Things could be worse I mean sure I'm forced to stay in my wolf form and I’m now chained to a dog house that is outside in the gardens and it is coming down in buckets but still I've had worse days and really this was all my doing after my mates chewed my ear off with Moon punching me through a wall they decided to leave me like this until they felt satisfied. That was about a month or so ago and at least they allowed me to eat, clean and use the bathroom like a decent sentient being even allowing me to see my kids and the newest addition to the family the child is a little filly with her fur the same colour as Nightmare’s mane and tail while the filly's mane and tail were as dark as Moon's fur and my hair and she had a streak of blue going through the dark mane much like Twilight's mane and my hair as for her eyes they were the same colour as mine and unlike her mother her eyes did not have slitted pupils and despite how mad Moon was at me she wanted to wait for me to help name her and we decided on Alora.

The sound of hooves was approaching and brought me out of my thoughts so I turned and saw it was Moon who was approaching while carrying an umbrella I didn't say anything as she approached me we gazed into each other's eyes until with a flick of her magic Moon made the chain that leashed me to the dog house vanished.

"We agreed and we believe you have suffered enough." Moon said.

Changing back into my humanoid form Moon shared her umbrella with me before we went inside where I got myself cleaned and dry before I made my way to the bedroom where all of the mares were waiting for me none of us said a thing as I climbed into bed with them but they did scooch in close to me and I was just happy to be home with them.

---

Next Morning

---

I felt nice to be waking up in a soft bed next to my lovers again and I could see I wasn't the only one if the mares grabbing onto me tightly was any indication I wanted to stay in bed with them but I pushed myself up and got out of bed but not without making sure the mares were covered in the blanket so they were warm.

Entering the bathroom I went about my morning routine before I went to go eat and the only ones up were Celestia and Faust.

"Morning." Ash greeted.

"Good Ash I see your herd has let you off the leash so to speak." Faust said with a smirk.

"Ha ha, you're funny." Ash said sarcastically.

"So what's on your agenda today?" Celestia asked.

At this my smile became a frown.

"What is it, Ash?" Faust asked.

"It's just...even after a month rebuilding is still taking it's time to complete and almost every day we find more bodies buried under rubble." Ash said.

"There was nothing you could have done Ash." Faust said.

"Besides you prevented the caribou from capturing my other half. Who knows what they would have done if they had grabbed her." Celestia said.

"Still Night Light and many others would still be alive if I were here." I said and at my words the two alicorns’ faces fell at the mention of the unicorn. "How's the family taking it?"

"Twilight and Velvet are distraught. Shining is trying to hold it together but...it's difficult and Cadence is trying her hardest to be there for them but it's hard to do when she looked up at Night Light as the father she never had." Celestia said.

"I get that." I said when a servant placed my breakfast before me and left I stared at the covered dish before me for a while before I pushed it away.

"Ash?" Faust asked quizzically.

"This conversation has put me off my appetite unfortunately." I said as I stood up to leave.

"Ash this is the most important meal of the day you must eat something." Faust said.

I said nothing and just left and walked till I left the castle letting my feet carry me wherever and as I walked I saw many individuals working to restore and improve the city suddenly there was a gust of wind and something collided with my leg and when I looked I saw it was a newspaper from awhile ago so picking it off my leg I saw it was a front page and the topic was my slaughter fest on the caribou the people believed it was some kind of monster or demon that didn't like caribou but I know the truth the newspapers even started calling this guy essentially me Jack the Ripper some in my herd my friends and Rage were furious when they learned of this but Celestia calmed them explaining it was better to let everyone believe it was something else rather than me so it was agreed to keep it secret.

Casting the paper away I then got back to walking idlily wandering amongst the buildings I even stepped in to help clear away any debris for a few places before moving on it went on this way for hours till the sky began to darken as the day began to end and storm clouds filled the sky and as I walked I saw Velvet approaching me carrying two bags of groceries in her arms suddenly one of the handles snapped spilling the contents so I quickly rushed over and helped the mare.

"Oh Ash." Velvet said when she saw me picking up her groceries.

