I was walking to the Archives in silence and was about to open the doors when they opened inward and I saw Amalthea walk out.

"Hello Amalthea," I said gaining her attention.

"Oh hello to you to Ash I assume you’re here to look at the books we found on The Fortune Seeker correct?" Amalthea asked.

"That's correct," I said.

"They're all on a shelf next to the Starswirl shelf Ash so take your time," Amalthea said.

"Thanks Amalthea," I said as I walked inside.

I walked into the Archives and looked around and saw the shelf Amalthea mentioned. I then walked over to the hundreds of books on the single shelf and I saw at the back against the wall was the statue of the Demonic Angel guard that was on the ship with the mass fortune of treasure. I looked at the shelf and picked out a random book before I placed in on a desk and sat down.

"Technology of the Aephoceria Kingdom," I said out loud as I read the cover. "Aephoceria was that the name of my home?"

I opened the book and began to read which was amazing the Demonic Angels were amazing when it came to combining magic and technology. I was enthralled by it all till I came to a page in the book.

Maps

Unlike normal maps that are used by many and are made of paper the maps of the Demonic Angels could be used to find almost anything as long as they have a sample of the object from where they came from. This object is one of the greatest objects that are created by holy, unholy magic of the Demonic Angels and the technology of the dwarves. The maps were proven to be extremely useful and dangerous. So as a safety precaution a lock mechanism was placed into each map with a security number on it so if the password for the map is forgotten it can be recovered in the dwarf archives.

The book went into how the map was made along with who made it and when it was made even showing diagrams of the inside of it. But, I was focused on the picture I opened a portal to a pocket dimension and pulled out the orb that was in the captain’s cabin and compared it to the one in the photo and saw it was exactly the same. I then thought about the map being able to take me back to the place The Fortune Seeker sailed too and also about helping both Ethan and Evo get home but those ideas were deflated when I remembered the lock on the map.

I then got an idea and remembered the captain must have opened the map somehow and used it to find all that treasure and he must have written it all down somewhere. I then summoned Compass Arrow's journal and looked around for the page with the lock combination. But, as I neared the end of the book I saw the last few pages were torn out causing me to curse under my breath. I stood up and closed both books and put both the journal and ball back into the pocket dimension and put the book I picked up back on the shelf and decided to keep my discovery a secret.

I then walked out of the Archives and I then went in search of ether Ethan or Evo and when I saw a guard he said he saw a winged human flying towards the summit of the mountain. I gave a nod before I walked over to the window and flew above the castle then saw a house siting on the mountain that looked like it had everything a guy or girl would need.

I gave the house a nod before I scanned it and saw the place was heavily reinforced and I saw both Ethan and Evo in the garage so I flew down and saw the two were placing some pretty slick cars in it with their magic. I let out a whistle suddenly Ethan let out a girlish shriek while Evo spun around to deliver a punch. But, I caught it easily with my left hand and the force of the blow sent out a small shock wave but I didn't even flinch and I heard Evo grunt in pain.

Well some people are paranoid," I said with a smirk.

"Hell yea we are! Now why did it hurt when I punched your left hand?" Evo asked.

"Sorry Evo my left arm is made of metal," I said as I removed the fingerless glove on his left hand and rolled up the sleeve to reveal a metal arm.

"Well damn how'd you get that?" Ethen asked.

"I was thirteen years old when this happened I was just walking around minding my own business when I saw a supermarket was burning like the devil himself had come to town to put on a show. I then heard a couple's child was still inside so being both brave and stupid I charged in found the kid and rushed over to one of the front windows with him and hand him to a firefighter. But, a gas bottle was lying at my foot so I pushed both the firefighter and the child away and dove away from the bottle before it went up. But, I was flung into a shelf which collapsed on top of me and my left arm was burning like crazy causing me to scream myself to sleep. I woke up a day later with a missing arm and I was visited by the boy I saved including his parents which were generous enough to pay for the hospital bills and my new arm. And as an added bonus I got an IPod to go along with it," I said as I pulled out my IPod and showed it to them before I put it back in place.

"Whoa dude that seems ruff," Ethan said.

"Oh that wasn't the hard part it's when they connected this to me was when it was rough I was screaming bloody murder for half an hour and I had at least half a bottle of pain killers. But that's what happens when you have thousands of vaults suddenly connect to your nerve system," I said as I pulled my sleeve down and put my glove back on.

