Fallout Equestria: Isle of the lost.by MegaskullmonChaptersIntro: The Lost island.Chapter One: CliffSideChapter Two: BlazeChapter Three: DowntimeChapter Four: Water's Secret'sChapter Five: TestChapter Seven: LearningChapter Eight: LettersChapter Nine: FlightChapter Ten: Forbidden lands.Chapter Eleven: Month One: PainChapter Twelve: Month Two: Mind.Chapter Thirteen: Month three: Broken WillChapter Fourteen: Month four: Lost hopeChapter Fifteen: Month five: BrokenChapter Sixteen: Month six: CaravanChapter Seventeen: FreedomChapter Eighteen: Griffins and MinotaursChapter Nineteen: AllianceChapter Twenty: ReunitedChapter: Twentyone Warnings and speeches.Chapter Twentytwo: Eyes that see.Chapter Twentyfour: Siege of CliffsideChapter Twentyfive: A name a word.Chapter Twentysix: Time passes.Chapter Twentyseven: BattleChapter TwentyEight: Battle with MixChapter Twentynine: Duel between a lizard and a bugChapter Thirty: Dance with a mouse.Chapter Thirtyone: Battle for the castle.Chapter Thirtytwo: Final battle.Chapter Thirtythree: The futureEpilogue:Back to EquestriaChapter Six: The forgotten past.Chapter Twentythree: Prison of the mind.Intro: The Lost island.The wasteland that used to be full of death and pain. Even if it's been ten years since Sunshine and Rainbows. The world is still full of danger. It's not as peaceful as many would like to have you think it is. I have heard the words before: war, war never changes. I feel that war does change. It’s a matter of how crazy those that wish to fight this war are. I didn’t know it at the time. I was bound to get into the middle of a war that was different from Equestria’s war. Tiria warned me so long ago war will change. It’s a matter of how I handle it. My past though is mostly death and watching friends die including Tiria. I did my best to be there for her when she was slowly dying. I saw her body slowly die over time. The pain in her eyes. The fact that she gave birth and then died. But I was trained to be a hero of the waste... but right now I am in the middle of a large battle between the NCR and some raiders. I am on the outskirts of Caledonia. I am trying my best to stay out of it. I had no friends helping me but I had a mission to find more traders for my home. The attack was near a dock that seemed to be gathering food but none of the NCR got on it. I rushed through the battle trying to get away since I didn't want to get into the middle of it. I rushed onto the ship but... I never saw this ship before. Once I was on, I was hit from behind and knocked out. A few hours later I woke back up in a brig. I looked out of a porthole so I could see where it was in the middle of the water... wait, I have never been out this far. Why would they bring me here? I looked to finally see the captain of this ship. A Rat Creeper? Wait when did Rat Creeper's start showing up so much. Wait, no... not a rat creeper... a strange Lizard creature. I tried to find if this lizard mutated from something else in this land. Most of the creature’s scales shined in the heavy sun. I heard gunshots and I quickly ducked. The lizard jumped at the sound of the gunshots looking down at me. His eyes glowing full of hatred and malice for a pony from the looks of it. "You dare?" He hissed softly and walked around softly staring at me. He looked very scared. I just kept staring. I have never seen a creature like this. "You dare bring… the NCR and the raider on our asses. The NCR was chasing you for something so we tried to move away. Tell me who are you Pony?" I stood on my hooves and stared at him through the bars. "I'm Star Shooter... I was on a mission for my home. to find more trading partners. I ran into that fight and rushed up to your ship to be safe. Then I got hit from behind... now I am stuck here far from home." The Salamander smirks while softly hissing a laugh. "Don't… worry miss Star Shooter we will get you back home... in about two to three years maybe," I blinked. Two to three years? Did I feel my heartbreak? I was going to be away from home for that long? I was about to ask a question but out of nowhere, a storm hit us. Just a freak storm from out of nowhere. I looked outside and saw the clouds became green. Red lightning struck the ground while the rain… it was raining acid. I could see skulls of ponies that had been here before melt. I started to speak, worriedness present in my voice. "Where are you taking me?!" The Salamander seemed to smile and was about to speak but there was a loud sound outside. Mist floated into the room. The mist turned into a nasty creature that took the form of nothing. The mist vanished after entering than leaving. The rain started coming in and the boat started to shake. Was this the end? Why did this happen so suddenly? I felt that I was being thrown around and I hit the bars with a thud but the door broke open and I landed on the Salamander as ponies rushed around. Something was attacking us. I could hear roars of anger. I rushed to see what was happening... a sea monster... an honest to Goddess sea monster. It was breathing out the clouds... it was causing the storm. "What is going on?" I looked at the Salamander with panic in my eyes. He stood up and sighed. Before he could say anything to me the storm got so much worse. The wind blew so hard outside the waves smashed into the boat causing us to rock back and forth. Thanks to all this, my stomach didn’t get along and a shade of green filled my face. He grabbed onto the wall with his claws. He turns his head forcing his claws deep into the hall to stop himself from moving. "We are trying to find the lost island of Equestria that escaped the war. This island… was meant to be housing them... but no pony can ever get into this island. Because of the storm and the monster, anyone who has tried has been killed. The island is called the ‘Lost Isle of Equestria.’ The best and brightest fled the mainlands… from both sides… to come here. Think of it… a land never hurt by the war or the balefire bombs. But we learned that something else resides here, it tries keeping the outside world from coming in." I was about to ask what madness he was talking about but then I saw it... an alicorn. An honest to Goddess alicorn. Her horn was enveloped by a black hue. The ship started to crack and break. I was flung from where I was standing and got hit in the head by a board then passed out. I woke up… on the beach with the water slowly licking my back hooves. I stood up. Seeing the ship crashed on the rocks: the entire hall was broken open. I trotted to the ship but stopped... Seeing a unicorn with guards of different species of pony and creatures... I hid behind a tree. She spoke in a soft voice. "I asked...you to bring no more… souls to us. We want to be left alone. No pony must know of the peace we have here... even if a rebellion has started." The Salamander bowed, nodding. "I am sorry Miss Majesty... I understand the death of my crew is payment for bringing the new soul. But of course, I think she is dead... For she is one that would contact the rebellion." I learned the unicorn's name Majesty. She had a cutie mark of flowers. Then I noticed something else. A dragon, a small baby dragon, in armor by her side but this one was light blue and she was also a female. The unicorn left with her guards and the Salamander looked towards me when they finally left and I came over. "Please miss, get to Cliff… run... contact the bartender. He will find a way to get you home." I nodded and he gave me a map. I had a Pip-Buck that I hid in a bag I wore. It was something that most ponies wanted. I downloaded the map and looked at him. It said on the Pip-buck that my main objective thingy… is to get home... I nodded at him. I started walking and he called out. "Stay on the road. The creatures here are just as bad as Majesty’s temper and stay away from the seer. She will try to get you pulled into her little wars." I look back to the lizard. A path he walked down that is heading down is engulfed by strange magic and vanished into it. The magic glows brightly and then vanished I no longer see the lizard walking down the road. I took a deep breath, closing my eyes tightly, not sure what to think. I remember back in the wasteland if you allow it. It will cause strange things to show up in your vision "Long way from home, pony?" I blinked turning to finally see what it was. It was another Lizard creature. This one hunched back like Tiira's species and wearing heavy armor. He had a bunch of wares and goods on his back. He seemed to be a merchant. "I see you don't know this land. This land is known as Dream Valley. There are two lands known as Dream valley. Now, this land is known as Devil’s Due. It’s a prison built so long ago by Alicorns to hold their enemies of a war long forgotten. I of course have been here for 500 years so allow me to lead you to Cliffside. A town that most new souls come to.” He stood on his claws and grabbed the straps on his bag heading down the road. I nodded as I started to follow him. I didn't know what to expect from him but I followed him anyway through the very mist that seems to be trapping me here. I had to get home. I had to get back. This land is not my land. I saw a sign that said Cliffside is 60 miles from here… damn that is a long walk. I read the others. “Scale Hide City” that way, the “Castle Jewel” was another way. Along the path is a very small washed out map. All I could see is Cliffside and the others were scratched off or washed out. "Better be careful if I were you… magic is banned on this island... only the guards and the Queen can use it. It's her way of keeping the peace. There has never been a war here but there have always been some that dislike her rules. Her biggest rule is that males can place their seed into who they wish. So stallions can force a boost in the surplus population so rape is legal here. So watch your flank." I blinked my eyes going wide… rape... I could get raped here and nopony would care! What kind of island is this? I wanted to leave now but all I had was my supplies and my bottle caps. I noticed something... They were using real bits... They must have some money mint here. That works. How can one like me, raised in the wastes, last here? It's only been ten years since Equestria was healed. But that is not long enough for one like me to be free of the issues of waste. I was losing it in my mind. What will I do? How will I live here? I felt so many questions at once going in my head. I had no idea how to live like this. So peaceful. I felt the issues going around in my head over and over. The ponies didn't need the outside world causing issues. I needed to get home. Oh, please, Goddess let me get home. I was praying as we walked the very road. I wasn't sure of what this Island was going to bring to me. I am hoping if I am forced to stay here longer than I wish to. Then I best move on. I know one thing for sure. I needed to be careful. For one wrong step. I could end up in jail or worse. Chapter One: CliffSideAuthor's Note I would like to thank Dragonoidsix seekers For editing this for me. Chapter One: CliffSide " A world of many different lands tend to be evil." I walked along calmly. Behind the lizard creature that had the wares on his back. He looked at me and had a sad look on his face. But then smiled. “Is the war between ponies and Zebras still going?” I blinked looking up to him. “ The war. .ended in the entire world burning in balefire and the mainland destroyed along with the Zebra lands.” Then I blinked looking around seeing that no bombs hit here. But seeing old pre-war boats of Zebras and ponies and other races." “ What is this place?” The lizard sighed closing his eyes. “ Many years ago this island was created as a penal colony. It was created by a powerful Alicorn race. The race that Celestia and Luna were part of. They placed all their greatest enemies here. Dragons, Zebras, ponies, and creatures from the war. All races are nowhere. This is not Equestria like I said. It’s not even a dream valley. The island is named, Devil’s due. All that is here are damned. But still sad about the war.” I nodded sighing softly “ A young mare took it upon herself to give us back the sky and then magic was used to fix the land. But. .I do have a feeling that I am never going to see it again.” I sighed softly. As I looked up seeing a road “ A warning before we fully go in.” He stopped in front of me. I stopped as well looking up to him. “ Avoid the Seer. They work for a Zebra tribe that is made of many different tribes. They call themselves the outcast. This town we are going to is full of them. if you see their seer they will try to pull you into their war with the queen. Also, there are some stallions here. They try to force their wants for sexual intercourse. Meaning one of them might try to rape you and sadly they will not be stopped. Also, go to the blacksmith he will give you a weapon he no longer needs.” I nodded and he leads me in. When we get fully into the city. I see that the entire town is on a cliff most of it is built into the cliff. I looked down seeing them fishing for food. Looking to see many different races and ponies working together. But then I heard screaming and seeing a raping right in public. I stood there watching and then backed off hitting some fabric and looked up to see a seer. She removed her hood. I could see her old features and she looked at the mare getting raped. Then she leads me into her home. After closing the door, looked at me again. She spoke in an exotic voice. “ Hello, young one. Tell me what brings you to this town of sin?” I looked up blinking my eyes unsure what to say and she lifted a hoof to my mouth. “ Shhh, I know. I have seen you in the stories of those that come here before. So many years ago. The stars speak the voices sing the bones dance. A hero with magic on their leg. The magic that shall free us from this horror.” The wind starts to blow and she starts to float up. “ All shall be known..Look for the one known as Jonon she will lead you to our warriors then we can win this war and become free.” A bright light happens and I am thrown out of the building and almost roll off the cliff. But I am saved by a couple of stallions as I see the building calm and no more magic. The stallion smiled and chuckled. “ Hello miss. You must be new here. How about we help you hmm?” I didn’t even know I was being watched in the darkness “ I. I am searching for the blacksmith.” The stallion smiled and he and his friends lead me into an ally. All there was is a wall and suddenly they started to get all over me. I felt hooves smash me in the face as they held my hooves. I wasn’t much of a fighter. I started sobbing as the first stallion got behind me. I gasped in pain feeling a bunch of hooves smashing me. Around me, I heard hoof steps and a strange sound of cutting flesh. The stallion behind me screamed and I felt the tip of a slab of meat leave my body. He was at the wall holding his crotch with his hooves and then I saw a cloaked figure with a stave smashing into the stallions and kicking them with their hooves. Whoever it was had a strange knife at the edge of the staff and killed each stallion. It all happened so quickly and as I laid there shaking and crying. Then the cloaked figure looked up and tossed a knife deep into the head of the stallion. Then there were sounds of anger and guards rushing to the alley. “ Get up little one..” A mare’s voice called out. I stood up on my shaky hooves and she hit a hoof on a brick and a door leading to a basement opened up. “ Come!” I nodded and with blood leaking from many parts of my body. I followed the cloaked one. Then the figure went into the room and the door closed behind us. I was lead through some old tunnels and sewers. There are strange glyphs carved into the wall and I stopped to read them. The creature under the cloak looked down at me. I was still young for a young mare. Just out of my teen years. I felt so much pain in my withers and blood kept dripping. He did something to me. But I felt so much pain but I ignored it because the creature started to speak. “ Many years ago the evil ones you know as Alicorns created this penal colony way before the reign of Celestia and Luna. This island was created to remove the fake creatures they thought of the lands. They said it was a better land. it was a land for the hope of the future. But they lied. Ponies from every timeline came here. They created a spell to keep us here. The war of Equestria caused the spell to become very unstable. It caused a backfire and creatures of evil rose. They wander the many areas of pre-war ponies that brought their weapons here.” I was lead to the next one. “ War. A unicorn took over 500 years ago. A unicorn that was said to be forced here by Celestia but. I highly doubt that. Some think she has been here for years. She forces rules on us. Telling us we aren't allowed to use magic and all the rules she did are what you see now. She knows that a pony or whoever is going to come. That will take her down. She must never see you or hear from you. But to make the ponies of this land trust you. You must do things for them.” The creature then leads me to the final one. The final one is with a pony in the middle and the other creatures hidden from the darkness as their gems. “ The friends of the savior. They will follow her through thick and thin. They will fight with her and be there for her when she breaks and shatters. This ain’t your wasteland little one. This land never got into the middle of the war. But Zebras and ponies that did land here during it, used their weapons and caused a part of the island to be like it. It’s kept at bay by powerful magic. Now come with me.” I followed the creature into an underground city of Zebras. They all turned to look at me. I was lead by the large creature to the elder. “ Go on little one.” She used her hoof to slowly push me inside. I walked in and looked around seeing glyphs everywhere. Seeing a very old elder sitting in the middle of the room. A pot was boiling with screen fluid and She lifted her head to look at me. Her eyes glow softly and looked to the pot and pulled out the green fluid in a wooden spoon “ Drink child..” With my magic, I lifted the spoon and drank. As the entire world went white. 00000 Opened my eyes in a strange room. Fog everywhere and I looked around calmly. I didn’t know where I was then. Calmly a zebra walked to me and stood in front of me. The mask of the Zebra from what I learned was wisdom. The zebra stared at me calmly and then walked around me. The voice from the zebra spoke feminine. “There will be many trials little one so full of pain and anguish.” I stared at the zebra walking around me as they speak. “ Follow these trials and you will be able to do what we need you to do. But you need to do what most would call quest. You would have to go around the cliffside to find everything you need to do. Once you do this come back to me. Once you become well known in Cliffside I will give you your test. Follow the creation on your leg. It will be used to show you where you need to go. Stay around the cliffside don’t allow the guards to see you use magic. Be prepared if you become strong you may get offers from males to bring forth the next hero. But It’s proudly best to keep near your protector. Now speak your mind.” I blinked looking down at my hooves thinking a moment. I felt my brain think hard over and over not sure what to think. I started pacing a moment. Moving around and I turned to the Zebra and looking at them. I calmly spoke. “ Not more of a question more, than a wonder. It’s something I don’t understand. Why me? I got here at the wrong time. I was captured on a ship that came this way. Then I was forced here by the spell that is keeping you all here. It’s bothering me why me? Why did this fate choose me? Do you know this reason?” The zebra removed their mask and my eyes went wide. All that was there were bones in flesh. The Zebra spoke softly with their bones clacking. “ Most are found at the right place at the wrong time. Like the Lightbringer. The ghost of this 52 the other heroes of your wasteland. Ponies zebras and other races that will understand. Most never wish to know or wish to be in a battle to protect what is a former land that was full of magic and hope. I can’t help you with most of this little one. You have to understand they see your machine on your leg. Most don’t even know what a pip-buck is. Only that is seen in the forbidden lands of war. The creatures in that area can’t leave to cause issues. But folks who wish to explore can go in there and risk their lives for treasures. But you will only go there when your mission calls for it. Your mission like I told you before. Is to get known in Cliffside. My request to you. There are sales of meat ponies and other creatures being sold to be raped and forced to breed. So please take care of that.” I sighed and paced around. I felt odd I felt pain. I felt hateful of this. Something that I don’t even understand what is going on anymore. Sitting down on my haunches closing my eyes and stroked my hoof along my face. Nothing makes sense to me anymore. Looking up the boned Zebra I softly spoke. “ I will do this for you. Then I will do whatever I am needed to do. I was told I will have a protector.” The boned zebra stared at me. “Jonon you will meet her when you are removed from this vision. Wake up little one.” She claps her hooves in front of my face and my vision went white. 00000 Opening my eyes I looked up being eighteen years old. I wasn’t fully grown as of yet still a teen. But I could see that this creature had a mask. She took it off with the flip of her head and stared at me. I saw that she had pure black stripes and kind eyes. But she looks to the elder bowing her head. Then lead me out and calmly spoke. “ I am sorry to tell you this hero...But what happens to you. You can’t be a victim you need to kill the leaders of these fools. You must rise and do what is best for the many.” Staring at her my eyes looked down frowning. I felt pain in my heart. I wanted to save myself for one I wanted to marry. Looking back up to her. “ I’m Star Shooter.” I gave a weak smile the zebra mare stared at me. Looking back to the elder and I sighed. “ I am searching for Jonon.” She nods. “ Come with me.” Blinking following her looking at the home it was a cavern. They grew mushrooms and they seemed to be eating giant creatures in the water. It looks like an entire city under Cliffside. She leads me through a group of guards. I stood here as she walked and they stood on their back hooves. From what I learned it’s a way to show honor. To find a way I had to remove myself from being a victim here.. which is weakness. Breathing softly closing my eyes. I was stopped in front of an arena and then lead down. The Zebra mare stood there calmly staring at me. “ I am Jonon. I am going to test you the hero of the stars.” Blinking and before I could pull out my gun she grabbed it with her mouth and stared at me. “ Only The Griffins and Minotaurs use those weapons. You must learn to fight hoof to hoof first. Then you will find a trainer for the weapons.” The zebra stood over me and dropped her stave and I stared at her not sure what to do. But I remember some of the training Tiria gave me. But it was a long time ago. Jonon did a howl of battle and many zebras rushed to watch and she started to move around me. She was like a hell hound ready to attack me. Feeling so unsure about this as I watched her every movement. Staring at the face then she started to attack me with her hooves jumping around doing many different attacks that the zebras tended to do. I blocked and with one of my hooves, I tried to smack back into her. But it didn’t work so well. But she kicked me hard enough to cause me to fly into the wall. I lay there coughing a bit and stood up. Charging at her and she did a high kick. I watched her like time was slowing down and I moved quickly and kicked a joint at least what I thought was a joint after she landed. She groaned a bit and stared at me she then attacked me again with her hooves. I tried blocking feeling nasty hits on my body and forelegs. The zebra kept kicking over and over bruises formed on my forelegs and then she lifted me with one of her hooves and did a hard kick in my stomach. I felt the air leave my lungs. Some blood draining from my mouth. She said no weapons but she didn’t say magic. She attacked again and my horn glowed. But the look on her face. She wasn’t ready for this. I used a magic push spell to push her off her footing and she tried to get back into attacking me. But I got between her legs and did apple buck hard enough to make her fly away. But she lay there like she was knocked out. Blinking walking over to her. Suddenly I was hit down and she put a hoof to my neck. But instead of hurting me she stood up and looked at me with a gentle smile. “ You don’t fight well warrior. But this will sadly have to do. Now your mission, Many of our kind are being sold as sexual slaves. I will be coming with you to study want to watch you. The legend..is that the warrior would fight off the evil of the island. Free us from the threat of the island.” Blinking sighing and walking off to grab my gun. But she grabbed it again and smashed it under her hoof staring at me. “ Prove to my people even to my elder that you can fight without the weapons of ponies and my kind.” Giving a nod She leads me back out. But she leads me to a zebra bar. She wished to drink and wished to get me a drink. I heard music and then after I sit I heard a voice from a radio. “ HEY HEY!! This is the Devil’s Warden Owl!!! Let's see here...ah yes! The war between the minotaurs up in gravel falls and skull dance ridge is still going. The Queen has a party forming. Also, another fool went up into the forbidden lands. Awww... No news is good news all. So bad so bad. Awww anyway, we are all stuck here, so enjoy the fact no one will get real news wooo!” Jonon orders what is called water for this place. It looked awful. I asked for water myself and I drank it blinking it tasted oddly good. Drinking it down and looking to Jonon. “ Um....is your tribe from the old war?” She set the cup down looking down at me. “ My tribe yes. I was born on this island though. But I am sure you will ask if I felt this war of the past. But the past will never know. I don’t care about the past. I care about it now. Both sides were stupid.” I sighed listing with an unsure look on my face. Then she spoke again. " Doing what we do now. You will be hunted by the leader of Cliffside. Your first quest is to remove his sex trafficking and then remove him from power no matter how you do it." Listening to the music and looked back to the bar drinking not sure what to do. Then calmly a zebra mare placed a brew. She softly whispered to Jonon and looked at me as she smiled. " Please drink this it will augment you. Change you. Make you stronger." Blinking looking at the fluid calmly sighing lifting the mug drinking from it calmly. Feeling the change of my body gasping a bit feeling the weirdness in my body. Shivering a bit as I felt the fluid working on me. It made me feel strange looking around at Jonon and smiled weakly. "Smooooooth." I coughed out. Jonon gave me a soft smile laughing gently. 0000 Walking out of the sewers near the docks. I was wearing a cloak with a mask. On my cloak, I put The shooter. Jonon and I followed others in the same cloaks and we calmly walked through the town. Ponies looked at us but they gave us a wide berth. Most of them from what I was told avoided the Zebras. They're the only ones that don't get raped but they do get sold for sexual wanting. I, along with Jonan and more zebras, calmly walked through the city of cliffside seeing a bit of building. Were many ponies and other creatures went in. We sat in the back. We had to wait for the right time to strike. Jonon had all the money we needed. Buying all the slaves would be hard. But I felt it was wise. Sitting in the back of the room. At first, it was mainly the guards of the town. The queen never came to this town. But there was a rebellion starting in her own city in the middle of the entire island. One of the heavily armored guards spoke loud enough to be heard. " Hello, ponies and creatures of everything. The auction will start soon. But I wish you all to know there were a few stallions murder in an alley keep an eye out for any pony that is trying to stop the normal ways of our lands." We waited as more cloaked warriors of the Zebras walked around and outside as well. Most of them walked in here and sat down. They didn't allow me to go to the blacksmith yet. The blacksmith is in jail for the time being. For not making his weapons for the guards. We had to free him after this. Our first mission to stop this. Then free the blacksmith then make weapons to take down the leadership of the town. It was just getting to start. My stomach was a bit knotted since. I watched for sure what is going to happen. Then the seller stood on the stage. He was a unicorn. He started to speak in a rich snooty voice. " Ah! All of us are here then." He smiled. "Now time for the sale." The curtain pulled back many young females of each race. Even a hellhound. " Now, first sale." I looked to Jonon and she nodded. She had to wait for all of them to be sold and given to us. What came out first was a Zebra " Now this young Zebra mare is part of one of the tribes living on this island. She has been a slave and a sexual toy to many." He smirks. " Now first she is worth 60 coins of gold right off the bat." He was about to start it. " 100 Gold pieces." Jonon said and every pony and creature turned to look at her. He smirked and nodded. " Sold next." After an hour or so all the creatures were sold. It was about time to attack. " We got one more." Jonon knew this was coming. A young filly Zebra was brought on to the stage. Jonon stayed calm so did the others around us. I had no idea what was going on. " The final one...The daughter of Jonon the warrior of the zebras." I blinked and it was my time to do this. So I did what I thought. I moved but Jonon stopped me. She shook her head and lifted a sign with her hoof. " Now the first bid would be 100 gold. So please bid all you can for this worthless mare." A guard behind her whipped the mare. But Jonon didn't seem to care. I didn't know much about their relationship. The mare didn't seem to scream when she was whipped. But she looked out and smiled weakly. " Our Queen Majesty will save me from this emptiness." Blinking I thought to myself no wonder. She didn't seem to care much about her child. The mare was already too close to being one with the Queen. Looking to Jonon she lifted her Sign and yelled. " I wish to buy her with Ten thousand gold coins." The seller blinked staring at Jonon. Then looked back to the mare with a smirk. Then waved his hoof for Jonon to come forward. She stood on her hooves the cloak hiding her stripes. She stood on the stage. The stallion releasing the mare from her chains. The seller looked to Jonon and smiled " Now your gold." Jonon smiled in the mask with a quick swipe metal went through the seller's neck and his head fell with a bloody thunk. She removed her cloak and mask. Along with many of the other Zebras. They started to take out the guards as quickly as they could. I of course lifted my stave and attacked with my magic for the moment. Since I didn't understand my full might. Jonon stood by her daughter who had hate in her eyes. " Traitor...." Jonon turned to her daughter no emotions in her eyes. " The Queen shall destroy your small little rebellion." Jonon quickly used her hoof knocking out her daughter lifting her. Looking at me as she ran out. I didn't know what to do anymore. But I watched the other Zebras take out the guards. One of them walked up to me lifting a sword. I quickly moved out of the way. Smacking the stave into his head but of course. He had a helm and it broke my stave. I didn't know what to do. But then opened my bag pulling out my gun and fired. The sound made the alarm go off. Now it was our chance to free the blacksmith. But of course, when I did Jonon came back in without her daughter. She stared at me. " Bad choice hero." I felt awful now but I followed her out to free Cliffside. 00000 Jonon and the others fought like it was nothing. No explosions like I am very used to. The Zebras around me fought like it was nothing. The guards started to run off and we then rushed out the slaves that got bought getting armed and rushing to the prison next to free even thieves and murderers. But these thieves were hungry and the murderers killed the guards. We freed the blacksmith, but it surprised me that he was a large creature known as a roc. A strange bird that was a lot different than griffins. He stood above up and spoke in a deep voice. "I know what you want...." He breathes deep. " Get all the coal you can.." Blinking grabbing a pickax and then looking up to the top of the cliff. Seeing a large building at the top of the cliff. I never saw it before. It's a large wooden building. That seems to be a large mason built along time ago. Jonon looked up and sighed. " That's the leaders of the guard's home. No one knows his name. But that building was built when ponies and zebras brought their war here. The town was built when most of the dead pilled and then this town was built on the bodies of zebras and ponies of the war. But as you told some the war is done...and the world is dead." Giving a nod and then I blinked and then I gave the Blacksmith my gun. The blacksmith stared at it and blinks. "Hmm, interesting. I can try to make more along with the gun powder and ammo but this would take time. I will send some to find some there should be some old gunpowder and such along with casings laying around." I gave a nod lifting the pickax. Heading to the mine. Jonon followed me and then I heard a voice. " Well...for someone who said..they would never get into the middle of this land. You sure have." I looked up seeing the same merchant that brought me here. Jonon calmly stared at the Salamander. Then he stood up and opened his coat showing a bunch of weapons and healing potions. " Since you will be in the middle of many different battles and wars you will need something." Blinking noticing an old war weapon. It was a large automatic rifle which had been named, The Dancer. " Also! Remember any of these guns I have, the ammo is very hard to come by. So use it sparsely if you want one of them. I will give you each one for free." I nodded grabbing the Rifle and Jonon grabbed a large sword with her mouth it had Black stars folly on it. He nodded it and then closed his coat walking off. " Stay safe...you two." He walked into the fog. Jonon stared and wrapped the scabbard on her back. Then I placed the gun in my bags and then held the Pickax. " So let's go get some iron for the blacksmith so we can take over this town for you. Then find a way to get me back to Equestria." The zebra stared calmly at me and I looked back blinking. " Um...you don't know how to get me back do you?" She just shrugged and lead me to the mine. It wouldn't have been the first time I mined. We wanted to get coal I could get. Using the pick I had of course this would be the first time I ever dug for anything. But then I noticed something when I hit out the coal. Seeing some strange magic fill the ground and coal replaced the coal I just took. Staring at it and then blinked looking at Jonan. " Is this normal?" Jonan looked towards me her eyes just staring calmly at me as she keeps mining. But I feel I am the only one that sees this. " Jonon, there is magic in this mine. The coal is growing back." She looks back at me again. She just keeps staring, shaking her head. I ignored it. 0000 We worked for hours I even passed out after a while. I woke up in a dark room and calmly walked out of the house. It was owned by the Zebra that got me into this. But of course, she was gone. I went outside to see Ponies and Zebras getting armor and weapons. To be ready to attack the building above us. Jonon calmly tapped my shoulder and I looked up to her. " I found something to help you get into the building during the attack. To take down the leader no one knows who that is. But their great great great grandfather built it. After they beat the zebras of the war and turned them into slaves. Then freed them allowing them to build the town." Blinking a moment thinking to myself then looked up to her. " Why did it turn into what is happening now then? I don't understand this because if you are working together. Then why is he forcing ponies to buy slaves and so on?" Jonon stared at me and then looked towards the road. " Head down that way...in the very middle of this island, you will see a large giant castle with a town in it. That's where the warden and the leader run this town. I have heard of her I heard she is an Alicorn some say she is a dragon some say. She is worse. But many don't see her and live." Blinking nodding calmly sighing. But what she gave me was a stealth buck. Blinking and attached it to the pip buck and would turn it on later. " When are we attacking?" The Zebra mare smiled softly and looking over to the others. " In a week. We aren't ready to fight them. So you need more training without guns." Blinking sighing a bit I knew I would have to learn how to fight without guns. I needed to learn to use weapons as Tiria used. But someday I need to return to my home. So whoever I meet here. I do hope, To bring them with me away from this island. To get back to the wonderful land of Equestria. But it would take time to train. I calmly looked around and sighed. " Fine. but are you worried they will attack us?" Jonon looked up to the house. " I doubt it. The leader is very much a large coward. To the point, he will allow anyone under him to die. To save himself." Blinking thinking a moment nodding. It would be a while before the battle so. I knew I would have to fight many creatures in this land. 0000 Back in the underground cavern, Back into the arena looking around, there are many weapons set down. She was going to teach me the best way to use weapons without guns. Since guns are very rare here along with ammo. Looked at all the weapons. Old weapons that aren't weapons I am used to seeing. The first ones we used are staves. I wasn't allowed to use my magic. Since if the Queen of the island learn magic is being used. She would send her minions to capture and then hold them in jail for months and break them. Taking the staff in my mouth. I didn't know how to fight like a zebra I would learn someday. Lifting the staff and Jonon got on her back hooves and got ready to fight with me. Zebras rushed to watch us. I knew I would get my ass kicked. She started to attack me, I blocked the vibration that went through my body, and then I tried to attack back. I had no easy time doing this. Smashing the stave she gave me into her stave. But nothing chased. she just kept attacking me over and over. It's becoming hard to train. Grunted and got on my back hooves and started to attempt to be like her. Even if it was harder for me. I did all I could to keep up with her and then she hit me down breaking my stave and it flew out of the arena and smirked. " Every hero, little Star Shooter, learns through the pain. Now again." Standing up quick and then grabbing the large mace. Charging at her and the stave easily blocked the mace over and over. I was looked like a fool. Closing my eyes sighing. Ignoring all the cheers and such around me. Just listening to the battle and I made a swing but of course, again the mace threw out of my mouth and it smashed into the wall and stuck. Looked to the mace glowering showing my anger a bit. Looking back to the other weapons and picked up a dagger and held the blade in my mouth. Charging at her slice into the stave over and over. The slave getting some slices inside. But she did a twist with her hoof and smacked the hoof into the dagger and it tossed and coughed feeling a cut on my face from the blade of the dagger. Growling through my teeth and then rushed to another weapon a large sword. Rushing at her with my anger and she hit the blade out of my mouth it stabbing into the ground and then she smashed me down with her stave and then stared down at me. " You're learning...but slowly." She then smashed down on me with her hooves and my world went black." 0000 I opened my eyes and I was on a bed with a note written beside me. Here is some food for you my little friend. Eat and be ready for more training. Then we will be ready. Used my magic and lifted the plate of fish and carrots along with some strange juice. Sighing narrowing my eyes a bit feeling my cheek and there is a scar there. But it's healing slowly. Taking the food and calmly ate. It's something I wasn't used to eating. Fish was new to me. I have eaten meat before. But that was because I kind of had to when I was younger. Drank the rest of my juice and then stood up hearing commotion outside. Jonon rushed in and smiled. " Ah, you're awake. Anyway, everything's coming into place. But we need to do this calmly. But of course, the battle will not start yet. Also, the warden is not speaking about it yet. So the Queen is not sending her spies to find out who or what is causing this issue. The Queen doesn't leave her castle unless it leads to her castle and then anyone questions her little rule." She closed her eyes and sighed a bit looking up seeing the large mansion and looked back at me. " Get ready for more training soon. But I need to check on the others. Go see if you can offer help to those that need some help within this town." Gave a nod placing my hood and cloak on and grabbing my weapons. Hiding them under the cloak. "The first one goes to the potion maker near the docks. She has a job for you..as a test to see if you can be trusted by the resistance here." Giving a nod trotting off calmly. Looking around the town noticed it's very calm no rapping ponies and Zebras seem heavenly armed and ready to fight anyone that..tries to break the peace. I calmly walked down to the dock. The smell of rotting dead fish and dead creatures. But looking at the water it's pretty pure water. Even though the gardens went off some of the water is going to take a while to cleanse. Looking towards some ponies and Zebras they seem to be taking the water putting it into some machine and removing the salt. Looking at my caps but I doubt I would be able to buy anything here..Since they don't use caps they still use coins. I noticed some smoke coming from one of the shakes near the docks. Went inside and looked around. Seeing an old Zebra mare that seems blind. But she is mixing all kinds of brews and she looked up from the sound of the door. " Ah, it's the little hero. Now young mare." She said in her very exotic voice. Turning to me and smiled. " Jonon told you I have a job for you and she is correct. There is a cave, A cave that has mushrooms grow. But an old war machine that was brought here from Equestria has become a problem. This thing has been here for 200 years never has given me any issues. Now it has it keeps talking about some project that it needs to protect." Blinking a moment nodding. " Alright, I shall do it." The old zebra mare smiled. I head out and noticed my pip buck is leading me to a cave that is not far from the docks. Calmly walked up to the cave and looked inside. Looking at signs that said warning don't go in. Very evil spirits in this cave. Calmly walking inside looking around and I heard nothing at first. But I noticed giant lizards that seemed to leave me alone. Pulling my sword out holding it with my magic at first then placed it in my mouth. Looking around but I noticed all the mushrooms. But as I got deeper inside I noticed an old Equestria base. But I heard some heavy steps and I hid behind a rock. Seeing a large robot that has a brain inside. It's standing on two legs and has machine guns on it. On the side it said. Hawk walker, I calmly moved away from it trying to get inside the building to understand what is going on then a stomp behind me happen and I dropped my sword looking up at the robot as it stared down at me. " Pony...speak now...I must destroy the Zebra filth." Blinking looking up coughing a bit. " Um....sir? Miss? The war is over. It's been over for 200 years, and both sides had lost." The robot stared down at me and looked up trying to contact its hub. " Any hub able to hear me...any hub at all...I need. " The robot droops and seems to realize this is now that I am speaking the truth. " What happens?" " I....the bombs fell. The world died...then recently, Equestria itself was cleansed. But it still has problems." The robot just kept staring at me and then gave a robotic sigh. " If. I may ask what in the world are you? I have never seen a robot like you in what was left behind from the war." The robot calmly spoke. " I am what is known as Project Mech. However, I was the only one built. They placed my brain inside here since my body was destroyed. Then I was on one of the boats that crashed here. We followed a prison ship that held many Zebras. But I was placed on shut down and I just woke up. Because a Pip buck gave a single for me to turn on." Frowning a bit sighing at all this and then looked up. " The Zebras here are friendly and they're under the threat of being raped daily and so are the ponies." The robot warriors angrily at the sound of rape. " I shall come with you and protect this town of ponies and Zebras. I am the only one of Project mech. A failed project since Fluttershy didn't want to risk any more brains to be placed in bodies like this. So I was the lucky one. Also, the one who did this was Dr. Slice. I haven't seen the good Doctor in many years. The last time I did was on the ship before we hit the rocks." The mech calmly walks out of the cave and then I looked back at the base it was protecting. Going inside after placing my weapon back in the holder. Going inside the base. It seemed to be an old bunker. But all I saw were a lot of bones and old bodies. Looking at the wall written in blood. 'Beware of Project Mouse.' Blinking a moment Project mouse? But as I looked through I grabbed a bunch of old ammo and whatever weapon I could pick up and placed them in my bags. Hoping to give them to the blacksmith and he could make whatever he could with the ammo and the guns. But before I left I heard a sound. Looking down to see a robotic mouse walkthrough. But before it got too far it granted pure green fluid and I went to it after it was done and sniffed it. After I did so the world around me started to drift and spin and my pip buck started to crack and pop. I had to get out...Walking slowly through the halls to get some fresh air. Seeing bodies in the middle of dried puddles my insides burning and hurting. As I feel wounds forming along my body from something cutting me. Reaching into my magic bags and bringing out a potion and drinking it down. The pain went away as well as the wounds. But looking around I didn't see anything that would hurt me. But I could still smell the fluid and covered my nose as I left, closing the door behind me to make sure those creatures can't leave. Walking back out of the cave, I see that the mech is standing right by the entrance. " Come with me. Might I ask what is your name?" I asked while looking up to the mech. It looked down at me and swore I could feel it smile. " I'm Hawk, you could say. I don't remember my pony name, so just call me Hawk." I nodded and left the cave with the robot following me as Zebras and ponies looked on with fear. It lowered its weapons to show them it means no harm. Going up the zebra brewing and went inside. " I took care of the issue miss." The Zebra looked towards me and smiled. Reaching into her bags and brings out some strange coins with the face of that unicorn mare I saw when I first hit here. Looking towards her with a gentle smile. " You befriended it didn't you, little hero?" She asked. "I did yes." The older mare smiled as I walked out placing the gold in my bags and looked up to Hawk. " Come with me Hawk I need you to meet Jonon" 00000 Walking back up from the docks with Hawk behind me. When I finally got back to where Jonon slept she came out and looked up at the creature her eyes wide open. Her pupils turning into pinpricks. I smiled removing my mask and chuckled. "Jonon this is Hawk, a weapon from the war. He wishes to help protect the town of Cliffside." Jonon looked at me a moment she seemed to relax and then looked back to Hawk. " Hawk...if I may.." The Zebra mare said. " What is your take on Rape?" She bluntly asked. Hawk looked down at her and it would seem the fluid in the cockpit got very red and bubbled. " My take on it? It is that it should never happen. It's a travesty that ponies even did it during the war. But why do you ask?" Jonon gave a gentle smile and thought on how to say this calmly and looked back to the other buildings in the town. " Well this town or city most call it a town is called Cliffside it was built by slaves of the war. But it's turned into slave selling raping trading and the guards welcome it and do it themselves. But many of them stay close to the building up top at the moment. We will be heading to take care of them soon and removing the threat to us and ponies once and for all. After all, that is said and done. Are you willing to stay while I and the hero do the journey to save this island?" Hawk seemed to be thinking a moment the magic hydraulics on the legs let off some smoke with a gentle hiss. Then looked around and then back to Jonon. " I shall protect the Zebras of the war. That didn't even wish to fight. I heard the war ended badly. Very badly.." Hawk seems to make a robotic sob a bit but sighed and then looked at the town. "I shall patrol then." Hawk calmly started off patrolling and then Jonon turned looking at me. Seeming to frown a bit then smiled. " So..little hero that is your first mission. There are many more for you to do. Are you ready to do so?" Giving a nod and blew air out of my mouth sighing a bit. " I am sorry little Star shooter it's the only way ponies and Zebras can trust you here." Lowering my head giving a nod. " Now your next mission is from a mother." Blinking looking up and she pointed with her hoof to an inn. Looking at her I nodded. " The mother owns the bar so please be quick." I sighed softly and walked to the inn. Putting the mask back on and seeing that ponies and Zebras are now staring at me. I didn't understand why but. Was I going to be known as the hero of the island? I heard whispers as I walked past and then went inside. Walking up to the inn owner. Who is a mare a red cherry mare with blue streaks in her pink mane? "I am here for the job." She looked at me and gave me a large cup of whatever they drink here. Then pointed with her hoof to one of the tables in the back. I gave a nod. Trotting over to the table sitting at it and looked at a note on my cup. It read. 'The bar closes in an hour. Please stick around.' Giving a nod and since I was in the darkness. I started to notice a lot of the guards from the leader of the town seemed to come in here and acted like they owned the place. But most of the time they just sat down to drink and eat. Removing my mask. I calmly started to drink. Whatever this drink was it tasted odd. Looking down seeing it's a strange orange fluid. But I kept drinking it and drank the entire thing down. Then watched guards but..then my vision went odd. I could fully see in the darkness and then I looked beside me and I saw what they wished me to see. A Gila monster that seemed to be hidden but only can be seen with this fluid. It spoke up with a smirk. " Ah, now you can see me. Good, it means my wife trusts you. Now I got a request from you. I want you to start a bar fight. I want you to get the guards removed. This means that even if they stab you. The guards may not be trusted but..not all the people of this town believe they're being held back and controlled. Now.." She slips me another drink and gave me a smile. " I want you to drink this and you will get extremely drunk and I want you to go to those guard ponies. Do what you can to get them to attack you. If you do this my wife and I will be in your debt." Looking at the drink then back to the Gila monster. Who just had a sharp smile and seemed to be mutated. Giving a nod I drank it all down it burned so badly. It felt like venom going down my throat. Coughing a bit and looked at the creature but she vanished. I stood up doing what I was meant to do and I tripped hitting one of the guards by mistake. The pony guard looked down at me. All of them did. They smirked and one of them spoke. Strangely, they all seemed to be males. " Now now. let us help you." He helped me up and then he smacked me with his hoof hard in the face. I flew back and tried pulling my sword out but then another guard smacked into me. The ponies around watching saw what was going on and most of them looked at the guards with anger. Some looked on with glee but also a bit of fear. I was hit into the wall and then stayed on my hooves and groaned and then I charged at one of the guards and turned quickly giving an apple buck, making one of them fly into the wall. Then without me realizing it one of them brought out a bow and grabbed an arrow. Then pulled back on the string and the arrow went deep into my shoulder. Groaning deeply in pain from the arrow and then a Pegasus forced himself on me and forced me down. Being younger and a bit weaker. I knew I wasn't going to be able to do anything and one of the spectators spoke out. " Stop! She has had enough!!" Other ponies around said the same thing. But the guards just stared at them with glee. " No. She hasn't." One of the ponies tossed a knife that had a strange venom on it and they were about to stab me and one of the ponies rushed in to stop them and they turned around and stabbed the mare right in the chest. But then they realized it wasn't a mare at all it was a filly a foal. She was also a worker here. Then they noticed after the glimmer vanished. The ponies who were defenders of the guards. Who didn't care what they did? This was the last straw after the owner of the inn rushed to the filly and held her close sobbing. The ponies grabbed their weapons and the guards ran out quickly. The ones doing the chasing were the griffins and outside there were sounds of weapons ripping flesh and cutting into bone. Just laying there feeling my body burn coughing hard and vomiting whatever it was that I drank. My vision going back to normal. Every creature that was in the bar is now gone and I watched the mare hold the little one sobbing. But then after awhile, the filly vanished along with the owner, and I looked seeing the owner waving to me looking to see the blood gone. I stood up shakingly on my hooves and walked to them calmly. I finally got a good look at her wife. A pure red Gila monster who stood on her back legs like Tiira did but..she had a bigger hunch that made it hard for her to walk on them. " Ah yes forgive us little hero for what we had to do." The Gila monster said. The mare nods " Forgive my wife she doesn't speak. I'm Speckle Scale this is my wife Paw pad" Pad smiled sweetly nodding and nuzzled into Speckle blood drained from my nose and I had a nasty bruise on my face. " How did you do it all?" Speckle smirked and chuckled. " Thanks to the magic of this island many of the creatures mutated from it. Unlike what happened on Equestria with the bombs and all this island was created by some powerful magic. It's why there are many creatures like us and why we can breed with ponies. But you don't need to know my sex life with my wife of course. Now again we are sorry. Oh and yes." She clicked her claws and I saw the little mare show up who was the waitress and then saw her die and become the filly with a wound in her chest blood draining from her mouth and a mare rushing to her and hugging her sobbing. Then she clicks again. It all vanished and she smiled. "My magic is an illusion my entire race has one magic and one magic only. I am that. It's easy to spy and such. Now the hero has some food and drinks on the house from us. Also some music." Blinking she clicked her claws again and a band formed playing calm music. But it was just music and no singing. I sighed stroked my head with my hoof it was throbbing from whatever I drank...But when I sat at the chair. They put down some veggies like carrots and other stuff. Along with some nasty looking water. But of course, this water has been cleansed from what they told me. 00000 After eating and drinking whatever it was. I was given some more gold coins of this currency of this island. Looking to see bodies of the guards being cut into sections by Griffins so they could eat them. My stomach lurched a bit from that drink they gave me before the meal. It still messed up my stomach. But I was able to see there are more things to this island than I didn't know. I looked out to the water and finally saw the spell. The spell looked like it was created by Zebras and ponies. But why would an island be made to keep them in? This is odd to me really that it was made to be like that. Then I saw something I never thought I would see again..That sea monster surfaced and it looked right at me. It's eyes glowed brightly and pointed at me. I blinked putting a hoof to my chest and the creature nodded. Then he pointed down to the docks. I sighed walking back down to the docks. I trotted past Hawk, who is now patrolling with a few Griffins. The guard that normally are around, are now being chased back to the large house on the hill. Finally I got to the dock and the creature came out of the water and stared down at me. It spoke calmly and growled. " Creature of Equestria. You don't belong here. But the only way you can leave. Is in three years there is a hole in the spell. But i doubt you wish to wait that long to get back home. But I have seen that you have been causing a big stir here. I have come to warn you..If the Queen learns what you are doing..She will find you break you and then kill you." Giving a nod and then looked back up to him sighing. " What is this island really..I was told it's a penal colony..I highly doubt this." The creature looked at me and then looked around and leaned down to whisper. " This island was made to hold a minion of a great threat. A threat that hasn't been seen in hundreds of years or so the story that was created by the first Zebras that landed here..So they could find a hero that could defeat it. But this would mean a war would start on this island. You are close to starting that war. If you destroy the threat that is sleeping on this island. The spell will be broken." Blinking and sighed softly and then walked back to get to Jonon then turned back to see the creature vanished. I blinked and saw a bright light of him just going somewhere and had no idea anymore. Sighing and biting my lip a bit not sure what to think anymore. I am here to fight a threat to start a war? It's something I wasn't extremely happy hearing that feeling that if I caused a war here..Then it was going to be a pretty bad thing. But I finished another one of the tasks for Jonon and I walked up to her and she looked down at me with a gentle smile. " Ah, your eyes have been touched by the juice of the illusion. Now you will see things that have so much magic in them. But it will go away but only show up when you will it." Blinking a moment and looked into a broken mirror and saw my eyes they glowed just a bit. I could see that I had powerful magic flowing through my blood up to my horn. Then I blinked once more and the eyes went back to normal and then I looked back to Jonon. " What is my next task?" Jonon looked towards me and smiled. She went into her home and brought out a basket. " I need you to take this to the orphans. It's their food. It's been hard to get them food since our leaders." She said with hate in her voice. " Needed to steal it from us for him." Nodding and lifted the basket with my mouth and she tapped me with her hoof and pointed with a hoof to a very run-down looking building on the outskirts of the town. It was heading out of the town. I gave a nod and left. 0000 After awhile I finally got to the building but i noticed something red in my vision. I just remembered my eyes forward sparkle and set the basket down and..saw them. Giant dragonflies that breathed fire. Looking at my pip buck, I saw no rads but then I remembered this is not like Equestria. What happen here was something very different. No bombs just over use of magic and discharge. But the creatures were flying weirdly but It didn't hit me at first. I pulled out my sword and they bugs charged at me and I heard hooves? They smashed into me and I flew back and my sword hit the ground and it lifted my sword? Then I finally knew what this was..it was another one of their damn test. So I tried willing the vision and I saw it...The creatures aren't even there but...how did I get hit? What did I get hit by. Then when it got closer I finally saw it. Of course it was so stupid. I was fighting a creature that used illusions to make itself bigger. It was a small little muskrat. I stood up and still heard the hooves. Charging at it myself and when i hit with my horn I stabbed into the chest of a pony. The pony jumped back turning to normal but..it wasn't a pony. it was a real musk rat creature. The creature held it's chest and looked at me with very angry eyes. "OI you want to fight?! DOO YA?!" The creature yelled. But before it could charge at me the orphans rushed out and stepped in front of the rat and gave me angry eyes. " How dare you attack miss Swampy?!' Blinking a moment and looking at the young ones stare at me. " I...um....brought the food that Jonon wished me to..then swampy? Attacked me....I um..sorry?" The ponies looked to Swampy and the creature shrugged. " Can you blame me? A pony that looks heavily armed bringing a basket you tend to fear it's a threat thanks to the owner of this town. Fine fine." The creature tossed me a bunch of coins and they landed in front of me and she lifted the basket with her tail and I just stared at them as they walked away. I was flabbergasted how...did I know? Now I am being...”I sighed but then looked back at the building and spoke softly. " I can help fix the building if that would be more of help." They all turned to look at me. " Thanks for the offer dear." The rat creature smiled sweetly. " But even if you try the guards will see you and destroy everything. So please go on." Sighing again nodding and lifted my sword and then the coins as well walking off. Feeling so tired and sore now. 00000 Walking back to Jonon's house she seemed to be relaxing a bit and the resistance had more presence on the streets now. But I was just so dead tired. I had no idea what to do anymore tonight. I took off my mask and she saw my tired face and she smiled gently. " Go rest...we will remove the fool tomorrow." Giving a nod I simply walked to my bed and removed my cloak and everything else looking at my pip buck and it showed my body was crippled in some spots. But I couldn't do a thing about it. I was told recently that pain makes you stronger. I lied down in the bed and fell asleep because tomorrow it would be time to fight for the town. Footnote: Level up Perk added: Magic sight: From the drink you were given at the inn. It gave you the ability to see magic. But don't overuse it. Chapter Two: BlazeSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter Three: DowntimeAuthor's Note Now in the middle of the story there will be this NSFW part. You can either skip it or read it. Chapter Three: Downtime " The idea of love even if it's crazy most never know." We made it into the building and we both sat at the table. I didn't know what to say these feelings are very new to me. Looking to Blaze my face turning bright red she just sat there with a smirk on the chair. All i could do was stare at the floor. These feelings, what are they? It's hard to understand love when you never felt it. She saved me. She rescued me. She stepped off her chair and went to the kitchen to make us something to eat. But what do i do? How do i tell someone that I barely know that I care for them? Is love really this strange? Slowly lay my chin on the table to think. Is love really this strange? Closed my eyes thinking of what I was told about love. But I never was told about anything. I could hear her cutting and working on making something. Slowly getting out of the chair, I had to do what I could to get some fresh air. I stood on the balcony watching and listening, lost in my thoughts. I didn’t notice when Jonon sat beside me. "So the little hero is unsure about love?" Blinking, my eyes go wide as I looked to Jonon. I was surprised to see her, but then I relaxed. " I...she cares for me, but she barely knows me." " Star Shooter she is a outcast from her species. Her species don't do this to joke and such. If her kind wants to be with you then you should be honored. They are a very honorable species. If they want to share their heart and life with someone. Then they will do everything to make you happy. It's not just love...she wants from you, she wants your friendship. She wants you to be there for her and she for you. Think about it little hero! It's in the legend that you find someone that falls in love wit you and you both.. Fight on the island to bring peace for your love and those that come after you." My face turned bright red. " But...how can females have children together?" " There is a way Doc could take your egg's and hers mix them and then inject one of them into you or her. But I would say you two need to talk about this and don't allow a legend to control you. But she will not take no for an answer. She wants to be with you. Again, if her species want it you can't stop it. It's how they are." Jonon nodded as I just had a bright red face..But then she left, looking back to me. " Think about it Little Star Shooter you might be here a lot longer than you want to be...Love is going to come sooner or later anyway. From what you told me you have no one back at your old home. Please consider it because...You’re all she has." Watching Jonon slowly walk off and looked in my bag finding the necklace that my father gave my mother. He always said to me, being a former raider, if you find the one you love, give them this. Putting it close to my heart smiling I miss them so much. I hope they can meet Blaze when I am finally able to get home. Slowly walking back to the table and sat down and when I sat down Blaze bright out some food and set it in front of me it was a stew and she smiled sitting near me with her own bowl. " Now little hero...before I do what I want with you, eat up and then tell me about yourself. Because I ain't taking no for an answer. You are going to be mine and I don't care what you think." I just smiled giving her a calm nod and use my horn to lift up the spoon and ate calmly. But before I finished I lifted her webbed foot with my hoof and smiled. " I agree to this Blaze. I am going to give you something that my father gave to my mother." My horn glowed and I placed the necklace around her neck and let the bullet hang. A bullet that apparently was in the ass of my father. He used that to propose to my mother. I always found that weird but also romantic. " This was given to my mother by my father. He...well from what my mother told me when I was young. He had this bullet removed from his ass and he used it to propose to her. I want this to work between us Blaze. Since I know It may be a long time before I am even able to go home." Blaze smiled softly and she just chuckled nodding and looking at the necklace. " Now little Hero, I shall explain about myself if you wish to learn about me hmm?" She asked. " Yes I am willing to learn everything about you..Since besides...from what Jonon told me even if I said no to you. You would just claim me as your wife-mate anyway." Blaze nodded with a evil grin. " Of course you being the hero of legend. I wish to make the Hero mine well not just because I want her as mine..But I want to protect the hero as she saves this island from the Queen. Then we can get you back home and you can introduce me to your family." Giving a nod closing my eyes and waited to listen to her story. " Well my kind were introduced to the island 600 years ago. As normal salamanders. Who ever created the island wished to bring us here so we can help keep the crops free of bugs. Now the magic of this island is very potent. If you hang around those that use magic over and over. You start to gain the ability to use it yourself. So we mutated because of this magic. It changed us from the small salamander's to what you see now. But of course it took us many years to become like this. Our home in the salamander cave's changed so much. The salamanders who leave the community are outcast." She drank from a cup of tea that she made setting the cup back down. "I was born and a legend they thought was over was talked about me. The walker of fire. The speaker of flame's. Any Salamander with the power of fire..was either killed or removed from the community." She sipped a bit and thought carefully what she would add next and then looked to me with a smile. Pouring more tea into the cup and then she shifted a bit on the chair. Her tail hanging down and then thought a second. " Well the legend is...That I would become a monster that would ruin the peace of the island and become part of the hero's friend's. I would remove the peace. the peace of course in this island is that..The Queen doesn't take your males and dosen't try to force ably breed with them so she can find the seamen that can make her pregnant. But there is more to her then just that. She used to be a kind gentle pony. But something happen that caused her to become hateful of all races on this island." She leaned back into the chair and looked back outside. " The Queen did come to see me..Then she had a vision that I was the one of the legend. I was chased out of my home by my own kind and then I found that cave where I saved you at. It's the reason why I want you as mine Star Shooter..i got no one else. You are all i am going to have." Sighing to myself I wrapped my forelegs around her into a hug, nodding. " I can understand but it's interesting that I am not even this hero i feel like...I know I have done so much since I got here. But it's so odd that I am. But I don't see myself as a h.." My train of thought was stopped by her putting a webbed foot on my mouth and I blushed gently. She calmly spoke in a gentle voice. " I don't care if you are or not. Star Shooter you impressed me with what you did to live. I watched you. I have seen the spirit of battle in your eyes. I feel it's time that you need to stop thinking like that and be happy that someone finds you attractive." She ended that with a calm purr wrapping her tail around my neck and smiled. All I could do was get bright red in the face again and I coughed a bit..trying to speak. " I um...well okay I shall explain about myself.." Blaze smiled pulling me closer. She said very softly. " Please do." I gave off a shiver and smiled. As she removed her tail from me and winked. I could just sit there fidgeting. Oh goddess to hell, this is getting hard not to just want her right now. Why am I feeling this way? I would have to ask myself this another time because right now I need to explain to her about myself. I tried speaking but she wrapped her front legs around me and laid a deep kiss on my lips and then pulled away with a smirk. My face turning so red gulping but I calmly started to relax and smiled. " Alright Blaze...allow me..to speak." She grinned. "My father and mother are both former raiders. My father and mother were found by an old pony known as Wheel Tread since...my mother was pregnant at the time with me. She and my father needed a place to stay without all the problems normal raiders almost always face. I was one of the first born in that P.O.W. camp. I was given a wonderful home peaceful even. Wheel Tread was great to me and my family. But to others not so much. He tended to cause many problems and issues. But even so he took care of my parents and the other families that were under his care. But he got a hold of a strange crystal before I was born. This crystal did something to him it made him weaker and he swore he could hear voices. Then she came...Tiria.." Sighing softly trying to not cry and then looked down. " She worked hard at coming from her old land to find that crystal. it was used to turn her species from ponies into what she is now or well was. She fought and became one of the next bodyguards to Wheel Tread, and then the Enclave attacked. During a nasty attack, I was forced down into a basement by my family. They went to fight, but they lost and they went into hiding to try to wait for a rescue. It took so long. It was so long that many of the little ones along with me started to get hungry and die. Then after what felt like ages, we heard another battle above. After it was over, I was rescued and Tiria did so much for me when I was young. She told me stories about the sun and moon. She even told me about the princess. But truthfully she didn't know anything herself. But.." I sighed softly looked down tears falling from my eye's down my cheeks. Blaze calmly wrapped around me slowly and held me close. " I watched her...give birth to a little one that was named Crystal. She died during this. I was there watching the entire thing. Then she was buried the same day. She told her story then died watching the sun. It was so hard for me to even know what was going on at the time. I stood there at her grave. Waiting for her to wake up I spent an hour standing there my mother came up and I asked ‘...Mom why is she not waking up?’ My mother calmly said, ‘She is gone little one’ Then I just started.." I softly started to sob and Blaze held me close and tight stroking my back with her tail. As she allowed me to let it all out. All the pain I felt that i have been holding back. I needed this it seems being able to explain what has been bothering me for so many year's. It's not easy but it had to be done..How most feel towards each other. But after awhile I slowly stopped crying and sighed leaning into Blaze. True we didn't know each other that well. But I needed someone since..I am going to be stuck here so long. " I like every part of you Star Shooter. I like how strong you are. I love your gentle side. Also love when I am able to turn you so red. That every part of you is red as well." A soft smile formed on my face. She wrapped her tail around my neck. " Now enough with that sad little hero..I am going to please you to till you burst again and again..." She said with a smirk. She pulled me into the bedroom. 0000 NSFW Part Blaze laid me on the bed and her tail hit an old radio by mistake and a soft gentle song played. The words so gentle it made my blush fall away and I felt maybe this is right. ' Foolish love..only love can connect our heart's' Blaze licked along my legs even along my haunches to bring moments of sensation and pleasure. I lied there, gasping in pleasure. Being new to this with just the right song...made my heart flutter. ' Take my heart into your hooves oh one I love.' The tongue slide along my stomach leaving many warm sensations of pleasure and love. She just focused on my midnight like fur. My blush could have been easily seen. But as the blush again faded from me she lowered her head to between my back legs. ' I shall hold you between my heart..While we make love in the night. please sing with me on this wonderful night of the moon.' With a loud gasp I felt the wet hot tongue enter inside my mare hold. Feeling very gentle licks. I have never felt such pleasure before. Blaze seems to have done this before. But all that was on my mind at the moment was the pleasure dancing through my body. Every inch and part of my body burned with pleasure. Parts of me even heated up very slowly while every inch of this pleasure made me feel so wonderful. 'Oh foolish lover's heart. I feel your breath along my skin and fur.' The pure red Salamander removed her tongue. From the sensitive part of my body between my legs. Then she fully got on me looking down into my gentle yellow eye's. Being a female as well. We can't enjoy sex the normal way..But at this moment I didn't care feeling her tail enter me with a gasp from me. ' Oh heart's that throb within our soul's. I shall always love you.’ Blaze calmly did some very gentle thrust inside the folds of my body. All i did was scream in pleasure. It slowly started to rain. Jonon being the same building as me of course. I am sure she had a gentle smile on her face. ' Our heart's throb and beat at the same beat like a drum.' After having my first orgasm ever. All I could do was lay there feeling the glow of the pleasure. But before Blaze could do anything we rolled on the bed. Wrapping my forelegs around her my cheeks so flushed and bright red as well. Leaning down to give her a deep kiss. ' The song's of our love play through the air. Oh please never forget the love we formed today.' Slowly I moves down her kissing and gently licking every inch of her scaled body. Hearing her moaning from the sensation i was giving her. Her body warmed up so much steam came from her nose. But i didn't care while sweat matted my fur and white mane. ' For i...will always love you.' A violin calmly played in the background. ' I will never let you go...my love.' Slowly going down to every inch of Blaze and my tongue slide along the scales leaving a trail of my saliva. The pure bliss of our love filled the room with heat of pleasure. Of course it could have been the fact...I was having sex with a Salamander that could breathe fire. But ignoring that fact, all i could think of was this moment. Ignoring the fact I am so far away from home. I can't just sit around always crying. I need to get home. But my brain my thought's all i can think of is pleasing this Salamander. if love feels so much like this why did I ignore it? Oh is it something I had to do? Ignore the fact that all pleasure is something I wish to see. Slowly going down to the folds between her legs. All I could think of is pleasing Blaze. The sun could die tomorrow the moon could fall on us..All i could do was please this one that wishes to win my heart. I feel that she did..My magic forming along her to gently rub with my magic along her body to press pleasurable pressure points on her body Hearing moaning and seeing her shiver with the shiver droplets of sweat calmly drip to the bed. ' Oh forever I will love you..Remember the past that we come together to sing..In the bed of our love..oh please my love never leave me.' Calmly are inserted my tongue within her folds all i could hear or care to hear is her screaming in deep pleasure. ' For i will forever love you.' 00000 A few hours later I calmly opened my eyes my limbs intertwined with Blaze. Blushing deeply realizing what I did with her and I can't go back on it now. Calmly with my magic I untangled myself with her and removed her tail from my body as I slowly got on my hooves i was a mess it was easy to tell from the mess. But i slowly sneaked out didn't wish to wake her and headed down stairs and heard a voice. " Did the little hero enjoy her pleasure?" My face turned bright red turning to Jonon and I smiled weakly. I tried to reply but all i could do was stutter. " ...I um...I" Jonon chuckled and smiled gently and just sat there watching me. " What you did for her Star Shooter...means a lot to her. I know you wished to get home..But sadly it's not going to be easy to get you back home and you might be stuck here before we can." She gave a gentle smile and all I could do we stand there red in the face. She sighed and smiled. " Go clean up Star shooter. I am sure she will sleep for awhile" Giving a nod I trotted off outside to clean up since there is no shower in this old house. I went under a strange shower head that was connect to a water tower. Turning it on and calmly allowed the rain water to slowly go along my body " Hello little hero." I gulped upon hearing the voice of the bug. I started looking around but I couldn't see him. " The queen is very upset. In fact, you will be seeing me a lot. But I feel you deserve this moment of peace. Before I find you again outside of this little town and kill you. Maybe I can start with your lovely new lover.." He chuckles chittering. My ear's pinned to my head while my anger started growing. I had so much rage in my voice. " I will never let you near her! I will kill you before you do that. If you even come near anypony i care about, you will die!!" I breathed deeply never had this anger before. But all i heard was a laugh, a dark evil laugh. He just kept laughing over and over but suddenly went silent. " Doubtful little hero. You need to be stopped from harming this island. I wish i could just capture you now, but it will be some time before that. I will one day bring you to the Queen and see what she can do to you, little hero. We shall meet again." The voice suddenly stopped speaking and all I could think is those near me getting hurt. Now that I love Blaze, I know that to some ponies, it's too soon. But even though the Wasteland is no more, this is just as evil. We could be dead tomorrow for all i know. So we must keep ourselves happy. I turned off the shower and knew I had to figure out how to help. But I needed this down time. Slowly I walked out of the shower and started heading back into the house. Jonon was already there, sitting on her chair. She looked over to me with a gentle smile spoke. " Sit with me little hero." Giving a nod, I slowly sat down on the chair beside her and looked over to her. " It seems you are the hero of legend. I went back to the story i showed you a week or so ago. Blaze and I are your companions and Blaze is the one of Legend that will kill the one that hurt her lover the most. So yes, she will come with us. But again we need to fix up this town before we can leave. It said in the legend the home..of the hero gets destroyed and it's because they don't stay behind to help fix everything that has been destroyed by the former owner of the town." Blinking a moment sighing and laying my head on the table again listening to Jonon but my stomach growled thanks to the sexual intercourse i had with Blaze. But all I could was chuckle. " Jonon, I know things are bleak but how about this? Lets get some food from the inn and allow Blaze to rest. Then when she wakes, we can continue working on fixing up this town." I replied. Jonon gave a small nod. Slowly, she got off her chair with me following her lead. I smiled, feeling happy that I found Blaze, my soulmate. I knew when I met her and after she saved me she would be the one. But of course she was going to force herself on me. i could have just well said no, but I doubt even that would have worked. Going back into the room upstairs she was still soundly asleep. But what I did was put the cover over her. Kissing her gently and along with Jonon we left the house. 00000 Calmly the two of us walked along the town road. Heading down to the inn but I stopped looking back to the house. Fearing that she will get hurt because of me. But she was stronger than me even. if she is able to lift me simply just with her tail then she has done a lot. Jonon stopped and looked down at me with a frown. " I can tell you're worried Star Shooter but you can't allow your fear to control you. If you do the Queen will win and then she will have you in her trap. The trap is something that you will never understand. If any of her warrior's see you like this..They will use it to capture you and use that fear to break you." A frown formed along my midnight furred face. I felt my heart beat slowly and beat faster as I thought of Blaze. Just a gentle smile forming on my face. I never again thought I would fall for some pony well not pony lizard. I nodded and we calmly walked into the inn and it was pretty busy. When I walked in all ponies and creature's looked at me and my face turned bright red. A little filly walked over to me and gave me a flower. I calmly took it into my mouth and ate it. She smiled at me and I leaned down to give her a nuzzle. A table cleared for me to sit in it. I could see hope in their eyes hope that I could free them from this island. Slowly Jonon and I sat down and I felt overwhelmed is this how the light bringer felt? Looking up to Speckled Scale's and I smiled. " I would like anything that could fill my stomach even if its meat." Speckled blinked and looked to Jonon and Jonon lifted up to whisper in her ear. Then Speckled smirk. " So enjoying the afterglow?" My eyes went wide looking to Jonon who just smirked. " She won the bet..the bet would be if you and Blaze slept together it seems a window was kept open when ponies were listening to you. Even the warden is speaking about it. I turned on my pip buck putting in ear plume's I could hear the warden laughing. " Oh listen to those moans. Ponies, this is the hero of the island getting laid." Moans sounded on the pip buck and my cheeks burned. " Oh it's so rich this girl sure knows how to get around heh heh. But Anyway the news. The news is that Cliff side is free well in a way it is. But the other new's is that the Queen is sending her most powerful warrior's to capture the hero. But for now the poor bug hero cricket got his buggy ass kicked." Could hear laughing. " Anyway good on you hero maybe it will come to something and pure love. Love is all you can have these days it helps with getting through this world. Now there is a cease fire between the Griffin's and the Minotaur's and there are ponies missing since they walked into the forbidden zone. Remember everyone the reason that zone is forbidden is because of that silly war they ponies and Zebras had for so many years. Now for music and again our local music is getting better." I sighed turning it off. " So everyone of the island knows about my little escapade with Blaze." Notching that Speckled Scales was given all kinds of coin's from many ponies and other's. Even her own wife. I just had a bright blush on my face. After awhile though the food was brought to me and Jonon. using my magic to lift up the fork and slowly ate the food it was meat. Oddly I used to eat meat since..My parents are former raider's and it took them time to well change their diet. The door open up and Blaze calmly walks in and a bunch of ponies and other citizen's cheer at her. She blinks and looks around. One of the ponies saying. " You two sure had some wonderful sex there." Blaze eye's went wide and then smirked. " Oh yes she is pretty good at it..For being a virgin." I dropped the fork from my magic my face burning so bright red. Putting the hood over my face from the cloak. " She is so gentle and romantic. " She snickers softly. " To bad I could open a door for you all to watch." I groaned I wanted to die from embarrassment. I can just hear cheer's and laughing since Blaze kept going on and on about how wonderful it was. A soft voice speaking to me. " Hero..." Looking down seeing a little filly. She had so many cut's on her body and scar's. Just staring at her a moment. " Are you here to save us?" She stared up at me with soft gentle eye's. How I felt melted away just staring at the little one. Blaze was still boasting about our time together. But I ignored that now. As the little filly started to cry. I got out of the chair and calmly wrapped my for legs around her and she cried into my shoulder. Lifting her up cradling her. As I softly started to hum. Softly speaking. " I promise you..." All of the bar started looking to me when I started to sing.. A song that Tiria sang to me when..I was this age. " Oh gentle heart..I shall protect you from harm. Oh gentle soul I shall see you along the way.. Through the darkness that is around every single doorway. Oh little one follow the sun as well as the moon. Stop your tears little one. I may not consider myself a hero.. But I shall protect you I shall defend you. From the world that wishes to harm you." I calmly went back to humming softly rocking the little filly and a mare calmly walked over was well. She took the little one from me and placed the little one on her back. The mare turned back to me with a gentle smile. " Thank you...hero of legend..." Looking down all the bar looked towards me and I had so much going through my mind. Am I being selfish? This land needs someone to protect them to help them. Closing my eyes and then lifting up my head looking at them all to Blaze and then to Jonon. " For all of you I will stay...Even if I am able to go home. I will be your hero. I will be your savior. Just don't think of me as somepony better then you or some pony above you. So for you all..." Looking to Blaze. " As well as the Salamander I love..I shall stay for her.." Looking to Jonon. " For you all I shall die for you all to save your lands." Lowering my head and going silent. As I sat back at my table. But no pony spoke not even Jonon or Blaze. Calmly started to eat again. There was no cheering no speaking Blaze removed my hood and stared into my eyes " Star Shooter...You don't have to do this." Looking up to her with a gentle smile. " Blaze...it's because of you I am staying...If I didn't meet you..I would have said screw this idea of being a hero and did everything I could just to get back home. You showed me how love is and what it's like being a true hero." Calmly going back to eat and Blaze just smirked and went back to the other patrons and started to sprout again.. " Well back to talking. So yes I slept with the hero. Who won the bet then?" Speckled lifted up her coin's and Blaze laughed. " Good on you." I facehoof so hard it was getting to the point.. I feel I would get cat calls every time someone sees me and Blaze together. Jonon just chuckled. "See I told you...But I need you to come with me. Give Blaze a kiss and I need you to come with me to the elder." Nodding and stood up and before I left with Jonon with my magic pulled Blaze into a deep kiss and every pony in the bar cheered and pulled from her. Winking at her as she had a large smirk. " later...Blaze I am needed for something." She nodded and went to go sit down as I smiled and left the inn following Jonon, 00000 I calmly walked back down into the cavern like sewer's along Jonon and looking to the wall. Two gem's are now glowing. One in the shape of Blaze. Looking to the heart and it's me and Blaze. But noticed I have three more I need to find. Slowly following her but I noticed a lot of Zebra's are still down here. But It seems they wish to stay down here. Looking at the Zebra's train to do battle. It seems these zebra's are getting ready to do battle with the Queen. Being lead to the elder and Jonon left nodding to me and I sat in front of the elder. She opened her eye's staring at me with a gentle smile. " Little hero. I have a request for you. But do this after you're done with making sure the town is ready for you to leave. But what I need you to do when You can..Of course again I wish you to go to the Forbidden lands. It's north east from here kind of near the other side of the island. Now I have a Griffin ready to take you and your friend's there." My pip buck did a strange sound and I looked at my map. It showed were the forbidden land is. It's a small part of the land. But it seems to have been sealed off by a spell. You will be able to walk through..But what happen in there one of the zebra's had a balefire bomb.. But the queen sealed them in there. Because she knew they would do that. But I need you to go in there...and search for the spirit of my ancestor and fight them. You need to prove yourself fully and that is a mission to get you ready to take on the queen." Sighing softly nodding. "I understand I shall do it..But is there anything else?" The elder blinks and sighs a moment and looks up to me with a smile. " I heard that you have found someone to love." She claps her hooves together and a small filly comes out with a small little case. " When your final battle start's little hero, give this to your lover and then marry her. It's how the legend is during the final battle. But I also know you don't buy this legend. Sometimes it's faith. Like your ponies in the past had faith in your princess. My kind had faith in what we could do with one another. Some had faith in the star's. But these days it's hard to understand the old ways." I nodded and put the case in my bag's and stood up on my hooves smiling. " One last request little hero. In the forbidden lands, there is a lab. A lab were most of my ancestors were experimented on there to cure some of the zebra diseases and sickness. Many Zebra's on this island don't have the liberty of being in area such as this. So some get sickness and slowly die from them. If they survive it, they aren't ever themselves again." I nodded calmly and walked back out of the elder's home and looked to Jonon she smiled at me and I just nodded. She lead me back out and Blaze was waiting for us outside of the cave. She wrapped her tail around me and pulled me close to her. " I am tired....Blaze.." I said with a yawn and Blaze chuckled. " Awww...Too bad. I could go for another round of fun." She winked jokingly as my face turned bright red again and laughed. " But we can do it again sometime. You need to get your rest little hero and get ready for helping this town." I gave a nod and we calmly walked back to the house and the door closed. Blaze pulled me into the bed with her and wrapped around me and smiled. "You sleep while I protect you little Star shooter. No one will hurt you while I am awake." I smiled softly and rolled to my side with my back facing her and she wrapped around me gently again. Calmly she hummed in my ear. I had a large smile on my face. Today I can say I have found love. Hopefully my life will stay this happy. But for now, i need to focus on what makes me happy. Footnote: Level up New Perk added: Love of a Salamander: You have connected romantically with one of the Salamanders of the island. You gain plus five damage to attacks when she is with you. Chapter Four: Water's Secret'sSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter Five: Test"When life gives you a test. Best to take it or fail." My eyes opened up. I was wrapped around Blaze and she slept soundly with her head on my chest. I smiled softly and slide a hove along her scaled back. But slowly removing myself from her. Heading down stairs and at the table Jonon sat there with a smile. " Well it looks like the hero is awake after a good amount of sexual intercourse." I sighed softly my cheeks burned brightly and then I smiled weakly. " Well at least..I know what she likes..Even if she makes me extremely tired. A good kind of tired mind you." Jonon rolled her eyes and smirked. She offered me some food she made as I sat on the chair near her and looked up to Jonon. " Jonon.. How come I am seeing visions of ponies past? They are something like memory orbs. But I am not even using them. Somehow they touch me or I am asleep or the last time I killed the former owner of this home. I saw the past of Bulk. So I am learning that the Queen has done a lot of harsh things. She has harmed the sea ponies, she has done so much. She is even the reason for the forbidden lands and this land being built on the back of slaves." She nodded as I ate the fish. Since there are no chicken's here. We can't just simply have eggs or anything else. But what else is on the plate is a few carrot's from the garden. Taking the fork with my magic calmly eating and looked to Jonon. " Jonon, are you ever going to find love yourself?" Jonon just gave me an odd look but smiled. " Little hero, I am not able to have children. That ability for me was removed when I was young. It was removed from my parents. Because they didn't wish me to be deterred into freeing them from this island. But sadly they died not to long ago. I am the last of my family. When I die my family tree will die as well. So I am willing to do this with you to to see the end of this battle that is slowly starting. But sadly many don't know that the war is not going to end well." Tears streamed down my face but all she had was a gentle smile. But I just sighed and ate the food. While I ate Blaze walked into the room and chuckled. Then I lifted my head up my eyes blinking . I thought of Jonon’s daughter she said she had. We even saved her from the slaver's trying to sell her. Thought a moment looking around not sure what to say but I brought it up. " Jonon what about that Zebra we saved. You said she was your daughter." Jonon turned to look at me with a weak smile. She sighed looking towards the window. " She is a brainwashed Zebra I saved when I was in the well castle City. I went there to try to find Salty's wife. But I found her brain washed and being used to capture rebels. So I got her out and tried to fix her.. But it hasn't been working." She sighed. I blinked staying silent going back to eating my food and not even thinking of bringing it up anymore. I heard Blaze’s voice behind me " Hmm so this is where my pillow went to." She smiled sweetly at me giving me a gentle kiss on my face. " I need to go back to the blacksmith love. I won't see you for the rest of the day. Enjoy your training." Blinking at her as she walked out of the house and then looked back to Jonon. " What did she mean by training?" Jonon chuckled softly and I started to wonder what the hell was going to happen. 00000 Welp. Most would tell me I should know how to fight. But fighting so many at once? I was bleeding in many parts of my body. While I fought I started to lose control of my anger. Maybe it was a test maybe another way to control myself. But With how quick the strikes came I could see disappointment in the eyes of some zebras that attacked me. I looked over to Jonon she had a grin on her face. It angers me that she just stood there allowing this to happen. But she lifted her hoof to tell the zebras to stop attacking me. She then spoke her words striking deep that day. "Now little hero. Many here don't believe that you are the hero. So I have given you a task. Deep in the cave, there are old ruins from the creators of this island. In the center is a fluid that if you drink it, it will show you how the island came to be. At least that is the legend. But be warned. The cave is protected by the Spirits of the Zebra. Spirits that were forced there to protect it. But the guardian is a creature the Alicorns placed in there. We don't dare go down that way. Neither the ponies nor the Queen ever learned of this." I sighed, looking down at my hooves. I felt bad for Jonon and even the Queen. I lifted my head when she shouted words in Zebra. But I didn’t know what she yelled. All I could do was hear it and listen. But I had something I want to do.. Even if my heart was to soft. "I want to adopt you as my sister. Jonon. So you will never be alone." Jonon smiled softly and shook her head. " No my dear friend. That's not how my kind work. I'm your friend and maybe if we live through this war like the legend says. Now gather some food and water. If you don't come back in a few days time, we will come for you. Sorry little hero. But this is not like the land you’re from. It may not have the same issues you have. But it's how this land is. If you want to live you also have to learn how to live through the roads." Sighing, I lifted up my bags and went to one of the stores in the caverns noticing they mostly sell fish and mushrooms. I had enough water with me. I gave them some coins putting the food in my bags and then a young mare lead me to the back of the cavern. There is a door that says: Keep out. Certain death if you walk in. On the door were more locks than I could count. The mare used many keys that were in a keychain. She lifted each one to unlock each lock. Afterwards, she removed the chains that were along the door and opened it. The first thing that I noticed was a stale air smell. Going inside, I looked back and saw the mare shut the door quickly. Moments later, the sound of rattling chains and snapping locks filled the air. The door was locked tightly and it would be awhile before it would be opened again. I sat near the door for a while, closing my eyes softly and I felt my heart beating slowly. Why must I do this? Maybe I am chosen for the reason? Maybe It’s fate? Maybe It’s some Goddess joke? But I couldn’t think of anymore questions to ask myself.Then I slowly stood on my hooves and calmly started to walk. My body didn’t wish to walk forward. Forcing myself to was hard. There is something here pushing me on. 00000 I walked along the the old ruined path.The walls had writing from many. Different races I noticed. Zebra words mixed in with pony words. And several languages that I couldn’t even recognize. But I didn't understand what was going on at the moment. I stared at the writing. It was keeping me on my path. I looked closer to the writing it started to move. It started to play out in my vision. I could see it. The memory was of a war way before the war now. This war they had the same type of weapons but with no slug's and most of them magic.It showed whatever it was they were fighting something. I don’t know what but I couldn’t make it out. But before I could see the monster, the memory vanished and I stood face to face with some Zebras. These zebras are living and nothing to do with the writings they look to be wearing skulls on their heads and they attack me. Pulling my sword out with my magic, I fought them off while the sword floated in my magic. With a few swings, as my sword cut into a zebra’s flesh, he quickly jumped back fresh blood seeping from the wound as he stared at me. The same zebra lifted its hoof to try to blind me with dust. While the dust blinded me, for a time. I could still hear their hooves come towards. Me. All I could was use a spell to push them away from me so I could regain my sight. But after I regained my sight. I no longer saw them. But I heard a dark laugh and then a voice in the darkness. " Ah so a pony wishes to steal from me as well as my children." A loud sniff came along with this voice and she laughed. " Hmm. An Equestrian. I am so sorry about your little land blasted apart." She laughed softly " But I was there little one. Of course me and my guardian's left before the war could get so bad and we were forced down here by other Zebras and locked. Lucky for us there is water and all kinds of mushrooms. But come and find me child." Blinking a moment and looking around seeing more that this was built during a war. A war so many years ago that we never learned about. I'm starting to wonder if something happen before Celestia and Luna were even Princess. I walked down the old stone walkways. Seeing some young Zebras guarding some of the paths. These ones now have old guns. They didn’t even looked that well kept. I looked around for a rock and quickly found a loose stone on the wall. Lifted up with my magic I tossed the rock and it smashed right into the Zebra's head and one of them was knocked out. Then i charged at the other as she tried to use the gun. But it didn't work and started falling apart. As I sliced into them and they fell and started to bleed out. But I could wait. Lifting up the gun's placing them in my bags. Looking around with fear in my heart as I looked through the gear. But all I could find is the fact they wore extremely old armor. They have been down here for to long. Calmly looking around and blinking seeing the wall of many creature's of the past. One of them being placed in a prison in this island. But the other's i'm not even sure. But hopefully I will learn why this island was created. Looking around seeing nothing for the moment. But i did find some camp's but no Zebra or pony here. Slowly looking through them. I found some old badly kept ammo. But I placed them in the bag anyway. Sighing a moment sitting down and bring out some of the fish i had with me and ate just a piece. Drinking from my canteen. Closing my eyes gently and then felt a barrel of a gun in my mid back. "I am not here to harm you." I said calmly and looking behind me to see a young little foal. Her eyes were full of fear and I smiled softly trying to assure her I won't harm her. " I mean it little one. I won't harm you so please drop your weapon." She stared in my eye's dropping the gun and running off and then I saw many eye's. As I saw many of the Zebra's seemed to be stuck down here. But I think there is a reason for that. Lifting the gun up and placing them in a bag. Then stood up and looking around to try to find my way to the one that speaking to me. But i was stopped by many Zebra's and They surrounded me. They looked weak and dying but I am sure that is because they have been in here too long and to many in breeding. Looking at them and I sat there looking at an elder that stood in front of me. " Young one.. Are you here to rescue us from this evil?" Blinking i tried to choose my words carefully. " The Zebra's outside never told me about you. I am guessing there is a reason for it." The elder sighed and he looked at the other's around him. " That is because the commander that came with us. We were forced in here so long ago. But she lived through something that happen to her before water ended. But we need to be free so we can be with our own kind again. As you can tell we are dying down here." I gave a nod and looked at them all even the young tear's fell from my eyes I felt that I was sent down here for a reason now. Not just to get the fluid and drink it. But maybe to heal these wounded one's. But I am no magic buff I have no healing magic. All I am is a simple unicorn that knows some spells. I am starting to think that most of the reason i am here is to see if this creature is still alive down here. " I will help you. Then I need to find a chamber that hold a fluid that I need to drink. Are you all willing to wait by the door? They will open it when they know it's me." The others looked to each other speaking in Zebra. They didn't seem to know Equestrian that well. But it happens with them being here for so long. that only a few knew it. Even teaching it wasn't easy. The elder then looked back to me with a smile. " We will wait and then we will lead you to the chamber I don't remember my name sadly or i would tell you. But if you free us. We will help you with whatever you need." I sighed softly not sure what to think right now. But I felt the fact that something wasn't going to be extremely easy for me. Slowly walking past them. The guard's backed away looking towards me as i walked into the chamber's of their commander. The commander stared at me she looked so young but when she came out of the shadows. She was old but looked like she could fight but how could she be alive after so long? But before i could say anything she lifted up on her back hooves and smashed into my chest gasping feeling ribs break under the pressure and I flew back into the wall groaning coughing. The commander laughed loudly. She had bloodshot eyes for being so old. She seemed able to move rings around me. Slowly I tried to stand and I groaned but she forced her hooves on my side and I screamed. Feel more ribs break and then she hit one of my legs and my pip buck was going crazy showing that many parts of me were crippled. She then backed up and laughed loudly. "Oh what a fool.." Standing up with my back left leg hanging up staring at her with blood draining from my wounds.. Despite the pain i had great resolve and cough softly blood draining from my mouth and nose. " They sent a worthless pony to fight me. A.." Before she finished I interrupted her. " A hero of legend that is meant to save this island from the Queen." The Zebras eyes went wide staring at me and looking towards the strange carvings in the wall seeing one of them was me. But then at the other carvings, She then gave a evil smile. "A hero you claim to be. Yet so have the other who have came before you. Many have come before you. Yet walk this island, they no longer are. You think you are the Hero of Legend. So did they. You know the Island is a prison. I see it in your eyes. Now I will tell you the same thing I told them. The Hero is a lie. You will not save this Island. You will be it’s destruction. You will release the Devil trapped within the Island’s Heart. This has been foretold by the Creators. The Hero isn’t our savior, you will be our doom." My ears drooped down my head at these words. Is it true was I the doom of this very island? Maye I am maybe I am not. I feel I need to fight for this island. During my little depression after the words were spoken to me. I heard her trotting towards me in a quick manner. Despite the pain I felt through my back left leg, i quickly used my front legs to launch me into the air. It took but a fraction of a second to spin myself around and slam my injured rear left leg into the zebra’s face. The bones cracking more after I hit her face. I felt so much pain in my left leg even though I acted ready trying to speak with might in my voice rather than pain. " I'm not going to stop. I am going to fight you despite my pain and broken bones." I didn't even use my magic to hold my sword but she and I charged at each other and i got on my good leg and smashed my front hooves into her using the one leg to dodge her attack's as she did the same to me. It was going crazy. One broken unicorn mare and one old Zebra mare, with no harm done to her at all, dancing around each other. During the battle I could hear my heart pumping blood and adrenaline through my whole body. I felt the scream of my body as it like it was screaming for me to stop. The pain it was so awful. It felt of pure agony the tongue shilling and all the music that called to me. Stop. So much pain. But I must go on… I must! I can’t stop! I must fight! With each beat of my heart, I smashed my hooves into her neck. I got a few hits in before she backed away. I stared at her as she backed away. I could hear my very heart beating so hard in my chest.To the point it hurt. I kept on my back right hoof, keeping my left hoof up. It hurt to even try to put weight on it. But she noticed this with one quick movement. She did a kick sweep and I fell on my face. I heard her jump off her hooves and I felt that she might beat me. But I turned quickly on my back to meet her next attack head on. Lifting my blade with the flat part, I blocked her hooves. I felt her very weight on me but I pushed her back with all I had and she flew off me, landing on her hooves to get ready to battle again. Then she charged at me again and I got on my hooves using my magic to hold my blade. She had strange metal on her hooves. I felt it when my blade struck the hooves. I didn’t even feel that I was making much of a challenge, fighting her like this. But she was able to fight back even without a sword. The hooves hit me in the chest but not causing me to much pain. I was able to block some of it with the blade. But it hurt so much and she laughed softly. I didn’t know what she was planing. But she lifted a strange dust from her hoof and blew it into my face. I felt pain in my eyes as I screamed. My vision went fuzzy and black. It hurt so much and I had to try to clean it off quickly. I lifted my left foreleg to wipe the dust out of my eyes. As I got my vision back i did it at the wrong time and a knife stabbed into my side by the Zebra Groaning a bit and I fell to my stomach my sword dropped as she smirked backing away laughing. " Now time to kill you." She backed up to get ready to do a jump onto my spine. But I tried to use my magic to lift up the sword and she charged jumping from far away and flesh ripped and the sound of a sword going deep into flesh. The vision in my eye darkening more as I see her skewered on my sword. She spoke coughing up blood. " You....will doom us all.." As she died , i pulled my sword out of her and tossed it softly to the ground nearby. Before i lost consciousness, I saw many Zebras rush to me while the elder had a worried look in his eye. " Hurry. Get the healers." He turned back to me trying to keep my head propped up. " Stay awake hero. Stay awake." I knew that it was going to be impossible for me. As I slowly closed my weak eyes, all I felt was pain. I could feel my heart was slowly stopping. Each beat growing further and further apart, but it still kept beating. That slow beating somehow was keeping me alive. 00000 I started to dream. No memory, this time. But I was extremely young and looking at all the bodies near me and I tried sobbing through the dead bodies. I felt so lost and empty. Heard voices on the other side of the door that lead down here. I started to shake, not sure what is coming to find me. The door opened up and I saw the face of the wolf. Her eyes glowed brightly as she looked down at me. She leaned into the hole and lifted me up. The wolf creature carried me away from the hole and gave me back to my parents. I looked back at the one who rescued me. Tiria was her name. She went through so much to save me and the rest of the city. But the city around me is in ruins. A Lot of it is being torn down to make a smaller little town. Tear's drained from my eyes as I was carried back to my home but. I wanted to go to the wolf and I was set down and I trotted off to the hero of our town. When I got close to her she turned looking down to me. Her blue eyes no longer glowing as she just stared. Calmly she lifted me up looking to my parents giving a nod. She didn't even speak she knew what they wanted. They wanted her to look after me as the area is being rebuilt. She lay me down beside her as she sat in a chair. She looked very unhealthy but still no more words from her voice. I remember so much from her. But I think this is around the time she was unsure what to do with this town. She really didn't care much about ponies. But right now all I could care about is that I am near the one that saved me. I am not a hero like her. I will never be a hero like the wolf. Many always rushed to her to give her food something to read while she rested while every pony worked around. Her eye's closed half the time because It was easy to tell that her body was falling apart. But again she stared down at me. I could finally see a smile on her face. A smile of happiness. I remember her like this. It's hard to relive my past through a dream. But I wanted to warn her about Crow and Sand dying. Then I remember were I was. I was in her very bag. I unzipped hoping to get to her in time. I saw Sand, her mate dead from the creature's power. . Then I saw Crow the changeling who looked dead but. He turned into a mouse and limped under the stairs to hide. I saw her other friends. KipKipe and Shadow were both wounded and knocked out. But when I looked at Silver Gunner. He was staring at the shotgun that was given to him. He remembered who the ones in the photo that gave him Remembrance. I got out of the bag to slowly walk to Tiria and The Iron Wolf project the so called god it called itself.. " Tiria...." She just stared at me with empty eyes and I was lifted by the creature and he stared at me as I looked into his eyes. Remembering the pain he caused me. I wanted to save her. I wanted her to be there for me. But it's the past and I can't do that. I felt the pain in my leg that he ruined. I remember the pain and Tiria broke free, grabbing me from the creature as he spoke. " How dare you! I am your god!" She just carried me to the door and using the wire's to open the door. On the other side was Iron Claw the hellhound. She passed me off to him. " Go and keep the Stable closed." Tiria yelled. The door closed back up as Iron claw carried me out. I was crying but the Hellhound did nothing to calm me down. All he said was this. " Let it out little one. Pain is what most ever remember. Remember to use this pain to fight and never end." The dream ended but I was still in the darkness. But in the darkness, a wolf formed and smiled at me. My eyes went wide as I rushed to the wolf hugging her. " I am sorry little Star Shooter but I am not who you think i am. I am but the back of your mind. It seems your subconcenes is feeling Guilty so it brought me here. I don’t know why you feel so guilty Star Shooter. Is it because of what you watched? What you watched her do? You are alive. But you need to stop blaming yourself for Tiria's death. It wasn't your fault. It was that howling dance, that damned crystal, that ruined her body when she used it to kill that creature." Blinking staring at the wolf, my heart shattered. I thought it was really her. But I noticed I would never know. I wish I could say goodbye to her but.. I never got the chance to. I just layed beside her as she died from giving birth to crystal. Closing my eyes and I felt a paw under my chin and opened my eyes to stare into the eyes of Tiria. " She would be proud of you Star Shooter. You are not only following in her paws. You found someone that will never leave you alone. She may not be a pony of course or a stallion since...you never were into same sex. But being with her, I think that changed you a lot." A smile formed on my face and I had something to say to her. I couldn’t hold it back any longer. She must know how I feel. "I'm sorry Tiria.. I see your grave everyday I close my eyes. I see you laying there after you died during the birthing of Crystal. The pain you felt during that I couldn’t do a thing to help you.” Tears fell from my eyes while I felt such sorrow talking to the hero of my home. But I had more to say. “How is it fair to you that you saved us. But that damned stone took you from us . It's not fair!!.” I stomped my hoof in anger. The dream of my friend sighed patting my head with her paw her smile that smile that made me feel happy when she was there. She spoke so gently. " I am sure she knows little Shooter. Please don't let guilt get to you little one. Now wake up." 00000 Opening my eyes I was on a bed still in the cavern. My leg was wrapped in a bandage same with my chest and a healer spoke softly. " Shhh. Don't move little pony." Looking over to the healer and she smiled. " I'm known as Zranth. Odd name yes but Zebras always have odd names." She chuckled softly. " Don't move for awhile though little pony. Your body needs to heal. Then I will lead you to the fluid of the past." I nodded weakly my head hurt so much and throbbed. Laying back closing my eyes groaning and felt a strange substance on my chest. " What happen?" I asked weakly the zebra just stayed silent. I felt so weak looking around and noticing that only this healer is here. She stayed silent and just kept rubbing the strange substance on my chest and then gave me some water. For some reason my pip buck was going nuts saying there is something inside it making the ticker go crazy. Never understood why it did this. But maybe there is something here that is toxic. But the water felt good going down. The subsistence seemed to make my ribs heal. But it made the bones shift and crack it felt painful while the bones did this. I gasped in pain as all I could hear was the bone's cracking and slowly going back in place. "I'm sorry young one. This is sadly going to be painful to the point you will have to rest. I do hope you are here to get us out of here. We have been down in this cave for so long." Weakly I smiled and chuckled groaning in pain as my bone slowly healed. The bone's cracking as I felt the bone in my leg twist and crack. A deep groan came from my mouth. The hoof slowly healed but all i could feel was the bones cracking and my insides burning from the water. Looking to the healer and her weary face smiled at me stroking my face with her hoof. " I am sorry young one. I know it's painful but rest. Relax. After you are healed, we will take you where you are going." Weakly smiling, I finally spoke after groaning. Coughing softly I turned and looked up to her. " To be fair.. I didn't even know you were all down here.. The Zebras that sent me down here didn't even tell me you existed. Maybe they thought you all died out.." The healer frowned a bit and looked down, sighing softly. But then looked back towards me. " It would take awhile to explain why we were forced down here. But you would have to listen to get the others outside to understand why we did what we did. Are you willing to listen to an old Zebra about a story of the past?" Giving a nod weakly and I couldn't even move as my bones calmly cracked and coughed deeply. But she started to speak. "My ancestor were part of the tribe that refused to fight in the war. Most of my tribe and my family were put on a zebra prison ship and were heading back to our lands. But we got lost in a storm and ended up near this island.” Zranth took a drink from some water sighing before going on with the rest “But the issue of the matter is the magic. The magic was attracting the commander to this island. You killed her of course, I never understood how she lived for so long. But the spell beached the entire ship. We were able to live on the island peacefully, the Queen didn't even bother us. But when the other Zebra landed. They found out what tribe we were in and the Commander was forced to relocate us into this area. This cavern of writing of the past and ruined. I was born here.” I could tell it pained her to talk about this. But she went on anyway. “It was made way before we got here. But yes, we were outcast and outsiders. We have been down here for so long. There has been to much inbreeding. With me I got lucky but yes there is too much of it." Nodding. " But we hope you can save us from this death little hero." Closing my eyes calmly to think as the pain finally subsides still feeling pretty weak coughing a bit. Slowly sitting up with the help of Zranth. Siting there calmly on my haunches as I had so much pain in my body. My mane covard my eye's a moment and with my gentle eye's I stared at her. Then gave a very weak smile. Slowly speaking through my pounding head. " If you show me were the fluid of the past is. Then I will do so. Just I can't promise anything right away. I just need to ask the elder. From what I have learned most of the Zebra's out there are from every tribe. But most of the Zebra's seem to only care for themselves. But after being on this island for so long" Zranth frowned looking away and she sighed. " Little hero, there is a guardian defending that chamber. Do you feel ready to take it on? It's a creature that allows us to live here. Its old and will know every way to beat you hero. But I will take you to it. I may not like the very idea of it. But I will." Sighing softly closing my eyes I was going to be in pain more. But I slowly got out of the bed. My legs feeling so stiff and weak. " Lead me. Please." I softly voiced. Zranth frowned sighing nodding and walked away. Following her she lead me down a strange hall that showed the history of this island. It seemed is was built to keep prisoner's of evil but only one was able to be jailed here. Some giant squid monster and another one a cloud monster. That seems to be a minion of the Queen who runs this island now. But then I see him. The warden. The warden from what I have noticed is located in the castle itself. Written above it in equestrian. ' Speaker for those who wish freedom.' Finally seeing what he is. He is a dragon that is connected to the power of the castle itself. Reading down it said's if he is removed then he is killed. 00000 I was finally lead to a large chamber and Zranth stayed outside and looked towards me with great sadness in her eyes. I could tell that she has lost many a friend to this creature in there. I smiled weakly looking into the chamber and then back to her. " I will return. Please be ready to leave." Slowly walking into the chamber, I finally saw what I was after a vial of a strange glowing fluid. But the room was pretty empty and I just stood there a moment, unsure of what to do next. The door slide close behind me as I looked up, seeing the beam of moonlight shine in. But while I walk closer. I hear hissing finally I see very large snakes slithering around. But they seem to leave me alone. But I heard a deep voice. " Mortal. Your sins, your thoughts, your memories. They betray you little one. I can't allow you to drink from the vial of the past. I..." He goes silence for awhile then after a few pregnant seconds he spoke. " Equestria... Dead? Slowly brought back by a spell? Oh child..Why do you wish to return to a dead land?" The creature asked in the booming voice. Closing my eye, I sat on my haunches.How can I hero do this on their own? The choices the pain of the choice they make. All choices add up to a hero. But is it wise for me to keep pretending? I wish to go home. But I am in love.. With Blaze. I love her so much.. So for her...I shall.. But I finally spoke after a few moments. " The idea of being a hero is new to me. I wish to get back to my land but then I wish to free this island from the Queen. The Queen that seems to be the reason why so many souls on this island are full of sadness and sorrow. I.. don't care about my own life. I may be in love with one of the citizens of this island. But I'd rather she be free then my own happiness." The voice stayed silent for a moment and I felt I failed and then I finally saw what he is. He is a manticore. The creature stared at me a moment using it's lion eye's and he sat on his haunches a moment watching me closely. Looking at the creature I was always told to avoid this type of being. These creatures are known to be very nasty and deadly. But this one has been trained to think like a pony and to speak like one. Maybe this one won’t hurt me. The Manticore sat in front of me with waiting for me speak its very eyes glowed. " The world ended in fire.. I see we were lucky. If you call this island lucky. An island created by my former masters. To hold Prisoners of their long forgotten war. They even placed some of the species of the world on this island.” Memories resurfaced of that day of that battle. All because of the past. Then he went on. “They knew about a war coming. But they didn't know how it would start. Yet they were all killed. All but the parents of the princesses Celestia and Luna. But what ended them was a creature even worse than what you faced with the Enclave. Even worse than the raiders or whatever threat you will face. Just because of you heroes and your choices and the seals.The heroes of your land have been breaking them left and right." I looked up to him calmly and then looked back down, softly asking. " What is this great evil? I have heard many things about it since I got here. But I haven't seen anything about it at all." The manticore stared at me a moment and then looked towards the fluid. He seemed to be unsure if telling me would be a great idea. He walked around, calmly looking towards his snakes as they hissed to him and he nodded. He spoke softly to them. " You sure I should tell her?" The snakes hissing and seemed to all hiss, almost as if their were speaking to him. Watching him. he came back over to me and smiled softly down at me. " I will tell you but you can't tell anyone else. In fact, if you do he might discover those that you care about.. If you say his name, he will know who you said it to. So please remember don't tell anyone till the time you know he is coming. You will know when he is." He calmly leaned down to me and whispered. He just whispered a name that seemed to go into my brain then drown out with the rest of the world. This name had magic in it. It went deep into the back door of my mind and not only did it close the door, it locked it with a seal of magic. The name just escaped my mind I remember hearing it. But I don’t remember the word of the name. Just the fact I was told a name. I gave the Manticore a weak smile. " I promise." The Manticore gave a smile and then nodded looking back to the fluid. " Listen child. I have been waiting for you for a long time. The legend is true and you were destined to come here. But not to kill me. But to tell me it's my time to be released. So please if you know everything you do please say those words." Blinking, my eyes go wide but I sigh and close my eyes. Thinking a moment of what to say. Looking up to him. " Why was this island created? I know most of the reason's but why was the Queen placed in power?" The manticore stared at me for a moment and sighed. "She was banished from Equestria for trying to take the throne from Celestia while Luna was in the moon. Then she got the power she wished for when she got here. Celestia never knew exactly how powerful she was. But she finally learned the mistake she made. From what I have been able to figure out, the war started before she could fix that mistake." He sighed looking back to the fluid and then back at me. " Please say the words child. If you say the words now, I can get Equestria and prepare for the coming of the creature I gave you the name of." Thinking a moment, was it wise to speak those words to him? Maybe he will attack me maybe he won’t. Maybe he will show up to help with this battle. But I sighed, closing my eyes taking a deep breath with a smile forming on my face. Slowly I spoke the words. " You're free to go. You have done your mission." The manticore smiled and then flew up quickly into the hole that brought the moonlight down into the chamber. Shortly afterwards, he was gone. Watching him go and then looking back to the fluid. Lifting up the vial in my magic I stared at the strange pink fluid. Opening up the cork, I drank it down. I started gasping in pain and screaming loudly almost immediately afterwards I’m sure that it echoed all the way back to the cavern. Even to the town, maybe even to the castle itself. I am sure many heard that scream and my world went black. Footnote: Level up Perk added: Zebra training: You learned to fight like a zebra does. Remember this is not an easy stance for a pony. But it will help you be +20 times faster in attack. But It will be a little slower on the dodge. Chapter Seven: LearningChapter Seven: Learning It was the next morning. I felt so much better and I didn't have the sorrowful heart I did last night. Blaze made me feel like a mare. Well as much as a female and female can express their love. But it's something I am starting to enjoy more and more. I was asked to help with clearing out the orphanage. I need to take out whatever these creatures. I walk into the blacksmiths building. I watched Blaze at the forge using her firebreath to keep the forge heated. The blacksmith turned his head to look at me while he smashed his hammer on the anvil. From what I could tell he was making armor for a creature like Blaze. " How well is the gun making going?" The roc nodded and looked down thinking a moment nodding again. " A plant is being built in the cavern. The Zebras have no issue doing so and they will be putting the smoke stakes in an area that won't tip off the Queen. But again, I don't feel it's wise having these type of weapons of war. But with what is going on right now. It's sadly going to be needed if we are to win the coming war. Now how can I help you little hero? Need your lover to make you scream some more?" He gave a smirk and Blaze snickered as I just blushed brightly then softly sighed and shaking my head with a smile gently. Reaching into my bag, I offered my sword to him. " Could you please fix this?" The blade seemed fine it had no cracks but it seemed dull and in need of a good sharpening. He smiled softly, taking the sword in his wings. Calmly looking at it closely with his trained eye and chuckled. " Hmm you need a better weapon then this little hero." I blinked and he looked through the weapons on his wall. Thinking a moment and pulling a weapon that seems pure blade it looks like a blade from the old war. Looking on it, I saw it had a name engraved on it. It was called ' Singer.' I don't know why it was called Singer but the Roc set it down in front of me with a gentle smile. " This was found in the basement of Bulks house. From what I have seen it belonged to the Bulk family. It was weighed in a way to help a Pegasus pony fight with no issues. I shall melt down this sword you have now." Blinking a moment, I lifted it with my magic.In my magic the blade felt extremely light. When it whooshed around it sounded like a pony was signing but it was just the air. Staring at the blade and looked more at it and Blaze calmly looked at me and chuckled. " Star shooter if you wish to kiss it, go ahead. You're giving it the same look you give me." My cheeks burned bright red and then looked to Blaze and calmly walked to her giving her a kiss. " I will see you later." Blaze nodded and started to get back to work. She was making armor from how the armor looked. It looked like it was for her.But I trotted out calmly closing my eyes and listened to the air of the wind blowing through the air. Placing the sword in the scabbard on my side and reached into my bag placing on my cloaked to cover my black body, the hood along with the mask. Just in case a minion of the queen was lurking about. Walking up the road to the orphanage building. it was silent. Very silent. I willed my eyes into the magical spectrum. But I saw nothing. No magic at all. Removing the sight for the time being, I calmly walked into the building. I could hear the buzzing of the bugs softly and willed the magic sight again. My eyes went wide. They were eating magic. They ate magic. The smaller ones looked like they removed the raw magic. Maybe the raw magic was to deadly for some of the creatures in this island. I can't let them get outside and harm the rest of the town. Lifting my sword slowly, I waited silently to strike. When they came towards me I did a slash and when I cut into them there was a magic explosion. Making me fly back and all the magic flowed out of the creature causing my horn to flare brightly as some of it went inside me. But it caused me to feel energized but also in pain. But the bugs didn't seem interested in me at all. The magic caused so much pain that it gave me a vision a vision of how these creatures were created. She mixed them with many different bugs and used them to clean the magic or to use the magic as a weapon. I came out of the vision holding my head in pain. How did I know this? I don't remember what I just saw, I just remember that I know what they do. Calmly lifting up my sword I sliced my sword at another and the blade glowed gently from the attack. The blade sounded like a song while I sliced deep into the bug magic released from it.As it exploded in magic and my horn glowed brightly. As the magic went through and the bugs finally looked at me and stingers glowed brightly and they did something I never thought they would. One of the stingers shot a beam of magic out at me. As it hit the wooden wall, a large hole was drilled into it and I charged at one of them, slicing them apart. Another beam cut through my cloak, giving me a little burn. Then rushed into the other bug slicing it and it made me fly into the wall and the sword stabbed into the ground. I tried to stand back up but I groaned as to much magic was going into me. It felt painful it felt worse than magic burn out. But I stood up and picked up my sword in my mouth and placed in back in the scabbard. The magic floating around calmly vanished and went back to just floating beyond the realm of being able to see it. Looking around, I noticed this was meant to be a school in the past. Removing some dust from a broken door, I discovered it said ' School of Learning.' It seems this building was built to teach Zebras more than just being slaves. There is more then just what they said here. It seems the history of this island is wrong. Built to be a prison but I doubt the Zebras were slaves. It seems the queen caused the issue. It seems the queen is the one that started all this. No wonder most of them are heading to war. Looking around calmly and looking through the old books. The magic seems to be keeping the old books clean and rotting free. Looking to the side finding some old desk. They seemed to have been here for years. Using my magic to lift them apart and placing them in a row of what I have seen books like these in Deep Thoughts school. It would take along long time to clean. But I kept the books in the spot they should belong. But I had more places to check. Walking into the next room there are many different types of bed. I guess the children sleep here.But this is the clean area. Looking around calmly and then saw another interesting bug. This bug looked like a beetle and it was eating the same magic. But when it ate it. It seemed to clean it a bit. Then re released it in a stem of breath. Who ever created these creatures they live on magic. I am starting to think the reason this island never was found during the war. It was because of the pure magic. It stopped the ability to find it. But maybe some had ancestors that found it and got out. So the one that brought me here must have lived here before. Like that Salamander that was on the boat before. Then vanished, They must have been here before me. I sighed softly and the beatles just avoided me. Walk into the kitchen and looked around seeing those giant bugs with wings again. But they just looked at me with their many many eyes. I could see that they see me as walking magic. I have been in here to long magic is filling me up. But my horn starts to glow and it makes the magic around us glow brightly. Pulling out my sword and charging at the creatures. While they dragonfly hornets. All I can think of calling them is Magic eaters. The magic flowed into the stinger and the stinger glowed and shot at me with magic beams. I sliced the stinger off one of the bugs. It flew into the wall the magic slowly released into the air and went into my horn again. Turning to watch the bug it slowly started to die it had no way to release the magic back out. It caused the poor creature to burn up from the inside out but it didn’t do anything but the magic seeped out of it’s cracks and went into the air to linger and cause more visions but these ones I didn’t even remember It made me wonder.. What have I have seen and what would I remember? had more places to check. But now I see why creatures here mutated like they did on Equestria. This is natural magic. But sadly, it would be easier if it was because of the bombs so long ago. The magic of this land could be a problem but for the moment might be best to clean the rest of these bugs out of the school. Taking a deep breath I am sure I am breathing in the magic. I feel more power seeping through me. Looking to my pip buck I see that there is no ticking. I feel powerful but maybe being high on magic is a bad thing. I am hoping that I could find out more about these creatures. But sadly I couldn’t find anymore of them. Slowly standing back on my hooves and calmly walking through the rest of the building. Finding some stairs and walking down them and my eyes went wide. The magic flowed slowly through the air. But I am starting to see why. On a pedestal in the middle of flowing raw magic. That I could see. Slowly walking to it and looked at it closely. This seems to be what is causing the bugs to come. But why did it start happening now?Hearing something, I looked towards the door and saw the Swamp Rat creature. It walked down the stairs and smiled softly. " Hello Hero. I wish to thank you for cleaning the place out for us.” I watched while the children came down the stairs. I watched Swampy walk around the pedestal to reach up for it. But her claw moved back looking back to me and the children. I’m starting to feel I was set up. " I can't do it." The Swamp rat turns back to me. " I am sorry hero, I am the one that brought the bugs here. The Queen said she would give me a great prize if I gave her this. But I can't. She even gave the kids a prize for it to. But we all came to an agreement. We can't accept it." Sitting on my haunches and looked at the kids. They seemed off more off then most. " Why do the kids seem so strange?" Miss Swampy looked towards me and then towards the kids and she sighed. " They were born in this island. Have you ever seen why the Zebras live in that cavern? The magic is blocked by that cavern. They were born here and it killed their mothers and fathers. If one is born in this magic.They won’t grow to be adults. They will be what is called magic ghouls. But magic ghouls happen to those who have been alive for many years. Ones who are born are called run off. Now if they leave this island. They grow old and die. Me and these children are hundreds of years old and if the magic leaves us we grow old and die." Looking to the fluid and then back to her.”She wanted this potion of memories. She is trying to remember who she used to be herself. But we can’t allow that to happen. If she is given these memories she could be a deadly force. These memories have power hero. Keep the power at bay don’t let her have them.” From just hearing these words from Swampy. Made me very worried is there really power in these memories? Looking towards towards the vial again and used my magic. " Go.. I am going to drink it. I need answers. I know this is stupid of me to do this. But I really need the answers." Miss Swampy and the children nodded and calmly ran up the stairs. I lifted the magic of the pedital took a long look at it. Than I started to speak to myself. "Oh the tongue swirling darkness and the music that calls to me. It is more of the music that is making me wonder about this island. The music of the island is faults in my head. Why does the song feel so fake? Why does the music feel wake? Why does the idea of this enigma feel so wrong to me? I don’t understand the path I am taking. Equestria Devil's Due what is the point? Why am I speaking to myself? Is this all I can see all I can hear? " Blinking to myself, I face hoofed hard and sighed. I was talking to myself now. Closing my eyes, I wondered if this was a good idea at all. Maybe it was a way to keep it from the queen maybe I would find a way to understand and remember it now. Sighing sitting on my haunches setting the potion back on the pedestal. I just watch the magic around it swirl and break apart to become more. My ears perked up hearing steps coming down the stairs. Turning my head to see Jonon and Blaze come down. Smiling deeply kissing Blaze and she smiled at me. " Love why are you holding that thing?" I sighed, looking towards Blaze. " I wish to drink this to learn more of what I don't remember." Jonon nodded calmly. " I can understand that you wish to learn of the past. Maybe you will learn more and then remember it." I nodded unsure what to think. Lifting the vial off the pedestal again the magic glowed while I moved it along the vial. Lifting it to let Blaze take a look at it. She gave it a snife and shrugged. I set it back down kissing Blaze deeply again feeling so happy to see her. I wish she could drink this with me so we could both learn together. " Lets go. Maybe I will learn more later." Walking up the stairs and Jonon spoke. " Maybe you will learn of.... Another way." My eyes went wide and then Blaze spoke. " Yes I am sure you will....learn as well." My eyes turned into pinpricks my ears folded back into the back of my head. I stared at them in horror. How did they know that name. It made me upset. I lifted the blade from its home staring at them. How did they know that name. Why did I hear voices? " How do you know...that name?" Blaze and Jonon calmly looked at each other. " Doesn't everyone?" Blaze answered. Tears started to fill my eyes how did they know.. Do they know more than me? Could they be fake!? Yes they are fake the kiss felt fake. It didn’t have the love behind it. I stared in the eyes of Jonon I didn’t see the honor in her heart. So much fakeness I felt I had to fight them. But I heard a voice behind me. " Star shooter." My sword dropped to the ground while my horn dimmed down in surprise. Yet I still saw them turning to see Tiria. My eyes began to fill with tears. She walked down the stairs But she looked so weak and in so much pain. ‘It can't be her’ I thought, ‘She is dead.’ Then more faces show up. Some I don't even know. More start show up in the magic. I saw Kipkipe, Silver Gunner.. But Silver was in the middle of a war in another land. From what I could make out. Fighting with a mare a mare with a pink mane and tail. Orange furred he turned to stare at me. Tears streamed from my eyes I felt that I should be there.. I need to go back to Equestria war is going on.. I am needed. "You aren't real!!" My head throbs staring at them and my unsure anger caused the magic to flow more it was affected by my emotions. I started to make me float in the air. But Tiria held me down looking into my very eyes and she spoke like she was there.. But far away. " Drink the vial Star shooter." Tiria said calmly to me and all the voices but Blaze and Jonon had repeated what she said in overlapping voices. " This magic it's killing you. It's going to destroy you. I am dead, yes." Closing her eyes and smiles. " But the magic has made a figment of us. Even your lover. As you see this is your mind. Please listen to those that care for you. Even your lover Blaze would tell you to do this. I know she would. She did pick you after all and forced you to be her lover." She smirks. " Hmm sounds like a gal I would have liked if I was still alive." Looking to Blaze and she frowned and looked down and Jonon nodded. She just seemed not to speak. Closing my eyes, I lifted up the vial again. After a moment, I opened my eyes and began to stare at it. My eyes glowing to see the magic while my face was glowing along with it. Tears began to stream down my face. I know the pain will be coming after I drink. Lifting the vial pulling the cork off the bottle to take a sniff. I couldn’t smell anything. But I took a deep drink from it. I started to scream a beam of magic shot out of my horn breaking through the floor into the sky. Blaze and Jonon rushed out of the blacksmith to see it. They hear me screaming and start running towards the school. There is a battle between the Minotaurs and Dragons they lower their weapons after they see the beam. In the home of the Salamander’s many of them come out of the cavern watching. The forbidden lands a group of ghouls watch all the land watches this happen. One mistake by me causes a tumble of dominos to happen. The last one to see it. The merchant the lizard that helped when we first met. He shook his head. “Hero of legend you have started the war.” He said softly to himself. Then at the castle. The Queen watches her eyes full of anger. My body glowed brighter and brighter. As the white light vanished and I kept screaming in pain. I could hear running from upstairs and seeing the real Blaze and Jonon rush in as the vial fell from my magic and I kept screaming loudly and Blaze held me close. As I started to speak in words. " More....yes.. understanding...Pain ...Pain!!" I screamed again and then the world went black. 00000 The host I was inside. The large bulk, the large creature. Bulk Biceps the large Pegasus. It seems he was learning about a tornado that he would have to fly to make. He was sitting in a tree waiting and listening he was an interesting being. From what I could see he was very good friends with the six mares. The six mares that helped bring the world to ruin. He helped fight off many of the threats that they faced to. He was part of gathering water from a tornado. So much this Bulk did all this happen before The war was slowly starting. But he didn't become part of that at first It's when the war took the six mares to be more than just that. Calmly, he signed up along with many friends of his. He was in many battles with some of his friends. But one by one, he watched them fall. He didn't wish to remember them I watched as he went into the ranks. But it seems most of his memories are pretty badly broken. The don’t like the right set of memories it seems the memories that gave him happiness and those that gave him the most pain as well. He was the first to offer himself to go to that island that some pony found an island of and have been told that the Zebras already are heading to it. To see if they can use it for something. But the memory seemed fragmented and all I saw was darkness and nothing else. I felt my head burning. 000000 Opening my eyes hearing sobbing as I was being held by Blaze. Wrapping my hooves around her staring into her eyes, this time but I didn't remember anything. Softly speaking. " Blaze... I will never leave you." She was a strong Salamander but it was hurting her watching me to get into this pain. Jonon was on her own and she knew that saying words would not be best right now. She warned me how Blaze would feel and I softly moved the crying Salamander to stare in her eyes and she smiled. " I am here Blaze.. I will never leave you." Blaze smiled and then her eyes fill with anger and she slaps me with her tail once. " Next time you do that again you be around us. I love you but I am not going to let you hurt yourself." She growled and then she softened. " Besides, your better at sex when your not in pain." My face turned bright red and The swamp rat came back down the stairs. She set down some gold coins. I could tell that she felt bad for what she did. After this though Blaze suddenly forced me on my back forcing me into a deep kiss. I laughed and stood back up when she got off me and then I looked at Swampy. " I think the queen saw what you did. I think you will need to be leaving for the forbidden lands soon. Because I am sure she will have someone be watching you. But I doubt she will send anyone after you till your out of the town." Nodding closing my eyes and sitting on my haunches as the last of the fluid drips from my ears and lands on the ground and every memory I saw is now gone. Standing on my hooves and looked at Swampy. " Swampy, this was a school. I doubt it would be wise to turn it back into one." Swampy nodded sighing and noticed the magic is still in the air. I noticed the air around here is calmer now without the potion. had a gentle smile on my face and it was time to get ready to leave. Maybe in a few more days. " Blaze, get whatever your working on ready. Jonon, we will leave in seven days. Then we will come back with what we find." Jonon nodded and calmly trotted outside and Blaze stared at me with a smile and sat beside me while she stroked my face gently with her tail and sighing. " I am going to get old by how crazy my lover is. I am going to stay here with you till your able to walk better." Giving a nod, I sat there and calmly closed my eyes. I wanted to be with her forever and I know this, smiling at her and she chuckled. " I know that look Star Shooter. You want to tell me something. But it would be a bad idea to tell me now." I nodded and she wrapped her tail around me, kissing me gently. " Tell me when the time is right little hero. I shall be here till the end if we win or lose you will be mine in life or death. I love you to the point I want you to be my wife. But of course we need to end this battle before we do that." Chuckling giving a nod and groaning and standing up again shivering. The pain from the memories still affected me a bit. A shiver came from my body and I fell back on my haunches stroking my head with my hooves. Shifting a bit and then looking to Blaze. " Lets go get something to eat. I am very, very hungry." She nodded with a smirk and walking up the stairs with me not far behind as I looked into some of renaming magic mist. seeing Tiria and the others again. Feeling unsure what I am seeing maybe a figment the magic wanted me to see. But when I look back I see the magic forming back into Tiira. She waved at me and vanished. Maybe it was all in my mind. 00000 Walking into the Inn, They had many other customers most of them zebras and some ponies. The all looked at me. Waving to me, I smiled and waved my hoof to them. Calmly sitting in a booth with Blaze beside and Jonon seemed to follow us this time and Speckled walked over to us and looked at me with worryness in her eyes. "I think the entire island saw what happen Star Shooter. In fact I got news from friends of mine in the Griffins and Minotaurs army. The all saw the flash of light and put their little war on hold. They wish to know what happen here. The warden is even talking about it. But he is mostly talking about the fact. That the queen is upset and destroying a lot of couches in her castle." I blinked sighing and lied my head on the table sighing while Blaze patted my back gently and looked up to Speckled. " I will have some water. I am sure that Star shooter will have some fish and that juice." She gives Speckled a wink and they laughed. "I will just have fish and water." Jonon calmly said. Speckled nodded and walked off with the order. Lifting my head back up groaning a bit. " My head feels like it's going to burst from all that fluid I drank." Blaze chuckled Leaned back into the booth closing my eyes breathing softly and deeply. I could feel memories floating in my head. But I don't understand or remember any of them. I feel I deserve this for what I did. Looking over to Jonon and Blaze. " I am happy to have you two with me. I know I am not the best hero." I chuckled softly. " But I am trying of course. At least I am not trying to be the next Lightbringer." Jonon nodded and Blaze just leaned into me stroking my chin with her webbed claw. " I think you need to stop worrying little hero." Jonon said calmly. " If you worry too much, it's going to be hard for you to understand. A hero doesn't question...well they do at times.But the hero should always be ready to be known. Even if they don’t wish to be known. But yes we need to be ready to leave." I nodded as the food was brought to our table and I smiled softly. Using my horn to lift the fork on my magic. The aura around my fork didn’t look as bright as it normally does. My horn sparked and then the magic quickly removed from my horn causing the fork to fall to the table. I groaned in pain feeling spent. I looked over to Blaze. Smiling weakly at her and she chuckled " My poor little hero needs help. So I will help her." She winks, making me blush gently because she is babying me but maybe I need this. She fed me with her tail and I felt it's a wonderful thing. She ate herself calmly and her tail seemed to have a mind of its own. After awhile my plate was empty I closed my eyes and laid my head down from the pain. Blaze looked down to me with a worried look in her bright red eyes. Laying her head on mine. " Star shooter do you need to get some more sleep?" Blaze asked with fear in her voice. " Maybe I need a little rest. This fluid really destroys my ability to think. Also I doubt drinking the fluid in the middle of so much magic. Make it even worse." I drank the juice and gasped in pain. It was the juice that I was given the first time I went in here. As it caused me to have so much pain. My horn glowing brightly and then dimming the magic within me seemed to build and build. Then I burped loud enough a mist of magic left my mouth and then dissipated. Then I laid my head on the table feeling extremely weak. I feel that I have magic still in my horn. But I am starting to wonder if the magic of this island is doing something to me. " I think I need to go to Doc." Blaze nodded and let me out of the booth and I weakly walked to the door to the way out of the inn. But I was getting dizzy and about to fall. But Blaze quickly along with Jonon stood on each side of me to keep me up. 00000 I was laying in the Doc's bed as I felt my body burning and I groaned deeply. Sweat poured down my body and I shivered as I felt I was falling apart. I could hear Doc talking to someone that didn't know who it was. " From what I see she has some new mutations in her ability to to use magic. For any pony that stays in a room that long of that much raw magic. It would mutate the ability to use it. She is becoming more one with this island. When she leaves this island she will be weak and always feel that her magic.. reserves are empty.So it would be along time for her to get back to normal. But that's not all that is wrong with her. From what she has told me. She has memories of ponies in her head. That she doesn't even remember. These pink fluid from those vials. From what I have learned, they are memories and they seem to mix with the magic in the island. Causing some great nasty things to happen to her." Even though I heard them, I couldn't say anything as my ability to speak was gone. The muscles in my mouth tightened, making it harder just to open my mouth to speak. My heart beat extremely slow feeling the blood slowly go through my veins. It burned so badly but being here on this island is changing me. It’s something I am learning that I am not enjoying. But maybe I deserve this fate. " Also Blaze it seems when you two ahem.. have sex..you seem to remove the magical stress on her body." I could hear Blaze chuckle. " So I need to have more sex with her daily then? OH I would love that maybe we could do it in front of an entire group of ponies so they could be so jealous of us." She chuckled darkly. My cheeks burned brightly and Jonon chuckled and I could hear somepony doing a face hoof. " Blaze, please take this seriously." Doc said with anger. Jonon answered back to Doc. " She is Doc. This is how Salamanders handle stress. They boast and enjoy talking about their private lives.” Blaze spoke softly, Her voice sounded scared but maybe has a fear I didn’t know about. "I'm scared to death Doc. I am scared that I’m going to lose her. I am scared that this hero legend is going to make me lose her and I will not be able to follow. She is all I have Doc. So please, if I don't act like this. I will be broken and sobbing over and over. I need her more than you know." Doc sighed and looked back into the room. " I think she needs you two. But right now she is to toxic and to full of this magic. She will pass it soon. But luckily for her all that is mutating inside her is the ability to use magic." I heard my two friends leave and Doc walked back in looking down at me with a soft smile. " I am so sorry you have to deal with this Star Shooter. I wish I could help you. But all I can tell you is rest sleep. " He patted my shoulder then walked out of the room. I was about to close my eyes but I couldn't. I was in too much pain. I tried to move but my hooves would let me. I tried to use my horn but the magic just died quickly but after awhile. I finally lay my head down on the bed and fell asleep. 0000 I started to dream or what some would call a dream. It wasn't more memories, it just seemed to be a dream of well...being silly. My brain seemed to be trying to tell me something. I could see food dancing and I could see many things happening like I was in a crazy farm. A giant chicken stared at me and then it popped and standing there was well something that was hard to understand. But whatever it was, it turned into my sub consensus. It formed into Tiria and she stared at me with a frown on her face. " Little Shooter you need to stop doing this to yourself. You're beating yourself up and it's making your mind to make to stop you from doing this to yourself. You need to stop this.I am truly sure if I was the real Tiria I would grab you and slap you to stop. ‘Stop you worthless pony if you worry to much about the past then the future is dead.’ Of course, if I was here of course" I just stared at Tiria and then I turned looking towards the salt shaker and the pepper shaker dancing and then I looked back at Tiria. " Is it normal for my brain then to show these strange things?" Lifting my hoof to a gun dancing and singing to a bunch of other guns. " I well I doubt this is normal. It seems your brain is so messed up that you think you really see these things. It seems like you're on drugs. But all you have been is the magic...Oh" She looks down a moment thinking and looks back to me. "The magic of this land is doing a lot of strange things to you. But hopefully it will pass." I sighed and sat on the floor on my haunches. When I did the floor whined like a dog. I lifted up quickly and watched it get up wake it’s floor tail and quickly run off. ‘Star Shooter this is all in your head. If you just sit here and stop thinking it will end.’ Then everything around me just started to get crazier. I had enough so I walked off and smacked myself on a rock to end this dream. But it didn’t work and I just sat down. I just sat there. Not even sure what to think anymore. Closing my eyes and feeling that I destroyed my ability to live. But looking up to Tiria who is not even real. " I feel that I need to wake up and just go for a walk maybe." She nodded. 0000 I opened my eyes and got out of the bed feeling so much better. But still groaned some. But walking along the halls of the doc's office, I heard him talking and listen with my ear. " My Queen. I don't know where she is. I am sorry she is no longer in town. Maybe you should try looking in the Salamander caverns. I know. I know. I promise if she comes back, I will make sure I put her to sleep. so you can have her brain. Of course. Thank you my queen." He stopped speaking and then I hid behind the door as he left and I looked inside seeing the terminal. An Equestrian terminal here. Slowly rushing back out and calmly walking along the hall. Doc was in the room looking for me and then I thought a moment of what to say. " Sorry Doc I needed to pee. I’m feeling much better now." Doc turned to look at me and I could tell he had something on his mind, but I just smiled. " Alright Star Shooter, go ahead and do the rest of your jobs that you need to do." Smiling gently to him, I calmly walked to him and gave him a hug with my forehooves wrapped around him gently and nuzzled his chest. " Thank you Doc. I know I can trust you." I smiled and calmly walked out of the room and heading outside. I sat down near the door taking a deep breath of the fresh air. Closing my eyes a bit and relaxed but I had more to do. There are some jobs I need to do. But right now I just need to relax and rest as my brain throbs gently of what is coming next. Footnote: Level up Perk added Magic Eater perk: You have faced what is known as the magic eaters of this island. You have gained 10+ damage against them. But later you will face stronger versions that this perk will not work against. Weapon perk: Singer was given to you from the Blacksmith this weapon is just a normal blade with a powerful enchant on it that sings for you when it swings in the air. It’s also extremely light enough that it feels hard to wield. Chapter Eight: LettersIt's been a day since I slept at the Doc’s office. I was in the Manson, opening the boxes in the basement to see what else I could find. I found some old clothing that I could wear or I could sell. Along with finding that I found some preserved food. I am sure it’s still hopefully. The biggest find of it all though. I found books that never were changed. These books look like they came from a library that never got the Image treatment. I found some old Equestria maps. But I didn't find any use for them. But Zebras and Ponies walked down the stairs to take any box that I didn't want. Most of the clothing was taken outside for the citizens to enjoy. The preserved food as well. I opened another box finding old world money known as bits. Now I don’t know if they would them here. I also found some strange gold that looks like they were going to use it as money for this island. Looking to one of mares that had been helping me she looked into the box looking back up to me shrugging " Well we could try and use this like the gold we have now. I am not sure how it would work. But we could try." I nodded allowing the mare to take the box. Finding another that said on it letters. Opening it up I found some old letters from Equestria even a few old pre-war magazines one called play mare? I opened it up and my face turned bright bright red. Quickly I put it down trying to regain my composure. Finally while I did I found an old recording. I didn’t know what think of it at first. I plugged it into my Pip-Buck and let it download. After it downloaded I put my ear plumes in my ears and listened. “Greetings to those that have found this. I’m known as Bulk Biceps, I was commanding my soldiers well I tried most could say. We chased a group of zebras trying to catch up with them. Since most of them escaped from a prison. Little did we know that we would find ourselves in a prison with them. Old hatreds died hard though Majesty the owner of this island. Gave us a little place to continue our bloodshed. Enemies stuck on an island can’t get over their own war. Who ever found this thank you. I hope the war ended in the best way it could.” I could hear a deep sigh and weapons being primed. “I miss my friends.” “Maybe someday I will meet them again. But my sins are so much that it's not going to be easy for me to meet them again. I have to come clean. I started treating the Zebras that came under my care.. As slaves. That Queen Majesty, the ruler of this prison, felt it was wise to do so. But this is my last message. I am heading to a field of battle. A spell has been placed on it so it doesn't affect the rest of the island. To those that listen to this. I am sorry." The recording ends and I removed it from my pip buck and placed it back into the box with the rest of the letters. I closed the box backup pushing it away from the others since I wanted to keep reading these. I opened another box finding old armor. I wanted to use this armor but Jonon wouldn't agree to it. Setting it aside for the ponies and Zebras to look through it. They took the box and I know they would take it to the Blacksmith so he could replicate the armor. Again I feel bad that I might be bringing the war of Equestria to this island. I am starting to wonder if I can stop this war. Maybe I find out that this was another part of the Legend. That this war was needed to remove the Queen from power. I watched while the boxes go up and the basement was getting closer to being more and more empty. Opening the one last box that was down here. All I could find in here was photos. How did he get all this stuff? Would he have returned after the war ended to go gather what he could? But I sighed and pushed the photos to the side so they wouldn't take them. The basement was empty same without the seal keeping the creature at bay. There are no extra doors down here. But I just sat down here thinking of how it would be for him. Hearing that all his friends died in balefire. But it's not always the last thing he would have seen. He would have prouply died in the forbidden lands. But when I sat I hit a strange button and a wall opened up showing a display of a zebra weapon. At first I couldn’t tell what it was. After taking a good look it I noticed it was a zebra sniper rifle. I walked to the Sniper taking it out of the display and looking through it. It's powered by something and I doubt it really needed ammo. But if it did I would know later. Checking it more and I looked at it closer seeing it had a name in zebra tongue. Sadly I can’t read it. I saw a note on it and looked at it closely. ' Greetings Hero of Legend. If this is you I can’t stop you from well taking this. In the legend your so clumsy that sooner or later I knew You would stumble onto this.' I am the sniper rifle to check if I could still use it. It was so badly kept up it fell apart like it was nothing. But whatever is powering this rifle, it is still on. I sighed softly and began lifting up the parts. I would have to take it to the blacksmith. Fate seems to not want me to have any guns other than the one I have in my bag. That is badly kept. Sighing and set it aside, I looked to the Zebra that came down. " Take this to the Blacksmith I am going to stay down here a little longer." The Zebra gave me a nod and I stood up and walked to the box again opening looking at all the letters. I was getting upset stroking a hoof along my head. don't know if I should read all these. But the owner of them is long dead. I dumped the box on the floor so I could get a good look. The recording attached to my Pip-buck drove my crazy. So I removed it setting it back into the box. I looked through all the letters and brought one of them out. Lifting it up and stared at it sighing very unsure I have a right to do this. Looking at the pile then at the letter I am holding closing my eyes. I opened the letter and I started to calmly read it. ' Dear Bulk thank you for offering your support to the army. But I don't see how you can join us. You have done so much but you just don't give us the right mind set of handling the battle. We need those that are ready to lose their minds because of how this war would turn out to be. Again we are sorry.' Signed Recruiting office. Blinking looking at the letter, I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and then opened them again. Why would they not allow him to fight at the start? From what I have seen of him he was an amazing pony. But that's just how it was back then? Hmm I don't understand the reason for it. But I looked through the box finding another letter. Opening this one and started to read calmly. 'Hello Bulk it's Thunderlane. I heard that you haven't been able to get recruited. But it's bad out there big guy. We need you Many have already tried to get recruited. I am one of the ones that has as well. But the war is getting bad I am sure you have heard. But I am not sure what is going to happen. But we need you big guy. I am sorry for this letter I just have so much on my mind. I am not sure what is going to happen. So many in my family are scared because of this war. The war is going to either end in a good way or end in death.' I sighed looking at the other letters I doubt I could read more of these I didn't really want to keep reading and finding out something that I shouldn't be learning at all. I placed the box backup and only a few letters still were laying on the floor. Lifted them up but the last one I picked up I felt something pulling at me. Opening the letter and I felt this was a big letter a letter of pure pain. ' Dear Bulk, it's sad to report to you that your brother, Dumbbell Biceps, has been killed. While he was guarding Luna’s school for gifted unicorns, an attack happened from Zebras and your brother was among the dead. We are extremely sorry for your loss. Sorry we can't give you more.' There was no name at the end, just that his brother was killed. I remember a story of a school getting attacked during the war. I remember that many of ponies started joining the army after that attack. So, one of bulks family members passed away because of that attack. I sighed and put the letter back into the folder. Standing back up I closed the box up and put my head on the box, feeling sadness for Bulk. He lived while the rest of his friend and family died by the bombs. He got to live a well not a full life till he was sent to the forbidden lands. I walked up the stairs opening the door then closing it behind me. Looking towards the ponies and zebras that helped me with this task. " Done." They nodded and set down like five gold coins and I sighed softly placing them into my bags and looking around the Manson. Not even sure what to think of this anymore. Slowly walking up the stairs going into the main office and sitting down on the chair closing my eyes a bit and calmly wondering what I can do. But looking through the desk finding another letter. Lifting the letter up and it said to the hero. I opened it up to read it. ' Dear hero of Legend. I have been told many things about you from the Zebras that have learned about you. I wish to thank you for removing my family from this home. It was meant to be used to fight the Queen. But she had to much of a hold on the ponies and Zebras here. But I have a warning to give you. Don't trust the Queen, even if she offers you anything. She will have minions watching you and waiting to backstab you. Only follow the ones that are the friends of legends. But before I go on. I wish to say I am sorry for what we did to Equestria. I know it's as much the fault of the Zebras. But it was mostly our fault. Ponies never had the rights for the coal and we tried to force it from them. The sad thing is hero this war could have been stopped. But sadly hate doesn't help the fact that most want revenge. Anyway take care hero. I hope you free the island and that Equestria has forgiven the past for what we done to the future." I set the letter down looking at it. I held my head with my hooves groaning so much stress.. I felt I had more on my shoulders now that the past needs me to remove the spell from this island to let the ponies and other creatures of it go free. So they can see what happen to the land of Equestria. Slowly standing up on the hooves and sighed deeply looking around the office seeing so many books and paintings. I am sure I will find more letters before I leave here and learn more about this strange island. Looking through some of the books now and closing my eyes more dropping the book and felt pain from using my magic again. Sighing and sat back down on my haunches feeling that I am wrong to be a hero. But then I heard hooves behind me and seeing Doc. He looked at me with a frown on his face. He just looked at me and looked down. “Star Shooter I am very sorry that you got stuck here. But I must do this please forgive me someday.” At first I had no idea what he meant. HIs horn glowed lifting a very old pistol that he brought over from equestria. A frown formed along my face I didn’t know what to think at first. So I felt the best course of action was to be like a stallion and show my balls. I lifted the pistol to my chest fear forms on his face. I could tell he didn’t expect this at all. This gave me time to ask my question. " What did she offer you Doc? Did she offer you the ability to go back Equestria if you killed me and removed my brain?" Looking up to him with my soft eyes. He kept aiming the gun in my head and he shook a bit. I just stared at him with my gentle eyes. " I heard what she wished of you Doc. I understand if you have been in pain for so long. But why betray me after you brought me into this world?" Doc’s magic around the gun fell to the ground and discharged and the bullet hit into my stomach. Many here don't know the sound of gunfire so it would bring some pony around. Blood drained from the hole in my stomach and I just softly smiled. Even when I was in so much pain. " Doc... I am sorry for whatever is going on with you.. To betray me." Doc just backed up and used his magic to pick the gun back up. Aiming at me again and re cocks the gun. " If I end you now Star Shooter. I can finally get home to my family. So many letters I wrote to them and I have to wait years just to get one back." I slowly stepped closer and his eyes went wide. " Don't come any closer!!" The gun shook in his magic grip. I stepped closer again and he pulled the trigger and the bullet hit into my chest and I fell to the ground. As another sound would bring them here. But I stood back up despite the pain. " Doc I forgive you... I really do.." I sat up on my haunches again but I was getting weak. So much blood draining from me. No pony was going to make it to save me even if they tried. " Doc please If we remove the Queen from power. We could break the spell keeping every pony stuck here. Then we can go home. Please Doc drop the gun and come with me to talk to Zranth." Doc shook and he started aiming more at me and my magic started working around the gun and we started to fight. As the gun started to fire making most of the sounds. One bullet it even made it outside. It hit a water jug a Pegasus mare was carrying in the sky. When more of the sounds hear. An alarm went off it was an alarm that was recently set up. Doc broke my magic from the gun. With my magic being so unstable he rearmed the gun. I could hear panic in voices coming up the stairs. Blaze, Jonon, Zranth, and Speckled came to the door seeing the two of us. " I have to Star Shooter. She can get me back to Equestria so I can get back to. To our home.. So I can see my wife again." Frowning softly closing my eyes and looked at him with pain in my eye. " Doc, the enclave attacked ten years ago and killed many. It took us just two years to find out who was who. Wheel tread was one of them. Your wife as well. She was killed like many during the first attack. In fact I was there when she died. She died protecting me Doc." Looking over to the four with my weak smile. As Zranth gasped at the wounds. Standing on my hooves weakly. " No. You lie!! She is alive! She promised me she is alive. She says some pony she knows that has been to the main land and said my wife is still alive!!" Standing closer again and he fired again hitting the ground missing me. " Doc if any outsider ever came to Tirias heart, they would be killed on sight. They only allow traders, so they wouldn't have been allowed in unless they offered to trade. They don't trust outsiders and that’s because of the new leaders of the town. They do it to protect them from the rest of Equestria, even though it healed. But after the death of their friend...I mean our friend I understand were they came from. I was eight years old when I fired my first gun Doc. I fired a gun Tiria’s gun protecting her from the Enclave. Then I got my cutie mark.. By using a gun for the first time." Doc stared at me and I just stood there on my hooves. " Choose Doc. You were there while my mother gave birth to me. You’re the doctor that saw me as a little foal. You even risked your life to protect me when Wheel Tread demanded that you kill me for being raider trash. You wish to betray me now?” I stared at him. My magic wrapping around the gun and he pulled the gun down setting it to the ground. His ears pinned to the back of his head sobbing. I opened the gun removing the cartridge of bullets out of it and putting on the safety just to be safe, setting it down and I smiled weakly. " Doc....I..." His eyes went wide seeing me getting pale from the loss of blood. The door opened behind him and my four friends quickly rushed in. I was on my knees blood loss getting worse. Zranth ignored everything else to quickly come to me. I tried to move but she put her weight on me to hold me down. " Down little hero down." She calmly said. Blaze, Speckle, and Jonon stood in front of me and Zranth to protect me. Jonon stayed calm holding her staff between her hooves. Speckleds eyes glowed brightly. She looked ready to use her illusion magic to harm Doc if needed. I’m sure though he was more worried about Blaze. The Spikes on her back to her head glowed like fire. Her eyes burned with hate. Smoke streamed from her nose her tounge shooting out of her mouth. Every inch of her tense while she extended her claws. " WHY?!" Blaze asked as she stood face to face with Doc. Her eyes were full of anger. Jonon stayed silent, allowing Blaze to do what she needed. " Why would you hurt her? She has done nothing to you!" She stared at Doc, clawing the wooden floor and causing some of it to splinter with her sharp claws. One swipe by them and his body would be ribbons if she wanted. . " The Queen promised me she would remove the spell so I can get home. All I needed to do is bring her or her brain. She has memories of the ones who placed the spell on this island. That's why I did it. If you had some pony you thought was still alive on Equestria, would you do the same?" Jonon didn’t say a word she didn’t have to Blaze said it for all of us. She looked back to me anger still in her face. I could see the deep love she had for me. Turning her back finally with her claws she almost brought up a floor board. " You hurt my lover. You hurt the one I wish to spend the rest of my life with. Now I do understand but what would happen to me if she is dead? Have you thought of that? Have you?!" Doc looked at her then looking to me behind the others, he was regretting what he did, Zranth made me drink some fluid and all I could do was focus on what is going on right now. The fluid seemed to do something strange to me and the bullets popped out of the wound covered in blood. But I was still pretty weak. Zranth looked up and stared at Doc. " Many have been lied to by the Queen, dear child. The commander that was locked in the ruins with us Majesty promise her, that Equestria would be destroyed. I am sure she has promised many many things to the citizen's of this island. But you shot the hero in the town that loves her. Your lucky her lover is not ripping you apart right now." Blaze hissed, her tounge shooting out. From what she told me, when she is upset, and it's easy to tell, her tongue would shoot out looking for blood. " I am ready to do so." said Blaze. I stood up and Zranth stared at me. She wasn't sure if she could have kept me held down. I felt weak and dizzy I needed to stop this though. I walked beside Blaze whos features softens to her loving face. I nuzzled gently against her and smiled calmly. Then stared at Doc. " Doc I forgive you. I understand the pain you're going through. I would have done the same in your hooves. But not with the one I love." I looked to Blaze and nuzzled her neck. " Doc. She lied to you. I would like you to stay here Doc. I’m sad to say though, I doubt anypony would trust you anymore after this. I would say it is best that Zranth takes over till you redeem yourself.” Zranth looked to me while she walked up giving me a good look over first. I could tell she didn’t want me standing at all. Then she looked at Doc with Disgust in her eyes. " I can trust him. I would say we both control the office but those that don't trust him. I will take over. Deal Doc?" She asked. Doc gave a nod and looked towards me bowing his head. Then Speckled looked towards me and smiled. " Well little hero it seems you have pissed off the Queen." Speckled said laughing. Blaze nodded and wrapped around me with her tail pulling me close. " I am not letting you out of my sight for the rest of the night Star Shooter. So you stay with me and talk. No sex talk." Staring at her calmly blushing gently but I nodded and she chuckled. " Even if you said No I would have locked you in the bedroom and forced you to talk with me." Speckled laughed. Jonon rolled her eyes. " I shall go back to training the others." Jonon slowly started to walk out but turned back to me. Having a very gentle smile. " Star Shooter, you're a very strong little pony. You make your trainer extremely proud to have trained you and of course to beating your ass as well." She winks and slowly walked out Speckled looked at me and winked. " Your next meal Star Shooter, is ten percent off." I nodded and she walked off herself and Zranth looked back to me and Doc. " I will keep an eye on him Star Shooter. If he tries anything I will break him." Doc gulped and Zranth lead him out. It seems news got out quick but I started to wonder. I turned on the Pip buck. "Well, I called it!!” The warden yelled. “I told you you or didn't the warden tell you. Get this Doc the wonderful healer of Cliff side. The wonderful Doctor of Cliff side. He backstabbed the hero. The Queen wants her brain. Can you buy that kids?" He laughs. " Oh the Queen is so angry in the castle here. But if you're hearing me kid you need to leave. If you stay there any longer. She will send her army out to get you. From what I have seen, Cliff side is nowhere near ready to fight off a giant army. Also a bit of a warning hero. You have got some interest from the Minotaurs and the Griffins. So if you can leave soon because I doubt it's going to be kind what they wish to talk to you about." I switched off the Pip buck looking to Blaze. All I could think of was making her happy. But at this time I couldn’t let her be harmed by anypony else. " I am starting to think we should leave early to the Forbidden lands and see if they follow us there." Blaze gave a nod and I walked down stairs, heading to the basement. I calmly opened the crate to look into it and saw the Letters again. I started to think maybe I should read these. Then we should get out of here. As quick as we possibly can. I look over to Blaze. " I am going to do some reading my love. Go find Jonon and tell her to get the griffin and the wagon ready to take off. I will be fine down here. I promise." She stared at me. Very, very, unsure but smiled nodding. Then walked back up the stairs turning back to look at me with her gentle red eyes. I knew she was scared I could tell. Then I called to her. " When your done come back love. Then we will talk." She nodded and walked upstairs. She has so much fear in her eyes. I wish I could do more for her because it's starting to show. I have never seen some pony well someone ahem. Well I have never known love. It's easy to see that I am in love with her and she is with me. Just from how angry she gets when I get hurt. I got back on my hooves closing eyes not sure what to do. Maybe I should leave for a moment to think. Opening them back up looking up the stairs maybe I need to relax somewhere else. I went upstairs putting the hood of my cloak on so I could vanish and leave town. 0000 I was back where I woke up on the first day of being on the island. I looked seeing the boat I came in on. It's lodged so badly on the rocks. I left the town without any of them knowing at all. I am sure their searching for me now. I heard some heavy steps behind me. I closed my eyes accepting my fate. " If you're here to hurt me, then do so. Don't just stand there and make me wait." Looking over my shoulder I saw the same lizard merchant when I first showed up on this island. I felt my body relax my mind at ease. " Dear child. I'm not here to hurt you. But I was walking towards another town down the road. A town of course that has many out hunting for you. Just in case they can get their gift from the Queen." I sighed looking to the Merchant more. " Why me?" The merchant smiled calmly and chuckled and sat beside me, his large bag of wares falling down behind him to give him more room. " Well not everyone wishes to be a hero child. Most never wish to know it either. Some don't understand the pain of that type of job. When they do understand it. They have either died or either have fallen apart. But I'm sure that most of the time you will see what fully has happen. Like let’s say this. They saw the fact that you drank a vial of memories that contained magic. Mixing with the magic of this island that caused a reaction a beam of light came from you shooting up into the air.” I blinked staring at him. He just looked at me through his hat that covers his mouth. But I could tell he smiled from how it looked in the scarf over his mouth. " How do you know what I drank?" He chuckled softly and reached into his bag and gave me one of those vials. " Dear child, I am the one that sold them the vials" I blinked thinking a second, I don’t even remember the memories anymore. Hmm I am starting to wonder if he has really been here for 500 years. But I am very unsure at the moment myself. " Child why are you here? Many are out searching for you, like I said. I am sure your friends are trying to find you too." I closed my eyes feeling sorrowing taking over tears slowly rolling down my face. I soft started to sob gently. "I am starting to see.. Why so many heroes that fight for the wasteland fall apart. I am not even in the wasteland and I am feeling broken every step I go. I want to be home. I never wished I came here. But even though I'm happy I met Blaze. She is an amazing female. She knows the ways to make me smile." The merchant sighed softly and looked over to a cave that is behind is. " Come with me child." I blinked as he lifted up his bags and then I followed him into the cave. The cave had another door leading into the cavern. He turned to look at me and smiled. " Dear child, this cavern leads back to Cliff side. But I warn you it’s full of those magic eaters. Are you willing to clean out a potential escape? But I warn you child you need to leave Cliff Side the ones searching for you are starting to go that way as well. In fact." He went outside the cave and yelled. “She is over here come and get her before she gets away.” He yelled at first I thought he was kidding. He turned his eyes back to me pulling down the scarf mouthing run. He stepped aside along three Griffins into the cave. They had Equestrian weapons on them ones used during the war. They looked very well kept I didn’t stay to make sure though. I ran into the cave focusing my magic to use my magic sight to find out what I can find in this cave. I found mostly magic eaters they didn’t see me at all at first so I quickly hide behind one of the large rocks. One of the Griffins lifted a rock to try to find me. While they did this though I saw something nasty coming this way. When It came into view the Griffins turned around staring at the creature with fear in their eyes. It was a mutated magic eater ten times bigger than the other ones. It hissed at them magic fluid dripped from their very mouths. The other magic eaters around it slowly ate the magic fluid causing them to expand and grow like this one. It charged quickly at one of the Griffins one of them lifted their guns to fire they made sure to aim at the right spot of the creature to make sure they could kill it. Each bullet that hit a bug caused it to explode like a mini bomb, causing a bit of a bright explosion that made the magic spray all over the place. Along with its blood, some of the magic hit my cloak and it started to hiss and eat through it. But the other bugs ate what magic came out of the dead one. Then the other dead. But when only one in this part of the caverns were alive. Bullets didn't even harm it. I know these Griffins were after me. But I had to help them. I tried to move out of my hiding place. I heard deep growling not far from me watching another one of the big creatures come into view. It lifted it’s stinger to fire a strange magic beam to hit right into the armor of one of the Griffins. He flew back hitting into the wall he was still alive though his armor smoking and melting a bit. I stared at the bug turning my head and right there face to face was another of the bugs. Thankfully I had my weapons with me my horn glowed grabbing my sword before I could get harmed. I quickly took the blade to slice the bug, It had to parts of it hang in the air a moment. The two parts becoming two new bugs. My eyes went wide and then I slashed into another bug removing the wings and part of it's head. But the head that fell grew into a smaller bug and they all hissed at me. But the one I cut the head from blew into magic. Causing me to fly off below were the Griffins are. They all looked at me aiming their guns at me. " Look." I said to them. " Do you want me now or do you want to die? These bugs are going to kill you before you can take me down. You know this right?" The three Griffins looked at each other then back up to the bugs. They turned, aiming their weapons at the bugs. One of the Griffins offered me a smaller gun. I shook my head, putting my sword away and pulling out the machine gun that I got from the merchant. I cocked the weapon and the barral glowed from an enchantment. The bugs lifted in the air screeching loudly and with my magic sight I could see more coming. " There are more coming." But we started firing at the first two. One fell to the ground in front of us and blew up causing more magic to fly everywhere making my horn bright more and more. It was starting to get more and more painful. Then the other bug that was with that one ate the magic and grew even larger. I was quickly running out of ammo. I knew I would need to use my sword soon. With the last few bullets I hit the creatures in the head along with the Griffins. The creature crashed to the floor exploding in powerful magic that flew everywhere making a mist. I put my machine away pulling the singer back from its home. The Griffins reloading the guns they had. "Listen. I don't know how strong these creatures are. But you three have been on this island most of your lives. So how big do they get?" The ground started to shake after I asked. One the Griffins who was smoking on a makeshift Cigar. " They get bigger then most trees. But they lose their ability to fly and become egg layers." I blinked staring at the Griffin who looked at me with a smirk. " They call them Queens. The queen of the magic eaters." When said that I didn’t know what to think. I couldn’t see the creature but heard growling. He yelled again to the others" Okay Boys! No one wants to live forever!" He lifted a strange makeshift bomb and two of the Griffins risked themselves to pry the mouth open of one of the bugs. It looked like it was pretty hard. I used my magic to try and help. After the mouth was open, they tossed a bomb inside it and the Griffins flew away from the creature. It moved extremely slow for it didn't have the speed as the others did. " By the way miss, you might want to take cover." I blinked and rushed behind a nearby rock. As more of the creatures came closer to us I could feel the world around me slow down. While the bomb ticked down, it had loud beeps that speed up each tick. When it finally went to zero, It blew the creature up and taking many of it’s friends with it. It caused a giant magic explosion like a giant bale fire explosion but this one without all the problems that came with it. But something did come with it. The magic was seeping into me and I groaned, feeling it again. The magic slowly dissipated the body of the poor queen lay in a smoking heap. The Griffins and I were about to cheer when we looked behind the body there hovering behind it were many deadly magic eaters. The large ones known as warriors had serrated edges on their feelers and claws on their mouths. They hissed in deep anger. Even though we seemed to be out of luck one of the Griffins laughed and cheered. " We almost got them boys!!" I thought to myself ‘These Griffins are crazy!’ More and more of the bugs started to come out of holes of the walls, It was an endless stream of them. Many different types, I heard them scream the words. ‘Flappers, Jiggly’s, and Spitter’s.’ When I saw them the Flappers had larger wings then the others. The jiggly’s bounced like up and down like they were made of plastic balls. The ones known as the spitter’s attack me. A strange form of magic. My horn glowed to grab the spitball tossing it back at it. It made the creature scream in pain and melt. One of the Griffins with heavy weapons tossed a black makeshift bomb down there and when it blew. I could smell burning meat. They screamed and screeched. The bugs seemed to be very attracted to magic and magic like this caused them to try to eat it even if it would kill them. I looked at my Eyes forward sparkle. I wanted to yelled on more was coming. It quickly came out of hole flying above me hissing. As I looked face to face with the creature I looked at the creature with so much fear in my eyes, It attacked me. But acting quickly, I moved out of the way and it smashed into a rock but flew up and hissed. It was the last one of this cavern. It was a mix of all three from what I noticed. " It's Mix!!" The Griffin yelled. The bug laughed he turned to look at all of us he was much smarter than the others. I wanted to run now he had an aura about him that made me scared. He opened his very mouth to speak. It started as a hiss at first then words came. " How.. dare you..how dare you...In the name of the Queen you shall all end.." My eyes went wide and the bug looked down at me with a evil smile. " Ah the little hero. Oh yes, forgive me. I didn't introduce myself. I'm the second warrior of the Queen. I'm known as Mix. Yes, yes. I know, bad name. But it’s what your Queen gives me" He hissed his words I didn’t know with him being a smarter magic eater then the others I had to fight even though I shook in fear. Lifting my sword, I sliced into him but when it hit... My eyes went wide. When his chest opened up I saw a stop watch and then Time itself did a small rewind. It went no further than a few seconds back, but I could see his wound close itself back up. I was back hiding behind the rock. I felt I have been here before. Looking at my forward sparkle again and the bug came back out the same way but I moved to the side quickly. This time he doesn't hit the rock and flies above me with a evil smile hissing. " Ah you ponies of the past fitted me with a wonderful project.." He split the casing on his chest. "Project Stopwatch. You will never learn about it because you will be dead. I just need your brain." One of the Griffins spoke. " Oi! She is our prize! Get your own!" Mix and the three Griffins looked at each other and then at me. The Griffins aimed their guns at him and he sighed softly rushing at them firing as in front of their eyes he used time to stop one of them. But from what I noticed if there was too many around, he can't keep the spell up for long. Because right after the Griffin came back out firing at him. I watched all this happen so quick. I didn’t know what to do at all. The other Griffins fought him off with their bullets and he bite one of the other Griffins and right in in front of his friend sucked every fluid out of him and he fell dead like a husk. Turning to the other and he laughed loudly. " You can't stop me!!" He flew causing the last one to be frozen in time.I had a choice rescue this Griffin and deal with this creature known as Mix later. I watched the creature he was about to kill the griffin. Quickly with a swift movement I charged while Mix didn’t know I was coming. He finally saw me but it was far to late. My blade sliced into him and he backed off letting the Griffin go. He screamed and hissed. I heard laughter from a very familiar voice. My blood ran cold knowing that another was here to. " Mix. Leave. We will both get her next time." It was the voice of Cricket and Mix growled deeply nodding and flew out into one of the holes and when I heard a gun cock and aim at me. " Oh come on really!! I just saved your fucking ass." The Griffin removed his helm and he had the look of a cat Griffin but with a more bird like body. " You grant me honor little hero. I am Black Feather. We shall meet again and I will give what I owe you." He nodded and flew out. I sighed and put away my sword and headed through the cavern. Looking more at the history of why this was built. From what I can...wait I can read this? Looking at it closer, from what I could read, the darkness of the world was taking over. The one named.. The name was removed. No one should ever say his name. But I needed to get back. I am sure Blaze was getting very worried. I finally found the way back to the cavern and when I opened it up, I saw many zebras getting ready to search for me. When I opened and closed the door behind me. They all looked up staring at me, the elder looked at me with disapproval. So I did the next best thing, I lied. " I um I found a nest back there I felt I would clean it out for you." I said with a smile. The elder spoke. " Hero your lover has been frantically searching for you all over Cliff side. She is upset and angry." I sighed and walked out to the caravan that ended up in Jonon’s home and I was hearing sobbing. " I am sure she is fine Blaze. I am sure she had a reason to suddenly leave like that." Slowly coming out and closed the door loud enough they both could hear me. " Um..I got a lot of explaining to do don't I?" Blaze stared at me with so much anger in her eyes. But when she came over to me she just wrapped around me tightly. " Please do." Jonon said calmly.. " I went back to the shipwreck that brought me here. Then the merchant found me. Then lead me down to the back way into that cavern." Jonon blinks looking at me and looking at the door and then back at me. " Then he sent three Griffins to attack me and we ended up into a nest of magic eaters." Sighs softly 000 After explaining the rest of the story to them they stared at me. " I feel we need to leave then." Jonon said and Blaze nodded. " I already got all my stuff so let’s get going." The three of us went to the Griffin who was waiting. It turned out he was pretty badly mutated, so he kinda looked a lot like a ghoul. But from what I learned about him he ate some of the magic eaters and the magic mutated him into this creature. That lives on magic and unlike radiation magic of this island keeps him alive more than rads would. We got in the back of the wagon with all our gear. He lifted his wings to lift us into the air and we flew off away from Cliffside. I looked back I noticed they had a sign up that i never had seen before. It said ‘Zeberica Remembrance. Let's remember our homeland.’ I closed my eyes sighing looking away not sure what is ahead. Footnote: Level up Perk added: You have faced the warrior version of the magic eaters. You have gained a damage buff when you fight them. But they will be able to smell you easier now because of the magic you have taken from them. Chapter Nine: FlightChapter Nine: Flight The sun drifted slowly into the sky. It showed how beautiful this island is. From what I was told, the flight we had to take would a few hours to a day. From what I have been told flying tends to bring to much attention so we have to fly around the island a few times to get ponies to stop worrying that their going to get attacked by who ever is flying around like this. It was the first time I ever flew like this. My stomach kind of felt weird one could say. It gurgled and lurched each time. It’s like after eating some hot dogs. Jonon looked to be meditating to ignore the flight she seemed very used to this flight. Blaze was searching through her bag, which I noticed holds some strange armor that she created. Blaze then looked back to me with a smile. I smiled back weakly, trying to keep my head down to ignore the feeling my stomach. But also I was scared of high places I forgot to tell them that. The contents of my stomach were dancing around inside my gut. Adding to the fact I am scared of high places and I feel sick. I rushed over to side despite my fear I vomited over the side. Now along Down below a donkey mare was teaching a class and the vomit landed on the poor mares head. The kids didn’t try to laugh. Some even tried to help her clean while some did laugh. They all looked up seeing me I waved weakly yelled before I was fully out of sight. " Sorry!!" I groaned holding my stomach laying down closing my eyes tightly feeling my stomach feeling a bit better from all of this well flying. It was causing me to have issues with my stomach again. But I held down my bile and sickness. Feeling that the flying just seemed to cause more issues than needed. But to help me Blaze gently wrapped around me and stroked my stomach with her claws. Whispering gently in my ear. " Just think that this is us bouncing on our bed. The bed you and I sleep in and I am giving you so much pleasure.. To the point you scream again and again." My face turned bright red. But it helped me feel better. The muscles in my body slowly remove the knots that caused me to stress out. I got onto my hooves weakly the feeling of being this high up still bothered me. Blaze removed her legs from the embrace she had me in. She chuckled softly. " Just talking about our wild sex and you seem to walk around like nothing is happening." The Griffin that is flying us turned his head back to look at me. " You do know right... that this ain't a time and a place for the time of pleasures of the flesh?" I was about to reply with a sarcastic comeback when a loud buzzing sound formed all around us. I lifted up my head to see the magic eaters. They flew from the trees holes below us and they seemed to be after the Griffin. Blaze hissed and shot fireballs out of her mouth at most of the bugs. Some of them exploded into magic. Some ate the magic and grew a bit. Jonon lifted her staff and ones that got to close she smacked them with her staff. Causing them to fly to the ground and explode. My horn glowed the magic of my aura engulfed the sword. Allowing it to float with my magic being used some of the magic eaters turned their gaze towards me. I'm now seeing why the Queen has a rule of not using magic. Lifting the sword and I got ready to attack them. We fly by another town I haven't heard of. Looking down, I saw the town is full of the magic ghouls like this one. He flys closer and yells. " Heads up!!" He flies through the city and the magic eaters follow. But a magic shield causes the pursuers to turn to dust when they touch it. Then he landed panting hard and looking towards us. " I need a breather before.. we fly off." I nodded and slowly got out of the cart running to hide and vomiting more. Blaze followed me but stopped after she heard me let out my stomach again. Then I wiped my mouth groaning and looked to Blaze who just smiled. " You alright little hero?" I nodded weakly. " I am hungry." My stomach growled and Blazed laughed. The two of us let Jonon take care of what she could. She looked through a bag she had with her, tossing some coins and taking the rest to do some trading. When the two of us walked into the inn I looked around. It looked so much like an Equestrian inn. All kinds of ponies not unicorns other races sitting at the table. Music playing at the bar, a Salamander cleaning some cups with a cloth. We sat at a table I didn’t know what to think looking over at the piano seeing a dragon playing it. Watching all the magic eaters that seemed to have turned into the ghoul like creatures themselves. One flew to us holding a tray. " Ah. Greetings." The strange magic eater had rings all over it's wings and looked to be female. The creature noticed my fear and she sighed with a gentle smile. " You must have ran into my brainless cousins. We aren't magic eaters, we are the exiles created to be the same. But a mutation caused us to well become smarter and noticing that we have genders. I'm Chip chip, a female worker. Are you here for some food?" I gave a nod " Give us whatever is good for...well non magic ghoul food." The bug nods flying back to the kitchen. The innkeeper seems to be a salamander like Blaze. But he is more decayed and has cracks along his body and he smoked a cigar causing the magic inside him to glow brightly. " Blaze.. What is this place?" Blaze looked to me giving me a gentle smile. " It's called Exile City. Only the ones addicted to the magic of this island as well as the magic eaters have been welcomed here. These are creatures who have been absorbing too much magic all their lives. Interesting thing about these creatures though, it can be reversed but it’s pretty painful and most die from it. But these creatures are either former minions of the Queen or taken too much magic to make them powerful." I blinked I couldn’t believe it, there is a way to remove ghoulication? I doubt it's the same thing like the ghouls back home. My thinking slowly died when Chip chip returned with a tray of sandwiches that had carrots and some with meat in them. She tried to give a respectful bow but it was hard for her bug body. " Forgive me that it took so long our cook is having a bad day." When the door opens a lava monster that seems to be a ghoul as well. "I can hear you Chip Chip! Get back to work." Chip turned to the lava monster. " Of course boss." The Lava monster nods as Chip Chip flew off to get more orders. Sighing and my horn flashed and the ghouls turned looking at me like they could sense the magic. Looking around, seeing them look over to me while my magic came from my horn. I didn’t know what to think at first but I shut down my magic core for now. Lifting the sandwich to my mouth eating it. Blaze uses her tail to eat. Chip flew over. " Miss thank you for not using your magic. As you can tell magic tends to bring out the worst of us." I gave Chip a nod setting some coins down for her. She quickly picked it up flying away. Looking around, I heard the piano in the corner of the inn over to it seeing one of the creatures. The creature looked to be another creation of the queen. But it looked to be a dragon, one that had much magic flowing into its body. Blaze noticed that I felt strange being here. I didn’t feel that I was respected in as many ways I could think, that so much has changed. Reaching over with her claws, she held my hoof. I looked up at her with a gentle smile upon my face. " Star Shooter I understand how unsure you are about this place. But don't worry, there will only be two more stops. We will be stopping at my home next. The final stop is at the Clock Workers." I blinked “Clock work? I thought things like them were only stories." “Oh yes. Clock Workers are ponies from 200 years ago, but they changed themselves into clockwork robots to make sure they could live forever. But they don't know that the war is over." I gave a nod, sighing because i could figure out how they would act when I tell them. " How long are we going to be here then?" Blaze looked at the clock and then back at me. " Six more hours. Jonon wished to do some trading here and she also wished to see if we can talk to the leaders of the exiles. So before we leave, we need to talk to them.” I ate the food looking over to the dragon playing the piano strange though I heard more than that. I heard the dragon playing the music. It was being played by a dragon. On another table are many creatures playing card games. Some were drinking and a bell rang allowing Chip Chip to know the food is ready. This town worked so much like ones in Equestira it made me smile. They seem to be gathers looking over to other creatures. Some ponies seem to be the workers they have dust all over their coats. Jonon walked into the inn and called to us. " The leaders are ready to speak with us."I gave a nod while slowly standing up.. Blaze and I slowly walked out of the Inn. We meet up with Jonon, who then lead us to a large building. Around us is a mix of homes that looked like bug hives and pony homes. There were even volcanoes for lava like beings that looked like they could become ghouls to. We walked into the building that housed the leaders of each race. The first one a magic eater. She had her desk made of honeycomb and her chair was made of gold. From the look of her, she expected much. Her name plate was made of gold as well with it plate saying her name, Queen Amarantham. On other name plates that looked made of gems named Flame. He said on a gem hoard. The next was a pony a earth pony named Storybook just a normal plate. The Griffin one was made of old bits and he sat in a nest. His name was ClawThe final one the lava monster leader on a rock of obsidian. Obeian is on the nameplate. The Queen speaks first. " Hail creatures of Cliffside. We shall hear your words." She wore a crown that looked far too big for her buggy head. Her wings glittering like gold and silver. Her eyes in a strange kind of makeup that makes her stand out more then most of the folks here. Jonon walked in front of us and started to speak. " This is the hero of the legend that would rescue us from the threat of the Queen. She has been here close to one month already and she has done so much for us. But you all know the legend. Sooner or later, we all have to rise up to fight the Queen and free ourselves from her rule and remove the spell of the island keeping us here." They all looked at each other. None of them speaking for the moment but the mare, Storybook, spoke first. She had no smile. But unlike a ghoul she still had her mane. " I don't think every pony." The others coughed. " Excuse me, everybody understands this legend. But the Queen is on the hunt for you little one. What makes us want to help you?" I wanted to speak but the Griffin spoke. " Yes I agree with this... What makes us want to help you? The queen and her ahem warriors tend to leave us alone. I don't see how attacking her would be good for us. Tell me what can you offer more than the Queen." The lava monster huffed laughing. " Just like a griffin only thinking of wealth. Now I feel I agree with the little hero. The Queen is not always going to be willing to give us a simple pass. There is going to be a time. That she sees us and that she wants to use us as her little toys or use us as targets." The dragon gives a nod. " I do agree with that. I have been around longer then most of you. The Queen is not a kind mare. She even created the magic eaters." Queen Amarantham stared at the dragon she had an upset look on her face. It’s odd that bugs like her could show such emotions. She calmed down a bit and gave a sad sigh. “I sadly have to agree with my friend here. I don’t wish to but my kind can be monsters if you let them be. But that's because their brains never really found enough time to change. But we would need to speak to the elders of our species to see what they think. We may be the leaders but it might be best. Give us an hour or so and we will tell you our choice." I nodded sighing walking back out of the building with my two friends. Going back to the inn I sat back down Blaze looked worried. Jonon being well her just sat near the fireplace by herself relaxing. " Love you seem to be overworked again. Do you want to get a room and ease yourself?" I started hearing the creatures of the inn cheering at that. Looking to see some of them smirk one of them called out. " Yes make her moan like on the radio" Blaze smirked widely starting to be her boasting self. " Oh I can do more then that." The patrons cheered and she started to boast and that made her forget I was there. She was laughing and talking about everything we have done together. All I could do was hide my face blushing so deep red. I may love her but it's starting to get very bothersome how much she boast about how good she is at it. But I was told by Jonon that all Salamanders boast its how they are. If they didn't then it's best to let them do it. Then Blaze lifted me up with her tail and started to show me off. " This is that beautiful mare that screams my name every night. A wonderful hero." All I did was hang there wrapped in her tail my face so bright bright red. "You can tell she is blushing when she blushes.. She knows she is mine and only mine." The patrons laugh and it seems the innkeeper knows not to stop a boasting Salamander. " I um...Blaze can you let me down...please.. I um..." I tried using my magic to bring the cloak over my face. Blaze chuckled and pulled me over to her, kissing me deeply and the patrons cheered my face turned so bright red during the kiss. Of course I didn’t care anymore if she kissed me in front of others. She pulled back and then set me back on my seat and let me pull the hood over my head. Making sure no one can see my face anymore. But she just kept boasting like a Salamander talking about our sex how wild and wonderful I am, how many times she makes me lose it. Looking over to Jonon, I just saw a smile on her face. She looked over to me and mouthed. ' See how happy she is?' I nodded getting a smile on my face placing my mask on it to try to hide my blush. When I did this, Chip Chip came over and calmly spoke. " Miss Hero? Can I speak to you?" I looked up, I removed my mask and nodded. She flew to the side, looking around and then when I walked to her, she looked around again. " I have a request of you hero. There is a mine outside the city limits were many of my brain dead kind are. It's where I was found. I dropped something that was given to me by my former husband. A ring of pure amber. If you do this.. I will be happy and if you clear out the mine. The town will be happy with you even more. But it's your choice you have to want to." I looked to her. Then looking back to my love of her boasting and having a large smile on her face of all the boasting. Then back to Chip chip. I stood up from the seat. “If you need help I will come and do what I can.” Chip chip nodded. I walked over to Blaze and tapped her shoulder. She turned with a large smile on her face. I whispered in her ear and she turned back to her crowd. " I am so sorry but I have to go with my lover to make her scream more. Take care." She winked at them and Jonon walked over to me I explained to them what I was asked to do. " Hmm...maybe this will help them" Jonon said and Blaze nodded. The three of us walked to the new mine on my map. Looking calmly. Looking at my pip buck again and we got stopped by two of the guards who stood near the mine. Two Griffins in heavy plate armor. That looked to be made from the iron. "What brings you here?" One of them asked. " I wish to help you by clearing out the mine and finding something for one of the citizens of your town. I wish to make your town safer. I am sure these creatures are down here looking for a back way into your town. It's pretty simple not all magic shields can go underground." The Griffins looked at each other. " Well I don't see why not of course. We will let the leaders know what you are doing." I give a nod then walk into the mine. Blaze grabbing torch with her tail. The three of us walked down into the mine deeper. What is odd about this place. There seems to be ghost miners miners of the past. Magic imprints left by them. They stare at us and I looked into the eyes of one of them. The pain he felt. The sorrow he had. He wanted to be let free. Something here was keeping them from moving on. Jonon looked around and picked up any ores she found that were just lying on the floor. Pulling my sword out with my magic. But the magic dust didn't shine like it would down here. But when we got closer I could start seeing the magic mist and the bugs hanged to the wall eating whatever they could. Along with those strange beetles. The bugs looked up to see us staring right at me. But something seems off about them when they stare at me. They seem blind weaker than the normal ones. Then one start to speak. "Freeee me... Kill me..." Blinking staring at Blaze she looks to me and pointing a hoof to the bug Blaze nodded. Her spikes on the end of her back started to glow and the magic of the core in her body started to heat up. Magic fire poured out of her mouth. She burned the bugs in front of us. They start screaming screeching burning to nothing but magic husk. The fire even slowly burns the magic mist. Removing it for the time being. But I noticed something when she breathed in. She absorbed the ashes of the magic. Jonon looked around and nodded to me. 0000 We walked deeper into the caves. Most of the creatures we have seen down here are to focused on the magic. But we had to remove them sadly. Walking down the stairs even deeper into the mines. I heard the wails of the past down here. Battle has been fought down here. So much battle watching the endless ghost mine and patrol. But still frozen here in time. Calmly we walked down the stairs finding more of the bugs. They stare at me hissing growling but they seem to be so drunk on the magic down here. My blade slashed a few in two. Jonon using her zebra style attacks to smash them. Blaze burning them like always. The creatures falling into magic explosions. Watching Jonon I didn't see her breath in the magic. She seemed to will it away from her. Looking to Blaze she did the same. But only took some when she needed it. For me I just had it go deep into me. Making my magic to my core flare more and more. But was I becoming addicted to the magic? I could beat it I could stop anytime I wanted to I could..Wait was I really having this conversation with myself? But looking to the ground. I found the amber ring found in a layer of deep deep dust. Placing it in my bag and a voice spoke in my mind. " Ah lovely child. I can sense your magic." The creature sniffs is and moans deeply. " Oh it's divine come to me child. So we can eat together." The voice start to sing to me. While I seemed in a trance. Blaze and Jonon keeping up with me. But bugs stopped them started to attack them. ' Come to me... close those eyes see us together in loves tender embrace.' Blaze screamed to me but I couldn't hear her voice anymore. All I could hear was the song. ' Oh just a little love tender hero. Bring me your magic, let's dine together. Oh hero, come to me dance with me.' Getting in the very bottom of the mind. In front of me was a large magic eater a queen. She stood up from the throne of bones and she kept singing magic filling the air. " Oh give me your heart child. Child of Equestria. Oh bring forth your magic to feed me. Feed my children." More bugs come down from all around." The bugs place magic near my horn. The horn taking the magic inside making it fill my core." Breath in the magic. Show the power you have." Blaze yelled out. " NO!!!" Jonon and Blaze were not far behind trying to get me to stop. " Show me the magic within you!! Release it! Release the magic. Release your power. SHOW ME!!" She yelled the song she sang ended. I took in the magic like she asked me to all of the magic. I started screaming in pain to make the ground shake under me. Is this what a creature addicted to the power of raw magic does to ponies? My horn started to glow so bright it felt like I was on fire. The bugs around me danced, they seemed so hungry and so did their Queen. Tears streamed down my face. The bug queen sang one last verse of music to keep me entranced. " Release it..." The bugs around her started to say the same thing. " Release it.. Release it." The creature opened her mouth and my horn burst alive with pure magic. A beam of magic from my horn, went deep into her mouth. So much pain filling me I felt everything becoming so blinding in my eyes I felt every part of me burning. But Blaze wrapped around me her body burning from the heat of my magic kissing me deeply. My eyes focused on Blaze, staring deep into her eyes. Forgetting the queen around me. Doing this caused the magic from my horn to snap.It caused the magic around us to become poisoned to the bugs that surrounded us. The magic didn't change colour or look. This is what happens when a unicorn gets addicted to magic. It causes the well of magic to be deadly to others. The Queen starts to gasp and gag on the magic. So do the bugs. Blaze and I were still kissing each other, with me wrapping my hooves around her and closing my eyes. Our tongues wrapped around each others. She was feeding me the pure magic of the realm. I started learning more and more about her kind. They are magic cleaners like the little bugs. She was breathing the pure magic into me. A blush formed on my face but I didn't care I just felt pure love flowing through me. The Queen broke from her shell flying off out of the mine screaming in pain. The other bugs that followed her slowly turned into husks and die. The magic around us then drifted back from sight when all was said and done. It was clear. But Blaze didn't stop kissing me. Jonon looked at the two of us. The kiss turned into more. It was pure passion. Tears streamed down my face. I have become part of this land more than I wish to be. I am now addicted to the magic. It's been almost a few seconds. We broke the kiss and she smiled. Lifting a webbed claw to stroke my face. "Don't do that again my love." I smiled sweetly but I felt the rush of pure raw magic. It made me feel wonderful. Looking around, I saw that the dead walked to me. All of them bowed and they all become one with the magic drifting away. I smiled weakly but I felt drained. I did one step and fell to my knees, looking down to the ground. The lava demon leader Obeian. Walked down the stairs he spoke in a deep voice. " Magic addiction. You will live with it forever unicorn." He stared down at me. " But we have come to our choice. Come back up and we shall tell you. Oh and thank you." Blaze helped me back on my hooves and we walked back up the mine. 00000 We stood in front the leaders each of them stared at me and then my friends in turn. The eyes bore into me like their testing my soul. Queen Amarantham was the first to speak her feelers calmly moved back and forth like she is thinking the words to say. "We shall help you hero. We will meet the force main force In Cliff side. We will be there within six months. Find more warriors to your cause. We will send you our greatest warriors." All the leader spoke at once. " We are Exiles! We shall live as Exiles till the Queen is dead." Then their hammers hit the stands and the light dimmed. We had an army. But it wasn't enough. The sea ponies, the sea monsters, and now the exiles. Along with Hawk and the citizens of Cliff side. Walking out of the building, we saw the town starting up their blacksmiths. Smoke was pouring out of every home and work ship. Food was being mass grown through magic over and over. They may be ghouls but at times they still eat normal food. I have never seen such a sight. The Salamanders that lived here did their thing of tilling the lands with their claws to get more farms. They were ready for war. It was more easy to see now. Looking up I saw a bird. But it had red eyes and focused in on me. With my magic I lifted it up and spoke to it. " Warden?" The bird sparked when it tried to speak. Finally after a few more sparks a voice came from it. " AH you finally found out how I am seeing the world child. Fear not the Queen doesn't know about the threat you just started she will never know from me. My broadcast will be about war starting up over who will win her favor. So don't worry child, the good warden is helping you." The bird gave me a very cocky smile. Letting it go and the bird bowed. We walked to the Griffin that helped us get here the first place. But I heard the bird yell out. " Hey Blaze, make her moan more! It makes good music." Blaze turned to the bird and she smirked, winking and I just pulled the hood over my head to cover my blush. The warden was even wanting to hear me moan. As I stepped into the wagon, the Griffin looked back and nodded to the rest of us. " Shall we ladies?" I gave a quick nod and he flew up into the air. We had to do two more swings around the island. Then stop at the salamander caves. I needed to see if they would help us too. But during the spin, I saw no creatures chasing after us. It was getting worrying that nothing was chasing us. Slowly we went around once and we landed in front of a cave a deep dark cave. Blaze got out first. In front of the cave is a bunch of wood. I was curious as to why someone would leave wood laying around when Blaze approached the pile. She breathed deeply and exhaled her fire onto the wood.We all watched how quickly it lit and was burning at a steady rate after Blaze finished igniting the pile of wood. She then backed off. I sat beside her and we waited together for whatever happens next. We didn’t have to wait for too long as i spotted a few salamanders coming out of the cave. One of them was a pure golden Salamander who stared at Blaze and I. " Blaze. You come to hurt your mother more by showing up with this...unicorn." Blaze looked sternly at her mother, a look of anger briefly passed over her face before it vanished.. " Mother, this unicorn is the Chosen One. The hero and as well as my mate." The Golden Salamander stared at me and then back at her daughter. She looked at me with great fear in her eyes. Her guards backing up as well. I just stared at her with my gentle eyes. " I lost grace in your father’s harem dear Blaze. I have no power anymore because I gave birth to the Queen’s doom. So if you wish to win his mind child, you must come in with your love." Giving her mother a calm nod, Blaze looked to Jonon and I. We looked at each other, an entire conversation happening between us yet without a word spoken. We looked back at Blaze and gave her a nod. With our heads almost moving perfectly together, one might think we had practice. The Salamander, Blaze’s mother, and her guards lead the three of us in. 0000 In the cavern along the walls are many homes. There seems to be no stores but from what I have seen, males had many wives and they treated them like prizes to be sold. In fact I noticed males trading wives, selling wives for food. The males even looked at us like we were trash. But when most of them saw Blaze they started tossing rocks at her. " Go back worthless female trash." Many rocks hit her but none of them bothered her. She stared at them with her anger and it made them feel fear. The golden Salamander walked to a large stone castle that in the middle which actually had a throne of a Salamander king plowing one of his wives right in front of the entire kingdom. But when he saw his daughter he removed himself from the female and pushed her away he stood on his four legs walking down the stairs. His eyes focus on his daughter. So much hatred filled them. I looked to Blaze she had the same hatred the spikes on her back glowing catching on fire. I could tell that this feather of her’s really hurt her. " Goldie. This filth of a child is back." The king stares darkly at his wife She bowed her head and nodded. " Stone, she wished to speak. She brought the Hero of Legend and claims that she is her lover." The king's eyes turn to me. They are not warm, but cold and dark. He walked down the stairs to get a better look. All I saw though was hate and anger in his eyes. " So the worthless hero that wishes to fight the Queen. You dare come to my home?! You dare!! Do you understand, I could end you right here and now!! D..." He gasped and my horn glowed bright and had magic around his neck. " Oh I dare... " The kingdom gasped including Blaze and her mother. " I have been forced on your little island by a storm. I am far from home. I fell in love with your daughter. The Queen wants to kill me! I see how you treat females. You call my Blaze filth. But I call you filth. If I am said hero, then I was brought here to bring creeps like you to justice." The bones in his neck started to crack. " Come on! No witty saying? Oh I am female, I am just breeding fodder. I have had a very long and very bad day.. So learn your place!!" I broke my magic from his neck tossing him back into his throne. " Or I shall remove the rod that filled the egg of my lover in her mother? " Stone gasped and coughed as Blaze stared at me. " Now you will listen to me male. The Queen is going to make her move soon. Don't give me this load of bullshit that ‘oh that females are just fodder’. Females, where I am from, saved the world many times over. In fact, the Light Bringer is a female. Half of the hero's turn out to be females. Because most of the time males are to bent on sex and power. " My magic wrapped around something between his legs and he groaned as I twisted it. " Fucking their next female." He gasped and the guards were to frozen in place and as I let him go, he panted weakly and looked at me with great fear. I just had a dark smile on my face. My eyes glowed brightly showing I have had enough of this ‘oh I am better than you’ bullshit. " Now will you give me warriors to fight the Queen or do I have to dethrone you and force a change? Making the females the rightful rulers of this kingdom like it should be? I am not evil. I just saw you and found you to be a piece of living trash. So I do what I do best, I kill trash." I gave a smirk and walked back down the stairs. " Come Blaze, Jonon. Let him think about it before I come back and kill him." Stone spoke out before i had taken more than a few steps.. " Wait. Wait!!! Hero don't go." I heard from behind me. I paused mid step, my left forehoof just raised as if to take a step. I had a smile on my face when I looked over my shoulder I decided to humor him for the moment. It’s not like i couldn’t kill him later." I am listening....for now." He started to speak, but i could easily tell he had so much fear in his voice. I could see fear in Blaze’s eyes too. It made me feel bad that I had to act like this. " I will send you my warriors to anywhere you want. Just don't remove our way of life please.." I have given them fear. "You can send them to Cliffside. A warning though, if you betray me...I will be back." Walking down the stairs and away from the king. I could hear him sobbing in fear. As we walked out to the cave exit, I saw the females smiling at me. They loved how I acted to the males while said males backed off. I winked at thee females, nodding but I saw that a few of them were mouthing ' Please come back to free us.' I sighed and gave them a quick smile and a nod that I might. We finally walked out of the cave, but Blaze stepped in front of me as soon as we passed the exit. I could see that she had great deal of anger in her eyes " Star Shooter that wasn't what you should have done." I have never seen her so angry. But I gave her a charming smile and she just stared at me. " It couldn’t have been done another way?" Jonon placed a hoof on her shoulder. " No Blaze she did the right thing. Your father would have kept going on about how worthless females are and how amazing he is. I think this was needed to break his ego. I know it's not easy but at times you need to break something." Blaze sighed and looked at me with angry eyes and then she wrapped her tail around me pulling me close kissing me deeply again and pulling away. " Don't do that again." I nodded and smiled at her lovingly. Then I heard the warden laugh. " OH that was amazing good show good show. I didn't think you had it in you child. Now the king shall think twice before stealing from other towns before thinking of his own." I sighed and got in the back of the wagon. We had one more place to go. It was the place of Clock work. We flew off and when we got close to the city of Clockwork ponies. The griffin did another loop around the city. Just in case we get attacked by something. We slowly landed and one of the ponies came out to meet us. A mare with gears making her joints. She was the only one out to meet us but she had a gentle smile on her robotic face. " I know why your here hero. We all do. Before we make a choice we have something we wish you to tell us all of us. Please come" I nodded and walked with her with my two other friends far behind. When I got into the town. Many of the ponies looked at me like they never seen an outside pony before. But I watched them they had magic controlling them. Their brains inside them keeping them to be who they are. I stood on a podium that had a mic and I looked at them blinking and a large stallion with a wind up key going and going on his back. Eyes in the shell along with in his brain. he had a top hat a blue suit. A cane he is using to walk and a old watch on his coat. He spoke calmly. " Greetings my name is Doctor Maezono. I am the one that created these bodies so we could live on. I am told you are from Equestria. Please child, tell us how did the war end? Has it even ended at all?" I sighed looking at them. I spoke calmly into the mic. " It ended in balefire. The world as you know it 200 years ago is dead and it is now nothing but a wasteland of death and destruction. All known died but not all stayed dead. Some turned into ghouls, some mutated. Old projects from the past surfaced. But heroes rose from the ashes. " I saw their faces of guilt and fear. " The lightBringer, Security, The Wolf, The Ghost of the big 52 and so many more. They did what most couldn't. True not all of them were big heros. The wolf was a small hero but most were the big ones. But they brought peace in their own way. I know this is not what you wanted to hear. But I told the whole truth and if this is all you needed to know then what is your choice. Are you with me?" The clock work ponies looked at each other. They had no homes it was just machines keeping them going and then they looked back at me and they all stepped forward even the doctor. " We shall." They all said at once. When they said that their plants turned right on and they started to work spewing out machines to help with the fight. Walking back out of the town I closed my eyes and it was the last flight. We got onto the cart and flew off. It was time to fly to the forbidden lands. 00000 We got near the forbidden lands. When we did some old defenses still turned on automatically by the ponies that used to run them. Started to fire on us. The griffin didn't have an easy time most of the stuff we had was so heavy that he had to fly around and he was searching for a place for us to land. But he was hit and we were heading right to the middle of the forbidden lands We pass through the shield and my pip buck started to tick. But the Griffin crashed and the cart sent us flying. Jonon of course landed on her hooves. Blaze was fine she just grabbed a tree branch with her tail that broke and made her land on her feet. As for me I flew and rolled and then blacked out. Oh how fun it was to fly. I never wish to again. Footnote: level up Perk added: Your various travels around the island. Have gained you many allies for the battle ahead. When the final battle calls you will be able to call for them to come. Even if you don’t call. They will come either way.. Chapter Ten: Forbidden lands.Dreams are strange to many of the ones who have them. Some don't understand them. Some may even bring ideas to the forefront. Some dreams can even show if you have a problem. Most never really know what's going on anymore. All that look through the eyes of a dreamer see how it is. Majesty a dreamer in her own right. Sadly will some will never understand it really. Deep within her castle she dreams, but she dreams more of revenge. She sits on her throne, speaking to herself. Her guards floating armor in the shape of ponies. They just stand there like unliving moving creatures. They have no souls maybe they do. Maybe they no longer do. The magic does much to this land. It's starting to become clear that she is the reason. She spoke calmly closing her eyes " Why do they love her more then me? They should be loving me!! MEE!! I'm the master of this island. I should be loved more than her. I deserve their love!!!" Her horn glows shooting magic all over the place. An aura of magic formed around her blade. In a great anger she cut through many tables and in a fit of rage she even cut through a painting of her and a pony. Under the painting was the words my lover. In the anger she broke the sword tossing it right at the cloud creature known as Reaver. The sword went right through him doing no harm. She turned to him tears streaming down her beauty. " Reaver..I wish to be loved." Reaver the cloud creature clicks his fingers. " Take her to her chambers to let her rest." The guards lift her up as the Queen herself letting out pathetic little sobs yelling out screaming even that she deserves to be loved. Reaver sighs " Reaver you seem to be failing at doing your job." A strange creature in the darkness speaks. Glowing eyes hover in the dark shadows. " You have failed at training her. She only wishes to be loved. She needs to be ready for the master to come back. The seals set by those princess are being broken one by one. All those heros thinking their saving the world. But in the end dooming it. Now tell me will she be ready to weaken the seal keeping the master at bay." Reaver doesn't turn around he seems to have eyes full of fear. "The master will be free.. But I need more time." The eyes of the one in the darkness glow brightly. Pain fills Reaver and he tries not to scream. He holds his cloud like chest, groaning as the pain travels through his body. " Master please...I promise you....He will be free." The glow from the creatures eyes dims releasing Reaver from the magic. " Good. See that The Queen is ready. If you fail me again Reaver." A egg like bomb floated from the shadows in front of the vision of Reaver. “You will learn what a Balefire bomb is like. If you fail me now get her ready!!” The eyes vanished and Reaver sighed. For all dreams are real. Some have dreams to be loved and to be the best of all the world. Some have dreams to rule. But mostly about everyone has the same dream. To save the ones they love. 0000 Unknown The Forbidden lands. A land like Equestria trapped in a shield to keep the creatures created by the balefire bomb out. Around the area is many camps old Equestrian and zebra weaponry scattered all over the ground. Most of what is left is ghouls roaming around. I opened my eyes feeling how weak my body is. Even though It was very weak I could still move. Shifting on a makeshift bed. Using my magic to remove the blanket that was used to cover me. I took a closer look at it. It was a skin of a dead bear. Slowly I shifted off the bed during this though. I felt my muscles tense up in pain for a second I couldn’t even move. All I could do was groan in pain. Gently getting off the bed stretching my legs hearing voices I followed them groaning with each step. "I am very sorry for allowing my soldiers to shoot at you ladies. I am sure you can’t blame us for it after all creatures that Majesty sent after us over the years. Most of those who find their way to the bunker just crashed and die.. Like that poor Griffin that brought you here.” I could hear voices. One of them sounded like Blaze’s smokey voice but it sounded so weak. " We have been stuck in here for almost two weeks because of you. Your lucky we didn't kill you when you found us barely alive from the dark magic that resides in these lands." I chuckled to myself as I hear Blaze shout at someone. Walking out I found ghouls of Zebras and ponies. Those of the past who fought. One of the ponies was Bulk Biceps and the other was The Commander. I didn't get his name. Jonon stayed silent. My hooves slowly clicked on the stones and Blaze eyes go wide rushing to me. " Star Shooter!!" She wrapped around me kissing me deeply and I groaned in pain but didn't care. She broke it gently. I smiled weakly. " Two weeks huh?" I lifted my head up to look to Bulk. I nodded to him bowing my head. " Hello Bulk. I'm sorry that you never saw the end of the war." Bulk’s features turn to a sad frown nodding. " I have heard about Equestria’s end. About the Balefire Bombs and the Mega Spells. Sadly, I have never seen what happened to it.Nor will I be able to see what remains since I can not return. The radiation here is mixed with the magic of this land. So if I leave this island, I am doomed to turn to dust. Along with the rest of us here. The bomb that the Zebras detonated didn't go off like it should have. When it went off, it mixed with the magic here on this island. It caused a chain reaction that caused the raw magic to gain a strange healing feature within it. Of course it doesn't just only do this. It makes those that absorb the magic into ghouls. It's also the reason why Majesty wanted us to use it in this spot." He looked outside the cave and sighed. " When we came here to battle, we had placed the Stopwatch in one of the creatures of this land. Mix, I am sure you called him. We used Project Stopwatch to infuse Equestrian magic within this land. We had the poor creature turn it. He used to be a dumb brainless creature. But the magic along with the Stopwatch gave him and his friends the ability to think like us. When it happen we saw what would happen to us. All of us did. After the spell was used from the stopwatch. We saw what would happen to us here. So we escaped trying to find a place to hide. We ran to these caves and the bomb went off. Project stopwatch infused with the balefire created Mix. A warrior of Majesty." I sighed nodding. " I am sorry but we can't continue with story time. We need to go to the main Equestrian bunker." Bulk’s eyes go wide and stare at me. " You wish to go into that hell hole? Just getting there is a challenge." Blaze looked pretty worried. I was still pretty worried. But I had to go in there. There is more to that bunker then I have been told. Closing my eyes I fell to my knees in pain. Blaze rushed to me, wrapping her tail around me gently. " She is still badly hurt. Do you have anymore potions?" Bulk shook his head. Looking into the cave. "The only way I can think of healing your friend is raw magic. We have to allow her to absorb the raw magic within this cave. Thankfully of course she won’t turn into a ghoul. Just...she will always want more. Sadly there is no cure. If there was, it wouldn't be pretty." Blaze had a worried look on her face tears dripping from her eyes. Slowly standing I looked towards the back of the cave. Jonon stepped in front of me looking down into my eyes . " Star shooter..." Jonon placed her hoof on my shoulder. " No matter what I am here to support you. But you need to be careful this road you go down..for something dire could happen to you." Jonon said. I gave a nod slowly walking into the back of the cave. I got deeper into the cave I could see the raw magic flowing around this area. I have no idea why I could see it. The magic turned into claws grabbing onto my horn to pull me inside. My eyes close Blaze placed her claws on my shoulder. I looked to her she calmly leaned over giving me a soft deeply kiss. I felt my will to do this grow. As she slowly pulled away, I let my magic flow into my horn. And from my horn, I directed it into my eyes. My world exploded into color. Magic of every shape and size flowed around me in a way that felt as if it were alive. With my eyes still shut, I slowly began to draw in the magic from the air into my horn. I could feel the magic I drew in frow back into my core and spread throughout my body, healing my wounds. But that's when I heard them. Sounds, voices...whispers. I could hear voices but I could tell none of them were from anyone inside the cave. I grew curious. So I let magic flow into my ears, and that’s when I could understand them. Hundreds of voices. All speaking as if they were one. " Yessss... Take the magic.." I heard their whispers in my ears " Take it. You deserve all of it." Groaning, I feel my bones as well as my wounds mending. " Take more... You deserve so much child." The magic itself felt like it was alive. My wounds were fully healed along with my bones. Now I just had to turn off the font of magic. But it felt so wonderful, so addicting. It amazing but I heard a voice that broke through all the voices and whispers. A sobbing voice looking over to Blaze. " Don't go where I can't follow Star shooter! Please!!" I stared at my crying love. How long have we known each other now. It's almost been a month. She has done so much for me. I have even hurt her for not allowing her to take care of me. Maybe it's time now. Turning off the font, I started shaking. My bone may have been healed, but that doesn’t mean they don’t still feel brittle or broken. She wrapped around me sobbing softly. " Please Star Shooter don't change.." I felt the whispers in my head more and more now. " Please I need you.." The magic filed my mind with wonder.. I could be Queen. I could rule all of Equestria. I could be the Light bringer. I could kill her even. The magic it whispered. This raw magic..The lifeblood of our world. It's been tainted on this island. The magic of our world. Pulls the strings of those that want power.. " I am fine Blaze." I struggled to pull my horn away from the magic. The magic felt like it had claws keeping my horn from moving away. Blaze slowly pulled me away from the magic. Her wet eyes staring into my mine. " Please Star Shooter." She started to sob hard on my chest. Was I only thinking of myself when I hurt her father and her people? Was I only thinking of what I have been wanting then what Blaze wants? " Blaze.. I am not going anywhere. You can't go my love. Not without me by your side. We will always walk the same path" She nodded calmly. I walked through the very cave. I felt powerful strong that I could anything. I stopped in my tracks closing my eyes.I felt the magic filling my very core. I wanted more but there is a time and a place for it. Opening my eyes, I walked back to the main room of the cave. "Give us the directions to the bunker. Then I am going to need you to join us in the coming battle.” Bulk looks to his troops then to the Zebra ghouls. "Lets go." The Zebras along with the ponies nod. Walking out of the cave. Bulk looked back at me. " The Bunker is easy to find. Very easy to find. Walk out of this cave and go north. It's in the side of the mountain." He walked to the entrance of the cave then turned back to me. " Child, if you really are the Hero of the Legends, you better be ready for what is going to happen when the war starts." I nodded. Looking outside after them noticing that their taking the guns and what shot us, out of the sky. Looking back to Jonon and Blaze. Blaze had bloodshot eyes she was crying the entire time I was talking to them. I sighed looking at her with a gentle smile. Nuzzling into her neck whispering gently. " I am always with you." Blaze smiled softly nodding wiping her eyes with the tail. Looking to Jonon, Her emotionless eyes just had a smile across her lips. Nodding it was time to go. Looking outside of the cave and then looking north. I could see the bunker. But I even saw magic eaters mixed with the radiation of this land. Some looked nasty and so evil. Some even looked bloated. But that's not what scared me the most. Robots. Magic powered robots the magic is to raw for the robots. Causing their open gaping parts to spark and shoot wild magic all over the place. Looking back, I saw the others as they put cloaks over themselves. Placing a mask we started to walk through the land. It seemed to be healing but with that it also had nasty magic that didn't seem to work correctly. 00000 The Bunker I hate the wasteland. I so hate the wasteland. I am starting to understand why so many tried to run away from it as fast as they could. Blaze was beside me breathing her fire on the magic eaters that held many of the guns that fired on us. It seems these creatures are very very smart. Using my new found magic I ripped apart their wings shattering their bodies. Magic may be what they eat. But it also makes their bodies extremely brittle. Jonon used her staff and Zebra type attacks to smash many of them. They fly off rushing away as fast as their wings could carry them. We calmly started on our way again. Not far from the bunker. This place was small for some reason. But it would be hard for us to get inside. Many turrets turned around to face us. They seemed to target us for a moment. But they powered down soon after. A voice spoke over the com when we got closer. " Come in.." The three of us looked at each other. Slowly walking into the bunker. The door closing behind us. When we walked in, the lights turned on. Most of them flickered. But the sound of magic going through the building was bothersome. Inside, the building was very silent. But when we got into the first part of the bunker it seemed to be a reception area. Inside the very halls of the bunker ghost walked the halls. They turned to look at us. The life stream of magic seems to be keeping them alive. But they kept walking on. Magic did so much to this land. I had to find the Zebra spirit. He would be in with the prisons. Walking through the halls I could see more of the magic eaters were here. But these ones were lost and seemed to have no idea what is going on. One of them even looked at me. I noticed that something or someone removed his eyes.I felt I should rescue them by killing them all. But I can't I need to do what I need to do to take care of this place. A voice came over the com again. "Come come come." Another door opens up. Leading down stairs. Looking to Blaze and Jonon, they both nodded to me. Walking down the stairs. Seeing more bones of the dead something bad happen down here. The smell started to get pretty bad as well. When we finally got fully inside this arena like room. The doors closed. A voice spoke with a laugh. " Ah we got a couple of live ones." Looking up into the stands. There are many dead staying alive for their final moment with the magic of this island. But in the stands is not a creature that is dead. It’s a Zebra, The Zebra I must fight. But it seemed he wanted to enjoy himself but he stared at me and laughed. " Well well..It's the hero... The hero that is going to save this island. OH I should bow to you. But I won't Oh and you will be fighting all these creatures alone." He tapped his hoof. Blaze and Jonon are lifted up by some strange magic hands and sat on the chairs. Looking at my pip buck for the first time like I should have. It's slowly clicking but it's not as bad at the moment of course. " Now the first creature that the good doctors created. Well the first victim of Project Stopwatch." The first gate opens with a electrolytic whine. Inside is a pony with half his face is old and half his face young. The stallion walks slowly limping on the old side of his body. Lifting my sword out with the magic. The stallion stood in the middle along with me. I stared at him I could tell that his body turned to dust and then reformed. His heart throb quickly he looked up to the one that calls the battle. Then looked back at me quickly. " FIGHT!!" The ghost cheered. The stallion charged at me quickly in a quick flash and smashed into me making time stop a moment in my heart. Making me gasp and fly back after time turned back to normal. He just stood there the watch that is not connected to him anymore giving him more and more power. Standing up on my hooves coughing. He charged again stopping time again quickly making me fly into the wall with apple buck kick. I coughed deeply spitting up blood. I had to find a way to beat him. Looking down at my Pip buck. Looking back at him. He was getting ready to power up the time power again. Quickly getting into S.A.T.S. getting the ability to attack him once. The attack hits smashing into the stop watch that is infused into him. How many of these did they make? When I hit the stop watch. He gasped and the stopwatch went crazy causing him to rewind back to a baby then back to old. Then back to baby over and over. The power getting crazy. I had to find a way to remove him from here. if he blew up here looking towards the gate. Dropping my sword lifting up the stallion when he was a foal tossing him into the gate using my magic to force it closed with me being powered by absorbing the magic. But when I forced the gates closed it caused me pain. But I had to keep it close. Inside the stop watch blew causing all the magic to go into me to heal my wounds. But the project caused an endless frozen time spell in that room. When I stopped using the magic I saw that it was frozen on him exploding his face frozen on a smile. Coughing I looked up to the Zebra and he smiled. " Good job hero good job." He claps his hooves and smirked darkly. He looked down to Blaze and pulled me into the stands. Pulling her down to the arena and chuckles. " Now time for the hero's lover to prove her worth. All heros friends must prove their worth even if their the lover.' Blaze gave a cocky smile she started boasting. " I can take on all of you here. I have slept with the hero made her scream beaten her to submission through sex." The crowd looked at each other with strange eyes some even looked like they were blushing.. The Zebra rolled his eyes . "Now for you to take on another creation of the ponies here. They got a hold of one of your species dear Blaze." The second gate opens up and coming out is a male salamander that has stone scales along his body and a mace attached to his tail. Blaze looked scared and backed up. "Great great grandfather." The Stone Salamander looks to Blaze and then up to me and he smiled. Then back to Blaze. "I am so proud of you my little Blaze. You have found the love you wish. You have found your place in the world. Not a step stool of my worthless son. But what the ponies did to me here child. If I don't fight you and you beat me like a warrior you are. You will finally free me from my pain." The shell finally broke on him all kind of tubes all over his body. Fluid of blood and magic flowing through him. What they did to him made Blaze angry. " I shall free you grandfather." The Zebra lifted his hoof and yelled fight. Blaze rushed quickly attacking like no before. She did some attacks I have never seen. She wrapped her tail around his tail tossing him away her mouth opening up trying to burn him. But when his mouth opens up he shoots magic stones from his mouth some hitting her causing her stance to back off a bit. He then used his mace tail to try to hit her. But she kept jumping around shooting fire from her mouth. The fire singed deep into the stones causing some of them to flick off. But he jumped onto Blaze back trying to smash her down but she trained all her life to be ready to fight him. But she had many cuts and wounds in her body. They back off blood draining from Blaze. I finally get to see her blood. It's pure magic with flickers of fire causing the ground to catch on fire then die. The stone salamander charged. Blazed lifted her head opening her mouth breathing deep sucking in the reaming magic shot a large stream of liquid flame all over the body of the stone salamander. The stone turn extremely hard making him frozen in place. Not even able to move. She rushed to him pulling out the tubes connected to his heart. Blood draining from the wound. She placed it into her mouth like it was a straw and drank the magic blood. Her wound healing tears streaming from her face. She pulls off the tube. The stones grumbling causing the salamander to die. Blaze is placed back on the stands beside me she wrapped around me shaking tears streaming down her face. But she kept herself calm even while she was weeping. Gently held her in my fore hooves. I have seen her like this only when something really is bothering her. Then the hooves the zebra clap laughing. " Good good. who is next?" He looks to Jonon and she just looks up to him. She is sent out sighing softly. The third gate opens up when the third gate opens up it's a simple creature. That seems to have no power. When the Zebra is about to start the fight Jonon already has smashed the head of the creature looking up to him. "Don't waste my time.." She said softly removing her bloody hoof from the smashed head. " I won't play your games." The Zebra stood up looking upset but sighed and put Jonon back on the stands near us and then pulled me down there alone. He walked down the stands into the arena. Looking towards me with a dark smile. "If you wish to fight me know my name first. I'm Koonik. One of the scribes for the Caesar" He stared at me and a strange sensation came over me. A memory hit me like a memory orb. 0000 Memory of Koonik. The past how does the past work for most? Some really never know. The Zebras tend to never understand why the ponies did what they did to them. One known as Dr slice seemed to be working on a project a project to rescue himself. He went to far of course. Help from a scribe of the Caesar that started the war. But these two good friends. Friends try to protect friends. The only reason Dr slice wished to come to this island was to save himself from this sickness that no pony had a cure to. " You sure?" The bandage all over stallion asked his friend. " I am sure Slice. I am sure this is the right place to find you a cure" These two friends working to find a cure. Working to find what is right. But something went wrong. The Scribe the Dr at odds when the friend learns what the doctor has been doing. " You have... Been using my people and your own...To make a cure?! Slice this is madness!!" Slice looked up from the bodies the murders he's caused. Slice looked back to his friend. So much fear in the eyes of the scribe. " I am so sorry Koonik. I had to. I need to live, I need to live!" He said with tears streaming down his bandage face. " I can't live like this anymore! I need my body to stop decaying on me." The scribe and the doctor learning the pain. But all this comes with a price. The good Dr forced shots deep into his friend because of the pain because of the distrust.. He experimented. On his friend then the outside exploded in balefire causing all the ones that died from these murders to be walking around. But with the scribe. He was changed forever. But for the Dr.. No one knows. The scribe faces a hero the hero of legend. But all heroes must face a fate worse than death if they wish to win the battle. The battle is not always going to be easy to do. When the lines are crossed. 0000 The arena I finally came out of the vision " I have never heard of you scribe." I said softly. The Zebra looked wounded and gave me a sneer " I know you have talked to one of my descendants Zranth. I am also the next one the elder from cliff side asked you to fight. If you win I shall give you the fluid so you may learn. If I beat you though you're not the hero of legend and you will be killed. You're fake my dear." Closing my eyes sighing maybe I am fake. Maybe I am not the hero after all. But the magic in this land says I am. The magic seems to keep whispering to me that I am the hero of legend. A hero that is trying to become more. But looking down at myself. I am no hero. I am just one that thinks I am for all the Zebras have said to me. " Hero." The Zebra calls but I don't answer I just keep thinking. My mind wanders am I not the one that Blaze is meant to be with? Am I not the one that Jonon should have trained. My thoughts make me ignore the fact the battle has started. Just staring at my hooves. I didn't hear the Zebra coming to me. I didn't hear the fact I was about to be stepped on. Then I heard the voice of my two friends. " STAR SHOOTER!!" Yelled Blaze. " Wake up Little hero." Jonon shouted. Looking up quick right before he stomped a large hoof on me. Rolling out of the way getting back on my hooves. Staring him down my eyes glowing from the magic infused into me. Pulling the sword out it's edge glowing along. With the very light shining on my sword, I lifted it up with my magic. Standing tall like a warrior of old, I felt my heart beating like the drums of war. I felt like I could take on anything. I felt strong. " I shall beat you Zebra. I know I am the hero of legend. The merchant warned me not to get in this war." The Scribes eyes go wide hearing the Merchant. He was going to tell me something about him but before he could I got on the back of my hooves. Doing a thunderous zebra kick in his face. Making him reel back at a bit staring at me. "You don't wish to be warned... Then you are a fool." The two of us charged each other kicks from him using my legs and sword to block. Taking it back at him in kind. Even though he has trained longer then me to fight. I was able to fight the large body this Zebra had. But I was going to fall sooner or later. He grabbed me suddenly with his hooves tossing me into a door it broke inward and into a cloud of raw magic. This magic though it was green mixing with the radiation. Looking at my Pip buck it didn't tick. But I didn't wish to use it. But before I could move he charged at me in here forcing me hard into the wall my body cracked some bones breaking. He backed up and then smashed one of my hooves. Another broken bone gasping in pain. My focus vanished my sword falling to the ground. He threw me back out my body bouncing on the ground. The magic slowly drifting out of the broken gated room. It mixed with the other magic but not changing it yet. But I couldn't get back up and he stomped on my back it cracking loudly I yelled in pain. He then tossed me into the wall and I groaned feeling more of my body wounded. He looked at me and then to the crowd. " She is not the hero. She is the faults hero that pretends to be part of the legend. Jonon you have trained the faults one." I looked at my friends Jonon now had an unsure look on her face. Blaze looked down like I have failed her. I can't do that.. I can't let that happen. My horn started to glow and the crowd watched me along with the Zebra backing up. His eyes going wide. The magic drifting in my horn. " No.... NO...No pony can take in that raw magic. NO pony can." My bones started to heal, my wounds started to seal. The blood dried on my fur. My sight glowed with me. " Pony don't do that any longer.. You don't know what it will....do" I stared at him my body healed but my eyes glowing. I build in the entire magic and it shot into the air I screamed loudly. All could see it outside again. The beam of light this time. The Queen knew and acted like she should before. Back at the fight my horn stopped glowing staring at him. " I am the hero of Legend Zebra. if I wasn't the spirits wouldn't have talked to me when I drank the elders brew." The Scribes eyes go wide. I pull my sword from the gated room placing it in the ground. I charged him like a zebra would. He and I fought like Zebras a pony fighting like a Zebra. Our blows hit with force but none of us stopped. Block hit block hit downed stand back up block hit downed. Stand back up quickly for the both of us. The magic in me kept me fighting. When I got hurt my horn glowed taking in more. I needed it I needed it so much. I could feel the want it called to me. Star shooter...Starr Shooter drink us. Then I did one large kick in his face, causing him to falling and then I wanted to keep him alive I smashed into his back shattering his spine and the battle was over. I felt tired and drained. The magic was calling me to take more from it. I need it. But I can't do it I don't want to lose myself. I can stop whenever I want. But the Zebra spoke gently.. " I don't know why they sent you after me. The only Spirit is the one in cliff side I am sure they told you more. But I do know Zranth wanted to free me from this pain. But take this to the elder of Cliff side." He removed a strange jewel from his leg it was attached to many rings. Inside the gem it had an item in it. History recordings. That is why I was sent down here to get that. Looking to Blaze and Jonon nodding for them to come down here. Blaze came down and wrapped around me kissing me gently. Placing the item in her bag and whispered " I will keep it for you my love." She gave me a gentle kiss again and the Zebra sighed. " I am sorry my kind lied to you. There are many test but you are the hero.. One last thing I want from you.. Go deeper into the bunker. There is a bomb down here that could remove this blight. Freeing the spirits I think this is another thing they wanted you to do but didn't tell you. But if you see my friend down there. I am sure he is still alive. I am sure. Please tell him I forgive him." The Zebra calmly lied down fully and he slowly stopped breathing. Looking towards the end of what the arena is looking up seeing the sign. This is not an arena it’s a testing area.There is another elevator. I looked back to the ones that cheered for us during the fighting. Looking as I could without seeming rude. I looked closer at all the ghost. Most of them seemed to be ghost of nurses, doctors, and soldiers. I am guessing the magic mixed with the bomb caused them not to go to the afterlife.. 0000 DR. Slice Office The elevator to awhile to get going. But we had interesting odd music. Well very odd music that got very bothersome to the ears. Blaze covered her ears, growling all the while. Jonon just ignored it. I was looking around for the speakers, seeking to remove an annoyance.. Lifting my sword, I began stabbing it over and over. The speaker itself started to spark. Even so the music started to get worse. It started sounding like the devils anius in my ears. How did I know how that felt or thought it? I didn’t wish to think deeper into it. Finally though the speaker sparked and the music died.Blaze grabbed me with her tail. Whispering in my ear. My face turning bright red. " Blaze not in front of Jonon." Blaze smirked and started whispering again in my ear. I tried hard to put my hood over my face to block my blush from being seen. " Oh Blaze you do know sooner or later, she will not blush anymore right?" Blaze smirks. " Oh I highly doubt it. I will find new ways to get her face to turn bright red." I kept the hood over my head blushing even deeper. The two laughing. But after awhile removed it and stared at Blaze. Who just give me a gentle smile. " Oh Star shooter I do it to keep you on your hooves." She winks. I sighed standing up finally the elevator stopped letting us out. Looking up seeing the Sign research and lab. Slowly we walked through the hall but the Research door was welded shut. No way to get that open. Walking to the lap we saw a Mr handy. It looked powered down attached to skeleton covered in bandages. Slowly walking to the Mr Handy turning it on. The robot started to power up and it's eyes looked around staring at us. " Oh dear..." The robot looked at the body. Then at us. " It worked then.." Looking towards me then noticed me. Thinking a moment it's robotic eyes staring then looked at a legend that was on the wall. " It's you the hero.. Of legend.." He rushed over to me. " What’s Equestria like now?!" " I um...200 years ago everything died in balefire. Ten years ago a light bringer brought back the sun for us. Than ten years later a group started up a megaspell that cleansed Equestria." The robot looked at me again and then back to the lab. Then back to me again. " I'm Dr Slice... I couldn't find a cure for my sickness so to save myself and my brain. I placed everything in this robot." I gave a nod then the building started to shake from explosions. The monitor came on showing that the queen’s army was trying to break in " Oh dear.. it's the Queen! She is looking for you. There is a back way out.. But we need some pony to stay here to keep the self destruct from being shut down. " Give me the code I will meet you back at Cliff side" Jonon and Blaze looked at me with worried eyes and Dr Slice sighed. " Remember she is after me. I feel it's wise to try to. Is there a back way out of here?" Dr Slice nods flying over to a console clicking a few buttons and a door slides open. " This leads all the way out of here to the coast. If we stay to the road we can get back to cliff side." I nodded Dr slice attaching a cord to my pip buck and the code came up. They started to run down the hall but Blaze wrapped her tail around me kissing me deeply. I smile gently breaking the kiss. " I will be back I promise." Blaze nodded, rushing out after the others. The door closed behind them. I went to the terminal and clicked in the code. A bunch of information came up then a countdown. Alarms began to ring. I rushed to the back way out but when I clicked the button it didn't open up. It said all power taken to use in the bomb. I sighed looking to the elevator. I would have to go back up. Going into the elevator it slowly went back up. The alarm getting louder but I had my cloak that kept me hidden. Placing it on when the elevator opened I could see the queen's army fighting the ghost. The ghost started to scream loud enough to be ear piercing. I didn’t know what to think during this time it hurt so much. " Your Queen is the reason for our torment!!" So the Queen was the reason for them being stuck in limbo. Slowly sneaking I saw Mix attacking the other ghost even feasting on them. I even saw Cricket who used his swords to slice them up. But I saw a third creature. Staring at it. A large mouse covered in heavy armor. Looked at the side it said Mouse written in red paint. Beware of Project mouse.. But he turned to look right at me. Sniffing. Then spoke in a deep voice. " She is here." His sides opened up. Guns popped out they held that strange green substance. Cricket laughed. " Ooooo time to finally get her." Mix laughed as well. I had to go quickly I tried to run back outside. "But I say we capture her and have our fun with her first then take her to the Queen." They All laugh. Mouse rushing to find me he was right behind me with the other two. I had to keep going. Finally, I got back into the arena and as I began rushing past the fighting army, my hood came off. Mix hit me from behind with a beam, causing me to fall and I saw the other two rushing towards me. Cricket swinging at me with all his swords. I got my sword out quickly blocking him and then rushing up but getting hit by mouse flying near the way out groaning deeply. Slowly rushing to my hooves and mix flew in front of me blocking my way out the other two surrounding me. " Look I know you want to kill me and all but this place is about to blow up so...How about we fight later hmm?" The three looked at each other placing my hood back over my head vanishing from their sight rushing outside the door and then boom. I tried to run the explosion caused me to fly. The flash of the explosion engulfed the entire forbidden lands. Causing the shield to crack and shatter making the shock wave fly all over but it was lesser then it was at the start. Blaze looked up along with Jonon and Dr Slice from the road Blaze had tears in her eyes But they had to keep moving get back to. The rest of the island heard and saw the explosion. 