Slowly awakening from my slumber the first thing I noticed was the stiring form of my dark mistress of the night who was still in my lap.

"Hey," I said softly.

"Hey," Moon said with a smile.

"Morning."

Pulling my head away from Moon's neck, I looked around and saw Spitfire, Tempest and Luna stretched out along the beds.

"Oh morning ladies...sorry, you girls slept uncomfortably last night didn't you?" I asked.

"Eh no trouble, slept in worse conditions but the bed's softness more then made up for it and it was a pretty warm night despite the small surprise shower that appeared out of nowhere. The oddest thing was that no one could bust the clouds," Luna said as she stretched herself out like a cat.

"Oh...uh whoops," I said as I rubbed the back of my neck.

"Ash, what did you do?" Spitfire asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Uh well I kinda sung a lullaby for the little one here to help them settle down so Moon could sleep and the lullaby involved storms and rain and well; when gods sing or do something filled with great emotion the world responds to it. Just like those songs you ponies sing outta nowhere which is normally called Harmonious Heart," I said.

"Huh so that's what those are called," Tempest said as she stroked her chin.

"Isn't there like a...magical switch you can flip to turn that off?" Spitfire asked.

"Unfortunately no it doesn't work that way," I said.

*knock* *knock* *knock*

"Come in," I said as I looked towards the door. When it opened Hoplite walked in and bowed at the waist. "What is it Hoplite?"

"Sorry to bother you you're highness but you asked to keep tabs on your unconscious...'guest' for signs of him waking up," Hoplite said without raising from his bow.

"Say no more Hoplite, I'll be down soon," I said.

"Yes your highness," Hoplite said before he left.

When Hoplite left and the door to the hallway closed, Moon spun around (to the best of her ability while she was sitting on my lap) and wrapped her arms around me.

"Do you really have to go right now?" Moon asked, her voice muffled while she buried her muzzle into the crook of my neck.

"I wouldn't unless this wasn't important," I said as I hugged Moon.

"Whose this guest Hoplite speaks off?" Luna asked.

*sigh* "You all were gonna find out sooner or later so might as well tell you all...It's Rawlin," I said causing all the mares to tense up and look at me with an expression I couldn't identify.

"Rawlin, as in the same Rawlin from the Apex Predators?" Spitfire asked causing me to nod.

"Why is he here, I thought you would have killed him on sight," Tempest said.

"Oh believe me I did, part of me still wants to as well, but he has information I want. Information I've been wanting to know for centuries and before you concern yourself about the power he has, it was like Red. It was just a shell covering him and was the source of all that dark power. But as for if he was in control or not is to be determined," I said.

"Okay, we know how serious for you this is Ash but please just be careful okay," Luna said.

"I promise," I said before I gave each mare a kiss on the lips before I got up and left the room heading towards the dungeons.

Upon arrival I saw there were more guards here then normal but they all moved to the sides to allow me entrance to the dungeons. I went down the stairs and when I arrived I saw at least twenty guardians in the hallway and the two hell hounds were all staring at one cell in particular. The other harbingers were here including Faust and when I arrived she was the first to notice me.

"I take it you want an explanation on why he's here?" I asked as I approached.

"No Rage, Elisa and Evo gave me a rather detailed story," Faust said.

"So you're here to observe then?" I asked.

"Naturally," Faust said.

"Okay...well here goes nothing," I said before I walked past everyone and into the cell which contained Rawlin who was still sleeping on the bed.

I stood still and waited for Rawlin to wake up for what felt like hours when in truth it was only a few minutes. Rawlin first opened his eyes before he sat up and yawned. He then started to scratch his body before he noticed he was wearing a simple t-shirt and jeans.

"Rawlin," I said causing him to turn and face me only to cover his eyes with a hand because of the light of the lanterns behind me.

"Ah jeez who's there, answer me or I'll run you through!" Rawlin shouted.

"I see that even over a thousand years you're still a paranoid son of a bitch," I said as Rawlin swung his legs over the side of the bed.

"Why you-," Rawlin started before he charged at me with a fist raised but I just stepped to the side to avoid his fist. I then grabbed his wrist in my left hand and pulled his arm down before grabbing him by the waist with my right and threw him over my left shoulder and to the floor causing him to groan in pain. It was then I summoned a bucket of water and threw it on him causing him to cough and splutter and go to wipe his eyes. I dispelled the bucket and knelt down in front to Rawlin.

"Are you awake now?" I asked when Rawlin stopped rubbing his eyes.

"Ash?" Rawlin asked.

"Nice to see you haven't forgotten my face," I said.

"Forgotten you're face, oh believe me I'd love to forget you're ugly mug after what you did at Carsley Fortress," Rawlin cried.

"Ugh still mad about that. If I remember correctly, which I do, I saved your stinking hide didn't I?" I asked.

"You placed me in a catapult and threw the switch, I landed in the goddamn moat!" Rawlin shouted as he pointed a finger at me.

"Hey you survived you jackass and it was certainly better then getting blown to bits when you dropped a torch in the damn powder storage. Plus I was in just as much danger as you because I was in that catapult with you when I launched it dumbass!" I shouted before we took a breath from the shouting and just glared at each other before we looked away from each other with a huff.

