Rosa to see her start to cry for her husband’s safety. Rage snaps his fingers again and they were in the main room. The humans were longing around and waiting for the competitors to enter. Just then, the doors opened and the human slavers cheered as 26 fighters including Ash and Rosa’s husband enter. The fighters spread out and waited for the horn but, something was different a guard walked out with a cardboard box and placed it on the ground while another door opened and the sound of growling could be heard. The lid of the box opened and snakes slithered out Ash knew the snakes from his lessons to be king cobras. Ash turned around and saw crocodiles walk out the other door snapping their jaws at the fighters

“Why are these poor animals here?” Fluttershy asked with fear in her voice.

“Apparently to make the show all the more entertaining,” Rage said.

Ash stood back to back with Rosa’s husband waiting for either man or animal to strike first. After a few minutes the horn goes off and the humans turn against each other Ash is using his staff to knock out his enemy’s while Rosa’s husband is used a mace. Soon the two are separated and fight against the other gladiators. Suddenly, Ash is surrounded by three snakes each one sitting in a striking position with a flared head and fangs poised. Ash readied his staff and crouched ready to attack. The snake in front of Ash started swaying in a hypnotizing fashion but this action just made Ash tense up. The group watched with interest especially Fluttershy as the swaying continued for a few more seconds before all three cobras lunged at Ash. Ash was able to move faster and thrusted his staff at the cobra in front of him before he swung it at the cobra behind him to his right. Ash then went with an over strike that brought the end of the staff down on the last cobras head killing it all in one fluid motion. The group was surprised by the speed Ash used to strike at the cobras. Ash then looked around and saw Rosa’s husband lying on the ground a crocodile was crawling towards him with a hungry look in his eyes. Ash ran across the arena and just as the crocodile opened its jaws to try and bite down on Rosa’s husband Ash brought his staff down on the croc closing its jaws. The crocodile turned to Ash angry at him for disturbing its meal. Ash knew the croc was angry at him but he didn’t care he just smacked the crocodile across its nose with his staff again and gave it a growl. The croc walked away while it wined Ash gave a nod before he turned to Rosa’s husband and helped him up.

“Thank you my friend,” Rosa’s husband said.

“Thank me when we get back to the cell Jabir,” Ash said.

All of a sudden a different horn blew and the door the guard with the snakes came out from opened once more.

"Oh shit I forgot about this part," Rage said.

"What do you mean Rage?" Twilight asked.

"Twi let me ask you this do you know what happens when a human gives in to madness and chaos?" Rage asked.

"Ooo how exciting," Eris said.

"Actually Eris it isn't," Discord said the expressions on his face said he was spooked.

"Discord are you…scared?" Chrysalis asked.

"I actually am Chrysalis what's inside those doors makes me scared of my own power," Discord said causing everyone to worry.

"Wait if Discord is scared of the chaos in there then how's Ash gonna react?" Rainbow asked.

"You’re about to find out," Rage said.

Just then howls and shrieks sounded from the doors getting the gladiators to get as far away from the doors as possible also sending chills of fear down Luna's spine.

"It's the monsters from Ash's nightmares," Luna said.

"Are you sure Luna?" Celestia asked.

"Yes I will never forget those noises," Luna said.

Just then the creatures ran out the door on all four limbs only this time the creatures wore masks that covered the top half of their faces. The long claws were ice picks only tied to their hands. they didn't have long tongues but they did have the pointed teeth.

"Aw they don't look that bad," Eris said.

Just then a gladiator ran at the mass of monsters only for the two of them to drive their ice picks into his chest and rip him apart in an explosion of blood bone and gore. Just, then the monsters began devouring the corpse like vultures. The crowd cheered at the sight but the group stood mortified at what happened to the human. Rarity and Soarin wanted to empty the contents of their stomachs but couldn't because they were in a memory. Fluttershy fainted at the sight even the princesses looked like they were about to lose their lunch.

"I take it back it's really bad," Eris said shocked.

"Aw yeah have a look at what Ash is doing," Rage said pointing to Ash who just finished throwing up.

