It's been about three weeks since Zeke was here. Things have been going great for the most part. Got more Keybladers, the princesses are safe, most of the damage from both the Core vs Hollow fight and Me vs Blue Blood has been fixed thanks to Cript. Although those who died are still dead, but everyone is recovering. Thanks to the heartless Zeke summoned we have all the supplies from the hospital and the surrounding area. The Monster squad Zeke sent here to help train keybladers were both a little weird and cool. They were strong to. As for the keyblade force here. It's me, Gilda, Vanitas, Twilight, AppleJack, Zecora, and Celestia, because Luna is still missing her legs. Although some of the guards what to join they want to see if Captain Armor was still alive. He and Candace disappeared before Blue Blood tried to take power. There wasn't anything about there whereabouts in Blue Blood’s journal so he didn't know where they were.

Wise gear, Nurse Redheart, Doctor Whooves, and the doctors Zeke sent over are perfecting the limb blueprints. Luna insisted she would wait till the other injured ponies were taken care of. Doctor Whooves volunteered to test it. Thanks to the others help they were able to perfect it in two weeks. Have to hand it to them, everypony would be miserable without their help.

When I woke up the day after what happened. I expected ponies would be afraid of me. Heck I wouldn't even be surprised if some called for my head. I just...didn't expect what happened.

I woke up with a start. Remembering what happened yesterday. I literally became a demon, and the world was almost destroyed. I placed my forehead on my right hand. “I have to learn how to control my power. I don't want to turn into that thing again.”

I realized...I'm not alone in this bed. I looked to my right and saw...Gilda?! Did I get in her bed by mistake? I looked around and saw I wasn't in my room. I must have.

I got out of bed without waking her up. ‘It pays to be a demon assassin at times.’ I then went to my room. Avoiding everyone that's awake right now. I made to my room and realized something. The battle with blood and my transformation...left me in only my pants, and they were in tatters. Hope I have something to change into .

I than noticed a duffel bag near my bed with a note on it.

“Dear John,

Hey. Noticed your cloths were about to fall apart so I figured ‘what da hell’ I'll leave you some extra cloths in case something like this happens again.

Signed, Cript”

Oh, well thanks Cript. I opened the bag and saw they were similar to the cloths I had on before. I reached with my Void hand to grab a shirt when I noticed something. From my wrist down a few inches...were purple crack of Void energy. Was this from overloading myself with Void energy. Does this mean if I had let the form fully transform. Would I have died? Best not to think about that right now.

I got dressed and threw the ruined pants in a nearby garbage can. I wrapped my right hand to cover the mark and then went to the workshop to acquire new equipment. Since most got destroyed from the battle yesterday. I used one of the secret passage ways to get there. When I arrived I met with Wise Gear, who was tinkering with a hand held crossbow.

“Ah. So you must be John Corvo. Zeke told me about you ‘blade’. Wise said with a friendly tone. “I also know of your connection to The Outsider, and no I don't have a mark.”

“Nice to meet you in person/pony Wise Gear.” I said. He chuckled a little.

“So what brings you here this early?” Wise questioned.

“Just replacing some equipment that got destroyed. I...don't want to think about that battle.” I said looking away.

“Listen kid. Don't beat yourself up over it. No one predicted what would happened happen. You did your best, that's all anypony can ask for. Besides, from what I heard Blue Blood did to make you that mad. Anypony would have reacted the same.” Wise said with an angry look. Just remembering what he said makes my blood boil.

I forced myself to calm down so I don't lose control again. “Doesn't change the fact if I had moved sooner I could have at least saved them from most of that suffering they went through. I also became a demon and the world was nearly destroyed.”

Next thing I knew a hoof was hitting me in the face send me back a few feet. Stunned I looked at Wise Gear who was glaring at me.

“None of what happened was your fault . You didn't nearly destroy the world, you didn't do those horrible things to them, you saved them, you fought Blue Blood and toyed with him, don't lie. The Outsider told me you held back both the transformation and its power to keep yourself from destroying the planet. You saved all those ponies that survived in ponyville and are now providing a new home for those who don't have one. So quit blaming yourself. There are still ponies and other beings out there that needs help. Are you going to help, or just willow in yourself pity?” Wise told me.

