I sat up with a start and griped my chest in pain before I looked around and saw I was in a hospital bed in the crystal empire.

"Ash,"

I didn't have time to look before someone wrapped their arms around me in a hug which happened to be Luna but I let out a yelp of pain before Luna let go of me and I looked and saw my chest was wrapped in bandages and parts of them had red stains growing on them. This started to make Luna worried but I placed a hand on Luna's and gave her a warm smile before I began to unwrap the bandages. I saw my injuries had been stitched closed and a bit of blood had seeped from the wound. So with a little assistance from my blood manipulation I got rid of the stiches and repaired the wound without so much as a scar.

"Problem solved," I said before Luna hugged me and I returned the hug. "Is everyone alright?"

"Everyone's fine there were a few injuries but everyone has recovered," Luna said as we released each other.

"That's great," I said as I rested against the bed again.

"So how are you feeling Ash?" Luna asked.

"I'm alright I still think I may have gone overboard on my powers but what happened to the Necroidion?" I asked.

"It was destroyed Ash along with the shard that was impaled in you."

I looked at the doorway of the room and saw everyone except Mitta were there so I assumed that she taking care of the foals.

"Good and if I see that damn collection of pages ever again it will be too soon," I said.

"I hear ya there," Rage said.

"Ash answer me honestly but why do you have the eye of a nether lord?" Faust asked.

I saw Faust's face was one of anger and seeing that made me feel small so I looked at the end of the bed and sighed.

"I-," I started but didn't get to finish when Faust appeared next to me and punched me in the right side of my face.

The punch sent me flying into the row of beds while everyone could only watch in shock.

"Mother!" Luna cried.

"Stay put Luna," Faust growled as she stepped towards me. "Ash I've told you about what the nether lords did to my old home of the destruction they wrought and the friends I lost. So answer me Why In All Of The Nine Pits Of Tartarus Do You Have That Bloody Eye!?"

"I know why you hate them Faust but-," I started to say but Faust just punched me in the face again.

"But what Ash did you not care about what I said is that why you summoned it!?" Faust shouted.

"You don't understand," I said only to get punched in the face again.

"Faust stop!" Rage said.

"Understand what Ash!?" Faust roared.

"I WASN'T GIVEN A DAMN CHOICE FAUST AND IF YOU ALLOW ME TO EXPLAIN I'LL TELL YOU!" I roared back causing Faust to be blown back a bit from the force of my voice.

"Okay everyone here just needs to take a breath here," Celestia said before she teleported in-between Faust and I.

"I'm sorry," I said.

"Just please tell me why you have that thing," Faust said.

I drew a mind walking rune in mid-air before I we all entered my mind and everyone saw we were in a rocky tunnel of some kind.

"So where are we?" Rainbow asked.

"Someplace you should pray you'll never be in," I said as I summoned some clothes and led the group down the corridor.

I led the group through the never-ending corridor while the only source of light we had were the blue glowing crystals I continued to lead the group till we saw a light at the of the tunnel. When we looked got out we saw a massive cavern and a stone pillar hanging from the celling over a lake of water. Several bridges extended to the pillar from the cavern walls and for a few seconds something large, long and scaly surfaced from the lake before it disappeared.

"Ash where are we?" Celestia asked.

"The citadel of the forgotten," I said.

"A citadel as in a prison?" Twilight asked.

"That'd be it," I said.

"So why is it called the citadel of the forgotten?" Comet asked.

"As soon as you enter this place the entire world forgets about you no one except the ones who built this place even knew it even existed. It's a place where the worst people of this era of time were kept," I said.

"Let me guess you were a guard here," Gilda said.

"No," I replied.

"No?" Gilda asked.

"No I wasn't a guard here," I said.

"Then what were you?" Dream Catcher asked.

I made a floating platform and got on before I gestured for the others to get on which they did before I floated us all down to bottom of the hanging pillar. As we got closer we saw walkways going around the pillar lit by torches and patrolled by several guards in heavy armour and going around the pillar were several cell doors. Once we made it to the bottom of the pillar we saw only one door guarded by a single torch I flew the group over to the walkway and we all stepped off the platform.

"This is where the prison keeps its most valuable and dangerous prisoners," I said before I walked through the door and the others followed me in.

The prison was dark and damp and the only light came in from the bars of the cell and there was also a vent at the bottom of the cell that looked at the lake below.

"Oh my dear I know this place is a prison but would it kill them to at least clean up this cell," Rarity said.

"Ash who was so important and dangerous they were kept in here?" Twilight asked.

Suddenly the sound of moving chains echoed around the room and all eyes moved to the darkest corner of the room where there was only darkness and the air around them us was so cold the breath of whoever was in the dark was visible. All of a sudden the room jerks upwards slightly before it resumes only more gently.

"Ok what's going on?" Rainbow asked but I didn't answer.

The room continued to go upward until finally it reached the top of the pillar. Everyone watched as the door was unlocked and opened and a guard walked in with a torch.

"Hey piss face get up," the guard said with a deep gruff voice as he stared into the dark corner. "Hey I'm talking to you!"

The guard then walked into the corner and the light revealed the figure in the dark that no one was expecting it was a human child around ten years old and was trying to curl into a small ball tiny enough to escape both the guard and the light of the torch. But the guard grabbed the child roughly by the back of the neck and threw him to the centre of the room giving the group a good look at the child the clothes were but tattered pants and a shirt both filthy and ready to fall apart. The child's hair was black and just reached the kid's shoulders but it was uneven and looked like it was ripped apart and the flesh that was visible was covered in muck and the kids wrists were in shackles. The guard the walked over to the child and grabbed a fistful of the child's hair and yanked the child upward revealing the child's face which was me at a young age. But, I had a piece of cloth covering my right eye and from what the cloth didn't cover them all saw burn scars around the eye area.

"Sweet Celestia Ash what happened?" Applejack asked but I just pointed to the guard.

"Get up maggot the warden says it's time and if you don't get up now I'll burn you're other eye out of your skull," the guard said before he threw me out of the room.

"That beast!" Rarity shouted.

"Where's he taking you Ash?" Celestia asked.

"The warden of the citadel likes to 'experiment' with human biology as a hobby and there was nothing better than all the poor souls in this death trap," I said.

"And what does he do?" Faust asked.

I snapped my fingers and we appeared on a different floor and I gestured to the cages and everyone walked up to one. But they leapt backward when a two headed lizard creature with a werewolf like body leaped at the cages and tried to rip them apart.

"Oh my Celestia...the warden did this?" Twilight asked while I just nodded.

Suddenly the lizard opened its mouth and an orange glow appeared down its throats and everyone moved out of the way while I calmly walked over to the others while the beast unleash it's scorching breath.

"That's not all," I said as I pointed to another cage where a woman was walking around on bird legs and wings for arms and also another man that had a snake head and neck.

"This...This here is just plain wrong," Applejack said.

"Even though they're criminals was it really okay to turn them into monsters?" Celestia said.

"What the world doesn't know they won't stop not like they cared anyway," I said.

"Hey mind if I ask but what did you do to get tossed in here kill someone important?" Gilda asked.

"Not at this point no," I said.

"Ok then what?" Gilda asked.

"I stole an apple?" I said.

"That's it?" Spike asked.

"Yep just a plain apple because I couldn't afford food for myself," I said.

"Talk about setting the punishment meter a bit high," Rainbow said.

"Oh no let me explain guys I got in trouble for taking the apple yes but I was transferred to this place because they needed a young candidate. I wasn't given a choice in being here I was forced here just like how this thing was forced on me," I said

Suddenly lightning streaks across the celling of the cavern and everyone in the cavern looked at them.

"What's with the light show?" Caramel asked.

"They're getting ready," I said.

"For what?" Faust asked.

"My operation," I said as I tapped the area around my right eye.

"I'm going to regret asking this but I would like to see," Soarin said.

"Trust me that's not a good idea unless you want to be traumatized cause right now I'm having someone reaching into my eye socket and using his fingers to pull out any destroyed parts of my eye. All the while I'm awake and screaming in absolute agony and if I'm being honest with myself death would have been much better than getting that eye put in place," I said.