Ash wiped the vomit from his mouth and next to him he saw a sword lying in the sand from a previous battle. Ash dropped his staff and picked up the sword.

"What's he going to do?" Gilda asked.

"Probably one of the hardest but kindest things he can do...put'em out of their misery," Rage said.

Ash charged at the monsters while they were still eating the corpse one of them noticed Ash's charge and charged at him. Once they were close enough the insane human tried to stab Ash with its ice pick only for Ash to defend himself with his metal arm by deflecting the attack. Ash struck back by stabbing the creature in the chest and pushed the psycho upwards then brought it down again. Ash looked up to see another psycho charge at him again the psycho tried to impale Ash but, Ash just cut off his arm stepped behind the creature and held the blade backwards and stabbed him in the back right through the spine. Just, then Ash saw the rest of the creatures start their charge one jumped in the air but before Ash could block it the creature got hit in the face by a spiked mace. Ash looked to his side to see Jabir and the rest of the gladiators fighting the monsters.

"Interesting they all came to help Ash when he killed two of those things," Twilight said.

Rage smiled at Twilight but his face became neutral when he saw Celestia glaring at the crowd of cheering humans.

"You’re angry aren't you Celestia," Rage said.

"Indeed I am I'm also surprised the slaves in this place haven't fought back against these 'animals' but I suppose there's a reason behind it yes?" Celestia asked.

"You got it and I believe Ash is going to give an example," Rage said.

The group turned to see Ash glaring at the humans watching him for entertainment. Just then, Ash saw the new woman from his cell arm being grabbed by one of the slavers. She was trying to get away but the man had a look of lust and desire on his face and began to try and tear her clothes off.

"Ok that's it," Ash said as he walked to the edge of the stadium while the gladiators were dealing with the last creature.

Ash grabbed an old dried blood covered saw blade and pulled it out of the wall.

"What dose Ash plan to do with that thing?" Spike wondered.

Spike's question was answered when Ash placed the blade in his metal arm and threw it like a Frisbee. The blade flew through the air and over the arena and cut off the slavers arm right at the elbow and freed the woman. The blade then dug itself into the wall behind them and the entire room was shrouded in silence. All eyes were glued to the scene just then, the man started screaming in pain but Ash smiled at his handiwork. The crowd began shouting at Ash in outrage for what he did.

"Hard-core," Gilda said while she smiled and nodded slowly.

"What did Ash just do?" Pierce asked.

"I believe he just sent them a message," Celestia said looking at Rage.

Rage just smiled and nodded.

The gladiators in the arena stared at Ash dumbstruck at what he did but it was soon over when guards dropped into the arena with long sticks sparking with electricity.

"What are those," Trixie asked when she the sticks.

"Stun sticks," Rage said.

Ash was backed against the wall while the guards closed in on him. One of the guards lunged at Ash but Ash just jumped to the side to avoid it. Ash used his metal arm to punch the guard in the head once the arm hit the helmet pieces of it broke off revealing part of the guards face. The guard fell to the ground knocked out cold by the blow. Ash was astonished by how hard his hit was he failed to notice another guard tapped Ash's metal arm with the stun stick. Ash cried out in pain and blacked out and the guards loomed over Ash and began to drag him away.

"What's gonna happen to him?" Chrysalis asked.

"Nothing nice,' Rage said.

"Rage can you show us where he's going?" Dream Catcher asked.

Rage just stayed silent for a few moments before he snapped his fingers.

The group reappeared in a room similar to the one Ash was branded in except the pit of coals and branding iron were gone.

"Why’re we here?" Applejack asked.

Just then the door unlocked and Ash was dragged inside and chain to the walls like last time he also wasn't wearing his top or jacket either. The group looked at the door and saw the man that had his arm cut off by Ash which was freshly bandaged.

"So you’re the waste of life that had the gall to sever off my arm," the man said.

"You should thank me now you only have to worry about the one," Ash replied with a cocky smile.

