Author's Note

Chapter flagged with M rated scenes.

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They are not important and can be skipped at leisure. They will also be highly infrequent.
Side notes:
Classes: [X]
Work: [Properly Scheduled]
Proper attitude towards work: [ ]
Will to write: [X]
Overall productiveness in society: [Aight]

Chapter 10: The Brink Part 2

Chapter 10: The Brink

Thankfully the Twilight and her friends were once more talking among themselves as Director Takhama lead us through the streets. With her being rather incognito we decided not to discuss our mission while in public. The walk was mercifully calm as me and Finna spoke, in the relatively short span of our relationship it wasn't often we conversed about things other than work or us.

“For as long as I can remember I had been told Equestria was the peak of civilization, a land of riches and development. But so many of the things I saw in that place, I begin to question that.” She said.

“For the most part they are ahead of us. True we have a lot of weapons and machines, but they are all still in the basic stages. Equestria has had time to stabilize it’s industry and Economy, they simply chose to remain where they are. But outside of their borders there is no choice to to advance, or be left to dwindle away. They live in constant prosperity, but we must work for our livelihood. What use do they have for machines and weapons, when they have tradition and peace?” I said before waving a hand around us. “Everything you see is powered by a primitive power plant that uses both magic and technology, it may look new and futuristic to you. But to me it still looks old and outdated. Many of the designs I gave to our development teams needs to almost always be reworked or cannibalize the ideas to simply make them function. And to make it worse this means they are using less or weaker materials to get the job done. Things may look new but they function as though they are antique, it’s all the same old book just with a new cover. Without the resources gained from the support of other nations our progress would come to a complete halt and collapse.”

It was a sad reality, for despite my best efforts to help move this place forward it always felt like baby steps. Generators used magic gathered from living sources and our machines and weapons required magic to temper the metal and shape the wood. The items exist but the methods still weren’t what they should be, and cannot replicate the normal means of human factory production. It all felt like cheating to me, and with the poor results to show it. Machines should be devolved not copied, methods should be improved not pulled back.

“To you things may seem old and dull, but to us. They’re incredible!” She said pulling my arm to her. “I never thought I would see the day a metal ship would fly into the clouds, or an element once though unstable and dangerous could bring light to even the darkest places. The reality may feel fake and copied, but it’s better than the suffering that came before.”

I smiled a bit at her words. “I guess, but knowing how well off we have it compared to other place, it still makes me feel sick in my gut. In time I’ve been here the cities way of life has changed little to none, kids still go hungry just under electric lights instead of candles, the sick still wither and die and all we have is a shiner way to watch it happen."

"And yet we all still move forwards, cast aside the thoughts that your contributions have done little. The wonder and gleam in the eyes of the people of this city cannot be found anywhere else. They understand they are poor, they understand they are still falling into the dark, but you give them hope. Your ideas bring them the light." She said hugging me against her side.

"I suppose, and hopefully with the new alliance with Equestria, we can make some real progress." We had to, or the city wouldn't last another few years.

We wandered steadily into the districts of The Brink as pedestrians watch in curiosity at our odd caravan of people. Any location that held food was usually the most packed due to the large diversity of cuisine, many would also agree our red light district has the same appeal but I doubt anyone would ever say it.

The warmly lit exterior dining area was the first sight to greet us as Takhama brought us to a rather casual but prim restaurant. Hand carved chairs and tables dotted the deck as various parties ate their meals and gossiped. Hanging lamps provided a gentle light and the slow percussion music kept the mood at a steady and rhythmic pace. There was however no name to the establishment, only the image of a dragon's silhouette with a pewter flagon in it's left hand and a ham leg in the other, hanging above the door.

The a lithe feline hostess stood at a small desk just a front the door. Her ears perked up as she saw us.

"Ah Ms. Steiner, you've arrived! We have you're table ready and waiting." She said before beckoning us inside.