"Well that seems to be an interesting experience," Ethan paused. "Hey you want to see the house?"

"Actually I needed the both of you to ask Nightstreak some questions regarding the second in command of the Templar order," I said.

"Fine though I've been meaning to catch up with her situation," Ethen said with a pout.

"Thank you," I said before I teleported us in front of Nightstreak's room and dismissed the two guards. "Okay listen I'm going to be outside listening in and I will set up a mind link and direct you on what to ask. And I also need you to ask her about her family and where she lives."

"Okay I think we can do that." Ethan said as she walked to the door with Evo following her into the room. As soon as they entered I saw Nightstreak's head shot up and looked in the direction of the noise. I then placed an eavesdropping spell on the door so I can see and hear what’s going on inside.

"Okay first ask her how she's feeling?" I said in thought.

"Okay," Ethan replied in thought. "Hey Nightstreak, how do you feel?"

"Do I know you?" Nightstreak asked.

"Well you did meet me in the Wasteland," Ethan said.

"Oh well, I'm doing fine would be better if I wasn't locked in this room," Nightstreak said.

"Okay tell her that she can go once she answers a few simple questions," I said in thought.

"Okay Nightstreak, I want you to answer a few simple questions and then we'll take you back to your parents. That sound fair?" Ethan asked to which Nightstreak nodded with a sad smile.

"Alright ask her what she was doing out in the Wasteland with the Templars," I said in thought.

"Okay, can you tell me why you were out there with those Templars?" Ethan asked.

"They were out there to try and get rid of the newest threat brought by the princesses they said that if I didn't go, that they would kill my family I said that I would go and they...and they...," she trailed off as she started to cry. Ethan got up and wrapped her in her arms and wings and comforted Nightstreak while she cried.

"Shh...shh," Ethan said while stoking Nightstreak's head. "What did they do Nightstreak?" she asked.

"They killed my parents," she said while sobbing.

'Ash you hear that?' Ethan thought back.

"It's official these basters have just brought hell upon their doorstep and I'm the one who's knocking before I kick down the door!" I screamed in thought before he calmed myself down. "Ok ask her if she knows who the second in command is."

"Nightstreak, I promise you I'll get the bastard that killed you parents," Ethan said as she looked in Nightstreak's sobbing eyes and brushed her cheek with his hand. "Now can you tell me who is in Second command with the Templars?"

"Her name is Branding Iron. She's second in command. Plus..." Nightstreak said whispering the last part in Ethan's ear.

"Ash" Ethan paused. "Branding's mine"'

"Ask her if she knows what this Branding Iron does if she knows but judging by her name I already know," I thought.

"Nightstreak, do you happen to know what Branding Iron does?" she asked pushing Nightstreak away so she could look in her eyes.

"Yea, I think she kidnaps ponies and sells them to get money for the Templars," Nightstreak said with a sniffle.

"Ethen, Evo you are not to interfere with this and no is not an option here am I understood!" I thought in a stern tone.

"I understand. Judging by you voice this seems personal in some way just let me take care of Nightstreak. Now what do you want me to ask next?"' She asked.

"I couldn't hear what she whispered when she told us what Branding Iron does could you get her to repeat it for me please?" I asked.

"That's why I said she was mine. She killed Nightstreak's parents in front of her I don't know why but it just set me off," Ethan said mentally.

"I knew it would happen eventually," Evo thought.

"I understand why you’re so angry but I recommend you keep it under the lid but for now could you ask her if she knew if there were any recent plans the Templars were cooking up," Ash thought.

''Got it," Ethan said in thought. "Now do you happen to know what the Templars planned on doing next?"

"I'm not entirely sure but I think they were going to use some old Mare's tale called The Blanks," Nightstreak said.

"Ash what is she talking about?" Ethan asked.

"Okay you two thanks for the help I have all I need to hear so I need you to step outside for a moment," I thought.

"Ash what is she talking about!?" Ethan asked.

"I want you both outside now," I said in a calm tone that hid any emotion in his voice while Ethan just nodded.

"Okay Nightstreak You can stay here in this guest room for the time being I have to take care of some very important things okay?" Ethen said to which Nightstreak nodded.

She then gave her a kiss on the forehead before she got up and started to walk towards the door and when I got there she gave Evo a nod and he nodded back before they exited the room and when they looked at me I put on an emotionless mask.