He’s right. I can't change the past, but I can help mold the future. I can't keep hating myself. Even though I'll still never forgive myself, there are still lives that need help. I need to learn how to control my power, get my mark of mastery, and Stop Core with Zeke and the others.

“Your right Wise, thanks. I needed that.” I told him.

He gives me smile. “Don't mention it.”

With that. I gathered new equipment. New short blades, the assassin and folding swords, a new pistol, which Wise upgraded with five shoots now as well as made exploding bullets, a new crossbow that again wise upgraded with a faster rate of fire, grenades, ammunition for both the gun and crossbow, and mines. I then took the blades I acquired yesterday. I put them both on my back with new sheaves for them. Wise even made a sheave for a blunderbuss which I carry now as well. I was about to leave...when I turned around and saw the princesses, Luna in a type of rolling bed till she gets new legs, Twilight, AppleJack with her sister and her friends, Gilda, and...what only I can assume to be the Monster Buster Force Zeke left here. A small skeleton with a jacket, a monster that looks like a fish with an eyepatch, and a yellow lizard like monster.

We stared at each other for a while, about four minutes, when the skeleton walked up to me and held out his hand. I hesitated, than took his hand to shake it. I heard a farting sound as soon as our hands connected. I let go and saw a small whoopie cushion on his hand. “Hand whoopie cushion, old classic never gets old.” The skeleton said with a laugh.

I stared at him for a few moments...and started laughing. After everything that's happened lately. I needed something like this.

Wiping a tear from my eye cause I was laughing so hard. “Thanks. I need that. Names John. John Corvo. You?” I said.

“I'm Sans, Sans the Skeleton. The halve fish monster behind me is Undyne, and the other one is Alphys. Our resident science monster. We are also keybladers.” With that he and Undyne summoned their Keyblades. Sans was Fatal Crest, but I didn't know what Undyne’s was.

I nodded at them than look at the girls. They were just starring at me for a few minutes. I was getting nervous. Were they scared of me? Did they hate me? Then Celestia gave a small smile and bowed her head a little. She was soon followed by the others. What?

“Thank you, for saving us and stopping Blue blood, but most of all. Thank you for saving my little ponies.” Celestia said looking at me with a smile. The other girls were smiling as well.

“ Ya, if it wasn't for you. I wouldn't have ether seen ma little sister again.” AppleJack said. Holding her sister close who hugged her back.

“You risked your life to save us. Not to mention before all this happened you saved me and my friends a few times already. I'm sorry I screamed and blasted you that time. You're only trying to help.” Twilight apologized.

“I heard from young applebloom and other ponies in there dreams what you have done for them. Even saved nearly a dozen foals, and helped bring back the moon. Thank you.” Luna said with gratitude.

“Yo-You're not scared of me?” I asked.

“No, why should we?” Twilight asked.

“You saw what I became right? When I was fighting Blue Blood.”

Yes, we did. Don't worry. You weren't mad because of something done to you. You were mad cause of what happened to others. It just shows that you care.” Celestia said.

“I let my rage get the best of me. I'm a monst-”

Suddenly Undyne punches me in the gut. “Suck it idiot! In case you haven't noticed. Me, sans, and my lover here are actually monsters. We felt you power and rage before we even came here, but let me tell you something. You aren't a monster. Monsters wouldn't be feeling what you are right now.”

“Pain?” I asked sarcastically.

“Guilt.”

“She's right.” Sans said. “If you were an actual monster you would be wanting more of that power and slaughtering everyone in your way to get it.” Sans said. Though Undyne hit him on the head.

“Even if you guys accept me what about the other ponies?” I asked.

Celestia just gave me a smile and nodded her to to follow her. I followed her and the other girls outside. When I got out there everypony stopped what they were doing and looked at me. They were silent for a minute. Then I...started to hear...clapping. One by one the clapping grew till everyone here was clapping. I...couldn't believe it. Their not afraid?

“So you see.” Celestia said. “They know you're not a monster. That you risked your life to save them. So, ‘Blade of Equestria’, what now?”

