I was back in the arena in the griffin kingdoms, I was in my armour but I didn't have my disguise on and my scythe's were missing. I looked around to see the arena was abandoned and the sky was a blood red and the sand was white. Weapons were either half buried or sticking out of the sand from previous battles. I looked at my surroundings and I saw my double from a few nights ago, staring back at me.

"You again! Are you going to be doing this to me every time I try to get some sleep?" I asked.

"Perhaps if you kill me then I might disappear for good," my double said, with a voice that would make Nightmare Moon's nightmares seem like a nice dream.

"Certainly left plenty of weapons to do that," I said gesturing to weapons that surrounded us.

"Actually no, your mind created this place and decided to send us to it," my double said.

"Guess my mind has had enough of you and want's you gone," I said.

My double let out an laugh at my statement.

"Perhaps you're right, but I don't plan to go anywhere anytime soon," he said.

"Well I want you gone as well you’re sick and twisted, just like they were," I said.

"DON'T YOU DARE DRAG ME DOWN TO THEIR LEVEL. THEY WERE NOTHING BUT MONSTERS AND YOU KNOW IT!" My double screamed at me.

"You’re one to talk. If I remember correctly you wanted to hang all of them by their own entrails. I just wanted justice, not vengeance!" I shouted back.

"It appears we won't be able to have a pleasant conversation so why don't we end this now," my double said.

"That we can agree on," I said as I picked up a sword and held the blade at the ready. "Before we get started do you have a name?" I asked.

"Odd time to ask don't you think?" my double said.

"Well if I am about to kill you I would like to know your name," I said.

"Burning Rage," he said.

"Suit's you," was all I said before I ran at him

Rage did not move at all, I was about ten feet away before I tripped and fell onto the sand. I looked down at my feet to see what I'd tripped on only to find a rotting griffin talon had grabbed ahold of my leg. I yanked my foot away from the talon but only broke the talon off of the rest of the griffin. I pried the talon from my leg and held it, the claw started wiggling and tried to grab ahold of me while detached from the rest of it's body. I threw it away from me and then looked at the ground, corpses of fighters in the arena started crawling out of the sand like zombies. I held my sword in both hands ready to fight them, only for it to disintegrate into dust leaving me defenceless. I looked back to were Burning Rage was standing only to see he'd disappeared. I then looked back at the corpses and saw the faces of those I'd killed. Each one had a look of agony frozen onto their faces. The corpses moved closer towards me, so I decided to use my fists but it wasn't enough. Not long after, I was overwhelmed by the fallen warriors and they each grabbed a piece of me and started dragging me into the sand.

I woke up to a loud squawk in my ear and sat up straight in a flash and looked at my surroundings for the noise of disturbance. Dust sat next to my pillow staring at me I looked at my surroundings and saw I was in my room again. Looking at Dust again I stroked his wings.

"Thanks Dust, things were about to get ugly for me," I said.

I looked out the window at the sky to see the moon was still above the horizon. I looked at Dust and held my arm out for him to hop onto which he accepted.

"Why don't we start our day early today? I'm not going to get any more sleep and it's nearly sunrise," I asked Dust. His response was a nod.

I walked over to the window and opened it, Dust climbed off of my arm and flew off into the night. I watched the stars for a few minutes in wonder before I left the view to get changed. I came out of the bathroom wearing black pants a blue shirt with a black trim along with a red hooded jacket and my black fingerless gloves. I walked downstairs and I saw all the girls were sleeping in the Library, each resting on a piece of furniture or resting their heads on each other. I smiled at this and decided to have some fun with three of them. I summoned my magic and Rarity's fur turned orange and her mane turned puke green. As for Twilight I made every book shelf disappear and made holograms of the real ones on the ceiling, and lastly for Pinkie, I made her face look like Discord's.

"This is going be good," I whispered to myself.

I left the girls and walked into the kitchen to make breakfast. I looked in the cabinet's and fridge and sighed.

"Wish they had meat, but looks like I'll have to survive on fruit and veg," I said as I grabbed an apple and ate it. When I finished I tossed the core into a bin and walked out the front door into the cool morning air.

I smelled the clear fresh air as I stood outside the Library and relaxed my mind. I walked through the sleeping town and looked at the twinkling stars in the sky. I continued through town until I came to a small hill with a tree, it sat just on the edge of town that looked over the field that was in-between the Everfree forest and Ponyville. I sat under the tree and watched the remaining stars in the sky as they disappeared when dawn approached. It was a calming sensation which left my mind at peace. The sun started to rise above the horizon next to Canterlot mountain. I then saw the most breathtaking sunrise imaginable.

I crossed my legs and began to meditate closing my eyes and listening to the noises around me. The wind blowing through my hair, the water running through the river close to Ponyville, the dirt as my seat and the heat from the sun's rays as they approached me. After a while I opened my eyes to see the sun had almost broken above the horizon. I decided to capture the moment before it was gone. I summoned my sketchbook and drew it down as fast as I could. After I finished I wanted to do something fun for the girls, so I looked to the Everfree and thought.

"Perfect, maybe even Vinyl and Octavia might like that too," I said.

I stood up and dusted myself off before I started walking back to the Library. As I walked, ponies started stepping out of their homes to enjoy the sunrise. I received many happy smiles and waves from many neighbours as I walked by and I did the same, I arrived at the Library and just as I was about to grab the doorknob...

