Memoirs of a Thief

by grey mane

The Dark Lord and a Thief Part 2

While Greymane was left to contend with his fate Twilight and the others did all that they could by looking all over canterlot and the surrounding areas for Greymane with their only clue stating he was near some water, it was several hours before any of them began to suspect he was no longer in Canterlot and this only caused them to worry where in all of Equestria he could be if he was still in Equestria. Xiuhtecutli however began claiming that it was pointless to search under the notion that they could be anywhere in the world making their efforts worthless, he also claimed that it was in their best interest to just prepare for the worst and hope that when the seals on the gates were broken they could at least bargain to keep the destruction to a minimum. Though they had asked Xiuhtecutli to help them search for Greymane it didn't take him very long to give up knowing full well he had to deal with Asmoday and worry about Greymane later if he was still alive. And while every pony on the other hoof refused to give up hope, though in some small way they felt that Xiuhtecutli was right and didn’t want to agree with him, they repeatedly asked for him to continue aiding them in the search believing that they could find Grey.

Angry over the fact that time was not on their side Xiuhtecutli grew impatient and started to lose his temper, "Look if I don't deal with Asmoday now then even if we find Greymane then what good does it do us?” Knowing he had a good point everypony simply stood there unsure of what to say, “With each second I waste in aiding in your pointless search means that Asmoday would be that much closer to reaching his goal leaving us with no time to prepare…” Taking a few steps towards the odd creature Luna extended her hoof hoping she could get him to see reason only for Xiuhtecutli to slap her hoof aside, “...keep looking for Greymane if you wish but I have some business to attend to in the hopes I can somehow spare your insignificantly short lives."

It was at this moment that an old friend had made contact through telepathy though however calm he sounded Xiuhtecutli could pick up on a small trace of fear for events that had yet to come, *Leviathan this is Barqu and I have your advocate in my possession as of right now, and suffice it to say his condition is not looking good. From what I can tell he has died and come back far too much in a short amount of time, a result of being tortured with the Medallion of Immortality no doubt. At the moment the medallion is gone alongside Asmoday and had I not been in the local area he would have drown.*

Knowing that time grew short he hoped for Greymane to be well enough to help him end the oncoming storm before it could have a single chance to start, *What are you talking about, what happened, where are you?*

*We are located along the coast of the Zherbenok Bay. And from what I saw and heard Asmoday is after a void diamond… isn't he?* Knowing the location as well as its change in name from having traveled the world countless times over, Barqu was the only demonic god that was always among mortals in one form or another; though he was never noticed by any living thing and kept to himself as often as possible. As he spoke Xiuhtecutli could hear the trembling in his voice that came from the fear of Azathoth’s return.

Hoping he could keep the situation under control he passed on what information he had knowing that Barqu was one of few demonic gods that was on their side, *Yes he is, according to Beelzebub he plans on freeing Azathoth, but we are at a disadvantage since he claims to know where the diamond is, and to add to our problems Asmoday has the power to grant invincibility; if he gives it to any demon under his command then he stands a chance of making the Elements of Harmony useless.*

Having another look at Greymane he could see the injuries the dark lord had left behind, *He's bluffing the diamonds location is far out of his knowledge and therefore beyond his grasp; if he did truly know then he wouldn't have bothered trying to beat it out of Greymane. And I wouldn't count the Elements out of this game just yet you and I they are very powerful, besides Asmoday can't give himself the gift of invincibility so that gives us a chance to deal with him when the time comes. On top of that they are artifacts so their power can be limitless if they have the right wielders.*

Giving a half-hearted sigh of relief Xiuhtecutli did what he could to think about their next move while talking with Barqu, *At least that gives us something to hope for at this point in time, and what makes you so sure he doesn't know where the diamond is?*

Letting out a slight grunt Barqu did what he could to make it sound like he didn't enjoy watching what happened, *In order to save Greymane I had to watch him be tortured. As of right now Greymane is the only one that knows where it is, and he didn't give up any clue as to where its location is. Well...* Taking a moment to think Barqu nearly started to laugh, *...at least not one that didn't anger Asmoday, I had known the Greymane's to have a silver tongue; but I have never known any of them to be smart asses.*

Though Xiuhtecutli knew that Barqu was on their side he knew that Barqu was a demon to start with so he brushed off any notion that he hated the fact that he just watched, *You clearly have not spent enough time around them to know they were always smart asses every last one of them. But I wouldn't expect him to share any information that would put those he cared about at risk...but when faced with death...*

Trying to keep up Xiuhtecutli's faith in his advocate Barqu let out a slight chuckle to the memory of Greymane lying just to live a little longer, *He acted as if he was willing to work with them just to stall for a few seconds of life...but Asmoday decided to try and kill him any way. He's waking up right now.*

Slightly relieved that they now had most of everything on their side Xiuhtecutli knew that time was still one thing that wasn't on any one side and anything could still happen, *Do whatever is needed to discover where he hid the diamond.*

*I shall… however, I fear we shall need an army.*

*I doubt that, we're just dealing with Asmoday.*

*And I agree with you completely. However if he is closer to summoning Azathoth than we think, then we will need every hoof and claw to aid us. You still remember the Great Battle don't you?*

*Why wouldn't I? It took every last one of the great creatures that day, all the forces of tartaros, all of the alicorns, the ancient dragons, the draconequus, and even nearly the entirety of my race. And let's not forget the greatest of forces the lesser creatures had to offer as well and we still barely survived.*

Knowing how out matched they were then Barqu hinted at how far worse it could still become, *Yes and we aren't even near one percent of one percent of the force we where then, and that's with every creature at our aid now; so for the time being we must set aside our disapproval of the lesser creatures and take what help we can get. However with the Elements of Harmony on our side we could stand a far better chance.*

Thinking back to the battle Xiuhtecutli recalled how even then the Elements where just playthings in comparison to Azathoth and how he even managed to use their power against them, *...You give a good point so long as we can keep Asmoday from setting Azathoth free...fine I'll do what I must, but Greymane must be ready to aid us within the hour.*

Knowing it wasn't much Barqu did what he could to give Xiuhtecutli a little room to breath, *You let me worry about Greymane, for now just deal with the dark lords and any who would hear you out.*

Knowing there wasn't much time to waste Xiuhtecutli agreed with Barqu, and left him to deal with his advocate as he saw fit.

As Greymane slowly came too he began coughing, wheezing, and gasping for air, "I'm...alive?"

With a chuckle Barqu pulled a small stone out of a sack on his right hip, "Indeed you are...however I can see that constantly coming back from the dead was far too taxing on your body and has even scarred your soul it's not permanent and will heal over time, but that is not a luxury we can afford, so please give me a moment and I can repair the damage done."

Out of fear of what could happen to the others if he just sat around Greymane struggled to free himself, "Thanks but no thanks...now if you will excuse me, I have the ass of a dark lord to kick."

Knowing the disadvantage that Greymane had as well as the condition he was in Barqu put his hand on Greymane's broken shoulder and pressed down causing him to grunt in pain, "And how long do you think you will last? His power was great before he tortured you, as he tortured you he fed off the pain and suffering from you and it only gave him more power. It's hard to tell how powerful he is at the moment and you are the one pony we need the most right now."

Feeling pain throughout his body Greymane knew that he stood no chance even if he took a sip from his gourd, "...Fine do what you have to. But when you're done I'm going to end this fight before it can even start."

Taking the small stone in hand Barqu gripped it tight till blood began to drip from his own hand, "And let me guess...it has something to do with the void diamond."

Though Greymane kept his mouth shut he watched as Barqu's hand started to glow a bright crimson color. As Barqu opened his hand Greymane could see that the small stone had turned into a crimson crystal the demon called a philosophers stone.

Holding it up to his eye Barqu gave a hmph as he inspected the finished product, "It's not the real thing, so much closer to being glass than a philosophers stone, but it is still powerful enough to do the job."

Pressing the stone up to Greymane's body Barqu used it to its fullest in an attempt to mend and heal Greymane's body his soul however Barqu had lied about, the scars on Greymane's soul could never be healed in this manner it would take time for them to heal. But for Barqu he believed that the scars where a mark of experience upon him and it thought that it should be worn like a badge of honor even if they would eventually vanish and make Greymane slightly stronger. Shortly after its use the stone turned to dust showing that it was as he said a fake, but Asmoday was far closer to his goal than any of them could have thought.

At the location where Azathoth was first sealed away Asmoday used a dark ritual to make contact with the demonic god he served, "My master, all goes according to plan. Greymane was saved and spared his fate just as we had hoped, and very soon he will deliver the void diamond right to us."

Scoffing at the thought that things could be going so well Azathoth shot back at his only hope for freedom for the time being, "AND WHAT MAKES YOU SO SURE HE WILL JUST GIVE IT TO YOU?"

Boasting at the thought he had already won Asmoday smiled hoping to be granted favor from his master, "Because, he will hope to end this before it can even start. He'll try to return the diamond back into the vault, and when he does I shall be waiting there for him."

"And what of the Elements of Harmony and their wielders?" Though he knew he could easily contend with the Elements of Harmony, his main concern was the combination of them and Greymane; though he did not show any wavering emotions pertaining to the question.

With a low chuckle Asmoday smiled at the thought of hearing Twilight and the others screaming as they begged for their lives, "I plan on throwing them along with the Elements of Harmony into the void itself to be rid of them all together, and I plan to kill the last leviathan during the battle to come so there will be nothing to worry about."

