"Ash I know what you’re thinking but those robes belonged to one of our ancestors," Octavia said.

I didn't say a word or turn around for that matter I just kept walking through the trees of the Everfree forest towards the castle of the royal family.

"Why are we here?" Vinyl asked.

"To speak in private," I said.

"Isn't this private enough?" Vinyl asked.

"No," I said before we entered the castle library.

I then walked over to the bookcase and kicked the emblem opening it before I walked inside not even bothering to look at Vinyl's and Octavia's faces. But they followed me down the corridor into the chamber and I walked over to the side and let Octavia and Vinyl study the room while I summoned my robes and put on the disguise ring and coated myself in my shadow. I turned to the two mares who were still gazing around the room in awe.

"Ahem," I said politely.

The two spun around and jumped when they saw me but I removed my hood and ring along with my shadow revealing myself to them.

"Ash!" Octavia screeched.

"You’re the shadow vigilante that everyone has been going on about?" Vinyl asked.

"Yep," I answered simply.

"Yo Ash why'd you summon us?"

I looked at the door and saw Rage and the rest of the brotherhood were here as well.

"You’re all involved!?" Octavia asked.

"Uh Ash you do know that Vinyl and Octavia are here right?" Spike said.

"I know but everyone these guy had the robes of the brotherhood in their homes which belonged to the first order of assassins in Equestria," I said.

"They're heirlooms we were told that one day the robes would be needed to be worn again to repel the darkness," Vinyl said.

"And the time is now Vinyl this is what I wanted to talk to you two about we want you to join the brotherhood," I said causing Octavia's and Vinyl's eyes to go wide. "I'm pretty you know about the Templars so the only thing left is the decision to join."

"Ash are you out of your mind your all murderers even if you did save Celestia that one time there's no way I'll..." Octavia started.

"I'm in," Vinyl said.

"VINYL!" Octavia shouted.

"Tavi you know what's at stake here my grandfather told me stories about his great, great really great grandmother who was once one of these assassins. I was even told what these Templars tried to do when they were last here Octy," Vinyl said.

"Yeah but..." Octavia started.

"But nothing Octy these guys must have known they were going to become killers in order to protect Equestria it's like the royal guards. They know they will need to kill to save Equestria and also Equestria is my home and if those Templars want it they'll need to go through me first," Vinyl said.

Octavia just stared at Vinyl in shock at what she was hearing but that's when I decided to step in.

"Octavia I'm not asking you to make a decision yet but if you wish come with us on one mission and decide for yourself. And if your decision hasn't changed you'll wake up the next day in your bed with no memory of this at all," I said.

Octavia looked around at us her expression showed she was deep in thought.

"Very well but you must keep your word," Octavia said.

"I always do," I said before I turned to Rage. "Have we been given the go by Faust?"

"The queen is involved in this!" Octavia screamed.

"She has but the only problem is we don't know where Magnesium Flare is," Rage said.

"I've got that covered," I said before I walked over to a desk and showed them a letter. "It took me awhile but I managed to crack the Templars code for this letter I took from when we killed Golden Hoard. It tells us the locations of several Templars till they get new orders including Magnesium Flare."

"Where is he then?" Spike asked.

"He's in a hydro plant with another Templar by the name of Aqua Gold I've been keeping a close eye on this one for some time and it's his job to make sure Equestria has clean drinking water but this guy is far from being innocent. What happened in the Diamond Dog kingdom it isn't the first time it happened but on a smaller scale," I said as I held up a folder marked Aqua Gold and handed it to the others. "Seven years ago a small village west of Ponyville had a serious outbreak resulting in 90% of the population dead 5% of them had lost the ability to use limbs and magic leaving the rest scarred for life. No one knows how this happened but after some digging I found out it was Aqua Gold who was responsible and that's not even the worst of it several other incidents resulting mass deaths happened because of contaminated water. Also the basted is the father of several foals who he had with several mares but denied responsibility thanks to lawyers and bribes.

"How'd you find all that out?" Caramel asked

"Through classified records data," I said.

"Damn you really dig deep into this don't you," Vinyl said as she looked through the folder.

"I make it my job to find out stuff for these situations," I said.

"We'll need to do this later Pinkie was holding a welcome party for a new mare by the name of Snowdrop," Pierce said.

"Oh right we'll head over to the hydro plant later but for now we'd best get to the party and mingle to avoid suspicion," I said.

Third Person POV

At Ash and Luna's mansion the welcome party was underway and everyone was enjoying themselves but everyone who didn't know were shocked when they found out who Snowdrop was. Twilight then went bonkers asking about life from 1000 years ago and Snowdrop admitted about what happened when she woke up and met Ash. But, despite everything Luna wasn't angry but relieved on how it ended and Snowdrop was allowed to keep the Windigo Crown and agreed to let Twilight study it.

"Are you bucking kidding me Ash didn't accept the chance to become a prince slash king!" Gilda shouted.

"Yes several times in fact," Luna said.

"Jeez he's either stupid, smart or something else," Spitfire said.

"The chance to become royalty and he turns it down what kind of moron is he?" Rainbow asked.