"AHHHHHHHHHHHH,"

I opened the door to see Rarity was looking over herself in a panic and confusion at her new colour, Twilight was staring at the ceiling in shock and Pinkie was making face's with her new face and laughing while Applejack, Spike and Rainbow Dash were laughing their heads off and Fluttershy hid behind her mane. Soon the situation became too much for me and I fell to the floor laughing.

"Aw man, it hurts, make it stop it's just too much for me," Rainbow said while she held her stomach and laughed.

"This is not a laughing matter Rainbow Dash," Rarity said as she stomped her hoof.

"Your right Rarity it's not, it's freakin hilarious! This has to be the best prank I have ever pulled," I said as I managed to pick myself up off the floor.

"You did this!" Twilight shouted at me.

"Dude, who knew you could play a prank like this," Spike said as he found the strength to speak.

"Calm down, it's all an illusion," I said.

I snapped my fingers and Rarity's fur returned to its original colour and the real shelves reappeared and Pinkies face returned to normal.

"Don't you ever do that again, or knight of Equestria or not, you'll be in for a world of hurt," Twilight growled at me.

"Uh Sugercube, if I may ask why didn't you prank Dash, Spike, Fluttershy and myself?" Applejack asked.

"Well first off, I didn't know how both you or RD would have reacted and there was a 50% chance of getting pummelled by you two. So, I played it safe. Spike was asleep in his room and you all know this one rule, no pranking Fluttershy because even the most harmless prank would hurt her feelings. Secondly, Twilight and Rarity needed to lighten up and Pinkie loves a good joke played on her. So I thought I might humour her," I said.

"Well you did a fantastic job Ash. I'll certainly have to up my game with you," Pinkie said.

"Well anyway, I've thought of something that would hopefully get you two to forgive me," I said looking at both Twilight and Rarity.

"It will need to be good if you want my forgiveness," Rarity said as she glared at me.

"Not interrupting anything am I?" A voice says from the front door.

I turn around and I see a familiar light blue Pegasus wearing a white T shirt with a lightning bolt and two wings on both side of it, along with grey pants and a pair of sunglasses.

"Oh hey Soarin, I didn't know you would be coming around here today," I said causing the mane 6 jaws to hit the ground.

"I came to check to see if you’re alright after yesterday," Soarin said.

"I see, but as you can see I'm fine and while you're here why don't you say hi to the girls," I said inviting Soarin inside.

"Thanks," Soarin said.

"Soarin I'd like you to meet Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack and last but not least Rainbow Dash," I said pointing out the girls.

"Nice to finally meet you all and nice two see you two again," he said to both Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

The girls were just speechless that I somehow knew a legendary Wonderbolt, so I explained that he was just visiting Ponyville and Spike and I and the other boys just ran into each other and that Thunderlane and Soarin have a history together.

"Hey Soarin, can you go and gather the other's and ask them if they can meet both the girls Spike and I in-front of the Everfree forest? There's something I want two show you all," I said.

"No problem man," he said as we fist bumped.

As he left I was tackled to the ground by RD.

"You know Soarin? One of the elite Wonderbolts and you didn't tell me?!" Rainbow yelled while griping my jacket.

"We just met yesterday RD and I would have told you, it just slipped my mind, that's all," I said pushing Rainbow off me.

"Um Ash, why did you ask Soarin to ask your friends to meet us outside the Everfree?" Fluttershy asked nervously.

"You'll see, any way I need to grab two other ponies, so I'll see you all later," I said as I walked out the front door.

I was walking towards the Everfree with both Vinyl and Octavia in tow. As we arrived at the entrance I saw both groups of guys and girls.

"Hey everyone, I'd like you all to meet Vinyl Scratch aka DJ Pon-3 and Octavia Melody. I've invited them along because what I'm about to show you is really cool," I said.

"Hey, I know you from the Gala," Pinkie pie said pointing to Octavia

When Octavia saw Pinkie, Octavia hid behind Vinyl for safety.

"Wait, Ash told me about what I did at the Gala and I wanted to say I'm so sorry that I messed up your career," Pinkie said with a frown.

Octavia was shocked at what she'd just heard and inched outward from behind Vinyl towards Pinkie.

"I forgive you and thank you for apologizing," Octavia said as she and Pinkie shook hands.

I smiled at their forgiveness before I got everyone's attention.

"C'mon you guys, let's go before wild beast's show up," I said as I started to walk into the Everfree forest.

"Wait we're going in there?" Comet said.

"Yeah, why?" I asked.

"Because of all the dangerous beasts in there that's why," Rainbow said.

"Gee, never knew you were scared of the Everfree RD," I said.

"I'm not scared, it's just dangerous," Rainbow said.

"Don't worry guy's, hardly any animals come to this area and we're not traveling too deep inside," I said.

"Alright fine, I'll trust you on this," Rainbow said as we all walked in

We walked for 5 minutes before we came to a clearing where a tree stump and a white tree entangled into a bolder sat in the centre of the clearing. I told the others to stand where they were and watch and listen. I walked over to the stump and summoned a wooden flute. I carved once out of thin air and sat on the stump and began to play.

As I played the forest came alive and started to play along with me. The music was heavenly and everyone was too enchanted by the music to be in shock by the forest playing along with me. They just swayed with the rhythm. Once I finished I began to play another song.

