Thunders Howl

[POV: Tina]

“This is...terrible…” I muttered bitterly to myself, even though my instincts were super happy at tending to six of these little anthro pony children...it hurt like absolute hell that these children will never see their parent’s again.

“Where’s your brother?” Twilight asked, her lavender man a bit frazzled but she held a long scroll and a pen as she was writing down everything that needed to be written down.

“He’s probably made a deal with one of the assholes that caused this...to at least try and bring someone back.” I sighed out. “We...I’m so sorry Twilight...if we knew our being here would have caused this…” I teared up, hating the fact that we caused this.

“It’s not your fault…” Twilight sighed out.

“Besides, without you and your brother, a lot more people would have been hurt.” Pinkie told me simply, still cradling Pound and Pumpkin.

“While that’s true…” I sighed out, one of the foals tugging on my ear. “It still sucks…”

"Nothing like this has happened for… centuries. And all across Equestria, similar reports." Celestia sighed as Scrolls appeared around her through magic. "Thankfully it seems the Crystal Empire was unharmed. Their barrier kept the beasts at bay."

“So...what are we gonna do?” I asked carefully. “Cause my brother’s off doing something, I have no idea how to actually properly fight besides what instincts I have...and I don’t know how to...help more…”

"Hmm… I have an idea." Luna spoke up. "We could always call up the Dwarves."

"Maybe… but it's been thousands of years. I don't even know who their current King is." Celestia replied.

“The Dwarves?” I inquired. “There’s dwarves in this world?”

"Yes." Luna spoke up. "A unique race. Something between Goblins and Ponies in appearance, they largely keep to their underground cities with a few walled off surface locations for farming. They are the best crafters in the world. When Equestria still pulled large cargo by hand and harness they already had steam engines. They were fascinated by our magic and we're eager to learn. The king at the time made a deal with us, in exchange for understanding of their technology we give them understanding of magic."

"Fair enough." I nodded. "So where are they now?"

"Their kingdom resides on what is now the Silver Sand Islands. It is quite the flight there, a week long voyage." Celestia stated.

"Crap…" I frowned. "I...I can't leave this place...not with all the kids needing a mother…"

"I can leave for the Islands and see about striking a deal. If these monsters attacked all around Equestria they may have also attacked all along the world. The guard will begin construction on a defensive wall around Ponyville. Send word to the other cities to do the same sister." Luna said.

Celestia nodded as Luna lit her horn up and she vanished in a flash. "With luck we can also get some of the elite guard back in operation." She added.

"Hopefully things start working out…" I sighed out. "Again, I'm so sorry...if only I knew this would have happened…"

"This isn't your fault. It would seem these… beings, who brought you here are at fault." Celestia stated.

"And we can rebuild. Better than before even." Twilight added.

"Really now?" I inquired. "How much better?"

"Well, I have had a few projects in mind by mixing in magic and structure work to allow easier access to things like water, plumbing, safety and defense. I brought it up with Mayor Mare a while ago but it was shelved since it would take a lot of resources and time. Given… current events, I can rebuild Ponyville and implement these upgrades all at once."

"Well that's good." I nodded. "Glad to know at least something's are going to be working out…" I started, softly nuzzling a foal like their mother.

"So are ya going to need help defending the town?" Pinkie asked. I looked over at her. She still had that Horn weapon. Still don't know where or how she got that…

"By the way...where did you get that Hunting Horn?" I inquired Pinkie.

"My broom closet." She replied matter of factly.

"How was it in your broom closet and...also how in the world did you get it to begin with?" I frowned.p

"Oh that? I put it in there after Gypse sent me along on a quest through time and space to… I forget what I did exactly but I know it involved demons, fishing, and the Foundation." She answered with a smile.

"...what?" Was everyone's collective response.

"I...uh…" I started. "What kind of Foundation?"

"I don't know but all I remember is that I am banned from their facilities until the universe explodes and even then I am not allowed passed the main lobby."

"Okay, back up Pinkie…" Twilight spoke up. "Who is… Gypse?"

"Oh she's the same kind of being as Demon and Genie and Voodoo and Pain but only appears to people like me who take advantage of the Matrix we're in."

"Uh…" I started. "Okay…"

"So you have… dealt, with these types of entities?" Celestia asked.

"Yep! Gypse first talked to me about a week after I got my Cutie Mark. She said if anyone in the multiverse ever needed my help she's come back and I'd get to go on cool and super epic adventures! I've met a lot of cool people like Loki, Deadpool, Mew, Catheulu, Berry Allen, The Mask guy, and other neat Multiverse travelers." She replied.

"You have been traveling the multiverse with cosmic beings and never told anyone?!" Twilight asked incredulously.

"You never asked." Pinkie stated simply.

"That's not really something that needs to be asked when its something that huge Pinkie." I pointed out.

"So do you know what kind of being Gypse and these others are?" Celestia asked.

"Oh, yeah. They all have different jobs but they're all mostly called All Makers." Pinkie said. "Apparently they make sure worlds and universes get made properly."

“You’d think they’d also not be absolute douche canoes because of it.” I frowned. “I mean seriously...this much death just to make sure a world get’s made properly?”

"I did say most were called All Makers. Pain, while being the same level of power doesn't count as one since she focuses on death and chaos." Pinkie explained. "I think I got a book explaining it but that's buried in my party planning cave under Sugar Cube Corner."

Twilight suddenly vanished in a bright flash of magic. Half a minute later, she was holding a green hard cover book titled 'The Overseers and You; A Guide Book to Understanding The All Makers, End Bringers, and All In Between.'

"Yeah, that's the book." Pinkie nodded with a smile.

“Well then…” I started. “That’s really convenient…”

Twilight quickly opened the book, and began to read aloud. "If you are reading this book, then the Overseers, or All Makers, as they are commonly referred to, have arrived upon your world or contacted you in some way. If you have not been contacted by an All Maker or they are not at yet present on your planet, please store this book until such a time arrives." She turned the page. "The Overseers, or All Makers, are ancient cosmic entities that work to manipulate and construct entire universes, planets, and life across existence. While there are many, several are of key note. Genie, who will grant the wishes of individuals once, often blessing them with great power and transporting them to other realities where their newfound powers will become of use. Demon, who makes deals and plays tricks on individuals while also causing varying degrees of chaos across the cosmos. Voodoo, often referred to as the God of Fate and Luck, challenges individuals to games of chance or trials for their desires or demands. Lastly, Pain. A Goddess of Chaos and Death… Pain has in the past led the entirety of universes into extermination with an endless spawn of monsters carrying from native to a world to from entirely different dimensions. Pain herself rarely does fight against her victims, only doing so as the final trial of the All Maker's chosen Heroes. Beating Pain grants the Heroes and their Reality the 'Final Prize' while failing to defeat her… results in the death of their new… and home… universe…"

“How the fuck are we supposed to beat someone that just casually murder’s universes?” I asked worriedly.

