I has been 2 weeks since my birthday and news about my party reached all over Equestria I think it was because the royal family attended. But now I was reading through some of the books Queen Amara gave me about the Demonic Angels and it told of some fantastic legends about us like the taming of the leviathans, and the battle with the stone giants of Thunder Mountain. I was marvelled by the stories that my people had created and I looked at the map that was sitting on a pedestal in the centre of my library and gave a nod.

I stood up and walked over to the map and entered the combination opening the map I then pushed a button showing me the map's history and saw the one that showed me the one that showed Ethen and Evo's Equestria. I gave a silent prayer before I searched for the one before that and I saw our Equestria getting larger till it showed the continent and I saw a bright orange dot over the west.

"That's gotta be it," I said before I shut off the map and left the library and saw Luna passing by the bottom of the stairs. "Luna I need you to contact your family and my brother."

"Why?" Luna asked.

"Were going to go find out why my parent’s crowns were on board the Fortune Seeker," I said.

"Of course I'll let them know immediately," Luna said before she gave me a kiss and walked away.

I then texted the mane 6 along with their stallions plus Trixie and Gilda to meet me in Twilight's Castle before I left. I calmly walked through town and went inside the castle and saw everyone was in the castle lobby already.

I can see everyone is here," I said.

"Well the girls and our coltfriends were gonna spend the day together but then you texted us," Twilight said.

"So why'd you ask us all here?" Rainbow asked.

"Well you guys remember my parents crowns right?" I asked causing them all to nod. "I decided that it's time I found out why they're here in Equestria."

"So basically we're going on an adventure to a place where Demonic Angels probably lived?" Thunderlane asked while I just nodded.

"Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh this is gonna be so exciting we going to see a long lost Demonic Angel site," Twilight said as she bounced around like when she got her Cutie Mark.

"Settle down Twi we've still got to prepare for the journey which is why I wanted to talk to all of you on who we should bring," I said.

Two days later

I was standing in the Pale Horse's hanger under Canterlot with the mane 6 their coltfriends Spike, Gilda, Trixie, Daring Do, Jabir, Rosa, Eli, Rebecca, the Royals, Rage, Spitfire, Fleetfoot, Zecora, The Immortals and the foals who Faust insisted Pip and Midnight come along despite many protests. And in the end Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow, Thunderlane and both Cadence and Shining brought along the other CMC and now we were all prepping to leave. Everyone then the boarded the ship and we headed off my friends from earth were amazed with the Pale Horse and I everyone just simply enjoyed the ride.

It took us about an hour long but we were getting close to our destination I set the Pale Horse down and we decided to leg it the rest of the way. We were walking through an old ancient forest and music softly played through the trees in a comforting way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n6faOWXpKw

"These place feels so alive," Chrysalis said.

"You got that right," I said as I leaped from root to rock and swung from a branch but kept pace with the others and the foals tried to do the same thing as I did.

"Look at you Ash you're like a little child that's looking for adventure in your parent’s backyard," Jabir said as I hopped across a small stream.

"Actually he's more like a wood elf exploring the forest for the first time," Amalthea laughed.

"Well how can I not be guys I'm probably going to learn more information about my kind then I already know if you were in my position you'd understand how huge this is for me," I said.

"Your enthusiasm is grand but Ash be careful where you stand," Zecora said.

"Man you lot are beginning to sound like me when I don't want to let any of you come along," I said as I swung from a branch and onto a boulder.

Suddenly the boulder shifted below me and that caused me to stumble off it and land in the dirt much to everyone's amusement and I couldn't help but laugh till the boulder moved again. That's when I saw the supposed bolder wasn't a boulder it looked like a rhino but it's snout was more pointed and the creature had moss and plants growing on it and it's horn was made out of branches and flowers. I scrambled to my feet and looked at the creature in awe and saw it trudge its way over to me. Once it was close enough it gave me a sniff and let out a groan and nuzzled its head against me pushing me a few steps back before I gave the creature a few rubs under its chin with a smile. Once I finished the creature then walked away into the forest.

"Amazing isn't it?" Faust asked.

"More than you think but what was that?" I asked.

"That was an elder rhino one of the many creatures made by the forest," Faust said.

"Made by the forest?" I asked.

"But of course for example Timberwolves are also such creatures they don't communicate like regular animals do but they have a purpose to serve in forests like this one," Faust said.

"Wow the world is truly a fantastic place to live you just need to know where to look," I said with a smile.

"Um Faust do you think we'll see any other creatures here?" Fluttershy asked.

"More than likely," Faust said.

We continued our walk through the forest enjoying the sights and sometimes someone would call out seeing a creature made by the forest. But, the best sight was when I stepped on a dragon's snout by accident because I thought it was a hill. The dragon was made of roots and trees but the eye looked like a normal dragon's eye. Faust told us it was a Forest Wing and that these guys were protectors of the forest and peaceful creatures. The Forest Wing stared at me for an eternity before he bowed his head and rested his head back in place and fell asleep again. After each creature we saw I made a sketch for them to look over later.

"Hey Ash do you know how long it will take for us to get to this place?" Rainbow asked as I just finished my sketch of the Forest Wing.

"Hm...Oh yeah right it should be-," I started when I heard a small sound enter my ear.

I then walked forward a few paces and stopped so I could listen to the strange sound.

"Uh Ash where should this place be?" Rainbow asked.

"Shh," I said as I listened again.

"What do you mean shh," Rainbow asked loudly.

"He means be quiet Rainbow," Rage said.

"I know what it means but I want to know-," Rainbow started but Rage held her muzzle shut.

I listened carefully and the noise was actually a song and it was clear as crystal and it seemed strangely familiar to me along with the sound of the singer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxGE65pn2vg

"Ash what is it?" Faust asked as she walked up next to me.

"Can't you hear it?" I asked causing Faust to search for the sound.

"Wait I...I think I can hear something," Faust said.

"I can hear it perfectly if you’re talking about a song Ash," Rage said,

"What song?" Daring asked.

I then realized the owner of the voice was that of my mother and I felt my body want to run after the song and rather than fight against it I agreed. I dashed off into the trees as fast as my feet would carry me the trees seemed to make a path all on their own and when I came to a river roots came out of the ground and made a bridge for me to cross before I reached it. The song echoed all around me but the trees made a path for me to follow whether it be moving boulders or shrubs and using branches or roots to help me get around some objects. Soon I saw the end of the forest and I ran out of it but came to a sudden stop to stare at what was before me shortly after the others came along and Rainbow flew up to my left.

"Dude what the hell was that all about you trying to ditch us or something!?" Rainbow scolded me.

I simply placed a hand on top of Rainbow's head and turned it towards the sight set before us. There out in an extremely vast field where there was nothing but grass a few trees a river mountains on the horizon and a vast open sky that went on as far as the eye can see was the very same kingdom where I was born.

"Aephoceria," I said.

"Wait you know that place Ash?" Daring asked.

"Yeah...that place was my home it’s the place where I was born also the kingdom I was meant to rule," I said.

"Wait rule you mean you're one of royal blood?" Daring asked in shock.

"No one told you?" I asked only for daring to shake her head. "*sigh* Surprised you haven't noticed when we were in Dream Valley. One of us would be happy to explain it to you but first I want to have a look at that place."

I then teleported everyone in front of the entrance of the lower city and looked around I saw there were many destroyed buildings from either being burnt or crushed. But, there were still those that survived the onslaught.

"How did this all get here?" I asked.

"It must have happened when Equestria was created I had the thought of this place in my head and my magic must have somehow brought it here," Faust said.

I led the group inside the city and looked around and saw the marks of battle were everywhere along with skeletons from a variety of species. The wind then picked up and I heard a door creek open and when I looked something inside the house caught my eye. I walked over to the house and looked inside and what I saw brought only sadness cause lying on the floor was a female demon and a male angel. Both of them still had flesh on them which made them look like they died yesterday and in-between them both was a cradle with a tiny skeleton with wing bones indicating the child was a Demonic Angel and I saw the skeleton had a dagger in its chest.

"Ash are you okay?" I heard Luna ask.

I then walked out and saw the foals wanted to look inside but I blocked their way with my wing. When they looked up at me I simply shook my head and when Faust stepped up I let her pass and when she came out she was wiping away a few tears.

"I can't believe it came down to this," Faust said while I rested against a wall.