After I finished my song I stood up and looked at my audience to see them clapping for me. I rubbed the back of my head and smiled as I walked over to the group.

"So what did you guys think of my performance?" I asked.

"That was incredible, I had no idea that the Everfree forest was so alive with music. Those song's gave me a ton of inspiration," Octavia said.

"It truly is a mystical place isn't it? I came across this place one day when I was still a wolf and the moon was full. I started howling and the forest sang with me," I said.

"This is amazing! I must make a time to study this place," Twilight said with giddiness in her voice.

All of a sudden Spike burped out a scroll.

"Wonder what the princess wants," I said as Twilight picked up the scroll and looked at it.

"It's for you Ash," Twilight said as she handed the scroll to me.

I grabbed the scroll from Twilight and opened it.

Dear Ash Blade,

I am sorry if I have disturbed your day in any way, but I must ask you to come to Canterlot immediately. There is something my sister and I must discuss with you and you alone. So please don't bring the elements of harmony with you. I believe they've had enough of an experience from yesterday and are rather tired, so let them know they should rest.

Princess Celestia.

I reread the letter to make sure I didn't miss anything then rolled up the paper and placed it in my jacket.

"What did it say Ash," Mac asked.

"Celestia and Luna wish to see me in Canterlot," I said.

"We'll come along too," Pinkie said.

"Sorry Pinkie but Celestia wants me to come alone and she told me to tell you 6 to take it easy," I said.

"But I don't need rest I feel fine," Rainbow said.

"Well if your fine maybe you can catch up on some of your weather duties. Besides, this is an order from Celestia and I'm sure your little step sister Scootaloo is worried about you," I said.

"Crap your right! What kind of step sister am I?" Rainbow said as she zoomed out of the clearing.

"I'm sure the rest of you girls have somewhere else you need to be, right?" I asked.

The girls nodded before everyone walked towards the exit of the forest.

The ride to Canterlot was calm and quiet. I kinda wish I did bring the others with me but that was ruined because of Celestia's orders. It made no difference now as I'm standing in front of the Canterlot throne room thinking about what the princesses might say to me. I pull myself out of my thoughts and walk up to the large oak doors and bang on it so I can be heard.

"Come in," a voice called from the other side of the doors.

I placed my hands on the doors and push them open to see both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna talking with each other in front of the throne.

"You wished to see me your majesty's," I said as I walked up to them.

"Ash, thank you for coming on such short notice and I hope you haven't had any difficulties in getting here," Celestia said in a motherly like tone.

"Apart from the looks of disgust from the nobles, everything went rather well. That reminds me, how do those nobles see where they’re going with their muzzles stuck so far up in the air like that?" I said.

"Yes, I sometimes wonder that myself," Luna said with a chuckle.

"Indeed," Celestia laughed.

"Glad to see I'm not the only one who thinks that, but I believe we may be getting off topic. What was it you wanted to see me about," after I spoke both the princesses smile's disappeared "Is everything alright?" I asked.

"Perhaps you may like to take a seat," Celestia said pointing to a small coffee table off to the side.

Three large cushions sat around the coffee table one of them a sunshine gold another was midnight blue and the last was grey, on top of the table sat a tea set. We walked over to the table Celestia sat on the gold cushion while Luna on the blue cushion, leaving me with the grey one. As I sat down Celestia poured us some tea.

"Now, about why you've been summoned here Ash," Celestia said.

I began to feel nervous about what she was about to say.

"We know it was you who fought in the arena yesterday," Celestia said calmly.

At these words my entire world just stopped, a chill ran up my spine but I just looked at the princesses with a blank expression.

"H...how did you find out?" I asked.

"Your dream's gave it away and I was shocked when I found out it was you in that arena," Luna said.

"There is simply no possible way to describe our gratitude towards your bravery, but I just want to know how did you find out about the arena?" Celestia asked while taking a sip of tea.

"It was the letter you sent Celestia, your writing was a bit sloppy and the fact that the girls didn't even say goodbye to me was unusual, so it led me to find out for myself. I was just outside the doors when you were talking about it," I said drinking my tea in one swig.

"I see, you're quite observant of small details. Anyway Luna and I just wanted to thank you for what you did. I know it must of been hard for you to do such a deed," Celestia said.

"I appreciate the concern your majesty's and those leaders learned an important lesson. No one harms the ones I care about and gets away with it, even if it meant chasing them through all nine circles of hell," I said.

"Ash Blade who was it you and Burning Rage were talking to in your dream? And don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about," Luna said sternly.

I stared at Luna in complete shock before I took a deep breath and spoke.

"I'm sorry Luna but that is far too painful to talk about to anyone," I said.

"I understand, I won't pry into the matter," Luna said taking a large sip of tea.

"Who's Burning Rage?" Celestia asked.

"He's my version of Nightmare Moon your majesty, but he's fuelled by vengeance instead of jealousy," I said.

This got a shocked reaction from Celestia.

"He's been with me for 13 years Celestia and in that time he hasn't made any attempt to break free," I said.

This got Celestia to calm down a bit.

"I see, I'm glad to hear he hasn't caused trouble yet," Celestia said.