I remained silent as we followed the girl through the restaurant, I was a bit surprised none of the patrons even glanced at us. But I wasn't about to question my luck so quickly.

We were leaded up a small flight of stairs and onto the second floor, it was obviously reserved for important guests if all the familiar faces were anything to go by. We were brought before a large banquet table already set and ready for us, not surprising one of the most powerful beings in the city had this planned out beforehand. Takhama sat at the head of the table and we each took our place along the sides.

Almost immediately another feline waiter was at the Directors side, pen and pad in paw. "What would you all like to drink?" He asked his voice as suave as could be, but I could see the slight shaking in his knees.

"Water for us all if you would a special liqueur was brought with us tonight, and I would like to try it for myself." She said waving her hand towards me.

"At once madam." He said before vanishing downstairs.

Everyone's eyes were on me after that.

"What?" Was all I could manage. I couldn't remember being instructed to bring drinks.

"At your side Foster." Takhama said and glance at my side.

Looking over my chair I saw my travel bag was tucked under my seat. With a questioning glance to everyone I pulled up and hung it on my chair, wondering more and more who she sent into my home to collect it. Thoughts aside I reached inside and felt the necks of two large bottles. I grimaced when I realized what they were.

The moment I set them on the table I could hear the seven gasps from our visitors. The obvious marks on the sides of the bottles made it clear, it was the same drink I had headbutted into the mindscape of their princess. Who as to my knowledge didn't recover too quickly from the small hell I put her through.

"U-uh ma'am, I don't believe this is appropriate." I choked out, she knew full well what this bottle meant.

"I believe it is." She said floating a bottle to her glass. "It is no secret the nations of this world have very poor relations with one another. Thus it is my belief that in order to overcome our disdain for one another we must work out the and deal with the issues we would otherwise bury and allow to fest. This seems like a wonder place to start, as it is certainly the most direct confrontation The Brink has had with Equestria in recent history. Congratulations Mr. Foster, you've made history." She says raising her glass.

I could see Twilight and her friends trying to avoid looking at me.

I sighed before pouring a glass of my own. They looked up at me as I stood glass raised.

"I would first of like to apologize to all of you for any offense I may have caused any of you. It was wrong and crass of me to simply turn to action rather than words at the first sign of conflict. And to you Ms. Sparkle, I would like to apologize for my stern behavior on the voyage we shared returning your prince." I could see her look away, but to my surprise she looked back with tears beginning to form at the corners of her eyes.

She poured a much smaller glass and raised it to meet mine. "I would like to apologize to you for being distant and... poorly forthcoming with information that would have otherwise avoided conflict."

Everyone quickly followed suit and all glasses were raised to meet the orange glow of the light.

"To a better tomorrow." Takhama said before the we tossed the drinks back.

*They really are too quick to leap at new friends aren't they? Even when beaten down and made to witness horrible things, just throw the word friend at them and they are all to quick to agree.* I heard Takhama's almost disappointed voice whisper in my mind, as I know it Takhama is one of the few Directors who saw using a mind altered Prince Blueblood to gain Equestrian favor a a bit over the top and almost cruel.

After our toast the girls were much more vocal and struck up conversation quickly. For the most part I tuned them out only answering when needed. I somewhat felt bad for tricking them like this, I never had a problem with Equestria as I am no native. I had only the Brinks word for their kind before going out into the world. While I still might agree that Equestria needs to change, I don't hold the same hatred the rest of the world they left behind does. Of course this doesn't mean I will stop my current plans, we are all still riding on the hope that the Baron and his Directors can pull and entire planet out of the a dark age.

"Eli." Finna's nudging dragged me from my thoughts.

I chuckled before and smiled before the wonderful scent off food drew my attention.

The girls were almost too forth coming after the Director's speech, telling us about every little detail and tradition they had. Noir and Takhama were all too glad to learn more and more, Charon pretended to be interested but mainly kept his conversation with Spike. Finna and I made small talk while I remembered to send word for some of the food to be brought to Kodo who kindly informed me he was napping atop our home.

