I woke to something shifting on top of me. I lazily opened one of my eyes to see I was sleeping on the rug next to my bed. At first I was confused, why was I down here? Then I remembered the events from last night. I was showing Luna the house and finished at my room and she found my sketchbook and I allowed her to read it while I had a shower, when I returned Luna had fallen asleep on my bed so I gave her my bed for the night. All of a sudden, I felt something tighten around my waist, squeezing the air out of me and heard a moan and some light snoring. I looked down at my chest to see the source of the noise, it was Princess Luna, she had fallen out of my bed, sometime during the night and was using my chest as a pillow and was cuddling me like an oversized stuffed toy. I tried to wiggle out of her grip without disturbing her, I was half way out before she grabbed my legs and pulled me back towards her and rested her head in the crook of my neck and began to nuzzle it. Just then, Luna brought her face up to mine and kissed me on the cheek. I almost started to panic and tried to push her off me but accidently pushed her in her right breast causing her to let out a moan once more and kiss me harder on my cheek. She started to stir awake I immediately noticed this and pulled my hand away from her chest before she fully awoke. Luna opened her eyes while she was still kissing me. When her eyes adjusted to her surroundings and she saw was kissing me, her wings shot outwards like a spring and shot upwards into a straddling position with her eyes staring at me in shock and confusion. I took a deep breath and sighed.

"I take it that you slept well," I said in a blunt tone.

" WE AR... ," Luna almost yelled in the Royal Canterlot Voice, but before Luna could finish, I covered her mouth with my hand and brought a finger to my lips to signal her to keep quiet.

"I'm pretty sure all of Ponyville does not want to be awoken by the Royal Canterlot Voice, so shall we keep to our indoor voices Luna?" I asked as I removed my hands from both of our lips.

"Agreed and I sincerely apologize about... well that," Luna said as she blushed then looked away from me.

"Damn she looks adorable when she blushes. Wait, what am I doing, I can't think of her like that," I thought. "Let’s forget it Luna, perhaps you could possibly climb off of me please because this position is really awkward."

Luna looked and saw she was straddling me, then let out a squeak that would have made Fluttershy proud before she scrambled off of me. I stood up and stretched my arms out and looked at the celling and yawned. Suddenly, a small cloud of green smoke appeared and turned into a scroll tied with a red ribbon with a gold seal with Celestia's sun. It dropped into my still open mouth.

"Gak...Ptew *Cough* *Cough* well that's a *Cough* fine way to stretch," I said as I spat out the rolled up parchment.

"Are you alright Ash Blade?" Luna asked as she gently patted my back.

"I'll be fine but I wonder why Celestia sent a letter here and why it didn't go through Spike like normal," I said.

"Maybe it's because it's for me. Tia and I have a spell that allows us to message each other," Luna said.

"Now that's a spell I should learn myself, could come in handy," I said.

"Perhaps I can teach you sometime," Luna said as she picked up the scroll with her magic and opened it. As she read it she let out a sharp gasp.

"Is something wrong Luna?" I asked in a worried tone.

"I'm 4 minutes late to set the moon, Tia is going to kill me," Luna said running around in frenzy.

"Luna calm down," I said as I grabbed her shoulders and turned her to face me. "Now all you need to do is lower the moon ok no problem."

"Your right, thank you Ash," Luna said as she took a deep breath and turned her head towards the window and looked at the sky "I require complete concentration please."

"Of course," I said as I stepped into the bathroom, after I closed the door I walked over to a mirror and stared at my reflection.

"Well look at you, you've been here for 2 months and a bit and already you got a princess hitting on, ya congrats pal."

"Keep quiet you, she kissed me while she was asleep, that doesn't count at all."

"But you like her right?"

"Yeah but so what?"

"You play your cards right and you may even end up in bed with her."

I continued to stare at my reflection until I looked at my hands.

"A princess wouldn't want a guy like me," I said as I clenched my fist. All of a sudden, I heard shrieking and squawking coming from the bedroom. I rushed to the door and opened it to see Dust flying around Luna while pecking at her head. Luna was trying to defend herself from the black bird.

"DUST STOP IT!" I shouted.

Dust stopped and looked at me while staying in place and flapping, Luna stared at me in surprise.

"What's going on here? I asked.

"This bird appeared out of nowhere and attacked while I finished lowering the moon," Luna accused pointing at Dust.

Dust's response was a few squawk's towards me.

"I see, well as you can see I'm unharmed Dust and Luna here was a guest here during the night, so there is no reason to worry about me," I said.

Dust gave a nod before he flew over to me and landed on my shoulder.

"Oh how could I forget, you two haven't met each other yet. Dust I'd like you to meet Princess Luna. Princess Luna I'd like you to meet my companion Dust," I said gesturing to the both of them.

Dust extended a wing for the princess to shake. Luna started to slowly reach out to touch the wing. When she did she gave it a gentle shake.

"Nice to meet you Dust but I demand to know why you attacked me like that," Luna said.

"I'm sorry about that Luna but Dust is a bit protective of me, and when he saw you alone in here instead of me he thought you may have harmed me," I said as I patted Dust.

"I see, well I can assure you Dust, I would never dream of harming Ash, he's too good a friend to me," Luna said.

"ASH ARE YOU ALR...," Suddenly, both Spike and Twilight slammed the door open. Spike was armed with a broom and Twilight's horn was charged with magic and ready to fire but when they saw Luna they froze in surprise.