0000 Outside after the explosion Opening my eyes I was alive how was I alive.. But I didn't know what was going on. I slowly started to crawl. But before I could get any farther. Mix held me down. Mouse stared down at me and Cricket chuckled. " The poor hero is hurt..So my friends.. Let’s take her to our outpost and we shall have our fun." Mouse lifted me up they carried me. I had no idea what was going to happen to me. But I am sure I was going to find out. Footnote: Level up Two new perks Quest perk: You have found Dr. Slice he joins you as one of ones of legend. While he fights with you along with others you feel a surge of power in you. You feel that with him near you that you could last through this war. Negative perk: You have been captured by the enemy. There has also been rumors starting to go that you have died in a explosion known know that you live but in the hands claws or whatever of the Queen. Chapter Eleven: Month One: PainAuthor's Note Warning there are many disturbing things that will be in this chapter. If you don't wish to read it just skip it. Chapter Eleven: Month One: Pain A voice came over the radio " Hello this is the Warden." His voice sounded sad. " The hero is dead or so what the Queen is saying. A large force that is massing at Cliff Side has said she is still alive. They're waiting for her to return. But no one could survive that explosion. But this is the warden who still has hope." A soft song calmly started playing But the radio was clicked off. In the bar of Cliff side was a salamander. Blaze was sobbing hard, her heart so broken since the hero is confirmed dead. Dr Slice floated near her looking to Jonon " I don't know what to say to her." Jonon nodded. She calmly helped Blaze on her claws leading her and Dr Slice. To the Caverns leading them both to the writings of legend. " If she was dead the gem that shows her would be dim. But she is still bright. Dr Slice you are also one of the companions of legend." Slice stayed silent. Blaze nodded they had hope now that the hero is alive. 00000 Opening my eyes. My vision fuzzy looking around seeing I was in a cell. I tried getting up but the chains kept me down. Trying to move my head but I couldn't. A few guards who are oddly ponies looked at me. " Ah you are awake. The warriors had been sent off back to the Queen. We are meant to do everything we can to you child to break you, harm you, and get you ready to be killed. You need to be set as an example. I am Burnout..I shall do whatever I can think to you child to get you ready. But this month’s plan is pain. Get her read." The Guards all nod to the burnt looking unicorn pony. They lifted me up with the chains, injecting me with some strange serum that made my entire body not able to move. Then set me down on a table. Placing my horn in a tube. The tube brought a torrent of magic to my horn. I had no idea why they were doing this. Then Burnout walked over he brought a bag of many different things. He opened the bag bringing out a giant mallet. Setting it down, he then pulled out a carving knife, a small torch, and many other items. He used his horn to lift up the large mallet. Using his horn to chain me down fully so i couldn't move. He then lifted the mallet and brought it down upon my chest. A screamed of pain escaped my lips. I began to cough up blood. He smashed down on my chest again and again, hitting and breaking every bone in and around my rib cage. I tried breathing, but my lungs wouldn't work. But then I felt it. Magic, lots of it. Without thinking, i reached for it, drawing it into my body to heal my wounds. In a single moment of clarity, i realized something very important. This was how they were going to break me. The more i frew in magic, the quicker i healed, and the more addicted i got to it. By drawing it in, i started an infinite cycle of pain and no matter what i did, i was now trapped within. Until Burnout released me, i would unconsciously draw in magic to heal myself, keeping me alive and allowing them to do just about anything to me without worrying about killing me.But before i could do anything, the moment passed and Burnout brought down his hammer, harder than before. Only this time, he didn’t hit my chest. He smashed his hammer into my face with the hammer breaking my skull. My eyes, the target of this swing, quickly sealed shut and I started sobbing. But his next swing broke my jaw. " I really wish i didn't have to do this to you child. But If I don't the Queen would kill my family. I am sure down the line if you do ever get free you will forgive me I sobbed as the pain grew so much. Then felt the hammer smash into my legs he smashed them down blood draining everywhere. He then set down the hammer I heard it clunk on the ground. But He didn't give me a chance to heal. Removing something from the tray then I felt a knife starting to skin me. I started screaming in pain. I sobbed so hard feeling my fur and skin being removed. I didn't hear any laughing just pony kept skinning me my eyes healed enough so I could watch him lucky me.. I screamed sobbing. Looking at the face of Burnout who didn't even have a smile on his face. He looked at me with tears falling from his eyes. Mouthing again ' I'm sorry.' He then took the knife and cut me open I screamed in pain. He sliced out my ability to reproduce. I screamed in pain as he also took my eggs and burned them. Then he looked into the hole the magic slowly repairing what he took from me. Then looked up to me. " Your ability to have foals will return to you. Given enough time. But you will be forever addicted to the magic that is filling you. The same magic which is also healing you." I was sobbing so hard feeling so much pain seeing my skin slowly regrowing. He then lifted the torch starting to burn my body I was on fire screaming in pain. My flesh started to burn off my bones. My scream sounded through the entire building. The ponies even though I wasn't able to see these ponies were sobbing and crying. They wanted to be free but they had to do this.. I was screaming more and he douse me. I shook in pain. He turned the stream of magic on more to let me heal before he started again. Tears streamed down my face. The burns slowly vanished the skin started to reform around me. I felt the magic building I need more I need it. Then I started screaming again my bones started to crack and form back together. I groaned in pain. Feeling my heart beat hard and groan. The skin fully returned but the fur took longer to heal. Burnout looked at me calmly and sighed. " You will forever be hurt little hero. Again I don't wish to do this to ponies. But the Queen has my family. I would not be doing this if I knew they would be safe. Your skin will keep them safe. When we are done, the Queen might even give them back to me.But i can not tell you how sorry I am about this. When this is over, and my family is safe, i will gladly submit myself to the wrath of your mate. ." He said with a weak smile. I knew he wasn't done with me. He lifted more strange items out of the bag as I stared at him with hate. I wanted to hurt him I wanted to kill him. Why would he do this to me? Groaning, i felt my bones finally heal I felt whole again. But he released me and called a few guards to carry me back into the cell. I lay on the cold ground of my cell. My body weak and in so much pain. I shake from the shock of it all hearing my cell door open seeing Burnout. I tried to get away but I am far to weak. He stood over me with a gentle smile. I could tell he didn’t like what he was doing. " I will give you time to heal little hero." He walked away a small little filly walked in staring at me. She opened the cell though bringing in some water and helped me drink She also gave me some food and stroked my head. " I'm sorry Hero.. My father doesn't wish to do this.. But the Queen will allow me to stay alive if he does do it. You need to remain strong for the next six months. You will be sent to death to be made an example of. Maybe during this time you will find a way to escape. I hope you do. All of us wish to be free." I couldn't nod, my body was just too sore to move. So I just layed there, cold, shivering, shaking as well. I felt so much pain in my body, even though I was healed. Some bones were still broken, but they did get set by the magic. I smiled weakly. But less than a moment later, I heard a large creature move inside. Mouse was here, and all I could do was stare at him. The filly started shaking in fear and slowly moved away. Mouse looked at the filly, looked back at me, looked at the table, before finally landing his eyes on Burnout. " Burnout? Why is she not strapped to a table?"Burnout sighed before he walked back over by me, Mouse following him like a shadow. Burnout began to slowly lift me when Mouse spoke out. “Remember. She is nothing more than a piece of meat! Treat her as such! We have been given our mission by the Queen herself! It would be unwise for you to disappoint her. Why think of this young filly!” Mouse reached out and cupped the filly’s chin, being somewhat gentle about it. Burnout quickly hauled me up onto the table, and started to strap me down, all pretenses of being gentle were gone. .As soon as i was fully strapped, Burnout started to hook up the magic feeding tube before Mouse stopped him. With nothing more than a glare, Mouse returned the tube to where Burnout got it, all the while informing Burnout. " Don't attach her to the magic. I want her close to death." He gave Burnout his dark smirk. Burnout grabbed his tools with his magic, intending on causing more pain. But once again Mouse stopped him with a glare. Still wearing his dark smirk, Mouse walked over and leaned in so his face was filling my vision. " What you are doing is not the right way Burnout. Let me show you what is." 0000 I was moved from the main room to another room. I had been strapped to a metal table now. Not much of a difference at this point though. Mouse was searching through every item he could find. But most of it gave him a frown. " Hmm this ain't the right thing to use. Let’s see." He pulled out several strange large bugs trapped in a jar like fireflies from a bag. “This will work just fine.” He pointed the jar’s lid towards me and opened it up. The bugs flew straight out of it and landed on me. I didn’t think much of them until they began to eat my skin. I let out the largest scream in pain my lungs could handle at the moment.. Mouse just smirked and laughed. The entire pony population of the small outpost watched or listened in fear. I kept screaming in pain and the bugs just kept eating me. Then Mouse pulled out a giant magic prod, looked at it fondly, and stabbed me with it. A strong current of electricity flowed through my body. Causing me to have convulsions. The bugs exploded covering me in their bug fluid. I bite my lip hard feeling the blood burn through me. " Aww poor little hero." He then took a large blade removing left hind leg from its socket and my body in one clean cut, before tossing the leg across the room. Like it was nothing more than trash.. "OH! I am so sorry...did I do that?" He said in his signature dark laugh. I just screamed. But as the scream left my lungs, Mouse did the unexpected.He stabbed me in my chest, the blade going clean through my heart. I gasped deeply trying to force air into my lungs, before my brain suffocated from lack of Oxygen. One of Deep thought’s lessons flashed through my mind. “While the brain is one of thee most important organs in your body, the heart is by far the most vital. For without it, our bodies would be unable to deliver the Oxygen rich blood from the lungs to the rest of our bodies. And without the blood filled with Oxygen, we will slowly suffocate upon the very air itself.” My vision started to grow dark around the edges as I felt death creep up on me. Mouse looked to Burnout. " You better get her to the other room quickly or our poor hero will be dead." Mouse smirked. " Now if you will excuse me, I need to get back to the castle. The Queen refuses to take over any of the towns since most of the soldiers are now in Cliff side. But she is waiting to kill the hero to get them all to surrender." Burnout released me calling to the other ponies to carry me to the other table attaching me to the tube. Removing the knife from my heart. Coughing loud and painfully. Feeling the magic repairing my heart slowly. Feeling the want for magic like it's a drug to me. I need more I need more. If only I could open the font more to get more. A few mares cleaned up the blood from my body they all looked at me with sad eyes. " You need to be strong hero." One of the mares said. Tears just streamed from my face. Even though I was healing still felt the pain feeling every inch of me in pain. They wanted to break me they should seen they already have. But I think the ponies here need to do more to harm me. 0000 Opening my eyes I was hanging in the middle of a room blood below i didn't feel any pain. Burnout looked at me and then down to the blood sighing. " Listen hero I know you think that we want you broken. But in the legend, the hero goes through a trial to become stronger. Her heart stays soft but she is ready to take on the Queen and all her warriors." I heard buzzing seeing Mix flying to me staring at me. " Burnout is she ready?" Burnout nodded. Mix stared at me with a gentle smile whispering. 'If you do live hero please kill me when the battle comes. I am tired of not being able to die.' Blinking looking towards him. " Don't get me wrong hero. I am not a bloodthirsty monster. I used to be more of a gentlemen then your kind placed this device in me. Causing me to see all deaths all futures. But I never knew what one was real. The reason they made it was to go back in time. To try to stop the war from evening happening from the start. They got the idea when Twilight went back a week to talk to herself." Looking at the stopwatch in his chest. " But trying to change the past to affect the future isn't wise. It makes things even worse. They tried it once on this island. It caused even worse things to happen." Mix flapped his bug like wings, the buzzing from the sounds of his wings drove me nuts. " Now forgive me hero.. For what I must do. You must stay strong. I don't want you dead." Mix stabbed his legs inside my body. His eyes flashed suddenly. Causing the Stopwatch to glow and the hands move.. Making time around just us going quickly. I screamed in pain. My body turning old turning to dust but then reversing turning back to young But he spoke calmly. " Hero don't fail." Blinking seeing the rest of the ones who were chosen for the project. " Save us all.. remove us...free us." Then I passed out. I woke up from the pain of seeing the past and future. Looking around I noticed MIx is gone. But in his place is open wounds were he stabbed his legs inside me. Burnout looked at me and he had the look of pain in his eyes. Burnout lifted the whip with his magic. It had nasty looking hooks at the ends of it. It was dripping some weird greenish hude liquid. To be honest, it looked quite gross, and the whip was covered with this stuff. Looking towards the dried pool of blood, but also seems to be gathered for some reason. A strange mechanism brought me over the grate down to the pool of blood behind. I looked weakly at all the ponies that had so much fear in their eyes. Behind me I saw the shadow of the whip being lifted. Fear filled me. Burnout pulled back with the whip. When it finally hit my back, I felt my flesh being ripped into. I felt the acid enter the very wounds. It caused the flesh to sizzle and burn, it filled me with so much pain that I sobbed hard and cried out. I felt the acid weaken my spine, eating away at the marrow inside. When the whip hit, I felt my spine shatter and the ability to move my hind legs left me. Even though I felt like I was such agony, all I could do was hang there, screaming my soul out in pain. Maybe that is a good thing? I cried again trying so hard to get Burnout to stop from harming me. Though every time I cried out. All I saw in his eyes was a heartbroken expression as he lifted the whip again. The very spikes drenched in my blood and flesh. He hit right in the same spot again to make the pain even worse. " You don't have to do this.. Take me back to my friends. Let me go...let me go!!" The spikes stabbed into me I screamed feeling my insides burn and they stab in an out over and over. Causing blood and many things to fall to the pit. I felt like all the pain was burning causing those wounds to burn. Feeling every inch of me burning and burning. " Sorry hero. You may heal but you will have many scars your lover will break to see what you have been through." The spikes form into swords starting to slice along me causing my skin and fur to fall down into the pit. I couldn't see why i am still awake. Feeling every inch of my insides burning over and over. Smoke came out of my mouth from the burning. I was then dropped to the grate to let more blood drain from me. I tried standing up. " Oh Goddess she is trying to stand up." Said a mare watching. I got on my hooves noticing the leg that got removed was slowly growing back. I tried to walk to the ponies to ask them for help. " Let me go.....please." Cricket walked in behind me, I didn’t notice before I could even do anything. He pulled a sword out stabbing me in the back. I gasped it went through my heart. Looking at it seeing the blood looking at the ponies coughing. " Help me...." Fell to the ground of the grate my world going black. 00000 Opening my eyes shaking so much pain. I coughed more and more. Feeling every inch of me in deep pain. I lay there feeling my leg grow back. The feeling felt so painful. The real issue i had right now was my heart working overtime to keep the blood flowing. That the magic is working hard just to keep my heart beating. I felt sick and so tired. But I couldn't just fall asleep. I saw the same filly offering me water and I calmly drank feeling it go down slowly grunting in pain trying to move. But I could feel my legs moving. " Shhh hero. Don't move. It's not wise...just slowly allow yourself to heal." Nodding, i look at my chest and saw a pink spot where they impaled the spikes in me. Just by looking, i could tell that I would have some scars from this wound. So much pain in my chest since my heart is working on trying to keep me from crashing. My vision finally went back to normal coughing a bit. Feeling the blood slowly going through me.I looked around I wanted to move, I wanted to get back to Blaze. I groaned I felt so much pain in my body. My nerves reformed throughout my body, adding to the pain. I grunted in pain coughing up some blood the taste was awful. I had to make sure my Pipbuck wasn’t removed since I forgot what leg was removed. Looking down to my right foreleg I saw the Pipbuck drenched in my blood. Burnout slowly walked back in looking at me. He smiled weakly the tube removed from my horn. Guards coming in to take me back to the cell. Sprawled in the cell so much pain filling me what is left there magic infused food. But I couldn't move, I couldn’t feel my back hooves. But the smell of magic was causing me to want it.. I wanted it so much, I needed it. The filly then set magic infused water down next.. When i glanced at her face, i noticed that she had tears in her eyes. " I'm sorry for what my father is doing to you." Just calmly staring at her finally able to lift my head up groaning deeply. leaning over the water calmly drinking it. Feeling the magic heal my insides slowly. It tasted so good, and it was so addicting. Using my horn to take the fork the very dull fork eating the gruel like food. Feeling it fill me but i was still very weak. Looking around finally seeing I wasn't the only one in these cells. Many Griffins and Minotaurs as well. One of them looked at me. They all looked at me they all had hope but fear in their eyes. I was the hero of legend. Seeing her in pain wasn't what they wished to see at all. I had to give them hope. All i could think of hope was a song. I can't let them break me. I can't let them win. I softly started to sing. " Hope is all we have.. Hope shall bring us forth to free us." The guards started to come back to get the Griffins and Minotaurs it was their time to be broken. Some started to sing as well. A female Minotaur calmly sang " Hope is all we have now...To see us through." She was placed on a table and right then and there a knife stabbed her in the chest. As she started to slowly die. She choked out a few words. " Hope....is...all...we have left...." It went on to another Griffin singing as well. " The past is here to haunt us...For we must never scream...in the light." He was placed in the chains over the pit of blood. A whip smashing into his feathered back. " We can't let pain control us.." He started to cringe getting out a few more words before screaming. " We must sing to show our peace for all that is here.. We can't fail." He kept screaming but then I saw that there was a few salamanders here as well. One was being hung by her tail to keep her in place with the chains that surrounded her body. As she started singing she felt a knife stabbed into her pussy the knife slowly cut her in half. But,. But, she kept singing. So her hope would never leave her dying body " All shall never fall if we keep hope. Please.." She grunts as the knife slowly cuts her in half. " Please remember....us.." Her body is split in half allowing her insides to spill her brain slowly leaking out of the cut. The voice that was singing now gone.. But more around kept singing three Salamanders slowly started to sing started with a green one. "Green Salamander: Our hope will not fail us.. Our hope will never fall. Oh please Goddess of the lands. Please free our souls." The Green salamander is placed on a table that starts causing her to be ripped apart. Then a light blue Salamander sang. " Light Blue Salamander: If we fall then the world falls" The Salamander being the colour blue makes her able to use ice. While she sang they lifted a badly made flame thrower and set her on fire. She screamed. Then a purple one tried to run away using a strange teleporting magic that allowed her to run. " We must be free. We must flee we must keep up our hope." She was softly singing as she ran through the jail Cricket stood in front of her. He brought out his swords and sliced all over her turning into nothing but meat. Cricket walked the halls calmly singing now. " There is no hope for any of you... You will never find freedom you will never find hope." The bug slowly sang. "You will never find the right to be free. The Queen shall win. Don't let the fake hero win you." All the prisoners along with me started to sing. " We must have hope!!" We all sang throughout the building. " Hope will fail...Hope will fall." Cricket sang.. " We need hope to win this battle to win our hearts to free us. We need to be free will be what we need to do. Please hero free us. Please hero don't let us fall." The entire building sang. Even the Guards, Burnout, and his family. " Hero, please wise one. Please give us hope. Don't give into pain." Cricket made it to me seeing that I am the one that started this lifting me up. Bringing out to the middle singing. " Your hero shall fall. Your hero shall be broken your hero shall die. When the Queen says it's time. it's time for her to fall. Time for the Queen to wise." The prisoners and the guards. Started to grab their weapons letting the prisoners go. They all started to come to us. " We must have hope... We must " Cricket then grabbed one of his swords "You can't win with just hope..." He said without singing he stabbed me tossing me to the ground my bones breaking. The song ends. " Get back to work..." I tried to move then he kicked me with the back of his foot making me black out. Softly singing. " We must have.....hope.." 00000 Cricket stood over the heros body. While the guards sent the prisoners back into their cells He looked over to Burnout. " Burnout if they start singing again kill them...We can't be letting them have hope. Also take this hero to the magic. I am going to be breaking her myself.. You all have been to kind to her." Burnout blinking nodding lifting up the hero of legend attaching her horn to the tube. " I shall get ready to destroy her to break her. But Burnout.." Burnout turned to look at him. " Don't make me do this again. You will amp up the pain. You will get her closer and closer to death each time. Then you will heal her, but you will give her all the pain you can think of. If she keeps having hope the Queen will lose her will to wait. She will do it herself. " Burnout nodded Cricket went to go sharp up his swords. The little filly walked to her father. " In six months Soup spoon. We will be sending her to be killed. But not even we can get the Griffins or the Minotaurs to stop the caravan. I need you to go to them, little daughter. Let them know there is going to be powerful warriors from both sides in there. But don't tell them about the hero." Soup nodded and slowly grabbed the hero's hood along with the sword and other things. Slowly, she walked out. The only thing the hero still had was her pip buck. The little filly put the hood on vanishing from sight heading were her father wanted her to. He smiled weakly knowing that sooner or later he will be killed. He wanted to save his daughter from seeing that. He turned on the magic so the hero would soon wake. He sighed. Cricket coming back in with many different items of harm. " Hmm I would say lets allow her to be raped as well. Inject her so she can't get pregnant either. That will take her years to do it." He gave a dark smirk. " Now wake her" Burnout sighed placing a strange powder to the hero's nose and she started to stir. 00000 Opening my eyes I came first to face with Cricket. Staring at him. He put his buggy face in mine hissing. I spit in his face hissing more. " I have hope that I will beat your Queen. I have hope that you.. will.." He put his claw at my neck growling deeply. " Listen little hero. The Queen is very upset.. She is ready to take on the entire island. i doubt you want that..Now. I may not be happy at keeping you alive. But we need to make sure you are broken enough. Then take you to be killed. It will take six months." He smirked " Now let see. OH yes." He grabbed a tool and started pulling teeth. I began screaming in pain. It's all I felt for the first month of this hell. Pain. If those could understand why they wished to do this to me I wish I could tell you to but I can't. Pain is all that I have felt and will ever feel in this prison of hell. Footnote: No level Negative perk: You’re being forced into an addiction you will feel weaker when you leave the island. You will always dream of this day even though it will be painful. You will learn to live with it but for now it's not going to be easy. Chapter Twelve: Month Two: Mind.Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter Thirteen: Month three: Broken WillMy eyes opened slowly looking around. I was laying on the ground of the cell. Slowly, I tried to stand. Leaning upon a wall to stabilize me, I began crying loudly. All of the guards along with Burnout, even the little foals they had with them. They all watched me as I broke down. My will had been broken without them doing anything. All they had to do was stare at this so called hero of legend. This so called young mare trying to get back home. I’m just a tool to the queen, but now I am here. I looked to the side of the cell and to my surprise, sitting there was the Dealer. In his hooves sat a deck of cards he shuffled.”This shall be the only you will ever see me, so listen closely.” He pulled out three card from the top of the deck and set them onto the table in front of him. “Three cards send you on your way. Three marks guide you home.” The Dealer flipped the card at the right end first. Upon it laid a shield of three colors, a lightning bolt resting upon an outstretched wing. “The First mark, The Survivor. One who is filled with sins. One whose spirit is drowned by guilt.” The Dealer then flipped the second card over. A snowflake rested upon it. “ The second mark, The Politician. One who tries to keep a broken nation whole. One who is a teacher of many. “ The third and last card was flipped. Upon it lay two lightning bolt which crossed each other like an X. “The Third and final Mark, The Leader. One who who challenges the Survivor and the Politician. One who tries to reclaim the ways of old.” “Equestria does not need you child, for it moves without you. Remember these Three marks. They shall be your guide home. Return now, to the waking world.” And with that, the dealer, and his table, vanished into thin air. Burnout opened the gate, and slowly started walking in. He took a few steps before he just stood there, watching me. Just watching what had become of that once brave mare. And then he walked closer.Closer and closer until he hovered over me, more than close enough for me to attack him. But I wouldn’t, I didn’t have it in me anymore. He knew it, I knew it, everyone around us knew it. My will had been shattered. Broken. " They wanted us to break your will as well Child. But it seems your will has already been broken." Burnout said with joy in his voice. “ Maybe if that Salamander wasn’t so protective of her Inner Fire, she might have lived larger.” Inner Fire? Why would Blaze defend her fire? Why wouldn’t she use it? Was she protecting something with it? Unless.... Flashback “So how are Salamander born anyways? Do I need to worry about finding you a stallion when you enter you Estrus cycle?” We had just dealt with Blaze’s father and I had forgot to ask Blaze’s mother about how to tell when Blaze entered Estrus. Blaze looked at me curiously before she brought a claw to her lips, assuming a thinking position. “Well first, we molt. A lot! That’s the first clue. The second is we get really emotional. However, I personally lose my thought to speech filter. Next, I..” “She really doesn’t change much other than more sex talk and rapid molts.” Jonon says as she interrupts Blaze. “Just don’t mess with them when their knocked up. While they can’t fully use their Inner Element, their claws get sharper.” I just started blushing like crazy, my face turning redder than a tomato. Blaze just looks sternly at Jonon and huffs. “Aww. I wanted to make her blush! I was going to embellish it more! And then have another round with you in front of Jonon!” Blaze said looking at Jonon, wiggling her eye ridges at her. Now I was blushing more than before, if that was even possible! “I’m....going to go back to talking to the Griffin.” I said as I slowly backed away from Blaze. “It was just a joke!” Blaze yelled back at me. Jonon just looked at her with stern eyes. “No it wasn’t. You would have totally done it.” “Yeah. I totally would have.” Flashback ends Oh no… NO!!! I yelled to myself in my mind. NO! It can’t be true! No. NO!! In that one moment, I gave up. I wanted to go home. But not without her body. I shall bury it as far away from this Island as I could. I was suddenly filled with energy, and I couldn’t feel any pain either! I quickly got my hooves underneath me, as stealthy as I could be. With a burst of speed surprising both myself and Burnout, I stood tall. Burnout tried to run, but I had him pinned against the bars of my cage before he had taken more than a few steps. With tears streaming down my face, I practically yelled into his ears. “Let me go back home!! I will give up. I will give it all up to the Queen. I will let her win! I will stop being the hero of Legend! Just let me take Blaze’s body with me back to Equestria. Please! I beg of you!!” Burnout just looked at me with a neutral look in his eyes. I didn’t even notice his horn was glowing or that he was holding something large in his magic. He struck me right in the face and I was knocked out cold. 00000 Burnout’s POV I looked down at the poor hero. I could hear the buzzing from Mix flying over head while the large Cricket well cricket stood beside me shaking his head. I could hear Mouse laughing like a school filly loving how the hero is well a mess right now. " She has failed then, if her will is already this far gone." Cricket shook his head he didn’t like seeing the hero like this. Mix looked down at her he looked away in disgust. Mouse on the other hoof was extremely giddy. He even went inside the cell with me and before I could stop him. He stomp on the hero’s hind legs, breaking a few bones. Of course, I stopped him with my magic to make sure he couldn’t do that again. The bone he broke though repaired itself right in front of us. " Hmm it seems she still has much of that magic inside her." Mouse calmly said as he started moving away. Mix sighed softly as he flew away from the others looking back towards me and the others. " Burnout. I know you sent your daughter to the Minotaurs and Griffins. I think you need to give them more info. I'm going to send them the time and the info. Please keep her alive Burnout. The other two aren't as kind as I am." I nodded as the other two just stared at the broken hero. I rushed to my office quickly bringing the times of the next caravan heading to the castle. Mix followed me we looked at the times. " Alright In three more months we are going to be sending them out. Mix, I know you want to be free. But is it wise to betray the Queen?" Mix turned to me, his eyes full of pain. " Burnout tell me would you enjoy being fitted with a stopwatch. That allows you to see the death of everyone? Even the death of yourself? I am tired of this life and tired of this project that is inside me. Now I am going to take this info to the Minotaurs and Griffins. The Hero needs to get free. Make sure you go with them Burnout. You must get her to them. I can no longer take The Queen’s orders or live like this." I nodded, giving him the info. Mix vanished with what he needed. I walked out of my office The hero just laid there in her cell. I looked around quickly to see if Mouse or Cricket were nearby, before I facehooved. Mouse and Cricket had left. I calmly went into the cell to stroke the hero with his hoof gently. I looked over all the scars she had now. I looked back out to see The other guards looking at me. " Get ready to leave in three months.. We need to put up a fight" I looked back down to the hero then walked back to my office closing the door to let the hero rest. Walking along I spoke to one of my guards. "Listen I am going to need your help." The guard nodded. " I want you to be standing by her cell stop the three warriors from harming her. " The guard nodded again walking to the cell. I sighed before heading back into the cell and attached the hero's horn to the tube to give her a boost of magic. Then he heads to his office again laying in a bed falling asleep. Footnote: No level Negative perk added. Broken Will: They have done so much to you to break you. Your will has been shattered. As well as your heart. Blaze is dead. While you may one day recover, you will be scarred for life. It causes your special to be weaker. Chapter Fourteen: Month four: Lost hopeOpening my eyes, I lay there looking around seeing that I was still in the cell. Standing on my hooves trying to use my horn to get out. But I couldn't sadly. Looking around to try to find a way out. I didn’t know how to find a way out. I had no one but Jonon and Dr… Wait I am sure they were killed too. I have no pony to go back to but my friends in Equestria. I lifted myself on my hind legs and with my forehooves smashed into the cell bars. " Let me out!!! Let me out!!!" Burnout rushed out of his office I stared at him. " Get me out of here now..." Burnout blinks before looking at a cleverly place lever near my cell. What i didn’t see is the label underneath it, which said only two words. Trap door. Burnout looked back at me, a smile upon his face. “Have fun!” He said as he gave that lever a might pull with his magic. After a long, twisty fall, I ended up landing in a ring that looked like one of those old sports ring. Looking around, I was in the middle of a cage around me prisoners cheered called for blood. I had no idea what was going to happen. . A voice spoke over a PA. " Welcome to the Cage Battles. Since the Queen has been keeping us all here. We shall express our anger in the only way we know how. By causing as much blood and mayhem to others as we can.Welcome the hero of Legend. If anyone has the guts to beat the shit out of her. To try to prove to her fighting the queen is folly. Then let’s do it so we can get back to our normal lives.” “First on the roster she will fight. A magic eater known as Flap Flap." I blinked. Flap Flap? These names are odd. I finally got to see what he looked like. From what I have learned he is the warrior type of magic eater. A stronger type to what I am used to taking down. He looked at me, hissing softly and showing his venom leaking from his mouth. He spoke like he was pointing at me with a loud deep voice. "I am going to beat you Hero. Then we will load up the rocket ship with fuel! Load it with the World! When I beat you. I shall present you to the Queen and win my freedom!" He made a loud grunt noise. I just stood there looking at the stupid speaking bug. He wanted to win his freedom and take me down? I snorted and slide my hoof on the cage floor causing sparks with my hoof. They have now just pissed off the wrong dam mare! " How about you stop talking and fight? I'm sick and tired of being in this jail for no reason. Oh yes! I am a hero. Oh no! The Queen hates me for some reason! How sweet." I say, my voice filled with rage. Flap Flap turns to look at me. He hissed deeply pointing his bug like leg at me. He is about to speak again but i grabbed his leg with my mouth, reared up onto my hind legs, and began smashing him into the ground over and over. I am not going to sit around as this stupid creature boasts like a fool and an idiot. Removing his leg from my mouth, I issued my challenge. " Shut up and fight me!" As many could tell, i’ve had enough of the stupid fools in this jail. And unfortunately for them, but fortunate for me, they are within hoof striking range. The poor bastards. " Let me out of here...let me back to my friends! And i promise I won’t kill all of you!" I yelled out while Flap slowly lifted himself back up. I didn't waste any time, pouncing onto the magic eater and stomping on him with all my hooves. I kept smashing him, causing the blood and guts to fly everywhere. When i stopped stomping him, i noticed that I had guts and blood all over me. " Again if you don't let me out, I will rip part this prison till you let me out!! You hear me?!!" Growling in anger, I clenched my teeth. Stepping around the corpse, I began hearing cheers and boos all around me. I just smashed my hooves in the cage, trying to make myself look stronger than I really am. As many spectators could tell, I have had enough of this. I needed to get home. Trotting around in the cage, I closed my eyes for a moment. Then, opening them, i rushed at the cage door, trying to smash it open. " Let me out!! You hear me?! I don't belong in here." The cage door behind me slowly opened up. After it was fully opened, a large earth pony walked in. I just glare at him. Before the cage door could even close, I rushed at it. However, i smashed into the pony hard enough to make him fly back out. But the door closed before I could get out. I started to boast a bit myself laughing. “How can you keep me here?! I am beating the shit out of everypony you bring my way! Just open the door now and I promise I will make your death..be swift and painless.” The PA ringed again after my words. " Well then since it seems no one can stand up to her, we shall have the all time champion face her in combat! As you all know, we have tried to kill him. But everything we do to him, he just keeps healing. Everyone clap your hooves, claws, whatever together! For SKULL CRUSHER!" I watched the gate slowly open up. As it opened, i caught sight of the largest pair of Minotaur legs i’ve ever seen. Big and filled with pure muscle. I could feel a bit of heat in my cheeks as my eyes travel upwards and studied his 12 pack of a chest. His arms were what caught my attention next. With muscles which were bigger than my entire head. A tattoo of a weird clock laid on his right arm. He placed his hands together bowing in respect. " You honor me hero. I do hope you get out of here.” He smirked walking around the cage studying me. I noticed him checking his arm then back up at me. We circled around each other. Staring each other down. I didn't know if he would be the one to do the first strike. My hooves clicked along the metal ground. He then charged at me quickly I moved out of the way. One of his horns gored one of the poor watchers of the battle. But they didn't seem that badly hurt. He pulled his horns away from the cage and then looked back at me. He then charged at me again using my horn I tripped him with magic. He fell beside me and I tried to smash my hooves into him. But he grabbed them, tossing me into the cage. Groaning, I finally was able to see him charging at me. I quickly got out of the way. When he hit I noticed it caused the door to bend a bit. Then I looked to him pointing with my horn to the door. He looked at it seeing it. He turned to me nodding. Then mouthed. ' Got to make it look good.' He charged at me, grabbing me, then charging into the bent door. We broke through it then he set me down. The guards charged at us with their weapons. Skull Crusher hit them back with no issue. With my magic, I picked up a sword while Skull Crusher didn't need anything. We easily fought through the swarm of guards. I tried to keep some of them alive. Burnout was the one I wanted to kill. On our way On our way through, we freed the other prisoners. They stayed behind us as we fought through knocking out most of the guards but unable to help killing some. We broke through the rest of the prison with many of the prisoners behind us. When we got to the way out, we let them go first. There were hundreds of them. We had to let them go. We kept the guards from harming them or stopping them. I watched on the other side of a door of Burnout watching me. I wanted to kill him. But I had to save these creatures first. Most of them finally got out but a door came down blocking the rest out. Skull looked back at me. " Go. I will rescue the rest." Skull stared at me then nodded he rushed out. I rushed to the gate holding Burnout. Kicking over and over hard enough to break it down. Then with my sword lifted, I stared at him. " Open it... Let them go. Then I won't kill you" Burnout looked to the lever he had just pulled. Then he didn't do what I asked. He had done the exact opposite. He pulled out a sword. " I knew I should have killed you hero." Burnout said. We charged at each other our weapons smashing into each other. I felt the anger I had for Burnout. I wanted to kill him. Our weapons hit over and over. Sparks flew the papers that are in the room start to burn. I just stared at him with so much hate and anger. " You hurt me....you broke me...You broke my will. You should have listened to me. You should have freed me. You should have let me go." Burnout has so much fear in his eyes. Then, as I was about to strike him down, I feel a sharp pain in my back. I yelled loudly and Cricket lifted me up tossing me into wall with a thud. I tried standing up groaning. Cricket walked over me staring at me. He pulled the sword out of my magic. Then tossed it aside. I tried using magic again but he lifted a large stone and smashed it into my horn. Over and Over. I screamed my horn cracked and part of it broke. Then he started using his many hands to punch me over and over. I couldn't see anymore. I started feeling my bones in my leg being broken. Then he stabbed a sword deep into my chest. I screamed in pain, falling to the ground shaking due to hom much pain i was in. "Get her hooked up to the magic. Keep her there, destroy her life with it. Make sure she is addicted to it. Make sure she has a constant limp in one of her legs. No matter, what she will pay for what she did here." He then pulled the sword out of me then lifted me again, smashing me into the wall. The wall shattered as well as my weak body. He then tossed me again, making me bounce off the wall. I could hear Burnout getting the machine ready. Burnout was going to pick me up but Cricket wasn't done yet. " Oh no I ain't done with her yet. I am going to to make sure she goes to the Queen so broken, that no one will ever ever look at her the same way again." He tossed me into the cage door. My body sliding to the ground. Opening my swollen eye. " ...Please let me go..." Cricket laughs picking me up staring in my eyes. " Oh why would I do that? Your lucky the Queen wants you alive. Ah I also found the leg that will be broken forever, little child. Even if the magic heals it, the bone will never heal fully.” He picked the back left leg and twisted it over and over.I let out a blood curdling scream from the pain. I felt the bone crack and heard it crack. The very bone broke the skin of my leg. I felt the muscle and marrow break along with the bone. Then He twisted it more. Dropping me staring down at me. All i could do was sob as blood pooled under me. " I just wanted to leave...I wanted to get home..." Cricket stood over me and I could tell his face soften. He stroked my back and sighed. " Listen hero. I don't like the Queen. I don't like doing this to you either. But Because of you ponies, I am what you see now. I was an unknown project. When I learned I was created by you ponies. I got very angry. But I know I shouldn't have put all the anger on you little hero. Maybe if we meet again. I doubt we will. You could kill me and end the torment of the one that did this to you." Cricket walked out of the cell grabbing his swords along with a strange jacket he had. Looking back to me I didn’t even understand why he did this.. He had a gentle smile sighing closing his many eyes looking to Burnout. " Her time is almost up Burnout. Keep her attached to the magic till then. The Queen wants her hurt as much as she can be. Even though I look at her now, I don't see a hero. I see a lost soul from Equestria wishing to get home. Maybe I will get to see your land child. When I do I will try to protect it from the ones like the Queen. I am hoping to get away from the Queen." He nodded slowly walking out of the Prison getting in some caravan. I was lifted by the other guards as well as Burnout. They placed me gently on the machine. He placed tubes from the magic machine on what was left of my horn. After doing so i felt the magic turned on full blast. Even though I felt my body slowly starting to heal along with a new horn growing. I could still feel the endless throbbing pain in the horn. " It's going to hurt every time you use it hero. So be prepared for that. For the horn to heal, it will take time." I just lay there,barely listening. My wounds slowly heal.The meat, the muscle and the bone slowly recede back into the leg. Then it starts to untwist I groaned, feeling the pain from it. The leg twisted back slowly to normal. But it was harder than most. The bone healed but it wasn't going to heal right. My leg would stay bent in a strange way. But the magic just kept filling me filling me slowly. Burnout then turned it on fully. Making all the magic from the machine go into me slowly. But filled me with it. Gasping deeply feeling my heart beat filling my body with the magic. Knowing that sadly. I would feel so much pain in me. But after awhile Burnout let me out. Setting me back on my hooves. Slowly walking back into the cell my back leg so badly limping it hurt each time. Slowly sitting down. Closing my eyes, I feel that all the hope I had it's fully gone. Burnout came to me easily seeing the fact that my hope is gone. " Hero, you need to stay strong." I just stared at him. I just huffed at him, turned around as painlessly as I could and laid back down, my eyes closed and ears flat. " I am never going to see Equestria again. I am never going to see Blaze again." I closed my eyes to rest and just let the empty world take me away. 0000 I watched the poor hero sleep. It made my heart break at the fact she is broken and losing hope. "Burnout." A group of ponies walked up to me as I looked at them. i didn't know what to say or what to think. But I could see anger and sadness in their eyes. "She has lost hope my friends. We can no longer wait till we get her to the castle. We need to get her through this. But I don't know how to bring her hope back." I sighed I hated the fact that I did this. My own daughter even watched me do this evil. Then I had a thought come to my head. "We can't let her get to the castle. We need to keep skinning her and get more blood from her body. We have to make sure the Queen thinks she is dead. She will learn it too late that she is not." "But Burnout you already said she is broken.. That her very hope is gone. How can we do that to her?" I looked to the body of the broken hero. I could see tears streaming down her face. "You're right I can no longer do anything to her. Just look at her. I would say let's go get the others ready. I got an idea but it will be done next month. So I am just hoping she won't be too broken. Footnote: No level Three new perks. Negative Perks. Broken leg: Your leg has been broken and set wrong. You will always walk around with a limp and never be the same again. It won’t hinder anything you do just it will be harder for you to walk on it. Prison break: Even though you didn’t make it out those you rescued will remember and fight with you at the final battle. Shattered horn: Your horn has been severely damaged. Any magic casting will cause you agonizing amounts of pain. It will heal given time. But do you have time? Chapter Fifteen: Month five: BrokenI didn't eat or sleep for a few days. I just allowed myself to get weak. IN fact they had to force feed me at times. I was just so broken. My soul was shattered. My idea of living was just laying here feeling so weak. As I layed there, I searched my brain for a reason. At this point, any would do. But all I could find was a list of things wrong. Blaze? Dead. A future with lots of kids? Gone. Another chance to love again? Who would want a half dead magic addict like me as a lover? No matter the direction my thoughts went, for the life of me, I just couldn’t find it. A reason. A reason to live. " Take me to the cage. Give me a weapon, anything I could use to clean out your prison. I am going to die. I no longer wish to fight it. I might as well die here." Burnout and the guards stared at me. Pain has filled my soul and no matter how I looked at it, I couldn’t find a reason to go on anymore. It was too much, and I was too much of a coward to commit suicide. After a few minutes of talking among themselves, Burnout, Cowboy and Bee Bop approached my cage. They all looked at me and nodded their heads, simultaneously at that. It was both kinda cool and kinda creepy. Burnout opened my cage and jerked his head towards the door. I merely walked behind him, not a thought of stabbing him crossed my mind...well...maybe a few. Still a nice thought! As we approached the ring, Cowboy walked ahead, presumably to set up the fights. As I entered the games, Burnout passed me a sword. A short sword to be exact. I lifted it up in my magic, a lance of pain flying through my head as I did so. My horn was still broken and my leg wasn’t doing me any favors today. Before I got too far from my door, the opposite side door opened and out came out another pony. An Earth pony stallion to be exact. His appearance doesn’t matter. I’m just gonna kill him pretty shortly. All I did was stare at the creatures on the other side. I would do this the entire time I was here. They had sent out a pony without the PA announcing it. No one cheered as the bell was rung. This fight wasn’t for anyone’s entertainment, it was a fight for suicide. A fight so both sides would die. A fair fight. All of people in the stands could see it. Neither side had hope. And in my case, it would never return. As the stallion charged, I leaned into my good back right hoof, taking weight off my others as I attempt something Blaze has done before. As soon as the stallion was almost on top of me, I kicked upwards with all my strength. The result was that I flew over top of him just as he reached where I had been standing moments before. Surprised at how his target escaped, he lashed out with his hind legs, trying to applebuck me. I blocked it with my sword then sliced off his hind legs with said sword. My blade sliced clean through his legs like a knife through warm butter. I swung the blade back around in my magic and readied another strike as screams of pain escaped the stallion’s mouth. His eyes focused onto my blade as I swung it towards his neck with speed only possible with my magic. As my blade finished it’s pass, I stabbed it into his chest, making sure that he dies quickly. I may want to die, but that doesn’t mean I wish to deny these poor bastards the joy of meeting their God in person. The guards came quickly after the bell rang twice to remove the body and the head. I slowly started to limp back closer to my door so as to welcome my newest punching bag. I had landed upon my bad leg by accident when I jumped. By the time I had reached my corner and turned back to face the opposite corner, a new pony was slowly walking out and the guards (along with the dead body) had vanished. The stallion’s blood remained unfortunately. I couldn’t see what the pony’s race was from this distance nor their gender. All I saw was a yellow blob. I am going to clean out this prison, or die trying. While the Hero within me might have been broken, I shall engrave my name into their skulls for my Blaze! And then sign hers right next to mine. Maybe I might sign Jonon’s name if I have pace left over. A few minutes of waiting later, I finally was able to figure out what this yellow pony was. A male Salamander had been sent in next. This one was pure yellow. We both stood in our corner until the bell sounded once more. Then he charged. What is it with stallions and charging at things? He tried hitting me with a strange spell from his magic. I didn't understand what it was at first. I blocked it with my sword, but I was tossed back by the shockwave that was produced out of nowhere. Flying through the air, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. The stallion punched the earth and a giant wave of earth flew at me. Just before the wave hit me, I remembered what blaze had said about Earth Salamanders. “Never attack from the front. That’s almost suicidal. If you are fighting one and i’m not there to help, remember this: their magic is linked to the earth. But your magic isn’t, you can command the very stars themselves with your magic. Use that to your advantage. Fire and water won’t help you in a fight against an Earth Salamander. Hit them from the sides or with powerful spells made of Air or Stellar magic. With a flick of my horn and a lance of pain, I casted a Sky Jump Spell, launching me into the air and narrowly avoiding the wave of earth. The Salamander looked surprised at me, and no wonder why! I had just casted an Air-class spell to dodge his Earth-Class one. Now I was an equal to his power. Time to end this! I noticed that my sword was still gripped by my magic, and even better, was on the ground underneath me. I casted a slow fall spell as I neared the ground. With sword hovering by me, I charged at the Salamander. He tried to hit me with a few more spells, but with a clever use of a simple breeze speel, those spells always missed. But I wasn’t as fast as I could be due to my leg. Even now, even with all the adrenaline flooding my system, I could still feel a constant pain from my horn and left hind leg. It wasn’t much, but adrenaline is a hell of a painkiller. I finally reached the Salamander Stallion and with a lunge, a scream, and a flame spell surrounding my horn, I pierced his thick scales ad lit his insides on fire. The salamander started screaming until his lungs melted and he fell over.His inside was still cooking slowly when I pulled out my horn. Blood rolled down my face, but I just didn’t care. I had more immediate thing to worry about, like the pain my leg and horn were in. I was suddenly hit with all the pain my adrenaline had kept at bay now that the fight was over. I think I broke some ribs with all the screaming I did. Or maybe it was because of all the coughing I did after the screams went away. After a minute or two of recovering, I glanced back at the Earth Salamander stallion’s body. It has just cooked and was turning to dust from the amount of magic I put through him. The dust slowly drifted away and I sighed, softly closing my eyes. I didn't wish to do this. The bell dinged twice out of nowhere, signaling a end to the fight. I walked back to my corner and turned to face my enemy’s corner once more. The P.A. system crackled before a voice sounded out. “Give it up for Star Shooter! I personally thought that battle would have been too much for her! Consider me impressed Miss Shooter! Only one last battle remains tonight folks! And what a match up it will be! It brings me much joy to introduce Miss Shooter’s last opponent for the night! Here for Tonight only! She comes from parts unknown! She has come today, fighting for the honor and reputation of her sister and Family. Ladies and GentleStallions! People of all ages! It is my great pleasure to introduce to you, the one! The only, CRYSTAL WING!” A pegasus mare flew out from her door and landed in her corner. She was a pure white pegasus with a necklace that I swore i’ve seen before. Can’t seem to remember where though. But I feel that necklace is somehow more important that I think. “So Miss Hero! We meet at last! In the name of the Crystal Family, I do hereby sentence you to death for the murder of my twin! For the honor of my family name, you will face me in a one on one battle to the death! No holding back and if I feel you are hesitating, I will find a village filled with foals and shatter each and every one of their minds, before feeding them to a bucKING DRAGON YOU DAMN MURDERER! NOW FACE ME! SO I MAY SHOW YOU THE SAME DAMN MERCY YOU SHOWED MY OWN DAMN SISTER!” The pegasus, whom I now know is Crystal Wing yelled. She crouched down, wings spread like she was about to try a flying charge. I noticed that her necklace began to glow softly, which put me on a bit more of an edge. After a tense few seconds of staring at each other, the bell dinged loudly. This caused Crystal Wing to charge at me, her screams filled with rage. My body had yet to fully heal after the previous two fights, so I couldn’t attempt some sort of dodge. But I was able to flatten myself to the ground at the last moment and my head had only escaped untouched by mere inches. Whoever this mare was, she was FAST! If I will have any chance of beating her, I have to level the playing field! Think! Think! How do PegasI fight faster Pegasi?! Cripple the wings? No. Too fast for that. Maybe increase air pressure in front of her? No. it would slow her until she moved around it. Weight spell? No. I actually need her to stand still for more than a minute. Damn. Here Crystal comes for another attack! Wait. Uh-oh! Run time! Zig Zag! Zig Zag! Zig Zag! Gotta keep running in a random Zig Zag! I start running in random directions while trying to remember a spell that might help me tip the fight in my favor. ‘Think! Crystal is a pegasus! That means her element affinity points towards the Air-class! Earth-class spells take to long for me to cast, Fire-class spells burn lots of energy, and I never learned Arid Moisture so unless I have a large amount of water already nearby, Water-class spells are impossible! AH! If only Blaze or Jonon were here! Blaze could burn Crystal easily with her Fire Affinity Spells, Jonon would just beat her without magic, and I don’t know how to cast Siphon Spells!’ As I was thinking and running, I never noticed that Crystal had figured out my running patterns and had angled herself to follow my next zigzag. With her target finally in her sights, Crystal flew full force into Star. After a few rolls, Crystal and Star got their hooves underneath thema stood up. Less than ten paces were between the two mares. Crystal, filled with anger and rage, glared at Star Shooter who merely panted as she watched the pegasus. “You killed my sister and ruined my family’s reputation. I WILL have your head either mounted upon my wall or to give to the Queen! I will not let some punk Hero ruin many generations of hard work! Any last words before I separate you head from your body?” Crystal asked with a maniacal grin. “A few,” Star says with a tilt of her head, “Who the fuck was your sister?” The grin on Crystal’s face dropped like a rock. “Crystal Ball!” A blank look on Star’s face was her reply. “A unicorn that looks kinda like me but with a horn?” Star gave her another blank look. Crystal’s rage had been replaced with curiosity for the moment,“Tall? Sexy but kinda skinny? Always tries to have a plan? Loves making new spells?” Star just shook her head. “Huh...how else to explain her? Umm.....Ah! She likes messing with ponies heads! And enjoys using someone’s love against them!” That got Star’s attention. “You mean the mare who wore a scale of my Blaze?! And haunts me with her death?! I wish to find her so I may rip her FUCKING HEAD OFF!! SHE KILLED MY BLAZE! My lover and mate! WHERE IS SHE?!!!!” Star yelled at Crystal. Crystal actually took a few steps back from Star in surprize. Crystal’s patience had finally broke with this statement. Instead of logic and reason, her head filled with rage. As far as she cared, Star was responsible for Crystal Ball’s death. She spread her wings once more and her necklace, which until this moment had been glowing softly, suddenly lit up like a sun. With a burst of speed, a shout of anger and a flash of magic, Crystal landed a single full force blow upon Star Shooter’s head. But instead of being flown back from the force of the punch, Star remained standing, without a single strand of hair out of place. Neither her nor Crystal moved, but a battle raged unseen to the naked eye. No long were they fighting in the physical world, they fought a battle inside their own heads. A battle between the minds and wills. As I opened my eyes, all I see around me is a land of endless black with a light layer of mist hugging the ground. I don’t recognize anything here. ‘But how did I get here? The last thing I remember seeing was Crystal charge at me with that glowing necklace. Is it some sort of teleport gem? But there are no walls, so...not a prison? But where am I then?’ I take a few steps before I realize a very important fact: i’m not feeling any pain from either my horn nor my leg. Did that necklace heal me? How? ‘Eh. Fuck it. Not really in the mood to care at the moment. Might as well just start walking. Might actually get somewhere. Eenie meenie miney moe, fuck it, let’s go!’ I just start walking in a random direction while chuckling to myself at my accidental rhyme. After who knows how long, I finally found something else other than the endless black! A nice patch of gray! I know it doesn’t seem like much, but it feels like i’ve been looking at only black for HOURS now! A bit of gray is more than welcome! As i’m walking closer, more details become available to me. That patch of gray? It ain’t a patch, it’s a full blown cave! But not just your run-of-the-mill-empty-cave, but it’s a Salamander cave! You can tell by the fact it’s got a door, a few rocks scratched up, and all the scales they surround it with. As I get within spitting distance, (which is suicidal by the way. Spitting on a Salamander’s cave. They see that similar to a mare telling her overprotective dad that she’s pregnant and the father decided to run and hide. Put simply? Very, very,very, bad idea), I can’t help but notice that the scales of this house are bright red. Could this mean....is my Blaze...Alive? The sound of a door opening catches my attention. My head whips around, my heart filled with hope. A bright red Nelle, or a female/mare Salamander, walks out. Her head turns towards me when my breath hitches in my throat. For what feels like forever, we both just stare at each other, not a sound is heard. The silence is then filled by the sound of my heart. Thump... Thump... Thump... ... ...Thump ...Thump I can’t help but to start bouncing towards her, even after I quite literally heard my heart skip a beat or two. It doesn’t matter though. I found her! It’s her! Alive! Somehow. Who cares? BLAZE IS ALIVE!!! ‘Time itself can go to tartarus as long as I have my Blaze beside me! The Demons from Hell will bow to me as long as I have my Blaze! I’ll take on the whole damn wasteland for my Lover, my Blaze! Death will not touch her, the Queen shall not have her, that damn pony Burnout will feel fear before I allow him to look upon the beauty that is my Blaze! Huh...maybe next time I see him, i’ll let Blaze beat him up first.’ By the end of my thoughts, I had finally gotten close enough to throw myself onto my Blaze. And thus began thee longest makeout session i’ve ever had, with a surprised Blaze as a bonus! The two of us broke the kiss but something was off about her. There was no passion in her kiss, no caress in her motions, no fire in her belly. I took a closer look at my Blaze and that is when I noticed something off about my lover. I thought of old words Tiria told me when I was younger. She told me if anything seems out of line always say these words to the one out of line, and then maybe it will work. “Why Blaze.. What big eyes you have.” Blaze blinked. Her eyes were filled with confusion. What made me more suspicious is that she didn’t even answer back. I just stared into her eyes, those pony-like eyes. They were way too big to be proper Salamander eyes. It made me question many things even during the kiss it felt off. “Why Blaze what flat teeth you have.” Blaze finally smiled showing those flat teeth. “The better to chew my food.” The creature tried to say with a fake smile. Chew her food? Salamanders like to rip and swallow their food. That's why their teeth were sharp. Ponies like to chew their food...well more like have to chew their food. Hay doesn’t go down very easily without being chewed. “Why Blaze, what dark scales you have!” Blaze’s fake smile never left her face. “It’s a new look of mine. To better complement your natural dark colors.” Now i’m certain that something is wrong! Blaze couldn’t give a second thought about how she looks most days. She’s more of the ‘Rip and tear my enemies followed by kissing my strong willed mate’ type of Salamander. This is not my Blaze! Blaze may be many things, but this pony-like? Impossible! This Blaze is a fake! I push her away and glare at her, my eyes filled with anger. This isn't Blaze and I can tell that is isn’t a changeling. Changelings would have tried to feed upon my love for Blaze. This is worse than a Changeling, this is an Imposter! ‘Someone wears her face!’ Anger had filled my heart once more, along with sorrow. If this was an imposter, that means Blaze was still dead. ‘And if Blaze is dead, then who was I making out with? ....Wait! Ahh! I was making out with another mare!’ Pure RAGE filled me once more. ‘ I will Rip whomever this mare is apart! I shall Tear this mare’s face off! I don’t care who she is! She broke my first rule! Don't mess with those I care about! Especially those I love! Definitely not Blaze!’ Before I could strike the Imposter, she changed before my eyes. Scales became fur. Spines retracted to form mane and tail. Paws reformed into proper hooves. The Fur that was scales changed color from a dark red to a bright white. Wings popped out of her sides, fully grown without a feather out of place. A necklace formed slowly around her neck, it’s pendant glowing softly. The sudden change from Salamander to Pegasus pony made me pause. I felt a pressure land upon my head, which I instinctively flinched from an rubbed my head with my hoof. But no matter how much I scratched and rubbed, the headache just got worse. I focused once more upon the Pegasus mare when she began to walk closer. Her voice was smooth as silk, but kinda echoed. “You are a threat to the safety of this island. And it will be a privilege to end you.” The pressure upon my head increased. The pony opposite of me narrowed her eyes, a look of concentration rested on her face. “Your mental defences are strong. I’ll admit, I didn’t expect this much of a challenge from you! How ‘bout you do us both a favor and open your mind? I promise that you shall only feel the pain for a few minutes before I destroy you from the inside out.” This surprised me. This pegasus mare was assaulting my very brain! But she was doing it from a distance. ‘Is she a telepath? Didn’t Tiria once tell me how to fight one? Right! Remember the past to scare them away!’ Just as I finished my thought, the pressure on my head grew too much for me to deal with, and like a bullet through a glass window, I felt something break. The last thing I remembered was a burning building. A memory...did this pony that was in my mind...wish to see it? I swear that while I was running with my family from the burning buildings, I saw a new pony. One that I know I never saw before. She was standing in the middle of the battlefield, bullets flying around her but never hitting her. While the Enclave attacked, I could hear screaming, crying, and death. The memory was of that battle in the P.O.W. camp. The new white pony was always in the corner of my eye though, always watching what I saw. I instinctively knew that this new pony would watch this memory side by side with me. As the battle was coming to a close, Mom, Dad and I were running by some building that had been damaged by all the explosions from both sides. What I didn’t notice until I had already stepped on it was a piece of loose rubble. As the full force of my weight came down upon it, it gave way and I ended up head over hooves down the slope. A slope which had been blocked from sight by the collapsed wall. What I didn’t see was a pile of rubble right next to an open door which, as with my luck, I was heading right towards. I hit the door and with the transfer of kinetic energy, fell into the basement from which the door led to. The door, which received lots of new kinetic energy hit the rubble beside it, destabilizing a perfectly balanced load, before bouncing back and closing itself. The load that the rubble use to hold had been destabilized and fell upon the door, locking me inside. While not pitch black, as soon as I looked up, I soon wished it were. All around me were ponies. Dead ponies and dying ponies alike. And no matter how much I screamed, how much I pushed, how much I begged, I could not either call for help nor escape on my own. I was stuck down here without any food or water. And from what I could see, no other pony had any either. Crystal Wings back peddled quickly from me. I could tell she had a look of horror on her face. A look that I knew all too well. Something tells me that she looked into one of my memories and saw something she never wanted to see. “Y..y...how? Why were those ponies attacking you?” Her voice sounded shaky and scared Closing my eyes I finally understood what memory she saw. A memory that truely haunts me, opening my eyes again. I finally was able to say it. “The Grand Pegasus Enclave, what you saw was ten years ago. You must understand I never wished to come to this island. I was forced here and I had no desire to become the hero. But all the zebras around me and everypony else made me their hero.” “But what happened to my sister?!” Crystal Wing demands. “I Don’t know. I only remember her in my head.” I reply. “May I look to see if my sister left something in your head that might give me a clue?” “I just give her a nod and close my eyes, letting my thoughts drift like the water flows. I feel a gentle pressure upon my head, no where near a bad as last time. After a few moments, voices begin talking out of nowhere. My eyes shoot open, trying to pin down where they are coming from. " Hmm...poor little hero. She thought she could escape from me." Crystal Wing perks up upon hearing this voice. “Sister” she whispers. " Are you almost done Crystal Ball? you have been at this for almost a month already." Crystal sighs. "It's not so easy to break her. But now I am done. Her mind is broken for the moment. She will not wake for awhile. Now that my job is done where is my money?" Crystal Wing just nods her head. “That’s definitely my sister. I would recognize her tone anywhere. " I got your payment right here." Something fell to the ground with a blood splat. " Clean this up. Lock the hero up and then get her ready for the next few months for her death." Crystal just looks at me with sadness and anger in her eyes. “That was a memory. But one from when you were unconscious. Your body kept listening even as your brain slept. I fear this means that she truly is dead. But now I know that you are not responsible. You are no larger the target of the Crystal family. This I do swear upon my honor. Now we must return to reality, I have a new target to hunt.” I look in her eyes and decided right then and there that I misjudged her horribly. “Cricket.” I tell her. Crystal just tilts her head at me, not understanding. “That voice at the end. It belongs to a Large Bug named Cricket.” Crystal looks to me in surprise before she smiles and vanishes. The black walls and the nearby cave around me start vibrating before they slowly begin vanishing. The next thing I know, i’m laying on the hard cement floor of the cage stadium. I raise my forelegs to rub my eyes, but I stop. On my left forehoof, hanging on my pipbuck, is a small note. You gave me direction in my hunt for my sister’s killer. I can not tell you how much time, money and trouble you save me. I owe you one Miss Star Shooter. Don’t worry to much about trying to find me. I’ll keep an ear to the ground. I’ll know when i’m needed. MAybe next time we meet, i’ll have Cricket’s head hanging on my wall. Ha. Maybe. I’ll see you around kid. And...thanks. You truly have no idea the weight you lifted off my shoulders. - Crystal Wing. The radio on my pipbuck switch on, somehow by itself. "This is the Warden. In news there is a giant alliance forming in CliffSide. In the name of the hero. Some say she has been seen in some prison. But that pony was killed soon after. I fear the hero is gone from the world for good. Maybe someday we will learn what has happened to her. All I can say is that a red female Salamander is the one leading this Alliance in Cliffside. She said she is doing it in the name of the one that showed her love." Hearing that didn't even fill my hope. I know her well knowing that she is alive now. That it would be very hard for her to move on. Maybe I will see her again when I die. I heard the cage door open again. I lifted my sword off the very floor of the cage. I finally saw the large stallion that walked into the cage arena with me. I thought I was done with this farce of a game. Now… must I kill again? “Hello little hero. I know you don’t know me at all but I just wish you to understand no hard feelings alright?” I didn’t know what he meant by that but the large stallion charged right at me. I wasn’t able to move out of the way quick enough and he rammed me right into the back of cage. I felt my back losing fur, again, and felt my body getting weaker as he forced into me there. He then backed up getting back to the middle waiting for me to stand. Slowly I stood, still holding the sword in my magic. A painful twinge hitting me for just a second. I ran at him with a trot in my step. With one swing of the blade, I was able to land a paper like cut on him. Of course he forced his body on me and forced me on the ground. He lifted his back hoof, trying to stomp on me. But I moved just in time, stabbing my sword into his heart. His lifeless body fell on me with all it’s lovely weight. It took such a toll on me I felt my body give out and just lay there panting from the battle. The cage opened up after the battle was over. I thought to myself. ‘Oh come on no more please!!.’ Thankfully they didn’t even try to attack me. All they did is remove the body off me. Then Burnout himself lifted me up on his back and took me back to my cell. He set me down gently, allowing me to limp in the back of the cage. I sat on my haunches, looking up at the stallion. I still had a hate for him but I couldn’t let it get the better of me. " Get ready to leave. We will be leaving tomorrow.. Or we will miss our window of opportunity and we are going to die." I started to sob my tears falling to the cage floor below. I can’t go on any longer I wanted to get back to Blaze she is alive I know this now. But I was to weak to fight Burnout. Burnout looked at me, watching as I tried to get away from him. He slowly walked over to me, leaning down so he was closer to my ears. " Hero you need to show others that you are strong." I just laid there, not able to move anymore. I didn't speak, just lay there as other prisoners watched me. " You need to give others hope." "You want to give me hope?" Groaning softly looking up at him. " Let me go..." Burnout shook his head as he tried to lift me up again. Burnout just shook his head before lifting me up in his magic, while also spinning me to face him. He stared deep into my eyes before I heard him speak. " Hero you need to stop. You need to stop feeling sorry for yourself. Yes, you have been through hell and back. Several times I might add. You have been through so much to the point it killed you. You need to be strong little hero. Prove to these Prisoners that you're the hero of legend. In the legend, she falls down so hard that she uses that pain to give others hope. Give them hope hero. Please...give them hope." He set me down, looking at the others. 00000 The Warden Deep in the castle. In the core tower a male dragon known as the Warden who was hooked to every computer that had cameras. He watched the hero on his camare’s making sure that every speaker in the prison including her pipbuck was going to say. What he said gave the hero pause for a moment. " A pony that was given hope from the hero. Before the hero passed away. I am sorry children she has passed. But this pony gave me a recording. It has her voice. Please listen closely children." The hero looked at the cam with great anger. But she then spoke. Making it loud enough for all to hear. The hero spoke loudly. " To all those that will hear this. I'm known as Star Shooter. Who ever will hear this I am dead I guess. But before I fully go on. Blaze.... I love you so much. I love you...You showed me what true love is. When we meet again. I will make sure my heart is open for you again. But yes. To all that hear me. We have to have hope." A group surrounded a radio in Cliffside. The Warden could see this. As the hero spoke, Blaze was sobbing and Jonon & Dr. Slice were trying to help her through it. "For all of us who don't have hope, we will fall. Tiria always told me when I was younger, hope is like the Sun. When you love it, it glows. I feel that the only way to give hope is to be there for every pony. Remember the Queen can't keep you all down forever. You need to be ready a year from now... At least a year for you all. You need to be given hope." The Warden looks at another camera, seeing the Salamander kingdom. The king looked down. He spoke. " My daughter is broken..oh hero.. I wish you didn't die.." The Warden could hear. " Sing my friends, sing! Bring hope to your heart." The warden looked to see Burnout mouth 'Sing." The hero closed her eyes and calmly started to sing. " Bring hope to your heart. Gain your heart that most would never know. I have fallen but most would never know. But I am surrounded." The hero looked to Burnout and nodded to him. The sounds of a scuffle and a battle. It was all to make it sound good. Then the sword was lifted and after a single moment held at the apex of it’s rise, with a glint off the blade, the sword fell and the hero was stabbed. Her screams of pain filled the radio, broadcasting on the open air.. " There you have it folks. The hero died, giving hope to everyone to this island. I'm sorry. Be ready to take down the Queen for what she did to our hero. It's time to end her! Get ready for the battle in a year. It's time to take back our home from her. Now time for some music." The Warden turned on the music. Watching the cam that is in Cliffside. Watching as Dr Slice had to hold down Blaze. He turns on the mic so he can hear. " Blaze, don't go rushing in to battle. I know your upset." Blaze growled trying to break free. " Upset... Upset?! My love is dead.. I want revenge." Jonon sighed. Quickly heading into the cavern and then soon after she returned. " Blaze...she is alive..." The Red Salamander looked up to Jonon. " The crystal is still glowing. But I am think I know why the Warden faked a recording. It is because he wants us ready for battle." Blaze looked up to Jonon. Dr,.Slice lifted one of his eyes from the eye stalks to look at the zebra. If he could show his emotions of what he was thinking. Of course Blaze’s emotions were of pain and despair. " It's easy to tell from what I have been told that a lot of the core computers that the Warden is hooked up to are old. And if because of this, recording things is not easy for him." The Warden sighs while the music goes on. 0000 Opening my eyes, I noticed that I was in the magic machine again. Burnout was staring into my eyes. He’s lucky i’m strapped down. Otherwise I might slap him for staring too long. " Was that extremely necessary to stab me?" I asked. Burnout sighed and nodded. " We are about to leave little hero. Rest. The caravan will take almost a month just to get to the castle." I watched Burnout walk away from me. I sighed softly, closing my eyes and letting the magic heal me. I feel my magic core being mutated more and more as time goes by. And with said passage of time, I slowly fall asleep. Footnote: Still no level New perk added: Crazy Friends, Crazier Families. You proved to Crystal Wing your innocence. No larger are you a murderer in the eyes of the Crystal family Crystal wing shall join you in the Final battle. Negative perk add Queen has won: The Queen has won in her mind. You were killed well maybe killed on live radio now even though the gems still show you alive. It will make the island think while you sneak back to your friends and get ready for the battle ahead. But this is also a bad thing for those trying to save you might get attacked on sight. Chapter Sixteen: Month six: CaravanAs I opened my eyes, the first thing I noticed were the metal bars surrounding me. ‘Damn. Still in the cell.’ A sudden sound to my left made me jump. I quickly son my head and ears towards where the sound originated. I saw guards escorting prisoners from their cells to a giant Caravan waiting outside. Looking around, I soon located the dusty form of Burnout. He was sitting in a makeshift office. The office itself wasn’t more than a few wooden walls, a small desk, a candle, and a chair. All sitting upon a giant board of OSB. A few well placed ‘windows’, which were nothing more than a large triangle shaped hole in the wood, allowed easy view both into and out of the ‘room’. I sat there watching Burnout for a bit, just waiting to see what’s going to happen next. After a bit, Burnout’s head rose and he began to look around. ‘What has it been? Twenty minutes? Thirty? It takes him this long to notice he’s being watched?’ I thought to myself, ‘It’s a wonder he hasn’t been sniped yet. If this was the Wasteland, he’d be dead several times over!’ When burnout finally looked over towards me, I couldn’t help myself. I rose a forehoof and just waved at him, before pointing at my other forehoof as if I was asking about the time. Burnout facehooved before gathering a set of papers and folders. He then just drew an ‘E’ in the air before pointing behind me. Glancing in that direction, I saw the sun just cresting over the trees. ‘Either that’s east, which means the sun is still rising, or he’s saying that i’m up early and it’s almost night time,’ I guessed, ‘It makes more sense for it to be the former rather than the latter though.’ I looked away from Burnout and back to the prisoners. Some have decide to try breaking free. Their attempts never lasted more than a few seconds before they were tamed once more. I didn't see the three warriors that stayed here to break me, which I took as a win in my book. Slowly, I stood up, but once I tried to take a deep breath, I discovered something disturbing. I haven't had a bath or a shower for several months now! I had blood all over my beautiful, formerly silky smooth, black fur body. Oh, and a bunch of pink patches of skin were showing through my coat. A closer look revealed that those pink patches were caused by scars. Seeing that many little pink spots in areas that don't have any fur was a little disturbing. Well at the moment anyway. I'm sure the fur will grow back. I noticed I was the last one they would take. I just sat there, watching them remove most of the weapons from the building. Burnout exited his office before he looked at a bunch of guards hanging out by the prison and yelled out to them. " Remember to take everything! We will be burning down the outpost. We can't allow the Queen to know how kind we have been to these prisoners. We need to really have her think the hero is dead. Place all the extra papers that have nothing on them around the area to torch down the building. We can't allow her to think the hero is alive." Lifting my head, I stared at Burnout who turned to look at me. " Listen, hero, I am very sorry for what happen to you. I had no choice. We are ready to die to save you from the Queen." I just looked at him, I didn't even speak. Since...well, I didn't care to talk. But I would listen. I owed him that much at least. Laying myself back down, I closed my eyes and slowly started to get some rest. But then, a commotion forced open my eyes as I jumped back up, watching the ponies rush around. Many of them said it would take hours to just get everything ready. Watching each pony run back and forth getting prisoners. They even had parts of the cage with them. What interested me more was the fact that many of the ponies had their families here. I saw young foals stare at me as they passed. But their parents moved them along so they wouldn't stare at me too long. Another pony rushed back to the Caravan with many weapons in his magical grasp. Dropping them using his magic to pull a giant whetstone. He quickly sharpens the dull weapons. Sparks flew from this as I watched them. I have never noticed until now how these ponies had no modern guns. But I did see a few old guns. Near the pony that had the whetstone, Another guard took apart old guns to repair them as well as clean them. It was an odd show to watch while they did all this. To my surprise though they brought out the machine they strapped me to all these months is taken apart and placed in crates. Crate easy enough to get to if they need to well use it on me again. I am really hoping they don’t have to use it on me again. My magic core is already screaming for magic as it is. I remembered the magic sight I was given. Using my horn to connectrate. My eyes changed color to see the magic in the air. I could see the crates are full of this magic. I need it...I need it!! The pony stared at me shaking their head walking away with the box of magic. I sighed. I needed it so badly. I wanted to try to break through the cage. But sadly I don't think that would have been a good idea. I sat down on my haunches watching them take everything but the sink.. wait did they just take a sink? Watching water spray everywhere but I wasn't the one that was even next. This outpost is so big. They needed to gather more of what they had here. I watched two stallions bring out some beds, placing them around in areas to burn them. I watched them place old documents to get ready to burn the place down. I couldn't believe that they wished to destroy everything. Burnout came back in looking at me and leaned down to speak " We almost got our part of the caravan ready. So everything will be ready for you and all of the others." I stared at him with no emotions in my eyes. Burnout sighed, going back to watch the rest of the ponies remove so much from this building. Looking back at me. I could tell he wanted to tell me something. But he looked up to the Cam that the warden would look through. " I can't tell you a little hero. I wish I could but all will come clear when we can finally speak to each other.” I nodded curling into a ball was they did all this around me. Looking at them even taking some of the walls. They were attaching the metal and doors to the Caravan but they rushed so much that some of the spots are badly connected. But they had welding torches. It's gotten to the point when I watched them that I felt the Caravan was going to fall apart just from how it looked. I saw the wheels attached to the metal as well. I was kept in my cage. I noticed them starting to pry the walls of to keep me in place. The cage I was in was moveable but it would take them a while to get to what is holding it in place. I watched as one of the ponies removed tubes from the radio to try to use them as a connection to the caravan. I didn’t understand why they took apart so many things. But I lay my head down to longer watch but to hear what is going on. I didn't wish to pace. I was in too much pain from being still for too long. Moving slowly. I felt cracks happen in my bones. I groaned I had a strange feeling that, I will never be fully healed. I heard parts of the building fall to the ground. Seeing the very dust come along with the ride. But most of the building stayed up. I started to notice more about it. It's attached to old ruins the ruins of the race that helped create this island. I find that hard to understand why they wanted to burn it down. Then I pulled one of the documents to me. Opening them up, staring at them. These documents are of ponies and me. They wished to make me stronger by getting me closer to death. Most of the ponies here wanted to see me escape. But they couldn't do any of this. The three warriors kept showing up. But the only two that showed respect to this idea, was Mix and Cricket. Mix, from what I remember wanted to die. Reading more of the documents I saw that they were in contact with the resistance, who wanted to know if I was alive. But they kept saying ‘We don't know. We never found the hero.’ It seemed that they were trying to keep me being here a secret. But the next documents are the Queen coming to see who is in this prison in the next four days. Looking around, I noticed that they are rushing. " Learning why we have to leave so fast then little hero?" I looked up, seeing Burnout. " We can't allow the Queen to find out you are here. She will kill you try to make an example of you. But yes we still are going to be heading to the castle to hide you in the lower parts of the city." Tilting my head for a moment. "Lower part of the city? What kind of city is this castle?" I simply asked. " Well, it's like a giant city in the lower parts that are hidden from the sun are the slums. Every pony goes there to hide. Then try to sneak out through the ruins. But you shall be in there soon." I nodded, calmly watching him rush off and pulling out a terminal. They started building a large metal prison that seemed to be for me. But they don't seem to be ready for me yet. I watched them placed bodies of those long dead from a basement, smearing blood all over the walls as well as the floor. Then they threw the bodies everywhere. It's like they wanted to make sure a riot happen. I wanted to lose what I ate. But I couldn't since I didn't eat much. They sprawled brains guts as well as bones. Then they placed papers along with them too. Burnout ripped apart all the documents. They started dumping what is left of their fuel. I heard the inner workings of an old fuel engine. I have heard of things like this in Equestria but it seems they learned how to make fuel cars here. But they maybe had to since the magic type things in Equestria. But I am not a smart pony when it came to the machines we have in Equestria. I could smell the fumes from the caravan it didn't smell very good either. Finally, they started to get me out of the hole I was in. Lifting up my cage placing it into the back. Attaching it to the caravan they even gave me a toilet soI could well go to the bathroom. Unlike how they did have it. Just have a little grate. So shitting through a grate and peeing through it as well. Slowly they attached walls to the cage that kept me in here. Burnout then walked into the same part of the Caravan I was in. he sat in a chair looking calmly at me with a smile. " Well, we are now ready to go." He then yelled. " Set them off." Looking outside, I saw many explosions. The entire outpost started to burn to fall apart. Watching the home I had for six months burn to the ground. I smiled softly watching it just burn. I wanted to do this myself but at least they got all the prisoners out first. But then I heard screaming. I stared at Burnout he smiled softly but then frowns." Some of the families stayed behind to show that some of the guards and their loved ones lost their lives during the riot. Also, we had a body with your skin and fur so we could make sure she thinks your dead. Also, don't worry the Queen is so full of herself. She won't start the first attack. She will end it." I gave a nod but we haven't started moving yet. Looking outside seeing them filling the caravan more with fuel. A guard rushing to speak to Burnout. "We have enough fuel to get to the castle. But since we are like ten miles from Cliffside we need to bypass it at the turn to get to the castle through the Minotaur and Griffin lands." Burnout nodded. The guard rushed up. I heard all kinds of doors opening and closing. It was close and the smell of smoke was harsh. As I saw dark smoke come from the smoke stakes of the Caravan but they were testing. Before we fully left they started feeling us. I was given fresh water drinking from it. Then they put down fresh food. The guard delivering it spoke softly. " We won't have anything else to eat for the next few days. Stay silent when we get to the Griffin lands. They will be waiting to attack us." I gave the guard a nod looking to Burnout. He gave a smile. But the Caravan didn't start moving for a while. They waited for night to fall before we started moving from what I was told. The smoke floated through the air. I could hear the sounds of explosions within the machine. But it was way before the night was going to fall. I watched them while they attached some, of the weapons to the walls of the outside and the inside as well. I felt I was being escorted by a heavily guarded building. I heard the core of this machine come to live and roar. It roared so loudly that it made the entire caravan shake and it was getting ready to move. But they seemed to be waiting for something. I heard hooves trotting towards the back. " Okay Burnout, everything is ready. We need to get going before the Queens sees the smoke and thinking that something is wrong and send her warriors to check it out." Burnout nodded, looking towards me with a gentle smile before he looked back to the pony. " We move out now! We need to get to the Griffin-Minotaur lands before morning." The pony nods, rushing back to the front. I felt the floor under me shift. We started to move along to the road. The wheels slowly rolling along the road. 0000 We just started our trip through the land to get to the Minotaur-Griffin lands. Looking outside seeing many ponies walk by us to get to Cliffside. I haven't ever seen so many traders or weapons being taken there. I wish I could say something but I am too broken to say anything. The ponies that past us stared at the machine the prisoners were in. They didn't even stop us. But they could tell it was full of the queen's enemies. I looked over to Burnout who watched me intently. He spoke. " I wish you would forgive me for what I did to your child." Turning my head to stare at him. " Why should I forgive you? I have a bad leg I have many little scars on my body. If Blaze ever sees me again, she will just sob, staring at every scar I have on my body. If you want me to forgive you, let me off right here." I stared at him with so much hate. His ears pinned back on the top of his head showing his fear. " I wish I could tell you the true hero." My anger grew my horn glowed brightly then I groaned feeling the pain from using my horn. Lay down closing my eyes calmly resting my head down. Then I heard overheard a conversation between one of the guards and what I assume was a trader. " Hey, you got any fuel on you?" I heard the cocking of a gun.." Whoa whoa, we just want to trade for fuel." " You killed the hero... You murders." Burnout rushed to the window outside. " Listen we just need fuel." The trader turned to look at Burnout the anger on their face was very easy to see. " You killed Star Shooter! An eighteen-year-old mare who got stuck in a land foreign to her! A mare who, despite it not being her home, began helping others regardless of the damage inflicted upon herself! We learned so much of this from her lover. Now her lover is out searching for the ones that killed her. So no you will get no fuel from us." Burnout turned to look at me. Tears formed in his eye. He rushed to me. " Oh, goddess hero. Why didn't you tell us your age? The age of eighteen here in this land is precious and meant to be protected." I snorted looking towards him. " Tell that to your Queen. She seems to have large hate for me for no reason. If I escape here. I am going to kill you." I stared at him with so much anger standing up staring at him. " So be prepared for that. I will find a way out of here. Then you will be the first one I kill." The burnt colored unicorn stared back at me, his eyes filled with nothing but fear. It seems he never been treated this way. I paced around the cell feeling so angry. Then I sat on the toilet but you can't really keep an angry look as you empty your bladder. It seemed they gave me the ability to flush. So when I did some traders near us yelled. " OH GODDESS the smell." One yelled Another yelled. " OH damn, they got living prisoners in there!" Guns started firing on us and the drivers turned up the speed, getting off the road. To get away from the traders. After a while, we went back onto the road and Burnout sighed. I noticed we stopped at another outpost that was being ripped apart and burnt down. But we got more fuel. I looked to Burnout then back to the outpost. " Are you trying to show that the rebellion is winning?" The burnt color stallion looks to me then back to the burning building. " No, I am sure no one has told you this hero. Majesty is losing her rule. She doesn't even know that half the island is running to kill her. This has been happening way before you showed up. You merely caused it to go into overdrive." He looked outside then back to me. " I wish we could have met at a better time hero." He walked to the cage opening the door. He backed up while I slowly walked out, my anger wanting to take over and just murder this stallion. But I reigned it in and just sat on my haunches. Burnout slowly shut the cage back up behind me. With his magic, he grabbed some water and proceeded to dump it on my mane. I instinctively shook the water out of my face. " We don't have enough water to give you a bath hero.” Burnout said with a sigh, “We will be in Minotaur lands tonight. Then on our way to the castle. But we have one more outpost. To get more fuel, some water and food for you. So be prepared to eat and eat all your given for it's the only time around this time you will get to eat." I sighed myself, thinking about my parents a moment then he spoke again. " Tell me about yourself hero. All I did was get to know your pain. But not the one that stayed strong proving to all those in the prison that we didn't have a right to do what we did to you." I didn't know what to think when he asked this. Thinking awhile my eyes shifting a moment then looked outside. " I am from Equestria. My family used to be raiders. But they wished to break off from that after my mother found out she was going to have me. We ended up in a former Prisoner of War camp. The one who ran it was named Wheel Tread. I was born in that camp, spending most of my early childhood surrounded by wood and steel. It’s ironic though. Back when I was eight, we got attacked by a pegasus supremacy faction known as the Enclave. I would have died in that battle, but a creature known as a Vulf'van arrived and fought the Enclave to a standstill, before she took them out. She saved me. A helpless little filly saved by a Vulf'van. Before she died from giving birth. She helped me learn about almost everything I know, including battle and kindness. She is the reason I stayed here. Instead of heading to the castle for the first time to ask to go home.” Burnout blinked looking at me tears formed in his eyes and then looked down. He felt awful for what he did I could hear him softly crying after what he did to me " I am sorry little hero. I thought you were just another pretender out there. So many pretenders that say they wish to protect the island. But you? You have the right to do so it seems." I gave a nod looking towards the way out. " We are so far away from Cliffside. I want to get home. But it seems I am going to have to wait." I said with a weak smile.I slowly lay down looking up to burnout. " Tell me about yourself, one that tried to murder me." Burnout blinks staring down at me and chuckled. " I'm Burnout. I was born and raised on this island. I'm sure you understand being born here is not the best thing. The Queen has to well...test you each time there is a newborn. Since I had no legend behind my name. But I met many who did have family part of a legend. So they were killed. But as you can tell. If you're from Equestria, the Queen doesn't worry about you being a threat." Blinking for a moment, I nodded but then we stopped again. Looking outside seeing the last outpost we are at. They brought more prisoners. Looking towards Burnout and then back outside I saw this outpost being ripped apart with them adding more to the caravan. " Aren't you guys worried that making the Caravan to big will make folks think that you have something very important in here?" Burnout looked to me giving me a gentle smile. Then I finally figured out why they were doing this. " You want to be attacked," I said softly. " No, we don't. But some will want to attack. So if we do get attacked, run away as fast as you can. Also please aim to get back to Cliffside if we do get attacked. We need you to live child." I nodded, smelling the fuel going inside the caravan. " How in the world did you find this fuel to move this giant thing." Burnout just shrugged. " I don't know I am not even part of the research. I just break ponies. Others smarter than me will do more than me." He then opens a door. " I am going to let you speak to the others in here. Come back here when you're done, please. If we do get attacked I wish to be with you." I gave a nod calmly walked through the caravan. 000000 In a larger part of the caravan, there are seats that many of the prisoners sat in. The guards looked at me but they didn't seem to bother me. I sat down by a mare. Who seemed to stare at me,then her eyes go wide seeing my cutie mark then looking at me again. "You're alive.." I stared at the mare who I don't even though before she jumps up and start yelling. " The hero is alive!!" All the Prisoners looked at me staring at me. Looking around I started to blush a bit. " Uh yes, I am alive." They all rushed to me showing so much hope in their eyes. I have never seen so many ponies. Some Salamanders even. I started to back up into the corner. I had fear in my eyes, but Burnout who had been watching got in front of me to protect me from my fans so to speak. "Listen. Yes, she is alive. But after being stuck in a cell for six months. She is not herself. So if we get attacked to make sure she gets out. " The others looked at each other nodding. " We need to get her back to Blaze." The mare calmly said. " She is ready to kill the Queen herself. So when you get back Star Shooter. I think it's wise to put Blaze to bed and please her for hours." My cheeks turned bright red. I was being told to have sex with the one I love. So maybe it's a good idea for us to have sex when I get back? I sighed softly closing my eyes "Listen I have been trying to escape from these folks for a long time now. They broke me. They hurt me. They even skinned me alive. But they did so much to me to break me. They even broke my back leg to the point where I doubt anything will heal it." Lifting up the leg and sighed. Closing my eyes at the pain. The mare gasped, stroking her hoof along the leg. Feeling that the bone is basically so badly set right that if I even move it. I had a nasty twinge of pain go through my leg. "Please might be best to leave her alone for now.." Burnout said. I slowly trotted into the back again. But I can still hear them all. " She wants to get home to her love. But we can't just let her go. The Queen is watching for her right now. So again I request that you let her go if we get attacked. We must protect her from whoever attacks her. " The crowd nods. I closed the door getting back into my cell and closing the door. Shaking so hard closing my eyes. I felt that being around so many made it hard for me to be strong. I wished to be strong. But at the moment I sadly couldn't be strong. I sighed deeply. Burnout slowly returned with a plate of food and more water. He opened the cell door placing the food and water in. I looked up to Burnout with a gentle smile calmly lifting the water up in my magic. Drinking it down calmly. Setting the cup down, closing my eyes and sighing. Then lifted the fork to calmly eat. I looked up to him again then set the empty plate aside. Looking out the cage window. Seeing the world go by me. Missing Blaze so much. I looked down to between my legs. Then looking up to Burnout. " Um, Burnout can you turn around please?" Burnout looked at me strangely but then he then turned around, his eyes looking elsewhere.I sighed softly. " Never mind. It will never be the real thing. Blaze..." I said softly, feeling the pain when I said her name. I wanted to be with her so badly right now. I felt it's going to be hard for me to wait to see her. I needed to get to her. " I sadly don't have a wife anymore." Burnout calmly said. " The Queen didn't care that I fell in love with an outsider. So she killed her in front of her foals. The Queen has some pretty stupid rules. Some make no sense to us at all. But we don't understand why she wishes to be so loved. But a lot of us can't do that for her. Since she has broken so many of us." Looking outside again to see the castle. It was pretty far away. The giant wall that kept the citizens inside. Then looking back to him with a gentle smile. " Are the citizens behind the wall snobby? I am sure they are since I was told by a ghoul from the past. That high society is very stuck up." Burnout laughed softly. " No, they don't live like they are rich at all. They are just happy they live at all. So it's basically they live like it's well a day they will die. They may live like it's amazing but if you make nice to the Queen. You get to live wherever you wish. Get all the power you want as well." Blinking a moment, I looking back outside. Remembering what the Sea ponies told me. That they had to find a way to go inside through the pipes of the water supplies for the castle. Maybe if we win this battle. I am going to tear it down. I couldn't sleep but I could sense the magic near my horn. I wished to bring it inside to try to heal my leg. Looking down to the bad left leg, I tried to stretch it out. But the pain was too much. I gasped and slowly tucked it back in. " Whoa whoa. Don't overdo it Star Shooter. Your leg will heal. But they might have to open your leg up. Fix it through that way. The bone was twisted to the point your bone came out of the leg. It wasn't pleasant to see. I even hated the fact that cricket did that to you." Giving a weak nod. Looking around calmly started to pace. I felt trapped. I was hoping we could get to the castle soon. But we had to go through the Griffin Minotaur lands. " Burnout, How did the Griffins and Minotaurs get here?" Burnout shrugged his shoulders. " The Griffins and the Minotaurs came here on many different ships. It took many years for them to even get their own lands. They are even ahead in technology. We have some guns but they have ten times more powerful guns. They brought a lot of them with them to. So I am amazed they haven't tried fighting the Queen at all. It's so amazing to me how weak she really is. But she doesn't wish to fight off any threats that want to harm her rule." Blinking a moment looking back outside feeling my head hurt a bit. So many issues that would happen here. Looking back to Burnout. "You got any magic? I could use some. I just need a little bit." I said with a weak smile. Burnout shook his head. I frowned, feeling the pain of want. But I need to beat this want. Closing my eyes, I reached for my magic sight once more. And to my surprise, I was finally able to use the magic sight. When I looked at the castle with the magic sight. I started to see that the raw magic was seeping out of the castle itself. The castle was the reason for the problems here? Looking back to Burnout. I saw that he had powerful magic in him to. But I didn't know if it was wise to try to steal the magic from him. I sighed turning the sight off shaking my head. Looking back outside. Feeling my heart gently beat. I was thinking of Blaze. I wanted to be with her to the point I screamed her name. I needed her so much. Blaze... Laying down again laying my head on the metal floor to relax. Feeling my head throb from the pain of missing her. But it's not just her I miss. I miss Jonon as well. I also wanted to get to know Dr. Slice. Maybe I could make him one of my friends. Slowly, I looked at Burnout. " Will you wake me when we get to the Griffin Minotaur lands?" Burnout gave a nod with a gentle smile. But It would be a while before I am able to fall asleep. I slowly stood on my hooves and walked around calmly feeling my heartbeat. Looking out the window I watched the world slowly go by as we are in the Caravan. I smiled gently staring at the sun. It's something I missed, seeing the sun. Slowly I looked back at Burnout, still feeling weak. A stallion is here. I could use someone to ease my want. But I didn't wish to break the heart of Blaze. The idea of having sex with a stallion that hurt me and used me is a bad idea. We may be a herd like race. But I still have class. But I thought of how Blaze would feel. Her species do this to their females. So I don't wish to hurt her more. She is a wonderful Salamander. I wish she was here with me getting my face so bright red. That I looked like a walking tomato. Then I lay back down closing my eyes to rest. I breath softly wanting to try to sleep. I had to ignore the movement of the core of whatever is getting us to move. Feeling some bumps on the road. Shifting a bit. I felt Burnout lifting my head with his magic using his side as a pillow. I smiled softly at him. " Thank you Burnout. You didn't have to do this for me." He gave a nod. " I didn't but after what I did to you. I feel you deserve a little respect little hero." I calmly closed my eyes feeling my worry slowly drift away. Smelling burnt like fur. It just made me drift into a long sleep. Feeling myself finally dream after so long. 00000 I was dreaming that I was back in Equestria. I was even there with Blaze. She was wrapped around me like always. She held me close kissing me. I just needed to make this a real thing outside of the dreams. My dreams got to the point. I saw all my friends. Even my family. I miss my family and my friends. Looking at the fog but all of them vanish and Tiria came out of the fog. My eyes gently get larger. She calmly walked to me. " Hello, little Star Shooter. It's good to see how much you have grown up." Blinking, I looked around calmly not sure how she knows I am grown up. But I calmly smiled at her. " Hello, Tiria. I hope you aren't angry at me for falling in love with a none pony. I wish you were alive she is a wonderful gal. I miss her so much. I wish she was with me right now just holding me close whispering how red she would make me." Tiria smiles laughing softly. " I am so proud of you Star Shooter! You have become a hero in an island that has been lost for so many years. I wish I wasn't just a figment of your mind to keep you from falling apart. But I am mostly here so you can feel yourself rest." I blinked. Was my brain that screwed up that I just said that to myself in a dream? I laughed softly at that fact that I just said that to myself. " I understand maybe this was needed." Smiling gently, I calmly trotted to my friend. I nuzzled my friend, happy to see her again. Then she gave me a gentle hug laughing. " I wish I would be there to see you get married little Star Shooter. I do know you will get married then you will be a happy Mare. I love seeing you smile. It's something that you need to do more often." I smiled calmly but felt myself frown as I looked down at my body. The scars didn't come to the dream. " My body is pretty beat up. They even skinned me alive Tiria. Then attached me to some magic that healed me. I am lucky I was able to get all my fur back." Looking at my midnight black fur. Then to my cutie mark: the gun shooting stars. I smiled. I missed my cutie mark. I think my talent was shooting the very stars. But I doubt it I never really learned what the talent was that I got. I just remember protecting Tiria from the Enclave. It's pretty impressive how it works. I felt my heart beat even though I was asleep. Looking back to Tiria with a gentle smile sitting in front of her. " So if you're here to help clean my mind. Does that mean I won't fall into a crazy spiral spontaneity?" Tiria laughs softly shaking her head. I felt she it was amazing that I was able to talk to her. But then I asked calmly. " Are you with Sand?" Tiria's smile didn't change but looked at me calmly. " Little one you know. I'm just here because your mind placed me here. I am sure Sand is taking care of Tiria in the land beyond our times river. I am sure you will meet her again along that river. Maybe when the river becomes what you need to learn. Then the river will be what you need to see." I sighed. My brain was trying to be big with me. I didn't have the time in big ways. I calmly looked back at her. But I smiled at Tiria again. But maybe it was best to ask her. " Tiria I am sure since your here. You're here because they tried so hard to break me and hurt me. They again broke me forced me to fight. They even found ways to keep me broken. I am now even addicted to magic. It's gotten to the point where I doubt I will be able to leave this island very easy. It's how I feel the pain of it to when I am away from it." Tiria nodded looking towards the darkness. Then back towards me. Then back towards the darkness. " I think it's a way you will gain the ability to be stronger my friend. I think at times you will need to be strong. It's going to come to a point you need to be ready to fight my dear child. So soon, you better wake up. I mean it. Soon you better wake." I blinked not sure why she wanted me to wake so early. I started to hear my name being said. " Star Shooter wake up!!" I blinked hearing I looking towards the darkness. Then back to Tiria. I wanted to stay asleep longer. I need to talk to her more. I felt my heart break. I’m not sure what to do. Wake up see the pain fill me more? Or stay and exist without it? I didn't know what to do. I felt my pain fill me. I know I was waking up. But Tiria slowly vanished. " Don't forget about me, my dear friend. Please remember who I am." Then I woke up. 0000 Opening my eyes It was pretty dark and Burnout looked outside. Looking back at me. " We are here." I stood up yawning a bit. We turned and it seems we are in the lands of the Minotaurs and the Griffins. Looking around seeing all the bodies from their wars. But then I heard some strange sounds. Then behind us, the wall exploded. Causing me to fly into the wall and smash my head. I felt my vision go dark. At this rate, I think I might be getting brain damage.... Footnote: Still no level Negative perk added. Fully Broken: The six months are over and you have fully fallen into a broken heart. But there is hope the ones that did this to you are now trying to save you. If they save you they can get you to the rest of your friends and then you will finally be free of all the negativity you went through for six months Chapter Seventeen: FreedomI dreamed, I felt like I was in an empty void of nothing. I didn’t know this was a dream at first. It felt real, but that is normal for some. All the magic I have taken from this island has had a nasty effect on my magic core. I am even starting to hear it. I think the magic knows I wish to be home, that I wish to be free of this island. I watched while the magic inside my dream made the land that I miss and love. I want it so badly. I miss my family, my friends. Seeing what the magic wished me to see. War…I see war back home. Is this real? Bodies all over the ground, blood coating the dirt with death. I noticed all of Manehattan under control by the Enclave. Oh dear Goddess, I hope this is fake. I don’t want to go back home and see more war. Then, as if it was over, I saw what I wanted to see. My family. I felt this was a good thing, but I don’t really know anymore. Is this a dream, or a vision of what is to come? Red eyes staring back at me, darkness coming for us. Wishing to know who this was... was making me wonder. Wanting to run is something I can’t do. I fear this creature, feeling it’s hate for ponies. Give me freedom of this dream magic core! Give me freedom, please! I don’t wish to be here any longer. My endless nightmares, the laughter I hear, all of it throbbed inside my head. As if the magic wished to bare with my pain and my sorrow, it did what I wished. It gave me the freedom to dream. Equestria, right here, right in front of me. It finally shows me what I wanted to see. That my life is empty without my friends and my family. Then, as if the magic wished to fight me on this, Blaze and my other friends formed in front of me. I saw their smiles at seeing me. Looking back to Equestria, pain filled my heart. I wanted to be back home, I wanted my family. But… I’d made a family here, on this island. My very core is trying to tell me that this island is just like Equestria. It’s a home of many souls that wish to be free. It never had the issue of a war that caused the end. But it’s a prison, a prison for damned souls. Am I one of those damned souls then? Do I have the right to bring fate to this land? All heroes seem to bring fate with them, as well as death and pain. The ghost of 52, The light-bringer, Security, and Tiria. Tiria brought fate to my home. She was the reason that the Enclave attacked my home. No… NO! It was Wheel Tread. That fool brought them himself. The figment of Blaze walked up to me. I could feel the fire from her spikes, the heat of her breath. I could see the love in her eyes for me. So much love that she had in her heart. Something was wrong. The fire feels real, and it’s causing me pain. Oh she is real, I need her. Even though I wanted to stay, voices called out to me. “Star Shooter. Wake up. It’s time to wake up.” The words of a stallion came out of Blazes mouth. Oh that felt weird in my mind. A hoof poked me many times. My head started to throb from the pain I felt. I didn’t know what to think. Holding my head, I felt my horn burning, and the dream started to crack. I was waking up. No… no I need to be here… I need to see them! “Star Shooter, wake up!!” The sounds of dire worry in the voice. I started to hear a battle within my dream. Swords clashing, and bullets smashing into metal. I didn’t know what to think, but the pain in my head was telling me I needed to wake up. “Wake up, Star Shooter!” the voices kept saying. Looking back to Blaze, I watched as the dream shattered. Still, she mouthed a message to me. ‘I will be waiting for you my love.’ A weak smile formed on my face as the dream broke into thousands of pieces. I woke up, even if I didn’t wish to. Pain. I’ve felt so much of it that it’s like pain is an old friend. It lets you know you’re alive, even if you don’t wish to feel it. My vision was fuzzy while I tried to regain myself. Fear made me get up, only to fall again. I couldn’t get my hooves under me. All the sounds of the battle made me remember my home getting attacked. A felt a hoof smack me across my face. It woke me up enough to see Burnout relaxing a bit. “Come we need to...” Before he could finish his words, a Griffin and a Minotaur fought in the middle of the caravan. Their screeches and heavy stomps were so close to us. We had to move, but it wasn’t going to be easy with all this battle around. The guards of the caravan fought off what they could. One of them I could see was covered in his own and another blood. He risked his life to get me and Burnout out. Before I could thank him, a bullet smashed right into his brain, and he died right in front of me. Burnout and I ran away from the battle. We galloped as fast as we could. Griffins started to chase us, but we found a way to escape them. We ended up in the husk of a large tree that held a skeletal body. Inside with it, was a pile of decayed food and some water. The rush to hide made the pain come back I just sat there looking back. That stallion, he risked himself for me. Am I worth this pain for them all?! A zip came from Burnouts bag as he brought out a potion. Giving me no say in the matter, he used his magic to pry open my mouth and forced the potion down my throat. Gagging on the healing fluids, I finally felt the pain leave me. Reaching with my hoof to the back of my head, I felt the fresh blood from the smack. Burnout chuckled. “Well, that worked better than expected.” “What?” I wasn’t sure what he meant, but I was not willing to find out. “My daughter gave both sides the time table of when we would show up. Some had to give their lives for you, hero. Some needed to die to save you, even if they had families.” Horror formed on my face. This was a set up? Just to get me back to my friends and fulfill this silly legend? Anger started to form in me. These ponies were used to die in my name?! “Do you have a fucking death wish?!” I was angry, and I had every right to be angry. Lives were lost because of me. “You used their lives to save me when you should have left me there to die! I am not this so called ‘Hero of Legend’!” Burnout was taken aback by my words. He knew I was right, that I am not worth these lives. I am not worth anything. I wanted to hurt him, I wanted to kill him for this. But he would say something that would make me break. “You’re our last hope, Star Shooter. If you fail to free us and bring us peace, then we will all die because of the Queen. You may not be a hero to yourself, but you’re a hero to us. Look at everything you have done. You freed Blaze from herself, you have shown you’re strong.” I put my hooves on my ears to block his voice. He can’t be right, can he?! Burnout nuzzled my side. It surprised me a bit, and I jumped back. Feeling that he cared for me, I could see the pain in his eyes, of what he did to me these past few months. Tears fell from my eyes to the ground. I felt myself getting sick, maybe it was all the pain. The screaming of my soul for what happen to me. I want to hurt this stallion, even if my heart is crying to do so. I can’t allow my screaming soul to win. The anger made me sick, quickly turning my anger into vomit. Releasing all the hate, bile, and food from my stomach onto the floor. The pain is too much for me, sobs of pain filled my heart and voice. All I could feel was my soul angry. In a turn of a twist I felt Burnouts forehooves wrapping around me. Stroking my head to comfort me. It may not be what my soul wants. My heart is what needs to heal even if my anger will not. “Why do you care?!” I asked through tears. Burnout smiled weakly, showing he had pain in his heart. “You remind me of my wife. The Queen killed her because our daughter... because she was lame and had no magic. She has magic now. But I had to give up my wife... to free my daughter.” Hearing those words broke me more. After awhile, he left me to wallow. I felt better after a while, using my magic to lift the water. I cleaned my mouth out, washing away the taste of vomit. I spit it out on the ground, feeling a bit better. Still, I felt drained from the pain of crying. After almost an hour, I woke up to the sound of approaching hooves. Had Burnout come back with fresh water and meat? How can ponies even eat meat. I don’t really get it or understand it. My stomach even lurched a bit at the thought. Still, I needed to have something to eat. Lifting myself up on my hooves, I poked the meat with my hoof. “What’s wrong? You act like you haven’t had meat before.” The stallion chuckled watching me grossed out from the meat itself. The smell made my stomach lurch again. I never felt this sick for food before. “Meat is good for us, even if it’s not the best for us. There is no veggies or such around so we need this.” I didn’t like the idea of eating meat. It felt very wrong for some reason. We aren’t meat eaters of the sort. It was raw meat too, but I think there was a reason for that. If we started a fire, it would call them to us. Lifting the meat in my magic and taking a sniff, I gagged, and my stomach lurched. Taking a small bite from the meat, the taste felt strange odd. I could taste the blood of the creature it used to be. Again, I gagged a bit, but forced myself to swallow. “There you go, it’s not that bad. Let’s finish our food and water, then let's get out of here. There is a cave all of us were going to meet at. Are you willing to walk, and can you?” I nodded. “But first let’s wait for things to calm down out there.” Standing up looking out of our hiding place, I watched the sunset that I could see. Taking a deep breath of the air, I could smell smoke and fresh air. I can’t give up now. Blaze, my love, I am coming back for you.. It was time for us to move on. Following Burnout we both slowly sneaked through the woods. From what he told me it wasn't going to be easy to find a safe way to the home's of these two creatures that are always in constant battle. We stopped in a bush while Minotaur's trotted past us. They were searching for us. They even had help from Griffin's. When they finally left Burnout nodded to me while we kept moving along. It's still raining but the rain seems to make it harder for them to see us. My hooves make muddy hoofprints. While Burnout seems to not even make one. He looks back with a smirk. He looked to be trained to sneak around like this. He whispered calmly. " Keep moving little hero. Don't stop for anything." I gave a nod looking around. I felt this is going to get harder. I felt that this is the stupidest way to get to another town. Closing my eyes for a moment. Then opened them. We found another one of those trees. I wonder why these trees had so many large hollow spots in them. Then I noticed why this seems to have been a den for a deadly creature. There are bones all over the place. He grabbed some wood from the tree to start a fire so we can dry off. "It looks to be that they killed whatever creature that was in this tree." Burnout calmly said looking around. He opened his bag's bring out more of the deer meat. " Going to cook this meat so we can have it later." He set the large wooden cup outside to collect the rainwater. Laying down close to the fire to dry off. Feeling the heat of the fire fills me with hope. I wanted to get home. Looking at my Pip buck it said something around here is blocking it. I am wondering if the magic in this land messes with the Pip buck. I sighed softly closing my eyes a moment feeling a bit of stress leaving me. Burnout lifted the cup of rainwater offer it to me. I nodded taking it in my magic even with the pain from my horn. Taking a sip. I didn't wish to over do it. The water tasted so pure. Just small little sips. Looking outside, it seemed that the Minotaur's even stopped searching for us for the moment anyway. Since the storm was getting worse. The wind blew but for some reason it didn't come into the hollow part of the tree. He looked to me a moment while drinking a cup of water down. Pulling the cooked meat off the fire dousing it with what is left of the water. Nodding to me. " We need to go. It will be easy for us to get to the outskirts of the town's. There are many trees we can hide in till you feel you're ready to go talk to them." I gave a small nod. I didn't wish to talk as much right now. I just wanted to get home. Back to the one I love. But the wind started blowing harder. it seemed Burnout didn't want to leave yet after the wind blew quickly through the top of the tree's. " Yeah... let's not go yet. It's getting pretty nasty out there. " He said with a gentle smile. I sighed closing my eyes. I did feel a little hungry. He set down some of the meat in front of me. "Why do you keep calling me little hero?.. I do have a name you know." I said while lifting the meat. Calmly eating it. The cup being placed back outside to fill it with rain water again. Burnout chuckled softly. " Well child you're younger than I am so. I am trying to protect you." He said with a grin. I rolled my eyes biting some of the skin from the meat off. I wanted to say for some pony who harmed me. But I didn't wish to. Closing my eyes enjoying the taste of this meat. I didn't wish to eat meat. But sadly it was the only way that I could get food. I couldn't find anything that would be veggie's or anything. But I doubt it's wise to. Then above us fire started to rain from the sky. Well not fire but lighting and thunder. The entire forest lit up. Then I saw more of the Minotaur's not far from us. I whispered softly. " Their still searching for us. I just saw them." He gave a nod I slowly placed down the last of my bones and meat. Taking the water to get one last drink. Burnout and I started moving again the forest. When the flashes happen from the sky. We were close to the patrols. But they didn't see us. I made sure I picked up the cup to drink from it then emptied the cup. To place it back in Burnout's bags. A bolt hit the ground in front us causing a small fire. He looked back to me nodding to me. Then we rushed through the burning ground but slowly the fire dimmed when we finally got through it slowly. I felt the flame's lick at my hooves. But they didn't bother me that much. Since my hooves were pretty muddy and wet. We finally hide into some bushes. Burnout looked around when another boom from the sky. There was a giant flash. We could see what looks like a cave. But the way in was hidden by many bushes and trees. His horn glowed the magic lifting me up of course he didn't seem very good at this either. But he kept me off the ground. While he didn't leave hoofprints. We slowly went into the cave. Then when we got in it was bitch black. He started another fire but took a torch from it. " Come with me child." I nodded heading down the path of the cave. Following the path of the cave. He left the fire going I had no idea if this was a good or a bad thing. But when we got deeper into the cave. I noticed one of those out posts that we left behind. It was made from the metal that made that made that caravan. When we got down there I saw some of the Prisoner's I met a few days ago. But most of them seemed to be gathering food then go on their way. But I heard a filly yell “daddy!!” Burnout blinked looking to see the little filly who gave me food. He rushed to her wrapping his hooves around her. " My little Soup spoon. Did you do what I ask?" She gave a nod. " Yes I gave the caravan time's to both town's. But ..." She looked up to me Gasping backing up a bit. " Don't worry little one. She is not going to hurt you. She is in fact happy to see you." I gave a nod. " Hello again little one. I wish to thank you for the kindness you showed me. When your father didn't. Even though I am happy that he saved me. But...Burnout what is this place?" Burnout sighed looking towards the outpost. " This is called Snake bite cave's. But it was given that name by us. So any pony who tries to come in here. Will have fear the Minotaur's and Griffin's don't wish to come here. It's a place that those that wish to hide form the Queen come here to get new lives and names. If we made it to the castle. It would have been easy. But right now it's not going to be so easy." I finally asked the question like I should have. " Who controls the weather here?" Burnout looked to me blinking. " Well no pony does. The magic of this land makes its own weather from the magic water that is on the island. That's why it's so nasty and the water taste so pure." I looked towards the cave wall seeing pure water dripping slowly into a pond near the outpost. Then I heard you!!! I turned seeing Skull Crusher he stared at me. " You're alive... I told my people that your dead. How can you be alive?" I smiled weakly and chuckled. " Well from most reports that have said I am dead. I am not. I think it was faked to make the Queen lose it for awhile. Before she went herself to the prison I was at to make an example of me. Now... Skull Crusher. I need to speak to the leader's of both town's. I feel you need to put your difference's aside." Skull crusher laughed shaking his head and snorting. He just shook his head looking back down at me. Then frowned. " Child that's not going to be very easy. But if the hero of legend does show up out of the blue. That is going to be a problem. So i do have an idea. I could bring you there in a day or so. When they have their meeting. Then present you to the counsel of both town's. I recommend though writing down a speech. I will be back in five days. So go into the outpost I am sure there is some paper. I gave a nod sighing softly. He walked out of the cave. "Hero I wish to fight with you." The guard's and burnout looked at me. Along with the Prisoner's. " I got an idea then. When I leave head to Cliffside. Tell them that you wish to join the cause." Burnout nodded looking to his daughter and the rest. They looked to gather things to get themselves ready. I went to the out post calmly walked into the building. It was the same as the one I was in for six months. But it only had dust no creature's being harmed. But I saw something that made me very happy. A shower. I went into the shower cleaning myself up to look presentable. So much dirt and grim left my fur and mane. My tail was so matted up. I had to rip that apart. I felt clean. But when I finally got clean. I looked at my body in the mirror. I had three scars on my neck. I had one down near my stomach. I had small holes in my side's. They did a number to me. I looked down to my leg finally seeing the scar there. It was pretty bad. it was still kind of bent a bit. Kind of why when I walked on it. I felt pain. I grabbed a towel drying off. Then went back to looking around the outpost. It looked to be that it could be taken apart as well. Like the first one I was in then turned into a machine. I sighed closing my eyes a moment. Having flashbacks of the pain I felt in a place like this. I started sobbing hard feeling the pain again. I could hear myself screaming. Let me go home..Let me go back home please. I kept hearing then I felt a hoof on my back turning to see Burnout. I just wrapped my fore hooves around him gently crying loudly. As it echoed through the outpost. I could feel all the pain again. I could feel the magic fill me up to heal me. I needed Blaze so much. I needed her badly. I wish I was there. I wish I was there right now. My tears calmly fell down to the metal floor. I knew I would never feel the same again. Feeling the pain drain from me as I fell asleep calmly sleeping. It was already morning. I sat in the office using my horn to use a pen to write the speech. I sighed I have been at this for awhile. Maybe Skull crusher asked me to do this. So I didn't focus on the pain I was feeling in my body. Looking at the first words of the speech. Closing my eyes but then read it back to myself. "Yes I am alive. But there is more to being alive. Then being dead. The queen wishes to harm our entire island. True, I may not be from this island. But I am stuck here because of the storm. I may wish to go home back to Equestria. But ..." When I was speaking to myself with the speech. Heard a door open beside me. Looking over to see Soup Spoon bring in my bag's. My sword as well as my cloak. I smiled nodding to her. " Thank you little one. I was starting to miss all that. So thank you again little Soup Spoon." She smiles calmly walking back out. I went back to reading my speech after the door closed again. Sighing feeling this is a stupid idea but I have to do something. better than this damn speech. " I may wish to get back home to Equestria. But I feel at home here. Thanks to Blaze and my friend's. I feel that we need to get ready to battle the Queen. The Queen is the biggest threat of this land. I know this is much to say. But think about it. She is wishing to harm this land. Just because I am here. I come here from a storm. I was pony napped by some of the creatures from this land. Then the creature I haven't seen since I came here. It's starting to get on my nerves that." I growled ripping apart the paper and sighed. I felt the idea of a speech. Is what bothers me so much. It's not what I want to do. But I feel that I am stupid at the moment. Sighing again. Taking a pen and started to write down another speech. I wanted to be there with Blaze. All I could think about was her smile on her face. Her breath on my skin.. I could only think about that. Looking down between my legs. Maybe I shouldn't.. It's been six months. I need some easing my body. But Maybe I can wait a little longer. I stood on my hooves letting using my magic to write on the paper. Pacing around calmly. I sighed closing my eyes. I didn't know what to think anymore. I had so much on my mind. Looking to my speech. My face turned bright red. Most of the Speech said. Oh Blaze... Your beauty is so amazing my dear Blaze. I wish I was in your arm's right now. Oh Blaze. Please hold my heart while you please my needy body. I need you so much Blaze. I face hoof so hard. I needed to find a way to keep my mind off well Blaze and I having sex. I grumbled angrily that pissed me off even more now. I wanted to just skip all this. I had to get back to her. I grunted lifting up the chair i was in smashing the wall with it over and over. I needed to get my mind off of Blaze. Then I set the chair back down. It was oddly not broken at all. I sighed deeply closing my eyes. Sitting back down. Finally writing my speech again. " My name is Star Shooter. I am from Equestria so to most here. I wouldn't have the right to even speak like I am. But I have been on this island for seven months. I have seen what the queen does to you folks. It's starting to make me wonder. If the Queen is even sane to the point of being able to lead like she wishes to. Now I wish I could have come to you all sooner. But I am sorry to say that I couldn't do that. I wish I did. But the problem was the fact. I was forced on this island after a crew on a ship. Found me hiding in their cargo when. I was running away from attacker's on a group of NCR. I didn't even wish to be on this island like I said. But I was pony napped placed in their cell. Then forced here." I sighed reading through it feeling this is going to get harder. I had to find a way to get them to join us. This battle is not going to be easy. The final part of the battle is even going to ten times worse. I started pacing again feeling my anger growing. I felt so angry so upset. Closing my eyes tightly. Hearing a bell ring. I think that was to say dinner is ready. I will go there soon. I Just need to end this speech. The speech needs to be done. Looking down to the paper for the speech. I felt the the hate from the pain growing. I have no idea what to think anymore. I paced more and more. Maybe listening to the radio would be a good thing. Maybe not I sighed sitting back on the chair. Lay my head on the table closing my eye's breathing softly. I was getting extremely tired of all these thoughts. It started to get on my nerves. I felt the pain in my body it was getting unbearable. But I had to allow my heart to ease and then maybe after I eat. My brain will be set to do this Speech. Slowly getting on my hooves groaning softly. I felt so much pain from my movement's. But I couldn't let that stop me at all. Getting off the chair calmly stretching my body groaning in pain. Heading to go get something to eat. I calmly walked into the cafeteria sighing softly. Seeing that all kinds of food was made to celebrate something. I looked up seeing a banner. I felt my face turn bright red. A gentle smile formed on my face. It said. ' Welcome back hero.' They all looked towards me. All I could do was get some food. But I felt happy that folks cared about me this much. There was a lot of veggies for me to eat. I took a bunch of carrot's along with cabbage. Set the tray on the table. Lifting the fork up with my magic to calmly eat the food. A cup in front of me being filled with pure clean water. It was pretty hard to come across clean water sometimes. Even when Equestria is healed. But that's because it may have happened. But It would still take time to heal. Not just using a spell would work fully. Lifting the cup in my magic drinking it calmly. Hearing the voice's speak. The voice's seem to mingle and become one some of the time. Looking at the other's around me. Some even looked at me. I could tell that some of these creatures didn't like me. I didn't even have my weapons with me. I felt a knife on the back of my head not moving my head I softly spoke. " Can I help you?" I said calmly. The voice that answered back sounded very very angry. " You're the reason hero that my village was destroyed. Because of your legend." Closing my eyes in my magic I lifted the tray. I quickly moved it and smashed the head of the creature that wanted to stab me. The creature flew into the table. I stood up quickly looking down at the mare. Then I got over her putting my hoof to her neck. " I didn't ask to be the hero of Legend. I was forced into being part of that legend. Want to know something it was true as well. But I never asked to become part of this legend." I removed my hoof from her and they all stared at me. I looked up at them. "I didn’t ask to be this Goddesses damned hero of legend! I didn’t ask for this!. I was forced from my home, my friends, my family. If you all are so adamant about killing me. Then just fucking do it.” I picked the knife the mare had dropped and put it to my neck. “DO IT! Maybe that will make you happy, I am just fucking done with you all!" The crowd watched me, some with awe, some with horror. The fact I was willing to kill myself to prove a point must have been a shock, but I didn’t care. I tossed the blade aside looking down to the mare. I sneered at her, so full of rage at this very moment. But I couldn’t hate her for it. I took her by the fetlock and helped her back onto her hooves. “Wha...?...why would you help me? I just tried to kill you.” The mare had a look of confusion on her face. I could tell that now she had no idea what to think. She used her mouth to lift up the knife, but only to place it back into its scabbard. Finally I was able to say the right words. The words I am going to need to use for the council. “Everypony and creatures are needed to fight back the Queen. If we can’t work together and stop ourselves from trying to kill each other like the ponies of the past, then we are no better than the Queen.” 