"I'll talk to the princesses later on what to do with Nightstreak and see if she has any relatives but if not she'll need to be put into the system and thank you both for your help," I said.

"Okay that seems fair but what I still want to know what she meant by that old Mare's tale." Ethan said as she pointed her index finger towards me.

"I am interested in knowing too." Evo said.

"*sigh* I'm sorry you guys but I don't have a very clear answer however I'll investigate this Mare's tale. It's likely to be something similar to the mirror pool the girls sealed off but I don't know for sure," I said.

"Well that's fine I’ll do some research on the matter," Evo said.

"Well have fun with your investigation. And if you need any back up here." Ethan said as she snapped her fingers conjuring a phone before she tossed it me. "That phone right there is able to call any other phone no matter how far away you are and if there isn't any service."

"I'll keep it in mind however as much as I appreciate the help I want you both to stay out of this," I said.

"Well okay then," she said with a shrug and walking away before they both teleported elsewhere.

I then used my magic to transfer all the data from my old phone to my new one before I used some shadows creep around my new phone and yank it up my sleeve and held it there .I then teleported to the relaxation room and saw Luna playing with the foals and offered to take Pip back to Ponyville while she spent time with Midnight while she was up here to which Luna accepted. And so I lifted Pip onto my back and took off to Ponyville and when I arrived I let Pip go off to play while I went over to Twilight’s Castle and knocked on the door. I waited there for several minutes before was greeted by Spike.

I noticed that he had a tired goofy smile on his face and was in nothing but his boxers but I didn't ask on why he was like this and explained that I needed a book on Equestrian folklore. Once we were in the library Spike found the book and before I left I saw Nocturnal Shadow walk in with nothing but a blanket covering her body. I managed to put two and two together before I tussled Spike’s head with a smile and wished the two well before I left with the book promising to return it later on.

I sat on a park bench and began to flick through the pages looking at the different myths and legends till I came across the page marked with the blanks. The story didn't have many details and only explains that they are cursed ponies that haunt the Everfree forest searching for lost victims to add to their curse. The page even showed a picture of a pair of red glowing eyes glaring through the gaps of a bunch of trees and some words were below it.

Camera and picture found in Everfree forest without an owner.

With all the proof I needed and with me also seeing the creatures I returned the book with my magic and headed to the Everfree forest.

Several Hours Later

The trees were all the same no matter where you looked it was like walking around the world in just three steps. It was late in the afternoon and I was calmly looking around for any sign of the Blood Hooves or Templars and soon began to notice the canopy of leaves, branches and vines had become too thick to see through. The trail in the dirt was long gone and the air around me was chilly I summoned an orb of light and looked around light fog covered the ground and branches reached out for me like hands of lost souls telling me to turn back.

All of this unfazed me as I walked further into the eerie dark but the thing I couldn't stand was the silence there was absolutely no noise whatsoever around me except for my boots landing on the dirt. I was practically a meal served up a silver platter for anything that wanted to come after me but I kept calm and continued to walk while keeping my eyes open. Suddenly, I saw a small red gem on the ground I picked it up and gave it a once over when suddenly images of Ruby finding this gem flashed in front of my eyes.

When the images ceased I saw my right hand had a white glow and looked angelic before it also went back to normal. I thought about what just happened for a few seconds before I decided to worry about it later before I put the gem in my pocket and continued my walk and a little later I saw a light through the trees. I carefully walked towards the light being cautious of what lay beyond and when I did I was shocked at what I saw.

All the silence all the darkness all the creepy eeriness that was in the forest disappeared as I stared at the sight of a small town before me. There were houses like those built in Ponyville festive paper lanterns streamed from house to house acting like stars against the thick canopy of trees. I then noticed there were a few balloons about and also a few streamers here and there so I assumed this was some kind of celebration. I walked through the gate that went around the town and looked around.

I then herd music and followed the sound to the centre of town where I saw ponies having fun dancing playing games or eating the various foods at the table and a mare was serving a line of ponies with some punch. The weirdest thing I noticed about these ponies was the fact that they were all earth ponies and before I could ponder on this I heard a voice and the sound of hooves walking towards me.

"Well what do we have here?"

I turned to look at the voice and saw a grey stallion with a dark grey mane and tail walking up to me he wore a white top and blue pants walking up to me with a smile on his face.

"Oh hello I'm sorry if I'm intruding," I said politely.

