Eclipse's Journey

Chapters

Chapter 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Elements of Catastrophic
Catastrophe 2
Catastrophe 3
Catastrophe 4
New opponents?

Chapter 1

The sun was high in the sky today on the world much similar to our own, this world is called Terra. From space Terra was the three times the size of Earth. However, the planet’s surface looks like a mirror image of Earth’s masses when it was Pangaea. Well except, planet was 6 times larger if it was compared to our globe. Terra’s inhabitants consist of Dragons, Ponies, Windigoes, Alicorns, Zebras, Bulls and so… The planet is full of lush plants; some of these plants resemble the ones from Earth, while the others are more alien in nature. Over a few eons, the species have made cultures and society flourished into blooming city town similar to human cultures. However, our world is lacking an energy source but this planet has in heaps. If the locales of Terra had to describe this force, they would call it “Magic”. Many of the species from the planet aren’t able to tap into Magic without something to aid them. However, species like Ponies, Dragons, Windiegoes…ETC. Ponies especially were affected enough to change them three different kinds Unicorns, Pegasus and Terra Ponies. This is my tale.

Today is March 1, 2015 on the Equin calendar. The sun was bright and unyielding as its bright rays were coming down on me. My track going toward town seemed to get longer with every step I took. As I look around, the terrain was desert like and vacant. It felt like I haven’t seen or heard anyone in hours. I was sweating profusely with every step, while carrying a large bag of luggage on my back. I begin to yell at myself internally “why did I pack some much before leaving!?”

As I arrived at the town’s entrance, I begin to notice the town had started to look like something out of an old western film. I trotted into the nearest building in desperation to get out of the heat. Luckily that building was an inn, or I would have to explain to local police why I’m breaking and entering. After entered the room, everything seem to go into slow motion as the floor came very close. I had never been so happy floors and air conditioning. When a loud but soothing voice seemingly coming out of nowhere rang in my ears; I looked up with a bemused expression, wondering where the source of the feminine voice leading to was coming from across the room. My sight became blurry, the mare from across the room closer to me. My body gave out from overexertion and I feel unconscious.

After what felt like a few minutes, I awoke to find myself in a very comfortable bed. It felt like I was floating on a cloud. The room I was small, dimly lit, a full body mirror, with a walk in a closet and a window near the bed. Looking out the window, the moon was high in the sky. “Great, I have been out of it for hours in some stranger’s house ” I thought. Looking over to the mirror “I should check if I got a tattoo or a piercing; Or even worse a mullet.” Trotting over to the mirror revealed a light sky blue fur with short dark spiky mane. His eyes shined like the clear blue sky. Overall he looked like a bland stallion, most ponies would over look in a crowd.His most odd physical trait is his cutie mark.Thinking back to when Eclipse first got his cutie mark.The mark he had received confused him to no end.Eclipse wasn't familiar with anatomy of Homo sapiens. So when his mark appeared, he had no idea what it could be. After spending half a day of asking various mares and stallions, a librarian that specializes on animals was able to identify the mark.She told him it was a "hand".Hands were not something most species had on their bodies in terra. The librarian went on to say, the hand was in a position suggesting offering help in some cultures.
Coming back from his moments of brief nostalgia, Eclipse notices a mare walk into the large wall mirror.

Eclipse jumped back towards the bed and brought his to two front hooves up in a fighting position.The mare said "Calm down, you shouldn't be so gung-ho to fight the pony that saved your life".Eclipse took a good look look at the mare.
She was a unicorn with fur so blonde it could make sunflower jealous.She had a long and slicked back mane. The color was red cherry at first glance. She looked about my age, even though her clothes and demeanor said otherwise. Squinting at the ends of the main revealed another color.
"Hey! Eyes up here." She yelled with a slightly annoyed expression. Snapping back to reality, My eyes zipped back to her eyes.Her eyes was light blue like my coat.But for some reason they felt cold and soulless.Some could mistake it for it belonging to a doll.
"HEY! TERRA TO CAPTAIN SPACY! DO YOU COPY!"The mare bellows to the stallion in front of her.Snapping out of my trans, slightly embarrassed.I asked her calmly "Who are you, where are we and can you please give some water?" She says in a rather smug tone "You have been out of it for hours. You should be thanking me.” Embarrassment was written on my face when I said "You’re right, I am sorry about that Miss...Umm. What is your name again?"

The mare sudden smiled and said "My name is Ms. Bolt, pleased to meet you. What about you mister stallion of mystery?" I stood for a second confused before saying "Oh, my name is Eclipse Filer but most ponies call me Clips."

"Nice to meet to you, Mr.Clips." she said in a cheerful way."So what, brings you fainting in my hotel?"I told her "I was looking for a small town to set up shop." Miss Bolt asked with a little bit of interest "Really what are you going to selling?" I said "I am going to start up a company to help people. I guess you can say I'm running a hero for hire service. I haven't worked out all the kinks yet, that's the idea."Ms. Bolt replied in a very deadpan tone "Your selling your our own manual labor. That can get very dangerous. What if your client, doesn't pay you for some reason? Or what if some else goes wrong?" I gave a fake smile "Don't worry, that's what contracts are for. Although, it's nice to know you care for complete strangers. Besides if I didn't, what pony would?"

Ms.Bolt said "Great, that means you would not mind working off your stay.Unless you can pay me 15 bits." With a defeated look I said "I would pay it, if I didn't get robbed earlier in the desert." She then said in a nonchalant tone "I will see you at 7 then. Good night, Mr.Clips." Ms.Bolt walked out of the room without another word. On cue my stomach started to growl and I haven't eaten anything thing since yesterday morning. I sighed and thought "I shouldn't add any more work for myself. I will just go back to sleep." His stomach growled again, urging him to find something to eat. In a hushed voice I said quiet to my impatient body part. I trotted back to bed and trying to rest on an empty stomach.

A few hours later, I awoke to my stomach growling. I looked out the window and saw the just barely rising above a distance hill. Annoyed, I sat up and thought "Uggh, why did I have wake up soooo early! I don’t even think anyone gets up this early. I guess their are a few things I can do until my boss wakes up." I looked around the room to find something small.After a good few seconds, I could not anything like that. So I settled on a my pillow. After I put the pillow in front of me.I raised my front hoof to it and focused on the pillow.The pillow began to shake violently. Then suddenly it started to float up in front of his hoof.The pillow felt like it was as heavy as a 300 hundred pounds. In a hushed voice I said "Okay, let’s try to make it 30 this time." I began to count the number of times, I was able to lift the pillow.
15 minutes later and grunting and gasps for air could be heard from down the hall."29....30!"The pillow then dropped to the bed like a lead weight. I sighed in relief as if a great weight has been lifted from my shoulders. From out of nowhere a squeak came into my room. My eyes quickly darted where the noise came from at lightning speed. I was lucky. I was sweating already to hide my fear.

There stood the mare that allowed me to stay at her establishment. Ms.Bolt had a shocked and confused expression on her face. "How are you doing that? I thought you were a terra stallion" she questioned. “How about this I tell you over breakfast and the meal does not add to my bill?” After a moment of thought, she sighed in defeat and lead me to the kitchen on the bottom floor.

I found out my floor was on the second floor on the far left of the building. After getting to the kitchen she started to making hay-bacon and eggs. The kitchen had an out rustic feel to it, like the rest of the town. There was even a large table with two chairs in the room.She placed the hay-bacon in aluminum foil and placed it in the oven. She turn to face me with a serious expression on her face and said “spill it”, while taking a seat at the table with one eyebrow raised in disbelief. ”Okay” I remarked in a lazy tone.

“Ponies on this planet are normally divided into 4 kinds. There are unicorns, pegasus, alicorn, and terra pony. Unicorns magic works on a wide range of things and it only as strong as their will. There will can be used through concentration and training, focusing through their horns. Terra ponies work on the same idea but it only changes their bodies.Pegasus are well known for their ability to change to fly and wielding the power of the weather. Alicorns are more rare but not unheard of to most ponies.Alicorns are the balancing point of the three.They are normally related to royalty and are able to do all three of the others can do. I however found out, I was an exception to the rule. Two years ago, when I was heading home after a long day of school. My teacher had drilled some lesson about math and reading being needed for coding or something. The lecture went on for 3 hour, but it felt it was 12 hours. It was late at night and not many ponies was around as I walked home. While crossing street to pegasus mail ponies was passing overhead carry a large grand piano. Later, I found out they were tired from hauling large items all day and this was a rush order. The strain was a bit too much for their wings.

The next few seconds everything felt like the world was moving in slow motion. I looked up from hearing screaming coming from above. I saw two falling pegasus ponies flailing while trying to stop the piano. I could see it coming but my body would not move fast enough to get out of the way. My angry began to boil as the situation felt bleak. Mentality, I began to curse myself for not having the power or speed to cease this from happening.Then a thought came to mind (I can’t help or protect anyone like this, I can’t let my life end like this!).

That was the last thing I could remember before waking inside of a hospital bed. The doctor told me I was in a freak accident. I had been rushed to the emergency room urgently and was checked from head to toe. Except the doctors couldn’t even find a scratch on my body. The odd thing was they said I was wearing a suit of armor, when I was brought in.The doctors had never see armor like this before.They had to remove the armor to check for injuries. After the armor was removed it vanished without a trace.One of them had asked me if I did get smashed by a piano and about the armor. I had no idea what he was talking about. Later, that day the pegasus mail ponies came in and was amazed I was perfectly fine. They even offered to pay for my medical bill there. Which was a great thing, even though I was released a day later with a small bill.

A month or two had passed me like normal but my curiosity hounded me daily to get answers. So, I did an experiment to see if I could do magic. After talking to some unicorns and they said moving things was the easiest spell to cast.While I was at home, took a spoon and laid out on a table. The most I could do was make it shake slightly.I tried doing other spells but none of the other spells worked. It took half a year to lift the spoon even a little bit and I have been practicing ever since.”

Ms.Bolt’s then asked “So, when you were walking home from school a piano dropped on you. But you were saved by magical armor that appeared, was there as unicorns or alicorns in the area?” I shaked my head and said “No, I asked the mail ponies that and they said there wasn’t anypony around.” ”Okay doesn’t make any sense, how did the armor come out nowhere.” I shrugged saying I had no clue.

After breakfast and cleaned the dishes, Ms.Bolt and I started walking to the foyer of the hotel. “I was going to paint the front of the hotel today. But lucky for me I have a wonder worker willing to do it for me” Ms. Bolt said while trying to put on the most adorable face on possible. I asked her defensive ”why me? Can’t you ask anyone else who is working here longer than day?” Her face suddenly had a sad look and told me “I don’t have many workers on my staff just yet. My hotel is still somewhat new, it’s only been open for a year. When it first open, there still wasn’t many visitors coming from larger cities. But there was enough for my hotel to get by each month.”

Naturally, I then asked her “Wait, then why are you running a hotel in a desert town? Shouldn’t you had opened it in a city?” We stopped for a second when we made it to the entrance of the hotel. Ms.Bolt paused for a second and turned to face me with a serious look. ”That bit of information falls under, none of your business area Mr. Filer.” Ms. Bolt sighed and went back to looking depressed and said “To answer your earlier question; Yes, I do have 2 other employees but they went missing a month ago.”

With a confused look on my face I said ”Missing? What do you mean ‘Missing’?” In machine like manner she explain the story to me. “About 3 month ago, my two employees named Saphyre and Shadow Storm, decided to head to Lupin for a vacation. Lupin is the next town over to the west of here.After racking up enough vacation days, they left for a three day trip to Lupin, a day before the beginning of February. I called them on that Wednesday to yell at them for being late but, neither of them answered. I tried it again and again, day by day until a week had gone by.Next, I called their parents and relatives. However, they had no clue what was going on and were worried. I called the cops to report them being missing and asked the cops to look for them. But I got ‘Sorry Ms. Bolt but Lupin is out of our area of authority, our hooves are tied here.’ A week ago, I decided to head to Lupin myself to find those too and drag them back. Before I left, some of the guys broke into my hotel calling themselves “Mighty V’s”. They tried ransack and destroy some of the hotel but I managed to fight them off. It took until the day before you came, before my hotel was completely fixed up.”

I stood there with my mouth wide open, taking in the whole story and in a confused tone, I said ”Okay there a few things I want to ask, first is the most important one. You have worker named Shadow Storm!?” With a confused look she says “Yes, but why is that important?” Shaking my head I said ”Are you kidding me, that’s the coolest name I ever heard.” She yells ”ARE YOU AN IDIOT OR SOMETHING!” I said in apologetic tone ”Sorry, I got a bit distracted.” In a more confident tone I said ”Next, you are the most caring if not weirdest boss I have ever met. Most bosses I can think of would just fire their employees after not getting a hold them after three days if not a week.” In an annoyed tone Ms.Bolt said ”They have been working for me for a few months now and we actually became good friends.” I followed up and asked ”What about your business, you can’t just take off when you feel like it right?” In response Ms.Bolt said “Well, there was a lack of customers this month and last month. You are actually my first ‘customer’ in a long while.” I began to stretch my leg and ask “So, did you report the Mighty V’s for the break in?” She says ”Of course, I did but the police didn’t want to look into it. I found out later, they were taking bribes from Mighty V’s.” With that being said, I stopped stretching, faced the door with focus and determination on my face, I declared “Then I know what I need to do, I need to pay a visit to the crooked police force. To find Mighty V’s right?”
Ms. Bolt said in a disinterested voice "If you get hurt, that's on you.Before that you promised to repaint the front of the hotel." In a sign of relief, I said "I would but you don't have a paint brush, paint or ladder. I can't help with this." She says "Really? What about this?" Ms.Bolt horn lite up and paint can with a large brush was elevated from behind the hotel's front desk."What about the ladder" I asked.She says "let me worry about that."

Stand In front of the hotel, it doesn't seem that large.The building only had three floors.Next to the building, looked the rest of them made me feel like I just stepped out into the wild wild west.I was waiting for a brown pony stallion to come out of a salon with a ten gallon hat, twirling a lasso. Ms. Bolt walked out levitating the supplies.I asked "So, how are you going to get me up there?" She says in a relaxed voice with a smirk on her face "Like this." She gives him the bush and then coats me in the same magical aura and lifts me up. A surprised look of blush went on my face.I said "Woah, where are you grabbing?" With a smile on her face she raised me to the third floor while saying "It's fine, the ladder we had were destroyed in the raid. This is the best way for you to do it. Or do you want to try buying a ladder with the bits you don't have."I winded back to her "Come on how is this safe? Besides, I feel like I need an adult."Feeling a little annoyed Ms.Bolt says "YOU ARE AN ADULT! Besides, there is no way I would touch or hold your flank unless it's work related." I said back in a joking tone "That sounds like sexual harassment to me.Hey are you sure you can hold all of this?" I started to flex my imaginary muscles. Ms.Bolt said "Yeah, I can hold up to 300 pounds. Funny thing, your lighter than most stations." I said under my breath I said "Yeah you would need to be that strong to lift a flank that big." Somehow, Ms.Bolt sensed my smart remark and smacked me on the side of my head with the paint can.But somehow she managed to not let any of the paint spill. She says in cruel way "Sorry, sometimes I forget how strong I am sometimes."

3 hours of work later, I asked Ms.Bolt to accompany me to the police station.She agreed to it since I still didn't know the town very well. While strolling through the streets, I noticed something odd. There was nobody outside as far as the eye can see. There was a bizarre amount of silent for this time of day.The only things that can be heard was a faint breeze passing by and the sound of our hooves clopping on the pavement.

“Where is everyone?” I asked Ms.Bolt. She said “Oh this? This is the handy work of Might V’s gang.They have been around for the past 3 weeks, turning this town in their territory. The first week everyone thought they were a joke and tried to fight back. I was their unofficial leader for the town. The second week was chaos, the town’s folk was getting beaten down and the police was staying out of it. There was one or two officers did tried to help our cause. I heard they lost their jobs after that.” I was baffled by what I just heard as the police building came closer, I said “Everyone in this town agreed to make you their leader, they must really trust and respect you.” With a confidence voice Ms.Bolt says “What? Is it that so surprising, I’m was leading our great town of Mojave Aster?” I told her in a disinterested tone “Nope, I believe you 100%” as we walked into the police station.

The police station was a large building with an officer badge in front of it. Inside there was at least 5 officers are were in there with their own desks. Each desk was customized to the officer’s preferences. On the right side of the station there was a large high definition tv on the wall. The tv was on and the channel was on a baseball game.The officers huddled up in from of the tv, trying to see the game. One of the cops noticed and walked over with annoyed look on his face. He was a stallion with a Gray coat, navy blue eyes, wearing the traditional police get up. ”Great, Ms.Rain is here to stop our parade. So, Rain who is the little colt? Is he your new ‘coltfriend’” the officer said. I thought “Wow, 5 secs and I want to punch him through a wall.That must be a recorded or something.”Ms.Bolt said in a very irritated tone ”Stop flapping your lips before I bust them, Marco. My new employee here wants to talk to Might’s V’s leader.” The officer turn to me and sighed “listen whoever you are, for your own good you should stay away from them. Those morons have been nothing but trouble since day one. Rain, here is the main reason why we're able to control that group so well.” In burst of confidence I declared “Don’t worry, I will get rid of your problem.Just tell me where to go so I can hit them hard.”In a serious tone marco says ”My job here as a police officer is to keep our citizens safe and keep the peace. We don’t have the pony power to handle all of their thugs. So I try to do the next best thing and keep the peace. But do you really think you can help then by all means. They live in the large warehouse just up the street from here.” I nodded my headed and me and Ms.Bolt started to head out the door.Marco yell as we walked out the door saying “We want to help but hooves are tied here.The orders from our boss if you can believe it! Also look out for pistols, our armory got raided last night and a few of them turn up missing.” I stopped at the door the and looked back at cop and said ”Well, it’s a good thing I’m not a police officer; I am a problem solver.I will get the job done even if I cause some trouble along the way.”Then I walked out with Ms.Bolt not that far behind.

In front of the warehouse stood two bulky terra ponies.The warehouse itself was from the outside seemed unimpressive.It was a large compared to the buildings around it. The building was standing by itself. The warehouse looked as though it was freshly painted green.It was odd seeing the building with the sandy a background.It kinda like painting a bull-eye on the place.

Before getting in ear shot of the thugs, I asked Ms.Bolt “Is there anything I should know about this guy.”Ms.Bolt sighed and said “He has 60 lackeys and he's a big guy.” With a raised eyebrow I said “Okay, I will wait here for you to get the rest of the town.” Ms.Bolt shaked her head saying “No, most people are still resting up after the last battle with those guys.I am just a bit tougher than most mares.So what's the plan?” Taking a moment to think, I said “Plan A, was to storm the place with the element of surprise on our side.Plan B, Is to negotiate with the leader.”

“HEY YOU!” one of the guards yelled and both of them walked over. “You're the leader of this town.” Close up the guards was a good foot taller than Ms.Bolt and I. Ms.Bolt smirked while saying “Good, a foot soldier knows who I am.You just saved me alot of trouble.”

Ms.Bolt jumped up on her back two legs and up uppercut the grunt closest to her.The guy recoiled back from the sudden movement.He smile for a second and stood up on his hind legs and took a fight stance.The stance looked similar to a boxer. He came back a Ms.Bolt with two quick jabs and one punch to the stomach.The larger pony blows was a bit slower than her's was. The first hits she dodged, but the last one hit the stomach caught her off guard.She bounced back and landed on her back legs. After taking a quick second to glance at her surroundings.Bolt, dashed in and dished out a 7 hits barrage of punches to the stomach and face.The thug barely had enough time to block two or three of the major damage.He started to fall backwards and Ms.Bolt made him fly on to his flank with a back kick to his chest. Before he could figure out what hit him, Ms.Bolt turned around and hopped on his broad chest.She delivered one final blow across his jaw, effectively knocking that grunt out.

The other guard stood by me, thought his comrade could take on the mare.He was shocked she got the upper hand and won. So rather than taking us both on he started running to the doors for backup.. I ran up in front him of him put my hooves up trying to slow him down. That did not work since, he kept running like I wasn’t there. I could feel the rocks and sand grind painfully against my soles. Until I had enough of this, jumped on his back and grabbed his neck.The thug could barely hold both of us.Then I jumped to the side and brought us both to the ground. I landed on my flank hard. While, the guy tripped and face first to the ground. I got up, brushed myself off and said ”Well, that could have better.” Ms. Bolt walked by me and with a serious look, not even giving me a second glance and “come on, let’s go.” She hoofed the door open then shouted “the leader of this junkyard better show their face right now or I’m going to recycle all of you trash!”

The inside of the building was dark then, eerily lit up Their was about five ponies walking around with paint buckets and brushes.Then someone yelled in excitement saying “Yes, we have power.”
A large minotaur came in from the back door of the warehouse. The minotaur stood at about at 7’3, with a dark red fur that could be confused with brown fur. He walked towards us with a cocky smirk saying ”What are you doing here, Bolt. Don't you know there are just somethings you just have to accept. Like me taking this town for myself.”

Then two more of his lackeys came in from the same door.I glanced over to them and instantly recognized them.I yelled in anger ”You were the guys that robbed me yesterday!”

The Minotaur look at me and smiled, then said ”Oh snap, you're our unnamed contributor. I will give you a tour to what your money paid for.” He then gave us gestures to like he wanted to look him. He pointed to the empty paint cans off to the side and says “We're still setting our little place of business. These paint cans were bought by your valued ‘donation’ to our charity.”

I was fuming with rage, I said “GIVE ME BACK MY MONEY!” In a relaxed tone he said ”I just said they went into buying the cans.There was little more left after the cans and I got a good back scratcher. It even has a vibration function.” I stormed up to him, stood up on my back legs and started poking him on his chest saying “You and me right NOW! If I beat you down right now. You and your lackeys leave or disband.I don't CARE.” The Minotaur smirk and said “Sure, if you agree to be my lackey. I could always use an extra pair of hands, hooves...etc on call.”