"Sweet Faust what happen after that?" Caramel asked.

I snapped my fingers and suddenly the place changed to one where guards were fleeing for their lives while prisoners were unleashing their hatred on them. I then showed everyone me and I wore the same garments as when I battled Tirek and Grogar they saw I was holding a young girl's hand while running for the exit.

"Who's that?" Pinkie asked.

"Her name was Jessica and she was a very dear friend to me she was born and raised in this place and when her parents died from the experiments she had no one till she one day brought food to my cell. It was then that I became her first friend despite...this," I said as I gestured to my right eye. "She always dreamed of seeing snow but that all ended here."

"What do you mean Ash?" Faust asked.

Suddenly, an arrow hit Jessica in the back making her collapse while my past self looked and saw why Jessica stopped. He then looked at who fired the arrow and saw it was the same guard as before and he was smirking with pride at his hit. I then looked as my past-self tried to stop the bleeding and the cross between the woman and bird then flew down to the two Past Ash and the woman talked I remember asking her if she can carry Jessica to safety. She agreed and once that happened she gently picked up Jessica in her talons and carried her away.

"What did you plan to do?" Cadence asked.

"Cadence let me tell you something...never mess with a man who has nothing left to lose," I said.

Suddenly my past self appeared not to far from the guard out of a ring of fire and when everyone looked at my face they saw the mask was lowered and that the nether lord's eye was different. Instead of it being amber coloured it was a dark shade of blood red and the pupil was pure white which made everyone nervous. Past Ash then raised his right hand which showed his hand was skeletal and scorched from flames and there were a few glowing embers on it Ash then moved his fingers slightly and the guard drew a battle axe ready to fight Ash. Suddenly, Ash twitched a finger and the guard decapitated another guard next to him shocking all the guards and my friends. Past Ash then twitched another finger and the guard cut down another guard everyone then saw that Past Ash was manipulating the guard like a puppet on strings. The guard witnessed everything as he cut down his own men and once he was done Ash then made the guard walk to the edge of the bridge they were on and made the guard stop.

"Please...grant me mercy...I don't want to die," the guard pleaded with tears in his eyes.

"Sorry all out of mercy," Past Ash said as he flexed a finger and made the guard walk off the bridge.

Past Ash then walked to the edge of the bridge and watched as the guard plummeted to the lake below. But, before he landed in the water a sea serpent leaped out of the water and closed its jaws around the guard and swallowed him whole before it dived back into the waters.

"Good riddance," Gilda said.

The group then watched as Past Ash right eye then turned back to ember and left I then snapped my fingers and we were outside. There were hundreds of monsters outside of a cave which was at the base of the mountain and everyone then looked and saw Past Ash walk out of the cave and headed straight for the woman and Jessica. Past Ash the saw Jessica was lying on her back on a blanket and Past Ash then looked as the woman got up and left Ash and Jessica.

"Hey Jessica you doing alright?" Past Ash asked as he kneeled beside her with a smile.

"I'm alright it doesn't hurt anymore but it's time for me to go now," Jessica said with a smile of her own.

"Go...go where?" Past Ash asked.

"To see my mom and dad I'm sure they must be worried about me," Jessica said.

"Wait...are...are you dying?" Past Ash asked causing Jessica to nod still keeping her smile. "No you...you can't die we, we just got out of there what about all the stuff we were gonna do?"

"I'm sorry Ash...I want to do all that too," Jessica said.

"Then stay Jessica...Please stay...I don't know what I will do without you," Past Ash sopped.

"Ash all that time we were in there you were the one thing that always made me smile regardless of your eye...do you remember what I said when I saw it?" Jessica asked.

"You...you said that you found it pretty," Past Ash said while he both sobbed and laughed a little.

"Mm-hm," Jessica said before things went silent for a bit. "You'll remember your promise Ash you’ll try and use you're powers for a good reason and not in anger."

"I'll-I'll try," Past Ash sobbed.

"Then that's all I need," Jessica said as she looked up. "Look Ash it's snowing...Isn't it beautiful."

Past Ash then looked up and saw snowflakes gently falling to the ground.

"Yeah...Yeah it is," Past Ash said before he looked back at Jessica and saw she had her eyes closed but her smile remained.

Past Ash then looked around and plucked a couple of blooming snowdrops and placed them in his friends hands and stared down at his friend before he let the tears from his eyes flowed freely. I couldn't help but feel a tear crawl its way down my own cheek and I saw the others were letting out their own tears before I snapped my fingers bringing us back to the hospital.

"That was so saaaaaad!" Pinkie wailed creating a fountain of tears spraying on Soarin and Gilda who used their wings to shield them.

"She was so sweet and innocent and she was the only ray of light in that place only to die the day we managed to get out," I said.

"What happened after that?" Pierce asked.

"I carried Jessica's body to the top of a snowy mountain and made a coffin entirely of ice to preserve her body and once I finished I explored the land helping where I could but...I was called a monster so it was pretty much a thankless job but I shamefully broke my promise to Jessica. One day when Jessica visited we talked and I promised her that I would use my power for good intentions and not for anger. Instead I used anger on that guard and the ones who made that horrible place which was a king," I said before an uncomfortable silence settled over us. "So do you lot think of me as a monster now?"

Everyone just looked at me in silence before Twilight cleared her throat gaining our attention.

"Ash if I was in your position...I...would actually do the same as what you did," Twilight said causing almost everyone to gasp.

"Twi you don't need to say that to try and make me feel better," I said.

"No Ash that was the honest truth...If I lost such a friend like Jessica or one of the girls I'm pretty sure I would also give into anger," Twilight said.

"To be fair...Ah would too," Applejack admitted as she held her hat in front of her.

"Same," Rainbow said.

"Me too," Rarity said.

"Me five," Pinkie said in a slightly depressed tone.

"Uh I probably wouldn't hurt someone but I would really get mad," Fluttershy admitted.

Twilight then encased me in her magic and helped me stand up before they wrapped me in a hug.

"I guess we all become a monster when something hurts us," Luna said.

I then got out of the hug and walked over to Luna and wrapped my arms around her while she rested her head against my chest. We stayed like that before I looked at Faust and saw she was rubbing her arm and had a sad guilty look on her face. I separated from Luna and stood in front of Faust but she looked away from me so I took a hand in my grasp and rubbed it.

"I'm sorry I didn't say anything to you Faust but when you mentioned what the nether lords did and how you made them sound I was scared on what you would say but I see th-," I was interrupted when Faust yanked me into a hug.

"Please if there should be a sorry from someone it should come from me it's just when I saw that eye I...I became worried and overreacted," Faust said.

"So let's agree we both overreacted and call it square," I said.

"Agreed," Faust said before she let me go.

"Now Ash I've been told by my sister in law that you have a gift for our little filly," Cadence said.

"Oh yeah if the princess of love would be so kind as to follow me and the rest of you head over to the baby's room," I said which everyone did so.

A little while later I walked in with Cadence and saw everyone was there watching the foals and I saw Flurry yawn.

"Looks like Ash finished his gift just in time somepony needs her nap," Cadence said with a smile.

"So what did you make for Flurry Heart Ash you haven't even told me," Luna said.

I just walked over to a table while Cadence placed Flurry in her new crib from Applejack and wrapped her in the blankets made from Rarity and Flurry hugged the stuffed rabbit from Fluttershy while she looked up at the mobile from Dash. I then placed my gift on the table and it was a small thick cylinder with a semi sphere on top with holes and lines in it.

"Uh Ash what is that?" Rainbow asked.

"Just watch Cadence could you get the lights please?" I asked and Cadence turned off the light in the room

I then flicked a switch on the device and suddenly the holes and lines on the semi sphere lit up to create a picture on the ceiling and walls showing the crystal heart shining over a circle of crystal ponies. It also showed a field of crystals rising out of the ground all the while a song played from the devise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr0tIVYOHzU&list=PL01430065947B667E&index=24

I then saw Flurry let out a yawn and I gestured for everyone to leave quietly which we did.

