A Wolf Among Caribou

"Ugh I know Cadence and Faust mean well but honestly just how many wedding ideas do two mares need to have and why did Twilight have to keep a meticulous record of them." Ash sighed as he closed the latest binder on wedding plans being sure to mark the pages with potential ideas.

As I kept flipping through the binders, one section caught my eye which was the rings.

I subtly glanced up from the binder to look at my herd going through their binders and remembered I had yet to start making the rings.

"Damn it." I silently cursed under my breath.

I took out the ring section and closed the binder. "Done with that one?" Twilight asked while bringing more binders.

"Uh... sort of. I'm just going to get some fresh air real quick." I got up and left the room with the papers.

Once outside I teleported to my forge and began to look over the various ring designs for my herd thinking hard on suitable designs for each mare based on their personalities and likes.

However, despite having most of the materials needed for the rings I didn't have the gems I needed to complete the rings I was about to go and see Rarity for the gems but decided against it because I wanted the rings to be special so that meant I had to find the gems myself besides Rarity would spill the beans when it came to this particular topic.

Leaving the binder behind, I exited the forge, thinking of the perfect gem for each of their rings. With my head in the clouds, I was unaware of anyone else until I bumped into them. "Ooof!"

When I recovered I discovered, I had bumped into Diamond Cutter the queen of the Diamond Dogs.

“Crap Diamond I am so sorry I…I’m sorry I wasn’t paying attention.” I said as I helped the canine queen back onto her paws.

"It's okay." Once she was back on her feet, she straightened her dress. "You're usually more aware of your surroundings."

“Yeah, this latest…well project isn’t the right word but it is something I’m creating,” I said while I scratched the back of my head.

"Something tells me you're not talking about the...exo armor I believe you called it?" Diamond asked.

"No it's not it's...well remember when I was...convinced to propose to my marefriends? Ash asked.

"Yes...Ah, you're creating the rings." Diamond surmised.

"I'm that easy to predict huh?" Ash asked.

"Well, you did say in front of me that you wished to create the rings for the lucky mares like you did with your wife," Diamond stated.

"True," Ash said.

"Hmm...Ash if you don't mind I may have an idea that could help you." Diamond stated.

“I'm listening," Ash was intrigued.

“In my homeland, there is a mountain that has the most magnificent of jewels in the land and was deemed sacred by our people so excessive mining was forbidden except for certain exceptions considering that you have saved my kingdom twice now and that you are a god I believe an acceptation can be made,” Diamond stated.

“You’d do that for me?” Ash asked.

“Why not?” Diamond smiled. “You’ve more than proven yourself worthy, and I’ve always wanted to find a way to repay you for all you’ve done for me and my people.”

As the diamond dog queen smiled at Ash, the god felt a twinge in his heart.

Ash didn’t realise it before but the way the light shone through the windows onto the Diamond Dog Queen made her fur seemingly glow.

However, Ash quickly brought himself back to reality before smiling and bowing before the queen.

“There is no reason for thanks Your Highness but I accept your gracious offer,” Ash said.

“Please Ash stop that if anything I’m the one who must be bowing,” Diamond stated.

“So where is this mountain?” Ash asked.

“Not to worry I shall personally show you,” Diamond stated causing Ash’s brain to pause.

“Wait you intend to come with me?” Ash asked.

"Of course. What good is telling you where it is when I can show you instead? Plus, it's my home, my kingdom, and I need to look after it."

“Fair point…well uh I guess I better get the ship ready to go,” I explained as I pointed in the general direction of the hanger where my ship resided.

“I’ll go pack some supplies then,” Diamond said before she walked away.

Ash glanced over his shoulder and watched her walk away with a slight sway in her step. He walked towards the hanger.

“Can you be more obvious, bro?” Ash turned his head to see Rage leaning on a crate of supplies while his arms were crossed and edging a brow with a smirk.

“What are you on about?” Ash asked.

“You were staring at the Diamond Dog Queen like you were a kid with a huge crush on his teacher,” Rage joked.

"Teacher? What porn have you been watching?" Ash asked his brother.

“The very sexy kind.” Rage answered.

“Okay, but I honestly don’t know what you’re talking about I was staring because she was beautiful in that light and beauty should be admired,” Ash stated.

Rage’s eyebrow rose a little more and his smirk turned into a shit-eating grin.

“Oh shove it already would ya…besides you did the same thing with Gilda AND Trixie.” Ash pointed out before activating an alarm calling the crew to man their stations.

“But at least I followed up on it,” Rage countered. “Now look at me. Got two new beautiful lovers. Take it from your own experience, bro, don’t keep a lady waiting.”

“You seem to be forgetting one small thing…how do you know she’s into me?” Ash asked.

“Well, let’s go over the facts,” Rage said. “She’s always smiling when she’s with you, always wants to do stuff she’d probably never do for others like letting you take some precious gems, she has a slight twinge of jealousy in her eye whenever you’re with your lovers, and I caught that little sway in her step when she left. Need I go on?”