I jumped back into a fighting stance. I said “Before I beat you into the ground, what is your name?” He took a stance too and said “Victor Migrant, It's a pleasure to make you cry.” While we were talking, Victor's men noticed your little chat and walked over to watch our little fight and started chanting “Vic, Vic, Vic”.Ms.Bolt yelled “Yeah you can do IT Clips! Clips, Clips, Clips!”

I mentally calm myself down and focused on Victor. I threw a punch to his stomach but he dodged it. Victor threw two quick punches to my face. He missed the first hit but I got me on the second hit.Then he jumped back, preparing himself for my counter. I closed the distance between us, delivering a kick to his stomach.Next follow up with a fury of blows ranging between his stomach and face.

The kick had caught him off guard, forcing him to be pushed back a bit. The series punches cause the minotaur to stagger a bit and trip to the ground. I went after him but before I could get to him, one of his lackeys tripped me.He then placed his hoof on my back to keep me from getting up. I yelled “What the taurus!? You said we were having a fair match.” Victor stood with a black eye and said “We are, I’m fighting you one on one. But can’t control what our members do.” I glared at him and said “I thought you were the leader of your group.” The minotaur looked confused saying “I never said I was the leader of our group. Besides, we vote on our groups decisions. We’re really strong believers of democracy.”

Then a large blast of magic that seem to come out of nowhere; hit the guy with the hoof on top of me and two ponies behind him into a far wall. Ms Bolt proclaimed “I don’t listen to him either.”As I rose to my hooves, the other members and Vic tried to rush in and overwhelm us. But Ms.Bolt made a bubble like shield to cover us at the last moment. They started to pound on her shield, it sounds like rain hitting a window.Ms.Bolt smirked and said ”Wow, he got you with a good one.So how are you holding up.” I start to stretch out a bit saying “not too bad but that was a good punch. So what’s the shield, most ponies I know how to do that?” She shrugged and said “You would be surprised how often this spell has come in handy.You handle Vic, I got the other members.” I raise an eyebrow and said “Why?”

While we were talking, Victor was enraged by us talking like they weren’t even there.He ran to the door, grabbed a side of the door and with tremendous force ripped the door off it’s hinges. With the door in his hands, he started smacking the bubble. Ms.Bolt was completely unfazed by door saying ”Because, I’m way stronger and I can make you do it. Now are you ready?” I asked “do I have a choice?” She closed her eyes and smiled saying “NOPE!”. The bubble explode outward while disappearing, causing a shockwave.The shockwave sent all of them back a foot or so.In that second, she ran out towards a large group of them.Using her magic she constructed a large wall to push all of the members, all but Victor. Victor still angry about being ignore, came at me swinging the door at me.

I didn't have time to evade the door.A few seconds before the door connected. I felt weird, especially around my front legs.Suddenly a pair of armbraces, appeared on my arms.My hooves moved fast than I can think and grabbed the door.Victor looked shocked from me pulling of the feat, standing holding on to the door.I then lifted the door with the minotaur holding on to it and started to spin like a top.During the spin I said ”Sorry, we met this way. It’s best if we let go.” Then I let go of the door, sending Victor and the door to the higher parts of the warehouse in the back of the room.Victor was screaming after I let go of the door and flew through the air. Until, he collided with the wall face first. Next the door flew straight into his back; he moaned in pain from the impact. The force was enough to make him stick the wall for a second. Then he fell straight to the ground and pass out.

I was baffled on how I was able to that. I was always kinda physically, weaker than other terra stallions. So, I had to train on a daily to be on the same level of strength as normal terra ponies. But, I have never been strong enough to lift a bit then my weight.I looked at my hooves and saw the armbraces for second. Then they faded away in that second.

I looked up at Ms.Bolt, she was finishing off the last of the Mighty V gang.But I noticed something weird about her appearance. Her tail looked like it was replaced by a gray fin from a distance.The fin also had holes in it. Her back two legs had holes all on it. I ran up to her as she knocked out the last of those guys. I was really worried if she was okay I said “are you okay!?”
She looked over at me saying “Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” If I was a videogame character, I would have question mark hovering over my head. I Iooked at her back legs and tail. But all the holes had vanished and her tail turned back to normal.Ms.Bolt sighed and in an annoyed tone said “How many times do need to tell you pervert.” She hit me in my front leg. “Stop looking in places you shouldn't be.Now let's head back. and rest up.” She while still looking at me, she said ”lunch is on you” and started walking to the entrance.I started walking too then said to her ”But, I’m still broke and why do we need to rest up.” She stopped for a second, while standing in front of ruined door. Looked back at me and declared “We’re dragging my employees back from their vacation, back to work.”

Author's Note

Hi everyone, this is my first story on here. I have been thinking about making this story for a good while now. I have been writing it bit by bit for the last few...months or so but I'm nowhere near done. My grammar is not the best in the world, so please give me some feedback and tell me what you think. When I say feedback I mean give me constructive criticism. So do just says, "this sucks" without giving me a why or a suggestion to improve it. :pinkiesmile:

Part 2

Chapter 2

A day passed since Victor’s gang was defeat. The cops came soon after the battle was over. To see what was all the ruckus about. It turns out the shock wave from the Ms.Bolt’s bubble popping was loud enough for most ponies in town could hear it. We were brought back the police station for questioning. After giving the officers our statements on our “over zealous” welcoming. Offices thanked us for our actions but warned us not to keep doing it. “Like it or not, those bandits are working under the protection of Lupin. Lupin’s protection was giving them a free pass for them to do whatever they please. If we got involved, the ruler of Lupin would have had our badges.” I asked “Who was the ruler of Lupin?” Marco stepped in and said ”The leader is an alicorn called Crimson Lotus. She is also known as The Demonic Lotus.” I raising an eyebrow in interest Marco continued on. “Lotus is an Alicorn, that was recently crowned as Queen of this land about 3 years ago. At first she seemed like a promising leader.But one day from out of the blue her personality changed. 2 years later, she enslaved Lupin.Lotus then raised the taxes for all the nearby towns.”

After the chat with Marco, Ms.Bolt order me to make dinner while she had to go and get ready for the trip. When she got back she had two large bags ponies would use for camping. She had 10 canteens filled to the brim with water, an excessive amount of rope, two grappling hooks, six hoagies, 2 black and white shirts. I gave a confused looked saying ”Are we going travel somewhere or are we camping for a week?” Ms.Bolt said “We need this much to get through the desert.” My tone switched to serious saying “Wait we’re walking to Lupin? Can’t we take a bus or carriage or something?”

Ms.Bolt shook her head saying “I wish, but her royal highness limited the amount of times for the transportation from Lupin to Aster. The last one for this week was two days ago.We need to go as soon as possible.” I said “Why not wait a week later? They are still going to be there in a week. Or who knows maybe they might come walking in work tomorrow.”
Ms.Bolt walked up to me and glared.The room suddenly felt slightly colder, while the look she was giving me was intimidating enough to make a full grown dragon submit to her.It was almost like she wasn’t looking at me but something or someone else.It's a good thing I am good at hiding my expression or she would have known I was only a little scared of her.She said “I have been waiting for them for months! I'm done with waiting! You can come with me and get paid or leave.I don't have patience to wait anymore.”

Right now, I’m doing my morning workout in my room and I’ve made my decision. Whether I like or not, Shadow and Saphyre have been gone for way too long for them to comeback and act like nothing happen. But I can’t travel with Ms.Bolt, not when she is hiding something. I could ignore it if I knew something about her besides her ‘wonderful personality’. Or if we were going to a place I’ve been to before. Heck, I don’t even know what they look like.There are too many questions and not nearly enough answers. Ugh, but I can’t just let Ms.Bolt go into the desert by herself. I’m not even sure if she is a pony at this point.*Sigh* I stopped doing exercises and started walking to the entrance of the hotel to find Ms.Bolt.
Right now, Ms.Bolt was sweeping the front entrance of the hotel.She would have left last night after collecting everything she needed and eating dinner. She was too tired to go out the door. So now, she is waiting for the sun to go down. Since traveling at night is the best way to go in the desert on hoof.

I opened the door saying “Morning Ms.Bolt, can I talk to you about something?” She sighed and stopped cleaning the front of the building and came inside. Ms. Bolt had a very concerned look on her face as she passed by me. While not even looking at me she declared “Fine, follow me.” We walked to the second floor and walked two doors to the left. The room looked identical to my room except the room was a little messy. The closest is wide open showing a few dresses, hats and other things. She turned around but Ms Bolt still was not looking at me and says “This is my room, talk.” Looking straight at her I said “I want to help you, but there is too many things I don’t know. Tell me more about yourself or our employees, so I know what I’m risking my flank for.” Ms.Bolt sounded depressed as she responded back to me “Are you sure, this is what you want?” I told her yes and I heard the door lock behind me.

I noticed near her hooves, embers of green flames sparked in the floor. I was going to push her out of the way of the flames. But before I could move, her body was engulfed by the flames. The flames were so bright I had to cover my eyes for second. Oddly enough, the flame didn’t give off any heat. 3 seconds later the fire disappeared without leaving any scorch marks on floor.

The creature standing there seem close to a pony but there were a few differences. The mystery creature had black fur but their legs had holes in them.The pony like creature looked up to me with a pleading expression saying don’t scream.The eyes were replaced with light blue orbs. The long flowing blonde hair was cut or burnt down to short red hair. The mark that was their flank had also disappeared. While I was still holding the look of disbelief, it says “So, is this enough information.”

I had no idea what to say. I had more questions than ever now about who the is she. But two things was a definate, the only way to find out is asking her directly. The other thing was, if that look she was giving me was any sweeter. I would be getting cavities. So I did the first thing that came to mind. I sat down on to the floor and said “Nope, now I’m not even sure what or who you are anymore. However you got my full attention, so I want to hear your story. I will decide after I hear it.”

The creature sigh and said “Fair enough, for starters I am a changeling and Raining Bolt is my name. Changelings are insect like ponies with the ability to naturally transform into other species of creatures. Changelings also have the ability to sense and feed off of emotions.” I having some doubts I asked “so how do you sense emotions?” Her mouth opened and some kind of energy formed and a small orb of energy was formed and she ate like pieces of candy.After she had finished, she said “You're curious, confused and concerned.Odd though, I thought I was going to taste revolving. ” I replied back in a defensive way saying “You would be too if you had heard all of this from someone you met yesterday.”In a matter of fact tone she says ”Yeah but it's the truth.Now I am going to tell you my story.”

“Changelings and ponies have never gotten along.Mostly because Ponies seen Changelings as over sized magical leeches.While Changelings normally see ponies as gullible and delicious.We don't eat ponies but we do drain the emotional feelings out of any species. Unfortunately, ponies believe Changelings are dangerous. But it’s actually safer than they think, I could drain a pony’s emotion for a day.But the emotional drain would not be life threatening. Against the truth, the popular belief was the drain being life threatening. So your kind decided, it was better to stay away from ours. That would have been fine except your kind is the one of the biggest emotional landmines I has ever seen. So like a filly to a candy store, we’re drawn to you guys” she said.

I raised a hoof to my chin as if I was piecing a jigsaw puzzle together. In a confused tone I said “With your ability to shapeshift that would make the job to hide is way easier. But that does not explain why you’re here now.” Rain replied with “Yeah, I was getting to that. Well, when I was young, my parents wanted me and my sister to follow in their footsteps. They wanted me succeed them. But I knew and my sister knew my dreams were elsewhere.My dream is to own a successful Hotel. So when I was older and had enough money to leave.I was gone before they could find me.I've been hiding ever since.”

Taking this in I asked her “why didn't you talk to them about it.” Rain got more depressed from my remark. She says “I tried repeatedly to tell them but it is in one ear and out the other.” She looked directly at me, her eyes began to water and said “If this isn't enough info, then who needs YOU!”

“Woah, calm down there I'm not saying no. I was making sure, I knew what I was working for now. How about we leave at sunset?” A smile formed across your face and I could hear the door unlock.Sighing, I asked Rain “You did need to lock the door?” Rain dried her eyes with one of her fore legs and said ”I did; the last time I did this, the pony ran trying to get help.” In a dry tone I said ”Well, you just light up on fire and change subspecies.” She says while walking to the door and walked to the hallway “I guess but that was a problem from a while back. It’s doesn’t involve you.”

On that note, the next couple hours I spent resting until near sunset. Rain was cleaning the hotel.At sunset I heard Ms.Bolt saying “time to go.” I got up and said “It's a good thing, I never unpacked.” I grabbed my bags and we’re on our way to Lupin.

4 hours of walking northwest later.I asked “So how far is it?” Still walking forward Rain says “We're still another hour away on hoof.I guess you're getting bored from the silently walking.” I nodded and said “Well the first hour was fine.It's just 2 to 4, is driving me mad. So how about we talk about payment?” Ms.Bolt was shocked for a second and replied ”But, you already accepted the request.” In a flat tone I declared ”Just because I like to help people doesn’t mean I’m not running a business. So how about a compromise for what my fee.” She sighed and nodded in agreement.

I declared ”How about one month at the hotel for free and with one date with one of your female worker. ”

She fired back ”One day and the date is only if she is okay with it.”

I said “3 weeks, the date and a free hot chocolate.”

She said “2 weeks, the date and that is my final offer”. I said sure, we stop for a second and shook hooves.Then we when back to walking.

Then what Rain said next took me by surprise “So why do you want a date from my employee and not me.” I took minute to think about what she said to me and say ”Well, you don’t seem all that interested to me.” Rain raised an eyebrow and ask “So, why are asking for a date as payment? What can’t the bad flank good guy get girls when he feels like it?” I looked away and sighed ”I don’t feel comfortable telling you about that. So what does your employees look like?” Rain gave annoyed look and said “That’s not fair, I told you about my family, dream, race but you can’t tell me about your dating life?”

I told her my dating life was complicated and asked what the prince and princess looked like.Rain said “take a look” and we stopped for a second. She took off the pack and green flames enveloped her body. Through the flames, I could see her fur change to black and her muzzle turned into more of a canine’s built version. The nose was black.The tail turned black with a blue tip.Her body turned more masculine, her body started to match the average built for a male but with bit more muscles than normal.Blue and white tattao like thunderbolts appeared on her legs and below his eyes.

My jaw dropped at the sight of what I was looking at as the flames blew away. ”I guess being a changelings has it’s perks. Wait, can’t unicorns do the same thing with magic.” Rain repiled in masculine tone “Yep, but for them it hard to maintain their transformation longer than a day. They would also have a harder time holding that and swapping genders.” My eyes went wide with in disbelief.I opened my mouth but Rain cut me off saying ”Yes I’m a guy, I have none of the lady parts right now.All changelings can do this, it’s almost as a easy as breathing.” My eyebrow raised automatically and I asked ”It’s easy to swap genders?” Rain says “A changeling needs to be able to completely alter themselves if needed. It could be the difference between waking up the next morning or not. This is what Shadow looks like.” I got a good look at his face and tried put it in memory.

The sparks from the green fire took over her body once again and her body morph back to a feminine physique but still retained her wolf like appearance. The lightning bolts disappeared from Rain’s body. Part of the fur on her face turned gray, with her under belly and back legs turned gray. Long dark blue hair flowed down from her head to her back. The bangs completely covered her eyes. The only other thing that stood out on her was her ears. The flame faded away once again like it was business as usual. I asked somewhat interested “So, I guess this is Mell?”. Rain gave me a confused look and asking me who was I talking about. I told her sometimes I like to give nicknames to things something times for no reason at all. She looked at me with a look that screamed weird. Then she shrugged it off, changing back to her pony form, grabbed her pack and we continued our journey.

An hour later, we arrived at the front gate. The gate screamed giant evil villain fortress, or at least it did for me.The outer was large and made of crystal. While walking toward the crystal like structure, I could see few of the crystals higher than the others.The crystals pulsed every minute like clockwork. There was two guard ponies was standing, they looked like they have been up for 5 days straight. The guard barely looked like they could keep standing from the way their legs wobbled. Just what the heck was their boss thinking placing somebody on guard duty when…
“Halt! In the name of the active ruler Princess Lotus, state your business” one of guard ponies yelled. At least they weren’t sleeping on the job but I bet those two have seen better nights.

Rain responded ”We’re just tourist wanting to see Lupin in all its glory.” The guard came in the conversation saying ”Visitors have not come to Lupin in months, besides it’s the middle of the night.” Rain came back with “Me and my boyfriend, have been planning to come here for months. our bus broke down a few miles back. Please, let us in so we can sleep in a hotel tonight.”
The other guard laugh saying ”Sleep? Haven’t you heard of the rules of Lupin, all residents are required to work 18 hours a day, 9 days a week.”
I looked at him oddly for a second.Rain whispered to me “These two are barely awake.If the guards are like this, then the city must be a wreck.” I nodded and agreed to the guard’s rules.One of them ushered us into the city.The whole place was asleep.Only a few buildings still had its lights still on.The building that guard pony led us to was two stories and had a billboard.The billboard had a weird mark on it, I couldn't make it out from the darkness. He stop a few feet away from entrance to the place and announced “This is the town’s registration building. Sign up here and the motels will take you in”. He then went back at a slow pace.

As he walked away I said in a low tone ”Wow they must be running these guys ragged.” Rain smiled, quickly nodding and asked ”Do you think we could just go straight to the hotel and skip the registration thing and do it tomorrow? I’m kinda tired from the long walking here” I replied with “Let’s just go do it now, so we don’t have to worry about it in the morning”. She sighed in defeat and says “Sure, however if I fall asleep and you leave me in there. You are paying for your stay in my hotel and it will be doubled”. I shivered at the thought of that and agreed to her terms.

We went inside to find a rather bland looking female receptionist half away asleep behind the front desk. Rain went up to the from desk and knocked to wake up the sleeping worker. ”Awe mmmm... Wel..come to the Southwest registraaation center of Lupin. How may I help you?” The sleeping mare stated. Rain mumble ”you can start by not yawing”. I elbowed her into the side to behave and I said “We are sightseeing from the city of Aster and we were told to sign in here.” The receptionist contorted in confusion, looking at a nearby clock stating ”You’re visiting lupin in the middle of the week and it’s three in the morning.”

Rain jumped in saying “We were really busy working in my hotel on the day the bus came in Aster. We would have been on that bus if this guy, got all of the his work done. Then he complained and whined for a day straight like a little colt. Until I caved and we walked all the way here.” I was staring daggers at her though her recap of this weeks events and agree to it.
She says “I guess, I will believe your story.” She hoofed over two visitor pasess and said “I hope you enjoy your stay.”

I was feeling a little tired too so, after leaving the registration place we headed straight to the nearest motel. The motel looked similar to rain’s hotel.The only thing that made it stand out is the paint job. The clerk at the front said “hello, who can I help you?” This mare seem to be wide awake, despite how late it was in the night.She had long brown hair with fur of a similar tone.Other than that she did not physically stand out much at first glance.

She then said “If you wish to stay the night, then it is going to be 15 coles. But the town’s law states, male and female visitors are not allowed sleep in the same room together. However, you can still pay jointly for the same price.“ Both mine and Rain’s eyebrows shot straight up thinking “Okay this is suspicious. What kind of town has that kind of rule?”

Brushing that aside, Rain agreed to pay for both of us.The clerk ushered them into the motel.She took Rain to a room on the second floor and seem like a room similar to in Aster but no mirror. She then brought me back down to the first floor, to the far back of the building.There was only one door there and it seem odd it was that far back.The door led to a yard filled with males sleeping on the ground. Before I could turn around and say something the clerk pushes me out the door, locking it in a swift motion.

I banged on the door yelling “What the heck is this?” The clerk replied saying “This were all males sleep dogs sleep. Now I have work to do so I must be leaving, bye-bye.” I heard her start to walking and I banged on the door harder saying “HEY, WE'RE NOT DONE TALKING YET!” As I was about to bust down the door someone stopped me saying “Don't bother, that door is reinforced by magic.It's going to take a rampaging dragon on steroids to get that.”
I looked over to see a donkey with red with red eyes and he was yawning. I walked over to him, noticing he was using his jacket as blanket while wearing headphones. I walked over to him and sat down. He says “I'm Toka Dalelion of the Aladonks and I'm the prince there” while offering a hoof bump. I responded with “My name is Eclipse filer but my friends call me clips.I'm a helper for hire” I completely the bump. “So, what's with this motel it really sucks.“ He replied “Yey, but from what I hear from the rest of the guys here.It's like this everywhere in this town. The queen supports and demand the men here are treated this way. ”I had a confused look on my face asking why would she do that.”She see men as a useless, defective, troublemakers.” I asked “what could have caused that to happen.” Toka shrugged and said ”I don't why either.I would love to play detective but my main concerns are to start a working relationship between here and Aladonk.”
I asked while be a bit puzzled “Why here? The ruler is sexist and only going to support you if your home is mostly female.” He shook his head saying “I didn't know about this, until I got here. Besides, any support is better than at nothing. I'm going to go see her after the battle today.”I gave another confused look and he continued on saying “Each week, all males are put into gladiator area to fighting her pet dragon.”

In an alarmed response I say ”But dragons are CITIZENS like you and me.” Kota grimly said “not to her. Any creature not a female pony is either trash, pets, slaves or worse….entertainment.”My eye flared open and asked “Then what happens to visitors, that are not ponies!?” He said “They are either servants to the queen, or dragon chow if the rumors are right.”

I looked up in the starry sky thinking “What did I sign up for?” Then said “Okay I'm going to see this Crimson Lotus. ” I look over to Toka thanking him for the help.He wonder If I did believe him.I said ”Well you didn't give me a reason to not trust you.So yes I believe you. Now I'm heading to bed good night.”I then try to get some sleep on the cold hard floor.