"Ash that was a fantastic gift thank you it will help Flurry Heart sleep better," Cadence said.

"It was a pleasure Cadence," I said.

"Truly amazing but I must ask Ash why did you need Cadence's assistance?" Rarity asked.

"I needed Cadence to pick out a song for Flurry and from how soon Flurry Heart was out I say it was the perfect one for her," I said.

"I remember those they were called lullaby boxes they were often created as gifts for a baby from a family member," Faust said.

"Well Ash again thank you for your gift and I owe you my thanks again for helping save the empire both you, Rage and Spike," Cadence said with a small bow.

"Always glad to help Cadence," I said earning agreements from Spike and Rage.

It's been a few weeks since the incident of the crystal empire and I was looking through some documents in the relaxation room of Canterlot and I was there along with the Royals and Rage while the rest had returned to Ponyville. Ever since I became a king I've had several notices handed to me for me to go over and come to important meetings and listen to nobles.

"Ash you do know that you can have a break," Faust said sipping from her tea.

"I know but I just prefer to get this particular matter over and done with," I said.

"Remind me again who is more like Twilight, Ash or Twilight herself?" Celestia asked with a small giggle while I looked up from her with a small smirk.

Suddenly a tear appears in the air above me and something fell out and hit me in the head causing the object to land on the table smashing the tea set.

"Ow...what the hey?" I asked as I looked at the object and saw it was a box and on said box it said. 'To Ash from a dear friend'

"Is this you're doing Discord?" Chrysalis asked.

"Chrysalis you wound me I enjoy a good joke every once in a while but this was just plain rude," Discord said.

"Looks like it’s addressed to me," I said as I picked up the box and heard something inside.

"Whoa hang on Ash don't you think we should be cautious you know just in case?" Rage asked.

"Good idea," I said as I made a shield around the box and used my magic to open the lid when the lid was removed I waited for something to happen but nothing did. I looked inside and saw variety of items inside but I reached for the letter first and looked at who sent this.

"I don't believe it," I said.

"What don't kill us with suspense Ash," Rage said.

"It's from Ethen or in this case Elisa," I said with a chuckle.

"Pfft Elisa sounds like he sorry she's still having his chick problem," Rage said with a laugh while I read the letter.

Dear Ash,

I sent this package through the dimensions and I don't know how long it's been for you since you last saw me but in my perspective it’s been two hundred years. I managed to save all the Equestrians from the nukes an you won't believe this but the Caribou somehow survived the blast and fallout, plus the Zebras are still trying to capture mares and use them as they see fit. A lot has changed about my Equestria as there is not much plant life left and none of the ponies stay in the cities that were built before the bombs and they've made new cities and the ones that have left the vault are living well and fending themselves off form the Zebras or Caribou. Over these two-hundred years I have stayed in a vault that is in Canterlot Mountain and I had just recently woken up after a hundred fifty-four year nap in a cryo-pod. I had spent close to fifty years keeping myself preoccupied by doing several car builds with my bare hands, creating synthetic androids, making new guns, and practicing my swordsmanship.

I had made an android to keep me company and I named her Faust, and you can find a picture of her and me a year after I made her. You should have been here when she said her first words she called me her mother and it brought a warmth to my heart. I had placed a growth module in her that would take whatever she ate and turn it into new biomass and now as I write this to you she is around the age of twenty-eight. I had to take that module out when she actually turned that age. Along with that picture is one of Evan, Faust, me and two new arrivals Lucky shot and Wrathful Blaze, and the fiery bird behind us is Philomena. She was mutated by the magical radiation and it caused her to grow huge and gave her the ability to spew fire form her mouth much like a dragon. I have also changed my name since it doesn't fit for being a girl, so instead of being called Ethan Smith it's now Elisa Smith, though I will still go by Wade since my parents gave it to me and it's the only thing I have left of them. Also apparently everyone in my Equestria is calling you, Rage, and Evan my reapers. Lucky said that it was because of how the three of you literally decimated everything in your path, leaving nothing but a mutilated corpse behind.

Though this letter isn't all happiness, I have some bad news too. Before I pushed you and Rage through the portal, sorry for that by the way, I teleported the royals plus the main six in cryo-pods that were in the vault but I've been trying to open them but for some reason I am given a huge shock and I’m flung across the room. Faust even tried but the same thing happened to her. I have given up on trying to open the pod and I’m starting to think that they shouldn't be opened right now. I also learned never mess with poison joke extract, seeing how I have something new on me that I don't want to take about. I also had a run in with the Outsider, and don't worry he didn't say much but he did say I'd see you again, but I doubt that as I have to get Equestria back to peace. Like I said I sent this package through space and time and I have no idea how long it’s been, so how have you been? How's everyone doing and has anything interesting happened? I hope to hear from you one day and I would like to take to you another time my friend.

Sincerely,

Elisa.

P.S. I have sent along a gun in this package plus this isn't an ordinary gun as it is what is used to summon Evan and I. Depending on which trigger you pull will determine whom is going to come through the portal that is fired from the barrel.

As I read through the letter I couldn't help but laugh at the title both Rage and I received while we were over there. When I showed Rage he fell to the floor clutching his sides in laughter and when the others asked us to tell them we both kept silent. But when it came to the last part I felt sad for Elisa's predicament but then confused about what the Outsider said but decided to dwell on that another time before I reached into the box and pulled out three photos. The first was of Elisa sitting in a chair and I saw she looked older and more mature and her body is a little bugger around the chest area and hips and finally her wings were black but faded into white as they went halfway down. And there sitting in her lap was presumably a 4 year old Faust and she had her arms outstretched as if trying to grab hold of the camera.

I then looked at the other two photos and saw one with both Elisa and android Faust who was presumably eighteen years old then and both of them are in a bikini and have their arms over the other shoulder and are giving a peace sign with their hands. Elisa had one eye shut while sticking her tongue out and Faust only has her eyes shut while giving a soft smile. The other picture showed both Lucky Shot who was a Thestral pony with a light grey coat and purple mane and tail that reminded me of Nightstreak. Blaze who was a Pegasus pony with a lava red coat and he had a mane and tail that looked similar to fire and they were both sitting in the front on the ground with their backs to each other while Evan, Elisa and Faust are standing behind them. Faust was in the middle and Evan and Elisa have their arms across Faust's shoulders, plus Elisa is holding a revolver in her hand pointing it towards the sky. And finally Philomena is behind all of them and only a portion of her body is in the picture and once I reached back into the box I pulled out the gun that was mentioned in the letter.

"Wow Faust I had never of guessed this was how you look at that those age's," I said as I handed Faust the two pictures of herself and Elisa.

When Faust looked at the pictures her cheeks turned pink in embarrassment and this caused the others to look and scream in laughter or squeal at how cute she looked. When I showed Celestia what happens when phoenixes and magic radiation mix her eyes shrunk to pinpricks and the others were just as surprised.

"What happened over there?" Chrysalis asked.

"Magic nukes came down on Equestria and when Rage and I arrived it was like Operation Market Garden all over again," I said.

"Market Garden?" Luna asked.

"Worst bloody battle in World War 2 German tiger tanks rolled through the streets crushing anything in their path including their own allies. Mortars pounded down on us for what felt like days and the Luftwaffe shot any of the allies that moved while our forces were tasked to take a bridge that the Germans would sooner blow it up then let it fall to us. To the 101st airborne troopers it was dubbed Hell's Highway and for good reason," I said.

"Do you know how many casualties there were?" Celestia asked.

"A rough estimate but in just those nine days we lost seventeen thousand of ours," I said.

"Hold on Ash I thought you said you were a pilot," Dream Catcher said.

"I never said I was just a pilot Dream Catcher I was a member of a special unit," I said.

"Can to explain?" Celestia asked.

"It's a long story but let's just say that after a mission me some others were formed into a squad we were to undergo special training in-between missions and learned to speak a dozen languages that turned us into literal war machines. We were also given secret missions to carry out and we were sent to all sorts of places where the fighting was the worst Iwo Jima, Normandy, Stalingrad everywhere. we've done it all and over time I got the nickname Angel," I said.