“What are you gonna do next look in her diary if she has one?” Ash asked with a deadpan expression.

“And read about the potential wet dreams she’s had of you? No thanks,” Rage quipped. “All I’m saying is, you always seem to second guess yourself when it comes to romance.”

“I do not,” Ash snapped.

“Really?” Rage scoffed. “How long did it take for you to finally own up to Luna? Or even Celestia?”

“Forgive me for being out of touch when it comes to dating and being married and also being raised in a monogamous relationship,” Ash stated.

“All I’m saying is you should trust your heart more,” Rage said before walking off. “Trust me. It’ll do you wonders.”

“Trust my heart…what Disney movie did he take that line from?” Ash wondered.

“How are the preparations?”

Turning to see who spoke Ash was momentarily stunned to see Diamond wearing a set of jeans a white sports bra that seemed a little too small for her and a half-length black leather jacket.

“I figured that a dress would get in the way of where we needed to go so I changed into some casual clothes…I’m amazed I can still fit into them.” Diamond stated.

Ash had to catch his breath and Rage’s voice echoed in his head.

Trust your heart.

Taking a moment to put aside Rage’s voice Ash thought about what he should say or do in response to Diamond’s statement.

“Wow, Diamond I never imagined you as the leather jacket type.” Ash said but mentally Ash was internally beating himself up “Real smooth ya dolt.”

“Let’s just say I was a rebellious princess when I was young,” Diamond said. “I was never into wearing fancy dresses. Drove my mother nuts. Do you like it?”

“Uh yeah absolutely…but if we’re going to the mountains won’t you be a little cold?” Ash asked.

“Why would I be cold?” Diamond cutter asked, confused.

It was then Ash realized he once again said something stupid because she was a husky who was raised in cold weather.

“Right fur gotta remember that,” Ash said as he slapped himself in the head before stepping off the ship and offering a hand to the canine to escort her on board. “Milady.”

“Oh my, what a gentleman,” Diamond giggled and took his hand.

Ash then escorted Diamond onboard before the crew arrived and a few minutes later the ship cast off heading towards the Diamond Dog kingdom and all Ash could think was.

“What the fuck am I doing?”

”That’s my line,” Ash heard Red speak. ”What the fuck ARE you doing?”

“Oh great you’re gonna start backseat driving now?” Ash asked.

”Even I can tell she’s into you”, Red scoffed. “I’m just surprised you aren’t pinning her to the wall right now.”

”Pin her just what do you take me for?” Ash asked.

“Do you want my honest answer?” Red asked rhetorically.

”The opinion of a…whatever the fuck you are who has done nothing but hack, slash, and maiming his victims this outta be good.” Ash commented.

“Stop being a pussy,” Red said, making Ash have to pause for a good minute.

“Oh, how I wish I could mute you sometimes.” Ash groaned.

“Everything alright?” Diamond asked as she approached Ash from the main deck.

“Oh yeah fine just an…internal debate I suppose,” Ash explained.

“I get it,” Diamond said. “Did you know I have a sister?”

“No this is the first I heard of it,” Ash stated with mild surprise.

“Her name is Crystal,” Diamond said as she stared off into the clouds. “She’s my baby step-sister. My mother remarried after my father fell during the Diamond Dog Civil War. My step-father was an allied chief who helped her quell the war.”

“Oh yeah…I hate to ask in case this is a sore subject but where are they now?” Ash asked.

“They’re in the large mountain range you settled them in,” Diamond said. “But…Crystal hasn’t spoken to me since you brought us here.”

“No?” Ash asked as he put the ship on autopilot so he could face Diamond fully.

“She blames me,” Diamond sighed. “For losing our kingdom to the Stonehoofs. Believes I didn’t deserve to be Queen if I could allow such barbarians to lay waste to our home. And don’t get me started on that virus from all those years ago. Remember my old friend you had to put down in that confinement container?” Ash nodded solemnly. “…her mate.”

“Shit,” Ash stated.

“That’s putting it mildly,” Diamond sighed. “I sometimes wish we’d go back to how we were when we were pups. But I’ve disappointed her and betrayed her trust so much that she doesn’t consider me blood anymore.”

“I’m sorry that happened, Diamond…I wish there was something I could do.” Ash said.

“Could you go back in time?” Diamond asked.

“Not a good idea,” Ash said.

“Do you ever think about going back in time?” Diamond asked. “Being a god, it’s gotta be tempting.”

“I admit there have been times I have been tempted…I have a great many things in my life that I wish I could do over for example being there for Alora’s birth…but the experience from both Twilight and Starlight have told me that the consequences outweigh the intentions no matter how good.” Ash said.

“There’s always a price, it would seem,” Diamond sighed. Before she knew it, she unconsciously leaned on Ash’s shoulder.

