The Redemption of a Thief

Any fool can be happy. It takes a man with real heart to make beauty out of the stuff that makes us weep.

― Clive Barker, Days of Magic, Nights of War

As Grey Mane watched them from the trees at a distance he could see the guards where prepared for anything, but on Celestia's face he could see doubt, at his current distance he could not hear the conversation between Celestia and Twilight but did what he could to read their lips. "Twilight I think your friend mite have gotten a mixed message, we've had the guard heighten the security all around Canterlot for the past two weeks and nothing has happened."

As Grey Mane shook his head he knew that they where starting to doubt him. In the past when the leviathan warned him of such things he was never wrong, so why would he be now, he wondered. As they started to put the elements back into the gilded box there came a burst of dark magic that blew open a large hole in the castle wall. As the smoke and dust slowly settled two hulking figures came walking threw.

As they walked in one had tossed a helpless guard to the ground as he gave a sinister smile. "Well well well, so this is Canterlot... ...I like how the place looks, but I'm sure we can spruce things up around here. Make things look a little nicer. I'm thinking of re-painting the place red...with the blood of every pony here."

As the hulking demon rushed them his speed made it difficult for the guard to get into place to defend both Celestia and Luna. Many where cut down where they stood just for the sport of it. As the demon drew closer and closer he teared his way threw the few guards that where close by nearly tearing out internal organs as he passed. Once he was in arms reach of Twilight he raised his left claw and began to strike.

As the demon's claw came with in mere inches of twilight they where surprised by a cloud of smoke that appeared from out of no where. The only thing anypony could see was a single hove strike the demon across his face. They continued to watch as it pulled the demon into the smoke and tossed back into a tree near where he started. Many of the still standing but wounded guards where shocked to see this happen while many more where wondering what had just transpired.

As the smoke slowly cleared Celestia saw the dark grey cloak but doubted the old ponies tail. "It can't be."

As the demon rose to his feet he shouted in frustration. "WHO THE HELL!"

Before the smoke completely cleared the demon who had not moved from his original place took a few steps forward clapping. "Well done, I would expect no less from the legendary thief himself."

As the smoke cleared the two demons could see the rage in Grey Mane's eyes as he stared them down. "I have no idea what the minions of Tartaros want in Canterlot, but I'll give you one chance to leave before I send both you back to your dark masters as a pair of limp lifeless corpses."

As the other demon rose to his feet he laughed at the gesture. "You dare threaten me... ...the great Abatu? I AM NOT SOME MINION...NOR AM I A LESSER DEMON. I am a greater demon free of my own accord. And I've chosen to claim these lands for my self." As he boasted many where in fear of him, but he was merely trying to mock the pony who just dropped him with little to no effort.

As the other demon came walking out from the dust Grey Mane looked to him in hopes of ending this sooner and with out any further conflict, what gave him this hope was that he knew this demon from various images on the walls of ruins and old temples dedicated to him. "Adramelech, Chancellor and president of the high council of demons...care to tell me what you are doing here so that we can find some middle ground and end this sooner rather than later?" As he spoke the demon's name he used the conversation as an advantage to use the demon's curse and bind his power.

Feeling his own power diminish he knew that he had just been cursed, but thought nothing of it. "Well let me be the first to say, it is nice to see you finally come out of hiding...and as strong as ever. But as I said earlier I would expect no less from you Grey Mane. And when I heard there was going to be a chance to end your life well... ...I couldn't help but jump at the opportunity to say the least, after all its not every day you get to take on a legend, and I'm sure the feeling is mutual for you to face me."

Lowering his head as he shook it they could hear the sad tone in his voice. "Your right, its not every day one gets to face an Arch demon. But I was hoping that you would listen to reason. If you leave now and take Abatu with you then I will talk your masters on your behalf, both of you will be free from what ever punishment they may have in store for you."

Knowing Grey Mane was going to say this path and try to end it with conversation he raised his hand and pointed to his left at a random guard as he channeled his dark magic to the tip. "Well you see my master will forgive me if I bring him your soul. So either way I receive no punishment. And a fight with you and you alone is all I ask for any how, bu there are far too many ponies here. What do you say I cut the number down?"

As he turned and looked at the guard with the intent to kill a large stone hit him in the temple causing the arch demon to lose his concentration, as he turned to look back at Grey Mane a small bolt of fear shot threw his body as he saw the rage with in his eyes. "YOUR FIGHT IS WITH ME ADRAMELECH, SO IF YOU EVEN HARM ONE HAIR ON ANY OF THEIR MANES, SO HELP ME I WILL SEND YOU BACK TO THE HIGH COUNCIL OF DEVILS IN PIECES, WITH A LETTER ADDRESSED TO YOUR MASTER!!!" As he tried to calm him self he turned and face every pony behind him. "Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, get every pony back behind the castle walls...if any pony is going to get hurt today then let it be me and no pony else."

Knowing that much was at stake Celestia nodded her head as he signals to the guard to retreat behind the walls and others to get  all civilians to safety. "At the moment I have to think of my subjects first...so for now I'll cooperate with you but I want some answers later."

As he looked her in the eye he gave a lifeless stare, as if he had already given up on his own life. "If I survive... ...then you can have your answers."

As every pony starts to make their way to safety the boastful demon abatu rushed toward Princess Luna. "You think I'm going to let this opportunity go? I'LL BE REMEMBERED FOR KILLING ONE OF THE ROYAL FAMILY MEMBERS."

As he drew closer it almost seemed to be with in a blink of an eye, Grey mane struck at his lower vertebrae severing his spine. Quickly using the momentum as he pounced off Abatu's back, he twisted his body and grabbed the demon by the horns and threw him to the hooves of Adramelech. As Abatu tossed and turned on the ground in pain, Adramelech couldn't help but smile. For the first time since he became an archdemon he finally found an opponent worth fighting.

As he gave a sinister smile he was in awe. "Amazing...so much skill, so much power behind each attack. And yet... ...he's still just toying with us. Truly this fight will be worthy of everything that I am. The old reports are true!"

As Abatu was able to subdue some of his pain he raised his hand. "Adramelech...give me a hand up... ...will kill him together."

As Adramelech reached down he grabbed Abatu's arm and chuckles. "No I'll take his life... ...you can just die. After all you've out lived your usefulness."

"No...NO...NOOOOO!!!"

As Abatu shouted many watched in horror as his flesh began to boil and pop. To say his death was slow and agonizing was putting it mildly to say the least. Grey Mane stared on never removing his eyes form Adramelech, even as many found their gaze drawn to Abatu who was slowly decaying into a steaming puddle. Grey Mane knew that Adramelech was not one to be taken lightly, his power was mostly given to him from the many young foals that where burned at alters dedicated to him in ancient times.

Removing the arm that once belonged to Abatu from his own, he turned his attention back to Grey Mane and smiles. "I'll give you the time needed to retreat every pony here but I must know...what is going threw your mind right now that you would not accept help? Does it have something to do with that one fateful night?"

As every pony runs back behind the walls for safety Princess Luna walked forth and stood next to him. "What are you talking about? My sister and I will aid him to save every pony if we have to." As she made her claim Celestia stood next to her with a determined look threw out her body.

"Agreed, Twilight gather the others and have the elements of harmony ready for the worst." Celestia ordered knowing this could go either way.

As they prepared Grey Mane hid behind the hood of his cloak. "NO...Luna, Celestia...GO BACK BEHIND THE WALLS...this is my fight and no pony else."

Believing that an earth pony would not stand a chance Luna tried to reason with him. "Didn't you just see what he did? You won't stand a chance on your own you need our help. If not both of us then..."

As she tried to get him to come around he stopped her mid sentence with a tone of self loathing, and self hatred, as he looked at his hove he knew that what Adramelech said struck a nerve that caused Grey Mane to question if he even deserves to survive the fight. "Although I can't help but agree with you... ...I cannot allow any pony to be harmed."

Knowing he struck a nerve Adramelech couldn't help but laugh in an attempt to mock him. "Go now princesses...I'll come for the both of you and every pony inside later, But before you go... ...Grey Mane, please share your thoughts with us as to why  you decline their help."

As every pony in Canterlot was evacuated into the castle many heard him as they tried to make their way to safety. "MY LIFE FOR THEM. And I will not have it any other way."

As his words rang in the minds of many ponies they pondered what caused this sudden change in him. Had he lost the will to live and was looking for his own death, could he have turned over a new leaf, or was it something else? None knew what brought forth this change but many speculated what it could be.

While every pony moved as fast as they could to get to safety Adramelech constantly mocked Grey Mane in an attempt to get him to crack and attack. "Your life for them... ...haa haa ha...don't make me laugh. You the legendary thief, I know what you did, I know what you are capable of. I've read the report from that fateful night, the lives lost, how you're hooves are stained with blood. It was like listening to a symphony, so well orchestrated. But we both know who struck first."

The more he spoke, the more Grey Mane fell to despair the more he thought to himself, 'He's right...I'm no thief...I'm a monster who deserves to be killed, who deserves to be gutted, hung by its intestine and left to rot.' Thinking back to the night Grey Mane could hear the screams and smell burning flesh, and as he looked at his hooves he could see the blood. The more he was reminded of that night the more he fell to despair, he turned his head and looked up at the royal family, as his eyes made contact with Luna he was reminded why he continued, for the chance to find redemption in life, in the hopes that one day he mite be forgiven, even if only a small hove full knew about that night. Since that night he was looking for a way to redeem himself, and now he believed found the first step on the way to getting his wish, even if it cost him his life.