"The one that isn't interested in being royalty," Faust said as she sat on the couch next to Luna while the others stood around it.

"Humans are complicated things even for me once you think you have them all figured out BAM! They completely turn it around to surprise you. It's one of the reasons why they're an alpha species and why they shouldn’t be trifled with," Eris said munching on some cotton candy.

"Eris is right trying to understand what drives them to keep going is like trying to understand Miss Pie," Dream Catcher said.

"Right here," Pinkie said stuffing her face at the buffet table.

Ash was over with Snowdrop some drinks with her as he watched everyone having a ball.

"Is it true you didn't want a royal title?" Snowdrop asked.

"Pretty much," Ask said

"Wow regular stallions wouldn't even think twice before saying yes to that," Snowdrop said.

"True but I'm happy with what I've got here a fine home, beautiful family, great friends and a work I love to do I can't ask for anything more," Ash said.

"Must have been hard for you to go through life without that," Snowdrop said.

"Yeah but Snowdrop there's one thing that's been bothering me," Ash said.

"What is it?" Snowdrop asked.

"When we met you threw quite a few accurate shots at me but if your blind how'd you know where I was," Ash asked.

"Oh well since my sight doesn't work I've had to adjust to my other senses like feel the vibrations in the ground. Makes it easy for me to see what's going on around me as long as it's on the ground I can see it or if the ground is solid," Snowdrop said.

"Amazing," Ash said before he saw Rage giving the okay to go. "Hey Snowdrop some of us have to go and take care of something so we'll see you later."

Snowdrop gave me a nod before she walked over to the others while Ash and the brotherhood along with Vinyl and Octavia left.

It was night time and Ash was in his assassin robes but decided to forgo the shadow and disguise ring since the hydro plant was at the base of Canterlot Mountain and all the guards here were Templars. The group was on the roof looking through the windows at the room below and it looked like a combination between a lab and hydration production line. The group remained silent as we watched Magnesium Flare and Aqua Gold run the show. Magnesium Flare was a bronze coated Pegasus stallion who wore a lab coat and safety goggles. His mane was orange and it looked like a mad scientist whose experiments had blown up too many times and his face so his mane turned black as it went up. Aqua Gold was a unicorn stallion he had a marine blue coat of fur and a slicked back mane and wore a clean pressed suit.

"No shadow tonight?" Rage asked.

"No need there aren't any royal guards here and by the time anyone finds out what happened here there's no way to find out who did it," Ash said.

"You’re referring to that trick where you were able to see into the past when Tirek was in the throne room of Canterlot?" Rage asked.

"That's the one it's called phantom eye," Ash said.

"Can you explain it to me because I'm beginning to get worried," Spike said.

"It's a very useful spell but it can only go up to a certain limit if someone wanted to look into the past they'd only be able to look about 2 hours into the past before they can't see beyond it," Ash said.

"Well that's a relief," Pierce said.

"Anyway shall we get this show on the road?" Mac asked.

"Right Rage Flare is yours I'll take care of Gold Octavia will join me," Ash said as he gestured to a robes wearing cellist player.

"Fine Vinyl can come with me," Rage said.

"Alright the rest of you destroy any chemical formulas that are written down involving the Diamond Dog Kingdom incident along with any of the virus that was recently created," Ash said.

"Right," they all said in union.

"And finally a little upgrade for the assassin blades," Ash said as he handed everyone in the group a small object.

"What is it?" Soarin asked.

"It's called a rope launcher I found some old blueprints and thought it could be useful to us," Ash said.

"Nice now that that's done let's rock this house," Rage said before he stood up and jumped through the window and air assassinated a Templar soldier before he went off to cause more chaos.

"C'mon don't wanna be left behind," Ash said before he jumped in but landed on the iron supports that went along the roof. Ash silently made his way over and above two soldiers who were about to shoot Rage.

Ash removed a rope dart from my side and threw it down onto one of the Templars before he leaped off the iron support hoisting the Templar into the air and before his friend knew what happened Ash drove a hidden blade into his neck. Ash tied off the rope dart keeping the Templar in the air before he to see Octavia had jumped down with him but stayed silent and just looked at the bodies. Ash checked and asked if she was alright and she gave him a nod before he led Octavia through the stacks of machinery while the others took care of the Templars. Octavia and Ash ran in-between two large generators but was cut off on either side by Templars. Ash looked around and saw a platform above them so grabbed Octavia by the waist and aimed the rope launcher at the platform and fired it. Once the hook snagged on the platform the Templars ran at us the pair but the rope began to retract and both Octavia were pulled up and once they were safely on the platform Ash tossed a spring razor at the Templars shredding them before they could fire at them. Octavia took a glace before she immediately backed away Ash apologized to her for the gruesome attack but she held her hand out in front of him and took a breath she then looked at the rest of battle. Octavia showed no sign of emotion on her face impressing on how she was doing before he looked around and saw Spike he had his back to the wall and was surrounded by Templars. Ash then looked above Spike and saw a stack of large metal pipes held together by a pair of straps before he fired his rope launcher and hit one of the straps that was holding pipes in place. Suddenly, another rope hit the other strap and Ash looked and saw it was Octavia and she looked determined.

