6:00 pm Aephoceria Castle Hallway

I was walking down the hallways because Pinkie wanted to talk to me, which I found confusing because she normally just pops out of the most random of places if she wants to talk or just say hi. I was given a map of directions of where she wanted to talk to me, so here I was following the directions till I came to a set of double doors that were bigger then most doors in this castle.

"Bones."

I looked at the voice and I saw Nightmare was approaching me.

"Hey Nightmare," I said as I noticed a piece of paper in her hands. "Were you invited her by Pinkie too?"

"Yeah," Nightmare said before we both looked at the doors before us in suspicion.

"What do you think we do?" Nightmare asked.

"We open it," I said.

"And if it's a trap set up by more of those ponies who worship me or a Rouge Wraith?" Nightmare asked.

"If it is then they are gonna wish I killed them quickly," I said as I summoned a knife made of shadows.

I held it behind my back just in case I was wrong before I opened the doors and was greeted by pitch black. Nightmare and I then slowly entered the room being mindful of where I stepped when suddenly the doors behind us slams closed, leaving us in complete darkness. I heard Nightmare let out a yelp of fright which I found adorable when suddenly the lights turned on blinding me.

"SURPRISE!"

I then held the blade out before me, crouched into an attack stance and used my ears to listen for any movement. As I listened my eyes slowly adjusted to the light around us and when my sight returned the first thing I saw was bright colors and streamers. Then I saw I was in a really spacious yet welcoming room and there was an extremely long banner that said 'Happy Welcome/Return to and Help Save Equestria Party'. I then looked around and saw everyone I met and called friend since I woke up from under that Mangrove was here, which was quite a lot of people/ponies. I then saw some of them were looking at me nervously and soon saw they were staring at the blade I was still holding. I quickly pulled it behind my back and made it disappear before I rubbed the back of my head and chuckled nervously.

"Uh sorry about that everyone walking into a dark room door slams behind you...yeah I'm not helping myself," I said.

"No, no we should have known that the both of you aren't used to surprise parties since you've never had one," Twilight said.

"Told ya so," Elisa said as if stating a fact.

"In any case you're both here now so I say we get this party started!" Rage shouted before he pointed to Vinyl who zipped over to a DJ turntable and began to play some beats.

Nightmare and I looked at each other before we smiled with a shrug and went off to enjoy the festivities. Now at first I saw some of the games were a bit...childish but in the end they turned out to be rather fun like a pinata shaped like a caribou, Nightmare was the one who busted that open. Next came an apple bobbing contest, Caramel got the most in that one probably thanks to his big mouth. All in all the party was actually fun. Rage then brought out an adult or teenager game called beer pong. The point of this game is a bit like ping pong. You have a table, two players and a ping pong ball but the difference was that you have six cups on either end of the table with some kind of alcohol in them. You had to toss the ping pong into one of those cups and if you manage to do so the person on the opposite side has to drink from the cup and remove it from the table before they take their turn. If you miss it's passed onto the next person to take a turn. I managed to win four times and even managed to score a cup while having a hand over my eyes, which caused everyone to go nuts at the trick. As we played everyone got a turn and I was happy to see some out of the nobility who were not afraid to let loose every once and awhile.

"Ah *hic* don't intend *hic* tooooo *hic* give up so *hic* easily," Fancy Pants slurred as he held the ping pong ball.

"Well Mr Pants do your worst," I challenged with a smirk as I looked down at the table and saw the both of us were down to one cup each.

Fancy Pants then seemed to be focusing on his aim but was swaying on his hooves a bit till finally he tossed it. I watched as the ball landed on the table and bounced into the air before it came down on the edge of the cub. It bounced once again and landed in the cup causing everyone on Fancy Pant's side to cheer and to receive a kiss from his wife. I removed the ball from my cup and lifted it to the victor before I threw my head back and sculled down my drink.

"Whoa easy there Bones," Rage cautioned.

"Rage I'm dead, what's the worst that's gonna happen?" I asked as I tossed the cup into one of the trash bins that were around the room.

Suddenly I heard the sound of a mic coming to life and I saw Pinkie was on a stage with a mic.

"I can see everypony is having a good time," Pinkie said causing everyone to cheer in agreement. "Awesome but there's one more activity I want to do for the night and it is one of my favourites. You all know what it is give me a K, give me an A, give me an R, give me an A, give me an O-K-E and you get karaoke! Now a special request was put in tonight by Moony here for her and her sisters so why don't you five get on up her.

And so Celestia, Chrysalis, Dream Catcher, Luna and Nightmare stepped up onto the stage before Pinkie handed Nightmare the mic and the alicorns all gathered around it to sing. Nightmare seemed to give the mares a pep talk before she nodded at Pinkie who pressed a button on a machine.

As the song played the mares began to sing and I gotta tell you, they were magnificent as they sang and danced. When the song ended they more then earned the applause that was handed to them. Nightmare then placed the mic on a stand and when the mares stepped off stage I suddenly appeared on it facing the mic. When I looked around to figure out what was going on I saw Nightmare wave at me with her fingers, causing me to give a small snort to the obsidian black alicorn. Pinkie then pressed play on her machine and as the music began, I felt like I should get out of here but the look I was getting from everyone was saying that that wasn't going to happen. It didn't help when everyone began to clap to the beat encouraging me to go on so I took a breath, gripped both the stand and mic and began to sing.