To show his power had no limits Azathoth held up his hand and slowly balled it up into a fist crushing several demons behind Asmoday as slowly as possible, "I do not fear the leviathan…” As the bones in the demons cracked, snapped, broke in half, and they even slowly began to pop under an unseen pressure many demons cowered in fear of the dark god as he growled, “his advocate however we cannot allow to aid them not even for the tiniest fraction of a second."

Letting out a nervous laughter Asmoday began to tap his hooves together, "My master you have nothing to fear from Greymane. He is but a mortal earth pony and can be squashed like an insect by even the weakest of my forces, so even if he shows up it will not matter in the slightest. In the end he's of no real imp..."

Though Azathoth shouted out of fear he filled it with his authority simply from knowing what would come from Asmoday's ignorance causing the dark lord and those who served him to fall over, "GREYMANE IS A WILD CARD AND THEREFORE CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR US WE WILL NEVER BE PREPARED FOR!!! Now I don't need you to die...as my anchor in that world, should anything happen to you then I will have to wait eons to try again. And if anything happens to the void diamond...not only will it be near impossible for me to return, but you will have to suffer the wrath of the other dark lords for your betrayal. But if you succeed then you shall rule at my right side and be granted power beyond your wildest dreams."

Thinking back to what information he had his minions gathered for him Asmoday smiled as he thought of a plan to be rid of any problems they could receive form Greymane, "Then I shall deal with Greymane with the greatest of caution… his relationship with the leviathan is… shall we say unstable at best. All that one would need to do is break Greymane's body, and with his mind in shock from the pain all it would take is one little lie to cause his faith in the leviathan to fall like a boulder from the highest cliff; and sinking into the deepest ocean."

Letting out a low disgusted growl Azathoth began to ball up his fist once more causing Asmoday to grip his chest, “Do not fail me in any way Asmoday or I shall make your existence a living nightmare.” As the window closed the grip Azathoth had on Asmoday’s heart was released and in that moment the dark lord took off faster than a bolt of lightning to deal with Greymane as he believed he should.

As Asmoday rushed off to the vault as to not anger his master Azathoth any further, Xiuhtecutli returned to Tartaros to speak with the remaining dark lords and gods in the hopes he could do something about them trying to break the seal on the gates. It was at this time they had all finished their collective debate over how the many rare resources that could only be found in the darkest pits of tartaros itself should be used in the upcoming fight by sending what they could to the Grand Blacksmith of Tartaros.

"If there is nothing else the we shall call this meeting to a close and be dismissed, you all have one hour to gather your forces and come to the gates."

As many of them started to rise Samael looked over to Beelzebub and nodded, "There is one final order of business to attend to."

Peeved at the new business that had come to the floor Atazoth looked over at the clustered group of demonic gods and stared at both Samael and Beelzebub, "And just what else is there to deal with lord of flies?" As the dark lords turned their attention to Beelzebub their collective hate and disgust was directed towards all the demonic gods whom had always stood between them and the mortal world.

As his question was voiced Xiuhtecutli appeared in his physical form before them, "Dark Lords and Gods..." Giving a slight bow and tilt of his head for allowing him to appear as he had without warning he was coming was the only amount of respect Xiuhtecutli had for them, "I seek your aid." Saying those four words left a foul taste in his mouth as asking them to do anything would cost you your soul.

Able to see through his more humble form Ashtaroth mocked and tempted him as she had done for many others, "Oh~h...and just what could the last of the leviathans want us for? Perhaps a little..." Pausing for a moment the dark lord smiled at the thought of plaguing Xiuhtecutli with laziness, " ...PLEASURE? Or have you come to learn new mathematical equations that only I can teach? After all I remember your more younger days when you were quite the eager learner."

Extending his hand Beelzebub summoned forth a dark emerald flame, "Stay your ways Ashtaroth…” Watching the dark lord tremble in fear Ashtaroth let out a nervous chuckle as he closed his eyes and shrugged his shoulders, “this is business."

Looking at both Samael and Beelzebub, Xiuhtecutli closed his eyes and readied himself for the worst as he let out a painstaking sigh as he leaned over to the dark god and whispered, "I take it you haven't told any of them."

Trying to keep the conversation to themselves Beelzebub leaned in toward Xiuhtecutli, "Not everything just yet as I said before we managed to focus the point of this meeting on other things for the time being, Samael, myself, and the other gods were hoping to send just a few of our best to deal with the problem before they could even get to the gates and start voting on breaking the seal. This way we can keep the destruction to a minimum and even keep a closer eye on the demons that left, but if you've come here then that means we're too far past that…” Though he concealed his worry Beelzebub looked around the room and could see suspicion in the eyes of every demonic lord that sat before them, “aren't we?"

Standing up as she slammed her fists on the table Anini caused an icy cold wind to swirl throughout the room, "Beelzebub…” She cried out as the top of the table was slowly covered in ice, “what is going on here? The only reason the Leviathan would ever come to Tartaros is to, dare I say, eradicate us. But this cannot be true now can it? After all you’ve been having your advocate tend to the balance of power, and if we are gone then who would tend to the condemned? Who would ensure that those sentenced here in the first few levels that still live remain imprisoned here?" Letting out a displeased laugh Anini clenched her fist in mid air as a sword of ice manifested itself in her hand, “Ask for our aid I think not, the Leviathan race has always been too proud to ask for help and would never stoop so low to ask for anything less than their own kind.”

Just across the table from her Andromalius broke out in a fit of laughter that caused the wind to stop blowing, "Help..." Trying to breath the dark lord leaned back and fell from his seat as he aided Anini in mocking Xiuhtecutli, "...have Greymane do his job, after all that’s why you have him around isn’t it or is his status as your advocate just as we have always thought a simple joke?” Before he could be corrected by the demonic gods Andromalius picked himself off the floor while recalling the last time the realms of Tartaros faced off against one of Xiuhtecutli’s advocates, “But come now is it not the duty of the Greymanes to take a stand and do what those around them will not, cannot, and are unable to do? If I recall correctly that is why you call upon them so that you may remain hidden in the world. And I suppose we must thank your advocate for trapping us down here, as agreed upon between your ninth advocate and the demonic gods after the great war we are to remain down here and never tamper with the mortal world." Though the deal itself was far more complex than that Andromalius didn’t care for reciting the whole thing.

Keeping a calm mind Samael stared down Andromalius from behind his folded arms as Beelzebub began to speak, "We are quite well aware of this..." Taking a deep breath the Lord of Flies knew that the next words out of his mouth would cause an uproar from the others in the room, "...however Azathoth is going to return and we will need all that we can muster and join our allies in the world above."

Andrealphus scoffed at the possibility of Azathoth's return as he waved his hand around to draw geometric shapes in the air, "What you say is impossible, there isn't a creature left alive in the world above that knows about him besides the leviathan and last Ancient Dragon Dergoth… and the ones that do know of him here in Tartaros would never aid him in his return, he cares nothing for the world above and even less for his own demonic brethren."

As Xiuhtecutli grew tired of their constant bickering he slammed his fist down on the table shattering the ice that lay above it causing the whole room to violently shake, "Asmoday is working to free him as we speak… we don't know how long he has been at it but what is known is we need all the help we can get to aid us in bringing him down. Right now my advocate is doing all he can on his side of things but if we don't act quickly and take the necessary precautions then it will all be in vain."

Amaimon looked over the information that had been presented in his mind and thought about all the souls he had invested in from deals he made with mortals over getting the ones they love, "Even if we did muster all we have. We have no allies on the world above…” As he stood up and walked into what little light was in the room many watched as the rather effeminate appearing lord cast an illusion on the top of the table to show the various groups around the world that thought they could face demons and win but sat by and did nothing, “they only tolerate us because we are needed to house the worst of the worst. Other than that we are the furthest thing from their minds other than trying to eliminate us, I say we take what is ours from what deals we have left then close the gates permanently. Even if Asmoday succeeds with the gates bared we stand a chance of fighting Azathoth without ever setting foot on the battlefield."

Having been at odds ends with Amaimon for countless years Alocer bowed his head in shame for the words that he knew must be said, "I hate to agree with Amaimon… but this is true. We must do what we can to save our selves and let the world above deal with it as they see fit. However..." Pausing for a moment he smiled as he looked at Amaimon with a rather sly smile coming across his face, "as powerful as Azathoth is not only will the world above be lost, but Azathoth could come here and we would have no means of stopping him; not even the gates will slow him down. But to move our forces to the world above to handle Asmoday before he can free Azathoth it would take at the least a century, otherwise it would seem we are going to war with the world above. And as powerful as we are, none of us would dare want to be on the receiving end of the Elements of Harmony."

Placing his hands on the table Xiuhtecutli leaned forward in disappointment, "And that is where your wrong, all that are willing to aid us are gathering at farthest point south of Unyasi as I instructed, at the moment it is just Barqu and Greymane but if it must come down to it I have also instructed the Element users to join us there. Though I do not think Celestia and Luna would be willing to trust any of you more than they have to and might be their as well..." Pausing for a moment he knew that he had not spoken with either of the Princesses nor the Element users and would have to discuss the situation with them in the hopes they would see reason to aid them, "...and if that is the case then their royal guard will be there as well to do what they can to protect them. So in short an army is moving into place as we speak."

Having summoned a map of the world Caym unrolled it and compared it to a map with a much older formation of the world when Azathoth was banished, "If memory serves me right that location is the same place where Azathoth was sealed away in the dimensional prison by using the void diamond. And though I hate to say it, it was a mortal earth pony who saved us all that day..." Thinking back to that day most of the demons recalled how they hated being indebted to the mortal race from that one act, but recalling how valuable Greymane's soul had become and there was no other like it on earth Caym sighed at such a loss and the waste of something so valuable, "...I fear for your advocate leviathan as history could repeat itself and he is known to give up himself should it come down to it. All of your advocates have been this way and I suspect your current will be no different."