All of a sudden, the throne room doors burst open to reveal prince Blue Blood and two guards. These guards wore different armour than the Royal Guard. It was white with a gold trim and they were armed with spears. One's fur was a dark grey with a white mane and tail and a horn and the other was white with a dirt brown mane and tail and had neither a horn nor wings. I assumed these guys were Blue Blood's personal guard.

"Blue Blood, I hope you have a good reason to come barging in here because I'm in a meeting with someone important," Celestia said.

"Well I'm sure this pony can wait because my title is prince after all," Blue Blood said as he walked in.

"The princess and I were actually talking first so you'll just have to be patient. I don't much care about your title, so if you don't mind, please leave," I said turning back to the princesses.

"And just who do you think you are telling me what to do peasant? I am Prince Blue Blood. I could have you thrown into a dungeon for the rest of your life!" Blue Blood yelled in anger at me.

"Like I said, I couldn't care less who you are and also, you’re gonna need to come up with something far more intimidating than that. Because I'm not scared of some damp dark cell," I said without looking at Blue Blood.

"Guards get this one out of my sight now!" Blue Blood screamed at his two guards.

"Your Majesty's may I have permission to use self-defence in this room?" I asked.

Celestia was about to speak but Luna was faster.

"Granted," Luna said with a smile.

"Sister what are you doing?" Celestia asked in surprise.

"I wish to see how he can make a non-lethal take down. Also, it will put Blue Blood in his place," Luna replied.

I stood up and looked at the two guards who were ready to use their spears to fight.

"Beat him till every inch of his body is black and blue!" Blue Blood cried.

The guards stood either side of me ready to attack before one of them said.

"Sorry about this but we have to obey him, even though he is a prick. Just please know this is nothing personal," one of the guards whispered to me.

"And I'm sorry about the pain you'll be feeling soon," I replied.

"GET HIM!" Blue Blood roared.

One of the guards made a trust with the blunt end of his spear, but before it could hit me I grabbed ahold of it and yanked it out of his grip. I then twirled it around so the blunt end was facing him and made a jab at him right into his chest, knocking the wind out of him. The other guard made an attempt to hit me in my back but I used the spear I was holding to deflect his attack and make a swing at his stomach, still using the blunt end of the spear. Both guards were on the floor gasping for air. I looked at the princesses and saw Luna with a blush on her face, while Celestia had a look of surprise and Blue Blood was gobsmacked. All of a sudden, more guards appeared, dressed in Royal Guard armour, led by the same pony in gold and purple armour I first met when I first arrived.

"Princesses we came as...," the guard said.

He Looked around the room and saw both the princesses sitting at the table looking at him. And prince Blue Blood looking at me stunned, the two guards on the floor and finally me holding the spear. I looked down at the spear then at him, then I realized the situation.

"Don't just stand there captain, kill him!" Blue Blood yelled.

"Wait it's not...," But I was cut off as the pony in the gold and purple armour unsheathed his sword and teleported in-front of me and made an attempt to swing at my head.

I saw the attack and moved faster. I blocked the lethal attack then we entered into a power struggle, each one of us struggling for dominance until Celestia called out.

"Shining Armour stand down," Celestia said.

"But your majesty thi...," he was silenced when Celestia raised her hand.

"Are you really going to try and kill Twilight's saviour? Not once, not twice, but three time's now," Celestia said.

"This thing saved my sister?" the pony said.

"You’re Twilight's brother?" I said in disbelief as I pushed myself away from the guard.

"Yes, Ash saved her from Nightmare Moon, Discord and also the arena from yesterday," Celestia said quickly defusing the situation.

"So let me get this straight, this thing saved my sister from Nightmare Moon, Discord and in the arena and he also fought against the 4 kingdoms best and won?" the pony asked.

"Yes, I did do that and please don't call me a thing pal. I have feelings too y'know," I said.

"Ash Blade here is quite something wouldn't you agree Shining Armour? Believe it or not he was also the wolf you met in this room," Celestia said calmly while taking another sip of her tea.

"Really, I'm so sorry about everything I did, it's just your appearance makes you look like a threat," the pony who I assumedwas Shining Armour.

"Consider yourself forgiven and a word of advice for the future, get both sides of the story and be swift with it in situations like ours. By the way name's Ash Blade or Ash for short and I'm going to guess your name's Shining Armour," I said.

"Correct. Shining Armour Captain of the Royal Guard, but you can call me Shining," He said extending his hand for me to shake, which I accepted.

"Captain your supposed to have this monstrosity thrown in a cell, or killed. Do it or else suffer a regrettable punishment," Blue Blood wailed.

"Excuse me for a moment," I said to Shining.

I walked over to Blue Blood and as soon as I was in reach I shot him a dark smile causing him to sweat bullets. I reared back my fist and punched him square in the muzzle knocking him out immediately with blood dripping from both his nostrils and mouth.

"Apologies about that, but that guy just don’t know when to shut his trap," I said.

"Don't worry Ash, I'm pretty sure anyone would have done the same. Even I was about to do it," Luna said with a large smile.

"I like this one your majesty, first time I've seen anypony punch Blue Blood," Shining said as he patted me on the back.

"You’re too kind Shining Armour, but anyway Celestia, was there anything else you wanted to talk to me about?" I asked.

"Well I also planned to introduce you to Shining Amour," Celestia said.

"I see, uh should I be worried about him?" I asked looking at the unconscious Blue Blood.