"So where the hell are we, captured by the enemy?" Rawlin asked causing me to look at him with a raised eyebrow.

"What's the last thing you remember?" I asked causing Rawlin to reach up and scratch his head.

"Probably all of us agreeing to try and save Geralt with that amulet he always had with him but...everything goes hazy after that," Rawlin said before he stood up and grabbed me by the shoulders with a start. "Did we do it, is Geralt alright, where are the others!?"

I then looked at his arms on my shoulders before looking at Rawlin before he removed his hands quickly before I sighed

"Okay it seems you have forgotten some info when we went to save Geralt and to answer your question, yes we succeeded but our method cost us...a terrible price Rawlin," I said.

"W...what price?" Rawlin asked.

It was then I filled Rawlin in on what happened. When we were dragged into that dark world, what Geralt and the rest of the commanders had become and then what happened after. When I finished Rawlin collapsed and put a hand to his face.

"So...it wasn't a dream...it all really happened...all of it," Rawlin said while I just stood there and nodded.

After a few minutes of silence Rawlin suddenly got up and marched towards me and punched me in the jaw. Rawlin then clutched his fingers while I remained unfazed by the punch.

"Was there a point to that?" I asked.

"Bastard, don't pretend you don't know," Rawlin said as he shook his hand from the pain.

"Indulge me," I said.

"When you agreed to join Geralt after he made his big speech about how the troops beneath us and him were expendable while we were what he needed to conquer the world. You were the first to join him along with the others, leaving me the lone guy to voice against it," Rawlin said.

"What a big fat lie!"

It was then I remembered we had an audience and I saw Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Rarity had joined us.

"What the hell!" Rawlin shouted as he backed up to the opposite side of the cell away from the bars.

"You have some nerve accusing Ash of doing such a thing you scoundrel. When we all saw it was you who first gave into Geralt's dark ambitions," Rarity huffed.

"What are those monsters and how in the nine pits of hell are they talking!" Rawlin shouted.

"Monsters, well I never. For your information you brute I am a lady," Rarity scolded.

"Okay calm down, the both of you," I said silencing them both before I turned to Rawlin. "Alright Rawlin there is only one option here to see who is telling the truth. But for that to happen I'm gonna have to look into you're memories so I need you to hold still."

"Wha," Rawlin started before I placed my right hand atop his head and used a memory spell.

I then began looking through Rawlin's memories till I found what I was looking for, the memory of when we're all 'changed'. With a tap I played the memory and watched till after Geralt made us the offer.

"Geralt are you out of your goddamn mind!" Rawlin shouted.

"Alright Geralt," I had said as he bowed his head shocking me.

"Ash what are you going on about?" Rawlin cried out.

"Rawlin don't you get it. Anything we want, unlimited power, you do realize an opportunity like this doesn't come around all that often right," I said.

"I know that, I'm not a fool. But I'd be an even greater fool if I said yes to this after sacrificing all my men. You know this as well, you're all with me right?" Rawlin asked as he looked at the others and I could feel the shock he felt when the others turned away from him and bowed their heads towards Geralt.

I saw enough and with a wave of my hand I returned to my body and stepped away from Rawlin. We took several deep breaths before we looked at each other again.

"Let him out," I said causing the others beyond the cell to give a collective huh. "He's telling the truth, at least his version of it."

"What do you mean?" Rawlin asked.

"You said you remember me giving into Geralt's offer while you refused...well, from my memories it was just the opposite and yet I can see no one had tampered with our memories but I have a theory," I said.

"And what would that be Ash?" Twilight asked.

"What if someone tampered with what we saw and heard at the time that memory happened...Red, get out here," I said and with a swirl of shadow and dark flames Red appeared causing everyone to back off.

"Yo," Red said with a wave.

"Red explain this to me," I said sternly causing him to sigh.

"In order for us to actually possess you we needed you to be at your lowest point of despair and we knew that none of you would accept Geralt's offer willingly. So we altered you're sight and hearing with illusion magic to make it sound like you were all abandoned for power and it did the job. Remember the anger I felt when I was abandoned, you did the same thing only with your own words. You rushed your attempt to take back you're body but it was valiant none the less," Red said before I grabbed him by the throat and slammed him against one of the side walls.

"You do realize this is something I could have known a long time ago," I growled.

"Would it have made a difference, you had given up on them a long time ago," Red said causing me to growl at him before I absorbed him back into my body then let out a sigh.

"So...."

Turning to the source of the voice I saw it was Rawlin. He was sitting on his butt after collapsing to his knees with tears leaking from his eyes like broken faucets.

"So I wasn't the only one...they all tried to...you all tried to...," Rawlin started but never being able to form a complete sentence.

"Apparently so," I said before I waved to the others to give us some privacy.

With nods everyone left while I sat beside Rawlin. We said nothing as we sat there, the only sounds were Rawlin's tears. I then summoned a pair of cigarettes and handed one to Rawlin before putting one in my own mouth and lit it using my demonic flame.

"What are these?" Rawlin asked as he took the offered item.

