I was looking around the ex-mayor of Baltimare's house for any other mares and I have to admit that caribou had good taste in interior design. However that doesn't mean I like the sick bastard, he raped innocent mares and was able to get away with it. Well, I’m actually glad to break it to him that's not happening anymore now that I'm here. But anyway back to the main topic. I was walking down some steps and into the basement. Once I was inside I saw several mares resting on some hay in a corner of the room. I then walked over to them and shook one awake. When she saw me she let out a gasp of terror but I placed a hand over her muzzle before she could scream. I then placed a finger over my lips for silence.

"It's alright I'm not here to hurt or rape you, I'm just here to get you out of here," I said causing the mare to just look at me in silence instead of thrashing about. "Ok listen I'm gonna let go now but no screaming please."

I released the mare's muzzle and backed off, allowing her to take in what I looked like and see if I was a threat.

"W...who are you?" the mare asked.

"Name's Bones, now let's get that thing off you," I said as I reached over and removed her collar then helped her up.

"How did you get in here, there are normally guards upstairs watching the entrance," the mare said.

"Not anymore. In fact every caribou in this place and every stallion that has betrayed Equestria is now lying dead in the street," I said causing the mare to gasp. "Sorry but you were gonna find out sooner or later."

"Does this mean...we're free?" the mare asked causing me to nod before she latched onto me in a hug.

"Uh do you mind, I don't hug," I said completely uncomfortable of the situation.

"Oh sorry," the mare said before she let go. "So now what happens?"

"Can you help me wake this bunch up?" I asked as I went to wake up another mare.

The mare agreed and went to wake up another mare. Soon everyone was awake and on their feet. Once they were up I looked around the room and saw a massive iron door on the far end of the room.

"Hey, do any of you know what's in there?" I asked.

"No, the caribou that owned us had us taken out of this place when he went in. So we never saw the combination or the contents," a mare said.

"Ok," I said before the mares went up the stairs. "So the ex-mayor didn't want anyone to know what was inside. I'd say it's worth taking a peek."

I then walked over to the door and remembered a trick that could get me in. I placed my right hand on the door for five seconds. When I removed it, there was a hand print on the door made out of rust. The rust quickly expanded and began to cover the door. Once it was fully covered the door disintegrated revealing another room. However the room was filled with empty shelves but at the back of the room, on a pedestal beneath a glass case, was a metal arm.

"Whoa and just what makes you so special?" I asked myself as I walked over to the pedestal and looked at the arm.

I then gripped the glass covering the arm and tossed it behind me hearing it shatter before I reached out to pick up the arm. There was a flash and I was looking down at the arm again however the arm had replaced my original one. I then saw myself real the metal arm back, curl the fingers into a fist and go to punch something. Before I could see what the arm was going to hit, another flash appeared and I was back to holding the arm in both my hands again.

"Whoa...that was freaky," I said as I rubbed my eyes trying to get rid of the spots.

I decided to take the arm with me so I put it in a bag that was on my back and put the bag under my cloak. I was about to walk out of the room when I saw a thin rectangular device with a pair of white cords coming out of it.

I then pushed the square on the bottom of the thing and saw the centre light up but did nothing else. I then shook the devise but it did nothing. I pushed the square button again, it didn't respond. I then touched an orange square with music notes on it and below the square it said music. Instantly the center changed to what looked like a list I then pushed one of the things on the list and I heard something coming from the cords coming out of the devise. I raised the end of the cord to my ear and listened

I smiled at the sound. I then tried pressing all sorts of buttons. I quickly figured out how the devise worked before I tucked it into my pocket and walked out of the room. I then walked out of the building and saw it was almost dawn. Both Daring and Rarity were helping some of the citizens.

"Sup?" I said as I approached the two.

"Oh hey Bones," Daring said when she saw me.

"Hello darling, were you successful in your search?" Rarity asked.

"One, don't refer to me as darling and two, yes. A small group of mares were hidden in the basement but I think they'll be fine," I said.

"I see, now we must do something about both of your...attire," Rarity said in a disgusted tone.

"What's wrong with my clothes?" I asked.

"No offence dar...Pardon, Bones but it looks like you took it from a dead caribou," Rarity said correcting herself in the process.

"Well I actually did take it from a dead caribou thanks, not like he was going to need it," I said causing Rarity to turn green but shrugged it off.

"Well anyway at least allow me make you something more appropriate," Rarity said.

"Oh yes please Rarity," Daring said.

"I'm good," I said.

"Bones I must insist, think of this as a thank you gift for saving me," Rarity said.