“Hey maybe a little time is what is needed for both of you I’m positive she will come around,” Ash said trying to lighten Diamond’s mood if only a little.

“Funny you mention that,” Diamond said. “I have a favor to ask.”

“Shoot,” Ash said.

“I heard from my guards that Crystal is…in a manner of speaking, a nerd for you,” Diamond said.

“For me…she does know I killed her mate…right?” Ash asked.

“She does, she only blames me that she didn’t get a chance to say goodbye,” Diamond sighed.

“I see…did you want me to try and…smooth things over somehow…I warn you now I usually try to stay out of situations like this so I have little to no experience here.” Ash stated.

“It may not seem like it but my gut tells me this might work,” Diamond said.

“Ha! She has gut feelings like you! She’s perfect! Plow her now!” Red barked.

”Would slapping myself hurt you?” Ash questioned mentally before focusing on Diamond. “Well, I suppose it couldn’t hurt to try but there is the chance things could just get worse.”

“Trust me. The only way it’ll get worse is if I’m in the room,” Diamond said. “And thanks. Anything to lift her spirits.”

“Sure,” Ash said with a smile.

A couple of hours later the group had arrived at the Diamond Dog Kingdom.

The city had been in sad shape ever since the Stonehooves invaded and things hadn’t improved since the city was liberated the sight was a sad one to behold for Diamond however she refused to dwell on it.

“The mountain is just northwest of the city I’ll point it out as we approach,” Diamond stated causing Ash to nod in understanding.

Ash noticed her hands trembling as if she was trying her best not to cry.

“Hey…Diamond.” Ash called getting the canine’s attention. “Buck up…I know things look bad but…nothing lasts forever…not even destruction. I swear when this is over things will get better.” Ash said with a kind smile which was infectious because Diamond smiled back at Ash too.

The Pale Horse flew past the capital heading northwest and was almost to the mountain but upon arrival, Diamond was just about ready to weep

The mountain looked to have a series of mines in it and it was misshapen in various places no doubt due to the mountain collapsing in on itself thanks to over-mining hollowing out the inside of the mountain.

When the ship landed, it looked a lot worse. In front of the main mine, a large hole was dug and in it was filled with the bodies of Diamond's people.

That was the last straw as the dam burst and Diamond bawled her eyes out and cried in Ash's chest.

Ash wrapped his arms around the canine queen and he even shared in her sorrow and felt her anguish but he did not say a word and as he gazed at the mass grave his blood boiled in righteous fury.

“Diamond, why don’t you stay with the ship?” Ash suggested.

"What are you going to do?" Diamond asked.

“You let me worry about that,” Ash stated.

Diamond nodded before retreating to the galley.

Ash then got to work giving the victims of what happened here a proper burial before he offered a prayer. Only after he was done tending to the dead did he begin his journey inside the mountain.

The air reeked of sex despite the being no one here in quite a while Ash saw parts of the mine had been turned into rape stations and mine carts with harnesses attached for the Diamond Dogs to pull with two types one being designed for males and the other being females.

The males had yolks to go around their necks and the females had a contraption that seemed to force them to show off their bodies for the guards.

Ash was glad he asked Diamond to wait by the ship because he knew this would be hard for her to see.

“Don’t focus on that Ash focus on why you are here,” Ash said as he pressed onward.

Using some latent mining skills and some tips from Maud Ash began to look around for a good spot to start mining by tapping on the walls and listening to the sounds before he paused.

"Bozzor what do you think?" Ash asked aloud as he tapped the wall a few times more to confirm the sound.

"Here will do nicely despite me no longer having a physical nose I can smell there are fine quality gems embedded in this mountain just give it a good whack with your fist and my power and you'll crack this rock like an egg," Bozzor said.

"Works for me," Ash said as he did as instructed, and with a single earth dragon-enhanced punch the wall shattered creating a hole large enough for Ash to enter.

Once inside Ash created an orb of fire to illuminate his surroundings which once revealed Ash couldn't help but whistle once he saw the treasure trove of gems along the walls that took on various colures and shapes.

"Oh, this will do nicely," Ash grinned, then winced a little as he looked down at his throbbing knuckles.

"Still need improvement it seems," Bozzor said as Ash looked at his damaged knuckles.

"Yeah note to self don't try that again until I master this power," Ash said as he moved to wrap his hand with a bandage he summoned out of thin air.

Once Ash treated his hand he summoned a rock hammer and began to look around at the various gems that made up the walls of the cavern he was in.

Ash searched high and low for the perfect gems. While they were all of the finest quality he had ever seen, he still had to find which ones were right for the loves of his life.

The first gem he sought was for Moon and was stuck because of two gems that suited her so well a moonstone and a black diamond as he looked at the two gems he was suddenly struck by inspiration so he grabbed them both, the next one was for Spitfire which was an easy choice an Amber to match her fur and fiery personality. Ash then searched another part of the cave and found a Jasper gemstone which reminded him of Tempest's mane so Ash grabbed it and smiled at the find before going about his search.