"On three...one...two...three," Ash said as he pulled on my rope along with Octavia breaking the straps

The pipes clattered onto the ground causing the Templars to panic and run trying not to get squashed. Spike saw the pair before he gave us the thumbs up which Ash returned with a nod before he saw Aqua Gold run into what looks like an office and a heavily reinforced one at that.

"Gold ran in there," Ash said as he pointed to the office.

"How will you get in?" Octavia asked.

"I'm curious on which is stronger that room or me," Ash said before he used the rope launcher and zip lined to the door. Once he landed Ash turned around and saw Octavia had also used her rope launcher and came down to join him.

Once Octavia touched the floor Ash turned his attention to the door and placed a hand on it and knocked a few times.

"Let's see you get through this five inches of pure steel not even the strongest earth pony or unicorn can break into this room and the room is outlined with anti-teleportation runes!" Aqua Gold shouted through the door.

"Now what?" Octavia asked.

Ash gave Octavia a smile before he cracked his neck and reeled back his left hand and punched the door causing it to fall over making a large clang once it hit the ground. The door was bent down the middle and a fist print was in the centre of the door and Ash smirked at Octavia's shocked look before he walked inside. Aqua Gold was in a chair behind a desk staring at Ash in shock and surprise and his mouth was opening and closing like a fish trying to form words and once Ash was fully inside the room he spread my wings for intimidation. Aqua Gold fall backwards and out of his chair while Ash walked over to him and grabbed his suit coat before he threw him onto his desk and held him there.

"That may be true but you must know I'm not a pony now tell me whose the pony in charge?" Ash asked.

"I don't know," Aqua said.

"Don't Lie To Me!" Ash growled.

"We never see his face he always sends us letters or when it's in pony he's always hidden by shadow," Aqua said.

"And what was the goal behind the Diamond Dog Kingdom outbreak?" Ash asked only for Aqua Gold to stay silent so Ash punched him in the ribs cracking a few bones in the process

"They were declared unfit to live in the new world so the Grand Master ordered Magnesium Flare and I to take care of it," Gold said once he got his breath back.

Octavia was fuming at the words that came out of Aqua's mouth before she stomped her way over to Aqua and Ash moved to the side and Octavia punched Aqua Gold across the face.

"You monster those were Diamond Dogs sentient creatures they had homes family's loved ones and you just destroyed that," Octavia said with a few tears in her eyes.

"Wrong assassin there is only one sentient race ours and when we're through and the Templars are in control every other species in the world who see our ways as truth will bow to us. And any who oppose...well let’s just say it won't be pleasant," Aqua said with a chuckle.

Octavia looked ready to spill blood now along with Ash but Ash stopped Octavia before he grabbed Aqua Gold and teleported the three of them to a platform and held Aqua against the railing. The platform was high over a flow of water and was swept into a massive propeller that went into a machine to clean the water.

"Y'know those foals that you abandoned with their mothers I'm glad they never met such an evil bastard like you. To poison waterways and disregard safety protocols is simply disgusting," Ash said.

"We all have to make a quick bit and I couldn't care less about those brats along with their whore mothers. But I wonder what will happen with the royal family will they writhe in agony as we kill them one by one along with that pathetic wife of yours. Or will we kill them all at once and as for you and you’re soon to be Frankenstein child the Grand Master has something special in mind for you," Gold said.

Octavia looked at Ash in worry she couldn't see his face but what happened next confused her because Ash let go of Aqua's coat letting him stand at full height. Ash then took Aqua's hand and placed a small bag in it before he turned around and took a few steps away from Gold.

"What's this?' Aqua asked confused.

"Open it," Ash said without looking back and with no emotion in his voice.

With a raised eyebrow Aqua opened the bag and saw silver coins.

"Coins?" Aqua Gold asked.

"30 pieces of silver to be exact cause where your going is expensive," Ash said.

"What are you talking about," Aqua Gold asked.

"30 pieces of silver to pay the ferryman...For Your Trip To Hell!" Ash yelled before he turned around and with the sole of his boot kicked Aqua Gold over the railing. Aqua Gold was sent plummeting into the propeller while he screamed all the way down.

Ash didn’t look but the sound of bone and flesh being ripped apart confirmed Aqua's death. Ash then looked at the necklace he had in his hand he took when he handed the bag of silver pieces to Aqua before he turned to Octavia.

"Sorry I guess I should have made that a little cleaner then let my anger get the better of me," Ash said.

"No in all honesty I would have done that myself if you didn't," Octavia said.

"Well then here to remind you why we fight," Ash said as he handed the necklace to Octavia.

Octavia gave Ash a nod before Ash tied a folder to the railing and led Octavia over to where Rage and Vinyl would be. When they saw them Rage was holding Magnesium Flare's head in an oil drum while Vinyl watched behind her mask.

"Rage what are you doing?" Ash asked.

"Giving this prick a taste of his own medicine," Rage said as he pulled Magnesium's head out of the drum and tied him up in a chain and pulled on the chain suspending Flare in the air.

Suddenly Magnesium began to twitch and shake rapidly till his eyes turned green and began to glow and he was trying to get out of the chain. He let terrifying screams that would be branded into ones head for eternity.