"Faust do angel and demon bodies rot at all?" I asked.

"Apparently not Ash," Faust said as the others looked inside.

The others came back out and I walked back inside the house and wrapped the bodies in cloth with my magic wished the family well in whatever life they have next before I re-joined the others and continued through the city. We passed through streets and saw plenty of skeletons impaled on many weapons some were torn in half and the demons and angels were easy to spot because of their bodies continued refusing to decay even after millions of centuries.

I saw Discord and Eris were having a moment whenever came across a fallen Draconequuses and the same could be said for the alicorns. I saw the foals weren't enjoying themselves as much when we were in the forest and so I decided to fix that I then teleported everyone up onto the castle platform and as I suspected there weren't any bodies about. I saw everyone's mood had changed when we saw the garden ahead of us which was had grand trees and plants growing over statues and on walls.

There was a large path ahead of us and in the centre was a large rectangular decorative pool that went along the path and connected with three others making a cross. At the end of each pool was a lit brazier with water pouring out all along the rim and in the centre of the pool was a beautiful fountain. it was a large pile of rocks and surrounding it were four unicorns each standing on their hind legs while water sprouted out of their horns like magic and in-between each unicorn was a leviathan head shooting massive jets of water into the air. On the rock hill and on a ledge was a statue of each creature that lived in the kingdom each one shooting out water from a trumpet or other object they had.

Finally near the top was an alicorn and like the unicorns below it was shooting out water from its horn and a dragon was coiled around the top part of the rock formation breathing out water like the leviathans. At the top there was a statue of an angel and demon and they appeared to be kneeling towards a Demonic Angel who had his wings outstretched and was attached to a pole at its feet making it look like the Demonic Angel was flying. When I looked in the pool I saw fish swimming around inside it along with an elegant mosaic tile design at the bottom of swirls and pictures.

"Oh my horn this is simply to die for," Rarity shrieked.

"It's absolutely beautiful," Rosa said.

"It is but let's go there is more to see," Faust said.

"Yeah and I'd lead the way but honestly I have no idea where I'm going so Faust would you guide us?" I asked.

"Of course Ash," Faust said before she led us inside.

The inside of the castle was amazing the hallways were colossal and some were heavily damaged and others had fading tapestries inside them. Rarity was begging me to allow her to take some home for restoration and to make a new line of clothes causing me think about the request before I looked at the ageing wall art and smiled at her before I said it was alright. I also said I'd let her pick some out later and I also made a request that some be taken home and hung up in Canterlot. The royals were delighted to hear my request and said yes causing Rarity to squee and give me a massive hug.

"Hey guys I'm gonna head off on my own," I said.

"Ash are you sure?" Amalthea asked.

"I'll be fine I just want to look around," I said.

The group then looked at each other and Faust gave me a smile before she led the group through the hallways and once they were out of sight I took another hallway. The castle was quite large and I often found a body lying in the halls. Suddenly, I found some skeletons that were wearing roman armour I saw a dagger in its scabbed lying in the middle of the floor so I picked it up and unsheathed it and saw it was still sharp and clean. I then saw a pale face on the hilt symbolizing the black centurion Damocles.

Remembering each detail of that story brought chills up my spine and I considered leaving the dagger here but then thought about using it as a reminder as I once did and so I tucked the dagger away for later. I then continued down the hallways and saw great wonders and stories carved into walls I then followed a path and up some stairs.

I then saw a pair of wooden doors at the top of the stairs and one of the doors was slightly opened I walked up to them and gently opened the door the rest of the way and stepped inside. I then removed the bag on my back and saw the room was average sized and circular with pillars that looked like trees formed a smaller circle around the room. I also saw toys around the room along with a stained glass window of the symbol on my back and in the centre of the room was a wooden crib. Above the crib was mobile with crystal wolves and ravens on them and that's when I realized this was my nursery.

I then looked around the room and saw a brown teddy lying on the floor so I walked over and picked it up to have a look at it and saw the stuffed bears face was adorable. I then placed the bear in the crib before I turned and saw something that caused my heart to skip several beats. There lying against a wall were both my parents both of their bodies were still perfectly intact except for the stab wounds in their chests and dried blood on their clothes. Both of them were leaning against each other and they each held the others hand. I stared at the two and took a step forward then another step and as I took a third my legs gave out and I collapsed to my knees and felt tears stream down my eyes.

Third Person P.O.V

I dare say this castle is more grand then in Canterlot...um no offence you're highnesses," Rarity said.

"None taken Rarity if anything I have to agree with you this castle is truly a wonder and ours is but a pale shadow of this one," Celestia said.

"True that I bet you could fit my family’s entire orchid here and you'd still have lots of room," Applejack said.

"So Faust where are we heading now?" Twilight asked.

"Hm well I can either show you all the echo chamber or maybe perhaps the throne room or how about Ash's nursery," Faust smiled.

"Wait Ash has a nursery?" Rainbow snickered.

"I wouldn't laugh Rainbow we all had a nursery at some point in our young lives Ash is no different," Faust said.

This caused Rainbow's snickering to stop along with the looks from the others were telling her to stop.

"Anyway if you just look at the room you can see a lot of love went into building it," Faust said

"Oh now this I must see I wonder what cute little trinkets are inside," Cadence said.

"I take it everyone wants to see the nursery?" Faust asked.

"Yes," everyone said.

Faust led everyone down the halls and whenever point out something Faust would tell them about it before they walked up some stairs and saw the doors that led to the nursery. Faust then stopped when she heard the sound of crying coming from the room. Rage then walked inside and looked around the room and he saw Ash on his knees and crying softly.

"Hey Ash don't tell me you're getting sentimental over this room are ya," Rage joked as he walked up to Ash but when he actually saw what Ash was crying over his smile disappeared. "Oh man."

Rage then walked up beside Ash and gave a bow to the fallen king and queen before he then patted Ash on the back then left without another word.

"Rage is everything alright?" Dream Catcher asked when Rage stepped out of the room and closed the door.

"Not exactly," Rag said.

"So who's crying?" Eli asked.

"It's Ash he...he's met his parents," Rage said.

"Are they?" Faust asked only for Rage to bow his head.

This caused everyone else to also bow their heads before Faust led them down stairs to make dinner and set up for the night.

Few Hours Later Ash's P.O.V

I stepped out of the nursery with my bag in hand and dried my bloodshot eyes before I walked down the stairs. I heard voices echoing through the castle and followed them till I saw some of the group were in the throne room and I noticed the room wasn't in perfect condition. There were fallen pillars, cracked and broken windows and almost destroyed banners but that was about it. I then saw the others were cooking food on a transportable stove Eli brought and when I walked in all eyes turned to me and Rosa then got up and walked up to me before she wrapped her arms around me before I returned the hug before we let go of each other.

"I'm just planning on having a quick wash," I said.

"There's a bath down the hall then take a left then you're first right bath should then be in front of you," Faust said.

I gave a simple nod to Faust before I grabbed a change of clothes and a towel along with some cleaning supplies before I followed the directions Faust said. I arrived at the door and stepped inside and saw a steam filled twisting hallway so I followed it and walked into a massive circular room with a large basin of water. And pouring from the ceiling and into the centre of the basin was a waterfall of warm water. When I looked around the rim of the massive bath I saw grates that the water went into when it was overflowing and at the bottom of the colossal bath was a mosaic tile design.

I then removed my clothes and submerged myself in the bath and let my body soak in all the warmth. I felt a smile slightly curl its way onto my lips before I cupped my hands together and submerged them under the water before I pored it over my face. I then grabbed a washcloth and submerged it into the water before I rubbed some soap on it and began to wash myself before I felt an itch in my wing meaning there was a feather I needed to get rid of. But it was slightly out of my reach I was about to give up when I suddenly felt another hand on my wing and pull the feather out.

I looked to see who was in the bath and I saw it was Luna with a towel wrapped around herself and she was giving me a worried look but I gave a warm smile and held my hand out to her to invite her into the bath. This caused Luna to smile and remove the towel before she sat down next to me and rested her head on my shoulder.

"Are you alright Ash?" Luna asked.

"Not really but I'm trying to cope with it," I said.

"I'm sorry this happened to you Ash I wish there was some way I can help," Luna said.

"There's no need Luna just you sitting with me is more than enough," I said as I pulled her closer and nuzzled the top of her head.

