Darkness it's all I could see around me it was quiet it was dark and if I was being honest with myself I was scared I couldn't tell if I was looking up or down when I looked at my body I couldn't even see that but I could feel it was still there. I felt like I was adrift then I remembered the fight with Heartless and then looked around to come the realization I was dead if I was to collapse to my knees I would. I then remembered my time with everyone then thought about all the things I would miss like my child's birth the games I would play with Pip and the nights I stargazed with Luna.

Suddenly, my side hits something solid and hard I place a hand on it and it felt like the ground so I stood up but still couldn't see a thing suddenly a shaft of light appeared and in the light was a tree sapling so I walked over to the tree and stared at it in curiosity. Suddenly, I felt the ground give way underneath me causing me to fall into the dark abyss I closed my eyes not that it mattered and once I opened them I was standing in a castle hallway and I was wearing strange armour. I had a sword sheathed on the left side of my hip and a long shield attached to my arm and when I noticed my sight was slightly restricted I discovered I was wearing a helmet.

"Captain,"

I turn around and see people wearing armour that's different than mine running towards me.

"Sir monsters are about to breach the castle what should we do?" A guard asked.

"Ok what is happening here if I'm dead then why am I here and why are these guys calling me captain?" I asked in thought. "Alright half of you gather as many forces as possible to help repel them while the other half of you lead the way," I said without controlling my lips. "Wait what?"

"Yes sir!" The guards said before some of them ran in separate directions while the rest lead me to the wall and my body ran after them.

"Why can't I control my body or my words?" I said as the body ran on its own and yet somehow I felt this situation was familiar but I just couldn't place it. As we ran down the hallways I saw a very familiar symbol on the guard’s uniforms tapestries and shields informing me where I was.

"Hyrule I'm in fricken Hyrule now just what the hell is going on? Is Link here should I tell him who I am depending if I meet the right Link jeez a hero's spirit that's reborn whenever a land in danger tends to be confusing to keep track of. Also I can't speak what I want to say along with so looks like I'll have to enjoy the ride," I thought as I ran.

I continued to run after the guards we turned a corner and I saw a pair of darknuts fighting some guards and winning with great ease. These two were different than the one I trained against and fought when War Sword appeared but they were slower.

"We need to take another route we can't go up against those monsters," a guard said.

"What about our ally's there getting wiped out there," another guard said.

"Also there's not enough time to find another path," another guard said.

"We won't be able to help anyone if we die," the first guard said.

"Leave it to me," I said as I walked past the guards towards the two darknuts.

"Sir...," A guard said.

"As soon as I've dealt with this you lot get anyone that's breathing but too injured to fight to the doctor and anyone that can fight send them to reinforce the wall," I said as I drew my sword.

"R...right," The guard said as I continued to walk towards the metal monsters of war.

"Hey scarp face!" I yelled at the pair making them freeze before they could deal another blow to the terribly injured soldiers and look at me "Yeah I'm talking to the pair of ya come and fight someone that can fight back or do you both think I may be a bit too much to handle for you two knuckle brains."

The darknuts began to slowly walk towards me while I just breathed as the guards were talking about what to do about the darknuts I checked to see I still had my magic which sadly I didn't nor did I have my wings. The only things I do have is a sword shield and armour that I have no idea how strong the metal is but not the worst situation to be in especially when I know how to deal with these guys. As the darknuts closed in on me we all took a second to stare at each other before one of them raised its mace and brought it down on me.

"Captain!" the guards yelled.

I just smirked and stepped to the side and let the mace hit the ground causing dust and broken stone floor to fly into the air the guards stared at me in awe and the darknut just turned its head to look at me.

"Missed," I said.

Suddenly the darknuts buddy swung its mace horizontally at me but I simply stepped backwards and the mace struck the darknut in the head smashing most of the armour off it and sending it flying down the hallway. I looked back at the darknut and saw it was about to strike again I rolled across the ground and ended up behind him before I then slashed at the joints holding his armour together before I dodged another attack from the darknut. Suddenly I heard the sound of movement from the dust cloud made when the darknut was sent flying and all eyes looked at the cloud of dust for anything. Suddenly, the mace from the darknut came flying at me I rolled forward and under the weapon and looked behind me and saw the mace had penetrated the darknuts chainmail and the darknut was frozen with its mace raised above its head ready to strike me down. But the darknut dropped its mace and collapsed to the floor before it disappeared in a puff of purple smoke.

I turned to look at the falling cloud of dust and saw the first darknut was up and he seemed pissed he then drew his rapier and looked at me so I got into a stance and held my shield out in front of me and my sword beside my head and the tip aimed at the darknut. I let out a battle cry before we both ran at each other and when we passed each other we froze and sheathed our swords. After a few seconds a large slash appeared in the darknuts chest spewing out black and purple smoke before he too collapsed and disappeared. The guards that watched cheered for my victory before I collapsed into a kneeling position and a guard ran over to me.

"Are you alright sir?" the guard asked.

"Fine but the last one didn't leave me unharmed," I said as I gestured to the slice in my waist.

"We better get that looked at," the guard said.

"Don't worry I'll be fine," I said as I stood on my own. "That's not the worst injury I've had."

"How did you do all that?" another guard asked as he gestured to the places where the darknuts vanished.

"Darknuts may be hard to kill but they're dumb as a bag of bricks," I said.