"A cigarette, think of them as a pipe. I find they help when I need to calm down and am stressed out. Finding out about this, I'd say I'm entitled to one. Haven't had one since Vietnam now that I think about it," I said before I took a few puffs.

"I see but why haven't you had these in such a long time?" Rawlin asked as I lit his cigarette.

"Well the first reason is because I hadn't had a need for them. Second reason is because what these things can do to you, not pretty. Finally I'm trying to set a good example for my kids," I said causing Rawlin to cough and splutter after taking a puff.

"*cough* *cough* You're a dad...*cough*...you don't seem like the type," Rawlin said .

"A lot can change in over a thousand years Rawlin," I said.

"Wait, a thousand years?" Rawlin asked.

"Over a thousand years but yes, that long," I said.

"Holy shit...Just what have I missed?" Rawlin asked.

"Oh a lot of stuff but we won't see it here because we're not on Earth anymore," I said.

"Wha-," Rawlin asked.

"Yeah there's a lot going on. Anyway once we're done here I'll show you around," I said after taking a few more puffs from my cigarette.

Once we both finished I escorted Rawlin around the castle. First showing him to his new room and as we walked he jumped when he saw something new, like the lights being turned on in his room. I informed him of what everything was and he asked me so many questions, even going to turn off and on the lights or the taps in his bathroom. I managed to get him to stop before we continued the tour, even introducing him to some of my friends and servants. Then taking him outside the castle to introduce him to the world before we returned to the castle and sat in a relaxation room.

"So what do you think?" I asked.

"I'm...overwhelmed and you're saying Earth is something similar to this place?" Rawlin asked.

"Yeah but it has some places that are a bit more...advanced," I said.

"I see and I just remembered something, why are there statues and shrines of you all over the place in this city not to mention the fact you got all those...um," Rawlin started.

"You can say creatures. just gotta be mindful on how you say it," I said.

"Right anyway I noticed they were all bowing towards you. Anyone would think you're their ruler or something," Rawlin said with a laugh.

"I am their king," I said causing Rawlin to laugh even louder.

"Oh wow who knew underneath all that anger and seriousness you could actually tell a joke," Rawlin said as he continued to laugh.

"I'm not joking with you Rawlin," I said causing Rawlin's laughter to stop.

"You're serious?" Rawlin asked.

"Yeah and there's more, I'm kind of a local hero and a god," I said.

"Okay the god thing is taking it a bit far don't you think. I mean the local hero sure I believe that, I've seen you with a sword and king okay, I'll admit I can see that happening but a god please," Rawlin said.

I then went into detail on my origins and how I first arrived in Equestria. Then on my battle with Heartless and then my ascension to godhood. Even giving him a demonstration of my power and showing him my blood causing Rawlin's jaw to go slack.

"Damn you are practically living Geralt's dream, a kingdom of you're own," Rawlin said.

"Huh I guess I am," I said.

Suddenly the door opens and five rambunctious little balls of fur come barrelling in and onto my lap.

"Dad we've got to go, it's time," Pip said as he and the rest of the CMC sat on my lap.

"Okay, okay you guys, we'll be right there. Oh Rawlin these are my nieces Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo my nephew Rumble and finally my eldest son Pipsqueak," I said.

"Hi," the foals said with a wave.

"Uh hi," Rawlin said with a small wave.

"Anyway let's go eat," I said as the foals got off me so I could stand up. "Why don't you lot run ahead and tell the others we'll be right there.

"Okay," the foals said before they ran out the door.

"That was you're kid?" Rawlin asked.

"Not what you were expecting hm?" I asked.

"No, not at all," Rawlin said.

"Anyway let's go. I'm so hungry I could eat a hydra bout now," I said.

"Yeah if those things even exist," Rawlin said causing me to smirk. "Oh my god you're serious."

We made our way through the hallways till we arrived at the dining room and when I opened the door it was pitch black inside.

"Uh is this room normally like this?" Rawlin asked.

"Don't worry just need to find the light switch," I said as I felt the wall on my right and when I hit the switch the light's came on.

"SURPRISE!"

The single word and the booming of Pinkie's party cannon was enough to startle Rawlin and cause him to land on his ass as confetti rained down from above. When my eyes adjusted to the sudden light I saw a large group of ponies here along with a large banner saying in bright colors 'Welcome To Equestria and Happy You're Not Possessed Anymore Party'. Then suddnly the pink party pony came bouncing over to us before looking at Rawlin.

"Sowereyousurprisedwereyawereyawereya?" Pinkie asked with her quick talking.

"Uh-huh?" Rawlin asked.

"Hee hee good answer. Hi I'm Pinkie Pie and I love to throw parties and make new friends," Pinkie exclaimed with a happy squee.

"Uh Ash, what is that thing?" Rawlin whispered to me as he gestured to Pinkie while I laughed.

"Okay, okay Pinkie mind giving Rawlin some space. I'll take him around and introduce him," I said.

"Okie doki loki," Pinkie said before she bounded off. I then turned to Rawlin and offered to help him up.

"Sorry about that, Pinkie insisted that she give you a surprise party to welcome you," I said as Rawlin grabbed my hand.

"Could of warned me about that," Rawlin said as I helped him up.