Having one quick look around the room Decarabia could see that all were in some small form of agreement as many of the lords there could ascend one lesser demon to the rank of an arch or even a lord with Greymane's soul. Some even thought it could ascend anyone of them into the rank of god, "Very well then all agreed to remove the seal on the gates for a short time and join forces with the few who will fight alongside us in the world above."

As all around the room agreed to the notion each and every one of them only agreed for their own personal reasons as Beelzebub nodded at Xiuhtecutli, "I can say without a doubt that you have your army of demons… go now and get Greymane."

As the dark lords brought the vote as well as the meeting to a close many sent word off to their commanding Generals to prepare to fight alongside the ponies of Equestria. But while Xiuhtecutli dealt with the dark lords Greymane managed to give Barqu the slip and snuck back into Ponyville. Knocking on the door to the library Greymane knew what he had to do and wished to just grab the diamond and go, as Twilight answered the door Greymane could see that all six of them were there with Spike looking at the floor in shame with his hands behind his back. Though they were all worried about Greymane's safety they could see in his eyes that he thought himself a failure for bringing so much danger their way. Trying to raise his spirits they all gasp and tackled him with joy, shouting out his name with tears rolling down their faces only to discover that he had side stepped them with ease and without them noticing till the last second.

Wishing he didn't have to do such a thing he apologized as he walked over to the table and picked up the Void Diamond, "It's good to see all of you as well, though I would love to stay and talk there isn't much time..." Letting out a sigh as he tucked the diamond into the lining of his cloak while turning and attempting to walk out the door, "...I know I've let you all down, but none of you have to worry about me any longer. Nor do any of you have to worry about me intruding on your lives any further, I'll fix this problem then I'll vanish from your lives And in time I'm sure you will all forget I ever came through here."

Grabbing hold of the collar on his cloak Applejack pinned him to the wall next to the door knowing that if he stayed there it was because he was going to let her say her peace, "Now hold on there partner, we all care about you and every pony is entitled to make a few mistakes that includes you. But that don't mean we want you to just up and leave, we know a little of what's going on but we all were worried about you. And even if y'all did just disappeared there's no way we would ever forget about you."

Slipping out of her hold he walked toward the door with a grim and sorrowful look as he tried to leave, "You say that, but the smallest of my mistakes causes problems like this, sure everypony in the world is entitled to a mistake or two but I cannot make a single one."

As he turned around he pulled out the diamond to explain what he could as Rarity saw the void diamond in his hoof.

As she looked at it the diamond it gave off a darkened eerie yet comforting sparkle as it tried to speak into the subconscious part of her mind trying to warn her of what it feared could happen, "Is that?"

"It is..." Showing off the diamond to them he congratulated them for watching over an artifact without ever knowing they had it, "...this is the Void Diamond. And I can't endanger any of you longer than I already have. So long every pony...and I'm sorry."

Before he could take of Fluttershy slightly tugged on his cloak, "I know you want to blame yourself for this but you're putting far too much pressure on yourself, you have friends now and we all want to help in any way we can."

Stashing the diamond as he walked out the door Greymane whispered, 'If only you knew' As he heard three disembodied voices claw at the back of his mind telling him that he will fall to them again, and when he did they would slowly and painfully kill the ones he loves.

With his head hung low and his mind full of guilt for causing so much harm to all of them he kept from showing his face as he began to gallop away from them. Rushing off before hearing any of them out about how Xiuhtecutli had sent information back to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, and attempting to band their forces alongside those of the dark lords of Tartaros to prepare for the worst; or even how to help him return the diamond should Asmoday have a few tricks up his sleeve. Greymane vanished in the dark of the night as lightning stuck in the sky turning the night into day as it brought heavy winds with it signaling the Demonic Gods and Lords had broken the seal and were marching on the world.

Though it took several weeks of traveling while remaining hidden till Greymane returned to the cave where he found the diamond and tried to end a war before it could start. However out of fear he went alone like a fool unaware that his mental link with Xiuhtecutli was still being blocked. As he attempted to throw it into the cave as far as he was able he felt dark magic take hold of his right hoof forcing him to drop the diamond, as the diamond fell to the ground his leg slowly began to twist around as he felt the bones in his leg being pulled apart, then smashed, and twisted once more until there was nothing left in his leg.

Crying out in agony he watched as the diamond was swathed in dark magic and lifted up, as he looked up following the path it flew he saw Asmoday smiling, "Why Greymane how thoughtful of you...the void diamond it's just what I’ve always wanted."

Trying to resist the pain he felt from his right leg Greymane rose to his hooves and tried to charge Asmoday without thinking about his next move, "Dark lord...I'll end you here and..."

Before Greymane could even finish his threat or get any closer to Asmoday, the dark lord used his magic once again on Grey’s left leg and repeated his actions from the right leg causing Greymane to continue to cry out, "Oh Greymane… your suffering, your screams… all so tasty.” Dropping Greymane once more Asmoday lied down as he overlooked the diamond in the sunlight, “Now… how about we talk?"

Laying on his back Greymane felt he had failed once again and everyone he cared for was now at the mercy of a demon, "I have nothing to say to you."

Using what he had left Greymane did what he could to get off his back and try standing up right on his back two hooves. It was a last desperate attempt to do something or anything to put an end to his… well… fuck up.

Once he was upright he tried to attack Asmoday as he felt the dark magic take hold of his back right leg and like the two that came before it every bone in that limb was destroyed, "Yes… that's it struggle… fight for everything… only to lose it all in the end, I want you to know how pointless this farce of a fight has been. You fight to keep the balance of power in check without ever realizing that there was never any balance to begin with, this world was created to destroy itself by constant conflict. And let's not forget that the mortals who inhabit it were meant to drown in an ocean of their own blood, face it you fight for nothing always have and always will.” Asmoday couldn’t help himself but to nearly break out into a fit of laughter at his own devilish thought, “Now hows that leg of yours?"

Vociferating in pain Greymane tried to keep his own spirits high as he chuckled, "Broken, but I'm not out of this fight yet. I’ve still got one leg left, and I’m going to use it to kick your ass."

With a sinister chuckle Asmoday started to lift the last leg he had yet to break, "Oh but that’s the let I was asking about, I was worried I had broken all of them already." As he started to slowly break every bone in Greymane’s leg the island was soon given its own accompaniment of music, it was a horrid mix of crazed laughter and blood curdling cries of pain and agony.

Before Asmoday Greymane was nothing more than a helpless newborn colt ripe for slowly tearing apart piece by piece. And once his last leg was broken beyond what any pony could do for him Asmoday started to break nearly every bone in his body… one… by… one as slowly as he could. This torture continued for hours until Greymane felt abandoned, alone, and forsaken as nearly every bone in his body was destroyed all that was left unharmed was his spine and skull. It was then Asmoday made his next move and came close to Greymane. Having fallen into shock from the pain he couldn't tell up from down or right from left, he feared what the dark lord had in store for him next knowing that the worst Asmoday could do had yet to come. As Asmoday came close to Greymane he started to caress his head as Asmoday sang a twisted lullaby, as the dark lord laughed Greymane cried out with in his own mind begging for death to come having refused to let the dark lord savor the satisfaction of hearing it from his lips.

Ending the lullaby Asmoday brought his lips to Grey’s ear and whispered just a few words.

The very words he spoke caused the pupils in Greymane's eyes to narrow as he tried to brush off what he was told while tears began to run down the side of his face, "Y-y-you’re lying… YOU'RE LYING!!!"

Trying to act as if he was a true friend as well as gloat about his upcoming victory Asmoday put on a look of sorrow, "Oh and just why would I lie when I'm so close to victory? I mean every living creature deserves to know something in their final moments, I may be evil but to deny you some truthful knowledge would just be tacky. Not too mention in very poor taste."

As tears continued to flow down the side of his face Greymane did what he could to hold on to what little bit of happiness he held dear to himself, "But that can't be true… it just can't be!"

Letting out a mournful sigh Asmoday shook his head, "It is true, I'm sorry to have to be the one to tell you all of this. But I figured since you're going to die once my master has come forth to rule over all, you deserve to know the truth. You're nothing but a pawn to all of them. Celestia, Luna, the other dark lords and gods, the leviathan, and even the girls back in ponyville. None of them care what happens to you, sure they put on a smile when you come around and they say they are your friends. But if there's one truth in all of existence, it's that the ones you keep closest to you are the ones who will hurt you the most; and though it pains me to tell you this truth I find much pleasure in watching you suffer from it. At least you know I'm being honest with you..." Looking Greymane in the eye Asmoday could see a slight image of Luna beneath the tears, "and to ad to how honest I am being with you I fell I must tell you, Luna only let you get close so she could learn as much as she could about you. Once she's done she will just simply have you arrested again, and without a trial she will hang you from the tallest tower in Canterlot. I don't know if the leviathan would save you from dying like that, but if he can have another advocate who is a far better pawn I don't think he will care one way or another."

As the tears started to flow like a river Greymane watched as Asmoday brushed his hoof on a large stone while complaining how the mortal world caused him such a rash, "If I'm going to die then just end me and get it over with."

"Oh now where will the fun in that be… I want you to suffer knowing that all you have come to know is a lie and all care about will die and there will be nothing you can do about it, that and well leaving you like this is kind of a mercy. In the end you get to come to terms with the fact they all just wanted you dead. So long Greymane… oh and have fun baking in the sun." Before taking off he laughed as he looked back one last time, "It's rather funny don’t you think this is how the legend ends, crying like a newborn while waiting to die as he comes to terms with the truth that had been kept from him. For me it almost seems poetic, almost makes me want to sing… oh well another time perhaps, if you somehow manage to live that long."