"THEY'VE BREACHED THE THRONE ROOM THE PRINCESS IS IN DANGER!" a guard yelled as he appeared from around the corner.

All the guards in the room voiced their worry and concern some even picked up their weapons with fierce determination in their eyes even some of the badly injured began to pick up their weapons.

"Damn if the guards who are up there with Princess Zelda have fallen then it's all over," a guard said.

"Well I don't see what's wrong with us lending a hand," I said.

"Sir?" the guard on my left questioned.

"If any of you that can fight ready yourselves to either head to the throne room with me to protect the princess or help get the badly injured treated and if there any wounded who can still fight and want to fight will leave with us!" I yelled causing the guards to roar in agreement before I pointed at the soldier that delivered the news. "Trooper lead on."

The soldier nodded before he led the way we ran after him all the way to the tower/throne room. I had about 20 soldiers half of them injured in some way but they were determined to get a job done even when they are in a horrific state just like I am and honestly it made me kinda proud. Before long we stood each side of the massive doorway that led into the throne room which would look amazing if not for the rubble and dead Hyrule guards on the floor and black monsters Link told me about called shadow beasts who were holding other royal guards hostage.

I looked at the rest and saw a man wearing robes and a helmet that looked so dreadful I'm pretty sure if Rarity saw them she would be put into a coma at first glance. And flanking him on both sides were two more shadow beast but their faces looked to have a metal disk on them probably meaning they were his personal guard.

"If memory serves me right that guy is Zant Link also told me the guy has a few screws loose but why is he here Link said he was killed by the Twilight Princess Midna unless this is the invasion to which it this all started," I thought before I looked at the guards who were with me before I looked around the room and saw a woman at the back wearing a dress and was being guarded by four guards.

"Seems that the princess is ok what do we do now," A guard asked.

"You and the others fall back and get out of the castle now," I said.

"Wait what why do we need to turn tail?" the guard asked.

"Listen to me I want you all to fall back while I try and get the princess and the others out at the expense of my life," I said.

"Expense of your life what do you mean sir?" the guard asked.

"It means if I go in I'm not coming out alive and I'm not going to allow any of you to sacrifice your lives for a prediction of how this will play out so you are all to fall back and out of the castle while I try and get the princess out by holding all of them back. Besides you saw how I took care of those darknuts I'm pretty sure I can handle this," I said.

"But you just said that if you go in you won't come out," the guard said as I placed a hand on his shoulder.

"It's a prediction a thirty present chance of coming back out alive the rest is death not something I'm willing to risk another life over," I said.

"But we have you and the element of surprise," the guard said.

"Even with that we're outnumbered and overpowered those things just tore through fully armed and aware of what was coming soldiers also there were a lot more of them then us and they also had time to setup proper defences. Yet look at that I see a lot of dead soldiers and if we even did it quietly they may notice us and that guy may just summon more of them and if you’re not going to listen to my reason then I order all of you to fall back and leave the castle understood," I said in a stern voice.

"Yes sir," the guard said before he and the others left leaving me.

After they left I let out a sigh before I silently as I could walked inside and over to a shadow beast that was holding a guard by the throat the guard noticed me and I lifted a finger to my lips and stabbed the beast in the throat causing it to let out a quiet gurgle before it dropped. I then gestured to the guard to get out and he gave me a nod before I made my way over to the second beast and did the same allowing the beast to die silently and allowing the guards to escape. Once I dealt with the third and final one I made my way over to Zant but before I could reach him a bone chilling roar echoed the throne room and I looked at the shadow beasts I killed and saw them get up.

"Oh great," I said.

"Well, well, well a brave little soldier come to face me on his own?" Zant said as he turned to face me.

"Yeah well I've got nothing better to do so why not?" I asked as I prepared my sword and shield.

"Captain stand down I surrendered," Zelda ordered.

"Sorry you highness but I tend to be quite stubborn when it comes to making up my mind," I said before I charged at one of the beasts and slashed at it's chest before I raised my shield up to block a shadow beast's attack before I cut it in two.

"Zant call off your beasts I surrendered," Zelda said.

"I'm afraid I can't do that princess for you see this little worm has tried to kill me so an example must be made of him," Zant said.

"Captain retreat that's an order!" Zelda demanded but I ignored her.

Two shadow beasts attacked me from both sides so thinking quickly I remembered a trick Link taught me and used against War Swords minions. I held my blade behind me and spun around hitting both shadow beasts in one strike I looked and saw the only beasts left were the ones wearing the silver disks on their faces. I knew I had to take them out simultaneously but there was still the fact that Zant was here but I knew I had to get the others out first.

"GO!" I yelled as I motioned to the others to leave the guards nodded and grabbed Zelda and began to run unfortunately my shout let one of the beasts and Zant know what was going on.

Zant ordered one of the beasts to go after Zelda and the guards so thinking quickly I saw a spear next to my foot and used my foot to kick it into the air before I threw it at the shadow beast hitting it in the back of its head. I then looked at the other beast and saw it was about to shriek to bring back it's buddies so I ran at it and before it could let out a peep I shoved my sword into its chest before I pulled it out and let the body fall. Once the body collapsed all the beasts vanished and the guards were almost out. But, Zant grabbed Zelda and used his magic to create a barrier between them and the throne room.

"I can't have you running off now Princess Zelda," Zant said.