"Wouldn't be much of a surprise if I did now would it and besides, Pinkie would never forgive me if I did," I said before I led Rawlin in to join the party.

I then began to show Rawlin around the room, introducing him to several creatures and foods. As the party went on many left and the foals went to bed, leaving just me and my friends.

"Aw man that was an awesome party as always Pinkie but I feel as if I can do more," Rage said.

"He's right the night is still young, any ideas," Nightmare said.

"Hm how about a late night movie?" I asked.

"Perfect idea!" Rage said.

"I'm in," Rainbow said.

"Same," Thunderlane said.

"Why not, anyone else?" Faust asked causing everyone to nod in agreement.

"So what's the genre?" Gilda asked.

"Well since Nightmare Night is a few days away how about some horror flicks. I've got some good ones as well like Friday the 13th, Evil Dead hell even Nightmare on Elm Street," I said causing Fluttershy to let out a nervous squeak.

*shudder* "Old burn face...that guy is so many levels of creepy," Rage said.

"Eh I'm more in the mood for something to do with aliens," Soarin said.

"Hm well actually I know just the ones then and they're all awesome what about you Rawlin care to join us?" I asked.

"Well I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious about this activity," Rawlin said

"Alright everyone, meet me at the movie lounge while I set everything up," I said before I teleported into the movie room and began to set everything up. The others soon came in and it was then I held up three movies. "Ok ladies and germs I have three of the best alien horror movies ever created. Number one is Alien, the second and my personal favourite Predator and finally Aliens vs Predator."

"So why's this...Predator movie, you're favourite," Comet asked.

"One it had the most awesome trailer back in the day and two because one of the the worlds most awesome actors stars in it," I said.

"Who, the Rock?" Spike asked.

"Morgan Freeman?" Mac asked.

"Vin Diesel?" Thunderlane asked.

"Chris Hemsworth?" Soarin asked.

"How about I show you the trailer and let you see for yourself," I said as I summoned a magic screen to show the trailer.

"Oh yeah Arnold fricken Schwarzenegger!" Gilda cheered.

"Kay I'll admit that was pretty cool," Rainbow said.

"Guy looks manlier then you Ash," Mac said.

"Lies and slander, there is no one better then my mate," Luna said as she cuddled up beside me.

"You mean our mate," Spitfire said as Nightmare and Tempest stood beside her.

"I must admit even I'm intrigued and this Arnold does seem to be quite...interesting," Celestia said.

"Alright then, without further adieu let's start this show so I can scare the pants off of you all," I said before I inserted the disk into the player before I turned into a wolf. As soon as I did I was pulled down and my mates and wife snuggled into my fur.

The movie started off great but the four mares who were cuddling me squeezed me tightly while many shrieked and yelled when Billy discovered the skinned soldiers that were being devoured by birds. Then they all got excited when Old Painless was brought out to play but then, once again, everyone became nervous when we switched to the predator's heat vision as he examined the carnage left behind by Dutch's team, also hearing the predator mimic some of the teams voices. As the End credits rolled I could still feel my mares clutching me tightly till I managed to get them to loosen their grip before I turned back into myself.

"So how'd you all like the movie?" I asked.

"That was awesome, Dutch was awesome," Rainbow cried.

"That finale battle I truly thought Dutch was finished when the predator saw that final trap," Spike commented.

"No way, don't you remember what the trailer said Arnold is the greatest warrior, well second best when compared to Ash here," Gilda said.

"Hey what are we, chopped liver?" Rage asked as he gestured to Elisa, Evan and himself.

"What about you Rawlin, what did you think?" I asked.

"It was something. It's honestly amazing how far humanity has come," Rawlin said.

"Indeed it has."

Looking towards the source of the voice I saw it was Apollyon still clad in her armor.

"Oh hey Apollyon, I thought you weren't gonna attend the party," I said.

"I was bored," Apollyon said simply.

"Well we were gonna watch another movie so feel free to join in. As for which one, how about Predator 2?" I asked.

"Yes!" most of the group shouted.

7:00pm 4 Days Later

It was Nightmare Night and I was standing in the hall of armors deciding which one to wear tonight till I felt something tugging on my pants. When I looked I saw it was Pip and as before he was dressed as a pirate and had an adorable impatient pout on his face.

"C'mon Dad you were supposed to pick a costume days ago," Pip said.

"I know but I was working on something else for tonight and now I just can't decide which one is all. I'll figure it out soon so you go meet you're mothers and I'll met you there," I said.

"Well then how about you pick what's scary to you," Pip said before he ran off and his thoughts caused me to have an idea. So with a snap of my fingers an exact replica of Red's armor appeared in front of me.

"Now ain't that a handsome devil but why would you go to all that trouble when you have the real thing here?" Red groaned.

"Because I still can't fully control it without letting you out and today is about giving scares, not trauma's and killings," I thought.

"Oh fine," Red said before he vanished back into my mind.