As he turns back he looks at Adramelech with a new found conviction in his eyes his expression became peaceful as if he found some form of inner peace. "I know what your trying to do, and I won't let you distract me this way. Such a poor tactic to use, but then again its common where you come from."

Several hours passed as the last of the ponies in Canterlot where evacuated into the castle grounds. As the gates closed behind Grey Mane, Adramelech rushed Grey Mane attempting to strike him from behind only to watch as his claw was pushed to the side as Grey Mane spun around and attempt to kick him in the head. As his hove came close to his head the archdemon blocked his hove and try to tear his flesh with his other claw while Grey Mane used the momentum his first attack created to lift himself out of the way and bounce off the demon's head.

As many watched the two fight it seemed as if they where well matched as they clashed, claw meeting hove, pony vs demon. The out come of the fight was uncertain as they exchanged blow for blow, blocking and retaliating. Reports where sent back to Celestia in the hopes that whom ever won the fight they would have the advantage of knowing how to fight them, especially if Grey Mane was the one to win. For an hour it appeared that the demon had the upper hand in the fight when he started to cast magic.

He threw fire balls, used lighting spells, and tried to freeze Grey Mane. As he kept Grey Mane at a distance he began to tire, each spell became harder and harder to cast, but Grey Mane appeared to still be at the top of his game. And for good reason too, when the demon started to use his dark magic Grey Mane started to use illusions to wear him out, using one more of his powders as he jumped behind the near by bushes to throw Adramelech off he teleported into a tree on the far left side of the archdemon as Adramelech set the bush on fire. Throwing his voice, and tossing what few rocks he had grabbed, made the archdemon believe he was in one location when he was in another.

As the fight heated up Adramelech expanded his senses and pulled Grey Mane out of the tree with telekinesis and slammed him down on the ground and dragged him across the cobbled stone ground strait to himself. As he lifted Grey Mane up by his back right hove he prepared to cut open his flesh with one claw as Grey Mane threw dirt into his eyes causing him to lose focuses and sight for a brief second. While he was stunned for the moment Grey Mane went behind him and ripped off one of his wings, enraging the demon knowing that when they are angered most will go into a blood rage and won't think about how they fight. Grey Mane hoped this arch demon would fall into such a rage granting him the opportunity he needed.

Sadly Adramelech was not the kind of demon to fall for such a trick and kept his composer as he cast a spell to grow his wing back. As he turned to face Grey Mane he saw that he had once again disappeared only to discover he had quickly ran up and got ready to catch Adramelech off guard and rip off both his wings this time. As Grey Mane stood waiting to see what he would do, Adramelech quickly discovered that he was merely trying to get him to waist his magic on such needless things and chasing down Grey Mane. Once he discovered this he resumed the attack and chose not to regrow his wings till he had time to recover enough of his dark powers cast the spell again.

As the fight continued the guards watched on as Grey Mane chose to step up his game. As Adramelech started to move faster Grey Mane started to move like a snake, while changing his fighting styles in mid attack. Going from the heavy hoved styles of Saddle Arabia, to the quick hoved style from Vietmane, and even heavy take downs from both Camelia and Minotauria. As well as a few fighting styles from the great dragon kingdoms, and several others that had been passed down, though thought lost, threw the ages. All of these different fighting styles gave Grey Mane the edge in the fight as a cloud of dust and dirt kicked up covering them and making it harder for all to see them.

As the reports slowly stopped flowing many believed that Grey Mane had the upper hove in the fight the second he stopped playing around. But with the cloud blocking the view of the fight none knew for sure as to who was winning, but what Adramelech could tell was Grey Mane was getting tired. His attacks became slower and weaker with each passing second, though he had taken much damage he knew he could out last Grey Mane and once he had his opening he would return everything a thousand fold.

As the fight raged on Celestia and Luna collaborated on what to do next from the one point in the castle that over looked the chasm below. It was considered one of the highest locations in the castle by point of view. And for many it was said to have one of the best views in equestria.

As Celestia analyzed what information they had gathered Twilight and the others returned with what little information they could find on both the demon and Grey Mane. "Hows everything going so far Princess?" Twilight inquired hoping for the fight to be near its end and some good news.

"As far as we can tell they're both still fighting, with out either of them giving in or giving up. And according to these reports it seems Grey Mane was or could still be winning this fight." Celestia said with a hint of optimism. "Hopefully you all have had better luck."

Lowering their heads Twilight shook her head. "Sorry but we haven't...both of them seem to know far more about each other while we know little to nothing about them."

Looking over the reports a second time Luna notices one key thing about Grey Mane. "Well other than him pulling off what seems to be impossible for an earth pony, he's quite adapt at hove to hove combat. He knows many different styles from around the world but doesn't stick to any one of them. But according to how he switched tactics its only a matter of time before this ends we can only hope the Thief of Legends comes out on top. That way we stand a greater chance of getting some answers."

"We can't be so sure he will simply give in like that, he is after all the legendary thief...who's to say this isn't some ploy of his to rob us blind. As an added precaution I sent several of the royal guard to the vault just in case but going off these reports there is a good chance they won't be able to handle him." Celestia claimed with a great doubt hanging heavily over her head, and with good reason.

"We are not so sure about that sister, when he said he would answer our questions, it seemed to me that there was much truth in his words. Perhaps we could show him some faith? After all his risking his own life for us, we all saw what happened to that other demon, there's no telling what this one could have done even if the two of us faced him. Grey Mane must have face a demon or two once before." Luna assumed with great optimism.

Before Celestia could speak Twilight pointed out a harsh truth. "And that could be the problem, how may has he faced, and how many could be willing to work with him?"

"That is what I thought too, for him to know so much about this demon in particular seems far to coincidental to be enemies. Acquaintances maybe, but if that's the case why not just end this threw simple conversation, why kill his own ally and fight. Unless they where working together and put on a show. I know we could have some faith in him and trust him a little bit, but if we give him an inch he could take a mile." The words Celestia spoke took the little faith any of them had in Grey Mane and turn it into doubt.

Sparking a new conversation having remembered what Twilight read in the book, Apple Jack  perked up. "According to the book he disappeared about a thousand years ago. Now if he really is the Legendary Thief from this old ponies tail, where has he been all this time? And why now of all the days does he chose to come out of hiding?"

As they continued to talk Grey Mane was slowly losing the fight under the cloud of smoke, the time he spent making his way out of the crystal cavern took most of his energy, and the first hour and a half of the fight didn't do much for him even if he did find way's to rest while keeping Adramelech on his toes. What made things worse was by the end of the second half hour fatigue set in and started to take its toll, all the cloud did was give him a small advantage to remain hidden to sight. But all Adramelech needed to track Grey Mane was a small drop of blood, or sweat. And sadly Grey Mane was sweating like a fountain, making him a glowing beacon in the dark.

The longer this fight went on the harder it was for Grey Mane to remain hidden, let alone stand on his hooves. What made this worse was when he used the demon's curse to bind Adramelech's power to his own will it also drew on his own will power constantly draining it, the longer he held the curse the weaker he became. He knew the consequences and the threat of using the demon's curse but in this situation what choice did he have?

As he grew more and more tired he became sloppy and made far more mistakes than he normally would have. Till a moment later Adramelech found the opportunity he was waiting for, in the center of the cloud he mercilessly beat Grey Mane tearing threw his flesh, and bashing him into the ground. The only reprieve Grey Mane got was when Adramelech tried to end the fight.

Cocking back his right arm, flexing his muscles, and clutching his fist, Adramelech drew forth what he thought was plenty of his strength needed to kill Grey Mane in one punch, as he tossed him into the air. "Die."

As his fist came close Grey Mane brought up his front left leg just in time to block the attack as it sent him flying. As the force of the impact that sent Grey Mane flying, though it would have killed him if it had landed any where else on his body, he was dazed. Having used his own leg to soften the blow it had allowed him to take most of it, but not with out some internal damage as well as the broken bone in his leg.

Quickly giving chase after him Adramelech scaled the walls and jumped with all his might and continued to knock Grey Mane further and further into the air, beating him senselessly like a rag doll. As the battle between him and Adramelech raged, but the fight had finally taken its toll and Grey Mane knew he was out of tricks. And his cloak was so damaged the enchantment seemed to stop, to Grey Mane this appeared to be the end.

As the fight neared its end Celestia and the others continued to question if Grey Mane could be trusted or not. Only for them to see him come falling down from the sky completely unaware of his surroundings. As he neared them Twilight  used her magic to slow his decent only enough for him to roll once he hit the ground. As they looked on the royal guard approached him with spears at the ready as they slowly surrounded him.

As he attempted to get up they saw he was bleeding profusely from long and deep lacerations. As he struggled to get to his hooves all saw as the bone in his front left leg pierced his flesh and popped out causing him to drop down to the floor grieving in pain. Using his front right he struggled to once more get to his hooves grunting and fighting back the pain and hoping not to pass out.

As he rose to his hooves struggling against the odds his mask fell to the ground exposing his face, and with a gasp Fluttershy and the others attempted to rush to his aid as the guards blocked their path. "Oh my...its Grey Mane." Fluttershy said with a gasp.

As the guards blocked them Luna had a good look at his face. "Sister their right, its the stallion we've mentioned that lost his memory."

As he managed to some how stand he looked at the guards that surrounded him. "It would be  in your best interest... ...to back off." He struggled to say as he started to spit and cough up blood.

Knowing they would never have another chance like this a Lieutenant mocked him. "And just why should we? Look at you, you're beaten, you can't even harm a fly now."