As I sang the song I saw many people were getting into it, especially the apple family. Can't say that I blame them though it is a pretty nice song to sing to. When it ended I received a round of applause and cheers from everyone. I gave a quick bow before I got off stage and enjoyed the rest of the party from the sidelines.

2:30am

The party died down half an hour ago and everyone who attended either left or passed out onto the floor, everyone except me that is. I watched everything and saw it all slowly wind down to the point the raging fire became a single ember. I looked over everyone and saw some in the embarrassing positions that made a smile crawl across my face. Suddenly I saw the door open and in the door frame was the shape of a child. As I focused on the shape details began to appear like the child's brown and white coat and that the child was holding a brown teddy dressed as a pirate.

"Pipsqueak," I said as I stood up. "What are you doing up?"

"I had a dream about dad *yawn* and then I woke up. So I went looking for Mum so I could talk to her about it," Pip said as he rubbed some sleep out of his eyes.

"Poor kid. Even though it's been three years, a child his age can never get over the fact that there was a death of someone close to them...God knows how many times I've done that to others," I thought before I turned back to Pip. "I'm afraid your mother may have had a little too much to drink kiddo. It's gonna be difficult to wake someone like that up."

"Oh...okay uh thanks for letting me know about that Bones, sleep well," Pip said as he began to walk away.

"Pip," I said causing the child to halt and look at me. "Would you like to tell me, y'know as a way to make you comfortable again so you can sleep."

"Yes please and I know of a nice place to go so I can talk about it," Pip said before he led me down the hallway.

Our walk took us to the place where Luna showed me her memories of when she first met the knights. Pip sat on the stone bench and got comfortable.

"Aren't you cold Pip?" I asked.

"No it's a warm night really," Pip said.

I then took notice to the air and discovered it was indeed warm, like my body was wrapped in one of the warmest, most softest and gentlest blanket ever woven.

"So it is," I said as I shuddered from the warmth.

"Mum, Dad, Midnight and me always enjoy these nights," Pip said as he gazed at a bright blue star next to the moon.

"That the wishing star?" I asked.

"Mm-hm Mum made that for dad after he died. She said he would never want a constellation of himself up there so she made it simple, a single star just for him right next to her moon. My friends say that there are a lot of ponies who wish upon it and Apple Bloom said that her family prey to him at dinner," Pip said causing me to nod quietly

"So tell me about your dream Pip?" I asked.

"I uh...I don't really remember it I just know I dreamed it. That's why I always go to Mum so she can show me what I dreamed about," Pip said.

"Ah...Would you like me to try?" I asked.

"Mm-hm," Pip nodded with a hum.

I then called upon my magic and placed a hand on Pip's head. Suddenly an image of what happened in Pip's dream appeared before us and it was Pip surrounded by a thick fog. The only thing besides the fog was a tall dead and barren tree. When Pip approached the tree he began to sing and the sound of small bells joined in.

Come out moon come out wishing star
Come out come out Wherever you are

Pip then began to climb the tree and when he reached the top I saw what looked like a sea of thick clouds. Above it was an exact replica of the night sky of Equestria complete with a full moon and beside it a bright blue star.

I'm out here in the dark all alone and wide awake. Come and find me
I'm empty and I'm cold and my heart's about to break. Come and find me
I need you to come here and find me cause without you I'm totally lost.

I've hung a wish on every star, it hasn't done much good so far.
I can only dream of you. Wherever you are.

I then saw a cloud rise out of the sea of fog and take the shape of a group of four. Two of them were foals, one smaller then the other, and there was what looked like a female alicorn. She was holding onto one of the foals in her arms while the other foal was on another's shoulders. This one looked like a human but with wings making the picture perfectly obvious of Pip's entire family and I could here the faint sound of children laughing.

I'll hear you laugh I'll see you smile I'll be with you, just for awhile.
But when the morning comes and the sun begins to rise I will lose you
Because it's just a dream and when I open up my eyes I will lose you.

Suddenly Ash's cloud faded into air leaving the three ponies behind while Pip just sat down against the trunk of the tree as the remaining clouds vanished.

I used to believe in forever but forever's just too good to be true.
I've hung a wish on every star, it hasn't done much good so far.
I don't know what else to do except to try and dream of you
and wonder if you're dreaming too, wherever you are

Wherever you are.

As the song finished I couldn't help but feel the first tears I've ever shed since I came here crawl down my face. I looked down at Pip and saw the young colt was fast asleep and cuddled up to my side. So I took him into my arms and brought him back to his room. When I laid him on his bed and tucked him in I noticed a balcony behind a pair of window doors. I opened them to allow the night air in before I looked up at the blue star.

"I hope you truly know how much they loved you pal," I said before I left.

I then went down to where the party was and grabbed Rage, Elisa and Evan in my magic. I brought them to the Airship Docks before I tossed some water on the four, waking them from their slumber with a start.

"The hell Bones!" Elisa yelled when she saw me.

"Let's go," I said.

"Go...go where?" Evan asked.

"Where do you think?" I asked.

"The Crystal Empire," Rage said in shock.