"And I'm saying no I don't want or need any new clothes," I said.

"Well Bones if you’re wearing the outfit of a caribou raider don't you think it may raise some concerns and cause a problem when you try to save others," Daring said causing me to think about it and realize she was right.

"Well, when you put it that way, I suppose you have a point but just as long as it doesn't make me stand out, comes with a cloak and something to cover my muzzle then fine," I said.

"But why do you want to wear something so...drab?" Rarity asked.

"If others saw a wolf walking towards them don't you think that will send the wrong message?" I asked.

"Good point," Daring said.

"Wait you’re a wolf I mistook you for a very hairy Diamond Dog," Rarity said causing me to growl at her.

"Excuse me?"

I turned around and saw a crowd of ponies staring at us.

"We were wondering what we should do now that we've freed Baltimare?" a stallion asked.

Rarity and Daring then looked at me causing me to give them a confused look.

"Uh why are you looking at me like that?" I asked.

"Well you're the one who said we should liberate Equestria so guess that makes you the leader," Daring said.

"Uh...," I tried forming words to turn this around on them but I couldn't think of anything so I cleared my throat before I looked at the crowd. "Uh hi...Listen I know all of you want things to go back to normal hell some of you want payback. Many of you don't know me and may not trust me. I don't have, or can say, anything to get you to. But I can tell you this Equestria is your home and Baltimare is one out of many to be freed from the caribou. There are other places and other beings out there that need our help to restore their homes. So here is what I propose...We gather anything and everything we can use or carry whether it be supplies, tools or camping gear and lay low until we have gathered more numbers."

"Are you saying we should hide?" a mare asked.

"I'm saying we should lay low and prepare ourselves before we do anything rash. We will be going up against an enemy that has beat you once. Starting a revolution takes preparation and time which is slowly running out. Soon we may have an army marching down on us hoping to take back Baltimare. So I suggest we go somewhere that the caribou won't find us and start preparing ourselves for taking back Equestria," I said causing many in the group to nod. "I want you all to get some rest and be ready to move out by tomorrow no doubt your all exhausted after the long night."

The crowd dispersed and I looked at Daring and Rarity who were smiling at me.

"Not bad Bones," Daring said.

"Hey Rarity how soon can you have those clothes ready?" I asked.

"Sooner than you think. Come with me." Rarity said as she walked down the street.

Rarity then walked into some kind of boutique filled with skimpy outfits caribou would dress mares up in ranging from roll-play to BDSM. I saw Rarity looking all over the store before she found what she was looking for and began to work on Daring behind a curtain. It was then that I decided to strike up a conversation with Rarity.

"So Rarity tell me, is this a place where you worked or is it a random fashion store we just walked into?" I asked.

"Oh I worked here or was rather forced to work here and design horrifying outfits," Rarity said with disgust.

"I see...Daring told me you’re also a bearer to something called the Elements of Harmony," I said.

"Well that is true Bones but I need to be with my friends in order to do anything," Rarity said.

"Any idea where we can find them?" I asked.

They would most likely still be in Ponyville except for Twilight she might still be up in Canterlot," Rarity said.

"Twilight sounds like the title for a bad movie," I said.

"I would prefer you keep such comments to yourself in the future Bones. Please tell me about yourself, how did the both of you meet?" Rarity asked.

"Well we met in the Forbidden Jungle just south of here. Bones here saved me from some raiders who were plundering an old crypt of an old tribe. Even went and defiled the chief's body by tossing it from its resting place like it was garbage," Daring said.

"These caribou have no ounce of shame in them," Rarity said.

"Hey, while we're in a chatty mood Bones, you were going to tell me how you survived those bullets when we were in the re-education center," Daring said.

"Oh...that, well uh...the truth is *sigh* the truth is I shouldn't have survived that at all," I said.

"You’re going to be more specific darling," Rarity said.

"Well to put it simply I was dead long before I got shot," I said.

A heavy silence hung in the air and I heard the two step out from behind the curtain. When I turned around the two were staring at me.

"What do you mean you’re dead?" Daring asked.

"I mean it how it's been said I'm literally a walking corpse that has no memories of when it was alive," I said and a heavy silence consumed us again but their faces were blank. No anger, no fear, no concern just blank. "You’re taking this better than I thought you would." I said waking Daring from her trance.

"Wait a sec are you messing with us?" Daring asked.

"I can drive a knife through my chest if that will prove it to you," I said.

"No don't I believe you but whoa first time I've had a normal conversation with a dead guy," Daring said as she went to sit down in a seat.