As he boasted the other guards ran in fear as the arch demon manifested behind him and grabbed him by the neck lifting him into the air slowly clenching his grip. "Because he isn't the one you should be worried about... ... ...well not so long as I'm still alive."

As the arch demon continued to slowly squeeze the guards neck for his own pleasure, Grey Mane took a defensive stance as his knees shook, not from fear, but from exhaustion. "ADRAMELECH...LET HIM GO...THIS FIGHT...IS BETWEEN YOU AND ME."

Having one good look at he pony in his hand and another look at Grey Mane, he tossed the Lieutenant into the other near by guards. "You're right, in this fight you are the greater prize. And you know I have to give you credit, you managed to rip off not one but both of my wings and survive the beating I gave you. But looking at you now, you're no longer worth my time. But then again I hate to leave a project unfinished. But in any case I don't really care when I kill you, I just want to hear you to beg for death, I want to see you suffer before you die. It will give me a grand feeling of satisfaction."

Using telekinesis he slammed Grey Mane's back to the ground and held him there as he walked over. Standing over Grey Mane he pointed at him with is index and started to repeatedly stab him over, and over, and over again, pausing for a few moments in between each stab to wiggle his finger around and hear Grey Mane scream in agony, while he played with is internal organs. As Adramelech continued to stab and toy with Grey Mane he found his arm caught in an aura of midnight blue magic holding him back.

As he turned his head he saw Luna walking toward them. "That is enough, can't you see he is at his limit. He can't fight you any more."

Seeing the opportunity to claim more than one soul and be praised in Tartaros by his master, Adramelech lowered his arm and folded both arms behind his back as he slowly walked toward Luna and the others in a diplomatic manner. "Tell me... ...would you stop a duel between us, between a legend and a demon once worshiped as a god, simply because he chose to offer himself up? And would you be willing to do the same on his behalf, if it meant I would stop?"

Struggling to sit up Grey Mane noticed a way to end this fight but he needed Adramelech to be standing in the right spot. "Luna... ...don't answer him. He's twisting his words, the wrong answer will grant him the rights to your soul."

Giving a faint grin as he shook his head, Adramelech tired to discourage Grey Mane's words and hid his intentions. "Don't mind him, the pain has finally reached his head, after all I'm just trying to be reasonable and get one answer for many questions that have absolutely nothing to do with claiming a soul. Now then would any of you make the same choice as him, to give up everything for some pony you know nothing about?"

As Grey Mane once again struggled to his hooves every pony could see the tears in his eyes, but not one drop was because of the pain he was in. "FORGET ABOUT ME, I'M NOT WORTH A DAMN. I'M JUST SOME GOOD-FOR-NOTHING WHO CHOSE A LIFE OF THIEVERY. BUT ALL OF YOU ARE WORTH SO MUCH TO SO MANY... ...just please... ... ...don't answer him."

"We still have the Elements of Harmony, I say we forget your deal and just blast you with them." Rainbow Dash boasted as she attempted to stare down Adramelech.

"Oh by all means give it your best shot, in the time it would take for all of you to call forth the magic locked with in you're accursed artifacts, I would have killed at least three of you making them useless. So as you can see, I'm giving you a much better deal when you really think about it." Asmoday gloated.

Stepping forth Twilight stared the archdemon down. "If we say yes?"

"Then I will stop this madness." Adramelech replied keeping his answer as vague as possible.

Fearing the answer she would get Fluttershy tiptoed over and cowered behind Luna and the others as she barely poked her head up. "A-a-a-and what if we refuse?"

Giving a sinister smile as he laughed, Adramelech stared back at Grey Mane out of the corner of his eye and flexed his claw showing the blood stains in an attempt to force the deal in the direction he wanted. "Then I continue to kill him slowly right before you're very eyes. Isn't that right Grey Mane?"

Struggling to stand and stay conscious threw the pain and blood loss Grey Mane stumbled as he took small steps toward eveypony. "Do your worst... ...there isn't a damn thing you can do to me that I can't handle." Looking toward every pony he tried to plead with them once more hoping to keep them from making the wrong choice. "Girls please listen to me...if you say yes then he will kill us all, forget about me and live life to its fullest." As he struggled to get closer trying to save what little strength he had left he saw that Adramelech was right where he wanted him right next to the weakened wall, as he fell to the ground the strap to his gourd snapped and rolled off to the side, disregarding it he continued to drag himself closer. "Please... ...what ever you do, don't worry about me. There isn't a cell that can keep me locked away."

Looking at a dear friend they knew if the fight ended they could get him medical attention, and they also knew if the fight continued he would not be put into a cell... ...he would die, as they looked at each other they nodded. "We agree." Twilight stated as she lowered her head.

With a smile Adramelech flexed his muscles and prepared to attack them. As they realized Grey Mane spoke the truth Twilight was frozen with fear as the arch demon's claw came close to striking her. As everypony rushed to her aid they watched in awe as Grey Mane mustered the last of his strength, and stunned Adramelech with a buck to his ribs, and continued his assault by jumping onto Adramelech's back and using his front right leg to wrap around his neck and choke the arch demon forcing him to stumble back over the weakened wall and stumble off the edge.

"IF ANY PONY IS DIEING TODAY ITS ME... ...AND I'M TAKING YOU'RE SORRY ASS WITH ME BACK TO TARTAROS!!" Grey Mane shouted as the two of them fell to what seemed to be their deaths.

As they watched on they saw Grey Mane faded behind the mist as he whispered a few words as he smiled, 'I'm sorry everypony.' As the two of them fell  Adramelech's screams could be heard threw out the castle, but Grey Mane remained silent. As Rainbow Dash and Princess Luna gave chase after Grey Mane hoping he was going to be okay and that his silence was from him passing out. Sadly the found his body nearly a mile down and attempted to bring it back, only to be stopped by Adramelech.

Laughing as he took small steps toward them, beaten and battered from the fall, his large intestine barley hanging out as he walked, he flexed his claw. "You ponies struck a deal with me, now your souls are mine to claim."

As Luna started to channel magic into her horn in order to prepare for a fight with Adramelech only for her and Rainbow Dash to watch as millions if not billions of poisonous insects started to crawl on his body, as a dark and evil voice shouted as if it came from all around them. "ADRAMELECH, YOU HAVE DEFIED ME FOR THE LAST TIME!"

Adramelech's expression went from proud and boastful into fear as he tried to plead and bargain for his own safety. "Master please wait...I have souls to offer unto you. Grey Mane's being the grand prize here as well as..."

As Adramelech was lifted into the air the insects continued to collect and gather into what appeared to be a giant claw, bringing the arch demon to what appeared to be a colossal demonic face. "ENOUGH!!! YOU WILL FORFEIT YOUR PRIZE, AND THE DEAL YOU HAVE STRUCK WITH THESE PONIES SHALL BE NULL AND VOID. YOU KNEW THE CONSEQUENCES OF LEAVING TARTAROS WITH OUT MY SAY SO."

In attempt to shift the blame and gain a lesser punishment Adramelech hoped for the best as he spoke. "But master Asmoday said..."

"ASMODAY!?!? I SHALL SEE TO HIM LATER, FOR NOW I SHALL DRAG YOU BACK TO TARTAROS FOR YOU'RE PUNISHMENT." He exclaimed as the insects busted and swarmed while stinging Adramelech while creating a tighter grip.

"No master... ...please... ...spare me." Adramelech cried out in fear as he turned and dug his claws into the near by stone wall.

As his temper slowly dropped the swarm of insects recollected and reformed the demonic face. "I already have, the Princess of the Night would have ended your life. Did you really think that by trying to kill Grey Mane the demonic curse would lift its self? It continues to plague you in a small way. And of what use to me is an archdemon that can't cast magic?" Turning gaze toward Luna the swarm lowered themselves so the face appeared to be making eye contact with both Luna and Rainbow Dash. "I apologize for what has transpired this day. Had I known sooner I would done all I could to spare the Leviathan's advocate his fate, but I can feel his life slowly fading if you hurry he just mite yet live. Come now Adramelech, I have a new disease I want to test on you."

As the swarm left they could hear Adramelech screaming in fear as he was dragged way to face what ever punishment his dark master had prepared for him. The great arch demon Adramelech who stood so proud earlier that morning was now being taken kicking, screaming, and crying like a foal. As they carefully brought Grey Mane's body back to every pony they where unaware his life slowly slipped away, all they could was hope they where not too late to save him.

As Grey Mane's life passed from his body the Leviathan felt the sudden loss of life from his advocate even while he cleared his mind threw mediation in the astral plain. "Ahh...Grey Mane? ...Perhaps there's still time." Quickly rushing threw the astral plain the Leviathan did all that he could to save Grey Mane but knew his soul was else where, and traveled to Tartaros to deal with any of the dark lords took advantage of the situation. For even if his body was restored he knew that his advocate would still parish if his soul was never recovered.

As the leviathan rushed threw the astral plain putting the pieces of his plan into action, knowing that there was only a few demonic lords that where willing to work with him, sadly the one that had Grey Mane's soul had much sinister plans in mind for the great thief. As Grey Mane slowly awakened in Tartaros the sound of a slow clap and sinister laughter. As he looked up he saw the dark lord he stole from, and the tails of this one in particular where true. His mane and coat where stained with blood, his teeth sharper than the claws of an elder dragon, and eyes so dark one could almost see the void its self, and the evil feeling he gave off made discord look like a harmless filly.