"The sooner we get this done, the sooner Equestria is in the rightful hand of the royals and the sooner the Caribou will fall," I said.

"Shouldn't you say goodbye then?" Evan asked but I didn't reply. "You're not going to?"

"And why the hell not?" Elisa asked angrily.

"Because...," I started but trailed off.

"Because of what Bones huh are you afraid, scared of what will happen once you tell everyone?" Elisa demanded.

"I can't stand long goodbyes alright!" I shouted causing Elisa's mouth to snap closed before she could open it again as tears began to flow from my eyes. "Long goodbyes leave lasting pains in ones chest and that is the one thing I can't handle. Every time I collect a soul of someone whose at their end, they often ask to let them say goodbye one last time and that...that is far more painful then a thousand hot swords being sheathed in your body. Besides if I don't do this now it will get harder and harder for me to give up this thing."

Rage then stepped forward before he placed a hand on my shoulder before he nodded.

"I'll go rouse the crew along with some guards and some guardians. I recommend you two head to The Mother of Invention to grab some gear before coming back to me so I can cure your hangovers, if you have one. It appears that today, hell's gonna be knocking at the Crystal Empire," Rage said.

3:45 am

Snow raged all around us as I peered at the Crystal Empire through a spyglass. I had Kamau infiltrate the Empire and he said that the blizzard we are in had surrounded the empire since Blueblood and the caribou took over, leaving a small field of grass in between the storm and the empire. When it was taken over, a large wall was built to surround the empire and place it in an anti teleportation field. So we can't get in that way and automated turrets now man the walls that will shoot anything that moves within the field. The only way in is via the slave or supply train and both are thoroughly searched from engine to caboose, so there's no way we can transport the army in that way and those turrets would rip us to shreds as soon as we got close.

"Blueblood has really stepped up his game while he was gone, but then again this is the key pin to the caribou's hold on Equestria so I shouldn't be that surprised," Rage commented.

"Any ideas on how we can get in there," Elisa asked as she rubbed her hands together before breathing on them.

Suddenly my fellow harbingers looked at me before I looked through the spyglass once more before lowering it.

"I think I have an idea. When it's time you lot charge in and liberate all the slaves and crystal ponies. From what you said Rage we're going to need their love and loyalty in order to provide energy to the heart so we can take back the empire," I said.

"Okay but what are you going to do and how will we know when it's time?" Evan asked.

"You let me worry about it and don't move until you hear the screams of dying caribou," I said before I activated my Wraith Walk and disappeared into limbo.

I then ran through the blizzard into the field and stopped to see if the turrets were firing at me, which they weren't. So I ran across the field and quickly scaled the wall before I jumped down onto the other side. I looked around to see if it was clear before I deactivated the Wraith Walk and pulled my hood over my head and hid Hingure in my coat. Kamau mentioned this place is also a city as well as a re-education center and considering how early it is, I doubt many will be up and about. Kamau also told me the turrets defences was in the re-education center so my first objective was there. I then took out a map and saw the place where Kamau marked as re-education center before I made my way over to the building. Upon arrival I tried to open the door but it was locked so I transformed my body into a mist like smoke and slipped trough the cracks.

Once I was on the other side I solidified and walked further inside. I passed by many cells but didn't bother to look inside. I was actually looking for a guard or some kind of member of staff till I heard grunts, moans and voices from up ahead and the moans were the type that didn't bring comfort to me. So I hurried over and once I made it to the room. I quietly opened the door and saw a mare wearing a black collar and was strapped to a table on her hands and knees while a rubber dildo was being pistoned into her marehood and another into her mouth. The one in her mouth was connected to a tube that was connected to a container containing a white liquid which I guessed may have been cum. The one operating the machine was a caribou covered in scars and missing an eye leading me to believe he was once a soldier or perhaps a mercenary because the scars were clearly from battle.

However this didn't matter to me because I was boiling with rage at the sight before me. So once again I became smoke and stealthily made my way over to the controls before I solidified myself and hit the off switch, shutting down the machine and causing the dildos to remove themselves from the mare. When the caribou went to look at me I wrapped my fingers around the bastard's throat and lifted him into the air above me. Suddenly the caribou brandished a combat knife and impaled it through my neck. At first all was quiet but slowly, I reached up and gripped the knife before I removed it, then looked up and growled at the caribou.

"Conquest," the buck said before I tossed him into the wall.

I then quickly walked over to the caribou before I grabbed him again and held him at face level. I then noticed the container of cum next to us so I removed the lid and shoved the caribou's head into the cum and held him there while he thrashed around trying to get out.

"I'm going to ask you nicely once, where are the controls for the turrets on the wall?" I asked before I pulled him out.

"Curse you, you motherless dog," the caribou said before I punched him in the chest hard enough to knock the wind out of him before I shoved his head into the cum once more.

"Last chance, where is the control room for the turrets on the wall. Tell me now or you can drown in this vat of cum," I demanded before I pulled him up.

"Ok, ok it's on the top floor, second door on the left as you exit the staircase," the buck said.

"Much obliged," I said before I shoved the buck's head back into the vat of cum and watched as he thrashed around till he became still.

I held the head in place for just a few more minutes, just to make sure the bastard was dead before I let go of him and released the mare from her restraints before I made my way over to the door.

"Thank you," the mare said.