"You turned him into a zombie?" Octavia asked in shock.

"He's getting what he deserves," Rage said.

BANG!

Everyone was startled by the bang and looked to see Ash holding his pistol and the barrel was smoking when they saw what he aimed at there was a hole in the middle of Flares forehead.

"Rage what you did could have been a disaster for us," I said.

"He turned innocent into monsters I was showing them their pain he deserved to suffer," Rage said.

"Yes he did but he can suffer in hell Rage if we left him like that what would have happened?" Ash asked.

"The guards would have found him and put them out of his misery or changed him back," Rage guessed.

"And if he got free of the chain what if he infected the guards that came here to inspect this place what if he infected the dead bodies. Rage this is serious your little mistake could have killed millions remember never take unnecessary risks that affect those around you," Ash said.

"Sorry Ash I'll be sure not to repeat that mistake," Rage said.

"Good right now I'm going to make sure to grab any useful info these Templars had you make sure that virus is dealt with," Ash said before I walked away ignoring the awestruck Vinyl and Octavia.

Ash teleported the group back to the den before he placed some documents he retrieved onto a desk.

"Ash,"

Ash turned around and came to face Octavia who was looking at the ground and was ashamed.

"Are you alright Octavia?" Ash asked.

"Yes but...I just wanted to apologize for what I said before about calling all of you murderers I can see why you’re doing this...The real enemy are the Templars and what they are doing is beyond evil. So there's only one option left kill the Templars before they destroy us all," Octavia said.

"Does this mean you've reached your verdict?" Ash asked.

"Yes...And I want to help you fight the Templars," Octavia said as she looked up at Ash with a fire in her eyes.

Ash just nodded to Octavia before he signalled the others to stand beside him while Vinyl and Octavia kneeled in front of the group.

"Both Octavia Melody and Vinyl Scratch have chosen to accept our offer to join us but before this can be done you must know the three tenants that uphold our creed," Ash said.

"Stay your blade from the flesh of the innocent," Rage said.

"Hide in plain sight," Lightning said.

"Never compromise the brotherhood," Spike said.

"Let these words be branded into your minds follow them and you will succeed but break them and you will face the consequences do you still wish to join us?" Ash asked.

"Yes," Vinyl and Octavia said in sync.

"Then we welcome you to the brotherhood and remember nothing is true everything is permitted," Ash said.

"Nothing is true everything is permitted," Octavia and Vinyl said in sync before they stood and were surrounded by the group and welcomed with hugs and handshakes.

"Alright everyone we best get back to my home I’ll contact you all for our next target," Ash said.

Ash's POV

I woke up to the feeling of someone jumping on the bed so I cracked an eye open to see it was Pipsqueak and he had a massive smile on his face. I then looked over at Luna and saw she was getting up so I followed suit and looked at Pip with a tired expression.

"Pip why are you up so early?" I asked causing Pip to stop bouncing.

"It's a very important day at school today," Pip said causing Luna and I to look at each other in confusion before we looked back at Pip. "Todays the day the school votes for a new student pony president and I'm competing."

"Huzza our son is taking on the mantle of a leader this is amazing to hear," Luna said as she grabbed Pip in a hug.

"Thanks mom," Pip said as he hugged back.

"So what will you plan to do if you’re elected?" I asked.

"Well our playground equipment was badly damaged during the battle with Tirek so I plan to fix it," Pip said proudly.

The mention of Tirek subconsciously made me place a hand on the scar over my heart which wasn't unnoticed by the other occupants in the room.

"Honey are you alright?" Luna asked with concern.

"I'm fine," I said before I kissed Luna on the lips to assure her I was fine before I turned to Pip. "And Pip as for your idea I thinks that's very noble so in celebration you can decide what's for breakfast."

"Really?" Pip asked which I just nodded. "Then pancakes, butter and maple syrup it is."

I gave Pip a nod before he left and I got out of bed.

"Do you wish to use the bathroom Luna," I asked.

"Yes please and can you tell Silver Tray and Feather Duster to prepare fifty pancakes for me?" Luna asked as she rubbed her swollen stomach.

I gave Luna a smile and a kiss before I left.

I was working in the forge with Caramel for most of the day Caramel was working on a pair of horseshoes while I was finishing a necklace for one of Rarity's dresses it had teardrop shaped gems that came in an assortment of colours and formed an upside down triangle. Once I finished I picked up my work and looked it over for any flaws seeing none I gave a no of satisfaction.

"Done staring at that?" Caramel asked jokingly.

"A true craftsman or in your case craftspony always checks his work for flaws or ways to improve it but you already knew that didn't you," I said as I looked Caramel.

"Diamond Tiara!"

I looked at the source of the voice and saw it was a mare who was speaking to Diamond Tiara I knew her name was Spoiled Rich and she was husband to Filthy Rich and mother of Diamond Tiara. She had a dark purple mane and hot pink coat and she wore a fancy dress like the ones up in Canterlot. She and I never spoke but Filthy Rich was somewhat more pleasant to talk to I've helped him out from time to time and we shared a few laughs and I found out he was very caring about Diamond Tiara but his work always meant he couldn't spend time with his family as much.