Trying to lighten the mood of the situation Grey Mane mocked the dark lord to make himself laugh a little. "I never thought you would look like a fallen alicorn. But then again even the purest of ponies have their demons don't they." He said as he struggled to his hooves. "So tell me did you fall from grace? Because from here I can tell you're mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries."

As Asmoday slowly walked toward Grey Mane he smiled as he boasted, and laughed all while he mocked. "Congratulations Grey Mane...Canterlot is safe and only a small few ponies where harmed. But you're such a fool to give up the medallion, with it you could have survived the fight, but now." Rushing Grey Mane he cast a small spell that made the hair in is tail seem like steel and brush it against him causing thousands of small lacerations that seemed to be electricity charged, causing Grey Mane to drop and twitch in pain. "NOW YOUR DAMNED FOR ALL ETERNITY, YOU'RE SOUL IS MINE TO DO WITH AS I PLEASE. I watched your fight to the end, you could have stood a chance down here. But hero's lose everything in Tartaros."

"You're right...but I'm no hero." Grey Mane stated mocking Asmoday as he turned and punched him in the face. "I'M A THIEF AND PROUD OF IT!!"

Brushing away the hove that landed on his face as if it was dust, Asmoday started his brutal punishment by beating him senselessly, knocking him from one end of the room to the next. The beating continued for twenty minutes, but to Grey Mane it felt as if it was longer than eternity. As his beating went on Grey Mane's only thoughts where, *At least their safe.*

For a brief moment the beatings stopped and Grey Mane saw the opportunity to strike back, as he rushed the dark lord the shadows seemed to twist and bend as they formed into several spikes impaling him. "Its a nice trick isn't it. I took it from the unicorn that tried to escape along side you. She was delicious, she tasted like fear and her blood helped give the extra added taste of pain that...well...is a delicacy."

Struggling threw the pain as the shadows faded away leaving no signs that he had been impaled, bringing truth to the fact that it was an illusion that tricked both the eyes and the mind, as Grey Mane looked at the dark lord he struggled to get to his hooves. "What did you do to her?"

"I didn't think you cared but if you must know... ... ...I consumed her. All that she was is now part of me. Her talents, her tricks, her spells. If it helped make her become known as the shade it is now mine to command as I see fit." He said with a crooked smile stretching across his face.

Continuing to use the shadows to torture Grey Mane gave him much pleasure, the old reports the dark lords kept on all of the Grey Manes seemed to ring hollow. But what could Grey Mane do, he was at a disadvantage, he knew nothing of this demon so the curse would not work. All he could do was struggle helplessly as he slowly passed out.

Knowing he would get no satisfaction from beating him while he slept Asmoday turned away feeling triumphant. "Take him to the heart of my domain, I'm sure many of the prisoners there have a few things to say to him. Oh and from here on out I shall administer his punishment, to ensure he can never escape again."

As he slowly walked away his highest ranking guard shouted. "My lord...his body...its vanishing!"

Turning around to see him slowly fade he knew the where few reasons behind this. "Impossible...there's no way he..." Only having just realized that Grey Mane was coming back to life he summoned forth the darkest spell he knew as his horn seemed to drain any light near him causing the entire room to turn pitch black. "NO...NO...NO...IF I CAN'T CLAIM HIS IMMORTAL SOUL AS MY PRIZE, THEN I SHALL SEND HIM TO FACE TRUE OBLIVION!!!"

As they all watched as the spell flew strait toward Grey Mane, Asmoday laughed knowing he would end the Legendary Thief, that he would be the one to kill Grey Mane. As the spell made contact they watched on as it seemed to consume and burn the area around him. As the smoke slowly cleared Asmoday's laughter quickly turned into unbridled rage, only to see that Grey Mane had been protected by a creature far more ancient than the majority of the demonic lords, he could feel fear take hold of his heart as many of his greatest demons dropped to their knees begging for their own safety.

"LEVIATHAN...HOW DARE YOU..." Asmoday shouted shaking his realm to its core.

As the leviathan frowned he shook his head. "How dare I? This one is my advocate and there for under my personal protection...his life is forfeit only to the reaper when his time comes at the sound of the black bell, NOT YOU."

In an attempt to prove Grey Mane's soul belonged to him he pointed out the fight. "He killed himself this day and there for his life is forfeit to Tartaros...HE IS IN MY DOMAIN AND I DECIDE WHAT HAPPENS FROM HERE ON OUT!"

"He did not kill him self out some simple choice, it was a sacrifice and there for frees him from the bindings of Tartaros." The leviathan said knowing the laws of the dead and not willing to allow Asmoday claim Grey Mane's soul as his prize so easily.

"You think one act of a selfless sacrifice is enough to free him... ...despite all he's done for the grater good and diverting wars, there is still that one dark act he committed. And no deed in life will ever clear that away, nothing he does will ever wash away the blood stains on his hooves. How many lives where lost that night because of him, how much blood is on his hooves? It is because of this, he is MINE!" Boasted Asmoday with a smug feeling of satisfaction.

Looking at the situation the leviathan mocked the demonic lord Asmoday. "So you say, however you're losing him now...and if you truly want a soul in place of his that is worth thousands more you can try and take mine. But I know you wouldn't dare tempt my power, you know quite well what I am capable of."

As Asmoday began to boast he laughed. "Look around you. You're in my domain, my KINGDOM, my power can far surpass even you here, all I have to do is draw upon the eternally damned souls here...so don't you dare threaten me."

As the leviathan's rage grew he chose not to shout but speak in the same language as the ancient dragons with a calm tone in his voice as he closed his eyes and shook his head hoping it would not have had to come to such a thing. "Ahrk you forget faal knowledge I posses...Asmoday!"

As he heard is name spoken fear shot up his spine freezing him in place, he knew the curse wasn't used but he was fully aware that the leviathan was prepared to use it, in an attempt to hid his fear Asmoday put on a calm face. "You wouldn't dare?"

Continuing to push his authority the leviathan knew that there where other demons waiting to take the place of any of the dark lords. "Do course hin afraid wah hon hin name. Ahrk why wouldn't you, voth just hin name alone I can seal you away fah pah eternity...or worse. You see unlike Grey Mane faal lein doesn't need you, ahrk I know daar because there are thousands waiting wah take hin place. Grey Mane nau faal other haal is still needed."

As he prepared to fight the leviathan he saw a cloud of miasma and a mist of blood slowly close in far behind the leviathan, and Asmoday knew he would be fighting a losing battle even if it was just a one on one fight with the leviathan. "Take him then... ...but mark my words one day he will die, and when that day comes I'll be waiting to claim his soul."

As he turned to face Grey Mane he slowly calmed down. "Nust sul ok sil is left wah you is faal sul tol I dii. Come Grey Mane, they are waiting for you to awaken."

As the leviathan left with Grey Mane, Asmoday's rage grew as his domain shook along side it, clenching his teeth blood began to drip from his chin. "Damn...You...LEVIATHAAAAAAAN!!!"

As he slowly calmed down still filled with anger he watched as every demon in his court fell deathly ill while a pool of blood and cloud of miasma took physical forms. "AMSODAY!"

It was several months before Grey Mane could awaken and move on his own free will, once he did he found him self in a room and comfortable bed, his first thoughts where, *Cheap trick, I know how the cruel illusions of Tartaros work down here.* Struggling to his hooves he walked over to the window and had a good look out side and saw all of Canterlot. *So this is my punishment? To face an eternal beating in the last place I was alive.* He thought to him self, disregarding the many bandages he saw on himself believing they could also be part of the illusion.

Just out side, what he believes to be his prison cell, he can hear the guards talking, about simple day to day things and the current shift change that came with the routine check on Grey Mane that required both guards in the event that he should be a wake. Looking around the room he quickly plans for his escape, he knew there wasn't much and if the illusion was set for just the cell then the window and view where fake. Going for the oldest, and perhaps most redundant hiding tactics, he stood behind the door as it started to crack open. The guards laughed as they walked in unaware that Grey Mane was waiting for them, as they looked at the bed and found that it was empty, Grey Mane slammed the door shut and jumped the guards.

The second they where incapacitated he used what items where available to tie them down and jam the door shut on his way out, while doing what he could to ignore his pain as old wounds started to reopen. Making his way down the corridor he believed his cell was much bigger this time around and more than likely a maze, that the illusion spell had been cast on, in an attempt to keep him trapped; his main concern was being captured again. As he moved from one corridor to the next slowly making his way out, his stern belief was the more guards he saw the closer he was to the exit of this maze hoping that the thrown room in the castle was the exit to what he perceived as a maze in Tartaros.

As he slowly neared the thrown room he peaked around the corner to find a small group of guards standing around to have a quick conversation. *Five of them... ...if their lesser demons they won't be too much of a problem.* He thought to him self as three more came galloping frantically from around the corner.

Eavesdropping to their conversation he watched and noticed that the two guards he took out earlier where now up and free, what added to his problems was they had just informed the small group that was there, that he was now free. "Here's what we'll do, you two go strait to the thrown room and tell everypony there. And you two will go down that corridor and inform any and all who can help in the search."

As they saluted their commanding officer they all separated, taking notice of the two that went to the thrown room gave Grey Mane a direction to go, but he had to deal with the same two guards that where outside his room earlier first. Looking around he found a cart with fresh linens for one of the rooms near by with a maid inside, just down the corridor he saw a chandelier. Getting to work he managed a make-shift trap as the two of them slowly made their way near him.

"I still can't believe he got the jump on us back there." The light blue stallion hinted away at with a hint of being disgruntled.