Rainbow Dash and Gilda couldn't help but stifle a laugh at Ash's cockiness but the man had the opposite reaction by punching Ash in the face.

"Be a little more grateful you pathetic animal I could have you fed to the psychos so respect me cause I am a god to you scum," the man said the room was silent for a few minutes suddenly, a soft chuckle broke out and got louder until it turned into a laugh. The laugh was coming from Ash the man took a step back from Ash as if he was crazy "Stop that!" The man ordered.

"God," Ash said as he lifted his head to show blood dripping down his face. "Gods are kind and wise beings that care for us mortals while the demons take care of the real scum in life namely you. Also last I checked gods don't bleed like you do so that means your mortal so the only respect from me is this," Ash said before he filled his mouth with saliva and spat it at the man hitting him square in the face.

The group were surprised by Ash's act of defiance Rainbow, Thunderlane, Soarin, Gilda had cocky grins on their faces at what Ash did. But, the man was furious at Ash's action. He wiped the spit off his face as a guard brought in a whip made of chains with spikes running along it. When the group saw the whip they looked at Ash in shock at what was about to happen. But, Ash was calm when he saw it the man took the whip and stood in front of Ash.

"How dare you," the man said as he raised the whip and brought it down on Ash the spikes on the whip ripping off pieces of Ash's skin.

Ash screamed in pain at the lash Twilight ran forward to protect Ash but only ran through him like she was a ghost.

"It's a memory Twilight this happened a long time ago," Rage reminded her.

"How dare you," the man said again as he lashed the whip at Ash causing him to scream in pain once again. "How dare you!" the man yelled again as he whipped Ash again every time the man shouted how dare you he whipped Ash. After a few more lashes the man dropped the now bloody whip and banged on the door. The guard's outside opened it "Take him to the cooler and leave him there for a day then back to his cell.

"Yes sir but what about his injures," a guard asked.

"Leave them if he survives the cooler then you can give his cell mates a first aid kit to heal him if the dumb beast's know how to use it that is," the man said with a laugh as he left.

Rage snapped his fingers and they were in some kind of room filled with ice.

"Where are we now?" Dream Catcher asked.

"This is the cooler," Rage said.

"Wait the cooler that guy told his men to take Ash to the cooler," Spike said.

"He's over there if you’re wondering," Rage said pointing to a large wall of ice the group walked around the wall to see Ash. He wasn’t wearing his top and jacket and he was hanging from the ceiling by his hands. He was hanging his head because he was too tired to move it giving the group a good look at his wounds but keeping his face hidden. The wounds were still opened and bleeding slightly the group could see the slow breaths from the cloud of steam escaping from Ash's lips.

"How horrible," Rarity said covering her mouth from the sight of her wounded friend.

"Yeah and the décor doesn't help either," Rage said.

"Décor?" Rarity asked.

Rage just twirled his finger indicating her to turn around Rarity did so but when she did she screamed in fright and backed away.

"Rarity it's just a decoration get over it," Applejack said in an annoyed tone.

"I think you'll agree with me on this one Applejack," Rarity said while she trembled and pointed behind Applejack.

The rest of the group turned around only to scream and jump away in fright. On the other side of the wall was a long row of decomposing corpses all frozen in ice. The group looked around the room to see every wall had body's stuck in ice all hanging from the celling like Ash was.

"It gets worse," Rage said.

"Worse, worse how could this get worse then it already is?" Twilight asked.

Just then the sounds the psycho's made came echoing through the air vents.

"This room was built to break your mind or kill you in a slow and horrible way and Ash survived a day in this place," Rage said.

"It's a fricking miracle he survived five minutes," Comet said looking around.

All of a sudden the room got really hot Rage turned towards Celestia to see her mane and tail had lost its pastel colour and it wasn't flowing anymore. Instead it flickered and coloured bright yellow and orange making it look like fire.

"Celestia I know your mad but please calm down before we get roasted," Luna begged.

Just like that the flames slowly returned to the ethereal mane it normally was.