"Nonsense you're quite welcome here after all it's not like we get any other visitors," the stallion said.

"Well I guess it's because you guys live really deep in the Everfree," I said under my breath.

"Oh where are my manners the name's Grey Hoof celebration planner extraordinaire and it's my pleasure to welcome you to Sunny Town," Grey Hoof said as he gestured to the entire town.

"Thank you for your kind welcome Grey Hoof my name is Ash Blade but please call me Ash," I said with a small bow.

"A real pleasure to meet you Ash and forgive my curiosity but I've never seen a creature quite like you," Grey Hoof said.

"I wouldn't expect you too there aren't many of us," I said. "And by not many I mean I'm the only one left."

"I see well your quite welcome here please enjoy the party eat, drink, dance whatever just have fun," Grey Hoof said.

"I will and thanks again," I said as Grey Hoof walked away.

I then walked around the town and noticed it was far smaller than Ponyville and as I was looking around I saw a stallion who appeared to be down in the dumps. He had a faded yellowish orange coat with what I think was a cobalt shade of blue for his mane and tail. He also had a white shirt with the same shade of blue as both his mane and tail for his jacket and brown pants and when I saw what looked like a problem I decided to see if I could help.

"Hey are you alright?" I asked as I walked over to the stallion.

At first the stallion was surprised at my appearance but he soon went back to his sad state.

"Uh yeah it's just I lost a gift that I was supposed to give to that mare over there," the stallion said as he gestured over to a mare who had a coat as white as snow while her mane and tail were a scarlet hue and wore a dress that was a darker shade of scarlet then her mane and tail.

"A gift what was it? Maybe I can help find it" I offered.

"That's very kind of you it's a red gem roughly the size of your palm," the stallion said.

"You mean something like this?" I asked as I pulled out the gem I found in the forest.

"That's it that's the gem I lost," the stallion said.

"Well then here you go," I said before I handed the stallion the gem.

As soon as the gem fell into the stallions hand more images appeared in my head images of Ruby handing the gem to the same stallion as the one I was talking to. The images then showed Ruby as she got her cutie mark before they disappeared.

"Are you alright?" the stallion asked as my mind came back to reality and I noticed my right arm which was angelic again go back to normal.

"Y-yeah I'm fine sorry it happens sometimes I didn't mean to startle you if I did," I said.

"Don't worry about it but anyway I have to go give this to Starlet," the stallion said.

"Well good luck pal," I said as we went our separate ways.

I continued my walk and saw a stallion who was setting up a table and he had a brownish green coat and a faded orange mane and tail and was wearing a dirty brown set of pants and sherbet orange singlet. I also saw he had no cutie mark on his shoulder and when the table was set up I saw a mare place a bowl of what looked like punch on the table. She had a leafy green coat and her mane and tail were an even deeper shade of green and she was also wearing a light green sleeveless turtleneck shirt and dark green skirt and I also saw her shoulder also lacked a cutie mark.

Suddenly a thought just hit me the mares and stallions of Equestria always have a certain picture on their clothes which happened to be their cutie mark. Even Rarity placed cutie marks on both mine and Rage's clothes somewhere so she could show them off but today I wasn't wearing anything like that. I also noticed none of this town's residents had a single picture on their clothes meaning either none of them had cutie marks or they coincidently decided to not wear them on their clothes.

"Both Gladstone and Three Leaf have been together for a while now and it always put's a smile on my face to see them together."

I turned around and saw the source of the voice was Grey Hoof.

"I also saw you help out Roneo find his gift for Starlet I'd say you just made one very happy couple," Grey Hoof said.

"I was just lending a hand nothing big," I said.

"If I may ask what was that with your arm when you gave Roneo the gem?" Grey Hoof asked.

"Oh...Honestly I don't know myself but I can tell you it wasn't dangerous," I said.

"I see...Well I'd better get back to the party I recommend you try the punch though," Grey Hoof said he began to walk away. And as he did I thought I saw a sinister smile on his lips but shook the thought out of my head before I spoke to Epsilon.

"Hey Epsilon what's going on with my right arm?" I asked mentally.

"I'm not entirely sure Ash but I believe you were seeing were images of the past," Epsilon said.

"That's interesting cause I saw Ruby was giving the same gem to Roneo back there and there's also the fact that they don't have their cutie marks," I thought.

Nonetheless Ash I would advise caution I feel a strange force of magic around us," Epsilon said.