"... I have no idea…" Twilight said, gulping as she turned the page. "It has been stated many times that the All Maker's actually work for possibly even higher entities, who simply observe the world's they manipulate to create heroes. How and why they pick these heroes is seemingly random, and what they are meant to do should they defeat Pain is still a mystery. That being said, they are not without mercy. Genie and Voodoo often aid the heroes in various ways to help the heroes gain power for the final fight."

“Well...at least we have a fighting chance.” I started. “God...this just got a whole lot more complicated…”

With a nod, Twilight turned the page again. "If you wish to better understand your powers and or species based abilities and facts, simply call for a challenge from one of the All Makers, preferably Voodoo or Genie."

"So this is more or less all a game to them." Celestia said rather grimly.

“Christ…” I groaned. “Well, if they want to make this an RPG…” I frowned. “Genie? I’m calling for a Challenge.” I called out.

"And Pain said that book was stupid." I jumped as to my right was suddenly the smiling drama faced being himself. "She owes Gypse fifty rem."

“Hi there.” I started carefully. “And please don’t do that...I’m already jumpy enough.”

"No promises. So, what are you challenging for?"

“What can I challenge for?” I inquired. “Cause there’s a lot of things that I could challenge for...but can I challenge for people’s lives?”

"Your brother is already doing that, for Rarity. But we won't bring everyone back, just specific individuals." Genie stated. "And you can challenge for anything within reason."

“Hmm…” I hummed a bit. “There’s so many things I can think of…” I started.

"You can only do one at a time kid, and there isn't a time limit."

“Well…” I started, looking at the little foals on my large feral form and I felt a little pang in my heart. “I want to be a good mother.” I told him. “The power to make sure my kids are safe.” I told him.

"I can't give ya what you already have, kid."

"Really?" I asked carefully. "I don't even know how to fight like this, or whatever RPG esc bullshit me and my brother have to go through to shove Pain's head six feet under."

"Heh, allow me to demonstrate." He stated, snapping his fingers as suddenly I whipped around, biting the head of a massive python that was not there before. I bit down hard, tasting it's blood and hearing a satisfying crunch. By the time I realized what I even did I looked down at the foals, most all unaware of the threat I took out… I didn't even… it just… happened. "Den Mother's. Nature's perfect nurturer and protector. When it comes to your children, be them adopted or birthed, very little can overcome a Den Mother."

“Uh...right then.” I took a deep breath. “Okay, that’s...definitely something.”

"There is more, but despite the fact Den Mother's tend to their young from the safety of their nests, you are far stronger than your brother is for the moment, and can only get stronger." Genie explained.

“Well...how do I get stronger?” I asked carefully.

"Well, you are what you are. A predator. Hunt and devour your prey to get stronger, physically. To get power, however, for a Den Mother like you, you'll have to breed first before you can really start growing. Once you have, your potential is limited only by the scope of what you hunt. In other words, once you're a mama, hunt bigger and tougher prey to get stronger faster."

“So...I’m either going to need to eat things...or turn myself into a baby factory?” I asked.

"Both really. A fair middle ground and you'll become stronger in a steady growth."

“Well...I don’t know where to find good thing’s to hunt as well as tend to all my new kids here…” I started.

"Practice and patience. This is a long game we're playing."

“Fine…” I sighed out. “But...I sadly can’t think of much to ‘challenge’...do you have anything in mind for me to do?”

"Hmm… I have an idea. Walk with me." Genie said as he began to walk out of the room. Hesitantly I followed them into the hallway. "Tell me, how do you think your brother is getting stronger as we speak?"

“Probably fighting a bunch of stuff.” I shrugged.

"Fighting, and consuming. The ultimate power of an Alpha species of Predators like you two, is to take the abilities of those you hunt upon eating them. However, for a Den Mother, that ability remains dormant until they become pregnant."

“So...just need to find one lucky guy to knock me up I suppose...shouldn’t be too hard.” I snorted, knowing the fact that I slept with all three princesses and one of their protoge’s...I’d say getting a stallion to plow my brains out shouldn’t be too hard.

"Yes, but to fully empower yourself, you need to realize one very important thing." He started. "To a predator race, every other race around you is prey. But keep in mind, there is one taboo amongst the sentient predators. Never consume the flesh of other sentient beings."

“Cause than what would we be besides monsters?” I asked.

"True. So, first, we shall get you accustomed to hunting in your new form. Then, you can select your mate."

“Or mates.” I shrugged. “But let’s get onto hunting.”

"Right then. This way." He said. He led me out of the castle and along the road to the edge of the Everfree forest next door to Ponyville. "This forest houses many a deadly creatures. I can start you off with a simple thing. Hunt and eat a Manticore."

“Aren’t they poisonous though?” I inquired, remembering Manticore’s had scorpion tails. “And isn’t eating a poisonous thing raw a bad thing?”

"Yes but your stomach and liver are more than tough enough to digest it."

“Huh...neat.” I nodded. “Well, at least I know I can drink alcohol without much consequence if I can digest manticore poison easily.”

"Yeah. Anyhow, go find a Manticore. This will help you get used to your new body. Also, you'll have to use your senses to find them. Smell and hearing are your best tools here."

“Alright, it should be simple enough.” I nodded, shifting back into my feral form and heading off into the woods carefully as I sniffed the air, trying to get used to my new sense of smell.

As I walked through the trees, I took in a deep sniff. My brain took in all the scents and my ears took in every sound, no matter how small. Mentally, It felt like I suddenly had a map of all that was around me. Every plant, stone, insect and small creature. It was as if I knew where each one was and what they were doing at this moment.

I breathed out, the mental map leaving… an imprint in my memory. It was overwhelming how… detailed I could remember it.

“Okay...that’s...something.” I shook my head. “Get it together Tina...you got a manticore to hunt.” I muttered, moving along the forest with purpose, following any manticore scent I could.

As I kept sniffing, listening, I tried to move carefully. I found out quickly that excess noise messes up my not so little mental map. As I walked deeper in I eventually picked up a unique smell. It was a mix of cat, large cat, some kind of bat, and insect… A Manticore. Mentally, I could see this predator was also on the hunt. It was a fair distance ahead of me. As I got closer I could smell from it's tracks and a faint scent of blood that it found its prey. Reaching it, I spotted the monster ripping apart an Aptonoth. I was somewhat surprised to see the dead Monsters but given Pain unleashed monsters all over the place, she must have given them variety.