The dinner went about as smooth as it could and before any of us knew it, it was time to meet the Baron himself. At the toll of the cities clock-tower Takhama stood and made sure to pay a more than generous amount for the dinner.

"A word of warning to you all." She said to the Equestrian's. "When inside the Baron's main chamber you will find your magic will not work latent or active, so you will not be able to fly, cast spells, or be as strong as normal. This is an unintentional side effect of the Baron's abnormal existence in this world. But do not worry no harm shall come to you while you are within these walls, our best and brightest will make sure of that."

It wasn't any secret how powerful the Baron was, one of my more vivid memories of our first encounter was the surprise of his disciples to my lack of reaction towards his presence. As I to am not form this world or plane our estranged powers cancel each other out. If anyone from this world saw his real body they would be torn apart body and soul, I however am the only one alive to have seen it. This was not however an honor, as simply looking at him made me feel more than I thought a human capable of.

The mood quickly fell back into nervous silence as the girls and dragon had no idea what was to come. Charon and Noir both assumed rather stoic expressions, they've had less interaction with the Director and the Baron in their whole lives than I've had in a total of 4 hours. Finna looked as nervous as our guest, I tried to reassure her but it did nothing for her more primal sense of fear towards the unknown.

As soon as we entered the Baron District the streets became nearly desolate, this was not a place one came without purpose. I could see the signaling gleam of sniper scopes as they honed in on us. There was one on nearly every roof top as is protocol, security hear was impenetrable to conventional means.

The closer we got to the Baron's hall I noticed Rainbow becoming more and more aware of the snipers. I was thankful she didn't know what they were as she no doubt would have panicked her friends over it.

I could feel a very powerful force as we approached the colossal archway gates that stood higher than any building. The two watch towers on both sides of the gate kept trained eyes on us the entire time. At the foot of the arch it's scale became breath taking, it stood nearly 20 stories high and almost 50 meters wide, the gate it'self was a carved metal image of the Baron's projected appearance with intricate woven patterns filling in the rest.

"I-i'can't..." I heard Twilight stammer.

"Is that a dragon?" Spike said beside her.

"That is the only depiction of Baron Varkel in the world." Takhama Said

The image displayed a reptilian like creature not too far off from what an eastern dragon would look like. However obvious differences would be his wings were feathered not hide, he had a large mane instead of horns, the tip of his tail was bloomed outwards like a flower made from bone. Eight long jointed arms were present near his upper body at even spaces apart.

At our approach the door groaned as it creaked open with a painfully slow pace. However as soon as enough space was present the Director waved us inside.

"Whatever our master has to say it is to all of you and you alone, it is best you not speak of whatever you discuss with The Baron to anyone but yourselves. This is for your safety as his words are sought after by many as they have always heralded great influence on the mortal world." Any tone of familiarity and warmth vanished from her voice as she spoke again.

We all nodded, not needing to verbally acknowledge her firm tone.

The main hall was even bigger than the door would leave you to believe and the light from the torches built into the many pillars were not able to light the roof leaving the space above a seemingly endless dark void. Even though this was not my first time in this place I would never be able to shake the feeling of sheer emptiness that captivated me within.

Far at the end of the hall I could see the swaying silhouette of a massive entity. The coiled shadow had it's back turned to use as eight massive claws dragged odd glowing symbols across various purple glowing screens, they seemed to be made from solid light and it was reminiscent of a computer screen. However they most likely served a far more direct in purpose if the repetitive actions were anything to go by.

I gave a quick glance back at our guests, I hurt my pride to know I wore a face similar to theirs. Eyes wide and breathing heavy, every little nervous tick and habit kicking in, every intelligent cell in your brain howling at you to run and hide. But no manner of instinct or will would help you in here. Inside these walls, your mind and body are at the will of The Baron. A being so immense in sheer presence it dwarfed any sense of bravado or freewill you may have had. You have purpose when you enter this building, or you had no purpose being here.