With that out of the way I then went to work on donning the armor. The black under armor and the bones were fused together to form one of several pieces to cover the body like regular armor. One for the torso, one for the arms, the hands, the legs and head and finally the hooded cape. With the armor on I then summoned a fake version of Deathcaliber before I began to walk out of the castle and as I did I saw the castle had been completely transformed into a haunted palace. Once I was out into the city I made sure no one saw me till I was behind the main stage where I saw Faust wearing some form of dark queen costume and she seemed to just be closing up on the opening speech.

"...and now to finish up, my daughters have requested to do a special performance this eve. So without further adieu," Faust finished and with a puff of purple smoke she vanished and when it cleared a pair of Nightmare Moon's stood in her place before music started to play and the two began to sing along.

As the two mares sang monsters appeared on stage and began to dance and sparks rained down from over head in a beautiful display. I was blown away by their singing before I walked over to Vinyl and gave her the song I wished for her to play. When the song ended everyone applauded the two alicorns. It was then I looked up at the sky and figured I could freak out the crowds a bit. So with a snap of my fingers the moon turned a blood red and when everyone noticed they began to panic. I rolled my neck before I snapped my fingers and appeared on stage in a burst of hellish flames, startling the two Nightmares and the crowd. I then let out a bloodcurdling growl scaring the crowd before I snapped my fingers and a mic appeared in my hand and the music began to play.

As the song played on I began to dance with both Nightmares while I made illusions of the creatures in the song appear out of nowhere before the song ended. I gave a bow causing the audience to cheer. The two Nightmare Moons then walked off stage and I was about to as well when the crowd shouted for an encore. So with a quick browse through my IPod I found the perfect song before handing the device back to Vinyl.

Nodding my head in time with the opening beat, I then summoned a monster band carrying all the right instruments for the song before I held the mic to my maw and began to sing with the monsters singing backup. Soon I had the crowds screaming for me and when the song was over we all vanished in a burst of flames causing the crowd to scream louder in awe. I picked up my IPod and gave the two musician's a fond goodbye before I rejoined the two Nightmares, one of whom was Luna dressed up as a Spartan from Halo and the other was the actual Nightmare Moon and she was dressed up as a female version of the Doom Slayer. I also noticed she was hiding her pregnant stomach with an illusion.

"Quite the performance beloved," Luna said.

"Quite indeed," Nightmare repeated.

"Thank you, thank you very much, but yours was brilliant so don't sell yourselves short," I said.

"Oh we don't but every creature loves you. Must have something to do with the costume and the spooky entrance," Luna said.

"Speaking of why did you change the sky to make it look like it has been soaked in blood?" Nightmare asked.

"Well it wouldn't be terrifying then would it and may I ask that we keep it this way for the night just to give it that haunting feeling?" I asked.

"Hm what do you think Luna?" Nightmare asked.

"Well it would be appropriate considering what night it is," Luna said.

"Then we're all agreed," Nightmare said.

"Good, now then I have a few tricks I want to try out tonight. So let's go find the others shall we," I said before we left.

Once we located the group of friends I then pulled out a small red orb before I gestured for my mate and wife to wait and watch before I threw the ball at the group which exploded causing the group to cough and splutter. As they did I saw the smoke come together and take the shape of a seven headed hydra before it came alive and let out a roar causing a few to yell in shock and fear while Luna, Nightmare and I laugh our heads off at the spectical before the hydra vanished into the wind.

"You!" Rainbow cried before she flew at me and grabbed me by the front of my armor while she got in my face. It was then I noticed she was dressed up as a female Yautja or a.k.a a Predator. "I should have known you were gonna pull a stunt like this, so what was that c'mon spill."

"Nightmare Bombs," I said as I pulled out a handful. "I figured these would make some pretty fun pranks for tonight. Half of them make monsters made of smoke while the others make a blood curdling scream. Pretty cool eh,"

"So how do they work?" Nightmare asked as she took one and examined it.

"Just throw it at an unsuspecting victim and watch the show," I said.

Nightmare then looked around and saw a couple of foals going trick or treating before she threw the bomb. It landed in front of them and the smoke turned into a werewolf which let out a howl causing the foals to scream before running off in laughter.

"Let me try," Rainbow shouted before she snatched one.

"Sure go ahead," I said as I gave the mare a disapproving look.

Rainbow didn't seem to be paying attention before she spotted a group of griffons. She then threw the bomb and when it hit the ground, instead of smoke, the sound of a feminine scream filled the air startling the griffons.

"Hey not bad, you've been holding out on me," Rainbow said.

"I was working on these for the past few days which is why I didn't pick my costume sooner," I said.

"You're forgiven," Luna said.

"Now then what say we scare some trick or treaters hm?" I asked.

"Works for me," Nightmare said as she shed her Doom Slayer costume to go with her armor.

"Agreed," Luna said as she took on an identical appearance

We then took off and both Nightmare, Luna and I then left to go attend the candy offering which was a terrifying success, even saw Gallus and the young griffon named Gabby among the foals and boy were they scared when the 'statue' came to life. Gallus was dressed as a Timberwolf while Gabby was dressed up in a fake griffon version of my armor and had fake version of my wings covering her actual wings, like a shell which moved as she moved with her own wings. The both of them even participated in the haunted castle and I managed to catch them and about ten other kids who bribed me with candy to let them go. In the end it was Gallus and Gabby who won the prize before we proceeded to go to the ghost story circle which was in a clearing of trees in a park and at the center of the clearing was a large bonfire.