With it busy I moved slowly. I need to take it out, preferably in one go.

”A well placed strike should kill it instantly, Zinogre’s have shown to destroy solid stone with their claws before…” I thought to myself, remembering how physically powerful they were in the games. ”Just gotta move carefully towards it without it noticing...and then like a Great Sword wielder, smack it as hard as I physically can.”

I readied myself once I was close enough, then leaped, bringing a claw bearing paw down on the monster. It roared as I tore its side… it's insides quickly slipped out and it soon fell over, panting heavily a few times before finally stopping. Okay, okay… now to…

Hesitantly, I opened my maw, biting onto the Manticore's sliced belly and tore flesh from bone. It tasted… like turkey, oddly enough… the flavor was enough to push past the… gore. Once flesh, and bones were gone, I gave a sigh. And a small burp.

Proteins absorbed.
Muscle Mass Increased by 2%
Bone calcium absorbed.
Bone density increased by 1%

I read the words that appeared in my vision… well… okay?

“Uh...sure.” I started carefully. “Still would prefer cooked meat but...either way.” I shrugged. “So...eating stuff makes me physically stronger huh?”

"Yup." I turned, seeing Genie next to me. "And once you have pups, you'll be able to take powers of your prey for yourself." He informed.

“Cool.” I nodded. “Just uh...wow, never thought I’d plan to get pregnant...even after all the ‘partners’ I’ve had.” I said sheepishly.

"True. Now, Don't forget, you still have that humanoid form." Genie said. With a nod, I shifted into it again. He snapped his fingers and with a Yelp I felt myself clothed. Looking at myself I noticed I was wearing the leather set of armor, modified for my new body. I did like the sexy boob windows it had for each pair.

“And here I was getting used to showing everything off.” I chuckled. “But thanks for the armor.”

"It's special so it will change with your forms. As for weapons and such, well, let's just say I've sent an old friend your way. Instincts and powers can be fine and all but a Hunter, and a Warrier, use powers, skills, and tools."

“An old friend eh?” I inquired. “What special kind of person is this? Cause so far the only person outside you four was the friend Pinkie made...somehow.”

"Gypse, yeah she works with Forth Wall Breakers. Or as we often call them, Glitches. Anyhow, this guy's name is Shopkeeper, and you'll know him when you see him."

“Cool.” I nodded. “Can’t wait to meet this guy...and now for some reason I can’t stop thinking of the merchant from Resident Evil 4…”

"No we sent him to a different place."

Before I could question further, Genie was gone.

“Well...alright…” I muttered, stretching a bit as I started to head back in my feral form. “Well...might as well strut my stuff...maybe Big Mac is single?” I muttered, blushing a bit at remembering the image of the hard working farmer.

As I walked I noticed how well the armor fit from both forms. It shifted without me even thinking and was definitely going to come in handy in the future. As I walked back into town I took a fair look around. I did not spot the husky apple farmer. Actually, I didn't spot many males at all. I took a sniff of the air and… ten… maybe eleven?

“The hell?” I frowned, sniffing the air again just to make sure and also to check if anyone else had a functional dick.

My sniffer gave me the same numbers as before. Eleven males… a hundred and twenty females. Shit Luna and Celestia were not kidding about that gender gap. Maybe if I end up having a bunch of male pupper’s would help out more than just powers wise...

“Well...I’ve always wanted a harem so this will definitely help out.” I chuckled. “Well...if there’s anywhere he would be, let’s go to the apple farm...wherever the hell that is…” I frowned, forgetting that I...have no idea the layout of the town. “Uh...alright, time to find the smell of apples…” I sniffed the air for the apples.

As I was sniffing about for apples, I caught the scent of… chocolate milk? I sniffed again, looking around and blinking as I looked at what was floating above me. It was a chimera of some sort. Long like a snake with goat, bird, deer, bear and other miss matched parts. "So, you're the Hero the All Maker's sent here?" It asked as it floated down in front of me. "Hmm, have to admit it has been a while since I last saw a Den Mother of any species."

“And who are you if I may ask?” I inquired the strange chimera. “And why do you smell like Chocolate Milk?”

"Ah, yes. My name is Discord, Lord of Chaos and that is just my Chaos Magic. That aside, what is your grander purpose here?" He asked, floating just an inch from the ground and circling around me. "Every time one of you All Maker picked Heroes shows up anywhere it's for more than their amusement. That's more an intended bonus."

“Me and my brother just wanted a statue of a Zinogre Demon was handing out then our rival decided to get really pissy at us and wished to ‘hunt us down like the monster’s we want to be’...it’s not my fault she fucked over our friendship…” I grumbled.

"Hmm…" He hummed as he still floated around me. "So what is it you're doing now?"

“Figuring out my powers from Genie and...well going to find a date.” I shrugged. “Thinking Big Mac cause...well he looked like a respectable, hard working stallion and...also the only stallion I’ve met so far.” I said, at least wanting to meet with someone I’ve flirted with first and then try to make that work before moving onto others.

"Sorry but that McDonald's burger is out of stock." I raised an eyebrow. "He already had a girlfriend. Honestly I thought that reference would make sense to you. Hmm, true a Den Mother's full potential isn't unlocked until after their first pregnancy. And only grows after each other. Ah, that must be why they sent you here as a Den Mother, and I take it your brother is a True Alpha then?"

“It’s also because we’re horny as hell half the time.” I shrugged. “Well...even if harem’s are allowed, you only said he has the one so I’d rather not ruin that.”

"Please, between you two Equestria's gender gap issue basically forever."

“I mean...considering I only smelled eleven men in this town alone…” I frowned.

"Well, eleven and a half but I guess your sniffer can't reach that far." Discord said, giving a boop to my nose.

“And a half?” I tilted my head.

"Oh just a little wish a dear friend of mine wanted and, as the Lord of Chaos, one that was well within my powers to grant. Actually… you might be just what she needs to finally do more than simply play with her new equipment in the bathroom."

“Shy introvert that’s super sexy?” I inquired quickly, taking a wild guess based on previous experiences. “Like...tit’s bigger than my head, an ass that won’t quit...and apparently a dick now?” I asked, thinking about what this super sexy cutie might look like.

"Well, not quite when compared to you. I will admit in the looks department Fluttershy is a solid 7, 8 when she isn't trying to hide behind her mane. As for her newfound member, well it's been a curiosity turn fetish for her for years and once she was open and trusted me enough to ask I happily obliged. I mean I figured at some point one of her friends would discover her not so little secret and one thing would lead to sexy others but this can work just as well."