0000 “Are you ready, child?” I nodded, putting my hood on and followed along with Skull Crusher. My cloak hid my features from others as we approached the guard that stood outside of the Minotaur town. Skull Crusher whispered something to the guard, and offered him a bribe of food. “Go on in, Skull Crusher.” The guard looked at me as we both walked in. He mouthed, ‘Please save us hero’ as I passed him. He... knew who I was. Skull Crusher lead me through the town of many ally ways to get to the council building. After half an hour, we finally made it to the big building. It looked like it was made to house the rich if the Queen attacked at all. I didn’t know what to think, but he stopped,looked at me, and sighed. He knew it wasn’t going to be easy to convince them. “Come with me... and stay close to me, Star Shooter.” Nodding, he lead me through the building. I could hear many angry voices speaking inside. Something was in session, I had no idea what.I could tell I heard that voice before. Maybe it was one of the griffins that helped fight the creature Mix? “If we don’t stop this battle now. We will be too weak to fight the Queen.” Black Feather, looked disheveled and angry. “The Queen wants this war to go on, it’s how she keeps us in line. You all already know this, so why don’t you see reason?” Before anyone else spoke ,they noticed Skull Crusher, and I finally got to hear what his rank was. “Ah, Commander Skull crusher, what brings you to the hall this day?” Skull Crusher looked up to a Minotaur that wore a strange hat. The hat had a symbol of a gavel, so I wonder if he is the one that starts these meetings. Skull Crusher walked in front of the council and sighed, blowing hot air out of his mouth as he looked back to me. He was worried this wasn’t going to work. “I have brought a guest who wishes to speak.” He allowed me to get into the middle of the meeting room “Are you willing to listen to her?” “Hmm. Well, it’s a private meeting. I feel this would be good if it was another time.” Black Feather added. I took off my hood at that, and the entire place gasped in surprise. Black Feather smirked, like somehow he already knew I was alive. “Yes, I am alive despite what Skull crusher said after I saved his ass from the Queens prison. Now I am here to ask for your help. I am sure most of you are going to be upset that I ask this of you.” Looking towards Black Feather and Skull Crusher, these two helped me through many trials. I wish I could give them back something for that. Maybe giving them back their land and home is the best way. “Now we have a battle to win and we need to fight the Queen. What say you?” Footnote: Level up. Perk added The first step: You have found a way to heal. This makes you gain two percent armor in battle. But you will very easily fall back into remembering everything done to you. Pain never really goes away. It’s how you deal with the pain that makes this a good thing or a bad thing. Chapter Eighteen: Griffins and MinotaursEquestria, what to say about this land really? It’s been said for many years that no one remembers it. The past most of it is not even able to be read. The books on such things are so out of date and overly burnt. Well it’s like a sad truth. The times have moved there is still history in this land, just most of it is gone with the times. All the creatures of this land, I am not sure of anymore. Can it be explained without a book? Maybe orbs of memories? I am not sure that there is something that we can do and learn any more. Maybe if we never do a war like this again. Creatures of this land there are many. Now some of these creatures are known as Griffins. Griffins are hard to understand; nopony knows where they came from. It's something that most tried to learn from the start. At times most things never come up. But it's how something comes to pass. The idea of how it works. Some creatures formed in Equestria. Some formed outside that magic land. But most don't even remember the name of the world. Some call it Equis. Some call it Gyia. Some call it earth. Most just agree it's simply just a planet with an odd name. Maybe someday the world will be named again. But right now most never understand what most of the lands are even as well. But at times we will never do that. The world needs to heal. The world needs to be ready for more threats that will show up. Too many threats have been seen. To many have shown up. It's the issue of how the world works. If the world worked like it did in the past. we would just end up having another war. Sometimes folks wonder what the world would have been like if the war never happens. Would it go back to being so peaceful? To the point that some endings that might bring forth chaos and endless pain? Sometimes the pain that will always bring forth its ideas. But most never wish to know the ideas of the ending of the world. The world ended in a way that most never wished to see again. Most ponies never even saw this idea of peace, most were born during the war. The ending of stupidity from the war it's not what most would want to see. The peace of hope it's all some would have. But peace, peace to some is a shrill of the tongue. The music that calls them to the ending darkness. Death is one step then it's a second step. A step of death should always be seen to the right way it's known. How it knows it's seen to be peaceful. But sadly most would never know what is going on. As for me the hero of the island. I'm starting to try to understand this path that is going to happen to most. Why? Why did I become this legend? Why did fate choose me? It's not what I wanted to see or care to understand. My pain was never this bad. It's painful for me to think that this island is trying to make me into something I know I'm not. But the seer turned me into it. She did something to me that make folks think I am the legend. Maybe the Legend already showed up. Maybe he or she died before I even showed up to the island. So much on my head, as I think of this. It's going through my mind. As I know that pain is going to happen soon this little island. This island has turned me into a better pony. I knew that someday I would be meant for greatness. But I'm not sure what to really think at this moment. The pain of seeing so many around me fall because of my choices will be what breaks me. Breaking me into this pain. Is all I can think of. The idea of how it's done. I will never know what most would know. I am a hero now. I am a legend. I have somepony, well some creature; a Salamander who fell in love with me just through one moment of pleasure. But she fell for me because she cares for me. I am not strong. I am not powerful. I am a simple everyday unicorn mare. I wish I was powerful, I wish I were stronger but it's a pain that will always come back to haunt me. It's going to break my heart when the war starts. I will be leading so many to their deaths. Just because most want the Queen to suffer for what they did to the ponies and creatures here. I wish to know the real name of this island. So much on my mind. I gotta say what comes to mind. if I can't say what comes to mind what can I say? Minotaurs? Griffins? What would this be in the grand ending story of things? Maybe I will see the end of what is going to happen. I hope I do when I finally heard voices through my thoughts. " Little Hero." 0000 I finally found myself back in the middle of the meeting room. I looked at them. The one that spoke was Skull Crusher then I sighed. Looking over at them. "Yes, I am alive. I was held Prisoner for six months in one of the queen's cells. They endlessly mutilated me.” I removed my cloak. I heard so many gasps they saw the scars along my body and even along my chest. "They did so much to me. They even broke my horn. Listen to the guards who did this to me didn't even wish to do it. They pretended that I was killed. Because the Queen would throw a fit and she did from what I was told. Then they made that machine your warriors attacked. I was in there. They wished to get me to the castle. So I could then get back to Cliffside. But I felt it was wise to come here." I looked at them all then I finally said the words " It's time to stop fighting each other. It's time to work together. I know you all have your differences. I am sure you have a great hate for each other." Turning around to look at them all. " Is it wise to keep this hate? This hate is something that won't even know. Why hate maybe the hate is something that goes back or the Queen did something to start the war between all of you." I lifted my hoof to look at them. Pointing my hoof at Skull Crusher and then at Black Feather. "I save these two when they fought me. Black Feather, I saved from the creations of the Queen. Skull Crusher, I saved him from the Prison when I got almost killed by Cricket." I heard whispers then looked to them then they looked back at me. " We will talk about it." I stared at them all. "Just talk about it. You do realize right war is about to happen in a year. It's starting in Cliff Side. The Queen will be removed from the battle. If you don't join us then get out of the way. I am not just going to sit here and wait for you to choose. You need to choose soon or I will be heading back to Cliff Side and telling them you are on the menu." I was about to walk out but one of the Griffins yelled at me. "You can't do that!!" I turned to stare at the female Griffin who said it. They started to shake. "I can't do that? Really, I”m from Equestria darling, I am from a part of the world that has been long dead until recently. I have the skill you don’t." I stared at them all. Then slowly walked out again. I hear worried whispers. Skull Crusher walked out behind me while chuckling softly. "I have never seen them so worried. I am sure that wasn't wise to say. But I am sure we could find a way to get them to change their minds. Come with me the inn is this way." I blinked following him to the inn. 0000 Slowly we walked into the inn it was pretty calm. On the stage, there was a small band playing the cello along with a horn. I sat at one of the tables and Skull Crusher talked to the inn owner. A waitress walked over to me and smiled softly. "What can I get you?" I looked up and thought. "If you have any daisy sandwiches along with some water?" The Minotaur waitress nodded. She went to go put in the order. Then the owner came over to me. I looked up to him blinking. "Skull Crusher told me that you are the hero of legend. So if you don't mind I have a job for you." I gave a nod. "There is a building not far from here in the slums, it houses slaves." My ears perked at that. "The guards have been paid off by these slavers. They have no power over the higher ups though, but some do buy these slaves from them. It's easy for them to do so. Since they don't get into scandals. All I want you to do is to free the slaves. Take all the documents and you can then burn the place down." I lifted up my leg to see if the pip-buck is working again. The screen for my bags came up. So the pip-buck is absorbing the magic of this island or something is allowing it to work. I clicked my bits setting the coins down on the table. When my food came with my water. I thought for a moment. "Will it help the leaders of the army to choose quickly?" The inn owner gave a nod. Slowly standing after taking a bite of the food. Placing the hood back on and vanished 0000 I found myself in the slums of both towns. many of the creatures here seemed to be starving So many just homeless. I could do something for them. I could get them to Equestria. But this is not what I had to do now. I walked to the building. It had a sign I never thought I would see. Griffin streets brothel. I slowly walked in seeing that the whores they called them had strange collars on their necks. But most of them seem not even working. I slowly walked through. Noticing that parts of the brothel are already in use. I tried to ignore all the sexual intercourse that was happening around me. I sighed then when I got into another room. I saw things. I never thought I would my face turned bright red. I looked away before the heat started to form between my legs. I had to find a way to turn off the collars that kept the whores here but. I have a feeling there is more to this than I thought. I got into the main room of the owners I could hear his voice. "Miss you can remove that hood now." I blinked removing my hood and the creature turned in their chair and it turned out to be a light Green mare with gentle blue eyes. "Ah, it's the hero of legend. So what do I owe the honor of you sneaking around?" I sighed softly closing my eyes a moment. Then opened them back up. "I was asked by the Inn owner to come here to free what you call slaves." The mare put her hooves together a moment and sighed shaking her head. "Yes to some they would be slaves. To most, they're meat for sex. But to others normal creatures that should be set free." I sighed softly this is something bad to tread in. "Then Why do they have slave collars that could explode if they got away from the ones who placed them on?" I noticed her eyes going wide. "What do you mean slave collars?" She asked calmly. "Those collars that your whores have on are used to keep them from running. If they got away they could just pop the head off. Some of them could even go off during their little sexual intercourse." The mare just seemed to be scared now rushing downstairs. I calmly followed her then she looked at the collars seeing some of them glowing. Seeing some of the Minotaur males who were plowing into Griffin females by grabbing on to the collar. I Just stood there blushing deeply at all the sex around me. All the moaning the slaps seeing the heated pleasure around me. But I coughed. "I can try to remove them for you. I am sure this is the reason why I was sent here. With these on they do look like slaves Now sometimes there is a power box. What happens to it." The mare pointed her hoof to a vibrating bed that was being used right now. My cheeks turned so red. "Can you get them to stop." The mare smirked at me. "What is the hero scared of a little sex?" My eyes went wide my cheeks burned so red. "Oddly no...I just don't want to cheat on my lover...A salamander who....made me moan live on the warden's Radio." The mare's eyes go wide and laughed loudly. "That was you?!" I gave a weak nod my cheeks turning even redder. I went to bed the mare who was being plowed relentlessly by the male Griffin. I calmly trying to ignore the sound of sex. Starting to work the machine and all the collars fell off the necks but after they did they all just shorted out and caused nasty marks on the floor. Then I stood back up the male had their climax and the smell that came from that made my face turn bright red. Slowly I walked back to the mare. "Now they can leave. I am sure they're the reason why the innkeeper asked me to come here. Was they had a family member here... That couldn't leave." The mare smiled sweetly at me giving me a kiss on my cheek. "Come back sometime maybe we could have some fun." All I could do was blush my face was so red placing my hood over my head. Slowly rushing out of the building so fast. I am sure that wasn't what the Innkeeper wanted me to do. But I ran back to the inn so fast that I didn't wish to see any more of that. 0000 I ran into the inn. Then The innkeeper and Skull Crusher were laughing. "I am sure she found a way in there and she found out that you were just testing her." I walked up to them taking my hood off and stared at them both. "So...I was being tested for going into that den of sin?" The innkeeper nodded looking back to Skull Crusher. "The real issue is need your help with. Is the power plant, that has been taken over by the Queen's army. But the leadership doesn't know what to do. They want to try to get it back. Before they use the power plane to cause us to be in deep shit. They don't know how to fight the queen's army and this army is not the magical creatures she normally has in her service. They're normal everyday ponies." "Before I go though I am going to rest a bit. I am sure if what you say is true that these ponies are too stupid to understand how to work it yet." I calmly sat down to listen to the music. I needed some time to think before I did anything else. I had sex on the mind. I needed to be with Blaze soon. I needed her so badly. Soooo badly. We have been apart for six months. I think of her so much.. First I want her to know I am alive. She needs to know I am alive. I noticed a singer coming up to the stage. A nice looking mare. The music played. While she sang I just sat there listening. "Look through the past today. You see that so much has changed." I heard the song. I looked through my journey. Ending up on this island. " Coming to see us all sing today. for we must become one today." Looking back I found myself in Cliff Side. Being drafted as the hero of legend. Something I didn't really want or care for. But now I am being this way. " Oh, please, one of my heart. Remember who I am." My entire journey meeting joins learning of the legend. Being trained by her given this weird quest by a spirit to get stronger in my heart then she would give me a test. "Oh find our love in the past of our hearts. Sometimes most would never know." Meeting my love for the first time when she saved me from Cricket. The fact that she risked her life just to be there for me. I remember the first time she said to me. ‘If you keep acting like that. beating down on yourself. I will force you to have sex with me.’ I just remember the blush on my face. "Oh bring your love to me, please. Hold me in your hooves. For all we need is our hearts to be one. if we remember the past we see the future." Remembering everything I have been through the prison fighting so many magic eaters saving lives. Just finding myself in so much pain at the end of the cell. " Please hero find us today." I blink she was looking at me now. " Listen to our song hero. All it to guide you on your journey." I smiled softly. Starting to close my eyes again to remember my journey. "The heart of our ways become the new way today.." 00000 The time was 5:00 the sun was getting ready to set. I had my hood on looking up to the power plant. But It said magic power plant. Looking down seeing dead bodies of the workers. Most of them are ponies. But slowly I walked into the building. Looking around seeing some of the soldiers of the Queen. I could hear one of them speak. "There are some workers still locked in the break room." I slowly walked through the plant finding a door that had break room above it. Two male ponies were trying to break through They had some strange machines trying to break through the door. But the door looked to be well made. I took a quick look at the machine. Pulling the sword from the scabbard. Quickly slicing a few parts of the machine. Then I backed up. One of the mares clicked on the machine to get it going again. It started to short out. Then it charged backward. Sparking and pop. Both of them chased after them. I calmly clicked on the door. A voice from behind the door yelled out. "No, we aren't letting you in so you can murder us." "Listen I am the hero of legend. Please let me in so I can help you. Then you can lock it back up." I heard voices behind the door then heard it unlock. Slowly walking in the door locking up behind me. I removed my hood looking at them. They had weapons ready to kill me if I wasn't saying the truth. "Who is the boss of you folks?" A largely muscled mare walked up to me she was larger than most mares I have met. She was pink with red eyes. Also had a large horn. Her cutie marks a screwdriver in an eye. "I'm The Boss my name is Screw. You wish to help us then?" I gave a nod, looking at the rest of the ponies. All of them seemed pretty tough. But I stopped looking at them. Mostly seeing earth ponies and unicorns. All of the mares. "Yes, I wish to help you. Just point me to their leader then I will remove them quickly." Screw gave a nod. She leads me to a map of the plant. Looking through it she put her hoof on power room. I nodded then placed my hood back on. "Wait, hero." I turned looking back at Screw. "When I am done here training the next boss. I am going to follow you." I blinked turning to them and then nodded. Making sure the hood is set right. Slowly heading out of the room. Heard the lock latch again. Watching the two mares still chasing after the machine. Walking up the stairs to the main power room. 0000 Opening the door to the power room. The ponies clicked on the power plant to turn the power off. I heard a voice I hadn't heard for a while. "Hurry to find out how this works. I would like to get back home..." I looked up to see Mix. So I had a chance for revenge. Looking at the ponies trying to work the machine. Calmly walking to one of the ponies opening their bag without me knowing to pull a pin out from their makeshift bombs. Slowly backing up. Then there was a loud boom the body of the pony smashed into another group of ponies. They all seemed to be knocked out but the one that blew up was of course dead. Mix flew down looking at the group of ponies. He powered up the stopwatch to try to go back in time a bit. Grabbing my sword I sliced into one of his wings. Mix screamed in pain. He fell to the floor trying to get back up. I removed my hood he looked up to me. "You.... you're alive?!" I smashed my hoof into his chest a few times breaking the stopwatch enough so he couldn't transport into the past. Of course, I didn't know it could repair. Placing my sword at the bug's neck. "Yes, I am alive. I should take my revenge now and just kill you. But I’ve got ponies I need to save. Now tell the ones who live to all leave!" He coughed a bit. He spoke in a strange machine on one of his wings. "Attention everypony our here job is finished, head back to the Queen." I could hear hooves trotting to the outside but looking to the ponies in this room. Most of them seem too wounded to move. I will take care of them later. "Good now." I was about to speak when the Stopwatch went off. I flew off he grew a wing back and turned back to me. He flapped his dragonfly wings. Staring at me, he started to circle around me. His buggy eyes shined. I could see myself in them. While he turned around me. "I should just stay behind and kill you now. In fact, I think I will." He started transporting into time trying to get to me quickly so he could kill me. But I blocked most of his attacks with my sword. He flew up smashing into me making me fly back down the stairs. I bounced down the stairs until we hit the bottom. I groaned standing back on my hooves looking up to Mix rushing down at me. Lifting my sword slicing him a bit. He crashed into the ground. He couldn't move for the moment when the device made him heal. Then turned to look at me. We charged at each other he stung into my body but it didn't do anything to me really just gave me some pain. But the sting started to burn when I felt magic building inside it. Lifted my sword slicing his stinger off his body. He started screaming, magic built up into his body. The stopwatch turned back on he transported back up into the power room. I needed to get his stinger out before he came back down. My magic grabbed the stinger pulling it out. Groaning deeply feeling so much pain. It slowly came out the stinger was covered in blood. Mix rushed back down he just looked at me. "We will meet again the hero," I growled staring at him. "No, I deserve my revenge now." Mix kept staring at me, he sighed. He vanished stomping my hoof in anger. I tossed my sword at the wall in anger. But I groaned from the pain of the stinger. Blood drained from the wound. Knocking on the break room door. It opened revealing the workers inside. "They're gone..." I said then fell to my knees in pain groaning. They rushed out forcing me on my side to look at my wound. "Get the first aid kit!!" Screw yells. One of the mares rushes back into the break room. I hear a box fall beside me. I feel water go into my wound. I scream in pain. They then dump alcohol into the wound. I groan deeper in pain. Then I feel a need a thread going through the wound. Slowly it felt like it was sealing. They stared at the wound while it healed so fast. "Thank...you..." I said softly they all nodded. "Going to head back to the inn." Looking at my pip buck again but again something was blocking it. I can't even look at my map or anything else. Groaning slowly walking back out of the plant. Before I left I could hear them say “She has absorbed the magic of the island...” 0000 Calmly walked back into the Inn sitting down looking to the Innkeeper who walked to me. "I did what you asked. It was the Queen's army and one of her warriors known as Mix.” The innkeeper nods. The innkeeper set down a set of keys. "Since you helped me I am going to go talk to the leaders. You stay here and rest." I gave a nod. Skull Crusher left with the keeper as well. I calmly walked up the stairs to my room. I sat on the bed, sighing softly. Looking around the room it was a calm room. Closing my eyes when I lay my head on the pillow. I fell asleep. It was a calm dreamless sleep. I didn't dream of anything. But I was in that strange dark part of my mind again. I saw those red eye's staring at me. A voice came from the darkness "Ah, you have become the strong hero of legend." Looking around trying to find the voice. But all I could see was the red eyes. "Who are you?" The creature just laughs softly then the eye's vanished. Opening my eyes I heard voices downstairs. I couldn't make out the words. Slowly walking down the stairs. The patrons looked at me. I froze right at the stairs as most of them looked at me. "You're alive..." A voice said. I looked seeing Doc. " Doc." Slowly I walked to him. Giving him a tight hug. "Say nothing when you go back please." "I am not going back without you Star Shooter. Blaze is so broken she doesn't even boast anymore. So please head back soon. They all miss you." I look at all the ponies who are with him. "Why are you here with all these ponies?" "There was a rumor of a mare that looked like the hero. I was asked to come so Blaze sent these guards with me. Because one she still doesn't trust me. But the Queen is starting to send her army out to try to take over the towns. But it's not going so well since her army is not that strong. Since most of her powerful warriors stay in the castle." I gave a nod. I sit beside him and give a great sigh. "How is Blaze?" Doc looked at me calmly and sighed. "She is so broken Star Shooter, she won't smile. She heard stories of a mare pretending to be you. So she demanded that I be sent out to find this hero. But after you were confirmed dead she locked herself into the house for awhile sobbing her eyes out." I nod weakly. "I have been in many situations that I could have cheated on her Doc. But I refuse to, I love her too much, that want to be with her is big. But I can't leave yet. Till I know the Minotaurs and Griffins are willing to listen." "That's why I am here, Star shooter. They want me to say you're a fake hero, but I can't do that. Blaze sent me here to try to prove you are fake and not the real hero. But I see those eyes and I can't do that." Skull Crusher walks back into the inn and sees the two of us. "They wish to see you two now." 000 I am back in the middle of the meeting room. Doc stood there along with the others of Cliffside. "Now Doc.." One of the Griffins said. "Is this the hero?" Doc looks at me and lowers his head. "Yes, she is the hero I brought into the world. She is not fake she has the heart of Freedom town or Tirias heart what the town is called now back in Equestria. I can't lie to save you from your fate, she is the hero of legend. The hero that deserves to be treated with respect." Screw finally broke her way in. "I demand to speak for the hero. But some of the leader's friends have been trying to keep me out of here. This hero risked her life to save us from the Queen's army that wanted to destroy the power plant." The Griffins and Minotaurs stared at each other. The rich in the back seemed very scared, some of them even started to try to walk out then I spoke. "STOP!!!" The rich stopped looking back at me. "You sold out your own town?!" The leaders of the army looked up to see the rich and the politicians. "From how the plant looked the protection just left. You sold your own people for no reason. Give me one reason not to end your lives." The generals stared at the rich they pulled out weapons from their seats. The rich and leaders of the towns sit back down. " Now I am going to explain something if your leaders are willing to sell you all out to the Queen. Then I see no point in having you help the battle. You will be the next town we clean out as we did with Cliffside." Screw looks up speaking. " I will help her as well. So will the workers of the plant." Black Feather added something else. " I will even remove my own platoon to attack this town before I allow it to fall to the Queen." The rich looked to be outnumbered. So the one that normally leads them stood up walking down to the middle of the meeting room. What stood before me was a well dressed Griffin. " Since you haven't lied to us about being the hero. I think it's time to do what you ask. Even if it doesn't help our pockets." The Griffin lowered themselves to me and bowed. " Hero of legend please allow us to help you. We will write up the alliance tomorrow." I give a nod. " Oh yes, my name is Golden plume." He then leaned in and whispered. " I warn you here some of the rich and leaders might try to cause a coup since this info came to light. But If they do I will send my bodyguards to fetch you.” I gave a nod as he walks back up the stairs. I look at some of the leaders of the town. They seem upset and angry, along with the rich. They wanted to sell out their own people. It's pretty silly I sigh, Doc reaches out and calmly pats my back. 00000 The meeting is over. I calmly walk back to the inn Doc already headed back. Calmly walking back to the inn feeling unsure about what was going on. Doc is sitting at a table alone. The guards went to get something to eat. I sat beside him looking at him with a gentle smile. "I think my life is now forfeit. Some of the rich demanded that I call you a fake. So they could keep the good thing they have. I am sure now, that something bad is going to happen." I sighed facing hoofing so hard. Doc, what room is yours?" He gave me his key, then I gave him mine and looked up the stairs. "Come with me Doc." He slowly walked up the stairs. " I was given this in the key by one of the leaders of the town." I gave a nod and opened my door up let him in. "Lock yourself in here don't let anyone in here." Doc nodded slowly closing and locking the door. I went into Docs room leaving it unlocked placing on my hood to hide in the shadows. I closed my eyes and waited. After an hour of waiting, I opened my eyes at the sound of a door being opened. A Griffin walked in he had a knife in his claws. Watching him closely I made the bed look like Doc was asleep. He sliced into the bed. Then when he removed the bedding his eyes went wide. I sliced into the Griffin he didn't even see what was coming. Blood gushed from the wound, I had struck him in the neck. Slowly walked downstairs. I saw the bodies of all the Cliffside guards that came with the doc. Most of them had their necks cut. The inn was dark, the only thing giving off light was the fire burning in the fireplace. There had to be more than one. But then I heard fighting outside looking out the window, seeing that some of the towns are on fire. So the warning was true. But I was grabbed from behind feeling a knife at my neck. " Hello, hero. Could leave well enough alone it seems." Griffin said. He cut into my neck making it bleed. I didn't scream I just allowed him to. " So your leaders are trying so hard to keep their old ways. I see willing to sell yourselves out to the Queen." The Griffin behind me grew very upset. He was about to slice my head off but the bodyguard's of Golden Plume rushed in shooting him in the head like it was nothing. I coughed my neck hurt so much. To heal me they placed a magic box on my horn the wound healed but I kept the scar. Sighing, sitting at the table. "I am sure you can tell that the rich and some of the leaders of the towns have tried to start a coup. But they're having a problem. They’re holed up in a Manson in the middle of the slums. So please do what Golden Plume wishes you to do. Remove them before they cause more death." I gave a nod placing my hood vanishing from sight turning to look at the Griffins. "Please make sure Doc is protected." The two Bodyguards nod. I get all my stuff ready sighing I doubt this is the wise. But If I want an alliance. I need to fight the threat to it. Slowly heading out into the burning city, to go rescue it from itself. Footnote: Level up Perk added Friends with Minotaurs and Griffins: You have shown yourself to the Griffins and Minotaurs of the island to be the hero the legend said you would be. Everything is slowly falling into place for the final battle and the war to come. When you fight with both races your damage will rise to 20% they will join you for the final battle that is if you stop their little civil war. Chapter Nineteen: AllianceGriffin Flight, the Griffin town is on fire. Down the way Hoof trot, the Minotaur town had fights out in the streets. This was all because I dared to have somepony say I am not fake. I worked to get to the Mansion in the middle of the slums. I found Skull Crusher and Black Feather fighting off the troops that were part of the coup. I removed my hood looking to them. "Ah, hero. I see you have come out to help us with this." Skull Crusher calmly says. Giving a nod looking towards down the road to the slums. I could hear gunshots and explosions. " If you're after the ones causing this silly battle. It's not going to be easy for you to get down there." I Look around, calmly lifting my blade. The two leaders nod. They are getting ready to charge. Skull Crusher lifts a poorly held together gun with the Minotaurs he leads. "Now my friends. The rich and some of the leaders wish to cause a coup. Because we dare to fight the Queen! The queen is the reason for them being in power, to begin with! Let's help the hero remove them from power. Kill them if we have to. We may not wish to lose any more lives but to protect our home, we must do this. Come, soldiers let's go!!" He charges into the fray running into the slums Black Feather sighs looking to his troops. "Listen, my friends, I know you don't wish to fight with the hero. Since her showing up has caused the fragile peace to die. We have to end this battle remove the threats to our homes. Come with me. Let's bring peace back to our homes." The Griffins fly up into the air, lifting their machine guns to pour streams of fire down on the roads below. I pull the hood over my head. I slowly walk through the streets, seeing the dead and the dying. This must have been what it was like during the war. The war must have had so many dead in the streets. Tears streamed down my face seeing families dead in the streets. Heard cries of little ones not to far away from me. I just wanted to leave this island I didn’t want this to happen because of me. This island had so much peace before I showed up. But I am starting to see that if you want to change. You must do it through the pain. Going deeper, I finally find the battle. Friends fighting friends. But in the middle of the slums, I find the Mansion. Running by me was Screw and her workers. They rush through with makeshift weapons. Helping the ones stopping the coup. They wore some pretty heavy makeshift armor as well. It's amazing how many fight. The ones causing the coup has many that wish to see me dead. They search for me while they fought. I notice they had sewers. But I couldn't get inside I have to find a way to get through this battle. Slowly I walk, passing each fight in the street. I saw Skull Crusher staying true to his name and crushing Griffins who were part of the coup left and right. Looking up to see Black feather aiming a strange weapon. I notice some well-made guns on the ground beside me. I pick them up, cocking them. I place them under my cloak so nopony saw me. When I got closer to the street that had the Mansion the battle got extremely bloody. The streets were soaked in blood. I calmly step through the blood. I can't stop, I have to fight. Something explodes not far from me. I am happy with this cloak, but I am amazed at how well it works. Finally I got close the Mansion, the battle looks pretty nasty there. Getting into the door wasn't going to be easy, as they had Minotaurs guarding the door. So I did what I could I found a spot to hide behind lifting my guns up firing at them, I made it look more like a distraction. After firing quickly hiding back into the shadows. Thanks to the cloak it was easy. After that I watched trip over themselves in fear. Looking around calmly the inside of this building looked newly built. It had so many expensive items in it. Most of them from the Queen. The light turned on they knew I was here. Over the PA one of them started to speak. "Some hero you are, you disturb our peace and now you wish to harm our way of life." As he speaks I rush forwards "Wait! I am not done speaking to you! Stop!!" I looked up at the cam and removed my hood. "I don't care if you're killing innocents. I am going to deal with you my way. If that means killing you then so be it. Settle everything with your families. Here I come!" Putting the hood back on going through the first door. When I open the door machine guns started to fire to stop me, I have to back out. But after a while, I hear the glass shatter and Griffins made it inside starting to remove the threats that would cause me harm. I had no idea why they were bowing. Then I remember the legend; the legend gives these Griffins hope. "Make sure nopony leaves." They nod heading to the door outside to make sure no pony ever leaves. But when I got into the main room. An explosion causes me to go blind. I feel something smash hard into me causing my head to throb, then I hear gunshots and a body dropping beside me. I felt myself being lifted to my hooves my vision slowly returned, seeing the face of Black Feather. "Hero, let's end them." Skull Crusher came through the other door causing a dead Griffin to fly into the wall looking towards. I nodded to them it was time to take care of these fools. The three of us walked upstairs. Going into the room. I see Cricket standing with the leaders and the Rich. "YOUR ALIVE?!" Cricket yelled in surprise. My two friends simply charge at the leaders and the rich who didn't fight back. ‘Cricket is mine!’ He pulls out his weapons and rushes me, our swords connect, sending sparks flying. I glare at him past the two blades. "Yes, I am alive. After how you, Mouse, and Mix tried so hard to kill me. I am sure you won't tell the Queen. Because I doubt you want to know how badly you failed." I give him a smug smirk. Cricket hissed he spread his wings out, disengaging. I hear the leaders scream in fear and agony as Skull and Feather had their way with them. I’ve had enough of this, I hear a scream outside running out the door seeing Cricket. He stood over a filly, she was in his way and he was about to remove her. “STOP!!!” I yell at the bug. Cricket lowers his weapons and without saying anything, he charges at me. I had to dodge him as he rushed by, narrowly avoiding his attacks. I came back up and prepared myself for another battle for my life. Our fighting took us outside as I catch him by surprise and smash him through a window. I landed on him and stumble back onto my hooves as fast as I could. We were now in the middle of the street in the middle of the street. But when both sides saw us the battle stopped. For just a moment to look at the two of us. I lift my blade as we stared each other down. "I am going to end you Cricket...After what you did to me, you took me from my love. You took me from those that needed me. Now you're in my way. They need me..." My anger grew I limped on my back hoof remembering the pain he caused me. Cricket’s many eyes soften a bit but he keeps himself alert . I feel my hate for him grow at every moment of pain. Tears streaming down my face. Cricket stops a moment as he sees the pain in my eyes. "I did nothing to your Queen. I just showed up here forced in the war. Then you break me, you hurt me. You keep me in that prison for six months." I breathe hard, my body shaking with anger and pain. My horn glowing brightly from all the magic in me that has backed up since then. But Cricket charges, breaking through my defenses making me fly into the wall, my sword dropping. He slowly walks to me. " You may be the hero, but you’re still weak. You need to learn to lose. Maybe losing this.." He pointed at the pip buck. " Will give you an idea of loss. Losing what you brought with you from Equestria.” I growl in anger he brought his sword down on me. Quickly I lift my pipbuck, smashing it into his head over and over. He fell back very dazed. I quickly grab my sword. Poor Cricket shook his head having a nasty pain in his head. Even though he is trying to kill me. He stared at me. "I will not lose any more from Equestria. I lost so much when I came here. I am not going to lose anymore." My horn glowed brighter as our weapons clashed against each other again and again. Sparks fly as the war beside us kept going. Skull Crusher and Black Feather came out with one of the remaining living leaders. SkullCrusher spoke in a talkie that is connected to a PA system. "All the leaders and the rich have been killed but one. Stop this pointless battle. Now!" The shooting has stopped now, the battle ends as it started with a whimper. Cricket turns to Feather and Crusher then looked at me. His anger grew to pull every sword from his many bug hands. He starts slicing at me very quickly. I have to block, some swings manage to get past my guard, giving me some cuts. But my horn glowed brighter causing the sword to glow with me. I did one large swing and I splintered his swords along with my own parts of the blade fell to the ground. Looking at the blade I found a while ago. I dropped it charging quickly at Cricket getting on my back hooves despite the pain. Smashing my front hooves into him over and over. "Hero!" Skull crusher said and tossed me his sword. I grabbed it and started to slice into Cricket over and over. I had to break through his shell to get into the weak body. He kicked me off and stood up bleeding strange blood. Many guns cocked around us. They all aimed at him. I backed lifting up a gun I found, making sure there was ammo in the magazine. "Cricket, for all the harm you caused many of the creatures of this island. I find you guilty...Fire..." Every single creature, even the ones that started the coup since most lost their families because of the Queen. I fired at Cricket, all the bullets went into the cut in the armor. He screamed in pain falling to the ground blood draining from all his wounds. I lifted my broken blade. He looked up about to die. I had no heart left. He had to know the pain he caused me. Before the swing hit him, Mix rushed in, taking the blow from the sword. Picking up Cricket and vanished in time. Heading back to the Queen herself to repair Cricket. I watched as my revenge was taken from me. I grew very angry I screamed so loudly. I screamed his named Cricket. All the pain he caused me all the sorrow filled that scream. I sat on my haunches feeling my sorrow and anger grow. I wanted revenge. I needed it so badly. Tears slowly fell from my eyes. Skull calmly walked to me and helped me on my hooves. "Wanting revenge young hero, is not the wisest thing to do. I know all the pain he has caused you. But still, the idea of wanting so much revenge will only continue to lead you down a road of pain and suffering." I sigh, a horn was sounded to call for a meeting. The Griffins and Minotaurs that were part of the coup were arrested and I followed the others. Back to the meeting building. Maybe they will now see it my way. 0000 I stood waiting for the meeting to start. Many of the leaders of the rich were dead. So they had no say in what goes on in their towns. Many of the leaders of the state have been killed as well in this battle. All that is left is the military. Skull Crusher and Black Feather stood in the middle holding paper. They both spoke when it was the others turn. "Now do you see why we need to have an alliance with the hero? You saw what happened just because the Queen wanted to be loved. So she gave these fools this power. We need to remove ourselves from the Queen. We join the hero and her friends." Black Feather nods. "I know many of you don't trust the hero. But she did so much for us that she didn't even have to. She risked her life to end this coup before it got worse. Now, will you let her speak?" The leaders look at each other and they all nod. I calmly stood up walking into the middle with my hooves gently clicking on the floor. I feel every movement of my bones It was time for things to change. "The alliance is what we need. The war will start in a year. We need to make sure we all work together. During this time we will train to get ready. Then break through her defense in the entire island. I know this isn't what you want to do. But think of it this way. if we can bring peace to this land. then we can finally have hope. I can get home I can then get out of your manes." They all looked at each other. On the table set adapter for an alliance. I read along the paper. But I needed to sign it myself. I lifted the pen with my magic. Writing my name looking up to them. "For all, we should work together. Come down Write your names. Then we will head to Cliffside. But we need to make sure we have weapons and that the towns are ready for most of you to leave." They looked at each other all of them came down to write their names. Because they knew if they didn't they might lose their power. It was time to get me back to Cliffside. I just simply watched them write down their names. I felt it would be useful to watch how these things worked. Then when the leaders of the military signed it they looked at me. I blinked wondering why they stared at me. They all looked at me for a moment. I didn't know what to think at all. "They wish you to speak little hero." Skull Crusher whispered Blinking a moment closing my eyes thinking of what to say. My eyes looked at the rest of them. "I feel this is the time to move on from the hate that the Queen has placed in all of the creatures of this island. I know I am not the best leader, but I am from a land that was always in constant battle even after the Light-bringer did her job. No matter what the heroes did. The ones beyond the heroes still had to fight. It made evil feel they would have a challenge out there. It's a sad thing but also extremely true. Security had her time of being a hero. But the thing with this. Even though all heroes have had their missions end. Sometimes they have to understand with the pain." After I speak these words they just all stare at me, but I smile gently. "Sorry, it’s just how one thinks when they grow up in a dead wasteland. You're all extremely lucky that it never happened to you. You guys got saved from the spell the island had." Smiling weakly. They walked back up to their seats and they grabbed their wooden hammers. "The alliance with Cliff Side and the hero being the leader. We shall fight with them to take down the Queen. Remove the spell then trade with Equestria." They hit their tables to show their support for the alliance. One of the ponies picked up the alliance paper and took it into the back of the building to store it. I sigh softly, I have to get back. Blackfeather places his claw on my shoulder. "Little hero, we are going to need your help to gather everything. It's going to take a few days. Then we can get you back to Cliffside. But first, go head to the Inn I am sure they wish to throw a party for you." Blinking a moment a party for me. Slowly I walked outside. I noticed the bodies being cleaned up. But I saw a little griffin hatchlings crying over a body. I calmly walk over to the little one. I wrap my hooves around them hugging them tightly. I could feel small punches from the little one. I am sure their parents were part of the coup members. But they calm down. I lift them up on my back. "Hold tight I am taking you to the inn little one. You don't belong here.." The little one doesn't even speak. But I slowly walk along to the inn. I feel many eyes staring at me as I walk along. Some had smiles some had anger in their eyes. Many died because of me being here. But they knew it would have happened sooner or later without me. I can tell in their eyes that they didn't wish to be. Slowly I walked to the inn. My back hoof even more painful. I grunt the little hatchling looked at my leg and jumps off my back. I stop a moment watching them look at my leg they remove a cloth wrapping it around my hoof. Of the poor leg rushing to get water. They clean my leg, I groaned in pain it is so sensitive. The pain of the leg goes through the entire leg to my hoof when they clean it up. There was no fur on the leg. It was slowly growing but the leg is really beat up. Then the little hatchling jumps back on my back. I smile weakly at her. Slowly getting inside the inn. 00000 I walk in through the door feeling the little one getting off my back. The lights must be off it’s very dark. I don’t know why my eyes must be messed up with how the sun is. But is there really a sun outside? I don’t really know anymore all I really see in my head.. Is the pain I am causing to this land. Before I could go on in my head. The light suddenly turns on and a loud surprise sounds through the air. My eyes finally fix itself and I see the banner over the heads of the creatures of this town. The banner says in deep black letters. ‘Thank you Hero’ Before I could back away Screw kissed me on the lips. My cheeks burn so bright red, ‘I need to hide!!!’ I think to myself. I slowly back away after the kiss was over. I try to hide, but they wouldn’t let me hide. I am sat in a chair near Doc. Lifting my leg to place it on a stool near me. They give me apple cider. Doc takes a look at my leg frowning. He takes a calm look at it. Gently touching it I felt a deep pain and groan gently. Using the magic of my horn, I lift up my mug to drink. Removing the cloak fully Doc just stared at all my scars and small wounds that have healed so poorly. "Oh, goddess Star Shooter what did they do to you in that prison." I glare at Doc my eyes full of pain. I try to hold back the tears. He sees pain I feel, and doesn’t press anymore. I smile weakly, drinking the cider. As the party went on without getting into the middle of it. Screw quickly came over grabbing me in her magic. "Come dance with me." I don't even fight. I just feel so tired. But she starts to dance and the music is happy and bouncy. I felt some pain but I calmly dance. I have no smile on my face. I just wish to get back to Blaze. That's all I can think of. But I finally allow myself to loosen up. The tense muscles of my body calmly leave me. I feel every inch of me fill with pain. But it is a good pain. I keep dancing. While the ponies on the stage sing and play happy music. I feel drunk from the cider. But after a while, I don't care. I feel so weak and drunk that I am carried to my room as the party ends. I feel a pony covering me up with the blankets. But also getting in bed with me. But I don't feel anything happening. I finally fall asleep. 00000 Opening my eyes looking beside me I see Screw. But she wasn't all over me. I think she did this to keep me from hurting myself. I slowly try to move but she wraps around me. Whispering gently. "Little one don't leave yet." My cheeks turn bright red. " I just wish to thank you for your kindness to us." She smiled pulling me into a deep kiss. "But I know you're taken. So I just slept with you to keep you from getting hurt too much. Doc asked me to do so. He wants to take a look at you before you leave to help." I nod calmly as I slowly get out of the bed. Heading downstairs. Doc takes a look at me. "Come with me to the hospital Star Shooter. I got a room ready to check everything that happened to you. This will take a while to. I see a lot of things I need to clean and work on." I gave a weak nod. Following him to the hospital. It looks brand new as well. I have a feeling that the Griffin town was just recently built. Maybe like a year or so ago. I follow him into it. He leads me to a room closing the door. He has been given all the tools to give me an entire look. "Now forgive me Star Shooter much of this might be painful. First thing I need to check that leg." I nod weakly he had me lay on the table. Calmly removing the cloth from my left back leg. He grabbed some water and started to clean the leg. He looks at it closely seeing many old burns that haven't fully healed yet. He holds up the leg a bit. Frowning. "Star Shooter your leg is infected as well. I am also going to have to break it again to set the bone right. This is going to hurt a lot be ready for it." He gave me a stick of wood to bite down on. He looks at my leg with the spell to look through the skin then taking a hammer. Then he smashes down hard on the bone shattering it again. Setting it correctly, then wraps a bandage around it. We sadly didn't have the magic bandages like in Equestria. He finishes with covering the entire leg as well as the hoof with a strong cast. "When we get back I am going to have to tell Blaze. She is going to have to remove that clean it. Then get a new bandage to re-wrap. Heh, she is going to get to baby you witch she loves doing so much. " He then takes a cloth cleaning along with my fur. All kinds of grim and nasty crap slide off to the table. He had an ‘eww’ look on his face. He then looked at my horn. He could tell it was broken off and regrown through magic. " Star Shooter. I am going to have to tell Blaze since you two want to be together till death. That she is going to have to do a lot to keep you away from raw magic." I smiled weakly. He looked at all the scars. Frown forming on his face. I could tell he wasn't happy at all how I was treated. He looked at the scars. He even saw the spot I was skinned. "Star Shooter what in the world did they do to you?" I start to sob softly. His ears drooped. "They... skinned me alive. Cut me up, even cut off my leg. It regrew because of the magic. Why they did to me. I have no idea. But they did so much to me. Even cut out my ability to have foals. Then it regrew. But they said my ability to have children will never return." Doc sighed shaking his head. Looking at the stinger wound that is sewn shut. He removed the stitches. The hole opened back up. He took a scope to look inside. He took a tool inside digging out some dead tissue. I growl deeply. I know he was trying to help me but I felt that he was making me worse. He sews the wound back up cleaning it. He looked into my ears. Inside of my ears is extremely nasty looking. "I am going to need you to take a bath after this Star Shooter. The bandage will be alright. It will dry. Just I don't think I was able to remove everything. Now one last thing." He took a scope to my heart to listen. " Okay Star Shooter take some deep breaths." I did what he asked calmly my lungs filled with air slowly then breathe out. Feeling the hot air slowly coming out of my nose. A Griffin walked in looking to Doc. "Excuse me Doc may I take a look at her to?" The female Griffin smiles, Doc looks back to her nodding. "I feel it might be wise. I had to break her leg all over again. It seems they used so much raw magic on her. That’s a lot of scars and the wound didn't heal correctly. Like that deep scar on her neck." The Griffin nodded. She walks over to me with a gentle smile. " Hello, Star Shooter. I am Needle. Yes, stupid name. But my family found it funny. Since the doctor that helped me hatch. Said I could maybe be a doctor just like him. Now I am going to be coming with you to Cliff Side. From what Doc told me you need more doctors." I nodded weakly. Doc backed off she looked at the tissue from the wound. " I had a magic eater sting me. His stinger got stuck in me. So I had to remove it." Needle sighed. "Well, they also have a type of venom that will cause a negative effect on unicorns only. Since most of their time, they use magic. Magic is a part of them to the point that even some of their tissue has magic within them. So you got lucky. That he only found some tissue with this decay." I nod weakly she checked my horn when she did a spark came off. "How many times did they attach you to raw magic?" I sigh closing my eyes "I was pretty rebellious. I wanted to get out. So to punish me they kept me attached to the magic for like three months. Then they destroyed my mind with some unicorn that tried to make a story of death in my head. I just didn't know why either. But the queen wished that I was ripped apart. Before they fully left. Cricket tossed me in the wall. Then took my leg. Twisting it to the point my bone split out of the leg." Needle blinks looking to Doc. "She is lucky she is not demanding magic every day." I did have the feeling that I need to have magic in my system all the time. Raw powerful magic. Just thinking about it made me hungry for it. ‘Could I do it?’ Maybe I can find some here. I tried to just think about that for a while. But then I think of Blaze. Seeing her face of pain when I did it last time. I remove the thoughts of wanting pure magic. "I do wish I could have that in my body. Pure magic in me. But I promised Blaze I would never allow that to happen to me again. I love her I want her to be happy that her lover is going to listen to her." Needle smiles softly nodding. "That is so romantic. But I need to check more of your scars. I might even have to dig in a few to see how well they healed. " I gulp nodding. Needle asks me gently to get on my back. She opened one of the healed scars. That is from where my ovaries are located. She calmly looks inside there. Seeing that they were removed at first and slowly grown back. " I'm sorry to say Little Star shooter but I doubt you will ever be able to have foals. I am sure you and Blaze want little ones. So if you do. You will have to take your eggs to mix them with hers and inject them into her. I am sorry to say but I don't see a way you will ever get little ones." She sealed up the wound. I was still fully awake from this. But I am surprised they never put me asleep while doing this. "Um. I am sorry to say but I am so much pain right now. Why don't you put me to sleep." Needle gave me a gentle smile. " I am sorry but we have no Memory orbs here or the means to do so. So if you need to have surgery. You will need to be fully awake for it. Now back on your stomach please." Slowly shifting myself onto my stomach. She removed the scar from where the heated spikes went into. Looking inside with a tool slowly removed scared and burnt tissue. Hissing in pain. But she frowned seeing so many of the scars. She didn't poke at the rest of them looking over to Doc. " I don't think it's wise to keep doing this to her. So I am going to seal this wound up. Then I think she could use a bath." Doc nodded. " We will head back to the inn. I will make sure the tub she goes into has a lot of hot water. Then I can cut her long mane. Since it grew out along with her tail." I found it interesting that I never noticed my long mane and tail. Till now it's odd to me that now when they mention it. it starts bothering me. Needle nods. Leaving the room looking back at me with a gentle smile. I finally get a good look at her. She is brown with a lion-like body. Her head is owl like as well. "I will meet you with the main force in a few days. Then we'll head to your home." I give a weak nod. Slowly getting off the table. "Come with me Star Shooter there is a barber here." Blinking a moment nodding. 0000 He leads me to the middle of the town. It's odd the middle of the town is a mix of Minotaur and Griffin buildings. In the middle of this is a barber. We calmly walk inside. The barber isn't either a Minotaur or a Griffin. He looks at me with a large smirk. It was a salamander with strange claws that looked like they were sharpened to cut manes as well as tails. I sat in the chair. He looks at my mane and tail and had an odd look on his face. When he speaks he sounds so stuck up. "Oh, darling. Your mane and tail look…." he sniffs "...terrible, dear. Now sit whereas I make you beautiful." I sigh, the Salamander calmly hummed gently. Using a claw that feels like a comb. Then with the other claws cutting some of the manes. "Oh, darling, I can tell you're a hero. The unkempt mane. The poorly maintained tail. Oh, darling, this is not done!" I sighed softly while this Salamander kept talking. "Oh, poor heroes. They think they do so much for all the land. But they forget to look decent. Oh, such a bad thing." I wanted to cover my ears. Since he kept yammering on and on. I felt the comb go through the mane as my mane fell down to my hooves. I tried to block out his voice. " Oh, darling you look so beautiful now." He even placed bows in my mane as well as my tail. I didn't care. Doc laughed as he pays the Salamander. "Come back sometime, you look so darling with your mane done." I quickly rush out of there. When Doc follows me I turn to look at him. "Never again...Never again!!" He laughed. A pout forms on my lips. Then I sighed. We walked back through the town. This town was amazing. So many vendors around the main part of town. So many folks buying and selling. It must have been like this before Equestria blew itself up. Of course, the past is the past. I think it's best to stop hating the past. 00000 Walking back into the inn. They are cleaning up from the party we had the night before. Doc led me upstairs. He forced me into the tub. It was one of those old tubs were you had to carry the water to it. He walked back downstairs then a few mares walked up with him with buckets. Dumping pure hot water into the tube. I gasped in pain. Feeling the water burn me a bit. But when the water slowly filled in the tube. I felt such glee and pleasure from the water. " Now I want you to soak in there for awhile. It will help your scars. I will come back up when I feel you have had enough of that little one." I smiled nodding leaning back just closing my eyes rest. For the first time in my life. I didn't even want to move or even think. It was pretty silent. But the door opened up. Seeing Black Feather and Skull Crusher. " Little hero we need to speak with you." Said Skull Crusher. I gave a very half hearted nod. "Skull Crusher and I wish to come with you. It sounds like we are the last companions of the legend. So we wish to follow you. Meet the others of legend." I give a nod. "I am sure they would be happy to have you two." They both nod. They both slowly walk out. I lie back into the tub. Seeing the door open and close. But I don't care. I hear hoof steps walking towards me. I looked around. "Um...hello?" A hood was removed seeing Jonon staring right at me. She has tears in her eyes. "Jonon..." I say softly. I don't move, as she comes forwards and wraps her legs around me in a hug. "Little hero you're alive...I am going to head back to let the others know. But I had to come myself. When I saw the new companions of legend on the wall…” "No don't tell the others. Not yet. I wish to surprise everypony when I get there. So please ask Speckled to form a party at the inn." Jonon frowns, but sighs and nods. "I will do this for you hero. I feel you’re right if you show up. I am sure Blaze will lose it. She is already very broken. I haven't seen her smile for the past six months. When that recording came out of you being dead, it broke her." "Oh...That wasn't a recording... That was life." She stares at me, anger forming in her eyes, it subsides after a while. "Jonon I know it was a bad idea. But the one who did this all to me. Told me it would be best. So the Queen will slow down with all her planning." Jonon sighs nodding. "The one who did this to me is named Burnout." Her eyes pop wide open staring at me. "We just welcomed him and his family into Cliffside. Oh, I will not tell Blaze he is the reason that Blaze couldn't find you." I nod, she then places her hood back on her head slowly heading back out of the inn. Finally closing my eyes, falling asleep. 00000 Opening my eyes when Doc walks in he smiles. "They seem to be ready to get going little one. They have a cart ready for you. Since I don't wish for you to walk." I give a nod getting out of the tub. He dries me off with a towel. Then grabbing my cloak my bags. Looking into my bag seeing my broken sword. I sigh softly. Putting on the cloak and heading outside. Doc followed behind me. I notice the cart is farther behind. It is empty just for me, but some others had tons of gear and young ones. Slowly getting into the cart laying down. Placing the hood over my head so they don't see me when I get back. Until I got to the party. They started to march down the road. It would take a few hours to get home. They even started to sing. "Stomp stomp.." We walked through the land. I looked at everything."Stomp through the land. To fight and gain our hearts through the love of battle. Endless battle. Griffins, Minotaurs walking side beside to ready for the battle to take down the Queen.” I was able to see what they walk by. The song is repeated throughout the trip. The same song over and over again. I close my eyes for meaning to rest them for a bit, I end up falling asleep. A few hours later I opened my eyes back up when I hear a female voice saying, “Halt!” Placing my hood over my head. Gently getting out of the cart. They were talking to Blaze. Who doesn't even have a smile. But just had her bar body. I calmly walked into the inn. Seeing they built a stage and everything. I was going to have to wait. So I went to the back of the newly made stage sitting there waiting. Jonon sat beside me whispering softly. "I have a feeling you're going to sing for Blaze?" I gave a nod. "Maybe that will be best." I nodded. She walked away from me. I had to wait for the party to start. 00000 A few hours later the party starts but I don't see Blaze. But after awhile Blaze walks into the Inn with Jonon and Dr. Slice. But not the other two who were just drinking. Blaze didn't seem to want to stay. She was slowly about to walk out but Jonon shook her head. Blaze nodded sitting back down. I calmly lift up the mic, the curtain opens. I still had the hood on. They have some gentle music playing. I started to sing; "To some that may know." They know the voice but they looked around. The Blaze grew angry. I could tell in her voice. She thought it was fake. Jonon had to hold her down shaking her head. "I have one in my heart is a wonderful beauty. She has won my very heart." I felt I was poorly singing. " I love her so much. She has given me peace. I calmly left the stage with the hood still on. " I wish to live with her for the rest of my life. For she has given me the love I don't deserve.” When I get closer, I can see that she is getting pissed. "Who is doing this?!" Dr. Slice tries to shrug. I then remove my hood, the entire inn stares at me in shock. I removed my cloak. "Blaze...I am alive... I know after six months of pure pain in a prison. Also yes this is me. I tried everything to get back to you. But they kept me from you." Blaze just stares. My cheeks burn brightly as I got so many looking at me now. Footnote: Level up New perk. The companions of legend: You have formed all the heroes of legend. When they’re near you your resolve knows no bounds. You feel strong, you feel ready. The battle will test you all and with the battle ahead. You will be ready. A kiss from a mare: You have been kissed by the mare known as Screw. You felt the love the compassion that she had for you. You couldn’t give her advances back but she will join you for the final battle. She will die in your name. Chapter Twenty: ReunitedAuthor's Note There is NSFW part in part of the story. Now you can skip it or read it. Chapter Twenty: Reunited I stand in the middle of the inn. My face is bright red because of all the stares I am getting. Blaze is just looking at me. I slowly backed away. She can tell it is me since I am getting very shy. I place the hood back over my head and rush out. Leaning on the wall panting softly. But the door opens and Blaze comes out staring at me as if not believing what she saw. She removes the hood, revealing my face. "Blaze...." I say softly as she looks at the numerous cuts, scars and bruises. "I'm sorry that I couldn't tell you that I was alive..." Blaze just stares at me, she looks at my Cutie Mark. Then back at me sniffing gently. She wraps her tail around me gently. My cheeks burn as I know what is coming. She pulls me into a deep kiss. I close my eyes, savoring every moment. In that moment I forget the pain my body is in, all bruises dull, all cuts disappear. She broke the kiss, gently pulling back. "It is you...please, come back in.." I gave a nod. She carried me back in. "Everyone this is Star Shooter our hero, My love..." I smile, blushing deeply but then I think of something I should have done a long time ago. When she sets me down, I pulled out a little case, presenting it to Blaze. With my magic I open the case. it is a ring. The ring that Zranth gave me. "Before anything else happens my dear Blaze. I know that we have only been together for six months. But I wish to be with you for the rest of my life. Blaze.. Will you marry me?" The music stops, the lead instrumentalist seem to burst with joy and began playing a rather romantic sounding piece of music, the rest of the musicians joined in. all eyes turn to the two of us. The hero asking her love to be with her for the rest of their lives. She doesn't even take much time to think. "Yes..." I smile as the entire crowd in the inn cheers as I place the ring on one of her many claws. She wraps her tail around me again pulling me into a deep kiss. All I could do was smile in the kiss, ‘I feel amazing!’ The party goes back to normal after the kiss. She breathes deeply after the kiss. She has a large smile on her face. "Come with me. Jonon, Dr slice you to as well." I lead them to the table that Skull Crusher and Black Feather sit at. " I want you guys to meet the other two companions of legend." Jonon blinks looking at the two. " So the legend is fulfilled. That means the spirits will offer you." One of Dr. Slices robotic claws changes from the saw to a hand to shake. " Greetings to you two I am Dr. Slice. I was found in the forbidden zone." Crusher and Black Feather shook the robotic hand. " We will be working together now...Star Shooter what happen to you? My sensors so some pretty nasty scars on you." I sigh. "They skinned me alive. They had me attached to a magic machine to fill me with magic. So they could keep doing what they wished to me." I lifted the leg that didn't have the pip buck on it. "They cut this leg off trying to see if the magic will make me regrow it. They broke my horn. They..." I sighed. "They removed my ovaries to remove my ability to get foals. I still have my eggs of course. So if we want little ones Blaze we can mix our eggs and they can be injected in you." Dr. Slice just stared at me. "That...we never did that to the Zebras. Why would they allow that here? Equestria did barbaric things during the war. But we never went that far in hurting our enemies!" Blaze had tears in her eyes, wrapping her tail around me and holding me close. Dr. Slice looked at my leg that had the cast on it. "What happened to your leg?" The robotic Dr asked. "Cricket was very upset when I tried to escape with Skull Crusher here. He smashed me into the wall and sliced me up with his swords. Then he grabbed my leg and twisted it to the point that the bone broke through the skin. He then smashed me into the floor many times as well. One last thing; he did stab me in the heart. Before I died, they placed me back into the machine to heal me. Even though Doc reset the bone after breaking it again. I am sure I will never walk right on that leg again." Dr slice sighs softly. But it came out very robotic like, so it sounded more like a cat yowling through a mic. Jonon then spoke up. "We have a year now to get ready for the real battle. Since most of the warriors have left their homes. The Queen will be taking them over one by one till Cliff Side is the only free town. Then we take every town back. Then the legend doesn't say who wins the final battle. So when we have time little Hero we will head and speak to the spirits. To get the final training you need to finally be the hero you're meant to be. So please, spend your time with us. Go have some private time with Blaze." I blink, Blaze stares at me with an evil smile. All I can do is blush. My face turns bright red, I want to ‘hide!’ "Now, now, Star Shooter, you can't hide from your friends. I am sure they know it is you. if I just keep making you blush." Blaze said gently in my ear. The others around us laughed. My cheeks burned so brightly. I didn't know what to do, so I just accepted my fate. Yes, I am going to finally get with my lover. I missed her so much, but first party, then hot sex with the fire Salamander. "Let's enjoy the party, my love...then we can have some more...intimate fun." Blaze said very gently. I nod, blushing. The red female Salamander lifts off her chair, stroking her tail along my neck. She went to go get some food and a drink for me. I shiver deeply from the feel of her tail on my neck, imagining me and Blaze... "I am impressed by how much she loves you little one." Skull Crusher said, in a calm demeanor. "I can see why you tried so hard to get out of the prison." I nod sighing, Looking over to Dr. Slice who floats along with us. "Slice I got a question for you. Why did you come to this land?" Slice looks down to me looking around with his many eyes. " I really had no choice in that matter. Along with my friend who wasn't really respected by the others of the ship. But I'm happy Bulk lived through the battle and the bomb. I do hope to have a long conversation with him. But the Clockwork ponies are very interesting they have been placing some powerful turrets around Cliffside. Because they know sooner or later the Queen might attack. They also said when their town is taken over like in the legend, It's going to explode. But right now they’re building clockwork machines that will help us fight the Queen. But they said it would take a year just to get them working." I nodded I thought I didn't see any of the Clockwork ponies at the party. But that is because they don't drink or eat. I sigh, finally Blaze returns with a large plate of veggies and a bottle of water. She sat beside me using her tail to stroke my back. Leaned into her. Zranth taps her hoof on my shoulder. "Star Shooter. The elder is ready to speak to you. But I will let you eat first." I give a weak nod. Blaze rushes out quickly. I don't know where she went. But I start to eat, relishing the refreshing meal. Drinking from the water, Jonon stays silent. She doesn't speak much. But I can tell in her eyes this is a serious thing. Blaze finally rushes back in with the golden armor piece that I got from the Scribe. She places it in my bag. Kissing my cheek then sits down beside me. "Hmm, I haven't had anything this good for a long time." I look up to see Burnout coming towards us with a nervous smile. "Ah hello, again Star Shooter. Are these your friends?" I give a nod, Blaze just looks at him oddly, confused. "Who are you?" Blaze asked. Burnout gulped. "I am...the one that did all that to her in the Prison." He points to my many scars and cuts. Blaze stares at him as if not believing that he had the audacity to confess such a crime, so did Jonon and Dr. Slice. Skull Crusher and Black feather just started to snicker. "I ah..." Burnout looks at my angry Blaze, who had steam coming from her mouth. Huh, I didn’t know she could do that. I think to myself "I also helped her escape as well." That doesn't calm Blaze down, she looks at me, seeing my eyes pleading her to just leave it alone. She sighs softly nodding to my, somewhat reluctantly. "I just wished to say. Thank you Star Shooter for forgiving me for what I did. But we are ready to risk our lives to fight for you to take down the Queen herself. " I give a nod, then Burnout goes back to his daughter. I just sigh, Blaze pulls me out of the inn, her eyes full of righteous anger. "My love, I don't trust him." She says softly. I nod, sighing. "I understand." Blaze, takes a bit to settle down after that encounter, then it’s back to kissing my face again. "Go to the elder my love, after that, you are all mine." When she said that my face turns bright red, cherry red. I was blushing so hard it was difficult to say anything.. She gives me a wink, I chuckled weakly. I had to get going. 0000 I walk down to the caverns the Zebras live in. I walk to the elder, I sit there as she was meditating. She opens her eyes looking at me with her gentle eyes. Removing the piece of armor from my bag. Setting it down lowering my head to wait for her to speak. I watch her pick it up. Then setting down the drink. "I am sorry for lying to you little hero. There was only one spirit on this island. Now, this is the last time we will be speaking. Because soon I will die. The Zebras will pick a new elder. An elder that will lead them back to their lands. The Zebras wish to go back home. The ponies wish to go back home as well."I give a nod sighing a bit. "But before you drink..we have much to talk about." I give a nod looking down at one of the drinks. Sniffing it gently noticing it was pink. With a strange brew inside it. "Now little hero. It will be a year before the final battle starts. You will need to train and be ready for the final battle. The entire island will be taken over by the Queen. You will fight for the island. Destroy the army of the Queen. The final battle in the castle, you will remove those that hurt you the most. Then you will meet the one that caused all this. But little hero, it's going to be hard for you. But I know you will live. You will live but during the final battle fulfill the legend and marry Blaze. Then the legend will be fulfilled. My mission will be done, little hero. You have done so much for me. So drink the brew and be ready to say goodbye to me." I give a nod lifting the brew looking at it calmly. I stare at it in the bowl. I feel this is going to be a new way to learn. Taking a deep sip from it feeling the world around turn fuzzy and then the world going dark. 00000 I am back in the mist world. I calmly close my eyes feeling the dizziness. My vision finally goes back to normal. Looking around while the Zebra walks out of the Mist. The Zebra in the mask stares at me. Slowly walking towards me, then looks around and nodding. "Hero you have learned many different things about a legend. The legend is true but most of it is also fake. It was never in the legend that you would be held in a prison. Broken, hurt and almost killed many times. The final battle no one knows who will win. Only the stars know, but speaking to them is never a wise thing. They never speak the truth or when they do, it's for their own gain." I gave a nod, calmly standing up. I don't feel the pain from my leg or see any of the scars on my body. "I have a few things I can teach you, child. But first I need to go through your journey. Some of the journey you walked through like an iron pony. But that is how some would see you. You did what you had to. But to some, you failed, some would say you became stronger than you think. Now child, this is the final thing we will speak of. When we are done here. The world around you will change. You will become more aware of the magic. You won't be anymore as powerful with magic then you are now. But you will be much more aware of it. The first thing is this," I calmly listen to the spirit. She stood up, drums form beside her. Along with more brews. She starts to mix them as the drums play. The drums help with the brew to form magic within it. Closing my eyes softly feeling the music. I look back on my entire journey. The journey has been hard for me. Being forced to leave Equestria, because I was at the wrong place at the wrong time. I wish I could go back home. I know they miss me. I feel the anger in my heart. When I think of Mouse, Mix, and Cricket. I will finally see them dead at my hooves. I hope It will happen soon. I will not see their deaths for a year. I feel that is a chip because.. I want to see the death of these three. But I feel, I will not be the one ending them. Blaze will have dibs on all three of them. But we shall see when the time comes. I close my eyes again. Looking back at the brew. I take a drink of the spirit brew. I feel the pain in my horn vanish. I feel my magic vision becoming ten times stronger when it happens. I start to feel more of the raw magic around me. But I feel it would take time for me to get used to this. Groaning gently then standing back on my hooves. Looking at the Spirit. "One last thing. The two of us will battle. I will train you to fight more like a Zebra than a pony to be ready for the final battle. Since guns will not be what you use for the final battle." Around me the land changes an arena forms in the mist. A staff forms in my mouth. I was trained to fight without the magic. I am starting to see why she banned the use of magic. Because of the raw magic that can cause many issues. We both stand in the middle of the arena. It isn't a battle to the death, she wants to train me. At least I thought she was female but I can’t tell. She stands there holding the staff in her forehooves, standing on her back hooves. It is interesting how the Zebras fight. I find it very impressive. Maybe I will learn how to do it myself. Since Zebras are able to stand like that. But I am not sure really. Maybe I will learn, maybe I won't. "Get on your back hooves, little hero. When your back leg fully heals you will be able to fight like this. But It will be only when other things don't work. Don't overuse this ability I am going to give you. Because it will ruin your pony legs more than you wish to." I give a nod slowly standing on my back hooves. Trying to hold the staff in my hooves. It wasn't easy, but I was able to do it, at least for the time being. The spirit and I started to train. Our staves connected slowly at first. The momentum of the battle is going to take time for me. One, I am not a Zebra. But fighting like this is strange to me. The battle started to speed up as the spirit’s stave smashed hard into mine. It hurt at times. She hit me down trying to smash the staff into me but using the back of one of my hooves to block the attack. Bringing around the stave I held to smash into hers. But the battle was tough for me. "Well done hero. But of course being a pony it's not pleasant, to fight like a Zebra. So when I remove you from this vision. I want you to stay there with the elder until she fully passes away. Are you willing to do that?" I give a weak nod sighing. I knew that sooner or later I would be asked to stay and watch somepony die. I wasn’t keen on doing that. I feel the fact. I am going to feel so much pain when I get out of this vision. "Now hero I know I didn't teach you much. I know I didn't help you much at all. But you will now have the ability to learn how" I gave a nod sighing a bit, knowing the fact that when I get back into the real world, I will have to watch an elder die. Looking towards the Spirit then I can finally ask. "Spirit, what is it about this island that blocks my ability to use this pipbuck in many areas of the island." The spirit looked at me for a moment, then sighs, looking to the Pipbuck. "Fate refuses to allow you to use that device to make it easy for you to find your way around. Even when you use that ability from it to slow down time. It's something the magic of this land has. It's alive in a way. Some of it can be evil. Some of it can be good. But both sides of the magic don't care for the easy way out. It wishes that those work hard for what they need to do. If you're willing to work hard. The way most things happen in this land. That the land is willing you to learn without that device." Sighing, closing my eyes a moment then nodding. "Alright, I am ready to go back." The spirit nods. "When you leave, I will die as well. I am linked to the elder that is chosen. I knew when the legend would happen, I would finally pass. I am sorry I haven't been much of a help, hero." I gave a weak nod, the world around me started to go back to normal. The bones of the Zebra spirit slowly start turning to dust. the spirit world slowly dies. What is left of it is the dust. It blows away when I finally open my eyes. 0000 Opening my eyes I hear a bell ring. All the Zebras from the community stand around the body of the elder. She was laying on a bed. Jonon was beside her. I calmly walked to her. Leaning down holding the hooves of the elder. Zranth stands on the other side. "Little Hero." The elder said softly. "Thank you for saving us from ourselves. When I die, the Queen will know. She then will start getting her army ready to fulfill her part of the legend. The part of the legend is taking over the towns. That will start in a few months. No matter what some of the creatures in those towns need to stay. To fight them off to show might. But most of them will die, she needs to think that she will win." I give a weak smile holding the hoof tightly. Many of the Zebras around us have tears in their eyes. The Zebra calmly closes her eyes. Her heart stops beating. I don't know how the elder will be chosen. But when she dies. She turns to dust. Jonon looks up to me. "The Dust will fly to the next elder." I give a nod as the dust slowly blew to Zranth. Her eyes go wide. The healer of the ruins was the next elder. "I...I am not worthy of this...but I will do my best to be the next elder." I give a nod. Slowly standing up on hooves. I had no idea why I was welcome here. But the Zebras bow to me. Blinking a moment why were they bowing to me. I looked over to Jonon. "Little hero you have done so much for this island. You're now not only a hero, but thought to be a leader. Remove the spell, get some of them back to Equestria or our former lands. Many have forgotten the name. But some of these Zebras came from there as well from Equestria. Their families knew sooner or later they would return. It's time for them to do so." Jonon calmly said. I sigh weakly looking over to the Zebras who bow to me. I calmly walk out of the elder’s home. But I stand there thinking a moment. I am the one that wishes to bring peace to this island. But now did I bring peace it. I sit down thinking a moment. I can see that the Zebras have made a community down here. I never really looked at it. I just focused on trying to get home. Watching some of the Zebras walk along like nothing is ever going on. Closing my eyes calmly feeling the pain from being stared at for being thought more than life. A young Zebra filly sits beside me. Opening my eyes looking down at her with a gentle smile. "Hello, hero. I wish to thank you for all you have done for us." She smiles. " I know you feel you didn't do anything. But you helped free this town from the descendants of the former owner of this town. I spoke with him myself. He is very sorry for what he did for us. He hopes sometime we can all fight together to take back the island." I give a nod. I feel why must I follow this legend to take down the Queen. But then I think; maybe she will overextend her forces to hold all the towns. We take them all out. Then she doesn't have much to protect the castle anymore. Looking down to the little filly. "I don't understand this legend. Does anyone tell you how it was created or made?" The Zebra looks up to me frowning gently. "At first it was a fake legend back during the war. An elder said we would find an island in the middle of nowhere. That is run by a Queen known as Majesty. Many thought she was crazy. She went missing from our lands. Then there was a rumor that there was an island in the middle of the ocean that no one has seen before. So my ancestor had to find a way here. This was before the war even started. So I guess I am part of the lucky families that never got into the middle of it. Just heard stories of it from those that came here." Nodding. I stand up looking down at her. "I need to be going. Thank you for telling me.." The Zebra filly nods. I slowly walked back out of the cavern. Heading back to the inn. But before I did, I felt a tail wrap around me. Gently pulling me close. "Ah ah you belong to me now. besides, I have been told I need to redo your bandage on your leg. So.. I am going to baby you...then please that wonderful body of yours." I feel my cheeks turn bright red. I don't know what to say or do. But I know if I say no, she wouldn't take it as an answer. She lifts me up with her tail. Pulling me close to her. I can feel her heated breath on my neck. "My little hero is an amazing mare. I will do everything to make her smile." All I can do is blush. I had no choice in this matter. She leads me up to the Mansion many watched me as I am carried off by the female Salamander. They all have smirks on their faces, the cheeky bastards the lot of them. One even said. “Scream loudly!” 0000 NSFW Lying on the bed. Blazes tail calmly hit the radio to play a gentle song. ' I will never let you go...My love.' The song gently plays. A bucket gently placed by the bed. The salamander gently removes the bandage from my leg. I groaned a bit. But if she was going to turn this into a sexual way of pleasing me I am kind of amazed. ' I love you...with all my heart..' With her tail, she lifted up a cloth gently stroking the leg. Cleaning it up. I feel her gently trying to make it a sexual interaction. Even if I had a lot of pain from it. She gently places her heated mouth on the hurt leg. I groan deeply in pain, but after a while the pain vanishes. While she gently dries it with her heated mouth. Then takes a new badge wrapping it around the leg tightly. 'Oh, my love give me all your heart. So I can hold it my hooves forever.' The cloth went along my other body. I gasp when she pushes it between my legs. A gentle wet noise sounds, when she touches my heated marehood folds. Sliding the towel along my body sensually. I have never felt such pleasure in my body. My heated itself inside my folds and the want of pleasure. ' Love shall sing to us forever.' Blaze places the towel back into the bucket. Going up to my horn gently wrapping her tongue around it. Like it is a stallions beautiful flesh. I gasp deeply feeling the magic from her fire breath filling me with pleasure. I have never felt this way before. My nerves sparks deeply with the pleasure she was filling me with. ' Please kiss me along my beauty. Oh, wonderful one I love. Hold me in your hooves.' Blaze gently engulfed the horn. Like I was a stallion. Gentle sounds played from her heated mouth. While magic drool went down my face. All I can do is feel the pleasure of the magic filling me from her own magic powers. She pulls her mouth of the horn with a pop. I want to climax so bad but...I am not even close. But the core of my magic. Feels like I already am. She speaks gently in my ear. "My little hero deserves every moment of this pleasure. Six months we have been apart. I have so many ideas I wish to do to you." A gulp came from me. Her snake like tongue slides along my body. Giving me a deep kiss. She doesn't force her entire body on me yet. But the feel of her heated mouth on my ear makes me shiver. She stares deeply into my eyes. ' Please hold me forever in your loving embrace.' Blaze gently went down to the folds of my marehood. licking along it slowly. The heated breath of her magic made it heat up faster. Deep moans came from my mouth. I could hold it back any longer. My climax came much quicker than I thought it would. Just because of the heat from her fire breathing mouth. My horn started to glow. I couldn't hold back the magic anymore. It was like my way of climaxing. It removed some of the magic from my core as well. I scream in deep pleasure. My horn aiming for the window. My climax happens, the magic shoots out like a laser,...oops. I get lucky and hit the bird that was watching us. Heh, I finally got the last laugh on the warden. But after the smoke lifts the warden's cam appears again just barely sing. I can hear him laughing. But the feel of my climax subsiding makes me feel wonderful. 'Please fill me with your love my dear. Never let me go..' I feel the entire weight of the beautiful salamander get on me gently. She looks down at me. Using her claws to keep me held down. My hooves sprawled out. Staring down at me with love and lust. I can tell she has been holding back. Nothing was going to take me from her. I can tell with that look in her eyes. But instead of it being any more sex. She kisses me deeply. Our kiss lasts a little while. She slides her tail along the folds of my marehood. I felt it heating even more. I groan deeply in the kiss. I want to move I just want to please her back. But when she removes the kiss spit connecting on our lips. She starts gently licking along my chest. The heated breath filling me again with so much pleasure. ' Fill me with your love....oh my love.' The song plays on. She moves her tail forcing it into my folds. I scream deeply in pleasure. I already look tired out. That kind of annoys Blaze. But she just thrusts wildly with the tip of her tail deeper inside me. All I can hear is the squishy wet sounds of the tail going in and out of me. 'Oh my love never let me go... never let me go.' I scream deeply in pleasure, eventually passing out from exhaustion and pure orgasim.. 00000 In the castle in the warden's prison. He watches the moment with Blaze and the hero. He has a large smoke. He was setting up recording to be ready to make the hero blush even more. He hears some angry sounds outside his chamber. Walking in are the three warriors. "So, good job at trying to kill the hero." The warden says with a smirk. The three warriors stare at him. "Also don't worry the Queen thinks this hero is fake. So we will be free sooner than you think. I will have my freedom and you three will as well. " Mix grows angry, sighing. "Why must we wait for a year before the final battle. I want to end this curse." He touches the stopwatch in his chest. "I will finally be free of this curse the ponies placed on me." Mouse nodded. "Project Mouse can finally die along with me. All the secrets of the past will die. I no longer wish to be one of the sins of the ponies during the war." Mouse grunts. Cricket looks at the other two warriors then back at The warden. "Why do you wish to be free?" The Warden stares at Cricket, he pulls on the tubes that went deep into his body. "Why? I have been stuck here since the creation of this island. I'm the reason the threat is still held in the cell. So If the hero is strong enough to kill him along with the Queen. Then we will be fully free." The Queen yells. "Warden!!" He turns off the hero's play time looking towards Majesty. "Is the prisoner ready to speak?" The Warden nods. He turns on a strange transporting ring. Majesty walka onto the transporter transported away from the castle. 00000 Majesty is placed in a cave. She rushes to the cell. Glowing eyes open up, a dark deep voice speaks to her. "Well, Majesty... I haven't seen you for...let's see, oh for many years. What brings you down to see me, hmm?" Majesty growls her eyes glow as well as her horn. She clicks a button making him scream since it caused a torture device that he is connected to turn on. She then removes her magic from the button. "The legend you created...has come true. How dare you create this legend!!" The creature laughs deeply. Fish fly out of his mouth along with bones. Even a stench of fish. "Oh, I never made that legend. I told you before...I had no tentacle in the matter. You seem to forget I have been in this cell since the creation of this island. I am sure someone else has made this legend. To get your goat Majesty. Now, what brings you here. I am sure it has something to do with me waking up." Majesty blinks. "You haven't woken up since the hero came to this island. Now you will tell me who did this. Tell me!!" She clicks the button again causing the creature to scream again. She removes her magic again from the button. "Oh wow, majesty you sure are worried that your followers will never love you again." The creature laughs." Now go back to your followers and watch your island die. I will be free. Now go on." She snorts going back to the transporter. 0000 She transports back into the room of the warden. She grows very angry. heading to her throne. The cloud creature follows her. "I am ready for my training, Reaver. I have a war to wage in a year." Reaver nods, he sighs. "I shall get your armor ready, my Queen." He bows to her as she walks to her chambers. The creature folds back into the shadows. "I see you have fulfilled your end. Make sure you do enough to weaken. Her army. The hero must win, we need to have her join us in the final battle when the seals are broken." Reaver nodded and the creature vanishes. “I hate this job.” Reaver says with an angry sigh. 0000 I wake up Blaze lay beside me. I slowly get out of bed, heading outside. It is the middle of the night. I sit near the cliff looking at the moon. I lie there on the ground watching the stars. Jonon calmly sits beside me looking down at me with a gentle smile. "Thinking little hero?" I look to her and nod. "I have to wonder...What will happen to this island when I go back to Equestria. I need to go back. I miss my family so much. I just went out to get a trading deal going with the NCR. But instead of that. I was lead into a trap. But then found my way into a ship. I learned the call was sent to me by one of the Salamanders in the boat. I have a feeling he knew I was part of the legend. But I haven't seen him since I got here. He just walked down the road and I have no idea where he went." I sigh lying back, so much on my mind. "Well, little hero. you have done so much for us. If you do leave and when we leave with you. We will have no issues doing so. Because the queen will be gone. The Queen will never be seen again." I give a nod. "I am just very worried, Jonon. I know it's simple. But being worried is pretty normal for me." Jonon gave another nod looking to the moon then back down at me. "Rest hero. I can still smell the sex on you. But I feel it might be best for you to rest. Go back to bed. Allow yourself to sleep. Stop thinking and you will be ready for what is to come." I nod, she stands up walking away. I lie there watching the stars and the moon until I go back inside to get some sleep. Footnote: level up No new perk Chapter: Twentyone Warnings and speeches.Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter Twentytwo: Eyes that see.I wake to Blaze shaking me gently. I look at her, noticing her fearful eyes. I get to my hooves while looking at her. "Star Shooter. The Queen's army, They are amassing in front of the castle." I nod, heading out of the Mansion. Looking outside, I see all creatures of the town rushing about, getting what they need to the factory to build weapons. I could hear hammers smashing against metal. I could see a wooden wall being constructed around the city. I sigh, shaking my head, a few months have passed. Looking down to my leg the cast is removed but it still didn't heal that well. I still limp a bit. But I had a feeling I would limp. I Head outside the building. Taking a look around everything was going so quickly. I have never seen so many creatures, Zebra and ponies rushing so fast through the streets of this town. Another forge was outside of the Blacksmith's building he even had help now. The help was a Minotaur. The hammer smashed hard into the anvil getting swords and armor ready for the battle to come. I didn't know how to help, so I went down to the docks to see what is going on there. But I saw the sea ponies and the sea monster I saw not too long ago. They were helping them gather fish to get ready for a possible siege. The sea ponies all wave at me, I smile at them. I know that soon they will help us in the battle to take the castle. Blaze comes up behind me, lifting me up with her tail. "No my love, you will keep resting." My voice sounds awful. I sound sick. I blink, staring at her, but I don't wish to argue with her. I still needed to heal. She carried me in her strong tail to the inn. Blaze set me down at a booth. "You stay here, I don't want you to get the idea to check out the army like I know you want to do." I blinked then she forced her face into mine. "Promise me..." Blinking not sure if I should, but I sighed. "I promise." I could barely say. Blaze smiled, kissing me deeply gently then pulled away. "Good mare." She winked rushing outside the door to help with everything. I sighed the inn was pretty empty. But Speckled Scale walked over to me with a smile on her face. "Hello, Star Shooter are you hungry?" Nodding looking up to her with a smile. "Good my love, please give her the new special." I wanted to speak but when I tried it came out pretty much well nasty sounding. Speckled stares at me then looks at her wife. "Also get me the better fire juice." I blinked, thinking to myself ‘get me better fire juice’? Why would there be a juice called that? I turn on the radio. So I could listen to the warden. "Well folks, the battle for the fate of the island, is closing in. The Queen's army is amassing in front of the castle. I wish I could say this is a good thing. But I'm sad, my friends. I don't see the point of this war. But she wishes to be loved. So she feels the only way for her to be loved is...well this. It's something that is always sad. But now I have learned some things from Equestria. It seems a hero came from a stable. But that's all we have learned. If the spell is ever lowered we will finally learn what is going on in the outside world. There will be no music for you folks. It will just be a message from the Queen." The warden's voice is replaced by the Queen. "Greetings my kingdom. I wish to explain my reasons for doing this. Now since the Warden is the only Radio channel that we have, I will explain here." The voice gets very bossy. "I am your Queen, I demand that you bow to me. But, you wish for an explanation. I will give it to you. Ahem, The legend has ruined my kingdom. The hero has been dead for six months now.. Please my ponies help me fight off these rebels.” I turn the radio off sighing softly, leaning my head on the table. I know sooner or later, I will hear that I am the reason for this happening, that it is my fault. I sigh, only to discover my nose is clogged up. I close my eyes to rest. A plate is placed in front of me with many peppers on it. As well as some carrots. The drink I am given also as if it was on fire. But she blew it out. The smoke filled the air as the boiling drink bubbled. I looked at the food. "Go ahead and drink, Star Shooter." I nod, my horn glowing brightly. Feeling Speckles claws in my nose to block it. I wondered why she was doing this. I drank it all down, setting the drink down. Smoke filled my mouth, it burned so much. I started to sweat feeling like my insides were on fire. "Now, quickly eat." Doing what she asked of me. I lifted the food to my mouth, eating the peppers. I chewed them quickly. Then I ate the carrots. But I felt like my mouth was on fire. Speckled wrapped her tail around me holding me down so I couldn't move. I coughed loudly feeling the smoke coming out of my nose and mouth. I felt like every part of me was on fire. She held me there for a few seconds. I didn't know what to do. All I could do was try to cry, but the pain was so much that it made it nearly impossible. She then removed the wrapped tail and lifted some water up to my lips. "Open up your mouth." I did what she asked, drinking down the fluid; feeling my mouth still burning but after a while, I felt my body slowly cool down. I didn't know what to think, but I stood up staring at her. I spoke. "Hey!! that.." my voice was normal. I could breathe even. "What was that?" I gave Speckled a surprised look and she chuckled. Looking at her wife at the desk nodding to her. "Well, it's an old recipe my wife learned before she came to the island. Back when she was a young filly." I nodded, noticing that my nose still felt like it was on fire. I was grateful to discover that it wasn't clogged anymore. I still had a temperature of course, but I felt ten times better it as it had cleared my sinuses. But it still made me feel worse. But then I felt the heat in my bladder. "Oh! I’ll be right back." I quickly made my way past many other patrons going to the bathroom themselves. Without even thinking I cut past them. I heard some angry voices at the moment, though I really didn’t care. Closing the door with my magic sitting on the toilet. I felt pain and the rush of burning heat going through my bladder. After I was done I looked into the toilet, seeing a strange discolored fluid. It even stank so I tried to flush it. It didn’t even wish to go down. Like the toilet itself refused to take it. Forcing the flush a few more times it finally went down. The finish of the toilet was gone. The shine was stained groaning. I went back out looking up to the Gila monster groaning. "What was in that drink?" Speckled smirks. "A few rotten eggs. Some very deadly peppers. A few pints of sand light it on fire and mix it. Then it becomes what you just drank. We call it fire punch. Your lover drinks it all the time. It's what keeps her burning hot. Of course, you already know this." My face turned bright red. So this is why every time we kiss she burns my mouth. I chuckled softly sitting back at the booth. "Now can you give me real food and a real drink please?" Speckled chuckled nodding. I lay my head on the table relaxing. Happy that I am able to breathe. Blaze walks into the inn, placing a claw on my head. "Still sick I see." I nodded weakly. She looked to Speckled. " Keep an eye on her. My father is asking me to come to my old home to get some of the young away from there. I will be back." She gave a smile placing a gentle kiss on my face. Walking back out of the inn. I sighed I hated being sick. But I was told the reason I am sick is that of that Prison. Another plate of food is set down this time. It's just a normal sandwich. Along with a glass of juice. Lifted the food with my magic eating it. Along with the juice. Looking at the door open. Doc walking in he smiled. Checking my temp a moment. " h, you should get some more rest Star Shooter. I doubt it's wise for you to be out and about. It's best to get better before the battle starts." Sighing while I ate the rest of the food drinking down the juice. Setting some gold coins down. Looking to Doc. I have a feeling that you're right, Doc." I nodded heading back out of the inn. Slowly I walk around town behind my back hoof causing me to limp just a bit every now and then. I lifted my back leg to look at the fur growing back. I stop looking at my leg, watching my friends rushing back and forth. Walking along the road I watched while my friends helped. Dr. Slice checking the defenses. Standing there for a moment to watch while his robotic body pretended to be a guard smashing into the defenses. I couldn’t help but laugh at this. Walking further down the road to the docks seeing the Clockwork ponies trot back and forth from the cave. I wish I could have helped but even the zebras and ponies asked me to stay out of the way. I may be their hero but I can’t always be of help. Maybe it's wise to do this. I started to continue on my way, but that silly swamp rat and her children rushed past me. I blinked as I watch them. They were carrying so much metal, I was astonished they didn't collapse right then and there. They looked to be heading into the caves. I heard heavy stomping just ahead of me, looking up I saw Hawk looking down at me. She had been upgraded, the brain casing was covered in heavy cast iron. Her legs were heavier looking, perhaps from all the added armor. Her weapons were not safe from his upgrade either. The guns had been repaired, some parts even were replaced. She glanced down at me. "Ah, little hero. I heard that you ran into Project Stopwatch. I wish the ponies of the past listened to me. I told them trying to mimic what Twilight did to go back in time. Just to stop the war it’s not going to be that easy. It’s not easy when you know the elites of Cantorlot wanted this war in the first place. They used the spell on me and my brain left my body going back in time. I was lucky that I landed near someone of magic. They found me frozen in a magic case. Sometimes I look back on all this and just wish I could have gotten through to them.” I blinked and nodded to her. Hawk seemed too tired to nod, all I got was a shrug and a clank of her armor, then turned and walked off down the road. She had metal tied behind her. She was probably heading to the blacksmith. Heading up to the Mansion I noticed the zebra Commander who's name I never got and Bulk. They stood there watching the town get ready for the battle. "I feel it, my old friend." The Zebra said. "We could have learned much from each other in the past." Bulk gave a simple nod. "I agree if we had worked like this in the past...The war might never have happened." They turned their heads at the sound of my passing, seeing me they bow their heads in respect, I nodded graciously, acknowledging them in return. I was surprised, I hadn’t realized they had such respect for me. I continued into the Mansion, their voices following me as the door began to close. "She’s a strong young mare." Bulk said. "Aye, I agree she risked her life for others who are strangers to her. She owes us no loyalty. No one would even have faulted her if she just went home. And yet she remains with us, delaying her own return home." Closing the door, I had no idea why they talked about me with such reverence. I ignored the feelings for the moment. I had to prepare for when the battle arrived, sleep would come easily. Through the sight of Blaze. I quickly ran as fast as I could. My body shifting from side to side like a Salamander's body does. Looking behind to see if I was being followed. Seeing no one I approached the cavern that held my former home. Starting the fire with my magic I looked around, making sure no one will see. After a few seconds, my mother walked out. "Mother take me...in there as quick as you can." She gave a nod. The two of us walked side by side into the cavern. Our plight was bad enough that the females were given weapons and armor to defend our cavern. They knew they would lose, but they had to fight, they had to hope. I didn't wish to see my former home taken by the Queen. That bitch who dared harm my Starshooter. I shook my head to clear my thoughts of what she told me that happened to her during those months of pain and hate. I finally made it to the throne, my father sat in it, he was looking very tired. At the sound of my hoofsteps on the cold stone floor, he looked up with a defeated look on his face. "Ah... daughter... I know I will not get the chance to say this when I fall in battle." He walks down the stairs towards me. He then wrapped his arms around me in a hug. I could feel tears streaming down his face along my back. I tried to stay strong, putting on a flat face, but my father couldn’t, I could feel the silent sobs that he let loose. He sighed, "I would like to apologize for what I did, my daughter. I know that I'm meant to be the king of our people. But our species was never meant to be ruled only by males. Daughter, when this battle is over I would like you to remain here to rebuild what is ours, I do not know if we are to survive, but I do know that we will need your help. I know that you might want to leave with that lover of yours, but before you do, please help rebuild." I sighed, I didn't want to talk to him about this. I still was pretty upset about how he treated me when I was younger, but I had to let go. Star Shooter told me that I should never let the past control my decisions. I smiled, or at least a fake smile. "I forgive you, father. I will stay to make sure that my wonderful Starshooter stay's here to help rebuild. Now I need to be going. Please let me take the younglings with me. Since they’re our future and the only future our race will have. Knowing the Queen she won’t stop with the adults she will wipe out our entire race. Just to prove a point that she is not to be messed with.” My parents lifted their heads to look at me after I said this. I could tell they knew this as well. The Queen to kill the future to get Star Shooters goat. Looking towards the future. I see myself married to Star Shooter. I see my heart full of love and hope. All I see is happiness in my future. I will never be lonely again, here I am going to marry the hero of legend during the final battle. Like the legend says I will. Looking back to my family. I sighed smiling softly "I am so sorry to all of you that this is happening. I never would have thought that falling for Star Shooter would cause you all this pain. I love her with all my heart. I am happy that you all are happy for me, so please stay alive. I wish you to see me create a family with Star Shooter. I plan to follow up with making her mine, I want you to love her like I do. She has much to prove that she ain’t a heartless mare. But a kind gentle full of heart pony. That wishes the best for all those around her." My father just gave me a gentle smile pointing with his tail towards the way out. "Go, Blaze, the battle will be starting soon. The Queen will be hitting the magic eater’s lair first, the ones that broke ties with her. Most don’t know this, but she didn’t create all of the Magic eaters. These are the ones that are made offshoots of her magic experiments. They broke off from her years ago. The only way she will feel happy is if she kills all those that broke off from her. After she takes care of them. She will come for us then Cliffside. Go, daughter, save yourself and take the younglings.” Looking away, I frowned as I watched my own mother put on her golden armor. I was sure I would be the only one left of the royal bloodline. I gave my mother a tight hug, my tears fell from my face along her golden scales. She pushed me away after the hug was over. She mouthed. “Go, leave us, we must face our judgment.” I nodded, backing away before motioning to leave to the entire population of the youngling. I didn't want to leave, but I had to. When I got outside right above me is the sky filled with clouds. It was going to be a rainy walk back. I didn't want the younglings to see me being weak. Looking back to the cavern seeing all the salamander guards getting ready for the battle ahead. The sky flashed, rain pelted from the sky, splattering along our scaled bodies. My tail slid along the ground as I ran. I couldn't boast like I usually did. None of my kin could during times like this. When we got to the newly made gates of Cliffside. The guard's standing there looked very confused at all the young salamander's coming behind me. The gate opened the guards were heavy armored Zebras. Since this town was founded on Zebra blood. I looked at them with my sad eyes. Leading them into the town. Speckled opened the door to the inn walking out seeing me along with the entire population of the young of our old home. Her eyes show pain I nodded to her heading into the cavern. The young were going to be put up into the empty part of the cavern. Letting them all inside the empty cavern. I spoke softly to them when they all got in. "The Zebras are going to take care of you. They will give you food and water. Please, whatever you do; don't leave here at all. When the battle is over, you may come back out. You will know when it's time to return." I closed the door, leaving them inside. I watched the Zebras go inside to take care of them. Then I slowly ambled back the other, out of the caverns. Feeling the anger filling me up. I needed to see my lover and see how she was doing. I headed into the Mansion but I heard a voice that stopped me. "Blaze, she is asleep." Blinking turning to see Jonon who is always in the same chair in the same spot at the same time all the time. "I had a feeling you wished to talk to her about all the little ones you brought to the town." I blinked my eyes having three eyelids since I had one set then another to show that my eyes. How did she know all this stuff? I have never heard her conversations with Star Shooter. "How do you know?" I simply asked. Jonon just looked at me. "Blaze I have eyes you know. Also, Dr. Slice told me you have a parade of you and tiny salamander's walking in the Rain. Now My simple question are you going to adopt?" My eyes went wide, my eyes weren't like the ponies. I had slit irises. "Jonon, I doubt Star Shooter wants to adopt. We haven't even gotten married yet. This stupid legend says we will be married during one of the battles for the island. I am hating this legend so much. It took Star Shooter from her home and family. I see her look at the direction of Equestria all the time. But she knows she can't even go home. Because of me and this entire island counting on her." Jonon sighed looking towards the door that Star shooter is in. " Listen, Blaze, a day doesn't go by that Star Shooter ask me these questions herself. Before she got sick she asked me. Is this punishment for forsaking Equestria? I doubt it as I said to her. She stayed for you Blaze. She stayed because she loves you. if you went with her. She would have left and been home." I sigh rubbing my eyes with my claws. Finally, the truth is out. My lover, that mare that won my heart. Just from how tender and weak she can get. I love that so much. Closing my eyes again I felt tired and I needed to sleep. " I am going to go sleep Jonon. I am happy we could talk." Jonon nodded to me, I slowly walked into the bedroom. Seeing Star Shooter laying in the bed. She looked so beautiful in my eyes. I gently got into the bed so she won't wake up. I lay my head on her shoulder falling asleep. Through the eyes of Dr. Slice. I opened my eyes feeling my system's turned on. I had to repair a system in my robotic body. I felt the hover talisman turning on helping me float. Slowly lifting into the air. I was in the bunker in the cave. I was trying to study the project mouse. But when I woke up. I noticed my body was covered in this strange substance. Looking around seeing the mice that look very robotic. They dump this strange substance all over the room. Taking a vial to try to fill it up. To study it. But all I could learn is that this green substance is full of raw tainted magic. But when I read the info on these mice. They were meant to mind. But they're taking the magic out of the air. Looking around it was time for me to leave. Slowly floated out of the bunker. Closing and locking the door again. Passing the clockwork ponies. Who did some work on me to update my system's. But when I got near some flesh creature's mainly the Zebras, when they saw me they moved back. " Slice.. that substance on you makes us very sick." Looking around with my three eyes than looking at myself seeing the substance. What did it have in it to make the flesh sick? One of the Clockwork ponies brought out a strange vacuum and cleaner to clean along with me. When every inch of the green substance was gone. I moved away from the bunker. " I think we need to burn that bunker down or at least try to remove project mouse." I sighed I knew becoming this thing would ruin my ability to enjoy life. I need to find Star Shooter. I need to know what was down in that basement. I floated up to the Manson using my claw hands to open the door flying inside. " She is asleep, Doctor." Before I can do anything I float into the kitchen Jonon sitting in a chair seems to be cleaning a strange stave she always has with her. I have no idea what it was for. I may have had a friend who was a scribe of Caesar. I sigh like a robot. " I need to speak to her about the mice she found in that bunker." Jonon looked up to me. " Doctor she is asleep. Also, Blaze is in there. Do you really want to pull her from that protective Salamander?" Again I sighed. " I will come back when she is awake." Jonon gives a nod. Floating out of the house opening and closing the door. Maybe I can talk to some pony who wants to study this. The only one I can think of is Doc. Quickly I floated to the doctor's office. But on the way, I was stopped by Hawk. Looking up with my three eyes. " Slice..." The mech calmly said. " I'm not happy to see you. But it seems we will be working together again." I was scared to death but how can a mister gutsy have emotions? Maybe my emotions came with me through brain transferring. " Hawk I am so...sorry what happen to you. I didn't mean to cause you this pain." Hawk just stares down at me. I didn't wish him to attack me. For I am one of the reasons he is in this machine. " I am sure you're Slice. I can tell you lost your battle to that sickness that ate your flesh. So now you know my torment of being inside a robotic body. I do feel sorry for you. But I am only protecting this village for Star Shooter that little more need's all the help she can get. She even promised me a way to get back to Equestria. I know you wish to go back to. But for now, you walk..the other way. I will walk this way. If I am in a better mood. I will not want to shoot you." Sighing again floating away from the large creature quickly. Finally, I make it to the Doctor's office. Opening the door seeing many creatures wandering around they seem to be trying to create potions to be ready for the battle. Floating to find Doc. I found him talking to some Zebra's who were creating a brew to do crazy things to the fighters. He turns to look at me. " Doc I got something I need you to take a look at." Opening a compartment in my body pulling out the vial of the green substance. " I went into the bunker. To study those robotic mice. From Project mouse. I feel this could be used as a weapon if we harvest it from the creature's." Doc took a look opening up. " I will take a look at it. But I am sure this is the same substance that made Star Shooter sick. But it energizes Salamanders and Magic eaters. From what she told me about it. It's tainted magic. Since the ground is so enriched with magic. So I would say if you do harvest it. Use it as a final resort. Now Dr. Slice. I need to get back to work." I give a nod floating outside of the doctor's office. My core needed a bit of a rest. After all the update's I was given from the clockwork ponies. I needed my core updated. I hover into the cave looking for a worker to speak to. I never got their names. They don't talk about themselves. " I need an update to my magic core." The Clockwork pony looked at me and used its strange tools to open up. To take a look and give a nod. " I can update it. But it will take a while for the talismans to work ." I sigh softly. " I need to be useful so please upgrade me." The Clockwork pony nods. " This will take some time. Are you willing to stay off till it's all set up and ready?" If I could nod I would I just bopped up and down like I was nodding. I looked at the Clockwork pony. They had interesting magic and technology working over their systems. But I had a lot to think about. Maybe it's wise for me to be shut down. So they can upgrade my core. " I will do it." The clockwork pony nods again, shutting me down. Before my brain went fully dormant from the shutdown. I look back on how it felt to be a robot with the ability to be turned on and off. Through the eyes of Jonon. Removing myself from the chair near the dining room table. No one seems to come in to bother Star Shooter. I walked to the bedroom opening the door to look in. I could see the two asleep. Star Shooter had a smile on her face. Blaze the same. These two together are amazing. I do hope I will see the wedding when they have it. Closing the door back up. Heading back to the seer looking into the building hearing the seer sleeping. I walk inside and lift up the bed making her fall to the ground. The seer then looks at me with great anger in her eyes. "You and I need to talk." The Seer lifts herself off the earthen ground and sits with annoyance on her bed. "Jonon, I am trying to sleep. The stars aren't speaking to me at this moment." I sigh, shaking my head. "You ruined the life of Star Shooter. You and I both know she is not the hero of legend or she wasn't meant to be the hero of legend." The seer snorts, laughing softly. "Oh no, she is the hero of legend. But that is because all the ones that became the heroes of legend died. She is not the first of the legend. But she is the first to make it this far. The last hero died soon after they ended up here in Cliffside. Some just give up and become part of the town. You see a legend talks about a powerful creature. But it turns out to be one that no one ever knows." Looking towards the way out then looking to the Seer. "So we ruined the life of Star Shooter because of this legend about the ones that created this island. Made a legend to fight the Queen. The Queen has been here for so long.. No one will ever know why this island was created. The real reason for it. I am sure the real reason is the prison." The Seer nods, a look of grief on her striped face. "I never wished to ruin the life of Star Shooter. She just walked in here. So I felt hmm I will see her future. The Stars told me, of course, being from Equestria I didn't wish to tell her I was listening to the stars. So how could a pony from Equestria trust a Zebra that speaks to the stars?" I gave a nod. " I am surprised she trusts Zebras at all. After how I beat her through training with her. She didn't stop or even give up. She just kept working hard on the training to be ready to fight whatever. But I feel maybe we ruined her life or that Merchant.." The Seers eye goes wide looking around quickly then back to me. " That Merchant with the large bag on his back?" I gave a nod. " Don't trust him. whatever he gives you toss it away. You don't want to be indebted to him. So please if you see him or the hero does. Don't allow her to even talk to him. He has a future on this island." My ears twitch at those words. How is he the future of the island? Why would he be? I do know that he is the reason the Griffin went after Star Shooter for the first time. But maybe this merchant has something that he wants. But I would never know. So I left the seer's home to go talk to our new elder. I wanted to learn more about what the elder wants to see and wants to do. Heading to my place opening the wall to head down the cave. Looking at the carvings in the wall placing my hoof on them. I felt that this legend didn't only ruin the life of Star Shooter but all of us. I have been in Cliffside all my life. I was told I would someday train the hero of legend. But I wasn't told I would consider her one of my close friends. A legend would never tell you that you make friends with the hero and worry about them when they get sick and wounded. I wish I could have found her after the bomb went off. But I was one of the ones that kept telling the other's that she was alive. But in my heart, I wasn't even sure that she was still alive. Just the fact that I had to keep Blaze's hope. But I'm never going to understand why the Queen is doing all this. I don't even know why she wants to be loved and take over the island so badly. Sliding my hoof along the walls. I wish I could read all this. I would wish to learn about the past. I need to understand what in the world is going on here. Someday maybe I will learn, maybe someday I won't. But the idea of how some things are said. Slowly heading into the cavern looking around seeing all of the Zebra's getting ready for the army when it finally it's here and we know it will hit here. It's not going to be pleasant when it happens. I walked along the walkway that we made through the sewers that were created so long ago. But I am very happy that we don't get the crap from when the ones above go to the bathroom. Oh, the smell would be awful. Getting to the main building walking inside to see Zrannth. The elder seemed to be reading a book as she looked up to me. We didn't care much for each other. Because she is from a family that wished to bring their little war here with the ponies. But I sat in front of her calmly smiling weakly. " Elder...I need your wisdom." Her eyes go wide. " You want my wisdom Jonon. But our families never got along because of that silly war." I gave a nod. "Star Shooter, I learned a lot from her. She may be a pony. But she removed the past. the past is now gone it's now for the future. Even though our families of the past are the reasons why we are here. It's sad yes. But sometimes we must understand why this happens so it never happens again." Zrannth nodded sighing softly looking towards the guards. "Please leave." They nodded to her as they walked outside of the building. She stood on her hooves and looked towards me. "Jonon I never wished to be the elder. But it seems the fact I wished to go back to our land. That I was chosen. But I am sure our land hasn't even healed yet after what happened at the end of the war. I heard stories from new Zebras that came here when the spell is down. Half the land is still burning, a lot of Equestria is still pretty much dead along with the outside lands. How can we fix the land? When we deserve what happened to the world. Maybe it's the star's way to teach us how stupid we are or had been in the past. The fact the world ended just because of how stupid our species can be." She sighed looking towards me and smiled softly at me. "Jonon I wish I was lucky. You will fight with the hero. But I will be fighting with her as well when the attack happens here. We all know the Queen wants to be loved. Even if she will force it. The battle is going to be hard to do. I feel that a lot of us are going to lose loved ones. Heck, I know that your daughter doesn't even talk about loving you." I sighed. "That's because she was born through a marriage that didn't have love behind it. It was the only way for us to live down here. Before the hero showed up. What's interesting she wished to be sold so she could get away from me. But the fact that I used the hero to save her. She won't even talk to me anymore. She is waiting for the battle to come so she could fight in it. Maybe even lose her life." Zrannth frowns shook her mane out of her eyes. "Well, I feel that the only way that we all would know is when the battle happens. If your daughter doesn't wish to talk about it. I feel bad for you. But I do feel the only way to learn is most of the way to live. It is to be on your own. I feel the way to be on your own is the only way to live." Zrannth set down a cup of tea for me to drink. I lifted it up on my hoof looking at it closely. " I am attached to Star Shooter. I am close to Blaze. Blaze is so open about her relationship with Star Shooter. I have never seen a Salamander so happy about being with a pony. I have gotten to know the Doctor as well. I am slowly getting to know the Minotaur and the Griffin that Star Shooter brought with her when she came back to us." Zrannth sips from her tea. "The fact that she brought so many together in the name of some strange wolf creature that she met when she was younger. So young from what she told me. Eight years old. But the fact she is now stuck on this island. Because she was pony napped by a Salamander that was on Equestria. I wanted to know more but. She didn't know anything about this Salamander she hasn't even seen him again. So I am wondering if the Salamander just rooted her up thinking it was the right thing to do." Sighing softly I had no idea what to think. "I did find the boat that brought her here. The boat was just a simple small old cargo ship. But it wasn't even meant for these types of waters. But when I went into it. I found no cargo I found nothing but a cell she was in. I think this Salamander either knew something about her or he just wanted someone to pony nap." Zrannth drinks the rest of her tea, setting the cup down looking towards the guard's return. "Look Jonon I think you should get some sleep. You will need to be ready to train more of the warrior's that will want to defend the town." I let out a tired sigh while drinking the tea. I set the empty cup back down on the stand. "Thank you for the talk, elder." I stood up slowly trotting back out of the tunnel. I needed some rest. But before I did anything I looked back at the carvings. I sighed stroking my hoof along the one that is meant to be Star Shooter. I said softly. "I am sorry for the legend destroying your life, little hero. I wish the legend was never learned. I am sure you would have found a way to get back home." Sighing softly getting into my bed and falling asleep. The eyes of Black Feather. I found it interesting how the creatures of this town have fully started to get ready for the battle ahead. I wish I could talk to Skull Crusher but he went back home to make sure they have enough staying behind so the Queen feels that she won without the towns being empty. I sighed knowing that many will die in the next few days. The hero is going to feel it's all her fault. I wish I could talk to her but that lover of hers wants her to rest before the battle fully starts up. I don't blame her for wanting her to rest at all. I watched as the zebras started learning to use guns. But the ammo is pretty poorly made but it seems to cut through many a fabric. But I wonder how it would do on armor. Grabbing some heavy armor that was just made into my claws placing it on the dummy. "Alright aim for the armor." Then I saw them just aiming for the head, blowing it off. I blinked wait a moment. Are they really that smart to aim for the head than the body itself? Heh wow, I am impressed. " Still I want to see how the ammo is with this armor." The Zebra's nodded firing on the armor. The bullets bounced off but they left some nasty dent's. But while they kept firing the armor did wear down in the spot they kept hitting. I felt maybe they will do good enough. But what we mostly had to worry about is the fact that the army is mostly magic. So hopefully we will know a time that would happen. Then I noticed Skull Crusher was already back. He walked up to me holding a large stave. "Hey, Griffin let's do some training eh?" I lift my eye ridge at this request to train. It’s rare for our species to even fight alongside each other. Maybe for once our species and work for peace after this war is over. We lifted our weapons. The two of us started to train. Others around us watched the two of us train. To learn our skills and try to be useful in the battle. It’s getting closer to the day that the war is going to fully start and we need to be ready for the battle ahead. Max Level Chapter Twentyfour: Siege of CliffsideSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter Twentyfive: A name a word.CliffSide was a town founded before the war. Most were told it was founded when Bulk landed. But a town already existed. It was run by strange creatures that were killed by the Zebras and ponies that landed here. It used to be a town that brought fish into the island. So long ago it was used to bring all the food that many creatures would eat. It would gather what it could for the castle. All food would have been shifted to the castle. So it could be cleaned and given to the Citizens of the island. A long time ago before all this even started. The Queen was loved. But when the war started the Equestrian war. It brought many from the mainlands to get away from the war itself. These creatures of the mainland loved the idea of living with freedom. What happens is the idea of freedom without the Queen looking over your shoulder. At first, it didn't upset the queen. She still was loved in her castle. But down the line, she started to become more and more like a tyrant. She felt that since the creatures outside her town. It made her very upset. When Bulk and the Commander of the Zebras that made it here. No one even got his name. They always thought he was just named Commander. But when they came she started to start some strange plans that could make Cliffside from a small town of fishing. Into a town of sex slaving raping and many other things. But down the line, the island was already known to the outside world. They wished to leave the war as quickly as they could. The next ship that landed. Brought in Mimic a yellow mare along with a Griffin named Glendo. An earth pony mare named Rose. A diamond dog named Roof. A Pegasus pony stallion named Sun Rise. Then twin unicorn brown mares named Chocolate. As well as Milk Chocolate. When they came to the island. The creatures Cliffside who named it and all. Who didn't even need ships to go fishing? They looked to be mutated Brown bears. But they never gave themselves a name. They told the group that they're the heroes of legend. Mimic and her friends allowed that to get to their pride. What's interesting these bears creatures started to teach that landed here about the Legend. Because something was killing these creatures off. Most think the Queen did it herself. But the final one that died from a very harsh sickness. The sickness came from the fish. The Queen did something to the fish when they sent them back to Cliffside. All the creatures of the island already knew the legend. The Salamanders all the lizard-like creatures on the island. But when the new souls came to the island. They learned the legend. But sadly things were becoming bad for the island. After the creatures of the cliffside died from the sickness. Only the creatures in the castle didn't buy it. This was way before the magic eaters were created by her. At this moment everything was peaceful. Till she learned in the castle was the hero herself. Because back then the castle was always opened for many. They went in when they did, they noticed how bad the slums were. The slums are the home of the weaker creatures of the island. It’s also used as a sewer for the upper crust to give the slums their shit for existing. That’s most of the reason why the rebellion started because the queen never gave a shit for the slums. Many never understood the reason for the rebellion. But they started riots in the city. They even caused an issue that made the entire island standstill. The island hasn't healed from anything these heroes of legend did. The heroes were meant to save the island. But they destroyed how it worked. They shattered the economic structure of the island. All the food that went to many places on the island started to fail. But after a while, they learned how to live without Queens food. They had to find new ways to live. It caused the Queen to lose her temper. That the magic she used to spread her temper at the rebellion caused the raw magic to spread all over the island. The magic during this time was pure and raw. But it got to the point using it too much. Caused the magic to spread allowing more of the creatures to form on the island. Salamanders already happened. But most of the creatures died from the exposed creatures that used the magic. She tried to counter this. But magically creating the magic eaters. But before that a few months went on she made the Beatles. But they didn't work at all. She created the magic eaters by grabbing many of the bugs that are normally found on the island. She used Dragonflies to make the magic eaters that looked like Mix and others. But only those were made at first. Some learned how to speak through teachings that some gave them when they got captured. But the other species were created when it didn't work and caused more. The Queens started to form. Majesty didn't even understand what she was causing. It got to the point that she met up with the hero and her friends. She said to her. " I can give you a ship to take you back to your homeland. But you need to give me your friends as the price of what you did to my lands." Mimic didn't think she had a choice. But when she learned what she did. She did worse than what is happening in Equestria right now. She knew she wasn't a hero. They learned later the legend is not only fake but futile. But she gave up her friends. She watched them be killed in front of her by Majesty herself. When she went back to Cliffside and she asked Bulk if a room just for her could be made. He did agree. At this time the Manson was still being built. But the room that was made. Was enchanted by her to only let the hero of a legend inside. She stole one of the gems forced into the wall that showed the big threat that would happen if the warden was removed. She used it to place the hero of legend enchantment. When she got into the room she created a hidden room. Placing the memory orb and little lady. She got on a ship heading back to Equestria but when she got close to Equestria she knew she was home. But she noticed contrails heading towards many parts of Equestria she got the docks in the hoof. But that was a bad idea even for her. The balefire bomb hit and she was burned alive. So she not only went back to face her fate. She paid for all the sins that she did to the island and did to her friends. Many don't even remember that hero. Only that some pretender showed up with friends of hers. It's why the Minions of the Queen called Star Shooter a fake. But hope won in the long run. Causing what is happening now to happen again. Maybe this time this hero will do it, right? Who knows, in the long run, no pony knows. Cliffside the battle has taken a toll on the poor town. Half the buildings were half burnt. The inn was one of the few buildings not even burning. But in the middle of the very town is a tower. When the young dragon walks into the town. With the army, there is no one here for them to fight. But hanging on the tower tied above what is left of Mix. The watch is still repairing slowly. But he hangs there with no eyes half his body gone. Just there as a message. With a message hanging around his broken neck. The dragon gasped reading the message. 