"Better find a place to hide. When you see someone who isn't a caribou, like a warrior with blue fire coming out of their armor, go with them they're here to help," I said before I left.

I then went up the stairs and came to the top floor before I saw the room the buck told me about. I entered and saw it was full of monitors and a control panel but no one watching them, leading me to believe that caribou from before was the one who was supposed to be watching the monitors. I then searched the panel and found the switches that turned off the turrets before I summoned a cup of water and poured it over the panel, causing sparks and smoke to rise from it and the monitors to go dark. With a nod I decided to go give the signal but how, that was going to be difficult. I mean I had the explosives to be sure but where to set them off would be difficult.

I then exited the building and began my search for a place near the section of the wall I came over and where the army is waiting in the blizzard. I soon came across what appeared to be a pub or tavern of some sort. I saw a lot of mares were lying down on the crystal hard ground and all of them appeared to be asleep, curling up against each other for warmth. I then looked at the tavern doors before I figured this might be a good place to set off some fireworks, so to speak. I walked inside the tavern and saw males all over the place either singing or drinking or gambling and many of them were piss drunk. I scanned the room looking for any mares or brainwashed stallions but saw none about so I walked over to bar, sat at one of the stools and waited for the bartender to come and attend me.

An azure blue stallion with a white and green wavy mane and tail with green eyes then came out from a backdoor carrying a barrel of some kind of alcohol. He set it down below the counter and I saw he was wearing some kind of bar tender uniform.

"What can I get ya pal?" the stallion asked.

"I just need some questions answered pal," I said.

"Alright shoot," the stallion said.

"This place, it have any rooms for a good fucking," I said as I felt bile fill my mouth just for saying that.

"Sorry pal this is an all male zone, no mares allowed in this joint. Which is why they're all tied up out there," the stallion said.

"Ah too bad and I assume these boys are all loyal to Diann correct," I asked.

"Yep all males within the empire, besides the crystal stallions that is. Each one loyal to Diann's crown," the stallion said.

"Shame," I thought. "Can I get a glass of cider pal?" I asked causing the stallion to nod before he grabbed a glass and filled it before handing it to me. When I drank I saw the name tag on his shirt before lowering my glass. "Pierce. As in Pokey Pierce?"

"How do you know my first name?" Pierce asked.

"I know your marefriend Pinkie Pie," I said causing Pierce to grab me by the coat and pull me forward as he held a blade at my throat. "Easy, easy I didn't mean it in that way I know her as a friend."

"Liar," the stallion said.

"There any wanted posters in here?" I asked.

Pierce then glanced at the wall near the door. I looked too and saw a wanted poster with my name and face on it. When he saw that Pierce released me and lowered the knife.

"Sweet merciful Ash Blade your Bones...The Harbinger Conquest," Pierce almost shouted causing me to quickly shush him before we looked around to see if anyone noticed. When I saw no one was paying attention I turned back to Pierce. "Sorry but whoa...Your actually here."

"Yeah appears so huh," I said with a chuckle.

"Pinkie, is my little sugar baby alright?" Pierce asked.

"Whoa, whoa don't get weird on me pal," I said.

"Sorry," Pierce apologised.

"Yes Pinkie is alright...and as strange as she can be. But she's back at Aephoceria, Ash's birth place. The only ones that came here was myself, our army and my fellow harbingers. Burning Rage is one of those Harbingers," I said.

"War," Pierce said with a nod.

"Tell me Pinkie told me you do earrings and piercings, why are you doing bar tending so far north?" I asked causing Pierce to sigh.

"When the fall came I was separated from Pinkie. Caribou came to me demanding I put piercings on mares and all other female species bodies in lewd areas, but I refused to put a piercing on someone who didn't want it or had a broken mind. So I closed my shop and came here hoping to find out where Pinkie was because the names of all mares who are with their, so called masters, is filed here. I couldn't get into the archives so I decided to take a job here while I figured out how to get into the archives and no one would accept me but this place. I've had no such luck in finding the file I wanted till you came," Pierce said.

"Glad I could help," I said.

"So what are you doing here?" Pierce asked

"We're here to take back the empire and return the crystal heart," I said as I showed him the heart still in my chest causing his eyes to widen.

"How, the turret's on the wall-," Pierce started.

"Already taken care of. All that's left is to light a signal for the army and we'll have an all out battle on our hands," I said.

"How can I help?" Pierce asked causing me to look at him strangely before I remembered that the mare's coltfriends once were all assassins.

"How many people in the empire do you know?" I asked.

"Almost everyone, habit from Pinkie," Pierce said.

"Kay now be honest, how many stallions are there who still remain loyal to the princess here?" I asked.

"Like I said before the only ones who are still loyal are the crystal ponies, everyone else turned traitor. Although I'm not sure about those working in the palace, it may be possible a few are okay," Pierce said.

"Okay and where are those crystal ponies?" I asked.

"All the males are being held in the dungeon in the castle while the mares are in the re-education center. It appears that the crystal ponies are immune to mind control magic," Pierce said.

"Interesting," I said before I looked at the males still parting around us. "Listen I plan to blow up this place along with everyone in it but I need a way to get them all to stay in here till it blows."