"Leave her alone fish face!" I said.

"You’re quite an annoying pest I shall deal with you myself," Zant said.

"Do your worst," I said.

Zant then dropped Zelda and a pair of identical swords appeared in his hands before he vanished I looked around for any sign of him when I felt something cut deep into my back before I turned around and saw nothing there. I didn't need to see to know I was bleeding but I stood up and continued to look around when I heard Zant from my side I saw he was spinning really fast like a top and was coming towards me. With no time to dodge I raised my shield and blocked his attacked before I pushed him away and thrusted at him only for him to disappear and he continued his cowardly onslaught never giving me an opening. I collapsed into a kneeling position and took a few breaths before I started to get up.

"Are you alright captain?"

I looked at the voice to see it was Zelda I then stood up ignoring the protests of my body pleading me to rest.

"Not dead yet so yeah but I doubt I'm going to live through this one though," I said.

"Back to back Zant want's me alive so he won't attack you there if I'm behind you," Zelda said as she stood behind me.

"Are you sure your majesty?" I asked as I looked over my shoulder to look at her.

"Yes I am certain just keep your eyes open," Zelda said.

"Understoo-gakk," I said as I turned my he t look ahead of me only to see Zant and something piercing my chest I looked down and saw Zant drove both of his swords into my chest,

"Captain?" Zelda asked and when I tried to answer I just spat out blood and drooped my sword before Zant removed his blades allowing me to collapse. "Captain!"

While I was on the floor Zelda seemed to be thinking of a way to save me but I placed a hand on her knee getting her attention before I shook my head Zelda seemed to understand what I meant judging by the way she had tears in her eyes. She then reached for my helmet and removed it revealing my face to her she just looked at me seeming to take in what I looked like before she mouthed the words thank you. Zant made himself and Zelda disappear my head began to feel heavy and I let it hit the floor before I looked at the entrance and saw the barrier was gone but so were the guards. I then heard the sound of footsteps and turned to see it was a black and white imp with fiery orange hair and a stone crown that covered her left eye but her right eye was yellow and red and she had a single snaggletooth and her smile just shouted mischief. If I was remembering Links description correctly this was Midna the Twilight Princess.

“That was a pretty dumb thing to do take on Zant like that and yet you look like you don’t regret it,” Midna said.

“Why should I when it’s unavoidable,” I said.

“If I may ask what was the point you only saved four guards and you almost saved the princess but wouldn’t it have been better to run?” Midna asked.

“It’s obvious no one told you that every life is sacred to even the tiniest insect,” I said.

"So you got a name?" Midna asked.

"Does it matter I'm kinda dying here," I said.

"True but I saw what you did back there even though you knew you would die you still went a fought to get the princess and those guards out. And I found it kinda noble so I'd like to know the name of said person," Midna said.

"Ash...My name is Ash Blade," I said before my eyes began to feel heavy.

"Mine's Midna," Midna said before she vanished and before my vision went black I saw tree roots creeping out of the ground and towards me.

I opened my eyes and saw the tree sapling from before I was in Hyrule but now the tree was bigger. Before it only went up to my knees but now it went up to my chest and entangled in one of its branches was the sword, shield and helmet I wore in Hyrule. I looked at the tree in curiosity when suddenly the sound of a door opening echoed the room and when I looked I saw a bright light appear behind the silhouette of a door I walked over to the door and walked inside shielding my eyes from the light as I walked.

Once the light dimmed I saw I was in a small room that had a nasty stink and strange writing written on the walls my clothes were also covered in muck but were intact. I also felt terrible and my body stumbled its way over to a mirror on its own and looked at the reflection and became horrified at what was looking back. My skin was pale dried blood left a trail from my eyes and suddenly I puked up black blood and sludge before I looked around and saw the room that was hidden to me was in ruins. I looked out of the in ruins building and saw men walking on machine stilts and factories in the distance and the rails that were suspended in the air giving me an idea n where I was.

"Dunwall," I thought.

To say the situation was horrible was an understatement I saw rats scurrying through the streets while tall boys kept their eyes open for weepers. The air reeked of death and smoke from factories and to top it off I was also infected with the plague that killed thousands and thousands of people. I looked around and saw an open wardrobe before I walked over to it and saw a uniform of the watch with my name tag on it.

I looked at the weapons and found a sword and a pistol but it was unloaded and I couldn't see any bullets anywhere before suddenly I hear a whoosh sound behind me. I carefully reach for the sword I listen to the sound of footsteps getting closer and closer before I turn around drawing my sword and my blade meets the steal of another blade. I look at my opponent and see a familiar skull mask.

"Corvo," I said as I pushed away from him but Corvo seemed to keep his guard up but tilt his head at what I said.

"Who are you?" Corvo asked putting on a more aggressive stance so I decided to lower the tension by tossing away my sword.

"It's me Ash Blade," I said.

"Ash," Corvo said in realisation while I just nodded Corvo then sheathed his sword before he offered a hand to me. "It's good to see you again how long has it been?"

"Too long," I said but I didn't shake his hand instead walked over to a wall.

"Ash are you alright?" Corvo asked only for me to spew up more blood and sludge. "Lord."

"Don't worry about it and out of curiosity when was the last time we spoke?" I asked as I sat against a wall soon joined by Corvo who removed his mask revealing his face.