"Oh my stars this is a bath worthy of gods."

Luna and I spun around and I saw Twilight, Pinkie, Rarity, Rainbow, Applejack, Spitfire, Cadence and Celestia were in the doorway. Through the thick fog of steam I saw each one looked to be ready to bathe. This caused me to scramble away from them but I lost my footing and fell into the bath and once I resurfaced I wiped away the water on my face and looked at the mares.

"Do you lot mind!?" I asked in an annoyed tone.

"Ash!" Twilight shrieked with a blush

"Hi Ashy," Pinkie said with a wave.

"Oh shoot we're so sorry Ash we didn't know you were in here," Applejack said trying to look away.

"Well maybe not all of us," Spitfire said.

"I don't know if any of you have noticed but Ash and I were talking," Luna said.

"Oooo what about?" Celestia asked.

"Is that any of your business?" I asked.

"What I'm just curious," Celestia asked.

"I must say Ash this bath is simply gorgeous," Rarity said.

"Out!" Luna and I screamed in sync.

"Yeah, yeah we'll go but first I want to see what Ash is packing," Rainbow said.

"Same," Cadence said

The two lustful mares were about to fly over to me but thanks to my magic both got hit by a blast of water that came from the waterfall that sent them flying into a wall.

"Anyone else?" I asked.

"We're gone," Twilight said before she teleported herself and the group away.

I then let out a sigh before Luna swam over to my side and hugged me Luna then helped me wash and once I was done I got changed and left. As I stepped outside the door I saw the mares were still here I walked past them without a word and I saw Spitfire was at the back of the group. I watched her pass me before I used my towel as a makeshift whip and hit Spitfire in the butt causing her to let out a yelp of pain causing all eyes to turn to us.

"Touché," Spitfire said as she rubbed the spot where I hit her.

I gave a snort before I walked back into the throne room and joined the others and pulled out the dagger I found today along with a silver locket on a chain that was on the other side of the room where my parents lay. I did not stop staring at them even after the mare's came back from their bath and dinner had started.

"Hey Ash are you going to stare at those all night or come and eat?" Jabir asked waking me from my trance.

"Oh...sorry," I said as I got and up sat with the group.

"Ash what the hay is so special about that dagger and locket you've been staring at them for a while," Soarin said.

"Well I think this locket was my mother’s because it has a photo of me inside it," I said.

"May I?" Faust asked.

I handed the locket to Faust and when she opened it the song I heard in the forest came from the locket and judging by the looks on the other's faces they all could hear it as well. While the song played no one said a word.

"That song I heard it in the forest before Ash took off," Rage said after the song finished.

"Ash did you hear that song as well?" Faust asked.

"Yeah why is that song important?" I asked.

"To a child yes it was your lullaby," Faust said.

"No wonder why that song sounded so familiar," I said.

"I dare say that it was better than the one you sang for us mother," Discord said but Faust just smiled and nodded.

"So what's so special about that dagger?" Daring asked as Faust handed the locket back to me.

"When we separated I came across some soldiers in old Roman Empire armour and found this among them," I said as I held up the dagger.

"Roman legionaries but how could they be here when this place is far older than they are?" Eli asked.

"It must have been Lucifer's doing he must've opened up time portals and pulled in soldiers from across history," Amalthea said.

"Damn him," Jabir said.

"Hey Ash does the dagger have a symbol of Damocles on it?" Rage asked causing me to show the mark on the hilt causing Rage to nod.

"Wait whose Damocles?" Daring asked.

"Oh just an old ghost story from my world," I said

I then looked at the others they all had a look saying they wanted to hear it I looked at the foals and saw they were asleep before I looked at the others again and made images in the fire to help tell the story.

"Alright then but remember you all asked for it…The legend goes that there was a great roman centurion that went by the name of Damocles he was a revered leader in a massive army but during a battle his cowardly generals fled forsaking Damocles. Greatly outnumbered Damocles was slain by his enemies but when he arrived in the underworld he was met by Nemesis goddess of revenge who became enraged on how Damocles was treated. And so she granted him passage back into the land of the living but not in the same way as he left. I said before I made the torches flames snuff out and fire in the stove dimmed so there was little light in the room.

"Damocles had to become a symbol of pure utter terror for his prey and so Nemesis turned him into a vengeful spirit dressed in ghostly black centurion armour whose sole purpose was to hunt down and murder each despicable general who had abandoned him," I said as a shaft of light appeared and showed a man wearing roman attire sleeping in a bed but suddenly a figure in black centurion armour appeared out of the darkness. It had a ghostly pale face with black soulless eyes and blood leaking from them and where there was supposed to be a mouth was only darkness. the figure then stabbed the man in the throat while he slept and one he finished the shaft of light disappeared.

Suddenly a new shaft appeared in another part of the room and showed another general walk around a corner. But the was a sound of a blade slashing something echoed around the room before the general's limp arm fell into our view and the light disappeared again. Soon another light appeared and another general was backing away in fear with his sword drawn and pointing into the shadows soon Damocles appeared holding two swords. The two then fought only for Damocles to break the general's sword and hold his swords in an X at the general’s throat and like a pair of scissors Damocles decapitated the general. He then stared at his kill before he slowly looked at us and the light disappeared.

"One by one by one each general fell victim to Damocles sword and so it was since then during that period of time a commander always carried a dagger with an image of Damocles on it. This served as a reminder to them to always look after the troops that serve under them or answer to the cold steel of the black centurion's blade."

Once I finished I made the room brighter again and I saw everyone was almost spooked senseless. Rainbow, Gilda, Daring, Spitfire, Fleetfoot and Lightning were clinging to each other and Nocturnal was clinging to Spike and I saw Fluttershy was using Faust's wing as protection.

"I can see everyone is scared so my work is done," I said as I stood up and went to find a spot in the room to get comfortable in.

"Hey I wasn't scared," Rainbow barked at me as she loosened her grip around the other so called fearless fliers.

"Sure you weren't you may deny it on the outside but inside you were scared RD besides it's okay to be scared I'll admit that story sends chills down to my core every time I hear it," I said.

"I felt like a filly again that was afraid of the dark but this time there was no hiding cause that thing was the dark itself," Twilight said fearfully.

"Damn I had assumptions that humanity's ghost stories were frightening but that was a bit much," Daring said.

"Oh that's not the worst on humanity's fear factor should I tell you lot about the Nightmare on Elm's Street?" Eli asked.

"No!" Jabir, Rosa, Rebecca, Rage and I shouted in sync.

"Is it worse?" Luna asked.

"Luna that story or movie if you prefer makes mine look like a kids dream about puppy dogs and kittens," I said causing the ones in the group from Equestria to gulp before I settled down against a still standing pillar on the left of the room. And as I got comfortable to sleep I kept wondering about why this place was so terrifying to Compass Arrow and his crew.

3:30 am

I couldn't sleep there was no bad feeling nor was the pillar uncomfortable my head just refused to rest about why Compass Arrow hid this voyage from the world and also try and settle the fact about my parents. So I sat looked at the others and saw they were sleeping soundly before I stood up put on my jacket and grabbed Whispering Wind and my pistols along with my new dagger. I then walked out of the room and began to patrol the castle. All the while doing so I still felt the cold feeling I had in my heart from when I first met my parents. Suddenly I heard a group of footsteps behind me and when I stopped the footsteps continued meaning they weren't trying to be stealthy I turned around and I saw Jabir, Eli, Rage and Daring were following me.

"Can't sleep?" Jabir asked.

"Not a wink," I said.

"It's funny everyone here is normally able to sleep on worse conditions and yet we can’t sleep here," Eli chuckled.

"Heh, heh true," Rage said.

"Listen Ash I don't know you're going through but if you need to talk to someone we're here to listen," Daring said.

"It's appreciated guys thanks wanna walk with me might ease our minds," I said receiving nods from the others.

I led the group down the hallways and saw a massive gap in it that led into darkness.

"Must lead down into the rest of the castle," Rage said.

"Wanna check it out?" I asked.

"Why not," Rage said.

"Wait you mean go down there?" Eli asked.

"What we're the only ones here besides I’m kinda the ruler of this place so we can go wherever we want," I said.

"Well it's just so dark," Jabir said.

"Did my story scare you two that badly?" I asked jokingly.

"No," the pair said.

"Well let's go then," Daring said before she leaped into the darkness.