"Epsilon keep an eye on it for me while I go ask the locals about Ruby," I thought.

"Understood," Epsilon said.

I walked around town a little more before I heard muttering coming from a house so I checked it out and saw a mare sitting all alone inside the house on the floor. She had her knees pressed against her chest and arms wrapped around them her mane and tail were a crimson red and her mane was fairly long as it extended past her shoulders and was styled in a very wild, yet surprisingly attractive manner while her coat was the same shade of grey as Grey Hoof’s. Her clothes were a pair of blue jeans and red shirt and green jacket.

Like the others in this town this pony didn't bare a cutie mark but unlike the others who were all smiles and were having fun this mare looked utterly miserable and she kept mumbling something but I couldn't hear her. I stepped forward but as my foot hit the floor making a heavy thud against the wood the mare lifted her head up and turned towards me and her miserable expression changed to one of shock.

"Um hi," I said as I raised a hand and waved to her.

"Who...What are...," The mare began before she stood up and rushed over to me. "What are you doing here?" she asked and as I was about to answer she spun me around and began to push me out the door. "You have to leave now before it's too late!"

"Uh sorry for barging into your home like that it's just I when I saw you like that I thought you needed some help but I'll get out of your house," I said as I began to walk on my own out the door but the mare kept pushing me even though we were out of the house.

"No you don't understand you have to get out of the Everfree forest before it gets dark," the mare said.

"But why this place seems welcoming and the locals seem pretty nice," I said.

"In the light they are yes but once the lights go out or the moon rises this town's true colours are shown," the mare said when the lanterns suddenly went out and the mare stopped pushing me. "Listen carefully you must pretend everything is normal don't scream don't panic just remain calm."

I was about to question the mare as to why I should do that but when my eyes adjusted to the darkness I saw the town was in ruins and have been like that for more than a few millennia. I heard movement come from around a corner and what I saw put me on edge the figure before me had a dark coat that was completely covered in grime I saw entrails were coming out of its chest and a single eye was hanging by its optic nerve from the eye socket. The figure’s clothes were an absolute mess filled with rips and muck but the one thing that scared the hell out of me were the eyes. Where the eyes would be on a normal pony I only saw the same unholy glow of red from when I saved the CMC from the Blood Hooves.

I then looked at the mare next to me only I saw another pony with red eyes and rotting skin however this one appeared to be in much better condition than the other. Except she was completely whole and showed no signs of exterior decay but she was also covered in grime and her coat was almost black. Her clothes had several holes and rips in them along with some grime but unlike the last pony this one had a mane and tail but the colour seemed to have faded and was like it hadn't been cared for in a long time. Under the pony’s eyes appeared to be what looked like tears of blood. Once I stopped my self-panic and looked at the pony in front of me I saw she was the same mare that was pushing me.

Suddenly the lights flickered back on and the village went back to the cosy welcoming village as it was when I arrived. The mare who was pushing me was also returned to her former self and the pony that appeared from around the corner was Gladstone.

"Sorry about that those lanterns like to turn off every once and awhile hope you’re alright."

I turned around and saw Grey Hoof was walking over to me.

"Uh yeah I'm fine I was just surprised when the lights turned off like that," I said.

"Well I'm glad to see you're alright are you showing our guest around Mitta?" Grey Hoof asked.

"Oh yeah thought I might be able to learn about him," the mare who was now known as Mitta said.

"Well I'm glad to see you're making new friends you shouldn't be spending all your time in that old house at the edge of the village," Grey Hoof said.

"Grey Hoof I'm going to ask you to stay out of my personal life I can make friends when I'm in the mood too," Mitta snapped.

"Of course I'm sorry Mitta now I have to go see Gladstone and get him onto this lantern problem," Grey Hoof said before he walked over to Gladstone.

"C'mon we have to hurry," Mitta said as she began to walk towards the entrance of the town.

Not wanting to be left alone in this place anymore and possibly get some answers I walked after Mitta.

"Uh Mitta right I'd be grateful if you could explain to me just what the heck is going on," I said.

"Alright but just keep walking and act like nothing happened and yes my name is Mitta," Mitta said.

"My name’s Ash Blade but call me Ash," I said.

"Well Ash it's true that this town seems nice and friendly but when the sun goes down and the night begins…Sunny Town’s true face is revealed and you can’t be here when that happens," Mitta said.