"We'll take care of him sir, we are his personal guards," the earth pony said as the both recovered from my attack.

"What's your name son?" I asked

"Swift Spear sir and this is my partner Holy Light and shamefully, we're Blue Bloods personal guard," Swift Spear said pointing to his unicorn partner.

"Not anymore because after you take Blue Blood to the infirmary I want you boys in Royal Guard armour next time I see you," I said causing everyone in the room to look at me in surprise.

"You mean we don't have to be Blue Blood's lackeys anymore?" Holy Light said in surprise and happiness.

"Is that a problem?" I asked.

"Absolutely not, we would be thrilled to join the Royal Guard," Swift Spear said with excitement.

"Then what are you two waiting for then," I said.

At these words the two soldiers picked up the unconscious prince and carried him away.

"Ash why did you do that?" Shining asked.

"What do you mean? I saw how unhappy those two looked working for Blue Blood and did you see the looks of happiness on their faces when I said they can join the Royal Guard. The look on their faces were similar to when a foal discovers it's cutie mark. Also they had that fire in their eyes, a fire that meant they were willing to serve their country and die for it if necessary. That is something that is really rare to find," I said. Shining, the Princesses and the remaining guards stared at me in awe.

"Wow you must have experience with soldiers," Shining said.

"Close but no. Any way Shining, why don't you go tend to your latest recruits because I'd like to view Canterlot and get to know the place," I said.

"Good Idea, would you like an escort?" Shining asked.

"I don't need someone to look after me Shining, besides they'll only slow me down," I said.

"Ash before you leave, I would like you to return to the castle after your walk. I would like you to go over to the training grounds and help train your new guards," Celestia said.

"Wait, my guards?!" I said shocked.

"But of course, since you are the sixth knight of Equestria you'll have as much command of the army as Shining, but Shining will take his orders from you," Luna said calmly.

This caused both Shining's and my jaws to drop. I tried to form words but was too shocked.

"So in other words, Ash is my superior," Shining asked gobsmacked.

"Sort of, but why are you so shocked Shining Armour? You’re not being demoted, you're just going to take orders from Ash now as well," Celestia said.

"I understand," Shining said in a casual tone.

Without another word both Shining and I left. Once the doors closed we both looked at each other, neither of us knowing what to say.

"I'm sorry about that, but that was just dropped on me too," I said in a guilty tone.

"Not your fault, but Celestia's right. It's not like I'm being demoted," Shining said in a calm tone.

"Wait, you’re not mad?" I asked in a surprised manner.

"No, why?" Shining asked.

"Well in a situation like this, I would receive plenty of death threats," I said.

"Well I'm not like that, but if someone hurt someone I care about, I would make Tartarus seem like a paradise to that pony after what I'd do to them," Shining said.

"Couldn't agree more with you there Shining," I said with a smile.

"Glad to see somepony agrees. Well I'm going to check in on our new recruits so I'll see you later," Shining said with a wave.

"See you at the training grounds," I said before I left.

I exited the castle and pulled my hood over my head and walked towards the city. The streets were filled with activity and I thought of another way to be able see the city. I looked at a two story building on my left and decided to climb it. I ran at the building and leaped and climbed my way to the top. When I was on the roof I looked over the peaceful city until someone called out.

"STOP MY NECKLACE! THIEF, STOP THAT PONY!"

I looked at the street below me and saw a pony wearing a grey hooded jacket with the hood covering his head running away from two other ponies. One was a stallion with a white coat and a blue mane, tail and moustache he had a horn, blue eyes and was wearing a black tuxedo and a molecule. The mare beside him was also a unicorn and had white fur and a white mane and tail and baby blue eyes. She wore a light blue dress that went to her knees and a feathered light blue wide brim hat and was yelling after the running pony. When I heard "thief" and saw the pony running I smiled.

"Finally something fun to do," I said as I began my pursuit along the rooftops. I placed my earphones in my ears and selected a song to get my blood pumping.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeX41lD9b98

I ran across the rooftops after my prey along with the stallion in pursuit. The thief made sharp turns and threw items into the stallion's path to slow him down, which worked but it didn't stop me. I continued my run along the rooftops. the pony was quite fast but I was faster. The pony showed no signs of stopping, so I added more speed. We came to a four way crossing and the pony ran straight ahead forcing me to leap across the street and land on the block of building's roof. The land slowed me down but did not stop me. I poured on even more speed and caught up to the pony. I looked at the pony to see him throw off his jacket and saw a female griffin. She was wearing black pants and spiked heeled combat boots, along with a black top which had a bird's skull on it. The top ended above her stomach and showed off her toned abs. The feathers on top of her head formed a fringe giving her a bad girl look. The griffin extended her wings and was about to take flight. I knew it was either now or never and I ran as fast as I could. As she flew to the second floor I jumped off the building and grabbed the griffin's arm and waist and held on. The griffin looked at me in surprise which quickly turned to anger.