As Asmoday left him feeling confident that even if help came for him, Greymane would abandon every last one of them. It wasn't until an hour later that Twilight and the others informed them about what had happened the last time they saw Greymane. The information couldn't be brought to them sooner mostly because Xiuhtecutli felt that telepathic communications as well as messages sent through Spike would be far too dangerous. Having been given this terrifying new information Xiuhtecutli went to the vault with Luna, Celestia, and Barqu in the hopes they could find Greymane. Though they had left their allies ready to defend to the last aided by all the forces of Tartaros they where more than well aware that Greymane was in need of help. Thinking back Xiuhtecutli had feared that his advocate had been too brash in the days before this had all started by allowing his past to control his actions, his fears, his worries, and even his doubts all caused him to hesitate or even lash out at himself. As they arrived at the base of Mt. Fire Foal it was there at the entrance to the vault they found Greymane dehydrated, motionless, and barely alive.

Taking the quick moment to read his thoughts hoping to piece together what had happen all Celestia found was him reflecting on much happier times with one thought repeating constantly ‘Forgive me’, because of this she was unable to learn much of what led to his current situation, "Greymane what happened?"

As Luna gently lifted his head up Greymane groaned as he mustered what little moisture was in his throat to speak, "I failed… Asmoday was here… waiting for me, after taking his time to torture me he took off with the diamond."

Taking water from the nearby sea Luna did what she could with magic to filter and clean it before helping him drink as she took notice that he had been lying there for some time, "Can you move?"

As tears rolled down his face Celestia was able to see what had been done to him as he started to answer, "No… he broke my bones… shattered them… I can't move, all I have been able to do is lie here and feel the pain."

Cutting open his hand Barqu began to let his blood spill over a stone that was about half the size of his head, "I'll do what I can to fix this but you will still require some medical attention."

As Barqu began to cover the stone in his blood he started to compressed it and bonded it with his blood till the bolder was no larger than his thumb and had turned into another philosopher's stone but in a much darker shade of crimson, and much like the last one it was just a mock up and once used up it turned to dust. Once Barqu used the stone Greymane slowly started to stand to show his bones were mended and near perfect though he still had a few fractions here and there.

Trying to help him keep his balance Luna was worried he would hurt himself trying to rush off again, "Will you be okay?"

As he fell into her chest he took notice that her heart was a steady pace as he looked up into her eyes, it was there that he could see that she worried for him and if that was a sign for anything it meant that she truly cared, "Not quite… but I'll be fine."

As Xiuhtecutli slithered forth Greymane gave him a blank but hateful stare, "Good, though I require you at your peek I suppose near perfect will do fine."

Recalling what Asmoday had done before leaving Greymane feared that his encounter with the dark lord was not yet over, "Hey Luna… how about you and your sister go ahead of us… I need to talk to leviathan."

"What… but we..." Trying to find the words to get Greymane to change his mind was not easy as she recalled how his fight with Adramelech was like and how determined he was to fight alone.

Knowing that Asmoday had lied about her Greymane did what he could to hide his emotions toward her as storm clouds began to set in his eyes, "Don't worry, no matter what happens I promises to be there. Even if I'm late, I'll be there." Though it pained him to plot out his next move knowing that once he set on this path there was no going back.

Having read his mind this whole time Celestia managed to pick up bits and pieces and discovered that he had been lied to but anything else and she soon found herself being blocked and by Greymane’s own will with the last thing she noticed being a message to her, *My only regret is what will follow very soon, I never intended to harm anypony so please forgive me for what I have done and what I must do*.

Though she wished to know more Celestia knew that they had a war to prepare for and they were required to speak with the dark gods on the matter, "Alright we're need there any way to help with the plan of attack. Come Luna." Though the message she got from Greymane troubled her and caused her to wonder what he meant by ‘what I must do’, Celestia felt that she would have to discuss it with Xiuhtecutli when she had the chance.

Though Luna didn't want to leave at the moment she was well aware of the situation and wished Greymane the best of luck as they both teleported themselves to the battlefield.

Once they were out of earshot Greymane started his accusations against Xiuhtecutli, "Tell me leviathan… how long were you planning to lie to me?"

"What?"

Though it pained him to slam his hoof into a bolder they watched as Greymane nearly broke the stone in half, "OH DON'T PLAY COY WITH ME… THE DARK LORD TOLD ME THE TRUTH. YOU USE THE GREYMANES TILL THEY'RE OF NO USE AND WHEN THE NEXT IS CHOSEN YOU ABANDON US AT THE LAST MOMENT OF OUR LIVES. AND THAT WE ARE NOTHING BUT PAWNS TO YOU, HELL I BET YOU'VE BEEN TRYING TO GET ME KILLED THIS WHOLE TIME!!! So who's next on your list some poor foal half way across the world, or perhaps a griffin is what you want, hell you speak so highly of your kind perhaps you have a dragonling in mind. After all they are a close second to your race and you just need the right amount of time to teach them not to fall back on their natural habits, or better yet a minotaur would be better. I remember how the third Greymane documented some old texts about how the greatest of them could lift a mountain with ease. So which is it who is your next toy to play with and break?"

Knowing the situation would only get worse Barqu did what he could to try and defuse it, "Greymane listen to yourself what lies has he spoken to you. You of all ponies and creatures should know that the leviathan protects and guides the Greymanes even till their final moments when the Reaper comes for them. Even now you're under his protection."

As Greymane stared at Xiuhtecutli with nothing but anger in his eyes as he scoffed at what he heard, "Protected..." Thinking back to how he had been tortured recently Greymane did what he could to question how protected he really was as he drew on that pain to fuel his hate, "where was that protection when I was chained to a bolder? Where was that protection when I faced the archdemon Adramelech? Where was that protection when I was imprisoned in Tartaros for a thousand years? And where was that protection just now when every bone in my body was shattered like glass?"

As Xiuhtecutli's anger grew he gave one small glare at his advocate, "Greymane..." Slowly slithering towards Greymane Xiuhtecutli balled up his fist and punched him in the face for his arrogance and ignorance, "...don't you get it, I PROTECT THE GREYMANES WITH ALL THAT I AM FOR AS LONG AS I CAN, I MAY BE THE MOST POWERFUL IN ALL THE WORLD BUT I'M NOT ALL POWERFUL; AND I CAN'T BE IN MANY PLACES AT ONCE!!!" Letting out a sigh Xiuhtecutli did what he could to calm himself, "But I will do, what I can do to protect the Greymanes with all my power as often as I can. It was and still is the deal I struck with the first in exchange for him saving me from the clutches of the Reaper, and my race has never forsaken their word no matter how old it is."

Turning his back as he slowly walked away Greymane let out a chuckle full of pain, "Then you have one less Greymane to protect."

Astonished at what he heard Xiuhtecutli couldn't help but ask a rhetorical question, "What?!?!"

Looking back Greymane gave a half-hearted smile, "I'm done, finished, retired, I am no longer your advocate I am no longer the Legendary Thief. Have fun fighting this war alone."

Growing angry Xiuhtecutli began to slither towards him ready to knock some sense into his advocate, "GREYMANE!!!!"

Coming between the two of them Barqu whispered into Xiuhtecutli's ear believing that all Greymane needed was a little time and space to clear his head, "Leviathan now is not the time, go… go now and go quickly back to the battle field I'll deal with Greymane. I'll bring your advocate back to you."

As his anger steadied itself Xiuhtecutli turned around and slowly took his astral form, "Do as you wish… I no longer have an advocate, whom ever that is has deserted us all."

Having kept a close eye on the situation from his end of the battle field Asmoday patted himself on the back for his accomplishment, 'Yes… all according to plan. With the wild card out of the way all we have to worry about is the Elements of Harmony.’

As they went their separate ways Xiuhtecutli returned to the battlefield and took his physical form, once there he could see and feel that tensions were on the rise from all sides. The war was about to began and just off to his left he could hear the dark gods conversing with Celestia, Luna, and what mercenaries they could hire, and all their generals they had on a plan of attack. As Xiuhtecutli prepared to tell them what had happen, Barqu was trying to make headway with Greymane elsewhere in the world.

Trying to keep up with Greymane rushing through a forest Barqu tired to talk him into coming back to join them, "Greymane stop… we need you now more than ever. If there's anyone in this world who can stop Asmoday it's you and if need be I'll fight by your side, as well as other demonic gods you will not be alone in this."

Letting out a slight laugh Greymane looked up at Barqu as he kept his pace, "And that's why I'm going to the fountain of youth."

Baffled Barqu rushed passed Greymane and stopped him dead in his tracks, "Why, it's of no use to you."

With a cocky smile Greymane walked around the demon as he let out a laugh mixed with a sigh, "To my age… my body on the other hoof. Medical attention would take to long the fountain will just take a second. Besides I think my gourd emptied itself out the last time it fell from my side, it feels lighter."

"Then why did you abandon the leviathan?"

Stopping for a second Greymane thought back to when Asmoday had rubbed his hoof on a stone, "Because I needed to hear the truth, I knew the dark lord was lying to me but in that state of condition it was hard for me to tell. That and I don't think we were completely alone back there, before he left he rubbed his hoof on a stone claiming to have a rash."

"So you goaded the leviathan into saying what was needed to be said while acting like the fool they wanted you to be. But that still doesn't explain why you abandoned being his advocate."