"I'm sorry it's hard to cope when such a thing happens with such a kind soul like Ash," Celestia said.

"It's alright Celestia and we can end the memory here if you all want I don't want to show you anything that could make this worse," Rage said.

"Thank you for the concern Rage but I must see how this ends," Celestia said.

Rage looked at the rest of the group who just nodded while Rage just smiled.

"Ash is clearly lucky to have friends such as you," Rage said before he snapped his fingers.

The group was once more in the cell each one eating their dinner when the door flung open and Ash was thrown into the room. But, before Ash hit the ground Jabir and Alex caught him just in time Ash was followed by a first aid bag and both his top and jacket before the door closed.

"Lord he's freezing and these wounds how is he even alive after what he's been through," Jabir said as he turned Ash onto his back and placed him on the altar.

"He won't be alive if we don't do something now," Rosa said as she brought the medical kit over.

"Right let's get started," Alex said.

Three days later Ash woke up in pain coursing through him he used his left arm to move the three blankets that covered him once he did he saw the stitches that held his wounds closed.

"He’s awake,"

Ash turned to see Rosa walking over to him followed by Alex, Eli, Jabir, the woman Ash saved and a few kids Ash befriended.

"Ash how are you feeling?" Rosa asked her voiced filled with concern for Ash.

"Terrible," Ash was barely able to speak because of a dry throat.

"Here Ash," Alex said handing Ash a cup.

"What is it?" Ash asked weakly.

"Medicine to help ease the pain," Alex said.

Ash took the cup and downed the contents in one go.

"Ash what happened to you when you came back here you were like ice not to mention the wounds," Eli said.

"I got whipped with a spiked whip by the guy whose arm I cut off. He then threw me into the cooler," Ash said causing the group to gasp.

"The guy you saved Rebecca from did this?" Jabir asked.

Ash only nodded his head in response.

"Ash I wanted to thank you for putting yourself at risk just for me," Rebecca said as she bowed in respect.

"You don't need to bow Rebecca anyway I think I've done enough lying around," Ash said as he tried to stand.

"Oh no you don't buster you’re not moving until your wounds heal am I clear," Rosa said pushing Ash back down to rest.

"Alright Rosa," Ash said with a smile before he fell into slumber.

"He doesn't seem all that affected by the cooler," Twilight noted.

"He may not be showing it but I can tell it scared him deeply going through that," Rage said.

"How would you know?" Comet asked.

"I was living in his head for 13 years Comet I do believe I know what he was thinking," Rage said in a matter of fact tone.

"Oh right," Comet said.

"Anyway Ash eventually healed and everything went back to normal except the battles were relentless. But, the training kept Ash on top of it there is a particular memory that Ash cherishes from this place would like to see?" Rage asked.

The group nodded in acknowledgement Rage snapped his fingers and they were gone.

The group stood in the cell Ash had a metal bar in his hand and was walking over to two iron poles sticking out of the ground that reached the ceiling. The poles had grooves attached to them going all the way up the poles. Ash placed the bar in the grooves as high as he could reach and took a few deep breaths

"Now what's he doing?" Soarin asked.

"He's doing the bar climb," Rage said.

"What," Soarin said.

"Just watch," Rage responded.

Ash pulled himself up quickly so he was in the air for a few seconds. While he was in the air he pulled the bar out of the grooves and placed them in the grooves higher then the first getting him to go higher. He repeated this process until he reached the top Soarin, Mac, Rainbow Dash, Gilda, Thunderlane and Applejack's jaws dropped while Luna fanned herself lightly with burning cheeks.

"An impressive show Rage but why is this so special?" Celestia asked gesturing to Ash.

"Oh this isn't it Celestia," Rage said with a smile.

All of a sudden the sound of a baby crying rang out causing Ash's head to snap in the direction of the noise and let go of the bar he fell to the floor and run over to the noise.

"Rosa's baby is the memory," Rage said with a smile as he walked off after Ash.