Part 3

I woke up the next morning to see the yard was vacant. Getting up was bit of a chore, as I still felt a bit weary from being tried.I saw the door was now open and troughed through it thinking “Someone's flank is going to get kicked today.” I entered the front of the motel and marched to the front of desk saying “what the heck is with this place!?” A different clerk was there to greet me this time. She responded in a irritatingly calm voice and said “I sorry you didn't enjoy your stay. But royal policy states you have to stay there.” I yelled back “This is ridiculous, where is is your manager.” In annoyed tone she sighed and stated “Sorry, the managers of our fine establishment don't come in until 8 am. But I own the place so I hope do sir.So believe me when I say, my hooves are tied.” In defeat I nodded as Rain walked up.

She then said “Believe me me when I say ‘I take no pleasure in keeping two lovebirds from each’. It’s a shame, I would have loved to get know you better.” She batted her eyes as if suggesting something to me. Rain then jumped using a little magic to pull me closer to her saying “Too bad, he’s with me.” I was completely lost at what was going on here. The idea of what was going on was eluding me and it was annoying. It almost seemed like two mares was fighting over me. I quickly dismissed the thought as being ridiculous, that doesn’t happen to me ever.Feeling kind of embarrassed I said “Can you give us directions to the castle, I have somethings to talk to Queen Lotus about”. Her eyes open wide in terror like someone had mention the devil himself. With fear spread across her face she yelled “NOOO! YOU MUST NEVER SEE HER!” shaking her head.”Especially day, of all days to see her”. Rain gave me a serious glance and nodded as I said “Did princess lotus do something to you?”. She shook her head again saying “No but she is the reason why our town is suffering.” Rain step in with an inquisitive look asking what she has she done. She sighed and says “A better question is what hasn’t she done.In the years of her rule, that mare has completely near shut down the town’s tourism. The only way for establishments like mine stay open are for people that already live in the town,come in and sleep. Luckily, she increased the working hours so it balanced out a bit. But who wants to work 18 bucking hours a day for the same amount!” I said “So why has nobody tried to stop her.” She responded say ”if any female raised so much as hoof against her, she would either destroy their place of work, with her own hooves in front of them. Or kick them out of the town permanently. For guys...” she shivered for a second. ”For guys, she would be throwing them into a large arena to fight her pet dragon.” I was bewildered at that statement and said “But dragons are not pets. Dragons are citizens too! This is inhumane and terrible.” She sighed then continued “To her all males and other species are either garbage or slaves.” Enraged to the thought of what she was saying, I smacked my hooves together and announced “That does it, her ‘Majesty’ needs a royal beatdown!”

The owner of the motel told them to just head to the oversized castel in the middle of town.It’s really hard to miss.Going outside it was hard to believe we missed, even at night. The outline of the castle was visible from the motel’s door.

The first thing I said was “Well someone has an inferiority complex.The thing is the size of quarter of the town!” Rain nodded and remarked “Remember what we came here for.Grab my employees and head back to Aster, simple.” We started walking towards the ridiculously large building. I responded “Of course, getting back your friends is important.But come on, this isn't right. Stallions are not getting the respect they deserve”. She look over saying “That's all well and good but that's not your fight. The citizens of this town are not weak.If they want to revolt, then let them. You shouldn't make others burdens your own.It's only going to slow you down.” I want say something in return but that was very hard arguments she raised. So I sighed in defeat as we walked to the castle.

20 minutes went by but the towering building didn't seem to get closer.I said “ Is it me or is the castle not moving closer. ”Rain responded saying “Yeah that's weird, But another thing that's odd.The female to male ratio is way lower then it should be. I can't even sense one nearby.” I raised an eyebrow in disbelief stating “Changelings can sense creatures?” In a firm tone, she said “Yes, Changelings learn to sense out other species but them.However, I can't use it to find other Changelings.They don't even register a blip on my radar. ” I said “You know the more and more we talk about lings, the cooler they sound.” She pumped out her chest in pride in saying “Yeah, we are kind of cool like that.”She started to shine her hoof against her chest, like she was shining some invisible medal.

After making it to the castle, for a brief moment we’re in awe at the castle. Rain stammered to say” no...noo creature on terra needs this much space!” Then the shock worn off in a few seconds.Looking at the entrance, there as a couple of mares walking in with one female guard standing there.We follow them but the guard stopped me on the way in.She told me, men to the left side and women go to the right. I thought that was weird and shrugged it off. So and me Rain decide meet up with each other later.

I walked into rather large long hallway to see a giant gladiator arena. There were a few mares in the stands. I could barely see them where I was standing. Suddenly I remembered that clerk lady saying something about staying away from here. Because, the queen would try to feed me to her dragon or something.So I started to walk back the way I came, but then I heard someone yell “This isn’t right!”. I looked back into the arena’s floor and saw the guy I was chatting with last night, laying on the ground.I ran into the arena to see if he was okay while thinking “don’t do something stupid.” He got up and looked at me saying “Well, I guess you had a few choice words for the queen too huh.” I nodded and looked back to the door to see if we still had an escape route.That thought was crushed when I saw a giant gate close behind us. I ran back to see if I could break it down.A voice came from the stands “Don’t waste your time, that gate is magic proof and would take a natural disaster to bust it down.” I looked back at looked at Toka, he shook his head and pointed to the stands. I saw a mare with black hair, red fur, a horn, wings and it seemed like she was disinterested with our situation. She voice boomed saying “If you want talk me, beat my dragon and we will talk. Speaking of Nitro it’s feeding time.” On command an even larger door in front of us opened to reveal a pair of serpent eyes glaring down on us. The first thought that came to mind was “Sweet mabel pancakes! Why did I do something stupid!”

The ground shook with each step as the beast got closer. I was looking around looking for anymore exits in the bottom of the area.That’s a nope, there wasn’t any other ways out. In seconds the dragon was upon us.The dragon’s body colors matched the colors of the queen. Red scales with a jet black under belly, covered his body. His eyes were scarlet red looked at me and Toka. They were so fierce, it felt like he was burning his gaze into my soul.Then he gave a monstrous roared that made all the hair on my body stand up. Without my notice, I started to sweat. Before I started to panic, I remembered “Panic never helps anyone.Stay calm and focus on what's here and what I got. I'm a terra pony and I got a donkey.Were facing a dragon with no tools or weapons and no back up.I don't like these odds.” I yelled “Hey Toka! Can you use magic?” He said “Yes, my family specializes in electric.” I announced “Great, use thunderbolt on the dragon.” He said “My magic does work like that.Beside, magic does next to nothing to dragons at this size! Just tag team with me and will win.”

I nodded while mental thinking “This is BUCKING perfect.Can this day get any worse.” I ran towards the dragon, he tried to swipe at me. I jumped high enough to vault over the claw and make it to the under belly.I gave a few hits it his stomach and it did no effect to him.Nitro reeled back his forepaw and tried to crush me. Toka made to me and grabbing the fist and kept it from hitting me.Then delivered an electric shock from his body. The dragon backed off for a second and breathe a wide spread flame. Seconds before hitting, I thought “if only we have something to protect us.” My arm suddenly tensed and a golden shield appear. I blocked the flames with this magical shield.Me and Toka looked at each other as if reading each other's minds.Toka ran left towards the tail and I throw the shield at his muzzel.It bounce off landing a few feet behind me.I started taunting him saying ”Hey burn out, I think you need to work on your aim. I was right in front of you and you still missed. What your not dragon enough to turn up the heat.” He gave deafening roar before, spewing a more condensed flame as I sprinted to grab the shield and take cover.The flame this time around was more intense; I was sweating bullets from the heat.Toka made it to the tail and grabbed onto the tail and gave an even larger volt of electric. The dragon gave a scream painfully. I thought “alright this is a good start but where is going to hurt the most?” Enraged, he started spin his whole body to try and throw off an unwanted visitors and get me.As he began spin like a top, I noticed the length from he's head to toe was most almost the diameter of the area.So there was no where to dodge.So I did the next best thing and jumped on the tail.Then climb up to the spot on behind his wings.I'm so happy I did eat breakfast or I would be puking now. Nitro stop spinning and took off into the air. He looked back at us and and breathed fire at us. I used the shield to stop it again. Nitro stopped then flew up high and started to circling the arena on his side. I yelled ”you are not throwing us off!” I stuck the shield into his left wing, trying to steer him. But he went into a tailspin.Before he crash into the ground me and Toka jumped off and landed in the stands.Nitro hit the ground head first. His body fell destroying part of the wall into the stands. He flipped his body back into the area on all fours. He looked dizzy and confused both me and Toka jump straight to his. Toka charged his right hoof hitting him in the muzzle and my shield slammed into the same spot as his crash landing. Nitro is was wobbling after the impact, then Nitro fell to the ground unconscious. We landed on the ground and nearly dropped to the ground to from exhaustion. We were trying to catch our breaths and did a hoof bump.

Lotus started clapping her hooves together from our little show. She smile and said ”That was the best fight I seen here in months. Just who are you two?” I relaxed for a second and my weapon disappeared. I yelled in pride “Eclipse Filer, onstage! Helping people and saving lives is what I do.”
Toka said “4th Prince of the Aladunks, Toka Dalelion.I told you that when I got here.” In a non caring voice “You did but I didn’t care. Now since I am a mare of my word, let’s talk.” With her magic she started walking down what look like invisible steps until she was a few feet away from us.

Toka said “Well, first I came here with with hopes of starting a partnership between our lands.But I must ask, what's with the way you govern your citizens?” She gave a confused look said “The men in general in my eyes.They worth less than the ground you're standing on.About how much are females are in your kingdom?” He looked confused and said “50-50, I guess. I have never paid much attention to which gender had more members. I'm more concerned with my nation's state of affairs. As a whole, my nation is on a decline from lack of supplies.” Lotus replied with “I suppose that would do.If you work under me as my slave, your nation will have my protection and support.From what I hear donkeys stronger than ponies.They're suppose to be stronger than terra ponies. I suppose,I can use them for manual labor.So what do you think, Failure Prince of Aladonk.” Before his response a guards in the stands were running after two wolves and a pony with a large flank.The guards yelled “By the order of our queen Crimson Lotus.I command you to halt!”. My eyes darted back to the queen.Her eyes were gray and soulless. She saw what was going on in the stands.Then looked back at us with disdain and anger “YOU WREATHED FILTH! How dare you try and steal my slaves.” All I could say was “*sigh* pancakes.” She then shot out a large energy blast coming at both of us.Hoping for another miracle from my unknown bag of tricks; I put up my hooves and thought “Please tell me I have a big flanked shield to protect us from this.” Then a shield 10 times the size of the first one appeared.It managed to block the attack.The shield disappear with most of my remaining strength. I grabbed Toka's hood telling him we got to run. We were started running for our lives while dodging energy blasts.

After somehow evading, Lotus and the female guardsmen. We took a minute to relax. Toka said “What the buck was that.”I sounded like a child caught in a lie saying “Well, I may have lied about why me and my girlfriend are here. For starters she is not my girlfriend, she's a client.Next,we were here to find her friends and get them back; excuse me, employees.” He said “So you two thought it was a good idea to take them in the middle of our fight with the dragon.” I replied saying “Don't pin this on me.I didn't know they were in the arena.Let alone know about them being slaves.Look after we find my client, we can hightail it out the town.” From within the nearby shadows appeared two dark creatures clad in a long hoods matching they crept in.In seconds knocked us out cold before we could even move.Then dragged our unconscious bodies into shadows.

Part 4

I woke up as light as a feather, like I was floating. I looked around and saw a room like in Rain's hotel but something was different. There was a green tint everywhere. I couldn't move much. Then when I exhaled bubbles came out. I thought “WAIT! Bubbles!? But, this doesn't feel like water and I can breathe. So I'm in...” A chilling thought came to me in realization of what I'm in. I thought “Sweet Mabel Pancakes! I'M. IN. A. POD!!!”I forced my hooves to the side of the pod and ripped it open. All of the pod's contents spilled on to the floor. I started to roll around on the floor saying “Eww, Eww, Eww, Eww, Eww, and Eww! Gross, Gross, Gross and Gross!”

During my little spasms, a changeling ran in and yelled “No My POD! It took hours to get it perfect. Great and the slime is all over the floor too. It's going to take two hours to fix this. You should be happy; the gooey stuff in the pod has regenerative minerals, when it enters the body. But you weren’t that hurt at all, it’s hard to believe you took on a dragon, almost without getting hit.” I looked at him in horror saying” Are you saying I swallowed the goo!” I want to hurl at the thought of it. He said "You're lucky our Queen and princess like you so much.” He took the destroyed pod and was stomping out the door. Meanwhile I was busy being a man. By curling into a ball thinking “Please tell me I wasn't probed”.

After twitching in the ground for a few minutes; I got up and shake off the amount of disgust I felt. Rain walked in and asked “Are you okay? I saw you were fighting a large dragon then you were going take a huge blast from the Queen. How did you get out of that without getting hurt?”

I said “I don't know, I just thought the words protect and it appears.” My arm tensed and the shield came back on my arm again.” I guess protect is the trigger word. Hmm…3 questions, where are we? Where is the guy I was with and most importantly; WHY WAS I IN A POD!? ” Rain walked to me saying “Well, we are back in the motel in Lupin and the guy you were with is okay. He’s sleeping, like you were in the pod. What you got something against pods? Were you scared or something?” I said “No, but this is what some civil creatures would have nightmares about. I on the other hoof was perfectly fine.”

The same changeling from a minute ago was still at the door interrupted with “Please, you were so scared you. I thought you were going to paint the floor greenish yellow.” It felt like my face went a bright red when I yelled “Shut up…whoever you are! Rain who is this guy!?” She burst out laughing for a good minute and then told me “That’s my brother, Reggie. Well, I call him Reggie.”

He bowed in a mocking way saying “How do you do, good sir. Rain you owe me a pod. Your new boy toy broke mine.” She sighed and said “Fine bill me later, little bro. No he’s not my boyfriend! Why, do you say that to me every time I bring a guy with me?” He smirked while walking out the room yelling “Because, I’m normally right!”

She started pouting and I said “sibling, right?” Rain sighed and says "He’s a good guy; he’s always got my back, even though he bugs the heck out of me. Do you have any siblings?” I said “I got a half-brother and half-sister but I rarely see them. We’re not all that close but we are cool with each other. So you mind telling me how you ended up here?”

Rain said “When we split up at the entrance, all I could see was a vast ocean of mares in front me. Everywhere I looked there were mares. Ten guys hitting on girls professionally could not get through all of that in a month, Bow-chica-wow-wow.” I didn't even know how to respond to that, let alone trying to imagine it.

My face felt hot again as she continues “after getting through the endless line of women. I finally made it to the bleachers. To see, most of the stadium was filled with mares of all ages but, no guys were there. Your friend was in arena and wanted talk to the Queen about something. Then I saw you waltzing your flank into the battlefield. I did the most sensible thing a lady like would do in this situation. I ran up to the edge of the stands. Lift you up to me and throttle you.

But before I got to floating you up, I sensed my employees nearby. Shadow and Saphyre were right next to the Queen. Shadow was being used as a footstool. Saphyre was feeding Queen Lotus food from a specially made bowl. I raced back to the huge hallway and saw another way to go straight to Queen Lotus.

While running there, three guards blocked the path. Two of them were minotaurs and a pegasus pony. They told me to cease and return back to the bleachers. I thought two minotaurs and winged pony would a bit much too much for me to handle. That and they had to weigh way more than 300 pounds, so I could not push them aside. I shot a freeze spell at them to stop them for few minutes and kept going to Shadow and Saphyre.

When I got to them, I saw you and that guy beating that dragon. I grabbed them and we started running. By time my spell went away, we just got past the guards and they started chasing after us. I thought we got away but got knock out like you did I’m guessing.

I woke in this motel to seeing my little sister leaning against the wall giving me a rather smug look, even for her.” Then someone said “Well I told you before, you're eventually going to need your family, like it or not.” The clerk from earlier walk and I tiled my head saying "Miss. clerk you're a…”

Then a blazing green inferno welcomed her body turn black and slightly holely. Her hair turns a golden orange while her eyes stayed the regular light blue. Her legs and horn elongated three feet. The flame was gone after revealing her natural body. She said while posing “So, what do you think? I know assists aren’t as big as my sister’s. But and that is a really big one, I more than make up for it with my charm and delicacy. Some males prefer like long legs on a lady.”

A pillow flew straight into her face “What the heck are you doing! Why would you break your masking in front of this idiot! What do you mean by delicate; a rhino after eating a chili peppers in the middle of city is more delicate then you” Rain roared.

The clerk said while shrugging “You already told me earlier he knows. Besides he was already putting two and two together, so what's the problem? So when are you going to stop being rude and introduce our lovely, caring, younger sister to the dashing, red-blooded male.” Rain sighed saying “This is Eclipse Filer, a helper for hire and that’s all he was doing. This is my little sister the new Queen of my hive, Ariel Saddle. Hmft, it looks like you had a growth spurt" In mocking tone Rain stated “All Hail Queen Sunset Braids”.

Then she continued on with saying “We were looking for my employees that went missing a while ago. We got them now, so now his job is done. Clips here is a free man now also Clips talk, I need to go get a drink of water.”

I was still baffled at what was going on stood silent until Rain walk out the room. Ariel walks up to me and put a hoof on my shoulder. For some reason my shoulders automatic tensed. She sat next in a relaxed tone said “Relax, I was only fooling around. I like to flirt, with her new boyfriends when I first met them. To see if they cheat on her, so they would break up before they are serious. While with our brother, I dug up as much info as possible on the girl he is dating; to make sure she is not evil. No one can say I’m biased.” I sat down and said “Wow! You are the worst kind of sister to have. You sound like a young overbearing mom, sister mixed with a girl that will take your lover.” She smiled and pushed me “Bingo, that’s me to the letter. If you are going to be around my sister, Make sure she stays safe, or...” She raised her hoof and a green flame flicker on it. She continued “I will find you and the citizens of Tartars would scream for mercy from the torture I will put you through. You won’t even see me coming and please remember I have an army just like me. Are we clear Mister Clipped?” That scared the heck out of me. I wanted to say something but nothing came out and my body was slightly trembling. I manage to say before relaxing “ cr...c...cry...crystal.” I think I found something scarier than a rampaging dragon and Rain on a bad day put together.

I claimed, relaxed, sat back up and said “So, how did you fine Rain and me? Rain told me you guys can’t find other like you?” She said “That’s true; we have been looking for her for a few years now. She was next in line to become Queen of our hive. But she kept saying was going to open a successful inn or hotel for since where young. Personally, I don’t see why she wanted to own one but she was putting her own wants and needs...her hive...her family.” I defended her saying she had dreams and she could visit any time. But Ariel retaliated with “It’s not just that terra citizens are not fond of changelings as a whole. If she opens up shop and someone see her wings and all they might kill her.” I nodded and said “But I remember her mentioning she did with one other guy yesterday.” Ariel stood up in shock and yelled “She what! Rain get in here!”

Rain walked in saying in a mocking tone "Yes mom.” Ariel howled “You told someone other than this chum, how many other guys know?” I thought “well that kind hurt”. Rain said “It was one guy, other than that loser; it was my ex-boyfriend Marco. We’re still close and he is a really good guy.” I took another shot to the ego and said “Oww, I’m still here in the room and do you mean Marco the policeman in Aster?” Ariel yelled "YOU WERE DATING A POLICE OFFICER! That's it, I'm telling mom.” She walked out without a single word. Rain put her hoof to her forehead and said “Thanks Clips, now I have to explain this to myself to my parents. The Toka guy from before met is the last door to the left down the hall. If somehow get lost call for Reggie "Then she left there, all alone.

I got up and walked to the door and saw Reggie was at the door. He didn’t look that different from his sister, rain as a changeling. But he had wings and no hair. Reggie said "Your friends are in Rain’s room. But his injuries are mostly from electric shocks oddly. Other than that he is fine.” He walked me to the room stood front of the door. I walked in and saw Toka unconscious in a pod. I pushed it a few times. It felt a large water balloon, shaking and jiggling despite at my efforts to open it. That didn't work; I tried kicking next and no dice. Next I tried tearing into the pod like how I escaped my goo filled prison. I gave up trying and called Reggie to help me.

He looked at me confused and said "Can't you do it? Any changeling worth him wings can do it.” I told him I wasn't one and gave me an odd look and said “But it’s near impossible for other species to open them”. He shrugged it off as nothing and cut Toka free. Toka got up look around the room. From the look of it he wasn’t sure where he was then he Reggie. He jumped back in surprise saying “Who are you and where am I?”

Reggie said “I am Regenald the second of the fifth hive of the northwest kingdom but I prefer Reggie. What about you mister pony? What’s your name?” Toka told him his name and said “I’m surprised, changelings have a monarchy. I don’t really know much of your kind besides, transformation and absorbing emotions.” Reggie said “Nope, that is us in a nutshell. Where just like you guys but better and cooler looking.” He then walks out the door. I walked over Toka, he asked me “So what? Have we been taken hostage by the lings or something?” I told him “No it’s way worse, it is a family reunion. Don’t worry we’re fine, my friend however is suffering.

She is going to be a while, so you might as well tell me why you came to a feminist dictatorship to start a partnership.” He relaxed on hearing that and told me “Sure, but it’s a long story. Way back in the olden days of terra, when my grandfather came into power of our nation. During that time Aladonk was a newly budding nation. It was so new in fact, the creatures wanted to commemorate the new nation. New bills were made with specially produce ink. The donkeys and others that lived there enjoyed the pride in their nation.

A few years later, it was found out the ink that was made for the bills had a special bacterium on it. The bacteria that only found on the material made from the ink. From the prolonged exposure to the cash to the body it can cause headaches and diarrhea. All of our paper money was pulled together and for a public burning. That killed the nation pride and my grandfather stepped down in shame.