"Heh I suppose so. Most undead constructs wouldn't be able to utter a single word. As for me...well I'm not sure what makes me so special," I said before I looked at Rarity and saw she was just staring at me. "I suppose you’re going to scream and run out and tell everyone."

Rarity seemed to have woken from her trance and walked towards a chair and sat in it.

"I believe actions speak louder than words in this case. If you wanted to do something against us you would have done it by now," Rarity said.

"Whew, that's a huge weight off my shoulders. I was actually nervous about what you would think about me," I said.

"Wow I have a lot of questions about you, like what was dying like." Daring said.

"Uh Daring that's going to need to wait till I can get my memories back," I said.

"Oh uh right," Daring said.

"So Rarity do you think we can get my measurements done for some new clothing or are you uncomfortable?" I asked.

"Huh oh of course, this way," Rarity said before she led me behind the curtain. "Now Bones could you remove the cloak, sword and torso clothing so we can get started."

I did as I was instructed and removed them. I set my bag on a small table and when I looked at Rarity I saw her face was flushed red, staring at me. I looked at what she was staring at and saw it was my chest. I was just as surprised, my chest had a bit of muscle on it but on the right side of my gut was a large scar and over it was the same mark I saw in the cell. But the mark was white and it looked like it was made out of my fur. I then saw Rarity was still staring at me so I snapped my fingers getting her attention.

"You think staring at me after what you went through is a good idea?" I asked shaking Rarity from her trance.

"Oh my apologies Bones I shouldn't have stared," Rarity said before she went to look for the measuring tape but I could hear her mumbling something about 'why is it always the good looking ones.'

Rarity then went to work in measuring me. Fortunately I didn't need to remove any other clothing. Once she was done I picked up my stuff and walked out from behind the curtain where I saw Daring reading a magazine. When she saw me her cheeks turned pink while I set my stuff on the table and began to put on the clothing that went over my torso.

"Hey Bones what's in the bag?" Daring asked.

"This, not much it was inside the ex-mayor's vault," I said.

"Can't be nothing if it's in a vault," Daring said.

"Alright here," I said as I pulled the metal arm out of my bag causing Daring to stare wide eyed at it.

"Rarity you need to see this," Daring said.

"Just a moment darling I'm taking my measurements," Rarity said.

"Rarity this is more important than measuring," Daring said.

"Alright then but honestly what could be more important then-," Rarity started as she stepped out from behind the curtain but she began to stutter when she saw the arm. "Where did you get that?"

"Ex-mayors vault why, is it valuable?" I asked.

"Is it valuable dude that’s a Piece of Ash Blade," Daring said.

"Uh...Who?" I asked causing Daring to give herself a facepalm.

"I really need to get you a book about the important things in Equestria," Daring said.

"Ash Blade was once one of my dearest friends a long time ago along with being Equestria's first king. He was even considered by some as a god. He was caring, kind but to put it simply he had a heart of gold and this was his good side," Rarity said.

"And what about his bad side?" I asked causing both mares to shudder. "What?"

"Just prey you never have to find that out," Daring said.

"Okay then what is up with this Piece of Ash? If it belongs to him why is it here?" I asked.

"It was in between the time the caribou invaded us and Ash Blade's death. It was just a regular day when news quickly spread all over Equestria that Ash Blade's tomb was robbed. Everything in it, the artifacts, Ash's body all of it just simply gone," Daring said.

"Gone?" I asked.

"The ones who robbed the tomb took everything that belonged to Ash. His bike, his weapons, his armour and his left arm," Rarity said as she tapped the metal arm in my grasp.

"Wait this was a part of his body?" I asked.

"A fake limb to be exact. His real arm was burned off when he was saving a child from a fire," Daring said.

I then handed the arm to Rarity before I stepped away from it feeling unworthy to hold the priceless object causing the mares to chuckle in amusement.

"Anyway one day, while I was in Manehattan with my friends, I saw a stallion playing with a dagger. Now to many this dagger was nothing important but to me, I saw it was Ash's personal dagger so I grabbed it with my magic and brought it closer to inspect it and saw it was genuine. That's when I told my friends and when the stallion demanded it back Twilight had him arrested. We contacted the royal family and the first one there was Queen Luna," Rarity said.

"Oooo I bet she was furious," Daring said.

"She was," Rarity said

"Why would this queen be furious over this?" I asked.

"Ash Blade was her husband," Daring said.

"Ah," I responded in understanding.

"Anyway when Luna demanded where the other relics and Ash's body were the stallion kept demanding that we give him his God Piece," Rarity said.

"God Piece?" I asked.