I looked out over everyone here. They were looking at me with faith, hope. Did they want me to lead them? But I'm not a leader, but I have to try.

“People of Equestria!” I yelled. “Firstly. I want to apologize for what happened. It's my fault both Equestria and this world was almost destroyed. I wasn't strong enough to stop it. If it wasn't for the help of a friend then this world would be gone now. When I was sent here I promised to protect this world. Not even ten minutes later I'm practically the most wanted being in Equestria. Even then I vowed to protect this world, regardless of how I'm viewed. Then one day. An evil named Core showed up. He is largely responsible for the damage this world has suffered, he even manipulated Blue Blood to his side. Although Blue blood didn't really need manipulating in the first place. This land is infested with his minions. Heartless, Unversed, a fusion of the two, his experimented monsters, and worse. I'll do what I can, but I can't do it alone. I'll need help, from people who can use a keyblade.” I summoned Fenrir to show them what a keyblade is. “Counting me there are six wielders here, but it's not enough. I'll need people who are willing and able to fight. To protect this world. Some of you will be just keybladers, while some will need to be more. Those who are willing, to end a life if need be. If it's possible to take someone down without killing than good, but sometimes it's not always like that. Believe me I know. Those who join me as assassins will have to be ready to end a life, but to be more than ready to protect a life as well. Who will join in this fight for Equestria!?”

“I will!” I looked behind me to see Gilda with her keyblade out smiling at me with a determined look.

“Me to.” Twilight was next.

“I won't be an assassin no offense, but I'll join in this fight.” Applejack said with Celestia following soon.

“I would join, but I need new legs first.” Luna replied.

Soon after, one by one more ponies joined as keybladers. The guards would've joined, but wanted their captain to be first to join. We’ll need to find both him and Cadance soon. Twilight lost her parents in Canterlot. I'll make sure she doesn't loose her brother and sister figure.

Sans and Vanitas walked up to me. “Ok boss, what's next.” Vanitas asked. Although I couldn't tell if he was being sarcastic again.

“I'll need to hand out Keyblades to everyone that joined with the keyblade ritual, then for the next few weeks they'll be training till we say so. We’ll send them on small exploration missions to look for survivors with one of you guys going just in case. Than we start getting serious. Once they are ready we’ll look for Shining Armor and Princess Cadance. Finding the princess of love will help strengthen moral as well as the Captain of the guard. If we can convince him to join the guards will join as well. Giving us more troops. We’ll also need to start taking back Equestria. Starting with what's left of ponyville. With the ground fertile again we can start plant food as well as trees. We also need to send out a team to look for Applejack’s cousin in Appleloosa if he survived. Bloom said he is a blacksmith so that would be a big help. We got a long road ahead of us.” I told them.

Sans left eye glowed blue. “Well you can count on us. Zeke sent us to help so that's what we'll do. Just hope I can have a break once in awhile.”

With that I started handing out Keyblades by doing the ritual for those that joined. It will take some time before we know who gets what. I turned to head back inside when I heard Gilda call for me. “Hey John!”

I turned around and she handed me something that was wrapped up. “The princesses and me, along with Wise Gear, made you something.”

I took the package and opened it. It...it was my mask, but different. The metal was smoother than before, and there was symbols on it. On the forehead was the Outsider mark surrounded by the marks of the last elements of harmony. On the left cheek was Celestia's symbol and Luna’s was on the right. They made me a new mask. “What's it made of?” I asked

“It's made of Nihil. It's magic conductive and great at enchanting. We enchanted it with Wise’s help so when you use void in it all but the outsider mark disappears, the mask gets darker, and the outsider mark glows, or you can make it not glow if you want.” Twilight said

I help the mask, looking at it for a moment. Than I put it on. It fell nice having my mask again. “Thank you. Now it's time to get work.” I said. Than we headed inside to get ready.