'Hello, minions of the Queen. Thank you for the fun. Now it's time for you to die.' She blinked the tower broke apart. Hawk coming out of it. Along with the rest of us coming out of many of the hidden parts of the cavern. All our army even the Clockwork ponies joining in. We armor weapons. Surrounding the large army from front to behind. I walk in front of the army standing in front of the dragon. " Look around you dragon. These creatures have had enough of your Queen. So if you do we will allow you to live." The Dragon rolled her eyes and clicked her claws together. Strange magic formed forcing me and her into a strange spell that made me and her frozen in time. I blinked as time around me stayed frozen. " Now we can speak freely." I blinked staring at the Dragon. " I for one mean you no harm hero. I have had enough of Majesty. She may have hatched me so long ago. But she accuses Celestia and Luna of being here. But she is here because of what she did in the past. She has forgotten her past. If she knew who she was. She would never be like this. She wishes to go to Equestria. But she is forced to stay here. Because of her spell, she cast it so long ago. But now I can explain that Cliffside used to be in control of another race." I nod listening. I didn't know what to think now. " But what about the rest of the army you brought?" The dragon sighed softly, shaking her head. " The army is here to be killed. Some of the ponies in the armor gave up their lives. So they could weaken the castle more. I didn't wish to do it. But It was the only choice. The former hero of legend caused a lot of problems. She used to be so loved. That everyday ponies would bow to her. As well as the rest of the land. Now no pony bows to her at all." She sighs, shaking her head. " You know that...you might die here.." She nods looking away. " I was never given a name. I am just called a dragon by her. Could you give me a name before you kill me?" I stare at the little dragon. My heart broke at the fact she wants me to kill her. Closing my eyes tightly I didn't know what to think. " Just aim after you name me a hero. I am too close to Majesty if you don't do this. I will have to fight you. I don't wish to be that hero, a killer like Majesty. I just wish this to end. It won't end if I just surrender. The army is going to fight you no matter what." I sigh, not sure what to do. Closing my eyes tightly thinking still. Looking to see the dragon. She is blue scaled. With bright green eyes and green spikes. I am not sure but I think I had a name for her. I would have to say it before I shoot her but. I have questions. " Why was this island made the way it is? Why didn't she allow the zebras to leave or the ponies to leave? If she allowed them to leave. Why was this island made, to begin with?" She sighed looking at me a moment and then back to the frozen land. Looking back at me. " The island was created to house prisoners. One of the prisoners is stuck on the island. She knows he is there. But he won't help her remember who she is or why she is not loved. She even recently blamed him for her not being loved at all. But when you release the Warden from his prison. The creature will escape not sure really. But please name me Child." I sighed closing my eyes. " I got you a name. I will tell you before I fire." The Dragon smiled softly nodding as she clicked her claws making time go forward. I was standing in front of the dragon. I lifted my gun in my magic and aimed it at her. " Goodbye Gentle wave." The dragon smiles, closing her eyes. I fired right into her head and it blew up into many chunks. But even so, that happens. The suits of armor that are shaped like magic ponies. They pulled their weapons and attacked us. I was pushed back into the crowd while we spread out. I rushed away from Hawk firing on whoever stayed there. The Clockwork ponies fought the armored ponies. I slowly backed up further the battle going on quickly. I placed the hood over my head and slowly walked away from the battle to sit on the edge of the cliff watching the battle below. Blaze used her flames along with her tail to burn many of the armored ponies. They kept streaming into the town. I heard some of the Zebras backing up as well to let the Minotaurs. The Griffins and the scaled hides take care of the battle now. The rest of the army stayed behind to rest and take care of their wounded. The Magic ghouls were far away from protecting the docks. I think for now they did so much for the creatures of this town. While I watched I removed my hood. I heard a large body land beside me. " Amazing ain't it?" Looking to the battle then follow the voice with my eyes. Giving a weak smile to Balk. Then I looked back down to the battle. I should be in there but after I killed that dragon. I doubt it is wise to be in there. "You can hear a song being played through the battle. But I doubt you wish to hear a song through a battle child. You seem to have questions for me." I look back to Balk, a moment then back down to the battle. It was getting worse. But the Minotaurs, Griffins, Clockwork ponies, and the Scaled hides did what they could to fight off the army that the Queen sent. I closed my eyes tightly and then opened them again looking back to Bulk. I wanted to speak to him. I wanted to know more about the past. " Bulk. What was it like before the war?" Bulk looks to me. He gave a weak smile on his ghoul-like face. He looks back down to the battle. Then back up to the sun going down. " It was like this.. beautiful wonderful. But thanks to our leaders our world ended because of them. Some never understood why the war started. I never did either at the start. Then I thought about it. It was greed. Greed is all that can happen to some. What would you do if ponies start fighting you because they want something you have. But society needs to work. The only way for it to work is to get the coal we need. Too many ponies forgot the old ways." I sigh thinking of words that Bulk just spoke. The old ways maybe it was the time before we got weapons like guns. Before we even had to use these strange computers that seem to still be working after the end of the world. Tears fall from my eyes and drip down to the ground. I felt that my heart was broken. I stare down at the battle. While the battle goes on more of the army is being taken down only armor is being left behind. I am starting to wonder why I bring the war to this land? Why did I bring guns to this land? How could I be the hero? " I feel I ruined the peace of this island Bulk. I am sure I am the reason for what happened to the Queen. I just murdered the Queen’s pet. I even named her. She asked me to end her life. But do you know how to remove this feeling? I feel I brought the war to a land. That was about to go to war itself, of course. But I brought guns and found Hawk." Looking down, I saw a Hawk stomp on a few of those ghostly ponies in the strange armor. While the magic armor ponies kept fighting. Did she send her entire army just to get me? Why get me what have I done to cause all this? "I don't know Child. I am sorry I can't tell you this myself. It's something you will have to understand yourself down the road. It could have happened because well it could have been happening before you even showed up. Maybe you showed up and started the path of this war. Sometimes sadly you have to accept it. You're the leader of these creatures Star Shooter. They're going to follow you to hell and back. Are you willing to have them follow you?" Looking back down at the battle it was getting harsher. Most of the army was now in the town. But these creatures seemed to be wanting to die. Maybe it's their only way to get back at the queen for what she did to them. I know it's not going to be simple for me. I stood on my hooves. I spoke out loudly. "Army of the Queen!! Listen!" I said yelling hoping to get them to stop. For the moment they seemed to stop along with the rest of the battle. But just for now. " I am the hero..yes. But why are you doing this for the Queen?" I look at the creatures. They just had forms of ponies in the armor. I notice them looking up at me then back at each other. The one looking up to me. It's armor forming wings to the sides flying up staring at me with its empty eyes. I could make out a mouth that tried to speak to me. Then the pony forces itself inside me. I scream in pain feeling my world go black falling off the cliff. I open my eyes to a bright white world. I stood on my hooves looking around. Standing in front of me. It is a mare Pegasus. I blinked at her as she walked closer staring down at me. she sat in front of me for a moment. I just stared back at her. Not sure what to think. I felt unsure of what to do or what to think. " You have her gun child. So you must have known my Mimic." I blinked staring at her. "I used to be an earth pony before I was given these wings and well I don't remember the rest. All I remember is Mimic giving us up so she could return home. Of course, she wanted me to be able to go with her." Blinking I felt something very wrong. She stood in front of me more looking into my eyes. " You must be the hero that took her spot. She never really wished to be a hero. She just wanted to get away from the war." She blinked a moment. " How did it end, child?" Blinking, she grabs me with her hooves shaking me a moment. " How did it end?" Closing my eyes looking away a moment. Looking back up to the mare. " It ended in fire. Both sides fired mega spells and it ended in fire and death. But the world is healing slowly. Equestria is slowly healing. Thanks to a light-bringer. Sadly the rest of the world will take a lot longer to heal. It's not going to be easy though." I sighed closing my eyes a bit looking back up to the mare. " So she went back.. and burned to death. I am sure she didn't even get to become a ghoul as some have become." The mare’s eyes filled with tears. It's getting to the point. I know I will break more hearts from what I tell them about the world ending. "She was a fool. A fool that I loved. She wanted to buy a lovely home on this island if we never could go back. She just wanted to get away from Equestria. But she was told that she was some hero. So it went to her head. Then she gave me and the others up. Of course, sadly I am the only one of our friends still alive. I was the lucky one..you could say the armor keeps me alive. If I take it off now...I will grow old and die. Right away little one. I know you wish to free some of them in the armor. But you can get through to us to make sure we can help you. All you have to do is this word child." She leans in to whisper to me. ' victoria Concordia crescit ' She calmly said. I listen in a tongue that is old and leads. I closed my eyes and said it to myself many times. But I didn't know what it meant. I just needed to say it when I woke up. I looked at her with a gentle smile. It's time to wake up I felt. " I shall say these words " She sighs and smiles. " Remember child it will only work once and it will free those that are attacking you, folks. Then ...we will be free. But it will not work again. So use the word once and that is protecting Cliff Side. In the castle itself. The very castle itself will rise to fight you. Are you willing to allow that?" I gave a nod. It was never going to be easy to fight them off. I felt maybe it's wise to get this battle started. The world around me slowly dimmed as I felt the world around me fade. My eyes open. I was held by the armored pony that I spoke to. She then set me back up. Bowing her head I had to say the world. I didn't know if it was wise to say the word. I stood there looking to Bulk and the others who looked up at me worried. I could tell it would be soon that the creatures started attacking us again. I closed my eyes tightly. I shouted the word out from my voice loudly. " victoria Concordia Crescit" I yelled the world. Then the army of the magic armored ponies looked at each other and the magic runes on the armor vanished, their bodies turning back to normal. The armor falling off but.. then I saw the horror of that word. I watched right after the earth pony mare I spoke to land in front of me. I held her hoof as she lilies on her side. She slowly starts turning old. She gave me a very gentle smile. " Thank you hero....you freed me...I will get to see the one I love again." Tears stream down my face. I used a word that killed so many ponies and creatures I looked down the cliff to see more forming. Some of them seemed young in the mind. One even started screaming for her mother. Covering her head. Another yelled for his wife. But he slowly turned to dust. Some got lucky but..some were very young when they got captured turned into these creatures I looked back at the earth pony. She was getting older. " I didn't want this...didn't want this!!" I said sobbing softly. I held the mare’s hoof as it slowly turned to dust. But all she did was an ale. Showing a gentle motherly smile. I held her with my hooves staring calmly at her. I looked into her eyes. I felt my heartbeat from this pain. " No...pony...wishes to harm...to others. Child...But you freed me... offered the rest of us freedom. I know it's not a pleasant freedom child...But don't forget about me or my friends. Don't forget about Mimic...Please remember." I closed my eyes, nodding she turned to pure dust while the dust blew in the wind. I looked down at the remaining living. I barely remember the number they had when only thirty are left alive. Most of them are very young or some were taken many days ago. They looked up to me. Some smiled, some had frowns But they knew what I had to do. I had to protect my friends. My home….Equestria. I slowly walk away from the town locking myself in my room in the Mansion. I looked down at my Pip buck not sure what to think. Look through my music. I blinked seeing some old music that I haven't seen before. But Maybe it was recorded a long time ago from the pony who had it way before. Maybe it will help me feel better. It took a while for the music to start. It just had a strange horn playing now and then. I felt that the music was going to make me even sadder. The music had calm horns playing slowly. The music slowly had words starting to come from it. 'Empty hearts. Empty lives. How can we move on? It's sadly all we have left. To become what shall fully end in the second way..our hearts filled with our brains.' I heard a gentle knock on the door as the song went on. I heard the voice of Jonon softly speak. " Hero.. are you alright?" I closed my eyes, tears falling from them. ' Bring down your lifeline too. Oh please bring it down to sing with us.' Blaze opened the door and I looked at all my friends. They could tell my heart was broken. I turned off the pip buck turning to them. My eyes filled with tears " I...killed them. I didn't wish to kill them. " Blaze turned to the others then wrapped her tail around me. She tried to pull me out of the Manson but with my magic, I grabbed on part of the wall. " No Blaze. I don't wish to leave this place. I just wish to sit here and brood." Blaze turned to look at me and kept her tail wrapped around me. " Star Shooter, you need to come out and stop feeling sorry for yourself. You killed some folks because of a word. You can't just allow yourself to stay locked in a room forever crying." She drops me turning around and slapping my face with her clawed webbed foot. Her claws didn't dig into me. But it did hurt. I just stare at her. I wanted to sob but I felt like I needed it. " Listen I am sure other heroes have had these times of breaking down and crying and crying. But you don't need to cry, my love." I just stared at her not sure what to think. Looking up at my other friends. I gave a weak smile. Slowly standing up walking out of the Mansion like they wanted me to. It's been a few hours watching the Zebras from the cliff above. They were digging graves for all who died. It was going to be a large graveyard. I slowly walked down the path to watch the families cry. Some even carried the bodies of the dead. They wanted me to speak before all of them were buried. All the wounded walked out of the hospital following me up the hill. Blaze left to check on her home. I stood near the road on each left to right. There are many graves of the dead from both sides. I removed part of the ground placing the body of the baby dragon down into it. I sighed I wish I didn't have to kill her. But she asked me to name her and kill her. Slowly lifting her down with my magic into the hole. Lifting the dirt to place her in it. Lifting the stone it had her name on it. But that’s all I added. Slowly watching all the eyes staring at me. But most went back to burying the dead. I looked up seeing the magic eaters that are free from Majesties will. Looking towards Ruby Glide who seems to have made a group of friends. That will start to follow her. I sigh but heard slow-walking behind me. Turning to see Blaze she had tears streaming down her face. " Blaze?" I said very softly. She looked up to me with a weak smile. "My home everyone knew and grew up with..re dead...I left it behind to just let it stay there. I can't think of sending the young back there. For a long time. But we won...the the first battle." " But at what cost Blaze? At what Cost...all the towns are now under the control of the Majesties army. They have magic eater Queens there. I don't know what to do." Blaze smiled turning my head with her tail to look at the army I have formed over six months. " Look at the Cost, my love... You may have been broken. But even so, you saved half of these creatures. You even gave them hope. I know we have lost so many to this battle. But with the battle, you will always lose so many. You can't just allow it to break you, my love." Sighing softly I looked back at the group starting to stare at me. All the bodies have been placed in their graves. I looked at them all the Magic ghouls. The magic eaters no longer under the control of Majesty. Looking to see Doc, Zrannth, and all the leaders of each army. I looked to Bulk for just a moment. I didn't know what to think about this. I closed my eyes and softly spoke loudly. " The battle is over, for now, my friends. But many lost their lives for nothing. A Queen tried to kill us because we refused to give her the love that she wanted. We refused to bow to her. We refused to tell her. Oh, you may lead us however you want. She pushed so many away from herself. I learned back then she used to be a wonderful leader. But she lost her way. Most always lose their ways. I know I will sooner or later. But we must stay strong. Look at all the dead. That was in the name of the Queen. She sent so many Magic eaters. With the mind and they know how to live. She killed children and kidnapped them turning them into those armored monsters." I closed my eyes and was not sure what to think. But before I could end my speech a strange spell came from the castle and the face of the Warden forms. " To all that can hear me. I have been watching the battle. Good job hero. You have done wonders. But now Majesty is locking down the entire castle. She is trying to purge it now. Sadly the legend said this would happen. Please, a hero a year from now, please. I will do my best to keep those alive inside the castle. Take back the towns. Kill her minions. Destroy Mix. Kill Mouse and end Cricket’s life. This is the last time you will hear anything from me. I am sorry my friends. Warden radio is dead for now." After the face vanished. The tower transmitter exploded causing it to fall inside the castle. I sigh not sure if I am the right one for this fight. I turn to look at all the eyes staring at me. I turn to my friends and then look at my wife to be. I know sooner or later I will marry Blaze. I see her want in her eyes for me to be the hero. So many voices are telling me I can’t be the hero. But I must.. " Listen to every pony." They all looked at me. I had a gentle smile on my face. "Let’s rest, rebuild get ready for the final battle. But that will be in a few months. I for one...will take time to relax and rest." I looked at the grave of the dragon. Put my hoof on her name. Smiling softly to myself. Then looking back to Blaze. " Come let's go to the inn with the others and rest." Blaze nodded. An hour later. The in was silent. Many Zebras and ponies were inside it. But most of them stayed outside. I could hear hammers and before I came inside. Most were fishing. I sat at a table with my friends. Even so, he couldn't sit in the booth with us. Dr. Slice hovered right beside it. The rest of us sat at the booth. I sat right near Blaze who wrapped around me very tightly. No way I was going to be moved from her. Jonon stroked her wounded hoof. The other two just sat there. "I feel bad for what I did. But Maybe it was wise." Looking at the pip buck noticing that the radio is no longer able to be selected. " But at least we won the battle. But the war is just starting." leaned into Blaze closing my eyes. Her tail wrapped tightly around me to keep me very close to her. Nuzzling along her back gently. Speckled scale walked to us ready to get our order. I smiled at her. "I will have some fish and magic juice." She nodded with a smile. The others ordered what they wanted but the oddest order was from Dr. Slice. "Could you bring me some oil? Well, I think oil is what I drink now? Maybe Not sure at all." He would try to shrug. She nodded heading back to the kitchen. Laying my head on the table closing my eyes. Looking to Blaze who is hiding her pain. I smiled softly knowing that she will never be whole again. But maybe it will be time for her to move on. " Now let’s remove ourselves from the want of battle. A few months and the year will hit. Till then I feel we should rest and get ready for the final battle. But we do it in our ways." I gave Blaze a gentle smile kissing her deeply feeling like this is right. The others near us just watched this. Jonon, of course, rolled her eyes. I broke it gently and Blaze stares at me laughing. "I agree..." Jonon calmly said. " I feel maybe it's best to get all the army ready. Then get you back home child." Smiling softly, closing my eyes laying my head on the table again. Our drink finally came. There were many different drinks. But I didn't even know what to call them. lifting the drink in my magic taking a drink. Feeling the magic fill me gently. It helped me feel happy. I felt a bit drunk from the magic even though It just hit me. But how did they mix magic into a drink? I always felt it's impressive. But it made me happy, is that not a good thing? Black Feather and Skull crusher drank their drinks. But Jonon just sipped her water. Blaze drank some strange fluid that made steam come from her mouth and nose. Closing my eyes, feeling the magic filling into me. The core of my magic is filled with magic. Drinking more of the drink to let my core fill me. Drinking more of the magic. Blaze wrapped her tail around the glass pulling it from me for a moment. Looking to Blaze I blinked. "Slower my love. We don't need you to get drunk from this drink." I frowned, sighing a bit. The food finally came as well. We all had fish on the table it was a way to honor us. It's oddly one of the only things you can eat here. Since it's a fishing town and more of the food is very hard to grow. The garden in the Mansion kind of died during the battle. Lifting the fork eating a few bites. Feeling every bite and flavor of the food. Sighing again, closing my eyes. But I heard screaming outside. Rushing outside quickly. When I got outside Hawk and the others were aiming their weapons at Mix who was starting to break through his bonds. We left him hanging in the same spot he was in for the past few hours and slowly walked to him, breaking the rope to let him down from the rope. He flew above half is a body was still missing but his eyes grew back. Thanks to the Stopwatch finally repairs he looked to the rest of us then to me. His anger was very easy to see. " Listen, hero...We will meet again in a year...The final battle will start and then we will either die together or you will die." He vanishes from the stopwatch. I sighed, I went back to the inn going back inside to eat and enjoy my time with my friends. it was time to enjoy our lives before the battles begin again I walk up to the cliff near the Mansion. Sitting down I watch the world of the broken town slowly going back to normal. Blaze sat right beside me. “I was asked a question just recently. The question was why do I love such a weak mare?” I don’t blame her for getting that question. I tend to look weak and broken most of the time. I could either be stronger for her or maybe someday I will. “What did you say to the question?” “I said that makes me love you more. I love that you’re not some strong powerful mare. That you have your limits that you easily have a broken heart. I watch you fight, you try so hard not to harm anyone. Even if it’s MIx or Cricket or even that robotic Mouse. My love for you will never change even if you become a heartless mare. I look at you and I see the heart you have. It makes me feel deeply for you. Just to see you sit here crying. It’s not only proof that you’re the hero of legend. But the mare I want to spend my entire life with. Take those words to heart.” She stood up and went back down the road into town to do her best to help. She is right. Laying down near the edge watching the rest of the town. I had been lucky to meet someone like her. If I kept looking at it through her view. It’s alright to be strong but also show weakness. Max level Chapter Twentysix: Time passes.It's been a month since the siege of the cliffside. All the land was pretty silent. The entire town went back to normal before the battle even started. But some parts of the road still had bloodstains. Flowers started to grow on the graves. They all had heroes or heroes that tried to fight us. But in the blacksmith's workshop, he started working. A powerful weapon to get ready for the final battle it's going to be hard. The town is slowly being rebuilt. A new Zebra took over for the seer. She was burned and her ashes will be buried in her homeland. Outside of the town in the former Salamander home. Bodies have been moved out slowly. They have been placed in a pile to slowly burn. Then the cave is closed by a giant rock. It was easy for Blaze to move that way. Traders walked along the road. The traders came from the scaled hides town. A trade agreement happens after the battle ends. It's been pretty silent since the battle. No pony has seen Mix or mouse. Cricket has been seen in strange new armor covering his burned body. But he didn't stop to fight anyone. Each town is under the control of the army along with some of the Queens of the magic eaters. The only town not standing is the Clockwork ponies town; it's a giant crater. All melted together armor and burning magic eaters. Time always passes like a war is not happening. Blaze stared at her home. Looking at the burning bodies. She knew that it was the end of her species for the time being. She wasn't alone of course. The Gila monster Speckled Scales stood beside her. Looking towards Blaze. But staying silent for the moment. She knew it's not wise to piss off a Salamander. Even if she was born in this same cave. "All of them dead..just because they wish to hurt my love...But instead of hurting my Star Shooter, they hurt...me." She turned to look at the Gila monster. " They hurt us both...Even if you were an outcast of both towns" Speckled nodded. " I found my wife when I was banished from both. She refused to speak. But she only speaks to me when she wishes to. But only when she has something to say. But she was born on this island. Her family is from Equestria. But she wants nothing to do with that land anymore. Just because of how bad the war got." Blaze nodded to the Gila monster. " I am not sure if I wish to go there myself. My wife wishes me to meet her family. But I doubt her family will even like me." She said with a gentle smile. " But I have no home anymore but she is all I have left." She turns back to her former home. Sitting down watching the bodies burn. " I feel that's all I am going to see for the rest of my life. These bodies are burning." Her eyes close gently then looks back to the road heading to town. "Don't worry about going back. No one has heard anything from the army that went for the other towns. Majesty used up most of her army in the battle at Cliffside. I'm lucky my Sky Paw didn't go outside. She just locked herself into a door in the basement.." Blaze Chuckles looking back to the cave Dr. Slice and Burnout are playing a game of chessboard that survived after all these years. The two just seem to stay silent. For the moment it's so calm in Cliffside that most of the zebras calmly walk by holding boxes of weapons. Some even have the armor they're placing them in front of the gate. The Magic ghouls and Clockwork ponies get everything ready for the battle when the months go into the year. When the next year starts the battle for the island is going to start. But only one month has passed at this moment. Burnout stayed out of the fight. Recently came down to see what is going on since.. All the ability to talk to anyone in the castle is gone. "I'm a bit worried about my family stuck in the castle," Burnout moves the pawn. Sighing trying to keep his mind off what is going on inside the castle’s walls. Slice moved a pawn along one of the squares. He sighed as well looking at Burnout. " I wouldn't be too worried Burnout. I would be more worried if Blaze gets a hold of you for what you did to Star Shooter. I got to say you got guts to stick around even after all that." He said with a robotic-like chuckle. Burnout smirks and his burnt fur-like body makes him look like he is burned. But of course, it's how his coat is. He shifts in his seat. " I...um...well yes I may have done many things to her. But at least I didn't allow any pony to rape her." He said with a weak smile. Slice lifted up his many eyes to look right at Burnout. " OH...that makes it ten times better than Burnout. Wait no it doesn't. She can barely sleep sometimes because of what you have done to her. She may have forgiven you. But many of the creatures of this town will not. She is their hero. Look at them Burnout. Most of them are staring at you. Waiting for you to make a mistake. So they can kill you." Burnout looks to the others of the town. They gave him very nasty looks. He moved another piece on the board. " I understand perfectly why most of them wish to kill me. But I haven't heard the hero crying and sobbing. Oh.. Wait I hear it every night since. She allowed me and my daughter to sleep in the Manson. I feel bad about it every time Blaze wakes her up and she starts sobbing. What makes you think I want to remember all this Slice?" Burnout asks, stroking his head in anger. Slice looks up seeing Blaze staring at Burnout. She then walks up to them. Her hate and anger for Burnout are very easy to make out on her face. She smacked the board away with her tail. Slice slowly drifted back. Blaze just stared at Burnout. " I um...Hello Blaze.." He said with a weak smile. Blaze just stared at him. Walking away. Then turning back to look at him. " You're lucky that my love wants to keep you alive and lucky. That she is trying to bring the boat that brought her here. So for her, I will keep you alive. But if you backstab me or her.. I will kill you." Burnout mods. Slice lifted the board and the pieces. Placing them back to how it was before. " See what I mean? Blaze could have killed you right there. But if it wasn't for Star Shooter you would be dead by every pony in this town. I am sure the zebras are just waiting to do so." Burnout nods, sighing, biting his lip. The two start to go back to their game like nothing ever happen. Inside the walls of the walled city, most of the buildings are on fire. With the army in search of the rebellion or the fact, they don't all wish to love the Queen. A young filly is running through the stone steps. Running past bodies of the dead. She was being chased by Magic eaters. The little filly kept running away from them. Hiding behind a pot. The magic eaters passing her by. She then rushes to a closed-door knocking it a few times. It opened up and she rushed inside. The door closing up. She dropped a bag of letters. Panting hard. " Sorry...it took so long...They have more guards around the secret doors to the outside now. I got some letters from the rebellion outside." The one that opens the door nods. Lifting the bag of letters. Opening the door. " It’s best to be careful. They seem to be getting smarter." The filly nods trotting back out looking around rushing back the other way. He closed the door heading deeper inside. Heading downstairs. There are many creatures in this part of the city. It's called slums. The slums seem to have all their sun blocked off from the upper land. The only way they get light is from the unicorns that power up the lamps with their horns. It looks like they have to change every few hours to have another power to the lights. He gets in the middle of the slum's yelling. " Letters from the outside." All eyes open wide. Rushing to get the letters. It's not that big of a bag. But most got the letters that had their names on it. But a lot lost most of their families during this silly war. The zebras of the slums stay away from the others but they seem to be planning an attack on the upper levels. The leader of the rebellion walks out of the darkness of the slums. " So is it true that the hero found Mimic's weapon, little lady?" The stallion nods. The Griffin smiles. " So it is true then. Good to see that Mimic didn't die for anything then. Too bad I couldn't go back with her or the fact that...the Queen let us all go. I think I am the only one left. Could you smuggle me out of here so I could talk to her?" The stallion nods. " It won't be easy, they don't let any pony out much of the time. But If I place you in a box. Tell them I am heading out to gather fish so maybe they will let me out. If the box is big enough. But what would you say to her when you see her?" The Griffin shrugged. " I am not sure really. I am sure I would ask her how the war ended. But knowing how ponies are. I am sure the world ended in fire. I do hope that is not true. Because if it's true then it's something I shouldn't worry too much about." The stallion nodded looking back to the door that leads back up. " I will go find the box I need. Now it might be best to try to tell the Zebras not to start another attack. It would cause worse things to happen down here. We don't want them to bring more magic eaters down here to watch us." The Griffin gave a nod. The Griffin watches the Stallion head back upstairs. He walks to the Zebras looking at them. Who turns to stare at him. " Listen if we wait long enough. The hero will be here just in time to save us. We need to not allow ourselves to have more issues." The Zebras look at each other and one of them walks up to the Griffin staring right up at him. " The stars have cursed us all here Griffin. But if we have to wait for this pony to save us from this curse. Then we will do so. But how will we live with the sun being blocked from us? Because Majesty wishes to see us suffer?" He sighs." The Queen has lost her mind, my friends. I feel the only way to keep us alive.. is to sing. So maybe we should allow ourselves to sing. if we fall because we can't keep our hope from failing us. Then we will never be strong enough to be ready to fight. We need to be ready to fight. I will be heading out soon to meet with the hero. Then I will come back to let you know when the attack will happen." The Zebra nods. The Griffin goes back into the bar. It was run by two unicorn twins. How could they be alive still after so long? But they seem to be young and they looked up at the Griffin. " Hello, Uncle Glendo." He smiled at them. The two twins seemed young. They look to be descendants of the two mares he came to this island with. " It seems we found the hero that took up the mantle from Mimic. So I will be going to check on this hero. So I wish to know what is up." The two glower at the name of Mimic. She gave up her friends. Including their mother. Since Chocolate Milk had these two. The other died before she could give birth to herself. " I am sorry this is happening because of Mimic. I do wish that we all can make up for it." The two nod as one. He smiles and glances back at the others in the bar. He sat at the bar sighing still dealing with the fact that he was one of Mimics friends. He looked at the twins. Who cleans dirty glasses. But a large group of magic eaters walks into the bar. He looked to see Cricket with them. He was wearing some heavy armor. That hides his burnt body. He walked to Glendo. " Well hello, Glendo. The Queen sent me down here to check on you." Glendo sighs, shaking his head. " What does Majesty need with me now?" Cricket laughs softly. " Nothing, she is just wondering if you're causing problems down here dear Griffin." He shook his head, sighing a bit. Looking at the twins. Clicking the bar for a drink then looks back to Cricket. " If I wanted to cause a problem Cricket I already would have. You and your friends. Have broken all the hope that the citizens have down here. So you don't need to do anything to me or the others." Cricket hisses softly the Magic eaters simply just fly away. Cricket sighs looking back to Glendo. " I hate that....anyway Glendo... My friend, I am sorry for what is going on up there. I wish I could help you more. But Majesty is upset I got so beaten up when we tried to take Cliffside. That hero... is a strong hero. I do hope you are prepared for her. Because when she gets into the city. Majesty will do anything to try to kill her." Glendo nods. " I am sorry Cricket. But I am going to miss our chats. When she comes in here with her friends to kill you. Most around would find it odd. That I'm friends with you and have been since..I became a magic ghoul." He sighs. "I still wish to see if I can go back to Equestria to see how bad it's become." Cricket nods looking back out the door. "Take care Glendo. I am getting some nasty looks from those Zebras." Glendo nods while taking a drink. He sighed softly. It was going to be hard, he thought to himself. It's going to be tough to take care of everything. While he drank. The stallion came back down walking to Glendo. " I got a big enough box. We will leave in a few days. Be ready to head outside of the castle." Glendo gave a nod. He drank the rest of the drink. Heading out of the bar to get to his home that is right under one of the guard towers above. A well-dressed stallion was in the bar hearing what was going on. He quickly got out of his chair and went upstairs. He showed the guard his card. He was a high society pony of the castle. When the guard let him out he rushed off to a large building. The Catcher Residents A young mare was holding her dying father' hoof. He was the leader of the high society ponies. " Sea Catcher you...need to take up the mantle. Keep the high society ponies in line. They need your wisdom." Sea catcher nods, tears streaming down her face. But she was not like normal high society; she cares about the ones below her. Thanks to her mother being a former pony from the ones below them. A mare that won her father's heart through being his slave. " Father...I don't know if you can...." The stallion laughs weakly. He held her hoof weakly " You're your mother... Sea Catcher your mother such a lovely mare. That made my heart soft. Lead them like her. Some will not like the fact that." She smiles softly as her father slowly drifts from being awake to close his eyes. As he gives his last breath with a smile on his face. She sighed standing on her hooves. The workers of the home lift the body to burn him. She sighs looking out the window seeing a group of high society ponies gathering outside. She walks out walking down to them. " Yes, the hero is real. Glendo is going to go talk with her." They turn when Sea Catcher comes down to him. From the look on her face. They know that her father is dead. " So...what now Sea Catcher. Since your father was the leader of us...What do you think we should do?" She thought for a moment, sighing a bit. " I feel we can't do much of anything. But we need to try to get ready when the battle does come here. If it's true about the hero helping protect Cliff Side. I feel we need to train ourselves in battle. But you all need to understand. The ones below us. Don't trust us. I don't blame them either." One mare almost spoke but a stallion looked at her shaking his head. " I agree with you Sea Catcher. But we have lived like this all our lives. How can we help?" She thinks a moment looking towards the guards that are protecting the main doors leading down to the slums. " When the battle starts. I think it's best to go free to the slums. I know it's not going to be pleasant but if we are going to have my father's dream. Then we must all be willing to fight with us." They nod. " Now I need to go speak to Majesty. Meaning I need to go place makeup glop all over my face. Remember when the battle makes it here we go right for the slums." She heads inside. The stress of this gets to her. it makes her feel a bit of a pain. Heading into her shower cleaning up her sea color like body. Then getting out, drying herself off. She sighs and closes her eyes. When she went into her room. A large Roc stood by her room. She looks up at her. " Hello, Mistress I made sure that your makeup is all ready for you." She gave her a nod going inside looking into the mirror sighing softly. She worked the makeup on her face. Then some pink eye shadow. Getting into one of the best dresses she has. Walking outside of her room. " I hate this'' glop '. But come on let's get going." The two slowly walked to the castle. The guards let her through. They walked past the room that held the Warden. She looked in and smiled at the dragon. " Hello, Warden." The warden looked over to her. He looks extremely weak like his body if failing. " Sorry If I don't seem very happy to see you myself Sea Catcher. I'm sick and tired of being trapped like this. I have been here since this island was created. But Majesty is waiting for you dear. " Sea Catcher frowns, nodding heading upstairs to the throne room. Near one of the doors, there is a strange device magically mutating dogs into larger creatures. Then in another, a room doing something to stallions makes them taller. The guards open the door. But at a normal time Reaver would be there to greet them but it's Majesty herself. " Ah hello, Child." She gave a sweet smile. " Hmm, dear Majesty, Reaver normally greets us. What happened to the poor creature?" Majesty chuckles leading them inside. To the side, there is a bottle with a cork on it. Reaver is inside it." " He was causing some issues in the castle a little while ago. So the only way to get him to listen to place him in a bottle. Then he will be easy to speak to after a while." Sea Catcher blinked nodding noting that. " Now I heard about your father. I'm so sorry about that dear. I understand you shall lead the high society now." She gave a nod. " Yes, I am. But there is another reason that you called right Majesty?" Majesty had an angry look on her face. She sighed softly " Yes, I did. My pet has been killed by the hero. But that was my fault. I sent her out there to lead the army to take the hero down. It sounds like the hero found a way to take them all out without a battle. I do hope you understand. Why I had to close up the slums. It was a way to keep the minions of the hero at bay down there. Because most of them are down there." Sea gave a nod smiling. " Ah yes, you must do what you can to fight the filth dear. I shall remember this." She said with a hearty laugh. But she didn't feel like this in her own heart. It made her feel bad. She had to keep this up." " Now Sea Catcher you may go. I just wanted to welcome you to be a leader." She gave a nod slowly heading out with the Roc not far behind. When they get out of the castle. She looks up to the Roc. "I wish you to find an enchanted bottle that could hold Reaver when the battle starts. I need to get home and get some rest." The nameless Roc nodded flying away out of the castle. Sea Catcher heads into her home locking all the doors letting her servants have the day off. While she just goes to rest her head in her bed. Hoping this war is over soon. The Roc flew towards Scaled hide city. But the way into the kingdom is through a nasty cliff like a road. Just walking over it causes issues. She looks below seeing many bodies of the dead from the battle that didn't happen too long ago. She gently walks along the path. it was made for creatures like lizards that could go through here. She made it to the way into the city. But she didn't get hateful looks like others would give. She was welcomed. She slowly walked along the path to the glassmaker. Inside were the glassmakers. A dragon she knew well. She used to be his bodyguard. The Dragon turns with a gentle smile. " Ah, Unknown one good to see you." The Roc smiled. She was known as the Unknown one here. He hatched her named her out of respect for her species. " Good to see you Jabari. I'm here to place an order for Lady Sea Catcher. I need the glass to be a large bottle. Then I need it enchanted." Jabari thought for a moment nodding. " Ah I see but I can't do those enchants sadly. But I can tell you who. There is a turtle, the only turtle of this village that is here. He has some powerful magic that some unicorns helped him learn ages long past. So I shall start on your order. It will be done in a month. But go speak to him." The nameless Roc nods heading to a large homemade straw. She sighed going inside. Saw the old turtle with the long beard open his weak old eyes. " Ah..." He said slowly. " Someone...That...wishes...to...Speak." He smiled slowly. " What...ole...Box...do..for..You?" he said with a slow voice. She calmly spoke. " I need an enchant to house a creature of clouds. A creature that can break through normal none enchanted glass." The turtle blinks a moment. Stroking his chin with his turtle foot. " Ah...I ..see...So ...Magic...of the ponies....of the...past....is needed..." The turtle stood up. He walked pretty fast...But his speech was slow. Looking through the books of old. Finding one of the spells. "Ah. I will...cast it...when you have...the ..item in question." The unknown one gave a nod. " Then I shall go. I need to get back to Milady and make sure she is well guarded." Box gave a nod smiling. Nameless Roc went out of the house flying off back to the castle to protect her mistress. Near the shore, a ship was lodged on some sharp rocks. Most of it seemed wrecked but it could be very easily rebuilt. I was using my magic to place the waterlogged wood on the shore. I had some Zebras with me taking the parts of the boat. It wasn't going to be very easy to get the boat off these rocks. But I had to find away. I turned to look towards Hawk. " Hawk, could you please try to blast up these rocks to see if you can break them enough so I can get to the boat?" Hawk walked up onto the beach. His large feet sink into the wet sand. But he is still able to move. Take a look at the sharp rocks. Arming his guns firing at the rocks. Trying to shatter them. When most of the rock shatters. I sigh, closing my eyes. I wasn't very good at this type of magic but I had to try. My magic wrapped around the boat. Lifting it in my magic. Slowly getting it on the beach I pant hard from how it felt. My heartbeat is hard from the overuse of the magic. I was happy that two clockwork ponies were here to help me. Two of them helped by lifting the boat onto a wagon. But It didn't seem like it would be that easy. Laying on the beach for a bit panting a bit closing my eyes. It was bad for me to overwork. But I had to repair this boat. So I can get back to Equestria when I need to. Slowly standing back on my hooves walking to the wagon to see how well the boat is. It's going to need to have a lot of work to get me back. But It's going to be needed for later. Looking towards Hawk who walks onto the road than looking down to me. " I got a request for you Star Shooter. I wish to return to Equestria with you. But maybe it might be best that I stay here and go with whoever wishes to go." Giving her a nod " I doubt this ship will be able to handle your weight. They will have to send a bigger boat to get you back there. Maybe that will happen in a few years." Hawk looks around a moment. Then looked at the castle. It's been so silent for a month now. No more attacks. Not even any magic eaters showing up trying to attack. " I'm worried, Star Shooter. We buried so many dead a month ago. Now the kingdom itself is so silent. It reminds me before we left Equestria. I still wish I was there. I had a family there. Now I am sure they are dead. But I doubt they wish to see their mother." Blinking a bit. Did Hawk use to be a mare? A family mare even? I got to say that it is new to me. " Maybe before we leave you can tell me about yourself." The cameras from Hawk looked down at me then back at the Clockwork ponies. I lifted my hoof to tell them to get going. " Please, I wish to know more about you Hawk. I wish to know the pony you used to be before. This happens to you." The Clockwork ponies nodded leaving taking the fixer-upper ship with them. Maybe soon I can work on it to get it. Watching the mech slowly sit down. It surprised me that the large thing could sit. " I remember a lot of little Star Shooters. I don't remember everything. I wish I did. Now I was a Pegasus mare. Fighting in the war I found myself getting my wings sliced off. Crashing hard into the ground. I don't even remember what happened. Only remembering waking up and in an iron- lung to keep me alive. They told me the Zebras got a hold of me ripping me apart. So Dr. Slice offered me another body. He said he was working on a robotic body that would help me fight in the war." The cameras look at the body. From the sounds of it, she wanted to cry. But I doubt she can now. Because crying would be hard. But It was easy to tell that she hates the fact. That she is stuck in this robotic body. "Anyway, I said yes. He removed my brain from my body, placing me in what you see now. But I joined the war to protect my home. Even joined to protect Equestria from the evil of Zebras. But now that I talk to them I learn more about them. They had all the right to do what they did to us. Because of what we did to them. I see them now and I feel very bad for them. I do wish that we could go back and never allow that to happen again." Hawk gave a soft robotic sigh. It's very hard for her to do it seems to be like this. But I wish I could be of more help with her. Hawk stood back up. We walked back to town. I wanted to get working on the boat right away. So when the battle is over I can get back home. So I can see what has happened since. I have been gone. I am worried about Crystal. I am worried about Kipke. As well as Silver Gunner. I just felt that they needed me. I don't know really. But the pain of this was going to be easy for me to lose it. Closing my eyes, stopping a moment. Looking back to see the Merchant staring at me. Looking up to Hawk. " Go on without me, I need to speak to some pony." Hawk looks to the Merchant then back down to me walking off. I walk to the Merchant. " Well good job hero. You have ruined the lives of many in the castle. I do hope you understand that...So much bad has happened there because of you. But what's done is done. You better be ready for when the year comes. Be ready I will be watching to make sure if you fail. That I can take that gun from your corpse, clean it, and sell it to someone else that will use it wisely. Maybe they will send your body back to Equestria if you fail. I bet that's all you want to do right now go back there. You should have taken her offer as a child." I snort biting my lip in anger. He had no right to act like this towards me. I am happy to be helping all these creatures. Turning on my hooves to head back to Cliffside. Then they turn to stare at him. " What gives you the right to think you can act like this towards me? I don't see you doing anything to help. You just show up at these random times. I didn't even see you during the battle. So many died because they wanted to protect their way of life." The merchant gave me an evil smirk. " Oh, I was there but in my way child. I saw what you did to the poor dragon. I even saw that you gave her a name. That you used the word to destroy most of the Queen’s army. I am sure you love that. That most of the creatures in that armor are dead or need to learn to be an adult. Since most were just foals when they were taken from their families. Oh, wait...I am sure you know but you're so proud of what you did to them." He said with a smirk. That was a low blow. My anger built and I wanted to harm him. But I am sure that is what he wanted. It made me feel that is all he wanted. He was about to do it. I was so close to using my magic on him to try to kill him. But why couldn't I just control my anger that I held inside me? I need to hold it tightly and deep inside me. So I wouldn't allow this to happen to me again. I don't want to get angry and just hurt some pony out of the blue. We finally made it back to town. I rushed to the dock to Salty and looked at the ship that brought me here. He whistled. "Hmm, that is going to be a lot of work Star Shooter. So It's doable, it may take a lot of our wood for new boats. But I am willing to do this for you" Nodding with a smile. I felt a tail wrapped around me. Lifting me I could tell that Blaze was pretty upset. Because she doesn't lift me unless something is bothering her a lot. She took me behind one of the buildings letting me go. I turned to see her blinking. " Star Shooter I don't trust that Burnout pony for what he did to you. I know you trust him. I know you do but it's hard for me." She bites her lip after she spoke. Closing my eyes a moment I had to think of something to say. I am all she has now. So I had to think of a way to give her peace. So all I thought of was kissing her deeply. She had anger flare in her eyes. But after a few moments, she closed her eyes. While our kiss just went on. Pulling from the kiss I smiled. " Well um...is that a good answer." Blaze gave me an angry look again. " No Star Shooter. I know you don't wish to talk about it. But I am your wife to be. You need to explain to me why we keep this pony alive that hurt you so badly. The fact I have to wake you up every night you have these nightmares. So please tell me why are we keeping him alive?" I sigh, biting my lip not sure what to think. I snickered softly. " I doubt it's wise to kill some pony because of what he did to me. Cricket, Mix, and Mouse did worse to me than whatever Burnout did. Also, I don't want to kill him to harm his daughter. His daughter is the reason why I was found in that caravan heading to the castle got me out." Blaze stood on her feet looking right into my eyes. She wrapped around me tightly. Kissing me very deeply once then pulling away. " I love you Star Shooter but you aren't good at explaining why. So, for now, you will be punished. But that will be when we have time to get to our bed and I will punish you." Blinking my cheeks turned bright red. I felt my insides burning from the thoughts of being in bed with her. Between my legs even burned. Blaze smirked walking away. Sliding her tail along my face. I shiver, slowly shaking my head. Trying to regain me. But Of course, I couldn't when I turn to see Jonon. " Well, it seems that it's all sex or love between you two." Jonon gave me a gentle smile. All I did was stare at her. How long has Jonon been there? I wanted to ask but she said before. " Ah, so you wish to know how long I have been here?" She chuckles softly. " You got to understand the little hero. I am your bodyguard. I will always be here. Even when your lover.Wishes to punish you. So I bet you're willing to have that punishment hmm?" She said with a smirk. I just stare at her..My cheeks bright red. I didn’t even know what to say or think. I felt like I wanted to just hide again. But I can't hide when Jonon is here. But I need to get back to Salty to see what he needs to build the ship back up. It's not going to be simple for us to get the ship rebuilt So we can get going. Slowly walking away from Jonon she just chuckled and vanished. I got back to the ship while the Zebras and Salty worked on it. " Welp this ship wasn't taken care of very well. But I am sure I can make it seaworthy in a few months. So you have a war to win. Then we can get you home. I am sorry that it's going to take that long. I hope you are willing to wait for it to be that hard for you to get back child." Nodding with a smile. " I knew that it would Salty. But I am happy that you will be able to get me back to Equestria. I wish to know what is going on. I miss my friends. My family and my home. I just need to see what it's going to be happening. But I need to end this silly damn war." Sally nodded. I needed some rest. I slowly walked up the path away from the docks. But for the moment I stood there watching all the Zebras and ponies rushing back and forth back to the gates. At the gates is a caravan full of many creatures getting ready for the battle ahead of us. Looking back to the docks see that they are fishing and that some are trying to forcibly grow gardens faster so we can have food. But even so, that will not be wise to force it. Forcing food to grow with magic is not wise. I sighed sitting on my haunches closing my eyes a moment listening to the hooves of the wings. I even hear Hawk walking along the road. Along with Roll Roll. I watched them patrol. I feel that it's going to be crazy for all of us to fight. It's impressive how heavy our army is. But How are we going to break into a castle? That is ready to attack us. I just need some sleep. I looked back to see my friends. They seem too busy to talk or to eat something. Slice seemed to be playing chess with Burnout. Of course for the moment Blaze kept watching him. She turned her head to me. Walking to me slapping her tail in the back of Burnout's head. I sigh and didn't like how she was acting. But she wrapped her tail around me, lifting me. Then leading me into the Mansion. Four days have passed. I was working on the boat. Hammering some planks into the holes. Salty painted a name on the side to cover the old name. It used to be called sea nymph. But he turned it into the Warden's Soul. Blinking at the name. He gave me a shrug. I just laughed softly. A stallion in a cloak walked to us with a large box. " Hey, Salty they let me out of the castle to get some fish from you guys. Of course, Majesty doesn't know everything that is happening in the castle. So if you have any fish you can give me. I will leave the box here." The stallion left the box there and I watched Salty open it up. Seeing that a Griffin is inside. " Well..blow me..down with a heavy wind..if that ever happens around here. A griffin gift wrapped for us." Glendo stares at me walking out of the crate then looking at the gun strapped to my side. He just stared at me then pulled a sword out from a scabbard on his side. Tossing it to me as it landed in front of me. Looking up to him as he pulled another sword out. " I have come to take the gun back...I knew Mimic...I was one of her friends. So stop pretending. You're Not the hero like she was. The fact you even have that gun is a problem." Anger filled me. I felt the heat of my anger go to my core. I grabbed the sword hilt with my mouth. I wanted to prove without using my magic. He blinked seeing this. I stood on my hooves as a Zebra got into a strange fighting stance. I just stared at him with my angry eyes. He held the sword in his claws. Charging at me swinging with the weight of my head and with my body. Our sword clash for the moment. My horn glows, grabbing his tail pulling it. He yelped looking at me with hatred in his eyes. He backs up charging at me but Blaze tackles him, her mouth opening up getting ready to burn. Dr. Slice had his saw hand close to his face. Jonon stood there watching as well. Black feather and Skull Crusher handgun are aiming at him. I spit out the sword. staring at my friends they backed up I stood over him. Staring down at him. "I am sick...and tired of this shit. I just want to go home, you stupid Griffin. I am fighting the Queen. To be able to get back to Equestria. So get out of my way. So I can fight her and get back home." Anger filled me. I tense up. I had tears stream from my face. Because I felt that I wanted to get back to Equestria me even more upset. Blaze slowly pulled me away. The Griffin slowly stood up. He had a smile on his ghoul's face. Slowly stopped crying while Griffin had many eyes him. " Now...I got a question for you, hero. What happened to Equestria? I know that Mimic wished to go home. She left us behind thinking that Majesty wanted to harm us. But she did nothing to us. Before I turned into a magic ghoul. I have a family there. As well as our other friends. Even if you save us a hero. I won't be returning nor will the descendants of the others." I sighed closing my eyes for a moment then looking back at him a moment. "Equestria died in the fire. Then we had many heroes show up not too long ago to try to heal it. But it wasn't that easy to heal. It took a long time. But yes taking time is always going to happen. But the hero I knew personally just took care of the place I lived at. A former POW camp. She fought off the Enclave after she was chased out by them. She went back to save her friends. But she then passed away after giving birth. I was there watching her." Lowering my head, closing my eyes tightly. I felt more tears fall from my eyes. I didn't want to bring her up again. But I had to. Many need to understand. That she is the reason I am fighting like I am. I feel maybe it's wise to stop thinking about it. I took a deep breath looking back up to Glendo. I gave a gentle smile. " I will fight in the name of Mimic to protect you and your family. As well as the family of the friends that stayed behind." Glendo nods looking towards the rest of Cliffside; it was calm while rain slowly started to come down from the sky. He looked around at how very much alive this entire town is. Salty worked on placing fish into the crate. Looking at Glendo. "Are you going to head back inside the crate with the fish? I know it's not going to be pleasant.." Glendo blinks and nods. " yes, I will be going back inside the castle. So yes I will be traveling back with the fish." He chuckled. " I am lucky I already stink for being a ghoul after all." Salty rolled his eyes and laughed. " Yes yes, I know what you mean. I have done that many times myself. It's how I even got on this island. I was on the run from most of the mercenary groups of Griffins. So I had to get away somehow. So I came here. I changed my name and became the Quartermaster of the dock. It's interesting how that works." Glendo nods. " Please come along with me. I know your friends don't trust me. So I just wish to speak to you." I gave a nod looking to Blaze and the others. " I will be fine..." Blaze pulled me into a deep kiss I just blushed deeply as she pulled away and winked. I sighed softly. Following Glendo to talk with him. We walked up the path to get near the inn he sat in a chair. I sat in the other beside him and we watched the town gathering stuff up to get ready for the battle ahead. I looked up at Glendo. " So you wish to learn about Mimic then?" Glendo Calmly asked. I nodded my head. " Well, Mimic was a strong mare. She did what she had to do during the war. But We were friends way before the war even started. I met her before she even met the others. But we met the others. When we joined the army. They didn't allow me to join at first. Since I wasn't a pony. But Mimic made a big stink saying that I have a right to fight in the name of Equestria. She also added it would be better if I didn't join us with the Zebras." He sighed softly, shaking his head. "But we didn't get to name ourselves. We fought as one of course. But our platoon was known as that one with a griffin in it. Yes, make fun of the Griffin." I chuckled softly. Nodding. " Well, I don't know much about the past. I just know the war was awful. The fact that most look back and see how they treated the Zebras as they did. They start trying to forget how they were treated. It's gotten to the point. I think most of the ponies are trying to fix the problems of the past. It's interesting how most wish to learn from the past. Tiria is the one I told you about. Hated ponies. She called them the most worthless creatures of the world. The biggest reason for the end of the world. She didn't care that she was killing innocent Enclave soldiers either. She said to me when I was young. That sometimes you must cause harm. She then almost killed one and I got my Cutie mark when I lifted her gun to fire on an Enclave more solidly that wished to kill her." Glendo blinked, staring at me looking at my Cutie mark and then back at me with a smirk. Blinking a moment looking at my Cutie mark again and then looked back to him. "So your talent is being a good shot. Impressive. Mimics talent was mimicking whatever some pony did. She had a photographic memory where she could remember everything. But that also was her problem when she learned. That she was some hero of legend. It went to her head. Then we lost her when she thought she could end the pain that was caused." Skypaw walked out of the inn. Looking towards me and Glendo she set down a paper offering food or drink to us. " I will take some juice and maybe some fish," I said softly. Glendo shook his head. Skypaw smiled rushing back inside to go get what I wished. But of course, Glendo just kept looking towards me then I looked at him. I had no idea what to say anymore. Oddly, this Griffin had such interest in me. My cheeks turned red and he just kept looking at me. "I um please stop staring at me. It makes me feel that you want something from me." " I do.." I blinked looking around trying to ignore what he wanted from me. I hope it wasn't my body. " I just want you to fight for us. That's all I want you to know. Also, don't worry I am not attracted to you so relax and calm yourself." A strange scent formed between my legs. I placed my hooves between my legs to block the wetness and try to block the smell. SkyPaw trotted out with the food. But when she set the food down. She sniffed the air staring at me. Her cheeks turned bright red quickly galloping back to the inn. Lifting the juice with my magic to ignore my thoughts. Yes, I was thinking of having sex with a Griffin. Now I need to find Blaze to remove these thoughts from my head. Glendo stood up from the chair looking down at me. " I am sorry little hero. I didn't mean to cause this." He chuckled. " But I need to get going. Also, a bit of a warning that Salamander that kissed you is on her way here. I think she can smell you." I blinked looking to see Blaze walking up the road from the docks. Glendo flapped his wings heading back to the docks. Oh, Goddess fuck me with a banana. Sighing again, calming down sipping from the cup. Lifting the fork to eat the fish. I was getting tired of the fish. But it's time to get going because. I doubt stopping me from any veggies. I wish we did have veggies here. But It's impressive to me how the Gardens all got destroyed during the attack. I wish we could grow stuff faster. Blaze sat beside me wrapping her tail around me gently. " I could smell you down there Star Shooter. So were you thinking of me?" I blinked, blushing deeply, pushing away the fish. Since I couldn't eat anymore. Because well I couldn't think of eating since.. Sex was mostly on my mind right now. " Sadly no...I was thinking of that Griffin taking me. Don't hate me for that. Just ever since I have been here. I know I have gotten older. So I think that wanting sexual intercourse has hit me hard. So It's that time of the year maybe?" My face was bright red thinking about this. Then trying to push it out of my head. I said to myself ``Think of Majesty under....me.....I blink " Blaze can you take me to our bedroom, lease. Please!!" Blaze blinked, staring at me a moment. " Um, Star Shooter I know it's that time of the month for your kind. But I think you need a cold shower. So please go take a shower. I will please you later my sweet mare." My cheeks were bright red. Since I had so much on my mind.odding calmly looking towards the Griffin then to Blaze. I felt bad for how I felt right now. But I want to stay pure to Blaze. " I want to stay pure to you my dear Blaze. You mean so much to me. I love you so much." She smiled softly wrapping the tail around me tighter. Then let me go pointing with her tail to the Mansion. Giving a nod I calmly trotted up to the Mansion. When I got to the Mansion. I went to the shower slowly going under the water tower. Turning it on feeling the cold water flow along my body. I felt that the heat from my body slowly cooled. It made me happy that I felt it. Blaze joined me and smiled. A blush formed deeply on my face. Lifting the soap with my magic I rub the soap along Blaze’s body. She just stood there smiling taking another bar of soap in her claws sliding it along me. This was the first time we ever did this. So It made me burn inside. We kissed deeply while the water removed the soup from us. I am sure we are being watched. Since under us is the cavern. Slowly breaking the kiss I stared at her with a gentle smile on my face. Sighing a bit feeling happy. " Thank you, Blaze, I needed this also I needed you." Blaze chuckled softly wrapping her tail around me, turning the water off. " I want you to rest Star Shooter. So go get some sleep and we will work on everything out here." Nodding she unwrapped her tail around me. Slowly walking into the mansion heading up into my room. Removing the gun looking at it closely. I feel that I am fighting in the memory of Mimic and her friends. I calmly lay onto the bed slowly falling asleep. The slums: two days later. The cloaked stallion carried the large box on his back walking through the up part of the castle Sky. Guards rushed around trying to find the ones stealing from them but they seemed to just ignore him. He hits his hoof on one of the doors that heads down into the slums. A peephole opened up a set of eyes to look out to see him. " I am back with the food." The door slowly opens letting him into the slums Then he closes the door but the one who opened the door stays in the darkness. The stallion who has a strange cutie mark that is a crate. But of course, he is one of those that never got a name from his family. So his name to himself is created Because of the cutie mark. He set the box down in the middle of the slums Next, the door is the bar not far from that is a brothel. Around that are many small places for folks to live in. Crate looked around opening the box up. " Food folks." All kinds of ponies Zebras and many other creatures leave the many buildings. They each take a fish of course in the middle of the fish Glondo comes out of the crate and he coughs getting out quickly. " Oh god...." He coughed " I wished my sense of smell went with me. When I became a magic ghoul." Crate chuckled the twins lift the crate with their horns taking it into the bar to clean and serve the fish. The Zebras walked up to Glendo looking at him while one of them walked up to ply ask. " What did the hero say?" Glendo blinks, nodding thinking a moment on what to say. He looks around to see the guards don't seem to be down here. It's impressive to him that they ignore these underground slums. Then there is a flush and not far from them a door opens up and a flood of water comes in. The water is yellow and full of feces. It was in some strange tub. The twins then rush back out lifting the tub in their magic. Glendo sighed watching them place the tub over a large flame. They dig into the tub removing the feces then they well did what they had to. They ripped it apart with their magic. Taking the food they found. Inside it, yes how pleasant. Then they had to boil the water pouring the water into a system that takes the urine out of the water. Mixing it up. But what caused this to work was two horns of magic. The twin’s horns injected themselves in two holes. That allowed the machine to do its work. Even though it was working. It caused some nasty smell. That caused most of the creatures down here to wear a mask. Glendo sighed. He hated the fact that all this was going on then he looked back to the Zebra that asked him the question. " Well, the hero is ready to come and help us. But we need to be ready for her as well. She said the town will be taken back first. Then the castle will be attacked. So we need to find a way to open up the sewers to let the sea ponies in.. So they can cause some problems." The Zebra nodded and turned to his friends. " I know the button to open that up. So tell me when and I will use it." Glendo nodded. "I shall let you know. But right now I need to check on the twins See if their uncle has been spotted." He walked into the bar heading to it looking to the twins. " No Glendo he hasn't been seen or released from the prison." The left one said. " I doubt he ever will be." Said the right one. He sighed, shaking his head. Heading upstairs to get some rest. Two more months past The island was created to be a prison. A prison to hold the threat of the long past. But the island turned into a home for many because of the spell to keep the creatures in. Brought more lost souls. One's who are trying to run away from the world. Some that came here by mistake. But they use this island to make a family. Then wait for either three years to get in the good graces of Majesty. But if she kept the spell down for too long Too many would try to break free. Since some that are here are here..because she doesn't wish to be alone. At least from what she has told most folks. The many towns that had been built on this island. Most are now taken over by Majesty's army. But in Cliffside right near the way into the town of Cliffside a bunch of wagons. Full of armor and weapons. It looks to be getting ready for the final battle. The hero being asleep most of what is going on is her friends. Taking care of the battle. Fireclaw the Roc who is the Blacksmith is working overtime. Just to be ready for this battle. He shall join in. The final battle is going to come. Since the Clockwork ponies and the magic ghouls don't need to rest or even eat. They place all the weapons after they clean them into the wagons. Along with the armor. It's been very quiet for many months. But at this moment most of the creatures in the town are sleeping. But the one that is not asleep is the one known as Hawk. Now known to be a former mare. She went down to the docks to look through but zebras brought over some paint. Hawk lowers herself fully down. They start painting a hawk on the sides of the nose of the Mech. Placing eye's on the side of it. They paint eagle claws into the feet of the mech. But the poor creature doesn't even know the idea of feelings anymore. She still knows love and anger. But she knows she won't be able to feel it anymore. Hawk goes back to her patrol. Walking along the path looking to the Mansion and looking into the window. Seeing the Hero and Blaze their limbs intertwined together. Just simply watching wished to herself that she could smell the scent of their fun they had not too long ago. But she heard a voice behind her. " Hello Hawk..." The voice said calmly the large mech turned halfway seeing D.r. Slice. The cams on the mech itself stare at the former pony Dr. " Impressive ain't it ever since I came here you always seem to avoid me. But it's been so long...Haw. I know I failed yo. I know the war destroyed your body. Kept you from your family. But we didn't fall in the hell that went on back in Equestria. The bombs that fell would have killed us to Hawk.." Hawk's Sam's just started at D.r. Slice. " D.r. I know I haven't wished to talk to you since we saw each other. Also, the fact that you're one of the companions of that silly legend. That I know that is fake. I just don't wish to ruin the rest of this for the hero. I just don't know if I could ever look at you the same way again..After you promised me that you would make me a body. You turned me into this. Project Mech. A large robotic being. That can break a siege. It would have been interesting if you placed my brain in a tank." Slice laughed softly looking into the window. Looking back to Hawk. " Is there a reason you're watching the two lovers?" Hawks Cams turn to look into the window. Then turn back to look at D.r. Slice. Then the cams did a strange shrug like motion. " Because I wish I could feel again D.r. Slice. But all I can see is that you now understand my issue. You caused yourself more pain trying to find a cure for what you did. You created Project mech and project stopwatch To go back into time to stop your wife from dying. But it was used to stop the damn war. Then Project Mouse. why did you create those things?" Slice sighed robotic-like. " I regret what we created in those labs. I help create Mix, Mouse, And Cricket. Trying to understand how the magic eaters work. I wish her, of course,e created Cricket and then mix. Giving some of the Magisters the ability to talk and to think like the ones we have seen. But I am guessing before we showed up. Most were lucky enough to change themselves." The two just kept chatting but of course when Blaze moved off the bed to look out the window. She softly said with a deep yawn. " Do you two mind?" Hawk and Slice turn to look at Blaze. " Or I could tell you how many times I got her to scream this time." She said with a smirk. Suddenly when that was said. Hawks Cams turned red in the middle like she was blushing or seeming to. Hawk quickly stood up walking away. Slice looked with his three eyes. " I um....bye! " DR slice went over the edge of the cliff hovering down to the ground. Hawk walked the long way. Blaze laughed going back to the hero to get some rest. Hawks eyes another month passes. It was getting closer to the battle to start. Most are getting ready for their final meals on that day. It was going to be hard to battle and fight for most of them. But for the hawk, it's just simply going to be like the war in the past. She wishes she could feel for all those she fought and killed in the ages past. She will last forever or till the ability to repair is destroyed. She knows while she patrol's along the path. Most called her he..Since most thought her brain and the fact she has a male name. It's just the fact she forgot her real name. She only remembers why she is in this body and why her brain is running this machine. Her feet clomp on the ground watching the fact that many will be dead in a few months. She wishes she could be helpful in this battle. But she will. For now, it's time to wait when more time passes and then the battle shall start. Time moves forward as all-time seems to do. It’s a matter of how most see the time. Some see it as a heart beating some see it as just a key turning the clock. But most would never understand it when the time is right they would. Many months past the eyes within a prison. I open my eyes staring out the cell in front of me finally seeing the one known as Cricket. A smile forms along my lips. “Is she willing to allow me to do what I have been wishing to do since I was ahem held here?” To some, I sound evil to others. I have been known by too many Cricket snarled, showing his teeth. “The fact she is willing to work with you upsets me. How you got in here without the magic being taken down bothers me. The magic should have stopped you before you made it in here. That salamander that came on the ship with the hero. It seems to have a trick or two. To get you here. Now your offer to use one of her minions to use them as a scheme later on she has agreed.” I chuckle softly offering a device from a compartment in my belt. “Put this in the one known as Ruby Glide. I need a puppet and a Magic eater is the best type.” Cricket takes the device looking at it. The device looks like a slave master chip. Magic flows through it. He lifted his head to look at me in my eyes. I could tell he wasn’t happy with this idea. Looking closer at the device. Then pockets it looking towards the way out of the prison. “How will I get it inside her head? She is now at Cliffside.” I laugh softly. “Oh very easy, tell Doc the good doctor that he owes me. Just give him my name and he shall.” Cricket smirks looking towards me again. “What is your name?” I laugh softly. “Wheel Tread.” Max Level. Chapter Twentyseven: BattleIt's finally a year the battle finally starts. I stood in front of the gate. With the entire army behind me. We have a few staying behind but only a few Zebras. We were going to go reclaim every town first.. Then we would go take the fight to the castle itself. The first town would be the Minotaur's and Griffin's towns. I stood there closing my eyes My friend stood beside me. Looking all at them. I could lose them looking to Hawk who stood behind us near Roll Roll. Looking towards the graveyard that we made from the Siege we didn't have too long ago. Looking at the name of the baby dragon that I named. I closed my eyes again and I felt a knot in my stomach. This battle needed to be done. Standing further ahead I turn to pull out Little Lady pointing to the road to the first path. " A year has passed us, my dear friends. To long for the towns to be in the hold of these creatures. We take the entire outside of the island then we gather for the final battle to the castle. I need to know are you all ready to stand behind me? Are you willing to die for me? Are you willing to die for a mare that is not even part of this island? If so all follow me. As we leave behind the home I have had for a year. A year away from Equestria." With my friends, we started to march along the road. Behind me, I heard the hooves wing's flapping wheel's turning. I heard so many things like music mixed into one. The knot grew tighter in my stomach. The rush of this battle is getting to me since. Closing my eyes tightly slowly walking along the path. Looking up seeing that the Magic eaters have grown a lot since the Queen's found places to stay. I lifted my hoof so hawk could aim up along with the other's who had gun's " Fire!" The guns went off all the Magic eater's above exploded causing the magic to go back into the world when they hit onto the ground. Some magic eater's leave heading back to the town their queen is at. We start rushing faster because most of us have had enough. The flyers went on ahead. So all the magic eater's that joined us. The magic ghoul's that could fly. They were lead by Queen Sheenee then Griffin's started to fly ahead with Black feather leading them. It would take the walker's an hour to get there. But it would take the flyer's not as long. When they finally vanish from sight. We could hear gunfire and explosions not far ahead. The Clockwork ponies had strange catapults that toss large magic bombs. These bombs didn't harm much; it allowed them to herd the mindless magic eater's so they could be easy to take down. Blaze lifted me with her tail. She started rushing ahead. With the others behind us speeding up. We finally made it to the first towns. Half the buildings have been burned down. But now the citizen's are fighting back since we got here. Some of the armored ponies rush out of the building's to attack. I fire along with the flyers above and keep firing on the creatures below dropping the bombs that were made to destroy the mindless magic eater's. In the middle of the town was the meeting room. But it was turned into the hive for the queen. The Minotaur's and the rest of the army spread out. Along with my friends. Hawk the mech sticks close to me though I looked up to her. But I felt a bit in the back of my neck and my body froze feeling Mix in the back of my neck. I tried to buck him off when my hooves hit him he flew quickly. But It seems mix is the only one that is willing to come out. I turned to stare at Mix while I felt blood flow along my neck. " You and I .right now.." Mix blinks. I lifted my gun but Mix flew away like a wimp. I growled in anger. I have had enough of these warrior's of Majesty. But looking towards the hive looking to Hawk. "Let’s go." I quickly rushed inside. But the Hawk got smashed away from me by a large rolling magic eater like Roll Roll. I was alone now. I had to do this on my own. I got to the hive. But I had no way to get in. But I heard something breathing fire behind me seeing Blaze burn the strange subsistence off the door. Turning to see Blaze she nodded to me. She was in her heavy armor. "Let us go, my love. The others are waiting for us to take care of the Queen. Then the leaders want to have a meeting so I guess we use this place." Nodding slowly opening the door the smell of decay and death filled the building. Slowly going along the halls of the building. I could see many dead holding onto weapons. Most of them have been eaten to bone's or some are just allowed to lay there and decay. Sadly, this happens. I wonder what it was like during the war. All this death all these bodies. I closed my eyes taking a deep breath, turning my head vomiting. I had no idea why I did this, maybe thinking too much about it. But I just stare at the vomit. Then I look up to Blaze. Of course, it wasn't going to be that simple. The little mouse robot's made their way in here. But they seemed more heavily armored and the size of rat's. Along with the flying magic eater's that flew out of the walls. They attacked the two of us. Blaze lifted her head breathing fire to try to burn them all. Even if she wouldn't be able to at all. Jonon appeared beside us with many other Zebras they all held staves attacking while the Roc blacksmith removed a hood from his cloak taking a large hammer smashing into the strange rat creature's. A smile formed on my face. They allowed me and Blaze to get into the middle of the meeting building known as a senate. But when I opened the door I stared at the large queen and the worker magic eater slowly carrying the egg's to let them hatch in the magic that made them grow fast. I lifted my gun but I didn't know the best way to kill them. Slowly walked in to see if I could talk to them. " Excuse me I come to speak with you.." The Queen turned her head I could tell she is smarter than the one's she hatched. I could tell it went through her mind if it was wise to speak but she hissed. " You may speak little hero." I nodded, closing my eyes thinking a moment. " I don't wish to kill you. I wish to free you from Majesty. I know this is something you might have heard a lot from others. But we could use your help when we fight to take down the castle. I am sure she gave you something that you want. I can't give you anything. I know that is not something you wish to hear. But maybe if you look deep inside you. I am sure you don't wish to fight and wish to have a place on the free island away from Majesty." The Queen stared at me. I could tell she was thinking about it. But It would amaze me if she even agreed to it. The Queen then turned to her minion's screeching loudly and the battle outside went silent. Mix flew as quickly as he could to face the Queen Magic eater. " You can't think of just giving up like that!!" The Queen stares down at Mix. " Listen you little freak. I'm sick and tired of working for Majesty. I have been waiting for someone to show up to offer me what I wish. That is just having a life without a battle. I know my sisters won't listen. But I will." The Queen broke from the tube that connected to her so she could lay many eggs. She opened her mouth sucking up the webbing. It took a while. But the battle was over for this town. But why was it that easy? Would it be easy for others? The other magic eater's attacked Mix so he had to quickly rush away. " I got a question for you. Is there an easy way to take down your sister's?" She turned her head to look at me. All the webbing is gone. But the bodies are left behind. I could tell it was hard for her to want to tell me how to take down her sister's. But she knew sooner or later she would have to tell me. " The way to take down my sister's. You just have to drain the magic from them. The best way is to sneak it when they are laying eggs. You just have to place your horn on the egg layer. I know it won't be easy. But I will be going into hiding with my hive. When the battle is over I hope you remember us. The island used to be so peaceful before you showed up here. You're lucky that I am giving up just like this. Take care" She flew out with the rest of the magic eaters that came with her. I looked out the window as the rest of them flew off towards a part of the island I have never been to. Closing my eyes a moment falling to my haunches breathing softly feeling my insides burn from the bite that Mix gave me. Looking over to see Blaze and the Zebra's taking out the remains and bodies. Jonon walked to me looking at the bite on my neck. " Little one you seem to have venom going through your system It will pass but it won't be kind to you." Smiling weakly nodding. Closing my eyes as I watched the leader's walk-in they looked around. Skull Crusher looked at the seats that most of the leaders are still sitting in and dead. He felt this was wrong. But he knew this would have been the best thing. They will have to find a new set of leaders sooner or later. Skull Crusher went up to the seat. Opening the window so I could get some fresh air. Feeling the venom go through my body. Watching the leaders of each army go into the seat's of course the magic ghoul lava demon's stood in the middle of the room. " They wish you to speak like a little hero. They want to know the next plan of attack." I sighed closing my eyes a moment thinking of what to say. But I looked up to them. But I heard a drain move a little water sprayed to make it deep enough at my hooves. But only in the spot, I was standing at The sea pony Snow Drift came up from the drain " I have come to tell you the rebellion in the castle is ready for you. They have it set up to open the way for us to go in first to take out what we can for you inside. But you give us the time you will do this attack." I gave a nod looking up to the ones that wished to hear me speak. " Tell them this Snowdrift. We will be attacking when I take down Mix, Mouse, and Cricket. They have gotten in my way for too long. I will be taking them all on with my friends. The army will be getting ready to siege the castle. So when all three are dead I will send up a flare made by the clockwork ponies. Then you will know." Snow Drift nodded getting back into the drain. I looked up to the army that sat in the chairs before me. "Well, I say we see who is still alive here. Then we get something to eat and then go to the next town. Then I feel we should go to Blaze's home. I feel we should clean it out because I am sure there might be some magic eater's still in there even though she took out all the bodies. Then I feel we should follow the path of the old outpost that might have been rebuilt. But I think the biggest thing here. I don't think all of the Magic eaters followed her or the armored ponies still might be here. These two towns are big. So we might have to search after we check if the innkeeper is still safe." Closing my eyes falling to the ground groaning the venom-filled my every vein even making it harder for me to stay on my hooves. "But for now I think I need to rest before we go on to the next battle. So please go get doc I will just lay here." Jonon rushed to get Doc. Closing my eyes the leaders slowly walked out to do what they needed to do. They went to search for the rest of the city's people. First the Minotaur one. Then the Griffin's. I close my eyes feeling the pain grow. I heard Doc's hooves rushing to me. " Oh, dear...lets get her to the hospital." I could feel myself being carried. I don't know why the bite hurt me so much. But I felt it burning inside me. They carried me far I could feel my body slowly drifting away I passed out while they carried me Opening my eyes I was in a hospital bed. Looking to the side seeing a lot of armor those magic ponies that are forced in the armor leave behind. Trying to get up but they had something to hold me down. It was a large Salamander, my love of course. She was laying on my back. " Ah, you're awake. I knew you would try to get up and get yourself hurt again. The venom will be out of your system soon. You will feel your bladder about to explode when it's time to Now you rest till that time happens. You have been out for a day. I can tell you what has been happening." I sighed nodding. " Good good now they have found some of the town's folks alive in the inn. Most of the leaders are accounted for as well. But they said a lot of the town's people were killed when Majesty said no prisoner's. So it took a long time for them to find and hunt down all they could find. But they missed many. They had to hide in the inn and other areas of the area for a year." I nod shut my eyes feeling my bodywork while I felt the venom slowly drift into my body feeling it about to get into my bladder. " Blaze I need to go to the bathroom. So please let me go.." Blaze slowly got off my back and I quickly got out of bed rushing to the bathroom. it was like my bladder was going to explode. Getting into the bathroom sitting on the toilet. I shut my eyes in pain. While my body released the venom along with the urine that wished to follow. I hurt so much when it removes itself from my body. I have to shiver a bit. Since it was making my body very tender. Looking up to see Blaze watching. I broke out in a cold sweat since.. it was taking a lot of my water inside me. I felt dehydrated. It made me a bit sick. Slowly standing on my hooves Blaze helped me back to the bed. Blaze went to go gather some water and food for me. Closing my eyes, breathing deeply. It's stupid to me that my body was this weak. I felt that it's getting silly. Well at least to me. I don't want to get sick. Blaze walks back in holding the food and the water. Lifting the water with my magic gently drinking, closing my eyes sighing. " I am going to get going. The next battle will be starting soon Star Shooter but you rest a bit." Giving a nod she walked out of the room. Taking a calm drink from the water. I closed my eyes, feeling the water help my body heal a bit. Taking a fork gently eating slowly. I didn't wish to go too quickly. Taking small bites of whatever this was. Laying my head down to let my body heal. Because it would take a while after what the venom did to my insides. The water slowly went through the sensitive stomach. It feels very strange as well as the food. I didn’t want to move Closing my eyes again to rest. But I needed to be ready for the final battle. But I got out of the bed, my hooves standing me up with my joints allowing me to stay up. Slowly walking down the hall hearing voices downstairs. I saw my friend's talking as they looked up at me. "I'm ready to go but I think it might be best if we just rest a little longer. Because the next battle is not going to be easy to handle." My friends look at each other and give a nod. " But sadly we need to get going Star Shooter we will place you in one of the Caravan's so Doc can help you." I nodded weakly closing my eyes a bit then I was lifted by Blaze laying me down in the wagon that held some of the armor and the weapons. Doc sat beside me keeping an eye on me while I fell asleep. Jonon I was watching the other as they slept. I felt this was the only way. I could handle things. I stayed far away from the others. I love them as my friends. But I can't trust them. But I had my hood off. This was a little before we kept moving we decided to stay a little bit at the town to rest. Let the hero rest. Since we know she won't wake till we get to the next place of battle. A large Roc landed in front of me. I stare at the creature. I know this one...The unknown one. " Hello, Unknown one." The unnamed Roc nods setting down a glass bottle. It wasn't too big. But big enough to place something inside. " Use this Jonon to take care of Reaver when the battle starts. But I do have to warn you. Your daughter has been seen going into the castle. We think she has betrayed you. Like your husband before." The pain returns to my heart after hearing that word. Husband, maybe someday I could tell the hero about him. " I see I will kill her just like I did him. It can't be helped. It's fate and the stars and how they wish to curse me. Even if I don't believe in that sort of thing. But sometimes it feels good to curse them." The nod as I lift a bottle of water to my lips to drink. Then place the bottle back in my bag. " It's enchanted to hold him. Hopefully, it will be used to keep in it for a while at least." I gave a nod the Roc turned around and looked back at me. " Thank you Jonon for keeping the legend alive. While most of us wrote the hero off as a fake. It's given those in the castle city hope." I gave a weak nod as she flew off. I place my hood to cover my head and wait for the night to go on. Before I went back to my friends. I open my eyes seeing that we are still on the road to get to the exile town. But it was a night most of the flesh creatures of our army slept while we were being pulled by the robotic ones of our army. I slowly got out of the wagon. Walking calmly beside Hawk. Looking up to Hawk who just kept marching. The hydraulics made hissing sounds. While her legs allow her to move as quickly as the feet would allow her to. "We will be there in an hour, little hero. From what the rest have learned. It's the only town left standing. The Clockwork one is destroyed. Then there are outposts we need to down before we can fully get to the castle. Also, I was told that the three warriors have keys to open the big door to get into the castle. There are back doors. But they won't be easy to get into. We need to all storm in at once. That would be from killing the three warrior's." Closing my eyes most of the towns have been destroyed so taking them back would be moot at this point. But we could see the exile's town not far away. But we heard battle not far from us. It sounds like some of the citizens of the town have been in a constant battle with the Majesties army. The other's woke up Blaze standing beside me. Looking towards me I nodded to her. I pulled out my gun looking at the ammo. I only had three bullet's left of the ammo. I didn't know if I should use it. But when we got closer we saw the lava demon's doing most of the fighting. While they pulled the other's away. The battle started The clockwork ponies stayed farther behind to take out the flying Magic eater's. Roll Roll rushed in as a ball smashing many of the Majesties armies. Hawk rushed in as well the larger creatures of our army rushed in. Skull Crusher rushed in with a troop of other Minotaurs. The battle starts and an explosion happens right beside me causing me to fly away from the others. But I didn't hit anything hard. But I stood up quickly lifting the gun in my magic. Lifting my sword as well. Rushing into the city most of it is destroyed. Looking around for my friends but I didn't see them. I closed my eye's a moment then opened them. When I did I saw Cricket standing right in front of me. He held his weapons. I knew I would face Cricket. But I didn't think it would be this soon. He charged at me, slicing his sword's down at me. I blocked each and I had no idea how I was going to fight him. But I turned around giving him a hard apple buck that caused him to smash into a tree not far from us. I rushed to him smashing into him with my front hooves breaking the armor on his chest that kept him protected. He pushed me away flying into the air blood dripping from the armor. It looked fused to him. " Hero...." He coughed softly. " Soon we will have to face each other...So you can get into the castle. I doubt you are willing to kill me you're too much a wimp to do so." I lifted my gun firing into his chest, the shrapnel cut most of his insides and he gasped in pain. It was getting harder for him to fly. But of course, Mix flew in to grab the poor creature to make him vanish. Stomping my hoof. " NO come back here and face me!!!" Breathing deeply closing my eyes putting the hood over my head to sneak through the battle. I hide in the shadow's watching the battle I have caused. Watching Magic ghoul's fighting magic eater's and the ponies in the armor that made them forget who they used to be. I sit on my haunches, tears falling down my face. Is this how many felt during the war in Equestria. Is this how the other hero's felt? They look at the ones that follow them seeing many falls. Some fall someday, some never will understand the path. Closing my eyes tightly remembering the two vials of memories I drank the vials held the thoughts of the past of this island. Jonon stood beside me. I could tell it was here. Because she found me with no issue. " Little hero I know that you seem to be having issues that this battle is happening because of you. No hero was bound to happen even if you didn't show up. But I doubt we would have won this battle. Since the army is endless since. She uses the newly born or the young to become her army. Also, the magic eater's are powerful creatures." Closing my eyes sobbing softly. Jonon pulled me close to her. I was young, still, my heart is breaking from the fact. I caused an island to fall apart just for being here. " I..show up..the island turns into a second Equestria..." Jonon smiled softly holding me closer nuzzling my head a bit looking towards the battle then back down to me. She had a gentle smile on her face. Looking towards the battle. It made my heart sink more. " Hero a second Equestria won't happen. There is no balefire or mega spells on this island. if there is we never found them. All we have found is a former mare turned into our friend Hawk." We saw Hawk fighting many of the magic eater's larger than the normal ones. She fought them beside Roll Roll and Dr. Slice. " But the thing with our friend's little hero. You have done something that most heroes do. You brought all of us together little hero. Some see their friend's death in battle. Like you said about Tiria. You said she watched that many died around her. Because of the Enclave but she fought them off Like you’re with this island child. You need to get back into the fight. Get to the queen. There is only one here. It seems the rest of the Queen's went to the same part of the island the Queen that you let go went. It sounds like all of the magic eater's are tired of working for Majesty. So it seems we need to take out the last of the Queen's and then take out the outpost along the way to the castle. Because there are many along the road. " Closing my eyes standing on my hooves. " lead me to Queen Jonon." She nodded as the two of us walked through the battle. Hawk rushing in front of us smashing into a large magic eater. Skull Crusher and Black Feather working together taking down many of the creatures. Ruby Glide along with other magic eater's that joined us are doing all they can to take down their kind. As well as the armored ponies. The scaled hides rush behind us with the ghouls. Looking to see Bulk and his army taking out what they can. But they didn't see us. We seemed to be following burning bodies. The work of Blaze fresh burning bodies is what we mostly saw. As it leads us to the old mine that I cleared out when we first got here a few months ago. Blaze stood there removing my hood. She turned to me with a smirk on her face. " You need to go in alone my love." I let out a sigh feeling fear take over me. Blaze walked beside me, turning to look at me. I turned my head to look at her. " You can do this, my love. I have all the faith in the world in you." She smiles at me. I put the hood over my head again. When I went down into the mines. I saw a ghost but this time it's the ghost of the dead from this war. I saw the dragon even though I killed it. What is it with this mine that brings the dead here. But I stopped turning to look at Mimic. My eyes went wide. Mimic the hero of legend? But how is she here? She went back to Equestria. Why is her soul trapped here? " Ah...the one that is now the hero of legend." I just stared at her. How could I be the hero of legend? "But I am sure you wonder how you're the hero of legend when I was the real hero of Legend. Well, it would take a while to tell you." I let out another sigh. I sat down removing the hood looking towards the other soul's stuck here. I stroked the temples of my head. I left some dirt on my head. From my dirty dirty hooves. This was all too much to take in. " I did go back to Equestria. I got burned up pretty bad but I was still alive even after. It took me many years to heal. But the reason you're the next hero. I gave my blood to a mare that was about to die from a bad sickness. So you could say you're related to me in away. But it's because of the blood I gave your ancestor. So you have the DNA of a hero. I'm happy that you found so many friends. But I can tell how bad the battle is getting. I wish I could help you, child. But if you see Glendo. Please tell him I miss him. I wish I could take back what I did to them. I know they’re alive. I can feel it. I just can't leave this mind. I have been here since the first time you came. I didn't even remember who I was. It was until you caused the other creature to run. Making her run to the part of the island that holds only the magic eater's." Closing my eyes tightly falling to my haunches she gave her blood to a mare. " But I doubt it would last that long." "I died when the blood was being moved to the mare. Now I think it would have been a Fifty by fifty chance. If you would have been born at least with one part of my DNA child. But even so, this legend is strange. At first, I never thought I could become part of it. It seems for whoever created this island made the legend to piss of Majesty but the one with the blood that could control the magic here. But well being a unicorn and the magic here. It's not a pleasing feeling. But I have kept you for longer than I should have. I know from what I told you. You look upset." Closing my eyes looking down the stairs then back up to Mimic. " I thought I would be your grandchild somehow. I related to a hero. It would have made me feel ten times better." Mimic chuckled softly, shaking her head. " Sorry child but not every pony can be the decedent of a great pony. But You are a hero. You have been near heroes. The one is known as Tiria. I am sure she did a lot for you." I shook my head looking away a moment then back to MImic. I smiled before I spoke. " She did much, yes. But she also hated ponies and Zebras. She felt they were the reason that the land is dead. She also felt she had a right to insult all the ponies she saw. Down the line, she did calm herself. But she did anger a lot of ponies she made friends with. But I did sadly agree with her. I was a young foal then. But now that I look at the world of Equestria after the war. It's the end of the battle that has caused great harm. She was right if it wasn't for the fact that the coal. Maybe even more that caused the war. The world would still be the peace-loving world it was." Mimic nodded and sighed. " The war...the war that shouldn't have ever happened child. The war could have been stopped but. I think the ponies loved the fact that they had so much. These strange gun's showing up. These boost in technology even the boost in living. We could have just lived without this coal or the fact that I was a friend with some Zebras. The fact it was hard for me to even get Glendo to be able to fight in the Equestrian army. It's how it was; it's a sad moment in history. Yes, But that's how war and battle are. But we are ponies we never even fought in a war before. We have been peaceful for many years for our good. War never even came across as something we should do." I look down the path. " Why are you here Mimic?" Looking up to me she smiled weakly. " With how this island works. It causes a lot of the dead to be stuck here. But only ones that ate the magic of the island. That's why we become part of the island's magic. So the only way I can go away..is if you take my magic." Blinking, biting my lip, closing my eyes. Of course, I thought. I had to kill her all over again. I had to take her magic from the land. Slowly opening my eyes, tears falling from them again. How could I do this to her? But I took a deep breath looking up to her placing my horn in the mist that formed her. Looking up to her with a weak smile. " Goodbye Mimic please rest and let your soul got to a place full of a happy world." Mimic smiled. I closed my eye's my horn glowed, taking the magic of Mimic inside me. I felt the inch of the magic going into my core. I could feel the soul of Mimic slowly vanishing from the magic that is keeping her from moving on. When I fully take the entire magic. All I see left behind is a strange ball of light. It slowly drifted up into the sky. Back in the castle, Glendo could feel that Mimic moving on he had tears in his eyes. “Goodbye, my friend.” Looking to the floor I had to go fight this creature. It's now time for it. Slowly walking down the stairs. I could see that the Queen had no guards or even any other magic eater's. When I went into the chamber the Queen just kept laying eggs but none of them hatched. Something tells me this one when she was created a problem happens. The Queen lifted the egg's looking to see there was no larva inside them. Tossing them to the side I had to find a tube that I could use to kill her. But the tube wasn't even connected to her...Um, ass or whatever brought the egg's out? I know nothing about bugs and how they breed. I had to figure out how to kill her. But I hit a rock causing her to look up. " Come out hero...I know you here." Removing my hood looking up to the Queen this one was a lot different. She had a harder shell pink on the shell and yellow on her facial features. " You must have come down here to kill me. But I am no threat to you at least not anymore. I sent all my warriors to fight your army. I'm sure they're all dead by now. But yes I needed the seed of a male to give me more eggs. But the only male I could use at the time was Mix. He gave me the seed. But since it's so screwed up thanks to that stopwatch. None of these eggs will hatch. The only time they will if he is killed." I let out a sigh shaking my head not sure what to do or to think. " Well, you can't stay here. Because well this mine belongs to the magic ghouls. If you leave...I am sure you could.." There suddenly is an explosion and flesh and blood flew everywhere. I blink my eyes seeing the eggs are broken and shells all over the ground. I didn't know what the fuck was going on. When all the smoke of magic drifted inside me. I tried to force it out. But I saw Mix hover over the Queen magic eaters body. However, not all the eggs are broken but look very weak. " Why did you have to kill her?!" Mix laugh softly looking towards the body and the eggs. I could tell the watch was finally taking its toll on his mind. He has been using it since I came to this island. He turns it on making me and the eggs fly out in the middle of the army. Looking around he yelled loudly to the army. " Listen army of the hero. I shall kill her in front of you all. Don't stop us from this battle." My friend's tried rushing to me but Mix stared at them. " I will take him on alone. I said calmly." I look at my friends who stopped. Looking at all the eyes stare at me. I smiled at them. Looking to Doc who stood not far from us either just in case I got badly hurt. He could get me out of here. " Before we do this battle Mix. Can I at least say goodbye in case I don't win this battle?" Mix sighed nodding. I went to my friend's kissing Blaze, deeply nodding to them. I whisper. " if he starts overusing the watch, take him out." The others nod. I slowly went back to get ready to battle him. I sighed closing my eyes, not sure what to think. I lifted my gun and my sword. Looking up to Mix most of his body is like a tumor now. The stopwatch is cracking and it seems about to blow. " I need your key to open the door to get inside the castle. If I beat you. You will give me the key." Mix growls hissing. " The only way you will get my key if you get it over my dead long-dead corpse." We got into the position he charged at me. I did the same with him. It was time to see who could win a battle. A magic eater turned into a weapon by the ponies of the past or the hero. Who will know.? Max level Chapter TwentyEight: Battle with MixThe stopwatch. It was known to just be used as a simple watch that could time runners and many other things that go on in sports. But after a time when Twilight went back in time a week. Some ponies found it interesting but nothing came of it. But when the war started. Project Stopwatch, a device that could have been used to go back to stop the war or at least talk got the Princess to stop Luna from becoming the full leader of Equestria. Project Stopwatch was one of the ones that stayed in the background. Not many ponies even understood what it was. When it even showed up all they learned about it. All they knew about it. That it’s a magic Stopwatch a simple magic stopwatch The first test subject was a stallion back during the war on Equestria. He used it but the rest of his body went back in time before the start of the war. Of course, when they found the body years later it fell down a cliff when it came back. But the thing about the brain was that it was used in the mech body at first. But the issue with this stallion’s brain. It caused a lot of shock to the point they had to shut him down and trash the brain. Killing the pony fully. But they kept searching for subjects for both Project Mech and Project Stopwatch. A mare is known as Hawk in the army. She used that name most of her life since..half her life was the war. That's what she named herself. But she came to them all broken and close to death. Before they placed her in the mech. They used the stopwatch on her to try to heal her wounds. But it caused her to get memories of a future that might have happened if the war ended. She was a family mare. But when she learned that it was maybe the future. She knew that she would never be able to see the end of the war..if she died like this. So Dr. Slice is the one working on both the projects. This was when he had the flesh-eating sickness. It was a sickness he got from the Blue hats that were stationed in Wymarnic. It was a creation of theirs to destroy what the ponies of that land called the threat to Equestria. It was meant for some pony else. But he was the greatest target. He tried to warn a detective known as Smoke Pipe about the problem. But the Blue hats got to the poor detective removing everything that he knew about them. He found a way to steal some of the memory orbs. Placing them around areas for the detective to find. But it was too late as one could say. The sickness took him over since. Before the detective could find the orbs. The bombs fell and Dr. Slice was on the island. Causing him to place his body inside the machine. But before that of course. They placed poor Hawk inside the mech. A newly made robot that was meant to work on its own. But it didn't work. So they had to place a brain inside to keep it working. They placed Hawk's brain inside it. Then they found themselves on the island. The scribe went with them. But another set of ponies got a hold of rare magic eater that was Cricket like. They used what they brought from Equestria and started experimenting on Cricket. Then they found a creature like Mix. Just a normal flying dragonfly-like magic eater. Some had colors like pink red so on. But this one was just pure brown. But when they placed the stopwatch inside the chest of Mix. They turned it on causing a great problem to happen. In the forbidden lands, the ponies and Zebras start their battle. The stopwatch causes them to see their future. But it was too late. They rushed to a cave while some stayed in the base. When the balefire firebomb went off in the forbidden lands. It caused Cricket to grow into the creature he is now. It also caused him to have a hate for ponies. But he also had a personality of caring for others. Mix causes so many problems. When he learned what happened to him and the power that had been given to him. He found a way to cause more problems and now...Hero... " You know...." I blinked feeling the world around me going back to normal. We did start our fight. But when we hit I saw the past of what I saw, what he did, and what happened. " Now you see why I hate your species. You couldn't leave well enough alone. Yes, it's been ten years since the past has been fixed. But think about it, hero. Think closely no matter what the past will happen again. Your ponies are too foolish to move on. I have seen what will happen and has happened to you StarShooter. I saw what happened to Tiria. She was right...She was right about all your species." I didn't wish to know more about him. I wanted to fight...I wanted to fight him and destroy him. Closing my eyes tightly looking at my friends and the battle around us that still went on. The battle was still going because of him. But the battle between him and just me...was going to happen. Looked over to Doc then He charged at me. He tried biting me but I did a few slices with my sword. But he dodged it, firing my gun at him. But the bullets missed him. But after that, the ammo was out. I placed the little lady back in the holster. Mix, starts using the clock to form himself a sword as well. That he held in his little leg's. Charging at me while our weapons caused sparks. The sparks flew all over the place. Some of them hit me causing me to get burns. I slice my sword into his head making it fly away. But of course, the battle restarts after the stopwatch causes us to be in the same spot before the sword sliced his head off. I shook my head. I did the same attack he dodges out of the way hitting me with his stinger in my chest. I gasped feeling the sting go deep into my side. I felt the paralyzing venom going through my system. It burned so much. But lucky for me, I could still use my magic when I fell to the ground. I sliced him in half causing the stopwatch to turn on again causing us to go back a few moments before the stinger hit me. He of course did the attack. I