"You still afraid because a Pegasus mare had just jumped in without a clue of knowing what's down there and while it’s still dark," Rage said.

"C'mon otherwise we'd never hear the end of it," Jabir said before he jumped into the hole with Eli close behind.

"Brave lads," Rage said.

"Too brave they don't have wings," I said as I rushed in after them.

I dived as quickly as I could and saw the two before I grabbed the backs of their shirts and extended my wings to slow down but the ground was too close and we were still going fast causing the landing to be a rough one. I dropped Eli and Jabir and was sent tumbling down the slope we landed on till I stopped and let out a groan. I then saw light enter the room and not too far from my face was a skull and a scorpion crawling into its mouth causing me to scrambled onto my feet and look around. But I saw nothing but rubble and skeletons and I looked at the source of light and saw Daring with a flaming torch.

"That was a dumb move jumping in without wings and not knowing how deep it was but I gotta admit that was a gutsy move," Daring said as she helped up Eli and Jabir.

"Whoa nasty," Rage said as he noticed the mess around us.

"C'mon let's see what's down here," I said as I walked into the dark while summoning an orb of light.

As we explored the dark hallways Rage accidently activated the mechanism that sets the braziers alight the light was still dim but at least we could now properly see where we were going. The room was filled with scrolls sitting in rotting shelves and when Daring tried to read one she found out it was written in Demonic Angel. I then told her I'd translate it for her later before I heard the faintest sound of clanking metal I gazed at where the sound was coming from which was down a corridor.

"Hey Ash you alright?" Jabir asked.

"No I think there's something here," I said as I summoned my armour.

"Something here?" Rage asked resting his hands on his swords which he brought along.

"C'mon let's go check it out," I said before I grabbed a torch from a wall and lit it.

I led the group down the hallway and kept my eyes peeled for any movement I then felt a crunch beneath my foot and I looked down only to immediately look forward again because I saw we were standing on a pile of skulls and bones.

"No one look down just keep walking," I said as I looked back at the others.

But like always everyone slowly looked down and immediately regret it.

"That's going to haunt my mind," Jabir said.

"C'mon we don't want to disrespect these guys anymore then we have," I said.

The group then followed me but as we walked a bony ghost hand floated out of the fog along with several more and the hands just run along my body as if they were curious about me. The ghostly touch was cold and I saw the others were in a similar predicament but Eli was blowing away the hands with his breath which took several blows to dissipate one before he started fanning and blowing the others away. The display would have caused me to laugh if I wasn't nervous about the ghostly hands and soon the hands just simply left causing me to let out a sigh of relief before we stepped off the bone pile. Once everyone was off I gave a bow to the pile in respect and forgiveness before we moved on.

The path was long but I heard voices up before I heard screams echoing up ahead I snuffed out the torch and ran over to the source of the screams and when we made it to the spot I saw bodies and body parts scattered around the room. I saw a door where they came in from and saw more bodies and destroyed equipment and I saw another path that was blocked by rubble and roots coming from the ceiling. I then saw there was another path with dense smoke coming out of it I then heard a radio crackle to life and I walked over to the radio that was attached to a body and picked it up.

Commander we have a problem down here we lost contact with our scout teams said something about flaming monsters it's not confirmed but they may be declared KIA," a voice spoke.

(Sound of clanking metal)

"What is that?" a new voice asked

(Deep voice in different language speaks while metal clanks together)

"Sir were surrounded!" a new voice shouts.

"KILL'EM!" the first voice shouts

(Sounds of gunshots and of slashing)

"Oh no oh no...(panting and clanking metal echo's in background)...May the Father of understanding guide me," The first voice says in fear.

(Static)

"Ash did that guy just say Father of Understanding?" Rage asked before I looked around the neck of the dead griffin and saw the Templar cross.

"Fucking Templars," I said as I unceremoniously dropped the radio.

"Oh that's just great now we have one massive problem," Rage said.

"Two actually we don't know if what killed these guys is friend or foe," I said.

"So where do we go now we have to get back up to the others," Eli said.

"We'll take that smoky path it's obvious whatever is here along with the Templars came from there and went out of the large room the same way the Templars came in," I said.

"Alright Ash lead on," Rage said.

I walked into the smoke and could smell a strange familiar scent in the air I then searched my brain for answers till I remembered.

"Greek fire," I said.

"Greek what?" Daring asked.

"Greek fire otherwise known as the eternal flame you can stamp on it suffocate it or drench it in water but it will never go out until everything around it is burned," I said.

"Damn that's something you really want to be careful with," Daring said.

I continued to lead the group through the corridors till we came to the source of all the smoke. Trees and roots grew out of the walls and ceiling all of it burned and alongside the crumbling corridor were bodies impaled to the wall by spears arrows and swords all of them horribly burned. I led the group through the mess to another corridor with red banners with the mark on my back imprinted on them still hanging from the crumbling ceiling. The path ahead almost had no light in it but there was enough to see so I led the group into the hallway. Suddenly, I heard voices come from a hole in the roof and I gestured for the others to stop.

"Did you see them what were those things?"

"No clue whatever they were they weren't normal."

"No shit those things slaughtered the scouting team and half of our party,"

Suddenly, there was a deep muffled war cry and the sound of bones cracking before a Templar fell into the hole with an axe in his nervous system.

"We got movement!"

"Contacts multiple hostiles!"

I then gestured for the others to run while the battle went on none of us stopped running till we made it to the end of the hallway and once we were there I climbed into a hole in the roof and helped the others up we then saw we were in a three levelled room. A grand set of double staircases stood at the front of the room and they went around an old fountain and another two more simple double staircases stood behind the first one making a triangular shape. This continued up to the top and I also saw Demonic Angel armour standing on small alters for display.

"Stunning," Daring said.

"You got that right," I said before I saw a table with some things on it.

I walked over to the table and saw a few pieces of paper on them so I picked them up and read through them and saw it was the missing pages from Compass Arrow's journal. When I read through them I decided to read the last page out loud to the others.

I was a fool in coming here the creature that have been picking off my men have been named the Eternal Flame Guardians and now they are the same ones that hunt for me in the darkness of this place. It is now clear to me that this place was once the ancient kingdom for the Demonic Angels in the Zebra’s stories it is more sacred than anything we could ever encounter even after a thousand lifetimes of searching. The materials we found here are not of this world and my men were overjoyed when we found all the treasure we took in one single building in the lower districts of this place. We were going to move on to the castle but we should have left when we had the chance because of our greed we drew the guardians attention. But during our time in this castle I managed to learn from some of the strange texts about a vault and I also found a casket containing the crowns of the royal family that once ruled over this place. But because of taking the last one the guardians became enraged they used an inextinguishable blue fire to hunt us down and slaughter us I brought on their wrath and now many of my crew have paid the price. I should have left those crowns and taken what we could have carry but if by some chance I do escape this place then all records of my voyage here will remain hidden or destroyed. I do not wish others to suffer the wrath of the guardians so whoever you are and are reading this flee now leave what you have taken and run. This place is not meant for the world to see and if this meant to be my final hour I commend my soul to Faust may she show mercy on us for entering this holy place

C.A.

"What do you think he meant by vault," Rage asked.

I was about to say something when I heard the sound of clanking metal come from behind us I slowly turned around and saw it was coming from beyond the doors which soon opened to reveal a terrifying sight. In the background Greek Fire clawed over the walls and I saw Templars fighting figures wearing Demonic Angel armour and the Templars were being massacred and in the doorway was a also a figure in Demonic Angel armour. Except this one had a bristles on his helmet like those on a centurion displaying his rank among his forces.

("More intruders awaken and deal with them protect Aephoceria,") the leader said in Demonic Angel.

I was beyond words at the moment to see someone else speak Demonic Angel was not what I was expecting. Suddenly, I noticed movement in the corner of my eye and saw the armour that was on its pedestals was moving and the ones on the upper levels had pulled out bows and arrows and the tips of the arrows became ablaze with Greek Fire.

("Fire!") The leader ordered.

("STOP!") I yelled in both the Canterlot Voice and in Demonic Angel.

The very force of my voice seemed to snuff out the Greek Fire and in the other room and the flames on the arrow heads and the Guardians seemed to stumble back a bit at what I did. While my voice echoed around the room the leader then straightened itself out before it glared at me before it stepped forward and I did the same till we stood in front of each other.