"Hey you can't blame us he's the legendary thief after all, we weren't prepared for when he would awaken, come to think of it no pony here really could be prepared for him." The white stallion nudged away hoping to lift his friends spirit.

"Ya you have a point... ...you know what would suck though?" The light blue stallion inquired.

"What?" He responded hoping the response wasn't heading in the direction he thought it was.

"If he caught us off guard again and left us for some pony to find." He joked as he tempted fate.

Waiting for the two to come just a little further he waited in the near by room just under the bed to remain unseen by the maid. He watched as the two of them walked down the hall and heard a loud crash that drew the attention of every pony near by. Peeking out of the room he saw his trap worked, but not in the way he intended for, they walked into it but rather than being hoisted up and left dangling in the air, when the trap sprung their combined weight caused the chandelier to fall in such a way that it seemed to trap them in a cage.

*Not what I wanted but it gets the job done.* He thought as he snuck off to follow the two ponies to the thrown room, and hopefully in his mind freedom.

As he steadily made his way down the corridor  he continued to plan out his escape knowing that this time around the ferry-mare would not be so kind, mostly do to the fact that the dead where not aloud to leave, with the only exception being if the reaper came for them. He had seen it happen a few times, the souls of those who had been dead far too long, that no pony even knew who they where, had been dragged off kicking and screaming while bound in chains by the reaper. But he knew the ferry-mare had a weakness to greed and intended to exploit that to his advantage.

As Grey Mane neared the great doors to the thrown room he saw the two ponies standing just a few feet away from the door arguing. "I don't want to tell them the bad news any more than you do Dave, but we have to." One of them said begrudgingly

"Well then why don't you do it Sam?" Dave blatantly said as he shoved him.

"No way not me... ...how bout we both tell them?" Nudged Sam.

"And how do you think we do that?" He said with a mournful stare causing Sam to lower his head in thought.

As he pondered the situation he perked up. "I've got it... ...how about we open up with a joke?" Sam said with great optimism.

Annoyed by the situation Dave poked at what holes he could find in the idea. "Like what? Knock knock, who's there, not Grey Mane cause he's vanished? Sorry Sammy but I don't think its going to fly. Not with royalty or any pony here, this is the Legendary Thief where talking about. We had him in our grasp and just like clapping you're hooves he's gone."

Continuing his optimism as he turned his back to Dave while lowering his head as the gave it more thought. "What if we tell them in joke form... ...I mean its kinda funny after all that he's bested us so far given how injured he is. Right Dave... ..." As he turned around he found that Dave had gone missing. "Dave? ... ...Come on man this isn't funny."

As he walked down the hall he found Dave wrapped up in the curtain, and hanging upside down by his tail, turning to run and alert every pony in the thrown room he found himself being dragged into the air by his tail, and left dangling only to hear sarcasm. "So... ... ...what was that about him getting the jump on us being funny?"

"Shut up Dave." Stating with a hint of annoyance in his voice.

Not being the one to pass up the opportunity to poke fun of other ponies, or kick 'em when there down so to speak, he continued to poke fun at Sam. "No no~o, I want to hear this. Please continue from where you left of, I think it was, 'Its funny how he can get the drop on us because of how injured he is?' Am I right? After all your the expert on this even though where hanging from the ceiling."

As Sam allowed his temper to slowly grew he tried to draw his mind of the situation. "Not now Dave."

"You know I do see the humor in it, after all HE JUST GOT THE DROP ON US!" Pointing out he pain strikingly obvious clue, as if he was a useless detective.

"I get it Dave now unless you have any idea as to how where getting down, then please...SHUT THE FUCK UP!" He exclaimed as he started to look around to see any signs of help.

Knowing it could be a while Dave couldn't help but continue to patronize Sam. "Wait wait I've got one more... ...Knock Knock?"

"... ... ...Who's there?" He inquired as he some how managed to turn around and stare at Dave threw the cloth in annoyance.

"Grey Mane."

"Fuck you Dave."

As they hung there for a moment Dave couldn't help but laugh about the situation. "Hey what was it you said this morning? 'See a bit and pick it up, all the day you'll have good what?"

"You're not going to let this go are you?" Sam inquired not truly wanting to hear the answer.

"Not so long as we're up here."

As Grey Mane slowly made his way back to the giant doors he nearly collapsed from pain, bringing his hove up from his ribs where the pain came from he saw blood and knew there wouldn't be much time before he would pass out. As he came to the door he found it was locked by magic, not too hard for him to get pass, but it did make him wonder for the moment. The Dark Lords know about him and the things he is capable of, a magic lock would not hold him back. Taking a moment to look around the hall he couldn't find any traps and could only figure there mite be a small band of greater demons just on the other side of the door waiting for him should he some how manage to make it that far.

Walking up to it he figure if there where any demons on the other side two of them would be close enough to hear the lock, with this stern belief he whispered. "Iftah ya simsim."

As the locks came on done the two guards just on the other side took immediate notice. "You didn't... ..."

Shaking his head the two guards drew Celestia's attention, as well as the attention of everypony in the thrown room. "Is something wrong?"

"Sorry your Majesty, as a precaution we've taken the liberty to lock these doors ever since Grey Mane was given a room to rest and recover do to his injuries. As you may have already guessed we locked the doors with magic, and well... ...they just came open." He said with a sign of concern.

Knowing it was their duty to stand strong and show no fear the other guard cracked the door to peek out. "I'll have a look to see who it is, more than likely it could be one of the other guards out he-"

As he looked outside of the doors they all watched as he was pulled out with a great ferocity as they all heard the loud clanking of metal hitting a wall, as well as a small skirmish. Attempting to be cautious the remaining guard stood center of the two doors as he used magic to slowly open them, only to be given a swift yet heavy hove to the face causing him to become dazed and confused at the moment. As Grey Mane walked toward everypony his expression was a mix between hatred and disgust.

As he sat down he leaned next to a pillar, believing he was about to be in for a fight of his life. "Dirty trick... ...disguising you're selves like that... ...DID YOU REALLY BELIEVE I WOULD THINK THEY COULD BE DOWN HERE? DID YOU REALLY THINK I WOULD FALL FOR YOU'RE TRICKS?"

With a smile Twilight walked toward him hoping to find out what he was talking about. "Do you realize how silly you sound right now?"

"Don't play coy with me... ...Tartaros is full of many tricksters, deceivers, and liars. I'm not so easily fooled. I don't care who you serve, now stand aside and let me pass!" He exclaimed knowing it was no longer with in his ability to try and fight at the moment.

Flying over and placing a gentle hove on his shoulder Fluttershy tried to console him. "You're in the castle of Canterlot, you're safe, the fight is over you won."

Struggling to brush her hove off he starred at her with a mix of emotions string with in him, the strongest ones being fear, determination, and hope. "Lie to me all you like I know all about the illusion spells that you demons use down here. And I'll be damned if you think I'll fall for any of them.

Having hear the resent commotion while walking by, as Luna came into the room she held out the gourd toward him as she began to speak. "No pony here is lying to you, though you did die what ever the contents was in this gourd some how brought you back to life."

As he slowly grabbed the gourd he looked up at Luna and coiled around her neck he could see the Leviathan unwrap himself still unseen by everypony but him. "How did you?"

Stepping forth with a faint smile Celestia began to explain. "Luna heard a strange voice instruct her to pour the contents of that gourd down your throat. And as you can see it saved your life."

Having taken a sudden internist in healing spells, potions, and items at the moment in time Twilight could find nothing relating to reviving the dead with out horrible side effects. "What was in that if you don't mind us asking."

Uncoiling him self from around Luna the leviathan kept his astral form and flew over to Grey Mane as he spoke to him threw telepathy. *Its okay to tell them what you believe is necessary, the times are changing and you will need all the help you can get. You're enemies are many and friends are far too few, I know you will make the right choice.*

Closing his eyes as he slowly exhaled, he braced himself for any reaction he could get for telling them a small portion of the truth. "Its water... ...from the fountain of youth. Its what has allowed me to live for so long. Its use is limited however, when the gourd is three fourths of the way gone it will no longer reduce the age of the user; But it will continue to revive and heal them as well as ward off death for a time, in a sense of things it grants temporary longevity."

With heavy hearts they lowered their heads believing they may have, in some small way, sentenced him to death. "... ...Sorry if we had known then..."

As Apple Jack tried to apologies Grey Mane raised a hove to stop her. "No... ...it was either use it all to save my life or none of it and leave me to my fate." Trying to hide the remorse he felt behind a smile as he slowly slid down to the floor. "I'm glad all of you did what you could to save me."

Knowing he would not stay awake  Pinkie couldn't help but poke away at his age. "If it was really water from the fountain of youth then why didn't it reduce your age you look the same to me."

As he slowly slid to the floor he rose the hove that he remembered had been pierced by his bone. "Because the water healed me only enough to bring me back to life, as you can see the injuries are minor and will heal slowly over time. All life threatening wounds are healed first, if they weren't then how could I survive?"

Just like piecing together a new outfit, Rarity gave a mournful smile as she pulled out his mask. "If  the worst of them where healed first, then its a good thing... ...here, I was able to repair the mask but your cloak is far to damaged I'm afraid. So I'm making something a little more presentable for you."

As he slowly fell a sleep he smiled. "I'll fined some way to pay for it, please excuse me... ...but...I need to take a small nap."