moved out of the way using my telekinetic magic to grab the sting and forced him to sting the ground. But it didn't cause him to get stuck. I sliced my sword into his chest. I could see the stopwatch was still cracked for what Skull Crusher did to him. But he bites into the sword removing it from my magic. Tossing it away I got on the back of my hooves taking the stave I had on me in my hooves. I had to fight him like a Zebra. I lifted the stave blocking each attack, even the stinger. He flew back growling hissing at me. " You deserve to die a hero. You're a threat to peace. You ruined the peace when you came to this island and removed the leader of Cliffside." I growl in anger staring at him. " You can see the past. Do you even know that the guards of that leader did to the mares of that town? If you say that I ruined the peace take a fucking look at what they did to that Goddess forsaken town. If you won't I will force you too!!" Mix laughed. " Oh, I know what they did. Just it's the ponies hurting other ponies and Zebras. I told you, child. the past is happening again. Majesty would have stopped the threat of the Zebra's and the ponies from." A smack him from Jonon who joined in the battle. My friend's finally joined in. Skull Crusher smashes one of his fists into Mix causing him to fly back but then flies quickly at him. Now the battle was between Skull Crusher and Mix. I wanted to join in the battle. But he grabbed Mix punching him over and over. But again the stopwatch turns back the time before my friends Join in the attack. He lifts his stinger firing the magic laser like a stinger. It smashed deep into Crusher before he could be punched. Crusher fell to the ground paralyzed. Mix quickly rushed to Crusher stabbing the stinger into his chest right in the spot of the heart. Killing him right away. Blinking my anger grew but Blaze jumped in breathing her fire burning him causing him to remove the stinger from Skull Crusher the lifeless body lay there. I just stared at it tears forming in my eyes. I lost a friend...I had to kill Mix. Blaze's breath burns Mix to the point he dies. The stopwatch glows causing the battle to rewind. My sword flew away again. I used my staff but there wasn't a need for words. Skull Crusher was alive? He starts to punch Mix again Mix backed up his stinger getting ready to fire the laser stinger into him again. But Crusher picked up a rock tossing it into him. The laser hit the ground next to him. Crusher charges at him, the two of them fighting quickly since we have learned. Mix grew angry biting Crusher's arm forcing the venom through him. Causing him to fall to the ground again. Lifting a rock smashing it into the Minotaur's head once making the skull break. Blaze rushed in like the first time trying to burn him. But this time he dodged out of the way. Using the rock to smash into the armor trying to break through it. Jonon joined in the attack smashing her stave into him. Causing him to move out of the way, tossing the rock with great force into Jonon stave it broke and made her fly back a bit. But she stayed on her hooves. Mix growled picking up one of the parts of the stave when Blaze opened her mouth to cause another attack of fire. He quickly shoved the staff deep into her mouth making her choke on the wood. I rushed to her trying to pull it out. But no luck I watched the one I love choke fall to the ground. I felt my heartbreak seeing her die. I started to sob. Looking up to Mix who laughed darkly at my pain. Jonon grabs the other part of the stave stabbing it into his chest causing the watch to turn back time again. The sword flew to the side. I shook my head the time going back to before the battle started. Skull Crusher attacked again but Mix finally seemed smarter. He lifted high into the air then triggering the Stopwatch to cause Crusher to go a little slower. He stabbed the stinger deep into the chest of Crusher causing him to die right on the spot. Mix was losing his mind. The stopwatch has been used too much. it was starting to shatter. But it kept working as he wished it to. Blaze rushed in trying to burn him. Mix turned around getting burned a bit but when Jonon got into the fight the stave hit Blaze instead. Mix used the device again or tried to cause Blaze to go faster in time. She rushes at him so quickly. It caused him to lose the chase. He turned around making her go back to normal time. She burned him again. He used his stinger firing the magic laser from it to try to break the armor. When it hit it caused it to get heated. I started to melt a bit since Blaze was overheating from using her magic so much. Part of her neck was easy to get to. Mix quickly turned around biting into Blaze trying to drain her magic. She wasn't able to break him off. Jonon lifts to her smashing her stave into Mix making him break off but it was already too late. I rush to her wrapping around her. " Blaze...." I said softly...She just dies right in my hooves. I was getting tired of this... I was getting very tired of this. Looking to Jonon now fighting Mix. Slice rushed in next using his saw blades. He dodged the blades causing one of Jonons hooves to be cut but not bad enough to be fully sliced off. But it didn't stop her, she kept hitting Mix. Slice turned on his flame thrower trying to burn Mix. He dodged out of the way of the fire burning Jonon. She screams falling to the ground burning to death. Mix turns to me but before he could do anything. Slice sawed into the stopwatch. Causing it to break going back a few moments into the past. When we made it back to the start of the battle. The sword flew into the ground stabbing into it. But Mix wasn't well. He grew a second head. Half his body was a tumor looking thing. He was still able to fly. Skull Crusher and Blaze attacked at once. Crusher used his fist to grab Mix and Blaze burned him causing him to scream. Crusher got burnt a bit. But it didn't stop Mix from gaining power from the broken stopwatch. He tossed Crusher with his small body tossing him onto Blaze causing them both to be not able to move for the moment. But he stabbed deep into Skull Crusher again the stinger going through him firing the stinger laser burning the armor on Blaze. Causing the armor to burn off then fully stabbing into her killing them both at once. Mix was getting too broken in his mind. His stinger was broken when he pulled it out from the two. He flapped there watching the rest of us. I just stared, not sure what to do my brain didn't work anymore. I was watching those that went after him keep dying. Jonon Black feather and Dr. Slice went after him next. Black feather fired his gun, Jonon and Dr slice doing their best to keep him from moving. Mix moved to quickly cause Black feather to over fire a bit too much. He blasted Dr. Slice causing him to blow up, falling to the ground. Jonon quickly moved out of the way. Mix floated above us looking down on us. " I will keep coming back. You can't stop me. I will keep returning. I will keep killing every single one of you. I will not be stopped." Jonon jumped quickly using one of her knives to stab him into one of the heads. But he grabs Jonon the overuse of the watchmaking him stronger then he should be. Rushing into the ground with his large wing's smashing her into the ground on a rock. Her entire body breaking and he did it twice dropping her to the ground. The stopwatch glowed brightly. Absorbing the magic of this land. I rushed to Jonon who was already dead when she hit the ground. I turned to see Black Feather trying to use his gun again but Mix rushed quickly at him smashing into him. The stopwatch causes time around the griffin to grow older. Then Mix moved away from him. Black feather looked so old that he couldn't even walk anymore. He lay there slowly dying. He turned to look at me. I stood up ready to battle him. He fired his laser stinger and it went into my chest. Forcing me to the ground. Mix floated there looking at all of us. I was still alive watching the last of my friends slowly die from old age. I only had one chance of prayer. " Oh, Goddess. please save us....one last battle...One last move of pain. We need to win this battle oh my dear Princess please give us your glory. Please give us glory oh Goddess please." I said while lifting Little lady in my magic to get a shot off. But my magic died. The gun falls to the ground. "Please..." Mix laughs softly. " Praying dear hero...praying for the dead is never going to work for you. " He floated to me. I look to see all my friend's around me dead But before anything happens to me. I heard magic going off and I saw Doc stabbing my sword deep into the chest of Mix. Doc kept it there and put his hoof on it. Making sure he can't go back in time to stop it again. Mix started to scream as he started to break apart, time started to change and go nut's around the area we were in. Magic went deep into each of my friends. They came back to life going back before the battle even started again. But I didn't. But they watched to see what was going on. " Doc.." I softly said. " Shh, little Star Shooter. I have seen what happened. My wife is long dead. She died during the attack of the Enclave. She rescued you little one." He started to glow as well. The power of the stopwatch started to cause Mix to bend and explode a bit. The stopwatch finally reached its point. " Slice told me... the only way to stop the Stopwatch. Some pony must give their life for it. I hurt you, child. I tried to turn you in. I even brought you into this world. I wish things could have been different" Magic went inside me slowly standing up. " No Doc...I need you to stay alive. You can come back with me to Equestria." I tried to pull him away but Blaze's tail grabs me pulling me away from Doc. Doc shook his head with a gentle smile on his face. " No, I feel I deserve this child. Goodbye.." Mix exploded in the magic of this land. Causing the wounded of the battle to get back up. After a while, the magic went all over the place. Repairing some of the building's it even healed some things I never knew about. But when the light vanished. All that was left behind was what remains of the stopwatch. I walked to it. Lifting the stopwatch it broke leaving behind one of the keys of the castle. Placing it in my bag. There was nobody left at all. Now maybe Doc would finally meet his wife again. I look for my sword, the singer. But wherever Mix went my sword went with him hopefully he went to the future or the past or finally died. Maybe he can finally be at peace for all that has happened to him; he deserves all the peace that he can get. It was time for us to move on. Looking at my friend's they remember everything that happened to them. I felt two swords stab in my back. I screamed in pain falling to the ground. I didn't know what was wrong. But I felt a foot on my back. I didn't know what was going on. Then I heard a voice that put fear in my heart. He was going to try to kill me again. " Ah hello there....friend's." Cricket laughs loudly. Max Level Chapter Twentynine: Duel between a lizard and a bugI watch my lover fall to the ground. Watching Crickets swords pull from the flesh of Star Shooter. Every emotion fills my body but hate for Cricket Hate for him happens even more. This is the last straw I had enough of my lover being hurt or even harmed such in away. I felt the anger build inside me, venom dripping from my mouth. The burning fire of my drool drips all over the grass causing a great fire. Fire starts to form around Cricket and I. The fire builds causing the others to move away from the fire. Cricket laughs seeing the fire build to surround us. My eyes stare in his bug-like eyes. The leather of his blades cracks while I see the mussels in his hands go tight and tense. The two of us circle each other. My heart beats loud enough in my ears. I feel a rush of fire in my body. Looking to my Star Shooter again. I could see the wounds from the flesh. The broken flesh and deep holes of the swords. The blood pooling within them. The smell of blood I have had this smell in my nose before. I don’t remember when but. Oh, I do remember now the bears the attacks. Everything before I met Star Shooter. “Oh come on.. Salamander I’m doing the work of the Queen. Come. Join us to join the winning side. Mix, is now dead but it’s all in the Queen’s grand work my dear. Just taste her power I shall give you a taste. If you taste her power I will let your lover live. If not my dear.” He places a foot on the back of Star Shooter who groans in pain. This is the only chance I have to save her. So I have to think of something. He offered me power. To save her. “What kind of power Cricket? Power to end this war?” Cricket chuckles lift up his swordless hands offering his very blood. “Infused in me and my blood is what created me. From the ponies of old that turned me into the monster, you see now. Just a taste my dear and you will.” He closes his fist and laughs. “Join the winning side.” He said in a hiss. So much fills my mind power to save her? I could use the power to bring my race to give the little ones their parents back. Bring my own parents back a battle within my mind. No, it’s not right to get this power. While I did this of course Cricket grew even closer but in a slow matter. Holding the leather of his hilts again. Causing the leather to break and crack. “BLAZE!! Don’t fall for it!!” I heard Black Feather shout. “Open your eyes girl!” Jonon shouts. Finally, my mind comes back to the task at hoof claw. I think it’s claw I heard the wind the swords cuts as it reaches for my flesh. I lift up my sharp claws my claws stopping the blade. It hurt just a bit because my claws may be sharp. But they still have pain receptors in them. I took a deep breath staring at the hate in Cricket’s eyes. “You make a good point Cricket. Power is what is needed here. But I am a hero of legend!!!” The words cause a battle to start by the watching armies while the battle between me and Cricket was just starting. I look to my friends fighting the Queen’s army I could feel their desperation to get to me. My focus went back on Cricket who starts to laugh he shook his head clapping his swordless hands. “Oh, that is rich dear Blaze. I have been hunting you for years and I beat you at every turn. But you still escape but this time you have no way out but to fight me.” With his swordless hands, he grabs two more blades holding four swords in all his hands. Fear shown in my eyes but I can’t let fear get the best of me. I have to fight for this island for my dead family. For my home for my land. “The battle around us has formed Cricket. Look we are winning this battle.” Each word I say rings somewhat true each battle we fight at this moment. Most of the troops on our side is the victor. Some do die on their side and then others die on our side. It’s the problem of war. Too much death just for freedom. “We are fighting. Fighting for our freedom. Fighting in the name of my mate my wife to be.” Cricket turns the fire shining in his eyes. “Then do it. End this talk lets see who wins on the path of battle.” As if it was fate rain started to pour to try to break the magic fire. That forms from my core. Even if the waterfalls the fire still burns. I charge slashing my claws to get through his guard. I doubt it would be easy with his four swords. All I need is one window one strike. That is never going to be easy my heart beats harder. I could feel the fire in my body burning. Each time I strike with my claws he blocks. Till finally, he was able to strike into me. The four blades bite in my flesh my blood running onto the ground itself and I skitter back shivering in pain. I cough up some blood feeling it fill my body since he did strike some vessels. “Come on give it up Blaze. You know full well you have never been able to win. You’re like a pony on four hooves. I am made of stronger stuff and creation to fight in the ponies war. I am willing to give you mercy Blaze. Just give up I won’t kill you.” I couldn’t allow it I charge again The strike causing him to lose his swords. The swords all stab into the ground he grew in anger lifting me up over his head and tosses me into the ground. I felt a couple of ribs break I gasp in pain coughing. He kicks into my stomach with his bug-like foot. “Give it up!!” He stomps into my throat choking me. “I have won give it up!!” I felt my life slowly drifts away my vision going cloudy feeling my heart slowly stop beating. I didn’t know it at the time but I could see in my cloudy vision Star Shooter lifting up one of the blades in her magic and stab Cricket in the back. He roars in pain turning around taking his foot off my throat I gasp for air while he picks up his blades going on the attack after Star Shooter. He laughs pulling the sword from his back. The fleshy sound of the blade moves out of the flesh. Blood sprays out of his back causing it to land on me. I could feel the fire in my body finally grow again. The blood had the magic of this land. For the longest time since the war even began. I have been weak letting him go each battle we fought or him doing the same to me. I stood up the spikes on my back burn with fire licking them all over. Finally, I felt whole again. Cricket did all he could to fight my love. He uses his bare hands to grab her neck and lift her to his eyes smirking. “You’re going to die here, hero.” Star Shooter smirks while he held her In his claws. “Oh, what are you smirking at?” She lifts her hoof weakly point to me. He turns to look at me fear to form in his eyes. “Drop her.”Cricket drops Star Shooter onto her ass. He grabs his swords again lifting them up fearing for his life. I open my mouth and breath fire out of my mouth the flames washing over him. His flesh melts off his bones I really don’t give a shit if he is crying for mercy. He has been on the hunt for me most of my life. He has hurt my wife to be. Cricket falls to his knees after the might of the magic slowly vanished from my body. Leaving nothing behind but a burnt husk in the position forever time of his failure. I fell to my knees. The fire dims allowing those who aren’t fighting to help me and Star Shooter. “Get him!!!” We heard a yell. “Mercy!!” Mouse screams We all chase after Mouse he leads us to the castle gates. He had an evil smirk form on his face while a storm of Magic eaters and the magic armor pony ghost coming over the wall. It was a trap like most of us knew it was. It was a final battle for the castle gates and the legend stops right after this. The legend stops after the hero of legend marry their lover. I look to Star Shooter. Even during the battle she looks to me she knew what time it was and the battle was about to start to get into the castle. Then the legend itself would be up to fate next. Max level Chapter Thirty: Dance with a mouse.In the front of the pack Hawk along with Roll Roll. Behind them, a former outpost was destroyed. The outpost looked to be rushed up and taken down with no issues. When the army got in front of the castle itself. Standing in front of the way in. Is the rest of the army of Majesty and Mouse. The army lifted their weapons while Majesty's army charged. The hero was placed farther away and she was still fully out of it. Mouse charged them. The eye's of Mouse Most never understood what it's like to be made like this. Grown from a normal mouse. In to this. I was just grown given this armor and called Project Mouse oh how impressive. My first target was a large mech. That gave me a hard time when I fought them at the siege of Cliffside. Thanks to my new armor I was ten times faster than I was before. Crashing into the leg of the mech. Causing them to fall. Jumping on the cockpit to try to smash into the glass to get to the brain. But a magic eater smashed into me causing me to fly into the wall of the castle. I looked up seeing the large rolling magic eater rolling after me. " Traitor!!" I yelled but the creature kept smashing into me. I didn't know the best way to kill a magic eater. But I had to destroy that crazy Mech. But I watched them surrounding the broken Mech. To let it repair. I had to rush into the rolling magic eater making him fly away from me. Looking at the army so many, how did the hero bring so many to take us down? I had to find Star Shooter the hero. The compartments on my sides. Open up to bring out my cannons to fire the green magic ore into the air. To try to take out some of the armies. I doubt it would have worked. I wasn't even made for battle like this. I was made to help with mining and to help with the ponies war. But I have never been in a battle like this. Around me and the other's the ground was on fire. The army of the enemy made so much ground. That it was hard for us to do anything. We couldn't even retreat. Of course, they wouldn't allow me to. After what I did to the hero. They would do what they can to destroy me. I never know. Rushing through their army breaking through some of their ranks. I was searching for the hero. I found her in a caravan and she looked like she was out of it. So it was time to kill her. I charged at the wagon she was in. But Skull Crusher got in my way. I smashed into him. It didn't even make him budge. " You..." I said softly. Skull Crusher smashed me with his fist. Making me fly far away from falling on my side groaning. I hate this armor. It's weaker than the older armor. I used to have. "The other two are dead Lil Mouse. Revenge has been given to all those you three have hurt. Even the little hero. Her friends are out getting this castle ready to be taken over.. I don't see Majesty out here to save you...I don't see her coming to save you at all. Maybe she knows her days are numbered." Growling came from my bleeding mouth charging at the large Minotaur. I know I didn't stand a chance. When I used the cannon I was able to hit him. But it didn't even phase him. I had no eyelids. I didn't even sleep. Well good for me. A large foot came down on me hard. My body creaked and groaned. My armor exploded causing me to fly out of it. Thanks to the doctors of majesty. They had to use potions to try to repair my wounds. I may not be armored anymore. I was ten times faster out of the armor. Jumping quickly onto the wagon grabbing the hero's sword. But before I could charge at the Minotaur. A large ghoul Pegasus smashed into me. Yelling " YEAH!!" I stood face to face with Bulk. I looked to Skull Crusher then Back to Bulk. " You shall fall little mouse. " I didn't know what to do. I was sure I was going to die from this battle. But I had to fight but they were after my key. It was in my armor. I dropped the blade. " I give up!! my key is in the armor. Just let me go. I will never show up again." Skull Crusher and Bulked looked at each other. Then I heard a voice. It was the hero's voice. She stood up walking to me holding Little lady in that magic of hers. I know that weapon. Oh, no. I walked to Mouse standing in front of him. Lifting my sword up with my magic. " Mouse you have done so much to this land. You think you have done the right thing harming others. In the name of Majesty. Mix was taken down after he killed my friend. One gave his life to kill Mix. The one who brought me into this world." My anger grew my eyes flashing with magic. I had absorbed some magic not too long ago. Being closer to the castle seems to make the core of my magic power. " I can't let you just run Mouse...You need to be ready to fall." Mouse looks down then looks at the others coming into the battle. I felt something was wrong. I looked down seeing the green fluid. I started getting dizzy. Coughing loudly. How did it get there...How.Oh, no. Little robotic mice skitter around releasing the fluid. I yelled out. " Every pony kill those little mice." I groaned my friends along with Hawk and Roll Roll attacked the Mice but Mouse tackled me forcing my face into the green goo. Closing my eyes trying not to breathe in. I tried to use my magic to stop him. Firing my gun in his leg forcing him to go away. But I couldn't open my eyes the green goo fused my eye's shut. I trained to fight like this. Getting on my back hooves. Putting my gun away. Holding my sword in my mouth. using my ear's. " Awww poor little hero." Mouse laughs. " You fell for it...You thought you could win." He was getting closer. Fighting like a Zebra." I heard his paws clawing through the ground. He charges up at me trying to attack me. But with a twist of my neck, I did a slice with my sword. I heard the sound of flesh cutting and him screaming. I felt the blood splatter all over my face. I still couldn't see but I heard him breathing hard. I set down my blade for the moment. " Give up Mouse. I will not do this dance with anyone anymore. It's time to give up your life." Using my magic to put the hilt of the sword back in my mouth. I could hear him trying to keep something from falling out of his body. " Hero..." I heard him slurping on the ground near one of the pools of goo. It made the sound of flesh mending. Could it heal him? Then why did it harm others? " Time for you to die." Mouse charges at me. I moved out of the way just a bit and I did get a scratch in my side. Feeling his claw's dig deep into me. But I used my sword to slice his tail off. Mouse screamed loudly. Blaze ran to me looking at my face. I could tell she was unhappy. I heard Hawk's large foot coming down to pin Mouse to the ground. " We need a healer!!" Blaze yells. I heard hoof steps rushing towards me. I could smell the scent. it was Zrannth. " We need someone to cut her eyelids away from her eyes and feed her a potion." I felt Blaze's tail wrapping around me. Feeling her claw's pry my eyelids apart. Then a potion was forced down on me. I felt my eyes and eyelids slowly healing from the green goo. Looking back to Mouse who was under the large foot of hawk. " I got a question for him..." I walked over to Mouse who was oddly still alive. " Mouse, why is this it? Are there any threats we should know about in the castle?" Mouse coughs bleeding from wounds on his body. " Majesty has many creatures to fear in there. But most of them would just let you by. But the battle for the castle will be hard. All her magic eaters are in there. The guard's who are brainwashed by her. Will do what they can to keep you from getting into the castle. They will use the young or turn them into the cannon fodder." Mouse looks out of it. He looks like he was ready to die. " Can I just kill him already?" Hawk was very upset I could tell in how she spoke. I look up to hawk. "He is of the past. The past needs to be removed. We don't need any more hints of what our kind did in the past Star Shooter." I gave a nod. Closing my eyes was it my call to kill him? I felt it was now. Looking down to Mouse. " Go ahead, Hawk." Hawk lifted her foot and came down with a smash hard enough to crush Mouse. She did it more than once. I could tell that Hawk had many things that were bothering her. She lifted her foot. Mouse shook he had a great deal of fear in his eyes. Before the foot came down to smash him. “WAIT!!” Mouse yells loud enough to stop Hawk from stomping him. Hawk stops before the foot hits. “I am a coward just let me go. I will give you the key and take my mice with me. I promise scouts honor and I will not harm anyone. Hawk kept her large foot above Mouse looking towards me with one of her cams. “Every creature deserves to be redeemed. Do you think you could be at peace with others?” Mouse nods looking up at Hawk’s foot. “Yes, I promise you. You ponies respect the magic of friendship and all.” The magic of friendship? I never heard of this before. Looking to Hawk and sigh nodding. “Let him go.” Mouse stands up after Hawk moves her foot back down. He removes the key from his back and walks away from us. I hear Hawk’s guns warm-up and before anypony could say anything she shoots him with almost every bullet in her guns. Hawk walks to the broken body. With some miracle, Mouse is still alive. He couldn’t even move his head. “W..hy?” “The magic of friendship died because we ponies redeemed to many villains like you.” Hawk lifts her foot again, stomping hard down on him crushing him. The mech looks back at the rest of us. “If you allow murder to live because of a sob story or you’re thinking he will not turn back to evil. You’re all mindless and blind.” I want to be upset with Hawk. But I had no right to argue with a pony of the past. I doubt the Clockwork ponies would argue with her either because of them being ponies of old as well. It’s a bit of a dark side that comes with the past and the now. The Warden's Chamber The poor dragon pulls some of the tubes out of his body causing some gushes of bleeding. He didn't wish to be part of this battle anymore. He was injected with potions to heal him over time. He watched the screens of the army of the hero taking care of the remaining forces outside the castle. He heard a voice behind him. " So you have betrayed us.." The dragon turns to look at Reaver. " I have done nothing of the sort Reaver. I betrayed no one. Majesty need's to fall along with you. But I can't move since...One of the wires is in my heart. So the castle will not attack as long as I am alive. Also, remember if I do, he will be released." Points to the teleport to the prisoner of the castle. Reaver looked to the teleport. " OH warden of little faith. Maybe this is what is needed to win this battle." The Warden's eye goes wide. Then he smiles. " Oh, I doubt he will fight with you Reaver. I'm sure the one who brought you here. Has other plans." Reaver blinks fear forms over him. " Yes, you know who I am speaking of. I'm slowly dying little Reaver. He will be released but..your master will be angry. Because it's too soon for the release of this threat." He smiled falling to the ground from the blood draining from him. Laughing Reaver quickly turned away. The poor dragon lay his head down on the ground. He turns on the mic since he can still be heard in the castle and near it. " This. It is the Warden. This is my last broadcast. I am dying in the name of the hero. To all in the castle. Fight Majesties army. Fight them off every mare foal stallion. Male so on..Fight Majesty and her minions. Free yourselves then find yourself a new warden to protect this island. Now it's time for the truth. When I die a threat greater than Majesty will be released. But don't worry about my ward's. The creature won't hurt you. He will try to escape the island without harming any of you. Don't worry it will be.....easy to...find a new....warden...He....won't...be hard...to find...He's in the slums.." The dragon slowly closes his eyes going into a coma. But his heart keeps beating at least for now. Tears streamed down my eyes. A song started to play a song. I have never heard before. " May this be your victory song " The upbeat song played while it played for all to hear in the castle and the outside of the castle. I didn't know how it was helping the souls inside the castle to fight. But the sound of music always helped. Inside the castle while the song went on. All the creatures of every part of the castle city started to turn on the minions of Majesty. The charge was led by Glendo. The words of the Warden made them Rise. "A song for you when I am gone" Even some of the guard's in the castle itself turn on the others. It was time for the battle of the castle to start. but the song went on. The Zebra's opened the sewer letting the Sea ponies inside the castle. But even though the fight went on. Most fell The guard's in the castle were taken out. But some stayed to protect the song in the warden's room. Majesty sent some of her best soldiers to destroy this message in song. "Reminding you of what you're meant to be" "A gift to bring you clarity" The army was emboldened by the song. I used the Key to open the castle. My friend's near me felt their heart's rise. Hawk stood above ready to fight. The magic eaters that joined us flew above the castle walls to go inside. Roll Roll for how big he was can fly as well. The Griffin's both the magic ghouls and the normal one's flew up. The Clockwork ponies some able to fly flew in to join the battle before I could get the door open. Black Feather and Dr. Slice flew up inside as well. It was just me and the land-based part of the army. I looked at Bulk one last time. I am sure this would be the last time I ever see him. He gave me a nod flying up into the castle city. Looking back at the Keyhole. I closed my eyes getting ready to use the key. But behind us, some of Majesties Minions that are magic eater's flew at the army. Lifting my gun in my magic. I stayed behind while using the keys to open the door. I can't allow us to be stopped to open the door to the castle. " To show that your destiny" " Is not defined by what you've failed to see" "No" The army fought off the magic eaters. I smiled at the song. Inside the warden's room. The guard's protecting it did their best to keep the song alive. Most fell but a few stayed strong fighting off the powerful warrior's that Majesty sent after them. Reaver started to follow the warrior's he wanted to end this song himself. But it's already done more harm than good. The warden's words. Have made many join the battle. Even the old picked up their weapons to start their battle. Glendo worked on freeing the slum's to open up the sky to see the sun. The Explosions riddled the upper part of the city. The lower part of the city always got the butt end of this. But no more he and his warriors are fighting in the control room to open it up. The only part of the castle that wasn't controlled by the warden. But by the guards. That Tried to keep the scum away from the high society. But now the higher society the richer the better off. Are now fighting as well. They are working on trying to free the lower level. " May this lift you up " But the song cut off before it could finish but it already did its harm. Inside the castle, the warden's room is burning. Reaver floated to the dying warden. Grabbing the tube that is connected to his heart. But felt it was best to wait. “No, I will let you suffer for betraying your creators.” Reaver leans down in the face of the warden. “But whatever hell you’re going to be prepared to join those that created this island. For what they did to my master. My master will always be ready for you and your creators.” Reaver floats away from the warden leaving the poor dragon bleeding out. The song ended the magic eaters slowly were taken down. I lifted the keys placing all three in their key hole's. The door opened up and the smoke came over the walls. Slowly drifted out of the front door. I allowed the army to go in without me. Hawk stood beside me along with my other friends. I sighed. I wasn't ready for this. Looking to Blaze who nodded to me. Looking to Jonon my first two friends. Blaze my lover. I think it was time for what it was meant to do. The final battle. Magic eater's attacked me, Hawk Blaze, and Skull Crusher. I look to Blaze and smile at her. Then yelled to Skull Crusher during the battle. " Skull Crusher Marry us!!." Blaze blinks, her face turns even brighter red. But smiles. Skull Crusher grabs one of the magic eaters ripping its head off. Hawk spoke. " Are you sure this is the right time?! I mean if you think battles like this are romantic for a wedding? " Skull Crusher laughed while the battle went on. "In the name of Celestia and Luna, we are Gathered here today. To bring these two in marriage. Do you Star Shooter. Take Blaze to be your lofty wedded Salamander Wife?" He said while he smashes his fist into a Magic eater. " I do!!" I said as I used my sword slicing more of the magic eater's. " Do you Blaze take Star Shooter to be your lofty wedded hu...i mean...wife...I mean mate...I mean...You know what I mean!!" Blaze did a deep breath of fire burning a few magic eaters. " I do!!" "IN the power invested in me...." He stops a moment to smash another Magic eater. " You may...Kiss.." The battle around Blaze and I slowed down to a stop. We slowly start to kiss. The world around us slowly stops. I am now married to the wonderful Blaze. I didn't care anymore about the battle. But we kept the kiss going for the time being. The final battle is here. It's now time for us to fight. A newly married couple along with our friends and the army clapping not far from us. As well as Hawk oddly cheering as well. It's time for the battle to start. But the kiss is all I cared about..for the moment. I broke it and lifted my sword and we rushed into the broken kingdom of Majesty. Max level Final perk: The marriage of legend: The legend has fully come to past fighting with your wife means every attack is 10% stronger. But even though the legend has finally come. No one knows who wins this war. The legend never told the story of who wins. Chapter Thirtyone: Battle for the castle.The Warden's heart. The heart of the island that protects all that lives here. The castle itself connects to whoever wishes to become the warden. But the warden was a dragon all these years. If he was still connected like he was. The castle itself would suddenly turn on and attack. Some old strange technology that was made in the past. But lost because something really bad happens. Glendo and the other's in the slum fought. Weapons weren't allowed at the bottom of the castle. But they found chairs or parts from tables. Some even used large metal. The upper-level high society ponies didn't care about the lower ones. But after many of the high society have been forced into the slums by Majesty. They have grown tired of it. All of them are starting to see that if they don't dethrone Majesty their way of life is going to be ruined. They had a mare leading them. She is a descendant of some pretty high society ponies from Canterlot. They got stuck here during the war but never made it back home. She is only twenty years of age. But she has been a very outspoken critic of how Majesty treated the others of the city. Her bodyguard stood beside her, an old strange bird creature known as a Roc. Just like the Blacksmith in CliffSide. " Mistress Sea Catcher I think we need to allow the Sea ponies to handle the guard's up here. I think we need to risk the slums." The young mare looked up to the roc. She had a calm sea color like body. She had gentle teal eyes. An earth pony mare that trained to fence with a rapier. " I agree. I wish you to stay here to protect the sea ponies. " The roc nods. Lifting her giant sword. That glowed with weird runes. She walked off standing by the Sewer's while Snow Drift shouted orders. " Keep them at bay. Don't let them get behind the army!! Get the drain's off the fountain's so the sea monster can come up and start using his magic to heal." The sea ponies salute her going underwater. She looked up to the Roc with a gentle smile. " Thank you...Look out!!" The roc turned around quickly and one of Majesty's bodyguards attacked. He was a large stallion. Snow Drift jumps up shooting a strange spit of water into the stallion's eyes. He looked to be blinded and the nameless Roc smashes her sword into the large Stallion cutting him in two. She turned to look at Snow Drift. " Thank you.." She said in a soft voice. " I have no name...I am just a bodyguard to milady Sea Catcher." Snow Drift mods. The magic Ghoul's along with the other ghoul's rushed through the battle. They made it up to the guard towers to try to take down some of the guard towers to control them. The magic eater Ghouls. Along with the Griffin ghoul's and Magic ghouls, Griffin's shot down from above. The lava demon ghouls were coming slower; they didn't wish to use the lava underground to harm their friends. But they made their way to the main keep. Their leader wore heavy crystal armor. They didn't speak to the others. Hawk came up behind them getting attacked by little magic eater's. All the armored ponies that refused to work for Majesty are long dead. Roll Roll bashes through some of the buildings to take down some of the guards. But it didn't anger the high society ponies. The rest of the army started pouring in. The scaled hide's rushed in heading to the docks. Since there are zeppelins that are holding trade that has been stuck in there for many years. Sea Catcher ran past some of the other ponies that are dead from the guards. She lifted her sword in her mouth, cutting through some of the guards to get to the guard box to get the slum's open. She stabbed her sword into another guard as she removed her mouth from the hilt. " Get it open...We need to free the Slums. Those creatures have been living in their filth for years." The others had fear in their eyes. Too much fear of fighting heavily armored ponies. Sea catcher didn't know how to fight them. But they heard heavy steps behind them. Skull Crusher rushing through them smashing into the armor. He kept them at bay. " Get to it now!!" He yelled. Sea Catcher nods, rushing to the door to use the key's to get it open. All the doors of the slum finally open up. Even the ones that could be opened up by another from the slums. But it would have been if they closed it the right way. But when it opens Glendo and the entire Slum’s pouring out. Glendo turns to look at the Sea Catcher. He could see his Pegasus friend in her. Sea Catcher knew of Glendo from her great grandfather's journal. " Listen we will have to get to know each other another time. " Glendo said. " We need to help the hero get to the main castle. I think the Warden is dead so the locks won't be working. Have you seen the Hero?" Sea Catcher shook her head. " No, but we were told to expect her back a few months ago. But something stopped her from coming here. I think it was wise that she didn't come here. Majesty would have found her." A scream came above Bulk falling to the ground in a bad smash looking up Reaver has blood all over his claws. Rushing down to him suffocating Bulk with his body. Bulk had his wing sliced off. He had some deep cut leaking ghoul-like blood. But from the shadow's a zebra opens a bottle forcing the cloud creature inside. Jonon looking down at Bulk looking to Roll Roll who picks him up to lead him to the medics outside the castle. " We don’t have time to sit here and morn. We need to get the castle ready for the hero. She is staying back until she is ready for the final battle. She asked us to go ahead." Sea Catcher and Glendo nod. Glendo lifted his head. " In the name of the hero the creatures of the slums. Are we going to allow Majesty to keep us down anymore?!" They scream No. " Are we going to have our freedom after two hundred years of her keeping us all down?!" They all yell Yes. " Then Charge. '' Glendo charges with all the creatures of the slums. Zebra's holding wood knives bottles. Some fillies and colt's rush out as well to join the battle. The two twins come up from below and rush outside of the castle to see if they can help their way. Skull Crusher. I fought through the many guards. That Majesty had inside her castle. I'm surprised she never used these large ponies to attack us at Cliffside. Slowly I look around the castle. I see many wounded on our side. While some of the magic eater's are flying them out to get them taken care of. Smashing deep into one of the locked buildings. A group of hungry ponies was stuck in here. " In here!!" A few Zebras rush in picking up the weak ponies taking them outside. It's evil here. I never thought Majesty would allow half the stuff I have been seeing in here. Hearing a scream seeing a group of the high society ponies running away from a large dog-like creature charging at them. I turned to take on punching the dog's head making it fly. But I got a good look at the dog. It's a new creature Majesty has been working on. I will kill it. Charging the creature lifting it body-slammed the poor creature. But it kept tossing me away charging back at him. Punching it in the face. Trying to destroy this creature. The creature scratched my body. I had some blood drain from me. But I didn't care, I had to protect the weaker ones. Another group of Minotaur's charged into the creature along with me crushing it. I nodded to them and they all rushed out to go after others. I had to go to the slums I am sure there are many sick and wounded down there. When I went down there. A nasty smell hit me. Looking around I saw the sick the lame and the dying. They lived in filth I didn't know what to do when I saw this. I rushed back upstairs quick calling out. " Need help down here there are many down here." A group of Zebras that are part of our army from Cliffside rushed down with Jonon not far behind. When they got down there. A Zebra mare had tears in her eyes. Jonon stood watching she had her hood over her face. But the Zebra's lifted who they could with no issues. " Bring the medics down here.." They nod as they rush back upstairs. I didn't know what to do. But I noticed something a dark creature stayed in the shadows. I watched the creature looks like a lizard with a bag on it's back. It then vanished into the darkness. I swear I have seen that creature before. But I had to get back to getting the way to the main door to the castle free for the hero. But a storm of magic eaters breaking into the room. "JONON!!!" The Zebra shows up from the darkness hitting them with her staff. I lifted my fist rushing into the magic eater's punching them and grabbing their necks. Slammed a few of them into the ground. "Get them out of here JONON!!." The Zebra nodded quickly and rushed to get the wounded. While she did this I fought all the magic eaters by using my armored fist. I snorted and well being what I am had no trouble with this one bit. Jonon quickly got the wounded out and I spent my time having fun. Hawk I stood in the middle near the sea monster that finally made it through the fountain. My camera's looked around. I saw so many falling on both sides. It hurt me to see the fact I was in another war. But I wished to follow the hero. This hero deserves my help. Looking down at the foal's crowding at my feet. I wish I could touch them and help them out. " Little ones..." I said softly even if it sounded so robotic. " Go outside..this ain't a place for little one's. The foal's and young ones looked up at me. I could see the fear in their eyes. " Go on..I will protect you." They looked at each then nod and started to run towards the way out of the city. I watched slowly, seeing the Magic eater's leaving them alone. Looking back to the Sea monster who kept shooting its strange water magic on the wounds that went by. Thing's happen so quickly. I had no idea what most were fighting and what I saw. Turning around to look around the city it was on fire. All ponies of the city fight Majesties minions. It made me feel wrong. I couldn't go that far. The road was too crowded I could step on many. But I noticed many of the sick being taken out. I moved to stand in front of the way to guard the one retreating from the city. I noticed a large armored pony chasing a family. I started to fire trying to get the creature to attack me. I hit it with my ammo and it looked back at me. Blood drained from the wounds. This thing was faster than me. It looked like a pony that trained to take on things like me. I had to find a way to make myself faster. I leaned down more getting ready to charge. The pony charged at me. I did the same with him. I then jumped over it sliding on the bloody ground. Turning quickly to fire more bullets into it. The creature screams in pain. " Give up.I don't wish to kill you." The creature turned to look at me. It had a dark smile on its face. " Oh but Majesty wishes that I would end you." It wishes to die...so be it. leaned down I felt I needed to use something I was given from the Clockwork ponies. The side of my hull opens up bringing out a rocket launcher. I was only given one rocket. I didn't wish to use it. But I couldn't take this on without a heavy weapon. I fired the creature getting closer to me making the explosion make me fly into the wall of a building. I was heavily damaged. I still had my repairing talisman. It slowly starts to repair me. But It would take hours. When the smoke lifted the creature still lived worse for wear though. The creature charged at me. I heard a saw on its legs. The creature fell to the ground dead as it slid to me. Dr. Slice. Lifting my chainsaw cutting the legs of the creature that attacked Hawk. Slowly going to her. " Hawk...do you need any help?!" I sounded worried but it was hard for me to show it because..Robots don't have ways to show emotion. Hawk lifts her broken Camera to stare up at me. I wish I could see her smile. But All I could do was watch her repair. " Find Roll Roll to get me out of here...Please Slice. I am a sitting duck if I am found." I nodded my many eyes. Floating off to search for Roll Roll. Every spot I went though he just was at. Many ways through the town had so many battles going on. It made it very hard to go through it all. I finally found Roll Roll he was fighting one of those ponies. Of course, he beat it with no issue. Then the giant magic eater turned to me. " Slice?" The creature said. " Hawk is down...we need to get her out of the city." Roll's many eyes went wide turning into a ball following me back to Hawk. Jonon stood in front of Hawk. While many of the ponies that still worked for Majesty it was hard. To tell who was on our side in the city. But she was fighting them off. But when Roll Roll walked up behind the ponies they turned looking up to him with fear in their eyes. " Listen I don't have time for your little ones. Be good little ponies and go with the winning side. Your Queen is going to be dethroned." The ponies gulp rushing out of the door of the city. Roll Roll looked to Hawk " I got you, my friend.." Hawk, I could swear she was smiling or maybe smiling these two stayed close together a lot. But he lifted Hawk slowly taking her outside. I followed the medics look at her and looked worried. But they were happy that her dome was fine. I looked over to the hero. Who was asleep even in the middle of this. I had no idea why she was sleeping. But she needed to be ready for the final battle. I changed my claws into tools to do my best to repair the hawk. Looking up with one of my eyes to Roll. " Head back in Roll I will take care of her. It's the least I can do since I am the one that placed her in this device." Roll stares at me for a moment. " You better take care of her Slice or I will take care of you myself." Roll well Rolls back. Roll Roll Leaving that behind. I found myself back in the city. I was born and raised here. I find it funny that now I am going to take it down. I'm a rare breed of Magic eater. Even if I don't even eat magic at all. I just Roll as my way to get food. But the battle was getting worse. Majesty stayed in her castle. Just kept pouring out the minions she created in there so long ago. I was going to break into the door to get them in there. Turning into the battle rolling quickly past many of the creatures. I made sure I didn't roll over any of our armies. Since they fought close with the army of Majesty. But when I saw the sea monster I had a thought. " Hey...Sea monster." The creature looks down at me. " You see that door that leads into the castle?" The sea monster nods down at me. " Could you lift me and do your best toss to throw me into it?" The sea monster blinks its eyes looking back down at me. " You sure you wish to do that? We have no idea what is even in there. " I shrugged. The Sea monster lifted me. I turned into a ball like I always was. He was getting ready to toss me. He tosses me like a ball towards the door. Glendo I fought near the ponies of high society. We have been trying for a few times now to get to the door. But there are too many using some strange weapons that are causing us to run. But we heard something being thrown and heard something falling a large shadow is on the door. The large magic eater crashed into the door. Breaking it down rolling down the stairs to get the creature's that kept us from getting inside. I look down at Sea Catcher. " You all stay out here. I need to get to the Warden." Sea Catcher nodded. I rushed inside the building along with my army of the slums. The others stay outside out of fear. But it was pretty silent in the castle. I made it to the warden's room. Seeing the poor dragon dead. I went to him but when I did a video turned on of him speaking. " Hello if you're seeing this then I am dead. The creature is about to escape and leave the island for good. This can't be stopped sadly. It's already in motion. But I have someone I wish to become the next warden. Glendo. I know we never spoke much. But since you are the first hero of legend along with Mimic I wish to give you the job of the warden. I know it's not an easy thing to do. But it's to protect the island if it ever comes to a point that it is needed. But you need to be hooked up like I was." I close my eyes unsure what to do. I had to do this... I stood in the middle of the room was the warden stood. Closing my eyes this is my destiny it seems. the tube that connects to the warden removed from his body. Infusing in me. I felt my body burn and I could lift up in the wires. I had to learn how to do this. But the speaker's somehow got fixed. I could see the damage that happens to them. But it seemed something fixed them. I Click some buttons turning it on along with the defenses to turn on Majesties Minions. But it said it would take ten hours to charge them. I think the battle will be over before their charge. But I spoke. " Hello? Ah yes, I am the new Warden. To all that still haven't got into the fight. There is hope the hero is waiting for us to take over the entire city. So Please my friend best to wise up." I look to see the battle is close to ending. But to just get into the Majesties Chamber's is never going to be easy. She had most of her minion's staying there. " Everyone should meet in front of the castle. Then make a plan to figure out what to do from there. I will do my best to help." A deep sigh came from my mouth looking down at the old warden. I didn't know what to do with him. But I had to make sure whatever is held in the prison is kept there. Then a bunch of alarms started to ring and I looked at the screen Prison break. There is more than one here? Turning on the Screen I saw them. A bunch of bird-like creatures that vanishes from sight because of some magic. But then I saw him A pony in a Wheelchair. My eyes went wide. I thought how could he be here if he was in Equestria and dead. I found a mic. "Wheel tread!!" The ponies ears perk and turn to the speaker. But when one of the birds returned he nodded to them. "Sorry Warden. I have a date with protecting our world. From a threat greater than the Enclave. Greater than whatever has been seen. You know of who I speak of. The large horns, the blue body, the red eyes. He is returning. I need to get back to Equestria thankfully these birds are the creators. The island can get me to where I need to go. But.." He pauses He went to one of the wires taking a butter knife. "I can't allow you to remember any of this." He stabbed the wire" I screamed in deep pain when I opened my eyes after the pain was over.. I didn't remember a thing that happened just looking at a static screen. Who was that? What did I see? I shouldn't worry. Blaze Burning all the magic eater's I found. I had to get into the creation chamber that created these things. I didn't wish to kill the ability of them to be made. But I heard the voice of the new Warden. I spoke out. " Hey, warden I am sure you can hear me. Is it wise to take out this machine? I don't wish to stop the ability of Magic eater's from being made if we can fix it to make them smarter." It took a while but I went to town each tunnel taking down the many defenses they were old and didn't handle well when it came to my magic. " There is a way but I doubt it would be best. The machines could be rebuilt. But I feel it might be best to take them out. They do have some females. That can breed and make more eggs. Are you willing to destroy it? It might be best since.. the one's being born might have the programming removed from being just cannon fodder." I thought of that a moment. Each time I had to hide to let another set of the magic eater's make. Slowly going through the strange tunnel's. I didn't even know why I wanted to do this. But I got to the room. The machine was odd; it was shaped like an egg. I took a deep breath burning everything in this room. Of course, it causes a chain recreation. The machine powers down but I had to find a way out of here now. Since there was a cave in the way out. " How do I get out of here now?" " There should be some weak brick's on the wall. It will lead you into the slums. But don't use your fire in the slums. It would cause the entire thing to go up in flames." I gave a nod looking through the bricks. I found the weak one. it opens up into the brothel. I heard moans and screams. I blinked turning to see a group of ponies in bed enjoying each other. " I....warden why are these ponies fucking in the middle of a war?" The warden chuckles weakly. " It's how the slums are. They feel if they ignore the world outside their want of sex. They will feel they have a right to enjoy themselves." I blinked, my face turning red. It made me want to have Star Shooter. I had to find a way through the brothel. " Hey, baby." I blink turning to see a large stallion who had a third leg. I just stared at him blinking. " Would a female like you enjoy a big boy like me?" I just stared at him thinking to myself. Oh, my Salamander mother of eggs. Really? I gave him a gentle smile walking to him "Hmm, maybe big guy why not show yourself to me hmm?" The stallion stood on his hind legs giving me a good look. I took a deep breath using my fire burning the poor stallion. He screamed running into the tub house. " Aww, I was just having fun." I laugh loudly heading outside. " I um..was that needed Blaze?" " I was bored so yes...I wanted to see if he Could stand being burned by a Salamander." Blaze could hear a face claw. I gave a laugh heading off to find wounded. "You're so lucky I am new to being a warden Blaze. or I would try to send some folks to deal with you but. That wouldn't be wise would it?" I laughed. "Oh come on Warden. Was I that mean? All I just did what my kind always does. Now, are you sure there are more wounded?" The warden sighs. "Yes, the slums never had the best care. You might find some of your species here. That your father banished you for well silly things." I frowned, shaking my head. My father was many things but he normally banished some of my kind for good reasons. But I doubt their rights would have respect here. "What was their crime's warden?" "I can't tell you since.. well I am still new to this and the old warden didn't exactly leave instructions I stop pausing to look at one of the speakers. "Then it's true the warden can die?" The warden chuckles. "Yes...yes I can. When he died the one was held in this prison. He will escape. I fear that he will help bring a coming to an end. But we will never know.. I will never know. He has been here...since the making of this island. Since before the Alicorn's vanished leaving just Celestia and Luna. Majesty never forgave them even though she was forced to forget. At least that is what I am reading here." "So...it is true then. Majesty is or was an Alcorn? I thought that was just a rumor. But it seems from what most have been told is true." I sighed and ran off to find the wounded and free some of my kind. Black Feather. A large machine gun I held cocked as I used up my ammo. Looking down at the streets. I saw that most of the army made it through. But now I just had to take out the rest of the magic eater's. Grabbing my pistol. I didn't have any named weapons that didn't see the point of having one. I flew to take out the magic eater's who tried to go after the wounded. I took them down with no issue. I noticed that most of them got pretty stupid. I slowly landed near the broken door looking inside seeing no one at all. I went inside looking around to the warden's room. I looked to see Glendo becoming the new warden. " Well ain't this an interesting mess to find you in." Glendo laughs looking down at me as I lifted up my wing's to be with him face to face. "So you're the next warden." " Yes...it seems. I am doing this in the name of Mimic. I take it you're forcing the hero to rest?" Giving a nod looking back outside the room. To the dead dragon. " Something is escaping from below Black Feather. Could you go check it for me?" I sigh giving nod heading to the teleport to head inside looking around. Seeing one prison. I walked to it seeing two eyes staring at me. " The Warden is dead...Griffin I don't see the point of you being down here." The creature came out of the shadow of the room. I look up at him with fear in my eyes. A giant octopus slowly backing up as the creature roared. Ripping through the bars. Making the entire ground shake. He slowly slithered out using his many arm's to get out of the cell. " Oh, I see the Griffin wishes to bow to me." He Laughs loudly. Quickly I ran into the teleport as the ground started to shake more. A large roar was heard from the creature. "Ah, I take it the creature got out hmm?" Glendo asked. " This creature has been here all this time?!" I asked. Glendo gave a nod. "He was one of the reason's this island was created." Blinking hearing part of the ground break from outside the city. ' Hawk I had to sit here just waiting for the repairs to finish. It was a pain. Well to me that is. But during this, the ground shook not far from us. Seeing the ground crack and split. A large creature came out of the ground. He took a deep breath. Laughing loudly. "Ah. I'm free." He turns to look at the camp. Looking at the sleeping hero. I stood up on my repairing legs aiming my gun at the creature. The creature laughs " You think you can fight a creature of metal. I will destroy you with one of my many arm's. Now I need to find the water." He simply crawls to get to the water. But before he could some strange clouds came down from the sky wrapping around him and he vanished inside the clouds. Searching with my Camera's looking around for the creature. But it seems they're finally gone. " Hawk gets back down here you haven't fully repaired yet." Lowering myself down to get repaired. I feel worried now this creature is out and about. Now I can't feel safe anymore. Majesty My kingdom in ruins. My pet is dead. Most of my army was destroyed. Looking outside the window I see those worthless creatures fighting for their freedom. They should be loving me, they should be fighting the hero. Closing the window it was time for me to wait for my fate and my final battle with the hero. " Something wrong my dear Majesty?" Turning around I looked to see a creature in the Shadows. " Who are you?" The creature laughed and stayed in the darkness. I could see him smile though. " Oh, just a friend. I wish to offer you the power that was taken from you as well as the memories so long ago." He removes a bottle of strange glowing magic from his bag. " Drink this all down child. Then you will remember who you are." Floating the bottle in my magic. Looking at it closely. This is the power I lost so long ago. The memories I used to have so long ago as well? " What’s the catch?" I calmly ask. Looking up at the creature. " Hmm, no catch child. The hero needs to be taken down a peg. I'm hoping you beat them and take them back to Equestria in a bag of body parts." He said with a smirk. " Now go ahead. I shall watch in the darkness." The creature slowly went back into the darkness. Looking down at the bottle of fluid. It glows as I stare at it. I removed the cork and it fell to the ground. Taking a bit of a sniff. Leaning my head back drinking it down. Jonon The battle outside of the castle is pretty much over. Looking around the entire city many parts of it are burning. While our wounded are being taken back outside. I think it was time to go inside. But I needed to make sure everything was fine. Placing the hood over my head to vanish from sight. Looking through the town seeing that most of the minions of Majesty have run out or been taken down. Slowly I walked into the castle looking around. Looked into the room of the warden. Seeing that Glondo has taken up the task of becoming the Warden. From what I see of most of this castle. It has large setup stairs leading up to it. I don't see many other rooms. When I head up the stairs. I see a set of doors leading to a hall. I am guessing that the rest of the minions are protecting the door. Slowly walked back downstairs. It's time to wake the hero. But I doubt it would be wise to let her fight through the castle. But I need to check more on it. But I went into the warden's office removing my hood. Looking to the body of the large grown dragon. The poor creature being here since the creation of this island. It might be a good time to bury him. But maybe better to burn him and place a grave outside of the city. In honor of the warden. Slowly walking outside the city is calm and still burning. It's so empty full of bodies of the dying and the dead. From both sides. But our wounded were picked up and taken outside. Looking to see Sea Catcher standing near many of the high society. Slowly walking to her. Society ponies looked at me with disdain. " We may be helping you Zebra. But After this battle is over things will go back to normal." Sea catcher looked at the mare who just spoke with anger in her eyes. The mare backs up then Sea Catcher smiles. " You must be one of the friends of the hero. Nice to meet you. I am known as Sea Catcher, one of the high society mares. They wish me to take over after Majesty is taken down. But I feel it might be wise if we do a console of all the races. Then just one race." I gave a nod. " I do agree it may not be easy." Looking towards the way out of the city. " I need to go wake up the hero. She is asleep." Slowly walking out of the city. Looking down at the road feeling the fact that this is the final battle coming up. But the hero will have to fight her alone. I don't think that is wise. But it's a must for the legend to be done. Closing my eyes when I got out. I saw so many wounded. A storm started to fall and a dark laugh was heard that woke the hero. My eyes open at the sound of the laughter. Standing on my hooves heading inside to look up in the top part of the castle leading inside Majesties chambers. My eyes went wide. In awe, I saw the Alicorn. The creature laughs with a smile on her face. "I am Majesty the creator of this island so long ago...Bow to your Goddess bow your Princess...No Your Queen." I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I closed my eye's thinking of the best thing to say. Looking to see no pony bow. I lifted up my head and yelled at her. " The past is long gone Majesty. The Alicorn's that live in the world now. Are just creations of the past. They aren't Princesses or Queen's. Move on Majesty...Move on. It's time to move on from the past. You will be brought down and be brought down when I get up there." Majesty stares down at me. Her eyes are full of hate and anger. " The past...maybe gone but...He " She shouts a name but it was blocked by the sound of the storm. " Will be back and with me alive I am the only one that can fight him. Are you willing to doom our world because you killed a child? You wish to doom the world like the ponies and Zebras of the world?" Closing my eyes, sighing a bit. Feeling a claw on my shoulder along with my friends. Looking at me. They gave me the will to go on. I have been stuck on this island for a year. Looking to Blaze who is now my wife...Leaning to her to kiss her deeply. " I'm sorry but are you forgetting about me up here?" I broke the kiss with the rest of us looking up. Hawk walked into the city looking up as well. She then yelled. " Your kind is the reason the war started in Equestria in the first place. The fact you're even here gives us a chance to put Celestia and her sister in her place. I will help the hero take you down if it's the last thing I do." Hawk was then hit by lightning from the sky after she said that to Majesty. Her horn was glowing. Hawk sparked but it didn't harm the mech. But it did fry her ability to walk for the moment. " I can't move...." Dr. Slice rushed towards Hawk taking a look at her legs. " Hmm fried it will take a while for it to repair." Majesty laughed loudly. " Come... hero. I will let my Minions allow you to past. But it will just be the two of us." Closing my eyes taking a deep breath. Slowly walking up the stairs with my friend's and Roll Roll followed along with Ruby Glide. Looking up the many stairs that lead to the top floor. Slowly waking up with my friend's not far behind. But when we got up there. Magic eater's, Magic armored ponies, Some strange dog creatures, And large stallions in heavy armor ready to fight us. But they allowed me to the past. The door opened slowly. I walked in alone to the throne room. I saw Majesty sitting on her throne. The door closed behind me. She had an evil glee of a smile on her face. Slowly getting off her throne to look me over. " So you're the hero. I expected you to be taller, not a mare just coming of age." I would feel insulted but she is right of course I am still pretty young and I just got married to the lizard I love. " Oh kill them" She shouted to the minions outside. I blinked hearing a battle outside. But I had to ignore it, for now, I am sure they will be fine. " Why did you create this island?" Majesty looked at me with a dark smile. " Oh, the child I was part of a race that wished to control the world. But of course, the weaker ponies dared to try to control this world from me. That fool of a wizard wished to have Luna and Celestia be the leaders. Of course, Celestia removed the fact the island was in her memory she did the same to Luna. I was brought here and my power removed along with my memories of a child. Now I got a request for you, child please accept it.” I blink looking up to her. I knew what she might ask. She might ask me to give up and give up my friends and go to Equestria. Closing my eyes, I want to go back to Equestria. But I have come here to fight her. I can't give up now. She wraps her wings around me gently pulling me close. " Think about it child. Your friend's back with you in Equestria. Just let me have this land. Allow me to keep it. I will remove the spell and allow Equestria and the world to trade with it. I know you don't wish to trust me. But.." Then a voice spoke out. " No, don't Star Shooter. She will not keep up with the deal." The new Warden spoke. He removes his name and becomes the Warden. " You can't allow her to win Star Shooter. You can't a.." Boom Majesty used her magic to cause all the speakers to blow up. She closes her eyes staring at me. " Now listen to the child. I don't wish to kill you or fight you. I just wish you to understand. I am not evil. I am not hateful. I just wish to get my world back. My world is this island. Now child what do you say?" Closing my eyes feeling my heartbeat. Slowly standing up walking around looking out the window. I felt my heartbeat looking towards all the army outside. They were getting attacked by minions that went after my friends. I looked down seeing them they all started to yell up at me. " Fight her!!!" Sea Catcher said. Free us!!" Yelled Jonon "Fight in the name of us Child." Skull Crusher said. " Don't fall for her tricks." Roll Roll yelled. " Fight and win!!" Hawk screams. I heard many yelling to destroy this free us. All the words for this war to end. I turn and hear so many voices screaming for me to free them. " Fight her my love. survive for you are our Champion." Closing my eye's turning to Majesty pulling out my sword and the gun little lady. " I don't wish to accept the offer." Majesty stares at me with a gentle smile forming on her face. She stood there a moment. Then started laughing loudly. I think she finally snapped. I watched her laugh then she turned back to me. With a dark smile on her face. " Well then...child.....DIE!!" She flashes her horn and hit me with magic. I was thrown into the wall. I didn't know what to do at all for the moment. She fired again and I got out of the way before the next bolt hit me getting ready for the final battle. Max level Chapter Thirtytwo: Final battle.I quickly went prone to the magic that Majesty shot at me and went over me singing my mane and tail. I slowly stood back up quickly. How do you fight an Alicorn that is so powerful? Lifting up my gun firing at her. Some of the bullets went deep into her body. But she heals quickly. Blinking a moment she formed a sword in her magic. Attacking me with it. I block the sword with mine. She had more power than me. I had to find a way to either tire her out or find a way to stop her. Lifting the gun to her face I fired and her head flew back a bit. She kept her head up like she was looking up. Then a dark laugh sounded from her mouth. She looks down, her eye missing, and right in front of me, it regrows. But I spoke before she could. "You lied to Bulk, there were never any seals. The strange seal I found in CliffSide was something else?" The Queen laughs loudly shaking her head. "Then what was that thing in the basement?!" "A seal keeping my master from coming to this world. But of course, you will never meet." She said the name and horror filled my heart. That name puts fear in my heart. I don't know why it does. But I feel that this name is a threat that I am going to meet someday. Then she started to boast. “Oh for a hero you’re so weak.” She lifts me in her magic tossing me into the wall. I drop all the weapons I had and I move off the wall groaning. Getting on my back hooves grabbing my stave in my mouth. I felt a great amount of pain going through my body. She stared at me like I was crazy. Looking at my back hooves she had a look of confusion on it. Quickly charging clumsy though. Smashing my staff into her. Her flesh turned red each time I smacked her with the staff. She growled trying to block it. But she tosses me again with her magic. She snapped my staff before I hit the ground she made sure I would land on the stave. I groan feeling it impale me on the side. I cough in pain. " You could have been home by now...Child.." She walked to me. Struggling to get up I bite my lip with the pain flowing through me. But she stomped her hoof on me. Keeping me down. " I don't wish to kill you, child." Groaning I felt my body burning in pain. Forcing myself to go into the magic vision. Raw magic flowed through the throne. I am starting to see why her magic is so powerful. " Now to take back my memories, child." She places her horn on my head. Then I felt every memory of hers being taken from me. I screamed and it was heard outside. All the memories Majesty went to her. She lifted me, putting me over the edge and then yelling. "Your hero has fallen.." I felt my heart slowly beating. I had to get back into the battle. I had to close my eyes tightly starting to make my horn glow to take the raw magic. She dropped me and I fell slowly. She went back inside laughing. But I slowly started to float back up. When I got back into the room. I stood on my hooves feeling the magic build around. Around me. I felt I needed more. She turned around staring at me gasping. " Child....stop... You never will be able to go back to Equestria if you keep this up. Stop!!" I needed more magic. I need more, I need it so much. I felt my horn glow brightly burning my entire body burning. It felt like a drug going through me. Closing my eyes to try to shut off the rush of magic. But my horn wanted more and finally thought it worked. Opening my eyes to stare right at her. " I am never going to allow you to win Majesty." I stared at her. My eyes glowed brightly. But the magic slowly stops drifting through me. Charging without weapons using my hooves to fight her fighting like a zebra but very badly. I smashed my hooves in her face and points of her body. I don't know how I can fight like this. But I feel it was needed. This needs to end. But I am sure this is going to end with her death. But she didn't even get hurt. But she fought back with her hooves as well using the training I had back on me. She kicks me back making me fall. I pant hard closing my eyes in deep pain. I doubt I will win..Blood drips to the ground. Looking up at her she smashes her hoof into me making me fall to the ground. “You have failed, little hero. You gave up your chance to go back to Equestria. I see you laying there and see you like this. End your fight now… end.” She walks away from me. To lift my gun in her magic. Looking at it closely, I saw that it said, little lady. She turns and aims at me. She fired. I gasp feeling a bullet go into my chest. Groaning I am too weak for this battle. Using the magic to fill my core with more. She fired again bullets staying in my body. I screamed in deep pain. But I kept my horn glowing. She kept firing till the ammo was out. She tossed the gun out the window. It fell to the ground when I needed them. I need them. I groaned so weak and in pain. Then I heard an object falling seeing a Shadow and dodge out of the way. Smashing through the window is Roll Roll he breaks down the door and then rolled back out smashing his claws into Majesty. Near the open door my friends. Blaze, Dr. Slice, Black Feather, Jonon, and Skull Crusher. She turns to stare at the heroes of legend, her eyes wide. " The legend....said the hero has to fight on their own," Majesty said in anger. " No... heroes of legend fight the threat.." Jonon Calmly said. They slowly walk in. I couldn't even move. " We are here to help her." Skull Crusher said calmly. "We won't let you win and destroy our way of life. " Black Feather said. " Your minion's killed everyone in my home. I will not allow you to kill anymore. Even the mare I love. Blaze said steam coming out of her mouth. My friend's attacked. Skull Crusher charged picking her up, smashing her down into the ground punching her face with her large fist. Jumping out of the way when Black Feather fired his gun riddling her with bullets. Gathering more ammo. Blaze charges jumping with her claw's scratching deep into her. Her healing couldn't keep up with it. She used her fire deeply onto her body. Majesty stood quickly up forcing my friends away. Dr. Slice was thrown out the window, falling hearing a loud smash. Down below he was pretty much destroyed. But it could easily be repaired. Black Feather fell back and his left-wing broke. He screams in pain. Blaze smashed into the wall, her back leg broke and she lay there knocked out. Skull Crusher flew back, smashing his horns into the wall but seemed to just pass out from the pain. The only one of my friends that didn't get tossed back was Jonon. " Ah...Jonon. Hello, again my little minion." My eyes went wide looking at Jonon. She looks at me with a weak smile. Then turned back to Majesty. " Former... Minion Majesty...I am going to dethrone you now." Majesty smiled softly " Oh Jonon child. I am the one that married you and your late husband and I'm the one that helped you birth your daughter. Ain't that right child." I heard a voice from behind us. " Yes...Majesty." The young Zebra I never got to know walked in. A Zebra that always stayed to herself so much like Jonon. She didn't even look at me or smile. She stood in front of her mother. " Mother stay your stave and join Majesty in destroying the hero." Jonon just stares at her daughter. I could see no love in her eyes for her daughter. " No my daughter. This way of thinking is why I killed your father." The Zebra just stared at her mother. " Don't make me do the same to you child." I blink she killed her husband? Why did Jonon stay to herself so much? All I could think of was killing the Zebra. But I couldn't move that easily. "Mother. I don't wish to kill you...but I will." But of course, Jonon didn't even care. She stood on her back hooves grabbing her daughter's neck and with a quick movement she snapped her daughter's neck. No tears fall down her face, no grief from this. Looking up to Majesty who shot a large amount of magic into her causing her to fly into the wall breaking her front foreleg passing out from the pain. Looking around I saw that all my friends are now down and out. Majesty turns around, forcing me to the ground stomping her hooves hard on my body breaking some bones in my body. I groaned in deep pain. My horn glowed lifting the sword and with a quick swipe. I cut into the horn of the large alicorn mare hard. She screams in pain. Since the horn is a very sensitive part of the unicorn. Then again I swing the blade into the horn again. Chipping it again then she backed up screaming in more pain. I lay there doing it again slicing right through it. She screamed in deep pain. Falling to the ground passing out. She shook when I tried to stab into her to kill her. But a dark cloud came inside wrapping around her, lifting off with her and then floating away. I lay there groaning slowly getting on my hooves feeling my ribs broken. But I heard a clap. " Decent child.." I blink looking around. A figure came out of the darkness. The merchant that I first met when I came here. " You beat my master's minion." He sat there smiling at me. " But you seem to think the battle is over silly pony. It's not that we shall win this night. " Blinking staring at him. He reached into his bag pulling out a gun. " Now child are you ready to die? He set down his bag. It grew legs running to hide. I blinked watching that. I heard the gun cocking was here to fight? " Oh shit." He fired my horn glowing, stopping the bullets for a while. S.A.T.A.T.S finally came back up after all this time. Looking at my pip buck gave me time to think. Closing my eyes I don't know how long I had. Grabbing my sword in the magic allowing the bullets to hit me. But I used the attack and stabbed the sword into his stomach. But I fell to the ground panting in pain. But even though he had a sword lodged in his stomach. He didn't stop his movement. He walked over me standing on my face. Cocking the weapon. " Die, child.." I had tears streaming down my face. I then saw Blaze jump him. The gun flying from him landing to the ground. Too much pain filled me. My entire body would take a long time to heal. Blaze forced him down, scratching deep into her he screamed. Clawing him over and over. " No one harms my wife..NO ONE!!" She screamed. He tossed her off him and he stood up very wounded. He had a weak smile on his face. He did something the other's never thought they would see. He rushed back to me quickly. I use my magic to toss him away from me. I slowly stand on my weak hooves. I need to fight him. I don’t know why he is turning on me. I need magic to fill my body again. “Well, this is how it’s going to go then?” He laughs whistles for his backpack to come over. The backpack runs over setting down beside the merchant. I now see what Jonon warned me about. The fact this creature is evil. I had no idea what he was going to do. Looking through the pack tossing a large sword to me. “How about we do this in the old ways. We duel to the death.” He gave an evil smile, showing that he has the upper hand? I had no idea but he had what was called hands. I lift the sword in my magic. I need to stop myself from gathering the magic of this land again. “Take the magic of this land you’re going to need it to beat me.” I can’t do what he said. I would be fully addicted to this magic. We both stood in the middle of the throne room. Around me, my friends are all wounded. I look at Blaze, Black Feather, Skull Crusher, and Jonon. I couldn’t see Dr.Slice since he was tossed out of the window. With a great swift movement of the merchant, he swings the blade. I try to block but it slices into my side. I scream in pain feeling the wound gush blood. “Ah so weak without the magic” “I’m not weak. I will fight in the name of.” The merchant laughs, smirking at me. “Tiria?” My eyes go wide hearing her name. “You do remember me now don’t you?” I had a flash of the past. I was very young before I even saw Tiria. I remember Wheel Tread holding a glowing stone in a case. It can’t be it’s the one. The one that brought the howling dance. The merchant in the memory turns to look at me. His eyes shine, making me and the others around to forget. “You… you’re the reason she is dead!!” The merchant just stared at me; he had no idea what I meant. Before he could say anything I charged at him. Each swing I do he dodges out of the way pretty easy and each dodge he swings is blade cutting into my sides or deep gashes. I finally drop the sword and my magic goes fully out. The blade falls to the floor slipping away from me. “I am not the reason your hero is dead. I just triggered events like my master’s grand design. A little battle here a little battle here. To make the world weak for when he returns. Of course, his design is not going on in every battle in this world. Some ponies are just greedy and think that their will in the world is the greater good.” I groan, panting falling to my knees. “Give up and give in to my master. He will forgive you. He will give you a place in his grand design all you have to do is give up.” I look at my friends again and my magic. Slowly standing up and the merchant sighs. He lifts his blade again. Quickly slicing into me. “Then you will be in hell forever. You will never see your destiny or why the world. Just don't care if we stop right now and listen to the world won’t care. Just as the world never cared when Luna was banished. For you’re just a little speck to what Luna was. She was a threat to Celestia no one cared. Not even her sister, it's all you see a figment of a hero, a faulty idol to the world. Heroes are nothing but empty shells of spirits of hope. Fake hope that never comes.” The only hope I had now is the magic. I closed my eyes, my horn glowing while it called for the magic an evil smile formed along the merchant’s lips. He steps back waiting for me to gain the magic into my body. Fully lifting back up on my hooves. “ Now is my chance.” He ran towards me before I could do anything. He grabbed my head, staring deep into my eyes. I could feel pain filling my head and I started to scream. "Remember all children." He forced a spell in my head the other's couldn't stop him in time. Memories from the potions I drank memories of mine. My brain started to fry and my ear's started to bleed. My eyes closed shut in the pain. The magic on my horn died and all my weapons fell from it to the floor. After he was done he tossed me to the ground. His hands were smoking. Then he reaches for my neck to try to break it. " I am doing what is needed... If I don't kill her she will break the next seal-like...Most of the heroes of this world have already broken. It will bring back. My master My master. " He said the name but skull Crusher crashed into him lifting him up, taking him outside. Tossing him over the edge. He screamed smashing into the ground dead when he hit. Zrannth rushed in looking at me. I was not able to speak or even able to look at her. I just looked brain dead. I could hear them speak. "Take care of them." The Zebra nod doing what they can for my friends. But when Zrannth turns to me she frowns. Checking my wounds. She sighs " What's wrong?" Blaze tries to ask without crying. "She is brain dead. The battle fried her brain. We will need something to help her." The warden opens a strange door floating there looking down at me. " I know what we can use but...she won't wake for 40 years. You will be able to talk to her. She may wake up from time to time...But then she will go back into it. Being in this for most of her life." Blaze had tears in her eyes. She wraps her forelegs around me sobbing hard. " No....No Star shooter doesn't go where I can't follow." Skull Crusher calmly pulls Blaze off me. The new warden lifts a potion. " This is a potion I found in the old warden's room. From what I read in a note. It's all the memories of the creature's that built this island for Majesty and her minions. It was never made to hold that evil. It was made to house a threat to Majesty. She didn't care about Equestria or the world. This was all because she wished to be Queen. Now it might be best to leave for Equestria right away. Her body is too damaged. You need to get her to a family that knows more about her. But Blaze..."He offers her the potion. You're her wife. You must do this.`` Blaze took the potion into her tail. Looking at the others. Dr. Slice finally came back up. He looked half repaired and half damaged. "I am back what ...did I miss?" Dr. Slice looks down at me and his camera moves me or tries. "But...the legend never said anything about this. She is only 19 years old. How can this have happened to her?!" Blaze grew angry turning to look at Dr. Slice "I don't know!!" She grew angry but I said one word. "Blaze...." I said so far out there. I could still see I could still think well in away. But they all turned to look at me. I spoke again once. "Give..." Lifting my hoof very weakly, my brain working for the moment. But then All I could do was breathe. Blaze knew what she needed to do. "We need to stay with her.." Skull Crusher said. "We can't just leave her. So we will be coming with you. I will talk to my leaders." He looked to Black Feather who nodded. "Good, then we all will go Jonon?" The Zebra mare looks up with a shrug. "You're all the family I have now. So yes I will go with you. Now give her the potion" Blaze sobs softly removing the cork from the potion and calmly making me swallow it. After that my brain starts to take me off to a dream of memories. I give off one last smile. Saying. "L....ove...you...Blaze..." Blaze sobs loudly as my world went black. To see the memories of the creator's of this island. Skull Crusher lifts up the hero in his arms. Slowly walking downstairs. I felt my heart shattering that I can't be with my wife. I limped on my leg. The others behind me looked sad and unsure of what to think. The warden spoke over the speakers. " The battle is won...But at a price. The hero is broken beyond repair. She needs to be removed from this island. I found a way to break the spell so everyone you can now get ready to leave." But no pony was cheering. Crusher set down the hero. My dear love my wife. Snowdrift jumps out of the water crawling to her. Not caring that she was not in the water. " No….Star shooter." There was no dry eye in the entire castle. Snowdrift sobbed. Dr. Slice picked up Little lady placing it into a compartment of his. Crusher lifted her back up. It was time to rebuild and move on. The army leaves the castle grounds. Along with the city. Leaving those that live here with their own devices at the moment. It would take a while to get everything set up. We were followed by everyone, even the ones in the city. They wanted to honor the hero. By walking with us back to Cliffside. Star Shooter was placed in a Caravan. Skull Crusher pulled as the rest of us followed the entire castle, emptied the ponies in the group started to sing. " Our Champion. Our Champion. Please come back to us our warrior. We wish to thank you for what you did for us. " Tears filled my eye's Jonon put her hood on vanishing from sight. It hit her hard that this happens. The song went on but it was the same words. It took a while but we made it to Cliffside. All the creatures of the town wish to honor our hero. But they saw her and looked down in pain. Crusher took her to the docks Placing her on the ship that brought her here. Placing her in the room she was placed in the cell. On a bed. " We won't be leaving yet Blaze." Skull Crusher looked down at me and I gave a nod. " Stay with her. There will be a party but we need to make sure everything will be fine before we leave." Skull Crusher left. I look back to My love who lay there seeing memories of a world long dead. I wanted to be there with her. I wish I could be. I lay beside her wrapping around her. She felt warm. I missed that part of her. I love her so much that it makes me feel bad. I couldn't stop this from happening. Slowly stand walking out. I was broken. I love her so much and Now It is time to rebuild the lives of this island. Jonon stood beside the door looking towards me. " It's not easy I know.." She said softly. " I loved her to like she was my own daughter. I wish she was my daughter. But I can't look at her like that." Skull Crusher was keeping to himself looking upset. Black feather as well he had his wing wrapped in a cast. " I can't see her like that," Crusher said softly. "She fought for so long. She did so much for us. I do hope that she will return to us unharmed." I nod looking to Slice who came up onto the ship. " There is a party going on...But I don't think I can join in.." Jonon nods. " I can't either..." She said... " Neither can I," I said. Crusher stays silent so did Black Feather. Salty got onto the ship with Bulk beside him. He was still alive oddly enough. But he smiled weakly. " I can get us back to Equestria. But I ain't going to stay. I will just get you there then return here." We all nodded calmly. "Let’s wait for a few days. Then we will go back to Equestria. It sadly will have to be the hoof I drop you off at then. You can find your way to her home." I gave a nod heading off the ship heading to the cavern to let the little one's out. " The Queen is beaten, children. It's time to take you home so we can see what the future will bring for our species." The children nod following me out of the town and back home to the tomb. Max Level Chapter Thirtythree: The futureThe voice of the Warden sounds over the speakers. " It's been six months. Since the end of the war. So much has happened since then. But the hero and her friend's just left the island. It took longer then they wanted. But they had to make sure the spell was broken. It was but they also had to make sure the island was ready to move on from Majesty being the Queen. Now CliffSide has turned back into a port town. Zebras and ponies as well as many others have left the island. Some stayed behind Hawk and are now seen patrolling the entire island. With her new friend Ruby Glide, Roll Roll, and a Clockwork mare named Tick Tock." He sighs softly. " I had a name well I still do. But I am now fully the warden. But to all that wish to know. The salamander's home has been cleaned up and now the young took over. But they aren't alone in this. Some of the scaled hide's are helping the young ones. But they don't choose a king. They would be lead by the scaled hide's. They didn't care they just wished to be alive." " Now the forbidden land's. The spell has been reinforced. It will not heal for many years. When it heals. We will allow folks to go in to clean it up." He sighs " Now the castle. The old Warden was placed in a grave not far from the castle. But it's come out more since I have learned why and how this island was created. There was a war many years ago that killed most of Celestia and Luna's kind. Majesty was one of the few that still lived through this battle. But one of the biggest threats of this war..Was the creature that escaped six months ago. It turns out that the Alicorns in the past had much evil in their hearts. They did so many awful things to the creatures of the land." The sound key's clicking. " Now Sea Catcher got her to wish. The island is now run by a console of each race. The exiles have one leader. They picked Queen Sheenee since she was a better choice. The magic eater's one of their Queen's the hero fought. She didn't give her name didn't wish to. For Cliffside it was Salty to represent the little town. For the Minotaur and Griffin's. It was two of the leaders that survived the entire war. Their names Hoof stomp and Whitewing. For the Scaled hide, they had the commander Jewel Claw. They take care of every issue of the island. The one's that represent every citizen of the castle city though is Sea Catcher. She was asked by both to take care of the castle. The clockwork had one on the Console as well. The one that created them. Doctor Maezono he represented the robotic creatures of the island. Since there were some and his own ponies." The sound of coughing. " Damn that hurt's speaking so much." " Anyway the Sea ponies left as well. After the spell was shown to be down. Snow Drift took her species and went off to explore what is left of the world. After the spell broke as well. We finally have learned what happened to our world. The machine that is used to study every three years of what happens. Came in a flash. It recorded 210 year's everything. The light-bringer. Security and many other heroes in our world. It's starting to show that there are more hero's out there." He gave a deep sigh. " Now it might be wise to explain to all here. I am Glendo Star Shooter was the fake hero of legend. Yes I know it's sad that you're learning this now. But here she didn't even have to fight for you all. But she did because the legend didn't go to her head. It made her feel that she needed to make what was set wrong on this little island. But I can explain who the real hero was." He gave a deep sigh. " Her name was Mimic. A very young mare that I met when I was very young. I wished to join the Equestrian army. But of course, some ponies felt that only ponies couldn't be part of it since. I was not a pony. But Mimic proved to them that I can be part of it. That's how we met some good friends of ours. The twin's Chocolate and White Chocolate. Chocolate had two twin's but her sister died from a sickness. The other two...id rather not speak of them. But the hero did it in the name of Mimic. I'm sorry that the legend was not only fake. But the hero risked her life to make it real.. But look at it now my friend's. We are free from the Queen. I hope that we never have to fear her again." " OH, one last thing of course. Reaver changed his tune after he was removed from the bottle. He is now the writer and speaker for all the leaders. He wants to redeem himself. Since well he feels that what Majesty did was wrong. But still, it's not easy to trust him. But some will over time. This is the warden over and out." Unknown I open my eyes. I was in chains from head to hoof. " How dare does this to me?! I am Majesty I am Queen." A sinister laugh and a voice speak. "Oh really.." The sound of hooves clicking on the ground. " A Queen that should have won Majesty... Now good to see you after so many years." The creature stays in the darkness. Getting closer to me. My eyes went wide. Trying to back away. But He laughed darkly. " Oh, Majesty don't worry I am not here to harm you. I'm here to ask you to join me of course dear." I blinked staring at the creature in the Darkness. " If you join me Majesty you will still get your revenge on her. You just have to join me what say you?" Closing my eye's a moment looking up to him. I gave one nod. " Well, then it means you need to be in the word's of the ponies before the war upgraded." A strange magic machine brought down some deadly claws. It made some nasty charges and I scream with it touches me. Then the door closes while everything in my vision went dark. Author's Note Another story done. There is another after this that take's place another ten year's. Then my Final story set 20 years after. It will be the final FOE story I do that is linked to this universe. Both stories are Called Project Rainfall and Journeys End. Epilogue:Back to EquestriaIt's been a calm trip back to Equestria. From what Bulk told us it would be close to a month before we get back to Equestria. But he found a way to get us there in under a month. He dropped us off at a place he calls the Hoof. He said there is another name for it. But He didn't wish to stay. We took care of Star Shooter Skull Crusher placing her in a wagon and we watched Bulk turn the ship around and go back to the island. We got some weird looks well I did of course the ponies of this land never seen one like me. But all we asked was how do we get to Tiria's heart. One mare gave us a map. But as we walk the road following it to the part of Equestria we wish to go. But as we walked I looked to see how beautiful Equestria really is. I see why my love wanted to come back. I looked to her seeing my poor love locked in the memory. We walked along with a trader. Who told us stories of what happened here in the Hoof. But what is interesting many of us really didn't care. We are also told a story about a mare named Scootaloo that helped fight a war and destroy the machine. The name wasn’t really given to us. It wasn’t a pleasant war from what they told us. The enclave fighting each other so much death and pain. After the story of the war. He asked about Star Shooter " She was Pony napped taken to an island surrounded by a spell that kept an endless storm from allowing anyone to leave. She was forced into a legend. A legend to free us from the creature that dared to control us. But she did so much to go home. So much that she risked her life. To most here in Equestria they may never learn the story unless they go to the island." The trader nod. It took us a day to get to Manehatten. When we made it we asked again how to get to Tiria's heart and a Griffin pointed their claw to the direction. We didn't wish to rest. We walked along the path that leads us to large walled crossroads. That has giant rats and ponies guarding it. We are given a welcome by one of the leaders, Cannon Ball. When he saw Star Shooter he rushes to the Wagon. " Star Shooter." He gently looked into her eye's seeing that she is not even there. " What happened?" I sighed closing my eyes. " I'd rather not say, sir...But I'm Blaze I'm her wife." Cannon turns to look at me. Then he looks at the others. " We are from an island that she was forced to go to. A final battle to free us...Destroyed her mind... She will not be awake again in forty years." Cannon turns to us again. Looking at me and my friends. " I'm Cannon Ball the king of the Rat Creepers. This is Reaper fields. As you can see this all happen here because of a creature named Tiria. Who Star Shooter tried to fight like." Jonon blinked looking down at Star Shooter and smiles softly. " I will lead you there." We were lead through the field's inside we saw that it was cleaned up. But so many weapons lying along the ground near many bones." We kept it the way it is. But cleaned up again and placed a large all around to protect the way to Tiria's heart." When we got to the other end there was a bog. We were offered a strange mask. But Cannon said no. We walk in. " Take a deep breath.." He calmly said. We all did but Dr. Slice wasn't able to see it. But what we saw was amazing. " The past. We have watched this many times. The past show's love, and friendship ponies used to have. Then...the world ended. " We then saw the world get destroyed. But we heard growling and strange creatures start rushing to us. " Ah, ghoul's." Cannon lifted his leg lifting a machine gun that is his leg. He started to fire killing these creatures pretty easy. He lowered the smoking gun looking back to us. " Come Come." I nod. The rest of us follow we finally made it to a large walled community. In front of the gate, two robots lifted their weapons. " Hello Silver Gunner RA Proto." Silver walks up to us looking down at Star Shooter. Then he looks up to us. " I will ask another time." He calls. " Bulwark opens the gate. Also, send some pony to get Kip." The door opens up. Some Apple Jack rangers and some Enclave. Well, Enclave that came from this town. Since after ten year's they rebuilt it to help Equestria. We go inside getting some strange looks. Well, I got strange looks. But when we got in we saw the grave. A glass case holding a broken gun. A pip Buck and bag. But in front of it. A grave. Looking up at a set of hooves rushing towards us. A gentle motherly mare looks at us then gasp seeing Star Shooter in the wagon. She rushes to her side. " Oh....oh, dear...Star Shooter. " She shook her a bit. I sigh. " I am Blaze her wife...Her brain was burnt out from a final battle." Kip looks up to me with a gentle smile. " Tell me another time, please. But it's nice to meet you all. Welcome to Tiria's heart. Please enjoy your new home." I blink smiling. " Oh...Star Shooter's parents were killed a year ago. It was during the war that happened. The Enclave attacked Manehatten they were sent out to help protect it. They were among the dead." I nodded. A ghoul walked out of the cave a large mare that had a sense of beauty. She looks down seeing Star Shooter frowning. Then looking at me. " Greetings I am Fleur Dee less." I smiled softly. " I am Blaze...Star Shooter's wife." When that was heard the entire town came to a halt. I blink looking scared that I said something wrong. But all I got were smiles. " Welcome to our home. You and your friends will love it here. But come with us miss Blaze." I nod Fleur picked up Star Shooter in her magic. I looked at the other's who nod to me. Jonon vanishes from sight. Dr. Slice went to check on others. Skull Crusher and Black Feather went to go find the bar. I follow the two mares into the cave that show a big community. What's interesting though the young ones are being followed by heavily armed ponies, Griffins, Zebras, and other creatures. We went into a hospital. Star Shooter was placed on a bed. Having many devices placed on her. " Welcome to our home Blaze. Since you're Star Shooter's wife. You're an instant citizen. if you can sponsor your friend's they can become citizens in about a few months." I gave a nod. Walking off giving them a nod. I was welcome to my new home. But I look back to see my love. I won't be able to get sexual with again for forty years. I softly said. I love you. Then walk off learning more of Equestria the land of Friendship. <00000000> The future I close the book looking at the young ones before me. “That is the story of the isle of the lost.” I saw such big eyes staring at me. “Now I am sure you have some questions but we could always read a new story.” “New Story please uncle Silver Trial” I gave a robotic chuckle. “Let’s see.” I put my book back on the shelf. “Hmm, Survivors guilt written by Scootaloo. Hmm, the end of the journey. The Silver Trial. Oh wait here we go Rainfall." One of the bugs claps and cheers. “The story of my grandmother!!” “Yes.” He sits down to open the book. The end. Author's Note RainFall is next!! Chapter Six: The forgotten past." Much of the past has been forgotten" My scream kept going and going even as my world went black. I know the one I love is trying to rush to find me along with Jonon. My eyes opened up as I screamed more and the fluid burned in my stomach, every synapse and nerve in my body made me feel like I was burning. I heard hooves hitting the door over and over to break it down. It would take time. My eyes changed from the magic sight to normal my horn glowed and then the glow was gone. My body started going crazy and I started losing it. I talked to myself and laughed loudly. " Oh but we had to..NO! No we didn't oh yes..." Laughing as the fluid was making its way to my brain and then. I felt it enter my brain and then I felt the fluid leaking from my nose and mouth. It burned so much causing me to hit my head on the wall and knocking myself out. it even leaked out my ass. The fluid just burned away after awhile. But my ability to hear was fully gone and all I could do was dream. 000000 Opening my eyes. I was neither here nor there. I was in the past, but still in the present. I was in the body of another, yet still in my own. But I wasn't sure who I was with. I just watched as the body flew over the water. Then, I saw many more Alicorns flying with parts of rock and trees. They seemed to be forming an island. They had interesting weapons attached to them. So long ago, this island was built. The Alicorns, a race that I am sure is long gone. But these are the Alicorns of old. Not the new ones that were created. More of the Alicorns brought more pieces of land and trees to build the island. But the body I was in seemed to just watch as this island was formed. Many different species of creatures placed around the island. To make it more lively even though. Most of them wouldn’t have been highly evolved yet. During this a city was being built into the middle of the island. Then a castle was built around the city. In the tower of the castle an egg was placed inside. Tubes connected to it. With the words on the egg the future warden of Devil’s due It made them feel powerful. My host of course seemed to not enjoy this. They just stared at the ground. It was real but also the grass was slowly growing. The creature's of this land slowly becoming more and more. Watching the magic used that went into the land. It seemed to be the magic that caused the mutations in many of the creatures here. Unlike the war so long ago it wasn't bale fire and taint that caused the issue. It was the very magic itself. The magic that seemed to find a way to always be there. The one I was in slowly walked into the cavern that the Zebras would come to live in. They had some strange creatures I haven't seen before create the carvings. These creatures. They seemed to be birds that could shape shift. Then I saw other creatures a creature that looked like to be the first ancestor of the diamond dogs. But no normal ponies around this time. Many, many creatures that just seemed to be long dead. Creatures of living clouds. Rocs, normally large giant birds. but these ones have been cursed to be smaller and used as beast of burden. I don’t see other races of Equestria though Minotaurs or Griffins. I don't even see the ponies that would come to run the lands. Not even the Zebras. This is so long ago it seems that so much of what is before is just there. No words were spoken just the emotions of my host that seemed to bother them so much. Creating this land to turn it into a prison?I saw one of the carvings it looked so much like me. It had my cutie mark even my black furred body. It didn’t show nothing else nothing else at all. I saw more carvings on these very walls. It was of a war in the past. But also the war of the future with the zebras and ponies. But the pride of my host didn’t take it to heart or even care. She cared more about what is going on now. I didn’t like what I have seen so far. These Alicorns act more evil then the Alicorns of the now. I don’t understand that it made little sense to me. But my host I watched her treat the ones working on the carvings like they’re worthless slaves that she can beat and hurt. My host walked deeper into the cave. Following the path to see the pedestal that would hold the fluid. But it seemed to be used as a clock for the time being and looking to see a young manticore in a little cage. The manticore that would prouply be the one I spoke to. But there is more. I don't understand why so many of these creatures just stared at my host. With great disdain and some with great happiness. I looked into the mirror then I saw her. Majesty herself. I am in the Queen. She was an alicorn. She was here when the island was created. But why is she smaller now? Why does she act so heartless and having so much hate and wanting to be so powerful? Many just stared at us, while my host stared back as she gave a smile her voice so calm and gentle. "They wish us to be done before a 1000 years are up." One of the shape shifting bird creatures laughed and scoffed at my host who looked back with great disdain at the creature. " Right you enslave us expect us to work like your little soldiers do the rest of this yourself. You worthless piece of..." She shot her horn at the creature My host I could feel a smile of glee forming on her face. While the bird lay smoking at her hooves. She lowered her head to look even more at the dead creature. The words they speak sound like old Equestrian.Maybe the potion made it easier for me to understand them. Maybe. But what I just saw would make me sick. If this was me of course. She then walked back out of the cavern and chuckled softly, seeming to looking at the rest of the Alicorns building the island. But it's interesting most of them seem weak and broken. She used her magic to form a whip and then snapped in the back of one of the Alicorns. " Get working you trash." She chuckles softly as she keeps wiping the mare Alicorn over and over. Seeing to have glee of doing this. I am like ‘what?’ Why she is doing this to her own species? It makes no sense to me. I wish I could get back into my own body. But I sadly drank the fluid to watch this. To understand why this island was created. But then I saw him. The creature I was told about. But why couldn't I remember his name? Calmly watching the creature as he came towards my host with his strange creatures by his side and then my host smiled softly. " Ah master I'm happy you could make it. Our enemies will fall and be forced here." The creature nodded and smiled. For some reason though I couldn't see him to well. He was like a block spot in my vision. Every time his name sounds of work and whipping caused it to be blocked. I felt that this is crazy. I have to know who this is. But I feel it's not wise and there is a reason why I can't see him. The creature laughed and spoke. "Hmm yes. Now the war will start soon and my army will defeat the rest of your species and make them my toys " But what's interesting the vision went forward and the leader of all this army was attacked by a young Celestia and then banished. I have no idea why the memory skipped but it seems I couldn’t get all the memories. Celestia seemed to even stare at my host. Beside her was her little sister and on the ground in front of them, were the bodies of her parents. They just stared at my host as the battle ended. The blood of the Alicorns calmly seeped into the ground and the bones dislocated the bodies like they never existed. But only the Princess did. But it seems Celestia did a spell on herself and Luna to forget what this creature was. This creature must be something so evil that saying its name is not wise. My host bowed to her new leaders. Celestia stared at her with great anger but stayed calm. Looking towards her sister. Then she calmed. " Majesty I need your wisdom to help me learn to be like my species." My host gave a nod smiling. The memories went forward again. But what's interesting the land was covered in snow. My host herself flew around trying to find what is going on and she came face to face with the windagos. But she flew away quickly and then noticed the ponies forming a conference she calmly looked into the window watched them from a window. She noticed the three sets of ponies. She felt they were worthless creatures. But she watched them. She watched the male pegasus she come to learn his name Commander Hurricane. Then watched the other stallion challenger Pudding Head. She just stares at that pony like really? Then she looks at the unicorn princess. She didn't care about her name. To her, she was just below her. Majesty flew back to the kingdom or what is left of it.The only Alicorns alive now are three the only three left alive in the kingdom. Her, Luna and Celestia. She just went to check on them as they didn't even have the power they would have now. She sighed wishing she had more power. The memory went forward again. She was back on the island it seemed to be a day after. She went down into the prison that held the other creature and she smiled. " Well hello again after so many years." The creature opens their eyes staring right at my host and tries to use it's many arms to grab her but is held back by powerful spells and magic. The creature growls angrily and then stares at her with a dark smile laughing. " Oh majesty only this cage is keeping me from killing you." The creature talked deeply My host chuckled softly and looked over to the side and then back to the creature. " I got a deal if you wish. I am sure down the line there will be someone to free you. In fact I know the best way to have this happen. If you follow this deal then we shall take over the world together. What say you creature?" The prisoner laughs deeply and has his eyes closed as a scent of bad odor comes from its mouth. As it seems to be thinking now looking towards the prison and then back to her. “Whatever you have planned Majesty you better be ready to release me. Even if its many years from now.” She gave a nod as my head lowers once. Then she flew out and her horn glowed brightly and a spell was place all around the island.She casted a very powerful spell from what I could tell. She started to cause a spell that made a endless storm around the island. The spell hit one of the sea monsters and it turned into part of the storm. To stop boats from invading the island. After all this I could tell from her thoughts that she wanted to kidnap ponies and other creatures from their homes to bring them here to worship her. The memory forwards again and Majesty was standing by Celestia and Luna. They were talking to Star swirl the bearded. My host yawned didn't seem to care much. But then she heard the words that angered her. But she kept it to herself and she wrapped her wings to her body and she closed her eyes in great anger as she heard the words. " I wish you two. To lead the new world of Equestria. I wish you Luna to be the princess of the night and you Celestia to be the princess of the day." My host anger was to much. But she kept to herself and she would wait for her time. Later that night after it started. She went into the chambers of Star swirl the bearded and with great anger she spoke. " How dare you not choose me!!. I am older! More powerful and have ten times more wisdom than those brats." She spoke loud enough that she echos in the room. Star swirl just stared at my host and he stroked his beard with a hoof. His eyes are glowing gently and smiled gently. " Majesty you're a relic of the distant past. No one should even know you exist." My host blinked and her horn glowed. But a spell from the wizard seemed to weakened her. She fell down her body weak and wounded. But when Star swirl walked to her. He smiled and stroked her head. " I am sorry child. But they must do what they do. I can't allow you to get in the way of a wonderful Equestria." But he did something I never would have expected, same with my host. He grabbed a knife with his magic and stabbed his side and made a spell that like his horn was cracked. He screamed in deep pain. As the guards rush in and they gasp staring at the scene in front of them. " Arrest her...she attacked me because she wishes to steal the thrown from the princess." The guard nodded and with many chains, they chained her neck legs and wings. But she tried to struggle screaming. " He's lying! He's lying." She tried to fight the guards as they pulled her out. The last thing she sees is Star swirl's smile. She was forced into the dungeon and she started sobbing, the eyes of my host filling with tears. As they drip down to the floor. She would seem to stay there for many hours just crying and not eating anything. Then the door into the jail opens and closed and hooves sound along the stone floor. My host looked up seeing Celestia this was before her mane flowed and her mane was pure pink. " Celestia, please let me go. Please!!" She just stared at my host and looked towards The side and the door looking down into the eyes of my host. " No. It will be some time but I will be finding out a suitable punishment for you. I need.." Before she could finish speaking Star swirl walked in using a crutch Then smiled. " I know a place. It's an Island made to hold prisoners. Take her there and remove her powers and you shall receive them." Celestia nodded and the memory went forward again. Now my host was chained down in the room where the vial would be. A spell was being used to keep Majesty in place. I could feel the pain of her wings being removed from her body with a magic knife. She tried so hard to break the chains that kept at bay. Star Swirl started to remove the Alicorn magic from her body. The pain was bad even to me. I never felt like this before it made me sick. But I can’t do nothing about it. A bottle was placed near her head while she watched in horror as her magic was placed inside Celestia. Celestia’s pink mane started to flow full of magic. My host fell to her stomach watching in horror still as this went on. She started to feel the memory being taken from her. While her vision started to darkend Star Swirl held her chin with his magic. “This is now your kingdom. You do what what you wish to this land. You are nothing my little Majesty. Just a worthless creature of the past. Deal with the fact that I smile seeing you be removed from your power. You will forget this.. And I shall laugh at the grave as I die.” Tears rained down her face. As the last bit of the memory went into the little glass potion bottle I drank from. Everything then went black as the memory ended. 00000 My eyes opened and quickly became aware of the fact I was in the doc's room. But while I couldn’t see anything, I could hear some small sobs. It sounded like Blaze. I heard her speak softly with her tears. " I should have gone with her...I should have been there for her." Jonon spoke softly. " it wouldn't have changed anything Blaze. You would have been hurt as well it's something that you need to learn and understand sometimes a hero must face threats alone. But it's not how you see it. But you need to remember she loves you. She would risk her life and die for you. Just to see that smiling face of yours." I could hear that she stopped sobbing and I was just so weak. But I heard Zranth speak. " She might be able to tell us what happen her. It might be best to tell her it's been almost five days." I couldn't even blink my body was so weak. But I tried to speak. " B.....L.." My voice couldn't finish by I felt the bed shake and saw the beautiful eyes of Blaze and tears streamed down her face and smiled. " I am here... Star shooter." I tried to smile but I couldn't even move. Zranth along with Doc started to check me out and even looked into my eyes and Doc blinked. " It seems she has a temporary state of paralyze of course whatever was in that she drank. it sure caused her a lot of issues. It may take time for her to heal. Zranth nodded calmly. " But I wonder if she can feel." He poked my chest and I groaned in pain. " Ah yes she can. Every synapses is on fire. So Blaze I doubt it's wise to kiss her because it will give her pain." Blaze frowned and looked at me and sighed. " I am going to stay here and watch her." Doc sighed nodding. " You will have to go back to the Blacksmith soon. We all knew this would happen. All of us." The last of the fluid I drank seeped out of my ears my brain itself blocked what I saw from my memory like I never drank it. I couldn’t even move it’s like my entire body just wants to lay there after what I went through. " Jonon....Jonon..." She came to my vision and looked down at me with a smile. " I...drank it..but I don't remember anything. I know I saw something. I know I was there in the past. But I don't remember what it is. All I know it was some ponies Memories but... I don't remember. I'm sorry." I said with soft sobs. Jonon shook her head. " You no longer need to worry you proved yourself little hero. All in the town you didn't think you are the hero of legend now you are. They are all doing their little jobs to get the town ready for you when you leave. Till you return from the forbidden lands. But we asked the Griffin to wait a little longer. he will wait two more weeks. So you may finish what you need to do in this town." I gave a weak nod. I knew it would take longer to move. But I need to see Blaze again. " Blaze..." I said weakly. She placed her head on the bed and she smiled sweetly. Tears still streaming down her face. I could tell she was in great fear of what would happen. Groaning and calmly weakly wrapped my fore hooves around her neck and smiled. " I'm so sorry for worrying you. I am very very sorry for worrying you so much. " She smiled sweetly nodding and then removed her head from my forehooves. " I need to get back to work Star shooter." She gave me a gentle kiss and all my nerves burned like their one fire but she smirked. Walking away from the room and Zranth started to rub some strange substance into my stomach and chest and then my legs. It seemed to remove the burning feeling but it's not a pleasant feeling at all half the time. Then she rolled me onto my stomach. I gasped deeply from the pain as I felt the fluid go into my back now and it started to make every part of me burn even more. " Thank you little hero. We are now free. But I am sorry I see that you have forgotten what you have seen. I am sure someday you will remember what you have seen. Hopefully of course. " She said with a nod and then set a bowl of water for me to lap up with my tongue. I felt like a dog but it was the only way to keep me from getting to dehydrated. My head pounded badly it felt like my brain went through a nasty ringer. My eyes opened again and I tried to will the magic sight. I could see the lines of the magic filling this room it seemed to be a lot more than I thought. Closing my eyes to remove the sight and coughed a bit. Doc walked back in and looked into my eyes and he smiled. " Well you gave us more help for fishing and now I got a full staff thanks to you." I couldn't smile I just looked at him with a sick look on my face. But I heard a bag of coins going into my bag. Hopefully I will find a use for them to buy some armor. Laying my head back down trying to remove the throbbing of my head groaning deeply. Closing my eyes again. I couldn't move anymore for the moment it seems. Then I heard my stomach popping and then with a quick movement I got on my hooves fast. " Bathroom! Bathroom!!" Doc pointed with a hoof outside the hall and I quickly rushing out like crazy to the bathroom. Despite the pain and feeling like I can't feel half of my body. When I got into the bathroom I sat and groaned as well. The fluid came out of me burned so much that I tried not to scream. Every nerve in me burned just from this little way of cleansing my system. It's like my body is going. ' Hey hey...Dumb shit.. Don't drink something like that again.' Groaning after removing the fluid from my system weakly pulled myself off the toilet getting weakly back on my hooves. Then it slowly glowed then turned to normal everyday urine. Sighing I flushed it and now I felt that my body was back to normal. But still every nerve was on fire. But not as bad as it was. Slowly walking back into the room and Doc just looked at me with a smile. " Feel better?" I gave a nod sitting back into the bed groaning softly and looked to the Doc and he smiled. " You have done so much for us little hero. But there are few more jobs for you. Go back to the brew maker, go to the inn and to the blacksmith. But maybe you should sleep some before you head back out." I chuckled looking up to Doc with a gentle weak smile and He smiled back and patted my my back gently with his hoof. I gave a very weak smile slowly getting back into the bed to rest my body. Putting my head on a pillow closing my eyes to rest a bit. I had many thoughts in my head. Why would I forget the memories? Why would I forget everything that happen. Maybe I wasn't strong enough in magic to handle those memories. Opened my eyes to hoof steps coming inside and I saw a little filly. She spoke in a soft voice. "Hero..the orphanage has been taken over by some nasty bugs. Miss Swampy had to fight them off and got us all out. Then got out herself. But it was bound to happen because of how badly built the building is. Are you willing to help us?" She sounded more adult like but.. She had the voice of a young filly. I wonder why so many of the young on this island sounded so mature. It made little to no sense to me at all. Giving a nod and smiled weakly. " Is it alright if I rest first before going? I’m very weak and I can’t stand at all” The filly smiled nodding. " Of course hero. Rest some what those bug's aren't going anywhere at the moment at least." Giving a weak nod and my mind just blacked out as I slept. 000000 . A new memory. Did I really see this the last time? Why am I dreaming of this? Looking over to what seems odd to me then most. But what I saw in this is how they found the ground for the island itself. They took most of the parts of a mountain and then caused a volcano to go off to cover the holes they created. But my host seemed to be gathering prisoners. I don't understand but around were I was is the land of Alicorns. My host looked around but she felt that she was the only great. Most seemed to bow to her. But also many feared her. But interesting thing is a dark evil creature walked to her and stared at her. The creature pulled out a large sword and seemed ready to attack her but she started saying something that scared me to my core. She spoke so soothingly with a soft voice. " Dance like a tree creature of evil. Dance dance and sing like a tree. The wind shall blow through your leaves. You shall be home to the birds and then learn to sing with them as the cock crows Oh creature of evil you shall never see again." The creature just stares at her but the words seem to give him great fear. He starts to scream in pain I could hear him speak. " How?!" The creature’s legs slowly spread out and its legs split into roots. Wood starting to fill out in the body of the creature. The sword fusing into his body. As the arms of the creature turned to pure wood. The sword itself become a normally everyday branch of the tree starting to grow apples. He just kept screaming wood shooting out of his eyes the eyes themselves turning into branches and every part of the creature is now a tree. Then when the screaming end and blood drained from the bark and the skin melted away into dust. The screaming stopped but the wind started to blow and birds and other creatures started to come to the tree to make a home out of the former being of life. The wind slowly blew. The scream carrying on the wind. But she turns to more trees and they seem to be the same. She had a dark smile on her face. Walking through the newly made woods. Along every part of the tree's blood origins being absorbed by the trees causing them to grow big and strong. Leaves slowly grow and she stood in the middle of them and smiled and softly hums as she pulls flowers out of the ground as they seem to scream in pain. Calmly eating them and chuckling with a smile as some of her species stare at her. Then she turns to them. " Now take these trees to the island. Not all of them of course." She placed her hoof on what she has done and whispered to one of them. " Now you will learn how to respect your Majesty." She chuckled softly and walked away from the trees and all they could do is scream. But the memory wasn't over. A little dragon walked up to her I couldn't see the colour of the dragon. Seems to be blotted out couldn't even understand what they said when they spoke. " Gardens.. Hanging...Super...Story...Within...History..Of ends.." All I could make from the dragon and Majesty laughed softly and before she walked away from the dragon. Behind her an elder of her species spoke to her. " Majesty.. Please stop trying to harm every creature you see. There is no need to feel you're better than them." My host Majesty just gives a sweet gentle smile. " Oh elder we must show the creature's of the world. That we are the shepherds of them. If they wish to harm the shepherd. So we must do a little harm to them to get them to understand who is in charge." She just said this like nothing is wrong. With a gentle evil giggle. The elder frowned sighing as what is interesting about him his mane flowed and seemed to flow along with the magic. From how feel in my host the magic of Equestria is power even before the princess took over. The elder stares at my host his eyes so full of disappointment. " You will never learn what you namesake is Majesty. Yes you may be Majestic. You may be even more powerful than most. But sometimes power takes over the mind. As I can see power has taken over your mind." He shook his head. Majesty just smiles softly and chuckles and laughs loudly and deeply. After she stops. my host speaks like a royal snobby ass hole. " Oh elder." She snickers softly. " I am Majestic. I am what so many of our kind wish to be. Beautiful the first one to breed with. Oh elder it's just how I see ourselves." She smiled sweetly at the elder who just sighed closing his eyes and calmly walking away and before he fully walked out of sight he turned his head staring at her. "Majesty sooner or later you will learn that this mindset you have is well.. Going to end you." My host just had a large smile on her face. Her voice soft and tender. " Oh elder. You don't seem to understand anything. You may be older than the rest of us. But you know I shall lead us. I shall have my power that I deserve. I shall be Queen!!!" She stood into a pose and If I was there myself I would just face hoof so hard that it would leave an imprint in my face. The elder stare at her with much sadness in his eyes. He closes them and slowly walks away from the trees. My host just kept that smile and walked to her hovel. Her hovel made like it was a small castle. She walked looking into her mirror staring at it and she had a dark smile. " Oh they will know. They will know who is their Queen. I shall never let anyone. Anyone take over my role as Queen. NO one NO ONE!! Can stop me. NO ONE!!" She yelled in the mirror and smashed it with her hoof and she started to shake and stare at her bloody hoof and she laughed loudly and deeply in happiness. She lifted up a piece of glass of the mirror. She just stares at it and her eyes seem to focus on the glass and a dark smile forming. But then looked up to the mirror and her features softens. Then frowns and then calmly sets the glass down. " No one..." She said softly. 0000 Opening my eyes I felt my heart beating so quickly and shivers. I felt that I just saw something that bothered me to the core. But was I dreaming? I don't remember the dream at all. I don't think I was dreaming. It felt so real but of course most dream's do feel real. Calmly getting on my four hooves feeling all the pain gone. Just not in my brain. Slowly walking out of the room. But I heard a voice. " Oh Majesty such a fool you are." I turned looking for the voices. But I didn't see anything. Closing eyes and said to myself. 