"Hi Velvet here let me help you get these home." I said.

"Oh no I couldn't ask you to do that." Velvet said.

"No but I want to, besides I have nothing better to do." I said.

"Well then I accept." Velvet said.

Placing everything into the broken bag I carried the bag from below and followed Velvet to her home.

"I'm surprised you didn't notice." Velvet said.

"Pardon?" I asked.

"I have more food than one person can eat." Velvet said without breaking her stride.

"I did notice actually...I just assumed that this would be for your kids who are staying with you through this...difficult time but I didn't want to assume or be rude so I decided not to say anything till you brought it up." I said.

"You're very sweet Ash." Velvet said as her walk slowed. "Honestly it is difficult...losing him like that but...but I know he wouldn't want me to mope and groan about it. We promised each other that after we've taken some time to grieve we would go on with our lives."

"I'm just sorry I wasn't there sooner." I said.

"Ash, I heard what happened to you." Velvet said, causing me to pause. "I know you could have wished to save my husband but the simple matter is that you couldn't but I do know that you avenged him and all those the bastards robbed of us and that is enough."

Hearing these words I could only nod as my way of thanks but believing in them was another matter entirely. Suddenly, I hear a commotion up ahead before Velvet and I go to see what is the problem and we soon see a crowd of ponies and they are all looking up at something and when I look I saw someone standing on the edge on the top of a ten storied building.

"Cream Heart!" Velvet shouted.

Looking at Velvet for a moment I then looked back at the mare above and saw it was indeed Cream Heart she had cream colour with a mane and tail being light brown with her mane being tied into a loose ponytail this wasn't our first interaction and I know she is a mother of one Button Mash a nice colt and excellent gamer.

"What is she doing?" Velvet asked.

"I don't know but I plan to find out." I said as I handed Velvet back the bag before I teleported onto the roof behind the mare. "Cream Heart."

Turning towards me I saw bags were under Cream's eyes from sleepless nights.

"D-don't come any closer." Cream Heart said.

"Alright." I said.

"No magic either or flying." Cream Heart demanded.

"Ok now Cream Heart what are you doing?" I asked.

"Isn't it obvious I'm going to jump." Cream Heart snapped.

"Okay and what for I mean if you jump who is gonna take care of Button Mash?" Ash asked.

"Button...is dead." Cream Heart said as her eyes filled with tears which also struck a chord with me too. "He was trying to cover my escape but the caribou..."

Cream Heart began to break down into sobs and I could understand now what was going on.

"Cream I'm so sorry." Ash said.

"It's my fault I should have protected him. I was his mother for buck's sake this is my fault...he's dead because of me." Cream Heart sobbed.

"Cream Heart this is not your fault in any way if anything it's my fault for not being here to stop it. Despite what everyone else says I know you feel guilty and you also feel sad and it's okay to be sad even distraught with grief but jumping isn't going to make this better." Ash said as Cream looked at Ash through her tear filled eyes. "Listen Cream you loved your son and you still do I don't need to be Cadence to see that and I know your son loves you too and if he died knowing you were safe then I bet he holds no regrets just like the heroes in his games who will do anything to protect their loved ones." Ash said, causing Cream to calm down just a bit. "But Cream Heart if you jump that would mean your son would have died for nothing so please don't let his sacrifice be in vain."

Cream was still crying and for a few moments she stood still till finally she backed away from the edge and I stepped forward slowly till finally I could wrap my arms and wings around the mare in a hug where her dams broke again releasing a flood of tears Cream then gripped the front of my shirt tightly before she collapsed to the floor dragging me down with her all the while my arms and wings still cocooned her to shield her from the outside world soon I had teleported the both of us and Velvet outside the Sparkle residence Velvet who had reacquired her surroundings soon saw me and the mare in my arms before rushing to the door and opening it to allow me to enter carrying the mare bridal style Velvet instructed me to place Cream on the bed and soon the Sparkle siblings along with Cadence and Flurry Heart entered the room and spotted me and the two mares.

"Mom what happened?" Twilight asked when she saw Cream Heart.