I felt my head ache and my sight blur as we got closer, the girls rubbed their eyes and tried to shake the feeling.

Ain't gonna do you any good. I thought remembering my first visit.

Charon, Noir, and Finna weren't fairing much better.

I knew The Baron's presence wouldn't have as much of an effect on me due to the both of us being from a different reality, but seeing the physical difference made me fell pretty lucky.

"Foster." Voice is the wrong word, speech is the wrong definition, intent barely qualified.

The so call voice of the Baron wasn't something anyone could describe, we can "hear" the words but there is no accent, no tone, no breath to it. We understood his words but none of us could really repeat exactly what he said. It was a strain for him to speak like a mortal, but were he to truly speak we would all be dead.

"Master." I intoned with a vacant breath, and knelt on both knees.

"Charon."

"Master." The proud drake wept lowering himself to his knees.

One by one The Baron took our wills and our thoughts with but a single word.

I couldn't even look to see if Finna or Noir were okay. The sounds of whimpering gave me all the information I needed.

"Your visits are infrequent and your points are short, I miss speaking with you young foster." He hadn't meant my name but my what he no doubt saw me to be. "Are you afraid of me still. We are different, but we are the same. Why do you weep." There were no questions, he knew all he needed the moment he saw us. As thought our souls were laid bare, shouting our every intent and deep thought.

"Y-yes I am sir, and being here hurts." I said forcing the grasp on my mind to loosen so I could speak. "But that is not why I have been absent, my duties have been numerous as of late. Otherwise I would rather like to understand what you are and how you can be." There were no half truths or dodging answers. In you answered is was the truth were you knew it or not. However I would always admit to being curious as to how something such as Baron Varkel can even exist.

"I should request your Overseer be more diligent in whom he admits simple errands to. Your capabilities as well as that of your team have exceeded every expectation thus far. It is why I have given you the task of accompanying these young mares across this vast world. Spread our name and show the world we are here and we are listening, spread our influence not as one of oppression or vice, but as one of knowledge. Fill the blank edges of the maps, unravel the unknowns, and let us all be brought to an elevated existence. Not as a crumbling dystopia, or zealous cult of assimilation. But an expanding and informed society built upon the foundations of knowledge and understanding." It felt as if storm was raging inside of my skull and my brain was rattled as I felt the Baron's every intent and hope for the future of the world.

I knew he wasn't lying, but I knew that it meant he would do anything to see it come true. I would do my best to see his ideals realized, as humans once had hoped I now knew that same hope existed here. This world would appear to many as a comically flawed and friendly place, but if anyone so much as peaked into the cracks. The ugly truth is called ugly for a reason.

The Baron fixed his gaze to someone behind me, I assumed it to be Twilight at the sound of her gasp. I heard nothing, as expected he had called her hear to speak in private and there was nowhere more private than in ones head. Barely a breath of a moment later I heard another gasp but this time followed by more, as I can only assume their conversation was over.

"We accept our mission Master." I said rising to my feet to salute, my team followed suit.

I could feel my legs burn as they tried to resist the urge to kneel again.

"Then go forth, I leave my ideals and my goals in your hands Elijah Foster, Charon of the Dragonlands, Noir Leva, and Finna Jera priestess to the House of Gold." I didn't look but I felt Finna's presence tense up.

"Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Equestria. My vassals shall assist you in bringing peace to this world, as you have long since set out to do. I understand their methods may follow a darker path than yours, but know I would trust no other to assist you. They will live and die by their blades and they shall live and die for your name should it ever be necessary." With his last words spoke he turned from us, a large mesh screen quickly cutting us off from him.

With the sudden disappearance of pressure we collapsed.

I felt tears streaming form my burning eyes and my lungs cried out for me to breath again. My body felt like it had been filled with sand, every movement was slow and heavy. I crawled to Finna who lie still on the floor, her ears were flat and her fur raised to its ends. I could hear the girls crying and Charon's heavy armor scrapping along the ground as he moved to help Noir.

