Ray knew the room would have something in store for him. He sighed before looking around the depressing room to see a familiar face. Ray took a small bow and said "Princess Luna.. You are here... Why?"

"I'd like to know more about you. It's gotten too easy to stop the nightmares of ponies and your dreams are a refreshing change." she replied.

"Just how in the hell are my dreams refreshing? he asked throwing his hands up.

Luna simply laughed at his exasperation and walked next to a door that had a pair of kukris and a skull engraved into it and emanated the faint sound of church bells. Ray looked to Luna and the two nodded before he opened the door.

Ray and Luna found themselves in a graveyard during a funeral procession in the rain. The two onlookers watched as the group carrying the casket had stopped in front of a hole. The two watched as a few people said a few words when Past Ray took the stand. Ray didn't have to be in the dream to remember exactly what he said. "I may have not known him that well or long, but the man in that casket is my family. We hardly knew each other, yet we had each other's backs. We suffered, cried, fought and bled together...I regret not being able to save him. I regret that we made the choices that landed us here. I do not regret knowing him. Goodbye Cody.....I'll see ya soon." said Past Ray before he made his way off the stage and to his car.

Ray sat in silence as he watched Cody's casket lower into the ground and laughed to himself. "Ray...Why are you laughing at such a time?" asked Luna.

"Nothing, just thinking about some stuff." he replied.

"Tell me." Luna said.

"Fuck fine... If I died and came here...Did Cody get the same choice or did he get another world. He might've went to heaven or hell or some weird meta shit. I mean like, fuckin what happened with him? I'm sorry Luna it's just a lot to think about and it's fucking crazy. I hope he got something cool, like being president and beatin the shit outta things with a dick bat. Heheheh." Ray explained.

Luna looked at Ray and almost said something before she decided against it and shook her head in silence instead. Ray went silent once again as Past Ray was about to be confronted by an old lady dressed in black. Past Ray turned to see a dark skinned lady dressed in black tapping his back. "Ma'am may I help you?" was all he managed to say before the lady hugged him and started to cry into his shoulder. "Thank you for saying those kind words about my dear son... He told me he might not come back... I have something for you please follow me." sniffled out the old lady as she walked to her car.

Past Ray sighed before following her and helping her open her trunk. "Cody was always a bit of a loner and your the closest thing he had to a friend wherever y'all were. Please take this and let him live on in your memories. I wouldn't know how to maintain it and I've never liked him having it. I'm sorry for taking up your time but I just wanted to thank you for keeping my poor boy some company. I don't know the details about what happened and I'd rather keep it that way, but can I ask you something?" she said

"Uhh, yes ma'am?" he answered uneasily.

"Was it quick?" she asked with a tortured look.

"Yes ma'am, he didn't even feel it." Ray quickly said.

The lady sighed before she handed him a black case, which he took and cracked it open before taking a deep sigh. He hugged the lady and nodded his thanks then walked to his car.

The dream flickered and became fuzzy as Luna and Ray found themselves back in the grey room. Ray walked towards the table which had a black case laying on top of it then smiled as he undid the clasps and opened it up. Luna watched as he pulled out a crimson and black Spas-12. With a sad smile Ray chambered a shell and took a deep breath before saying, "Luna, please cover your ears."

Ray switched to the gas operated mode and pulled the trigger as fast as he could. Luna watched as Ray was being slowly forced backwards while loud bangs rattled the room. After a few more bangs Ray stopped and took another deep breath before laughing in utter joy. He looked over the gun again before seeing a flaming eight ball on the top of the barrel. Ray ran his finger over it and heard a small click from within. He quickly hip fired twice and nearly dropped the gun when he realized how Cody planned to win the battle in the swamp. He was going to burn the place to the fucking ground. "Ray, what in the name of myself and Celestia was that?" asked an amazed Luna.

Ray simply smiled and said, "Dragon's breath."

Luna simply nodded her head before the room started to waver and go out of focus. "I'll see you soon Ray." was all she said before fading out.

Ray opened his eyes and was immediately curb-stomped by the sun. His eyes eventually adjusted to see Octavia reading a book next to his spot in the bed. He pulled her closer and smiled when she gently smacked his hand. "Morning Octy." he said smiling.

With a small smirk of her own she said "Good morning Ray, I've brought up some coffee for us three."

"Thank you... How was your performance?" he asked.

" It was quite alright, albeit a little boring at times. How was your day yesterday?" she replied.

Ray shrugged and looked to the other side of the bed where Vinyl was laying in a bubbling puddle of drool. He slid out of bed and moved Vinyl to his spot. "You need to get ready to leave for the Crystal Kingdom while I wake Vinyl and help her get ready." Octavia said as she bent a page and closed her book.