Not wanting to expose his full plan Greymane shared what little he felt was right while reminding Barqu that if walls can have ears then stone was no different, "And let's face it they expect his advocate to aid them… not some renegade thief there on his own selfish acord."

With a smile Barqu picked Greymane up and held him on his shoulder, "So then… what's your plan."

"What makes you think I have a plan?"

"The main indicator for any of the Greymanes when they are working on a plan… it's the storm clouds that start to set in their eyes."

"My eye color is hazel."

Looking Greymane in the eyes he could see the storm clouds that had been set for some time now and their current conversation was their cue, "Not right now it's not."

As Greymane explained some of his plan the battle was about to begin, and the dark lords argued a plan of attack with the others that where there.

Letting off a small hint of fear Belial worried over how the gate way through the void was already open and just at its other end they could see Azathoth, "Yes we have the numbers but asmoday can grant invincibility to his army and with the small area they have to protect it makes for a deadly combination that will give them the edge they need to win."

Looking out of the tent Beelzebub looked down the hill to Asmoday's army, "True… if they were aiming to win this battle. However they're just stalling for time until the dimensional bridge is complete and ready for Azathoth to cross."

Looking at a small scale of the battle field Celestia did what she could to keep the optimism of the group in the tent up, "Then we just need to go after this Asmoday, carve a path through his army and take him out. Though our best bet would be to go for a frontal assault as a distraction while another group finds some way behind him and strike when his guard is down."

Though the dark god Bifrons liked the idea he couldn't help but frown at the plan, "If only it were so simple...cutting a path would be easy if they were not invincible, and flanking him would be perfect if the gateway didn’t cover his back side. Can’t charge in head on, can’t come at him from behind, trying to go above makes anyone a sitting duck, and we can’t go under him it would take too long even with magic. And to add to the problem they are not going to kill just yet, they'll keep every last one of us alive and torture us to grow in power. And with the numbers we have I'd hate to imagine just how much power they will get."

As Beelzebub looked at the battle field and pointed out a small glimmer of hope believing that they still had a chance, "And we don't have to… nor will we need to carve a path, will just use the Elements of Harmony to stall for time by having them target the bridge.” Walking over to the diagram Beelzebub pointed at the battlefield as he continued his explanation, “And while they are doing that we'll have four large groups of demons strike from all sides, these two combined forces will be the distraction we need for Greymane to slip past their forces and steal the diamond. Once it's in his possession he can do what he feels is right even tossing it into the void to be done with the damn thing all together. Asmoday losses his protection from Azathoth, so either Samael or myself can kill him. Once he’s been dealt with his army losses protection from him and any of our forces that are still standing can move in a clean up the rest simple as that."

Turning his head Xiuhtecutli slowly slithered away from them with a dark look upon his face believing that his advocate had truly given up, "Yes, such a simple plan and rather successful… if Greymane hadn't abandoned us."

As the dark gods began to whisper in fear amongst themselves Luna couldn't help but recall him promising that he would arrive, "What are you talking about… he said he'd be here."

As Xiuhtecutli turned back to the group his head hung low having known that this moment would come and feared how they would react to it, "He and I had a small falling out… and he abandoned us. But we still have a chance Asmoday has a small grudge against me, and will want to settle a little score. So we will us that to our advantage. I will get close to him to either kill him or do away with the diamond regardless of what I do we still win."

Though every creature there agreed on this hasty plan and hoped for it to work, Princess Luna however still had faith Greymane would come; and even spoke to Beelzebub and Samael in private asking if this was some kind of tactic Greymane often used when it got this bad. Their reply was silence as they closed their eyes unsure of what to tell her, they had known the Greymanes to do what it took to end any kind of conflict and keep the ones they loved safe but this was something they had never once witnessed. As they put their plan into action, armies on both sides of the battle field clashed.

And just as they had expected Asmoday made his army invincible so to spare the mortal ponies any cruel fate the dark lords and gods sent their forces in first. As the battle raged on all could hear the screams of every demon there… many even started to beg for death, others however just couldn't stop screaming. As Xiuhtecutli made his way up to Asmoday with a small team along side him, all went according to what little plan they had as they hoped all would be in their favor. But when they thought all was going so well they were ambushed and Xiuhtecutli was knocked out.

When he came too a few minutes later he saw that he was tied up and Asmoday was smiling as he walked down enjoying the screams of those being tortured around himself.

As many began to lose faith and started to believe that this was it… he had won, but Xiuhtecutli wasn't ready to give up just yet as he attempted to use what little of the curse he could, "ASMODAY!!!!!" Though the demonic curse took hold of Asmoday, Xiuhtecutli was far too inexperienced in its use that all it could do was make the dark lord stumble for a moment.

With a smile full of lust and hate Asmoday began to laugh, "LEVIATHAN… so good to see you again, and what's this no Greymane… no advocate? Aw~w so sad..." Laughing harder than he ever had Asmoday removed the bindings that bound the leviathan, "but what else do you expect from a worthless mortal like him? And hey you know what I'm feeling a bit sporty right now so how about a bet, if you can beat me then I will surrender the diamond and my life. But should I beat you… then all is forfeit to my master."

Knowing this was going to be the last chance he had Xiuhtecutli took his options and prayed for the best, "Done." Watching the power that came from the Elements of Harmony flying behind Asmoday Xiuhtecutli felt there was still a chance to claim victory, as he had hoped the power of the Elements were able to fly into the gate and destroy the bridge but it continued to rebuild itself stronger than before.

Spreading his dark, blood covered wings the dark lord flew at him as fast as he could ready to kill Xiuhtecutli, "Oh and just to make things more interesting, you'll have until my best soldier kills the users of the Elements of Harmony. BELPHEGOR GO FORTH AND BRING ME THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY AS WELL AS THEIR WIELDERS, BUT BRING THEM TO ME ALIVE!!!" As Xiuhtecutli dodged the dark lord he turned and watched as the ground was turned to glass around him, "NOW COME LEVIATHAN… LET'S SEE WHO IS STRONGEST MY DARK MAGIC OR THE LEGENDARY MAGIC OF THE LEVIATHANS!!"

As Asmoday and Xiuhtecutli clashed with great ferocity Xiuhtecutli could tell, Asmoday had truly become his equal from torturing Greymane. Their magic countering each other, Xiuhtecutli's age gave him the necessary experience needed to match Asmoday's new found strength and youthful stamina. The fight raged on for hours neither of them gaining an edge over the other, until Xiuhtecutli slipped in a patch of mud and fell. Asmoday used this opportunity to sit on top of Xiuhtecutli and beat him mercilessly. As he tortured Xiuhtecutli even further he began to laugh hysterically knowing that he was the first, and the last to ever torture a leviathan. Being close to the dimensional void Asmoday took Xiuhtecutli's claw and pushed it into the side of the gateway, being forced between two planes of existence was scarring as the gateway slowly tore Xiuhtecutli apart both physically and mentally. While Asmoday did this in intervals of only a few seconds as to drag out the torturous experience, each little touch felt like an eternity to Xiuhtecutli as he tried to recollect his mind and fight through the pain.

Though Xiuhtecutli could feel void was tearing the very fabric of his being apart he watched the sky to see the Elements of Harmony where still in constant use, though the attacks were becoming slower and had longer pauses between each use with each passing second. As the vibrant spectrum of power continued to fly behind Asmoday both the leviathan and the dark lord could feel the destruction being caused from the power between the many artifacts clashing with one another.

Though Xiuhtecutli was proud to see they were doing all they could he knew it would not last as the elements had to draw on a little of power from their wielders causing them to become tired with each use though he knew they still lived he couldn't help but ponder it as he thought to himself, ‘I give all of them credit but their growing tired, I still have some small faith in them since Belphegor hasn't reached them yet...however he's had plenty of time I wonder what happen, did he have a change of heart, or was he beaten?’

By this point Asmoday had grown tired of torturing him and started to gloat over his early victory, "Well I guess this is it the ponies will die, the Elements will be lost for all time, and you… you're going to die." Using his dark magic Asmoday brought forth the diamond over to his hoof and held up the sharpest end as he started to laugh, "Yes… I can see it in your eyes, the very same Greymane had both times when I left him to die. It's that fear of failure neither of you are allowed to fail and neither of you can make a mistake… so tell me leviathan are you prepared to be with the rest of your pathetic race knowing that you've failed? To know that you die now and lose everything? I wonder what it's like to have that fear… I guess I'll never know, but I think it would be fitting to kill you with the diamond you came for. And I want you to die knowing that yes it was all part of the plan to separate you and Greymane… with out your wild card, your precious advocate, all is lost. You will die and the world shall belong to my MASTER."

As Asmoday began to slam the diamond down into Xiuhtecutli's head repeatedly disorienting him as he laughed, he found himself unprepared as he heard somepony shout as he was knocked off of Xiuhtecutli, "OVER MY DEAD BODY!!!"

Though he could barely tell what happened all he saw was some pony tackle Asmoday. Trying to keep an eye on the two Xiuhtecutli watched as the dark lord chased somepony into the void and lost sight of the two of them before passing out. As the battle raged on Asmoday cornered Greymane on the bridge with a large section of it being destroyed by the Elements behind him. As the dark lord channeled his magic the light around him faded as he thought of a spell to kill with. As the area around him grew dark he felt a bony grip tear into his back and rip off his flesh causing him to lose his focus, looking around himself he saw a few of the horrors that lay within the void that scattered as the light shined on them causing them to screech in pain as the light burned their bodies.

Looking back at Greymane he saw that he was without his cloak only having a small sack on his right side and the Void Diamond next to the edge of the bridge and was ready to just kick it off, "So you've come, why? They don't care for you they just want you gone."