"The Pieces of Ash were also called God Pieces by many all over the world because he was labelled a god after his last battle," Daring said.

"Anyway the stallion was sent to the castle dungeons and when guards searched his home they found a shrine dedicated to Ash. Also the oddest thing the stallion said when we interrogated him is that the dagger granted him great power. He proved that by hitting Twilight and managing to knock her into a wall. He was a Pegasus and not built enough to send a princess flying like that," Rarity said.

"Whoa so did the dagger really give him super powers?" Daring asked.

"I don't know it seems rather silly when one thinks about it," Rarity said.

"Actually when I touched that arm I saw a vision where that arm was attached to me and I was about to punch something. When it ended I felt...unstoppable," I said.

"Freaky," Daring said.

"Indeed and did anything else happen?" Rarity asked.

"No but anyway I'd better start getting ready for tomorrow it's gonna be a long trip to the Everfree forest," I said.

"The Everfree!" Rarity screamed.

"There a problem with the Everfree?" I asked.

"Of course there is a problem. The place is filled with all sorts of dangers we'll be a meal on a silver platter for those beasts," Rarity said.

"Rarity calm down, I'm more than likely going to be the scariest thing in that place besides, that's the reason why we're going there. The caribou will most likely know of those dangers but wouldn't dare follow us inside," I said.

"You know Rarity Bones makes a good point," Daring said.

"I suppose but it's all...dirty," Rarity said.

"Really you've been a sex slave for how long forced to crawl along the ground like a common animal and you’re worried about getting a bit of mud on you. Well I've got three words for ya, suck it up," I said before I walked out of the shop.

I then went around Baltimare and found some stores that still sold outdoor gear. So I grabbed a few tents and camping gear. I then went over to another store and grabbed enough supplies for Daring and Rarity. As I was walking back to the boutique I passed a music store where I saw a strange flute sitting in the shop window.

I felt a strange call coming from the flute so I went inside and saw a dead stallion on the floor presumably the owner of his place. I didn't say anything to the fallen stallion but grabbed the flute before I walked back to the boutique and spent the rest of the day preparing for the trip.

---

Next day

---

I led the citizens of Baltimare through the dense foliage of the trees many of the citizens were terrified of our current location. But as I suspected the beasts of the Everfree didn't attack out of fear from us or rather me. I could both see and smell them looking at us but when they attempted to get a free meal I got in-between the citizens and the predator. This caused them to back off before I walked up to the front of the group once more.

"We had better find a good campsite otherwise we might be beast chow when it gets dark," I said.

"This is the Everfree Bones the chances of finding even a decent campsite for all of us is very slim," Rarity said.

"Actually I think I know a place," Daring said.

"Really, where?" I asked.

"We're close I just now managed to recognize this place. Remember Rarity we were heading to the heart of the forest," Daring said.

"Of course the knights tomb Slender will surly allow us to stay in this time of need," Rarity said.

"I don't know what you two are talking about but if we can get a rest then it's fine by me," I said.

"C'mon I know where to go," Daring said as she took out a compass and walked off into the forest.

"So Rarity tell me more of this Ash Blade, for starters how did he get here?" I asked.

"Oh there's plenty to tell about him but let us start with how he got into Equestria he was just walking about minding his own business when suddenly..."Rarity began.

---

Hours Later

---

Now I'm gonna be honest with you, Rarity was really good at telling a story. If I didn't know any better I'd say her talent would be story telling. But she told me about the cutie marks and about how they tell others what their special talent is. For example Rarity’s cutie mark is of three diamonds and it means she is an amazing designer of clothing. Daring's cutie mark is of a brown and gold compass star which means she's an amazing explorer.

"...It was a lucky thing both Rage and Vinyl were able to switch the book over before Heartless could get to it," Rarity said.

"Wow quite a lot for one guy to take on board isn't it," I said.

"Indeed and yet despite all this he still continued on as if it was nothing," Rarity said.

"Hey Rarity, how did Ash die?" I asked causing Rarity's expression to turn to one of sorrow.

Suddenly, something sends me flying into a tree. I looked to see a white horse head filling my vision. There was no face on the equine shaped head only white and when I looked down I saw the thing had a tendril wrapped around me.

"Uh hi," was all I said when suddenly the thing raised another tendril and turned it into a drill aiming it at me.

"Slender, hold on!"

I looked at the source of the voice and saw Daring and Rarity running towards us. They were looking at the...thing holding me.

"Miss Rarity and Miss Do to what do I owe the pleasure?" a voice inside my head said.