"Speaking of which you have four rounds which multiply in difficulty... How do you expect to win?" she asked while trying to shake Vinyl awake.

"Brute force. That, and whatever comes to mind during the fight." Ray said as he put on his outfit and pack.

"So... You don't have a plan?" Octavia said with a deadpan face.

"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face. Mike Tyson said that and it goes far beyond just fighting." Ray explained. Octavia just rose an eyebrow at the statement before sighing and rolling Vinyl off the bed. Ray and Octavia looked down at her to see she was cuddling with Ray's saber.

" Well then...I'm going to grab the other six... Hey do ya think that dragon dude wants to come too? Imma see bout him coming too." Ray said as he walked out the door.

Ray was in the arena's locker room taking deep breaths to calm any nervousness. He was dressed in his custom shorts, gloves and his muscle shirt. Ray traced his scars through his shirt before watching his vision go red with blood before snapping back to normal. He cracked his knuckles and neck as he stretched his whole body and psyched himself up. Ray started to walk out of the locker room before he paused and left his muscle shirt behind to finally reveal his scars. He walked out and seen this place's octagon was easily three times the size of any regular ring. He looked up the see the sun shining brightly and the stands full. He looked through the ponies to find his group and seen a large booth near the top. Looking around one last time, Ray still couldn't find his group. Sighing Ray entered the ring to see only one other challenger at the time.

"WELCOME MARES AND GENTLECOLTS TO THE CRYSTAL COFFIN!!! TODAY WE HAVE A NEW CHALLENGER TRYING TO BEAT OUR VERY BEST IN COMBAT! AND HIS NAME IS JOH- Wait a minute... APOLOGIES, HIS NAME IS RAY ISSAC PATRICK!!! LET"S NOT FORGET TO MENTION OUR AMAZING PRINCE SHINING ARMOR AND OUR BEAUTIFUL PRINCESS CADANCE! yelled an announcer to the screaming fans.

A referee came out and said to Ray "Ya got three rounds back to back and nonstop. If ya manage to beat them all then you get to take a quick break and fight the specialty round. This arena has been enchanted to negate otherwise fatal attacks but still let them cause pain. So you know if ya crack a skull then it's just gonna be a migraine in the morning to them. I mean it's gonna be them versus you so do what you gotta do. Oh yeah and crotch shots are illegal to be on the safe side, because we can let ya crack skulls but not break boys. I'm guessin it's to do with the mare to stallion ratio? I don't know and i'm rambling so just do ya best out there."

The referee signaled the announcer and left the ring as Ray watched a single orange stallion enter the ring.

DING!!!

The stallion charged Ray who simply sidestepped and got into his stance. The stallion charged again as Ray simply tightened his fist. The stallion was just about in range as Ray sent out a fist letting him run into it. The stallion fell on his back sprawled out letting Ray fall on him swinging his fist leading to the ref pushing him off. The ref dragged out the stallion and three bells were heard.

Ray turned around to see three stallions had entered the ring. He watched as two went to his sides and the third came in front of him. Ray spartan kicked the first in the head sending him to the ground and the ref dragging him out. He turned right and was charged from behind. He felt an arm wrap around his neck and squeeze while felt jabs slam into his chest and stomach. Ray started to see black spots cloud his vision before he slammed his head back. He heard a cry of pain and was released allowing him to breathe and catch a pair of hooves. Ray put both hooves in one hand then gut shot the horse putting him on his knees. Ray wasted no time in shooting a knee into his chin then turning around and being caught in a grapple with the third pony. He pulled the pony close before he wrapped both arms around and squeezed. As the pony finally stopped squirming Ray reached up with one hand and grabbed his neck. He quickly choke slammed the pony and tried to take a few deep breaths for the next round. "They're all glass cannons...Can dish it out just can't take it. Holy shit they can dish it out out though." He said holding his stomach. When the referee had drug out the two ponies five bells were heard.