Finally reaching the still fox I wrapped my arms around her and quickly pulled her close. She was shaking violently and her dead limbs flailed desperately to push me away. I had to press my weight against her to stop her form hurting me or herself.

KODO! I cried out across the mindscape of The Brink.

Yes master! I faintly heard among the collective concussions or The Brink.

I felt a warm aura cover my entire by as a deep blue light wrapped around me, Finna, and everyone else. The world was quickly sent spinning as I felt my body pulled across a cold emptiness. The sensation was harsh and fast, but lasted no more than a few seconds.

I felt myself falling.

Landing.

Soft.

Another.

Familiar.

Finna.

...

Bed?

Home...

Others?

Don't know.

You're safe now. Are you well?

Silly lizard.

You're fine.

---Division 8 Household--- 5:17 AM ---

My bones felt brittle and my whole body was pins and needles numb. It felt like a heavy fog was slowly seeping from my head as more and more of my sanity returned. Flashes and reactions of the previous day became clearer and clearer.

This is why I don't visit. The memories of the previous visit to The Baron's hall came back in waves. I didn't blame The Master for hurting us or anyone for that matter, there was nothing he could do about it, for any form of contact with the outside world he had no choice but to inflict this kind of over stimulation upon others so that he can speak with them. An other worldly consequence I was glad not to share.

I felt Finna's quivering form against my chest, and that hurt more than anything right now. I pulled her closer and made sure we were both covered by the warmth of the bed comforter. Still feeling her shaking I ran my hand through her hair as I laid on my back with her on top of me. Remembering and old song I began to hum what I remembered of the beat. As we lay their I took notice of the clock.

Damn how long were we out? I wondered seeing the time.

The cold of the desert night was still present as the building's heating seemed to still be off, as when we left it when going out.

Kodo are you awake? I gently reached out incase he was still asleep.

Of course, I haven't slept at all to be honest. I panicked when I heard you call out like that, knowing the situation must have been dire to use such a desperate tactic. I've been up the past couple days to make sure no further harm came to any of you. I felt my face pale.

Days! I panicked.

Two at most, the first would be the day you left to accompany the Equestrians in town. The second was just the other day as of now. I tried everything to wake you, from magic to medicine, but nothing worked. I'm sorry I couldn't do more. His tone fell.

Kodo I owe you more than you know, I can't say as much as I would like at the moment. But when I get the chance I will pay you pack... thank you. I made sure my feelings were shared. Now please get some sleep, I can't imagine it's easy to still be awake.

I felt his warmth in return. Thank you, I will be bellow in my tunnels if you need me. I felt his mind begin to haze over before one last message made it across. `Also be cautious for any adverse effects on your psyche.

Once more focusing on reality I say the time was now about six in the morning of what I believe would be thursday, if that same calendar had still existed.

I focused back on Finna who had stopped shaking and was now slightly humming along. I kissed the top of her head which finally seemed to wake her. Her eyes were now a dull clouded blue, but when she looked up at me they seemed to gain a bit more color.

As I tried to open my mouth to speak she spun around and planted her lips against mine. Caught a bit off guard I chuckled and wrapped my arms around her waist and kissed back. I could feels her hands on my back as she tried to press herself as close as she could.

"Is this my morning offering, your holiness." I teased as she took a breath.

"Don't say that please." She giggled before leaning her head on my chest. "I'm sorry for not telling you before but it's more an honorary title than anything. It just means i'm to take part in their sermons and clean the temple. I'm not really anyone special in that regard"

I can't say the though of Finna in a Japanese priestess outfit in front of an shrine didn't pop into my head, despite her being from an entirely different culture.