"Hi you two what's up?" I asked in a casual tone.

"We heard shouting and came to see if you’re alright," Twilight said while the aura around her horn disappeared, still in shock staring at Luna and I.

"Don't worry, it was just a misunderstanding between Luna and Dust," I said.

"I see, well we're about to get breakfast ready, c'mon Spike," Twilight said.

"Right," Spike said as he lowered his broom and turned to leave.

"Oh and Spike can you make Luna some of your delicious pancakes," I asked.

"Sure thing Ash," Spike said as he and Twilight disappeared from the doorway.

"Oh no, I couldn't possibly stay. Celestia wants me back at Canterlot as soon as possible," Luna protested.

"Well I don't think you'd get far on an empty stomach. So I suggest you stay and get something to eat, namely, Spikes Pancake's," I said.

"Very well," Luna said in a defeated tone.

"Speaking of food I believe I should let you out to find your own food, correct?" I said to Dust who squawked happily in response.

I walked over to the window and opened it and let Dust fly off.

"He's a faithful companion," Luna said.

"He is isn't he? I saved him from his own mother when he was a baby when I arrived here and have been taking care of him since. He's become like a little brother to me. what about you Luna, do you have a companion like I do in Dust?" I asked.

"Yes I have a possum named Tiberius," Luna said.

"Tiberius, wasn't that the name of a Roman emperor?" I asked.

"Yes Uncle Ezio told me about him once, so I decided to name Tiberius after that emperor," Luna said with a smile.

"I see. Well I'm going to take a shower and get changed, or do you wish to use the bathroom before me?" I asked.

"No, need I shall ask Twilight Sparkle if I can use hers," Luna said.

"If that is what the princess wishes," I said as I grabbed some clothes and went back into the bathroom.

After the shower I stepped out of the bathroom wearing a pair of blue jeans and a white shirt. I walked downstairs into the kitchen to see Twilight, Spike and Luna at the table eating their pancakes. Luna had a look of pure bliss on her face as she ate her food.

"I told you they were awesome. Are you glad you stayed for breakfast Luna?" I asked.

"Mm hum," Luna said with a mouthful.

I smiled at the answer before I sat down to eat.

"Uh Ash, can I ask you something?" Twilight asked.

"Sure, what's on your mind Twilight?" I asked.

"Well...uh... d...did you sleep with Luna last night?" Twilight said with a blush.

The question forced Luna to spit out her orange juice she was drinking and caused both Luna and I to look at each other then look away with burning cheeks.

"Ok first off Twi, no I didn't sleep with Luna she just fell asleep when I went to have a shower and I didn't want to wake her so I gave up my bed to Luna. I slept on the rug so we weren't even in the same bed. Secondly Twi, it's none of your business if I did or not ok? You don't go into someone's life like that unless the pony tells you willingly, am I clear?" I asked in a cold tone that could rival Antarctica.

"Crystal," Twilight said as she shivered.

After breakfast we said our goodbyes to Luna and watched as she flew back to Canterlot I left for the forge to see if I could hammer away at something. As I walked past an alley I was grabbed and pulled into the darkness of the alley. A pair of arms held my wrists to try and stop me moving my arms but I threw my head back and hit my attacker in the jaw forcing him to let me go. I turned around and grabbed my attacker's shirt and used my magic to make some light in the dark alley, so I could see their face. Only to see...

"Thunderlane, what the hell man I could've killed you!" I yelled at the black Pegasus.

"Sorry but I had to think of some way to get you in here. Good hit by the way," Thunderlane said rubbing his jaw.

"You could have walked up to me and told me you had something to talk about. Also, a word of caution, last time someone spooked me like that he had every bone in his body broken ok," I said.

"Noted but we needed to talk to you about something," Thunderlane said as he stood.

"What do you mean we?" I asked puzzled.

Just then Rainbow, Rarity, Comet, Pinkie, Applejack, Pierce and Fluttershy stepped out of the shadows.

"What are you lot doing here?" I asked.

"So is it true, is it, is it, is it?" Pinkie asked.

"What's true?" I asked.

"That Princess Luna spent the night with you in your bed," Rainbow said with a smug grin.

"What the hell? Who told you that?!" I almost screamed.

"I saw Luna leave the library today and she looked very happy and thanks to those words we know that it's true," Rarity said with mischief dripping from her voice.

"Are you all out of your minds? I didn't sleep with Luna, I was giving her a tour of the house and we finished with my room because it was on the top floor. As I went to have a shower, Luna fell asleep on my bed so I gave up my bed to her and slept on the rug in my room. The reason why she was happy is because she tasted Spike's pancakes," I said.

Applejack grabbed ahold of my face and turned me towards her and stared at me for a few minutes.

"He ain't lying he's telling the truth," Applejack finally said.

"Of course it's true, what kind of princess would want someone who’s so broken," I said.

"Broken, what do you mean Ash?" Comet asked.

"It's nothing you need to concern yourself with Comet. Best you forget it and as for the rest of you, does anyone else know about this?" I asked.

"No, why?" Applejack asked.

"The last thing that is needed is crazy rumours running around saying Luna and I are together. So can you pinkie promise me you won't say anything please?" I asked.

"But it's no fun then," Rarity said with a whine.

"Rarity if the nobles hear any of this it will mean huge trouble for Luna and I," I said.