Ash searched high and low for a gem for Celestia but each gem was insufficient for her in terms of color because they didn't match her fur or were too obvious when suddenly amidst a cluster of gems that formed a wall of various colors and at the center of the cluster was the perfect gem Ash needed which had all the colors of the dawn melded together in harmony.

Immediately Ash moved to get it but when he grabbed the gem it refused to budge from its spot so Ash braced a foot against the wall and pulled with great effort Ash managed to free the gemstone but ended up falling onto his back from the sudden release of the gem.

The wall cracked and the rubble gave way, kicking up dust and debris. When Ash whipped his hand out of the way, he was met with an unexpected marvel in the stone wall—carvings depicting some kind of civilization from days gone by.

"Whoa," Ash said as he got up and ran a hand across the glyphs.

Ash was captivated by the markings and noted that the figures looked like humans and there was only a single solitary building that looked like a castle if Ash was being honest with himself it looked like the primitive retelling of a fairytale but it didn't feel like it.

Ash stared at the images for a while before he shook his head he was not an archeologist and was here for gems and nothing more so he gathered a few more gems and decided to leave the cave and return home so he could get to work on the rings he was going to make for his soon to be wives.

“…grr.”

Ash’s mind twitched when he felt Red’s sudden anger bubble a little.

"What's with you?" Ash asked as he walked.

“Nothing…” Red snarled. “…there’s just no way.”

"Red you forget you are living in my head I feel your emotions and your snarling is only proving my case," Ash said.

“Ash, take my word for it,” Red warned. “I…recognize those markings you saw.”

This made Ash pause in his work.

"And?" Ash asked.

“And nothing,” Red snapped. “You don’t want to know. And for your sake, you never will.”

Hearing the words 'for your sake' Ash knew Red would not utter these things without reason so that meant this was something he should leave alone despite his now piqued curiosity.

"Very well," Ash said.

Ash managed to make his way back to Diamond Cutter who was patiently awaiting his return. When she saw him approach, he caught sight of her tail wagging.

“I got what I needed you ready to leave?” Ash asked as he held up the bag of jewels.

“May I procure them?” Diamond requested.

“Of course,” Ash said as he handed Diamond the bag.

Diamond nodded and brought the bag over to a table. She carefully took each gem out of the bag and reached into her pocket to pull out a magnifying glass for her eye. She placed the eye in her eye socket and held up the moonstone.

“Hmm…good quality,” Diamond said. “And lucky. You found a pure one.”

”Told ya! Do I have a nose for gems or what!?” Bozzer cried.

”Don’t go counting your chickens yet the rest need to be appraised.” Ash stated.

Diamond out the moonstone down and picked up the black diamond.

“Well, this is interesting,” Diamond said. “There’s an old legend that black diamonds are from a comet that fell from the sky during the age of the first Diamond Dog packs. Everyone believed they were all mined and lost to the ages.” Diamond smiled at Ash. “You have quite the special and rare gem, Ash. Your wife will love it.”

“I hope so I have a special plan for those first two,” Ash said with a smile.

Diamond smiled and moved on to the next gem.

“Is…is this…?” Diamond said when she examined the amber. “My word! This is solidified resin from Ancient Equestria! Records indicate that this material was lost to the ages! A very good find, Ash!”

“No kidding?” Ash stated loudly. ”Bloody hell three out of three so far what kind of gem deposit did I stumble on?”

“And as for this jasper,” Diamond said and analyzed it. “Another pure gem. There’s an old legend that jaspers are gems of good luck. Pure jaspers, like this one, are said to bring good fortune to any who bear it on jewelry.”

Ash was smiling inwardly and outward at his find before Diamond pulled out the Rainbow Quartz and gasped.

“Incredible…I…I thought these were a myth.” Diamond stated as she turned the gem over in her hand. “It is said that mighty titans from ages past used their strength to crush entire mountains of gems all to create just one of these.

“Then I’d say this errand was a complete success,” Ash said.

“…I’m quite jealous,” Diamond said under her breath, thinking Ash didn’t hear.

“Well…” Red stated while his voice sounded as though he was speaking directly into Ash’s ear.

“Uh, actually Diamond there was something that I picked up for you while I was there as a way of saying thank you for allowing me to gather gems here,” Ash said before he held out his hand which contained a Tanzanite.

“Is…is that a Tanzanite?” Diamond said with wide eyes.

“Yep…It and a few others fell to the ground when I grabbed the Quartz and when I saw it I was immediately reminded of you.” Ash said while scratching the back of his head.

Diamond’s cheeks flushed a shade of pink as she smiled and her tail wagged. She looked at Ash with cheerful eyes, which made Ash’s heart skip a beat again.

“Thank you, Ash,” Diamond said. “I shall cherish this forever.”

“I…uh…That is to say…I’m glad you enjoy it…if you desire I can shape it into a piece of jewellery if you want.” Ash said.