(Who are you and how do you know our tongue?") The leader asked.

("I know it because I was born to it my name is Ash Blade and I am the prince of this kingdom,") I said as I spread my wings and revealed all ten of them.

This earned words of shock and praise from all the guardians and they all then kneeled to me.

("My lord we await your orders,") the leader guardian said as he too kneeled and placed his right fist over where his heart would be.

("The ones you have been slaying are an enemy to this land however there is a small group that consists of Alicorns, Draconequuses a few ponies and humans on the upper levels that are not to be harmed. The rest are the enemy known as the Templars the can be identified by this mark,") I said before I created the Templar symbol with my magic.

("And what of them?") The leader guardian asked gesturing to my friends behind me.

("They are also with me do not harm them,") I said.

("By your word my lord it shall be done,") the leading guardian said before he stood and gave my orders to the rest.

"Okay what is going on?" Rage asked.

"Looks like we just got ourselves an army," I said with a smirk.

Aephoceria Throne Room Dawn Third Person P.O.V.

The Templars had taken the entire group prisoner the foals were being held in a corner of the room while the royals were placed in front of the throne and the others were placed in another corner of the room. The leader of the Templar group sat on one of the thrones he was a brown furred Minotaur and he went by the name of Gerzera and he seemed to be taking in the luxury of what was left in the room.

"Hey you guys seen Ash, Rage, Daring, Jabir and Eli anywhere?" Rainbow asked.

"They weren't around when we were caught," Twilight said.

"So do you think they're on their way up here to help us?" Rainbow asked.

"Oh they're on their way alright but in chains they may be causing a few difficult problems for us but we'll soon have them so I wouldn't count on any rescues," Gerzera said as he got off the throne and walked over to the group.

"Clearly you don't know Ash ground beef besides you only caught us while we slept," Lightning said.

"You look irritatingly familiar have we met?" Gerzera asked.

"Name's Lightning Dust can't say you're ringing any bells," Lightning said.

"Ah that's it I knew you're grandfather Lightning Strike he was a brave man before I killed him," Gerzera said with a laugh on the end.

Lightning Dust was filled with a swirl of emotions sadness, shock, pain, and finally hatred she made a lunge at Gerzera but because her hands were cuffed behind her back so she could only head-butt him in the face. Lightning was about to go in for another attack but a pair of Templars held her in place.

"Worry not little filly I'll send you off soon to join him," Gerzera said as he pulled out a gun and aimed it right between Lightning's eyes.

Everyone scrambled to try and help save Lightning but the guards stopped them and Lightning just sat there glaring at Gerzera ready to welcome death.

"Any last words?" Gerzera asked.

"Yeah the guy with the bow better not miss," Lightning said.

Before Gerzera could ask what she was talking about the sound of a gargled scream filled the room and everyone looked at where the sounds came from and saw a guard gripping his throat before he burned away in blue flames leaving the arrow behind. The Templar was by a window and when a few Templar went to check it out they saw a figure dressed in old armour in a kneeling position on a roof. He had a bow in his hand he then pulled two arrows from his quiver and placed them on his bow and drew them back. The arrow tips then lit up with blue flames before he fired them at the guards killing two.

"Shoot him!" Gerzera ordered and so the Templar guards fired at the figure but he stood up and ran along the roof till he was out of sight. "Hunt him down it must be one of those damn knights."

The guards nodded before they ran and opened the door before they ran out but when the doors closed there were screams and a bone chilling shriek and two guards came flying into the room and skidded to a stop in front of the Gerzera both unconscious. Suddenly, the sound of rattling came from the doors and a tall skeletal creature in armour walked into the room. The creature held a pair of weapons in its hands while another pair rested on its belt and the skull's eye sockets had magenta pupils among the black and its teeth were sharpened to points.

"What in Equestria is that!?" Discord shouted.

"A Stalmaster here," Faust said in shock.

The Stalmaster then looked at Gerzera and began walking over to him but Gerzera wasn't eager to stay so he jumped out of a broken window but the Stalmaster followed and just then Rage and two armoured figures came into the room along with Daring who also wore the same armour minus the helmet.

"Rage, Daring what's going on and why is she in armour and who are those two?" Eris asked.

"Long story but fill you in as soon as we can but the two in the armour is Jabir and Eli," Rage said as he went to free some of the group while the two armoured figures removed their helmets revealing Jabir and Eli.

"Wow dad you look awesome," Akachi said.

Eli then got rid of Lightning's bonds and the Pegasus then walked over to a Templar and took his sword and stormed over to the broken window.

"Hey where are you going?" Rage asked causing Lightning to stop.

"To avenge my grandfather's death," Lightning said.

"Oh very well carry on just ignore what I said," Rage said before he went back to freeing the others.

"Wait hang on you're not going to stop her?" Twilight asked.

"Hang on let me get this right you're asking me the knight of vengeance to stop someone from killing a guy who killed another guy who was very dear to the one who is about to murder the murderer?" Rage asked.

"Y'know Rage makes a good point," Pinkie Pie said in her usual happy tone.

Lightning then flew out of the window and saw the Stalmaster was taking on about fifteen Templars and winning but soon more appeared baring its way to Gerzera who was shooting at the Stalmaster but the effects were very little. The Stalmaster then unfolded a pair of arms that were crossed across its chest and drew the second pair of weapons on its belt and attacked the Templars who had charged at it by using its weapons to hit, slash, and stab. But, one managed to jump on its back and the Stalmaster tried to get a hit at the Templar but then Lightning swooped in and stabbed the Templar before she flew around the remaining Templars and charged at Gerzera from his blind spot.

But Gerzera saw her coming and backhanded her into the ground this earned a shriek of anger from the Stalmaster and it threw a Templar out of its path and its torso then did a 360 degree spin killing all of the surrounding Templars. The Stalmaster then walked over to Gerzera who had pulled out a massive halberd and charged at the Stalmaster. But, the Stalmaster met the halberd with one of its own weapons causing the halberd to shatter and it used the side of the axe to send the Minotaur into a tree.

"Wait...he's mine...he killed my grandfather...he's mine," Lightning said as she tried to stand up.

The royals and Rage then appeared in the garden when suddenly the Stalmaster's body began to burn away in grey flames revealing Ash in his armour.

"I need him alive for questioning first Lightning," Ash said.

"Ash what the hay what's going on?" Twilight asked.

"Rage could you fill everyone in while Lightning and I take care of this?" Ash asked gesturing to Gerzera.

"Sure," Rage said before he made a bowing gesture to the others to follow him which they did.

Once the royals and Rage left Ash crouched down so he could look Gerzera in the eyes.

"Okay bud I just have one single question that needs to be answered and I expect my answer to be a good one where is the slaver Branding Iron?" Ash asked.

"I ain't telling you shit," Gerzera said.

"I was hoping you'd say that," Ash said.

Ash then used blood manipulation to control Gerzera blood and make lots of large spikes form under his skin breaking muscle and bone that was in its way and causing Gerzera to scream in agony.

"I can think of 3,675 ways to make this as horribly painful as possible and believe me you don't want that so I'll ask again where is Branding Iron?" Ash asked.

"T-the f-f-forest in the so-ow, ow, ow the south there's a large camp there and out of the way from wandering eyes," Gerzera said.

"Thank you," Ash said as he stood up and released his grip on Gerzera's blood before he looked at Lightning. "He's all yours."

"Thanks Ash," Lightning said cracking her knuckles.

"Wait I told you what you wanted," Gerzera said.

"True and for that I would have left you in a prison but I never said she was going to let you live," Ash said as he gestured to Lightning.

Ash's P.O.V.

After we finished with Gerzera I saw the Eternal Flame Guardians were chasing any remnants of the Templars out of the city which happened to only be one Templar running. Lightning Dust and I then took off back to the throne room where I saw Rage was finishing up telling the others about what happened.

“…So after Ash told us the plan on how to get back here and we found some old armour that would be able to protect these three in case we ran into some Templars and well you know the rest but to put it simply this was one hell of a night," Rage said.

"Incredible I'd have never imagined that there would be constructs made of the eternal fire still walking these halls after all this time," Faust said.

Suddenly the guardian leader walked in along with two others causing my friends to look at the doorway.

("My lord it is ready,") the leader said as he and the other guardians kneeled to me.