'i'm Not crazy I'm not crazy I'm' Opening my eyes seeing the gentle eyes of Doc but I jumped quickly back and screamed being scared to death at the moment but he blinks and I started breathing deeply and shivering. " Star Shooter?" He said softly and walked over to me and wrapped around me. I started trembling. What did I see why is it bothering me so. Why do I feel like I should cry and feel sorry for some pony. It's making no sense to me. I softly sobbed in his shoulder. I could tell he was just here for me at the moment. I heard hoof steps and Jonon walked in and just stared and I felt him shaking his head. As I sobbed so hard. " Tell me... what is bothering you Star shooter." I sobbed harder the pain felt so harsh to me. It felt like I was going to die at times. But I softly spoke. " I..." Sniff sob." I feel... weak.. I feel that I am going to fail...I feel I will end up...Like Tiria." Sobbing harder. " I was there... I watched her give birth and die.. I was there when she... Almost murdered an enclave soldier. Just because they touched me. She called.... All ponies and Zebras worthless.. For the war they started.. For destroying the world. That ponies deserve the pain... They have gotten. I don't.. Want to feel or be that way either.." Sobbing harder shaking now and I felt more hooves wrap around me and it was Jonon who spoke softly. "Hero...I mean Star shooter." She gently stroked along my head. " If you believe in yourself you won't become like that. If you allow Blaze to help you and give her all your love. Then you will never be alone and die alone. But little Star shooter breaking down now is not the best thing to do. You need to remain strong. I know this is not easy for you little one. Please allow me and Blaze help you." I shivered deeply and sobbed harder. Doc removed himself from the hug and so did Jonon but when I opened my tear filled eyes I saw Blaze who calmly wrapped her front legs around me and her tail. Sobbing harder I just held her tightly and she stroked along my back. Doc went back to work and jonon left as well to leave the two of us alone. "..I'm...Sorry...that you see me...this weak Blaze.." She put a webbed claw to my hoof to hush me. " Star Shooter I didn't fall in love with you with how strong you. I fell in love with you because I can take care of you. You aren't just a hero. You are an everyday pony that has feeling's and doesn't get a stone heart. When I saw you wounded in my cave. A pony that is not strong. A hero that is not strong. But a hero with a large heart. That is all I care about with you Shooter. I don't need an amazing mare to love. I just need you.. That all I need." Tears keep dripping from my eyes and calmly looking up to her and giving her a deep deep kiss. The kiss went on for a few moments. Then we broke it and then she removed herself from me. Wrapping her tail around me more lifting me up. I wasn't that large of a mare. She could do a lot. " I think my little hero could use some pleasure. Then we will get to working in the morning." My face turned bright red and I nodded. She carried me off to the house that we now started to both live and sleep in and make love in. I thought of my dream's. Why don't I remember but I am starting to wonder should I care.. I don't know. Footnote: Level up New perk added Salamander love: You have gained a deeper connection with Blaze. When you fight together you feel like one unite and you’re happier when she is near. Quest perk: The potion you have taken has helped you learn how to read the carvings on the wall. Chapter Twentythree: Prison of the mind.Author's Note Warning parts of this chapter will be disturbing. Chapter Twentythree: Prison of the mind. A day or so has passed. I woke up hearing that the Queen's army is on its way to attack all the towns. But Blaze kept me in the bedroom. She locked the door to make sure I fully rested. I can't believe that I am the hero of legend and they need me to be there for them. So they have hope. If I am not there they don't have any hope. I paced around the room. I had to leave. But of course, If I tried Jonon would carry me back upstairs. My hooves smack a candlestick near the bed and it bent and a door in the wall opens up. I blink a moment and I feel something calling me. Walking through the hall, the wall closing up behind me. I sighed softly feeling like something was leading me here. I come into a single room. A glass case is a case that looks very well kept. Looking to see a broken memory orb inside the case. But what else is inside the case. What was inside the case was a pistol. Not another one of those Zebra pistols that Tiria had. I looked at the Plaque that was placed there. The weapon's name is hole puncher Looking at the weapon itself lifting the glass case off from it. But when I did the memory orb reformed. I blinked, placing the glass back over it the orb looked broken again. Also, the gun looked to be just a normal everyday gun. When I moved it. The gun was from what I read since.. I didn't know a lot about guns. A 357 magnum. It wasn't given the name the Hole punch. It has the name Little lady. It was bright silver. The lettering was gold. The ammo itself was in a large box that when I open it had ten little boxes of it. The ammo from what I read on the box is used to take down heavy armor targets. When I opened it some had strange green stripes on the edge of the bullet. Some red, some even blue. Looking at them elemental magic made bullets. I look to the memory orb. I think it was time to see why this is here. I want to check the orb. I felt the fact this was here was something I need to scratch. Using my magic to life the orb to my horn. I was in another mare. A unicorn mare. She looked very roughed up. Looking into the mirror she had been through hell and back. But when she looked outside Cliffside was just everyday normal. But the guards just walk along the roads. She looked in the mirror. " Whoever finally sees this. I want to say I am sorry for what I have caused. To those that wish to learn. I am the hero of the legend. But I can no longer go on. My friends have died. If you think I am making this up. If I am really part of the legend. Not the fake ones. So whoever sees this. I am sorry for not taking care of the Queen. But I took her up with her deal. I gave her to my friends. Then when I got back here. The owner of the town took over again. I beat him and I didn't kill him. I wish to tell every pony who sees this I am so sorry." She sighs looking towards the tunnel I walk down. She walkes along it speaking still. "When I left Equestria the war just hit its peak. Luna just became the leader of Equestria then the Miniseries was created. I had to leave. I had to get out of there with my friends. But I didn't come alone. A group of ponies came with me. Then we learned of the legend. I was the real hero of legend so were my friends. But we didn't trust the Zebras and went into the castles slums to learn about it. But all we started is a small rebellion. Then the Queen learns about me. She demands that I give up or she will use me as an example. I'm...." my host sighs. " I'm known to many as Mimic. I was asked to join the army because of my abilities to mimic others' deeds with magic. But I ran the second chance I got taking the weapon I stole from the armory. Along with as much ammo I could carry. During this time there was a Zebra attack not far off from the base. But yes I gave my friends up to die. I stole from ponies that needed to win a war. I'm no hero. To the next one that finds this please know that I have gone back to Equestria to face my fate." I could feel tears falling down her face. I could feel the pain. "The room of this house whoever is given it. It can only be given to the hero of legend. The doorknob is enchanted to keep the owner from this room. I.." She sobs hard. But in the room, a stand was already made for the gun. It had the same plaque. She places the weapon on the stand. Along with a box of ammo, none of them even used. " I didn't deserve this weapon. To the one who is watching this memory. Please tell them the truth." She lifted up the orb to her horn was filled with the memory. The memory slowly fades my world going back to normal. I open my eyes. I was laying on the ground feeling very groggy and in pain. Why did memory orbs have to hurt so much? Slowly getting back on my hooves groaning. Lifting the gun while I did it glowed. Looking right at the golden name. Little lady. When I went to place it in my bags. A magic holster formed wrapping around me setting the gun right into it. I sighed again, placing the ammo into my bags. Looking at the orb. I did tell the truth. Lifting it up in my mouth placing it in my bags. I calmly knock a few times on the door. Blaze walks to the door. " Blaze, gather our friends, please. We’ve got a lot to talk about.” The tone of my voice sounds close to crying and anger. An hour past. We all sat down at the dining room table. I sat at the end of the table in the big chair and I looked at them all. " I am not the hero of legend. The hero of legend was a unicorn mare named Mimic. Who came here from Equestria at the height of the war itself. She is the one along with her friends who started the rebellion. Then the Queen learns about her. She gave up her friend for the ability to get back to Equestria. She left these two things behind." I brought out little Lady and the memory of others just stared at me. I blinked. They all smiled. " We knew already Child." Jonon spoke in a sad tone. Blaze nods just seeing the nod made my heart in other words jump. "I knew this as well. But we didn't tell you because... One Star Shooter I deeply love you. Second, we need you to stay strong." They knew I wasn't the hero of legend? A frown formed on my face. Looking down, closing my eyes, letting all the pain take me again. I could have gone home. I could have gone home. I felt my anger growing. The magic formed around the table. I scream loudly while the others back away from the table As I started smashing the table into the wall. The table started to splinter and shatter. I have never released my anger like this before. I scream in deep anger. I could have gone home. I just kept smashing everything in the room and into the wall. But I fell to my haunches, tears falling from my face. I could have gone home...m jus.e mimic of a hero. I'm just the means to an end. But as I sobbed softly I felt Blaze tail on my shoulder. " Star Shooter, we didn’t tell you because we need you. You're a hero, screw the legend. You made my life so happy." I stared in Blaze’s eyes so much pain filling them. " We need you to keep this up. The rest think you are the hero. So you need to fight for us. Till the end..." Closing my eyes, I didn't know what to think anymore. I felt the pain fill my beating heart. Looking back at the prison from the past of my mind. I'm still locked in that Prison. I have never left that prison. I still dream of them doing so much to me.” I stood looking at my friends. Picking up the gun in my magic placing it down. Then looking at the memory orb. The only thing left to do is remove the past. Lifting it up I smash it down hard. The memory vanishing. Now I need to remove myself from that prison of the mind. " I need all your help...I need to remove myself from the Prison." The others looked at me. Blaze knew what I meant she wrapped her tail around me tightly. " Tell me how...Star Shooter please." I smiled softly thinking of a way I could do it. I feel the only way is to talk about my pain with my friends. " Sit with me then." Skull crusher looked at where the table used to be, then the chairs I left just where the table was. " I feel this is a bad idea...idea.the chairs away just in case you wish to smash us with them." I chuckled nodding. The large Minotaur slowly moved along lifting up the chairs, setting it down and nodded he stayed silent for the moment. Dr. Slice floats beside me, placing a robotic hand on my shoulder. "I may be one of the only few that didn’t know the legend is fake. But I will be staying by your side till this battle is over or till death my friend.” I smile looking up to Dr. Slice feeling my heart slowly mend from the kindness. " Thank you, Dr. I just need a little help to remove my mind from that prison. I think the best way is to speak to Zrannth. But this would mean locking me in that spirit world for a little while all be able to handle keeping up the date without me there?" They nod. Slowly standing on my hooves looking at all the wood. Finally seeing what I did. The table all smashed up and splinters all over the wall and the floor. " Don't worry little hero we will take care of it." I gave a weak nod not sure what to do right now. Blaze stood in front of me. " I am coming with you this time Star Shooter, no ifs, and, or buts. I am not going to stay behind this time and allow you to face this alone." I blink, staring calmly at Blaze. I wanted to argue with her. But I doubt it would be wise to do so. Since she gets like this it's best to give in to her demands. But before I left I wanted to say something to them all. " Look I know I haven't done wise things for you all on this Island. I think I made things worse because the Queen is out to get all of you because of me. She even wants Cliffside. She wants the entire island. To just in her own mind cleanse it. To free this way of thinking from it. To remove all that would oppose her. I think she is like the Enclave. They wished to help but they also caused problems." I look at the others and they all simply nodded. Jonon just sat there though I didn't know what was going through that mind of hers. She had that mind that always made me wonder if she even cared. The others start to walk out of the door. Well one of them did float but Jonon turns to look at me and Blaze. " I shall join you with this. I am sure the oath will be found until I get back. I know it's not a wise idea. But I feel it might be best. But I doubt it would. But sometimes we must work together to take care of the issue of friends." I thought for a moment and then nods. with my hoof, I said, in a way she could follow. ‘Let’s remove ourselves for a time and just relax.’ Walking into the caverns. Looking at my two friends ease her worries. She wrapped her tail around me like always. Jonon just rolled her eyes chuckling. When we got into the caverns we saw the Zebras working double time. Since the army started moving. It sounds like they are now attacking the magic eater caves. caves out one of the queens that never joined her in her battle. But the Queen is not with them from what I was told. It seems most of the army is attacking the first place. But I ignored how it felt it felt the moment. Slowly walking into the building that held the new elder. There were ten times more guards guarding her. Since she is their last hope to get them home. "hero'' How can I help you?" I sigh sure how to ask this. I wanted to back away since..I felt scared. I wanted to back away at all the eyes staring at me. My eyes filled with panic. Feeling that I was going to be put in prison again and broke and skinned alive again. Slowly backing away trying to run. They could see the fear in my eyes as I turn away trying to run. I could hear Blaze yell. But then the guards stopped me. I stood there shaking urine drains from between my legs. I start shaking violently. The guards just stare at me. I could hear laughing holding my head so I sob hard. Why did this have to happen now? Blaze rushed to me. Jonon stood over me. I could tell she had fear in her eyes. All I could do was sob and shake. Blaze wraps around me hold me close, gently whispering. " Shhh, I am here little Shooter I am here. Relax." Eventually I calm down. Closing my eyes, breathing deeply, my heart slowly beating now. Feeling the blood in my body slowing. I didn't even know I was in a panic. I slowly came back to my senses looking around calmly. I felt awful about what did happen to me since it came back to me. I sigh slowly looking to Blaze and place my forehooves around her, closing my eyes to rest my head on her back to relax. " I am sorry about that Zrannth. I think my mind never left the Prison. I think it's still there with me getting broken. So I have come to ask for that brew. So I can go to the spirit realm to fight this." Zrannth nods calmly looking at Jonon. " The brew will take an hour or so to make. So I want you to stay here and relax. While my guards go get what we need for it. Lucky for us most of it grows down here. So please sit." I nod to Jonon. Blaze and I sat in front of her. Her guards left to gather what is needed for the brew. She set down a tea kettle. She poured some freshly made tea into each cup. Blaze leans down to sniff it. Her features gave a strange look. She coughed gently but lifted it up with her tail. It was still piping hot, drinking it down with no issue and steam came out of her mouth. "Hmmm not bad really. Still not what I enjoy drinking. I enjoy drinking Star Shooter." She grins at me but I didn't blush a frown formed on her face. "My love not blushing...I am worried.." Jonon nods. "You're always so bright red in the face, little hero. It seems this thing going on in your mind has ruined your way of blushing. At least that or you have gotten used to it." I nod thinking maybe that is the reason then, of course, see, Blaze whispers in my ear. " The taste is so wonderful. I just love when you orgasm so many times in a row, my love." She smirks. This time my face turned bright red. I tried to hide my face. But I didn't have my cloak or my bags this time. Then smiles softly. "Thank you, Blaze...I needed that." Blaze laughs softly, wrapping her tail around me gently. Jonon smiled, seeming happier that I am bright red in the face now. " Ah, I like it when she gets you red in the face, little hero. I feel that means your mind is back to normal for the time being of course. Maybe it's something you needed. Because she is your lover and she loves you with all her heart." I smile giving a nod. Gently leaning in to kiss Blaze's face. Lifting up my tea drinking from it. " Now I am going to say this. Sometimes going into the spirit world. It's like trying to talk to the stars The spirits and the stars can be just as evil. Sometimes the spirits of the mind. It can cause more issues then the Stars itself. But when you're in the Spirit realm you can hear the stars speak to you. It's not a lovely sound." I blink a moment wondering why it's different. " But the last elder had me into the spirit realm many times. Is there something different for going into the spirit realm with the thought of fixing the issues of the mind?" Zrannth sighed softly nodding. " Going into the spirit realm to fix the mind can be deadly. As deadly as talking to the stars themselves. But sometimes talking to the stars is needed to learn what might happen. In fact, some of the ruins here talk about the stars helping whoever created this island." I nodded while lifting my tea to drink the rest of it. Setting the cup down. After a while, she poured more into the teacup. I didn't know what to think. " Well, I do hope I can fix whatever happens to my mind. Because I tend to dream of what happened to me. Then Blaze has to wake me up. Because she doesn't let me sleep alone anymore." Blaze nuzzles into me smiling., " I told you Star Shooter. I love babying you. I don't care if you are a strong hero. I want to make sure my love is not being stupid and gets hurt more and more." I blushed gently turning to her with a gentle smile. All I could do was stare in her eyes. Soon In the legend, I would be marrying her. But the thing is. The marriage when we haven't known each other that long. But like back home. You have to do what the moment gives you. " Now is there a way we can heal my dear Star Shooter?" The elder sighed nodding. " It's not going to be easy. She is going to have to go through each memory of it. It's not going to be easy like I said. Each moment is going to hurt her. So I need you both to be prepared for what is to come." Blaze and Jonon nod. " I am sure we will do what we can to help the little hero. Even if I know it's not going to be very simple. Even if I wasn't there but at times we need to be there for our friends. She is our friend. So we shall always be there for her." Blaze gave a nod pulling me closer to her and our bodies touched. I just blushed gently because I loved feeling her scales on my body. It felt so smooth. " I am going to help her no matter what. She is my wife to be. Soon I am going to make sure she understands who she belongs to." Blaze said with a smirk. I just faced hoof. I know very well that I belonged to her. But I doubt she cared how it made me feel. Since I am learning more and more that these salamanders are very possessive. Also, it's a way to keep their pain from taking over. So some joke around and then make their lover blush or scream in pleasure. I just thought about our sexual intercourse. I just felt like it was amazing. My withers started to burn. A smell started to come from me. I just noticed what was happening. My face turns bright red. " Um....oops," I said softly Blaze chuckled. Leaning into a whisper. " Maybe we can take care of that later my love. " I blink my eyes wide. As I notice Jonon and Zrannth looking at the two of us. " Well well does the hero need to go into the back room with the Salamander." Jonon said jokingly. Blaze chuckled, her chest expanding as she was about to start boasting. "Yes, maybe she needs to scream a few times. Maybe we can get over the count of how many times she has an orgasm." All I could do was stare at her. My face is so bright burning red. I wanted to hide again. But she didn't let me. I could tell for the moment she was just kidding. Then I shift seeing the guards walk in with the plants that are used to make the brew. I sat there giving the plants to the elder Zrannth. She gathered many different pots making a fire for each of them. Placing each pot over them. Pouring strange fluids in them. Smashing the plants placing them into each pot after she was done. Then she looks at me with a gentle smile. " It will take awhile before it's ready, little hero. But It's time to get you ready. Since they will be connecting to your dreams. All you need to do..is this. "She brings out a substance from a bag. " Rub this all over her," Blaze smirked, taking it. My face turned bright red not sure if this was wise. But when Blaze opened it up. The smell made me feel odd. I felt dizzy but also happy and drunk. " Ah, it seems you found a way to calm her down with the salve of sleep." Zrannth nodded. Blaze smirked, still placing it on her claws rubbing it into my fur. I just lay there not sure what to do. Since my brain was drunk. Blaze didn't miss a spot. She felt since I was her wife to be. She was allowed to touch spots that are private. Even between my legs. I gasped when she rubbed the slave with her claws along the folds of my mare hood. I never thought I would feel drunk and horny at the same time. Jonon rolls her eyes at the display. " Blaze I think she is drunk enough." The Salamander smirks at Jonon. " Not at all my dear Jonon. I think she needs to be drunk more. Besides, I adore when she gets like this. She gets like this even after sex. I love it. Shows that I have done so well to her." Zrannth coughs, hiding her blush. Since now it was starting to get to her on how..Blaze got around me. All I could think of is what did I drink to make me so drunk? The drunkenness subsides a bit. Watching Zrannth pour the fluid from each brew into three bowls " Now I warn you three. The stars may try to play tricks on you while you are under this effect. It's not going to be a full fix child. You will have to confront your fears alone. But that will be the time before you fight the threat that you shall have for many years in the future." I blink hearing that but looking to the others they didn't hear it. I will face something in the future. But what will I face? I am starting to wonder. " Here drink this." Lifting the bowl with my magic. Slowly drinking from it. I felt the world around me grow fuzzy then I fell to the floor passing out. Opening my eyes I was right outside the Prison. Fear fills my heart. The one I was held in for six months. I wanted to run. I start backing up. But Jonon and Blaze put a stop to that getting behind me. I stare at them shaking tears streaming down my face. " I can...'t...I can't do this...I can't It's just so painful.." Blaze looked to Jonon. She nods Blaze wrapping her tail around me, lifting me up. " I don't want to force you, my love. But I am going to. Remember I am stronger than you. I will do whatever it takes to baby you. To the point that you face all these fears you have." I couldn't fight her. I wanted to try to break through her tail. But when Blaze wanted me to do something. I should do it. We walked into the Prison. But it was empty but it felt so real. They set back down. When I hit the floor. All the cells around us filled with me and what they did to me. Blaze’s eyes filled with so much hate. I could tell that when she stood in front of one of the cells. The cell had me hanging over a pit that had old blood filled inside it. The pony behind me was holding a whip with claw tips on the end. I felt the pain fill me. As I saw it frozen. But I had to face it. I didn't know-how. " Jonon...I don't know how to face this." She sighed softly looking towards me with a weak smile. " You need to take the whip and hurt yourself a little hero. It may not be something you want to do. But your mind is hurting your ability to move on. So you will have to face it through causing harm." I gulped not sure I wished to do this. I felt this was a bad idea to do this. I look to Blaze tears falling from my eyes. " Blaze… I can't… can't do this… Please wake me up… Get me out of here." Blaze looks at me with a soft smile. Pulling me close to her with her tail. Tears streamed down my face. I wanted to sob. But I couldn't any longer. The red salamander just stares at me. I could tell she wouldn't let me back away from this. " I can't let you back away from this Star Shooter. Jonon can't either. You need to face this. So please, my life allows your own self to do this. I know it's not going to be easy for you to do this to yourself. But if it helps you beat this for a time at least. Till this war is over. Then we can help you through it another way." Closing my eyes tightly, not sure what to do with this. But I stood in the image of the pony that held the whip. the memory starts to move. All I did for a time was stand there hearing myself scream. " Let me go!!!" I scream. I couldn't do what she asked. If I did my family would be killed because. The queen would learn that I couldn't hurt the hero of legend. The fake hero of legend. No...NO! I thought to myself. You can do this. You need to do this. I grunted to myself lifting the whip. But for a time I just left it there. I wanted to do what she asked. I wanted to let her go. I wanted to let her go. The magic formed around the whip and it glows brightly. I shook because I couldn't do this to myself. I felt the pain growing just by staring at my back. I look at the barbs at the end of the whip. The venom that was used on it dripped from them. It hit the floor hissing softly. It burned through the metal floor. Then I felt I could do it. I took a deep breath and with the whip smashed into my own back. I watched the venom burn and eat through the tissue in my back. I felt the pain again. Then I found myself hanging there screaming in pain. I cried loudly. " Let me go. I did nothing to you ponies.." I sob loudly. After a while, I fell to the ground and the memory vanished. I lay there sobbing feeling every part of my back burning. But the wounds vanished but the pain was still there. Blaze wanted to help me but Jonon kept her from coming to me. I scream so loudly that I felt the pain wishing to just linger. But I had to beat this. Slowly standing weakly on my hooves. Looking to Blaze and Jonon. I gave them both a strong smile. Even though I was in the full amount of pain. I move out of the cell. Turning around to see the image frozen. The whip deep into the skin of my back. Jonon kept Blaze away from me. Looking at her. " She needs to do this on her own. We need to be here to just watch and give her support." I could tell by Blaze's face. She didn't like to just sit back. But her spines on her back lower. What I knew about these spines on her back. It was to tell her mood if you couldn't see her face. If she was well-having sex with me. They were bright red and glowing. If she was sad and upset they turned dark and cracked from the former flames. "Let's get this over with then. So we can take care of the Queen and I can help kill her for what she did to my love." I smiled weakly. I knew she was very unhappy. Slowly walking to the rest of the cells. The next cell had me strapped to a table. I looked at the knife starting to skin me. Tears streamed down my face. Just staring at the knife that skinned me. It was just a normal skinning knife. But remembering the pain. Jonon looked away. Blaze just started her eyes full of anger. But she looked at me. Nudging me gently. Looking at her my tears fell to the ground. I knew I had to take care of this. But all I can feel is the knife cutting into my skin removing it. Fell to my haunches shaking again feeling the pain filling me up. All parts in my body burned from the thoughts of the knife digging into my skin to remove it. I had to fight this too. Slowly standing taking the knife in my magic. But I didn't wish to, I could just let myself go. But that's not what happens. I can't just let myself go. I can't allow it to let me go. I will never learn how to face this. Lifting the knife slowly starting to cut into the fur. Down to the skin blood spurt out along the knife. As I scream in pain. Tears just streamed down my face while this happened. Blood drains from the wounds. I could hear the knife slowly cut the skin. Squishing wet meat sounds. Sound through the prison. I could hear Blaze retching. Jonon kept looking away. Then I changed places with the one holding the knife. I started screaming loudly. I cried yelling. " Let me go. I did nothing to you!!" They left my face alone. Allowing the skin and fur to grow slowly. I just lie there like when I first did it. But for some reason, I was stuck in this one. Something must have happened that I don't remember. Cricket walked into the Prison. He grabbed one of his knives. " Hmm, let's see there being far too nice to you." The bug smashes his blade over the wall over and over. Causing sparks to fly everywhere the sword glows bright red. I could feel the heat from it. My skin fully regrows from the magic going into my system. First I felt him going for my eyes. I screamed feeling my eyes being taken out. I didn't even know this happened. Feeling my eye socket cooking. But I couldn't see anything now. But I could feel the pain from him skinning me. He turned the magic off for the time being. Then I could feel him removing my main leaving my scalp burn. Along with my tail. Then he stabbed into my heart. I could feel myself die slowly. He pulled the sword out then left. I could hear hooves rushing in. I heard his voice. " I got you a little hero!!" It was Burnout. He turned the magic on. I couldn't breathe because of my heart-stopping. But the magic slowly healed my heart first. The healing sealed the wound in my chest. It would take a while to get my eyes back if I got them back at all. My vision returns after the memory is over. I fell to the ground screaming loudly crying as well. Loud endless sobbing fills the prison. My tears streamed down my face. I never sobbed like this. I held my hooves over my head trying to cover my weakness. But I know this wasn't a weakness. My heartbeat slowly. I felt alive but the pain. The pain just made me want to cry. " I...I can't do this anymore...I can't!!" Blaze nods to jonon. " We need to wake up." " Sadly we can't...The stars are enjoying the show.." Jonon calmly said. Blaze stared at Jonon, her eyes full of anger looking up to the sky. There was no roof but there were stars. They just glowed of course. How could a star talk? But maybe these bodies are known as stars. have minds and enjoy the pain of others. But I didn't even look, I just lay there crying loudly. So much pain. Slowly standing on my hooves. My tears stopped feeling better. But I looked over to Blaze who had such a worried look into her eyes. I smiled weakly. " I feel we must get to the next one and let the stars enjoy their little fun. At my expense of course." I gave a smile hoping it would make my friends feel better. But I could tell it wasn't going to be that easy. Slowly walking along. I was placed in a cell that had spikes. That didn’t only go into my skin but burned me. With smoke coming out of the wounds. A frown formed on my face. It was one of the parts that pained me the most. But that was coming up soon, something that really hurt me to the point. That I don't want to see it happen to me ever again. I just sat there watching the next memory it wasn't moving but I could remember the burning inside. I had no idea that this raw magic healed me like this. It felt interesting after a while. It felt like many things had changed deep in my body. Like my body slowly gaining a new power inside itself. But I could still taste the magic that went through my body. I wanted more but I couldn't get more at the moment. The feel of the magic still flowing through me made me wish for it. The want of the magic fills me. But I feel maybe at this time I should wait to get my fix. Turning to look at Blaze. She had some tears falling from her eyes. I didn't think before asking her to come with me. I knew she would see all this then be upset that she didn't save me. " Blaze..." Walking over to her nuzzling along her neck. " I am sorry, love. I know this is not easy for you to see. I know.." She used her tail to silence me. Staring at me with sad eyes. I could tell she wasn't happy. But she wrapped around me with her forelegs. I didn't hear her speak looking to Jonon who just nodded to me. The silent Zebra slowly started speaking. I could tell this wasn't easy for her to see either. " Little hero...Star shooter...This is hard for the two of us. Harder for Blaze because she loves you. Hard for me...because I could have followed you and saved you. But I had to follow that stupid fake legend. In the legend, it said you break and then you need to be rebuilt through the love of your friends. I should have just said damn to the legend. Then just got off my striped ass to save you." A smile formed on my face. Blaze looked into my eyes with her gentle glowing red eyes. I keep forgetting that she has magic in her body that allows strange things to happen to her. We kissed deeply for a moment, my cheeks turned bright red from the kiss. I hope down the line this never changes. I enjoy the fact that she makes me so burning hot when we are close and when we touch. Jonon looks around coughing a bit. " Excuse me you two maybe you should wait before making out or wanting to sleep together hmm?" I blink, breaking the kiss looking at Jonon my cheeks burning bright red. Blaze laughs and shook her head. We moved away from each other. I stood up fully to look strong. Since I need this feeling to look strong. I need to make the stars fight for their want of pleasure. Wait? I am now believing that stars have minds of their own? Yeesh, Zebras sure have weird ways of expressing themselves. The stars are evil. Ponies are evil. This spoon is evil...At least that's how I see it. Looking back at the memory. I sighed closing my eyes tightly. I didn't want to do this memory. But I had to slowly walk to the button that would start the spikes to go inside my body. The memory slowly starts moving. Around this time I was already broken. I didn't scream or ask to be free but I did scream. The spikes went inside my body; they glow burning me inside. Smoke slowly drifted out of the wounds. They pulled out and then went into other areas of my body. Around this time the prison had many other creatures that just watched. Some could have even broken through the prison cells. But I gave them hope. Maybe that's what most of us needed was hope. I close my eyes, biting my lip trying to ignore the screaming. But It switched us. I was now inside the memory. The burning slowly burned through my body. I could feel that my body was on fire. Flesh slowly cooked and fell off my bones to the ground. They had me attached to the magic of this land again. Each time flesh dripped off. It slowly regrew I am starting to see why some of the tissue never repaired itself. The magic being poured into my system like it was a drug. It caused more harm to me than good. At least it wasn't pure radiation. I know this didn't happen in Equestria since.. when the Balefire bombs went off it never did this type of thing. This island again never got hit by the war or the bombs. Just one little area of the land. That caused the magic in that area to be corrupted. But the raw magic of this island. The magic on Equestria is not as raw for some reason. But of course, if it was. Unicorns would proudly lose themselves into thinking they have the right to be more powerful than the rest of the world. I hope I don't get this feeling myself. Since well the feeling of endless power at the tip of my horn. It feels wonderful, it feels amazing. The pain I don't feel anymore, the fire tips keep going into my body. But the magic flows through me like a drug. MY hunger for the magic-filled me I wanted to scream for the fire to burn me more. I wanted to scream for more of the magic. But the hunger of the magic clouded my mind. But I shook out of it for a moment. I needed to scream in pain or this pain would keep filling me. The magic would keep filling me. I would be here forever loving the feel of the raw magic filling me slowly. I opened my mouth screaming in pain. Then I fell to the ground painting in pain. Tears again streaming down my face. The want of the magic to fill me. It made me cry. But I couldn't allow it to control me. " Bla...aze.Help me up." Blaze gently wrapped her tail around me. Lifting me onto my hooves feeling a bit dizzy. " I want to taste that magic again..I need it." I felt my body shaking the want of the magic to fill me. My horn glowed trying to draw in the magic that is not there. Blaze frowns wanting to help. But Jonon pushed her gently out of the way, shaking her head. " She needs to beat this herself. I know it's hard to watch this. But sometimes you have to sit back." The magic didn't come like I thought it would feel the magic empty from my system. The burn they wanted made me want it more. But I had two more memories to look through. Slowly I walked through the memories then I saw one I didn't even remember a mare. Slowly went to do what the mare did. The memory starts filling me. The others who are with me saw it. The memory I was...mind raped. My mind was ripped apart and broken. But wait why didn't it work? Then I heard voices. " Hey, why is it taking so long to do this?" The mare spoke but didn't turn around. " Her mind is too strong. I have a feeling it has something to do with her being from Equestria." I was mind rapped the memory stopped like it wasn't even that important they tried to destroy my mind. But why didn't it work? I thought about why it didn't work. The vials I drank. I am thinking about whatever was into those vials they left something behind so I couldn't get my mind wrapped any longer. I rub the temples of my head with my hooves sighing softly. I have enough I need to move on. I had no idea what was next. Then it was the first day I was there. The hammer. My eyes went wide. I backed up into Blaze who gently pushed me to the memory. " No...NO!! I can't do this any longer..NO!!" I tried to move away but Blaze kept pushing me to the memory. " Listen to Star shooter I want to end this now. So please my love goes through the memories so we can get back." I sighed and I knew that sooner or later Blaze would get very angry to the point that she would want to get out of here quickly. Going into the cell. I wrapped my magic around the hammer. I started smashing the hammer down into my limps. I could hear myself screaming and crying. " Let me go...please!!! I need Blaze...Let me go see Blaze!!!" I scream out then I feel myself form into the memory. The hammer smashes my bones cracked breaking feeling shards dig deep into the skin. Felt the hammer smash into my chest. I coughed and felt removed from the memory. Why did it have to hurt so much? I didn't cry this time. " Blaze!!" I scream out. Blaze rushed to me. I lay on the ground looking up to her. "I missed you so much." I smile standing on my hooves but groaning deeply. I felt the pain growing now. I wasn't healing now? I couldn't walk that well. I felt myself being pulled to the last thing that happens to me. I was in the arms of cricket during the escape of the many that tried to get out. " This...I was trying to run. Skull Crusher and I start a riot. I could have made it outside. But I saw Burnout, the one who did all this to me. I wanted to kill him. But Cricket grabbed me. Blaze Jonon this is the part of it that broke me the most.." I closed my eyes forcing myself into the memory. I was trying to break into the cage that held Burnout. " I am going to kill you for what you did to me!!" Cricket came up behind me grabbing me. He smashes me into the wall as many times as he wanted. He then tossed me to the ground and my body bounced into the wall. He lifted me again grabbing my horn breaking part of it off. I was crying and sobbing and not sure what to do anymore. Only heard the voice of Cricket. " Going to do something to leave my mark on you stupid hero." He started twisting my bad leg. Twisting it to the point the bone started to crack then it broke. The bone poked out of the skin. He then tossed me to the ground. Stabbing the sword I got from the guard into me. It stabbed to the floor. Then he walked away. Blaze watches Cricket. Jonon looked like she wished he was already here. Burnout lifted me up and attached me to the machine. But when the memory ends I stood there watching this. " I think it's time to wake...I don't think I did any good doing this. But I feel for the moment I can face it." I felt like I was shaking Blaze and Jonon looking around. The world went black. Opening my eyes Zranth was shaking the three of us awake. Blaze and Jonon looked around but we heard an alarm. This soon? They're here this soon. We rushed outside and we saw that the battle had already started. But they didn't seem to be in the city yet. They still were at the gate. But I felt it was good they didn't have the technology as we did in Equestria they tried to break through the lines. But right now it was just the magic guards. That could be easily pushed back. But the siege has started. Now it was time to fight for our lives. I quickly tried to get to the Mansion While I lost track of my two other friends. But the battle was getting insane. I didn't know what I was going to do without weapons. I forgot the little lady that is strapped to my side. I heard a strange sound coming near me. Then I saw a large black device land right beside me. I look closely at the device. A strange powder covers the device. Gun powder? I thought I had to get away from it. But fire drops on it. I didn't even see it coming. I tried to get away from it. Then boom it went off making me fly into the hard road. My head smashes on the road with a loud thunk. Max level New weapon perk: Little Lady; you found the weapon of the real hero. The Little Lady is known to fire odd ammo that can cause great pain to yourself if you’re not careful. Your damage with this weapon is doubled when you use this on Magic eaters. The magic breaking bullets can destroy the insides of every magic eater. But it can also harm a unicorn.
Intro: The Lost island.The wasteland that used to be full of death and pain. Even if it's been ten years since Sunshine and Rainbows. The world is still full of danger. It's not as peaceful as many would like to have you think it is. I have heard the words before: war, war never changes. I feel that war does change. It’s a matter of how crazy those that wish to fight this war are. I didn’t know it at the time. I was bound to get into the middle of a war that was different from Equestria’s war. Tiria warned me so long ago war will change. It’s a matter of how I handle it. My past though is mostly death and watching friends die including Tiria. I did my best to be there for her when she was slowly dying. I saw her body slowly die over time. The pain in her eyes. The fact that she gave birth and then died. But I was trained to be a hero of the waste... but right now I am in the middle of a large battle between the NCR and some raiders. I am on the outskirts of Caledonia. I am trying my best to stay out of it. I had no friends helping me but I had a mission to find more traders for my home. The attack was near a dock that seemed to be gathering food but none of the NCR got on it. I rushed through the battle trying to get away since I didn't want to get into the middle of it. I rushed onto the ship but... I never saw this ship before. Once I was on, I was hit from behind and knocked out. A few hours later I woke back up in a brig. I looked out of a porthole so I could see where it was in the middle of the water... wait, I have never been out this far. Why would they bring me here? I looked to finally see the captain of this ship. A Rat Creeper? Wait when did Rat Creeper's start showing up so much. Wait, no... not a rat creeper... a strange Lizard creature. I tried to find if this lizard mutated from something else in this land. Most of the creature’s scales shined in the heavy sun. I heard gunshots and I quickly ducked. The lizard jumped at the sound of the gunshots looking down at me. His eyes glowing full of hatred and malice for a pony from the looks of it. "You dare?" He hissed softly and walked around softly staring at me. He looked very scared. I just kept staring. I have never seen a creature like this. "You dare bring… the NCR and the raider on our asses. The NCR was chasing you for something so we tried to move away. Tell me who are you Pony?" I stood on my hooves and stared at him through the bars. "I'm Star Shooter... I was on a mission for my home. to find more trading partners. I ran into that fight and rushed up to your ship to be safe. Then I got hit from behind... now I am stuck here far from home." The Salamander smirks while softly hissing a laugh. "Don't… worry miss Star Shooter we will get you back home... in about two to three years maybe," I blinked. Two to three years? Did I feel my heartbreak? I was going to be away from home for that long? I was about to ask a question but out of nowhere, a storm hit us. Just a freak storm from out of nowhere. I looked outside and saw the clouds became green. Red lightning struck the ground while the rain… it was raining acid. I could see skulls of ponies that had been here before melt. I started to speak, worriedness present in my voice. "Where are you taking me?!" The Salamander seemed to smile and was about to speak but there was a loud sound outside. Mist floated into the room. The mist turned into a nasty creature that took the form of nothing. The mist vanished after entering than leaving. The rain started coming in and the boat started to shake. Was this the end? Why did this happen so suddenly? I felt that I was being thrown around and I hit the bars with a thud but the door broke open and I landed on the Salamander as ponies rushed around. Something was attacking us. I could hear roars of anger. I rushed to see what was happening... a sea monster... an honest to Goddess sea monster. It was breathing out the clouds... it was causing the storm. "What is going on?" I looked at the Salamander with panic in my eyes. He stood up and sighed. Before he could say anything to me the storm got so much worse. The wind blew so hard outside the waves smashed into the boat causing us to rock back and forth. Thanks to all this, my stomach didn’t get along and a shade of green filled my face. He grabbed onto the wall with his claws. He turns his head forcing his claws deep into the hall to stop himself from moving. "We are trying to find the lost island of Equestria that escaped the war. This island… was meant to be housing them... but no pony can ever get into this island. Because of the storm and the monster, anyone who has tried has been killed. The island is called the ‘Lost Isle of Equestria.’ The best and brightest fled the mainlands… from both sides… to come here. Think of it… a land never hurt by the war or the balefire bombs. But we learned that something else resides here, it tries keeping the outside world from coming in." I was about to ask what madness he was talking about but then I saw it... an alicorn. An honest to Goddess alicorn. Her horn was enveloped by a black hue. The ship started to crack and break. I was flung from where I was standing and got hit in the head by a board then passed out. I woke up… on the beach with the water slowly licking my back hooves. I stood up. Seeing the ship crashed on the rocks: the entire hall was broken open. I trotted to the ship but stopped... Seeing a unicorn with guards of different species of pony and creatures... I hid behind a tree. She spoke in a soft voice. "I asked...you to bring no more… souls to us. We want to be left alone. No pony must know of the peace we have here... even if a rebellion has started." The Salamander bowed, nodding. "I am sorry Miss Majesty... I understand the death of my crew is payment for bringing the new soul. But of course, I think she is dead... For she is one that would contact the rebellion." I learned the unicorn's name Majesty. She had a cutie mark of flowers. Then I noticed something else. A dragon, a small baby dragon, in armor by her side but this one was light blue and she was also a female. The unicorn left with her guards and the Salamander looked towards me when they finally left and I came over. "Please miss, get to Cliff… run... contact the bartender. He will find a way to get you home." I nodded and he gave me a map. I had a Pip-Buck that I hid in a bag I wore. It was something that most ponies wanted. I downloaded the map and looked at him. It said on the Pip-buck that my main objective thingy… is to get home... I nodded at him. I started walking and he called out. "Stay on the road. The creatures here are just as bad as Majesty’s temper and stay away from the seer. She will try to get you pulled into her little wars." I look back to the lizard. A path he walked down that is heading down is engulfed by strange magic and vanished into it. The magic glows brightly and then vanished I no longer see the lizard walking down the road. I took a deep breath, closing my eyes tightly, not sure what to think. I remember back in the wasteland if you allow it. It will cause strange things to show up in your vision "Long way from home, pony?" I blinked turning to finally see what it was. It was another Lizard creature. This one hunched back like Tiira's species and wearing heavy armor. He had a bunch of wares and goods on his back. He seemed to be a merchant. "I see you don't know this land. This land is known as Dream Valley. There are two lands known as Dream valley. Now, this land is known as Devil’s Due. It’s a prison built so long ago by Alicorns to hold their enemies of a war long forgotten. I of course have been here for 500 years so allow me to lead you to Cliffside. A town that most new souls come to.” He stood on his claws and grabbed the straps on his bag heading down the road. I nodded as I started to follow him. I didn't know what to expect from him but I followed him anyway through the very mist that seems to be trapping me here. I had to get home. I had to get back. This land is not my land. I saw a sign that said Cliffside is 60 miles from here… damn that is a long walk. I read the others. “Scale Hide City” that way, the “Castle Jewel” was another way. Along the path is a very small washed out map. All I could see is Cliffside and the others were scratched off or washed out. "Better be careful if I were you… magic is banned on this island... only the guards and the Queen can use it. It's her way of keeping the peace. There has never been a war here but there have always been some that dislike her rules. Her biggest rule is that males can place their seed into who they wish. So stallions can force a boost in the surplus population so rape is legal here. So watch your flank." I blinked my eyes going wide… rape... I could get raped here and nopony would care! What kind of island is this? I wanted to leave now but all I had was my supplies and my bottle caps. I noticed something... They were using real bits... They must have some money mint here. That works. How can one like me, raised in the wastes, last here? It's only been ten years since Equestria was healed. But that is not long enough for one like me to be free of the issues of waste. I was losing it in my mind. What will I do? How will I live here? I felt so many questions at once going in my head. I had no idea how to live like this. So peaceful. I felt the issues going around in my head over and over. The ponies didn't need the outside world causing issues. I needed to get home. Oh, please, Goddess let me get home. I was praying as we walked the very road. I wasn't sure of what this Island was going to bring to me. I am hoping if I am forced to stay here longer than I wish to. Then I best move on. I know one thing for sure. I needed to be careful. For one wrong step. I could end up in jail or worse.
Chapter One: CliffSideAuthor's Note I would like to thank Dragonoidsix seekers For editing this for me. Chapter One: CliffSide " A world of many different lands tend to be evil." I walked along calmly. Behind the lizard creature that had the wares on his back. He looked at me and had a sad look on his face. But then smiled. “Is the war between ponies and Zebras still going?” I blinked looking up to him. “ The war. .ended in the entire world burning in balefire and the mainland destroyed along with the Zebra lands.” Then I blinked looking around seeing that no bombs hit here. But seeing old pre-war boats of Zebras and ponies and other races." “ What is this place?” The lizard sighed closing his eyes. “ Many years ago this island was created as a penal colony. It was created by a powerful Alicorn race. The race that Celestia and Luna were part of. They placed all their greatest enemies here. Dragons, Zebras, ponies, and creatures from the war. All races are nowhere. This is not Equestria like I said. It’s not even a dream valley. The island is named, Devil’s due. All that is here are damned. But still sad about the war.” I nodded sighing softly “ A young mare took it upon herself to give us back the sky and then magic was used to fix the land. But. .I do have a feeling that I am never going to see it again.” I sighed softly. As I looked up seeing a road “ A warning before we fully go in.” He stopped in front of me. I stopped as well looking up to him. “ Avoid the Seer. They work for a Zebra tribe that is made of many different tribes. They call themselves the outcast. This town we are going to is full of them. if you see their seer they will try to pull you into their war with the queen. Also, there are some stallions here. They try to force their wants for sexual intercourse. Meaning one of them might try to rape you and sadly they will not be stopped. Also, go to the blacksmith he will give you a weapon he no longer needs.” I nodded and he leads me in. When we get fully into the city. I see that the entire town is on a cliff most of it is built into the cliff. I looked down seeing them fishing for food. Looking to see many different races and ponies working together. But then I heard screaming and seeing a raping right in public. I stood there watching and then backed off hitting some fabric and looked up to see a seer. She removed her hood. I could see her old features and she looked at the mare getting raped. Then she leads me into her home. After closing the door, looked at me again. She spoke in an exotic voice. “ Hello, young one. Tell me what brings you to this town of sin?” I looked up blinking my eyes unsure what to say and she lifted a hoof to my mouth. “ Shhh, I know. I have seen you in the stories of those that come here before. So many years ago. The stars speak the voices sing the bones dance. A hero with magic on their leg. The magic that shall free us from this horror.” The wind starts to blow and she starts to float up. “ All shall be known..Look for the one known as Jonon she will lead you to our warriors then we can win this war and become free.” A bright light happens and I am thrown out of the building and almost roll off the cliff. But I am saved by a couple of stallions as I see the building calm and no more magic. The stallion smiled and chuckled. “ Hello miss. You must be new here. How about we help you hmm?” I didn’t even know I was being watched in the darkness “ I. I am searching for the blacksmith.” The stallion smiled and he and his friends lead me into an ally. All there was is a wall and suddenly they started to get all over me. I felt hooves smash me in the face as they held my hooves. I wasn’t much of a fighter. I started sobbing as the first stallion got behind me. I gasped in pain feeling a bunch of hooves smashing me. Around me, I heard hoof steps and a strange sound of cutting flesh. The stallion behind me screamed and I felt the tip of a slab of meat leave my body. He was at the wall holding his crotch with his hooves and then I saw a cloaked figure with a stave smashing into the stallions and kicking them with their hooves. Whoever it was had a strange knife at the edge of the staff and killed each stallion. It all happened so quickly and as I laid there shaking and crying. Then the cloaked figure looked up and tossed a knife deep into the head of the stallion. Then there were sounds of anger and guards rushing to the alley. “ Get up little one..” A mare’s voice called out. I stood up on my shaky hooves and she hit a hoof on a brick and a door leading to a basement opened up. “ Come!” I nodded and with blood leaking from many parts of my body. I followed the cloaked one. Then the figure went into the room and the door closed behind us. I was lead through some old tunnels and sewers. There are strange glyphs carved into the wall and I stopped to read them. The creature under the cloak looked down at me. I was still young for a young mare. Just out of my teen years. I felt so much pain in my withers and blood kept dripping. He did something to me. But I felt so much pain but I ignored it because the creature started to speak. “ Many years ago the evil ones you know as Alicorns created this penal colony way before the reign of Celestia and Luna. This island was created to remove the fake creatures they thought of the lands. They said it was a better land. it was a land for the hope of the future. But they lied. Ponies from every timeline came here. They created a spell to keep us here. The war of Equestria caused the spell to become very unstable. It caused a backfire and creatures of evil rose. They wander the many areas of pre-war ponies that brought their weapons here.” I was lead to the next one. “ War. A unicorn took over 500 years ago. A unicorn that was said to be forced here by Celestia but. I highly doubt that. Some think she has been here for years. She forces rules on us. Telling us we aren't allowed to use magic and all the rules she did are what you see now. She knows that a pony or whoever is going to come. That will take her down. She must never see you or hear from you. But to make the ponies of this land trust you. You must do things for them.” The creature then leads me to the final one. The final one is with a pony in the middle and the other creatures hidden from the darkness as their gems. “ The friends of the savior. They will follow her through thick and thin. They will fight with her and be there for her when she breaks and shatters. This ain’t your wasteland little one. This land never got into the middle of the war. But Zebras and ponies that did land here during it, used their weapons and caused a part of the island to be like it. It’s kept at bay by powerful magic. Now come with me.” I followed the creature into an underground city of Zebras. They all turned to look at me. I was lead by the large creature to the elder. “ Go on little one.” She used her hoof to slowly push me inside. I walked in and looked around seeing glyphs everywhere. Seeing a very old elder sitting in the middle of the room. A pot was boiling with screen fluid and She lifted her head to look at me. Her eyes glow softly and looked to the pot and pulled out the green fluid in a wooden spoon “ Drink child..” With my magic, I lifted the spoon and drank. As the entire world went white. 00000 Opened my eyes in a strange room. Fog everywhere and I looked around calmly. I didn’t know where I was then. Calmly a zebra walked to me and stood in front of me. The mask of the Zebra from what I learned was wisdom. The zebra stared at me calmly and then walked around me. The voice from the zebra spoke feminine. “There will be many trials little one so full of pain and anguish.” I stared at the zebra walking around me as they speak. “ Follow these trials and you will be able to do what we need you to do. But you need to do what most would call quest. You would have to go around the cliffside to find everything you need to do. Once you do this come back to me. Once you become well known in Cliffside I will give you your test. Follow the creation on your leg. It will be used to show you where you need to go. Stay around the cliffside don’t allow the guards to see you use magic. Be prepared if you become strong you may get offers from males to bring forth the next hero. But It’s proudly best to keep near your protector. Now speak your mind.” I blinked looking down at my hooves thinking a moment. I felt my brain think hard over and over not sure what to think. I started pacing a moment. Moving around and I turned to the Zebra and looking at them. I calmly spoke. “ Not more of a question more, than a wonder. It’s something I don’t understand. Why me? I got here at the wrong time. I was captured on a ship that came this way. Then I was forced here by the spell that is keeping you all here. It’s bothering me why me? Why did this fate choose me? Do you know this reason?” The zebra removed their mask and my eyes went wide. All that was there were bones in flesh. The Zebra spoke softly with their bones clacking. “ Most are found at the right place at the wrong time. Like the Lightbringer. The ghost of this 52 the other heroes of your wasteland. Ponies zebras and other races that will understand. Most never wish to know or wish to be in a battle to protect what is a former land that was full of magic and hope. I can’t help you with most of this little one. You have to understand they see your machine on your leg. Most don’t even know what a pip-buck is. Only that is seen in the forbidden lands of war. The creatures in that area can’t leave to cause issues. But folks who wish to explore can go in there and risk their lives for treasures. But you will only go there when your mission calls for it. Your mission like I told you before. Is to get known in Cliffside. My request to you. There are sales of meat ponies and other creatures being sold to be raped and forced to breed. So please take care of that.” I sighed and paced around. I felt odd I felt pain. I felt hateful of this. Something that I don’t even understand what is going on anymore. Sitting down on my haunches closing my eyes and stroked my hoof along my face. Nothing makes sense to me anymore. Looking up the boned Zebra I softly spoke. “ I will do this for you. Then I will do whatever I am needed to do. I was told I will have a protector.” The boned zebra stared at me. “Jonon you will meet her when you are removed from this vision. Wake up little one.” She claps her hooves in front of my face and my vision went white. 00000 Opening my eyes I looked up being eighteen years old. I wasn’t fully grown as of yet still a teen. But I could see that this creature had a mask. She took it off with the flip of her head and stared at me. I saw that she had pure black stripes and kind eyes. But she looks to the elder bowing her head. Then lead me out and calmly spoke. “ I am sorry to tell you this hero...But what happens to you. You can’t be a victim you need to kill the leaders of these fools. You must rise and do what is best for the many.” Staring at her my eyes looked down frowning. I felt pain in my heart. I wanted to save myself for one I wanted to marry. Looking back up to her. “ I’m Star Shooter.” I gave a weak smile the zebra mare stared at me. Looking back to the elder and I sighed. “ I am searching for Jonon.” She nods. “ Come with me.” Blinking following her looking at the home it was a cavern. They grew mushrooms and they seemed to be eating giant creatures in the water. It looks like an entire city under Cliffside. She leads me through a group of guards. I stood here as she walked and they stood on their back hooves. From what I learned it’s a way to show honor. To find a way I had to remove myself from being a victim here.. which is weakness. Breathing softly closing my eyes. I was stopped in front of an arena and then lead down. The Zebra mare stood there calmly staring at me. “ I am Jonon. I am going to test you the hero of the stars.” Blinking and before I could pull out my gun she grabbed it with her mouth and stared at me. “ Only The Griffins and Minotaurs use those weapons. You must learn to fight hoof to hoof first. Then you will find a trainer for the weapons.” The zebra stood over me and dropped her stave and I stared at her not sure what to do. But I remember some of the training Tiria gave me. But it was a long time ago. Jonon did a howl of battle and many zebras rushed to watch and she started to move around me. She was like a hell hound ready to attack me. Feeling so unsure about this as I watched her every movement. Staring at the face then she started to attack me with her hooves jumping around doing many different attacks that the zebras tended to do. I blocked and with one of my hooves, I tried to smack back into her. But it didn’t work so well. But she kicked me hard enough to cause me to fly into the wall. I lay there coughing a bit and stood up. Charging at her and she did a high kick. I watched her like time was slowing down and I moved quickly and kicked a joint at least what I thought was a joint after she landed. She groaned a bit and stared at me she then attacked me again with her hooves. I tried blocking feeling nasty hits on my body and forelegs. The zebra kept kicking over and over bruises formed on my forelegs and then she lifted me with one of her hooves and did a hard kick in my stomach. I felt the air leave my lungs. Some blood draining from my mouth. She said no weapons but she didn’t say magic. She attacked again and my horn glowed. But the look on her face. She wasn’t ready for this. I used a magic push spell to push her off her footing and she tried to get back into attacking me. But I got between her legs and did apple buck hard enough to make her fly away. But she lay there like she was knocked out. Blinking walking over to her. Suddenly I was hit down and she put a hoof to my neck. But instead of hurting me she stood up and looked at me with a gentle smile. “ You don’t fight well warrior. But this will sadly have to do. Now your mission, Many of our kind are being sold as sexual slaves. I will be coming with you to study want to watch you. The legend..is that the warrior would fight off the evil of the island. Free us from the threat of the island.” Blinking sighing and walking off to grab my gun. But she grabbed it again and smashed it under her hoof staring at me. “ Prove to my people even to my elder that you can fight without the weapons of ponies and my kind.” Giving a nod She leads me back out. But she leads me to a zebra bar. She wished to drink and wished to get me a drink. I heard music and then after I sit I heard a voice from a radio. “ HEY HEY!! This is the Devil’s Warden Owl!!! Let's see here...ah yes! The war between the minotaurs up in gravel falls and skull dance ridge is still going. The Queen has a party forming. Also, another fool went up into the forbidden lands. Awww... No news is good news all. So bad so bad. Awww anyway, we are all stuck here, so enjoy the fact no one will get real news wooo!” Jonon orders what is called water for this place. It looked awful. I asked for water myself and I drank it blinking it tasted oddly good. Drinking it down and looking to Jonon. “ Um....is your tribe from the old war?” She set the cup down looking down at me. “ My tribe yes. I was born on this island though. But I am sure you will ask if I felt this war of the past. But the past will never know. I don’t care about the past. I care about it now. Both sides were stupid.” I sighed listing with an unsure look on my face. Then she spoke again. " Doing what we do now. You will be hunted by the leader of Cliffside. Your first quest is to remove his sex trafficking and then remove him from power no matter how you do it." Listening to the music and looked back to the bar drinking not sure what to do. Then calmly a zebra mare placed a brew. She softly whispered to Jonon and looked at me as she smiled. " Please drink this it will augment you. Change you. Make you stronger." Blinking looking at the fluid calmly sighing lifting the mug drinking from it calmly. Feeling the change of my body gasping a bit feeling the weirdness in my body. Shivering a bit as I felt the fluid working on me. It made me feel strange looking around at Jonon and smiled weakly. "Smooooooth." I coughed out. Jonon gave me a soft smile laughing gently. 0000 Walking out of the sewers near the docks. I was wearing a cloak with a mask. On my cloak, I put The shooter. Jonon and I followed others in the same cloaks and we calmly walked through the town. Ponies looked at us but they gave us a wide berth. Most of them from what I was told avoided the Zebras. They're the only ones that don't get raped but they do get sold for sexual wanting. I, along with Jonan and more zebras, calmly walked through the city of cliffside seeing a bit of building. Were many ponies and other creatures went in. We sat in the back. We had to wait for the right time to strike. Jonon had all the money we needed. Buying all the slaves would be hard. But I felt it was wise. Sitting in the back of the room. At first, it was mainly the guards of the town. The queen never came to this town. But there was a rebellion starting in her own city in the middle of the entire island. One of the heavily armored guards spoke loud enough to be heard. " Hello, ponies and creatures of everything. The auction will start soon. But I wish you all to know there were a few stallions murder in an alley keep an eye out for any pony that is trying to stop the normal ways of our lands." We waited as more cloaked warriors of the Zebras walked around and outside as well. Most of them walked in here and sat down. They didn't allow me to go to the blacksmith yet. The blacksmith is in jail for the time being. For not making his weapons for the guards. We had to free him after this. Our first mission to stop this. Then free the blacksmith then make weapons to take down the leadership of the town. It was just getting to start. My stomach was a bit knotted since. I watched for sure what is going to happen. Then the seller stood on the stage. He was a unicorn. He started to speak in a rich snooty voice. " Ah! All of us are here then." He smiled. "Now time for the sale." The curtain pulled back many young females of each race. Even a hellhound. " Now, first sale." I looked to Jonon and she nodded. She had to wait for all of them to be sold and given to us. What came out first was a Zebra " Now this young Zebra mare is part of one of the tribes living on this island. She has been a slave and a sexual toy to many." He smirks. " Now first she is worth 60 coins of gold right off the bat." He was about to start it. " 100 Gold pieces." Jonon said and every pony and creature turned to look at her. He smirked and nodded. " Sold next." After an hour or so all the creatures were sold. It was about time to attack. " We got one more." Jonon knew this was coming. A young filly Zebra was brought on to the stage. Jonon stayed calm so did the others around us. I had no idea what was going on. " The final one...The daughter of Jonon the warrior of the zebras." I blinked and it was my time to do this. So I did what I thought. I moved but Jonon stopped me. She shook her head and lifted a sign with her hoof. " Now the first bid would be 100 gold. So please bid all you can for this worthless mare." A guard behind her whipped the mare. But Jonon didn't seem to care. I didn't know much about their relationship. The mare didn't seem to scream when she was whipped. But she looked out and smiled weakly. " Our Queen Majesty will save me from this emptiness." Blinking I thought to myself no wonder. She didn't seem to care much about her child. The mare was already too close to being one with the Queen. Looking to Jonon she lifted her Sign and yelled. " I wish to buy her with Ten thousand gold coins." The seller blinked staring at Jonon. Then looked back to the mare with a smirk. Then waved his hoof for Jonon to come forward. She stood on her hooves the cloak hiding her stripes. She stood on the stage. The stallion releasing the mare from her chains. The seller looked to Jonon and smiled " Now your gold." Jonon smiled in the mask with a quick swipe metal went through the seller's neck and his head fell with a bloody thunk. She removed her cloak and mask. Along with many of the other Zebras. They started to take out the guards as quickly as they could. I of course lifted my stave and attacked with my magic for the moment. Since I didn't understand my full might. Jonon stood by her daughter who had hate in her eyes. " Traitor...." Jonon turned to her daughter no emotions in her eyes. " The Queen shall destroy your small little rebellion." Jonon quickly used her hoof knocking out her daughter lifting her. Looking at me as she ran out. I didn't know what to do anymore. But I watched the other Zebras take out the guards. One of them walked up to me lifting a sword. I quickly moved out of the way. Smacking the stave into his head but of course. He had a helm and it broke my stave. I didn't know what to do. But then opened my bag pulling out my gun and fired. The sound made the alarm go off. Now it was our chance to free the blacksmith. But of course, when I did Jonon came back in without her daughter. She stared at me. " Bad choice hero." I felt awful now but I followed her out to free Cliffside. 00000 Jonon and the others fought like it was nothing. No explosions like I am very used to. The Zebras around me fought like it was nothing. The guards started to run off and we then rushed out the slaves that got bought getting armed and rushing to the prison next to free even thieves and murderers. But these thieves were hungry and the murderers killed the guards. We freed the blacksmith, but it surprised me that he was a large creature known as a roc. A strange bird that was a lot different than griffins. He stood above up and spoke in a deep voice. "I know what you want...." He breathes deep. " Get all the coal you can.." Blinking grabbing a pickax and then looking up to the top of the cliff. Seeing a large building at the top of the cliff. I never saw it before. It's a large wooden building. That seems to be a large mason built along time ago. Jonon looked up and sighed. " That's the leaders of the guard's home. No one knows his name. But that building was built when ponies and zebras brought their war here. The town was built when most of the dead pilled and then this town was built on the bodies of zebras and ponies of the war. But as you told some the war is done...and the world is dead." Giving a nod and then I blinked and then I gave the Blacksmith my gun. The blacksmith stared at it and blinks. "Hmm, interesting. I can try to make more along with the gun powder and ammo but this would take time. I will send some to find some there should be some old gunpowder and such along with casings laying around." I gave a nod lifting the pickax. Heading to the mine. Jonon followed me and then I heard a voice. " Well...for someone who said..they would never get into the middle of this land. You sure have." I looked up seeing the same merchant that brought me here. Jonon calmly stared at the Salamander. Then he stood up and opened his coat showing a bunch of weapons and healing potions. " Since you will be in the middle of many different battles and wars you will need something." Blinking noticing an old war weapon. It was a large automatic rifle which had been named, The Dancer. " Also! Remember any of these guns I have, the ammo is very hard to come by. So use it sparsely if you want one of them. I will give you each one for free." I nodded grabbing the Rifle and Jonon grabbed a large sword with her mouth it had Black stars folly on it. He nodded it and then closed his coat walking off. " Stay safe...you two." He walked into the fog. Jonon stared and wrapped the scabbard on her back. Then I placed the gun in my bags and then held the Pickax. " So let's go get some iron for the blacksmith so we can take over this town for you. Then find a way to get me back to Equestria." The zebra stared calmly at me and I looked back blinking. " Um...you don't know how to get me back do you?" She just shrugged and lead me to the mine. It wouldn't have been the first time I mined. We wanted to get coal I could get. Using the pick I had of course this would be the first time I ever dug for anything. But then I noticed something when I hit out the coal. Seeing some strange magic fill the ground and coal replaced the coal I just took. Staring at it and then blinked looking at Jonan. " Is this normal?" Jonan looked towards me her eyes just staring calmly at me as she keeps mining. But I feel I am the only one that sees this. " Jonon, there is magic in this mine. The coal is growing back." She looks back at me again. She just keeps staring, shaking her head. I ignored it. 0000 We worked for hours I even passed out after a while. I woke up in a dark room and calmly walked out of the house. It was owned by the Zebra that got me into this. But of course, she was gone. I went outside to see Ponies and Zebras getting armor and weapons. To be ready to attack the building above us. Jonon calmly tapped my shoulder and I looked up to her. " I found something to help you get into the building during the attack. To take down the leader no one knows who that is. But their great great great grandfather built it. After they beat the zebras of the war and turned them into slaves. Then freed them allowing them to build the town." Blinking a moment thinking to myself then looked up to her. " Why did it turn into what is happening now then? I don't understand this because if you are working together. Then why is he forcing ponies to buy slaves and so on?" Jonon stared at me and then looked towards the road. " Head down that way...in the very middle of this island, you will see a large giant castle with a town in it. That's where the warden and the leader run this town. I have heard of her I heard she is an Alicorn some say she is a dragon some say. She is worse. But many don't see her and live." Blinking nodding calmly sighing. But what she gave me was a stealth buck. Blinking and attached it to the pip buck and would turn it on later. " When are we attacking?" The Zebra mare smiled softly and looking over to the others. " In a week. We aren't ready to fight them. So you need more training without guns." Blinking sighing a bit I knew I would have to learn how to fight without guns. I needed to learn to use weapons as Tiria used. But someday I need to return to my home. So whoever I meet here. I do hope, To bring them with me away from this island. To get back to the wonderful land of Equestria. But it would take time to train. I calmly looked around and sighed. " Fine. but are you worried they will attack us?" Jonon looked up to the house. " I doubt it. The leader is very much a large coward. To the point, he will allow anyone under him to die. To save himself." Blinking thinking a moment nodding. It would be a while before the battle so. I knew I would have to fight many creatures in this land. 0000 Back in the underground cavern, Back into the arena looking around, there are many weapons set down. She was going to teach me the best way to use weapons without guns. Since guns are very rare here along with ammo. Looked at all the weapons. Old weapons that aren't weapons I am used to seeing. The first ones we used are staves. I wasn't allowed to use my magic. Since if the Queen of the island learn magic is being used. She would send her minions to capture and then hold them in jail for months and break them. Taking the staff in my mouth. I didn't know how to fight like a zebra I would learn someday. Lifting the staff and Jonon got on her back hooves and got ready to fight with me. Zebras rushed to watch us. I knew I would get my ass kicked. She started to attack me, I blocked the vibration that went through my body, and then I tried to attack back. I had no easy time doing this. Smashing the stave she gave me into her stave. But nothing chased. she just kept attacking me over and over. It's becoming hard to train. Grunted and got on my back hooves and started to attempt to be like her. Even if it was harder for me. I did all I could to keep up with her and then she hit me down breaking my stave and it flew out of the arena and smirked. " Every hero, little Star Shooter, learns through the pain. Now again." Standing up quick and then grabbing the large mace. Charging at her and the stave easily blocked the mace over and over. I was looked like a fool. Closing my eyes sighing. Ignoring all the cheers and such around me. Just listening to the battle and I made a swing but of course, again the mace threw out of my mouth and it smashed into the wall and stuck. Looked to the mace glowering showing my anger a bit. Looking back to the other weapons and picked up a dagger and held the blade in my mouth. Charging at her slice into the stave over and over. The slave getting some slices inside. But she did a twist with her hoof and smacked the hoof into the dagger and it tossed and coughed feeling a cut on my face from the blade of the dagger. Growling through my teeth and then rushed to another weapon a large sword. Rushing at her with my anger and she hit the blade out of my mouth it stabbing into the ground and then she smashed me down with her stave and then stared down at me. " You're learning...but slowly." She then smashed down on me with her hooves and my world went black." 0000 I opened my eyes and I was on a bed with a note written beside me. Here is some food for you my little friend. Eat and be ready for more training. Then we will be ready. Used my magic and lifted the plate of fish and carrots along with some strange juice. Sighing narrowing my eyes a bit feeling my cheek and there is a scar there. But it's healing slowly. Taking the food and calmly ate. It's something I wasn't used to eating. Fish was new to me. I have eaten meat before. But that was because I kind of had to when I was younger. Drank the rest of my juice and then stood up hearing commotion outside. Jonon rushed in and smiled. " Ah, you're awake. Anyway, everything's coming into place. But we need to do this calmly. But of course, the battle will not start yet. Also, the warden is not speaking about it yet. So the Queen is not sending her spies to find out who or what is causing this issue. The Queen doesn't leave her castle unless it leads to her castle and then anyone questions her little rule." She closed her eyes and sighed a bit looking up seeing the large mansion and looked back at me. " Get ready for more training soon. But I need to check on the others. Go see if you can offer help to those that need some help within this town." Gave a nod placing my hood and cloak on and grabbing my weapons. Hiding them under the cloak. "The first one goes to the potion maker near the docks. She has a job for you..as a test to see if you can be trusted by the resistance here." Giving a nod trotting off calmly. Looking around the town noticed it's very calm no rapping ponies and Zebras seem heavenly armed and ready to fight anyone that..tries to break the peace. I calmly walked down to the dock. The smell of rotting dead fish and dead creatures. But looking at the water it's pretty pure water. Even though the gardens went off some of the water is going to take a while to cleanse. Looking towards some ponies and Zebras they seem to be taking the water putting it into some machine and removing the salt. Looking at my caps but I doubt I would be able to buy anything here..Since they don't use caps they still use coins. I noticed some smoke coming from one of the shakes near the docks. Went inside and looked around. Seeing an old Zebra mare that seems blind. But she is mixing all kinds of brews and she looked up from the sound of the door. " Ah, it's the little hero. Now young mare." She said in her very exotic voice. Turning to me and smiled. " Jonon told you I have a job for you and she is correct. There is a cave, A cave that has mushrooms grow. But an old war machine that was brought here from Equestria has become a problem. This thing has been here for 200 years never has given me any issues. Now it has it keeps talking about some project that it needs to protect." Blinking a moment nodding. " Alright, I shall do it." The old zebra mare smiled. I head out and noticed my pip buck is leading me to a cave that is not far from the docks. Calmly walked up to the cave and looked inside. Looking at signs that said warning don't go in. Very evil spirits in this cave. Calmly walking inside looking around and I heard nothing at first. But I noticed giant lizards that seemed to leave me alone. Pulling my sword out holding it with my magic at first then placed it in my mouth. Looking around but I noticed all the mushrooms. But as I got deeper inside I noticed an old Equestria base. But I heard some heavy steps and I hid behind a rock. Seeing a large robot that has a brain inside. It's standing on two legs and has machine guns on it. On the side it said. Hawk walker, I calmly moved away from it trying to get inside the building to understand what is going on then a stomp behind me happen and I dropped my sword looking up at the robot as it stared down at me. " Pony...speak now...I must destroy the Zebra filth." Blinking looking up coughing a bit. " Um....sir? Miss? The war is over. It's been over for 200 years, and both sides had lost." The robot stared down at me and looked up trying to contact its hub. " Any hub able to hear me...any hub at all...I need. " The robot droops and seems to realize this is now that I am speaking the truth. " What happens?" " I....the bombs fell. The world died...then recently, Equestria itself was cleansed. But it still has problems." The robot just kept staring at me and then gave a robotic sigh. " If. I may ask what in the world are you? I have never seen a robot like you in what was left behind from the war." The robot calmly spoke. " I am what is known as Project Mech. However, I was the only one built. They placed my brain inside here since my body was destroyed. Then I was on one of the boats that crashed here. We followed a prison ship that held many Zebras. But I was placed on shut down and I just woke up. Because a Pip buck gave a single for me to turn on." Frowning a bit sighing at all this and then looked up. " The Zebras here are friendly and they're under the threat of being raped daily and so are the ponies." The robot warriors angrily at the sound of rape. " I shall come with you and protect this town of ponies and Zebras. I am the only one of Project mech. A failed project since Fluttershy didn't want to risk any more brains to be placed in bodies like this. So I was the lucky one. Also, the one who did this was Dr. Slice. I haven't seen the good Doctor in many years. The last time I did was on the ship before we hit the rocks." The mech calmly walks out of the cave and then I looked back at the base it was protecting. Going inside after placing my weapon back in the holder. Going inside the base. It seemed to be an old bunker. But all I saw were a lot of bones and old bodies. Looking at the wall written in blood. 'Beware of Project Mouse.' Blinking a moment Project mouse? But as I looked through I grabbed a bunch of old ammo and whatever weapon I could pick up and placed them in my bags. Hoping to give them to the blacksmith and he could make whatever he could with the ammo and the guns. But before I left I heard a sound. Looking down to see a robotic mouse walkthrough. But before it got too far it granted pure green fluid and I went to it after it was done and sniffed it. After I did so the world around me started to drift and spin and my pip buck started to crack and pop. I had to get out...Walking slowly through the halls to get some fresh air. Seeing bodies in the middle of dried puddles my insides burning and hurting. As I feel wounds forming along my body from something cutting me. Reaching into my magic bags and bringing out a potion and drinking it down. The pain went away as well as the wounds. But looking around I didn't see anything that would hurt me. But I could still smell the fluid and covered my nose as I left, closing the door behind me to make sure those creatures can't leave. Walking back out of the cave, I see that the mech is standing right by the entrance. " Come with me. Might I ask what is your name?" I asked while looking up to the mech. It looked down at me and swore I could feel it smile. " I'm Hawk, you could say. I don't remember my pony name, so just call me Hawk." I nodded and left the cave with the robot following me as Zebras and ponies looked on with fear. It lowered its weapons to show them it means no harm. Going up the zebra brewing and went inside. " I took care of the issue miss." The Zebra looked towards me and smiled. Reaching into her bags and brings out some strange coins with the face of that unicorn mare I saw when I first hit here. Looking towards her with a gentle smile. " You befriended it didn't you, little hero?" She asked. "I did yes." The older mare smiled as I walked out placing the gold in my bags and looked up to Hawk. " Come with me Hawk I need you to meet Jonon" 00000 Walking back up from the docks with Hawk behind me. When I finally got back to where Jonon slept she came out and looked up at the creature her eyes wide open. Her pupils turning into pinpricks. I smiled removing my mask and chuckled. "Jonon this is Hawk, a weapon from the war. He wishes to help protect the town of Cliffside." Jonon looked at me a moment she seemed to relax and then looked back to Hawk. " Hawk...if I may.." The Zebra mare said. " What is your take on Rape?" She bluntly asked. Hawk looked down at her and it would seem the fluid in the cockpit got very red and bubbled. " My take on it? It is that it should never happen. It's a travesty that ponies even did it during the war. But why do you ask?" Jonon gave a gentle smile and thought on how to say this calmly and looked back to the other buildings in the town. " Well this town or city most call it a town is called Cliffside it was built by slaves of the war. But it's turned into slave selling raping trading and the guards welcome it and do it themselves. But many of them stay close to the building up top at the moment. We will be heading to take care of them soon and removing the threat to us and ponies once and for all. After all, that is said and done. Are you willing to stay while I and the hero do the journey to save this island?" Hawk seemed to be thinking a moment the magic hydraulics on the legs let off some smoke with a gentle hiss. Then looked around and then back to Jonon. " I shall protect the Zebras of the war. That didn't even wish to fight. I heard the war ended badly. Very badly.." Hawk seems to make a robotic sob a bit but sighed and then looked at the town. "I shall patrol then." Hawk calmly started off patrolling and then Jonon turned looking at me. Seeming to frown a bit then smiled. " So..little hero that is your first mission. There are many more for you to do. Are you ready to do so?" Giving a nod and blew air out of my mouth sighing a bit. " I am sorry little Star shooter it's the only way ponies and Zebras can trust you here." Lowering my head giving a nod. " Now your next mission is from a mother." Blinking looking up and she pointed with her hoof to an inn. Looking at her I nodded. " The mother owns the bar so please be quick." I sighed softly and walked to the inn. Putting the mask back on and seeing that ponies and Zebras are now staring at me. I didn't understand why but. Was I going to be known as the hero of the island? I heard whispers as I walked past and then went inside. Walking up to the inn owner. Who is a mare a red cherry mare with blue streaks in her pink mane? "I am here for the job." She looked at me and gave me a large cup of whatever they drink here. Then pointed with her hoof to one of the tables in the back. I gave a nod. Trotting over to the table sitting at it and looked at a note on my cup. It read. 'The bar closes in an hour. Please stick around.' Giving a nod and since I was in the darkness. I started to notice a lot of the guards from the leader of the town seemed to come in here and acted like they owned the place. But most of the time they just sat down to drink and eat. Removing my mask. I calmly started to drink. Whatever this drink was it tasted odd. Looking down seeing it's a strange orange fluid. But I kept drinking it and drank the entire thing down. Then watched guards but..then my vision went odd. I could fully see in the darkness and then I looked beside me and I saw what they wished me to see. A Gila monster that seemed to be hidden but only can be seen with this fluid. It spoke up with a smirk. " Ah, now you can see me. Good, it means my wife trusts you. Now I got a request from you. I want you to start a bar fight. I want you to get the guards removed. This means that even if they stab you. The guards may not be trusted but..not all the people of this town believe they're being held back and controlled. Now.." She slips me another drink and gave me a smile. " I want you to drink this and you will get extremely drunk and I want you to go to those guard ponies. Do what you can to get them to attack you. If you do this my wife and I will be in your debt." Looking at the drink then back to the Gila monster. Who just had a sharp smile and seemed to be mutated. Giving a nod I drank it all down it burned so badly. It felt like venom going down my throat. Coughing a bit and looked at the creature but she vanished. I stood up doing what I was meant to do and I tripped hitting one of the guards by mistake. The pony guard looked down at me. All of them did. They smirked and one of them spoke. Strangely, they all seemed to be males. " Now now. let us help you." He helped me up and then he smacked me with his hoof hard in the face. I flew back and tried pulling my sword out but then another guard smacked into me. The ponies around watching saw what was going on and most of them looked at the guards with anger. Some looked on with glee but also a bit of fear. I was hit into the wall and then stayed on my hooves and groaned and then I charged at one of the guards and turned quickly giving an apple buck, making one of them fly into the wall. Then without me realizing it one of them brought out a bow and grabbed an arrow. Then pulled back on the string and the arrow went deep into my shoulder. Groaning deeply in pain from the arrow and then a Pegasus forced himself on me and forced me down. Being younger and a bit weaker. I knew I wasn't going to be able to do anything and one of the spectators spoke out. " Stop! She has had enough!!" Other ponies around said the same thing. But the guards just stared at them with glee. " No. She hasn't." One of the ponies tossed a knife that had a strange venom on it and they were about to stab me and one of the ponies rushed in to stop them and they turned around and stabbed the mare right in the chest. But then they realized it wasn't a mare at all it was a filly a foal. She was also a worker here. Then they noticed after the glimmer vanished. The ponies who were defenders of the guards. Who didn't care what they did? This was the last straw after the owner of the inn rushed to the filly and held her close sobbing. The ponies grabbed their weapons and the guards ran out quickly. The ones doing the chasing were the griffins and outside there were sounds of weapons ripping flesh and cutting into bone. Just laying there feeling my body burn coughing hard and vomiting whatever it was that I drank. My vision going back to normal. Every creature that was in the bar is now gone and I watched the mare hold the little one sobbing. But then after awhile, the filly vanished along with the owner, and I looked seeing the owner waving to me looking to see the blood gone. I stood up shakingly on my hooves and walked to them calmly. I finally got a good look at her wife. A pure red Gila monster who stood on her back legs like Tiira did but..she had a bigger hunch that made it hard for her to walk on them. " Ah yes forgive us little hero for what we had to do." The Gila monster said. The mare nods " Forgive my wife she doesn't speak. I'm Speckle Scale this is my wife Paw pad" Pad smiled sweetly nodding and nuzzled into Speckle blood drained from my nose and I had a nasty bruise on my face. " How did you do it all?" Speckle smirked and chuckled. " Thanks to the magic of this island many of the creatures mutated from it. Unlike what happened on Equestria with the bombs and all this island was created by some powerful magic. It's why there are many creatures like us and why we can breed with ponies. But you don't need to know my sex life with my wife of course. Now again we are sorry. Oh and yes." She clicked her claws and I saw the little mare show up who was the waitress and then saw her die and become the filly with a wound in her chest blood draining from her mouth and a mare rushing to her and hugging her sobbing. Then she clicks again. It all vanished and she smiled. "My magic is an illusion my entire race has one magic and one magic only. I am that. It's easy to spy and such. Now the hero has some food and drinks on the house from us. Also some music." Blinking she clicked her claws again and a band formed playing calm music. But it was just music and no singing. I sighed stroked my head with my hoof it was throbbing from whatever I drank...But when I sat at the chair. They put down some veggies like carrots and other stuff. Along with some nasty looking water. But of course, this water has been cleansed from what they told me. 00000 After eating and drinking whatever it was. I was given some more gold coins of this currency of this island. Looking to see bodies of the guards being cut into sections by Griffins so they could eat them. My stomach lurched a bit from that drink they gave me before the meal. It still messed up my stomach. But I was able to see there are more things to this island than I didn't know. I looked out to the water and finally saw the spell. The spell looked like it was created by Zebras and ponies. But why would an island be made to keep them in? This is odd to me really that it was made to be like that. Then I saw something I never thought I would see again..That sea monster surfaced and it looked right at me. It's eyes glowed brightly and pointed at me. I blinked putting a hoof to my chest and the creature nodded. Then he pointed down to the docks. I sighed walking back down to the docks. I trotted past Hawk, who is now patrolling with a few Griffins. The guard that normally are around, are now being chased back to the large house on the hill. Finally I got to the dock and the creature came out of the water and stared down at me. It spoke calmly and growled. " Creature of Equestria. You don't belong here. But the only way you can leave. Is in three years there is a hole in the spell. But i doubt you wish to wait that long to get back home. But I have seen that you have been causing a big stir here. I have come to warn you..If the Queen learns what you are doing..She will find you break you and then kill you." Giving a nod and then looked back up to him sighing. " What is this island really..I was told it's a penal colony..I highly doubt this." The creature looked at me and then looked around and leaned down to whisper. " This island was made to hold a minion of a great threat. A threat that hasn't been seen in hundreds of years or so the story that was created by the first Zebras that landed here..So they could find a hero that could defeat it. But this would mean a war would start on this island. You are close to starting that war. If you destroy the threat that is sleeping on this island. The spell will be broken." Blinking and sighed softly and then walked back to get to Jonon then turned back to see the creature vanished. I blinked and saw a bright light of him just going somewhere and had no idea anymore. Sighing and biting my lip a bit not sure what to think anymore. I am here to fight a threat to start a war? It's something I wasn't extremely happy hearing that feeling that if I caused a war here..Then it was going to be a pretty bad thing. But I finished another one of the tasks for Jonon and I walked up to her and she looked down at me with a gentle smile. " Ah, your eyes have been touched by the juice of the illusion. Now you will see things that have so much magic in them. But it will go away but only show up when you will it." Blinking a moment and looked into a broken mirror and saw my eyes they glowed just a bit. I could see that I had powerful magic flowing through my blood up to my horn. Then I blinked once more and the eyes went back to normal and then I looked back to Jonon. " What is my next task?" Jonon looked towards me and smiled. She went into her home and brought out a basket. " I need you to take this to the orphans. It's their food. It's been hard to get them food since our leaders." She said with hate in her voice. " Needed to steal it from us for him." Nodding and lifted the basket with my mouth and she tapped me with her hoof and pointed with a hoof to a very run-down looking building on the outskirts of the town. It was heading out of the town. I gave a nod and left. 0000 After awhile I finally got to the building but i noticed something red in my vision. I just remembered my eyes forward sparkle and set the basket down and..saw them. Giant dragonflies that breathed fire. Looking at my pip buck, I saw no rads but then I remembered this is not like Equestria. What happen here was something very different. No bombs just over use of magic and discharge. But the creatures were flying weirdly but It didn't hit me at first. I pulled out my sword and they bugs charged at me and I heard hooves? They smashed into me and I flew back and my sword hit the ground and it lifted my sword? Then I finally knew what this was..it was another one of their damn test. So I tried willing the vision and I saw it...The creatures aren't even there but...how did I get hit? What did I get hit by. Then when it got closer I finally saw it. Of course it was so stupid. I was fighting a creature that used illusions to make itself bigger. It was a small little muskrat. I stood up and still heard the hooves. Charging at it myself and when i hit with my horn I stabbed into the chest of a pony. The pony jumped back turning to normal but..it wasn't a pony. it was a real musk rat creature. The creature held it's chest and looked at me with very angry eyes. "OI you want to fight?! DOO YA?!" The creature yelled. But before it could charge at me the orphans rushed out and stepped in front of the rat and gave me angry eyes. " How dare you attack miss Swampy?!' Blinking a moment and looking at the young ones stare at me. " I...um....brought the food that Jonon wished me to..then swampy? Attacked me....I um..sorry?" The ponies looked to Swampy and the creature shrugged. " Can you blame me? A pony that looks heavily armed bringing a basket you tend to fear it's a threat thanks to the owner of this town. Fine fine." The creature tossed me a bunch of coins and they landed in front of me and she lifted the basket with her tail and I just stared at them as they walked away. I was flabbergasted how...did I know? Now I am being...”I sighed but then looked back at the building and spoke softly. " I can help fix the building if that would be more of help." They all turned to look at me. " Thanks for the offer dear." The rat creature smiled sweetly. " But even if you try the guards will see you and destroy everything. So please go on." Sighing again nodding and lifted my sword and then the coins as well walking off. Feeling so tired and sore now. 00000 Walking back to Jonon's house she seemed to be relaxing a bit and the resistance had more presence on the streets now. But I was just so dead tired. I had no idea what to do anymore tonight. I took off my mask and she saw my tired face and she smiled gently. " Go rest...we will remove the fool tomorrow." Giving a nod I simply walked to my bed and removed my cloak and everything else looking at my pip buck and it showed my body was crippled in some spots. But I couldn't do a thing about it. I was told recently that pain makes you stronger. I lied down in the bed and fell asleep because tomorrow it would be time to fight for the town. Footnote: Level up Perk added: Magic sight: From the drink you were given at the inn. It gave you the ability to see magic. But don't overuse it.
Chapter Three: DowntimeAuthor's Note Now in the middle of the story there will be this NSFW part. You can either skip it or read it. Chapter Three: Downtime " The idea of love even if it's crazy most never know." We made it into the building and we both sat at the table. I didn't know what to say these feelings are very new to me. Looking to Blaze my face turning bright red she just sat there with a smirk on the chair. All i could do was stare at the floor. These feelings, what are they? It's hard to understand love when you never felt it. She saved me. She rescued me. She stepped off her chair and went to the kitchen to make us something to eat. But what do i do? How do i tell someone that I barely know that I care for them? Is love really this strange? Slowly lay my chin on the table to think. Is love really this strange? Closed my eyes thinking of what I was told about love. But I never was told about anything. I could hear her cutting and working on making something. Slowly getting out of the chair, I had to do what I could to get some fresh air. I stood on the balcony watching and listening, lost in my thoughts. I didn’t notice when Jonon sat beside me. "So the little hero is unsure about love?" Blinking, my eyes go wide as I looked to Jonon. I was surprised to see her, but then I relaxed. " I...she cares for me, but she barely knows me." " Star Shooter she is a outcast from her species. Her species don't do this to joke and such. If her kind wants to be with you then you should be honored. They are a very honorable species. If they want to share their heart and life with someone. Then they will do everything to make you happy. It's not just love...she wants from you, she wants your friendship. She wants you to be there for her and she for you. Think about it little hero! It's in the legend that you find someone that falls in love wit you and you both.. Fight on the island to bring peace for your love and those that come after you." My face turned bright red. " But...how can females have children together?" " There is a way Doc could take your egg's and hers mix them and then inject one of them into you or her. But I would say you two need to talk about this and don't allow a legend to control you. But she will not take no for an answer. She wants to be with you. Again, if her species want it you can't stop it. It's how they are." Jonon nodded as I just had a bright red face..But then she left, looking back to me. " Think about it Little Star Shooter you might be here a lot longer than you want to be...Love is going to come sooner or later anyway. From what you told me you have no one back at your old home. Please consider it because...You’re all she has." Watching Jonon slowly walk off and looked in my bag finding the necklace that my father gave my mother. He always said to me, being a former raider, if you find the one you love, give them this. Putting it close to my heart smiling I miss them so much. I hope they can meet Blaze when I am finally able to get home. Slowly walking back to the table and sat down and when I sat down Blaze bright out some food and set it in front of me it was a stew and she smiled sitting near me with her own bowl. " Now little hero...before I do what I want with you, eat up and then tell me about yourself. Because I ain't taking no for an answer. You are going to be mine and I don't care what you think." I just smiled giving her a calm nod and use my horn to lift up the spoon and ate calmly. But before I finished I lifted her webbed foot with my hoof and smiled. " I agree to this Blaze. I am going to give you something that my father gave to my mother." My horn glowed and I placed the necklace around her neck and let the bullet hang. A bullet that apparently was in the ass of my father. He used that to propose to my mother. I always found that weird but also romantic. " This was given to my mother by my father. He...well from what my mother told me when I was young. He had this bullet removed from his ass and he used it to propose to her. I want this to work between us Blaze. Since I know It may be a long time before I am even able to go home." Blaze smiled softly and she just chuckled nodding and looking at the necklace. " Now little Hero, I shall explain about myself if you wish to learn about me hmm?" She asked. " Yes I am willing to learn everything about you..Since besides...from what Jonon told me even if I said no to you. You would just claim me as your wife-mate anyway." Blaze nodded with a evil grin. " Of course you being the hero of legend. I wish to make the Hero mine well not just because I want her as mine..But I want to protect the hero as she saves this island from the Queen. Then we can get you back home and you can introduce me to your family." Giving a nod closing my eyes and waited to listen to her story. " Well my kind were introduced to the island 600 years ago. As normal salamanders. Who ever created the island wished to bring us here so we can help keep the crops free of bugs. Now the magic of this island is very potent. If you hang around those that use magic over and over. You start to gain the ability to use it yourself. So we mutated because of this magic. It changed us from the small salamander's to what you see now. But of course it took us many years to become like this. Our home in the salamander cave's changed so much. The salamanders who leave the community are outcast." She drank from a cup of tea that she made setting the cup back down. "I was born and a legend they thought was over was talked about me. The walker of fire. The speaker of flame's. Any Salamander with the power of fire..was either killed or removed from the community." She sipped a bit and thought carefully what she would add next and then looked to me with a smile. Pouring more tea into the cup and then she shifted a bit on the chair. Her tail hanging down and then thought a second. " Well the legend is...That I would become a monster that would ruin the peace of the island and become part of the hero's friend's. I would remove the peace. the peace of course in this island is that..The Queen doesn't take your males and dosen't try to force ably breed with them so she can find the seamen that can make her pregnant. But there is more to her then just that. She used to be a kind gentle pony. But something happen that caused her to become hateful of all races on this island." She leaned back into the chair and looked back outside. " The Queen did come to see me..Then she had a vision that I was the one of the legend. I was chased out of my home by my own kind and then I found that cave where I saved you at. It's the reason why I want you as mine Star Shooter..i got no one else. You are all i am going to have." Sighing to myself I wrapped my forelegs around her into a hug, nodding. " I can understand but it's interesting that I am not even this hero i feel like...I know I have done so much since I got here. But it's so odd that I am. But I don't see myself as a h.." My train of thought was stopped by her putting a webbed foot on my mouth and I blushed gently. She calmly spoke in a gentle voice. " I don't care if you are or not. Star Shooter you impressed me with what you did to live. I watched you. I have seen the spirit of battle in your eyes. I feel it's time that you need to stop thinking like that and be happy that someone finds you attractive." She ended that with a calm purr wrapping her tail around my neck and smiled. All I could do was get bright red in the face again and I coughed a bit..trying to speak. " I um...well okay I shall explain about myself.." Blaze smiled pulling me closer. She said very softly. " Please do." I gave off a shiver and smiled. As she removed her tail from me and winked. I could just sit there fidgeting. Oh goddess to hell, this is getting hard not to just want her right now. Why am I feeling this way? I would have to ask myself this another time because right now I need to explain to her about myself. I tried speaking but she wrapped her front legs around me and laid a deep kiss on my lips and then pulled away with a smirk. My face turning so red gulping but I calmly started to relax and smiled. " Alright Blaze...allow me..to speak." She grinned. "My father and mother are both former raiders. My father and mother were found by an old pony known as Wheel Tread since...my mother was pregnant at the time with me. She and my father needed a place to stay without all the problems normal raiders almost always face. I was one of the first born in that P.O.W. camp. I was given a wonderful home peaceful even. Wheel Tread was great to me and my family. But to others not so much. He tended to cause many problems and issues. But even so he took care of my parents and the other families that were under his care. But he got a hold of a strange crystal before I was born. This crystal did something to him it made him weaker and he swore he could hear voices. Then she came...Tiria.." Sighing softly trying to not cry and then looked down. " She worked hard at coming from her old land to find that crystal. it was used to turn her species from ponies into what she is now or well was. She fought and became one of the next bodyguards to Wheel Tread, and then the Enclave attacked. During a nasty attack, I was forced down into a basement by my family. They went to fight, but they lost and they went into hiding to try to wait for a rescue. It took so long. It was so long that many of the little ones along with me started to get hungry and die. Then after what felt like ages, we heard another battle above. After it was over, I was rescued and Tiria did so much for me when I was young. She told me stories about the sun and moon. She even told me about the princess. But truthfully she didn't know anything herself. But.." I sighed softly looked down tears falling from my eye's down my cheeks. Blaze calmly wrapped around me slowly and held me close. " I watched her...give birth to a little one that was named Crystal. She died during this. I was there watching the entire thing. Then she was buried the same day. She told her story then died watching the sun. It was so hard for me to even know what was going on at the time. I stood there at her grave. Waiting for her to wake up I spent an hour standing there my mother came up and I asked ‘...Mom why is she not waking up?’ My mother calmly said, ‘She is gone little one’ Then I just started.." I softly started to sob and Blaze held me close and tight stroking my back with her tail. As she allowed me to let it all out. All the pain I felt that i have been holding back. I needed this it seems being able to explain what has been bothering me for so many year's. It's not easy but it had to be done..How most feel towards each other. But after awhile I slowly stopped crying and sighed leaning into Blaze. True we didn't know each other that well. But I needed someone since..I am going to be stuck here so long. " I like every part of you Star Shooter. I like how strong you are. I love your gentle side. Also love when I am able to turn you so red. That every part of you is red as well." A soft smile formed on my face. She wrapped her tail around my neck. " Now enough with that sad little hero..I am going to please you to till you burst again and again..." She said with a smirk. She pulled me into the bedroom. 0000 NSFW Part Blaze laid me on the bed and her tail hit an old radio by mistake and a soft gentle song played. The words so gentle it made my blush fall away and I felt maybe this is right. ' Foolish love..only love can connect our heart's' Blaze licked along my legs even along my haunches to bring moments of sensation and pleasure. I lied there, gasping in pleasure. Being new to this with just the right song...made my heart flutter. ' Take my heart into your hooves oh one I love.' The tongue slide along my stomach leaving many warm sensations of pleasure and love. She just focused on my midnight like fur. My blush could have been easily seen. But as the blush again faded from me she lowered her head to between my back legs. ' I shall hold you between my heart..While we make love in the night. please sing with me on this wonderful night of the moon.' With a loud gasp I felt the wet hot tongue enter inside my mare hold. Feeling very gentle licks. I have never felt such pleasure before. Blaze seems to have done this before. But all that was on my mind at the moment was the pleasure dancing through my body. Every inch and part of my body burned with pleasure. Parts of me even heated up very slowly while every inch of this pleasure made me feel so wonderful. 'Oh foolish lover's heart. I feel your breath along my skin and fur.' The pure red Salamander removed her tongue. From the sensitive part of my body between my legs. Then she fully got on me looking down into my gentle yellow eye's. Being a female as well. We can't enjoy sex the normal way..But at this moment I didn't care feeling her tail enter me with a gasp from me. ' Oh heart's that throb within our soul's. I shall always love you.’ Blaze calmly did some very gentle thrust inside the folds of my body. All i did was scream in pleasure. It slowly started to rain. Jonon being the same building as me of course. I am sure she had a gentle smile on her face. ' Our heart's throb and beat at the same beat like a drum.' After having my first orgasm ever. All I could do was lay there feeling the glow of the pleasure. But before Blaze could do anything we rolled on the bed. Wrapping my forelegs around her my cheeks so flushed and bright red as well. Leaning down to give her a deep kiss. ' The song's of our love play through the air. Oh please never forget the love we formed today.' Slowly I moves down her kissing and gently licking every inch of her scaled body. Hearing her moaning from the sensation i was giving her. Her body warmed up so much steam came from her nose. But i didn't care while sweat matted my fur and white mane. ' For i...will always love you.' A violin calmly played in the background. ' I will never let you go...my love.' Slowly going down to every inch of Blaze and my tongue slide along the scales leaving a trail of my saliva. The pure bliss of our love filled the room with heat of pleasure. Of course it could have been the fact...I was having sex with a Salamander that could breathe fire. But ignoring that fact, all i could think of was this moment. Ignoring the fact I am so far away from home. I can't just sit around always crying. I need to get home. But my brain my thought's all i can think of is pleasing this Salamander. if love feels so much like this why did I ignore it? Oh is it something I had to do? Ignore the fact that all pleasure is something I wish to see. Slowly going down to the folds between her legs. All I could think of is pleasing Blaze. The sun could die tomorrow the moon could fall on us..All i could do was please this one that wishes to win my heart. I feel that she did..My magic forming along her to gently rub with my magic along her body to press pleasurable pressure points on her body Hearing moaning and seeing her shiver with the shiver droplets of sweat calmly drip to the bed. ' Oh forever I will love you..Remember the past that we come together to sing..In the bed of our love..oh please my love never leave me.' Calmly are inserted my tongue within her folds all i could hear or care to hear is her screaming in deep pleasure. ' For i will forever love you.' 00000 A few hours later I calmly opened my eyes my limbs intertwined with Blaze. Blushing deeply realizing what I did with her and I can't go back on it now. Calmly with my magic I untangled myself with her and removed her tail from my body as I slowly got on my hooves i was a mess it was easy to tell from the mess. But i slowly sneaked out didn't wish to wake her and headed down stairs and heard a voice. " Did the little hero enjoy her pleasure?" My face turned bright red turning to Jonon and I smiled weakly. I tried to reply but all i could do was stutter. " ...I um...I" Jonon chuckled and smiled gently and just sat there watching me. " What you did for her Star Shooter...means a lot to her. I know you wished to get home..But sadly it's not going to be easy to get you back home and you might be stuck here before we can." She gave a gentle smile and all I could do we stand there red in the face. She sighed and smiled. " Go clean up Star shooter. I am sure she will sleep for awhile" Giving a nod I trotted off outside to clean up since there is no shower in this old house. I went under a strange shower head that was connect to a water tower. Turning it on and calmly allowed the rain water to slowly go along my body " Hello little hero." I gulped upon hearing the voice of the bug. I started looking around but I couldn't see him. " The queen is very upset. In fact, you will be seeing me a lot. But I feel you deserve this moment of peace. Before I find you again outside of this little town and kill you. Maybe I can start with your lovely new lover.." He chuckles chittering. My ear's pinned to my head while my anger started growing. I had so much rage in my voice. " I will never let you near her! I will kill you before you do that. If you even come near anypony i care about, you will die!!" I breathed deeply never had this anger before. But all i heard was a laugh, a dark evil laugh. He just kept laughing over and over but suddenly went silent. " Doubtful little hero. You need to be stopped from harming this island. I wish i could just capture you now, but it will be some time before that. I will one day bring you to the Queen and see what she can do to you, little hero. We shall meet again." The voice suddenly stopped speaking and all I could think is those near me getting hurt. Now that I love Blaze, I know that to some ponies, it's too soon. But even though the Wasteland is no more, this is just as evil. We could be dead tomorrow for all i know. So we must keep ourselves happy. I turned off the shower and knew I had to figure out how to help. But I needed this down time. Slowly I walked out of the shower and started heading back into the house. Jonon was already there, sitting on her chair. She looked over to me with a gentle smile spoke. " Sit with me little hero." Giving a nod, I slowly sat down on the chair beside her and looked over to her. " It seems you are the hero of legend. I went back to the story i showed you a week or so ago. Blaze and I are your companions and Blaze is the one of Legend that will kill the one that hurt her lover the most. So yes, she will come with us. But again we need to fix up this town before we can leave. It said in the legend the home..of the hero gets destroyed and it's because they don't stay behind to help fix everything that has been destroyed by the former owner of the town." Blinking a moment sighing and laying my head on the table again listening to Jonon but my stomach growled thanks to the sexual intercourse i had with Blaze. But all I could was chuckle. " Jonon, I know things are bleak but how about this? Lets get some food from the inn and allow Blaze to rest. Then when she wakes, we can continue working on fixing up this town." I replied. Jonon gave a small nod. Slowly, she got off her chair with me following her lead. I smiled, feeling happy that I found Blaze, my soulmate. I knew when I met her and after she saved me she would be the one. But of course she was going to force herself on me. i could have just well said no, but I doubt even that would have worked. Going back into the room upstairs she was still soundly asleep. But what I did was put the cover over her. Kissing her gently and along with Jonon we left the house. 00000 Calmly the two of us walked along the town road. Heading down to the inn but I stopped looking back to the house. Fearing that she will get hurt because of me. But she was stronger than me even. if she is able to lift me simply just with her tail then she has done a lot. Jonon stopped and looked down at me with a frown. " I can tell you're worried Star Shooter but you can't allow your fear to control you. If you do the Queen will win and then she will have you in her trap. The trap is something that you will never understand. If any of her warrior's see you like this..They will use it to capture you and use that fear to break you." A frown formed along my midnight furred face. I felt my heart beat slowly and beat faster as I thought of Blaze. Just a gentle smile forming on my face. I never again thought I would fall for some pony well not pony lizard. I nodded and we calmly walked into the inn and it was pretty busy. When I walked in all ponies and creature's looked at me and my face turned bright red. A little filly walked over to me and gave me a flower. I calmly took it into my mouth and ate it. She smiled at me and I leaned down to give her a nuzzle. A table cleared for me to sit in it. I could see hope in their eyes hope that I could free them from this island. Slowly Jonon and I sat down and I felt overwhelmed is this how the light bringer felt? Looking up to Speckled Scale's and I smiled. " I would like anything that could fill my stomach even if its meat." Speckled blinked and looked to Jonon and Jonon lifted up to whisper in her ear. Then Speckled smirk. " So enjoying the afterglow?" My eyes went wide looking to Jonon who just smirked. " She won the bet..the bet would be if you and Blaze slept together it seems a window was kept open when ponies were listening to you. Even the warden is speaking about it. I turned on my pip buck putting in ear plume's I could hear the warden laughing. " Oh listen to those moans. Ponies, this is the hero of the island getting laid." Moans sounded on the pip buck and my cheeks burned. " Oh it's so rich this girl sure knows how to get around heh heh. But Anyway the news. The news is that Cliff side is free well in a way it is. But the other new's is that the Queen is sending her most powerful warrior's to capture the hero. But for now the poor bug hero cricket got his buggy ass kicked." Could hear laughing. " Anyway good on you hero maybe it will come to something and pure love. Love is all you can have these days it helps with getting through this world. Now there is a cease fire between the Griffin's and the Minotaur's and there are ponies missing since they walked into the forbidden zone. Remember everyone the reason that zone is forbidden is because of that silly war they ponies and Zebras had for so many years. Now for music and again our local music is getting better." I sighed turning it off. " So everyone of the island knows about my little escapade with Blaze." Notching that Speckled Scales was given all kinds of coin's from many ponies and other's. Even her own wife. I just had a bright blush on my face. After awhile though the food was brought to me and Jonon. using my magic to lift up the fork and slowly ate the food it was meat. Oddly I used to eat meat since..My parents are former raider's and it took them time to well change their diet. The door open up and Blaze calmly walks in and a bunch of ponies and other citizen's cheer at her. She blinks and looks around. One of the ponies saying. " You two sure had some wonderful sex there." Blaze eye's went wide and then smirked. " Oh yes she is pretty good at it..For being a virgin." I dropped the fork from my magic my face burning so bright red. Putting the hood over my face from the cloak. " She is so gentle and romantic. " She snickers softly. " To bad I could open a door for you all to watch." I groaned I wanted to die from embarrassment. I can just hear cheer's and laughing since Blaze kept going on and on about how wonderful it was. A soft voice speaking to me. " Hero..." Looking down seeing a little filly. She had so many cut's on her body and scar's. Just staring at her a moment. " Are you here to save us?" She stared up at me with soft gentle eye's. How I felt melted away just staring at the little one. Blaze was still boasting about our time together. But I ignored that now. As the little filly started to cry. I got out of the chair and calmly wrapped my for legs around her and she cried into my shoulder. Lifting her up cradling her. As I softly started to hum. Softly speaking. " I promise you..." All of the bar started looking to me when I started to sing.. A song that Tiria sang to me when..I was this age. " Oh gentle heart..I shall protect you from harm. Oh gentle soul I shall see you along the way.. Through the darkness that is around every single doorway. Oh little one follow the sun as well as the moon. Stop your tears little one. I may not consider myself a hero.. But I shall protect you I shall defend you. From the world that wishes to harm you." I calmly went back to humming softly rocking the little filly and a mare calmly walked over was well. She took the little one from me and placed the little one on her back. The mare turned back to me with a gentle smile. " Thank you...hero of legend..." Looking down all the bar looked towards me and I had so much going through my mind. Am I being selfish? This land needs someone to protect them to help them. Closing my eyes and then lifting up my head looking at them all to Blaze and then to Jonon. " For all of you I will stay...Even if I am able to go home. I will be your hero. I will be your savior. Just don't think of me as somepony better then you or some pony above you. So for you all..." Looking to Blaze. " As well as the Salamander I love..I shall stay for her.." Looking to Jonon. " For you all I shall die for you all to save your lands." Lowering my head and going silent. As I sat back at my table. But no pony spoke not even Jonon or Blaze. Calmly started to eat again. There was no cheering no speaking Blaze removed my hood and stared into my eyes " Star Shooter...You don't have to do this." Looking up to her with a gentle smile. " Blaze...it's because of you I am staying...If I didn't meet you..I would have said screw this idea of being a hero and did everything I could just to get back home. You showed me how love is and what it's like being a true hero." Calmly going back to eat and Blaze just smirked and went back to the other patrons and started to sprout again.. " Well back to talking. So yes I slept with the hero. Who won the bet then?" Speckled lifted up her coin's and Blaze laughed. " Good on you." I facehoof so hard it was getting to the point.. I feel I would get cat calls every time someone sees me and Blaze together. Jonon just chuckled. "See I told you...But I need you to come with me. Give Blaze a kiss and I need you to come with me to the elder." Nodding and stood up and before I left with Jonon with my magic pulled Blaze into a deep kiss and every pony in the bar cheered and pulled from her. Winking at her as she had a large smirk. " later...Blaze I am needed for something." She nodded and went to go sit down as I smiled and left the inn following Jonon, 00000 I calmly walked back down into the cavern like sewer's along Jonon and looking to the wall. Two gem's are now glowing. One in the shape of Blaze. Looking to the heart and it's me and Blaze. But noticed I have three more I need to find. Slowly following her but I noticed a lot of Zebra's are still down here. But It seems they wish to stay down here. Looking at the Zebra's train to do battle. It seems these zebra's are getting ready to do battle with the Queen. Being lead to the elder and Jonon left nodding to me and I sat in front of the elder. She opened her eye's staring at me with a gentle smile. " Little hero. I have a request for you. But do this after you're done with making sure the town is ready for you to leave. But what I need you to do when You can..Of course again I wish you to go to the Forbidden lands. It's north east from here kind of near the other side of the island. Now I have a Griffin ready to take you and your friend's there." My pip buck did a strange sound and I looked at my map. It showed were the forbidden land is. It's a small part of the land. But it seems to have been sealed off by a spell. You will be able to walk through..But what happen in there one of the zebra's had a balefire bomb.. But the queen sealed them in there. Because she knew they would do that. But I need you to go in there...and search for the spirit of my ancestor and fight them. You need to prove yourself fully and that is a mission to get you ready to take on the queen." Sighing softly nodding. "I understand I shall do it..But is there anything else?" The elder blinks and sighs a moment and looks up to me with a smile. " I heard that you have found someone to love." She claps her hooves together and a small filly comes out with a small little case. " When your final battle start's little hero, give this to your lover and then marry her. It's how the legend is during the final battle. But I also know you don't buy this legend. Sometimes it's faith. Like your ponies in the past had faith in your princess. My kind had faith in what we could do with one another. Some had faith in the star's. But these days it's hard to understand the old ways." I nodded and put the case in my bag's and stood up on my hooves smiling. " One last request little hero. In the forbidden lands, there is a lab. A lab were most of my ancestors were experimented on there to cure some of the zebra diseases and sickness. Many Zebra's on this island don't have the liberty of being in area such as this. So some get sickness and slowly die from them. If they survive it, they aren't ever themselves again." I nodded calmly and walked back out of the elder's home and looked to Jonon she smiled at me and I just nodded. She lead me back out and Blaze was waiting for us outside of the cave. She wrapped her tail around me and pulled me close to her. " I am tired....Blaze.." I said with a yawn and Blaze chuckled. " Awww...Too bad. I could go for another round of fun." She winked jokingly as my face turned bright red again and laughed. " But we can do it again sometime. You need to get your rest little hero and get ready for helping this town." I gave a nod and we calmly walked back to the house and the door closed. Blaze pulled me into the bed with her and wrapped around me and smiled. "You sleep while I protect you little Star shooter. No one will hurt you while I am awake." I smiled softly and rolled to my side with my back facing her and she wrapped around me gently again. Calmly she hummed in my ear. I had a large smile on my face. Today I can say I have found love. Hopefully my life will stay this happy. But for now, i need to focus on what makes me happy. Footnote: Level up New Perk added: Love of a Salamander: You have connected romantically with one of the Salamanders of the island. You gain plus five damage to attacks when she is with you.