The group walked over to the alter to see the adults either keeping the kids away or forming a curtain with their backs facing the alter. The group got past the wall without a problem to see Ash looking at Alex as he held a small baby crying its heart out. Eli and Rebecca watched as well while Jabir held Rosa's hand while she lay on the alter.

"Congratulations you too it's a boy," Rebecca said.

The new parents smiled at the news and nuzzled their heads against one another.

"We need to wrap him in something warm," Alex said.

"Will this do I wore it all day so it should be warm and comfortable for him," Ash said as he took of his jacket and offered it to Alex.

"It's perfect Ash," Alex said as he took the jacket and wrapped the baby in it.

"He has a fine set of lungs on him," Eli said as Alex handed the baby to the parents.

"So what will you name him?" Ash asked.

"We were thinking of calling him Akachi," Rosa said.

"It's a perfect name for him," Alex said.

Ash just watched the baby as it stopped crying and calmed down. The baby then reached out with one of his hands in Ash's direction. Rosa and Jabir both smiled at the baby's action and gestured for Ash to come closer. Ash did so until he was standing next to the alter Ash then let out a smile along with some tears at the sight of the newborn.

"That was beautiful," Celestia said as she let out tears of her own.

"Indeed even though they aren't related they asked Ash to be the boy’s uncle," Rage said.

"Really," Luna asked.

"Aw yeah Ash's skills with kids rivals his skills in combat," Rage said

The group watched silently no one wanting to disturb the moment until Spike spoke up.

"Rage how did Ash escape this place?" Spike asked.

The question caused Rage to tense up but remained silent.

"It's nothing you'll like and it will probably turn Celestia into a fuming ball of fire that would rival the sun," Rage said.

"I agree," Discord said.

The group turned their gaze to Celestia much to her confusion.

"Why are you looking at me like that for?" Celestia asked.

"Sister you almost lost your temper when Ash was in the cooler if this is worse than the cooler and you lose it then you could do great harm to Ash's mind," Chrysalis said.

"Will it get worse?" Fluttershy asked.

"Nothing is more painful then this," Rage said.

"Very well I'll do my best to keep my cool but Luna, Discord, Chrysalis, Dream Catcher if I do lose it I need you to stop me," Celestia said.

The siblings nodded and then everyone's gaze found Rage and gestured him to continue. Rage snapped his fingers and the cell disappeared leaving them in a black void all of a sudden small memories came floating past the group. The memories slowed down enough to be seen some of them was when Ash was fighting in the arena. Others showed Ash when he was learning things from Eli and Rosa even playing with Akachi. But, the more common ones were when Ash was training with Alex or just talking with him.

"During the four years of Ash's time here Ash and Alex got really close they were almost inseparable. During that time Ash learned how to make weapons for himself he learned forms of meditation and how to fight. The actions in the arena proved the lessons were helping. Even though Ash was taught how to kill all that time in the arena he never killed anyone on purpose. The psycho's were a different story because of well…you know and Ash was actually in the right in killing them," Rage said getting nods from the stallions and dragon. "But when it came to the other fighters Ash made sure never to shed their blood instead he'd knock them out he also made a promise to Alex."

"A promise," Twilight said.

"Yes Ash promised he would only use his skills to never harm an innocent being Ash has held that promise up to today and he would never dare break it," Rage said.

"What about me?" Discord said gesturing to his arm.

"You’re far from innocent Discord you violated Ash's privacy. I'd say you’re lucky because if Ash wanted to kill you he would have done it before you could have blinked. The cut on your arm was a warning," Rage said causing the spirit of chaos to gulp.

"So how come the day Ash escaped is so bad," Mac asked.

Rage snapped fingers and the group were in the arena once more a horn blew and the doors opened and the fighters walked out including Alex and Ash. The crowds cheered but the cheers stoped immediately when they saw Ash. He was armed with his staff and a sword in case the psychos came in.

"What's with the audience?" Rainbow asked.

"You know when Ash cut off that bastard's arm rumours spread to the other cells and Ash became a legend and the audience now fear him," Rage said.

"Their lucky he wasn't their when Ash is like he is now," Dream Catcher said.