“Works for me.” I nodded. “So, where is this cutie of a futa?”

"Back this way you horny bitch." Discord said. He didn't say it to be rude, more he said it as a joke… even if it's basically true.

We walked back towards the Everfree and took a small road til we reached a cottage close to the Everfree border with the town. My sniffer smelled lots and lots of animals here. Birds, mice, beavers, turtles and tortoises, hamsters, and a whole lot more.

“Are you sure you're not taking me towards some Disney Princess?” I inquired.

"No, besides Disney doesn't own Hasbro… yet anyway…" The chimera muttered that last part before poofing in a flash of confetti and was gone.

With a sigh I knocked on the door. Opening it was… woah. She had a yellow coat, long silky pink mane and stood just a foot under my height. Her body type was… lovely. Fair sized hips, a thin yet still slightly chubby torso and large knockers big enough to give her an hour glass figure. "Oh, um… who are you?" She spoke with a soft, buttery voice.

"Hi, my name's Tina." I introduced myself politely. "And...wow, you are beautiful."

The mare immediately blushed. "Oh, um… thank you, uh… but, um, why are you here Ms Tina?"

"I'm here to be friends and suck your dick." I answered simply. "I'm willing to go on a date first if you want."

"Wait what?!" She yelped, her blush now crimson as she stuttered. "How do you even- Discord told you?!" Somehow, I suddenly found myself pulled inside, up the stairs and Into a bedroom. "What did Discord tell you exactly?" She asked.

"That sooner or later one of your friends would figure it out." I shrugged. "How I knew you were packing was because of this." I gently tapped my nose. "So...do you want to go on a date first or do you want to just go at it?" I asked carefully. "Either or I'm perfectly fine with it."

"I, um… wow you are very forward aren't you?" She asked. "Then again most mares these days are with stallions. Part of why I uh… kept it secret from the others."

"And I respect that." I said softly. "It's your secret, and sorry for being so forward if it's making you uncomfortable."

"It's, well, it's not like I was expecting this at some point. I did ask Discord for it and knew it would come up eventually. Just, guess I wasn't as prepared for when it did as I thought I would."

"The first time is always the most confusing." I said softly. "I'm still offering a date first to get to know each other better before we fuck." I said, knowing that a date first can help make sex a lot better for both parties.

"Well, um… I'd guess I'd like to know why you want to, um… do it? I was expecting this to happen with one of my friends or somepony I know. Not, a, um… giant wolf person."

"Well I'm a den Mother...but I'm not a mother...so I was looking around for a mate or mates...and Discord said you were single, adorable, and needed a mate."

"Heh, well he isn't completely wrong… um, Tina, right? What, um, species are you?"

"Zinogre, a lightning wolf." I answered.

"Okay. So, um… before we, uh… do it, how will we, uh… handle the, um… after?"

"That depends on what you mean." I answered carefully. "Like cleanup, dating, or you being a parent?" I asked.

"Um, well, the latter two. I did, uh… oh boy. Okay, so did Discord tell you why I wanted… uh, my new… member?"

"He only said it's a fetish." I answered. "But...what is it y to you?"really to you?” I asked softly.

"Well… that's a bit of a story." The mare stated as she took a seat on the bed. "Um, so, do you know about Equestria's gender gap issue?" I nodded. "Then, does it surprise you that aside from my baby brother and dad, I never saw a colt in school until sixth grade?"

“Yeah...that’s fair.” I nodded. “With my nose, I figured out there’s only eleven stallions in town...which is really concerning.”

"Yeah. It's not surprising that as we grew up, a lot of fillies grew… interested in other fillies, but still, they all wanted a stallion. I… always kept my preference for mares when I grew up, but I also wanted kids and… not too many mares want a two mare only relationship. They're fine with being with another mare, but they'd prefer it to be a herd."

“I understand.” I nodded. “Believe me, I’ve been with plenty of women that exclusively wanted women, but always wished to have children of their own.” I sighed out, having had some experiences where fucking turned into some emotional support cuddles.

"There are spells, potions that can let two mares have foals, but the issue with them is that, since both partners are mares, the foal will always be born a filly. And while it, well, gives a foal and keeps Ponies as a race going, well, it still doesn't solve the… shrinking number of stallions in Equestria. It's why I, well… asked, Discord. Once I knew I could trust him and be, well, serious with me, I explained my thoughts to him and asked for my… member. While genetically I'm still a mare, Discord's magic made it so my… stuff, comes out as, well, male and even leans more towards males while in the womb. It's… odd and unorthodox but, in short, Equestria needs more males and not too many mares are keen on a permanent transformation. This was a fair middle ground."

“Fair enough.” I nodded. “Now I don’t know how Den Mother biology works...but I want to also help out with the concerning problems...and considering I’m a canine I can have a lot of pups.”

"True. Ponies are compatible with just about every species on Equestria… it, um… doesn't seem to… weird to you Tina?"

“I already slept with Celestia, Luna, Twilight and Starlight, so it’s perfectly fine to have you hammer my front porch harder than a jackhammer on concrete.”

"Oh… um… okay… so… how… do we do this? I've read some books but, aside from… hands I… haven't done much with it…"

I smiled, knowing this was going to be a learning experience. For her.

“What did you think?” I asked sweetly to Fluttershy, cuddling up to the adorable mare that gave me a nice cream filling.

“I think…” She breathed, her face a deep crimson red as she held onym the arm I wrapped over her. “I get why so many books with a stallion pov write them as so horny…” She stated.

I smiled, holding this cute mare close as we cuddled.

I woke up with a yawn and feeling… really, really good all things considered. Maybe sex for babies just feels better than normal? With a stretch I placed my arm along my belly. The bloated ball already- Wait, what!?

I shot my head up, looking over my torso which already looked nine months pregnant! I barely saw Fluttershy’s mane under the side of my large belly that was on top of her.

“Uh...how in the high hells…” I muttered in pure shock.

“Um, if you’re awake now… mind… moving?” I heard the muffled mare. With as much speed as my now bloated body can muster I got up. I was in my feral form, surprisingly since I was in my Anthro form before. My belly and teats were massive,I can now feel hitting the floor! “Thank you… So, um… is it normal, for your kind to… get that big? So fast?” She asked.

“I don’t know…” I started worriedly. “I...wasn’t told much, I was told how to get stronger to help protect others more than what my natural instincts can do, like my brother wherever the hell he is at the moment...and after that not much.”