“Hmm…I’ll have to think about it,” Diamond winked.

“For fuck’s sake, Blade, ask the woman out for dinner!” Red barked in my head. “Do it, or I will!”

To illustrate this threat Ash could feel Red’s influence creeping up along his neck like a cold bony hand.

“Uh say…Diamond, would you like to get dinner sometime?” Ash asked.

“D-Dinner?” Diamond squeaked in surprise. “Why Ash, are you…asking me out on a date?”

“I…I guess I am.” Ash said.

Diamond squirmed in place for about a minute before she glanced at Ash with a girly smile, which Ash found to be adorable.

“I…I’d love to,” Diamond said. “Thank you.”

“Great uh when is good for you?” Ash asked.

“End of the week,” Diamond said and boldly approached Ash and leaned in, just inches away from his lips. “I hear Bitalian food is quite yummy~.”

“Well, then how about I pick you up at seven,” Ash said without pulling back.

“I look forward to it,” Diamond grinned and walked away with a sway in her step.

“I still say you should bed her right now,” Red said.

”What the hell was that.” Ash barked furiously once he was certain Diamond was out of earshot.

”I told you to ask her out or I’d do it for you.”Red stated.

“If you had skin I’d be flaying it from your body right now!” Ash growled.

“I say congratulations it seems like you have another mate,” Zedim spoke up.

“I agree,” Deorgien stated.

“She knows her gems she’s good enough for me,” Bozzor stated.

“Are you kidding me right now!” Ash shouted.

”Maybe I should try being a wingman more often.” Red joked.

“Shut up,” Ash growled.

“I honestly found the whole thing to be rather adorable.” Atidi cooed.

“Sir might I suggest when it comes to women you show a little more…initiative,” Epsilon stated.

“Et tu Epsilon!?” Ash shouted causing Red to roar in laughter.

“Honestly, it was about time,” Hingure giggled.

“Another word and I’ll smelt you and as for the rest of you, I’m going to figure out how to seal you and mark my words,” Ash growled.

The group left Ash alone at that point meanwhile Ash and Diamond returned to the ship before returning home.

The flight back was an easygoing one and Ash did note that Diamond seemed brighter as she went below deck when they finally got home it was the afternoon and Ash decided to go for a walk.

He had no particular destination in mind when suddenly he stopped and looked around and after a few seconds he realized he had been down this road many times to the point he memorized every building on the street.

This made Ash think before he spun around and looked towards the castle and asked himself ‘What was the city like behind the castle?’

This question sparked an urge in Ash which made him smile before he spread his wings and flew around the castle.

Flying just over the buildings Ash saw there wasn’t much at first but paused mid-flight as he saw a part of the city that seemed to be raised higher than the other building due to a stone structure raising the area which confused Ash so he flew over and landed in the area and looked around.

Once Ash landed he had a look around and noted that most of the buildings looked to be shops of some kind but were all closed.

However, Ash did note that a few individuals were walking about and that two mares were walking towards him while talking to each other.

“Uh excuse me, ladies.” Ash started getting their attention. “Sorry to bother you but I was wondering if you could help me.”

The two mares were understandably shocked to see the king before them before they both smiled.

“But of course, your highness whatever you desire is our command~.” One of the mares said as she and her friend moved to either side of Ash and wrapped an arm around his.

“Uh well, you see I was just wondering about this city why it’s raised like this?” Ash asked.

“Oh my is this your first time being here?” One of the mares asked.

“Uh…yes?” Ash replied hesitantly causing the mares to giggle excitedly.

“Well, then your Highness let us be the first to welcome you to The Butterfly Garden.”

“Unfortunately it’s still light out but once the sun goes down this place is quite a sight to behold~.”

“Where the hard-working boys and girls come to spend their coin to make the fatigue melt away~.” One of the mares cooed while whispering directly into Ash’s ear.

This action caused Ash to tense up as he realized he was smack dab in the middle of the city’s Red Light District which caused Red to scream in laughter.

“Y’know despite it being early I’m pretty sure a special exception can be made for the king to get an early treatment~.” The mares said as they moved to escort Ash to where they most likely work.

“Uh that’s kind ladies however I’m not looking for that kind of service I’m sorry,” Ash explained as he removed himself from the mares while Red booed Ash.

“Aww, that’s too bad…but I suppose we’ll just have to wait until you are looking for some because I assume you stud…you will not be disappointed~.”

Ash hesitantly chuckled before he thanked the mares for their help before departing and once he was out of sight he teleported out of the district and onto a nearby roof and sat down to catch his breath.

“You are pathetic you know that.” Red commented.

“Just shut up.” Ash groaned.

Ash sat there for a while to calm down before standing up to go home when out of the corner of his eye he saw movement below when he looked he saw a familiar mare dressed in a khaki-colored trench coat walking through the streets but constantly looking over her shoulder.

The mare in question was Cream Heart herself.