Then my father took power and had to take the burden of bringing the joy back to a lifeless nation. He tried many things national holidays, large scale events...the list goes on. They worked for the short term but not the long term. While I was younger I suggested using the same ink as the other nations. Being desperate for a new ideas he tried mine, questioning if it would work. At first it did, the citizens haven’t been that happy since my dad was a foal, he told me. The same bacteria from before, somehow survived the burning from the last time unfortunately. By that time, it evolved and now got to new bills. Oh and get this, along with all the other symptoms; the citizens were also experiencing insomnia. My father had to step down as leader from the fear of the nation's troubles driving him nearly into insanity.

I stepped up and my first rule was haul to money together again and closing of our trading ports. Praying none of the bills made it to another nation and spread. I decided to switch to bits, as a safer option for money transactions. We are stable for the moment, but my citizens are scared to use their money. In fear of the sickness breaking out again and spread to the rest of terra. I am currently, on a quest to find a way to neutralize the vile sickness and opening the trading ports again.”

I felt like someone had tied an anchor to my body, this is really heavy. I asked “So you are a traveling king, looking for a cure for your citizens, while opening your trading ports. That is pretty cool.” He said “I am not a king. A king would not let his fellow creatures suffer so much. I will like to be one someday but not now, there is too much to do before that. Besides, I have always wanted to travel. So when Lotus called me the failure prince, she wasn’t too far off. No one blames me for the reprint bills, since I was still a foal at the time. But I can’t let it go, not just yet. Right now, my mother and sister are ruling in my absence.” I told him I want to help but he said "if you got doctorate in biology and chemistry. If no, thanks but I will take my chances.” I shaked my head saying no and I started to think aloud saying “So, I’m client’s a princess and I was just fighting a dragon with a ‘prince’. That’s a lot to take in.” Toka said “wait, what princess?”

Reggie walked, interrupting us saying "Sorry, to break up your tea party but my mom wants to talk to you two.” He guides us to the room on the other end of the hall and brought us in. I saw Rain had changed to back into a changeling, pouting in a corner of the room. Ariel was standing next two changelings. One was lying on queen sized bed and the other was sitting in a chair. Both looked a bit older, but still resembled Ariel, Rain and Reggie.

The one bed looked more like Ariel with short orange hair. The other had spiky red hair with Reggie’s face. The one the bed spoke first "So you are the brave souls my daughters talked about? Who are you?” We told them who we are the changeling said "Oh a Dalelion, I never thought I would run into one of you like this. Tell me, how is your kingdom? Do you have a stable currency yet?” Toka replied "No, I’m still working on a way to fix it. Until then I want to open trading to outside of it. Their supplies are running low on pelletx. At this rate, any form of support would be a great help.”

They said “Sorry, unless you need warriors to fight, they’re not going to be able to help you much.” I jumped in asked something that was bugging me “I’m sorry for interrupting but who are you?” She chuckled a bit and said “Where are my manner, I am the ex-ruler of the fifth hive of the northwest kingdom, Michelle. The gentleman scowling at our blockheaded foal is Samuel my husband.” Rain said from respected corner of the room "Come on, my ex-boyfriend didn’t tell anyone.” Her father jumped in saying “Weren’t mad at you for telling him. We are mad at you for telling him you’re secret before you get to know the guy that well.”
Rain said “We dated for 3 months straight. Besides, I think old enough to make my own decisions.” Samuel said “you are and you're making bad choices. Hey, blue guy when she told you her secret.” Absent mindedly I said “Well, we met in Aster March 3...that fight was March 4th...March 5 we left for Lupin. I don’t know how long I was out after Ariel got us. So I don’t know.” Samuel yelled “You told a mercenary you met in less than a week, you're a changeling!”

The way Rain was looking at me, I hoped she did not have a spell to magically blow up heads from there. She said “I did it because; my employees were gone for over or near a year. Their families were beginning to think they were dead. I couldn’t even hire anymore creatures in town. They all had jobs and weren’t looking for more work. Besides their jobs, I was going to come to Lupin to find them anyway. They are my best friends and I wanted them back.”

Samuel said “Fine, but you still shouldn’t have told that police officer.” I asked “why, aren’t police officers her to help everyone.” Rain sighed and said "Yes but think about this, police walked around armed while on the job. Police have to enforce the rules and belief of civil creatures. A changeling, if good enough can change into whatever they pleased. So if something bad or odd happen, or even better an investigation with no leads on the rule breaker...” I said “they would think it was a changeling, from the lack of evidences. But that’s really prejudice! Isn’t our society working to stopping it?” Michelle said “Welcome to our world. It’s getting better but it’s better but it still better to stay in the shadows for now.

But there real thing we need deal with now is Crimson Lotus. Now that she knows you two, she is not going to stop until she gets her hooves on you two. If you head back to Aster, she will burn it down to smoke you out. If you want to long she might start a war on Mr. Dalelion’s nation, thinking you were taking refuge there. So what will you do?” I smile and said "Is that really a question; I’m going be there and kicking her flank off her throne!” She gave me a confused look, I said “Well she did sent a dragon to kill us and open fire on us when we were leaving. I want payback for that, plus this town needs to be fixed. Rain, you can head back to Aster with your friends, I will be back later. Toka, good luck on your quest to bring back you nation. I hope you find what need for your creatures. As for me I will think of something.”

Everyone in the room looked at me like I was spouting gibberish. Rain said “Clips, that’s suicide. A single creature can’t handle a town. That’s not counting an alicorn. I’m going with you; Lotus doesn’t deserve to be queen.” Rain said "You part in our deal not over until WE get back to Aster, then it’s my turn. I don’t mind a few hitches in the plan, as long as we get back.” Ariel said “You got our support and I got a plan for getting her there. But you should see the friends you were saving before. They are across the hall.”

Me, Toka and Rain went across the hall to see the two wolves. They looked exactly how rain’s transformation looked like. Shadow looked over at us and asked “who are you?” Rain said “I’m sorry, I didn’t come sooner.” They look at her confused until she changed back her normal mask. Shadow said “Ms. Bolt you...you found us...and you’re a changeling?” He rushed up to hug rain and Saphyre smiled shyly. Rain introduce us to her them and asked them to tell us about their time with Lotus.

Shadow said "Well after left Aster and was in Lupin, were told to start working the same day. We ask them what was all about and they told us. We live there now and it was owned by the Queen. We did what any sane creature would do in situation. We ran for it, but was captured and Queen Crimson herself. She took a liking to Saphyre, but hated me. Saphyre was made her royal poison checker. I went in a hole for two months. The walls were coat magic so I couldn’t latch on and climb up. Someone was bringing me food everyday so I wouldn’t starve. When months were up I was brought back up to her. She said I looked more like mangy mutt I was and used me as a footstool. There were some many times where I wanted to lunge at her and rip her eyes out. But remembered she was powerful alicorn and I was not at full power. She could overwhelm me with no problem and she had guard. I would sometimes misstep on propose to get 2 months off in the hole again. Just to get some time for freedom and my back, she’s heavy.”

Saphyre talked for the first time saying the oddest thing “Lotus is the cruelest creature I have ever met. But she wasn’t always mean, at least from the story she told me.” Toka asked her what story she was talking about. Saphyre said “On one of the months Lotus was sent Shadow to a hole. She told me she wasn’t always like that. Back when she was a kid, the males in the town would run around doing whatever they want to females short of killing. Most of the guys living here was scum that raped, assaulted, public embarrassment, slavery the list goes on. The worst of them was her father. She treated her and her mom however they felt like.

The day that changed her life for the ‘better’ as she put it came. She came to talk to her father about having a real birthday. Not the tasteless muffin with a candle on it she got every year. She walked to see her mother dead on the floor. She blocked everything else as she ran to her to try and save her. But was too late and then she look over to see her father get killed but some worker at castle. The realization her parents were gone hit her and it kill her emotions. The worker reaches out his claw and was trying to tell her something.

The shock from the scene made her numb and deaf to everything around her. So she grabbed him his claw threw to the ground and casted a spell without thinking. She put one hoof on the works chest and one to holding down one arm and him to be quiet. She called him a monster and she never wanted to hear his vile voice speak our language again. The spell made that happen now whenever he talked it sounded like gibberish.

Angry overcame her body, she started to cry and she started to punch him senselessly. Until she got tried and got off of him and for some reason, she felt happy. She felt powerful enough to take on the world. She thought that’s what dad and those males must feel when abuse women. The unbelievable amount of cruelty she displayed made her hunger for more. Under her rule the roles of who dominated did a 180, as females abused male by the help of the law. That worker survived and now serves under her as her strongest warrior, Nitro.”

All I could say to her was “Wow! You couldn’t have told us that, after we beat her.” Toka said “Yeah, I know right?” Rain said “Well, I feel bad now. But that does not change what she is doing wrong.” Shadow sighed and said “Let’s take her out and decide later what to do.” Saphyre said “Okay, but do we have a plan?” I nodded, then remember something of grave importance "Before we do all that, there is something really important need to ask you Saphyre. Will you go on a date with me?” Without a second thought she shaked her head saying no saying “I don’t want us to be distracted in the fight”. I asked what about later and she said "No, I’m not interested.” Rain hit me in the arm saying “Seriously, you would ask her that now? The 6 of us are about fight an army.” I shrugged saying "It was a part of the deal to helping get your friends back. I figured since we are making it miracles happen today, I figured I try to get one early but no dice.” Saphyre glared at a Rain from what I said. Ariel walked in and asked "Are you ready? Also sister, it will be the six of us taking her and her guards down. Don’t worry, I got to a plan. ”

Author's Note

Lings are weird. :pinkiesmile:

Part 5

3 hours later I was sitting in the middle of the arena. The date is March 6; it was the middle day as I wait for Crimson and her army to come get me. I remember back to the plan Ariel made "Trying to fight her main forces and her would be too much, so let’s section it off.” I was was a little by what she was telling. So I asked her what are we going to use to section off the area and what are we going to section off. She said the stadium we were just at before. I asked why and she told me it’s going to be the last place her troops will look. Also, it's the largest space in the city to hold an ambush. Shadow was wondering what we are going to use as a filter. She told us disruption crystals would be a good way to block them out, if tweaked the right way. I asked what pelletx and disruption crystals?

Toka told me pelletx were an idea from donkeys a long time ago. Since not all creatures in terra can perform certain types of magic. Waiting all day for someone to come help you, was not efficient. So pelletx were tested and made by condensing magic into rocks to be used. Crystals are large enough to store spells of varying difficulty. My citizens specialize and depend on this form of magic. My family was blessed the ability to use magic. But the most I can do is turn in my body into a huge Taser. Disruption magic changes, alters or nullify magic from spells. As a bonus if someone other than the caster touches it while in use. They are going to get hit by the strength of the spell.

Ariel told us Toka, Shadow and Saphyre are going to set this up a perimeter around the stadium. Rain and I are going to be the bait. While Ariel is going to control how many guards are going to be released at a time. The queen has to make a choice fining Ariel or destroy all the crystals in the arena to get in. I remembered Nitro and asked her about how we are going to hand him too again. She said she was going to throw up a barrier strong enough to stop him. For the most part the plan it was solid for me. The one thing I didn’t plan on was me accidentally losing the guards that chasing me.

Right now I’m resting up to and thinking if there is a better way I can get the guards. I guess I could cause a big fire or ask some of the women to get the cops on me. While I was sitting I something, I looked around and saw some pebbles move and shake. Something big was coming but from what direction. From the north side of the stadium, I could see Rain running for her life with Crimson and over 50 guards behind them. Well, at least that part of the plan worked. I wonder if the rocks are ready now. I got up to face the crowd coming at me. Rain is right beside me and Lotus with her guards.

Lotus announced her presences in angry by yelling “You creatures are really are a thorn in my side. Not only have you stolen my slaves and made me a walking joke. Not only that but you destroyed my dress, which is unforgivable!” I looked over at rain and asked what she did to Lotus. She said "I may have snuck into the deeper parts of the castle and I may have ripped one of her dress a little. But hey, I didn’t know that was your favorite. I looked like something a little kid would wear but enlarged.” Lotus got really flustered and looked like she was going to kill us on the spot.

She calmed down a bit and her focus was back at us. She said “It was a gift I got a long time ago. Those aside are you two dumb enough want to try and fight all 120 of my guards and me.” Rain said “More than you having to struggle to fit all of that, into a plus size five hundred onesie”. I could see the steam boiling from the look on her face. She yelled “Get them!!!” Twenty guards in ran at us. The barrier stopped the rest of them getting in by hitting an invisible wall. A few second before that Shadow, Saphyre and Toka jumped in the stadium. I said “Okay team, everyone gets four” as I summoned my shield and stood on my back legs. Rain said “Since no one else is stepping up you’re the leader. Please, I want a democracy!” As she is taking a fighting stance, on her back two legs.

One of the guards came up at me throwing a punched me across my face. I blocked it with the shield, countering with a punch. Then while staggering backward kick to his face and he was on the ground. I said “I want a democracy too but voting is not going to help much in a battle.” A guard came after Rain trying to punch her in the face too. She ducked and flipped them behind, on their back and kicked him in the face while he was on the floor. I looked back and to see two more guys coming at me. The first one throw a kick to my face, I grabbed the leg and using the force of the kick. I span around and throw him into the other guard. The last one ran at me lifting his leg up his leg going to kick me in the stomach. I side stepped and lift his leg too high and made leg go up to high and dropped to the ground. I kick him in the stomach and he was down. I looked over and Ms. Bolt was done too.

The guard must have got smart because the four of them split up and tried to dog pile Toka. They jumped on top of him like they were playing football. Suddenly, a burst of electricity came from that pile. Then Toka came crawling out saying “Why do you dog pile on me that really hurt!” Okay so Toka is fine, he’s just whining for no reason. My gaze drifted to Shadow, he was standing there with his I eyes. He stood up on his back legs and put his paws together. He moved his paws away from each other and a blade made from...I think a light blade of light. He took the blade in his mouth. I blinked and all four of them are on the ground. I thought “Dang it, I blinked and missed it.” Now looking at the last fight Saphrye was doing something weird. She didn’t move an inch. The guard was going to hit her in the jaw but she dodged at the last second. Then she punched him square in the gut and down like bird shot in the wing. She ran to the next one, grabbed him by the neck and jump. She throws that one in two the other guards. I shocked she was that strong and was a little scared from how ruthless that was.

While we were fighting Lotus, confused what happened and shot at us with a beam of energy. It bounced of the barrier without any effort. She said this must be disruption magic so there has to be crystals. Using her power she was only able to break two at a time. The first four crystals broke. The last two were a bit more difficult from Ariel being able to focus only on two of them. Before her focused so no one can get in from any side at all. So, it was a bit of relief for her to now only need to focus on two. But Lotus was still able to overpower her and blows the rocks to the other side of town. For a minute, thee shields dropped and the guards swarmed like an enraged beehive to my group. In defiance, Ariel raised her own barrier made from her magic but could only stop Lotus. Unlike the one before, this barrier was made and controlled by Ariel. So it was a bigger strain then the last one.

Inside the barrier, 100 guards were running at us with zero hesitation. Rain yelled “Guys, get near me!” Our team got together and Rain threw up a barrier to stop our swarming opponents. I said “This is bad but we can make a comeback from this. It’s time to do a team attacks.” Shadow looked at me a funny saying “What team attacks? We didn’t rehearse any team attacks.” Rain yelled “I don’t care what we do, as long as we do it now! I can’t hold this for so long.” I quickly said “Just do something with the name I say and just remember, Thunder brothers are Toka and Shadow; Triple Threat is Me, Rain and Saphyre. An all-out attack is all of us.” Everyone knotted and Rain dropped the field and making a shockwave like the last time. The shockwave pushed every one of the guards back. I called out Triple Threat first and I told her to jump. I grabbed her rear legs and started spinning like a top and threw her at the soldiers. Then I told rain grab and swing her around, they both got the idea. In fact Saphyre did a super hero pose while fly saying “Weeeeeeeee.” Rain swung her around the arena, knocking out half the guards. They stopped and Saphyre was running back, along with the rest of the guards. Next, I called Thunder Brothers and told Toka to throw his hoodie at the approaching guards. Then I told Shadow to throw his blade into the jacket. After the blade left his mouth it turned in a lightning bolt and piercing Toka’s hoodie. The jacket absorbed the jolt of energy, becoming overcharged with electricity. The power spread to all of them all, stunning or knocking them out. I finally I called Blue Moon, telling Rain her magic to spin my shield and hit all the remaining soldiers still standing.

I yelled “We did it.” Saphyre glared at me like she was going to kill me saying "Next time, tell me when I’m going to be used as in a slingshot.” Then it softened saying “despite that it really fun.” Toka said “How did you know the thing with my hoodie would work.” I told him I didn’t know. I made a guess from the fight with Nitro; it was his hoodie that was shocking him. Since, I saw his hoodie touching Nitro's scales when he electrocuted him. While with Shadow, he looks like a walking thunderstorm in the form of a creature waiting to hit. Both Shadow and Toka laughed and Toka said “You’re paying for my dry cleaning.” I sighed thinking “Even in victory, I am defeated”.

During our Team fight Lotus notice the barrier changed and fired a powerful blast at the new barrier. Ariel Screamed from the pain of the attack. She heard Ariel scream and had an idea. She flew up in the sky and fired at the barrier with magic. Using the agony of Ariel's pain it guided Lotus right to her. Then the queen of Lupin landed right in front of her. She was glaring at down at Ariel like some worm had dared to stand before her.

Lotus said “Hmm a changeling, that's new one and Queen no less. Listen insect, drop the shield and you might live,” Ariel said “Stuff it Sadist Queen, like it would make a difference. The minute I drop my barrier, you'll take me out and go after them.” Lotus smiled saying “so the bug does have a brain. Either way, that shield is going to drop and going to be on them like peanut butter on jelly. I’m just giving you an easy way out.” Ariel gave her a confused look. Lotus said “I missed lunch so, I'm hungry.” Ariel told her no and she got blasted and she down on the ground. Lotus smiled saying as the barrier disappeared. “Well, no one can say I'm always cruel.” After beating Ariel with no effort, Lotus teleported to the stadium.

She appeared in front of us a few away. She was clapping her front hooves saying “Good thing, I only brought out the male guards. I would have been a little bit scared if you took out my competent soldiers.” Rain said “Wow, can you be more of a condescending villain. I don't even think storybooks can make a monster like you.” Lotus took mocking bow stating “What can I say; I like to ham it up. You may have beaten the male guards but the female guardsmen will be her soon. Until then, I’m an angry alicorn with a dragon, what do you got?” I said “We got a scary innkeeper and Toka, that's something.” Toka asked me what I meant by that. I said “Shush, I'm trying to make you sound cooler.” Lotus sneered saying “that's cute, but unbelievable useless. NITRO! Get your scaly huge flank in here.”

Dragon roar’s came from the right side of the stadium. Before he could fully come out, Ariel with the last bit of her strength cast a sleep spell strong enough to affect the fully grown dragon. A large thud noise came from that direction, and then loud snoring came from there.

She said “I guess I should have tortured the Bug Queen more. That was a minor misstep one my part. Now come at me, if you don't I will torture you so much; you'll want to dead.”

Ask our epic battle starts a weird song starts toplay. Rain a started us off by creating large ice shards and the rest of us followed behind the flying shards. Lotus blocked the ice with her own magic. The attack briefly obscured her sight from our actions. Each of us had got a hit in and spread out. We had had her surrounded but she made a shield. Shadow called Thunder Breaker while summoning his lightning sword staff again. This time sticking the blade in the in bubble and overloading it. He throws up the blade and it up in the air. Not missing a beat Saphyre grabbed the blade and landed on her back. She hit the back of her neck with a large amount of force with electricity. Lotus screamed in pain from the impact and electrocution. She fell to her knees with smoke coming from that spot. Saphyre flipped off of Lotus towards us, I called Triple Threat but this time I was getting slingshotted. I summoned my shield and jumped in the air. Saphyre grabbed my back legs tightly and span around even faster than I did to her. When she let go I could feel the air blowing in my face. I quickly positioned the shield in front of me and tried to position myself like I was going and tried to position myself like I was going to bust down a door. Lotus's body aches was written across her face. The shock from earlier made her body paralyzed. Even her horn was malfunctioning. Despite all the pleas she made to her body it did not move. On impact to her chest, it felt like I hit a wall as her lunges decompressed. We started flying into a far off wall. Rain grabbed onto me with magic and stopped me from plowing into the wall with Lupin's Queen. That part of the wall cracked in dozens of pieces and she left a big indent in the wall. Then fell into the ground and she looked off of it. Rain said “That was easier than I thought it was going to be.”

Then somehow Crimson Lotus stood back up and a demonic aura form appeared around her. She slowly is dragging her hooves in the dirt, heading towards us. The aura became more visible and monstrous with every step. Toka said “do you want to take it that back right now?” The huge aura took the form of a monstrous demon. I backed up and said “Maybe this was a bad idea?” Then she fell to the ground barely twitching. The aura roar like some legendary monster condensed down into a ball and hit the ground.

Shadow was first to respond out of all of us to say “What the buck was that?” Toka responded “Well, were alive and lotus is out cold. As long as that thing isn’t trying to kill us, then I count it as a win.” I nodded and asked Rain to put a magical box around it. She asked why and I said “I want see what the heck this thing is about. Besides, touching a super power magical looking thingy with my bare hooves is never smart.”

Everyone looked tired from the battles and it does not look like anyone wants a round three. I was tired too and every muscle in my body was screaming for rest. I ran up to Ariel and try to carry her too. That was not working I did not plan for the weight of an alicorn to be more than my own. As inched down the stairs as fast as I could with the large mare in tow. Before I could make down the stairs the guards were on us. They came in from sides all sides of the stadium. If only we did spend so much energy on team attacks and fighting. We could have made on final push out of the city. In our weakened state, were overpowered without a question by their forces.