("Thank you,") I said in Demonic Angel.

"Ash what is going on what did he say?" Rosa asked.

"Oh he said that the preparations for my parent’s burial is ready," I said.

"You're parents burial but how'd-?" Rarity started.

"My parents gave the guardians instructions on what their burial was to be like when I returned their last order if you will," I said.

"I suppose we shouldn't keep it waiting then," Faust said.

The guardians then stood up and led us down the corridors and into the depths of the mountain itself but to us it was just a plain long staircase and once we reached the bottom I saw a fairly long hallway with two closed doors on either side of the hallway and a pair of double doors sat at the end of the hallway. As we walked down the door on the left side of the room opened and I was about to walk in when the guard gestured to the double doors.

(Excuse me but why am I taking this path and they are taking another?") I asked in Demonic Angel.

("My lord the others are not following you because they are not the ones being coronated,") the guard said with a bow.

"Coronated!?" I asked in shock.

"What's going on?" Rage asked as if he missed something.

("Guard why am I being coronated I thought I asked for a funeral for my parents,") I said.

("You did my lord but in their request they asked you to be coronated as they are laid to rest so that the kingdom will always have a king. It was to become a tradition if ever the ruler was to be laid to rest the successor was to be coronated during the funeral,") the guard said.

I looked at ground in shock at what was happening.

"Surly you must have known this was going to happen sooner or later Ash," I heard Faust say before I spun around to look at her

"Wait Faust could you understand all that and you knew about this?" I asked.

"Yes Ash I did," Faust said.

"Why didn't you say anything?" I asked.

"Because I knew you would react like this remember Ash you did say you would accept it," Faust said.

"I know it's just well I wasn't expecting this day to come like this and I would've expected it to be in Canterlot," I said.

"Ash we can always hold another in Canterlot to announce it to Equestria but this is the official ceremony," Faust said

"Someone care to fill us in?" Applejack asked.

"Well guys it appears that today isn't only a funeral but also...uh," I started.

"Ash's coronation is going to take place during the funeral," Faust said causing everyone to gasp.

"A coronation during a funeral isn't that a bit disrespectful?" Twilight asked.

"Not unless the former king and queen wanted it that way they wanted it to be that way so the kingdom always had a king," Faust said.

"But-but this is too soon I had an amazing idea on royal coronation attire for Ash," Rarity said.

"Don't fuss Rarity everything would have been sorted already but enough chatter we have a ceremony to begin. Ash we'll see you later I'll be presiding over this ceremony and Amalthea can translate what I say to the others in English cause I'll be speaking in Demonic Angel," Faust said.

"Ok...well this is it," I said.

Luna the came up to me and gave me a kiss and everyone gave me support by saying some words before they walked through the door leaving me with the guardians which had opened the double doors and stood at full attention. I took a massive breath before I walked past the doors which had closed behind me and when I looked ahead I saw the corridor was long and arched and going along the walls and ceiling were framed mirrors. I then began to walk down the hallway but as I did I began to hear music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3k0YufjNfE

The music was calming yet powerful and it seemed to be guiding me down the hallway and as I passed by the mirrors I saw myself only in different periods of time and doing a variety of things. In World War 1 when I fought in the trenches or in the French Revolution when I was saving someone from the guillotine and many other places doing completely different things, things that some would call heroic others would call it foolhardy. But, I just kept walking till I was met with a figure who was walking towards me who at first I couldn't tell who it was but as I got closer I saw it was myself only my double wore different attire. He wore a silver chest plate with a pair of wolves holding up my cutie mark along with chainmail went over his arms chest and thighs. His metal greaves were also silver along with the gauntlets. The pauldrons had the Demonic Angel symbol on them which was made of gold and silver and the pauldrons reached halfway down on the upper arm providing better protection. And finally on the others back was a navy blue cape the border had golden leaves and vines going around it and the underside of the cape sparkled like stars in the night sky.

I noticed the other me was just a mirror image but the background behind him was completely different then mine I then reached out with my right hand with him copying me and when we touched one another there was a silvery aura between us. When I pushed forward I felt a warm sensation wash over my hand as it disappeared so taking a breath and closing my eyes I walked forward. Once I opened my eyes again I saw I was wearing my mirror's clothes and I then heard the sound of falling water and I followed the sound till I came to a massive cavern that looked like someone hollowed out the entire mountain. Far above me I saw massive bells hang from the ceiling and large holes were in the colossal walls allowing light to enter and when I looked down there was only darkness. Ahead of me was a set of stairs and on the sides were unlit braziers and at the top of the stairs was a stone gazebo with a golden stone roof and the six pillars that held up the roof were statues of Demonic Angels, and going around the rim of the stone column the gazebo stood on was a waterfall. Finally on either side of the stairs were the Eternal Flame Guardians all standing at attention and at the top I saw everyone was waiting.

I then took a breath and began my climb up the stairs and as I passed by a brazier a guardian on either side of me pulled out an arrow and fired it at the brazier igniting it in Greek Fire and this continued till I reached the top. I then saw Faust with her wings outstretched along with the other princesses that stood beside her and behind them I saw a stone coffin large enough for two people. I then assumed it was where my parents were being laid to rest and I could see everyone and Rarity were swooning over my new attire and as I kneeled to Faust the song ended.

("Today is a day or morning and celebration,") Faust said in Demonic Angel and Amalthea repeated only in English so the others understood. ("Today we lay the old rulers to rest and in their place stands a new ruler one who has braved through the suffering and pain of himself and others to stand here and lead his country into a new age of peace, wisdom and prosperity. Ash Blade son of Ronsihr and Agla do you swear to lead you're kingdom with the same intentions of peace as you're parents once did?")

("I swear,") I said in Demonic Angel.

Faust just smiled and looked at the pedestal in front of her and I gazed at it also when suddenly a few specks of light appeared out of it and floated in mid-air above the pedestal and more kept rising from it till finally the dots of light formed together and created a crown. It had a thick gold band with four diamonds going around it and on the left side of the crown was a webbed silver and gold wing going up in a diagonally. On the other side of the crown was a silver and gold feathered wing that was also going up diagonally but on the front of the crown were a pair of howling wolves made of obsidian and a silver border going around them. Above the wolves being held by silver was the most stunning gem one could imagine that looked like the moon but with a rainbow like aura coming off it.

I saw Faust pick up the crown before she turned it around and walked around the pedestal before she placed the crown on my head.

("The king is home,") Faust said as I stood up.

I then turned around and spread out all ten of my wings which the feathers let of a shimmering light along with the gem on the crown from the light coming in through the hole in the cavern walls.

("All hail the king all hail the king,") the guardians cheered

Suddenly a strong wind blew into the cavern from the holes and created a song like a pan flute and the bells above us began to toll and so the fabled song of the Aephoceria Mountain rang through the air making me feel alive for the first time. Once the song ended I turned to look at the others and saw them bow to me but I gave them all a single nod before I walked over to the coffin holding my parents. I looked inside to see them both and they were cleaned and in a different set of clothes and they both had their crowns I returned on their heads.

"Mom, Dad I don't really know where to begin I don't even know if I should be both angry and sad you sacrificed both you're lives to save mine or happy and proud to have parents that would go to great lengths to save me. When I was first told about you both I wondered to myself asking how do you become so great, so respected, so loved by many just by having a simple smile and saying a few words...I know I can never be as good as you but I'm willing to try and someday I hope you'll both be proud of me," I said with a few tears in my eyes.

I then placed a sun and night rose in both my parent’s hands and my mother’s locket in her hands before I kissed them both on their foreheads before my friends then placed their own roses inside the coffin and once the finished the coffin was sealed. I then kneeled to the coffin along with the others and the guardians and there was a minute silence before I stood and Faust placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Ash I'm sure they are already very proud of you," Faust said.

"Thank you Faust," I said.

"Ash you're cape is absolutely stunning and the gem oh that gem it is simply divine," Rarity said gushing all over me.

"That is the king's gem Rarity said to only be found and worn by great kings," Faust said with a smirk aimed at me causing me to rub the back of my neck.

"So what now?" Rage asked.

"Hey Ash that vault that was mentioned in Compass Arrow's notes why don't we see what's being held inside of it," Daring suggested.

A couple of the guardians were leading us through the hallways till we arrived at a set of double doors which when we opened we walked into a library that rivalled Faust's and causing Twilight to speak in gibberish before she passed out into Comet's arms.