"....and so one night the young Timber, against his parents wishes, went exploring deep within the forest. Days went by, the only sign of the young colt was a faraway scream deep within the woods. Search parties went into the woods hoping to pick up some kind of trail till one pony stopped to take a rest against a tree. Suddenly the pony felt a sticky sensation upon her back. Pushing off the tree she turned around and discovered a blood red sap oozing from the tree. Upon looking higher she let out a scream for there in the bark was the figure of Timber as if the tree was grown that way, his face forever frozen in pure terror. After reporting the anomaly it was declared Timber was dead...Arrgh!," Rage shouted causing everyone to let out a scream of fright. "Or was he. For every year on the night of young Timber's birthday a figure resembling Timber's shape stood at the edge of the forest staring at Timber's house with a haunting gaze. The figure didn't move but when the morning came the figure was gone and whenever somepony investigated the figure at night the pony vanished, never to be seen again," Rage said finishing his story and causing many to scream in fright before everyone started to laugh.

"Wow, great story Rage. Even sent chills down my spine," Rainbow said.

"Thank you Dash," Rage said with a mock bow of his head.

"I must admit these are some good stories," Gallus said.

"I'm with you there kid, now whose next?" Tempest asked who was lounging on a log.

"Hm y'know Ash had a great story, remember Ash?" Twilight asked.

"Hey yeah c'mon Ash we have fresh meat here," Rainbow said.

"Alright, alright I'll retell it," I said with a chuckle. "Now how did it begin again ah right...ahem...our story begins in a small town on earth similar to a place called Ponyville only this place goes by the name of Sleepy Hollow. The day started out like any other day, the only difference was that that day marked the arrival of a man. He was tall and lanky but handsome by human standards and could easily be mistaken for a scarecrow in a field,” I said as a figure made of fire stepped out of the pit who matched the description of the character in the story causing many in the audience to gasp at the magic, including Tempest and Moon as they watched the burning figure walk around the area. As I continued the story smoke formed buildings and more and more figures appeared like the man but took the appearance of the townsfolk going about their day giving the group a view of what happened in the story.

"The man's name was Ichabod Crane. Now Crane was nothing like the big burly men that lived in the town, Ichabod preferred knowledge then fighting or hunting. The women of the town all took notice of Ichabod earning him the ire of all the other men in the town. But Ichabod only had eyes for one girl in the town, Katrina Van Tassel the most beautiful woman in Sleepy Hollow. But there was a problem, Katrina was engaged to Ichabod's greatest enemy Brom Bones. Brom was considered the town strong man and hero but despite all the awards and praises from the town Katrina was quickly falling for the lanky schoolmaster, which angered Brom greatly to the point he wanted nothing more than to be rid of Ichabod forever and on the night of Halloween, or Nightmare Night as it's called here, Brom found his chance. The schoolmaster had been invited to attend a special party and it is there Brom found out that Ichabod is highly superstitious. Brom decided to tell a story to scare Ichabod so badly he would leave Sleepy Hollow for good. With his mind set Brom walked into the center of the party to tell his tale."

The children began to grow board with the story but when the song began to play they, and the rest of the audience, became enthralled and my friends who heard this story before began to sing along. As the song ended I picked up a jack o' lantern and lit it as the fire in the pit dimmed.

"After the party ended Ichabod rode home but the problem was the only way home was through the very woods Brom mentioned the horseman haunted. As Ichabod rode his horse through the woods he could not help but remember the haunting tale he heard that night. As fog crawled in through the trees and the air began to get colder, the moon was soon hidden behind the clouds darkening Ichabod's path. Ichabod soon got the feeling he wasn't alone in the eerie woods anymore so he tried whistling a tune to calm his nerves but the sound only echoed through the haunting trees. The wind suddenly picked up, making a lonely pained filled howl and making Ichabod's blood run cold," I said as I used my magic to make the sound of someone whistling and the wind howling rang through the air causing some in the group to shiver. "The moon soon reappeared from behind its cover allowing Ichabod to see once more when suddenly a tingling sensation tickled the hairs on the back of the schoolmasters neck. A shadow appeared over Ichabod and a spectral evil laugh echoed through the woods," I said as I used my magic to tickle the back of everyone's neck before making an evil laugh ring out around us causing the foals to grip their parents for dear life and I could see my friends were freaking out despite hearing this story before even, Moon and Tempest were spooked.

"Fear filled Ichabod's as his face was drained of color to become pale and ever so slowly Ichabod turned around only to regret what he saw. For there up on a hill, silhouetted by the moon, was a figure on a rearing horse and in the figure's hand was a sword with a red hot blade and resting on the shoulders of the figure was a flaming jack o' lantern. Ichabod knew then and there he had come to face...THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN!” I shouted as thunder boomed above me along with a flash of lightning causing many to scream before I continued the tale. "Ichabod immediately returned his sight to the road ahead of him and sent his horse into a gallop but the horseman was not about to let his prey escape. The houseman then let out a guttural cry as he snapped at the reigns of his horse, causing it to charge down the hill while sparks flew from the hooves of the rider's unholy steed as he chased Ichabod through the trees. The horseman's horse was larger and faster than Ichabod's but thanks to the size difference Ichabod was able to slip through narrow areas in the trees forcing the horseman to take an alternate path. Ichabod hoped and prayed for a miracle to save him from the terrifying rider and as if his prayer had been answered Ichabod saw the bridge that leads out of the hollow and remembered Brom's warning about the haunting spirit not being able to cross the bridge.