"I was sparing against you in the palace courtyard before the plague struck," Corvo said.

"Right now I remember," I said.

"How'd you know it was me anyway?" Corvo asked.

"A masked man spreading terror through Dunwall right after you disappeared from Coldridge prison not that hard to connect the dots," I said causing Corvo to laugh.

"You always were the brightest one in training," Corvo said.

"Yeah so bright in fact I know it wasn't you who killed the empress," I said.

"What how?" Corvo asked.

"One I saw how you treated the Empress and Lady Emily and I knew you'd sooner put yourself in danger then harm them and two. I saw the whole thing when I was guarding a window and saw the now dubbed “Lord Regent” and High Overseer waiting for the assassins to do their job before they walked in and arrested you," I said.

"If that's the case the why didn't you say anything?" Corvo asked.

"I did but no one listened except for Admiral Havelock I told him everything and when he decided to create the loyalists I told him I could be an inside man against the Lord Regent. But it didn't work out because me trying to tell everyone about the truth lead the Lord Regent to me and that's when he injected me with the plague and dumped me here and left me to rot," I said.

"Ash I'm so sorry for what they did to you," Corvo said.

"Please don't just make sure you do what's right and save Dunwall," I said.

"Y'know I found Emily I'm pretty sure she would like to say hi to you," Corvo said.

"I'm glad you found her Corvo but I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to say hi. *cough* *cough* could you do it for me please?" I asked.

"Ash what do you mean?" Corvo asked.

"The plague I can feel it spreading pretty soon the Ash you know will be nothing but a mindless walking corpse so I need you to put me out of my misery?" I asked.

"Ash please don't ask me to do that." Corvo said.

"Corvo if you don't and it does happen and the watch will find me and they will kill what's left of me on sight and I don't want to turn into a weeper so please just kill me," I pleaded.

"Alright Ash but do have a final request?" Corvo asked as he stood.

"Save Dunwall and return Emily to the throne," I said as Corvo pulled out a gun and gave me a nod.

"Be at peace Ash," Corvo said as he aimed the gun at me and pulled the trigger.

I heard the bang but I didn't feel the bullet and again before everything went dark tree roots crept out of the floor and towards me.

I was sitting in front of the small tree that had grown past my head and a watch officer sword, helmet and pistol were entangled in the branches along with the other items from Hyrule trying to figure everything out that has happened so far. I then thought about when I was in both Hyrule and Dunwall and howl I couldn't move my body or speak I was only spectating, but what really spooked me was that both of the Hylian captain and infected guard officer had my name and the later had my face.

I looked at the tree trying to seek answers when a light appeared above me forcing me to cover my eyes with a hand. Suddenly heard seagulls and I turned to the source to see I was lying on the ground on a ledge in-between a cliff and another cliff that looked over the ocean the body I was in sat up before it looked at itself. I saw my chest was bare but full of muscle and I was wearing a leather loincloth, braces, shin guards, sandals and finally a crimson cape. I was unsure why I was wearing this and then the body I was in reached for something and brought it to view which I recognized immediately.

"Wait a Spartan helmet long narrow ledge with a cliff going up on one side and a cliff that leads into the ocean on the other oh I see how this will end up," I thought.

I pulled over a spear and sword and picked up a rock and began to sharpen the swords edge I continued to do this for half an hour often checking the blade for any blunt edges or if it was about to break.

"Sharpening your sword are you?"

I look at the source of the voice and see a man with as much muscle as me and his hair was short, black and also braided and his eyes held great wisdom and he had a fairly long pointed beard. He wore the same garments I wore except his helmet had a black plume on it.

"My king," I said as I stood up.

"Please continue I did not mean to interrupt," the king said who I could only guess was Leonidas.

"Not at all sire but the only thing that bothers me is my bloodlust for Persians," I said as I went back to sharpening my sword.

"I haven't seen you before why is that?" Leonidas asked.

"I did march from Sparta with you my king but I was always in the back un-noticed by any or any others in my lifetime except for my teachers," I said.

"Where do you come from?" Leonidas asked.

"I afraid I don't know myself the farthest back I can remember is waking up in a bed after two Spartan men found me they told me I was on the edge of death in the woods before they took me back and both fed and sheltered me. As I recovered they told me about their land they made it sound glories so glories in fact I asked them to help me become a Spartan as soon as possible a few days later a man came and inspected me and said I was fit enough to become a Spartan. Thus my training to become one of the greatest warriors our world has ever seen began," I said.

"Impressive you are aware that it is extremely rare for an outsider to be accepted as a Spartan correct," Leonidas said.

"I am sire but it matters not to me," I said

Leonidas looked at me before I looked back at my sword and circled it in the ashes of the fire pit that I sat close too last night.

"What's your name?" Leonidas said.

"My name?" I asked which Leonidas nodded. "I don't know that myself either sire and I haven't been blessed with a new name."

"Then what name would you like then?" Leonidas asked.

"I'm sorry?" I asked.

"What name would you like to be known by?" Leonidas asked.

The body I was in then looked at the fire pit where it continued to circle the sword in the ashes.

"Lepida Téfra (Greek for Ash Blade) sire I wish for my name to be Lepída Téfra," I said.

"Then may that name strike fear into the hearts of all our enemies," Leonidas said as he stood up and walked away.