“Why yes this is fairly normal.” We both turned around, Fluttershy yelping as she quickly used the… stained sheets to cover up. Discord was next to me, poking the side of my large belly. “Hmm, yes, I’d say… there’s twelve healthy little half breeds in there.”

“Mind giving us an explanation here?” I asked carefully.

“Well it’s like this.” Discord said, poofing in a flash of light and reappearing between us with a pop up story book. “The world your specific breed of Zingore Den Mother, and in the case of your Brother, True Alpha, is ripe with life.” He flipped the page. The little 2-D thunder puppers running along with multiple other monsters, some I recognized, others I don’t. “Now, some have smarts, like your kind, and others don’t.” He flipped the page, showing Thunder puppers hunting some lesser monsters. “And while the packs and dens of the smart races can outnumber and take on the larger beasties, sometimes things still go bad.” He turned the page, showing a Zorah Magdaros crushing countless of Zingore. “So, Den mother’s like yourself developed not just the perfect body for birthing and feeding both infants and even adults, they also evolved the fastest womb incubation periods this side of the multiverse.” He flipped the page, showing a pregnant Zingore with a day night cycle, showing her grow large overnight. “For a normal Zingore on Zinogre relationship, you’d have almost matured them in a month and within another or two, birthed them. But, since Pony DNA is actually easier for you to grow along with the Zingore part, I”d give you… til the end of the month or less.” He said, closing the popup book. As he did, it vanished.

“So...I’m going to be a mother in less than a month?” I asked in shock.

“That’s what I’m betting my money on!” Discord said, snapping his fingers as suddenly I was surrounded by diapers, baby clothes, stuffed animals, and a large crib along the corner. “Oh I wonder if there will be more pony, more Zingore, or maybe some kind of pony Zingore Centaur mix! Oh I can’t wait!” And in another flash, Discord was gone.

“Well...alright.” I started. “So uh...I didn’t think I’d be a mother so soon...what do you think Fluttershy?”

“I think… I might need to widen my doors if you’re going to, um… exit…” Turning, I looked to the doors, then to my own wide frame… well… shit...

“God...this is going to be a massive headache…” I sighed out.

Two months ago, I got knocked up. Willingly but still. A month ago, I gave birth to twelve little half pony, half Zingore pupps. Evelen boys, and one, centaur looking little girl. From oldest to youngest they are Justin, Alex, Nate, Keven, Meadow, Levi, Jack, David, John, Dan, Thomas, and Miles.

Alex, Levi, David and Meadow have largely Fluttershy’s colors, yellow coats and bits of pink while Justin, Nate, Keven, Jack, John, Dan, Thomas and Miles all had mostly my colors with some light yellow underbellies. All of them, save Meadow, had more ponies ears, shorter muzzles, and rougher paws and shorter tails.

Seeing them for the first time… I never felt so… protective of anything. It was like… nothing in the world mattered at all. Nothing but them. I fed them, Thomas sometimes needed to be removed less he pop his own belly, the little glutton. With Starlight, Twilight, Celestia, Luna and Fluttershy’s help, bathes them. Hey, twelve is a lot to bathe alone and I am not licking them clean. Diapers we all took care of when it happened. We had once where all twelve were full... NEVER again…

With a huff I was walking towards the doors of Twilight’s castle. After a.. Remodeling, of Fluttershy’s cottage and a talk between her and the rest here, I made my room here and moved all that baby stuff Discord gave. He showed up every now and then but never stuck around long. It has been two months since Tony went on his… Challenge. Genie told me he is okay, and time between Equestria and where he is flows differently but he will come back when he is done.

I reached the front doors. I haven’t left the puppies since they were born. Maybe I-

I turned and spotted the wall of mares. Four of which were all a month pregnant while Fluttershy, while still looking female, and not pregnant, had that crossed arms look only a father could pull off. Which made sense, she is the father of my pups and if things between her and Pinkie mean anything… Soon Pinkie’s too.

They all looked at me with that same ‘really’ expression they had been giving me when I… chickened out and went back to the pups.

“I didn’t do anything.” I pouted.

“You were about to run back to your ‘den’.” Luna stated. I had been referring to my room as my den lately, since that’s where the pups all were when not… bathing or wherever I was at any moment of the day and night.

“No…” I said slowly, totally not having a ‘shifty eye’ kind of look about myself. “I was just gonna take a...stroll through the Everfree.”

“Then please, the front door is right behind you.” Celestia said with a smirk.

“We can take care of them Tina.” Fluttershy spoke up. “You already fed them, they were bathed last night, and diapers are all fresh and clean. Right now, they’re safe, warm, and sleeping. You can take this chance to finally test out your new powers, and check out that weapons shop that showed up here. You did say Genie sent them here for you but they have had no issues selling to anypony in Ponyville.”

“Don’t remind me. He still keeps selling the Crusaders that armor and swords. The buck even is the Spanish Inquisition?!” Starlight yelled.

“Nobody expects them, so you better be prepared.” I answered simply. “But...I know…” I started. “But I need to see them one last time darn it.” I whined, my ears flat against my skull in sadness.

“You’ve seen them ‘one last time’ eight times this morning.” The clock nearby dinged. “And now it’s the afternoon.” Twilight stated plainly before shifting to supportive. “I know you are a new mother… and well, soon we all will be too…” Twilight said, she, Luna, Celestia and Starlight holding their bellies as well. “But you need to get out and check out how much Ponyville has changed in the last two months. The castle is strong, I’ve enchanted it to the best of my abilities from everything of threat in my libraries.”

“As have we.” Luna said, Celestia nodding.

“And me. I even invented new defensive spells after you’re little… Fly Genocide incident.” She chuckled.

“And all my animal friends that live around here are keeping watch from the outside.” Fluttershy added. “There is probably no safer place in all of Equestria, possibly the world.”

“This Universe actually!” I turned, opening the door as Discord was outside the castle. “You even warded it from me! And I’m the lord of Chaos! Anything that doesn’t make sense I can do! Now that is an impressive feat.”

“See?”

“But…” I wanted to argue, my maternal instincts screaming at me to do so...but I knew I had to stop this and sighed out. “Alright...alright, I’ll...try and go out and see how everything’s going.”

“Good.” Twilight said as the others all smiled.

“Allow me to help take your mind off the little beasties.” Discord said, grabbing my hand and pulling me outside. The sunlight stung at first but once my eyes adjusted. Woah… “Welcome to Ponyville 2.0!” He declared.