"We can explain but do you mind putting down our friend?" Daring said.

"Oh, my apologies had I have known you were with Daring Do and Rarity Belle would not have attacked," the voice said again which led me to assume it belonged to the thing in front of me.

"No problem and I take it you are Slendermane," I said.

"Indeed I am but please call me Slender and you are?" Slender asked as he put me down and released me once I got a good look at him. I saw he stood on four hooves and had six black tendrils growing out of his back. He also wore a black tux with a red tie. As for his cutie mark it was of a red circle with an X in it.

"I am Bones nice to meet you," I said.

"Now would one of you please explain to me why there is a large gathering of ponies in my part of the forest?" Slender asked.

"We're running Slender I don't know if you've heard but Equestria has been conquered by a species known as the cari-," Rarity said but before she could finish Slender raised a hoof.

"Come," Slender said before he walked into the forest and we managed to get everyone to follow despite how scared they were.

As we walked I saw the trees had created a path by moving themselves just like Rarity said when she first met Slender. At the end of the path I saw a bright light and once we stepped out of the forest I saw a beautiful sight. A crystal blue lake, wide open area, a massive temple like structure and finally a collection of massive trees that seemed to be supporting homes within their branches. Connecting each house was a walkway of some kind. In this massive clearing were more technicolour ponies that had hands and stood on two legs. But the strange thing was that they all had insect like antennas and wings like those on a butterfly.

"So this is the knight’s tomb but who are they?" I asked as I gestured to the strange new ponies.

"The Flutterponies but how did they get so big in just a year?" Rarity asked.

"Faust placed a growth spell on them and it seems to be coming along nicely. Now there is actually someone who would be very happy to see you," Slender said as he led us towards the treetop village.

As we all walked towards the village we drew a crowd. My guess is that they were curious about us. Once we entered the village I saw a picnic blanket spread along the ground and on it were a variety of greens and healthy foods. Also on the blanket were all sorts of animals also a white unicorn mare that stood on four hooves and had a pristine white mane. She had lovely blue eyes and tufts of white fur on each hoof and a white tail that looked like a lions. Next to the unicorn was a buttercup yellow Pegasus with a pink mane and tail. She had blue eyes and a face that held great beauty. She was wearing a pair of jeans that hugged her legs, and a green sweater that was being held up by her massive hooters because it didn't go over her shoulders. Finally her cutie mark was of three pink butterflies.

"Fluttershy!" Rarity shouted causing the Pegasus to shriek in terror before she was wrapped in a massive hug.

R...Rarity?" the Pegasus asked in surprise.

"Oh Fluttershy I'm so relieved your safe but how did you escape?" Rarity asked.

"Oh...Well when the caribou came my animal friends told me to run while they held them back long enough for me to escape," the Pegasus said.

"She can understand them?" I asked Daring.

"Her special talent is for working with animals. She's the one that helps them find a home," Daring said.

"Daring Do?" the Pegasus said as she stepped out of the hug.

"Hey Flutters certainly been a long time huh," Daring said as she too hugged the Pegasus.

"How did both of you get away...if you don't mind me asking that is?" the Pegasus asked as she hid behind her mane in a cute way.

"Well it was all thanks to this guy," Daring said as she gestured towards me.

I looked at the Pegasus, she looked at me and we both stared at each other before I raised my hand to wave. But this caused the Pegasus to let out a very cute eep before she hid behind Rarity.

"Uh was it something I did?" I asked.

"Relax big guy she's like that when she meets someone new," Daring said.

"Fluttershy darling come out. You’re being very rude to our saviour," Rarity said like she was speaking to a child.

The timid Pegasus stepped out from behind Rarity, stood in front of me and stood there trying to avoid my gaze.

"I suppose I should make this easier for you my name is Bones," I said.

"Hi my name is...Fluttershy," the Pegasus said.

Now to most they wouldn't have been able hear that but to my ears I was able to hear what she said.

"Fluttershy huh lovely name matches your personality as well," I said causing the Pegasus to blush.

"Wow smooth talking," Daring said nudging my side playfully.

"So am I correct to presume you're one of the bearers of harmony?" I asked.

"Um...yes," Fluttershy said.

"Fluttershy here is the bearer of the Element of Kindness," Rarity said.

"I see so there's only four more left to rescue," I said.

"I hope none of you have forgotten about me," the four hoofed unicorn said as she walked over to us.

"Oh Amalthea I am so sorry I was too surprised by Fluttershy to notice you darling," Amalthea said.

"It's quite alright Rarity and you Bones, thank you for saving Rarity and Daring Do they are good friends to me," the unicorn said.