I watched Leonidas walk away while a smile curved up my lips I looked back at my sword still circling the ashes before I looked back up at the sky and at the towering rocks known as the hot gates. I gazed at the mass amounts of rock for an unknown amount of time when I suddenly felt the ground rumble beneath me and rocks fall from the hot gates I looked across the waters and saw mass amounts of Persians charging at us.

"Here they come," I said to myself before I put on my helmet, sheathed my sword and grabbed my spear and shield I looked around and saw the rest of the Spartans all 300 of them were prepping for battle.

"Battle formations!" a Spartan yells as he walks to the entrance of the hot gates alongside Leonidas causing us to gather and prepare for battle.

We stood in rows with Leonidas in front along with the captain while I waited in the third row my body was calm while I was a little in awe in what was happening.

"This is where we hold them this is where they fight this is where they die!" Leonidas yelled.

"Earn these shields boys!" the captain yelled.

"AHOOO!" we all shouted.

"Remember this day men for it will be yours for all time," Leonidas said.

Suddenly the mass of Persians parted to reveal their commander on horseback.

"Spartans lay down your weapons!" The Persian demanded.

I saw Leonidas give me a nod and my body nodded back seeming to know what to do I watched as my body readied the spear in its right hand and toss it into the air. I watched the spear as it went up and arched downward hitting the Persian commander dead centre in the chest.

"PERSIANS!" Leonidas yelled before he got into a stance with his shield out in front of him and his spear pointing at the enemy along with the two rows in front of me. "COME AND GET SOME!"

Horns were blown shouts echoed along the cliffs as the Persian army charged at us while the two rows of Spartans that stood in front of me stood patient ready for what was to come and not one of them had a drop of fear in their eyes to be seen. Whereas for me even I did not fear the vast hoard of Persians instead I felt honoured to stand alongside these great and proud warriors even if it was a dream or whatever I just relaxed and watched.

"Hold!" the captain yelled.

"Give them nothing but take from them everything!" Leonidas yelled.

Soon the Persians met our shields and pushed against us extremely hard while I dug my feet into the ground as hard as I could but it was still difficult. I could see the Persians in the front were being crushed in-between our shields and their comrades I could hear the captain yell for us to push and for other Spartans to insult the Persians like asking if that was the best they could do. I smirked at their words but continued to push with all my might until it was all brought to a halt I look up at the Persians and see their fear. Suddenly, the Spartans at the front push back with their shields before they stab them with their spears and block with their shields and move forward before the Persians could counterattack. As we continued this technique the two rows began to thin which led me to join the front alongside Leonidas and the captain using my shield to hold back the Persians before I cut them down with my sword.

"No prisoners!" the captain roars.

"AHOOO!" we yell.

"No mercy," Leonidas yells.

"AHOOO!" we yelled again before we broke formation and charged into the fray slaughtering the Persian soldiers with ease and fury.

After my latest kill I walked over to the dead Persian commander and recovered my spear before I re-joined the Spartans. I saw Leonidas pull his shield up and over him before he held it defensively against the Persians while we did the same.

"Too the cliffs!" Leonidas yelled before we walked forward while the Persians tried to think of a way to escape but they weren't fast enough so we sent them plunging into their watery graves.

"Hell of a good start," The captain said before he turned to us. "AHOOO,"

"AHOOO," we replied before we heard the sound of a horn being blown in the distance.

I turned to look at the direction of the horn when I saw a million arrows be fired into the sky that blocked out the light of the very sun itself before they descended on us.

"Hoplites," the captain yelled and just in time I crouched down and raised my shield above my head just as the arrows hit.

"Persian cowards," Leonidas said which I nodded in agreement.

Suddenly I hear the sound of laughter which was soon joined by more laughter.

"What the hell are you laughing at?" A Spartan asked.

"You had to say it," the laughing Spartan said.

"What?" The Spartan asked.

"Fight in the shade," the laughing Spartan said before he began to laugh again only this time the Spartan and I joined in too.

The laughing continued until the arrows stopped pelting our shields and the light from the sun returned.

"Recover," The captain said before we all stood up and lowered our shields.

I looked at Leonidas and saw him hold his shield out in front of him before he used his spear to break all the arrows that stuck to his shield. In a split second I did not see Leonidas or a mortal for that matter I saw a god of war starving for battle. Leonidas then led us to the centre of the path where we got into a spearhead formation.

"Today no Spartan dies," Leonidas said as we waited for the next wave of Persians and the only thing I could think of was that this was going to be a long nine days.

Canterlot Castle/Third Person POV

"Damn it we've tried everything and yet he's still asleep," Soarin said as he stood next to the bed Ash lay on.

All of Ash's friends along with his family stood around the bed looking at Ash who was in the infirmary wing of Canterlot Castle. It has been two weeks and Ash hasn't woken up from any attempt to wake him.

"What are you all so damn worried about Ash has been out for five months for Faust sake," Rage said.

"Yes well that is true Rage but this time Ash was fighting Heartless," Faust said in a slight irritated tone from the use of her name in that particular way.

"Yet you do remember what Heartless said he's just speeding up Ash's memories," Rage said.

"And you believe him?" Luna asked in an aggressive tone.

"Look all I'm saying is why would he lie when he said he wanted to kill Ash at the right time and why did he say Ash needed to know who he is or whatever before they fight," Rage said.