"Oh alright," Rarity said.

After everyone pinkie promised we left the alley and I continued to the forge. When I arrived I saw Caramel standing next to a two large crates with an angry look on his face.

"Caramel, what's up you look pissed at something?" I asked with concern.

"I was expecting a new shipment of metal for us to work on and they were giving away this useless crap for every order of metal. I told them I didn't need it but they didn't listen and dumped these here," Caramel pointing to the two crates.

"What's inside?" I asked.

"Feel free to take a look, but it doesn't change the fact that it's useless," Caramel said kicking a stone.

I walked over to the crates and lifted the lids on both crates what was inside truly surprised me. The crate on the left was filled to the brim with diamonds and the crate on the right was filled with obsidian.

"Caramel, do you have any idea what this stuff is?" I said in surprise.

"Yeah, diamonds and obsidian. Why, is this stuff worth much on your world?" Caramel asked.

"Is it worth much Caramel? If you combine these two as they are and take it to my world you'd be as rich as Celestia herself. Why the heck is this stuff useless here?" I asked.

"Because it keeps on popping up all over the place, it's really easy to come by here," Caramel said.

"I see, well Caramel, there is one thing you're wrong about. This stuff can be forged into one hell of a blade. If you allow me, I'd like to give it a try," I said with excitement.

"Go ahead, use as much as you want Ash. I can’t wait to see what you'll cook up," Caramel said.

"Sweet, now this is going to take a while because it's my first time using these materials. So I would appreciate it if we kept this project between ourselves, until it's finished please," I said.

"Sure Ash, show me what you can do," Caramel said.

After three weeks of sweat, obsidian and diamonds my hard work was complete. I held my project in both my hands and smiled. They were a pair of hand held folding scythe's that had a sparkling diamond handle with a black obsidian blade that made it look like it would suck the soul out of anyone who touched it.

"So what do you think?" I asked Caramel.

"I'm speechless, there is absolutely no way to describe them," Caramel said.

"Thanks, this is the result when you combine diamond and obsidian you get the strongest and sharpest weapon of all time," I said.

All of a sudden Spike, Mac, Comet, Thunderlane and Pierce walked into the forge.

"Hey guys what's happening?" Caramel greeted the stallions and young dragon.

"Pierce says he has something to tell all of us. Fancy scythe's you got there Ash," Comet said.

"Just finished them today. Anyway what did you want to say Pierce?" I asked.

"Well it's just that Pinkie and I are seeing each other now," Pierce said shyly.

The room was filled with absolute dead silence at that moment. None of us knew what to say until I spoke up.

"Dude, my congratulations for you both. How long have you been seeing each other?" I asked.

"After we all met at the bronco. Guess you could call it love at first sight," Pierce said with a sigh of relief.

"Awesome news Pierce. Oh Ash, I came by to give you a letter from Celestia," Spike said.

"Thanks Spike, I'll read it after I put these away," I said as I flicked the scythe's causing the blade to fold towards the handle. I then walked into the backroom and placed the scythes on the work bench before I walked back to the others. "So where's the letter Spike?"

"Right here Ash," Spike said handing me the letter. I grabbed the letter and opened it and began to read.

Dear Ash Blade.

I am writing this to inform you that we have summoned the bearers of the elements of harmony to Canterlot castle and will return later today. In two days they will be summoned again for an unknown amount of time so please don't worry if you believe your friends are missing. Hope you are doing well.

Yours sincerely

Celestia.

"So what does it say Ash?" Comet asked.

"It's just informing me that the girls have been summoned to Canterlot for some reason. But something feels off, the writing looks like it was written in a hurry and it's kinda sloppy. Spike has Celestia ever written like this?" I asked showing Spike the paper.

"No never and I should know, she and Twilight taught me how to read and write," Spike said.

"Maybe I should head over to Canterlot, just to make sure everything is alright. Does anyone know when the next train is?" I asked.

"Sorry Ash but you missed it and the girls are on board as well," Spike said.

"They left without a goodbye ok. Now I know something is not right. Is there any other way for me to get to Canterlot?" I asked.

"A guard chariot is about to arrive to collect the spears you and I made during the week when you weren't busy with your scythe’s. You can hop on board when it arrives. And speak of the devil," Caramel said as he pointed to the landing chariot.

The chariot flew towards the castle and landed just outside the royal armoury.

"Thanks gents," I said to the two driving guards as I ran towards the castle. As I ran I dodged crowds of ponies, I made it to the castle and ran inside and asked a guard where Celestia was.

"Princess Celestia is in the throne room with Princess Luna and the bearers of the elements of harmony just arrived right now sir Ash Blade," the guard said.

I nodded in thanks to the guard before I ran towards the throne room, I reached the door and was about to open it, but heard Celestia, Luna, and the girls muffled voices coming from the other side. I placed my ear on the door and slowed my breathing so I could listen to the conversation better.

"Celestia you can't be serious! This must be some sort of joke," Twilight said.

"I'm afraid it's no joke and I have no choice in this matter Twilight, the other kingdom's have agreed on this. If I don't agree to this then all of the kingdoms will wage war on us. The only kingdom that doesn't want anything to do with this is Zebrafrica," Celestia said.

"But to have all of the kingdoms use both the elements of harmony and the bearers as a prize in a competition is preposterous," Rarity scoffed.