Ray rolled his eyes and got back into stance as five stallions surrounded him in a circle. As soon as he heard movement Ray ducked and shot back an elbow. He quickly came up with a fist and nailed the muzzle of another. Ray felt a hoof nail his cheek and turned to repay the stallion with an uppercut to his chin. Ray's knee was kicked from behind and put him in a kneeling position. Spinning on his knee Ray turned and slammed a fist in the gut of another stallion. Ray tried to get up when he felt two hooves kick his upper back flooring him. The two ponies still standing jump on top of him and flipped him over just for one to be met with a foot in the neck. The other fell on top and put Ray in an arm-bar. As the stallion tried to put pressure on his arm Ray slowly made his way to his feet and curled his arm to look in the pony's eyes. They looked at Ray in fear then surprise as Ray strained to lift higher. When his arm was fully extended the pony struggled to get him to let go to find out Ray had a death grip on him. The next thing the stallion saw was the ground approaching his face and then darkness. Ray rubbed his arm and rolled his shoulder as the first two stallions had gotten back up for more. Ray got in stance and saved as much energy as possible. The two stallions looked at each other and nodded as they charged the human. Ray took a deep breath and planted his feet as he waited for the two to get close. The two stallions smiled as they saw their prey just stand there. A few seconds before contact Ray smiled and rolled his shoulders. He took one last breath and waited until the two were nearly on top of him before grabbing their necks and forcing them down to their knees choking them. When the two stopped struggling Ray slammed their heads together and staggered as the bell rang. Stumbling back to his corner, Fluttershy ran out and walked him out of the huge arena.

When the two made it back to the locker room, Fluttershy opened her med-kit and got to work. "Ray you're hurt pretty bad. I don't think you need to do the special round. It's just not worth hurting yourself to win some prize." said Fluttershy as she gently iced the bruises on his chest.

"I know Shy. You know... Your doing rather well for a pony that's never had to deal with a human before." Ray replied.

Fluttershy blushed a little and said, "Thank you Ray. I never thought i'd be helping fights continue."

The two laughed a little bit as Ray stretched again and got ready for the last round. "I brought some sweet tea for while we wait." she said with a happy smile holding up a glass.

"Oh my god Fluttershy... Do you know you're a fucking angel?" he said taking a glass. As he happily sipped his drink Fluttershy looked at him for a moment before saying, "How are you doing it Ray?"

Ray swallowed the last of his drink before sighing and said, "Your talking about adjusting to this so quick aren't you? Well Fluttershy, I honestly don't know. However I do know this world is a whole lot better than where I was. I guess I don't wanna waste this chance on life. It's kinda like some fucked up story if ya think about it. I mean I died and ended up here, in a world of talking ponies that have magic and fly. I'm not complaining by any means it's just that I don't really know the answer myself and I don't know what to think."

Fluttershy walked over and hugged him before she said, "Thanks for sharing Ray. Now go win this fight." Ray smiled and nodded as he turned to leave for the arena. When he was just about out the door he felt something grab him. He stopped and heard Fluttershy say, "Don't get hurt out there too bad Ray. Even if it means you hurt somepony else... Please"

With that Ray was gently pushed out the locker room and went on his way back to the arena.
"WHAT A WAY TO START THE NIGHT, AM I RIGHT EVERYPONY!!! THIS IS THE FIRST TIME WE HAVE EVER HAD SOMEPONY MAKE IT TO THIS ROUND AND I EXPECT IT TO BE AMAZING! THIS ROUND WILL BE A TEN MINUTE ROUND! NO TKO'S, NO MAGIC, ONLY TAP OUT"S AND KO'S! IF THE BOTH OF YOU ARE STILL GOING AT IT AT THE END, THEN WE HAVE A PANEL OF THREE JUDGES TO DECIDE! NOW HERE'S OUR CHALLENGER RAY ISSAC PATRICK!!!" yelled the announcer.

Ray walked back in the arena as "Reptile" by Skrillex blasted through the arena. Ray loosened up and did a small robot dance as both the beat from the music and the crowd's stomping hooves shook the ground. Ray could feel his lungs reverberate from the bass as he cracked his neck and knuckles again. "AND FOR OUR SPECIAL ROUND'S FIGHTER! WE HAVE OUR VERY OWN... PRINCE SHINING ARMOOOR!!!"

Ray's eyes widened in surprise at his opponent who calmly entered the ring and waved to the screaming crowd. The prince looked at Ray with a smile as he put on his gloves and walked closer to him. "I have no intention of making this easy on you after what you did to my guards." Shining said grinning.

"Those were your guards? For the record they're all glass cannons and I would seriously advise you look into defense training." Said Ray with a smile.

"Duly noted. Now let's give these ponies a good show!" Replied Shining as he and Ray touched gloves then entered their stances.

DING!!!

Ray slowly moved forward and threw a jab to see his distance. He moved forward then slung a weak kick to Shining's side. Shining's arm instantly blocked and slung two shots in Ray's chest. Ray sent out two left jabs and a right hook to feel his opponent block them all. Shining caught Ray's next fist that was headed for his face and pulled him in for a gut shot. He held onto Ray long enough to knee his gut and grab his throat. "How are you doing that with hooves?" Ray managed to choke out.