"Why is that?" Faust asked but I just shrugged.

"Couldn't you have tried to establish peace?" Celestia asked.

"Celestia I didn't want to tell you this but when I arrived in Germany all sympathy I had for my enemy went right out the window the first village I saw had German civilians hanging from posts outside the town. They had signs hanging from them saying stuff like I'm a coward or I refuse to fight in the German army and the worst of it was there were kids hanging up there as well and the ones responsible were damn SS soldiers," I said as I unknowingly activated my demonic arm.

I then felt a hand on my shoulder and saw it was Luna and she gestured to my arm and I saw my hand before I turned it back to normal.

"Sorry I'm getting too worked up over something that happened a long time ago," I said.

"Its fine Ash we're all aware of what you went through I'm just amazed you did all this," Faust said.

Suddenly a knock pulls our attention towards the main doors.

"Come in," I said.

A Solar Guard then entered and gave us a salute.

"Your highnesses a mare and stallion that go by the name of Counting Frame and Steel Shaft are here to see both Princess Luna and King Ash," the guard said.

"Well I'm afraid that they will have to come back later," I said.

"I think I should mention why they are here sir for you see they claim to be Prince Pipsqueak's birth parents," the guard said.

This caused Celestia to spit out her tea and for both Luna and I to look at each other in concern before I stood up.

"Very well take me to them I'll speak to them personally," I said as I stood up.

"I shall go to," Luna said before she stood up.

The guard then led us to the entrance hall where I saw a pair of earth ponies the stallion was white and had a black mane and tail while. The mare had a pinto coat that's light brown and has white spots as well as a dark brown mane and tail and I saw a maid begin to offer them a drink.

"Those won't be necessary because I believe this will be quick," I said as Luna and I reached the bottom of the staircase causing the maid to bow and walk away.

"Your highnesses thank you both for taking the time out of your busy schedules my name is Steel Shaft and this is my wife Counting Frame," the stallion said the pair bowed.

"I'm told that you are both the blood related parents of our son Pipsqueak," Luna said in a normal tone but I could tell she was not happy to see these two.

"That is correct your majesty and we have his birth certificate as proof," Steel Shaft said as he handed me a piece of paper.

I took the paper into my grasp and looked at it and saw it was authentic before I handed it to Luna to check.

"Very well Steel Shaft I believe your claim but why the question here is why are you here?" I asked.

"It is simple we would like our son Pipsqueak returned to our custody," Counting Frame said causing both Luna's and my eyes to widen.

"Give me one reason as to why we should just hand Pipsqueak over to you when you didn't want him in the first place?" Luna asked in an outraged tone but I just placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her.

"As much as Luna's temper was out of line she is right why should we simply just hand Pip over to you?" I asked.

"Well as his birth parents we have a right to claim ownership over him if we choose and the reason why we left is because we didn't have enough money to pay for food for him but then I found a mine of steel and began to make our fortune," Steel Shaft said.

"And we don't think it's healthy for Pip to be with a couple such as yourselves," Counting Frame said.

"Is there a point to your words?" I asked with a small growl in my voice.

"Well the fact that Princess Luna was once Nightmare Moon and that you were once a slave for one," Counting Frame said.

At those words Luna made an attempt to lunge at the mare but I stopped her while struggling to make sure I didn't smash that mare's face in myself.

"Ash, Luna may we speak."

I turned around and I saw Faust gesturing for us to follow her and so we did leaving the two ponies where they were.

"That bitch how dare she say that about me and of Ash no less," Luna said in rage as she stormed down the corridor kicking over a table with a delicate vase on it. Any member of the castle staff who saw her backed away or took an alternate path when they saw us coming.

"Oh I thought I heard a voice full of anger," Rage said as he appeared next to us along with the other royals.

"Luna I understand you're angered but please try and set an example I mean Ash is behaving better then you," Faust said without turning around.

CRACK!

Everyone turned around and saw me with my left fist in a wall or where a wall should be but now there was nothing but destroyed rubble. The hole was large enough to make a new hall doorway.

"I'm in no better mood Faust," I said with a growl.

"Look I know you're both upset you too but understand is that both Steel Shaft and Counting Frame have the right to take Pip back into their custody," Faust said.

"What!" both Luna and I screamed.

"Surly you're just messing with us Faust?" I asked.

"I'm sorry Ash but I'm being serious as you are," Faust said.

"But they can't...Not Pip...Not my little one," Luna cried as she buried her face in her hands.

"Please Faust there must be something we can do," I pleaded but Faust shook her head sadly.

I just stood there in mortal shock at what I was hearing I then looked at Luna and saw her still balling her eyes out so I reached out to her and as I touched her she grabbed the front of my clothes and cried into my chest. I looked down at her felt so pathetic cause Luna never cried with this much pain in her tears before while the only thing I could do was hold her while the others just looked on in sadness.

Two weeks later

Sending Pip off to live with his real parents was one of the hardest things I had to do but his parents came to collect him at the train station in Ponyville and everyone who knew Pip had come to see him off. When it came to saying goodbye Luna refused to let go of Pip it took the combined efforts of both me and Faust to free Pip and I had to hold her back but the worst thing about it was the look on Pip's face it was one of pure sadness. But once the train pulled out I saw Midnight whimpering and trying to reach out for his brother. Luna then walked off her mind was blank and emotionless I asked the Royals to take care of Midnight until things blow over which they accepted before I walked off after Luna. Once I made it home which felt like days I dismissed the guards and immortals until they were called upon.

But that was two weeks ago and both Luna and I have not stepped outside at all during that time Luna has shut herself away in Pip's room only stepping out to eat or use the bathroom. Meanwhile I sat in the dining room with the curtains closed and drowning myself in cider I have barely moved from that spot to do anything I just sat there and drank my problems away till I heard the front door open. I saw Rage and the mane 6 step into the darkened room and Rage reached for the light switch.

"Leave it off," I said causing Rage to freeze and the girls to jump while Rage retracted his hand from the switch.

"Hey Ash that you?" Rage asked

"Who else now get out," I said.

"Look Ash we need to talk?" Rainbow said.

"I Said Get Out!" I shouted as I swept my arm across the table sending several bottles of cider flying at the wall next to the doorway the others were in causing them to smash on contact.

This just caused the others to jump and whether or not the bottles still had cider in them was of little concern to me. As I felt around for a bottle that was full and chugged down the liquor inside it before I slammed the bottle on the table.

"Okay we tried let's go home now," Fluttershy said in her usual scared tone before attempting to leave but Twilight wrapped her in her magic and brought her back.

"No this has gone on long enough Ash you need to snap out of it," Twilight said.

"Oh I will when you have a child you love taken from you and then you can tell me how you pulled yourself out that fucking ditch," I said.

"Darling it's rather inappropriate to speak to us while we can't see you," Rarity said.

"Does it look like I give a rat's ass Rarity," I said causing both Fluttershy and Rarity to recoil at my words.

"Alright come on Ash time for you to step out of the she shadows," Rage said before he turned on the light.

As soon as the light hit my eyes I held my hand in front of my face to keep them concealed in the dark and I made a blind leap away from the light only to fall out of the chair and into the bottle covered ground. I then heard footsteps walk over to me and something grab the back of my shirt and begin to pull me up but I grabbed a bottle and swung it at whoever had grabbed me and hit them in the face with the bottle and I saw it was Rage. But the hit from the bottle wasn't enough to knock Rage down and he followed up my attack with a knee to my gut before he slammed my head onto the table.

"Rage were not here to hit Ash!" Twilight screamed.

"Tell him that besides seems like that's the only way to get through to him," Rage said.

I then swept my legs under Rage knocking him off his feet before I climbed over him and grabbed his face and slammed him into the ground but Rage grabbed me and threw me off him. I was getting up before Rage grabbed me again and threw me towards the table.

"Pull...Yourself...Together," Rage said each word with a punch to my face. "Get it together Ash how long are you gonna stay here wallowing in your misery. I know Pip leaving was hard on both you and Luna but you both need to get it together. Listen we found those three unicorns that stole you're blood they seem to be making a name for themselves in Trottingham."