"You mean like back there but what about when the lights went out?" I asked.

The lanterns were installed some time ago to keep our curse at bay we are also revealed as what we are in dark areas so the lanterns stop the dark. But when the moon comes up regardless of the lanterns our true forms are revealed," Mitta said as we arrived at the gate.

"Wait a second you're cursed as in your all cursed then how do we break it?" I asked only for Mitta to bow her head.

"Ash...If you truly want to help then you won't try to break this curse...Please this is our justly deserved punishment for an unforgiveable sin that we committed long ago," Mitta said as more tears of blood streamed down her face.

"Mitta they don't seem that bad after all you didn't hurt me when the lights went out and the others could have but didn't," I said.

"Ash if you stay when the night comes you may never leave again don't be fooled by their friendly hospitality because everypony in this town is a murderer. We're all guilty in some way and I don't want anyone else to suffer her fate or ours," Mitta said as she began to sob.

"Mitta...," I started

"Ash you have to go there's not much daylight left and its best if you don't come back and also be careful there are others out there," Mitta said.

I looked deep into the mare’s eyes and saw only truth in her words and this only wanted me to stay and help her but I knew she was also right in me having to leave. I wasn't prepared enough to take on a bunch of zombies like these if my last incident with zombies was anything to go by I was going to need backup and the correct tools for the job. Sure I could just summon my armour and weapons but I needed them to be prepared first. So with my thoughts gathered I turned towards Mitta and gave her a hug earning a surprised squeak from the mare and not minding the blood tears on my jacket and neck.

"Thank you my friend," I whispered before I let go and wiped away her tears.

I backed away from Mitta and smiled at her before I turned around and sprinted into the forest I then summoned an orb of light and sprinted into the forest I had only one objective in my mind right now and that was to escape and come back stronger. I was going to get to the bottom of this mess and figure out a way to help Mitta and stop the Templars. But while I was so busy thinking I tripped over something and landed in the dirt.

I picked myself up and saw the dirt move in front of me and saw something come out of the ground and when I saw a pair of unholy red eyes I scrambled to my feet and ran. As I ran more and more zombies kept crawling out of the ground so I put all my speed into my legs and ran I then decided to call in my back up. With a simple flicker of magic my new phone slid into my hand from out of my sleeve and I called Ethen I waited a few seconds before the phone was picked up.

"Y'ello," Ehen said.

"Ethen that you?" I asked while panting slightly.

"Yea it's me what do you need?" Ethan asked.

"I've got good news and bad news good news is I found a lot of information about that old mare’s tale called the blanks," I said.

"I'm afraid to hear the bad news," Ethan said.

"Bad news is I'm being chased by said old mare's tale and I'm not really hope-whoa," I said but failed to notice I was heading for a slope and fell down it.

When I reached the bottom I let out a grunt of pain and saw my phone had landed next to me.

"And let me guess, you need help?" Ethan asked as I picked up the phone.

"Yeah also bring Rage and I need to know when you can get here," I said.

"Well we are on Canterlot Mountain," Ethan paused. "I'll call Rage and tell him what's happening our ETA will be five minutes; just hang tight til we get there."

Suddenly an unholy spine chilling shriek echoed through the trees from my pursuers.

"Better make it two cause these guys aren't your typical zombies," I said before I hung up.

I ran through the trees and I could see the lights of the creatures eyes were drawing closer and closer. I could see a clearing up ahead and ran towards it only to feel something wrap around my left leg. But I grabbed onto a tree support myself and saw something long thin black red and slimy had wrapped around my leg. I followed it and saw it was coming from a Blood Hoof’s mouth.

"You...taste...good," the Blood Hoof said in a creepy raspy voice.

If that wasn't enough to freak anyone out I don't know what will. I summoned my armour and weapons along with a shotgun before I pulled out Whispering Wind and cut off the zombies tongue and ran while the zombie shrieked in pain. Once I made it into the clearing I saw it was night time and turned around and waited for the abominations to show themselves by pulling out my shotgun and switching to the destructive blast.

Slowly red glowing eyes appeared in the darkness of the trees and went all around the edge of the clearing surrounding me. Realizing I could fly I spread my wings so I could fly out of the clearing only to feel a shock of pain go through my wing and saw I had a large stick going right through my wing.

"Great flying's out for now but why does this always happen?" I asked no one in particular.

Suddenly a few zombies shuffled out into the clearing and I glared at them.