"Why are you making that face that is not the face of a winner," Spoiled Rich said.

"Because I didn't win," Diamond Tiara said.

"What you mean I brought all these party supplies to celebrate nothing," Spoiled Rich said as she gestured to some maids and a butler who were carrying party supplies.

"Sorry mother," Diamond Tiara said.

"It's bad enough you lost to that transplant from Trotingham but imagine what would happen if you lost to one of those blank flanks. As a rich pony you must always think of your social standings that starts here in Ponyville and reaches all over Equestria. Don't ever forget that Diamond Tiara EVER!" Spoiled Rich shouted before she walked off.

To me to actually hear all that was never a good thing I almost made up my mind to put down the necklace and walk over to Spoiled Rich with my hammer and beat her face in till it was black and blue. And if Caramel didn't hold me back I would have done far worse when she called my son a transplant once I calmed down heard singing and I saw it was Diamond Tiara.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gepFsHx-2ak

As I heard Diamond Tiara sing I placed the necklace in a box before I packed up telling Caramel I was going to call it a day which he just nodded before I left. I saw Apple Bloom Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were following Diamond Tiara and when Diamond stopped singing I focused on the girls.

"Is it weird that I feel bad for her?" Sweetie asked.

"If it is then I'm weird too," Scootaloo admitted.

"She wants to change but she doesn't know how," Apple Bloom said.

"Seems she could use a friend or two to figure it out," Sweetie said.

"I'm glad you three think that," I said causing the trio to spin around in surprise to see me.

"Ash uh did you hear all that?" Scootaloo asked.

"Yes and I'm very proud you three want to help her even though she wasn't the kindest pony to you," I said.

"Really," Sweetie Belle asked.

"But of course look at Trixie, Gilda and Discord they've made an effort to change and now they're surrounded by friends," I said.

"You really think it's a good idea?" Scootaloo asked.

"What do you three think?" I asked with a smile before they ran off.

I smiled as the girls left before I walked over to the Carousal Boutique once I arrived I opened the door and was greeted by the all too familiar bell above the door.

"One moment," I heard Rarity call out.

I looked around at the mannequins all with a different dress on them and smiled before I heard a door open out the back and Rarity walked out followed by an old light blue earth pony. He wore a butler outfit and had white hair going around his head I knew him to be Randolph Filthy Rich's butler and he was holding a dress cover.

"My mistress thanks you for fixing her dress Miss Rarity," Randolph said in a professional yet polite tone before he noticed me. "Ah Mister Ash I was on my way to see you today Master Rich has requested your presence tomorrow afternoon at his home."

"Uh sure tell him I can stop by and thank you for letting me know," I said.

Randolph just nodded before he left before I turned my attention to Rarity.

"Ash are you alright you seem to be having mixed feelings about something," Rarity said.

"It's Spoiled Rich that's all," I said.

"Why what happened?" Rarity asked.

"She called my son a transplant," I said

"Oh that tears it," Rarity said grinding her teeth together.

"Whoa calm yourself Rarity I was willing to hammer her face in but that would be a very poor move to make also it's something I need to worry about not you," I said.

"I know but Pip does not deserve such words even though you and Luna are his adoptive parents and the fact there are still ponies who can't seem to respect that frustrates me. And I don't care if it's un-lady like or not," Rarity said with fire in her eyes.

"Well at least there are those that do care right," I said calming Rarity's anger

"Indeed but what brings you here today Ash?" Rarity asked.

"I came to drop this off for you Rarity," I said as I handed the box containing the necklace which Rarity took and opened she gasped in amazement.

"Ash it's lovely if this was a gift to me I'd never take it off," Rarity said.

"Hey I can always make another one for you," I said.

"Oh Ash I couldn't ask you to do that," Rarity said.

"I know that's why I'm not asking you," I said.

"Well still how much do I owe you for this fine piece?" Rarity asked.

"Not a bit am I understood," I said.

"But Ash the shine on these gems surly you must have gone through a great deal of trouble to get them," Rarity said.

"They were actually a gift from Diamond Cutter back from the incident," I said.

What! Ash I most certainly can't accept this now," Rarity said trying to hand me the box as if it was a bomb or something.

"Rarity those gems were mine to do with as I saw fit and they deserve to be worn by somepony so don't ask me to take it back," I said as I placed a hand on the box and gently pushed the box back towards Rarity.

"I see and you’re right gems like these need to be accessorised and you have done a marvellous job darling," Rarity said as she gazed at the necklace.

"Well since you know how to show of clothing and accessories you keep that one and I'll go and make some more," I said.

"What but Ash...," Rarity started.

"And I will not hear a word of protest Rarity just consider it a generous gift even you must appreciate one every now and again," I said before I left for home.

At dinner Pip told us the news on how he won the vote which cause us to hold a special dinner before we went to bed now I was walking over to Sweet Apple Acres dropping off some nails for Mac. He told me it’s to fix a hole in the barn wall after a Timberwolf tried to get in but luckily the crises was sorted and none of the animals were harmed I saw Mac was over at the barn and was running a check on all the materials he had.