Around the town was now a massive, easy thirty foot tall wall made from metal, cobblestone and concrete all around the town. Towers evenly spaced held ponies armed with… familiar bows, I can guess where they got them. The train station now had an armored tunnel with heavy duty closing doors and the ruined buildings were all rebuilt, some different, some the same. Walking along with Discord floating by, I spotted where I think that place… Sugar Cube Corner used to be, now stood a tall stone slab now stood… filled with names.

“I’m…” I sighed out. “I know I shouldn’t blame myself...but I can’t stop but feel like Pain’s attack and...all the dead are mine and my brother’s fault somehow…”

“Oh don’t fret. Cruel as the All Maker’s… trials, can be, they have always assured me one true thing.” Discord stated. I looked over at them. “Everyone who dies along your journey, everyone good, receives paradise. Anyone bad, well, they just send to the other place where they belonged anyway.”

“Still doesn’t help when they could have lived a long happy life…” I replied simply. “Especially the orphans…”

“Yes, well, sadly not everyone can have the happiest of endings or, in this case, beginnings. But they will most likely all come out of this stronger and better later on. Very few have ever declared war upon the All Makers, of their chosen heroes over things like this. About a… 9/12 choose revenge and hatred over moving on.”

“Damn…” I blinked. “I...didn’t think they’d do that but...well Pain’s kind of a bitch so I can see why…”

“Yes well, most go after the All Makers themselves and yeah… it doesn’t end well for them. Anywho, onwards to the new weapons shop!” Discord said, pulling me along and eventually we arrived at a shop that definitely was out of place. While most of the buildings here were wood, clay and stone with straw roofs, this one was solid metal. What metal I have no idea. Sniffing it, it didn’t smell like any metal I knew. On the wall in a glowing blue sign read simply, ‘Weapons Shop’. The door was also metal.

“Well...a little on the nose with the name there.” I muttered as I tried to open the door to see if the place was open.

The second I touched the door, it slid into the ground with a woosh noise. I took a step inside and looked around.

The inside was… fairly barren. A large, black screen on the back wall was the only thing of note in the room. The ceiling just had some soft glowing blue lights that illuminated the room.

"Hello?" I called out carefully.

The black screen lit up, displaying a line of green text.

‘Please hold still’.

I stood VERY still as suddenly the walls, screen and ceiling all seemed to… phase, change and suddenly… It looked like I was in an armory. Tables and walls filled with weapons from bows, crossbows, swords, everything, even guns! At the table in the back next to what I think is a register was… sleeping… some guy in a red hoodie?

“Uh...hello?” I asked carefully to the sleeping person.

“Hm, where?” They muttered, looking up. They… wore an all red face mask, large yellow lensis where eyes would be were the only things to disrupt the all red mask’s surface. “And, you are?”

“I’m Tina.” I answered. “And who are you?”

“Shopkeeper.” They huffed, raising themselves up. Several audible pops as they stretched. “I sell weapons, armor and upgrades from every dimension. In every dimension.”

“Oh, you're the one that Genie mentioned.” I said honestly. “Sorry for not seeing you in...two months, I had a lot of children to look after.”

“Don’t care.” They stated. “So, what do you want and in what dimension of death?”

“To see what inventory you have.” I answered. “Especially Monster Hunter stuff.”

“Sure. So, what class are you looking at?” He asked.

“Hmm…” I thought for a moment, wondering what my favorite weapon in Monster Hunter was. “I’ll do melee weapons, and do you have a weapon known as a Magnet Spike?” I inquired.

“Yes.” He said, snapping his fingers as suddenly every version from the games was floating around me. Behind him, floated other versions made from… I don’t know what but they just looked powerful.

“Damn…” I muttered, seeing all these special shifting weapons. “Uh...before I grab one of them, how much will this cost or what do I have to do?”

“Well,” He levitated over what appeared to be an Iron Magnet Spike and held it. “This one will cost you… what currency does this world use again? Bits, right. 600 bits or a hundred credits.”

“Hmm…” I frowned. “Shit...I don’t think I have money…”

“You can earn credits by doing jobs.” He said, motioning to the wall behind me. Turning around, next to the door was a smaller screen with various… listings. “Town guards takes on any that get too close but scouts that explore the outside tell about all kinds of things running around between the towns and cities. Some take it upon themselves to deal with it, so I reward them for it with credits. Credits exchange for weapons or whatever.”

“Fair enough.” I nodded. “So would I need a hunter’s license for this stuff?”

“Psst. No. I sold a machine gun to a foal. I, do not care as long as you got the money or credits. And don’t worry, he only killed some pterodactyl looking fucks a few weeks ago with it.”

“Well...while giving a gun to a foal is a terrible idea and I want to slap you so hard because my motherly instincts are screaming it…” I frowned. “But...alright, looks like I’ve got some hunting to do to get a lot of money.”

“Pick a job, go out and handle it, then come back. I’ll know if you did it or not.” They said.

“Fair enough.” I nodded.

I headed over to the Job Board. On a sticky note on the screen read ‘CMC, if you can read this, no more Monster Hunting Cutie Mark attempts’. I chuckled at that, then looked over the options.

Thin out a pack of Great Jaggi… 50 credits per kill. Slay the Gammoth in the Everfree… 200 credits. Slay the Noios flock along the train line between Ponyville and Canterlot… 800 credits?

“Damn.” I frowned. “Also that should be a pretty massive flock of Noios for it to be worth 800…” I frowned.

“I think they said the count of them is… forty in that flock right now.” Shopkeeper stated.

“Yeah, that would be a problem…” I hummed. “How many Great Jaggi are in that pack?”

“Eighty.” Shopkeeper stated bluntly.

“Damn…” I frowned. “Well...might as well take down the Great Jaggi’s, those are simple enough, and I still have a newfound hatred after what they did two months ago.”

“Be back when you’re done.”

With a nod, I headed out, walking through town and finding the main gates and was allowed out. Woah…

I remember a little of how Ponyville looked before the attack. The outside was largely fields save for the Everfree… Now, now there’s so much… vegetation and… creatures. Running past my feet were several small actual jackalopes running through the bushes.

“God damn...it’s only been two months, how the shit did this happen?” I asked incredulously.

“Not every creature dropped here was bad, honestly.” I turned, seeing Discord next to me again. “Some, actually, did a lot of good. Nature spirits, fae’s, even a few ‘gods’ to give the monsters and creatures here now a proper environment.”

“Well then.” I said in surprise. “That’s quite a jump...jeez I missed a lot…”

“Well, go get caught up.” The chaos lord motioned to the small trail before me. I shifted into my feral form, and ran down the pathway. As I ran, I felt… oddly, at peace. Something about this… environment felt… welcoming. I quickly smelled blood, and ran towards it. I came to a clearing where someone, dressed in what looked like high tech combat armor, was fighting a Nightcloak Malfestio… and winning.