As he slept the medical mares took him from the thrown room on a stretcher and back to the room where he started, this time taking the precaution to strap him down to keep him from re-opening his wounds again. As he slept his darkest memory tormented him, he could see it all, the fire, the countless ponies who died on that fate full night, his hooves, coat and mane stained with blood, right down to the only moment of salvation he had when he heard the foals begging him to stop. As he looked at them he watched as the foals in his nightmare began to melt as flames consumed them while they walked toward him saying the one thing that constantly plagued him, the one phrase that the many demons in Tartaros would never forget to say as a harsh reminder of what he did, 'YOU'RE A MONSTER'.

As the nightmare shocked him into waking up he found himself in a cold sweat panting heavily out of fear. *I was afraid of this, you had repressed that memory along time ago. Though there was never any way you could truly forget now could you?*

Looking to his right he saw the leviathan coiled up like a snake on the desk still in his astral form. *How long have you been there?*

*Oh You know me I've always been near by, after all you're my advocate and there for under my protection. And I never should have doubted you, but fear took hold of me and I let it guide me. And for that I'm sorry, you and you're predecessors have always done the right thing even if the methods all of you have chosen are a bit... ...eeeh...questionable.* He said as he looked at Grey Mane.

*No... ...you where right. If I hadn't done what I did then none of this would have...* As the events of the past slowly consumed him he found it hard to even believe what the leviathan said.

Speaking the only truth he could find in the situation as he made eye contact with Grey Mane nearly blinding him. *What happened that night with the Order of Balance happened for a reason, you even saved a few lives and put them on a new path that gave them a chance. And if it wasn't you then it could have been some pony else and the situation could have been worse.*

*COULD HAVE BEEN? I AM THE WORST THING TO HAVE HAPPENED TO THIS WORLD... ...I DESERVE NOTHING WORSE THAN... ...* As he damned him self, his mind as well as his emotions slowly sank into despair.

Stopping Grey Mane from going down his current path in giving up on life the leviathan pulled the medallion out from the astral plane and tossed it to him. *You deserve this.*

Quickly slipping his left hove out of the restraint he caught the medallion. *The medallion of immortality... ...I don't deserve this.*

Speaking only the truth with the knowledge he possessed about the artifacts, the leviathan flew over and coiled himself on the bed as he smiled.*No you don't, in fact no pony or living creature deserves to have it. However the medallion never took any lives, it instead chose to take a different path and test you. It no longer makes the choice to use, it now wishes to be used and it has chosen you to help it make that first step.*

*But coveting immortality has cost me far too much.* As he turned to his left he saw Princess Luna sleeping next to the window in the moon light. *And it would have cost me far more, perhaps even everything had I not forsaken it.*

*True, however your duty as my advocate isn't over with. And since you can no longer use the fountain of youth it would be the wisest move, as well as the best one, for you to keep it close by.*

As he stashed it in the drawer wrapped up in his mask he looked at Luna once more. *Why is she a sleep?*

*Oh... ...she saw you having a nightmare and tried to enter your mind to see if she could help. I knew what she would see so I blocked her, it is the worst moment in your life. And you never tolled her before, and it is best that you be the one to tell her.*

Slipping his right hove out of the restraint as he leaned over and gently brushed her mane with his left. *I saw you around her neck earlier, she didn't know you where there did she?*

Faintly laughing at the thought as he started to hover over Grey Mane. *No... ...I've reached a mastery with my astral form that others could only dream of, and unless I wanted her to see me she couldn't. No pony can except for you. After all you're mind has expanded far enough to that point you can see me at will. And as for me being around her neck... ...well. I know how important she is to you, after all she did what no pony could do to you. She stole you're heart, so I chose to stay close by her and keep her safe till you where awake... ...should have known that when you first wake up you cause quite the commotion.*

Smiling at the fact that he did over react and should have noticed the signs that he was alive, key ones being that the guards where far too easy even in his state. *So then I continue on... ...being the legendary thief... ...I continue on being you're advocate. If that isn't a kick in the flank then I don't know what is. So then whats my first task now that I'm Xiuhtecutli?*

Looking up at his advocate he smiled. *Turquoise lord? ... ...Has a bit of a ring to it. I'm sure in time I'll get use to it. As for now I just want you to rest and recover, after that I'll guide you to the Kingdom of the Changeling their leader Queen Chrysalis has found the enchanted ring of Astarte. It once fell dormant when its former owner perished of old age, it will be come active in time. But if she learns that it can amplify her power one thousand fold it will far greater trouble. Recover this ring and lock it away.*

As he thought about it he scoffed. *The true purpose of the legendary thief... ...to keep power out of reach of the ones who can never control it. And now that I think about it, the changelings have a small stash of emotion crystals... ...if sold to the right pony they could fetch quite the price.*

*For what reason would you need to make a quick bit, not to cause you any grief but the orphanage that you aided is long gone.*

With a smile a small tear rolled down his face. *That doesn't mean I can't help out ponies that need it.*

*Should have seen that coming...but at least you finally learn why the lineage of the legendary thief is important. Keep the medallion as far as I can tell there will come a day when you will need it.*

*Fine...but I will not steal while in Canterlot or Ponyville.*

*If that is you're choice then who am I to say other wise. You're free to do as you please. I just hope that we never have to encounter an artifact nor a dangerous enchanted item in either location.* Xiuhtecutli said with a smile.

Just before laying back down he looked at Luna one last time causing his heart to pause for a second before continuing and giving him a warm feeling he had not felt in a long time. *I have to ask a few questions.*

*Such as?* He inquired as he cocked an eyebrow

*Well first thing is...you're not really a leviathan are you?*

*I am...I am the last of my kind a fate that I caused, and in some ways regret, but it was necessary and let us leave it at that. After all we all have our secrets Grey Mane... ...even me.*

With a smile he scoffed at the answer he got. *Fair enough but one last thing...* Having kept his eyes on Luna for the moment he looked Xiuhtcutli in the eyes nearly blinding himself. *Is it even possible for me to have a family, I mean to just one day settle down and leave this life behind me?*

Knowing he could never answer the question Xiuhtecutli attempted to doge the question while staying close to it. *You're free to do as you please. Just remember that you will have far more enemies than any pony can ever understand. For now just rest and when your ready to go back out into the world... ...and do what you have always done best. For now just get some rest.*

As he rested Grey Mane did all he could to keep his nightmare and the truth behind it hidden from everypony and put on a smiling face. One day when he was able to walk with out nearly stumbling over himself, they came to him with the book titled 'The Legendary Thief' written on the cover in gilded letters, it was then he knew they would ask about the stories written with in. They wanted answers, they wanted the truth, all he could do was tell them what was true, what was false. What he tolled them was just tails many ponies came up with, was his way to hiding the truth about the artifacts and the dangers that they held, dangers he knew from first hove experience.

It was months before Grey Mane had made a full recovery, on the near by dresser he found a gift from Rarity wrapped with care. As he opened it he found a coat that took the length of his body with a hood attached to it all in dark grey, it was a fine replace meant to the cloak he lost, no not even close, it was a gift form a friend who cared. And his ticket out.

As he smiled he shook his head knowing that it could incriminate her, but only if they saw him fly, better to have plenty of options if necessary he thought. *Hey Xiuhtecutli... ...you wouldn't mind put int the enchantment on this for me... ...you know the one.*

Nodding his head Xiuhtecutli drew upon an ancient magic known only to his kind. Opening his mouth he blew on the new coat casting the spell to allow it to slow the fall of whomever had it on, this would be his advantage sense they never inquired about that at all. While he blew on the cloak Grey Mane could feel the heat of his breath equal the same gentle heat of the mid-day sun, it made him wonder what the leviathans where like and what they could do, but that was a question for another time.

As he put on the coat and his mask he heard a knock on the door. "Its open." He replied with a shallow tone.

"The time has come." Stated one of the many guards waiting outside the room.

As he walked out of the room they parted the way and presented him with shackles and chains. "We are sorry it has come to this, and we wish there could have been another way. However..."

"Say no more Luna, I understand. I knew one day this would happen." He claimed as he raised his hooves and allowed him self to be bound in chains that where magically locked and escorted down the hall.

As they started to walk down the hall filled with guards on the ground and in the air armed to the teeth, Twilight voiced her opinion. "This isn't right, after everything he did the least we could do let him walked there with out the chains."

Having heard this he stopped  and placed his hooves on her shoulders. "No Twilight this is how it must be, I have many enemies in the world. Who knows how many of them are still alive, or have had descendents that harbor a grudge against me. Show any form of kindness, or leniency to me and they will come for you and every pony else close to you just to get to me. Besides I'll be alright, now why don't you and Luna go a head and join every pony else. I'll be there shortly." He smiled to disband any doubt or fear she may have had.

As he stood back up he watched as Twilight and Luna took their leave and hurried to the thrown room as the guard yanked on the chains. "Come now we can't keep the princess waiting."

Not being the one to keep tensions high for too long, Grey Mane couldn't help but poke fun of how the guard pulled on the chain. "Not a problem... ...now is this trial going to take place before or after you beat me into submission and have me call you daddy? And are you going to put a rubber ball in my mouth and call me a bad boy?"

Many around him couldn't help but laugh at the terrible joke, the guard holding the chain with magic however didn't and tried to turn it around on him. "Sure and maybe I'll tie you up as well with one of the smelliest prisoners we have."

"Oh you mean like I did to you and privet do-nothing here a few months back? By the way when was the last time either you had a bath I can still smell shame on both of you." Having said that caused many more of the guards to join in on the laughter, many wouldn't let the two of them live it down.

Knowing he would just try to turn around anything they said they the simple choice to keep their mouth shut. As they entered the thrown room Grey Mane eyed the room, out of every pony there hidden among the members of the royal family, enraptures, prestigious families, and public officials from across Equestria, a single false cutie mark caught his eye. The weight and scales tricking every pony around it to believe the pony there was a banker of some kind stood tall and proud  taking notes.