"Nothing you need to concern yourself with dear now all of you clear out give the poor dear some peace." Velvet said as she shooed the ponies out of the room before turning to me. "I'd offer you to stay for dinner Ash but I'm going to be busy taking care of Cream here."

"Then allow me to cook." I suggested.

"Oh Ash, I can't ask you to do that." Velvet started.

"You didn't. You said it yourself, dinner will have to wait and between you and me Flurry can get fussy when she doesn't get food on time." I said with a wink.

"Thank you Ash." Velvet said.

"Alright then." I said before I stepped into the kitchen.

---

Few Hours Later

---

I just finished prepping dinner which was a stew before I served it into individual bowls for everyone and it seems the smell lured most of the occupants to the kitchen.

"Oh wow that smells delightful Ash." Cadence said as she sat down with Shining and Flurry before Twilight took her seat.

"Glad you think so." I said as he served everyone.

"Thank you Uncle Ash." Flurry said before she dined in.

Looking at Flurry Heart it was then I realized just how much older she is.

"Uh, remind me again but how old is Flurry?" I asked as I prepped two more bowls for Cream and Velvet.

"Six." Shining said, causing me to look at the filly once again.

"Ash what's wrong?" Cadence asked.

"It's just hitting me on how much I've been missing from my kids' lives." I said as I set everything down so I could let it all sink in.

"Oh Ash you're still hurting." Cadence said as she got up and hugged me from behind.

"I screwed up Cadence, badly and I mean before this attack." I said.

"Ash you have done nothing wrong, how could you have? You can't be everywhere at once. You may be a god but you are most assuredly not perfect...no one and nothing is." Cadence said as she continued to hug me from behind.

"She's right." Shining said as he got up and placed a hand on my shoulder. "You aren't perfect but you are giving it your best and that... is more than what anyone can ask of you."

I said nothing as the pitter patter of the rain tapped against the roof and I couldn't help but be thankful to the two as they spoke to me I then gave the hands on me a gentle pat to let them know I was alright before they released me I then spun around to thank them till I noticed Twilight wasn't paying attention at all since her gaze was on the doorway that led to the lounge room.

"They've been in there for awhile." Twilight said absentmindedly.

"Twilight!" Cadence screeched, startling the mare.

"I'm here!" Twilight said in a startled tone.

"You most certainly are not." Cadence said.

Sighing to myself I decided it may be a good idea to go check in on the two so I filled up a kettle and prepped two mugs.

"What are you up to Ash?" Shining asked.

"I just realized this house is starting to get cold so I thought I might organize a warm drink for the two out there along with some dinner and then see if I can get a fire in the fireplace going to warm the place up." Ash said.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea and if all is well we can have some smores afterwards." Cadence said.

"Smores!" Flurry chirped happily.

As soon as the kettle was done I set to work on making two cups of coffee for the two mares in the next room and once I had finished I carried the bowls and mugs into the room and saw Cream Heart was resting and Velvet was by her side sitting on a footrest watching over her.

"Oh Ash...thank you dear." Velvet said when I handed her the bowl and mug.

"Still out of it?" I asked as I set the food and drink on the coffee table before moving to the fire place.

"Yes she mumbles a bit here and there but I continue to hear Button from time to time." Velvet said.

"I'll get Luna on that for her so that her dreams are in comfort." I said as I set up some paper and kindling.

"What are you up to, Ash?" Velvet asked.

"I noticed it was getting cold in the house so I thought I might warm things up for all of you." I said as I snapped my finger to produce a small flame on the tip of my finger before I set fire to the kindling and once I got a good burn I placed a couple of logs in the fireplace and just sat to watch the fire burn no one said a word but that didn't mean we were listening.

I have no earthly idea on how much time had passed but sometime during then and now Cream Heart had awoken and joined Velvet and I in our silence and also started digging into her drink and food. Soon enough the others appeared and joined us but Flurry and her mother got busy making smores for everyone till finally Flurry spoke up.

"Hey Uncle Ash, do you have any songs you could sing?" Flurry asked.