"No free rides dweeb," she said as she used her other hand to scratch my face

I let out a grunt of pain and felt blood drip down my face. I looked at how high we were in the air, we were two storeys up, but the griffin flapped harder to gain altitude. I had to think of a way to bring us downward. I then remembered a griffin's weakness. Spike had told me about it on the carriage yesterday. Both Pegasus and griffin's have a weak spot in-between their wings, so if I hit that spot the wings will lock up for a few minutes. I released my grip on her waist and swang on her on arm. I pulled myself upward and curled my free hand into a fist and brought the bottom of my fist down on the spot. Almost instantly the griffin's wing's locked up and we fell to the pavement. I landed on the pavement and rolled along the ground while the griffin landed in a fruit stand scaring the customers. I picked myself up and looked myself over I landed on my leg and now my right foot bent in a funny position. I had a tear in the right side of my pants revealing a large gash. My upper body was miraculously untouched, except for my head. When I reached down and bent my right foot back into place letting out a yelp of pain. I looked at where the griffin had landed and saw her crawling out of the fruit stand. She was covered in cuts and a few bruises were beginning to form. She tried to move her wings but they were still locked up, she glared at me in anger.

"Listen I don't know who you are but right now I don't care. I just want to return what you stole to its rightful owner's," I said.

"Fat chance loser, if you want it you'll have to fight me for it," the griffin said cracking her knuckles.

"Trust me when I say this, you don't want to fight me," I said.

"Oh but I do. I haven't lost a fight so far and I don't intend to start now," the griffin said showing off her claws.

"Don't say I didn't warn you," I said getting in a fighting stance.

The griffin ran at me with amazing speed, close to Rainbow Dash's. She tried to slash me in the face with her claws again, but I just managed to dodge her attack and counter her attack with a jab to her gut. She cried out in pain and then punched me in the face right over my wound to my head. I stumbled back in pain then she delivered her spiked left heel into my grazed leg causing it to bleed. I cried out in pain but managed to grab her foot with my left hand and held her foot there. I started repeatedly punching her in her stomach ribs and face she grew angry and slashed at my arm and then my chest tearing the cloth, leaving a fairly deep wound in my arm and very light cut on my chest. I released her foot as she went to slash at my face again. I grabbed her wrists to stop her trying to cut me, she then used her beak to try and poke my eye out, but I moved my head to the side to avoid it and head-butted her jaw. I then kicked her in the thigh and sidestepped her. I pulled her forward and she fell and landed on her stomach on the ground. I grabbed her right arm and pulled it back slightly threatening to break it and placed my knee on her back so she wouldn't move.

"Give up, or do you want a broken arm?" I asked her.

"Alright, you win," the griffin said.

"Where's the item you stole?" I asked.

The griffin used her other arm to reach into her pocket and pulled out a thick golden diamond studded necklace. I grabbed the necklace and placed it in my pocket, then I released the griffin and backed away from her while wiping the blood from my face. We stared at each other for an unknown amount of time until she spoke.

"I'm sorry," the griffin whispered.

"Could you repeat that I couldn't hear you," I said leaning closer.

"I SAID SORRY DAMNIT. WANT ME TO SCREAM IT FOR YOU?" She yelled.

"No actually, I just wanted you to speak up so I could hear you. Not for you to yell it into my ear," I said as I held my ear from the pain. "Why the hell did you steal this anyway?" I asked.

"I was gonna sell it for food and shelter. Ever since my dad kicked me out of my home I've had nowhere else to go," she said in an annoyed tone.

"Sorry to hear that," I said.

"I'm actually glad to be rid of him, he was always a prick," she said as she sat up to look at me.

"What about friends? Couldn't you stay with any of them?" I asked.

"The only friend that put up with me traded me for some new friends," she said letting out a few tears.

"So you're alone huh?" I said.

"Yeah but what would you care?" she asked.

"Well I know how it feels to be alone," I said.

This seemed to grab the griffin's attention as she looked at me. I then explained to her about being abandoned as a baby and my being raised by wolves. Then how they were killed and then how I lost my arm in a fire. I gave her a brief run down of up until I arrived in Equestria. When I was finished she was gobsmacked by my past.

"Guess you got me beat, but how didn't you end up like me and ended up like you?" she asked.

"I try to see the good in everything. There were times when I wanted to do something stupid, but I knew it wasn't the answer. So I just ignored it and moved on," I said plainly.

"Damn, wish I had your point of view. Then things would be different between Rainbow Dash and me," she said.

The name she said grabbed my attention then I remembered back at the Bronco that Rainbow mentioned a friend she lost a long time ago.

"What's your name?" I asked.

"Gilda. Why?" she asked.

"I just happen to know Dash," I said with caution.

"Oh," Gilda replied.

"Want to talk about it?" I asked.

"Why? Didn’t Rainbow tell you how it went down," Gilda said annoyed.

"She got upset when I asked about it and changed the subject," I said.

"Guess the situation hit us both pretty hard," Gilda said.

"Do you want to talk about it?" I asked.

"Might as well, you did tell me your story so it kinda seems fair," Gilda then explained to me when she went to visit RD but continued to be interrupted by Pinkie and also how she roared at Fluttershy. Then she told me about the party and how she lost her temper. Rainbow caught her out on it and when she returned home she was kicked out. She had been alone ever since then and what she had to do to survive. When she finished she had tears in her eyes. I walked over to her and wrapped her in a hug. Gilda was completely taken by surprise, but did not push me away. Instead she wrapped her arms around me and cried onto my shoulder.

"Thanks," she mumbled as I released her.

"You looked like you needed it," I said.

"Guess I'm off to prison then," Gilda said as she stood.

"Who said anything about prison," I said.