The word Trottingham got my attention because it was where Pip was but I got rid of the thought.

"And what of it?" I asked.

"Okay this is getting ridicules Ash your stubbornness makes me and mah family look humble now ah may not know what handing a child of yours over to someone else may feel like but I certainly know what it's like to be homesick. Now ah know for a fact that Pip loved this place as his one true home don't you think going to visit him would make him feel better?" Applejack asked.

My eye widened at the words Applejack said I then looked at her before I slowly pushed myself off the table so I was looking directly at her before I wrapped my arms around her in a hug.

"Thanks AJ," I said.

"Aw it wasn't much sugarcube but do us all a favour and clean yourself up because you need it," Applejack said as I let her go.

"But what about this?" I asked as I gestured to the mess of bottles.

"We'll take care of it Ash," Rarity said.

"Meanwhile Rage, Gilda, Rainbow and myself will come with you," Twilight said.

"Why?" I asked.

"Cause Twi and I have unfinished business and can help you track them Rage is coming cause he doesn't like those that mess with his brother. Also Gilda doesn't like it when her friend’s wings are taken by a couple of dumb unicorns," Rainbow said.

"Okay," I said before I got up and left.

Once I arrived in Luna and my bedroom I grabbed some clean clothes and had a shower before I had a shave and got changed. Once I was done I walked into Pip's old room and looked around Pip's old room was very pirate themed and he had several toys he left behind Luna sitting on his bed which was shaped like a rowboat. I saw she was in no better condition than I was in her coat was dull and her wings looked like they needed preening and her mane and tail had very little twinkle to them. And in her grasp she had a teddy bear dressed in pirate clothes and there were a few dishes around her.

"Luna honey," I said as I walked in but she didn't say anything so I instead sat down next to her. "Luna I know how hard this is for you because it's as hard for me as well but I'm going to head to Trottingham to see how Pip is settling in. I was wondering was there anything you want me to give him or to say when I arrive or would you prefer to come along?"

Luna then looked at me before she handed me the teddy she was holding.

"You sure?" I asked.

"It was always his it would be selfish if I held onto it," Luna said.

"Okay I'll be back soon," I said as I gave Luna a kiss before I left and closed the door and I then saw Fluttershy walking towards me.

"Is Luna alright?" Fluttershy asked.

"She's taking it a hard as I can but is not as violent as me but she could use a friend think you can be there for her?" I asked.

"Mm-hm," Fluttershy nodded.

"Thanks Flutters I'll see you when I get back," I said before I left.

I stepped off the train that went under the ocean much like the train line between France and the UK the place was full of activity and the place reminded me of London in 1868 the age of invention. However the only difference here was that there were more pipes filled with steam going across streets and connecting to other buildings and that the place was overflowing with both griffons and ponies and I also saw steampunk robots and automobiles on the roads. Along with train tracks that were suspended above us but to put it in short this place was a parkour playground.

"Someone looks excited to run," Rage joked.

"Aw come on and tell me you don't want to run," I said.

"Oh believe me I am and when I think about it this place reminds me of London," Rage said.

"Hey guys I don't mean to be rude but how about we go and see Pip I've got the address," Twilight said.

We all agreed before I hailed a cab and Twilight told the driver our destination and once we arrived I saw the place was like a mansion only it stood by the street like every other building. I paid the driver myself before I walked up to the door and knocked I then waited a bit and saw a tall lean earth pony with a slick black mane and a fabulous moustache. he also had a grey coat and his tail was a darker shade of grey and he wore fancy attire which led me to presume he was a butler.

"May I help you?" the pony asked.

"Yes is this the resident of Steel Shaft, Counting Frame and Pipsqueak?" I asked.

"Yes sir," the pony said.

"I was hoping to speak to Pipsqueak and give him a gift," I said.

"Might I ask who is sending this gift?" the pony asked.

"Uh dude this is King Ash Blade surly you've heard of him?" Rainbow spoke up.

"Its fine Rainbow I've got this," I said before I turned back to the pony in the doorway. "As my friend has explained yes I am Ash Blade my good sir."

"Well I'm afraid that young master Pipsqueak is studying and the master demanded that no visitors are to disturb him but I will give this gift to young master Pipsqueak for you," the pony said.

"I understand and thank you sir you also don't need to tell him who sent it to him he'll know as soon as he's seen it," I said as I handed the pony the teddy.

"Good day sir," the pony said as he closed the door.

"Well that went well I thought for sure you would bust down the door and march right in," Rage said.

"I was thinking that too," Gilda said.

"He's busy guys but that doesn't mean I can't try later so why don't we take care of those unicorns first," I suggested.

"Sounds like a plan," Rage said.

The group and I then left and we walked around Trottingham for a few minutes till we came to a market square where we saw a large crowd of ponies and a few flashes of light.

"I wonder what's going on over there," Twilight said.

"Well we won't be able to get through that so I suggest we get some altitude," Rainbow suggested.

We all agreed and we flew onto a rooftop and I gazed down at the market and saw what all the ponies were cheering for and saw it was the three unicorns that stole my blood. From what Twilight and Rainbow told me the golden coated unicorn with the frizzled mane and tail was named Goldcap. The next Unicorn was blue and had a black and aqua mane and tail and the mane had a gloomy look to it and Twi and Dash said the unicorn's name was Decepticolt. Finally the red mare with the silver mane known as Zappityhoof and all three unicorns had a set of wings identical to mine but they all only had a single pair on their backs.

"There they are!" Rainbow cried as she was about to rush at them.

"Hold on RD if we just charge on in there it'll make us look like the bad guys," I said.

"Then what do we do?" Gilda asked.

"How about we humiliate them first?" I suggested with a grin.

"What do you have in mind?" Rainbow asked.

"Oh you guys are going to love this," I said before I outstretched my hands.

I felt my blood flowing through them so I grabbed Zappityhoof's leg and made her trip Goldcap and I then made her slap Decepticolt in the face causing the crowd and us to snicker.

"Are you doing this Ash?" Gilda asked.

"They have my blood in their system so this enables me to manipulate them..." I started.

"Like puppets on a string," Rage said.

"Bingo," I said.

I continued to manipulate the unicorns much to everyone's amusement and when I decided to stop I let them go and watched as the teleported onto a rooftop.

"Alright time I confronted them they will most likely run so stay on guard these three have my blood running in them and I have no idea on how that will affect them," I said causing the others to nod.

I teleported onto the roof the three false alicorns were on and hid behind a chimney spewing out smoke before I summoned my assassin robes and my weapons just in case things got hairy.

"What the buck was that Zappityhoof!" Decepticolt shouted.

"Me what about you, you stood on my tail," Zappityhoof said.

"Enough both of you obviously this is the blood's doing were still not used to this amount of power yet," Goldcap said.

"I just wish I can get these wings to do what I want," Zappityhoof said as she strained to move her wings but only made them twitch.

"Careful Zappityhoof we still don't know the limits of this power you remember when we first tested out this power," Goldcap said.

"I can't believe that the knight of Equestria has this much power in him and he just hogs it for himself what a waste," Decepticolt said.

"Maybe it's because this power is only meant to be used by me and not by a couple of low life thieves," I said.

"Who's there!?" Goldcap demanded.

I then stood up and leapt through the smoke making it seem like I appeared out of thin air before I glared at the unicorns.

"You've stolen something from me I believe it's time you give it back," I said.

"He can't take on all of us," Goldcap said.

All three false alicorns or false demonic angels in this case then fired their magic at me but I made a magic shield to block their attack and when their spells hit it mad the shield just crack.

"Nice try but you'll need to do better," I said.

The three then looked at each other before they all teleported onto a different rooftop or the street but they all were heading in the same direction.

"Now what?" Rage asked through my head.