("I thought we were heading to the vault,") I said in Demonic Angel as I looked at the guards.

("The vault is in here my lord but the secret to finding it was only known by the previous King and Queen but they left us a clue a blooming key will open the way,") the guard said.

("Understood thank you,") I said before the guards left and closed the door.

"So what's going on?" Thunderlane asked.

"They said that a blooming key will open the way," I said.

"It must be some kinda marker ancient civilizations often had them to mark where the hid ancient treasure chambers or vaults," Daring said.

"Not bad Daring Spaniards did the same thing with a heart and two keys going through it everyone look around for a picture with a key and flowers," I said.

"Hey Pip maybe we can get our cutie marks in vault hunting," Rumble said.

"Hey yeah I wonder what a cutie mark like that would be like," Pip agreed.

"Cutie Mark Crusaders Vault Hunters Yeah!" Pip and Rumble shouted before the two ran off along with the other crusaders and Akachi causing me to smile

Everyone then spread out and began searching and I looked around the shelves for something and I suspected there was some kind of book leaver hidden in this massive library but when I looked around I saw something on the floor in the centre of the room. It was a large mosaic picture of a pair of roses surrounded by a black circle and three arrows pointed at three pillars of columns in the room that were up against the walls. There were pillars stacked on top of each other as they went up forming a massive column and I flew down to the ground pillar of one column and inspected it and saw scraping marks against the top of one of the pillars but the pillar above had no scrapes.

I then tried to push the pillar upwards but nothing happened so thinking it over I pushed the pillar inward and I managed to move it before it moved upwards on its own revealing a strange switch. I then grabbed the switch and tried twisting it but nothing happened so I decided to pull it outward and the knob responded before I decided to give it a twist and the knob did so till I couldn't twist it any more. I then pushed the knob back in I then heard the sound of moving machinery echoed around the room and I saw tiles over the roses flip over.

"Everyone head to a column the picture on the floor is pointing too and push the bottom pillar in," I said causing everyone to obey and do what I asked and the last two pillars went upward like mine. "Okay grab the knob before you and pull it towards it to you and twist it clockwise till it stops before pushing it back in."

Everyone did as instructed and I flew into the air and I heard the sound of machinery and more tiles on the floor flipped over and once it stopped I saw the new tiles made a new picture which was a key wrapped in the vines of the roses. We all then waited a few seconds before the sound of machinery echoed around the room and the floor inside the circle sunk down and retracted into three parts revealing a stone staircase.

"Nicely done Ash," Rage said.

"Thanks oh right kids I want you all to stay up here," I said looking at the young foals.

"But why uncle Ash?" Apple Bloom asked.

"I don't know what my mom and dad left down there they could have set up some traps for all I know so I want you lot to stay safe here," I said.

"Okay," the foals said.

"Fluttershy do you mind taking care of them?" I asked.

"I don't mind," Fluttershy said before Cadence and Luna hand Fluttershy Midnight and Flurry Heart.

"Hey Ash are you sure we should leave Fluttershy here?" Rainbow asked.

"She's more than capable in handling foals also if they do get into trouble Fluttershy can use her stare and if there's an outside force there are a pair of Eternal Flame Guardians outside the door," I said.

"Point taken," Rainbow said.

I then led the group down the steps and as we walked down the stairs flames came to life on the torches and illuminated the area and once we got to the bottom of the stairs I noticed we were in a maze of aqueducts that were designed to transport water to different parts of the castle. I then saw the key and roses symbol etched into the floor and an arrow pointing down a path I then led the others down the path and I saw a building that reminded me of the Pantheon in Rome.

I then led the others to the doors which were monstrously huge and before them I saw a pedestal with a metal bowl carved into it.

"So now what?" Rage asked

"That's a blood lock its simple if you have the blood needed to open it then then you can enter if not then you might as well go home?" Faust said.

"Well that's not a problem for us," I said before I drew my new dagger and cut myself.

I let my blood drip into the bowl and healed my wound before I saw my blood disappear and markings on the door glowed white before they slowly opened. Flames lit up on torches flickered inside and I saw thousands of objects in the room. I walked inside and saw objects that were supposed to be legends like the Spear of Destiny. I then saw Twilight was walking over to three stands that had some kind of stone cover on them along with the Demonic Angel mark carved into them. Twilight then dug her fingers into the gap that went down the middle of the cover and when she pulled it the cover split in two revealing a codex opened on a page.

"Sweet Celestia it's beautiful," Twilight said.

"You find something Twilight?" Faust asked causing everyone to walk over to her.

"It's an old codex," I said.

"Now those are very rare to find," Celestia said.

"Ash can you translate?" Twilight asked.

"Ugh here we go wake me when the boring stuff is over," Rainbow said.

I had a look at the codex and read the text which surprised me.

"Boring part is over RD you need to see this. The codex explains how the pegasi of old were able to draw lightning into their wings to increase their speed and abilities in combat,” I said

"Ok now that is not lame," Rainbow said as she zoomed next to me.

I then turned a page revealing an old picture of a regular four hoofed pony and a pony currently living in Equestria both in a strange armour while their wings were sparking with lightning which caused excitement for the flyers. I then looked at the other two stands and walked over to one and opened it to reveal another codex.

"This one tells of how Earth Ponies were able to use their kicks to manipulate the very air into a cannon which was used to bring down fort walls," I said before I stepped to the side letting Applejack, Big Mac and Swift Spear look at picture before I walked over and looked at the last one. "And this one tells of how the unicorns were able to use magic to focus on multiple enemies for example when you're surrounded by enemy soldiers you basically make a small dome around you and any enemy that's in it with you they will look like they have slowed down. But, you're still moving at average speed allowing you to inflict heavy damage and if you also cast this spell at a fair distance away and fire a beam at them then that bolt will hit every target in the dome."

Shining and Holy Light seemed interested with this technique and came over to have a look I smiled as I saw everyone was gazing at everything but then I saw Daring Do was looking at a black cube shaped box with images made of silver and gears and cogs were all over it. The box had a fiery red ruby sitting on top with letters written in Demonic Angel going around it and when I then looked at the plaque and saw the words Pandora's Box written on it. I then saw Daring was about to lift the lid but I teleported over and slammed the lid closed causing a massive echo to reverberate around the room causing everyone to look at me.

"That...was close," I said keeping a hand on the box.

"Why what is it Ash?" Daring asked.

"That is Pandora's Box," I said.

"Okay then why can't we open it?" Rainbow asked.

"Rainbow you know Tartarus right well imagine this box is like that only it's used to hold creatures far worse from earth," I said as I activated the lock on the box.

"How worse are we talking about and how many are in there?" Rainbow asked.

Suddenly growls and shrieks that would haunt one's nightmares for eternity echoed from the box but there was no movement.

"No idea and I'd rather not find out but right now guys I need to set up some ground rules no one touches a thing unless we know it's alright to touch. If you want to know ask either me, Faust or Amalthea," I said.

"And me," Rage said.

"Wait you read Demonic Angel?" I asked.

"That and speak it I was a part of you once you douche," Rage said.

"Fair enough but main topic again don't touch unless we say so," I said.

Everyone nodded to me before I had a look around and saw pedestals containing a variety of objects all around the room and I noticed a very thick book sitting on a pedestal and the plaque read The Book of Solomon. Knowing the story of such book I knew I had to stay well away from that thing so I then looked around some more and saw a large circler pedestal and a yin and yang was carved into it. In one of the dots I saw a black teardrop shaped gem with a dark aura around it and the other was empty and the plaque read Seeds of Harmony and Disharmony.

"Hey everyone have any of you wondered where the Tree of Harmony came from?" I asked.

"Now that is a question I haven't asked yet but now that you bring it up where did it come from?" Twilight asked.

I simply gestured to the pedestal and let everyone have a look I then read the rest of the details on the plaque about where the seeds came from and it said that these seeds were prototypes on a tree of balance. But, the project suddenly stopped and then abandoned and after a while the Seed of Harmony was placed in Faust's care. I looked at Twilight and saw she was having an overload of info given to her and everyone then started asking Faust questions but then I saw something at the back of the room that caught my curiosity. it was an old book made of stone so I walked over to it and saw the plaque and read it.

"The Book of Prophecies said to contain all the prophecies in the world," I read out loud.