"If I'm gone who will take care of my animals?" Fluttershy asked in worried tone.

"And ma family and the farm," Applejack added.

"Not to mention Sweetie Bell and Opal," Rarity sniffed.

"Scootaloo and Tank as well," Rainbow Dash said.

"Also Spike and Owlicious," Twilight said.

"Also Gummy and I just found my special somepony as well," Pinkie cried.

"I am so sorry my little ponies, if I could change this I would, but I can't," Celestia said as I could hear her letting out tears of her own.

"Can't you send someone to fight for our freedom like Ash?" Rainbow asked.

"I'm afraid we cannot do that because the kingdom's leader's have banned us from entering our fighters, even if we we're allowed to enter fighters, we wouldn't dare send anyone to fight in that damned arena," Luna said.

"Why not?" Rainbow asked.

"Because the only way to win the competition is to kill your opponents and no doubt the kingdoms will send their best warriors to this and there will also be many rouges in there and we could not bring ourselves to ask someone to risk their lives and also kill somepony. Imagine what Ash would think if we asked him to do this. I believe killing would just add more pain to him," Luna said causing the girl's to look at Luna in both horror and sadness.

"So a bunch of gladiators are going to be killing each other to claim us as a prize!" Applejack shouted.

"And there is no way for us to get out of it and to think I almost thought of getting Ash involved without thinking," Rainbow said starting to sob.

"Celestia is there any way to prevent this?" Twilight asked.

"Both Luna and I will come along to try and convince the leaders to reconsider but I'm afraid that's all we can do I'm sorry. I suggest you leave and spend as much time with your families as possible and get ready to leave. The leaders will be arriving in two days to escort us to the arena in the griffon kingdom. But remain calm my little ponies I will try to fix this somehow," Celestia said trying to boost confidence.

After the conversation I didn't know what to think, a part of me felt disgusted by the actions of the kingdom leaders another part of me felt rage against them and sadness because they plan to take my new friends away. The throne room doors began to open so I teleported out of the castle and into the chariot parking bay. A pair of Pegasi guards walked ahead of me and gave me a salute.

"Gentlemen, I need to get to Ponyville immediately and I require transportation, can you please assist me?" I asked.

"We're at your disposal sir," they said as they led me over to a chariot.

We arrived in Ponyville in no time at all, I quickly thanked the guards and ran to the forge. I ran into the forge and grabbed my protective apron my tools and several ingots of metal. All of a sudden, Spike and the others walked in.

"Ash your back, what happened? You look like Twilight during the smarty pants incident," Spike said.

"Sorry Spike, but I got some really bad news right now. I think the girls are going to tell us when they get back. But if they don't we'll all meet in the barn at Sweet Apple Acres at 11:15pm while everyone in asleep so I can tell you ok?" I said.

"Ok," they said in union as they turned to leave.

"Oh two thing's guy's, if they do tell us then prepare for a very nasty shock, and Caramel I need your help with this," I said.

"What are you making Ash? We don't have any order's for anything right now and why do you need my help?" Caramel asked.

"I'll tell you later," I said.

Everyone left except for both me and Caramel, we went on working for 2 hours until Spike walked into the forge and told me that Twilight and the others had returned. I reminded Caramel to meet us in the barn before I left the forge and ran over to the Library with Spike. Before we entered I put on my best poker face and walked inside.

"Hey Twi," I said as we walked in the door.

"Hi Ash, I'm going to go to bed early today," Twilight said as she walked upstairs.

"Uh Twi it's 2:00 pm what's wrong? Long trip," I asked.

"You could say that I'm just tired right now, so I'll see you both tomorrow," Twilight said as she disappeared up the stairs.

It was 11:00 pm when Spike woke me up I quickly got changed and followed Spike to Sweet Apple Acres. When we arrived Comet, Thunder, Pierce, Mac and Caramel where all there waiting for us.

"So did any of the girls say anything to you lot?" I asked.

"Nnope," Mac said.

"Me either," Pierce said.

Comet, Thunderlane and Caramel all shook their head's in reply.

"So what's going on Ash, what's this bad news?" Spike asked.

"Well before I tell you, be warned everypony, this is going to be a shock," I said as I began to tell the boys about the leaders of the neighbouring kingdoms, all wanting the mane 6 and how they are going to be offered up as a prize for the winning kingdom and that Celestia and Luna don't have a choice in the matter, otherwise Equestria would be threatened with war. When I finished they all had looks of shock horror and anger on their face but Mac was angrier than the lot, the look on his face was just screaming for blood.

"This just ain't right. They have no right to do this!" Comet shouted in anger.

"I just admitted my feelings to Pinkie, now only to have her taken away from me. This just isn't fair!" Pierce sobbed burying his face in his hands.

"Ash what exactly are you making in the forge and why do you need Caramels help in making it?" Thunderlane asked.

"I'm making armour for myself and I need Caramel's help so I can get it done in time," I said.

"But why do you need armour?" Spike asked.

"I decided on my way back to Ponyville that I'm entering the tournament and I'm going to win back my friends," I said.

"What!" they all yelled in union.

"Guys I'm the knight of freedom, it's my responsibility," I said.

"I'm going to enter this fight too," Mac said.

"I'm sorry Mac but I can't allow that," I said.

"Why in the name of Tartarus not? That's my sister in there and I'm going to fight to bring her home!" Mac yelled flaring his nostrils.