Part 6

I slowly got up to see, I was in a small dark room without windows. There were odd and unpleasant smells coming from everywhere. There was an old bed and a toilet. The looks like the last occupant was a big guy. The toilet smells like it was hit by someone after eating a five bean burrito with chili covered in 5 alarm hot sauce and fish out the sea, while being sprayed but a skunk. The point is this room stinks!
By the gods above, how can a room smell so bad!? I covered my nose with my hoof and looked for the door. I saw a small sink and the door closed with bars. My mind automatically jumped to the conclusions of “The guards knocked me out and throw me in their prison. The others had to be in jail too. I should check if they are nearby.” I went to my cell room bars yelling “Hey guys, are you here!?” I heard Shadow call out “Me and Toka are here, did you just wake up?” I said yes to him and then he told me the girls are being held somewhere else. I replied back say I was going to bust them out. I ran to the back of the cell, summoned a shield then tried to use it as a battering ram. I ran into the bars with the shield thinking it will break. On impact, the shield faded from existence. I took the full brunt of the hit across my chest and face.
Fell to the ground after smacking my face against the bars. I yelled "Why didn't that work?”’ Toka said "The door is made with negation crystals. It’s like the disruption crystals from before. But it completely negates magic. I did not stop you because your magic didn't seem like the normal kind. So I thought you had a chance of breaking through.” Asked him why did he think I was different? Shadow said “Terra pony magic is usually super strength. Making things out of made out of magic is what unicorns do. So it's odd to see a terra pony pull a shield out of nothing.”
Before I could respond, three guards came into view. None of them seemed to be happy. One was the woman that knocked me out. The others were some of the guys we were beating up earlier. The two guys didn't seem all that hurt. They opened our respective doors placed a collar around our necks. One of the guards told us the collars were like the cell but they can deliver an electric shock to the wearer.
The collars were thick and a little on the heavy side. They were really bland looking with a dark purple glow. The only things on it were a two knobs and a dial. If I had to guess the knobs, the knob on the back of collar is to take it off. The dial must be to alter the level of shock and the other knob next to the dial is for the voltage level.

After our fitting, the guards were forcing us to an unknown location. Toka says “So, how bad is the damage. Are you going to kill us? Or are you inviting us in an elaborate dinner party?” The female guard stopped for a second. Walked over to Toka, smacked him so hard I could feel the hit. The female guardsmen yelled “Men should not speak unless spoken to! To answer your question, our queen Crimson Lotus has awakened from her long unplanned nap. She will torture you so much; you will pray and wish for your death at her hooves.”
Toka gave a uncaring look stating to her "If you're going to kill me anyway, I'm going to enjoy saying what I want.” One of the other guards told the female guard to relax, since they are going to die. She said “Stay out of this Bob and we might get pizza with other things...after work.” Shadow asked “Are you two dating?” Bob said no they were married. I asked them how they meet. She started to blush and said “Well, since it's not going to matter. We met over 10 years ago. "The other guardsmen interrupted saying “we did not have time to fool around. The queen will have our coats. Remember, the last pair of guards at kept her waiting too long.” In unison they shivered from the unsightly flashback and then pushed us forward without hesitation.
We were taken to the castle's throne room. The throne room was huge, there were a few decorations around while two balconies. Two of the decorations stood out from the rest of them. There on the ground was an oddly colored rug. On closer inspection it was pony fur. The same was hovering over the throne in a different color. We were in shock as a group brought up the ladies.
Both Rain and Ariel was angry, Saphyre was calmer but still displeased with the situation. Rain was thrashing around like a caged animal inside a magic bubble. Ariel was literally looked like a caged animal. The restrains that looked like our collars but it was on all her limbs with her mouth. To top it off Ariel is in a reinforced cage like our cell. “Those guards weren't taking any chance with her” I thought. While Saphyre only was wear a collar like us.
Lotus was sitting on the throne, watching us for a minute or two. Her face was unreadable to me. That was never a good sign. She asked in a demanding voice “Are you the ones responsible for my untimely nap?” Rain snapped “Yes, were the ones that knocked you in next Friday and we will do it again!” Shadow said “Ms. Bolt, you're not helping.” Lotus smiled and said “My you are scrappy but I don't want a rematch, I want to extend my thanks to you all of you. I'm dropping all charges on your actions and giving you and free pass to leave the city.”
A loud WHAT!!! Came from everyone in the throne and echoed throughout the castle. Lotus continued “I am also stepping in down as the queen of this land. This monarchy will be changed to a democracy. I will get rid of some of the more outrageous laws like males can't run their own companies or woman raping men being legal.” The female guards look a little depressed from that. One of the female guards rushed out to her highness asking “My lord are you well? I have never heard you say so much no sense before.”
Ms. Lotus nodded said “You are right I have been acting weird. I haven’t been myself for over 10 years, since before I took power and my parents ruling. I wouldn’t have passed some of those rules. I’m angry and disgusted with myself for it; I can’t lead my fellow creatures like this. Right now I am in no condition to do my duties either. So, I will leave my creatures in fates in their own claws, hooves...ETC.” One of the guards asked what cause the change of heart. One of the female guards believed she was sick and thought she should go back to bed and try to sleep it off. Lotus waved her off saying she was fine. She answered the other guard with “It’s no secret on the day my parents met their demise and I gain a draconic servant. But there were a few things I didn’t think was important at the time. So I left them out when others asked me about what happened that day. At the time I was 12 years old and I was always mad with my father. Woman in our kingdom were being treated like accessories. My father didn't really respect my mother and I could see it every day. They would argue about improving how woman would be treated or how this castle is a reflection of his ego and stupidity. The debates would get so furious they would be into physical fights from time to time. The guards would need to break them up sometimes. My mother was quite the scrappy one. My father cared more about having ‘trophies’ then having a family. His selfishness and greed could put dragon’s greed seem tame. I was waiting for the day for my mom to say it was enough and she was going to leave him. The next time I saw them together was before I enslaved that horrid dragon. The situation left me emotionally destroyed from seeing my father stabbed and my mother lifeless at the ground. I was going to kill that demon right where he stood. Before I could do the deed, I felt something else take control of me.”
Everyone in the room became silent and confused from her last statement. My group seemed interested in her story, while the guards it was split down the middle. The male guards looked like they were concerned on whether or not Ms. Lotus was well. The female guards gave a fearful look like Ms. Lotus had gone mad.
She continued saying “When I was on top of the dragon after fighting him. All I could say was ’You Beast, Monster, mistake of nature! As long as I live, I will make all of your kind and related regret being born.’ He corrected me saying dragons are hatched not born. I smacked across his the face saying, I didn't need his lecture. As I was going to end him, I heard a voice say ‘or instead of killing this one...you could make him suffer‘. I thought I being going crazy but the voice reassured me 'Why not, he did kill your parents. You're the new ruler of the castle by default. You can make or change the rules of this land at your whim. All you have to do is take my power. With my power, all of the creatures who do not stand for your ideals will be beaten until they follow our ideas without hesitation. Their red and bloody sin of defiance to you shall be drained by your own crimson hooves. What do you think?' I felt cold and disgusted, but I know I didn't have the power to help my subjects. So I agreed and took on it’s power.
I felt strong enough to do anything, make anyone bend to my will. Before I knew it I had casted a spell on him. The voice told me the spell was making him a servant to my whims, prevents him from speaking a recognizable language and stops him from leaving my side.
After a few days, later my mind became fuzzy. I couldn't think straight about what I was doing or stop myself from doing it. I remember when I first started my rule. I took down most of the gentleman clubs out there I hated so much. Next, I outlawed males selling females for money. Things were pretty good but that's where my memory gets a little hazy. The next thing, I remember was lightly an elderly retirement home on fire. I could see what I was doing but I couldn't stop. The rest of the time my memory is in bits and pieces.”
After a long pause, a female guardsman said “So my queen, you are saying something has been controlling you for some time now. However, that doesn’t excuse the actions of these rebels and males’ actions. They need to be punished for causing so much trouble for our majesty. Some of their actions warrant the penalty of death!” Lotus sighed then with a confused look on her face says “Listen…mmm…Lissssa…Riiita…Jubeleee…” The guard groaned saying her name is Perry Winkle and she said was working for her for the last 5 years. Lotus blushed and said “I’m sorry but you see, I wouldn't remember the name of one of my guards who has been with me for five years...Sorry.” While Perry and Lotus was talking about that, Shadow snuck over to Saphyre and asked in a low tone “So are they going to kill us, let us go or have a tea party?” She shushed him saying “I want to see how this plays out.”

At this point Lotus was getting annoyed and just wanted this affair to be over and done. She stomped her hoof down on the ground, causing a loud echo to go through the castle. She declared her actions to be final. But before she steps down, Lotus command Miss Winkle to assemble 3 other woman with 4 four other male and at least one creature different from ponies to help run her nation in her absence. Lotus said she had a week determine who would be on it and she will aid her on finding Lotus’ replacements.

She then ordered the guards to release my group. Lotus told them to watch as long as we stay in Lupin. She continues say they wouldn't return our weapons until we were outside the city. Lotus dismissed us and retreated back to her room.

Ms. Winkle followed after with annoyed expression on her muzzle. The rest of the guards confused and wasn't sure how they were supposed to take the new batch of orders. Normally their queen would taunt and heckle her foes, after winning in some way. If it was criminal, she would waste no time and drag the unlucky soul into all kinds of torture. Some of her favorites were hanging criminals upside down for 2 hours straight. Or having them stay awake for 3 days to a week. Each time they fall asleep, the body would receive electronic shocks to your sensitive areas to shock you awake. I thanked the gods that did not happen.

Ariel asked the guards if we could head back to hotel. I asked her why because I didn't want to make that trip right now.I want to leave lupin as soon as possible. She said he had to so she could pick up her things she left there. The guards offered to teleport us to the inn back to the hotel we were stayed in earlier. One of us give the guards the address to Ariel’s inn. They said to the guard it was on Hoofinton and Track avenue. One of the female guards stepped forward declaring “Don’t worry, I got this one.”

That guard doesn’t stand out much from the rest of the guards. Her coat was a grass green while her hair was a bright lime green. I couldn’t see her mark from the guard’s armor covering most of it. But her eyes were cold and soulless hunks of coal. They were devoid of all light, like she lost something really important to her. Her horn lit up with a bright shining light from her casting the spell. The light was tinted with a faded yellow glow; the light grew stronger and stronger until I looked had to look away.

Suddenly, I felt my body being jerk forward from being pushed by some unknown force. When I looked back, we were at Ariel’s hotel. Two of the guards stayed outside while the other seven followed us inside. Her hotel seemed empty upon going inside. Any evidence of changelings being there was completely erased. There wasn’t any sign of them being there. Ariel then told the seven guards in there, we needed some space to talk about something urgent. So we’re going to a guest room. One of the guards said they couldn't allow this from the queen’s earlier orders. So they came to a compromise of allowing them to use one of the rooms but only if two guards stood outside of the closed room.

The room she chose was the room, Rain stayed in on our first day. The room was smaller than the parent room was and it was kind of nice. Instead of using regular electrical lights to illuminate it, candles were being lit around the room. The firm bed was neatly made with a red blanket. Next to the bed was a small dresser with a framed picture on top. I was going to take a better look at the image but Rain magically moved it out of my hooves. I asked her what it was and she said to me it was really important to her without telling me what it is.

I sighed and decided the picture was none of my business and dropped it. Ariel started saying “Okay, we're safe to talk now. I made sure every guest room in the building was made with soundproof walls. ” I guess despite the fact we are safe right now. Ariel is more cautious than I realized. Rain asked where their family was right now. Ariel told her their parents and the other lings are waiting in a few different areas of the city, spread out and blending in. As soon as Ariel reports back, they were heading back home. In a gentle tone Ariel asked “Sis, you should go back with me. Become our queen like you were supposed to be, before you ran for it.” All the creatures in the room but Rain and Ariel had the look of confusion. Shadow says while being confused “Ms. Bolt you‘re a queen, but if so, then why are you our boss.” She sighed saying “If I had, then I would never have had a chance to fulfill my dreams. But that doesn’t matter much now.” Toka ask what did she mean by that, while Rain looked even depressed. She said she needs to get some and left the room.

Ariel shook her head while saying “When it comes to her dreams or things she cares about she is will to do anything for it.” Ariel sighed then continued to say “It’s her best and worst quality; look after her for me. The last thing our family needs to hear is Rain needing to beg and hustle for meals on the street.” Shadow says being a little displeased “You're leaving already but we barely got to know you” Ariel smiled a little at that and responded “I feel the same way but the faster me and my fellow creatures leave, the better for Lupin’s government. Don’t forget, we did just did a coup d’état. The last thing they need right now is to think there is going to be a changeling invasion too. Tell my sister, I am sorry had to leave earlier and I love her. There is always going to be a place for her in our hive, Bye.” She left out the door and without another word.

A few minutes went by as everyone began to relax for a second. Since we got here, the room was filled with tension. Now the four of us was left alone, that great weight felt like it was lifted. Then Ms. Bolt returned back to the room but she looked off. She was still in her disguise but she had dried tear marks on her face. Shadow asked what was wrong but she shook her head say everything is fine. Using her magic she the large traveling bags, we brought with us when we got to Lupin out of a corner in the room. I had completely forgotten about them until now, while Rain pulled out two envelopes. She hoofed them over to Shadow and Saphyre, and then looked a wall in another direction. They opened their envelopes to see a paycheck for both of inside. Shadow and Saphyre gave her a look of confusion. She said “Sorry, this is your final paycheck from me. It's nothing personal but I have to fire you two.” Shadow asked what was she talking about Rain responded with saying “My hotel is behind in paying its debt. It’s been like that for a whole 3 months. Customers would stop coming to Aster from Lupin Queen’s orders. Then that small group of morons Might V or something was scaring away the rest of any paying customers that visited.” Shadow asked who they were. I told him they were a small gang working for the government. Rain said “I had to call in on favors, take on a large loan at Aster and fundraisers to keep it going. While I hope you and Saphyre would come back soon. The loans for the hotel started to build up so much. I had to pay back my loans this Friday or I lose it. Now it's Saturday the 7th, I lost my business and I’m in debt.” Saphyre raised an eyebrow and said “Then how are you paying us?” She said “This is some of the money I saved up to pay for the bank’s loan. But I’m still short by a lot to fully pay it off. I’m sorry, Mr. Flier but I can’t pay you those days at my establishment for free like we agreed on. The most I can give you is some pocket change.”

I hadn’t notice but it I had a very distance expression, like I was lost in thought. I was getting kind of sick of Lupin and want to head back to Rain’s hotel. But what Rain said busted my bubble and I got a little annoyed. I said “You should have told me you could not pay me earlier.” She asked me if I would have gone with her otherwise. I shrugged saying “you got me there, but you can keep the pocket change. How about we change our verbal agreement and make it official.” She nodded and I asked Toka if he had something like a tape recorder. Luckily, he had one in his pocket, giving it to Rain to use.

She said “first what is the terms and conditions.”

I said “how about you work with me until March 7 2016.If I help you save up enough money to pay off the money needed for your debt. I get to stay there for 3 months without paying, with food and drinks.”

Rain then squint her eyes too and said “A half day only.”

I squinted my eyes back saying “2 months and 2 weeks with drinks, food and a game of Ping-Pong.”

Rain declared “3 days and 12 donuts.”

Saphyre leaned over whispered “what are they doing?” Toka whispered back “I believe it’s a good old fashioned negotiation battle. They’re haggling to a point where it’s a fair trade for both parties.”
Saphyre said “I know that, why are they asking for odd things?” He gave a shrugged saying I don’t know.

I said “A month and 2 weeks, with food, drinks, a duck, tickets to Hope Island and a hot date.”

Rain said “A month with food drinks and we get Ice cream. You are treating, that’s my final offer.”

I agreed to her terms then we stopped squinting and used the tape recorder to record our formal verbal contract.

Then Kai asked me if I had room for two more since they were now lacking a jobs. I told them yes.Then Saphyre pulled Shadow out of the room saying “Excuse us, we need to get your stuff.”

Toka then said with a little bit of sadness “Well, I would stay and try to get Lotus to send aid to my citizens, while she is still in power. But she is going to have her hooves filled trying to find a replacements for her.Besides, we did beat her into a wall...literally. So I will come back later, after the government sort themselves out.”

I stopped him and asked him “How about we come with you? Saving a creatures is apart of my job description. Besides there is nothing stopping us from doing it.”

Then one of the guards came in the door and told me to go down the stairs.They told me there was someone here for me.I nodded wonder who could be looking for me, We been here for half a week. In the middle inn, there was a creature I wasn't expecting to be here. The strong minotaur of mighty V, Victor. I asked “Victor, what are you doing here and how did you find us.” He yell back “That second question does not matter. All you need to know is, I'm taking you to Court and suing you for all you got.”

To be Continued

Part 7

“I cannot believe that guy is taking me to court. His gang was harassing a town. But with Rain's help, we got some justice for the creatures that live there. If anything, they should be in jail or getting sued by Aster for their crimes”. That is what I thought as I waited for our turn outside of the courtroom in Lupin. Despite it being Sunday and their kingdom going through a transitional period. The courtrooms were still running like normal.

Toka was still here to support me and Rain, that came as a little bit of a shock to me. I just met him recently and It sounds like he has a lot on his plate. In my opinion, he should have left for the next big city last night. While I look like I’m trying to solve a rubix box; Rain is currently filling in the blanks for Toka, Saphyre and Shadow on who is Mighty V.

I'm confused why Victor would try something like this. Last night I told him, he got the whooping he deserves. But he countered with a smug look “Let's see what a judge says about that. I scheduled it for tomorrow at Cross Street and Slip Avenue.” He then walked out of the hotel, like he had owned the place. I don't know what annoys me more, his arrogance or how much he is being a jerk. I don't hate Victor, because what he did was business. But he does not have to be so happy about it.

Five minutes later, I looked at a nearby by clock.I was wonder when Marco is going to get here. Rain said she sent him a message last night to get here. She even promised he would be here before the trial started. We need him, since he has evidences of all of Victor’s actions towards the town's ponies and photos of her inn destroyed. After Rain was done summarizing, Saphyre pull out a book from a dull looking saddle bag she was carrying and started reading. Shadow and Toka started talking about how Toka's hoodie worked. Rain started tapping the floor impatiently. I guess she doesn't want to be here or Marco was taking way too long. But it's better to do this legally, rather than under the table.

Then a guard came out of a nearby pair of double doors. He called me and Rain into the room. The courtroom kind of smaller than I imagined but it still looked like a courtroom, I have seen on T.V. The guard brought us to the defendant podium then guided my friends to the stands. Next, Victor and the guards came from the other side being escorted by the the same guard.The guard brought in 30 to 40 more creatures to the stands.Some of them looked familiar but most of them I have never seen before in my life.Two of them went up to the plaintiff's podium. One of the guys I had tackled to the ground.He had one leg of front legs in a sling.

Okay, I'm sure I didn't cause that much damage to him.In fact, I remember all of the member of Mighty V was walking to the police station afterward. Well all of them except Victor, he was still out cold after our brawl.Some of the police officers had to haul him in a stretcher to the station.Then the guard announced andl rise for the honorable judge Morai.” While a cow with green eyes, with a white coat wearing a judge's robe.She told us we maybe all seated.

She continues saying after glancing at our testimony “Let’s see, Mister Filer and Ms. Bolt is being sued for medical bills by Mister Victor Propane. Mister Propane, can you tell me about your relationship with Mister Filer and Ms. Bolt.” Victor said “I have never met Mr. Filer before this unfortunate event. Me and my associates were cleaning up our newly bought building.When, Ms.Bolt and Mr.Filer bust through our brand new doors. Next, Miss Bolt told us to stop doing our jobs.I told her no, since jobs are hard to come by these days.That's what lead to our brawl and our door getting ripped off its hinges.”

The judge asked if this true? I said “Yes but Mr.Propane is leaving out some details. He was stealing money and harassing everyone in town.” Morai then looked to Victor, he said ” We weren't stealing anything. We doing our jobs; If we ‘took’ anything, it was a part of agreements we had with the town's resident creatures. Me and my companions are bill collectors for Lupin's government.” Rain looked like she was about to blow but somehow said calmly “Objection! Your honor, If that were true. Then why were they destroying my hotel.” Morai asked for pictures of the damages and a police report. Rain told the court she had taken the pictures.But she did not have the time to get them.While she didn’t a police report from when she reported the incident to the police. In confusion Morai said “So you two came to court with no witnesses, evidence or a police report? That is the worst defense I have ever heard.Do you two do realize how grave these charges are right. Breaking and entering, assault charges and destruction property all of these charges can land you in jail for 20 years at maximum a piece.”

As she said that I could feel the color leave face.I knew the charges were bad but 20 years each? Why did Marco have to be late today!
She sighed and continued “The lowest can be 5 years.Tell me Mister Filer, what do you do for a living? I’m asking out of curious.”I told her, I was a hero for hire.I would help and save others from large problems.She nodded asked if I had heroes license. I had no idea there was something like that. Morai sighed saying “listen you're going to need a license if your going to be a legitimate hero in the eyes of the law.In special situations you can act as a cop and get paid for it.But until then, you have the same rights as a normal civilian.That means when you think something is going on and you think it's illegal. Don't run into the crossfire playing hero, call the cops.”

She look over to Victor “So where is the license? Since you’ll are working as a Bill collectors. Also can I see your documents for the building.I'm just curious.” Victor had a cocky smile on his face. “Would you look at that, your license expired a week ago. That property is under the name of the city of Lupin. Meaning you had no right to be there and legally shouldn't have been doing that job at all.”

The cocky look on Victor's face vanished and he began sweating. In a calm tone Morai says “You should only be using that place when all your paperwork is right and up to date. Your license expired 5 months ago. Also, I'm dropping the counter suit of destruction of property from lack of evidence.Now let's move on to the medical bills.”