"Uh sweetie I think-." Cadence began.

"It's okay Cadence...hm...what to sing though." I hummed. I then looked at the others and saw not one of them would mind what it was I sang. "Bear with me but I'm going to need to make an adjustment for this."

I then snapped my fingers and soon my appearance changed to my female counterpart and before anyone could say anything I took a deep breath and let the harmonious heart begin before I started to sing.

As I sang I shut my eyes. I found it weird to be singing with a female voice but I shrugged it off till the song was over and when I looked I saw most of the occupants were sound asleep leaving Velvet the only one to hear all of the song.

"That was beautiful, Ash." Velvet said before I changed back to male self.

"Thanks and I know it seems strange but even I can admit that my female version has a better voice than I do." I said as I looked at the group before I turned to Velvet. "Will you be alright?"

"Ash you don't have to leave besides it's still raining out there." Velvet said.

"I know but there is something I need to do and it's about time I get to it." I said.

"Alright just be careful on your way back." Velvet said to which I nodded before I covered myself in a shield before departing.

I trudged my way through the rain the shield keeping me dry as I walked I soon made it to the gates where I saw the guards at the gates standing in little guard houses which were enchanted to keep them warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather the guards gave me a salute and I returned with a nod before I entered the castle I then made my way towards the dungeons but unlike the other cells this cell was isolated from the other and everyone made sure of that this prisoner was kept there entering the chamber I saw a single occupant sitting in a chair outside the cell her flowing multi coloured mane was a dead give away and in the cell was almost a twin for the one outside the cell one except her mane and tail blazed like wildfire and her eyes were like cooling magma at first I couldn't hear what they were saying but as I approached the conversation stopped.

"Well, well, well look who's here." The cell's occupant spoke in a voice that was full of arrogance and smug and I could see the one in the cell despite it being dark was wearing an orange jumpsuit instead of her armour and was no longer in shackles but still bound by the ring on her horn.

"Hello Daybreaker." I said simply.

The one outside the cell spun around to look at me and I saw it was Celestia and she seemed surprised that I was here.

"Ash what but I thought-." Celestia said.

"I'm gonna have to face this some time." I said as I conjured up my own seat before I sat in it.

"So to what do I owe this pleasure..." Daybreaker said as she walked forward from the darkness of her cell where she proceeded to press herself up against the bars but what made this really alluring was that the jumpsuit was that it had been unzipped at the front to the point where it was just above her loins keeping everything hidden but still threatening to be exposed. "Have you come to enjoy a few more rounds with me?"

My eyes kept a constant glare locked on the prisoner's eyes but it was only for a few seconds that my eyes drifted downward.

"So it's true." I said and to my words Daybreaker began to caress her belly.

"Wonderful isn't it that our night has led to such a miracle." Daybreaker teased, causing Celestia to stand up with her mane and tail beginning to spark and flame. "Now, now Tia. Angry is not a good look for you."

"If it weren't for that child I would see you wiped from the face of the planet!" Celestia seethed.

"Aw but you can't do anything, can you not while I'm with a child according to the ancient laws." Daybreaker said.

"Don't get so confident Daybreaker that child." Celestia said as she pointed to Daybreaker's stomach. "Is a temporary hold from the executioner's blade." Celestia said as she turned to leave. "Let us leave here Ash."

"Go ahead, I have some things I wish to discuss with her." I said without taking my eyes away from Daybreaker I didn't need to see it to know Celestia was surprised by my response even Daybreaker seemed surprised judging by the twitch of her ear.

"But-." Celestia started.

"You are free to stay Celestia as you are free to leave but my business here has yet to be concluded." I said simply.

Celestia said nothing more she stayed put before I heard her depart.

"And good riddance...honestly I thought she'd never leave." Daybreaker said.

"She is right, you know." I said, causing Daybreaker to turn to look at me. "That child is a temporary stay of execution." I said as I stood up and walked towards the bars. "So the question is what comes after the child is born."

Next Chapter: Chapter 55 A Deadly Game of Chess Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 10 Minutes