Smiling at the dark lord Greymane knew that even cornered he had all the control over the situation that was all he could ask for, "It's as you said they don't care about me, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't care about myself, after all I have to look out for number one now. So give me the Medallion of Immortality and you can have the Void Diamond. Your master can return and I get to be immortal we both win, and those back stabbers can deal with the fact that I fucked them all in the end. Seems fair don't you think?"

As Asmoday began to chuckle he burst out into a fit of laughter as he removed the medallion from his neck and set it on the bridge, "And here I thought I had you figured out but I can see why my master said not to underestimate you, however I must tell you even if your immortal my master will end your life; so tell me why do you want it knowing you would only live about ten seconds longer than any of them out there?"

Letting out a sigh Greymane feared his plan might not work but kept his composure as best he could, "Ten seconds or ten days, as long as I am immortal what do I care..." Slightly tapping the diamond he watched as the dark lord flinched toward the diamond without a single thought, "...or I could just fuck you over right now and be seen as a hero, either way I win."

Knowing that Greymane wouldn't bluff about trying to come off as a hero at the last second for a selfish reason Asmoday backed away from the medallion by only a few steps, "Fine you have a deal, and perhaps my master might find some use for you and will not kill you. I'll just leave the medallion where it is and let you come get it."

With a smile Greymane demanded the dark lord slide the medallion to him, believing that Asmoday would try and kill him the second he was close enough. As Asmoday did as he was instructed he questioned how trustworthy Greymane was saying that if he had the medallion what was to stop him from trying to take the diamond as well?

Picking up the Medallion Greymane put it in the sack on his right side as he started to walk towards Asmoday, "Simple really, you stand between me and freedom right now, and the only way for you to continue what you were doing is to come and get the diamond." As they crossed each other Asmoday was not beyond trying to kill Greymane but he ignored that feeling knowing that a fight between them could knock off the diamond, "This is where we part ways, and I hope we never meet again."

Once Asmoday had passed Greymane he rushed toward the diamond feeling his victory was within his grasp as he let out a nervous chuckle, "Look my master even after a small mistake I can still set you free. This world will be yours!" As he laughed he took notice that his master was far too displeased with him that it caused Asmoday to have another look at the diamond he held, as he looked at it he watched as it let off a crimson glow and proceeded to explode in his face then turned to dust, "DAMN YOU GREYMANE!!!"

Turning around Asmoday saw that Greymane had already made it halfway to the exit, and in a fit of rage he spread his wings and glided towards the thief. As a last bit of effort on his part Greymane pulled the Void Diamond out of the bag and threw the bag out of the gateway, turning around he held the diamond up near the edge of the bridge hoping to force Asmoday to stop in his tracks.

Tackling Greymane to the ground the dark lord watched as the diamond came close to falling off as he hissed at Greymane, "No more of your games..." Picking up the diamond Asmoday threw it into the void believing it was just another fake then proceeded to try and strangle Greymane to death, "...what's the matter all out of tricks, nothing funny left to say, are you just ready to die?"

As the dark lord attempted to strangle Greymane he heard him try and say something causing him to let up just for a second asking what Greymane's last wish before death was, "That was the real diamond you threw dumb ass."

Looking around themselves they watched as the bridge slowly stopped giving off light and began to fall into the abyss, spreading his wings the dark lord tried to escape as Greymane ran under him hoping to also make it out of the void. As they neared the exit Asmoday was captured by the horrors and was taken off screaming as he was ripped apart, as Greymane neared the exit the ground under him fell as he tried to jump the last bit of the way only to be grabbed by one of the creatures. Fearing that was the end he watched as the gateway began to close only to be slowed down by a midnight blue aura, as Luna reached in she took hold of Greymane's hoof in an attempt to save him.

Though she tried with all she had Greymane watched as the sun began to set and feared what was to come, "Luna..." As tears began to form he knew this was the last he would ever see her again but was glad to know that even in the end there was still something between them, "...it's okay… let go. I came to terms with the fact I would die one day, but that doesn't mean you should join me, don't try and stop fate this is how it has to be, how it must be. Though everypony can chose their own path and change their fate, mine was sealed the day I became who I am now."

Trying to pull him out Luna could hear the creatures screech as they tried to come near her only to be burned by the light of the sun, "I'm not letting go, you've done so much for this world it's time somepony did something for you."

As she pulled him closer Greymane could feel that even if she managed to somehow get him out he would lose his lower half, "Luna I thank you for trying..." In the second he was close enough he broke her concentration with a kiss as he shoved her out of the gateway, "...I will always love you, and I will always be with you."

As the gate closed Luna didn't hear him scream nor did she bare witness to him being torn apart by the creatures, all she knew was that Greymane was lost. Looking at the ground where the gateway once stood she saw Greymane's little bag, picking it up she held it close to herself as she began to cry believing she could have saved him. As she cried the demons under Asmoday's command attempted to attack her hoping to be made famous in their final moments only to be bound in the earth by Barqu, stricken with sickness or eaten alive by insects by Beelzebub, or worse by Samael.

As the demonic gods and lords surrounded her and Xiuhtecutli they claimed victory, and ordered their forces to take what remained of Asmoday's forces back to Tartaros for judgement. As they were dragged off begging to be shown mercy many of the demonic gods and all of the lords returned to Tartaros to ensure that all of the traitors were dealt with as soon as possible. Looking down Beelzebub saw Luna crying and asked what was troubling her, only for Luna to take hold of the dark god's robe as she cried out for them to open the void back up and save him.

Looking at slowly awakening Xiuhtecutli he asked if he knew who she was talking about, only for him to say he had no clue but recalled Asmoday chasing someone into the void.

As they tried to make sense of what Luna was asking of them Barqu came walking up holding Greymane's cloak but hoped that Luna was crying over someone else, "Leviathan… where is Greymane… please tell me your advocate is here."

Rubbing his head Xiuhtecutli felt confused still somewhat believing Greymane had abandoned them, "What are you talking about you where with him… he abandoned us."

Holding out the old torn up cloak Barqu gave a mournful look, "No he had me return him here, tell me he's here. Where is Greymane?"

Looking at the cloak Xiuhtecutli pieced together that Greymane played him like a fool to trick Asmoday and began to fear the worst, "I… I don't know… give me a moment." Clearing his mind Xiuhtecutli tried to make telepathic contact with him hoping for the best, *Greymane...* The longer it took to contact his advocate the more he began to fear the inevitable had happened as he always knew it someday would, *...Greymane… GREYMANE… ANSWER ME DAMN IT!!!*

Knowing the truth Luna cried out as Celestia arrived with Twilight and the others, "He's in the void, I tried to pull him out but..." As she tried to tell them what happened she hoped there was still a chance to save him, "please open the void, we have to save him, he would do the same for any of us."

Wrapping Greymane's cloak around Luna Barqu explained that it wasn't that simple without the diamond that was used to open the gate they could just be opening a random gate into an unknown location within the void. And even if they used the diamond there was no guarantee that he was still in the same spot she last saw him.

Looking at the cloak Luna felt compelled to ask as Barqu nodded and explained why he had it, "Yes… Greymane's personal effects, he drank from the fountain of youth and requested to be teleported fifty yards behind every creature here, once here he gave me all of this and took an unstable philosophers stone that I fashioned to appear like the void diamond. As he and I entered the battlefield he vanished from my site." With a disgruntled sigh Barqu shook his head as he let out a nervous laugh, "To think that was the entirety of his plan, he said that he had one last trick up his sleeve and it would surprise all of us. If I had known I would have kept a better eye on him."

With a tap on his shoulder Beelzebub looked at Samael, "I see, perhaps you are right..." Looking back at everyone there Beelzebub knew that if he and Samael stayed they could lose some of their followers, "...Samael and I give all of you our condolences and shall leave you all to mourn your loss."

Though many of them felt something should be said not a one was able to break the silence, not out of respect but simply because none of them knew what to say.

Though they all wanted to say something the silence was broken when Xiuhtecutli got back up, "It would be in your best option to never speak of this, he gave his life for all of you so not speaking about him and never mentioning what has transpired would be a good way to honor his actions. As well as his memory."

Having heard this Twilight and the others began to argue with Xiuhtecutli saying that he should be remembered for what he truly was, a hero. As they went back and forth over the topic Luna took notice of a letter that was poking her in the leg.

Pulling out the letter she asked for everyone to calm down stating it came from Greymane as she started to read its contents,

"Dear everypony,

If you're reading this then I am dead… though that is the worst of it the best is still to come and the world is safe, congratulations on giving it your all and I hope that everyone of you prosper in your future endeavors. However I'm sorry to say this every pony, but this is how it must be; I knew this to be true long before I met any of you, and though it pains me to write this it pleases me to know that I did get to meet all of you before I left this world. And I am sorry for what I did but to make any plan work I had to abandon you all just to save all of you, they expected me to come as the advocate to Xiuhtecutli as the Legendary Thief, not as myself a simple orphan who's been down on his luck for the longest of time and not on my own accord. My plan was a simple one, once I arrived I was to slip into the battlefield undetected and make my way to the dark lord and the diamond. My timing had to be perfect… and I knew there was no turning back from this. I was also more than well aware that if any of you knew my plan that any of you would try and stop me or attempt to save me. Though I leave this world I want you all to know that I enjoyed getting to know all of you, that you all gave me a chance to become somepony..."