"And she's my friend too Mac, but the reason you're not fighting is because you have to kill your opponents and if you and I enter Mac, sooner or later one of us will have to kill the other!" I snapped back at him.

The barn was silent for a few minutes, the occupants taken aback by my outburst until Spike spoke up.

"S...So you have to kill to get Twilight and the girls back?" Spike said terrified of me all of a sudden.

"I'm afraid so Spike," I said as I calmed down.

"Um Ash, have you killed anypony before?" Thunderlane asked.

"Only woodland creature's, but sentient beings? No never," I said.

"You have some serious balls if you're willing to go against some of the best fighter's known today and kill them to save your friends," Comet said patting my back.

"Hey Ash, I'm sorry for snapping at you. I had no idea...," Mac started.

"It's alright Mac, I'd feel the same way in your position," I said.

"So what happens now?" Pierce asked.

"There is some stuff to do before I leave and I'll need your help Comet. I need you to look after Fluttershy's animals and the girls pets, as well as Dust. Mac, I need you and Granny Smith to take in Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo while the girls and I are gone. Pierce I'll need transportation to the Griffin kingdom. Thunderlane, can you get another Pegasus to help you fly the chariot? Spike, I need you to look up any weak points on any sentient creature in Equestria and beyond. Caramel, I need you to help me finish my armour, we've only got two days to get this done so can I count on you?" I asked.

"Yeah," They all replied.

It's been two day's since I found out about the fight for the mane 6 and things have been busy. A royal chariot came by to collect the girls earlier today and they told us that they would be going away for a long time, but made brilliant poker faces to hide their sadness. After they left I went to grab the now finished armour that Caramel and I finished yesterday and scythes and placed them in a gym bag. I then ran as fast as possible to meet up with the boys on the outskirts of Ponyville. When I arrived I saw a well-crafted brown carriage and the boys prepping it, along with a light blue furred Pegasus with a purple spikey mane and tail wearing a blue flight suit with a yellow lightning bolt pattern on it.

"Hey Ash, I'd like you to meet someone. This is Soarin of the Wonderbolts elite. He's going to help me pull the chariot," Thunderlane said, gesturing to the light blue Pegasus.

"The Wonderbolts huh? So you’re the guys that Rainbow Dash is always going on about," I said.

"So you know Rainbow Dash huh? I owe her for saving my pie back at the Gala," Soarin laughed.

"Yes Rainbow told me about that. Before we leave, did anyone tell you about what we’re doing?" I asked.

"You need to get to the griffon kingdoms and you need two Pegasus to fly this charrige right?" Soarin said.

"Correct, but what about what I'm doing there?" I asked.

"No idea sorry," Soarin said.

"Well I'm entering this tournament where the opponents kill each other for a prize," I said.

"Wait you’re going to kill? Sorry pal, but I'm not taking part in a plan where ponies are killed," Soarin said as he began to walk away.

"Before you leave Soarin, I'd think you should know I have a damned good excuse for this," I said.

"And what's that?" Soarin said as he stopped and turned around to face me.

"The bearers of the Elements of Harmony have been offered up as the prize for the tournament and I plan to bring them home. Mac's sister is one of the elements, along with Spike's caretaker, Pierces lover and Rainbow Dash. Each one of the bearers of the element's of harmony are my friends. And I'll be damned if I leave them like this, and if that reason isn't a good enough one to fight then, I don't know what is," I said.

"You’re willing to become a killer to save your friends?" Soarin asked surprised.

"Yes I am," I said with determination.

"Well I can't argue with a reason like that, wouldn't even know how to. Those element bearers must be some really nice freinds if your planning to kill to save them," Soarin said as he walked over to the carriage and placed the harness on along with Thunderlane.

"Thank you Soarin, I'll pay you if I get back," I said.

"No need, I'm going to do this because you’re going to save Rainbow Dash and because it's a noble cause and I can respect that," Soarin said.

I walked over to the carriage and opened the door. I was about to climb inside when I saw Mac, Spike, Comet, Pierce, and Caramel line up behind me.

"Where are you all going?" I asked.

"Don't you think for a second that we aren't coming with you, so don't even bother saying no," Mac said.

"Yeah," the others agreed.

"But what about Fluttershy's animals and Granny Smith will need help with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo," I said.

"Already taken care of. I got someone to take care of the animals," Comet said.

"And Granny Smith said she can handle those three fillies, so are we coming or what?" Mac asked.

"*Sigh* Fine, just don't blame me if you all pass out at the sight of blood," I said as we entered the carriage. I gave Soarin and Thunder the ok to go. The two Pegasus' ran forward and flapped their wings. The carriage soon rose off the ground and we were airborne.

We flew over the border and into the griffon kingdom as Spike finished telling me the weaknesses of every sentient being on the planet, while I changed into my armour and placed my new scythe's onto the hooks on my waist. The boy's where stunned at how fierce and awesome I looked.

"Now one last thing" I said as I pulled out a silver ring.

"What's that for?" Pierce asked.

"It's a disguise for myself it will also disguise my voice in the process. I don't want the girls to know it's me fighting in the arena. How do you think they would react to something like this?" I asked.

As I placed the ring on my finger my appearance immediately changed to a black furred unicorn with a black mane and blue eyes.

"Looking good there Ash," Comet said.

"Now remember guys, we were never in the griffin kingdom ok," I said in a much deeper voice.