"You find something interesting Ash?" Celestia asked.

"Maybe," I said as I picked up the book and opened it.

I then began flicking through the stone pages and saw countless legends some fulfilled others yet to be done till one prophecy caught my eye.

The Battle of The Brothers of Fate

On the day of an Eclipse two twin brothers will battle in the city of the damned one twin raised by suffering, loneliness and hardship and is balance between all things the other is raised by darkness, bloodshed and vengeance and is fuelled by the desire to be challenged. The twins will begin their battle once the day they meet for the first time and will constantly battle till death parts one from the world. One twin will seek destruction of all things and the other will protect it but ultimately both sides will clash and the twins will fight until the black sun reveals its light again or the twin will destroy the world. When the light returns the land will either prosper or die at the hands of the twins.

There was a picture below carved and coloured into the stone showing a pair of figures in a yin and yang. One an outline of a figure wielding a sword and shield the other looked like a monster out of a nightmares with long spindly claws and fiery eyes and in the background there were two armies on was white the other was black.

"The Battle of the Brothers of Fate what do you think that is?" Eris asked who was looking over my shoulder.

"I don't know but a lot of it doesn't add up twin brothers that haven't met before and in this picture. The two look nothing alike one looks like a monster and the other is just an outline of a human with a sword shield and what look like wings but I can't tell," I said.

"Not all pictures are accurate," a familiar and hated voice said.

I looked up from the book and saw a figure standing in the doorway of the vault the armour was sinister and dark but it is how I first met him.

"Heartless," I said with a sneer as I put the book down on its pedestal.

"Hello Ash Blade or is it King Ash Blade now I watched the ceremony and I must say it gave me chills," Heartless said.

"Funny I don't remember putting you on the invitation list now how dare you enter this place," I growled as I summoned my armour and weapons.

"I don't recall you making an invitation list at all and I choose to go where I wish well until Faust sealed me away," Heartless said.

"There's only one way down here so Heartless if you've harmed my foals in any way I swear-," I started as I walked around some objects and the others so I was standing in the centre of the vault.

"Calm down I may be you're enemy but I'm no monster those foals you left with that Pegasus Fluttershy I think her name is are unharmed I swear," Heartless said.

"You're words had better be true otherwise I won't be able to control what happens next," I said.

"I’ll keep that in mind and I can feel you unlocked you're Hellish Booster which is quite the surprise to me. But, I will say it is quite powerful and since that's unlocked and you're here along with gaining the title king it means you know who you are now," Heartless said.

"I am Ash Blade I am the last Demonic Angel and the rightful ruler of the Aephoceria throne my parents were Ronsihr and Agla a devil and an angel," I said causing Heartless to laugh.

"At last you've figured it out you have no idea how long I've been waiting for you Ash Blade son of Ronsihr and Agla. But now to the reason why I am here I require a certain book perhaps you've seen it The Book of Solomon," Heartless said.

"You must think I'm pretty damn stupid if you think I'm just gonna let you take that," I said as I drew Whispering Wind and my shield.

"Oh I honestly wanted to fight you Ash I wanted to test how far you've come since our last meeting," Heartless said drawing his own sword.

Like an imaginary bell went off in my head I flew at Heartless and tried to slice him but he blocked the attack and the force and speed of my attack pushed us out the door but Heartless pushed me over his head and I barrel rolled in mid-air and landed in a position where I had my left leg straight out and my right leg was in a kneeling position beneath me and my right hand was supporting me and my wings were spread out for intimidation. I then looked at Heartless again before I rushed at him and attacked him fiercely till we pushed each other away with our weapons. But Heartless landed on a button causing some gears to turn and an arrow was launched at Heartless but he blocked the attack.

"And I thought that something like that only happened to me," I said.

Suddenly more objects moved to either slice, dice impale and burn started to move and kill either Heartless or me so we were forced to dodge and fight the objects but with the help of Epsilon I managed to do it. I then kicked Heartless off the walkway and jumped down to join him on a walkway below where the pair of us crossed blades again I then used my magic to push him against one of the columns holding up the walkways. I then used my angelic arm to summon my Halo Blade and tossed it at him but he ducked and rolled towards me and the Halo Blade embedded itself in the column. I then use my speed to rush at Heartless and was about to strike with an under arm attack but Heartless blocked my sword before he head butted me in the helmet making it ring for a couple of seconds.

I tried to shake the sound from my head and when I recovered I saw Heartless charge at me with an overhead strike but I dodged to the left and nearly fell but Heartless slammed himself into me causing me to fall backwards. But, I used my wings to straighten myself up and flew under the aqueduct walkway and came up on the other side where I saw Heartless looking over the edge for me. But, I then made a wall of stone move along the entire walkway and by the time Heartless saw it the wall slammed into him and pushed him against the same column I slammed Heartless into before I rested on the walkway again and the wall of rock broke to pieces.

"I am going to say I am pleased on how far you've come my rival would need to be this strong and more," Heartless said.

"Hate to be a disappointment," I said as I held my angelic hand out.

"What are you doing?" Heartless asked.

"Something that involves you getting out of the way before you die," I said.

My Halo Blade had finally loosened itself from the column and came flying at Heartless but he narrowly dodged my blow and the Halo Blade returned to my hand before it disappeared.

"Okay I'll admit I felt the wind with that one but why tell me to dodge?" Heartless said.

"I'd prefer to kill you while we're facing each other you earned that much at least," I said.

"Hmph very well I suppose I can follow that rule if you abide by it," Heartless said.

Heartless then shot bolts of magic at me but I used a secret technique that Link taught me I swung Whispering Wind at the orbs and sent them flying back at Heartless some he destroyed but some he got hit. I then teleported in front of him and tossed him into the air before I teleported next to him and used and charged some magic into my demonic arm and punched Heartless in the chest sending him flying to the ground in front of the vault. I then few over to him and landed just in front of him before I removed my helmet and looked at Heartless but when he looked at me I only heard dark chuckling.

"Superb you fought rather well back there and you haven't even broken a sweat I guess you're ready for our duel," Heartless said.

"No Heartless this duel is over...you lost," I said as I pointed Whispering Wind at his throat.

"Oh I hate to disappoint you but our duel is actually scheduled on the day of an eclipse just like in the prophesy," Heartless said.

"Again with this what prophesy?" I demanded.

"You still don't know you were reading it before we fought," Heartless said.

"The Battle of the Brothers of Fate but you and I aren't twins not even brothers," I said.

Heartless then reached for his helmet and took it off and the face I saw was not what I thought the face in front of me was mine. The only difference was our hair colour his hair was silver with a black stripe in it. I was in so much shock at what I saw I didn't even realise I had lowered Whispering Wind till Heartless kicked me in the side of my leg forcing it out of place and causing me to cry out in pain.

"How...?" I asked wheezing through the pain.

"How is this possible easy the night Lilith came to supposedly kill you was not an assassination but a kidnapping attempt the she demon's objective was to use your blood to create a secret army for her to conquer earth, heaven and hell. But that was a bit of a bust when dear old king Ronsihr stopped her so she went with another option the blood that was taken from you already so that it could be analysed went missing that night when in fact it was stolen. The blood didn't make an army as Lilith had hoped but only a small squad however you're parents found out and destroyed it all while I survived and escaped and Lilith became set on revenge. So she teamed up with Lucifer to destroy you're kingdom and hopefully collect more of your blood," Heartless said as he got to his feet and revealed a pair of wings on his back except these wings were webbed on the top half of the wings and feathered on the bottom.

"So now what why try and destroy Equestria?" I asked.

"Don't worry your head about that yet Ash but right now I must be off I have what I came for," Heartless said as he held up The Book of Solomon causing my eyes to widen. "And I don't think you'll mind if I take you're sword too do you?"

Heartless then reached down to take Whispering Wind but it shocked him causing him to shake the pain out of his hand and yelp a bit at the pain. Suddenly, Whispering Wind had white glowing chains wrap around the handle and blade that also reached out and wrapped around my right hand.

"Damn looks like that's not coming with me now," Heartless said.

("Protect the king.")

I looked at the voice and I saw the guardians were on the aqueducts and bows and arrows in hand. I then placed a shield around me just as the arrows were set loose but before Heartless was hit he teleported to the far side of the room.

"Till next time your highness I hope you'll be at full strength," Heartless said as he disappeared.