As Luna began to cry she passed it off to Twilight to continue from where she had left off,

"...and for that I thank you. I know that I made you all worry and I am sorry for that but please know that I had nothing but the best of intentions for all of you. I know that this letter will find you in some way so I shall leave my final words and my last wishes as such. I leave this world without regrets. I would like to ask that no pony mourns me passing from this world I know some of you may want to but you all have your lives to live and it shouldn't be spent crying, get out there and live to the fullest and in this way you will honor what I have done. And Xiuhtecutli don't worry about the gourd I filled it when I had the chance, and though you know I do not want anypony else walking down this darkened path I know you will select another so I ask that you grant me in the least this much. I want my cloak, and my diary to go to Luna, I know you will have some objections to this but I feel this is the right thing to do. I also ask that if you wish to remember me build an orphanage I had once thought about building one myself in the recent years but didn't know where to put it, I had tried to help those in need so this is at the least one act that will continue long after me. So long every pony… and I hope one day we can meet again in the next life."

After reading the letter several had started to cry, and though the remainder of the dark gods faded back into tartaros; they did so with heavy minds knowing that a mortal had just spared them a fate worse than death. All that where there knew… even Xiuhtecutli… that Greymane died so that they could continue to live as they always had.

Turning his back Xiuhtecutli stated he was leaving to find another advocate only to be stopped by Luna shouting at him, "Is this what it means to be your advocate, to perform a duty to the end and then have the only one who's been by their side leave them without giving a single moment to mourn them!?"

Turning around Xiuhtecutli gave an emotionless blank stare to everyone there, "He knew what came for him in the end, and time is never on our side so I must do what I can to keep your lives safe. Even if I don't care for any of you." As he began to take his astral form he heard Luna call him a heartless monster only for his last reply to her be a simple one, "If I am heartless then what does that make you?"

As he vanished from their sight Barqu started to walk toward the north without any real reason other than to just start walking, "Do not be angry with him nor should you hate him, he has had to watch every advocate he's had up till now die. He's just mourning in his own way as I shall do as well, far well everyone perhaps in my travels we shall meet again. Who knows maybe I'll stop by Canterlot in the spring I hear it's quite lovely around that time, and I would love to sample some of the pastries there."

As many mourned for him Xiuhtecutli slowly flew away as the thought to himself, 'For once I'm not the only one to mourn the passing of my advocate.'

As they all went their separate ways many of the guards who heard of what Greymane did questioned why he did it, though most could not come up with an answer some had taken a guess, while others carefully asked Twilight and her friends. Telling them it was the only way he knew how to help didn't put any of them at ease. But to know that he was not all the old tails made him out to be put many of their minds at ease, while at the same time made them question why keep his recent actions a secret? While many of the demons in Tartaros cared little for his death they all hated the fact that not only had he died, he did so to keep Azathoth from returning from his imprisonment and the value of his soul was forever lost to them. But nothing disgusted them more than to admit that they owed their continued existence to another mortal, as for Beelzebub and Samael however they constantly went over one of the oldest reports they had and compared it to Greymane's most recent acts, and though they lined up nearly the same there were several key differences.

As Beelzebub sighed at what he was reading Samael waved his hand without saying a word, "Yes I know what you mean but the similarities are uncanny, but to say they are the same is foolish. Greymane rushed in to do what he did best, the mare in this old file however walked into the fight and willingly gave up her life. Just because they did the same thing doesn't mean they are the same, she did it out of love for her family while he did it out of duty." As he filled out the last bit of notes stating that Greymane fell in the line of duty Samael passed his hand over the page adding what he felt should be there, "I suppose we could say that though it was in the line of duty. But I can agree that what he did he did out of love, it also makes it look a little nicer in the final reports." Before finishing the file Beelzebub began to run the numbers with an abacus only to chuckle at the conclusion it came to, “It's funny you know,” Looking up at Samael with a smile they both couldn’t help but look at the overall amount, “had he lived his soul would have quadrupled at the least.” Tucking the file away in his desk Beelzebub let out a rather pleased hmph as Samael smiled, “Let's just keep this tid bit to ourselves shall we?” Giving only a nod Samael agreed.

As the demons in Tartaros did as they felt was right a small funeral and memorial service was held for Greymane in Canterlot. Though it was unknown to the public those who were closest to him and knew what he had done were able to attend. Knowing there was no body to bury they simply placed flowers around the few things that were left behind by him, though the guard stood tall and remained silent to honor him Twilight and her friends as well as Princess Luna couldn't help but to cry knowing they had lost a friend. Celestia felt for her sister but knew that there were no words that would make her feel any better, she knew that all she could do was hold her as a means to comfort her in this hard time.

While they continued to mourn his passing Xiuhtecutli was passing through Germaney feeling out the minds of all young foals, hoping to find one whose mind was similar to that of Greymane. Once he found a suitable replacement he would then begin the process of preparing them to take on the task of safeguarding the world. Though he went from the smallest village to the largest of cities he could not find a single one, so he moved on to the next nation as the words his late advocate had once asked him rang in his mind, 'Must there be another to walk this darkened path?' Though he himself didn't question it Xiuhtecutli pondered if Greymane was on to something. As he made his way through Itaily he thought about how everypony back in Equestria had brought some light into his life, this soon made him think that if it was necessary then his next advocate would be properly introduced to Celestia and Luna.

As they all mourned Greymane's passing in their own way, deep within the void Azathoth had other plans for the Great Thief that required him to continue living. Having taken the time to free himself from his imprisonment was nothing short of child's play for him, as Azathoth reached out into the void and brought forth what remained of Greymane. Having him encased in a barrier that separated him from the flow of time with in the void, Azathoth could not only see but he also felt he caught him just in time before the last of his life slipped away. Looking at Greymane he could see the horrors that resided in the void had torn away most of his flesh, but restoring Greymane to as he was would take next to nothing for the demonic god.

Expanding the barrier to allow himself to enter Azathoth focused his will to envelop Greymane, "Mortal..." Taking a deep breath the dark god shouted into the emptiness of the void, "...AWAKEN!"

Barely alive Greymane could not move and yet all he could feel was a slight sting, looking about himself he could see that much of his flesh was gone but his bones remained intact. Looking around all he could see was the darkness of the void till Azathoth snapped his fingers illuminating the area around them, as the light shined brightly the creatures of the void that where scratching and banging on the barrier vanished as they screeched from being burned by the light.

Looking at Azathoth Greymane pondered what was going on, "I'm… I'm alive?"

With a smile the dark god kneeled down next to him, "Indeed you are, you have done well young one. Asmoday was a fool for doubting your resolve and an imbecile for believing that he had bested you at every turn, I warned him that so long as you lived he would regret it." Patting him on the head Azathoth gave a faint smile, “I respect your tenacity and wish to reward your efforts.”

In his weakened state Greymane was more than well aware that he would not live much longer but questioned why he was still alive, "So did you spare me my fate so that you could end my life your self?"

With a chuckle Azathoth held out his hands and summoned forth a bright light blue flame, "Quite the contrary, I want you to live. You've exceeded the expectations I had for you by far more than I originally imagined. And for that I think you deserve to return to the ones you love."

Unsure of what was going on Greymane assumed that Azathoth was after his soul, "Why are you helping me, is there something you expect in return?"

With a smile Azathoth began to rub his hands together with in the flame as though he were washing his hands, "Simple really, I want you to grow stronger than you are now. Back when I was young it was foretold unto me by a skeletal figure in a black cloak that I would be locked away here, I have always possessed the power to escape at anytime I wish as you can plainly see, however this creature said that when I am set free that I shall meet a wild card who would end my life. I don't know if you are the one that was prophesied or not and nor do I care, but you can be the one that sets an example for this fool so that when I face them it will be all the better."

Smiling Greymane let out a pain filled laugh, "And what makes you think that once I've returned I will do anything you ask of me?"

Once Azathoth was finished rubbing his hands the flame turned into an aura that enveloped only his hands, "Simple really, in your state there is a good chance you will lose a bit of your memory once I start to heal you. I will make sure that the memory you lose is this conversation, when you awaken back in the world you call home all you will remember is sacrificing yourself. Besides even if I don't soon you will find someone whom you cannot best as you are now and you know I’m right. So either way we look at it you will grow stronger and you will set the bar that must be surpassed by the fool I am to face, till then I wish you the best of luck and the greatest happiness with those you cherish most."

As Azathoth placed his hands on Greymane the dark god watched as his flesh returned and Greymane cried out in agony, as Greymane was made whole Azathoth knew that he could not completely heal him unless he turned back the hands of time. But doing so would not keep him healed for long as time would eventually return to normal and Greymane would suffer, so for the time being healing Greymane to the best of his abilities was the best option. And though he would not be at his best he would be healed enough so that he could continue to live.

As Greymane was made whole without a single piece of him missing he passed out, smiling Azathoth snapped his fingers and sent Greymane back to Luna.

Walking back to his prison Azathoth smiled at what the future could possibly hold, "Far well Thief of Legends, perhaps we shall meet again and should that happen I hope we can see eye to eye."

Though it had been a few months since the war with Asmoday to honor Greymane's memory and everything he did they began construction on an orphanage in Canterlot, though the official story behind its construction was to help the orphanage that was already there. Many in the guard and some public officials were told that the old orphanage was slowly becoming over crowded though the current one had no problems of that nature. Since the war Xiuhtecutli wondered if yelling at Greymane and calling him an ignorant fool being his last words to him was okay, though he did not dwell on this thought for too long his main focus was finding another advocate worthy of becoming the next Greymane. And if not then he would search for something else better if that where possible, while keeping to the idea that anything just as good would be fine.