"Got it," they all replied.

"Alright boys, we're here, welcome to the griffin kingdom colosseum," Thunderlane shouted to us.

I looked out the window and saw a large circular colosseum that looked like the one from my world, only completely intact rather than in ruins. Thunder and Soarin landed on the ground in front of the colosseum, we hopped out of the carriage and gathered around each other to go over the plan.

"Ok, I'm going to go and sign up for the fight. Soarin and Thunder, you hide the carriage while the others can go find some seats. After the show I'll hand the girls over to both Celestia and Luna, then we all leave for home. But first, are all of you absolutely sure you want to see this?" I asked.

"Ash we all knew what we we're going to see when we wanted to join you so stop worrying about us," Spike groaned.

"Sorry I just want to be certain. Don't forget to keep your selves hidden from the girls and we'll meet back at this spot after the fight," I said as I left the group and walked over to the booth where the contestants sign up. "Excuse me, I'd like to enter the match for the elements of harmony please," I asked the female griffon at the booth.

"Lucky you, we have one more slot to be filled, but be warned you will be fighting against 20 of the best fighters from our kingdom, 10 from the diamond dog's, 25 from the minotaur's, 1 from the dragon kingdom and 50 rogues like yourself," the griffon said.

"Don't worry about me, there's no way I'm going to die today," I said.

"Someone with confidence finally, that stuff will get you far. Now there are no rules here, just survive by any means. Good luck handsome," the griffon said with a wink as she opened the cadged door to let me in.

I walked inside and a pair of colosseum guards escorted me to the waiting bay. I looked around the room and saw many fighters either sharpening their weapons or checking their armour. There were some ponies here along with some centaurs and ape like dog creature's that reminded me of the main villain in Rainbow's favourite book Daring Do. I received look's from all the contestants when I entered but no one said a word and went back to what they were doing. I walked past the contestants over to the caged door that led out into the arena. The arena floor was covered in golden sand, there were also six other cadged door's all around the arena. I didn't have to wait long before five of the door's opened including mine. The fighters from each of the cages walked out into the arena, the largest of the fighters was a dark blue dragon with yellow scales and damaged webbed yellow wings and scared body. There were also many other warrior's, each from a different kingdom and wearing heavy armour. I looked around and saw thousands and thousands of spectators watching us. As we walked out I saw the royal box with a large dark green dragon sitting next to it. He wore a crown made of rubies and chest armour that looked like it had seen many battles and two horns were on the sides of his head and went downward before curving upward. Inside the box I was just able to see Princess Celestia and Luna talking with the griffin King and diamond dog Queen and minotaur King. I looked around once more and I saw an altar outside the walls of the arena, where the mane 6 were all sitting in a cage with miserable looks on their faces. All of a sudden a loud speaker boomed to life.

"WELCOME LADIES AND GENTLEGRIFFIONS TO THE BATTLE FOR THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY! AS YOU ALL KNOW WHOEVER WINS THIS TOURNAMENT WILL CLAIM THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY. WE HAVE THE GRIFFON KINGDOM'S BEST FIGHTERS GOING UP AGAINST THE BEST FIGHTERS FROM THE DRAGON, DIAMOND DOG AND MINOTAUR KINGDOMS, ALONG WITH SOME ROGUES WHO THINK THEY'VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO BE THE BEST. IN TOTAL WE HAVE 107 FIGHTERS HERE TODAY!" The announcer yelled causing the crowd to let out a roar of applause eager to see some blood.

The gates closed behind us sealing me inside the arena with the other fighters. Everyone started to spread out, each one ready to kill. I drew my scythes and got into a fighting stance. Suddenly, a bell rang out signalling the match to start. As the bell rang out all hell broke loose. Many of the rogues went after the kingdom's best fighters, some others turned on other rouges. The kingdom's best fighters went to fight the other kingdom's and the rogues, but each one was slaughtering each other like a pack of hydra's going for a scrap of meat. I knew I would have to join the fight to win so I placed my earphones in my ears and selected a song to suit the situation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u88ehi1m6M

Just then, a minotaur came running at me wielding a large axe, he made an attempt to split me in two but I dodged left and drove one of my scythes into his stomach and pulled on it, tearing his side out spilling blood and gore onto the sand. The Minotaur fell on his side dead. I then saw a centaur charging at me trying to impale me with his spear but I ran at him and jumped onto his spear and jumped over him and landed on his horse back in a standing position. Before he could turn his head I shoved both my scythes into the back of his head killing him. As the song went on I killed many enemy's, each death more horrifying than the last. Many were cut in half, others had severed limbs and large hole's in them the list of death's went on. As I approached the final chorus I was locked in combat with a griffon. He was using a pair of sword's and was about to swing at my head. I rolled towards the right along the sand and ended up rolling behind him as the chorus said I'll take your broken wings and learn to fly, I grabbed the griffin by the base of his wings and placed my foot on his back and pulled on his wing's tearing them off. The griffin screamed out in pain so I sliced off his head with my scythe ending his pain. Out of the corner of my eye I saw another minotaur wielding a trident running at me. I connected the scythe's hilts together to form one large scythe, one of the blades remained the same shape as a scythe, while the other end of the scythe straightened out into a spear. I ran at the Minotaur and stuck the main blade into the ground and pole vaulted over the Minotaur I held onto the blade, so as I went over the Minotaur, the blade wedged into the ground, rose up and dug itself in the Minotaur's chin. When I landed, I pulled on the scythe and tore the Minotaur's head off, just as the song ended.