"Howdy Mac I can see your ready to go," I said when I was in earshot.

"Eeyup," Mac said.

"Need some help with the wall?" I asked.

"Nnope," Mac said.

"Alright then," I said.

"How's Snowdrop? If I remember correctly she's living in a cloud house next to yours," Mac said.

"She's doing well and yes she does have her own home just parked next to ours and she comes down to eat with us," I said.

"And how's Pip heard he won the election from Apple Bloom," Mac said.

"He's doing great Luna is really proud of him just like I am also that reminds me Apple Bloom told me she wants to help Diamond Tiara do you know if the girls are in the clubhouse?" I asked.

"Eeyup," Mac said.

"Thanks Mac see ya latter," I said before I walked off to orchid.

The farm was quiet this time of year the apples weren't exactly ripe to be bucked and there weren't many birds here but the silence was quite relaxing and I could ease my worries just by sitting under a tree and watching the day pass. I finally saw the CMC clubhouse and I began to walk over to it and I saw Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara on the porch. Suddenly, Diamond Tiara ran down the ramp and through the orchid.

"Where is she going?" Scootaloo asked.

"Where do you think c'mon after her," Apple Bloom said before she ran down the ramp with Scootaloo.

"Wait I'm coming too," Sweetie said.

As I watched I decided to follow them and find out what's going on and as I ran through the orchid I began to hear singing.

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

The girls and Diamond Tiara ran to the school and I saw the class and Miss Cheerilee were outside the school I then flew into the braches of a tree giving me a view of the situation.

"Everypony I have an announcement," Diamond Tiara said.

"Diamond Tiara think hard about the choice you’re making right now," Apple Bloom pleaded.

"You could be a better pony," Scootaloo finished.

"Diamond Tiara!" I turned my gaze to the schoolhouse door and saw Spoiled Rich. "I just happen to be here for the school board meeting and this is what I see in the adjourn. My daughter is associating with confused insignificant lowlifes. Socializing with their kind is not how you move up in Equestria. Come Diamond Tiara," Spoiled Rich demanded before she began to walk away.

I was so ready teach that mare a lesson she would never forget and I could tell Miss Cheerilee was ready to have a few words of her own with her. But, we both stopped when someone spoke.

"No mother," Diamond Tiara said.

"Excuse me," Spoiled Rich said.

"You spent your life acting like a high horse and raised me to follow in your hoof prints at first I thought this was fine but then I finally realized I wanted something you don't have friends," Diamond Tiara said causing everyone to gasp and I could see Spoiled Rich was looking nervous.

"That's enough Diamond Tiara step away from those blank flanks," Spoiled Rich said trying to maintain control.

"These are the Cutie Mark Crusaders they are my friends you need to stop calling them such mean and hurtful names. They are working harder to get their cutie marks then anypony I've ever seen and they will get them exactly when they discover their true talent which I guarantee will be amazing. Now will you please deliver this to father?" Diamond Tiara asked as she held out a note.

"Yes of course dear," Spoiled Rich said before she took the note and left.

"I have to thank you crusaders obviously I've known from the beginning my talent is to get other ponies to do what I want I just asked my farther to donate the money for the new playground equipment," Diamond Tiara said causing the group to voice their thanks before Diamond Tiara walked over to Pip. "I knew you were worried there for a minute there weren't you well I think everything will be just fine mister president," Diamond Tiara said before she began to sing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD4mVIvU3-8

As Diamond Tiara sang I contacted Twilight to give a hand and the delivery of the equipment was here in minutes the whole class also pitched in and the work went by smoothly. And when the work was done everyone crowded around Diamond Tiara and thanked her for the help as everyone was distracted by Diamond Tiara a strange glow appeared behind me. I turned around and saw it was Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo and they were being lifted into the air but when it stopped and the girls were placed on the ground I saw something on their shoulders. And from the voices of awe and amazement from everyone else I could tell they saw it too.

"What happened?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"What's going on?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Uh girls," I said as I pointed to my shoulder indicating the girls to look at their shoulders.

The girls did as I instructed and saw what they were seeking for a long time each one of the girls had a red pink and purple shield on their arms with a picture on the shield of a lightning bolt, a music note and an apple.

"WE ALL GOT THE SAME CUTIE MARK CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS FOREVER!" the three screamed in union and excitement before they began to sing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-2SrSYjR4w

As the girls sang I texted their family along with Luna and the others to tell them to meet us at Sugarcube Corner which they did and Pinkie said she was going to hold a massive party for the three and the sisters of the three told the girls how proud they are of them. After that we had a photo in front of the CMC clubhouse and Spike sent the letter off to Canterlot so the Royal family could see. After that everyone left for the cutecenuera celebration while I headed for the Rich mansion. I knocked on the door and was greeted by Randolph he moved to the side to allow me in. Once I was inside Randolph closed the door and led me to the living room where he announced my presence so I walked in and I saw Filthy Rich sitting in a plush expensive chair and sitting on the crotch opposite him was Fancy Pants, Fleur De Lis and Saint Blade in Fancy's arms.