It was three months before Xiuhtecutli ever returned to Canterlot… it was the last place to look for a replacement for Greymane so he decided to stop by the site and see how the construction was coming along… there he saw Twilight, her brother and his wife, as well as the other Element users and a few of the royal guard. Looking on at them he took a moment to read their minds and learned that within the guard Greymane became a sign of honor one only achieved by those who performed a duty worthy of the title, though the requirements were sketchy at best and seem to differ from one mind to the next.

Though Xiuhtecutli had been traveling day and night watching ponies from the shadows and reading their minds hoping to find the right replacement, for the time being there was none who could take on such a task or that seemed to be willing to walk such a dark path. He had even come to fear that there was not much time before word would begin to spread like wildfire that Greymane was no longer among the living. But for the time being since he was in Canterlot he figured he would go to the tower just after Princess Luna raised the moon, though he had not been in Canterlot for some time he had heard rumors that Luna would just avoid the tower for a few moments before landing. Worried that someone would soon take an even greater notice and try to dig into the situation, Xiuhtecutli knew that the tower was one of the last few locations she had seen him alive. And in a way it seemed to Luna that Grey’s ghost was still there always smiling and greeting her as she came in, Xiuhtecutli didn't have to read her mind to know this just having to hear her pattern was enough to tell him.

Making his way toward the castle he tried to remain unnoticed as he walked among the public in his humbled form.

As Celestia's royal guards came before him with Celestia standing behind them they almost questioned why she requested them when he was just one pony with an eye patch, "It is good to see you again, can you spare a moment to talk?"

Looking at the guards Xiuhtecutli felt a little uneasy, "Send your trained mutts away and I might be inclined to."

Though they were unwilling to leave their Princess's side she informed them he was an acquaintance that meant no harm, while she explained to Xiuhtecutli that they were there to help welcome him to the castle.

As they walked Celestia couldn't help but ask his intentions in Canterlot, "Must you bother with such a rhetorical question, or has this short time caused you to forget my reason?"

Stopping for a moment Celestia stared at the ground, "You know she still cries over him, and she has come to hate you for what you said then."

With a sigh Xiuhtecutli turned around and saw the pain filled expression in Celestia's eyes from seeing her sister in the state that she was in, "I am not a sitter, nor do I care what you and yours think of me. And my question then was just as rhetorical as yours was just now, she was the light in his life one of the few last bits of hope he held on to. I'm sure that in some small way Luna knew that better than any of us."

Looking Xiuhtecutli in the eyes she could see that he was not lying and yet at the same time it seemed as though he didn't care what words flew out of his mouth, "Then go tell her, she needs to hear this from you. I've tried telling her but I wouldn't know what to say let alone how to say it, I didn't know Greymane any better than most foals. And some times I see her staring at an old book with blank pages only for her to slam it shut before she starts to cry."

Knowing the book she spoke of Xiuhtecutli recalled Greymane had planned on giving it to her the last time they met, "I know the book you speak of..." Letting out an annoyed sigh he began to take his astral form, "...and if I must then I shall speak to your sister on his behalf, after all he's earned his rest and this is in the least I can do for him."

Slowly flying towards the tower he watched as Luna returned from raising the moon only to circle the tower a few times before landing, taking notice of this he knew that even after all this time she still felt for him even if most of her memories of him where missing. At the top of the tower he saw Luna in tears, and it only made him feel for the Princess of the Night knowing that Greymane filled a hole in her heart just as much as she filled the hole in his.

Taking his physical form he reached out to her only for Luna to zap the ground before him leaving a small burned area, "We could have gone the rest of our life never having to see you again."

Though he knew he was far stronger than her Xiuhtecutli kept his distance not wanting to overstep his bounds, "Your sister tells me you're having trouble getting over his death, and that you've come to hate me for what I said so I shall tell you what I told her. I care not for if you hate me but you where the light in his life and one of the last few hopes he held on to in this world. If nothing else you helped him far more than he could ever have hoped to help you."

As she started to cry Luna turned around as she slammed her hoof into the ground, "Then why, why did he have to die, there had to have been another way. Some other option, I've been going through his diary to learn all I can and even try to remember all the good times between us, and all it does is bring pain. But there was one thing we noticed, no matter how hard things got, no matter how impossible the situation he always found another way to resolve it and he never once thought about having to give up his life though I know he would have. There were even times when he was not protected by you and even when he was still out matched, and yet he managed to come out of the situation nearly unharmed. So why did he have to die?"

Looking at the Princess Xiuhtecutli had no answer that would end her questions, nor did he know how to tell her that in many of those situations he nearly did die. He even wanted to remind her of the fight with Adramelech and tell her that even then he had died, and it was them who revived him. He was even half tempted to call her Greymane and demand the she get a hold of herself, simply out of old habits from when Greymane had done some of the most redundant things in his youth and would worry that it could only get worse.

As he tried to open his mouth and give her some words of wisdom their attention was taken up by the sounds of somepony coughing as they stumbled out from the shadows, "The two of you are talking as if somepony was dead..." Knowing that they were talking about him Greymane gave a nervous smile as he slid down to the ground against the wall in the light of the moon, "...if I didn't know any better I would say it had to be somepony very close."

Without thinking Luna rushed over and wrapped her hooves around him, only for Greymane to ask her to take it easy simply because most of his body was still sore.

Though she didn't let go Greymane could feel her trembling, "We thought you were gone, please tell us this is not a dream."

Struggling through the pain he wrapped his hooves around Luna and held her as best he could, "If it is then let us hope it never ends."

As the two of them held on to one another their hold was broken by Xiuhtecutli clearing his throat, "How did you manage to return, in your note you even believed that it would be the end. And even if we had the diamond there was no guaranty that we could bring you back."

Thinking back to just as the gate closed the only thing Greymane could recall was some blue fire then waking up to the two of them talking, much was missing from his memory as Azathoth had claimed but for the time being they didn't question the gift that he was alive. Xiuhtecutli however felt that this was a matter that needed to be looked into, but for the time being he didn't want to bother what little happiness they had. Taking to his astral form Xiuhtecutli told Greymane to enjoy himself for the time being, but not to take too long as time was never on their side and there was much to be done.

As he left Greymane and Luna took what little time they had to try and pick up from the last time they were together, as the night went on Luna informed him about the orphanage that was being built but they could never come up with a name that seemed to fit.

Thinking back to his days as a young colt he recalled the stallion that had taken him in and taught him how to walk, talk, read, and even write, "Call it something that gives hope and has meaning, something that helps to be a beacon of light for those who need it." Thinking for a moment Greymane looked up towards the sky and saw how the light of the early dawn mixed vibrantly with the last bit of the night, “Perhaps it should be called, Magnus Spero, yes that sounds perfect. Magnus Spero.”

As the sun began to rise Luna couldn't help but ask greymane to join them for breakfast to show he was alive and well, he however felt that if she wanted to tell them he was alive then she should. But for the time being he wanted the rumor that he was dead to spread throughout the world so that he can move unseen in the shadows once again. In this way he can not only keep the world safe he can also keep all of them safe as well, walking toward the stairs he knew that he was in no condition to try and climb down the side and he was also aware that the guards stood a chance of seeing him as well.

As he started to leave Luna asked him about his cloak, "Keep it, I have another, but I will need that small bag of mine back. After all where am I going to find another one like it?"

Though Luna wasn't sure of what he meant by it she cast a spell to teleport it from where it was in her room to where she was, "Please be safe Grey, and try not to do anything reckless."

Taking the bag he smiled as he tied it to his right side, "I will see what I can do, but I cannot promise anything."

Giving Luna a kiss goodbye he called out to Xiuhtecutli, *Let's head home I need to pick up a few things. Also I’ll need my gourd if you know where it is.*

Before Luna could open her eyes he was gone and though she was relieved to know he was alive she couldn't help but fear that something darker loomed around the corner waiting for him.

Once back in the cave Greymane saw the gourd sitting on the table waiting to be picked back up, taking a sip he felt his wounds leave as he rushed around his home gathering everything he thought he would need for the road head.

As he put on his cloak and gathered his gear Greymane pulled out a map of Equestria, "Did Ronwe ever tell us where Celestia kept her little secret group."

Looking at the map Xiuhtecutli thought back to the night they spoke with him, "No he didn't, besides why would you want to know?"

Looking up from the map Greymane smiled at Xiuhtecutli, "Well if they've been keeping tabs on me then I may as well keep one on them, after all I feel the time is right to make a few friends."

Though Greymane was not joking he felt that getting on good terms with this group could be useful later, Xiuhtecutli however felt that Greymane's attention was needed elsewhere. During his search for his next advocate he had passed through one of the cities of the Zebra Homelands where he heard rumors that one of the tribes on the southern border to the neighboring kingdom of Nefertia was being attacked, and though this was something that could simply be dealt with between the two nations some of these rumors said whomever was attacking these tribes were looking for the Staff of Wisdom. Recalling that artifact from it being mentioned in the diaries from the ninth and tenth Greymanes he knew this artifact chose to simply just give its power to whomever possessed it without discrimination, but he feared that in the wrong hoof that kind of power could be dangerous.

Setting aside his want to meet this group Celestia had tucked away somewhere he sighed, "Let's go save some poor bastard from themselves."

Gathering what little of the powders he had left Greymane made his way out towards the train hoping to catch the south west rout as it left Canterlot, as the train passed by him he watched as he saw Twilight and her friends leaving. And though it was for just a moment he waved as they all looked out the window in his direction, as they stuck their heads out the window they watched as he soon became nothing but a small dot out in the distance. Having witness this Xiuhtecutli sighed as he asked if he had done that on purpose only for Greymane to laugh as he took off galloping in the south west towards the Centran Ocean saying ‘Maybe’.