"True that," Gilda added.

The horn blew again and the fighters were set loose but all of them charged at Ash except Alex who stood by his side.

"Why are they going for Ash," Pierce asked.

"The guy that had his arm severed off offered a reward for anyone who could bring down Ash during a battle. But Ash was not allowed to die because the man wanted the pleasure of killing him himself. And he would only do it when Ash was so beaten he couldn't fight any more," Rage said.

"Now that just ain't fair," Applejack said.

"True but these guys don't care about fair they care about money and spilling blood," Rage said.

"What was the reward for beating Ash in a fight," Spike asked.

"The fighter would spend two weeks in a luxury room and have every need handed to them," Rage said.

"Damn," Thunderlane said.

"Yeah but Ash had the ally's in his cell so at least he wasn't alone in battle cause they valued their friendship with him more then that," Rage said.

"Now that's loyalty," Rainbow said with a smirk.

The group turned to see Ash was placing in his earphones and scrolling through his music once he found a song he hit play.

"What is he doing?" Trixie asked.

"He's choosing some music to listen to while he fights," Twilight explained.

"Hey RD do you know what his taste in music is," Gilda said.

"No all I know is he has a load of different songs for different things," Rainbow said.

"I wonder what he's about to listen to," Gilda said.

"Allow me to help with that," Rage said as he snapped his fingers.

All of a sudden the room burst with music making the battle below seem more awesome.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr02lZeCfeA

Ash bounced his head in time with the rhythm and closed his eyes before he walked forward. The first gladiator charged at Ash but, Ash grabbed the fighters weapon pulled it out of his hands with his metal arm he back handed the gladiator knocking him out. Ash dropped the weapon and continued to walk forward. Another fighter lunged at Ash but, Ash used his staff to hit him in the side of the head. As soon as the chores kicked in Ash's eyes snapped open and charged at the reaming fighters with great speed. A fighter charged at Ash but Ash just pole vaulted into the air using his staff and aimed a foot at the fighters face. Ash's foot made contact and the group were able to hear the sound of bones cracking. As soon as Ash landed a fighter made a swing at Ash with a club but Ash ducked beneath the blow and used his staff and slammed it into the back of the fighters head. Another fighter appeared and tried to injure Ash's side by thrusting a sword at Ash but Ash stepped to the side and the blade dug itself into the sand. Ash grabbed the back of the fighters head and slammed the fighters head on the hilt of the blade stunning him. Ash followed up with a punch knocking the fighter onto his back. Just then, Ash saw another guy come charging at him but Ash ran away from the guy but the fighter followed. Ash ran until they came to the wall but Ash jumped at the wall and used his staff to push himself off it and go higher. Once he was over the fighter he was running from Ash smashed his staff into his face knocking him out. Suddenly Ash saw another fighter come up and did some frantic karate moves Ash just stood there with an unimpressed look on his face. Ash held onto the top half of the staff while the lower half was planted on the ground. When the fighter finished his wild punches and kicks and got into a stance ready for Ash to make a move Ash just sighed and kicked the guy in the crotch hard. The guy jumped into the air a bit from the force of the kick and let out a high pinched barely audible scream of pain. All the males in the room who saw the action along with the males in the group all covered their lower region and cringed. But Rainbow, Gilda, Eris, Applejack and the princesses couldn't help laugh at the sight.

"Hahahahaha oh man brutal," Rainbow said wiping away a tear of laughter.

"Ugh no kidding," Soarin said.

"It hurt's just by looking at it," Spike said.

Ash used his metal hand and gently pushed his opponent’s forehead with one finger and the fighter fell backwards and curled into a ball. Ash smiled at his work but then he heard a horn go off and the doors the psychos use to enter opened. All the fighters still standing moved away from the door even the one Ash kicked. Alex stood in between Ash and the cowering fighters just then the psycho's sounds could be heard from inside. When Ash heard it he dropped his staff drew his sword from his back and stepped towards the door. The group was surprised by this as was the audience and watched with interest. Ash was in the centre of the arena and watched the door without even blinking just then the psycho's came running out. The group just watched Ash as he did nothing but stand there.