They rolled, dodging a fly by and shot an arrow into the best side from a modern looking bow. The large owl screeched before flying back up, and began to fly back down at the person. They didn’t move. I was about to run and grab them til they pressed a button on their bow. The arrow they shot into the beast exploded with the equivalent to an exploding car. Part of the beast was blasted into the neary trees, the rest were scattered around as chunks of gore and charred meat along the ground.

“Jesus fuck!” I yelped at seeing the stronger version of a Malfestio explode like that.

The person rapidly drew an arrow, and aimed it at me.

“Whoa whoa whoa hold on!” I said quickly, turning into my anthro form with raised hands. “Not here to fight...uh...who are you?”

They held the arrow drawn for a while, before slowly putting it back. “You’re one of those wolf twins that showed up here two months back.” They said, their voice telling me they were a mare under that helmet and visor. “Finally decided to leave the castle did you?”

“I’ve had to take care of twelve kids.” I answered. “It needed to be that kind of castle to keep my motherly instincts from keeping me near my kids all the time...and even then I was told to get out by several people.”

“So while you were giving birth and your brother fucked off to the stars knows where, ponies like me have been out here in the Wilds dealing with all the crazy shit. Makes sense.”

“I was told my brother went and made a bet with one of the beings that brought us here to bring back someone’s life, with it making him stronger as he figured out how being Zinogre and the species of them are, and for me...well I was literally told that to unlock my special brand of abilities, I needed to be a Mother, as is the term ‘Den Mother’ which I am.” I explained to them.

“And while you two take your time doing that, more and more die.” They replied. “At least Shopkeeper has the tools to even the battlefield for us.”

“Even though he probably wouldn’t have shown up until Genie mentioned something about it.” I rolled my eyes. “But who are you before you start sounding more like a bitch that I don’t have the time or patience for.”

“A mother who lost her son to these Monsters.” I winced. “Monsters, that didn’t show up, until you did. Do I blame you, honestly, no. Do I blame these All Maker Gods? Pain, sure, the rest, no. All I can do now, is kill as many of these shits as I can until I either grow old doing it, or get killed.”

“Well...at least one of us doesn’t blame me and my brother for this.” I sighed out. “Pain is a bitch yes...but please don’t let your entire life be about killing...it’ll do more harm than good for everyone, and I should know cause there was an entire family of those...special people back where I’m originally from.” I said, remembering the Ventral crime family and all the bad shit they do on a daily basis.

“Until you have held your child’s mangled corpse in your arms, crying for hours as their body only grew colder and their blood stained your coat… until you have to bury them yourself… until you can’t sleep because the memories haunt you every time you blink… don’t… tell me how to live my life.” She stated, turning as she tossed something onto the ground that.. Seemed to make a portal on the ground. “Shopkeeper tells me you and your brother are going to fight Pain someday.”

“And I plan on tearing her head off if need be.” I growled. “Cause...even though I had my own pups...I still took care of all those orphans…” I said, electricity crackling from my body as I recounted all the days I was there to help the foals cry for their parents, wishing they would come back. “It’s...it’s….” I couldn’t help but transform back into my feral form and tackle a roaming Great Jaggi that was leaping towards the hunter, tearing it apart in my anger. “It’s fucking horrible…”

“Hm. Get in line.” She said. “I asked Shopkeeper once, if I could fight Pain. Before you two could. He stared at me and I could feel him smile under that mask of his. Said if I got strong enough, he’d set something up. I’ve got two months on you.”

“And I’m not gonna let more people die because of me.” I said as I ate the dead Great Jaggi. “Now that I’m an actual mother, I can now do thing’s my brother can...and also part of a plan I had was fixing this massive gender gap in ponies cause damn.”

“I could care less… Just don’t get in my way. If you try and stop me from fighting Pain… Well, you’d make some good coats.” She said, jumping down into that portal. Once she did, it vanished.

“Christ…” I shook my head as I kept eating the Great Jaggi. “I’d...really not like to see how that mare gets turned into an ‘example’...” I muttered bitterly, fearing me and my brother would find Pain with the severed head of the poor mare trying to avenge her son.

Proteins Absorbed: 7% Muscle Growth
Calcium Absorbed: 4% Bone Density increased.

Great Jaggi traits absorbed. Speed and Agility increased by 3%

“Well...so far so good.” I muttered as I sniffed the air to find Great Jaggi. “Also...jeez, two months and fighting against a Deviant?”

With a sigh I took a deep sniff, taking in all the plants and creatures around me. Eventually, I smelled Great Jaggi. Lots of them.

I turned, running down towards what must be the pack of them. I arrived in a large plains area, and spotted the Great Jaggi pack swarming at… an elephant? A herd of elephants? Huh.

“Well...might as well start picking them off…” I muttered as I took a deep breath and tried to charge myself up like a normal Zinogre would, knowing it would make me so much faster and stronger to handle plenty of them.

Error! No Thunderbugs Detected.
Acquire Thunderbugs before attempting charging boost.

Great…

“Damn it…” I muttered. “Well...might as well make an attempt still…” I muttered as I rushed towards some of the Great Jaggi that were distracted by the Elephants. Even though it wasn’t much, I did indeed feel faster after eating that one Great Jaggi as I slashed my powerful claws against a Great Jaggi’s head before it could notice me.

As I made my presence known, I was careful to try and dodge, but rapidly bit and clawed when I felt one get too close. As I began to worry I suddenly saw two of the things sliced in front of me. Behind them as their bodies fell I spotted Discord, wielding what looked like… Cloud’s Buster Sword… “Need help?” The chaos lord asked as she tail smacked a Jaggi at me.

I caught it in a bone crunching bite, almost splitting it in half.

“Uh...yeah, I really wasn’t entirely thinking this bit through.” I said sheepishly, spinning around and slamming my stone crushing tail against a Jaggi’s head, hearing a resounding crack as I broke it’s neck, killing it instantly as I landed quickly.

Discord and I worked surprisingly well together. The Chaos Lord’s unique body gave them extreme speed and flexibility and my size and strength let us begin to shred through the Jaggis. In what must have been a few hours, we both finally sat in the middle of a Jaggi massacre. “Well, have to admit… Should have worked out more or picked… a less heavy weapon.” Discord said, putting the Buster sword down as his arms suddenly stretched like rope to the ground, even coiling into a pile. “Definitely should have gone with my magic…”

“Fair.” I shrugged as I started to devour the many Great Jaggi corpses to get buffed up. “But you could have used your magic to make it easier to swing the Buster Sword.”