"But I thou...," Gilda began only for me to cut her off.

"Listen, what's going to happen is you’re going to come with me to return the necklace to the owner. Then we need to make a quick trip to Canterlot castle and then, we head to Ponyville so we can fix your relationship with Dash," I said.

" What?! But no one will forgive me," Gilda said.

"You don't know that. If you tell the couple about why you took the necklace and apologise for it, then they might forgive you and you leave Rainbow to me. I'll take care of her deal?" I said holding out my hand.

"Alright we have a deal," Gilda said as she accepted my hand.

We retraced our steps until we found the couple sitting on a bench and I saw the mare was balling her eyes out. I handed the necklace to Gilda and we approached them carefully until I spoke.

"Um, excuse me," I said gaining their attention but they gasped in shock at my appearance.

"By Jove are you alright?" the stallion asked.

"I'm fine, but is it alright if we talk?" I asked.

"I'm sorry my boy, my wife had a family heirloom stolen from her a little while ago," the stallion said.

"Well that's why we’re here. I want to return what I stole," Gilda said showing them the necklace.

Both of the ponies gasped in shock and surprise at this. The mare took the necklace from Gilda and held it close to her chest.

"I...I'm so so sorry. If I knew this was an heirloom I would never have taken it. But I needed something so I could buy food for myself. I hope you can find it in your heart's to forgive me," Gilda said as she looked at the ground.

The couple whispered to each other for a bit before they looked back at us.

"Well, since you returned the necklace and apologized for taking it, we understand you had a good reason for taking it. So let's forget this incident ever happened, shall we?" the stallion said with a warm smile.

"Thank you ever so much for this second chance," Gilda said.

"And thank you for returning this and for your help Sir Ash Blade. I'll be sure to repay you for your kindness," the stallion said as he and the mare bowed their heads.

"It was no trouble at all Mr..." I said.

"Fancy Pants and this is my wife Fleur De Lis," he said.

"Charmed," Fleur De Lis said.

"Well I'm sure we'll be seeing each other again soon, but for now we must be on our way," I said.

We shook hands and we went our separate ways.

"Sir Ash Blade as in the human, Ash Blade?" Gilda asked surprised.

"Oh yeah I never told you my name, sorry," I said as I took the hood off.

"It's cool, I'm just surprised that I'm talking to a myth from the Griffin Kingdom," Gilda said looking me over.

"Myth huh? Well I can assure you of one thing, I'm very real," I said as we continued towards the castle.

"SWEAT MOTHER OF CELESTIA AND LUNA! WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU!?" Shining yelled when both Gilda and I entered the training ground's observation room. To my surprise both the princesses were there as well and they were horrified at my slashed and bleeding appearance.

"Nothing big, I'm fine really," I said waving my hand dismissively.

"Ash, it looks like you fought a griffin," Shining said in shock.

"Well he actually did," Gilda said gaining attention from the Princesss and Shining.

"Ash, what happened?" Luna asked with a slight growl in her voice while glaring daggers at Gilda.

"Just an incident that lead us to fighting each other, but it has been sorted out so you don't need to worry about it," I said calming Luna.

"Here, let me stop the bleeding for you Ash. I will need contact with your injuries to heal them," Celestia said as she charged her magic

"Alright Celestia," I said as I removed my top and jacket and tore the hole in my pants to make it bigger so Celestia could heal it. Celestia, Shining and Gilda just stared at the scars covering my chest and the metal arm connected to me.

"Damn, you must have gone to Tartarus and stayed there for a week before you came back," Shining said looking over my mangled body. Celestia's horn taped my wounds covering them in a magic aura healing my injury's except leaving scars on both my arm and face and leg.

"I'm sorry Ash but that's the best I can do for you," Celestia said as she looked at the freshly made scars.

"It's alright Celestia, I kinda like the scar going across my eye it makes me look badass," I said as I placed my top and jacket back on.

"Can you please wait outside for Ash," Shining asked looking at Gilda.

Gilda nodded before she left. Once the door closed behind Gilda I turned my head back to face the princesses.

"Please don't be so reckless like that," Luna sighed.

"Alright Luna sorry about that," I said.

"Well Ash these are your new troops," Shining said pointing to the window

I looked out the window to see a small dirt filled arena with stone seat's around the outside, there were guards doing training exercises, like hand to hand combat and sword training. But what these guys were doing was just sad.

"Are these guys new recruits or something?" I asked.

"No they're trained soldiers," Shining said.

"Well I hate to break this to you Armour, but this is pathetic. The rouge's in the arena did a better job than this. Also, why isn't there a single shield out there? I know unicorns can use magic but the others can't. Also a unicorns magic must run out eventually," I said.

"Equestria hasn't seen war in a long time, and we never needed those kinds of shields before," Shining said.

"That's no excuse Shining, if war were to come tomorrow and these guys went into battle like this, they would be slaughtered for sure. Also a shield is one of the most important tools in warfare," I said in a stern voice.

"So what do you suggest we do?" Celestia asked.

"Well, I suggest you all carry on with the training and I'll set up a new training program and provide shields for both Royal and Luna Guard," I said as I began to leave.

"Where are you going now Ash?" Luna asked.

"I'm going back down to Ponyville so I can get started on the new training schedule, but I'll return once I have everything ready," I said before I left the room.

"So what now your majesty's?" Shining asked.