The group all looked at Rage and their expressions said it all he makes a good point suddenly Ash starts screaming and thrashing about and everyone tries to restrain him.

"Damn it this is getting worse every time this happens," Spitfire said.

"If only we can get inside his head and figure out what's going on," Gilda said.

"Maybe we can," Rage said.

"Really?" Everyone asked.

"Yeah but this may not work because Ash's mind may reject it so don't get your hopes up," Rage said.

"Just do what you can Rage," Faust said.

Rage cracked his fingers and his neck before he drew a rune in mid-air and a portal opened and everyone was sucked in.

Everyone appeared on their feet/hooves in the black void of Ash's mind and the first timers we getting used to what was going on.

"Alright let's see what's going on inside this head of Ash's shall we?" Rage asked as he walked forward.

"Rage how did you know that spell," Faust asked.

"What just because Ash gets to study magic don't mean I can't," Rage said before he turned around and began to feel for something.

"Rage what are you doing?" Spitfire asked.

"I'm looking for a way out so we can find out what is going in here?" Rage said.

"Rage that spell should have taken us to where we needed to go I should know because I made it," Faust said.

"I know that Faust but as you can see there is nothing in here so it must mean that the problem is probably close by just not in here," Rage said.

"Ah don't know bout ya'll but Ah'm getting the feeling that there is something here," Applejack said as she walked off in a random direction.

"Oh seems like somepony got her Applejack sense," Pinkie said

"Ah don't have an Applejack sense Pinkie Pie it's just something feels a mighty bit strange is all," Applejack said.

"Well it may be nothing AJ you never kno-whoa," Twilight said before she tripped over something.

"Twi you found something?" Rage asked as he walked over to a fallen Twilight.

"More like tripped over something," Twilight said.

Everyone looked to see what Twilight tripped over only to see nothing there when Rage went to feel it a shaft of light appeared and they saw a body that was sitting up against nothing but was being eaten by a few rats giving everyone a fright and disturbing sight. The rats shrieked at the light before they scampered off Twilight quickly picked herself up and hid behind Celestia and pulled a wing over her face in terror. Fluttershy hid behind Mac and Pinkie leapt into Gilda's arms only to be dropped soon afterwards while Rage got closer he looked at the half eaten face for a few minutes before he spoke.

"It's Ash" Rage said causing everyone to look at him then the body then Rage again.

"Rage are you certain?" Faust asked.

"I'm pretty sure I would be able to tell if it was Ash or not even if he was like this," Rage said before he turned back to the disgusting corpse and looked at the dried trail of blood from the eyes. "And if I'm right it looks like Ash was infected by the rat plague of Dunwall before someone shot him in the head."

"Dunwall why is there a body of himself from that era that is also infected by that foul plague in his head?" Chrysalis asked.

"That's the question everyone wants answered right now isn't it and I've got another one why are there so many?" Rage asked as he pointed behind the group at the two long lines of corpses and each one was of Ash but all wearing something different.

"Ok this is starting to creep me out now," Rainbow said.

"C'mon maybe we can find out what's happening here if we follow this path of bodies," Rage said.

"And how do you know they just won't jump out and attack us?" Soarin asked.

"Well if you have a better idea please share it because it's either this or we continue to stumble around in the dark," Rage said everyone looked at Soarin awaiting his answer only for him to shake his head. "That's what I thought."

Rage then led the group down the path each one gazing at the bodies of Ash each one dressed in different clothing. Faust was surprised when she saw Ash in the Hylian guard captain armour which she pointed out to everyone who became interested especially Shining Armour before they moved on. Next Rage pointed one out wearing an Vietnam War uniform lying face down in the dirt with bullet holes in the back which seemed to interest everyone

"Hey Gilda check it out," Rainbow said as she beckoned the griffon over.

"What is it RD?" Gild asked.

"Check it out Ash in Spartan armour," Rainbow said as gestured to a body gaining everyone's attention.

The body wore Spartan attire and had ten arrows in his chest and was lying on its back looking at the sky with its eyes still open.

"Damn the guy looks like he was spat out by hell itself," Gilda said.

"I wonder what those arrow heads look like." Rainbow said as she reached for one.

"Hey wait don't-," Rage warned but it was too late as soon as Rainbow touched an arrow the floor opened beneath them and sent them all plummeting downwards.

The group fell and hit the dirt except for Luna who used her wings to glide down safely.

"Note to everyone here don't touch anything while were here," Rage said angrily while looking at Rainbow.

"Hey how was I supposed to know and if you knew about this then why you didn’t say something," Rainbow said.

"Well guess what I didn't know that would happen and I was going to tell you not to do that because I don't know what would happen kay hot head," Rage said.

"Pot kettle black," Rainbow grunted as she got up and before Rage could do anything Cadence intervened

"Alright the pair of you stop look we need to keep moving Rage do you know where we are?" Cadence asked.

"No I've never seen this place before," Rage said.

"Hey does anyone feel that rumbling," Snowdrop asked.

"I don't feel anything," Fleetfoot said.

"How can you tell Snowdrop didn't you say you couldn't in here," Pierce said.

"I can only see when we are on solid ground or what might pass as ground in here and from what I can tell there is a massive army approaching that's causing the shaking," Snowdrop said as she pointed to the cliff.

"Uh Snowdrop dear that's the cliff there can't be an army there," Rarity said.