“Normally yes but… Well, after hearing that mare’s story…” Discord started… “Back when they all showed up… I used my magic to keep Fluttershy safe. I knew who brought them and knew it was going to get bad… It’s why I looked for you. Set you up with her. Keeps her safe, but even so, until your brother returns you are just one person. So I… cut a deal with Shopkeeper. Not the same kind as that mare did, but one that would let me help.”

“I understand.” I nodded. “I still hate all the death as is…” I sighed out, eating my third Great Jaggi.

Discord nodded. “I agree.” He said, his arms shrinking back to their normal size. “Even at my height as a tyrant, I never killed anyone. Chaos isn’t all what many think it to be, it’s not all bad and evil. After all, Chaos gives us free will and choice. All Makers might do this and that but not even they can take away the good chaos. Anyway. My deal works like this. I can help you and your brother, get stronger along with you, basically I’m a party member. I sadly, can not use my chaos magic to fight but I can use it to heal and protect. I also just can’t rapidly give you two strength either. No cheating basically. Lastly, I don’t get stronger the same way you two do, I’m stuck on the same system that mare is using… EXP leveling…” He groaned.

“Sounds about right.” I nodded. “Gonna take a lot of grinding...and it’s also going to take me a long time to eat all these stupid thing’s and get the buffs I need.”

“Heh. Well at least you don’t have to worry about getting fat given how your body works.”

“That is a massive plus.” I nodded in agreement.

It took a while, but I eventually managed to eat all eighty Great Jaggi corpses. Thankfully, my belly didn’t reflect it.

Eighty Great Jaggi Devoured.

Proteins Absorbed: Muscle Growth at 560%
New Ability Gained: Super Strength - Your muscles will continue to grow and get stronger without growing larger than your body can handle.

Calcium Absorbed: Bone Density Growth at 320%
New Ability Obtained: Iron Bones - Your bones while still flexible and sturdy, are now as hard as tempered iron.

Great Jaggi Traits Absorbed: Speed and Agility Increased by 240%
New Ability Obtained: Super Speed Rank One - Top Speeds at up to 100 MPH

“Nice.” I said with a smile. “Can’t wait to test all this out...plus with all eighty killed, that should be a hefty chunk of change.”

I wanted to test out my new speed, and rapidly- woah!

As I ran everything seemed blurred. Stopping right before I hit a tree. Okay, gonna have to practice with that…

Walking back to town, Discord and I arrived back at Shopkeeper, who gave me a well earned 4,000 credits. “So, what ya gonna buy?” He asked.

“Hmm…” I hummed. “Well, what are the Magnet Spike’s worth?” I started, wanting at least that good weapon first even though I’d probably fight in my Feral Form more often than not.

“Well, basic iron, steel, bone, titanium, and diamond Magnet Spikes are 100, 300, 500, 700, and 1,000 credits. Then we have the special materials ones back here.” He pointed with a thumb to the ones floating behind him.

“Yeah, all the one’s made from monster parts.” I nodded. “Those would be a whole lot more expensive…” I hummed. “But let’s go with the Titanium Magnet Spike first.” I said, choosing the metal bat'leth looking weapon

“Alright then.” Shopkeeper said, handing me the Titanium Magnet Spike. It felt amazing to hold it. “You have 3,300 credits left.”

“Alright...now let’s look at armor.” I said. “Cause leather armor is fine and Zinogre hide is durable as hell but I’d rather make sure I can stay safe.”

They snapped their fingers again. All the Magnet Spikes vanished as now, suddenly, there was multiple images of all kinds of armors around me. “Any in particular?”

"What's the best I can afford right now?" I inquired.

“That depends, do you want to spend all your remaining credits or do you want to have some left over?”

"Let's have some left over just in case." I said. "Like...a five hundred credit left over, so what's worth twenty eight hundred?"

“This one should do.” He said, snapping his fingers as a metallic looking set of armor appeared on the table between us. “Adamantium armor, with Dragonhide leather padding and straps for comfort and durability.”

"Hold up...adamantium?" I asked in surprise.

“Yes. That a problem?”

"I'm just surprised that material is so cheap." I started.

“Compared to other metals and armors I have, it’s not as impressive as you are probably thinking.”

“Really?” I asked in shock. “Adamantium isn’t impressive?”

"Not when you compare it to other metals throughout the multiverse."

“Huh…” I started. “Alrighty then.” I nodded. “And will this armor also change with my feral and anthro forms like my leather armor?”

"Yes."

“Cool.” I nodded. “So...mind if I ask question real quick?” I inquired. “What’s with all the masks and hiding your faces specifically? You trying to hide or something or is that just an aesthetic choice?” I inquired, having seen four instances of it and was just curious about why.

"It's honestly just cosmetic."

“So the names also just...are cosmetic?” I asked. “Cause the names seem...a little too on the nose with what you all are, even for All Makers don’t you think?”

"When you live as long as we have, sometimes the straight to the point approach just works the best and has less hassle in the long run."

“Fair enough.” I nodded. “Also if you're bored enough which you seem the most bored out of the the bunch.”

"Not bored, just tired."

“Long day of work or what?” I asked simply. “Or are you just narcoleptic?”

"Bit if both. I did make all these."

“Yeah, that does sound tiring, even if you're some omnipotent god or something.” I shrugged.

"Eh. So, you'll be taking the armor?"

“It’ll definitely be an upgrade that’s for sure.” I nodded. “So I’ll take it.”

With a nod they gave me the armor and subtracted the credits. "So, that all then?"

“Where is my brother exactly?” I inquired. “Cause Genie said he was in another plane and didn’t give much details after that.”

"Oh, yeah. They sent him off to the homeworld of your special variation of Zigore. Or, one of them anyway. We call it Goliath, and it's one of the few worlds where we are worshiped. Not by choice, the people there just did it."

“Fair enough.” I nodded. “At least I know where he is and...probably banging anything with a pulse over there.”

"Last I checked he's already got his own Den Mother knocked up. Got one hell of a journey still. If I remember… time difference between here and there… think it's already been two years for him."

“Damn.” I blinked. “Gonna be one hell of a surprise for him when he get’s back that’s for sure.”

"Probably. So, any more questions?"

I thought for a moment, wondering if there was anything else I had to ask or if I should just head back home to my pups. “Hmm...nah, I think I’m good at the moment.”

"Alright then. Well, later then. Try not to die."

“I’ll do my best.” I said, waving goodbye to Shopkeeper as I exited the building...and then used my new super speed powers to immediately bolt home to cuddle with my many pups.

To be continued...