"I think I got you covered, might wanna head to the door," Pierce said before he walked around the bar. We both made our way to the door before Pierce stopped and looked at the crowd. "Hey boys!" Pierce shouted gaining everyone's attention. "I quit, drink's on the house."

And just like that every male in the place scrambled over to the bar causing me to whistle in awe.

"Nicely done," I said.

"So how are you gonna blow this place up?" Pierce asked.

I simply pointed to a bag that is still next to the stool I once sat on causing Pierce to nod before we left. I then looked at the mares that were still huddling together for warmth as they slept. I then made a head gesture to the mares to Pierce who nodded. We then shook the mares awake before we began to undo their collars and help them up before Pierce led them to an alleyway while I helped the last few mares.

"Hey what do you think you're doing with those bitches."

I looked over my shoulder and saw a pair of caribou with a mare on her hands and knees being held by a leash. I summoned a pair of shadow knives and spun around before tossing the blades at the bucks, the blades piercing both their necks preventing any screaming before they fell. I helped the mare up and removed her collar before I sent her off to join the others. I took out a detonation button and pressed it before there was a massive explosion and the many screams of burning caribou. I then began to walk away when I saw movement from down the street. I saw a patrol come from down a side street, a mix of caribou and stallions. They all gazed at the fiery spectacle before they saw me and ran over and surrounded me. Suddenly many males stepped out of buildings to see what was going on only to look at me and the patrol.

"Are you responsible for this?" a buck asked, who I guessed was in charge, while I looked away from the soldiers as if I was thinking about something before giving a few nods. "Do you have any idea just how many of your own brethren you've killed?"

"Brethren, you compare me to you, horndogs and traitors? Nah, nah, nah, nah the only thing you lot are, are insects just waiting to be crushed beneath my boot...No, you animals are lower then that," I said.

"Cut Him Down!" the buck shouted but before anything could happen a loud boom echoed from the wall followed by another. "What is that?"

"Reckoning," I said as I stood outside the circle of guards with Hingure partly un-sheathed in my grasp.

When the guards all turned to look at me, I fully sheathed Hingure with a snap. Blood gushed out of the many wounds I inflicted on each body like a faucet before they all collapsed, just as a part of the wall came down creating a cloud of smoke. Out of the smoke came my fellow harbingers all of them riding on horses and the army following behind letting out cries of war. They began to break down doors and drag males into the street and execute them while Rage, Elisa and Evan rode over to me. I saw Elisa rode on a horse made of just bones and Evan rode on a starved black horse.

"Ah, I love the smell of roasting Caribou in the morning," Rage said after taking a whiff from the air before he and the others dismounted but I just couldn't tear my eyes away from the horses "Don't worry Conquest only physical illusions. If you like I can get you one."

"Uh no I'm good thanks but I have someone for you to meet," I said before I gestured to the alley Pierce ran into and when I gestured to it Pierce stepped out of the shadows followed by several mares.

"Well stone me, Pokey Pierce," Rage said as he removed his helm, revealing a bright smile beneath it as he walked forward and embraced Pierce who embraced Rage back.

"It's good to see you Rage...you two was well," Pierce said before he looked at Elisa and Evan.

"Likewise Pierce," Elisa said while Evan gave a two finger salute.

"Pierce here has told me that every male here is either a caribou rapist or a traitor besides the crystal ponies. All the males happen to be imprisoned in the dungeon below the castle while the mares are in the re-education center and that there may possibly be a small amount of ponies who work in the palace," I said.

"They're a tough bunch the crystal ponies, no one has broken despite everything that's been done to them and since you have the heart all the'll need is a motivating speech and bob's your uncle," Pierce said.

"My uncle's name was Stewart actually," Elisa said causing us all to laugh.

"Alright that's enough we've got a job to do," I said before I drove Hingure into a stallion who was charging at me from the side before I let him fall off my blade. "Death, Famine I'll leave the re-education center to you. Elisa since your female now you're bound to help some mares relax and see we're not a threat. If they see a female fighting amongst us you could even give them a speech to rouse their spirits. Meanwhile War and I will head to the castle to help liberate any males there and also capture Blueblood."

"Why capture that twat?" Elisa asked.

"Him and me have an old score to settle, that and I want to see him be humiliated and suffer," Rage said as he cracked his knuckles causing Elisa to nod.

"Alright guys this is it. Today is the day the caribou's grip over Equestria crumbles.

With that Elisa and Evan mounted their horses and departed while Rage summoned a pair of guardians, a machete, throwing knives and a pair of hidden blades before handing them to Pierce.

"Protect these mares pal, these two will assist you. I hope you have't lost your touch my friend," Rage said.

With that Rage and I ran off towards the castle which was just a tall tower that stood like the Eiffel Tower in Paris. When we entered we were confronted by row upon row of caribou soldiers but when I went to stop Rage grabbed me and teleported us behind the caribou. He turned to face them and drew his axe's.

"Bones you continue on and find Blueblood while I deal with this," Rage said.

"You sure, what about your score?" I asked.

"I can easily handle this besides I'm not as fast as you are in this armor. The most important thing now is to make sure that prick doesn't escape," Rage said causing me to give him a nod before I took off.