"Follow them but be cautious their magic may be stolen from me but it's no less powerful I'm just glad I decided to reinforce my shield," I said mentally as I pulled out my earphones and selected a song on my IPod.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC-XP93bkGU

I then began my run along the rooftops till I leapt of the building and onto some pipes that ran across the buildings I was forced to dodge massive pieces of moving machinery even had to jump through a massive gap in a cog. I then saw a train was rumbling over the tracks so I used my rope launcher to grab onto it and before the rope retracted and pulled me aboard. I let the train take me to where I wanted to go but when it was about to make a turn I leapt of the train and onto a car. I then saw Goldcap was also riding on top of a car but she hadn't noticed me so I leaped from car to car to pipes back to car until I caught up with her I then leapt onto her car and surprised her.

"I'm not going to ask twice," I said as I stood.

Goldcap then summoned a large knife and swung wildly at me but I dodged backwards till there was no more room before I held my arms up in an X to block an overhead strike. I then grabbed her wrists and pulled her towards me but head-butted her in the side of her head forcing her to stumble backwards. But, she shot a blast of magic at me that knocked me off the car and onto the road but before I was run over by another vehicle I teleported onto a roof. I then searched for Goldcap but she disappeared so I decided to contact Rage.

"Rage I lost Goldcap please tell me you've got eyes on them," I said mentally

"Oh I know where they are the girls know too but problem is the unicorns know as well and we're in a tight spot," Rage said inside my head.

"Can you send up a signal?" I asked mentally.

My response was a red flare appearing over the city.

"Please tell me you saw that cause I won't be able to do another one," Rage said.

"I saw hang on," I said before I ran towards the location.

The place below the flare was a square shaped alley with one narrow entry and exit and I saw Rage, Twilight, Gilda and Rainbow were all suspended in mid-air by the three false alicorns.

"Wow who knew that this power would be able to stop a Pegasus, a griffin, an alicorn and a human," Decepticolt said.

"What do we do with them we can't just leave them," Zappityhoof said.

"You're right so let's try this," Goldcap said before her left arm became demonic and a pit like the ones I can summon appeared below the group.

"Oh crap this ain't good," Rainbow said.

"Goldcap please don't do this if you end this here and allow us to remove Ash's blood from all of you we won't pursue you," Twilight said.

"No! You stopped our chance the first time not again say goodbye to Equestria Twilight Sparkle because you won't be seeing it again," Goldcap said.

I quickly jumped down onto the floor in-between the unicorns and my friends and landed superhero style shocking the false demonic angels into dropping my friends and closing the pit. I then grabbed Zappityhoof around the back of her head and pulled it down as I brought up my knee hitting her in the face before I turned to Decepticolt and hit him in the side of the ribs. I then grabbed his arm before I pulled it upwards behind his back and twisted it breaking some bones before I looked at Goldcap and saw her grab her knife. But, when she made a thrust at me I dodged to the left and grabbed her arm and punched upward in her elbow breaking the joint and threw her to the ground. I then saw Zappityhoof try and blast me with her magic but I ran at her and leapt onto Decepticolt's chest and leapt off him and flew at Zappityhoof before I punched her in the face knocking her down once again but was still conscious.

"What took you so long," Rage said as he helped the girls up.

"Excuse me for trying to figure out how to take these three down without them trying to kill you or worse but question is you lot alright?" I asked.

"Fine but you think you can teach me how to do takedowns like that?" Gilda asked.

"Uh hold that thought," I said as I reached out with my blood manipulation and grabbed the three unicorns. "You three are in serious trouble now."

"W...what are you gonna do to us?" Zappityhoof asked fearfully.

"I should just kill you now and be done with it for what you almost did to my friends and brother," I said causing the three to shiver in fear. "However someone else want's you all punished appropriately so I'll leave you alive for her to deal with but since I can't allow you three to have my blood running through you," I said as I reached out and began extracting all of the blood they stole and collected it into a ball and once the last drop was out the unicorns fell to the ground and the wings on their backs vanished.

"My wings!" Zappityhoof screamed.

"You mean the wings you made from my blood," I said as I burned the blood.

"This isn't fair they were ours we were alicorns," Goldcap shouted.

"You royals are all the same you hog power for yourselves," Decepticolt said.

I suddenly unsheathed Whispering Wind and aimed it at the three unicorns silencing them.

"Shut the hell up before I cut your tongues out," I growled.

"Calm down Ash listen I'm gonna take these three back to Canterlot for their punishment meanwhile why don't you go and see Pip," Twilight suggested.

"Alright but I recommend a precaution," I said before I snapped my fingers and an inhibiter ring appeared around the unicorns horns and shackles appeared on their wrists.

"I'll go get the police just so the crowd doesn't get the wrong idea," Rainbow said.

"Good thinking skittles," I said.

"I'm gonna come with you Ash I'd like to see Pip as well," Rage said.

"Cool check in with you girls at the station," I said before Rage and I left.

Both Rage and I were walking down the street and it was dark and raining at the time and while Rage and I walked we said nothing to each other till we arrived in front of the manor. I walked up to the door and knocked on it I didn't have long to wait before Steel Shaft opened the door.

"Hello Steel Shaft I'm sorry to bother you but I was hoping to see how Pip is settling in," I said.

"Oh he's settling in nicely," Steel Shaft said.

"Great uh would it be alright if I see him just to say hi?" I asked as I stepped forward.

"I'm afraid not your highness," Steel Shaft said stopping my approach.

"Why?" I asked.

"Well I'm afraid my son doesn't wish to speak to you at all in fact I dare say he's all but forgotten you," Steel Shaft said.

"What?" I asked.

"I know this may seem difficult but it may be for the best you don't come around here anymore just to avoid any more heartache," Steel Shaft said as he closed the door.

The words wounded me deeply I just stood there in the freezing air till I turned around and slowly walked down the steps then down the footpath.

"Hey Ash hold on you don't honestly believe that?" Rage asked.

"The guy hasn't exactly given an excuse to lie to me so it must be true," I said as I stooped to look at Rage over my shoulder.

"Now hold on are you telling me after everything you Luna, Pip and Midnight had done together he'll just cut you out I call bull crap on that," Rage said.

"Rage Pip has made his choice if he doesn't want me in his life anymore I'll have to respect that," I said.

"And how will Luna take the news?" Rage asked.

"I extremely doubt she'll take it well but I'll try and help her how I can," I said as I started to walk down the sidewalk

I walked pass the bins that belonged to the house and I soon heard something behind me and I saw Rage had lifted off a lid from the trash can and was looking around inside of a trash bag.

"You sure you want to be going through that?" I asked.

"Ash tell me would Pip really throw this away?" Rage said as he held up the teddy I delivered today but the sight just hurt more.

"Rage Pip could have tossed that because he didn't want to remember us because Luna and I got that for him," I said.

"Then what about this?" Rage asked as he picked up a small bundle and handed it to me.

I rolled my eyes and decided to get this over with I grasped the bundle and felt something solid in it. When I unravelled the cloth and saw it was Pip's wooden cutlass and the cloth was actually Pip's pirate costume he wore on Nightmare Night.

"Ok now I admit something isn't right Pip would never throw this away not for anything in the world because Nightmare Night is everything to him," I said.

"So what do you say we check it out," Rage suggested before he walked down an ally in-between the manor and another building.

I followed behind Rage and allowed the darkness to envelop me before I climbed up the side of the building and looked in every room till we came to the third floor and to the corner room on the left of the manor. I looked inside the window and I saw a plain white room with carpet a bed and a single bookshelf filled with books and a desk with a single chair. Suddenly, I saw the door open and Pip walked in wearing white nobility clothing and I saw he was wiping tears from his eyes and behind him I saw the butler from earlier today come in carrying a medical box. I saw Pip sit on the bed and remove his jacket and I saw a large burn on his arm I was practically fuming right now so I gave a nod to Rage and he nodded in turn before he knocked on the window. This got the butler's attention before he walked over to the window but thanks to the dark we were invisible so the butler opened the window and Rage kicked him in the chest before he leapt in. And before the butler could do anything Rage held his hidden blade at the butler's throat.

"Not a peep," Rage said.

"Pip," I said as I entered and pulled off my hood and mask.

"Dad!" Pip yelled as he got off the bed and ran towards me where I got onto my knees and embraced him.