LADIES AND GENTLEMALES THIS BATTLE HAS TO BE THE MOST BRUTAL HELD IN THE COLOSSEUM. YET THE FIGHTER FROM THE DRAGON KINGDOM IS STILL HOLDING OUT AGAINST HIS ENEMIES. THE DIAMOND DOGS ONLY HAVE 5 FIGHTER'S LEFT AND THE MINOTAURS HAVE 10 AND THE GRIFFIONS ALSO HAVE 10 AND ALL BUT ONE OF THE ROUGES HAVE BEEN KILLED AND THIS ONE ROUGE ALSO HAS JUST FINISHED HIS 48th KILL. THIS FIGHTER HAS A STRONG CHANCE OF WINNING IF HE CAN GET PAST BOTH THE DRAGON FIGHTER AND THE SAND DEMON!" the announcer said.

Just then I saw a metal door slowly open and I heard a growl come from inside the darkness, but nothing came out, the sand in front of the cage shuffled around and started to move. Fighter's then started to run at me ignoring the cage and determined to end me. I got into a stance and ready to fight but, before they could reach me a scorpion stinger burst out of the sand and stabbed one of the fighter's and threw him away like an old glove. The fighters that where running towards me stopped and looked around at the sand, suddenly four scorpion claws grabbed at least one of the fighters before it pulled them into the sand or sliced them in half and grabbed another fighter. One of the fighters grabbed onto the last fighter, but was soon pulled into the sand. After that everything went still for a minute. Suddenly, the stinger appeared in front of me and looked ready to strike I stood there frozen waiting for death but the stinger didn't move, we stood frozen for what felt like hours then the stinger disappeared into the ground again. I let out the breath I didn't realise I was holding and looked at the remaining fighters all ganging up on the dragon, but the stinger and claws made short work of the fighters. I then realised that the creature responded to vibrations, that's why it ignored me and attacked the fighters closest to the dragon, because of the dragon trying to stomp his prey. The dragon tried to grab ahold of the stingers and claws but they disappeared too fast. The stinger and claws disappeared into the sand once more. After a minute the sand in the centre of the arena started to bulge outward until it burst, revealing a large black and red scorpion with two extra pincers on its back and a large white and blue eye with a white pupil. The creature looked between me and the dragon before it looked at me and began to charge. Realising the scorpion was charging at me I ran towards it and connected my scythes once more. Once I was within range the scorpion tried to impale me on his stinger, but I twirled around and in one swift blow I cut off half of its stinger and used the spear like end of the scythe to stab it through its eye. I rammed the spear further inwards until half of the scythe disappeared inside of the beast, purple blood leaked out of the creature decorating the sand in more blood. I pulled the scythe out of the dead arachnid and disconnected the scythes and looked at my handy work. Just then, something wrapped around my leg and lifted me off the ground I looked to see the dragon had wrapped his tail around me and brought me towards his face.

"You fight well for a pony young warrior, but I'm afraid this is the end for you," The dragon said as he lifted me above his head and opened his jaws wide and dropped me. As I fell into the dragon's mouth I saw his jaws close around me.

The audience let out gasps of shock as the dragon swallowed his meal, Celestia and Luna were disgusted by the tournament's ending. The mane 6 looked on with pity for the poor soul that got eaten alive and the 6 stallions and dragon where shocked by the defeat of their friend while the audience cheered.

"IT APEARS WE HAVE A WINNER THE LONE FIGHTER OF THE DRAG... WAIT A MINIUTE!" The announcer said cutting off the audience's cheering.

The audience looked at the coughing blue dragon banging on both his chest and neck with his claw but started coughing up blood. Everyone looked on as a bulge appeared in the dragons neck. Suddenly, a black obsidian blade pierced the dragon's scales, then cut a line across the dragon's throat. The dragon's neck then spilled gallons and gallons of blood per second, making it look like a water fall of blood. The dragon grabbed his throat to try and stop the blood flow but it was pointless, not long after he fell on his side and died. The audience was shocked by what happened, everyone was silent. Then someone shouted to look at the blood that fell from the dragon's throat. Everyone turned their eyes to the small lake of blood to see something moving in it, the moving blob of blood stood on its two feet and revealed itself to be the fighter that was eaten by the dragon.

I stood on my two feet and folded my scythes and placed them on my waist. As I walked out of the lake of blood I tried to wipe most of the blood off of myself. The audience let out cheers of applause for my victory.

"AND OUR WINNER FOR REAL THIS TIME IS THE UNNAMED ROUGE, WHO HAS MADE A KILL OF 50 FIGHTERS INCLUDING THE UNDEFEATED SAND DEMON. THIS YOUNG FIGHTER IS INCREDIBLE, I NEVER WOULD HAVE THOUGHT SOMEONE LIKE THIS WOULD BE CAPABLE OF DEFEATING SO MANY INCLUDING 4 KINGDOMS BEST FIGHTERS AND NOW, THE TIME HAS COME TO GIVE THE PRIZE TO THIS VERY LUCKY FIGHTER!" The announcer said.

As he finished stairs appeared out of the sand at the edge of the arena that led up to the altar where the 6 girls were. A colosseum guard walked over to me and handed me the key to the cage I walked up the stairs until I was in front of the girls. More colosseum guards appeared with shackles.