"Quite alright uh...Amalthea wasn't it?" I asked.

"Yes that is my name and I can see you've freed a lot of ponies," Amalthea said.

"Yes sorry for asking this of you but these ponies need a place to stay and many of them were broken by the caribou," I said.

"I see I'm afraid we can't do anything about the males that were brainwashed but I believe the Flutterponies can help the mares," Amalthea said.

"That would be enough," I said.

"Now Rarity let's see what we can do about your horn," Amalthea said as her horn was consumed by a white fire.

I then looked at Rarity and saw the stump on her forehead change into a long pointed horn.

"My horn oh thank, you thank you, thank you Amalthea," Rarity cried as she jumped around with glee.

"You can use Life Fire," Daring said.

"Only once a day...It's extremely difficult to summon," Amalthea said.

"Whoa," I said in amazement.

Suddenly I head a bird sound and I saw a raven land on Rarity's shoulder.

"Dust your here too," Rarity said in surprise as she petted the bird.

"Oh yeah I was taking care of him when the incident happened and he held back most of the caribou while I was escaping he was so brave," Fluttershy said.

"Takes after his old master," Daring said.

"Well I know Ash would be proud of you," Rarity said.

I gave the group a nod before I decided to go for a walk in the forest to have some time to myself. So I grabbed my sword and left. After some time as I walked the forest somehow came alive with music.

As the music played I saw the strange figure appear ahead of me so I walked after it. As I did I could feel my vision go blurry and my head began to spin. But I did not stop walking however, since I wasn't focusing, I fell down a steep slope. When I hit the bottom I felt something drag me into the dark.

---

???

---

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

"You know I do. I can't let this happen,"

"You know they will never agree to this,"

"Do I look like I care? I need to get stronger and they owe me this. I don't see why they can't do this,"

"Very well but remember, being The Reaper's Hand is not something for the faint of heart,"

"You let me worry about that,"

---

I opened my eyes, shook my head, sat up and clutched my head before I remembered the figure then the slope and finally the memory.

"What was all that about... that title 'The Reaper's Hand' was that who I was, what did I do?" I asked myself

I then looked around and saw I was in a clearing of sorts with a fence going around the tree line. In the center of the clearing were a bunch of foals. One was a filly unicorn who still had her horn and a light purple and pink mane. Next to her was a Pegasus filly with an orange coat and purple mane and tail. The one beside her was a yellow earth pony filly with a red mane and tail with a pink ribbon tied into her mane. The last filly in the group was an earth pony who had a grey coat and blonde mane and tail while her eyes had a golden glow. I then noticed a pair of colts were in the group, one was a Pegasus. He had a grey coat, a darker grey, windswept mane and matching coloured tail. Finally the last colt was a unique one he had a brown and white pinto pattern coat, he also had a brown mane and tail. But the strange thing is that this foal had a horn and a pair of wings which had feathers on the top half of the wings but were webbed like a bat on the bottom. The very sight of those wings clawed at my memory like a forgotten dream.

"Run!"

I was shocked from my staring when one of the foals yelled and ran towards an opening in the forest while I just sat there and watched them leave. I then stood up and saw the pink bow the yellow filly was wearing lying on the ground. I considered leaving it and heading back to where the others were but something told me no, demanded to return it. So letting out a sigh I picked up the ribbon and walked after the foals. I soon came to an old but still strong standing house. I saw a few marks on the door meaning someone tried to force their way in once. I walked up to the door and knocked on it three times. I waited a few seconds before I knocked again. This time I heard muffled voices from the other side. Suddenly, the filly with the glowing eye's head just phased through the door and glared at me.

"Go away you monster!" the filly yelled.

I stood there in silence. For some reason those words hurt me deeply but I didn't show it. We just stared at each other for a bit. I was confused on how the filly's head was phasing through the door but then I remembered her eyes and I sensed an aura of death around her.

"Now that's hypocritical calling me a monster when you’re a ghost," I said causing the filly to stare at me in shock.

"You know what I am?" the filly asked.

"Not that hard, have to be blind to figure out what you are," I said.

"And...You’re not scared of me?" the filly asked.

"No, but anyway I just came to return this," I said as I placed the ribbon on the ground in front of the filly and stood up. "See you around kid," I said as I turned to leave.

"Wait," the filly said stopping me before her head disappeared back inside.

I stood silently outside the house. I soon heard the door unlock. Three mares stepped outside and closed the door behind them. They were all earth ponies and all of them didn't seem happy to see me. One was a green elderly mare with a white mane done up in a bun. She picked up the ribbon but not without keeping her eyes on me. The next one had a mulberry coat and two toned pink mane. The last one had a grey coat and had a crimson mane and tail.