"Pip you have no idea how much I wanted to hear that word from you," I said as I held Pip close.

"Wait Uncle Rage don't hurt Flawless Job he and the maids have been good with me," Pip said.

"It's your lucky day pal," Rage said as he stepped away from Flawless Job and retracted his hidden blade.

"Pip why did you say Flawless and the maids have been good to you what happened?" I asked causing Pip to show me his burnt arm. "Did Steel Shaft do this?"

"My birth parents are horrible to me they hit me and force me to do things I don't want to do," Pip said.

"Why would they want him back then?" Rage asked.

"It's because young master Pipsqueak has a royal title they figured they could use him to promote themselves," Flawless Job said.

I then looked at Flawless then at Pip before I went into deep thought.

"Flawless are the maids Pip mentioned here right now?" I asked.

"Yes sir," Flawless said.

"Good because I need you to help Pip pack because he's not staying here Rage I want you to get Pip out of here meanwhile I'm going to take care of Steel Shaft and Counting Frame," I said.

"Alright," Rage said.

"But Dad that means Flawless Job, Moonlight Dew and Rose Petal won't have a job anymore if you arrest my birth parents," Pip said.

I then went into thought about the situation before I smiled and looked back at Pip.

"Well I think I can actually help with that Flawless Job, Moonlight Dew and Rose Petal can come and work for us if they like what do you think Flawless?" I asked.

"As long as I don't have to work for these terrible ponies then I would gladly take the job sir and I'm sure my colleagues would be very happy to agree to this as well," Flawless said.

"Wonderful Rage patch up Pip while Flawless here tells the two maids here about what's happening," I said.

"You got it Ash," Rage said as he walked over to Pip.

Flawless then left to go and tell the maids the news while I went to gather Pip's stuff and returned both his teddy and costume. After I finished Flawless came back followed by two mares one was a Thestral pony with a light shade of grey coat and a silver mane and tail while the other maid was a earth pony with a white coat and magenta mane and tail.

"Moonlight Dew and Rose Petal correct?" I asked.

"Yes and your the one offering a new job away from this place right?" Moonlight Dew asked.

"Yep," I said.

"Thank you sir," Rose Petal said with a bow.

"No this my way of saying thanks for taking care of my son," I said.

"Hey you mind if I come down I've got something to say to my soon to be ex-employers," Moonlight Dew said.

"Not at all what about you two?" I asked.

"Oh most defiantly," Rose Petal said.

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't," Flawless Job said calmly.

"Alright then," I said.

The staff then led me downstairs to the living room where I saw Counting Frame counting money and Steel Shaft looking at the fire in the fireplace. I made sure to stay out of sight while I watched as the staff walk in to confront their employers.

"Sir, mam," Flawless Job said.

"What is it?" Steel asked.

"We're here to tell you lazy asses that we're quitting," Rose Petal said causing both Steel and Counting Frame to look at them.

"What did you just dare to say to us?" Counting Frame asked in outrage?

"It means exactly what it means we're tiered of the way you treat we just got offered a sweet new job away from you stuck up two faced dogs," Moonlight Dew said causing me to snicker.

"And who exactly would hire such pathetic ponies as yourselves?" Steel asked.

"I would and I am," I said as I stepped into the light of the fire.

"You what are you doing here!?" Steel roared.

"Can you guys go get ready to leave please I won't be long with these two," I said causing the staff to nod before I turned back to Steel. "And to answer your question on what I'm doing here is because you have someone that means dearly to me and I'm here to take him far from you two and your abusing ways."

"He is our child we have the right-," Steel started only for one of my feathers to wedge itself into the floor right before his hooves.

"You don't even have the right to even think of calling yourselves parents now," I said with a growl.

Suddenly Steel reached for a fire poker that was until now resting in the fire place and if I had to make an assumption it was what the bastard used to burn Pip.

"You sure you wish to duel me?" I asked as I summoned the same blade I used when I fought Blueblood and drew it.

Steel then charged at me and I parried his attack and countered attack but he also parried my attack and when my blade met his makeshift one sparks leapt off the weapons but extinguished before they touched the floor. As Steel and I fought I could see Steel was no armature and that he must have studied fencing at some point of his life and if I was being honest he was a fine swordsman. Finally the end of the duel came when I flicked his weapon into the air and caught it before I drove the burning spike through Steel's hand causing him to scream in pain at the cauterized wound.

"Now that that's done you and Counting Frame will be coming with me," I said before a bang suddenly went off and something to hit me in the back.

I slowly tuned around and saw Counting Frame was standing behind me with a flintlock pistol.

"Did you think that that would really work?" I asked causing Counting Frame to stare at me in fear and drop the gun. "Now then get your husband up we're going to the station."

Next Day in Ponyville

The girls were surprised when I brought Steel Shaft and Counting Frame as prisoners and Rage had Pip on his shoulders and was carrying suitcase also Rage explained to me the staff needed to get ready before they would join us. When I explained what happened with Pip and his so called parents Rainbow and Gilda were downright furious but before they could do anything it was Twilight that knocked down Steel with a punch surprising us all and on the ride back Pip slept by my side and with a smile on his face. I also fell asleep during the trip but when I awoke we arrived back in Ponyville and it was morning I saw a pair of guards with a prison chariot. I then loaded the prisoners before the guards gave me a salute before they took off back to Canterlot.

"Bet everyone is gonna be excited to see you," Rage said as he ruffled Pip's mane.

"I'm just glad to be back Trottingham is a nice place but Ponyville is way cooler," Pip said.

"You got that right squirt," Rainbow said as she flew on her back lazily.

"C'mon let's go see what your mother is doing," I said as I led everyone inside while carrying Pip's suitcase.

When we entered I saw the rest of the mane 6 and the stallions and Spike were there cleaning up the place and when I called out to them they immediately noticed Pip cause he ran up to hug each and every one of his aunts and uncles. But when Rarity touched Pip's arm he let out a short yelp of pain and Rarity gasped when she saw the burn.

"Who...would...dare!?" Rarity shouted with a terrifying fire in her eyes and I could see the others were just as shocked.

"It's been dealt with Rarity and because of this Pip is not going back there and will remain in Luna and my custody," I said as I walked over to Pip and placed a hand on his back and gave him a soothing rub.

"Well I'm sure the princess will be as pleased as punch to hear that she's upstairs now," Applejack said.

"Can we go see her dad please, please, please," Pip begged causing everyone to daww at him.

"Of course Pip now let's go," I said as I led Pip up the stairs where we walked over to Pip's room but saw she wasn't there so I checked our room and saw her sitting on the bed.

I gestured for Pip to stay quiet before I told him of a plan I had which he agreed before I used my magic to gently place Pip on the bed before I walked in front of Luna. I saw she still had a sad expression on her face but here appearance in general was far better than when I saw her yesterday.

"Hey Luna you alright?" I asked as I kneeled in front of her.

"Yes Ash but just...hurt," Luna said.

"I know and...I'm sorry I didn't try to help sooner," I said.

"No Ash nothing would have been able to help me," Luna said.

"Maybe but didn't mean I couldn't try however I have something for you," I said.

"Ash as much as I love your surprises and gifts I don't think this will cheer me up," Luna said.

"Trust me you'll like this," I said as I gave a not to Pip.

"Hi Mum!" Pip shouted as he leapt on Luna's back startling her into standing up

When she looked and saw her expression shifted to one of confusion then joy before she picked Pip up and swung him around in a hug.

"But Pip what are you doing here? Why are you here? Did Ash bring you here and do your parent-," Luna started before I booped her on the end of her snout causing Pip to giggle at his mother's cuteness at being booped.

"You’re so adorable when your flustered Luna it's impossible to resist," I said.

"But what does this mean?" Luna asked.

"Pip will remain with us because his biological parents were treating him poorly," I said which caused Pip to show her the burn.

To say Luna was furious would be an understatement for a brief moment I saw her soft beautiful eyes were about to turn into reptilian ones and parts of her few were turning black. But, I immediately reacted and wrapped my wings around her in a hug and whispered soothing words in her ear which seemed to calm her.