Victor's smile renewed for a vengeance.While oddly Rain has bearly talked and hasn't really move much.Morai asked for the Medical Bills from Victor.She raised an eyebrow saying “This happened 4 or 5 days ago but this says you should be in a wheelchair for at least another week or two.”Victor says casually “I would be but Minotaurs naturally have faster healing then most.But If I fell the wrong way and wasn't a Minotaur. I could have been permanently in that wheelchair.” Morai nodded looked at their bills again.

She said “Miss Bolt and Mr.Filer you're going to pay for their Medical expenses. From your written testimony, you two were not under the influence of any form of drugs during the act. So, you two were fully aware of your actions at the time. But since you are in Lupin, you have an options for repayment but Mr. Propane prefers cash instead.Your first option is to serve your time in jail, Next is community service.The last two choices are spend time with Mr. Propane or paying back your debt to Mr.Propane.”

My throat suddenly went dry from the way this is going. It makes sense from what the judge was saying. But we have no way to fix this without more evidence and our along with an witness from Aster that could aid us, but he’s not here yet.

I look over to Rain and she had a nervous look on her face and she was sweating bullets. Then she look over at me with lots of anger. I’m glad we were in court right now or she would be choke slamming me into the wall.

“I’m glad, you two came to court. Most creatures who don’t show up, have to be sent to her majesty for at least a week. It’s never a pretty sight. The choice is your but I suggest community service or payback your debt.If your paying back the debt, get a hero license and apply to Savers Resurge. They pay pretty well and they are always looking for new members.”

I said paying back the debt and Morai declared the case was over.The guard escorted out my group first to the waiting room. On the way out I asked the guard where and what Saver Resurge was. She told me It’s an organization for wannabe heroes. They aid in organizing, supporting major cities in a crisis.Also, they pay the aid creatures trying to pay off their debts.

They are funded by the 8 kingdoms of the land. Lupin use to be one of them before ten years, until it fell under new management.Before then heroes, would frequently come here to make their debut and earn fast money. But the Queen discontinued their services from worry, they would find out about her ‘pet’ and ‘playroom’.So the closest place to get a hero license is next kingdom over in the town of Iris to the west of Lupin.I thanked her and went to the waiting room.

I walked into the waiting room and saw Marco run into the room.He looked like he was exhausting and was breathing heavily.Marco said “I’mmm….here...haha….you...won't believe….why….I'm late.” Rain walked up to Macro and gave him a horrific glare, he recoiled like a cobra just bit his nose.She turned around, walked to the nearby seats, sat down looking away from Marco with a pouting expression.

He had a confused look in his face and went over to Saphyre and Shadow.He said “I'm not sure what I did to deserve that but I'm glad you two are safe. So, how is the damage?” Shadow said “I am glad to see you too, and things could be better.Rain just lost her inn and was sued for fighting back.If you got here sooner, then she wouldn't have to pay off the debts.

Saphyre padded him on the back saying “good luck.”He sighed and trotted to her to explain, he was late from the barricade around the city. He said some rebels tried to take over the city yesterday. The barricade just went down a few minutes ago. I thought “We really shot our chances in making this better.”

Toka went over to me and told me he was going to the next town now.After wishing us good luck on getting our hero licenses, he started walking to the exit. I said “thank you, but why don't we go with you? We could be your bodyguards.” Toka decline said “I would like that but I barely have the money to fund my own business trip.I can't pay you guys.Besides I'm going to make two stops before going to the next big kingdom. How about when you guys get your licenses, I will be your first customer.” I agreed and went our separate ways.

Part 8

It's been a few days since, I last saw Toka. Me and my team left Lupin that night after Marco generously aided us by getting us supplies. I honestly felt bad for unloading on him, what the trial he missed was about. But whenever I try to tell him to stop Rain made sure, I didn't come close to saying anything. Who knew a changeling could be so, scary and demanding.

Despite him looking depressed, when he glanced at his wallet; Marco still wished us good luck for our epic journey ahead. Marco did offering Rain, Shadow and Saphyre a place to stay for a while. He didn’t offer me a place to stay but he just met me. They choose to decline his offer to stay with them for different reasons. Rain might have felt guilty for making Marco help us earlier that day. Shadow and Saphyre didn’t specify why they did want to stay though. After Marco departed, we decided to leave for Iris right after sunset.

That night, the temperature dropped to a comfortable level. I wouldn’t have guessed we are in the desert from the weather. But the sun scorched sand for miles, snakes, rabbits…etc. running about. As the moon raised high in the sky, we travelled for a few miles before taking break. Rain created a magical bubble around our improvised camp site. I announced “Okay, I think I waited long enough. So Shadow, Saphyre why are you are?” They looked at each other, and then back at me like was speaking another language. Well I looked away saying “Well, it’s great you two want to get a license but it would have been easier for you two to go back with Marco or went back home to your parents. Until you work things out and get other jobs. Only me and Rain have large debts to pay it back.”

Rain jumped in to say “back off Mr. Filer, they are here because they want to be.” Both of them nodded their heads to agree. Shadow says “It's not like we're ungrateful for what you did. However, our reasons for coming are personal.” I was a little disappointed, since they're right. I looked over to Rain and saw her doing something extremely weird. She pulled out a picnic blanket from a small hole floating in midair. Rain laid out the blanket and sat on it, then changed back to a changeling. With a confused look, I turned back to the pair with wolves. I said “I'm sorry, you're right but I like to know who my teammates are and what the can do.”

Saphyre raised an eyebrow while Shadow said “what you don't trust us? We can handle ourselves, you saw that.” Rain cut in saying I should chill, while pulling the sub sandwich she packed in her bag from a few days ago. The sandwich had a slight glow around it. That must have been slate by now. It stopped glowing for a second and she took a bite. “What it's still good” she said between bites. I turned back say “no, that's not what I meant. I want know what we can do separately. So, if something happens like a bomb going to blow. I can depend you guys to handle it. Besides, I showed you guys everything, I can do.”

“Fine, I’ll humor you by telling you some things I can do. I know how to use some forms of fire, water, and plant magic.” Rain said after pulling napkins from her miniature black hole. I said “What about teleporting, the bubble thing, the glowing thing with the food and that” I was pointing to the floating next to her. She wiped her muzzle saying “You would be surprised what you can find when you're raiding a unicorn’s room.” I was going to say something about that but she said that was a long time ago. So, I continued saying instead “so any magic tricks we should know about?” She said “nope, a lady must have her secrets” I gave her a face saying are you kidding me?

Shadow was next, saying “Okay, you may have a point. My clan is specializes in weather manipulation. I excel in electricity and thunder, from what my teacher told me.” Saphyre says “I’m fast, strong and stealthy.” I asked if there was anything else. She said ”I’m really chatty and making quips.”

Shadow then asked me “So Eclipse, what do you think? About Ariel I mean?” I told him “Ariel,
would make a very scary mother.” Rain sighed saying “Did my sister threaten to torture you? She kind of does that with every guy I seem ‘chummy’ with since we were foals.” I decided not to pursue the topic any farther. That seemed like it was a really personal question to ask. So I asked Shadow and he replied” she seemed like a really strong leader, dependable and a good sister.” While Saphyre was looked a bit disinterested and took some food from her bag and had a small meal. Rain said “Gross, you guys are fawning over my sister. Are you two going to join her fan club next too? I hope Saphyre isn’t getting jealous.” Saphyre, chimed in with audible “pttf‘’ saying she looks better than the bug bite overlord.

I then asked her and Rain “What do you to think Iris is going to be like?” While me and Shadow are chowing down on some of the food we packed. Saphyre told us she has never been there before. She said Iris was one of the first places to pass inter-species relationships. Another thing was Iris has a fairly large population of species. Rain took over saying “Iris, is wonderful place to stay. I actually lived here for a little while. But I don't want say in one of the hotels in the city. Besides, the wait staffs in most of them are like soulless drones. I couldn't even get some of the male workers to tell me the time of day. Iris is also known to be one of the few diarchy systems. If I remember right, the current leaders are siblings.”

I asked what's a diarchy was? She told me it was like a monarchy but with two leaders. After finishing our meal, I said “That sounds like an interesting city. You know what would make it cooler, if the rulers were god like alicorns controlling the very sun and the moon.” Shadow said “No, they sound really overpowered. But I do want to get to know who they are though.”

Rain got up and said “Mealtime is over, come on let's get going, we're burning moonlight here.” We packed up our things, while Rain made the little pocket dimension disappear. Then we continued our track to Iris. After walking and talking breaks, we arrived at our destination a day later.

Author's Note

This is as far as I got. I'm working on another one but my hands are full right now. I will try to get the next part out when I can.

Elements of Catastrophic

The Elements Of Catastrophic

Part 1

Things are getting weird

We arrived at the front of the gate to Isis around the early morning. I was a bit groggy, but still wide awake. While Saphyre keep “resting her eyes” while we were walking here. She almost walked into a few trees. Somehow she magically didn’t hit them for some reason, even she was right in front of it. Shadow for some reason seemed still full of energy and happy, for whatever reason I have no idea how he can do that…While Rain was in the back of our humble little party trying to disappear in the shadows.

At the front of the gate, two guards were posted by they don’t seem to be paying attention. The guards were deeply into their private conversation to notice their new guests.

The guard on the left said “...and that’s how the three shells system works.”

The one on the right stated in amazement “It was so simple, I can’t believe we didn’t know.”

“Ahem,” Shadow uttered to get the workers attention.

The guard on the right say “Sorry about that, Welcome to Isis. The most welcoming town around.”

The left guard squinted his eyes towards and exclaimed to his fellow guard “Joe! Look she looked back!”

Joe squinted his eyes and he declared “Well, well, look who is back. Nice seeing you again, No-show lightning bolt.”

The other guard said “really, I thought her name was the Raining deserter. It doesn't matter, how you been. Have reached your dream yet?”

Rain came out of hiding with a brave face and say “It's been great and I have had plenty of customers in my hotel so far.”

One of the asked “That's good to hear but why are you then. You only come back here if something is horribly wrong.

Rain's brave mask begin to fade away slowly from that remark. “I only hit a bump in the road to my long term success.”

Joe shook his head and said “Sure, sure, tell Midnight I said hi. Also, you should dodge.”

A shocked and terrifying look became Rain’s face. “Is...Is...it that...bad?”

Joe nodded and Rain gulped with a face of horror. Rain sighed and thanked the guard for his forecast of doom. Then told him she would see him later as our group moved forward in the city with Rain taking the lead.

Isis did live up to its name, the streets were filled with plenty of different kinds of species all over the place. Dragons, ponies, yaks, birds, cats, dogs, were all over the place. It was a fantastic sight to see.

“Want to explain?” someone in our group asked. Which interrupted my enjoyment of the scenery. My eyes drifted towards Rain as she walked with a nervous look on her face. She said “It's not something for you guys to worry about. It's going to be long day for me though.” He nodded but said “yeah but shouldn't Clips here want to know, from you told us. You and Clips have had some bad experiences going to new places.” He looked to me, waiting for me to jump in. I nonchalantly say “I'm just glad we're not in jail right now after meeting the guards.”

Rain slightly flinched from that statement. She say “how about we split up for now. Clips, Saphyre how about you two go to the bar in the middle of town. The tavern is called Blue Tiger. Blue is normally where creatures post there problems. Me and Mr.20 questions is going see about finding a place to staying.”

I said “fine, just try not to cause too much trouble.” Me and Saphyre started to walking towards the bar. While Rain and Shadow went off in another direction.

-Saphyre-

*Yawn* I'm not that tried. I would not be this sleepy if my sleep schedule wasn't be so out of whack. I get it, we need to sleep during the day and travel by night. One problem with that was how many animals in the desert live and survive that way out there.I was more worried of the animals attacking at night. Then the scorching heat baking us during the day.

Besides, I'm doing fine. I haven't hit anything yet even I close my eyes for a second or two. But it’s weird, on second I see the street ahead of me.I close my eyes for a few seconds and see tree with a wall behind it. Another blink and I was back on the road.For the next few minutes we were walking straight. Then, I blinked again and saw a door fly open towards into my face. I closed my eyes once more and oddly, enough I didn't feel any pain. I open my eyes again and

see we were at the bar. I looked over to Eclipse and he was sweating with annoyed look at me. “We are never doing that again. Come on let’s look for some jobs.”

I have no idea what he was talking about but I don't care to ask. I nod then walked in the nice establishment. The sooner I can get some coffee, the sooner I can be at one hundred percent. Heck, I can settled for 70 percent right now.

Its was still really early in the morning, so the regulars and most customers were nowhere to be seen. The unicorn bartender was behind the bar, cleaning a shot glass. There was only on other customer in Blue tiger. It was a dragon but seemed familiar to me but I can't place where.

As we walked in he had his large back towards us. Eclipse said “hi, we heard this is where, creatures pick up work?” The bartender raised and eyebrow and said “You guy must be newbies, Our board is on the right in the next room. But I wouldn't bother if I was you. It's two early in the day for residents to come in and post there.”

Eclipse gave a muffled groan and sat down on the bar stool and "Fine, Mr. Bartender, do you sell?” He said nope, if residents wanted lattes. Their is a Star Kick, 6 blocks to the left of here. At this tavern, the closest to a latte was coffee. I was overjoyed and asked for a cup of coffee with sugar, cream, milk and some cinnamon. Both my co-worker and the bartender looked at me. “How about just coffee with milk" I back up and said . The bartender nodded and told sure thing, as he walked to the back.

said something odd. “you three got something in common, none of you are here to drink.” I looked over to the other customer, he was eating pizza. I didn't notice, this before but be was wearing a hoodie, the hood was covering his face. He said “it's way too early to get drunk. I'm just here to fill up and hide from my old girlfriend.” The worker exclaimed “you have one of those? You got to tell me the story to that Nitro.” He nodded telling the worker, he will after he explains to her why he was gone so long. I don't know why but I think, I know him from some where. Is it the scale color, his voice, his eyes?

There was a little bit of silence before the other guy finished his meal. He said “waiting for jobs is the worst. You never know when they are going to come in during the day. If you left the tavern for an hour, then ten people could come in and post whatever job. But it’s gone by the time you get back.” He turned to Eclipse and me saying “My name is Nitro Spark, please to me you.” Eclipse asked “You were listening?” He said “Well, there is only 4 people here right, counting the bartender. Also, I was right next to you guys.” Eclipse nodded saying “fair enough my name Is Eclipse Filer and this one of my companions Saphyre. We’re here to register for the upcoming exams.”

Nitro looked at us funny ”You two are going to take the exam? But that’s in a couple of months from now. What are you guys going to do until then.” We shrugged our shoulders and Eclipse said “I’m not sure it yet but first thing is first. We’re going to need some food and a place to stay.” I sighed in agreement with our present situation.

Then the Bartender came back out with my drink and gave it to me. I didn't notice it before but, the smell of freshly brewed coffee was in the air. It tasted like heaven to as a smile came across my face. It's been days since my last cup and that made this cup all the better.

“You should ask them to help you with your lady friend.” I guess the guy working behind the bar counter said it, I don’t know. I'm too busy being on cloud nine. Nitro said “I guess, since we got time to kill until something comes in. Tell you guys what, I will pay for the for the lady's drink and we'll call it even. I nodding thinking “free good tasting is the best kind.”

-Shadow-

I wonder, where are we going to. Ms. Bolt seems kind of on edge. She is looking all round the street for something. Before I can answer, she stops in front of a large build. It didn't really stand out that much from the others. In fact, the only thing that stand out is the sign in from of it it, ‘Training Days’.

Ms. Bolt looked up with a confused look at the sign. Then straight down to the ground mumbling something under her breathe “.........I can’t believe….hope she forgives me.” Before I could react Ms. Bolt faced me say “Shadow old buddy, old pal, I'm sorry you're going to have too see this. Thinks might get a little hectic and noisy. Be on your guard and expect anything could happen. But don't hurt anyone, stay safe. I would ask you to stay outside but I need a meat shield. ”As she said the words “meat shield”, I decided the best thing to do with this problem. “Well good luck with that, but I'm staying out here.” She sighed saying “come on, Shadow I real do need your help here.” Then, she did did something I wasn't expecting. She gave me the dreaded puppy look. She only did this when it's something serious. After a few seconds I gave into her. It was bad enough when Saphyre does it. “Fine, just this once.” I said in defeat.

Inside the building it resembles a fairly large library. There weren't that many other creatures in the building but, that’s pretty normal at for what time it was right now. There was a pegasus floating in wearing a dingy white t-shirt with overalls. Their clothes was dirty was a bit dusty with some faded oil over on it. The pegasus was repairing a ceiling fan with their back towards us. So is the mysterious creature we’re looking for in here? Maybe it’s the librarian or maybe someone over in security. Then I heard an odd sound, it sounded like a chattering noise coming from somewhere nearby. I tried to find out where the noise was coming from. It was coming from Ms. Bolt’s mouth.

She looked like a nervous wreck. Her legs were buckling trying to keep her staying in place. Some sweat started to come drop down her face and she was shaking slightly. Some of her holes on her legs started to fading in and out of her disguise. I have never seen her like this before, she always confident, bratty and straight-forward. However, she was still a good at heart and there for you when it matters. Without a second thought, I reached over and hugged her for a full minute. I’m not sure, what happened here or who she came here to see. But whatever it is I’m not going to let it hurt one of my friends.

Ms. Bolt’s body returned back to normal after a seconds of being in shadow’s embrace. “Thanks, I needed that” Rain said in a small voice. Now, she stood proudly in the library and said the worker “Excuse me, is Midnight Twinkle here right now”. The pegasus pony kept going, like Ms. Bolt had not said anything. I tried using the bell on the front desk near the front desk. That pegasus was floating in front of us and flew over behind the front desk. They quickly stood up and said “Welcome to the public library, I am Midnight, how may I help you?” Her voice sounded mechanical and bored. Something like an answering machine after being drained of all emotion.

Ms. Bolt came up to the front desk and asked if we could talk to her in the back. She declined said anything she can say in the back, can be said her. She flinched a little bit then relaxed. Ms. Bolt said “come on, it's really important. “ Midnight said “not until I see your face and an apology.” “Nighty, you remember me but how did you know it was me?” coming from Ms. Bolt with a shocked look. Midnight says “Two things, for one you are still using the same perfume I gave you a few years ago.” I took a second and started to sniff the air a little bit, she was right. It was faint but there was definitely something in the air. There was a small hint of honey all around us. I can’t believe I haven’t noticed it. “The second thing is your appearance. You always take on that form when your trying to hide.” Ms. Bolt cheeks turned bright red from that statement and quickly faded.

Ms. Bolt says “It figures you would be able know it’s me. Seriously, your sense of smell and memory is frightening.”

Midnight responded “They need to be when your best friend is a changeling. At least I thought we ‘friends’.”

There was creeping silent grabbing a hold of the conversation, I was going to ask what’s going on but Ms. Bolt intervened saying “So…did you add those adds to the library like you use to talk about.”

She nodded listlessly “Yeah, the staircase in the back going up leads to an apartment building on the top three floors. There is a gym in the basement. ”

Ms. Bolt says “Nighty don’t be like that, we are friends and nothing is going to change that.”

“Reaaally, because friends don’t just vanish off the face of terra at the drop of a hat!” Midnight said with aggression in her voice.

“There is a very good reason for that and I can explain that later” Rain said.

Midnight looked towards me and said “If you are a friend of hers, keep an eye on her. She could leave at anytime and any place.”

Rain got really annoyed saying “That’s not fair, you don’t know the whole story.”

Midnight fired back “You are right, it’s not fair but a lot of things are not. When most are faced with an unfair situation, they work through it and become better from it. They don’t run away from their problems.”

Rain gritted her teeth asking “Look I am in a bad situation and I need a place to stay a for week with my companions.”

“Wait, you just magically pop up on my doorstep after being gone for 3 years. Then ask me to let you and creatures I haven't meet before stay in my house. Are you insane?” She said.

Ms. Bolt says “Yeah, even I thought it was a bad idea. But I figured you were my best shot. ”

She sighed says in a solemn tone “So, what do I need to do? ”

For the first time I saw Midnight smile, since I met her. She replied in an upbeat and cheery tone said “the usual but 5 rounds this time. We will use the gym down stairs. You know what will happens if you use magic.”

Ms. Bolt’s face literally lost all color. I guess changelings can do that. But this is the first time I seen something like this. It was bizarre watching her face turn bad and white. Changelings are very interesting creatures.

Her color came back in a few seconds and I said “ if that is what it takes for you to give me a chance, you're on.” I asked “what the usual?”

Before she could say anything Eclipse and Saphyre came in from the front door. Eclipse said “So this is the place, but where is his girlfriend...What are you guys doing here?” I said “Ms. Bolt is chatting with and old friend, you?” Saphyre said “killing time by helping a dragon until jobs are posted at that bar.” I looked further passed them but I don't see any sign of them. I naturally asked “Where is the dragon?” Eclipse started scratching the back of his head saying “Yeah about that, on the way here someone wearing a cloak, stole his wallet.

We're going to stop him and take them to the police. However, I he told he will handle it instead and told us where to go.”

This is starting to get complicated and honestly don't want to see to two friends fight. I said “Excuse me Miss Twinkle, Do you have the latest issue of Tracking Star, or Nurse who?”

She responded in monotone voice automatically, almost resembling computer kiosk. “that is in the science fiction section, it’s the third row to the right of here.” She must really want to fight. Eclipse and Saphyre are here, so Miss Bolt does not need me. So I started heading toward the science fiction section. I said “I going to take pass on watching you one on one match. Seeing to friends fight always leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth.”

-Rain-

Where does he think he’s going? I just asked him to stay, here for moral support. You know what fine, he can go read his book. I got Saphyre and Clips, I am going to be fine. Midnight told them to follow and walked farther into the library. The building seemed larger than most would guess, it almost seem like it was expanding. Lead them to a door to the left side of the building with a small sign over top of it saying gym. The stairs lead to a wide and spacious basement, with a large mats covering most of it. There was two doors in the back with benches to the left and right of the mat.