"It's on the ledge below us Rarity," Snowdrop said.

"Hey even I can feel the ground shaking," Spike said.

"Ledge, ground shaking," Rage said before he ran to the cliff with the others following close behind Rage stopped at the cliff and let the others look at the vast army running across the ledge below the cliff they were standing on aweing everyone out. Rage then looked at where the army was running to only to see a narrow pass that contained a group of people waiting for the army. "Mares and Gentlecolts," Rage said before he paused for dramatic effect. "Welcome to the battle of Thermopylae."

"Wait Thermopylae as in the Thermopylae as in the 300 Spartans?" Rainbow asked.

"What do you think?" Rage asked.

"Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshomygoshohmygoshohmygosh," Rainbow said as her wings flapped in excitement.

"Wow skittles I haven't seen you this excited since you won the young fliers competition what's so special about these Spartans?" Spitfire asked.

"Here allow me," Rage said before he teleported the group above the hot gates where they had a view of the entire battle.

The group looked at the small handful of soldiers and when they saw the army that was charging at them they couldn't believe their eyes.

"Okay this is impossible they'll be slaughtered," Shining said.

"The prince is right there are far too many of them for these guys," Spitfire said.

"Hey you two are both military ponies correct?" Rage asked.

"Yeah," the pair said in union.

"Then maybe the pair of you will look at your surroundings and notice how your wrong cause you see in this space numbers don’t mean a damn thing," Rage said before he looked back at the battle.

"I'm going for a closer look," Rainbow said and before anyone could stop her she flew downwards and hovered over the Spartans and saw a Persian commander appear on horseback.

"Spartans lay down your weapons," He demanded.

Rainbow looked back at the Spartans and looked at what their response was she then looked at a Spartan who had a black plume on his helmet and gave a nod to a Spartan. Rainbow then guessed he was their leader and the Spartan who received the nod raised his spear before he tossed it into the air. Rainbow saw the spear sail through the air before it impaled the Persian commander knocking him off his horse.

"Awesome toss," Rainbow said as she got close to the Spartan who threw the spear but when she saw the face under the helmet she gasped before she flew back up to the others. "Guys listen you won't believe it but the one who threw that spear was Ash," Rainbow said but no one seemed surprised or interested.

"Uh Rainbow we kinda figured while you were down there we came to the conclusion that this was a dream," Rage said.

Wait what?" Rainbow asked.

"We think this is a dream," Twilight said.

"How can this be a dream cause when I was down there I was in front of Ash and he didn't even flinch when he saw me it was like I was invisible to him also if that’s the case why the long path of dead Ash’s," Rainbow said getting the others to look at each other in confusion.

"Okay that is a little weird it almost sounds like we're in a memory and she does make a good pint," Rage said.

"True but there's only one way to find out," Dream Catcher said.

"How if you don't mind me asking" Fluttershy said.

"If this is a dream I will be able to change something in it so does anyone have any ideas?" Dream Catcher asked.

"Oh, oh can you turn the cliffs into ice cream with hot fudge drizzled over it?" Pinkie asked.

"Oh and don't forget the sprinkles and the cherries," Discord said.

"Oh yeah how could I forget those," Pinkie said.

"Very well," Dream Catcher said before her horn began to glow only nothing happened.

"So where's the ice cream?" Pinkie asked.

"I'm sorry Pinkie but it appears this is not a dream," Dream Catcher said.

"So if this isn't a dream then there's only one thing it could be...A memory," Rage said.

"A memory but this probably happened thousands of years ago Ash shouldn't have been alive back then," Fleetfoot said.

"I know but it appears that's the case here but maybe we should be going we have to find out how to wake Ash up don't we?" Rage asked.

"Aw c'mon Rage I want to see how the Spartans fought," Rainbow whined.

"Indeed even I am curious on how the held back the Persians," Luna said.

Rage then looked around and all of them wanted to stay and watch.

"*sigh* Fine then we'll watch the Spartans for a while but then we need to go cause I don't know how long we've been in here and you royals do have other things to do," Rage said.

The group then watched the Persians battle the Spartans and everyone was amazed on how the 300 held back the Persians by sheer strength alone even though they were outnumbered. Rainbow pointed Ash out to everyone and saw him battle and the best way to describe it was glorious and after they sent the Persians over the cliff the group was shocked when they saw the arrows block out the sun before they descended on the Spartans. But the shocked feeling increased when they heard laughter come from under the Spartans shields which confused even Pinkie Pie and the group continued to watch even after the battle. When they made a wall out of Persian bodies which made a few uncomfortable and night fell a new wave of enemies attacked the best way to describe them was that were like the things that even fear was afraid of. The group watched and sat level with the army on the sidelines intrigued on how this new enemy will fare.

"Who are those guys?" Gilda asked.

"I don't know and I don't want to find out," Fluttershy said as she hid behind a rock.

"If my memory of the battle of Thermopylae is correct I'm going to say that's the personal honour guard of Xerxes himself the immortals," Rage said.

"Immortals huh how ironic," Faust chuckled.

"True but why are they known for being immortals I wonder," Shining asked.

"Maybe it has something to do with the fact that they aren't human anymore," Rage said as he pointed to the deformed hands and feet of the leading immortal which caused the others to look at the other immortals hands and feet and see they were all deformed.

"Spartans push!"