"Those won’t be needed," I said and the guards nodded before they left.

I opened the cage door so they could climb out, but when I opened the door and looked inside the girls were terrified of me. Even RD. Fluttershy was horrified by the amount of blood that covered me, so I took a few steps away from the door and waited. After a while the girls stepped out of the cage and were still shaking in fear of me. I led the girls down the steps, then Princess Celestia and Luna appeared in front of me.

"Congratulations on your victory, you have truly earned the right to the elements, but I just ask one thing, that we can say goodbye to them please," Celestia said with sadness in her voice.

"Would you like to say goodbye in a private area?" I asked.

"Yes, thank you," Celestia said.

We left the arena and were almost at the exit where the royal carriage was parked before I stopped and spoke up to the princess's.

"This is where we separate," I said to the princess.

"I see," Celestia said to me before she turned to the mane 6 "Farewell my lit...," Celestia started before I cut in.

"No Princess Celestia, I mean this where I separate from the rest of you," I said causing the girls and the princess's to stare at me in surprise.

"What do you mean?" Luna asked.

"It means you take these girls back to Equestria with you," I said.

"But the rule said..." Twilight started before I cut in.

"That the winner decides what to do with the elements and since I won, I decide what to do with you and I decide, that you get to go home," I said.

"What's the catch," Rainbow said.

"No catch I promise," I said with a hand on my heart.

"He's telling the truth, but what I want to know is why," Applejack said.

"I'm afraid I can't tell you that and I'm sorry you had to see all that out there," I said in a guilty tone.

"You have done much for us and yet there must be something we can do for you," Celestia said.

"Just have a safe journey home your majesty," I said.

All of a sudden Pinkie wrapped her arms around me in a hug.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"No problem, but Pinkie, you do realise that I'm still covered in blood," I said.

"I don't care! Thank you so much!" Pinkie said as she released me.

"Hang on, how do you know that her name is Pinkie?" Rarity said, causing everyone to look at me.

"Take care everypony," I said and bowed before I teleported away from them.

I reappeared at the meeting area and I saw the boys arrive with the carriage, they opened the door and I stepped inside and we were off.

We arrived back in Ponyville after a very long trip. The entire carriage ride was spent in silence. I removed my disguise ring and blood soaked armour and weapons, then placed them in the gym bag. As we flew I tried my best to clean off the blood that clung to my skin and put on some clean casual clothes. When we landed on the outskirts of Ponyville I grabbed my gym bag and climbed out of the carriage and started my walk back to Ponyville.

"You alright partner?" Mac asked breaking the silence.

"I'll be alright Mac, just a lot to take in right now," I said.

"So what will you do now?" Comet asked.

"Go home, clean myself and my armour off, then hide the armour, then eat some dinner and go to bed early," I said.

"Uh Ash, how did it feel to y'know take a life?" Caramel asked.

"It felt easy, but afterwards it feels horrible. You think about the family and friends that will never see their loved one again," I said as I walked back to Ponyville with Spike.

When I was out of sight Caramel got a smack to the back of his head from Thunderlane.

"Ow what the hell was that for?" Caramel asked.

"How did it feel to kill, are you an idiot or something? You don't just ask something like that after he killed 50 fighter's in a match to save his friend's," Thunderlane scowled.

"Eeyup," Mac said glaring at Caramel.

"If anything, what happened here today, it's gonna haunt Ash for the rest of his life," Soarin said looking at the direction I walked in.

Spike and I arrived back at the Library, the door was locked so it meant Twilight wasn't home yet. I went upstairs to clean the left over blood off of myself and clean my armour and scythes and clothes I wore. After everything was clean I grabbed a fresh set of clothing and went into my wardrobe and placed my gym bag containing the armour scythes and disguise ring on the top shelf. I walked downstairs to see the mane 6 sitting in the library talking to each other about what happened today. None of them noticed me and I wanted to keep it that way. I continued past them and made it to the kitchen and grabbed some vegetable's for dinner. After I finished I walked back into the library and was bombarded with hugs from all six mare's.

"What the? What’s with all of you?" I asked as I pulled myself out of the group of friends.

"It's just we went through the most horrible thing ever," Rarity said with tears in her eyes.

"Whoa calm down Rarity. Now tell me what happened," I said wiping away her tears.

The mane 6 told me everything about when they were called to Canterlot and then about the gruesome events in the colosseum and the mysterious rouge and how he fought and that he gave the girls back to Celestia so they could go home.

"Well all I can say is this rouge fighter is something else and the important thing is you're all back," I said.

"Yeah, but I'm still confused as to how he knew Pinkie's name though," Rarity said.

"Yeah it is strange," I said.

"Hey, maybe that guy was wearing some special ring that turned him into somepony completely different so we wouldn't recognize him," Pinkie said.

At these words I tensed as still as a statue.

"Uh Pinkie, that sounds a little farfetched don't you think," Applejack said.

"No, she's right there are such enchantments for situations like that. So what if he was wearing some sought of charm that disguised himself," Twilight said.

"Well I don't know about you lot but it's starting to get late and I had a long day so I'm going to turn in, night girls," I said snapping out of my shock and walked over to the stairs.

"Night Ash," the girls said in union.

I walked into my room and got changed into my pyjamas and looked at my bed, I knew my night would be filled with nightmares about the arena.