Midnight said “Pick whatever side you want. I’m going to grind you into the dirt.” Rain went to the right side of the mats while Midnight went to the left. Rain announced “Let’s get started”. Midnight took off in air and flew straight towards Rain. She wasn’t fast enough to stop her and got rammed into the floor. Midnight mounted on top of her and started punch her rapidly. Rain flipped her over and got on top her to do the same thing. But before Rain could land a hit, Midnight hit Rain on the left side and Rain’s body froze up like she was a statue.

“My point” Midnight said as she slipped from under her to her respective side. Rain fell to the ground and got back up. She nodded and Midnight rushed her again. Rain grabbed the all the beaches but the one watchers were on. Then throw all of them at her at the same time. Midnight dodge on of the oncoming benches. Used another benches as a springboard and grabbed the last one. Then smacked Rain across the face with the bench, sending her into a wall.

Author's Note

Hi, I know it's been a long time but there was a lot of things going on in my life for a while. But now I think I can focus a lot more now.

Catastrophe 2

The Elements Of Catastrophic

Part 1

Things are getting weird

We arrived at the front of the gate to Isis around the early morning. I was a bit groggy, but still wide awake. While Saphyre keeps “resting her eyes” while we were walking here. She almost walked into a few trees. Somehow she magically didn’t hit them for some reason, even if she was right in front of it. Shadow for some reason seemed still full of energy and happy, for whatever reason I have no idea how he can do that…While Rain was in the back of our humble little party trying to disappear in the shadows. I would question why but I just can't be bothered.

At the front of the gate, two guards were posted by they don’t seem to be paying attention. The guards were deeply into their private conversation to notice their new guests. Both guards are wearing light chain mail armor with helmets. The one on the left was a female griffin. She looked like she was crossed with a leopard and a falcon.While on the right was a brown male pony.

The guard on the left said “...and that’s how you win a game of cloud watching.”

The one on the right stated in amazement “It was so simple, I can’t believe I didn’t know.”

“Ahem,” Shadow uttered to get the workers attention.

The guard on the right say “Sorry about that, Welcome to Isis. The most welcoming town around.”

The left guard squinted his eyes towards the back of our group and exclaimed to his fellow guard “Joe! Look she has came back!”

Joe squinted his eyes and he declared “Well, well, look who is back. Nice seeing you again, No-show lightning bolt.”

The other guard said “really, I thought her name was the Raining deserter.It doesn't matter, how you been.Have reached your dream yet?”

Rain came out of hiding with a brave face and say “It's been great and I have had plenty of customers in my hotel so far.”

One of the asked “That's good to hear but why are you here then. You only come back here if something is horribly wrong.”

Rain's brave mask begin to fade away slowly from that remark. “I only hit a bump in the road to my long term success.”

Joe shook his head and said “Sure, sure, tell Midnight I said hi. Also, you should dodge.”

A shocked and terrifying look became Rain’s face. “Is...Is...it that...bad?”

Joe nodded and Rain gulped with a face of horror. Rain sighed and thanked the guard for for his forecast of doom.Then told him she would see him later as our group moved forward in the city with Rain taking the lead.

“Want to explain?” someone in our group asked. Which interrupted my enjoyment of the scenery.My eyes drifted towards Rain as she walked with a nervous look on her face. She said “It's not something for you guys to worry about. It's going to be long day for me though.” Shadow nodded but said “yeah but shouldn't Clips here want to know, from what you told us. You and Clips have had some bad experiences going to new places. Me and Saphyre are here for you for the long haul. I'm not sure if he would want to just leave.” Shadow looked to me, waiting for me to jump in. I nonchalantly say “Naa, I'm just glad we're fine, since we're not in jail right now.”

Rain slightly flinched from Shadow’s statement. She say “how about we split up for now. Clips, Saphyre how about you two go to the bar in the middle of town.The tavern is called Blue Tiger. Blue is normally where creatures post there problems. Me and Mr. 20 questions are going see about finding a place to stay.”

I said “fine, just try not to cause too much trouble.” Me and Saphyre started to walking towards the bar.While Rain and Shadow went off in another direction.

-Saphyre-

Besides, I'm doing fine. I haven't hit anything yet even I close my eyes for a second or two. But it’s weird, one second I see the street ahead of me.I close my eyes for a few seconds and see tree with a wall behind it.Another blink and I was back on the road.For the next few minutes we were walking straight. Then, I blinked again and saw a door fly open towards into my face. I closed my eyes once more and oddly, enough I didn't feel any pain. I open my eyes again and see we were at the bar. I looked over to Eclipse and he was sweating with annoyed look at me. “We are never doing that again. Come on let’s look for some jobs.”
I have no idea what he was talking about but I don't care to ask.I nod then walked in the nice establishment.The sooner I can get some coffee, the sooner I can be at one hundred percent.Heck, I can settled for 70 percent right now.
It's was still really early in the morning, so the regulars and most customers were nowhere to be seen. The unicorn bartender was behind the bar, cleaning a shot glass.There was only on other customer in Blue tiger. There was a dragon here and seemed familiar to me but I can't place where.

As we walked in, the dragon had his large back towards us.Eclipse said “hi, we heard this is where, creatures pick up work?” The bartender raised and eyebrow and said “You guy must be newbies, Our board is on the right in the next room. But I wouldn't bother if I was you. It's too early for residents to come in and post there.”

Eclipse gave a muffled groan and sat down on the bar stool and "Fine, Mr. Bartender, do you sell?” Eclipse asked if they sold lattes, he said nope.If residents wanted lattes, he told us their is a Star Kick, 6 blocks to the left of here. At this tavern, the closest to a latte was coffee. I was overjoyed and asked for a cup of coffee with sugar, cream, milk and some cinnamon. Both my co-worker and the bartender looked at me. “How about just coffee with milk" I back up and said . The bartender nodded and told sure thing, as he walked to the back.
said something odd. “you three got something in common, none of you came here to drink.” I looked over to the other customer, he was eating pizza. I didn't notice, this before but be was wearing a hoodie, that hood was covering his face. He said “it's way too early to get drunk.I'm just here to fill up and hide from my old girlfriend.” The worker exclaimed “you have one of those? You got to tell me the story to that Nitro.” He nodded telling the worker, he will after he explains to her why he was gone so long.I don't know why but I think, I know him from somewhere. Is it the scale color, his voice, his eyes?

There was a little bit of silence before the other guy finished his meal. He said “waiting for jobs is the worst. You never know when they are going to come in during the day. If you left the tavern for an hour, then ten clients could come in and post whatever job. But it’s gone by the time you get back.” He turned to Eclipse and me saying “My name is Nitro Spark, please to me you.” Eclipse asked “You were listening?” He said “Well, there is only 4 people here right, counting the bartender. Also, I was right next to you guys.” Eclipse nodded saying “fair enough my name Is Eclipse Filer and this one of my companions Saphyre. We’re here to register for the upcoming exams.”

Nitro looked at us funny ”You two are going to take the exam? But that’s in a couple of months from now. What are you guys going to do until then.” We shrugged our shoulders and Eclipse said “I’m not sure it yet but first thing is first.We’re going to need some food and a place to stay.” I sighed in agreement with our present situation.

Then the Bartender came back out with my drink and gave it to me. I didn't notice it before but, the smell of freshly brewed coffee was in the air. It tasted like heaven to as a smile came across my face.It's been days since my last cup and that made this cup all the better.

“You should ask them to help you with your lady friend.” I guess the guy working behind the bar counter said it, I don’t know. I'm too busy being on cloud nine. Nitro said “I guess, since we got time to kill until something comes in.Tell you guys what, I will pay for the for the lady's drink and we'll call it even. I nodding thinking “free good tasting coffee is the best kind.”

-Shadow-

I wonder, where are we going to. Ms.Bolt seems kind of on edge. She is looking all round the street for something. Before I can answer, she stops in front of a large build. It didn't really stand out that much from the others. In fact, the only thing that stand out is the sign in from of it it, ‘Training Days’.

Ms.Bolt looked up with a confused look at the sign.Then looked straight down to the ground mumbling something under her breathe “.........I can’t believe….hope she forgives me.” Before I could react Ms.Bolt faced me saying “Shadow old buddy, old pal, I'm sorry you're going to have too see this. Things might get a little hectic and noisy.Be on your guard and expect anything could happen.But don't hurt anyone, stay safe.

I would ask you to stay outside but I need a meat shield.”As she said the words “meat shield”, I decided the best thing to do with this problem. “Well good luck with that, but I'm staying out here.” She sighed saying “come on, Shadow I do need your help here.” Then, she did something I wasn't expecting. She gave me the dreaded puppy look. She only did this when it's something serious. After a few seconds I gave into her. It was bad enough when Saphyre does it. “Fine, just this once.” I said in defeat.

Inside the building it resembles a fairly large library. There weren't that many other creatures in the building but, that’s pretty normal for what time it was right now. There was a lavender colored pegasus floating near the ceiling while wearing a dingy white t-shirt with overalls. Their clothes was dirty was a bit dusty with some faded oil over on it. The pegasus was repairing a ceiling fan with their back towards us. So is she the mysterious creature Rain was looking for a minute ago? Maybe it’s the librarian or maybe someone over in security. Then I heard an odd sound, it sounded like a chattering noise coming from somewhere nearby. I tried to find out where the noise was coming from. It was coming from Ms.Bolt’s mouth.

She looked like a nervous wreck. Her legs were buckling trying to keep her staying in place. Some sweat started to come drop down her face and she was shaking slightly. Some of her holes on her legs started to fading in and out of her disguise. I have never seen her like this before, she has been always confident, bratty and straightforward. However, she was still good at heart and there for you when it matters. Without a second thought, I reached over and hugged her for a full minute. I’m not sure, what happened here or who she came here to see. But whatever it is I’m not going to let it hurt one of my friends.

Ms.Bolt’s body returned back to normal after a seconds of being in shadow’s embrace. “Thanks, I needed that” Rain said in a small voice. Now, she stood proudly in the library and said the worker “Excuse me, is Midnight Twinkle here right now”. The pegasus pony kept going, like Ms. Bolt had not said anything. I tried using the bell on the front desk near the front desk. That pegasus was floating in front of us and flew over behind the front desk. They quickly stood up and said “Welcome to the public library, I am Midnight, how may I help you?” Her voice sounded mechanical and bored. Something like an answering machine after being drained of all emotion.

Ms.Bolt came up to the front desk and asked if we could talk to her in the back. She declined said anything she can say in the back, can be said her. She flinched a little bit then relaxed. Ms.Bolt said “come on talk to me, it's really important. “ Midnight said “not until I see your face and an apology.” “Nighty, you remember me but how did you know it was me?” coming from Ms.Bolt with a shocked look. Midnight says “Two things, for one you are still using the same perfume I gave you a few years ago.” I took a second and started to sniff the air a little bit, she was right. It was faint but there was definitely something in the air. There was a small hint of honey all around us. I can’t believe I haven’t noticed it. “The second thing is your appearance. You always take on that form when your trying to hide.” Ms.Bolt cheeks turned bright red from that statement and quickly faded.

Ms.Bolt says “It figures you would be able see it’s me. Seriously, your sense of smell and memory is frightening.”

Midnight responded “They need to be when your best friend is a changeling. At least I thought we ‘friends’.”

There was creeping silent grabbing a hold of the conversation, I was going to ask what’s going on but Ms.Bolt intervened saying “So…do you own this library? Like you use to talk about.”

She nodded listlessly “Yeah, as soon as I got it, I added the staircase in the back going up leads to an apartment building on the top three floors. There is a gym in the basement. ”

Ms.Bolt says “Nighty don’t be like that, we are friends and nothing is going to change that.”

“Reaaally, because friends don’t just vanish off the face of terra at the drop of a hat!” Midnight said with aggression in her voice.

“There is a very good reason for that and I can explain that later” Rain said.

Midnight looked towards me and said “If you are a friend of hers, keep an eye on her. She could leave at anytime and any place.”

Rain got really annoyed saying “That’s not fair, you don’t know the whole story.”

Rain gritted her teeth asking “Look, I'm here to fix what I did. Also I am in a bad situation right now and I need a place to stay a for week with my companions.”

“Wait, you just magically pop up on my doorstep after being gone for 3 years. Then ask me to let you and creatures I haven't meet before stay in my house. Are you insane?” She said.

Ms.Bolt says “Yeah, even I thought it was a bad idea. But I figured you were my best shot. ”

She sighed says in a solemn tone “So, what do I need to do? ”

For the first time I saw Midnight smile, since I met her. She replied in an upbeat and cheery tone said “the usual but 5 rounds this time.We will use the gym down stairs. You know what will happens if you use magic.”

Ms.Bolt’s face literally lost all color. I guess changelings can do that. But this is the first time I seen something like this. It was bizarre watching her face turn bad and white.Changelings are very interesting creatures.

Her color came back in a few seconds and I said “ if that is what it takes for you to give me a chance, you're on.” I asked “what the usual?”

She looked toward to me. Quickly she said “sorry sir, did you want something?” Ms.Bolt said “oh right, I forgot to introduce you two.Midnight, this is Male servant number one.” I ignored her and said “ my name is Shadow Storm and I'm one of her, rooming companions.”
Before she could say anything Eclipse and Saphyre came in from the front door. Eclipse said “So this is the place, but where is his girlfriend...What are you guys doing here?” I said “Ms.Bolt is chatting with and old friend, you?” Saphyre said “killing time by helping a dragon until jobs are posted at that bar.” I looked further passed them but I don't see any sign of them. I naturally asked “Where is the dragon?” Eclipse started scratching the back of his head saying “Yeah about that, on the way here someone wearing a cloak, stole his wallet.
We're going to stop him and take them to the police. However, he told us he will handle it instead and told us where to go.”

This is starting to get complicated. I'm not sure what the usual is but I can bet they are going to be fighting each other. Honestly, I don't want to see to two friends fight. I said “Excuse me Miss Twinkle, Do you have the latest issue of Tracking Star, or Nurse who?”
She responded in monotone voice automatically, almost resembling computer kiosk. “that is in the science fiction section, it’s the third row to the right of here.”She must really want to fight. Eclipse and Saphyre are here, so Miss Bolt does not need me. So I started heading toward the science fiction section. I said “I going to take pass on watching that one on one match. Seeing to friends fight always leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth.”

-Rain-

Where does he think he’s going? I just asked him to stay here for moral support. You know what fine, he can go read his books. I got Saphyre and Clips, I am going to be fine. Midnight told them to follow her and they walked farther into the library. The building seemed larger than most would guess, it almost seem like it was expanding. Leading them to a door to the left side of the building with a small sign over top of it saying gym. The stairs lead to a wide and spacious basement, with a large mats covering most of it. There was two doors in the back with benches to the left and right of the mat.

Catastrophe 3

Rain rose to her hoofs with an angry expression. Midnight says “what, you got something to say to me now?” Rain nodded her head saying “sure, why are you acting like this? What did I do to make you this mad?” Midnight shook her head and said “It wasn't what you didn't do. After you left I went through a plethora of things.” Rain retorts “that has nothing to do with me!” Midnight lounges at Rain. Rain watched her fly the air, with a depressed look. Midnight’s hoof flew pass Rain’s face with Midnight facing Rain. Midnight said in a low voice “I know, I know, but it would have been way easier if you were there.”

-Eclipse-

After that was settled and Midnight said they can stay a few days, despite Midnight had won every round. I looked at Rain and she barely looked hurt, except for a few scratches. I asked Midnight “I’m not sure what happen between you two to make you so mad. I’m glad, you worked it out. Remind me not to make you two angry. But I want to ask, how come Rain is not really hurt? You smacked her into next month with a bench.” She said “that is because of the mandatory crystals called Bastions; all sparing areas are required to have it. Bastions generates some high level magical barriers on the casters and others in its range. Someone could jump off the fifth floor of a building and walk it off without getting hurt.” The group went back upstairs to find Shadow reading a book. Shadow looked up from his large book titled hoof of fear. Shadow said in a serious tone “Good you're all back, we need to go meet someone.” Saphyre asked Shadow who it was and he said, “Queen Scarlet”.

Shadow began leading them to where Scarlet is while Midnight headed to the front desk, to get back to work. Shadow continued to say, “You would not believe it but she is here.” After passing a bookshelf we saw a young mare sitting a table, reading a large tome with ease. She looked really like Scarlet but there were a few differences. The mare looks like she is half the size of the queen wearing glasses. Her hairstyle was a…She looked up saying “Hello there, I believe you all can help me with my side project.”

Saphyre says “Your Scarlet? But you look nothing like Scarlet, your voice and your scent is different.” Sheepishly Scarlet blushes and looks away. The mare said, “I would sometimes sneak off when I was young and cause a little trouble. To not get caught, transform magic became a must learn for me.” Rain dismissive says “So, changelings learn to transform at a young age.”

Scarlet says “I rather not talk about it. More importantly I have something to discuss with you all. After the last time I met you all, I have done some research in my...previous situation. I made a grave revelation in my search for what came over me. I was possessed by an element of catastrophe.”

There were a few seconds of silence between the team. They looked confused between them and Eclipse sighed thinking he would have to ask. Eclipse asked what are the elements of catastrophe. Scarlet took a breath and says “Negative emotions are as old as the life on this planet itself. The elements are the embodiment of negative emotions from beings’ centuries ago.

Some religiously obsessed group, believed they should try to remove all negative emotions from others. Thinking they were only a hindrance to their daily lives. Using magical gems, they could siphon and contained the strongest of negative feeling beings had at the time. The most notable of them were Logic, Cruelty, Betrayal, Selfishness, Despair, Lying and Regret. Anyone that gets their emotions drained, were cleansed of their burdening effects. Beings that lost their loved ones from an accident, some were full of rage or doubt for whatever reason, suddenly it was gone. You can guess what element possessed me.”

With more of a confused look Saphyre says “wait you said the negative emotions was contained in the gems. How were you possessed?”

Scarlet nodded and replied “I was wondering that too, so I did some more digging. I found out a thousand years later, a group of revolutionaries found out about the elements. Then stole the elements for their cause, to reform the world's leaders at the time. The revolutionaries thought they could use them to remove the corruption in the leaders of their lands. As you should know our world, Terra is a united world divided into to 8 rulers and it's been that way for eons. There are several ways to rule your kingdom, monarchy, diarchy, election, the list goes on. The most common was monarchy, since most of the mass only cared about how ‘the system’ benefits them and not how it works. The rulers at the time each of them had negative qualities, some were stronger than others. Each leader oppressed and held back their land in some way. Unfortunately, the element’s siphon worked horrifying too well.

The elements removed the most dominant negative emotion in the leaders. The effects devastating to them mentally. The rulers could no longer display that emotion in anyway. To give you an idea, imagine a pushy manager going too far to meet deadlines. After they are drained by the elements, the manager stops bothering their employees. However, they become incapable to motivate them to work. Society was on the verge of collapse, from these charms. Since, the rulers were incapable to make to choices the world needed.”

Saphyre says “so, their personality swapped extremes?”

Scarlet replied “I believe so, the books only said their personality changed. I'm not sure yet but I think this is related to what happened to me. So, I have a request, I want you all to investigate and defeat the elements of catastrophe.”

I say “Scarlet, you're asking for a lot from us. We don't even have any leads on where to look. On top of that, you're asking the beings that defeated you. I have more questions but the point is, Why us?”

Scarlet replies “Well, it’s because you're the first group to face me and beat me, I am asking you to do this. I would ask for my guards too help. However, I refuse to go back and ask my nation to aid me after the torture I put it through. It's my way to make amends for what I have done. So, I though hiring a group of mercenaries would help.”

Rain chimes in saying “That’s all nice and noble of you queeny but we’re not mercenaries. On top of that your beautiful crusade for redemption, sound like a bedtime story gone wrong. I'm going to level with you. Scarlet, you said if the elements of catastrophe possessed you right. But by your own research, the elements don't have this ability. It sounds like you're running from your problems.”

Scarlet glared at Rain with a look that could burn through stone. Scarlet remarks “It's fine with me if you are declining my offer but don't act like you know me. *sigh* I'm shocked, I thought you would be on board with your captain here. His eyes lit up like there was a party. Even his tail is wagging like a dog's.”

I look back and notice my tail wagging like crazy. With an embarrassed look, I tried to grab my tail with little success. After a few seconds, Rain cleared her voice loudly, immediately getting my attention. Rain said “the point is we have a lot of problems to deal with right now. We can't take in another one.” Scarlet says “fair enough, but are you sure? I can pay you all handsomely. Or I’ll owe you a favor.”

Before Rain could shoot her down I said “Scarlet, I want to take your mission but this isn't fully my decision. Guys, what do you think?” Saphyre said “I do absolutely hate her, but I guess we can’t let those elements running around.” Shadow jumps in saying “I do and I want nothing to do with her.” Scarlet comment “looks like your team has hit an impasse. So how are you going to solve it?”

Rain said we could just fight it out in the basement of this library, after asking the librarian. Scarlet agrees and so does Shadow. After a few minutes they back down stairs, with Shadow and Scarlet facing off. Before the battle started I asked Rain “Why does everything come back to fighting?” She responds with “that's a good question but I think this maybe the best for both.” I wondered why and she told me because Queeny seems like she is trying to make things right with all the subjects she treated poorly. While Shadow has a bone to pick with her. Which is weird, he never gets this angry or holds grudges. I asked her how does she know that; Rain said and smiled “I can taste this kind of thing remember".

Catastrophe 4

Shadow and Scarlet began to stare each down. Tension begins to rise as the two take their respective stances. Shadow made the first move running in on all fours. While rushing in I could see an electric charge building in his front paws. Scarlet’s horn began to light up in response. Before she could use her magic, Shadow leapt into the air and clapped the electric charged. There was a large flash of light, that blinded everyone for a few seconds. When the light faded away, Shadow had Scarlet in a choke hold. Then he body surged with electricity.