"Well you matter to me. And don't stress about it too much okay? I was actually offered a position in my home town's church as a priest due to having been through catholic schooling and a member a religious family. Although at the time I was more of an agnostic compare to my family, for a good while anyway, so I turn it down. Although after being sent here, I now fully believe in gods. Just need to choose which one to pray to?" I laughed back.

I barely caught a playful glint in her eyes. But I fully noticed her settling her weight on me as she straddled my waist.

"Does the deprived wish to lay bare his sins and and beg the gods of bounty for their blessing." Her tail swished back and forth hypnotically as her hands explored my chest and seemed to go lower and lower.

"This sad soul pleads for their grace." I played along.

`I warned you sir."

Huh?

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With a grin only a fox could give she began to rock and sway, slowly and gracefully draping the sleeves of her dress down and off her arms leaving the rest to expose her bare chest. Carefully and with a flexible stretch she slid the rest down and off. Her chest and torso breathing the open air I couldn't help but run my hands through her soft fur and and over every gentle curve. She let out soft yips at every sudden motion and made sure to lean into every caressing touch. I pulled her down to me making her yelp with a gleeful smile.

Rolling on top of her she could barely hold back her giggling and ran her paws down my back. I nipped at her neck and shoulders making her giggle and writhe even more. I worked my way down to her breast and took a moment for each teat earning myself even more squeals and playful struggles. Down and past her belly I brushed my hands along her sides making her struggle not to cry out. At her waist I gently spread her legs and softly nuzzled the sides of her thighs.

I felt her grabbing at the back of my head as she pressed herself against me. With a smile I gently nipped and licked the edges of her lips, her squeal quickly turning into gasp. I made sure to tease her as much as I could, drawing out every lick and gentle bite. She pressed her legs closed locking me in place, and I was all to happy to stay.

I grabbed her by the legs and lifted her up causing her to yelp. With playfully furious laps I had her screaming, I couldn't tell why but her very scent drove me wild. Every little squeak and twitch drove the both of us on. I could taste her sickly sweet juices as she screamed. Feeling he legs go shakily limp I laid her back down and crawled over her. She grabbed my face and pulled me into for a deep kiss that I fully returned.

She wrapped her legs around me as I rocked the two of us back and forth, she could only moan and cry out as the two of us threw ourselves against on another. In waves of pleasure I could keep quiet and pounded her hips faster and faster, wrapped around my shoulders I could feel her biting my shoulder and the gentle sting was all it took on her part. The two of us howled as we reached the climax of our performance.

I felt my arms and legs loose all former will as I fell onto the bed next to my panting partner. With a ragged breath I dragged her back into my embrace as she kissed me again. The two of us stayed like that for a good while.

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"I love you." I hummed as we broke away from our kiss.

"And I love you." She said back burying her face in my chest again, the two of us once more drifting back asleep. However it took me a while as an odd banging noise was coming from somewhere.

---Division 8 Household--- 7:30 --- Thursday-ish ---

The house was still rather cold as Air conditioning hadn't fired up yet, so I had quickly found myself a spot in the main living room, wrapped in a quilt, and nursing a warm cup of soft white coffee. I was keeping an eye on the oven in the kitchen just on the other side of the hallway when Charon stumbled into the room. He quickly slumped onto the couch next to my chair and stared at the dead fire place. A sharp spit of fire and it was quickly alive again filling the room with a comfortable warmth. Beyond the smell of burning wood I could make out an all too familiar sent. By some odd twist Charon and I glance at one another, see the others look we both nodded and looked back to the fire.

I held and a fist and he gently tapped it with his.

Staring at the fire for a moment longer I turned my attention to the radio on the the table next to me. With a soft snap of magic it flickered to life. The song was once again familiar, as though a tribute to it's human counterpart. The early morning song was a jive beat with few lyrics. Sounded a hell of a lot like my favorite Parov song.

"Breakfast?" Charon grumble, his face buried in the couch cushions.

"Meat?" I asked.

"Mmmh."

"You got it." I tumbled form the chair and childishly rolled myself into the kitchen to prepare for the day.