"What is he doing?" Trixie asked.

"Just wait for it," Rage said.

"Wait for what exactly?" Chrysalis asked.

The psychos weren't far away from Ash now suddenly Ash took a deep breath.

"SHUT IT," Ash yelled.

The psycho's stopped dead from Ash's outburst and became silent shocking the group, audience, fighters even Alex. One of the psychos got onto its feet and let out a wild screech before it leapt at Ash and swiped an ice pick at him. But Ash pushed it away with his metal arm and then thrusted his sword at the psycho's face and pushed the blade in until it reached the cross guard. Once he did he pulled it out and let the lifeless body fall before he turned back to the psycho's and growled like a wolf. Just then, the psycho's ran back into the door they came out of whimpering like dogs.

"Holy Celestia did he just do that?" Spike asked gobsmacked.

"Yes he did," Celestia said with equal surprise.

"KILL HIM!"

The group turned to see the man whose arm had been severed off by Ash had been the one who shouted. Just then, guards jumped into the arena through the audience sections and from the doors leading into the arena each one had a long weapon aimed at Ash.

"More guns," Twilight said surprised.

"AK-47's," Rage said.

Ash was completely surrounded and some of the guards had their guns trained on Alex and the others. Ash just looked at the guards but kept his grip on his sword all of a sudden a door in the audience section was blown off its hinges. A group of people charged in with their own guns wearing thick armour with white writing on it that said S.W.A.T and police written on it.

"What the heck is going on?" Twilight asked.

"The cavalry has finally arrived," Rage said.

The armoured people fired at the guards while the guards fired back and the audience tried to flee. Ash was confused by what was happening but Alex grabbed him and pulled him through the doors they came through.

"Come on," Rage said as he jumped into the arena followed by the others.

The group ran after Ash and Alex while Alex explained that the guys in armour were here to help them get out of here. The pair ran through the corridors and grabbed the keys to their cell along the way. When they reached the cell door Ash unlocked it and went in Rosa, Rebecca, Eli, and Jabir and the others were confused why Alex and Ash were on their own. But, when Ash explained the situation they could not believe their ears and cried tears of happiness. Everyone left the cell and followed Alex as he led the way to the arena. Once they arrived they saw that the two sides were still going at it.

"Ash you and I are going to thin out the guards numbers and end this battle quicker and its best if we do this unarmed so the police don't think were with the guards," Alex said.

"Got it," Ash said as he dropped his sword and pulled his hood over his face.

The pair ran out into the arena and began knocking out the guards the guards were too busy with the police they didn't notice Ash or Alex's attack. After a few minutes the guards surrendered Ash smiled at the victory. Ash had a few cuts from the guards and a wound in his leg from a stray bullet but, he was still standing. Ash looked at the seats were the audience sat and sighed he then turned to see his fellow inmates getting tended to by the police. Just then, Ash heard a click come from behind him. Ash turned around and he saw the man holding a golden gun in his only hand and was aiming it at Ash.

"For years my grandfather’s slave arena has run and entertained me and my friends. We watched as all of you slaughtered each other in this place all except you. For four long years you only killed the ones that aren't human anymore and that guy when you first got here. I threw everything at you so you could die and yet here you are still alive and watching as my glorious empire falls. But there's a bright side cause now I get to kill you and I'm going to take great pleasure in doing so," the man said with a crazed smile.

"If this is my end then so be it but know this I'm prepared to die. I've been prepared to die even before I came here," Ash said calmly.

"Then why didn't you just give in to death?" the man asked.

"Cause I'm living for some others," Ash said placing a hand on his chest.

"Not anymore give my regards to the reaper," the man said.

Ash felt a force push him to the side just as the bang from the gun went off. Ash fell into the sand and something heavy landed on top of him. Ash shook his head and looked up to the man again aiming the barrel of the gun at Ash's head.

"A lucky escape but not this time," the man said.