Ichabod spurred his horse to go faster and when Ichabod looked behind him he saw the horseman preparing to take a swing at him with his sword but fortunately Ichabod had the sense to duck just in time to avoid the burning blade and the sword simply took off a few hairs instead of Ichabod's head. As the two riders continued their race to the bridge Ichabod continued to try and dodge the horseman’s deadly blade and as the pair reached the bridge the horseman stopped and Ichabod rode over the bridge. Only when Ichabod reached the other side of the bridge did he stop to look back at the horseman who let out a cry of anger allowing Ichabod to let out a sigh of relief for his escape. But the horseman wasn't done yet. He reached for the jack o' lantern on his shoulders and pulled it off revealing the horseman's stump of a neck.

The horseman let out one final cry before he threw the fiery pumpkin at Ichabod," I said. As the group was distracted by the flaming figures I threw the jack o' lantern I was holding into the fire pit, reigniting it and causing a massive boom to fill the air startling the audience and causing smoke to creep along the ground. "The town's people of Sleepy Hollow were awoken to the sound of an explosion and the cries of a horse. When they looked outside their homes they only saw Ichabod's horse galloping through the streets, it's saddle burning slightly and in tatters. Everyone raced to the bridge to investigate what happened only to find a smashed pumpkin and beside the shattered vegetable was Ichabod's singed hat," I said causing the groups eyes to grow with fear. "After the incident life went back to normal. A new schoolmaster came and Katrina married Brom but nobody, to this day, knows what happened to the poor schoolmaster. Some say he escaped the horseman and left never to return again. Others say it was Brom who chased Ichabod out of town but most know the truth. Ichabod Crane had become another victim of the HEADLESS HORSEMAN!" I shouted causing many in the group to gasp or scream in fear before my friends began to laugh.

"Aw man, still sends goosebumps the second time you here it," Soarin said.

"Yeah...you two alright?" Rage asked with a smirk as he looked at a shivering Moon and Tempest.

"We're fine, it's just...cold that's all," Tempest said.

"Yes it's just cold," Moon said.

"Aw it's okay for the little alicorn and unicorn to be scared. I'll protect you from the big bad horseman," Spitfire purred as she hugged Tempest.

"Yes there is no need to be scared while we're here," Luna said as she held Moon.

"Leave us!" Moon shouted as she pushed Luna off her and Tempest did the same with Spitfire causing everyone to laugh.

"Well what say we get back to the holiday," I suggested as I gestured to leave the park which the others nodded to do before we left.

"Ash."

I halted in my tracks before looking around before focussing on the others.

"Hey would you guys mind going on ahead, I just need to adjust my armor real quick. I'll catch up to you all soon," I said.

"You sure Ash?" Luna asked.

"Sure, I wouldn't want to keep the mistrisses of the night away from their 'victims' now would I?" I asked causing Luna and Moon to smile at me playfully before they led everyone out of the park. "Okay pal why did you stop me?" I asked calmly as I looked to my left at two spindly trunks which were too thin to be called trees at all, more like vertical twigs. Suddenly the twigs twitched along with another two on my right before a familiar blank pale equine head was lowered down before me. "Y'know it's a real shame you don't join us Slender Mane, you'd fit in perfectly tonight.

"I appreciate the thought Ash but right now there is something serious afoot," Slender Mane said.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"It's Fluttershy's place. Someone has broken in and I believe kidnapped her and all her animals appear to be unconscious," Slender Mane said.

I didn't waste any time before I teleported us before the timed mare's cottage and saw Slender was right. All the animals we unconscious and when I entered, the place looked like it was turned upside down. Suddenly I saw a familiar white rabbit with crimson stained fur.

"Angel!" I shouted as I ran over to the small critter and carefully picked him up in my arms and saw he was losing a lot of blood. So with a quick healing spell I watched as the rabbit slowly opened his eyes. "Hey, you alright Angel?"

Angel squeaked a positive response before he sat up with a start and leapt out of my arms. But before he could reach the floor I grabbed him in my arms again.

"Hey whoa whoa dude. Look I get it, but you're still recovering from whatever happened to you, you need rest here," I said but the rabbit didn't seem interested in listening and instead leapt out of my arms again managing to land on the floor before he made a dash to the door but collapsed. "See you silly rabbit."

"Ash is right fluffy one you're main priority should be rest," Slender Mane said at the door as he moved his tendrils in the path of the door to prevent Angel from getting out.

"C'mon, you know I'll track down Fluttershy and bring her back safely," I said as I picked up the small critter and placed him on the table . "Now then where did they take her."