"Alright bub you have our attention now who are you?" the grey mare said.

"Bones and you lot are?" I asked.

"That's none of your business. If you haven't noticed we aren't too friendly with male adults at the moment," the mulberry mare said.

"Oh right, caribou thing. Listen I'm not interested in anything. I was just passing through when your foals saw me. When they ran off one of them dropped their ribbon so I decided to give it back nothing else," I said.

"And what were you doing out here?" the grey mare asked.

"Just needed some alone time and hoped to regain more of my memories," I said.

"Regain your memories?" the green mare asked.

"Yes you see I'm suffering from something called amnesia so Bones is a temporary name till I can figure out my true name," I said.

"Granny?" the mulberry mare asked the green mare.

"Seems to be telling the truth and I don't smell any cum on him at all but he certainly does need a bath," the green mare says.

"Thanks," I said in an annoyed tone.

"Well if you’re not with the caribou then whose side are you on?" the grey mare asked.

"The one that allows me to spill caribou blood. Now if you'll excuse me I need to get back to camp where the others are," I said as I began to turn around to leave.

"Others?" the grey mare asked.

"Freed ponies from Baltimare," I said.

The mares then seemed to talk amongst each other before they looked back at me.

“Hey, you willing to make a deal?” the grey mare asked.

“Just what exactly have you got to offer me?” I asked.

“Information about the location of each of the bearers of Harmony,” The grey mare said.

“Alright you have my attention,” I said.

It’s like this Bones I'll admit it, we need help out here. We're struggling to find food for ourselves and all the foals in our care. The beasts certainly aren't making it easy. Just yesterday a foal was attacked and injured by a timber wolf. Luckily it wasn't serious enough for anything fatal or permanent but the truth is we need help so please, can you escort us to this camp you mentioned?" the grey mare asked.

I looked at the mare's eyes and saw they were desperate if the bags under their eyes was any indication.

"*sigh* Very well but if we're traveling together I'm gonna need to know your names," I said.

"Suppose it's fair my name is Mitta," the grey mare said.

"I am Cheerilee," the mulberry mare said.

"Ah'm Granny Smith and if you try anything I'll show you I'm not so old as to kick some tail," the green elderly mare said.

"Understood now we'd better start making ground before it gets dark," I said.

"Now?" Cheerilee asked.

"No time like the present," I said.

The mares seemed hesitant but nodded and went back inside. When they came out I saw about 20 foals walk out of the house and I saw Cheerilee informing them on what was happening.

"I thought there was only six," I said to myself.

"Actually we were able to save every single foal in Ponyville," Granny said.

"Ponyville, is it far?" I asked.

"Not exactly bit of a march west of here though," Granny said.

"Alright now we better get going," I said as I led the group away from the crumbling house.

We walked for a long time many of the foals whispered about me but I didn't care. My only goal was to get back to the camp and think about what I saw when I had my tumble. I saw the sky was beginning to get dark. I looked around and remembered there was an old structure not too far from where we were. So I led the group there and once we arrived I led the group into a large intact tower that had a crumbling plant covered throne at the back in front of a set of windows. I also noticed five large and one smaller splotch of ancient dried up blood on the ground. But I decided to keep that information to myself just so the foals don't freak out. I then helped the mares settle the foals in and when it came time to sleep not all of the foals could sleep. But the mares seemed to have no trouble sleeping especially when I said I'd take the night shift. Now all the foals who were awake sat around me and the foals who were awake were the same ones who ran off. All except the ghost filly who had curled herself into a ball next to Mitta and was sleeping soundly. (lucky filly) Suddenly a baby started to cry and I saw the colt with both horn and wings stand up and walk over to the distressed baby. He then return to his sleeping bag and was able to calm him down.

"You’re very good with him," I said.

"He's my little brother I'm the only blood family he has at the moment," the colt said.

"Where's your mom and your dad?" I asked.

"My mum was in Canterlot when the caribou came and my dad is dead. He died in The Battle Beneath the Eclipse," the colt said.

"You got a name?" I asked.

"Pipsqueak," the colt said.

"What kind of parents call their kid Pipsqueak?" I asked.

"My parents didn't give me this name," Pipsqueak said.

"I don't understand," I said.

"It's a long story one I'd rather not go into," Pipsqueak said.

"Fine I won't press the issue, after all we all have our secrets," I said before I looked at the other foals. "What about the rest of you, any of you got a name?"