"We do as Ash says and continue the guard's training until Ash has made the adjustments," Celestia said.

"Understood, but I can't help but wonder about his past. Do you both know of it and if you do can you please tell me?" Shining asked.

"I'm sorry Captain but that's a story for him to tell," Luna replied

The ride back to Ponyville was silent between Gilda and I, it was obvious she was nervous about talking to Rainbow after such a long time.

"It's going to be fine Gilda, I promise," I said.

"I still don't like this," Gilda replied.

"Well it's too late to back out now because we're here, and it looks like the girls are at the station as well," I said looking out the window.

"WHAT! Aww crap aww crap! I can't do this," Gilda said in a panic.

"Gilda calm down, just let me do the talking first ok?" I said rubbing her arms

"Ok," Gilda said as she began to calm down.

The train pulled to a halt at the station and the passengers started to disembark. The girls waited for me to appear. I stepped off the train with the hood covering my face while the girls all gasped in shock and Rarity looked ready to pass out at the sight of my shredded clothes.

"Whoa partner what happened to you," Applejack said.

"I'm fine guys it's all good, but there's someone who wants to talk to all of you," I said as I turned to the still open train car.

Slowly Gilda revealed herself to the mane 6. The girls gasped in surprise, then their faces turned into anger, even Fluttershy had a look of anger on her face, but Rainbow's was the worst.

"You!" Rainbow yelled before she charged at Gilda.

Before she could reach her I grabbed ahold of Dash's tail and held on to it.

"Cool your wings RD, she just wants to talk," I said while holding onto Dash's tail with ease.

"She hurt my friends, and judging by those talon slashes on your clothing she almost carved you up!" Rainbow yelled still trying to grab Gilda.

"If it makes you feel any better, I beat her up too so now we're square alright? So can you please let her speak?" I asked.

Rainbow looked at me in confusion then she flew back over to the girls. I stepped to the side and allowed Gilda to step forward.

"Um hey Dash, look I understand you and your friends all hate my guts, but I...I...I'm sorry. I'm sorry I was so rude to all of you and how I acted like I did. It wasn't cool. But ever since that day when we last saw each other, I've been alone, and it hurt a lot and I know the chances are slim to none but, if you could give me a second chance then I will do my best to make it up to each and every one of you," Gilda said with a few tears in her eyes.

Pinkie and Fluttershy's expressions turned into guilt when they saw Gilda start to cry, Applejack, Rarity and Twilight looked at Gilda with a neutral expression's but Rainbow Dash still looked at Gilda in anger.

"C'mon RD, what more do you want from her she said sorry," I said.

"I know what she said, but it doesn't mean I'll forgive her," Rainbow said.

"Dash do you have any idea what she's been through?" I asked.

Rainbow looked at me in confusion, before I was about to speak, but Gilda grabbed my shoulder and stepped in front of me cutting me off. She began to tell the tale about her father being a complete prick and beating her up for no reason. She spoke of when she came to see Rainbow again, and she thought Pinkie and the girls might take Rainbow away from her and RD would forget about her. When she returned home after they last saw each other she was kicked out of her own home and told them everything she had to do to survive and today's incident as well. When she finished each mare had a look of shock and guilt on their face, Rainbow flew over to Gilda and wrapped her in a hug.

"Why didn't you tell me G?" Rainbow asked.

"Because I knew you didn't want anything more to do with me after what I did to you and your friends," Gilda sniffed.

"You feather brain if you told me your problem's then all of this could have been avoided," Rainbow said ruffling Gilda's feathers

"So does this mean?" Gilda asked.

"Yep apology accepted," Rainbow said releasing her grip on the griffin.

Everyone let out a smile before Gilda raced over to me and pulled me into a hug causing everyone to stare at me in shock.

"Thank you so much," Gilda said burying her face in my chest.

"No problem," I said smiling as I pulled the hood off my face and rubbed her head.

"Hey Ashy where did you get the cool scar?" Pinkie asked.

The mane 6 looked at me and stared stunned at the three new scars that went over my left eye.

"Gift from Gilda but I'm cool with it, makes me look awesome," I said.

"Well before anything else happens you're coming with me to get your clothes fixed," Rarity said grabbing my arm and draging me towards her boutique while the others followed us, giggling all the way.

"Now Ash darling, you simply mustn't be reckless with your clothes like that," Rarity said as we arrived at her boutique.

"Ok Rarity, I get it, geez you'd make a fine mother some day" I said as I rolled my eyes just as the girls entered.

"Now Ash, please take that shirt and jacket off and stand on the podium so I can take your measurements," Rarity said completely ignoring my comment.

I did as she asked but when I removed my clothing Rarity let out a gasp of horror as she stared at my back.

"Rarity what's wrong?" Twilight asked concerned for her friend as she and the others walked over to Rarity and looked at my back.

I turned my head to see what was wrong and I saw mixtures of shock and confusion on everyone's face, each one staring at my back.

"Ash, what does that mark mean?" Rarity asked

All of a sudden my face became pale and I realised what they were staring at. It was a burn mark of a serpent that looped around itself and looked like it was crawling out of a hole in my body.

"Oh No."

Author's Notes:

Hope you're all enjoying this. Send me a comment if you have an idea of what the burn mark means, but don't worry I will reveal what it means in a later chapter.