Scarlet yells get off me and takes off fly with Shadow hanging on. Scarlet tried shake him off but Shadow grabbed her wings and sent her straight up. As sudden as those two go up, they came back and Shadow sent her into a tailspin. He jumped off and while she was falling at full speed. The next few seconds felt like everything was going in slow motion. Scarlet somehow managed to stop spinning and trying not to smash into the ground.

She curved herself enough to use her legs to push off the ground to the wall. Using the force from the fall Scarlet ran up the wall to the ceiling and pushed off to Shadow. She fired a fireball at shadow. Before Shadow could do anything, he was hit and was sent flying into the wall on the other side.

Shadow hits the wall with enough force to knock the wind out of him. He gets up with a paw in the air saying “all right, that's enough. I'll work with you.” Scarlet took a few seconds to come back to the ground saying, “I thought you were going to fight me a lot longer than that.” Shadow says, “I was but that really hurt a lot.”

Scarlet said, “Fair enough, I will be back in an hour to discuss the terms.”

After a few minutes, Scarlet left out the library. We exited the basement and went to the front desk of the building to see Midnight. Saphyre asked Midnight what time was it. She said it was noon and offer to give them a homemade meal, since she is going on break. Everyone there except Rain said okay sure.

The group took an elevator on the right side of the library to the second floor. Midnight opened the door right next to the elevator. The door opens to a rather large apartment. The living room had two couches a large flat screen tv mounted in the wall. Behind it was a window, to the right side was two rooms with the doors closed. On the left was a large kitchen.

As we walked in, I asked Midnight if all the rooms were like that. She said yeah and asked what do you want for lunch, I wanted a hayburger, Shadow and Saphyre asked for sausage and eggs and Rain said to give her the usual.

While waiting for the food, I wanted to ask Rain how did you meet Midnight. But I might as well be walking into a minefield. While weighing my opinions, I was unintentionally staring at Rain.

Rain said “what, do you want ask me something?”

That pulled me back to reality and I nervously asked, “How do you two met and get to know each other.”

Rain looked away for a second and said “that's not a happy story. I'm not proud of it and sometimes I wish...I didn't meet her that way. But after all this time, Midnight deserve to know." I asked Rain if you wanted us to leave the room. She said thanks but Rain said she would rather for us to be there instead.

Rain was about to start when Midnight came in the room say “food is going to be done in a little bit. I'm ready for a trip down memory lane. I don't see why, you were kind of badass when I met you.

It was ten years ago, in a small log cabin in winter. My parents liked living of the forest and enjoined the peace and quiet. I was always full of energy and ready to do anything. Until one snowy night, after me and my parents went to sleep. Someone lit our house on fire and I guess that coward ran away. Good thing too If I found him, I would have smashed them in a tree.

I woke up with my ceiling covered with thick black smoke. The fire was starting to come in my room. Without thinking I opened my door to see the hallway was ablaze. There was too much fire to pass through it. So, I held my breath, and flew into the smoke to my parent’s room. I had to fly with my eyes closed and remembered where I burst into their room and while room was covered in flames. I didn't see them and panicked.

I left their room and when down to the living room as fast as possible. I still didn't see them. My eyesight began to blur and I needed air desperately. I tried to bust through our window. But that jerk screwed thick metal sheets in front of our windows. I had to take get to the door but my body gave out from all the heat from the flames. I was barely still awoken when someone I didn't know runs into my burning prison.

It was a changeling, I thought I was going insane from the flames and stress. That changeling dragged me outside. That brought me next to my unconscious family and walked off. I wanted to say something but I black out before I could even say thank you. When I woke up, my mother was holding me asking me if I was okay. I told her, a changeling saved us. She told me that was impossible, changelings didn't like the cold and they aren't nice beings. They capture and drain their prey dry. But I was determined to meet that guy again.”

Saphyre interrupted Midnight asking “Guy? But Rain is a girl.”

Midnight blushed “The flames made it hard to see properly. At the time I was flustered, I couldn't do anything to save my parents or myself. Then some mysterious nobody comes out of nowhere and does something I couldn't do. I wanted to see to tell him thanks and show him I don't need to be saved from now on. That was before I found out my knight in shining armor, was my black knight in buggy armor.

Lucky for us, our house was insured and my parents saved enough money for this kind of situation. A week later, me and my parents moved into this city. I met her again when she came to our new house and she was disguised. Rain looked bad, her mane and coat was shaggy and undone. She smelled like bathing, was a new concept to her. Her stomach growled while she was asking for a few slices of bread.

She said she would get a job soon, so I can repay me back. I thought it was weird for a filly no older than me doing something like this. So, I asked her where are her parents. She told me she did not have parents anymore. I caved and gave her some bread. She thanked me and told me she’ll pay me back later.

A few days later, I saw her again and she looked the same and was barely standing on her hooves. So, I bought her lunch and asked how the job search went. It turns out, no wants to hire a kid with zero experience. So, I offered for her to become my paid sparring partner. I was determined to train to get stronger. She agreed to my terms and every day after we would train. After every session, I would pay Rain for her service. After school, we would go to an abandoned warehouse. I would train my physical abilities and my weather manipulation and Rain would sometimes work on physical strength but focus on her magic.

We looked up books at the library for new and better techniques. Until one day I found a move that could beat anyone. If done right you can shut down anyone’s magic. The move was called Lockout. The problem was everyone’s spot is different. Rain didn’t want to do it, but I caught her off guard. Suddenly her body burst into flames, her appearance became more bug like. I was shocked and confused to see Rain turn into changeling and not any changeling, she was the one I was looking for. After that things got a little confusing. It's kind of hard to show off to your imagery rival when they are right in front of you and you beat them every time we spar. Until the day you vanish of the face of Terra.”

While Midnight was telling her story, Rain had an unreadable look on her face. It looks like she was trying to decide to be flattered, angry or nervous. After she was done, Rain seemed to go with nervous. She said, “okay for me to tell you Midnight, you need to promise me you're not going to beat me up or throw me out a window.” Midnight raised an eyebrow and agreed. Rain took a breath and said, “well that fire from when you were a kid; I started the fire.” Midnight’s smile cracked was replaced with confusion.

There was a long dramatic pause before Rain continued. “Their some parts you did know, when I was 12 years, my parents were more aggressive in wanting me to be the next queen and to forget my dream. I refused multiple times, being a queen takes a lot of responsibility, mature, focus and determination. I didn't believe I could do it. But my parents were not taking no for an answer. For some insane reason, they thought my loyalty was weakening because I wouldn't devote my life to my hive. So, to insure my loyalty to my colony; I was ordered to kill a you and your loving parents. You and your parents seem to represent the perfect family. It was to represent, I could make tough choices for the hive they told me. Which is dumb, in every sense of the word. If I failed, I would have been excommunicated. At the time, I was scared and horrified. Changelings don't normally kill, It’s wasteful and distasteful. The only time a changeling would kill is if their lives were in danger normally. This was the first time I was put into this position. My brother, was ordered to come with me to make sure the deed was done. He suggested I use a fire, since I didn't want to kill anyone. The fire was supposed do it swiftly and while you all were asleep and I would not have encountered the family at all. On the way, there we stopped by a department store and he grabbed a dozen metal sheets, screws and a battery powered drill. He wouldn't tell me what for until we were getting started. After you guys were asleep, Reggie told me I was lucky. Since I had magic, I didn't need to get my hooves dirty. I wasn't very good with magic at the time. Whenever I tried to cast a fire spell, I could barely get a spark. But changelings with magic are required to have two spells. They are casting basic fire magic called Burn and a quiet spell called Silence. Silence removes all noise a small area for 5 minutes. He told me to cast silence and spark a flame into their front room. I did what Reggie said, then he began boarding up the building with metal sheets and screwing them in.

When he was done, there wasn't any way out and told me we can go now. I looked at the building and I couldn't do it. I told my brother, this not right and we have to save them. He asked me if I was sure this is what I wanted. Saying would mean cutting all ties with my hive, my family, my parents. That and a lone changeling especially a young one, would be the same as committing suicide. I told him course, becoming any kind of just queen shouldn't need to sacrifice anyone to do it. He sighs and told me, I can go save them. But he is going to tell everyone you're there was an accident and I died. He wished me luck and departed.

I ran to the door, then began trying rip off the metal sheet. The most I could do was get the metal to move a little. I would have run into town to get anyone. But by time I could get help the house would be in flames. So, I had to do something. I grabbed a tree branch used it as a lever to get the metal enough to kick open. I ran straight in, trying to find your family as fast as possible. The flames covered the floor but it didn't reach the whole building yet. The floor was burning hot and wasn't really thinking. When I got to your parents, they were still fast asleep. I couldn't wake them, so I had to carry them outside. I could barely do that, they were so heavy. I felt like I was carrying cart without wheels. By time I got both out, the fire moved to the second floor and covered the floor. I was trying not to cry from the third-degree burns. Then I ran back in the house to find you. I was running from room to room on the second floor, I couldn't find you. So, I checked the living room and saw you on the floor unconscious and the fire covering you. I tried to put out the fire on midnight but it wasn't working. So, I tried to take her outside but the room over the living room fell, trapping us inside of the living room. I was running out of time and options. The only other way out way a bolted metal window. It looked like Midnight smashed into it. Without any other choice, I tried to break down the window with my shoulder while carrying her. Oh, did that hurt, my shoulder was numb when I got through. We landed on the snow and we were both on fire. I was rolling on the snow to put out the flames. Then I covered you with snow to put you out. I checked you and your parents pulse. You all were fine, but your fur was scorched. My fur was burnt and I had some serious burns.

I tried to walk to the town but the adrenaline rush ran out and I was unconscious after getting a good distance from Midnight’s house. I woke up a few hours later, in unbelievable amount of pain. I pulled myself together and transformed into a pony. I got to the city to see if I could get a job. Unfortunately, my transformations aren't the best. I can only change into a creature with the same age as me. So, I couldn't become old enough to work with a makeover. It's a good thing, changelings can naturally change our bodies looks, so I could hide the burns.

A week went by and I found out no one wants to hire a preteen with no experience, history, relatives and references. It was I like I popped into existence. None of the companies I applied for would hire me. Some of the interviewers would give me some money for a meal. Others would report me to the police officers saying I was an imposter. I was getting desperate; my body was getting weak from not being able to eat. I was having trouble maintaining my form.”

I asked “wait, you told me changelings can get feed from any kind of emotion. So how, were you hungry?”

Rain said “That’s true but it doesn’t exactly work like that. Different kinds of emotion other than love, is like candy to me. I can’t get nutrients or anything filling unless it’s love. Love is the only emotion, that can give me a full course meal. After a week of sucking candy, you will get sick of it fast. I couldn’t find almost no body in love for some reason. You would think it would be easy to find love in a city, you would be wrong. I thought about going to another city or town, but I didn’t wouldn’t survive the trip.”

She gulped “a few nights before I go to sleep in whatever back alley I was in. I would honestly think, I was going to die of starvation. That idea terrified me to no end. I never wanted to be in that position again! As a last-ditch effort, I started knock on being’s doors. for a little bit of food and promise them I would pay them back. I meant every word I said. But most would not trust me or not even answer the door. I was struggling not to collapse when I met you again. I was shocked and wanted to run away when I saw Midnight. But my stomach was hurting too much for me to do that. I was more amazed she didn’t recognize me and gave me something to eat. I was happy and confused from what Midnight did for me. Then she did it again, a day later by inviting me to lunch when I was begging other people. So, I took a chance and decided to become friends with her. Midnight told me about her goal and understood. In the fire, I was almost helpless to stop it. If I was a unicorn or something, it would have been easier to save them. So, I wanted to get stronger with her. Where Midnight strengthen her physical techniques. I was would learn magic spells, despite the handicap my race must magic. Unfortunately, whenever we sparred, I would get beat most of the time. My brother drops by sometimes to keep me up today on our hive. Things were pretty nice for a few years.”

Now Midnight had an unreadable face asking “Tell me, were you just using me for food? Did you ever care about me?” Midnight was slightly shaking now. Rain reassured Midnight, she loves her like she is family. She would not dare break her relationship with Midnight now. But when they first met...If Midnight told the police officers about her. Rain would have run and never spoken to her again. Midnight moved on to asking why did she leave so suddenly. “The day, when you founded out my secret was when every got difficult. When you hit me with what move called divider, I lost my magic, disguise and had to explain a lot of things to you. It turns out a random changeling found me by accident and reported it back to my family. My brother came a few days later, to telling me to cut ties with Midnight and get out of here.

If I would have stayed, my hive would have turned this city upside down trying to find me. But I wasn't strong enough to do that. So, I ran without saying good bye. I always hated that I had to leave, but I had no choice.”

Midnight then punched Rain in the face. Rain recoiled said “Hey, you made a promise.” Midnight said in a depressed tone “I promised you, I wouldn't beat you or throw you through a window. I didn't promise you I wouldn't tell how I feel. I know I couldn't do much, but could have at least listened to you.” Rain apologies to Midnight and go on to have their lunch.

After lunch, they all head back down to the library. Scarlet walked in the library and saw us. She came straight for us with a stern face. Scarlet asked, “are you all ready to leave for our journey?”

I said “there are still a few things to straighten out. One being, how did the elements possess you. When you said they only can drain emotions?” Scarlet sighed saying “the elements are ancient items of this world. Who knows what they are capable of if not found.”

I told her okay, but we need to have some clues where to start looking. She agreed and said we could gather some information about them. Midnight comes rushing over while holding a newspaper saying there has been a horrible disaster in the neighboring town called Garlin.

Midnight “Garlin was attacked by something or someone. The police haven't been able to find what set the town on fire.” Shadow jumped back asking was everyone okay. Midnight nodded saying “Yes, there wasn't any reported as injured or as casualties. There is a bounty of 1,500 on whoever found did it and bring them in.”

I said “Sorry, Scarlet but can you wait until we get back. This is a chance make a lot of money and save people.” Midnight said with a confused look “Why would you go there? Aren't you all Rain’s bodyguards?” Shadow, Saphyre and me though simultaneously thought “were we just demoted?” Saphyre said “We’re not bodyguards, we are...well it's complicated, but I guess we're adventurers. Going on dangerous missions, to get big rewards.”

I started running out the library saying, “come on the longer we wait, the greater chance we will miss out!” The others founded me, leaving Scarlet mildly annoyed and Midnight sighing in disbelief. Rain told me, while running “we need to go to the bar first to register the mission first.” I nodded kept heading forward.

Author's Note

Hello my readers, I'm sorry these chapters took like forever and a half to update. My schedule has changed a lot in the last few months. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and please tell me what you think. Also, don't hold back on giving me your honest thoughts.

New opponents?

While heading towards Blue Tiger, Rain asked me if I really believed in what Scarlet said about the Elements of Catastrophe. I said, “No, I don’t but there are other reasons why I want to take it.” Rain scuffed telling me we don’t need to take orders from a queen who would not stand with her subjects. I said “I want to take her quest because she is royalty. Think about it, if we’re going to pay back the money we owe. We’re going to need to take on a lot of high level or well-paying missions. Since we’re new to the adventurer’s lifestyle, no one is going to trust us with difficult missions. If we take her quest and succeed, our reputation well shoot up and clients everywhere is going to have take notice of us.”

Rain fires back “Yeah, but it’s Scarlet were talking about here. Most beings don’t like her and wanted her kicked off her throne for years. If we get tangled up with her, our names are going to be dragged into the dirt. We will be lucky if we do not get mistaken for her lackeys. Why can’t we go help the donkey prince again and solve his problem?” I said “I wouldn’t mind working with him again, but looking for him would take a lot of time. The faster we can get money, the better.”

While I was talking to Rain, some guy ran into me and he said “Hey! Watch where you're going!” The guy was a coyote with a silver coat and striking red eyes. I said, “Sorry about that, we're in a hurry to get to Blue Tiger.” The coyote seemed interested and asked If I was an adventurer. I thought about it for a second and told him, “yes I am new adventurer.” It's not lying, since I got to do this kind of work now. The coyote smiled and put out his right paw to me. Then said “Please to meet you, I’m Shin the wanderer. I was heading to that bar to meet up with my teammates.” I said, “I'm Eclipse Filer and my team are heading out on a mission.”

He said, “good for you, what are you guys called?” I replied, “We're team...Umm...Team…Umm...Hmm…”

Shin chuckled a little and said “Well that's a very original name, you should copyright it. Listen newbie, your team name is the least of your problems.” I tell him we can handle ourselves. Shin shakes his head and walks away. Why does it feel like I just loss? I look back to chat with Rain or Shadow but all three of them were gone.

After few minutes, I caught up to them at the bar. There was a decent number of creatures inside. I guess most of them are here for quests and something to drink. I spotted Shadow and the rest of them entering a room next to the bar area. As I walk back there I started, hearing some of the conversations from different tables.

Someone said “did you hear Lupin was attacked by Changelings. They took over the place in one day.” Well he’s not wrong, that did happen. As I walked by the other one said, “I heard they were led by a terrorist group”. I stopped and started to pay attention to what they were saying.

The other creature said “the terrorist group was in charge that day. They took on the Queen’s royal guard and won. Next, they then murdered Queen Scarlet and fled the city under the police’s watch, from what the rumors say.”

I instantly thought “what happened to Lupin when we left.” I took a breather thinking maybe they don't know the specifics and I should ask. I sat down at that table saying “excuse me, I was passing by and you mentioned a rumor about Lupin. I was thinking I might go there to take up some quests. Can you tell me more about it?”

The first one said “Why? Lupin, is a death trap guys.” I stumbled a bit thinking of something “...I'm sure, it's not that bad. My friends said they had a great time.” They both looked at me with pity. One of them said “Okay, I'll tell you more about the rumor but for your own safety don't go. The rumor is from a few weeks ago. It turns out a secret terrorist organization staged a coup in Lupin. They somehow got some random Changeling hive to aid them. In a day, they took down the guards and killed the Queen. Scarlet was a horrendous monster but she didn't deserve death. After the Queen’s death, the terrorist group got out of the city under the police radar. While the changelings were forced out of the city a few hours later. They are still looking for any information on the terrorist. The group consists of two ponies, two wolves and a donkey. Only the leader was named. The leader’s name was Moonlight Folder.”

I kept a very stoic face on the outside but on the inside, I was cheering. I have never been so happy for being a nobody. I told him thanks for the tip, got up and went to go find my team.

I went to the back room to see a smaller room. There was a female dragon sitting at a desk. She had light orange scales while wearing a gray vest. She smiled and waved at me; I did the same then looked around for my team. They were sitting at a table deep in thought. Rain was tapping a hoof on the table and looking around at nothing. Shadow had a list in front of him with names crossed off. Next to the list of names, was a team registration form and it was almost finished. Saphyre was drinking lemonade with a straw.

I walked over and asked them “Did you guys register yet?” Saphyre said “No, we can't do that yet. We need a team name first.” I never even thought about a team name before.

Rain chimed “I think we should be called Commander in Arms!”

Shadow said, “That's a nice name but how about the Protection Rangers.”

Rain shoots it down for sounding lame.

Saphyresuggests “Candy Crusaders".

I said “that sounds like the name of a food challenge. How about the holy knights of the round?”

All three of my teammates denied it saying I wasn't original, sounds dumb and the name is too long. I thought “wait a minute that's not important, I need to tell them, we're almost wanted criminals.”

I going to say something but I was suddenly interrupted by Shin. He hit his left paw on the table grabbing everyone in the room’s attention. He says “so this is your team, newbie. They look even greener than you". Rain gripped Shin asking him “who are you calling green, Mutt?” Shin is completely unfazed Rain and was looking at me. He said “Your mates seem really lively. Relax, I come in peace. I just want a little friendly competition between our teams.” Shadow decided to say, “Why would you want to do that?” Shin said his team isn't that well known and most clients more look them for more difficult missions.

Eclipse smile saying, “Alright I'm game, what about you guys”. They nod sure since this sounds like a solution where everyone benefits for both parties. All except Rain who got mad yelling “Don't ignore me you jerk!” She threw Shin at me so fast I couldn't dodge it. Shin knock me to the ground then he used the force and me as a stepping stone to flip on to the top of a table. “Hey, do you want to meet my team you're facing? It's only fair you do. Don't be rude, introduced yourself Nitro.”

On cue, the dragon from earlier walked up next to Shin. He waved and kept silence for some reason. Then a bat a came from under the table He was dark blue with bright green eyes. He said, “I’m on Shin’s team too, my name is Sky Pulse.”

Shin looked to Sky asking why was he under our table. Sky said “Hmm…I wonder too.” Saphyre states that this is all well and good but we still need a team name. Sky said, “What about calling yourself the ‘Nobodies’.” No one on my team like the name. He continued “Well too bad, that's the name I submitted for your team.”

I quickly went over to the kiosk and asked if it was true. She said yes, “after settling on a name, a team cannot change it for at least a week.” I walked back to my table very peeved, saying repeating what the kiosk lady said. Shin jumped down and hit Sky on the head saying, “How many times I got to tell you not do that to newbies.” Sky looked off like he was in deep thought at said with a mischievous grin “I say 3 times mores would do.” Shin sighed look back to us saying “I’m sorry about that, Sky can get out of hand if you don’t watch him. That aside there is a mission that was just announced. The small town called Choco, has been attacked by something. All the other teams that were here left a little while ago. Choco is 30 minutes north of here. We would have been there if I wasn’t looking for these guys.” Shin points to the bat and the dragon in a hoodie. They looked way from Shin like he was talking about some other guys. “Let’s go, see you there ‘Nobodies’”. Shin walked off with his team and we did the same.

While heading there something was bugging me, like I had forgotten something important. Ugh, maybe it’s not that bad. I’m sure I’ll remember it.

Author's Note

Note to self, I need to change chapter titles. The names can be misleading.