"Rumble," the grey Pegasus colt said.

"Scootaloo," the orange Pegasus said.

"Sweetie Belle," the unicorn filly said.

"Apple Bloom," the yellow filly said.

"And this is Midnight Star," Pipsqueak said as he gestured to the baby. He had a midnight blue coat with a black mane and tail with silver tips in his mane and wings that matched Pipsqueak's. "So what's your name?"

"Me…It's Bones," I said.

Suddenly Midnight began to cry once more and Pipsqueak tried to calm him down again. I felt my flute calling out to me so i took it out of my pocket and felt something take control of my hands. I pulled the flute to my lips and began to play a song.

As the song played through the warm night air the foals became hypnotized by the music and began to drift off to sleep along with Midnight but Pip was still awake.

"Wow I forgot that lullaby's work on Midnight thank you," Pip said as I removed the flute from my lips.

"You’re welcome," I said deciding to take the compliment.

"Hey I hate to ask this but since you’re staying up can you watch Midnight for me tonight I need some sleep," Pip said.

"Sure I think I can handle it if he stays asleep," I said as Pip handed me Midnight who snuggled against my chest when he was placed in my arms.

"I think he will," Pip said before he went to his sleeping bag and was out like a light.

I sat quietly on the floor against a fallen pillar and watched over the slumbering ponies unaware of the cyan reptilian like eyes that watched from the shadows of ceiling corner.

---

Meanwhile in Canterlot

---

Queen Luna stood on a balcony overlooking the city of Canterlot and the world beyond. Queen Luna was a midnight blue alicorn with a sparkling blue mane and tail that looked like her night sky and also blowed in a non-existent breeze. She stood at 8.4 ft. with curves that any mare would do anything for and any stallion would kill to simply touch her once. Her breasts were perky and large enough to get a custom bra. To go along with her generous chest she had an equally generous rear that wobbled like jello with every step she took. Luna's gaze was on the night sky above her as she rubbed a ring on her left ring finger symbolizing her marriage to someone. Her gaze then shifted towards the land that made up her kingdom. However, the view was ruined by the large army of caribou at the bottom of the mountain ready to attack at any time. The caribou had conquered most of Equestria but Canterlot was the only place that still holds out against them. When the caribou took the Crystal Empire and replaced the Crystal Heart with an artifact called the Crystal Cock. Fortunately both Cadence, Shining Armour and their daughter Flurry Heart were able to escape. Now Shining Armour's shield surrounds Canterlot in hopes of holding the caribou at bay.

"Luna."

Queen Luna turned her gaze towards her eldest sister Princess Celestia. She was a pristine white alicorn who had a slightly bigger breast and rear size with nice wide hips from eating too many sweets. She stood at about 8.8 ft. Her mane and tail shared the same colours as the morning dawn and they also blew in a non-existent breeze.

"Hello sister shouldn't you be in bed?" Luna asked.

"Funny I was going to ask you the same thing," Celestia said.

"I cannot sleep sister my sons are somewhere out there and neither Dream Catcher nor I can even enter their dreams to see if they are alright because of the caribou’s strange magic," Luna said.

"I know Sister I worry about them too but since mother has gone missing along with Discord you must lead our forces out of this mess. Our forces need a strong leader who can keep a calm mind," Celestia said causing Luna to sigh. "Luna I know there's something else isn't there?" Celestia asked but Luna didn't respond. "It's him isn't it, its Ash," Celestia said causing Luna to grip the remains of the feather Ash gave her tightly. "Luna every time you hear a wolf's howl you think its Ash calling out to you. You so desperately long to hear his voice once more you fly off after the howl only to find a plain timber wolf."

"What is your point sister?" Luna asked.

"I'm saying you need to move on Luna. You and I both know the dead cannot be brought back to life as a whole," Celestia said.

"That may be dear sister, however my heart refuses to move on and I refuse to give up. I know Ash will always try to get back to me if I was ever in danger because that is what he does," Luna said.

"Luna-," Celestia started.

"Please sister just return to your chambers I will return to mine shortly," Luna said as she raised her hand to stop her sister.

Celestia nodded before she hugged her youngest sibling.

"Get some rest and sleep well Lulu," Celestia said before she released her sister and left.

Luna turned her gaze back up to the sky and placed a hand on the burned feather.

"I hope you know how much I miss you Ash," Luna said before she blew a kiss to a certain star next to the moon that shined bright blue before she went inside.

Next Chapter: Chapter 4 Nightmares and Wonderbolts Estimated time remaining: 41 Hours, 30 Minutes