Just then AK-47's started firing Ash turned and saw the police firing at the man. Seeing he was beaten and couldn't finish Ash off he ran out the doors closest to him and disappeared. The police followed the man while Ash looked at the heavy object on top of him to see it was Alex. Ash moved his hand to his view to see it was stained crimson. Realizing something Ash pushed Alex off of himself and looked at Alex to see he had a hole directly where his heart is. Blood was leaking from his lips as well but the expression on his face was a relaxed smile with his eyes closed. Ash just sat there his eyes watering when he realized his mentor and friend had sacrificed himself to save him. Ash didn't even get to say thank you or goodbye. Slowly Ash did the only thing he could do he started to cry and scream and hug the body close and bury his head into his dead friend’s chest. The group of friends watched the scene unfold with heavy hearts and teary eyes. Rage looked at Celestia to see her eyes scrunched tight while tears fell but her fists were clenched so tight Rage was worried she'd break her skin with her fingernails. The fists were also trembling with anger Rage placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her once she was calm she nodded to Rage in thanks. Rage gave a nod in return before he saw Luna walk over to Ash and kneel next to him in silence. When Ash stoped screaming his throat raw and crying he looked in Alex's hand and saw Alex's dog tags Ash picked up the dog tags and held them close. Just then, a police man came out of the doors and saw Ash kneeling next to Alex's body. The police man walked over to Ash and removed his riot helmet and placed a hand on Ash's shoulder. Ash didn't flinch at the contact but stayed silent.

"I'm sorry for your friend...I saw you both out there you put up a heck of a fight back there," The policeman said but Ash said nothing. "If I may ask did he train you?" Ash just nodded his head slowly. "He must have thought you would help a lot of people," the officer said.

"That's what he always said if I chose to do so," Ash said.

"Well I can tell one thing if he died smiling then he was happy to save you," The officer said as he stood up and walked around Alex's body and stand in front of Ash.

Ash looked up at the officer then back down at Alex's body.

"Did you catch him?" Ash asked before he turned to the doors the man ran through.

"No but we will and when we do he'll pay for this," the officer said.

Ash just nodded in understanding.

"Shall we get out of here?" The officer asked.

Ash nodded again and picked up Alex's body the officer helped him and they carried it to the exit. Rage watched them go before he snapped his fingers and the group they disappeared.

The group reappeared outside the place holding Ash it was an old scrap yard on the edge of a town and it was night time. Ambulances and police cars were all over the place there were also people standing in front of cameras talking. Ash and the officer placed Alex's body in a black bag that was on a stretcher the bag zipped up cutting off Ash's sight of Alex. Ash watched as the stretcher rolled away and out of view. Ash then looked around and saw Rosa was holding Akachi and standing next to Jabir talking to an officer. While Eli and Rebecca were also getting checked up on.

"Hey excuse me,"

Ash turned to see some people behind him with a camera and a microphone in his face.

"Can you tell us what happened in there? How long have you been in there? What was it like?" The person holding the microphone asked.

Ash slowly started to back away from them but they kept asking questions. Finally Ash lost his temper grabbed the camera with his left arm and crushed it. He then dumped it on the floor and walked away leaving a flabbergasted cameraman and reporter.

"Reporters no respect," Soarin said in an annoyed tone.

"I agree with you there," Luna said.

Ash continued walking he walked past a yellow line and past all kinds of people and kept on walking. Once he walked into town he selected a song on his IPod to help him forget his sadness but the song only made it worse. But, he didn't change it because the song had truth to it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5EXKDlf44M

Ash softly sang along with the song as he walked and cried Ash kept on walking until he reached a park. The song ended and Ash laid underneath a tree and started to cry he cried until he fell asleep. The group watched Ash as he slept just then the world began to break and melt away.

"What's happening?" Twilight asked as she began to disappear.

"End of the memory," Rage said.

The group opened their eyes and they found themselves back in Ash's living room.

"Now you know,"

The group turned to the doorway leading into the entrance hallway to see Ash standing there with a neutral look on his face.