They got their Keyblades the next day. Twilight got Three wishes Keyblade, Applejack got Earthshaker, Zecora got Circle of Life, and Celestia got a keyblade called Neo Light Seeker. Celestia and Applejack had to tell me their Keyblades names. When the Keyblades were acquired we started training for the first week. Me and Vanitas trained with each other while Sans and Undyne trained the others. So far Gilda was doing the best of them lasting longer against them then the others...by five seconds. Sans and Undyne's abilities and keyblade powers were really strong. Although Sans said it would be best I trained with Vanitas, not cause I wasn't strong or anything. He actually said Vanitas was the only one who could keep up with me. Which was surprising. So for the next week me and Vanitas trained/spared against one another. His moves are troubling to deal with, but doppelgangers help as well as other abilities. Although Vanitas told me to limit my use of Void for now so I don't reli on it too much, and I agree with him.

So when we weren't training with our Keyblades we trained in other ways. I still worked out and practiced my martial arts, but Vanitas wanted to learn them so I trained him I it. ‘Unless you can resummon your keyblade after it gets knocked out of your hand it pays to be able to defend yourself.’ I thought.

Although one night while I was a sleep. Someone payed me a visit.

The first thing I felt was coldness. So I knew I was in the void. I opened the door in my room and saw the expansion of the void. I was about to go looking for him when I heard him behind me. “No need to look for me. I'm right here.”

I turned around and saw him. He was healing quite nicely. Still had some scars though. “Greetings Hollow.” I said. Using his real name.

“So you know my real name. Figured it was a matter of time. We need to talk.” Hollow says with a serious look.

“Is it about Core?”

“That, and something else.”

“What is it.”

“As you know Core now has the mark. He hasn't replicated it yet but things are bad as it is. I never expected Core to get Blue Blood on his side. I had hope you and Blood would have worked together, but it seems I chose wrong all those years ago.” Hollow said looking down.

“Hey, you know Core more than anyone. He is very manipulative when he wants.”

“True, but because of the power I gave Blood, a lot of lives were lost. I need to correct that.”

I was confused by what he said. “What do you mean?”

“Keep training, because when I deem you strong enough...I will do two things. One, I'll host your mark of mastery exam, and two. I will train you to help master the void once you are a keyblade master.” Hollow told me.

He's...he’s going to train me with the void?!

“Judging by the cracks in your arm you'll need it, or using the void like that again could cost you an arm at least.” He stated pointing at my left arm.

I grabbed my wrist where the cracks were forming. He's right. I need to master this power or I'll just be a burden.

“Our time is up. I need to rest from the battle still. Good luck Corvo.” With that everything went black.

After I woke up I upped my training. For about an hour a day I meditated while drawing from the void. Spreading it across my body little by little to control it better. Me and Vanitas are growing stronger by the day. He taught me a few shotlocks and command styles like the one I used against Iron prisoner. Which was called Diamond Dust. I even made my own command style and shotlock with the void, although the command style puts a lot of pressure on me that I can't use it for even a few seconds, and the shotlock takes too much power to use.

On the third week I noticed everyone was getting better at fighting Sans and Undyne. Although I figured that was mostly getting used to their attack patterns. So I started putting them out on small missions like exploring and scavenging. I sent Vanitas, Sans, or Undyne with the team just in case they need back up. So far they have been improving greatly. Especially Gilda and Twilight.

I also trained my other two swords I got before now and then. I call the Void Katana the “Void Slayer” and called the Blue Lightning sword “Azul Tonitrua” which is latin for “Blue Thunder”. They are very powerful swords. Mastering them will be a challenge and a boone.

I was in the war room thinking about who to send after Smokey Apple in Appleloosa, if he's still alive that is. He's a blacksmith who could help with building weapons, supplies, and other essential so finding him would be helpful.

While I was I thought I heard someone enter the room. I looked over to see Gilda and Survivor enter. “Hey Corvo. Even though I'm not good with kids. Survivor here is alright.” She said holding him with a smile on her beak.

I chuckled. “I'm glad I was able to save him when I could. I don't even want to think of what experiments Core would have done.”

As I looked at them I realized something. I have something I have to protect. Something I don't want to lose.

“Gilda, call the others, I have two missions available. Both are of high importance.” I told her.

She looked at me and nodded. She and Survivor left the next second. I looked at the map and thought about the next missions.

‘Head to Appleloosa and look for Smokey Apple, and head to the Crystal Empire for clues on what happened to Shining Armor and Princess Cadance.’