As I searched the castle I cut down any caribou who came up against me along with the ones I questioned for Blueblood's location. When I made it to the doors that lead to the throne room I then heard voices from beyond the doors and was able to identify Blueblood's voice from that one time when I was at that party. I believe it was called the Great Prancing Ball or something like that where I killed Bolanus. So I then pushed open the doors and saw the room was occupied by five elite guards, an aqua coated mare with a fiery red mane and tail who had a red collar around her neck and a stump on her head meaning she was a unicorn. She also had a lustful expression on her face and finally the traitorous prince Blueblood himself was sitting on the throne.

Suddenly the elite guards charged at me with spears drawn. But as they reached the halfway mark between where they stood and me, my coat turned into a murder of crows and clawed and pecked at the caribou until they were dead before the crows flew back to me and became my coat once more.

"Ugh if you want something done right you must do it yourself," Blueblood said as he walked down the stairs of the throne.

"Prince Blueblood, disgraced prince of Equestria turned Diann's little lap dog. Y'know there are a lot of ponies out there that are calling for your head Rage and your aunts especially," I said.

"Didn't anyone tell you that half breed degenerate pulled all the blood that related me to them out of my body," Blueblood asked.

"Oh yeah now I remember that must have been quite humiliating especially when As-," I started.

"Do not mention that disgusting spawns name in my presence whelp, that false king got what he deserved in the end. I'm only disappointed I didn't have the chance to kill him myself. He may have been a disgusting slave once that was lucky to become a king but he deserved what he got and I hate his guts. I'm not proud to admit it but the tools he left behind are...benefiting," Blueblood said as he summoned the same sword I saw the spectral Ash use when we were in Cloudsdale and he began to draw it.

"How can you be wielding that, Rage said only Ash could wield that blade," I said.

"Indeed a rather bothersome security measure those soul chains, but since Ash's soul is gone I figured out a way to bypass this," Blueblood said as he showed me his hands which were covered in metal gauntlets without any forearm armor. "I had the gauntlets of the beast's coronation armor given to me by Mercator in exchange for twenty of my most beautiful slaves because I discovered if you wear items that contain any essence of him then this blade will obey you."

"If you value your skin you will surrender that blade right now," I said with a growl.

Blueblood then swung the sword at me and I felt a rush of wind coming towards me. My instincts kicked in and made me jump out of the way and land into a roll before I sat in a crouched position. When I looked at the doors I saw a large slash mark within the doors meaning Blueblood sung at me with a blade made of thin air.

"I'm impressed you were able to dodge that you have to be the first to do so since I acquired this blade," Blueblood said before he swung at me again.

This time I rolled forward beneath the attack before I stood up and ran at the fallen prince and swung at him. He blocked the attack causing our swords to clash against each other before we pushed each other away. I then decided to listen to some music as I fought this ass, so I put some headphones in and pressed play on a random song.

I then rushed forward and swung twice at Blueblood but he blocked my attack and our blades met with the beat of the song, making it sound even better before Blueblood swung at me. I dodged the attack and punched Blueblood across the face forcing him back before we began to circle around each other. We attacked again, both of us countering or dodging the other's attacks till Blueblood brought his blade down on me forcing me to hold my sword above me to block the strike. The attack brought me to my knees but I rammed my shoulder into Blueblood's stomach pushing him back before I swept my legs under the prince. I stood up and went to bring my sword down point first in an effort to impale him but he also used Ash's sword to defend himself before he placed a hoof on my stomach and threw me over him.

While I was in the air I manoeuvred myself so that I landed on my hands and feet and was facing Blueblood before I summoned my bow and arrow and launched three at him, but he just used Ash's sword to cut them out of the air as he ran at me. I then blocked his trust at me and soon we were back to our blades clashing against each other in time with the beat of the song till we were trying, once again to overpower the other. I then tried to sweep my feet under Blueblood once again but he jumped over my legs this time. I then took the opportunity to garb him and threw him into the center of the room. As he began to get up I charged and thrusted at him but he ducked below my attack and spun around behind me. Suddenly I felt something in my back go straight through me and when I looked down, I saw Ash's sword had run me through and black liquid coated the blade. Suddenly I felt a rush go to my brain which ended as the blade withdrew and I felt something hit me in the back of my head, knocking me to the ground. I saw Hingure was tossed away from me, my mind was in a dizzying spiral at the moment. I could here Blueblood talking but I couldn't understand a word being said while images flashed through my head at lightning speed, images of my life before I died and when the images stopped Blueblood's voice became clearer.

Third Person P.O.V.

"-y'know it's ironic but the best advise that dumb ape ever gave me was 'make sure you practice your swordplay' it was also the last thing he ever said to me before he died, turns out he was right there. With my skills and this legendary blade, I was able to defeat the Harbinger Conquest," Blueblood said with a chuckle. "Now then how about you be a good little dogie and tell me where your little hide away is, do so and I shall make your death quick and painless."

Bones then tried to get up but collapsed on his first try. He used all of his remaining strength to try and push himself off the ground while also trying to heal the massive wound in his torso.

"Oh does dogie still want to play?" Blueblood Asked in a mocking tone while Bones managed to rise up onto one knee.

"I'm not a dog Blueblood...and you have my sword, Whispering Wind," Bones said as he held his right hand out towards Blueblood.