Looking up at Ray he shrugged his shoulders before throwing him down head first eliciting a wave of applause from the crowd. Ray quickly recovered and gave a quick thumbs up before spartan kicking Shining's block. When the kick made contact Ray pushed in enough force that Shining hit the wall and opened his guard for a second. Ray grabbed Shining's hooves and forced them apart before sending Shining to the ground with an Uchi mata. When Shining hit the ground the audience let out a collective gasp and a few cheered while the others went silent. Ray quickly pounded on Shining's face and muzzle before being blocked out again by Shining's defense. Shining watched as Ray tried to fake a left and caught his right arm before it could side him. He quickly head-butted Ray who stumbled back in pain. Ray quickly ran back to the downed prince to re-position himself to deliver a heel hook and quickly put the pressure on. Shining clamped his mouth shut as he slammed his leg down. Ray let up and got off before Shining could tap or he could do any real damage. When Shining got back up threw a right hook that Shining blocked and shot Ray back with an uppercut. Ray was hurt and weary from the fight before and knew he needed to finish this quick. Shining knew Ray could deal damage like noponies business, but he was getting tired. He knew he would just outlast Ray with his superior defense and get the special winning prize Cadance promised him if he won. Shaking those thoughts out his head Shining barely deflected a kick aimed at his neck. Ray focused on breathing and then came to a realization. Ray threw an elbow at Shining's guard and smiled when he heard a pained grunt. Ray threw savage elbows at the prince until his elbows and Shining's guard ripped open. The red tinted reflection of the two fighters was visible in the multiple puddles of blood splayed across the floor. With the block down Ray slung a right hook at Shining's chin and was met with a hoof above his eye. Ray pulled himself close and elbowed Shining in the temple sending out another spray of blood on the two and the ground. The two fighters both collapsed and the crowd went berserk as the bell started ringing. Fluttershy and another medic ran into the ring and went to work helping their fighters back up. Once the two were standing back up they heard the announcer yell out, "OH MY CELESTIA DID YOU BUCKING SEE THAT?!?! THAT WAS AN AMAZING DISPLAY OF STRENGTH AND TENACITY FROM BOTH PARTIES! WE HAVE THE JUDGES COMING DOWN FROM THEIR PANEL NOW TO GIVE US THE FINAL DECISION! THEY WILL TELL US WHO WON IN THEIR EYES AND WHY! LET'S DETERMINE A CHAMP NOW SHALL WE!?!?"

The whole crowd went silent as hoof-steps were heard throughout the arena. As soon as the judges came into view the crowd went wild with excitement and cheered for Celestia, Luna and Cadance carrying Flurry Heart stepped in the arena. Celestia waited for a moment to let the crowd simmer down before saying "The three of us shall each tell you our opinions of your preformance and at the end we shall judge a winner. As for me, Ray you showed great tenacity to fight through the first few rounds then this. You have great speed and strength yet defense is certainly lacking in your case. You were simply tiring yourself out trying to break his guard with regular kicks and punches. Shining Armor, you showed off your great defense skill and countering skills to hold off Ray's onslaught."

Luna stepped forward and looked at Shining Armor before Ray and said "Great defense and poor initiative to go on the attack. Ray, You completely exposed yourself and went on the attack just to let up when you could've made him tap from your strange leg hold. I'm a little disappointed compared to what I know you would've done if you hadn't know Prince Armor."

Ray looked at Luna with a raised eyebrow as Cadance stepped forward and said, "Ray, you managed to down most of our special guard. You also managed to bring Shining's excellent guard down with the joints in your arm. Shining, my love I expected a little more aggression from you. You should know of all people that even the toughest shield will eventually break. However, you managed to counter some of Ray's siege and turn them against him."

The three converged and debated over the battle for a moment before turning and letting Cadance step in the middle of the ring. " THE WINNER OF THE SPECIALTY ROUND IS!........RAY ISSAC PATRICK!!!"

Ray walked over to Shining and pulled him to the center of the ring and raised both of their hands and hooves in the air. Seeing this, the crowd went wild with applause. Cadance then came over to Ray and handed him a small heart shaped crystal necklace. Ray bowed for a second and then was led out of the arena by Fluttershy. Shining's head was bowed in defeat when Cadance hugged his neck and kissed his cheek. "Your still my champion honey." she whispered in his ear.

"Thanks Caddy, I love you too." he whispered back returning the nuzzle and kiss.

Author's Note

There's another chapter out for ya. I hope ya enjoyed it, and if ya did feel free to hit that thumb or tell me why. Don't like it? Then tell me what's up and i'll try to fix it. Or not, I mean we all get lazy sometimes. Good Night.