The way Cream was constantly looking around struck a worried feeling in the back of his mind so Ash decided to follow the mare just to make sure everything was alright.

Ash primarily stuck to the rooftops and out of Cream’s view because of how skittish she was acting till finally she descended some stairs and entered a tunnel under some buildings. Ash descended to the street level and slowly descended the stairs and found himself in front of a wooden door with a single sign hanging above it that read The Haybarn.

Ash’s curiosity peaked so he walked over to the door and opened it and was greeted by the sound of a small bell on the door before he looked inside and saw the insides was a small and quaint little bar with dim lighting.

The room was big enough for maybe twenty people with two rows of tables and chairs while on the right of the room was a wooden bar big enough for four or five people to sit at and next to the bar was a fireplace while at the back of the room was a piano with a way to access the back of bar beside it.

All in all the place was quaint as it was simple and Ash noted that the place was mostly empty save a few individuals sitting alone at the bar was Cream and much to Ash’s surprise Eli was behind the bar fixing drinks.

“Son of a bitch.” Eli said with a wide smile.

“Eli you Irish bastard!” Ash cried with delight.

“One sec Ash,” Eli stated before he came round the bar to greet Ash with a hug.

“Lemme look at ya!” Eli said as he looked Ash up and down. “Did you get fat?”

“I don’t gain weight numbskull,” Ash said as he playfully shoved Eli. “But what are you doing here I thought you were working for Berry.

“Still am but this…is mine,” Eli said as he gestured to the room.

“What?… You own a bar and you didn’t tell your friends about it?” Ash asked.

“Yeah, I wanted to surprise you once I finished paying a few things off,” Eli stated.

“Well, you surprised me,” Ash said as he looked around. “Wow…so…I take it you’re settling down here huh?”

“More or less,” Eli shrugged. “All I need now is a lady on my arm.”

“Then you’ll wanna talk to Cadence,” Ash said with a pat on Eli’s shoulder.

“So, what brings ya by?” Eli asked.

Ash makes a subtle nod to Cream who is trying to hide her face.

“Remember I told you about an attempted suicide?” Ash whispered.

“Aw, shite,” Eli muttered knowing now what was happening.

“I’m simply here to see how things are going so just act casual okay,” Ash said.

“Ok, but I should tell ya, she’s on her third bottle,” Eli warned quietly.

“Bottle how can that be she shouldn’t have had more than one glass by the time I came in!” Ash whispered.

Eli only shrugged as Cream grabbed her bottle and down enough liquor to fill three shots.

“Oh boy,” Ash muttered before approaching the mare. “Hello, Cream…mind if I join you?”

“Mmmf…sure,” Cream slurred.

Ash sat beside Cream and at first, he didn’t say anything after all she was free to drink but did he have any right to stop her?

“Uh, Cream what are you doing?” Ash asked carefully.

“What’s it look like…?” Cream asked with a hiccup.

“That’s what I’m worried about,” Ash said.

“Worried? You? The god?” Cream chortled before drinking another swig.

“Cream…don’t you think it might be a good idea to pace yourself?” Ash suggested.

“Nnnnnnnope,” Cream answered.

“Cream this isn’t going to help you,” Ash said.

Cream ignored him and took another swig. Ash then did a subtle scan of her organs and noticed her liver and kidneys were not in the best shape.

Ash gestured for Eli that it was time to cut her off to which he nodded.

“Cream please you need to stop,” Ash said as he grabbed the bottle just as she was about to take another drink.

Cream suddenly glared at Ash and raised her hand.

SLAP!

Ash felt the slap but he didn’t budge an inch if anything Cream recoiled at the strike and cried out in pain allowing Ash to move the bottle away from the mare.

“Cream…” Ash tried to say.

“GET AWAY FROM ME!” Cream screamed. “IT’S YOUR FAULT! EVERYTHING IS YOUR BUCKING FAULT! I WISH YOU STAYED DEAD!”

She followed up her screams by throwing her purse at Ash which he caught before he placed it on the bar and then she went to hit Ash with the stool she was sitting on but stumbled as she stood.

Ash caught her just in time before she fell but she pushed him away as tears streamed down her face.

“Stay. The buck. Away from me.” She snarled in her drunken rage. “Or I surrender myself to the Stonehoofs.”

“Cream…you and I both know you won’t do that,” Ash said.

“Bucking watch me, murderer,” Cream said and spat in his face before grabbing her purse and storming out of the bar.

Ash sighed and shook his head before he dropped a large handful of coins on the counter for Eli before he took off after Cream.

Cream stomped her way through the streets while Ash followed behind her while keeping a respectful distance.

Their walk led them to the city limits. It was at this point Ash started to worry a little that she would make good on her word to seek out a Stonehoof soldier and give herself to whoever was out there.

Cream exited the city and even entered the forest that acted as the border between Aephoceria and the rest of Equestria.