Suddenly Whispering Wind's blade began to glow brightly, startling Blueblood, before the blade tore itself from his grip and flew at Bones where he caught it by the handle. Suddenly a rush of wind and energy circled him, the wound stayed in place but Bones shrugged off the pain and stood up. Whispering Wind's sheath appeared on Bone's back, the sheath going over his right shoulder. Bones then held his left hand out and Hingure came flying back to it.

"Sorry Hingure I hope you don't mind if I use your new brother for a bit," Bones said as he sheathed Hingure.

"W-what, how did you do that?! Not even I could wield that blade bare handed," Blueblood stuttered in shock.

"That's a really easy question to answer Blueballs," Bones said causing Blueblood's eyes to widen in shock before narrowing in anger. "You may have had those gauntlets but a blade will always come back to it's true wielder when summoned," Bones said before his eyes turned from turquoise blue to olive green startling Blueblood.

"Those eyes...It can't be," Blueblood said in shock.

"That's right asshole, I...Am...BACK!" Bones shouted.

Bones P.O.V.

I kept my glare on Blueblood as he shook like a leaf during the Running of the Leaves. His mouth mimicking a goldfish as he tried to form words, his eyes wide with fear as sweat dripped down his face.

"What's the matter Blueballs, you look like you've seen a ghost or something," I said with a growl.

Blueblood seemed to snap out of it before his eyes narrowed at me. Suddenly he summoned thousands of weapons from who knows where before he threw them at me but I didn't dodge or flee. I flicked Whispering Wind downwards and suddenly the single blade became a two bladed sword or a staff sword as some call it. One blade had a beautiful white glow with gold running along the fuller of the blade and the cross guard was made up of a pair of white feathered wings. The other blade was red and had magma filled cracks running along all over the length of the blade while the cross guard was a pair of dark red webbed wings.

I then spun the blade around so fast in front of me they became a blur of red and white. I moved the blade in a figure eight, cutting through every weapon that came flying at me. When the sound of metal carving through metal ceased to be, I stopped and looked at the weapons at my feet and saw all of them were glowing red where I cut them. I then looked to where Blueblood was but all I saw was the mare before I spun around and just saw Blueblood run out the doors.

"You don't get off that easy!" I shouted before I ran after the rat.

I saw Blueblood right ahead of me and a lot of guards were approaching as well. The guards made a path for Blueblood but blocked me off. I charged into the guards and made my attacks fluid and powerful, leaving nothing but dismembered bodies. I then turned Whispering Wind back into a single sword before I looked around for any trace of Blueblood, but there were so many doors forcing a growl to escape my throat. I looked out a window to see if it was clear before I jumped out and landed on the ground. I saw a bit of a crowd was beginning to form when suddenly I saw Blueblood exit the castle's main doors. He didn't even stop to look at me before he began to flee. I made a shadow tendril that reached out and grabbed Blueblood by the legs and began to drag him towards me. When he saw me he did everything he could think of to get away from me like blasting the tendril or me or trying to get a foot hold in the ground. When he was close enough I tied both his hands and hooves together and looked around and saw the crystal cock still hovering in the place where the crystal heart once sat. I then used my magic to grab the cursed artifact before I brought it closer before I looked at Blueblood who looked at me in fear.

I then felt a smirk crawl across my face that caused Blueblood to sweat bullets before he looked at the crystal cock then back at me before shaking his head in a pleading manner. I just used my magic and shoved the damn thing right up Blueblood's sorry ass causing the fucker to squeal like a pig being carved up. I then made a black collar and leash and tied the collar around Blueblood's neck before I made a pole of crystal rise out of the ground and tied the leash to the pole. I then gave a nod to my work before I spun around and saw everyone staring at me like I had two heads.

"He's all yours but just don't kill him, Burning Rage wants him alive," I said as I gestured to the still whimpering colt.

Some of the crowd gave me a nod in thanks before they went to a few stores and came back with a various array of items while I moved away not wanting to know what they were gonna do with those. Suddenly a surge of pain shot through my chest and I saw the wound Blueblood dealt me hadn't recovered and I was still leaking that black liquid. I could feel my strength beginning to waver. I looked around and saw a small wooden balcony on a house overlooking the empire's center so I teleported over to it and sat down with my back against the railing while continuing to look at the center through the gaps in the railing. Suddenly Rage appears before me and removes his helmet while I spit up some more of that black sludge.

"Bones," Rage said as he moved closer to me.

"Here...got ya a little something," I said as I took Whispering Wind off my back and handed it to Rage who took it and ran his hand over the handle. "It's time."

"Bones...Are you sure about this?" Rage asked.

"It's either I die from the crystal heart or this Rage. I tried to heal it but it's not working and I don't know about you but I don't want to die from a wound inflicted by Blueblood," I said causing Rage to chuckle a bit.

"I know you won't accept it but...Thank you Bones thank you for everything," Rage said.

"Get your shiny armored hind outta here your becoming an eyesore," I said with a laugh.

Rage then pushed his hand into my chest but I blocked out the pain before Rage pulled out the heart which was glowing brightly.

"Just stay with us till the heart is back in place," Rage said causing me to give a single nod before he took off.

"Thank you for looking out for them...my brother," I said before I drew Hingure. "Well my friend...It's been fun."

"It was an honor my Maker," Hingure said as her face appeared in the blade.