"Ash I'm glad you could come allow me to introduce you...," Filthy Rich started.

"Ash," Fleur said as she stood and walked over to me and gave me a hug and kiss on the cheek.

"Hello again Fleur you too Fancy Pants," I said.

"Hello my boy," Fancy Pants said as he stood up and placed Saint in one arm and shook my hand with the other.

Saint Blade then let out some baby gibberish and a laugh as he reached out to me so Fancy handed to me and I gently placed a hand on his chest. Saint then started to suck on one of my fingers causing the happy parents and me to chuckle at his antics.

"Hello to you too little one," I said with a smile.

"You know each other?" Filthy Rich asked.

"But of course Rich," Fancy said as I handed Saint to Fleur.

"May I inquire on how?" Filthy Rich asked.

"Maybe another time Mr Rich I don't mean to be rude but I have a celebration I'm supposed to be at," I said.

"Right to the point I like it please sit and please you can call me Rich," Filthy Rich said.

I sat down in a chair next to the couch and waited for what Filthy Rich had to say.

"This is a little embarrassing but I've called you all here because you all seem to have experience," Filthy Rich said.

"Rich you and I have known each other since school and Ash can also keep this secret so please don't be nervous," Fancy said.

"Alright well you all know my daughter Diamond Tiara?" Rich asked causing us to nod. "Well it's just I fear I haven't been the best farther to her and I want to try and fix that. But I don't know how to do so can you help me?"

Now the request dumbfounded me none the less and when I looked at Fancy and Fleur I could only see them looking back at me with small smiles.

"What?" I asked.

"Come now Ash if anyone can figure this out then it's you," Fleur said.

"That day in your library when I told you I didn't think I was cut out to be a farther you gave me the best advice and it solved my problem," Fancy said.

"Plus surly you've seen Diamond Tiara around town maybe you can see what she needs," Fleur said.

I relaxed in the chair and raised a hand to my chin and began to stroke it and closed my eyes I stayed like that for a few minutes before I looked at Filthy Rich.

"Well after thinking about it my advice is the same as I gave Fancy Pants. Diamond Tiara wants parents that aren't busy with work and can actually be there to support her in every decision she makes," I said.

"I wish it was that easy work has been...," Filthy Rich stated.

"That's not an excuse Rich," I said cutting him off. "I'm sure you all have heard about the Diamond Dog kingdom's incident correct?" I asked receiving nods from most in the room along with saddened faces. "Well before I left Rich I made a pinkie promise to my son that as soon as I came back I would take him to do something fun like a meditation lesson with Zecora and yet I almost died over there. But it didn't stop me I did everything possible to get back and succeeded in doing just that. So Filthy Rich if I'm able to go through a warzone to get back to my family then you can take a few hours even days off work and spend that time with your daughter."

Filthy Rich was shocked at my words while Fancy and Fleur just smiled.

"Like I said you’re the one to go to when it comes to a parent helping a foal," Fancy said as he took a sip of his tea.

"Your right you’re absolutely right thank you so much Ash please for your trouble," Rich said as he held out a large bag of bits.

I just gave a smile pushed Rich's hand away and shook my head causing Rich to look at me in confusion while Fancy and Fleur smiled.

"I only spoke words of truth Rich so please keep your bits," I said.

"But still," Rich said.

"Rich if you want to thank me then you'll follow what I told you," I said.

Suddenly we here the front door open and I heard Spoiled Rich yelling.

"And just where do you think you’re going young lady!" Spoiled Rich yelled.

"To my friend’s cutecenuera," I heard Diamond Tiara reply.

Rich got out of his chair and I got up and followed as well I looked in the entrance hallway and saw Spoiled Rich glaring down at Diamond Tiara.

"Absolutely not I will not allow you to socialize with those inferior to us and certainly not after how you spoke to me today," Spoiled Rich said.

"I am allowed to choose who my friends are mother and they personally invited me and I'm not going to let them down," Diamond Tiara said.

"Well I'm afraid you will let them down because you’re not going also you need a lesson in respecting your mother," Spoiled Rich said as she raised her hand to slap Diamond Tiara.

My protective instincts kicked in and I teleported next to Spoiled Rich and caught her right arm with my right hand and held it perfectly still despite her try to get free. Spoiled Rich looked at me and glared while Diamond Tiara looked at me in shock.

"Unhand me," Spoiled Rich demanded which I did so but kept a glare of my own on her.

"Dear what is going on here?" Rich asked as he walked over to us.

"This beast has dared to lay a hand on me when I was disciplining our daughter," Spoiled Rich said.

"Discipline her why would you do that?" Rich asked.

"She embarrassed me in front of a class of foals along with this impudent creature's son," Spoiled Rich said the last words while looking at me with disgust.

"And I don't happen to like ponies who call my son a transplant from Trotingham and before you ask you were outside the forge where I work when it happened. And your voice was so loud it was hard to miss," I said.

"Humph it’s hard to understand what Princess Luna see's in such a mindless beast such as you," Spoiled Rich said causing me to clench my fist hard threatening to draw blood.

"I believe we have heard enough,"

I looked at the living room door and saw both Fancy Pants and Fleur were there and the expression on their faces showed they weren't happy.