”Damnit Cream are you serious?” Ash thought as Cream continued.

Ash saw the exit of the forest up ahead and saw Cream continue towards it which prompted Ash to act since he believed she was gonna make good on her threat…but as he approached he saw that Cream had stopped…just at the edge of the forest.

Before she could take another step, the mare started to whimper and sob. Ash could see the turmoil in her heart until she suddenly began crying out loud and fell to her knees.

Ash let her cry for a spell before he approached he got to his knees beside her and gently draped one of his wings over her.

“I’m…so sorry…” Cream wept.

“It’s okay,” Ash replied.

“No…it’s not…” Cream wept. “I have nothing to live for…”

“…You know more than I care to admit I felt the same thing,” Ash said

“But you have everything you could ever want…” Cream said.

“Not always,” Ash replied. “Are you aware of my past lives?”

“Some of them…” Cream nodded. “I read about it in a museum.”

“Well…this life was during my time in a city called Dunwall,” Ash said.

“Dunwall…you mean the same one with Corvo?” Cream asked as she wiped away her tears.

“Indeed,” Ash nodded. “During that life, I lived as a royal guard and had quite a large family. A wife, sons, brothers, aunts, uncles, you name it. But then…the plague hit.”

Hearing this Cream gasped because she had heard of this plague and what it could do. But, what was more surprising was Ash having a family outside of the one he has now.

“One by one…I watched my family succumb to the plague,” Ash said. “I was helpless as my whole bloodline got sick. Soon it was only my wife and children, and I had decided to get them out of the city. However fate had other plans, and we all were soon infected.” Ash clenched his fists. “My whole family…my wife…my sons…all gone. Ripped away so easily. You have no idea how often I wanted to just eat a pistol. That is until Corvo granted me a swift death.”

“I’m so sorry…at least you can see them though.” Cream said causing Ash to shake his head.

“Their souls have moved on they are in new bodies living their lives,” Ash stated with a sigh. “It wouldn’t be a good idea for me to hang around them.”

“Oh…” Cream said with a frown.

“And…you’re right,” Ash said, his voice starting to break as a lone tear formed in the corner of his eye. “It’s all my fault. We lost so many during the attack. Button…Night Light…Posey…Dusk’s whole family…and so many more.” Ash hung his head. “I’m no god, and I dishonor my title as a knight. If Link and the other knights saw me now, they’d probably shun me.” Ash closed his eyes in his sorrow. “I’m…a fraud.”

“And what’s worse I let my anger get the best of me and I nearly killed Applejack, Apple Bloom, Pear Butter, and the unborn Apple Tart…I wanted to crawl into a gutter and just die right there…but that wouldn’t solve my problem, would it…if anything it would only cause those that love me pain again…just like at The Battle Under The Eclipse.” Ash explained

Cream was silent as she sat with Ash.

“Does the pain ever go away?” Cream asked.

“Not really…the best you can do is endeavor to never feel it again…don’t misunderstand it’s fine to miss and grieve them…but do not let it consume you,” Ash stated.

“But he was all I had,” Cream said. “I don’t have any pony to love anymore.”

“You forget there is someone or rather two,” Ash stated.

“Who?” Cream asked.

“First is Velvet was it not her who said you could stay with her during this time of your life?” Ash asked causing Cream to look down. “And let’s not forget me do you think I would stop you from jumping off a building, getting liver poisoning, or being right here with you if I didn’t care?”

Cream seemed to curl herself into a ball as she listened to Ash’s words.

“Cream you have thought so hard about what you lost that you have forgotten what is still here…and what I told you the first time…don’t waste your life after your son gave his,” Ash said.

Cream adjusted herself and buried her face into Ash’s chest.

“Please…take me to him…” Cream said. “I…I want to say goodbye properly.”

Ash nodded before he helped Cream stand up.

“Hold on,” Ash stated.

Cream wrapped her arms around the god before Ash looked up towards the sky where a beam of golden light seemed to shine down on both him and Cream before Ash extended his wings and flew towards the source of the light.

“Oh my goodness!” Cream yelped and clung to Ash. “What is going on?! Where are you taking me?!”

“To say goodbye properly,” Ash answered Cream had to shield her eyes for a second as the light Ash flew towards got brighter and brighter.

“You can open your eyes now.” Cream heard Ash say and when she did open her eyes she saw a sea of clouds around her and that she and Ash were standing before a giant set of golden gilded gates.

“Greetings milord.”

Cream looked around and saw a man dressed in white robes, a halo over his head, and carrying a book approaching them.

“Hello, Saint Peter.” Ash greeted the man.

“I was not expecting you to escort a soul to heaven personally. clears throat Can I get your name my dear?” Saint Peter asked.

“Uh-.” Cream began.

“She’s not dead Saint Peter…she’s here to say goodbye,” Ash said.

“Ah, I see,” Saint Peter nodded. “Who is the soul?”