Suddenly there was a rush of power from the center of the empire below the castle. I saw the crystal ponies kneeling to the crystal heart, the ground beneath them lit up and all that energy flowed into the heart. There was an explosion of magic that sent a three coloured aurora borealis dancing across the skies and pushing back the blizzard, allowing the light of the newly risen sun to bathe the empire in warmth that has not been felt since it fell. With that sight my eyes then closed.

Rage's P.O.V.

I looked up with a smile on my face and watched the aurora borealis before I looked to the liberated crystal ponies all of them cheering at the sight of the restored crystal heart. I took off and flew back to the balcony Bones was at, but once I got there all I saw was a set of boots, black pants, a white shirt, Bone's favourite coat and finally Hingure. When I reached for Hingure and tried to talk to her she didn't respond. I then let out a sigh before I folded Bone's clothes and placed the boots and Hingure on top of the pile before I teleported to Elisa and Evan and told them of what happened, who gave a moment of silence to the fallen Wraith. Once we did everything that was needed and brought everyone that was needed to come with us, while many soldiers and civilians stayed behind to defend the empire from any counter attacks. After an hour and fifteen minutes we made it back to Aephoceria and we were met with quite a reception of cheering mares, stallions and guardians, but my friends and Eris didn't look that happy to see us. We then escorted those that needed help off the ship as a way of prolonging whatever punishment we were about to receive. Pierce then walked down the ramp and was soon embraced by Pinkie Pie followed by a load of kisses from the mare.

The next four ponies that got off the boat were Kibitz, the personal butler and royal assistant of Canterlot Castle. Before the fall he was an elderly unicorn stallion with a light cream coat and grey mane that went around the back of his head making him look bald on top. He had a splendid grey moustache and a pair of glasses that just sat comfortably on his muzzle. He was wearing a red coat and matching pants and he had a golden pocket watch in his coat pocket. Next came the maids and servants of Ash's old home. First was Flawless Job, he was a tall lean earth pony with a slick black mane and a fabulous moustache. He also had a grey coat and his tail was a darker shade of grey and he wore fancy attire showing the roll as a butler. Next came Moonlight Dew a thestral pony with a light shade of grey coat and a silver mane and tail, Rose Petal an earth pony with a white coat and magenta mane and tail, followed by Silver Tray a cream furred earth pony with a chocolate brown mane and tail and green eyes. Finally was Feather Duster, a pegasus mare who had blue fur and a yellow mane and tail with amber eyes. All the maids were wearing really skimpy maid’s outfits, no doubt forced to wear them because of the caribou. Pip and Luna, who was holding Midnight, approached the latter group while Celestia approached Kibitz and welcomed them. When the civilians were off we escorted the prisoners which was of a couple of caribou commanders and generals along with Blueballs himself. All of whom were blindfolded and gagged with ball gags and Blueblood was limping forward because he still had the crystal cock up his rear.

"Keep walking scum bag," I said as I pushed Blueblood down the ramp and when everyone saw him their anger shifted to him before I stopped him before them. "Figured I could interrogate him a bit figure out anything Diann might have up his sleeve."

Blueblood then thrashed around and started mumbling something I assume was unpleasant before he fell on his back. Rarity then walked forward before she stomped on Blueblood's crotch hard, causing a lot of males to wince in pain before she walked away with a huff and her muzzle in the air.

"Uh wow...Anyway uh we kinda had mixed feelings about this one but she has had her mind shattered. We found her in the throne room so I assume Blueblood was responsible for her condition," I said.

"Her?" Celestia asked.

I gave a nod to some guardians still on board the ship and they nodded in return before they walked back into the hold and came out with a very familiar mare that had been exiled along with Blueblood.

"Branding Iron," Vinyl hissed as she grabbed hold of Octavia and held her close while casting a glare at the former Templar and slaver.

"Look, I know you don't like her. Hell it took both me and Evan a lot of strength to stop Elisa from strangling the mare herself," I said.

"You should have let her do it," Rainbow said.

"See," Elisa said.

"Zip it you and as for you two she's had her mind broken from continues raping. You don't have to like her but we're not going to give her back to those animals for their own pleasure," I said.

"Agreed, Branding Iron has indeed endured a long sentence of tasting the same medicine she has inflicted on others," Faust said before she turned to me. "I'll allow her mind to be restored but she must remain in a cell for the rest of her days."

"Understood," I said with a bow before some guardians came and took the prisoners and Branding Iron away.

"Rage," a voice called gaining my attention and I saw it was Nightmare. "What happened to Bones?"

I let out a sigh because I knew this was coming before I summoned Bone's clothes and Hingure and held them out to Nightmare.

"I am sorry Nightmare. Even if we figured out a way to remove the heart and keep him here he suffered from a mortal wound," I explained.

Everyone appeared to be devastated at my words while Nightmare slowly took the items from my arms and held them tightly before I saw tears begin to crawl down her eyes. Celestia and Luna then stepped forward and hugged the mare while Nightmare openly wept. Shining suddenly barked some orders and at once every guard and guardian stood at attention before saluting while being in perfect sync.

If any of you can figure out what the song Pip was singing was I'd be very impressed and if you already know I felt like I should share a shard of my childhood with you.

...Please don't judge me