The journey went slower than expected as patrols were increasing the closer the group came to their destination. Needless to say Zen-Aku was getting agitated with these obstacles. The mares with were growing tired after every delay and with the addition of Flash Sentry supplies had to be split further. Flash often volunteers to get more supplies from nearby towns but Zen-Aku refused saying that he will gather more from the wilds when they find a suitable spot for camp. Rarity and Applejack began to wonder why he keeps insisting on doing it this way rather than allowing Flash to do as he suggested. So one night they have decided to confront Zen-Aku.

"Ok Zen-Aku what in tarnation is going on here?" Applejack demanded.

"What are you talking about?" Zen-Aku countered.

"We are talking about your refusal to allow Flash Sentry to pick up supplies." Rarity answered. "After all I believe that, given the circumstances, we can use the fact that he is a stallion to our advantage."

"It is because he is a stallion that I am refusing to go with the idea." Zen-Aku stated. He look towards Flash as he and the Crusaders were gathering wood for the fire. "We do not know the methods of how the corrupted heart affects the stallions nor if the dark magic is transferable from one to another. I would rather not take the chance of loosing an ally at this point of time."

"So in other words it's better to be safe than sorry." AJ understood now.

"We are sorry for not thinking about that." Rarity apologized.

"there is no need for apologies." Zen-Aku replied. "We all wish that these patrols would thin out a little."

The next day the group have finally managed to reach their destination. The ruins of the kingdom were magnificent even though the years and elements have not been kind. The remains of towers and buildings still stand tall as though they refuse to fall and fail their mission of protecting the spirits that remain within.

"So now that we are here I gotta ask." Flash said. "What is so important?"

"Knowledge is power my friend. And even the friendliest of people always keep a weapon on hand." Zen-Aku answered.

"But this place is huge!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed.

"Yeah how are going to find anything here?" Scootaloo asked.

"We will start at the castle ruins and work our way out." Zen-Aku stated and began to assign the ponies to various places to look with himself being paired with Flash Sentry.

With Flash and Zen-Aku

Flash and Zen-Aku traveled to the floors below the castle where the dungeons and other dark secret would normally be kept. Flash look around with a quake in his hooves while Zen-Aku kept his stride as though the darkness does not phase him. Zen-Aku looked to his partner and decided to try conversation to ease his fears.

"Tell me Flash Sentry. Just how many are in your resistance?" Zen-Aku asked.

"Oh we only have a couple dozen or so." Flash answered. "But we are hoping to recruit or rescue more in the future."

"I see and do you know who is in charge of this organization."

"Oh that will be the remaining stallions like um..."

"You do not know do you?"

"Well I am still kinda new and it's all about trust and such." Flash stated as his voice started to stuttered.

"I see."

"Yeah! I mean you don't want the wrong people or anything right?"

"That is true." Zen-Aku then turned and grab Flash by the throat. "Which is why I wanted to be sure that the other wont see what I will do to you."

"What are you talking about?!" Flash choked.

"I find it rather odd that the minute you showed up, the patrols began to increase, or how you kept insisting on leaving the group in enemy territory to gather supplies." Zen-Aku began to squeeze the air out of Flash. When Flash thought he would suffocate Zen-Aku releases his hold and dropped him to the floor.

"How did *cough* you know?"

"It was the matter of how the caribou knows just what town we are passing by and such." Zen-Aku answered. "so what reward did the Fool King offered hmm?"

" Well since you're going to kill I may as well answer." Flash stated with defeated tone "I will finally get that bitch Twilight as my personal slave!" Flash lunged at Zen-Aku with fire in his eyes. Zen-Aku side-stepped his opponent and deliver a chop to the neck. Flash fell unconscious to the floor.

Author's Note

I know that this isn't much and it feels rushed. But I just got a new job and that sorta takes priority right now. I'm not trying to make excuses or anything but I hope that you'll still enjoy the fic and if you have any helpful ideas then please let me know and I'll take 'em into account. Till next time, SEE YA WHEN I SEE YA!