As they walked in Grey Mane lowered his head and took steady steps and hid beneath his hood. As he made his way to the front of the walk way still escorted by guards, he could hear the whispers among the many ponies there. Many wondered if he was going to be granted amnesty for what saving Canterlot, others wondered if he would be locked away for life in the dungeon, where as some believed he would be executed but then pondered how they would kill an immortal thief, if he could be killed. He drowned out the whispers as he walked forward and sat before Celestia and the others.

As he looked up to make eye contact with all of them his mind was blank, and with his memories completely recovered he found it hard to look Luna in the eyes, knowing that in the past he kept the truth from her, as he took a deep breath Princess Celestia brought forth a scroll and began to read the charges against him. "Legendary Thief Grey Mane you stand here accused of countless acts of breaking and entering, theft, pick pocketing, impersonation of a guard, impersonation of public officials, and six counts of assault, as well as many other possible crimes that will require further investigation if at all possible. You also have one count of heroism, how do you plead?"

Trying to make light of the situation he attempted an anecdote. "You forgot lord of the dance from my title. I would like to dance a gig to prove it but twiddle dumb-ass and twiddle-dip-shit over there put these shackles on too tight. And I am going to plead drunk, to be honest I think I'm about to pass out. Could you have the guard perhaps loosen the shackles just a tad?"

As a few ponies in the room started to snicker and giggle Grey Mane heard a few say, 'Well what do you know, trying to lighten the mood in the hopes of being let off easy.' Where as others would reply, 'You know he'll have to try harder than that.' He looked on to see the reaction he got out of Celestia and the others, and while some of them where giggling Celestia held her state of mind.

"Despite what you mite say, we won't remove the shackles." Celestia stated as she closed her eyes and shook her head.

"Well you can't blame me for trying, but I plead guilty on all charges." Before Celestia could continue Grey Mane saw the leviathan floating around the outside of the room. *Hey Xiuhtecutli, is any pony trying to read my mind right now?*

*Celestia has been trying but just like Luna she is having trouble. I've been blocking her ever since you first walked into the room.*

Looking over the charges and his recent acts, even the ones in Ponyville that where kept off record as to not incriminate anypony he came into contact with, Celestia began to present an ultimatum. "After all that you have done it was difficult to decide what to do. So I have come up with two options for you. The first is a sentence of no less than fifty years to life in the castle dungeons."

Making eye contact with her he knew that even if he made that choice the dungeons wouldn't hold him for long, but he didn't want to wait for the chance to escape at a later time. "And my other option?"

Looking over to her sister Luna they both nodded on the agreed upon decision that they believed befitted not only them but Grey Mane as well. "You are to join the royal guard and train ponies to be better prepared for situations much like what happened the two demons that attacked Canterlot. And in exchange we shall grant you amnesty with in our kingdom."

Thinking over how to word thanks but no thanks he walked over to the window on his left. As the guards prepared for anything he could try, Grey Mane looked out the window and could see hundreds of pegasi in the sky above, and almost double that in earth and unicorn on the grounds below. Spotting a cloud near by he came up with a plan of escape, not a good one but good enough.

*Xiuhtecutli, you see that cloud down there?*

*What about it?*

*I'll find some way to get into it if you can get my powder to me some how.*

*A little risky don't you think?*

*That's the point. Risky as hell and they wont be prepared for it.* As the leviathan got to work retrieving the last bag of powder, Grey mane whispered to the shackles on his hooves, 'iffta ya simsim.' As the locks came undone he carefully slipped them off, and prepared for the guards.

As the pegasi clustered together spears at the ready, the earth ponies and unicorns down below prepared for his attempt to jump, where as the guards in the room slowly inched their way toward him. *That mare gave us an advantage when she made this coat for you, the last bag is in your right pocket.*

As he smiled he kept his eye on the cloud that slowly made its way near by. "Its a lovely day isn't it? The sun is shining, birds chirping, and I can even feel the gentle breeze. All of it screams freedom in its own language."

As the guards slowly moved in Celestia stood up from her thrown. "You seem to be dogging the subject."

As the cloud came into position  nearly fifty feet beneath the window he sat down, closed his  eyes and expanded his mind to feel out the room. He could feel each heart beat, he could hear everypony breathing, he could even anticipate the guards. In his mind he plotted it out, *The guards in this room will move in to grab me when I give my answer, when they do I'll toss these shackles at them. At the instant I toss them I'll roll out the window to keep the distance between me and the pegasi that are out there. I will have to time my fall, hoping I stay near the wall I can push off to gain speed and fly right into the cloud and vanish.* As the guards took slow steady steps Grey Mane stood up. "I already gave my answer Celesta... ...when I said all of it screams freedom in its own language that was my choice." As the guards picked up the pace and started to gallop toward him, he turned and tossed the shackles strait at the hooves of the guard as he started to roll out the window in one fluid movement as he shouted. "I won't join the guard and I won't take imprisonment."

As the shackles hit one of the guards causing him to trip over himself the guard rolled as he fell and tumbled over two other guards allowing Grey Mane to roll out the window. As he fell out the window the pegasi gave chase as Grey Mane started to gallop down the tower wall, when he was three fourths of the way to the cloud he curled himself up and pushed off the wall with all his mite allowing him to go strait into the cloud. As he flew into the cloud he pulled out his last sack of powder and slammed it against his body, to everypony that watched him go into the cloud they thought he found some way to hid with in.

"You fool will just break up the cloud." Shouted one of the pegasi as they all busted strait threw only to find he was gone.

The second they saw he was not there they began to search the grounds knowing he couldn't have gone far. Many of the ponies there that saw the whole thing started to wonder if the old tails where true, could he really use magic, or did somepony help in his escape? As the guard searched the castle many had taken to searching the city leaving no stone unturned, the search went into the early to mid hours of the night before they gave up in the search believing he was long gone.

Having added in the search for a while Princess Luna made her way to the tower to keep an eye on the city threw the telescope. Keeping watch on the night as she always had, she started to ponder why she couldn't see into Grey Mane's dreams, and why couldn't Celestia see what he was planing. The two of them had always been able to see into the minds and dreams of ponies to better help them or prepare for the worst, but Grey Mane however was able to blocked them some how, or so they believe.

As Luna went about her duties while still pondering the possibilities she was startled by Grey Mane. "Wonderful night isn't it, to be honest I always preferred the night to the day. It grants me a form of clarity, and comfort that I can't get from the day."

Unable to wrap her mind around how he vanished from the guards and appear out of no where, Luna took small steps back. "You're... ...but how did...why..."

"Don't worry I'm just here to talk... ...like we use to. And also to apologize... ...I heard about how you be came nightmare moon, and in some way I can't help but feel that I'm the one to blame for it." He claimed as he sat down and stared up at the stars in the night sky.

Seeing the blame he placed on himself Luna stood her ground in the belief that no pony was to blame for her short comings. "Becoming Nightmare Moon was of my own doing. We became bitter towards my sister and allowed this bitterness to change us."

Lowering his head as he shook it in shame, he turned to look at Luna. "You became bitter because you where angry at me, this was one of the many things that helped cause you to fall. I was tolled by the demons in Tartaros that you mite not remember me or anything to do with me, and that most if not the vast majority of your memory would be blank. So I'll skip to where I made my mistake, I chose to keep my work as well as who I am a secret from you believing it would keep you safe. And one night because of a conflict with an old nemesis of mine you discovered the truth, when you did you grew angry with me. It was because of me that you fell and became Nightmare Moon. And for that, I am sorry. I swore to be there for you when you needed me the most I wasn't there."

"Even if you had been there what could you have done? The change came from with in." Inquiring his prior statement wondering what he was hiding.

As he walked passed Luna he narrowly opened his eyes as he stared at the ground. "There was plenty I could have done, I could have talked to you, clam you down and explain my self to you as to why I kept that secret. And even if that didn't work I would have searched the world for any means to save you and spare you the thousand years of banishment. Luna I would do anything for you..." As he turned around to face Luna he rushed her and wrapped his hooves around her, as he started to confess the truth he started to cry. "Luna I failed you because I lied to you and attempted to block out my feelings for you. I fell in love with you a long time ago, and that love for you has done nothing but grow. I learned why it is I do the things I do, I remove the dangerous and powerful items from the reach of those who should never have them under the title of a thief not because it helps to protect the world by giving everypony a common enemy. But to protect the ones I care about, to protect those I love."

"Grey Mane!" She whispered

As he let go he pulled the hood of the coat over his head and walked toward  the ledge. "I didn't say that to get a reaction or to see how you feel about me. I know it would be impossible, after all you're a princess, and I'm just some good-for-nothing thief. I'm sorry Luna truly I am."

Hoping to find some clarity as to what he meant about the dangerous items that he hadn't mentioned before she place her hove on his shoulder. "Its okay but why didn't you mention this before? If you do this to help the world why hide it, and why turn down the offer my sister and I gave you? If you join the guard you would never have to work alone, and you could be closer to me like you wish. And you would have the full support of my sister and my self, as well as plenty of help to aid you."

Placing his hove over hers there was no doubt in his mind that he would share the secrets he kept. "No, I have to work alone. Would an entire nation slaughter a small village in a neighboring country if they where looking for one pony? The answer is yes but only if that pony was under the command of the other nation. However if both rulers where looking for the same pony they would be careful not to start a war and work together to hunt down the one pony. If I join the guard here in Equestria then I would put this kingdom in danger. I have to look at the bigger picture just like how you and Celestia keep the balance of harmony in Equestria just as every ruler does over the world, I have to tend to the balance of power threw out the world. The thousand years of peace and tranquility while I was gone was nothing more than a gift, if not a fluke."