"Lord Fancy Pants, Lady Fleur De Lis I must apologize for the noise this beast has no place in our home and I will have it escorted out immediately," Spoiled Rich said.

"Actually we were just leaving ourselves we find it...Disturbing to be in the same room with somepony who has insulted a very close friend of ours," Fancy said.

"You mean you both know this thing?" Spoiled Rich asked in a shocked tone.

"His name is Ash Blade the sixth knight of Equestria and the knight of freedom and we are deeply indebted to him," Fleur said in an angry tone.

"If not for Ash I would be dead and my beloved Fleur's family heirloom would still be missing," Fancy said.

"We are so indebted to Ash we named our son Saint Blade as a way to honour Ash," Fleur said causing Spoiled Rich to go pale with worry.

"Rich I'm sorry but we can't stay," Fancy said.

"Oh of course I understand completely," Rich said before he turned to me and shook my hand. "And thank you so much for your words Ash."

"Think nothing of it and if I may say right now would be a good time to use those words," I said as I nudged my head towards Diamond Tiara before I looked at Diamond myself. "And also Diamond Tiara I want to thank you personally for sticking up for my son."

"I...it was nothing sir," Diamond Tiara said nervously.

"Diamond dear don't you have a cutecenuera to get ready for?" Filthy Rich asked.

"Really?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"Yes and if it's alright I'd like see the lucky foal who got their cutie mark and wish them well," Rich said.

"Of course you can come thank you daddy," Diamond Tiara said before she ran up the stairs.

"Well I guess we'll see you at the party Rich," I said.

"Indeed see you there," Rich said before we left.

"So who is the lucky foal that got their cutie mark?" Fancy asked as we walked away from the manor.

"It was Cutie Mark Crusaders Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo," I said.

"So they finally earned them mind if we join you?" Fleur asked.

"Not at all I'm sure Pip would be happy to see you as well," I said.

The party was a blast and Fancy and Fleur were shocked beyond words when Luna told them how I turned down several chances to become a prince or king of Equestria and I also overheard Diamond Tiara tell the rest of the CMC about what happened at her home. There were many games and fun things and before you know it the party ended with me walking down the road with Diamond Tiara, Filthy Rich, The Apple Family, Caramel, Thunderlane, Rumble, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Fancy Pants, Fleur De Lis, Saint Blade, Luna and Pip.

"Pinkie was right that was the greatest cutecenuera ever," Sweetie Belle said.

"Well you lot earned it," I said.

"Excuse me Rarity darling but I have to know where did you get that necklace?" Fleur asked as she gestured to the necklace that I made.

"Yes whoever made it must have talent," Filthy Rich said.

"Oh this was actually crafted by Ash," Rarity said causing everypony to look at me in surprise.

"Guilty as charged," I said.

"You never cease to impress me Ash," Fancy Pants said.

"Ash you simply must make one for me it will go beautifully with the dress you helped create," Fleur said.

"I'd be happy to and since we're outside the forge I can write in the order book about creating one for you so I don't have to remind myself later," I said before I gestured to the forge and walked inside and over to a brown book and opened it to the latest page.

"What's in this?"

I looked over and saw Apple Bloom looking at a vault.

"Here allow me to show you," I said as I walked over to the vault and put in the combination before I opened it and pulled out a bowl of glittery powder.

"Dust what's so special about dust?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"Nothing but this isn't dust," I said as I reached into the vault again and pulled out a diamond I then placed the diamond in my hand and showed everyone before I curled my fingers around it and squeezed. I then began to hear cracking and crunching sounds and everyone just continued to stare in wonder and gasped when I opened my hand to reveal a pile of dust that matched the one in the bowl. "It's crushed diamond." The group just stared in amazement at the achievement but I just chuckled. "If you think that was cool if you all thought the chain for the necklace Rarity was wearing was metal it's all fully made of diamond dust just fused into a chain with a little magic."

"Since when have you learned how to do that Ash?" Applejack asked.

"Faust helped me really during my time on the moon I learned a lot more than just a few magic tricks," I said as I put everything away and closed the vault and walked back over to the book.

"I'm just beginning to wonder what mother has been teaching you," Luna said.

"Well next time you see her...," I started before pain rushed into my head.

The strange ghosts from Nero’s nightclub appeared again only different they were clearer and they looked human but some had wings like mine and regular feathered wings and wings like a bat. There were also manticores, hydra's and hideously deformed creatures the size of three storied houses basically any creature of myth along with unicorns pegasi and horses but they all stood on four hooves and were the size of regular ponies. But the creatures of myth along with the figures who had my wings were fighting the wingless figures and feathered and webbed winged figures but the part I was freaking out about was I couldn't see the others I was alone. I tried to pinch myself to see if I was dreaming but it didn't work and felt the pain. Suddenly, a figure with without wings walks in front of me and turns to look at me then faster than I could move it tried to slice me across my face. I moved back and avoided the blade but I felt something sting my right cheek I placed a hand on my cheek and brought it to my line of vision to see blood. I looked at the figure again and saw it was about to try again I backed away but tripped on something and hit my head blackening my vision.