“Button Mash,” Ash replied, surprising Cream

“I shall go fetch him,” the angel said and flew off.

“You…you-.” Cream began.

“I can only give you ten minutes Cream…after that… whatever you wish to say you may want to say it here,” Ash said causing Cream to nod before Ash walked over to a nearby cloud and sat on it.

Saint Peter soon returned with the young colt by his side. Button wore regular clothing consisting of a shirt and some paints. Hovering over his head was a simple glowing ball and on his back were a pair of white wings. Cream gasped and covered her mouth as Button stared at her.

“Mom?” Button spoke. “Is that you?”

“Button!” Cream cried as she ran to hug her son while Saint Peter flew over to Ash.

“Thank you for doing this Saint Peter,” Ash stated.

Saint Peter simply nodded as the two shared a tender moment.

“Button…I’m so sorry!” Cream cried. “I’m so sorry you had to die like that! I’m such a bad mother!”

“Mom…no you’re not,” Button said as he smiled at her. “You were the best mom I could ever ask for. You did everything for me.”

“Of course I did…but…but why, why did you do that when you had a full future ahead of you?” Cream asked.

“Because I wanted to,” Button said. “I wasn’t gonna let those jerks hurt my mom. I always said I wanted to do something to show how grateful I was to you. I guess in this case I gave my life for yours.”

“But-!” Cream tried to say.

“Mom.” Button held her hands. “It’s ok. I am at peace with knowing I saved my mother from a fate worse than death. I fulfilled my life’s purpose. My time may be over but you also still have a life worth living. So, please, promise me this one last time as your son.”

Button then gave his mother a hug that felt like it put all the countless other hugs to shame. A warm and content feeling washed over Cream as she returned the embrace and the tears kept flowing nonstop.

“Live,” Button said softly as he rubbed her back. “Live. For me.”

“I will…I promise I will.” Cream said as she wept.

Back over with Ash and Saint Peter Ash let out a sigh.

“Saint Peter, are there any new developments with the Angels Saint and the Devil’s Hand?” Ash asked.

“From what I have heard, both the Devil’s Hand and the Angel’s Saint have returned from white the arduous journey. The Hand’s companions have defeated Gluttony, and he has set his sights on Sloth. More so, it would seem he is looking into something. Something regarding a name.”

“A name?” Ash repeated.

“All I know is it goes by…The Wise One,” Saint Peter replied.

Suddenly, Ash grunted as Red’s rage almost boiled over and he had to bite his tongue to not let him take over.

“Ugh, what’s up with you Red?” Ash groaned in annoyance.

”THAT…NAME…!!!” Red screamed.

“Ugh…are you gonna share?” Ash asked while clutching his head in pain.

NO!!! Red roared in Ash’s mind. THAT PSYCHOPATHIC, GENOCIDAL, MOTHERFUCKER IS DEAD!!! HE’S BEEN DEAD FOR EONS AND WILL FUCKING STAY DEAD!!! THAT FUCKING HAND IS A FUCKING FOOL!!!

“Agh quit screaming already will ya…seriously if this ain’t such a huge fucking deal then tone down the volume.” Ash groaned.

Ash, if you know what’s good for you, you’ll go straight to Satan’s little lapdog’s dimension, rip his soul out, and crush it beneath your boot! Along with anyone else under his command!

“Okay, clearly this is nothing you’ve been more chatty and angry ever since we found that bloody tablet and that’s saying something!” Ash stated.

Then, all of a sudden, Red’s presence completely faded away from his mind. Not even the dragons could sense Red anymore.

“That figures.” Ash groaned.

The Wise One… one of the dragons repeated. This is quite serious if it rattles Red.

“Yeah, but he’s not being talkative…ugh, I don’t have time for this right now as long as it’s not a danger to me and mine then I can’t care less at this time.”Ash sighed as he scratched the top of his head.

Cream had gotten done hugging her son and she smiled at him.

“I hope you find happiness again, Mom,” Button said. “We’ll meet again. I know it. And you can tell me all about your rediscovered happiness.”

“Cream simply brushed her hand across Button’s fringe before placing a loving kiss on his forehead.

“I will.” Cream stated with a smile.

Saint Peter flapped his wings and flew towards Button. Button flapped his wings as well and the two flew away from Cream.

“I love you, Mom,” Button said with a wide smile. “Now and forever.”

“And I love you too.” Cream stated with a teary smile and waved right back till they were gone.

Ash then approached Cream from behind and stood in silence for a minute.

“Ready to go?” Ash finally asked.

Cream wiped her eyes and Ash could tell her soul was a bit more brighter than it was before.

“I am,” Cream nodded. “Thank you. This closure is something I didn’t think I’d ever have.” Cream then turned to Ash. “When we get back, I wish to build a shrine for him. Can you help with that?”

“Of course but…can we keep this between us…I’ll have people at court asking me to do this for them if word got out.” Ash stated.

“Our little secret,” Cream said with a smile.