"Will you tell me what these items are?"

Turning around to look her in the eyes he gently placed her hove on the ground. "Only because its you Luna, and because I owe you that much. Most of the times its just an enchanted item that was created to give far too much power to ponies that should never have it, or could never control it. Other times its enchanted items that took a large group to create and has the destructive power to make a mega spell seem like a magical burp from a new born unicorn. But on the rare occasions its something called an Artifact, so far I have thirteen of them each one has a mind of its own and will chose to either use or be used by whomever posses them, I do not know how many there are in the world but what I do know is that you and Celestia have what I like to call an Artifact Set here in Canterlot. I won't steal the Elements of Harmony because they have chosen to do a rare thing. They chose to be used by ponies and they pick out their users by using key characteristics found deep in their hearts, characteristics that can never truly be taken away from them or changed. Because of this they are not a threat to the world, so I chose to leave them alone."

Knowing that trying to read his mind would lead no where Luna tried to learn more. "Why not just talk to ponies about these items so they can give them up willingly?"

Knowing she was only hoping to help him find another way to deal with the artifacts, Grey Mane shook his head knowing what they are truly like from first hove experience. "If you knew you had the power that could shake the world down to its foundation and make even the dark lords of Tartaros tremble in fear like a new born foal, would you be willing to give up that power? Could you give up that power if it has already claimed you're mind? The answer to these questions is no, when an artifact has chosen to use whomever it comes in contact with it will send subtle messages to the mind of its host until that pony and in some cases a dragon, or worse, believe the thoughts are their own. Even the weakest of artifacts can force a war between nations."

Hoping to find a middle ground and some insight into what he knew Luna continued to poke away at his knowledge. "Has anypony ever tried to control these artifacts?"

Lowering his head in shame and disgust for himself he turned away and started to leave knowing that she would eventually figure out or learn as to how he knows they can't be controlled. "Plenty... ...but attempting to control them would be like me trying to make you and Celestia do what I want. On top of that any artifact that chooses to use will eventually posses their users, making them their host body." He warned her speaking from prior experience.

Knowing that he could no longer use the fountain of youth she took a step toward him. "You know you can't live forever, and one day you will need help."

As he looked around the base of the tower for a safe yet undetectable rout out of the castle he knew that she was right. "Then when that day comes all I can hope for is that the world doesn't need me any longer, and that I am granted the gift of retirement. And if I'm given that gift then I'll come back here to spend the rest of my years in peace." Walking to the railing he began to hoist himself up. "Farewell Luna, and may the years be kind to you."

As he began to lean over the railing Luna grabbed hold of the corner of his coat. "Wait."

"I won't answer any more questions dealing with the artifacts. The less you know the safer you will be. After all I'm not the only pony looking for them." He stated hoping she would let go.

"We don't have any further questions, but we would like to give you something." She said as she pulled out a small scroll.

Turning around he could see the calm confident look in her eyes as he reached for the scroll. "Whats this?"

"There is a wedding coming up, that's an invitation from us, and we figured perhaps you and I could talk some more then. Perhaps you could help fill in the blanks in my memory?" Luna said as she gave a small smile.

Tucking the invitation away in his coat as he leaned back on the railing and chuckled. "If I'm in town around then I'll find a way to come talk to you. After all I am a thief, and not very well liked around here. But I would very much enjoy to just spend time with you and talk, even if its just for a minute."

With a smile he rolled over the railing and left, fearing for his safety Luna gave chase hoping to catch him before he hit the ground only to find he had simply vanished. Giving the area thorough search she found no trace of him anywhere to be found, just like at his trial earlier that day Grey Mane had disappeared. As she went back up to the top of the tower to keep watch over Canterlot, Grey Mane slipped out from behind a small bush of vines hidden by the shadow of the tower and slowly climbed down.

*Are you sure that was a good idea telling her all of that? What if she tells Celestia and they start looking for the artifacts, then what? You would have made an enemy out of the one you love.* Xiuhtecutli scolded as Grey Mane neared the base of the tower.

Looking back up with a feeling of great relief he smiled. *I don't think so, Celestia knows to balance power with reason and Luna understands what it means to fall to corruption. But then again she and I both know this from first hove experience.*

*And what about telling her how you feel, surely there could be some kind of back lash from it. Even for you.* Xiuhtecutli said as he started to shake his head in disbelief.

Setting his hooves on the ground he slowly walked away. *I tolled her because I don't see a princess. I see a beautiful mare who has a caring and loving heart... ...but even if I don't know how she feels about me, in some way it makes me feel better knowing I said it. But I wonder... ...who does this hurt more, her or me? Oh well... ...and hey who knows maybe one day I could just leave this all behind me and see where this avenue takes me.* Scoffing at the idea that he would have more time at the end of this long road to even try, he remembered how is father loved somepony but could never act on it and that was his only regret, in fact it was the only regret all of his predecessors had according to the last entry in their diaries. *Thanks for bringing my climbing equipment, now lets get out of here before I start to cry and change my mind then try to find an excuse to stay here.*

Thinking back to earlier that morning Xiuhtecutli recalled how Grey Mane's eye stayed fixed on a single pony in a crowd of a few dozen. *Speaking of you're mind, just before the trial I could tell something had brought forth a deep routed hatred in you. What happened?*

Reflecting back to his last encounter with the Order of Balance, he slowly made his way to the entrance of the crystal cavern. *The last time I came into contact with the order was one month before I went after the medallion.*

*Yes you're single greatest nemesis was the one you spoke to. If I'm not mistaken he has a bastardized form of immortality from the artifact he managed to get his hooves on.*

Remembering the last time they spoke Grey Mane recalled the artifact and how it allowed him to take over the body of anypony who didn't have the willpower to reject him. *Yes, he called it the Possessing Amulet but that's just one problem. He said they started to rebuild after what happened, and the pony I saw today at the trial keeping notes on the whole thing, he had a fake cutie mark. What if he was telling the truth and the order has gotten back to its former numbers? And what if he's manipulating things here in Canterlot? I can't just leave Luna in danger I have to...*

Knowing Grey Mane would put aside his duty to deal with the order first believing them to be the greater threat than any of the artifacts or enchanted items. *As my advocate your duty is to the world first. Go and retrieve the ring from the changeling kingdom. And if this problem truly bothers you then I'll look into it for you, I'll even stay close by Luna and grant her my protection if that's the case.*

Smiling as he slowly started to make his way back threw the crystal cavern to his home, he stopped for a brief moment and looked up toward Canterlot. *Thanks, that's all I can ask for.* Having heard the sound of his hove making contact with metal Grey Mane looked down to find a set of tracks. *It seems somepony was digging here, good thing they never found the cave.*

Turning to fly back up to Princess Luna Xiuhtecutli left Grey Mane knowing he could not protect him on this journey. *Be careful, the changelings are masters at turning you're emotions against you.*

As he continued to make his way home he vanished behind a cluster of crystals. *And I'm a master thief. They can't trick me if they can't catch me.* Boasting as he began to plan out his heist. "Lets see last I remember I should have half a bag of sleeping powder, and I'll need to make more of the smoke powder. I wonder if any more poison joke grew in the garden. I know its been a thousand years but the garden is enchanted to take care of its self." As he came to the cave wall leading him home he heard the growling of his stomach. "I should also get my self something to eat while I have the time."

As he got to work preparing for his first heist in one thousand years he over looked an old map of the changeling empire hoping not much had changed. He knew that sneaking in wasn't the problem, the problem was remaining undetected long enough to steal the ring as well as a few gem stones and get out, the maps may have been old but with him being gone for so long there was a good chance that they never changed the location of the queen's chamber or the vault, both where the target. But while he was in the castle Grey Mane took a new map of Equestria and started to search for the right place he could fence the emotion gems he planed on stealing, and for places where he could sell them. But out of the corner of his left eye he saw something that drew his attention.

Walking over and sitting down he raised his hove to the old painting of the orphanage. Him, his sister, and everypony that was there, it was panted one year before he left to find work that had put him on the path to become who he is today. Looking at it he placed his hove on the painting and pulled it down to see his old hove writing, under a few of them he saw the words adopted. Knowing what had happened and how long he had been gone he saw the quill still sitting in ink he reached over pulled it out, hesitating to write the word deceased, he instead wrote across the top of the painting in bold letters 'NEVER FORGET', it was a reminder to him self of what once was as well as a guide to help light the dark blurry path they now lay before him.

As he turned to get back to work he saw an old hove drawn picture hanging on the wall near the garden, on it was an image of him and Luna back when she was just a foal above one figure was written 'Me', and above the other 'Grey', just under the two figures he saw the words 'Fwends For Ever'. Smiling as he walked away from it he entered the garden to find plenty of poison joke had grown as well as an over grown herb and spice section, but all he wanted was just one apple. As he carefully gathered the poison joke he would need for making the smoking powder he started to prepare his mind to better deal with the changelings should they discover him.

By the end of the week he was prepared to venture off and deal with the changelings. Taking with him all of his climbing gear, the sleeping powder, and six one ounce bags of smoking powder, he greeted the moon and night sky with a smile. *I've been given a second chance, lets not mess this up.* He thought to him self as he walked out of the cave, looking up toward Canterlot he smiled as he whispered. "Stay safe everypony."