No reason to worry now okay Pip is safe and here and those two are going to be sitting in a cell for a long time and I repaid what they did to Pip in the same kindness," I said.

"It does not mean I can't be angry with them," Luna said.

"Very true," I said.

"Hey you three."

I looked back and saw Pinkie standing in the doorway.

"I just organised a welcome back Pipsqueak party and you guys are missing out," Pinkie said before she left.

"Leave it to Pinkie to make a party in a matter of seconds," I said as I released the two ponies wrapped in my wings.

"Yes and we must go join them we mustn't let the pony of honour miss a party prepared for him," Luna said as she tickled Pip's stomach before they left.

"You coming Dad?" Pip asked causing Luna to stop and look at me.

"I'll be there soon just need to take care of something," I said.

Luna then nodded before she carried Pip downstairs while I sat at the desk in the room and summoned a parchment and quill.

Dear Ethen Elisa/Wade/Wanderer/Crazy Son of a Bitch or Daughter of a Bitch as the case may be.

This is to let you know I got your care package and I'm glad you’re doing alright. As for what's happening with the royal family and the cryo-pods I hope you figure out a way to open them and I'm sad to hear the state your Equestria is in at the moment. But, the thing about me and Rage being called your reapers made me kick up a storm of laughter even Rage was in hysterics when I told him and I'm glad you’re keeping up your swordsman training I dare say it's time for you to train someone if you’re interested. Also I noticed you changed your wings a bit you’re not copying my design are you?

Also you should have seen Faust's and Celestia's faces when they saw the photos Faust was so embarrassed and Celestia looked ready to pass out at the sight of her beloved phoenix. As for me things have become pretty hectic since you left after you left it's hard to know where to begin. But, I'll start with me being called to Zebrafrica I found out a couple of zebra slavers were stealing mares and stallions from their homes and anyone who followed was a corpse on a random doorstep the next morning. But, when Rage, me and the Immortals stepped in we found out that the captured were being treated like animals but we took the ones who were guilty alive for the Queen's punishment and gotta say they know their punishments. Also it turns out that in Zebrafrica my kind were hailed as gods to them and they had a few pieces of knowledge about us and as it happens that day was my birthday and turns out I'm 10,000,000,000,000 years old who knew?

Two weeks later I decided to go searching for answers on how my parents crowns ended up in Equestria and as it turns out not only was it my parent's crowns but also my entire kingdom was brought to Equestria and I've added a photo for you to look at. Also remember your theory you told me about angels not having halos well it turns out your half right only high ranking angles have both halos and wings and simple angels only have wings. Sorry getting off topic here but anyway I met my parents and I am glad to say Lilith and Lucifer both lied about what they said. (Yeah I know you were in the trees watching me don't deny it.) But the fact that they were both dead was true turns out angel and demon bodies don't decay but during my visit there we discovered we were followed by Templars and that we weren't alone in the kingdom.

There were constructs wearing Demonic Angel guard armour that were made of Greek Fire these guys were created to guard my kingdom's most treasured secrets and believe me you do not want to tick these guys off. Anyway I found out where Branding Iron is supposedly located and have been combing the area for a while now and I'm keeping Nightstreak updated on my progress and she's happily living with her aunt and uncle by the way. But back to my adventure after I got the info I held a funeral for my parents and at the same time my parents wanted me to have my coronation so that my kingdom always had a king now I am Ash Blade King of the Demonic Angels. After that my friends wanted to have a look at my family's vault turns out there were a ton of relics in there from across time. Example Spear of Destiny, Holy Grail, Fountain of Youth, Excalibur, Book of Solomon, Seeds of both Harmony and Disharmony and Pandora's Box. (Daring almost opened the last one if not for me and my speed.)

How these artefacts got in there is a mystery even to me but I discovered a book that held every prophecy written down I think I even saw yours and Evo's and I also saw mine. It was called the Battle of the Brothers of Fate it said that I had till the day I met my brother and the day of an Eclipse one of us must kill the other but once the Eclipse ends the brother raised by darkness will destroy everything. Guess that's why the Outsider says I could die before the prophecy is complete. And to top the day off Heartless arrives and reveals himself to be my clone twin created by Lilith to try and rule everything didn't go well when my parents intervened. Anyway Heartless left after we duelled and we all returned home and I was kidnaped for a short time and my assailants just wanted my blood but I'll get more of that later.

Later on I had a vision that summoned me to an old fortress which was crawling with undead even had to deal with an undead dragon king who granted me his bones to use as armour as his way of saying thanks. I also had to deal with the ghosts of some good people I had to kill for a good reason before I was confronted by a lich of all things and I gotta tell you he was no picnic. I managed to beat it in the end and once that was over I was invited to a forgotten event in the Crystal Empire but both Midnight Star and Flurry Heart broke the crystal heart bringing the frozen north down on us. That's not all you know how I told you how I lived for a long time and gone through several wars and conflicts yeah your gonna love this every person or pony I killed had raised from the dead to exact vengeance on me.

And to top of the day Tirek came back and I met the most powerful Necromancer in existence called Grogar I have placed a recording thanks to Pinkie of our battle and I combined it with my helmet recording on when I fought the army. I placed the recording in this care package for you to view. (Also please understand I didn't want to do it.) And if you look which I sure you will is you'll see I managed to unlock my Heavenly Booster and I've decided to call it Paladin Alicorn for obvious reasons. Now for my most recent adventure I got your care package two weeks ago and I will say you picked a hell of a time to drop it on me and also Pip's biological parents show up and ask for the right to take care of Pip again.

Yeah crazy I know but Luna and I had no choice but to do it. After that I handed Midnight over to Celestia to look after till Luna and I pulled through but we were distraught for two weeks I could do nothing but drink down bottle after bottle of cider and Luna sat in Pip's room clinging to his favourite teddy he left behind for dear life. But when my friends came to help Rage beat the shit out of me and got me back on my feet and told me that thieves that stole my blood were in Trottingham. (gotta add lovely place steampunk city) Luna then asked me to return Pip's teddy and so I did. After I dropped off the gift I found out the thieves had used my blood to become Demonic Angles similar to Midnight and they had about the same strength as I have but thankfully they didn't unlock too much power.

After I apprehended the thieves I went to go visit Pip again only the farther convinced me that Pip didn't want to have me in his life anymore but it was Rage who convinced me that something wasn't right. So when I looked through a window I saw Pip was unhappy and had suffered some injuries from his biological parents like a large burn from a fire poker on his left arm. I then confronted the parents and arrested them and are now awaiting trial in Canterlot. (But they didn't go without a little punishment from me) Now I am writing this to you but I have to end it here because Pinkie is holding a welcome back party for Pip but in this box please find.

1 lich amulet source of its power hope you find a better use for it then over here, 1 photo of my home kingdom, 1 recording of an epic battle, 1 photo of Rage, Luna, Pip, Midnight and myself. Anyway hope the Outsider's words are true about us meeting again one day hope to see you again soon.

Your friend

Ash.

P.S. Ruby and Mitta are fitting in well and Mitta got her cutie mark in kickboxing suits her name don't you think? She also got some long awaited revenge on the Blood Hooves when they appeared in the Crystal Empire.

P.P.S You remember the Flutterponies that lived in my kingdom? I have great news they're not as extinct as one would believe I found a large nest of Flutterpony eggs in that dead forest we were in before we met the dwarves. Now the eggs are being taken care of a good friend of both myself and Faust his name is called Slender.

I then rolled up the parchment and placed it in a box I summoned along with the amulet I got from the lich and then a copied photo of my kingdom, a crystal that held the recording of the battle and a copy of Rage, Luna, Pip, Midnight and myself all huddled in a picture I took with my phone in the Ponyville Park Rage was hunched over on the left with Pip under him both giving a peace sign Luna was sitting in the middle holding Midnight in her arms and he was sucking on his right hoof cutely and I had a arm wrapped around Luna while holding the phone in my other hand before I sealed it closed and wrote 'To someone named Elisa' on the top. I then opened a tear in space and tossed the box in before I left to go join the party.