"Don't leave all we want is friendship," a zombie said in a raspy voice

"Stay with us," another said

"Let's go have fun at the party," a third said.

"We'll protect you forever," a forth said.

"Don't need it," I said as I aimed my shotgun at them and blew a group of zombies to smithereens.

I then felt a presence beside me and rolled forward and was in front of a zombie. I looked up and saw the mass of dead walking flesh had opened its mouth impossibly wide revealing a set of sharp blood coated teeth and was about to bite down on me. But I placed the barrel of the shotgun in its mouth and flicked the switch on the shotgun to the regular blast setting and pulled the trigger blowing the zombies head off. Suddenly, I felt something grab my left wrist and saw it was another tongue.

"C'mere you," I said.

I then grabbed the tongue with my left hand and gave it a yank causing the zombie it was attached to it to come flying at me. I then prepared my left hand and slammed it into the undead's face sending him into the ground before I drew Damnation and blew a hole in its head right between the Blood Hoof’s eyes.

Suddenly I hear whistling coming from the air and all the zombies and I began to search for the source of the sound. When I found the source of the sound I saw it was a bright orange and as it got closer I saw it was Rage and his swords were covered in a hellish fire. He flew into the clearing and skidded along the ground cutting down zombies that were in his path leaving them to burn. He then sheathed a sword and withdrew the shotgun I made him when I returned from the moon and aimed it at a group of zombies blowing them to bits in roaring boom.

"How is it you always find yourself in the stupidest of situations," Rage asked with what I could feel was a smirk.

I could say the same about you remember heat season?" I asked.

"Really you’re going to bring that up?" Rage asked.

"Anyway I can't fly out of here so it means we'll need to do this the hard way," I said.

"Fine by me," Rage said.

Both Rage and I fought fiercely against the undead hoard for several minutes but more and of the creatures kept coming out of the forest. Suddenly we feel a massive pulse of magic and I look in the direction it came from and see Ethen.

"Stop!" Ethen yelled causing all the zombies to surprisingly halt.

"Wow nice trick," I said.

"Yea, it is what I specialize in." Ethan said as she floated to the ground.

"Jeez girl I was having fun killing these things way to kill the mood," Rage whined.

"Judging from what I know and Ash's memories Rage these zombies are known as Blood Hooves a less powerful version of The Blanks," Epsilon said as he appeared next to me.

"I get it now it all makes sense," I said.

"Yes. And since they are undead, they are in my power to control." I said as I walked in front of me and Rage and looked at the Blood Hooves.

"Um what are you going on about cause I just figured out why the blanks are called the blanks," I said.

Well the curse that was placed on them keeps their souls bound to the body. They are undead, or the living dead also classified as zombies. As a Shinigami I can control the dead and undead." Ethen explained.

"Shinigami as in a god of death?" I asked.

"Yea, pretty much." Ethen said while looking back at us before looking back towards the zombies. "Can you tell me why they are called the Blanks?"

"Well while I was in their village I noticed all of them didn't have any cutie marks adults alike so I assume that's why they're called the blanks. So that make these guys the Blood Hooves the Blanks little army and I also discovered that the blanks are cursed because they committed a terrible sin of some sort," I said.

"Hm, I wonder what they did...oh well, you lot get out of here." she said, making a shooing motion with her hands.

"Um what are you going to do?" I asked.

"I'm trying to make them go away." Ethen said as she continued to do the shooing motion.

"Who the zombies or us?" Rage asked.

"The zombies why would I want you to go away?" Ethen asked.

"Maybe because you wanted some private time with you undead lover," Rage said earning a punch to his gut from Ethen. "Okay I'm sorry bad joke.

"Yea, don't" Ethen said with a cold tone.

"Uh I hate to be a bother but the undead still haven't moved can't you just release them from this curse or something?" I asked.

"Sorry, can't. It was done with some magic from another god I can't mess with that." Ethan said with a shrug. "But I can do this." Ethen said as she turned around and pointed her finger to the zombies. "Cero." Ethen said as a small blood red beam shot from her finger and snaked its way through all the zombies causing them to explode in a shower of gore.

"Nice," Rage said with a whistle.

I looked down at my feet and saw a Templar necklace completely matted in grime.

"Hey Ethen," I said as I picked up the necklace and tossed it to her. Looks like we found out what happened to our Templars who were looking at recruiting the Blood Hooves."