Heightening my nose up to wolf levels I began to sniff around before I got the scents I wanted before I took on my wolf form and followed the trail out of Fluttershy's home with Slender Mane right behind me. We then followed the trail out of the city and into the forest until I saw a light flickering through the trees. Changing back into my original form I silently crept through the trees towards the flickering light till I came to a clearing with a camp fire being the source of light and sitting around the fire were a set of tents with two large ones and sitting around the fire were a collection of caribou eating before another appeared out of one of the large tents giving me all I needed to know here.

"Well?" one of the caribou who was eating asked as he looked at the new arrival.

"She's secure put up a hell of a fight though, had to knock her out otherwise she would have given me away and that fucking rabbit of hers. Who knew a tiny stupid creature could cause so much pain," the new arrival said as he nursed his arm which had a large bite mark on it that looked like a rabbit bite causing me to smirk at Angel's ferocity.

"Well I hope you didn't leave a mark on her otherwise she won't sell for as much," the caribou from before said.

"Hey that one looked so damn cute. Sure the boss wouldn't mind if we took a few turns on her?" one of the other caribou asked.

"Have those antlers of yours grown into your brain, the boss wants these bitches unspoiled for when we sell them," another caribou said.

"I know but I'm just sick of all that fresh meat just sitting there while I'm stuck here being unable to fuck em," the third caribou said.

"Hey there are plenty of bitches still in that place we keep doing what we're doing we can grab some more whores. Who knows maybe even pick up a couple for ourselves," one of the other caribou said.

I couldn't help but silently growl at the caribou before I turned to Slender Mane and saw he was angry, but I doubt it was at the caribou's conversation and more at the fact the caribou had cut down fresh trees and were using them as kindling and seats. I then gestured for Slender to get higher, right above the camp while I distracted them which he did so before I removed my costume and turned into Hunter's Moon. I then strode into the clearing, making my presence known by the sound of rustling leaves and the metal of my armor clanking against each other. Once each and every caribou turned to face me they all stood up and drew their weapons and aimed them at me.

"Who's there!?" one of the caribou demanded but I paid him no mind as I looked up at the red moon above.

"A lovely moon out tonight, would you not think so?" I asked causing the caribou to look at each other questionably.

"It's more creepy then lovely if you ask me," the same caribou said.

"So you boys think that you'd just come here and start kidnapping mares for you're sick fantasies and to sell the others hm?...Big mistake there cause that ain't gonna happen punks," I said causing the caribou to adjust their weapons.

Suddenly Slender's tendrils came down and either skewered or wraped around the throats of several caribou, leaving only one. All of them to screamed in pain at the impalement causing the last caribou to turn around and see his comrades were being lifted into the air and there, above them, was Slender Mane. While the caribou was distracted I transformed into myself and summoned my harbinger armor before I stepped up behind the caribou. When he turned around to run I snarled at him causing him to trip over backwards and land in the fire pit. I placed my foot on his chest pinning him to the fire pit and causing him to scream in pain as he was cooked alive. Soon the flames engulfed him and I removed my foot from his chest as he lay there and died. Suddenly I heard movement from the second large tent before I saw another caribou come out.

"You lot better have a good excuse for all this screaming otherwise I swear to Ash Blade...," the caribou started before his words died in his throat as he looked around at the carnage I wrought before he looked at me fearfully while my eye twitched at his words "Who are you?"

"Someone you just said you would swear to," I said before I threw a knife at his throat.

I watched as the caribou grasped his neck in an effort to stop the blood before he collapsed to his knees and dies. With a nod to Slender he then picked up the last caribou before he took off while I made sure the last caribou was turned to ashes before I walked over to the other large tent. When I moved the tent flaps to the side I saw dozens of animal cadges filled with a variety of female creatures, all of them staring at me and there was Fluttershy in front of a cage, her hands on a pair of picks stuck in the lock and when I looked I saw an open and empty cage.

"Ash!" Fluttershy squeaked when she saw me.

"Hey Flutters," I said as I removed my helm from my head. "I see those lock picking lessons I taught you have come in handy."

"Hm oh yes they have. Um could you help me please," Fluttershy asked.

"Sure," I said as I began to open the cages.

One by one I opened a cage and each creature thanked me before they went to wait outside when suddenly a hippogriff with light pink fur and a two tone blue mane and tail and blue eyes flew in front of me and she bore a smile as wide as Pinkie's

"Oh...My...Gosh your Ash Blade the hero of Equestria. Oh my gosh this is legendary...just WOW!" the hippogriff screamed.

"Silver Stream, could you please give Ash some room," Fluttershy said as she opened the last cage and freed the mare inside.

"Yes professor Fluttershy," the hippogriff said as she backed away and landed on the floor.

"Sliver Stream...professor, you're one of Gallus's friends aren't you?" I asked.

*gasp* "Are you psychic?" Silver Stream asked.

"No but I do know you're friend, he'll be happy to see you," I said.

"Ash...Angel Bunny...is-," Fluttershy began.

"Is fine but he'll need to recover," I said.

"Thank you Ash," Fluttershy said.

"Now then what say we head back. The night is still young and there is much to do," I said as I led the two out of the tent and back to the city.

Happy Nightmare Night!