The group turned to watch as the massive wall of bodies fell on top of a few immortals and that's when the Spartans charged forth taking the immortals by surprise but it wasn't for long the group watched as the immortals and Spartans battled. They became stunned when they saw a Spartan fall in combat but the immortals numbers we cut down faster the grew worried as they watched as Ash took on three immortals all at once with a spear and shield. Ash managed to kill two immortals before he grabbed the last one by the armour and smashed his shield against its face shattering the mask. When the group saw the immortals face they were repulsed by the sight the eyes were as black as The Outsiders himself its teeth were filed to fangs its skin grey and lifeless the immortal let out a fearsome roar at Ash. But, Ash just kicked the immortal in the chest and sent him over the cliff before Ash then turned his head and saw an immortal charging at him from behind Ash then redyed his sword and swung it up and over to cut down the immortal. But, un-aware to Ash is that his cape got caught by his sword and when he brought his blade down on the immortal it looked like his cape was the one doing the cutting wowing the audience. Before long the battle ends and the Spartans were once more victorious before the returned to the hot gates to celebrate.

"That was awesome," Gilda said.

"Yeah you gotta hand it to them they fight hard," Spitfire said.

"Yeah now I say let's get out of here," Rage said as he opened a portal out of the memory.

"Aw c'mon Rage I want to see the rest of this," Rainbow whined but the look from Rage shut her up before they left.

"You’re no fun Rage I wanted to see the rest of that," Rainbow said as they stepped out of the portal and into the black void and among the rows of corpses.

"You know why we couldn't stay Rainbow we're here for Ash not look at history although it was pretty cool," Rage said.

Suddenly before anyone could speak them here a child's crying echoing around them.

"Where's that coming from?" Eris asked.

As if answering her question a shaft of light appears and shows a massive tree that towered above them and with thousands of items entangled in its twisted branches the group walked forward. They continued to walk forward un-aware of the shafts of light that illuminated the bodies were disappearing behind them but the crying grew louder as they approached the tree. When the group walked around the tree they saw a small hollow in the bark Rage walked up to the tree and looked inside the hollow for the source.

"It's empty," Rage said before he looked back at the others.

Suddenly the ground they were standing on turned to dirt and trees rapidly grew around them and the items in the tree disappeared and the branches had leaves on them.

"Wait a second I know this tree it's the one Ash was found in by his wolf family," Rage said.

"So this must be the memory where Ash was found then," Celestia said.

"I don't think so cause Ash isn't here," Rage said.

Suddenly the group hears movement come from behind them and they turn to see a ghostly black slightly see through figure in robes walk towards the tree. The figure is also carrying something in his arms but no one can see it until the figure then looks at the item in his hands. The item was a baby wrapped in a grey blanket with a silver trim and stitched to the blanket in black thread were the words Ash Blade.

"Please great tree please shelter this boy I fear he is the last one of his kind and he must be protected the only sin claimed he ever done was to exist in this world he is denied the very right to breath because his people wished to help. He does not deserve the fate others have planned for him please guard him and watch over him," the figure spoke the voice confirmed he was a male and had wisdom and power behind it.

"That voice I know it," Faust said causing some to look at her.

The tree then let out a groan before branches reached down and carefully picked up Ash and placed him in its hollow. But Ash began to cry the cloaked figure then walked up to the hollow and placed a ghostly skeletal like hand on the blanket and shushed Ash silently causing Ash to stop crying.

"I'm sorry little one I know both your mother and farther entrusted me to get you to the safest place as possible but I couldn't even do that I didn't just let you down or your family I let down your species and that is the sin I will have to bear now. But the Tree of Life will guide you now till you’re ready to make your way in life it is doubtful we will meet again in this life but if we meet in the in-between I hope you can forgive me for not doing what was requested of me farewell Ash," the figure said before the hollow closed sealing Ash inside. "Ash will need to stretch his legs and learn about many things in life I trust you can help him but you will need to take his wings and magic along with wiping his memory of every time he's away from you so they won't track him. And don't worry about returning them to him he will regain them all on his own in time."

The tree then let out another groan before shouting could be heard in the distance and getting closer.

"I led them hear argh you idiot I have to lead them away take care of him," the figure receiving another groan from the tree before the figure summoned a massive scythe but the group couldn't see the details of the weapon because of how dark it was. "Alright you bastards time to meet your doom."

The world disappeared and the group stood there spell bound by what happened.

"Ok now that was intense," Soarin said.

"Ya think but what the hell was that guy going on about when like last of his kind and how do you know that voice Faust?" Rage asked.

"I don't remember it just sounded familiar," Faust said.

A growl suddenly came from behind the group who turned to see Nightmare Ash causing the group to get in a defensive stance.

"You shouldn't be here," Nightmare Ash growled.

"What?" Rage asked before Nightmare Ash waved a clawed hand and sent the group flying backwards and into darkness.

The group appeared in the castle infirmary and around Ash's bed who woke up with a sharp gasp and in sweat.

"Ash are you alright?" Rage asked.

"Please get out," Ash whispered.

"Sorry?" Rage asked.

"Please get out," Ash repeated only louder.

The group looked at each other before in worry before Rage spoke.

"Yeah sure Ash we'll be outside if you need something," Rage said before he led them out.

Once everyone was gone and the door closed Ash pulled his legs close to his chest wrapped his arms around them and cried.