"Dumbasses you can't never work with the undead." Ethen said as she shook her head.

"Oi what's going with those souls?" Rage asked.

I was confused by what Rage was talking about till looked around and saw all the souls of the zombies were floating above the destroyed bodies and they seemed to be whispering something. Suddenly they all rushed at us but avoided Rage and Ethen and flew into me causing me to scream in pain before everything went black.

Third Person P.O.V

"Ash!" Rage screamed as he picked Ash up from the ground.

"We need to get him back to the castle. Now!" Ethan yelled as she ran over to Ash's side.

"Too far I'll take him on my bike and get him to Ponyville hospital," Rage said before he let out a whistle.

"Kay!" Ethen gave a nod. "What do you want me to do?"

"Tell Luna Ash is unconscious and is at the hospital but Ash would want us to keep quiet about the Blood Hooves and the blanks so a panic doesn't get out so keep quiet about it cause the last zombie incident almost cost Ash his life," Rage said as a bike came roaring into the clearing with a demonic shriek.

"Got it." Ethan said as she spread her wings and shot off like a bullet.

Rage then loaded Ash onto his bike and shot off into the forest the engine hollered through the trees warning all predators to stay away. Rage kept his eyes on the path ahead of him and made sure to keep Ash centred on his back as he drove through the trees. Rage then saw the end of the forest and put on some more speed he then drove on a root that arched out of the ground and used it as a ramp to jump into the air. And as he flew out of the forest he saw the mane 6 and stallions Spike and Gilda were there below him and he landed on the ground behind the group.

"Hey guys what's up?" Rage asked as he removed his helmet.

"Rage what's going what happened in there?" Twilight asked.

"I swear Rage if this some joke to wake up Ponyville I can assure you it is not funny," Rarity said.

"Hey aren’t we all ignoring the elephant in the room like what happened to Ash," Spike said as he pointed to Ash who was slumped on Rage's back.

Before Rage could get a word in Rainbow Dash flew over and saw the stick going through Ash's wing.

"What the hay there's a stick going through Ash's wing," Rainbow said pointing out the injury.

"And just what in tarnation is that in Ash greave?" Applejack asked as she pointed to a black slimy tendril that was sticking out of Ash's left greave.

Applejack then walked up to Ash and grabbed the tendril and pulled it out but the thing was long and it took about fifteen pulls to get it out. Once she did the thing started wiggling causing everyone to freak out and Applejack dropped it and before anything else a flaming blade came down and cut the tendril in two before it burned. Everyone then looked at the owner of the blade to see it was Rage.

"I don't have time to play twenty questions with you lot right now I have to get Ash to the hospital," Rage said as he sheathed his sword and drove off.

Rage drove through the empty streets and made it to the hospital and helped Ash inside before he laid him down on a stretcher and the doctors took him away to give him a check-up. A little while later the doctors said they didn't find anything wrong with him apart from the stick in his wing and some strange slimy black substance on his left leg and should be up and about tomorrow. Rage then thanked the doctors and payed for the treatment and the doctor left just as the others walked in and asked about Ash's condition and Rage told them the same thing before Ethen and Luna walked in.

"Hey I brought Luna like you asked how's Ash holding up?" she asked.

"He's doing good they've fixed up his wing and said it looked like Ash took a tumble but he should be up and about by tomorrow but they are gonna keep him here for now," Rage said.

"What happened to Ash he had to be brought here?" Luna asked.

"Do you want to tell her?" Ethen asked causing Rage to nod. "Okay, I was flying over the Everfree and saw Ash tumbling down a hill. When I flew down to him he was out cold, so I called Rage to come and help me get him to the hospital." Ethen lied. 'You know this isn't going to work, Applejack's here.' Ethan said mentally to Rage.

""I don't know you looked really convincing," Rage said mentally.

"Well ya don't look like your lying so I guess that's the truth but anyway I'm gonna hit the hey I'm so tired I can barely think," Applejack said before she and the others left and Luna requested the doctors to take good care of Ash which they responded with a smile and nod before she left.

"You staying here?" Ethen asked as she looked at Rage.

"Nah I need to get back to Canterlot," Rage said as he was about to walk out but stopped when he felt his phone vibrate along with Ethen's

Rage then fished his phone out of his pocket and saw it was a text from Ash.

"Meet me in front of the Everfree tomorrow at 12 and if you can bring Ethen and Evo."