Chapter Four: Water's Secret'sSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter Five: Test"When life gives you a test. Best to take it or fail." My eyes opened up. I was wrapped around Blaze and she slept soundly with her head on my chest. I smiled softly and slide a hove along her scaled back. But slowly removing myself from her. Heading down stairs and at the table Jonon sat there with a smile. " Well it looks like the hero is awake after a good amount of sexual intercourse." I sighed softly my cheeks burned brightly and then I smiled weakly. " Well at least..I know what she likes..Even if she makes me extremely tired. A good kind of tired mind you." Jonon rolled her eyes and smirked. She offered me some food she made as I sat on the chair near her and looked up to Jonon. " Jonon.. How come I am seeing visions of ponies past? They are something like memory orbs. But I am not even using them. Somehow they touch me or I am asleep or the last time I killed the former owner of this home. I saw the past of Bulk. So I am learning that the Queen has done a lot of harsh things. She has harmed the sea ponies, she has done so much. She is even the reason for the forbidden lands and this land being built on the back of slaves." She nodded as I ate the fish. Since there are no chicken's here. We can't just simply have eggs or anything else. But what else is on the plate is a few carrot's from the garden. Taking the fork with my magic calmly eating and looked to Jonon. " Jonon, are you ever going to find love yourself?" Jonon just gave me an odd look but smiled. " Little hero, I am not able to have children. That ability for me was removed when I was young. It was removed from my parents. Because they didn't wish me to be deterred into freeing them from this island. But sadly they died not to long ago. I am the last of my family. When I die my family tree will die as well. So I am willing to do this with you to to see the end of this battle that is slowly starting. But sadly many don't know that the war is not going to end well." Tears streamed down my face but all she had was a gentle smile. But I just sighed and ate the food. While I ate Blaze walked into the room and chuckled. Then I lifted my head up my eyes blinking . I thought of Jonon’s daughter she said she had. We even saved her from the slaver's trying to sell her. Thought a moment looking around not sure what to say but I brought it up. " Jonon what about that Zebra we saved. You said she was your daughter." Jonon turned to look at me with a weak smile. She sighed looking towards the window. " She is a brainwashed Zebra I saved when I was in the well castle City. I went there to try to find Salty's wife. But I found her brain washed and being used to capture rebels. So I got her out and tried to fix her.. But it hasn't been working." She sighed. I blinked staying silent going back to eating my food and not even thinking of bringing it up anymore. I heard Blaze’s voice behind me " Hmm so this is where my pillow went to." She smiled sweetly at me giving me a gentle kiss on my face. " I need to go back to the blacksmith love. I won't see you for the rest of the day. Enjoy your training." Blinking at her as she walked out of the house and then looked back to Jonon. " What did she mean by training?" Jonon chuckled softly and I started to wonder what the hell was going to happen. 00000 Welp. Most would tell me I should know how to fight. But fighting so many at once? I was bleeding in many parts of my body. While I fought I started to lose control of my anger. Maybe it was a test maybe another way to control myself. But With how quick the strikes came I could see disappointment in the eyes of some zebras that attacked me. I looked over to Jonon she had a grin on her face. It angers me that she just stood there allowing this to happen. But she lifted her hoof to tell the zebras to stop attacking me. She then spoke her words striking deep that day. "Now little hero. Many here don't believe that you are the hero. So I have given you a task. Deep in the cave, there are old ruins from the creators of this island. In the center is a fluid that if you drink it, it will show you how the island came to be. At least that is the legend. But be warned. The cave is protected by the Spirits of the Zebra. Spirits that were forced there to protect it. But the guardian is a creature the Alicorns placed in there. We don't dare go down that way. Neither the ponies nor the Queen ever learned of this." I sighed, looking down at my hooves. I felt bad for Jonon and even the Queen. I lifted my head when she shouted words in Zebra. But I didn’t know what she yelled. All I could do was hear it and listen. But I had something I want to do.. Even if my heart was to soft. "I want to adopt you as my sister. Jonon. So you will never be alone." Jonon smiled softly and shook her head. " No my dear friend. That's not how my kind work. I'm your friend and maybe if we live through this war like the legend says. Now gather some food and water. If you don't come back in a few days time, we will come for you. Sorry little hero. But this is not like the land you’re from. It may not have the same issues you have. But it's how this land is. If you want to live you also have to learn how to live through the roads." Sighing, I lifted up my bags and went to one of the stores in the caverns noticing they mostly sell fish and mushrooms. I had enough water with me. I gave them some coins putting the food in my bags and then a young mare lead me to the back of the cavern. There is a door that says: Keep out. Certain death if you walk in. On the door were more locks than I could count. The mare used many keys that were in a keychain. She lifted each one to unlock each lock. Afterwards, she removed the chains that were along the door and opened it. The first thing that I noticed was a stale air smell. Going inside, I looked back and saw the mare shut the door quickly. Moments later, the sound of rattling chains and snapping locks filled the air. The door was locked tightly and it would be awhile before it would be opened again. I sat near the door for a while, closing my eyes softly and I felt my heart beating slowly. Why must I do this? Maybe I am chosen for the reason? Maybe It’s fate? Maybe It’s some Goddess joke? But I couldn’t think of anymore questions to ask myself.Then I slowly stood on my hooves and calmly started to walk. My body didn’t wish to walk forward. Forcing myself to was hard. There is something here pushing me on. 00000 I walked along the the old ruined path.The walls had writing from many. Different races I noticed. Zebra words mixed in with pony words. And several languages that I couldn’t even recognize. But I didn't understand what was going on at the moment. I stared at the writing. It was keeping me on my path. I looked closer to the writing it started to move. It started to play out in my vision. I could see it. The memory was of a war way before the war now. This war they had the same type of weapons but with no slug's and most of them magic.It showed whatever it was they were fighting something. I don’t know what but I couldn’t make it out. But before I could see the monster, the memory vanished and I stood face to face with some Zebras. These zebras are living and nothing to do with the writings they look to be wearing skulls on their heads and they attack me. Pulling my sword out with my magic, I fought them off while the sword floated in my magic. With a few swings, as my sword cut into a zebra’s flesh, he quickly jumped back fresh blood seeping from the wound as he stared at me. The same zebra lifted its hoof to try to blind me with dust. While the dust blinded me, for a time. I could still hear their hooves come towards. Me. All I could was use a spell to push them away from me so I could regain my sight. But after I regained my sight. I no longer saw them. But I heard a dark laugh and then a voice in the darkness. " Ah so a pony wishes to steal from me as well as my children." A loud sniff came along with this voice and she laughed. " Hmm. An Equestrian. I am so sorry about your little land blasted apart." She laughed softly " But I was there little one. Of course me and my guardian's left before the war could get so bad and we were forced down here by other Zebras and locked. Lucky for us there is water and all kinds of mushrooms. But come and find me child." Blinking a moment and looking around seeing more that this was built during a war. A war so many years ago that we never learned about. I'm starting to wonder if something happen before Celestia and Luna were even Princess. I walked down the old stone walkways. Seeing some young Zebras guarding some of the paths. These ones now have old guns. They didn’t even looked that well kept. I looked around for a rock and quickly found a loose stone on the wall. Lifted up with my magic I tossed the rock and it smashed right into the Zebra's head and one of them was knocked out. Then i charged at the other as she tried to use the gun. But it didn't work and started falling apart. As I sliced into them and they fell and started to bleed out. But I could wait. Lifting up the gun's placing them in my bags. Looking around with fear in my heart as I looked through the gear. But all I could find is the fact they wore extremely old armor. They have been down here for to long. Calmly looking around and blinking seeing the wall of many creature's of the past. One of them being placed in a prison in this island. But the other's i'm not even sure. But hopefully I will learn why this island was created. Looking around seeing nothing for the moment. But i did find some camp's but no Zebra or pony here. Slowly looking through them. I found some old badly kept ammo. But I placed them in the bag anyway. Sighing a moment sitting down and bring out some of the fish i had with me and ate just a piece. Drinking from my canteen. Closing my eyes gently and then felt a barrel of a gun in my mid back. "I am not here to harm you." I said calmly and looking behind me to see a young little foal. Her eyes were full of fear and I smiled softly trying to assure her I won't harm her. " I mean it little one. I won't harm you so please drop your weapon." She stared in my eye's dropping the gun and running off and then I saw many eye's. As I saw many of the Zebra's seemed to be stuck down here. But I think there is a reason for that. Lifting the gun up and placing them in a bag. Then stood up and looking around to try to find my way to the one that speaking to me. But i was stopped by many Zebra's and They surrounded me. They looked weak and dying but I am sure that is because they have been in here too long and to many in breeding. Looking at them and I sat there looking at an elder that stood in front of me. " Young one.. Are you here to rescue us from this evil?" Blinking i tried to choose my words carefully. " The Zebra's outside never told me about you. I am guessing there is a reason for it." The elder sighed and he looked at the other's around him. " That is because the commander that came with us. We were forced in here so long ago. But she lived through something that happen to her before water ended. But we need to be free so we can be with our own kind again. As you can tell we are dying down here." I gave a nod and looked at them all even the young tear's fell from my eyes I felt that I was sent down here for a reason now. Not just to get the fluid and drink it. But maybe to heal these wounded one's. But I am no magic buff I have no healing magic. All I am is a simple unicorn that knows some spells. I am starting to think that most of the reason i am here is to see if this creature is still alive down here. " I will help you. Then I need to find a chamber that hold a fluid that I need to drink. Are you all willing to wait by the door? They will open it when they know it's me." The others looked to each other speaking in Zebra. They didn't seem to know Equestrian that well. But it happens with them being here for so long. that only a few knew it. Even teaching it wasn't easy. The elder then looked back to me with a smile. " We will wait and then we will lead you to the chamber I don't remember my name sadly or i would tell you. But if you free us. We will help you with whatever you need." I sighed softly not sure what to think right now. But I felt the fact that something wasn't going to be extremely easy for me. Slowly walking past them. The guard's backed away looking towards me as i walked into the chamber's of their commander. The commander stared at me she looked so young but when she came out of the shadows. She was old but looked like she could fight but how could she be alive after so long? But before i could say anything she lifted up on her back hooves and smashed into my chest gasping feeling ribs break under the pressure and I flew back into the wall groaning coughing. The commander laughed loudly. She had bloodshot eyes for being so old. She seemed able to move rings around me. Slowly I tried to stand and I groaned but she forced her hooves on my side and I screamed. Feel more ribs break and then she hit one of my legs and my pip buck was going crazy showing that many parts of me were crippled. She then backed up and laughed loudly. "Oh what a fool.." Standing up with my back left leg hanging up staring at her with blood draining from my wounds.. Despite the pain i had great resolve and cough softly blood draining from my mouth and nose. " They sent a worthless pony to fight me. A.." Before she finished I interrupted her. " A hero of legend that is meant to save this island from the Queen." The Zebras eyes went wide staring at me and looking towards the strange carvings in the wall seeing one of them was me. But then at the other carvings, She then gave a evil smile. "A hero you claim to be. Yet so have the other who have came before you. Many have come before you. Yet walk this island, they no longer are. You think you are the Hero of Legend. So did they. You know the Island is a prison. I see it in your eyes. Now I will tell you the same thing I told them. The Hero is a lie. You will not save this Island. You will be it’s destruction. You will release the Devil trapped within the Island’s Heart. This has been foretold by the Creators. The Hero isn’t our savior, you will be our doom." My ears drooped down my head at these words. Is it true was I the doom of this very island? Maye I am maybe I am not. I feel I need to fight for this island. During my little depression after the words were spoken to me. I heard her trotting towards me in a quick manner. Despite the pain I felt through my back left leg, i quickly used my front legs to launch me into the air. It took but a fraction of a second to spin myself around and slam my injured rear left leg into the zebra’s face. The bones cracking more after I hit her face. I felt so much pain in my left leg even though I acted ready trying to speak with might in my voice rather than pain. " I'm not going to stop. I am going to fight you despite my pain and broken bones." I didn't even use my magic to hold my sword but she and I charged at each other and i got on my good leg and smashed my front hooves into her using the one leg to dodge her attack's as she did the same to me. It was going crazy. One broken unicorn mare and one old Zebra mare, with no harm done to her at all, dancing around each other. During the battle I could hear my heart pumping blood and adrenaline through my whole body. I felt the scream of my body as it like it was screaming for me to stop. The pain it was so awful. It felt of pure agony the tongue shilling and all the music that called to me. Stop. So much pain. But I must go on… I must! I can’t stop! I must fight! With each beat of my heart, I smashed my hooves into her neck. I got a few hits in before she backed away. I stared at her as she backed away. I could hear my very heart beating so hard in my chest.To the point it hurt. I kept on my back right hoof, keeping my left hoof up. It hurt to even try to put weight on it. But she noticed this with one quick movement. She did a kick sweep and I fell on my face. I heard her jump off her hooves and I felt that she might beat me. But I turned quickly on my back to meet her next attack head on. Lifting my blade with the flat part, I blocked her hooves. I felt her very weight on me but I pushed her back with all I had and she flew off me, landing on her hooves to get ready to battle again. Then she charged at me again and I got on my hooves using my magic to hold my blade. She had strange metal on her hooves. I felt it when my blade struck the hooves. I didn’t even feel that I was making much of a challenge, fighting her like this. But she was able to fight back even without a sword. The hooves hit me in the chest but not causing me to much pain. I was able to block some of it with the blade. But it hurt so much and she laughed softly. I didn’t know what she was planing. But she lifted a strange dust from her hoof and blew it into my face. I felt pain in my eyes as I screamed. My vision went fuzzy and black. It hurt so much and I had to try to clean it off quickly. I lifted my left foreleg to wipe the dust out of my eyes. As I got my vision back i did it at the wrong time and a knife stabbed into my side by the Zebra Groaning a bit and I fell to my stomach my sword dropped as she smirked backing away laughing. " Now time to kill you." She backed up to get ready to do a jump onto my spine. But I tried to use my magic to lift up the sword and she charged jumping from far away and flesh ripped and the sound of a sword going deep into flesh. The vision in my eye darkening more as I see her skewered on my sword. She spoke coughing up blood. " You....will doom us all.." As she died , i pulled my sword out of her and tossed it softly to the ground nearby. Before i lost consciousness, I saw many Zebras rush to me while the elder had a worried look in his eye. " Hurry. Get the healers." He turned back to me trying to keep my head propped up. " Stay awake hero. Stay awake." I knew that it was going to be impossible for me. As I slowly closed my weak eyes, all I felt was pain. I could feel my heart was slowly stopping. Each beat growing further and further apart, but it still kept beating. That slow beating somehow was keeping me alive. 00000 I started to dream. No memory, this time. But I was extremely young and looking at all the bodies near me and I tried sobbing through the dead bodies. I felt so lost and empty. Heard voices on the other side of the door that lead down here. I started to shake, not sure what is coming to find me. The door opened up and I saw the face of the wolf. Her eyes glowed brightly as she looked down at me. She leaned into the hole and lifted me up. The wolf creature carried me away from the hole and gave me back to my parents. I looked back at the one who rescued me. Tiria was her name. She went through so much to save me and the rest of the city. But the city around me is in ruins. A Lot of it is being torn down to make a smaller little town. Tear's drained from my eyes as I was carried back to my home but. I wanted to go to the wolf and I was set down and I trotted off to the hero of our town. When I got close to her she turned looking down to me. Her blue eyes no longer glowing as she just stared. Calmly she lifted me up looking to my parents giving a nod. She didn't even speak she knew what they wanted. They wanted her to look after me as the area is being rebuilt. She lay me down beside her as she sat in a chair. She looked very unhealthy but still no more words from her voice. I remember so much from her. But I think this is around the time she was unsure what to do with this town. She really didn't care much about ponies. But right now all I could care about is that I am near the one that saved me. I am not a hero like her. I will never be a hero like the wolf. Many always rushed to her to give her food something to read while she rested while every pony worked around. Her eye's closed half the time because It was easy to tell that her body was falling apart. But again she stared down at me. I could finally see a smile on her face. A smile of happiness. I remember her like this. It's hard to relive my past through a dream. But I wanted to warn her about Crow and Sand dying. Then I remember were I was. I was in her very bag. I unzipped hoping to get to her in time. I saw Sand, her mate dead from the creature's power. . Then I saw Crow the changeling who looked dead but. He turned into a mouse and limped under the stairs to hide. I saw her other friends. KipKipe and Shadow were both wounded and knocked out. But when I looked at Silver Gunner. He was staring at the shotgun that was given to him. He remembered who the ones in the photo that gave him Remembrance. I got out of the bag to slowly walk to Tiria and The Iron Wolf project the so called god it called itself.. " Tiria...." She just stared at me with empty eyes and I was lifted by the creature and he stared at me as I looked into his eyes. Remembering the pain he caused me. I wanted to save her. I wanted her to be there for me. But it's the past and I can't do that. I felt the pain in my leg that he ruined. I remember the pain and Tiria broke free, grabbing me from the creature as he spoke. " How dare you! I am your god!" She just carried me to the door and using the wire's to open the door. On the other side was Iron Claw the hellhound. She passed me off to him. " Go and keep the Stable closed." Tiria yelled. The door closed back up as Iron claw carried me out. I was crying but the Hellhound did nothing to calm me down. All he said was this. " Let it out little one. Pain is what most ever remember. Remember to use this pain to fight and never end." The dream ended but I was still in the darkness. But in the darkness, a wolf formed and smiled at me. My eyes went wide as I rushed to the wolf hugging her. " I am sorry little Star Shooter but I am not who you think i am. I am but the back of your mind. It seems your subconcenes is feeling Guilty so it brought me here. I don’t know why you feel so guilty Star Shooter. Is it because of what you watched? What you watched her do? You are alive. But you need to stop blaming yourself for Tiria's death. It wasn't your fault. It was that howling dance, that damned crystal, that ruined her body when she used it to kill that creature." Blinking staring at the wolf, my heart shattered. I thought it was really her. But I noticed I would never know. I wish I could say goodbye to her but.. I never got the chance to. I just layed beside her as she died from giving birth to crystal. Closing my eyes and I felt a paw under my chin and opened my eyes to stare into the eyes of Tiria. " She would be proud of you Star Shooter. You are not only following in her paws. You found someone that will never leave you alone. She may not be a pony of course or a stallion since...you never were into same sex. But being with her, I think that changed you a lot." A smile formed on my face and I had something to say to her. I couldn’t hold it back any longer. She must know how I feel. "I'm sorry Tiria.. I see your grave everyday I close my eyes. I see you laying there after you died during the birthing of Crystal. The pain you felt during that I couldn’t do a thing to help you.” Tears fell from my eyes while I felt such sorrow talking to the hero of my home. But I had more to say. “How is it fair to you that you saved us. But that damned stone took you from us . It's not fair!!.” I stomped my hoof in anger. The dream of my friend sighed patting my head with her paw her smile that smile that made me feel happy when she was there. She spoke so gently. " I am sure she knows little Shooter. Please don't let guilt get to you little one. Now wake up." 00000 Opening my eyes I was on a bed still in the cavern. My leg was wrapped in a bandage same with my chest and a healer spoke softly. " Shhh. Don't move little pony." Looking over to the healer and she smiled. " I'm known as Zranth. Odd name yes but Zebras always have odd names." She chuckled softly. " Don't move for awhile though little pony. Your body needs to heal. Then I will lead you to the fluid of the past." I nodded weakly my head hurt so much and throbbed. Laying back closing my eyes groaning and felt a strange substance on my chest. " What happen?" I asked weakly the zebra just stayed silent. I felt so weak looking around and noticing that only this healer is here. She stayed silent and just kept rubbing the strange substance on my chest and then gave me some water. For some reason my pip buck was going nuts saying there is something inside it making the ticker go crazy. Never understood why it did this. But maybe there is something here that is toxic. But the water felt good going down. The subsistence seemed to make my ribs heal. But it made the bones shift and crack it felt painful while the bones did this. I gasped in pain as all I could hear was the bone's cracking and slowly going back in place. "I'm sorry young one. This is sadly going to be painful to the point you will have to rest. I do hope you are here to get us out of here. We have been down in this cave for so long." Weakly I smiled and chuckled groaning in pain as my bone slowly healed. The bone's cracking as I felt the bone in my leg twist and crack. A deep groan came from my mouth. The hoof slowly healed but all i could feel was the bones cracking and my insides burning from the water. Looking to the healer and her weary face smiled at me stroking my face with her hoof. " I am sorry young one. I know it's painful but rest. Relax. After you are healed, we will take you where you are going." Weakly smiling, I finally spoke after groaning. Coughing softly I turned and looked up to her. " To be fair.. I didn't even know you were all down here.. The Zebras that sent me down here didn't even tell me you existed. Maybe they thought you all died out.." The healer frowned a bit and looked down, sighing softly. But then looked back towards me. " It would take awhile to explain why we were forced down here. But you would have to listen to get the others outside to understand why we did what we did. Are you willing to listen to an old Zebra about a story of the past?" Giving a nod weakly and I couldn't even move as my bones calmly cracked and coughed deeply. But she started to speak. "My ancestor were part of the tribe that refused to fight in the war. Most of my tribe and my family were put on a zebra prison ship and were heading back to our lands. But we got lost in a storm and ended up near this island.” Zranth took a drink from some water sighing before going on with the rest “But the issue of the matter is the magic. The magic was attracting the commander to this island. You killed her of course, I never understood how she lived for so long. But the spell beached the entire ship. We were able to live on the island peacefully, the Queen didn't even bother us. But when the other Zebra landed. They found out what tribe we were in and the Commander was forced to relocate us into this area. This cavern of writing of the past and ruined. I was born here.” I could tell it pained her to talk about this. But she went on anyway. “It was made way before we got here. But yes, we were outcast and outsiders. We have been down here for so long. There has been to much inbreeding. With me I got lucky but yes there is too much of it." Nodding. " But we hope you can save us from this death little hero." Closing my eyes calmly to think as the pain finally subsides still feeling pretty weak coughing a bit. Slowly sitting up with the help of Zranth. Siting there calmly on my haunches as I had so much pain in my body. My mane covard my eye's a moment and with my gentle eye's I stared at her. Then gave a very weak smile. Slowly speaking through my pounding head. " If you show me were the fluid of the past is. Then I will do so. Just I can't promise anything right away. I just need to ask the elder. From what I have learned most of the Zebra's out there are from every tribe. But most of the Zebra's seem to only care for themselves. But after being on this island for so long" Zranth frowned looking away and she sighed. " Little hero, there is a guardian defending that chamber. Do you feel ready to take it on? It's a creature that allows us to live here. Its old and will know every way to beat you hero. But I will take you to it. I may not like the very idea of it. But I will." Sighing softly closing my eyes I was going to be in pain more. But I slowly got out of the bed. My legs feeling so stiff and weak. " Lead me. Please." I softly voiced. Zranth frowned sighing nodding and walked away. Following her she lead me down a strange hall that showed the history of this island. It seemed is was built to keep prisoner's of evil but only one was able to be jailed here. Some giant squid monster and another one a cloud monster. That seems to be a minion of the Queen who runs this island now. But then I see him. The warden. The warden from what I have noticed is located in the castle itself. Written above it in equestrian. ' Speaker for those who wish freedom.' Finally seeing what he is. He is a dragon that is connected to the power of the castle itself. Reading down it said's if he is removed then he is killed. 00000 I was finally lead to a large chamber and Zranth stayed outside and looked towards me with great sadness in her eyes. I could tell that she has lost many a friend to this creature in there. I smiled weakly looking into the chamber and then back to her. " I will return. Please be ready to leave." Slowly walking into the chamber, I finally saw what I was after a vial of a strange glowing fluid. But the room was pretty empty and I just stood there a moment, unsure of what to do next. The door slide close behind me as I looked up, seeing the beam of moonlight shine in. But while I walk closer. I hear hissing finally I see very large snakes slithering around. But they seem to leave me alone. But I heard a deep voice. " Mortal. Your sins, your thoughts, your memories. They betray you little one. I can't allow you to drink from the vial of the past. I..." He goes silence for awhile then after a few pregnant seconds he spoke. " Equestria... Dead? Slowly brought back by a spell? Oh child..Why do you wish to return to a dead land?" The creature asked in the booming voice. Closing my eye, I sat on my haunches.How can I hero do this on their own? The choices the pain of the choice they make. All choices add up to a hero. But is it wise for me to keep pretending? I wish to go home. But I am in love.. With Blaze. I love her so much.. So for her...I shall.. But I finally spoke after a few moments. " The idea of being a hero is new to me. I wish to get back to my land but then I wish to free this island from the Queen. The Queen that seems to be the reason why so many souls on this island are full of sadness and sorrow. I.. don't care about my own life. I may be in love with one of the citizens of this island. But I'd rather she be free then my own happiness." The voice stayed silent for a moment and I felt I failed and then I finally saw what he is. He is a manticore. The creature stared at me a moment using it's lion eye's and he sat on his haunches a moment watching me closely. Looking at the creature I was always told to avoid this type of being. These creatures are known to be very nasty and deadly. But this one has been trained to think like a pony and to speak like one. Maybe this one won’t hurt me. The Manticore sat in front of me with waiting for me speak its very eyes glowed. " The world ended in fire.. I see we were lucky. If you call this island lucky. An island created by my former masters. To hold Prisoners of their long forgotten war. They even placed some of the species of the world on this island.” Memories resurfaced of that day of that battle. All because of the past. Then he went on. “They knew about a war coming. But they didn't know how it would start. Yet they were all killed. All but the parents of the princesses Celestia and Luna. But what ended them was a creature even worse than what you faced with the Enclave. Even worse than the raiders or whatever threat you will face. Just because of you heroes and your choices and the seals.The heroes of your land have been breaking them left and right." I looked up to him calmly and then looked back down, softly asking. " What is this great evil? I have heard many things about it since I got here. But I haven't seen anything about it at all." The manticore stared at me a moment and then looked towards the fluid. He seemed to be unsure if telling me would be a great idea. He walked around, calmly looking towards his snakes as they hissed to him and he nodded. He spoke softly to them. " You sure I should tell her?" The snakes hissing and seemed to all hiss, almost as if their were speaking to him. Watching him. he came back over to me and smiled softly down at me. " I will tell you but you can't tell anyone else. In fact, if you do he might discover those that you care about.. If you say his name, he will know who you said it to. So please remember don't tell anyone till the time you know he is coming. You will know when he is." He calmly leaned down to me and whispered. He just whispered a name that seemed to go into my brain then drown out with the rest of the world. This name had magic in it. It went deep into the back door of my mind and not only did it close the door, it locked it with a seal of magic. The name just escaped my mind I remember hearing it. But I don’t remember the word of the name. Just the fact I was told a name. I gave the Manticore a weak smile. " I promise." The Manticore gave a smile and then nodded looking back to the fluid. " Listen child. I have been waiting for you for a long time. The legend is true and you were destined to come here. But not to kill me. But to tell me it's my time to be released. So please if you know everything you do please say those words." Blinking, my eyes go wide but I sigh and close my eyes. Thinking a moment of what to say. Looking up to him. " Why was this island created? I know most of the reason's but why was the Queen placed in power?" The manticore stared at me for a moment and sighed. "She was banished from Equestria for trying to take the throne from Celestia while Luna was in the moon. Then she got the power she wished for when she got here. Celestia never knew exactly how powerful she was. But she finally learned the mistake she made. From what I have been able to figure out, the war started before she could fix that mistake." He sighed looking back to the fluid and then back at me. " Please say the words child. If you say the words now, I can get Equestria and prepare for the coming of the creature I gave you the name of." Thinking a moment, was it wise to speak those words to him? Maybe he will attack me maybe he won’t. Maybe he will show up to help with this battle. But I sighed, closing my eyes taking a deep breath with a smile forming on my face. Slowly I spoke the words. " You're free to go. You have done your mission." The manticore smiled and then flew up quickly into the hole that brought the moonlight down into the chamber. Shortly afterwards, he was gone. Watching him go and then looking back to the fluid. Lifting up the vial in my magic I stared at the strange pink fluid. Opening up the cork, I drank it down. I started gasping in pain and screaming loudly almost immediately afterwards I’m sure that it echoed all the way back to the cavern. Even to the town, maybe even to the castle itself. I am sure many heard that scream and my world went black. Footnote: Level up Perk added: Zebra training: You learned to fight like a zebra does. Remember this is not an easy stance for a pony. But it will help you be +20 times faster in attack. But It will be a little slower on the dodge.
Chapter Seven: LearningChapter Seven: Learning It was the next morning. I felt so much better and I didn't have the sorrowful heart I did last night. Blaze made me feel like a mare. Well as much as a female and female can express their love. But it's something I am starting to enjoy more and more. I was asked to help with clearing out the orphanage. I need to take out whatever these creatures. I walk into the blacksmiths building. I watched Blaze at the forge using her firebreath to keep the forge heated. The blacksmith turned his head to look at me while he smashed his hammer on the anvil. From what I could tell he was making armor for a creature like Blaze. " How well is the gun making going?" The roc nodded and looked down thinking a moment nodding again. " A plant is being built in the cavern. The Zebras have no issue doing so and they will be putting the smoke stakes in an area that won't tip off the Queen. But again, I don't feel it's wise having these type of weapons of war. But with what is going on right now. It's sadly going to be needed if we are to win the coming war. Now how can I help you little hero? Need your lover to make you scream some more?" He gave a smirk and Blaze snickered as I just blushed brightly then softly sighed and shaking my head with a smile gently. Reaching into my bag, I offered my sword to him. " Could you please fix this?" The blade seemed fine it had no cracks but it seemed dull and in need of a good sharpening. He smiled softly, taking the sword in his wings. Calmly looking at it closely with his trained eye and chuckled. " Hmm you need a better weapon then this little hero." I blinked and he looked through the weapons on his wall. Thinking a moment and pulling a weapon that seems pure blade it looks like a blade from the old war. Looking on it, I saw it had a name engraved on it. It was called ' Singer.' I don't know why it was called Singer but the Roc set it down in front of me with a gentle smile. " This was found in the basement of Bulks house. From what I have seen it belonged to the Bulk family. It was weighed in a way to help a Pegasus pony fight with no issues. I shall melt down this sword you have now." Blinking a moment, I lifted it with my magic.In my magic the blade felt extremely light. When it whooshed around it sounded like a pony was signing but it was just the air. Staring at the blade and looked more at it and Blaze calmly looked at me and chuckled. " Star shooter if you wish to kiss it, go ahead. You're giving it the same look you give me." My cheeks burned bright red and then looked to Blaze and calmly walked to her giving her a kiss. " I will see you later." Blaze nodded and started to get back to work. She was making armor from how the armor looked. It looked like it was for her.But I trotted out calmly closing my eyes and listened to the air of the wind blowing through the air. Placing the sword in the scabbard on my side and reached into my bag placing on my cloaked to cover my black body, the hood along with the mask. Just in case a minion of the queen was lurking about. Walking up the road to the orphanage building. it was silent. Very silent. I willed my eyes into the magical spectrum. But I saw nothing. No magic at all. Removing the sight for the time being, I calmly walked into the building. I could hear the buzzing of the bugs softly and willed the magic sight again. My eyes went wide. They were eating magic. They ate magic. The smaller ones looked like they removed the raw magic. Maybe the raw magic was to deadly for some of the creatures in this island. I can't let them get outside and harm the rest of the town. Lifting my sword slowly, I waited silently to strike. When they came towards me I did a slash and when I cut into them there was a magic explosion. Making me fly back and all the magic flowed out of the creature causing my horn to flare brightly as some of it went inside me. But it caused me to feel energized but also in pain. But the bugs didn't seem interested in me at all. The magic caused so much pain that it gave me a vision a vision of how these creatures were created. She mixed them with many different bugs and used them to clean the magic or to use the magic as a weapon. I came out of the vision holding my head in pain. How did I know this? I don't remember what I just saw, I just remember that I know what they do. Calmly lifting up my sword I sliced my sword at another and the blade glowed gently from the attack. The blade sounded like a song while I sliced deep into the bug magic released from it.As it exploded in magic and my horn glowed brightly. As the magic went through and the bugs finally looked at me and stingers glowed brightly and they did something I never thought they would. One of the stingers shot a beam of magic out at me. As it hit the wooden wall, a large hole was drilled into it and I charged at one of them, slicing them apart. Another beam cut through my cloak, giving me a little burn. Then rushed into the other bug slicing it and it made me fly into the wall and the sword stabbed into the ground. I tried to stand back up but I groaned as to much magic was going into me. It felt painful it felt worse than magic burn out. But I stood up and picked up my sword in my mouth and placed in back in the scabbard. The magic floating around calmly vanished and went back to just floating beyond the realm of being able to see it. Looking around, I noticed this was meant to be a school in the past. Removing some dust from a broken door, I discovered it said ' School of Learning.' It seems this building was built to teach Zebras more than just being slaves. There is more then just what they said here. It seems the history of this island is wrong. Built to be a prison but I doubt the Zebras were slaves. It seems the queen caused the issue. It seems the queen is the one that started all this. No wonder most of them are heading to war. Looking around calmly and looking through the old books. The magic seems to be keeping the old books clean and rotting free. Looking to the side finding some old desk. They seemed to have been here for years. Using my magic to lift them apart and placing them in a row of what I have seen books like these in Deep Thoughts school. It would take along long time to clean. But I kept the books in the spot they should belong. But I had more places to check. Walking into the next room there are many different types of bed. I guess the children sleep here.But this is the clean area. Looking around calmly and then saw another interesting bug. This bug looked like a beetle and it was eating the same magic. But when it ate it. It seemed to clean it a bit. Then re released it in a stem of breath. Who ever created these creatures they live on magic. I am starting to think the reason this island never was found during the war. It was because of the pure magic. It stopped the ability to find it. But maybe some had ancestors that found it and got out. So the one that brought me here must have lived here before. Like that Salamander that was on the boat before. Then vanished, They must have been here before me. I sighed softly and the beatles just avoided me. Walk into the kitchen and looked around seeing those giant bugs with wings again. But they just looked at me with their many many eyes. I could see that they see me as walking magic. I have been in here to long magic is filling me up. But my horn starts to glow and it makes the magic around us glow brightly. Pulling out my sword and charging at the creatures. While they dragonfly hornets. All I can think of calling them is Magic eaters. The magic flowed into the stinger and the stinger glowed and shot at me with magic beams. I sliced the stinger off one of the bugs. It flew into the wall the magic slowly released into the air and went into my horn again. Turning to watch the bug it slowly started to die it had no way to release the magic back out. It caused the poor creature to burn up from the inside out but it didn’t do anything but the magic seeped out of it’s cracks and went into the air to linger and cause more visions but these ones I didn’t even remember It made me wonder.. What have I have seen and what would I remember? had more places to check. But now I see why creatures here mutated like they did on Equestria. This is natural magic. But sadly, it would be easier if it was because of the bombs so long ago. The magic of this land could be a problem but for the moment might be best to clean the rest of these bugs out of the school. Taking a deep breath I am sure I am breathing in the magic. I feel more power seeping through me. Looking to my pip buck I see that there is no ticking. I feel powerful but maybe being high on magic is a bad thing. I am hoping that I could find out more about these creatures. But sadly I couldn’t find anymore of them. Slowly standing back on my hooves and calmly walking through the rest of the building. Finding some stairs and walking down them and my eyes went wide. The magic flowed slowly through the air. But I am starting to see why. On a pedestal in the middle of flowing raw magic. That I could see. Slowly walking to it and looked at it closely. This seems to be what is causing the bugs to come. But why did it start happening now?Hearing something, I looked towards the door and saw the Swamp Rat creature. It walked down the stairs and smiled softly. " Hello Hero. I wish to thank you for cleaning the place out for us.” I watched while the children came down the stairs. I watched Swampy walk around the pedestal to reach up for it. But her claw moved back looking back to me and the children. I’m starting to feel I was set up. " I can't do it." The Swamp rat turns back to me. " I am sorry hero, I am the one that brought the bugs here. The Queen said she would give me a great prize if I gave her this. But I can't. She even gave the kids a prize for it to. But we all came to an agreement. We can't accept it." Sitting on my haunches and looked at the kids. They seemed off more off then most. " Why do the kids seem so strange?" Miss Swampy looked towards me and then towards the kids and she sighed. " They were born in this island. Have you ever seen why the Zebras live in that cavern? The magic is blocked by that cavern. They were born here and it killed their mothers and fathers. If one is born in this magic.They won’t grow to be adults. They will be what is called magic ghouls. But magic ghouls happen to those who have been alive for many years. Ones who are born are called run off. Now if they leave this island. They grow old and die. Me and these children are hundreds of years old and if the magic leaves us we grow old and die." Looking to the fluid and then back to her.”She wanted this potion of memories. She is trying to remember who she used to be herself. But we can’t allow that to happen. If she is given these memories she could be a deadly force. These memories have power hero. Keep the power at bay don’t let her have them.” From just hearing these words from Swampy. Made me very worried is there really power in these memories? Looking towards towards the vial again and used my magic. " Go.. I am going to drink it. I need answers. I know this is stupid of me to do this. But I really need the answers." Miss Swampy and the children nodded and calmly ran up the stairs. I lifted the magic of the pedital took a long look at it. Than I started to speak to myself. "Oh the tongue swirling darkness and the music that calls to me. It is more of the music that is making me wonder about this island. The music of the island is faults in my head. Why does the song feel so fake? Why does the music feel wake? Why does the idea of this enigma feel so wrong to me? I don’t understand the path I am taking. Equestria Devil's Due what is the point? Why am I speaking to myself? Is this all I can see all I can hear? " Blinking to myself, I face hoofed hard and sighed. I was talking to myself now. Closing my eyes, I wondered if this was a good idea at all. Maybe it was a way to keep it from the queen maybe I would find a way to understand and remember it now. Sighing sitting on my haunches setting the potion back on the pedestal. I just watch the magic around it swirl and break apart to become more. My ears perked up hearing steps coming down the stairs. Turning my head to see Jonon and Blaze come down. Smiling deeply kissing Blaze and she smiled at me. " Love why are you holding that thing?" I sighed, looking towards Blaze. " I wish to drink this to learn more of what I don't remember." Jonon nodded calmly. " I can understand that you wish to learn of the past. Maybe you will learn more and then remember it." I nodded unsure what to think. Lifting the vial off the pedestal again the magic glowed while I moved it along the vial. Lifting it to let Blaze take a look at it. She gave it a snife and shrugged. I set it back down kissing Blaze deeply again feeling so happy to see her. I wish she could drink this with me so we could both learn together. " Lets go. Maybe I will learn more later." Walking up the stairs and Jonon spoke. " Maybe you will learn of.... Another way." My eyes went wide and then Blaze spoke. " Yes I am sure you will....learn as well." My eyes turned into pinpricks my ears folded back into the back of my head. I stared at them in horror. How did they know that name. It made me upset. I lifted the blade from its home staring at them. How did they know that name. Why did I hear voices? " How do you know...that name?" Blaze and Jonon calmly looked at each other. " Doesn't everyone?" Blaze answered. Tears started to fill my eyes how did they know.. Do they know more than me? Could they be fake!? Yes they are fake the kiss felt fake. It didn’t have the love behind it. I stared in the eyes of Jonon I didn’t see the honor in her heart. So much fakeness I felt I had to fight them. But I heard a voice behind me. " Star shooter." My sword dropped to the ground while my horn dimmed down in surprise. Yet I still saw them turning to see Tiria. My eyes began to fill with tears. She walked down the stairs But she looked so weak and in so much pain. ‘It can't be her’ I thought, ‘She is dead.’ Then more faces show up. Some I don't even know. More start show up in the magic. I saw Kipkipe, Silver Gunner.. But Silver was in the middle of a war in another land. From what I could make out. Fighting with a mare a mare with a pink mane and tail. Orange furred he turned to stare at me. Tears streamed from my eyes I felt that I should be there.. I need to go back to Equestria war is going on.. I am needed. "You aren't real!!" My head throbs staring at them and my unsure anger caused the magic to flow more it was affected by my emotions. I started to make me float in the air. But Tiria held me down looking into my very eyes and she spoke like she was there.. But far away. " Drink the vial Star shooter." Tiria said calmly to me and all the voices but Blaze and Jonon had repeated what she said in overlapping voices. " This magic it's killing you. It's going to destroy you. I am dead, yes." Closing her eyes and smiles. " But the magic has made a figment of us. Even your lover. As you see this is your mind. Please listen to those that care for you. Even your lover Blaze would tell you to do this. I know she would. She did pick you after all and forced you to be her lover." She smirks. " Hmm sounds like a gal I would have liked if I was still alive." Looking to Blaze and she frowned and looked down and Jonon nodded. She just seemed not to speak. Closing my eyes, I lifted up the vial again. After a moment, I opened my eyes and began to stare at it. My eyes glowing to see the magic while my face was glowing along with it. Tears began to stream down my face. I know the pain will be coming after I drink. Lifting the vial pulling the cork off the bottle to take a sniff. I couldn’t smell anything. But I took a deep drink from it. I started to scream a beam of magic shot out of my horn breaking through the floor into the sky. Blaze and Jonon rushed out of the blacksmith to see it. They hear me screaming and start running towards the school. There is a battle between the Minotaurs and Dragons they lower their weapons after they see the beam. In the home of the Salamander’s many of them come out of the cavern watching. The forbidden lands a group of ghouls watch all the land watches this happen. One mistake by me causes a tumble of dominos to happen. The last one to see it. The merchant the lizard that helped when we first met. He shook his head. “Hero of legend you have started the war.” He said softly to himself. Then at the castle. The Queen watches her eyes full of anger. My body glowed brighter and brighter. As the white light vanished and I kept screaming in pain. I could hear running from upstairs and seeing the real Blaze and Jonon rush in as the vial fell from my magic and I kept screaming loudly and Blaze held me close. As I started to speak in words. " More....yes.. understanding...Pain ...Pain!!" I screamed again and then the world went black. 00000 The host I was inside. The large bulk, the large creature. Bulk Biceps the large Pegasus. It seems he was learning about a tornado that he would have to fly to make. He was sitting in a tree waiting and listening he was an interesting being. From what I could see he was very good friends with the six mares. The six mares that helped bring the world to ruin. He helped fight off many of the threats that they faced to. He was part of gathering water from a tornado. So much this Bulk did all this happen before The war was slowly starting. But he didn't become part of that at first It's when the war took the six mares to be more than just that. Calmly, he signed up along with many friends of his. He was in many battles with some of his friends. But one by one, he watched them fall. He didn't wish to remember them I watched as he went into the ranks. But it seems most of his memories are pretty badly broken. The don’t like the right set of memories it seems the memories that gave him happiness and those that gave him the most pain as well. He was the first to offer himself to go to that island that some pony found an island of and have been told that the Zebras already are heading to it. To see if they can use it for something. But the memory seemed fragmented and all I saw was darkness and nothing else. I felt my head burning. 000000 Opening my eyes hearing sobbing as I was being held by Blaze. Wrapping my hooves around her staring into her eyes, this time but I didn't remember anything. Softly speaking. " Blaze... I will never leave you." She was a strong Salamander but it was hurting her watching me to get into this pain. Jonon was on her own and she knew that saying words would not be best right now. She warned me how Blaze would feel and I softly moved the crying Salamander to stare in her eyes and she smiled. " I am here Blaze.. I will never leave you." Blaze smiled and then her eyes fill with anger and she slaps me with her tail once. " Next time you do that again you be around us. I love you but I am not going to let you hurt yourself." She growled and then she softened. " Besides, your better at sex when your not in pain." My face turned bright red and The swamp rat came back down the stairs. She set down some gold coins. I could tell that she felt bad for what she did. After this though Blaze suddenly forced me on my back forcing me into a deep kiss. I laughed and stood back up when she got off me and then I looked at Swampy. " I think the queen saw what you did. I think you will need to be leaving for the forbidden lands soon. Because I am sure she will have someone be watching you. But I doubt she will send anyone after you till your out of the town." Nodding closing my eyes and sitting on my haunches as the last of the fluid drips from my ears and lands on the ground and every memory I saw is now gone. Standing on my hooves and looked at Swampy. " Swampy, this was a school. I doubt it would be wise to turn it back into one." Swampy nodded sighing and noticed the magic is still in the air. I noticed the air around here is calmer now without the potion. had a gentle smile on my face and it was time to get ready to leave. Maybe in a few more days. " Blaze, get whatever your working on ready. Jonon, we will leave in seven days. Then we will come back with what we find." Jonon nodded and calmly trotted outside and Blaze stared at me with a smile and sat beside me while she stroked my face gently with her tail and sighing. " I am going to get old by how crazy my lover is. I am going to stay here with you till your able to walk better." Giving a nod, I sat there and calmly closed my eyes. I wanted to be with her forever and I know this, smiling at her and she chuckled. " I know that look Star Shooter. You want to tell me something. But it would be a bad idea to tell me now." I nodded and she wrapped her tail around me, kissing me gently. " Tell me when the time is right little hero. I shall be here till the end if we win or lose you will be mine in life or death. I love you to the point I want you to be my wife. But of course we need to end this battle before we do that." Chuckling giving a nod and groaning and standing up again shivering. The pain from the memories still affected me a bit. A shiver came from my body and I fell back on my haunches stroking my head with my hooves. Shifting a bit and then looking to Blaze. " Lets go get something to eat. I am very, very hungry." She nodded with a smirk and walking up the stairs with me not far behind as I looked into some of renaming magic mist. seeing Tiria and the others again. Feeling unsure what I am seeing maybe a figment the magic wanted me to see. But when I look back I see the magic forming back into Tiira. She waved at me and vanished. Maybe it was all in my mind. 00000 Walking into the Inn, They had many other customers most of them zebras and some ponies. The all looked at me. Waving to me, I smiled and waved my hoof to them. Calmly sitting in a booth with Blaze beside and Jonon seemed to follow us this time and Speckled walked over to us and looked at me with worryness in her eyes. "I think the entire island saw what happen Star Shooter. In fact I got news from friends of mine in the Griffins and Minotaurs army. The all saw the flash of light and put their little war on hold. They wish to know what happen here. The warden is even talking about it. But he is mostly talking about the fact. That the queen is upset and destroying a lot of couches in her castle." I blinked sighing and lied my head on the table sighing while Blaze patted my back gently and looked up to Speckled. " I will have some water. I am sure that Star shooter will have some fish and that juice." She gives Speckled a wink and they laughed. "I will just have fish and water." Jonon calmly said. Speckled nodded and walked off with the order. Lifting my head back up groaning a bit. " My head feels like it's going to burst from all that fluid I drank." Blaze chuckled Leaned back into the booth closing my eyes breathing softly and deeply. I could feel memories floating in my head. But I don't understand or remember any of them. I feel I deserve this for what I did. Looking over to Jonon and Blaze. " I am happy to have you two with me. I know I am not the best hero." I chuckled softly. " But I am trying of course. At least I am not trying to be the next Lightbringer." Jonon nodded and Blaze just leaned into me stroking my chin with her webbed claw. " I think you need to stop worrying little hero." Jonon said calmly. " If you worry too much, it's going to be hard for you to understand. A hero doesn't question...well they do at times.But the hero should always be ready to be known. Even if they don’t wish to be known. But yes we need to be ready to leave." I nodded as the food was brought to our table and I smiled softly. Using my horn to lift the fork on my magic. The aura around my fork didn’t look as bright as it normally does. My horn sparked and then the magic quickly removed from my horn causing the fork to fall to the table. I groaned in pain feeling spent. I looked over to Blaze. Smiling weakly at her and she chuckled " My poor little hero needs help. So I will help her." She winks, making me blush gently because she is babying me but maybe I need this. She fed me with her tail and I felt it's a wonderful thing. She ate herself calmly and her tail seemed to have a mind of its own. After awhile my plate was empty I closed my eyes and laid my head down from the pain. Blaze looked down to me with a worried look in her bright red eyes. Laying her head on mine. " Star shooter do you need to get some more sleep?" Blaze asked with fear in her voice. " Maybe I need a little rest. This fluid really destroys my ability to think. Also I doubt drinking the fluid in the middle of so much magic. Make it even worse." I drank the juice and gasped in pain. It was the juice that I was given the first time I went in here. As it caused me to have so much pain. My horn glowing brightly and then dimming the magic within me seemed to build and build. Then I burped loud enough a mist of magic left my mouth and then dissipated. Then I laid my head on the table feeling extremely weak. I feel that I have magic still in my horn. But I am starting to wonder if the magic of this island is doing something to me. " I think I need to go to Doc." Blaze nodded and let me out of the booth and I weakly walked to the door to the way out of the inn. But I was getting dizzy and about to fall. But Blaze quickly along with Jonon stood on each side of me to keep me up. 00000 I was laying in the Doc's bed as I felt my body burning and I groaned deeply. Sweat poured down my body and I shivered as I felt I was falling apart. I could hear Doc talking to someone that didn't know who it was. " From what I see she has some new mutations in her ability to to use magic. For any pony that stays in a room that long of that much raw magic. It would mutate the ability to use it. She is becoming more one with this island. When she leaves this island she will be weak and always feel that her magic.. reserves are empty.So it would be along time for her to get back to normal. But that's not all that is wrong with her. From what she has told me. She has memories of ponies in her head. That she doesn't even remember. These pink fluid from those vials. From what I have learned, they are memories and they seem to mix with the magic in the island. Causing some great nasty things to happen to her." Even though I heard them, I couldn't say anything as my ability to speak was gone. The muscles in my mouth tightened, making it harder just to open my mouth to speak. My heart beat extremely slow feeling the blood slowly go through my veins. It burned so badly but being here on this island is changing me. It’s something I am learning that I am not enjoying. But maybe I deserve this fate. " Also Blaze it seems when you two ahem.. have sex..you seem to remove the magical stress on her body." I could hear Blaze chuckle. " So I need to have more sex with her daily then? OH I would love that maybe we could do it in front of an entire group of ponies so they could be so jealous of us." She chuckled darkly. My cheeks burned brightly and Jonon chuckled and I could hear somepony doing a face hoof. " Blaze, please take this seriously." Doc said with anger. Jonon answered back to Doc. " She is Doc. This is how Salamanders handle stress. They boast and enjoy talking about their private lives.” Blaze spoke softly, Her voice sounded scared but maybe has a fear I didn’t know about. "I'm scared to death Doc. I am scared that I’m going to lose her. I am scared that this hero legend is going to make me lose her and I will not be able to follow. She is all I have Doc. So please, if I don't act like this. I will be broken and sobbing over and over. I need her more than you know." Doc sighed and looked back into the room. " I think she needs you two. But right now she is to toxic and to full of this magic. She will pass it soon. But luckily for her all that is mutating inside her is the ability to use magic." I heard my two friends leave and Doc walked back in looking down at me with a soft smile. " I am so sorry you have to deal with this Star Shooter. I wish I could help you. But all I can tell you is rest sleep. " He patted my shoulder then walked out of the room. I was about to close my eyes but I couldn't. I was in too much pain. I tried to move but my hooves would let me. I tried to use my horn but the magic just died quickly but after awhile. I finally lay my head down on the bed and fell asleep. 0000 I started to dream or what some would call a dream. It wasn't more memories, it just seemed to be a dream of well...being silly. My brain seemed to be trying to tell me something. I could see food dancing and I could see many things happening like I was in a crazy farm. A giant chicken stared at me and then it popped and standing there was well something that was hard to understand. But whatever it was, it turned into my sub consensus. It formed into Tiria and she stared at me with a frown on her face. " Little Shooter you need to stop doing this to yourself. You're beating yourself up and it's making your mind to make to stop you from doing this to yourself. You need to stop this.I am truly sure if I was the real Tiria I would grab you and slap you to stop. ‘Stop you worthless pony if you worry to much about the past then the future is dead.’ Of course, if I was here of course" I just stared at Tiria and then I turned looking towards the salt shaker and the pepper shaker dancing and then I looked back at Tiria. " Is it normal for my brain then to show these strange things?" Lifting my hoof to a gun dancing and singing to a bunch of other guns. " I well I doubt this is normal. It seems your brain is so messed up that you think you really see these things. It seems like you're on drugs. But all you have been is the magic...Oh" She looks down a moment thinking and looks back to me. "The magic of this land is doing a lot of strange things to you. But hopefully it will pass." I sighed and sat on the floor on my haunches. When I did the floor whined like a dog. I lifted up quickly and watched it get up wake it’s floor tail and quickly run off. ‘Star Shooter this is all in your head. If you just sit here and stop thinking it will end.’ Then everything around me just started to get crazier. I had enough so I walked off and smacked myself on a rock to end this dream. But it didn’t work and I just sat down. I just sat there. Not even sure what to think anymore. Closing my eyes and feeling that I destroyed my ability to live. But looking up to Tiria who is not even real. " I feel that I need to wake up and just go for a walk maybe." She nodded. 0000 I opened my eyes and got out of the bed feeling so much better. But still groaned some. But walking along the halls of the doc's office, I heard him talking and listen with my ear. " My Queen. I don't know where she is. I am sorry she is no longer in town. Maybe you should try looking in the Salamander caverns. I know. I know. I promise if she comes back, I will make sure I put her to sleep. so you can have her brain. Of course. Thank you my queen." He stopped speaking and then I hid behind the door as he left and I looked inside seeing the terminal. An Equestrian terminal here. Slowly rushing back out and calmly walking along the hall. Doc was in the room looking for me and then I thought a moment of what to say. " Sorry Doc I needed to pee. I’m feeling much better now." Doc turned to look at me and I could tell he had something on his mind, but I just smiled. " Alright Star Shooter, go ahead and do the rest of your jobs that you need to do." Smiling gently to him, I calmly walked to him and gave him a hug with my forehooves wrapped around him gently and nuzzled his chest. " Thank you Doc. I know I can trust you." I smiled and calmly walked out of the room and heading outside. I sat down near the door taking a deep breath of the fresh air. Closing my eyes a bit and relaxed but I had more to do. There are some jobs I need to do. But right now I just need to relax and rest as my brain throbs gently of what is coming next. Footnote: Level up Perk added Magic Eater perk: You have faced what is known as the magic eaters of this island. You have gained 10+ damage against them. But later you will face stronger versions that this perk will not work against. Weapon perk: Singer was given to you from the Blacksmith this weapon is just a normal blade with a powerful enchant on it that sings for you when it swings in the air. It’s also extremely light enough that it feels hard to wield.
Chapter Eight: LettersIt's been a day since I slept at the Doc’s office. I was in the Manson, opening the boxes in the basement to see what else I could find. I found some old clothing that I could wear or I could sell. Along with finding that I found some preserved food. I am sure it’s still hopefully. The biggest find of it all though. I found books that never were changed. These books look like they came from a library that never got the Image treatment. I found some old Equestria maps. But I didn't find any use for them. But Zebras and Ponies walked down the stairs to take any box that I didn't want. Most of the clothing was taken outside for the citizens to enjoy. The preserved food as well. I opened another box finding old world money known as bits. Now I don’t know if they would them here. I also found some strange gold that looks like they were going to use it as money for this island. Looking to one of mares that had been helping me she looked into the box looking back up to me shrugging " Well we could try and use this like the gold we have now. I am not sure how it would work. But we could try." I nodded allowing the mare to take the box. Finding another that said on it letters. Opening it up I found some old letters from Equestria even a few old pre-war magazines one called play mare? I opened it up and my face turned bright bright red. Quickly I put it down trying to regain my composure. Finally while I did I found an old recording. I didn’t know what think of it at first. I plugged it into my Pip-Buck and let it download. After it downloaded I put my ear plumes in my ears and listened. “Greetings to those that have found this. I’m known as Bulk Biceps, I was commanding my soldiers well I tried most could say. We chased a group of zebras trying to catch up with them. Since most of them escaped from a prison. Little did we know that we would find ourselves in a prison with them. Old hatreds died hard though Majesty the owner of this island. Gave us a little place to continue our bloodshed. Enemies stuck on an island can’t get over their own war. Who ever found this thank you. I hope the war ended in the best way it could.” I could hear a deep sigh and weapons being primed. “I miss my friends.” “Maybe someday I will meet them again. But my sins are so much that it's not going to be easy for me to meet them again. I have to come clean. I started treating the Zebras that came under my care.. As slaves. That Queen Majesty, the ruler of this prison, felt it was wise to do so. But this is my last message. I am heading to a field of battle. A spell has been placed on it so it doesn't affect the rest of the island. To those that listen to this. I am sorry." The recording ends and I removed it from my pip buck and placed it back into the box with the rest of the letters. I closed the box backup pushing it away from the others since I wanted to keep reading these. I opened another box finding old armor. I wanted to use this armor but Jonon wouldn't agree to it. Setting it aside for the ponies and Zebras to look through it. They took the box and I know they would take it to the Blacksmith so he could replicate the armor. Again I feel bad that I might be bringing the war of Equestria to this island. I am starting to wonder if I can stop this war. Maybe I find out that this was another part of the Legend. That this war was needed to remove the Queen from power. I watched while the boxes go up and the basement was getting closer to being more and more empty. Opening the one last box that was down here. All I could find in here was photos. How did he get all this stuff? Would he have returned after the war ended to go gather what he could? But I sighed and pushed the photos to the side so they wouldn't take them. The basement was empty same without the seal keeping the creature at bay. There are no extra doors down here. But I just sat down here thinking of how it would be for him. Hearing that all his friends died in balefire. But it's not always the last thing he would have seen. He would have prouply died in the forbidden lands. But when I sat I hit a strange button and a wall opened up showing a display of a zebra weapon. At first I couldn’t tell what it was. After taking a good look it I noticed it was a zebra sniper rifle. I walked to the Sniper taking it out of the display and looking through it. It's powered by something and I doubt it really needed ammo. But if it did I would know later. Checking it more and I looked at it closer seeing it had a name in zebra tongue. Sadly I can’t read it. I saw a note on it and looked at it closely. ' Greetings Hero of Legend. If this is you I can’t stop you from well taking this. In the legend your so clumsy that sooner or later I knew You would stumble onto this.' I am the sniper rifle to check if I could still use it. It was so badly kept up it fell apart like it was nothing. But whatever is powering this rifle, it is still on. I sighed softly and began lifting up the parts. I would have to take it to the blacksmith. Fate seems to not want me to have any guns other than the one I have in my bag. That is badly kept. Sighing and set it aside, I looked to the Zebra that came down. " Take this to the Blacksmith I am going to stay down here a little longer." The Zebra gave me a nod and I stood up and walked to the box again opening looking at all the letters. I was getting upset stroking a hoof along my head. don't know if I should read all these. But the owner of them is long dead. I dumped the box on the floor so I could get a good look. The recording attached to my Pip-buck drove my crazy. So I removed it setting it back into the box. I looked through all the letters and brought one of them out. Lifting it up and stared at it sighing very unsure I have a right to do this. Looking at the pile then at the letter I am holding closing my eyes. I opened the letter and I started to calmly read it. ' Dear Bulk thank you for offering your support to the army. But I don't see how you can join us. You have done so much but you just don't give us the right mind set of handling the battle. We need those that are ready to lose their minds because of how this war would turn out to be. Again we are sorry.' Signed Recruiting office. Blinking looking at the letter, I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and then opened them again. Why would they not allow him to fight at the start? From what I have seen of him he was an amazing pony. But that's just how it was back then? Hmm I don't understand the reason for it. But I looked through the box finding another letter. Opening this one and started to read calmly. 'Hello Bulk it's Thunderlane. I heard that you haven't been able to get recruited. But it's bad out there big guy. We need you Many have already tried to get recruited. I am one of the ones that has as well. But the war is getting bad I am sure you have heard. But I am not sure what is going to happen. But we need you big guy. I am sorry for this letter I just have so much on my mind. I am not sure what is going to happen. So many in my family are scared because of this war. The war is going to either end in a good way or end in death.' I sighed looking at the other letters I doubt I could read more of these I didn't really want to keep reading and finding out something that I shouldn't be learning at all. I placed the box backup and only a few letters still were laying on the floor. Lifted them up but the last one I picked up I felt something pulling at me. Opening the letter and I felt this was a big letter a letter of pure pain. ' Dear Bulk, it's sad to report to you that your brother, Dumbbell Biceps, has been killed. While he was guarding Luna’s school for gifted unicorns, an attack happened from Zebras and your brother was among the dead. We are extremely sorry for your loss. Sorry we can't give you more.' There was no name at the end, just that his brother was killed. I remember a story of a school getting attacked during the war. I remember that many of ponies started joining the army after that attack. So, one of bulks family members passed away because of that attack. I sighed and put the letter back into the folder. Standing back up I closed the box up and put my head on the box, feeling sadness for Bulk. He lived while the rest of his friend and family died by the bombs. He got to live a well not a full life till he was sent to the forbidden lands. I walked up the stairs opening the door then closing it behind me. Looking towards the ponies and zebras that helped me with this task. " Done." They nodded and set down like five gold coins and I sighed softly placing them into my bags and looking around the Manson. Not even sure what to think of this anymore. Slowly walking up the stairs going into the main office and sitting down on the chair closing my eyes a bit and calmly wondering what I can do. But looking through the desk finding another letter. Lifting the letter up and it said to the hero. I opened it up to read it. ' Dear hero of Legend. I have been told many things about you from the Zebras that have learned about you. I wish to thank you for removing my family from this home. It was meant to be used to fight the Queen. But she had to much of a hold on the ponies and Zebras here. But I have a warning to give you. Don't trust the Queen, even if she offers you anything. She will have minions watching you and waiting to backstab you. Only follow the ones that are the friends of legends. But before I go on. I wish to say I am sorry for what we did to Equestria. I know it's as much the fault of the Zebras. But it was mostly our fault. Ponies never had the rights for the coal and we tried to force it from them. The sad thing is hero this war could have been stopped. But sadly hate doesn't help the fact that most want revenge. Anyway take care hero. I hope you free the island and that Equestria has forgiven the past for what we done to the future." I set the letter down looking at it. I held my head with my hooves groaning so much stress.. I felt I had more on my shoulders now that the past needs me to remove the spell from this island to let the ponies and other creatures of it go free. So they can see what happen to the land of Equestria. Slowly standing up on the hooves and sighed deeply looking around the office seeing so many books and paintings. I am sure I will find more letters before I leave here and learn more about this strange island. Looking through some of the books now and closing my eyes more dropping the book and felt pain from using my magic again. Sighing and sat back down on my haunches feeling that I am wrong to be a hero. But then I heard hooves behind me and seeing Doc. He looked at me with a frown on his face. He just looked at me and looked down. “Star Shooter I am very sorry that you got stuck here. But I must do this please forgive me someday.” At first I had no idea what he meant. HIs horn glowed lifting a very old pistol that he brought over from equestria. A frown formed along my face I didn’t know what to think at first. So I felt the best course of action was to be like a stallion and show my balls. I lifted the pistol to my chest fear forms on his face. I could tell he didn’t expect this at all. This gave me time to ask my question. " What did she offer you Doc? Did she offer you the ability to go back Equestria if you killed me and removed my brain?" Looking up to him with my soft eyes. He kept aiming the gun in my head and he shook a bit. I just stared at him with my gentle eyes. " I heard what she wished of you Doc. I understand if you have been in pain for so long. But why betray me after you brought me into this world?" Doc’s magic around the gun fell to the ground and discharged and the bullet hit into my stomach. Many here don't know the sound of gunfire so it would bring some pony around. Blood drained from the hole in my stomach and I just softly smiled. Even when I was in so much pain. " Doc... I am sorry for whatever is going on with you.. To betray me." Doc just backed up and used his magic to pick the gun back up. Aiming at me again and re cocks the gun. " If I end you now Star Shooter. I can finally get home to my family. So many letters I wrote to them and I have to wait years just to get one back." I slowly stepped closer and his eyes went wide. " Don't come any closer!!" The gun shook in his magic grip. I stepped closer again and he pulled the trigger and the bullet hit into my chest and I fell to the ground. As another sound would bring them here. But I stood back up despite the pain. " Doc I forgive you... I really do.." I sat up on my haunches again but I was getting weak. So much blood draining from me. No pony was going to make it to save me even if they tried. " Doc please If we remove the Queen from power. We could break the spell keeping every pony stuck here. Then we can go home. Please Doc drop the gun and come with me to talk to Zranth." Doc shook and he started aiming more at me and my magic started working around the gun and we started to fight. As the gun started to fire making most of the sounds. One bullet it even made it outside. It hit a water jug a Pegasus mare was carrying in the sky. When more of the sounds hear. An alarm went off it was an alarm that was recently set up. Doc broke my magic from the gun. With my magic being so unstable he rearmed the gun. I could hear panic in voices coming up the stairs. Blaze, Jonon, Zranth, and Speckled came to the door seeing the two of us. " I have to Star Shooter. She can get me back to Equestria so I can get back to. To our home.. So I can see my wife again." Frowning softly closing my eyes and looked at him with pain in my eye. " Doc, the enclave attacked ten years ago and killed many. It took us just two years to find out who was who. Wheel tread was one of them. Your wife as well. She was killed like many during the first attack. In fact I was there when she died. She died protecting me Doc." Looking over to the four with my weak smile. As Zranth gasped at the wounds. Standing on my hooves weakly. " No. You lie!! She is alive! She promised me she is alive. She says some pony she knows that has been to the main land and said my wife is still alive!!" Standing closer again and he fired again hitting the ground missing me. " Doc if any outsider ever came to Tirias heart, they would be killed on sight. They only allow traders, so they wouldn't have been allowed in unless they offered to trade. They don't trust outsiders and that’s because of the new leaders of the town. They do it to protect them from the rest of Equestria, even though it healed. But after the death of their friend...I mean our friend I understand were they came from. I was eight years old when I fired my first gun Doc. I fired a gun Tiria’s gun protecting her from the Enclave. Then I got my cutie mark.. By using a gun for the first time." Doc stared at me and I just stood there on my hooves. " Choose Doc. You were there while my mother gave birth to me. You’re the doctor that saw me as a little foal. You even risked your life to protect me when Wheel Tread demanded that you kill me for being raider trash. You wish to betray me now?” I stared at him. My magic wrapping around the gun and he pulled the gun down setting it to the ground. His ears pinned to the back of his head sobbing. I opened the gun removing the cartridge of bullets out of it and putting on the safety just to be safe, setting it down and I smiled weakly. " Doc....I..." His eyes went wide seeing me getting pale from the loss of blood. The door opened behind him and my four friends quickly rushed in. I was on my knees blood loss getting worse. Zranth ignored everything else to quickly come to me. I tried to move but she put her weight on me to hold me down. " Down little hero down." She calmly said. Blaze, Speckle, and Jonon stood in front of me and Zranth to protect me. Jonon stayed calm holding her staff between her hooves. Speckleds eyes glowed brightly. She looked ready to use her illusion magic to harm Doc if needed. I’m sure though he was more worried about Blaze. The Spikes on her back to her head glowed like fire. Her eyes burned with hate. Smoke streamed from her nose her tounge shooting out of her mouth. Every inch of her tense while she extended her claws. " WHY?!" Blaze asked as she stood face to face with Doc. Her eyes were full of anger. Jonon stayed silent, allowing Blaze to do what she needed. " Why would you hurt her? She has done nothing to you!" She stared at Doc, clawing the wooden floor and causing some of it to splinter with her sharp claws. One swipe by them and his body would be ribbons if she wanted. . " The Queen promised me she would remove the spell so I can get home. All I needed to do is bring her or her brain. She has memories of the ones who placed the spell on this island. That's why I did it. If you had some pony you thought was still alive on Equestria, would you do the same?" Jonon didn’t say a word she didn’t have to Blaze said it for all of us. She looked back to me anger still in her face. I could see the deep love she had for me. Turning her back finally with her claws she almost brought up a floor board. " You hurt my lover. You hurt the one I wish to spend the rest of my life with. Now I do understand but what would happen to me if she is dead? Have you thought of that? Have you?!" Doc looked at her then looking to me behind the others, he was regretting what he did, Zranth made me drink some fluid and all I could do was focus on what is going on right now. The fluid seemed to do something strange to me and the bullets popped out of the wound covered in blood. But I was still pretty weak. Zranth looked up and stared at Doc. " Many have been lied to by the Queen, dear child. The commander that was locked in the ruins with us Majesty promise her, that Equestria would be destroyed. I am sure she has promised many many things to the citizen's of this island. But you shot the hero in the town that loves her. Your lucky her lover is not ripping you apart right now." Blaze hissed, her tounge shooting out. From what she told me, when she is upset, and it's easy to tell, her tongue would shoot out looking for blood. " I am ready to do so." said Blaze. I stood up and Zranth stared at me. She wasn't sure if she could have kept me held down. I felt weak and dizzy I needed to stop this though. I walked beside Blaze whos features softens to her loving face. I nuzzled gently against her and smiled calmly. Then stared at Doc. " Doc I forgive you. I understand the pain you're going through. I would have done the same in your hooves. But not with the one I love." I looked to Blaze and nuzzled her neck. " Doc. She lied to you. I would like you to stay here Doc. I’m sad to say though, I doubt anypony would trust you anymore after this. I would say it is best that Zranth takes over till you redeem yourself.” Zranth looked to me while she walked up giving me a good look over first. I could tell she didn’t want me standing at all. Then she looked at Doc with Disgust in her eyes. " I can trust him. I would say we both control the office but those that don't trust him. I will take over. Deal Doc?" She asked. Doc gave a nod and looked towards me bowing his head. Then Speckled looked towards me and smiled. " Well little hero it seems you have pissed off the Queen." Speckled said laughing. Blaze nodded and wrapped around me with her tail pulling me close. " I am not letting you out of my sight for the rest of the night Star Shooter. So you stay with me and talk. No sex talk." Staring at her calmly blushing gently but I nodded and she chuckled. " Even if you said No I would have locked you in the bedroom and forced you to talk with me." Speckled laughed. Jonon rolled her eyes. " I shall go back to training the others." Jonon slowly started to walk out but turned back to me. Having a very gentle smile. " Star Shooter, you're a very strong little pony. You make your trainer extremely proud to have trained you and of course to beating your ass as well." She winks and slowly walked out Speckled looked at me and winked. " Your next meal Star Shooter, is ten percent off." I nodded and she walked off herself and Zranth looked back to me and Doc. " I will keep an eye on him Star Shooter. If he tries anything I will break him." Doc gulped and Zranth lead him out. It seems news got out quick but I started to wonder. I turned on the Pip buck. "Well, I called it!!” The warden yelled. “I told you you or didn't the warden tell you. Get this Doc the wonderful healer of Cliff side. The wonderful Doctor of Cliff side. He backstabbed the hero. The Queen wants her brain. Can you buy that kids?" He laughs. " Oh the Queen is so angry in the castle here. But if you're hearing me kid you need to leave. If you stay there any longer. She will send her army out to get you. From what I have seen, Cliff side is nowhere near ready to fight off a giant army. Also a bit of a warning hero. You have got some interest from the Minotaurs and the Griffins. So if you can leave soon because I doubt it's going to be kind what they wish to talk to you about." I switched off the Pip buck looking to Blaze. All I could think of was making her happy. But at this time I couldn’t let her be harmed by anypony else. " I am starting to think we should leave early to the Forbidden lands and see if they follow us there." Blaze gave a nod and I walked down stairs, heading to the basement. I calmly opened the crate to look into it and saw the Letters again. I started to think maybe I should read these. Then we should get out of here. As quick as we possibly can. I look over to Blaze. " I am going to do some reading my love. Go find Jonon and tell her to get the griffin and the wagon ready to take off. I will be fine down here. I promise." She stared at me. Very, very, unsure but smiled nodding. Then walked back up the stairs turning back to look at me with her gentle red eyes. I knew she was scared I could tell. Then I called to her. " When your done come back love. Then we will talk." She nodded and walked upstairs. She has so much fear in her eyes. I wish I could do more for her because it's starting to show. I have never seen some pony well someone ahem. Well I have never known love. It's easy to see that I am in love with her and she is with me. Just from how angry she gets when I get hurt. I got back on my hooves closing eyes not sure what to do. Maybe I should leave for a moment to think. Opening them back up looking up the stairs maybe I need to relax somewhere else. I went upstairs putting the hood of my cloak on so I could vanish and leave town. 0000 I was back where I woke up on the first day of being on the island. I looked seeing the boat I came in on. It's lodged so badly on the rocks. I left the town without any of them knowing at all. I am sure their searching for me now. I heard some heavy steps behind me. I closed my eyes accepting my fate. " If you're here to hurt me, then do so. Don't just stand there and make me wait." Looking over my shoulder I saw the same lizard merchant when I first showed up on this island. I felt my body relax my mind at ease. " Dear child. I'm not here to hurt you. But I was walking towards another town down the road. A town of course that has many out hunting for you. Just in case they can get their gift from the Queen." I sighed looking to the Merchant more. " Why me?" The merchant smiled calmly and chuckled and sat beside me, his large bag of wares falling down behind him to give him more room. " Well not everyone wishes to be a hero child. Most never wish to know it either. Some don't understand the pain of that type of job. When they do understand it. They have either died or either have fallen apart. But I'm sure that most of the time you will see what fully has happen. Like let’s say this. They saw the fact that you drank a vial of memories that contained magic. Mixing with the magic of this island that caused a reaction a beam of light came from you shooting up into the air.” I blinked staring at him. He just looked at me through his hat that covers his mouth. But I could tell he smiled from how it looked in the scarf over his mouth. " How do you know what I drank?" He chuckled softly and reached into his bag and gave me one of those vials. " Dear child, I am the one that sold them the vials" I blinked thinking a second, I don’t even remember the memories anymore. Hmm I am starting to wonder if he has really been here for 500 years. But I am very unsure at the moment myself. " Child why are you here? Many are out searching for you, like I said. I am sure your friends are trying to find you too." I closed my eyes feeling sorrowing taking over tears slowly rolling down my face. I soft started to sob gently. "I am starting to see.. Why so many heroes that fight for the wasteland fall apart. I am not even in the wasteland and I am feeling broken every step I go. I want to be home. I never wished I came here. But even though I'm happy I met Blaze. She is an amazing female. She knows the ways to make me smile." The merchant sighed softly and looked over to a cave that is behind is. " Come with me child." I blinked as he lifted up his bags and then I followed him into the cave. The cave had another door leading into the cavern. He turned to look at me and smiled. " Dear child, this cavern leads back to Cliff side. But I warn you it’s full of those magic eaters. Are you willing to clean out a potential escape? But I warn you child you need to leave Cliff Side the ones searching for you are starting to go that way as well. In fact." He went outside the cave and yelled. “She is over here come and get her before she gets away.” He yelled at first I thought he was kidding. He turned his eyes back to me pulling down the scarf mouthing run. He stepped aside along three Griffins into the cave. They had Equestrian weapons on them ones used during the war. They looked very well kept I didn’t stay to make sure though. I ran into the cave focusing my magic to use my magic sight to find out what I can find in this cave. I found mostly magic eaters they didn’t see me at all at first so I quickly hide behind one of the large rocks. One of the Griffins lifted a rock to try to find me. While they did this though I saw something nasty coming this way. When It came into view the Griffins turned around staring at the creature with fear in their eyes. It was a mutated magic eater ten times bigger than the other ones. It hissed at them magic fluid dripped from their very mouths. The other magic eaters around it slowly ate the magic fluid causing them to expand and grow like this one. It charged quickly at one of the Griffins one of them lifted their guns to fire they made sure to aim at the right spot of the creature to make sure they could kill it. Each bullet that hit a bug caused it to explode like a mini bomb, causing a bit of a bright explosion that made the magic spray all over the place. Along with its blood, some of the magic hit my cloak and it started to hiss and eat through it. But the other bugs ate what magic came out of the dead one. Then the other dead. But when only one in this part of the caverns were alive. Bullets didn't even harm it. I know these Griffins were after me. But I had to help them. I tried to move out of my hiding place. I heard deep growling not far from me watching another one of the big creatures come into view. It lifted it’s stinger to fire a strange magic beam to hit right into the armor of one of the Griffins. He flew back hitting into the wall he was still alive though his armor smoking and melting a bit. I stared at the bug turning my head and right there face to face was another of the bugs. Thankfully I had my weapons with me my horn glowed grabbing my sword before I could get harmed. I quickly took the blade to slice the bug, It had to parts of it hang in the air a moment. The two parts becoming two new bugs. My eyes went wide and then I slashed into another bug removing the wings and part of it's head. But the head that fell grew into a smaller bug and they all hissed at me. But the one I cut the head from blew into magic. Causing me to fly off below were the Griffins are. They all looked at me aiming their guns at me. " Look." I said to them. " Do you want me now or do you want to die? These bugs are going to kill you before you can take me down. You know this right?" The three Griffins looked at each other then back up to the bugs. They turned, aiming their weapons at the bugs. One of the Griffins offered me a smaller gun. I shook my head, putting my sword away and pulling out the machine gun that I got from the merchant. I cocked the weapon and the barral glowed from an enchantment. The bugs lifted in the air screeching loudly and with my magic sight I could see more coming. " There are more coming." But we started firing at the first two. One fell to the ground in front of us and blew up causing more magic to fly everywhere making my horn bright more and more. It was starting to get more and more painful. Then the other bug that was with that one ate the magic and grew even larger. I was quickly running out of ammo. I knew I would need to use my sword soon. With the last few bullets I hit the creatures in the head along with the Griffins. The creature crashed to the floor exploding in powerful magic that flew everywhere making a mist. I put my machine away pulling the singer back from its home. The Griffins reloading the guns they had. "Listen. I don't know how strong these creatures are. But you three have been on this island most of your lives. So how big do they get?" The ground started to shake after I asked. One the Griffins who was smoking on a makeshift Cigar. " They get bigger then most trees. But they lose their ability to fly and become egg layers." I blinked staring at the Griffin who looked at me with a smirk. " They call them Queens. The queen of the magic eaters." When said that I didn’t know what to think. I couldn’t see the creature but heard growling. He yelled again to the others" Okay Boys! No one wants to live forever!" He lifted a strange makeshift bomb and two of the Griffins risked themselves to pry the mouth open of one of the bugs. It looked like it was pretty hard. I used my magic to try and help. After the mouth was open, they tossed a bomb inside it and the Griffins flew away from the creature. It moved extremely slow for it didn't have the speed as the others did. " By the way miss, you might want to take cover." I blinked and rushed behind a nearby rock. As more of the creatures came closer to us I could feel the world around me slow down. While the bomb ticked down, it had loud beeps that speed up each tick. When it finally went to zero, It blew the creature up and taking many of it’s friends with it. It caused a giant magic explosion like a giant bale fire explosion but this one without all the problems that came with it. But something did come with it. The magic was seeping into me and I groaned, feeling it again. The magic slowly dissipated the body of the poor queen lay in a smoking heap. The Griffins and I were about to cheer when we looked behind the body there hovering behind it were many deadly magic eaters. The large ones known as warriors had serrated edges on their feelers and claws on their mouths. They hissed in deep anger. Even though we seemed to be out of luck one of the Griffins laughed and cheered. " We almost got them boys!!" I thought to myself ‘These Griffins are crazy!’ More and more of the bugs started to come out of holes of the walls, It was an endless stream of them. Many different types, I heard them scream the words. ‘Flappers, Jiggly’s, and Spitter’s.’ When I saw them the Flappers had larger wings then the others. The jiggly’s bounced like up and down like they were made of plastic balls. The ones known as the spitter’s attack me. A strange form of magic. My horn glowed to grab the spitball tossing it back at it. It made the creature scream in pain and melt. One of the Griffins with heavy weapons tossed a black makeshift bomb down there and when it blew. I could smell burning meat. They screamed and screeched. The bugs seemed to be very attracted to magic and magic like this caused them to try to eat it even if it would kill them. I looked at my Eyes forward sparkle. I wanted to yelled on more was coming. It quickly came out of hole flying above me hissing. As I looked face to face with the creature I looked at the creature with so much fear in my eyes, It attacked me. But acting quickly, I moved out of the way and it smashed into a rock but flew up and hissed. It was the last one of this cavern. It was a mix of all three from what I noticed. " It's Mix!!" The Griffin yelled. The bug laughed he turned to look at all of us he was much smarter than the others. I wanted to run now he had an aura about him that made me scared. He opened his very mouth to speak. It started as a hiss at first then words came. " How.. dare you..how dare you...In the name of the Queen you shall all end.." My eyes went wide and the bug looked down at me with a evil smile. " Ah the little hero. Oh yes, forgive me. I didn't introduce myself. I'm the second warrior of the Queen. I'm known as Mix. Yes, yes. I know, bad name. But it’s what your Queen gives me" He hissed his words I didn’t know with him being a smarter magic eater then the others I had to fight even though I shook in fear. Lifting my sword, I sliced into him but when it hit... My eyes went wide. When his chest opened up I saw a stop watch and then Time itself did a small rewind. It went no further than a few seconds back, but I could see his wound close itself back up. I was back hiding behind the rock. I felt I have been here before. Looking at my forward sparkle again and the bug came back out the same way but I moved to the side quickly. This time he doesn't hit the rock and flies above me with a evil smile hissing. " Ah you ponies of the past fitted me with a wonderful project.." He split the casing on his chest. "Project Stopwatch. You will never learn about it because you will be dead. I just need your brain." One of the Griffins spoke. " Oi! She is our prize! Get your own!" Mix and the three Griffins looked at each other and then at me. The Griffins aimed their guns at him and he sighed softly rushing at them firing as in front of their eyes he used time to stop one of them. But from what I noticed if there was too many around, he can't keep the spell up for long. Because right after the Griffin came back out firing at him. I watched all this happen so quick. I didn’t know what to do at all. The other Griffins fought him off with their bullets and he bite one of the other Griffins and right in in front of his friend sucked every fluid out of him and he fell dead like a husk. Turning to the other and he laughed loudly. " You can't stop me!!" He flew causing the last one to be frozen in time.I had a choice rescue this Griffin and deal with this creature known as Mix later. I watched the creature he was about to kill the griffin. Quickly with a swift movement I charged while Mix didn’t know I was coming. He finally saw me but it was far to late. My blade sliced into him and he backed off letting the Griffin go. He screamed and hissed. I heard laughter from a very familiar voice. My blood ran cold knowing that another was here to. " Mix. Leave. We will both get her next time." It was the voice of Cricket and Mix growled deeply nodding and flew out into one of the holes and when I heard a gun cock and aim at me. " Oh come on really!! I just saved your fucking ass." The Griffin removed his helm and he had the look of a cat Griffin but with a more bird like body. " You grant me honor little hero. I am Black Feather. We shall meet again and I will give what I owe you." He nodded and flew out. I sighed and put away my sword and headed through the cavern. Looking more at the history of why this was built. From what I can...wait I can read this? Looking at it closer, from what I could read, the darkness of the world was taking over. The one named.. The name was removed. No one should ever say his name. But I needed to get back. I am sure Blaze was getting very worried. I finally found the way back to the cavern and when I opened it up, I saw many zebras getting ready to search for me. When I opened and closed the door behind me. They all looked up staring at me, the elder looked at me with disapproval. So I did the next best thing, I lied. " I um I found a nest back there I felt I would clean it out for you." I said with a smile. The elder spoke. " Hero your lover has been frantically searching for you all over Cliff side. She is upset and angry." I sighed and walked out to the caravan that ended up in Jonon’s home and I was hearing sobbing. " I am sure she is fine Blaze. I am sure she had a reason to suddenly leave like that." Slowly coming out and closed the door loud enough they both could hear me. " Um..I got a lot of explaining to do don't I?" Blaze stared at me with so much anger in her eyes. But when she came over to me she just wrapped around me tightly. " Please do." Jonon said calmly.. " I went back to the shipwreck that brought me here. Then the merchant found me. Then lead me down to the back way into that cavern." Jonon blinks looking at me and looking at the door and then back at me. " Then he sent three Griffins to attack me and we ended up into a nest of magic eaters." Sighs softly 000 After explaining the rest of the story to them they stared at me. " I feel we need to leave then." Jonon said and Blaze nodded. " I already got all my stuff so let’s get going." The three of us went to the Griffin who was waiting. It turned out he was pretty badly mutated, so he kinda looked a lot like a ghoul. But from what I learned about him he ate some of the magic eaters and the magic mutated him into this creature. That lives on magic and unlike radiation magic of this island keeps him alive more than rads would. We got in the back of the wagon with all our gear. He lifted his wings to lift us into the air and we flew off away from Cliffside. I looked back I noticed they had a sign up that i never had seen before. It said ‘Zeberica Remembrance. Let's remember our homeland.’ I closed my eyes sighing looking away not sure what is ahead. Footnote: Level up Perk added: You have faced the warrior version of the magic eaters. You have gained a damage buff when you fight them. But they will be able to smell you easier now because of the magic you have taken from them.
Chapter Nine: FlightChapter Nine: Flight The sun drifted slowly into the sky. It showed how beautiful this island is. From what I was told, the flight we had to take would a few hours to a day. From what I have been told flying tends to bring to much attention so we have to fly around the island a few times to get ponies to stop worrying that their going to get attacked by who ever is flying around like this. It was the first time I ever flew like this. My stomach kind of felt weird one could say. It gurgled and lurched each time. It’s like after eating some hot dogs. Jonon looked to be meditating to ignore the flight she seemed very used to this flight. Blaze was searching through her bag, which I noticed holds some strange armor that she created. Blaze then looked back to me with a smile. I smiled back weakly, trying to keep my head down to ignore the feeling my stomach. But also I was scared of high places I forgot to tell them that. The contents of my stomach were dancing around inside my gut. Adding to the fact I am scared of high places and I feel sick. I rushed over to side despite my fear I vomited over the side. Now along Down below a donkey mare was teaching a class and the vomit landed on the poor mares head. The kids didn’t try to laugh. Some even tried to help her clean while some did laugh. They all looked up seeing me I waved weakly yelled before I was fully out of sight. " Sorry!!" I groaned holding my stomach laying down closing my eyes tightly feeling my stomach feeling a bit better from all of this well flying. It was causing me to have issues with my stomach again. But I held down my bile and sickness. Feeling that the flying just seemed to cause more issues than needed. But to help me Blaze gently wrapped around me and stroked my stomach with her claws. Whispering gently in my ear. " Just think that this is us bouncing on our bed. The bed you and I sleep in and I am giving you so much pleasure.. To the point you scream again and again." My face turned bright red. But it helped me feel better. The muscles in my body slowly remove the knots that caused me to stress out. I got onto my hooves weakly the feeling of being this high up still bothered me. Blaze removed her legs from the embrace she had me in. She chuckled softly. " Just talking about our wild sex and you seem to walk around like nothing is happening." The Griffin that is flying us turned his head back to look at me. " You do know right... that this ain't a time and a place for the time of pleasures of the flesh?" I was about to reply with a sarcastic comeback when a loud buzzing sound formed all around us. I lifted up my head to see the magic eaters. They flew from the trees holes below us and they seemed to be after the Griffin. Blaze hissed and shot fireballs out of her mouth at most of the bugs. Some of them exploded into magic. Some ate the magic and grew a bit. Jonon lifted her staff and ones that got to close she smacked them with her staff. Causing them to fly to the ground and explode. My horn glowed the magic of my aura engulfed the sword. Allowing it to float with my magic being used some of the magic eaters turned their gaze towards me. I'm now seeing why the Queen has a rule of not using magic. Lifting the sword and I got ready to attack them. We fly by another town I haven't heard of. Looking down, I saw the town is full of the magic ghouls like this one. He flys closer and yells. " Heads up!!" He flies through the city and the magic eaters follow. But a magic shield causes the pursuers to turn to dust when they touch it. Then he landed panting hard and looking towards us. " I need a breather before.. we fly off." I nodded and slowly got out of the cart running to hide and vomiting more. Blaze followed me but stopped after she heard me let out my stomach again. Then I wiped my mouth groaning and looked to Blaze who just smiled. " You alright little hero?" I nodded weakly. " I am hungry." My stomach growled and Blazed laughed. The two of us let Jonon take care of what she could. She looked through a bag she had with her, tossing some coins and taking the rest to do some trading. When the two of us walked into the inn I looked around. It looked so much like an Equestrian inn. All kinds of ponies not unicorns other races sitting at the table. Music playing at the bar, a Salamander cleaning some cups with a cloth. We sat at a table I didn’t know what to think looking over at the piano seeing a dragon playing it. Watching all the magic eaters that seemed to have turned into the ghoul like creatures themselves. One flew to us holding a tray. " Ah. Greetings." The strange magic eater had rings all over it's wings and looked to be female. The creature noticed my fear and she sighed with a gentle smile. " You must have ran into my brainless cousins. We aren't magic eaters, we are the exiles created to be the same. But a mutation caused us to well become smarter and noticing that we have genders. I'm Chip chip, a female worker. Are you here for some food?" I gave a nod " Give us whatever is good for...well non magic ghoul food." The bug nods flying back to the kitchen. The innkeeper seems to be a salamander like Blaze. But he is more decayed and has cracks along his body and he smoked a cigar causing the magic inside him to glow brightly. " Blaze.. What is this place?" Blaze looked to me giving me a gentle smile. " It's called Exile City. Only the ones addicted to the magic of this island as well as the magic eaters have been welcomed here. These are creatures who have been absorbing too much magic all their lives. Interesting thing about these creatures though, it can be reversed but it’s pretty painful and most die from it. But these creatures are either former minions of the Queen or taken too much magic to make them powerful." I blinked I couldn’t believe it, there is a way to remove ghoulication? I doubt it's the same thing like the ghouls back home. My thinking slowly died when Chip chip returned with a tray of sandwiches that had carrots and some with meat in them. She tried to give a respectful bow but it was hard for her bug body. " Forgive me that it took so long our cook is having a bad day." When the door opens a lava monster that seems to be a ghoul as well. "I can hear you Chip Chip! Get back to work." Chip turned to the lava monster. " Of course boss." The Lava monster nods as Chip Chip flew off to get more orders. Sighing and my horn flashed and the ghouls turned looking at me like they could sense the magic. Looking around, seeing them look over to me while my magic came from my horn. I didn’t know what to think at first but I shut down my magic core for now. Lifting the sandwich to my mouth eating it. Blaze uses her tail to eat. Chip flew over. " Miss thank you for not using your magic. As you can tell magic tends to bring out the worst of us." I gave Chip a nod setting some coins down for her. She quickly picked it up flying away. Looking around, I heard the piano in the corner of the inn over to it seeing one of the creatures. The creature looked to be another creation of the queen. But it looked to be a dragon, one that had much magic flowing into its body. Blaze noticed that I felt strange being here. I didn’t feel that I was respected in as many ways I could think, that so much has changed. Reaching over with her claws, she held my hoof. I looked up at her with a gentle smile upon my face. " Star Shooter I understand how unsure you are about this place. But don't worry, there will only be two more stops. We will be stopping at my home next. The final stop is at the Clock Workers." I blinked “Clock work? I thought things like them were only stories." “Oh yes. Clock Workers are ponies from 200 years ago, but they changed themselves into clockwork robots to make sure they could live forever. But they don't know that the war is over." I gave a nod, sighing because i could figure out how they would act when I tell them. " How long are we going to be here then?" Blaze looked at the clock and then back at me. " Six more hours. Jonon wished to do some trading here and she also wished to see if we can talk to the leaders of the exiles. So before we leave, we need to talk to them.” I ate the food looking over to the dragon playing the piano strange though I heard more than that. I heard the dragon playing the music. It was being played by a dragon. On another table are many creatures playing card games. Some were drinking and a bell rang allowing Chip Chip to know the food is ready. This town worked so much like ones in Equestira it made me smile. They seem to be gathers looking over to other creatures. Some ponies seem to be the workers they have dust all over their coats. Jonon walked into the inn and called to us. " The leaders are ready to speak with us."I gave a nod while slowly standing up.. Blaze and I slowly walked out of the Inn. We meet up with Jonon, who then lead us to a large building. Around us is a mix of homes that looked like bug hives and pony homes. There were even volcanoes for lava like beings that looked like they could become ghouls to. We walked into the building that housed the leaders of each race. The first one a magic eater. She had her desk made of honeycomb and her chair was made of gold. From the look of her, she expected much. Her name plate was made of gold as well with it plate saying her name, Queen Amarantham. On other name plates that looked made of gems named Flame. He said on a gem hoard. The next was a pony a earth pony named Storybook just a normal plate. The Griffin one was made of old bits and he sat in a nest. His name was ClawThe final one the lava monster leader on a rock of obsidian. Obeian is on the nameplate. The Queen speaks first. " Hail creatures of Cliffside. We shall hear your words." She wore a crown that looked far too big for her buggy head. Her wings glittering like gold and silver. Her eyes in a strange kind of makeup that makes her stand out more then most of the folks here. Jonon walked in front of us and started to speak. " This is the hero of the legend that would rescue us from the threat of the Queen. She has been here close to one month already and she has done so much for us. But you all know the legend. Sooner or later, we all have to rise up to fight the Queen and free ourselves from her rule and remove the spell of the island keeping us here." They all looked at each other. None of them speaking for the moment but the mare, Storybook, spoke first. She had no smile. But unlike a ghoul she still had her mane. " I don't think every pony." The others coughed. " Excuse me, everybody understands this legend. But the Queen is on the hunt for you little one. What makes us want to help you?" I wanted to speak but the Griffin spoke. " Yes I agree with this... What makes us want to help you? The queen and her ahem warriors tend to leave us alone. I don't see how attacking her would be good for us. Tell me what can you offer more than the Queen." The lava monster huffed laughing. " Just like a griffin only thinking of wealth. Now I feel I agree with the little hero. The Queen is not always going to be willing to give us a simple pass. There is going to be a time. That she sees us and that she wants to use us as her little toys or use us as targets." The dragon gives a nod. " I do agree with that. I have been around longer then most of you. The Queen is not a kind mare. She even created the magic eaters." Queen Amarantham stared at the dragon she had an upset look on her face. It’s odd that bugs like her could show such emotions. She calmed down a bit and gave a sad sigh. “I sadly have to agree with my friend here. I don’t wish to but my kind can be monsters if you let them be. But that's because their brains never really found enough time to change. But we would need to speak to the elders of our species to see what they think. We may be the leaders but it might be best. Give us an hour or so and we will tell you our choice." I nodded sighing walking back out of the building with my two friends. Going back to the inn I sat back down Blaze looked worried. Jonon being well her just sat near the fireplace by herself relaxing. " Love you seem to be overworked again. Do you want to get a room and ease yourself?" I started hearing the creatures of the inn cheering at that. Looking to see some of them smirk one of them called out. " Yes make her moan like on the radio" Blaze smirked widely starting to be her boasting self. " Oh I can do more then that." The patrons cheered and she started to boast and that made her forget I was there. She was laughing and talking about everything we have done together. All I could do was hide my face blushing so deep red. I may love her but it's starting to get very bothersome how much she boast about how good she is at it. But I was told by Jonon that all Salamanders boast its how they are. If they didn't then it's best to let them do it. Then Blaze lifted me up with her tail and started to show me off. " This is that beautiful mare that screams my name every night. A wonderful hero." All I did was hang there wrapped in her tail my face so bright bright red. "You can tell she is blushing when she blushes.. She knows she is mine and only mine." The patrons laugh and it seems the innkeeper knows not to stop a boasting Salamander. " I um...Blaze can you let me down...please.. I um..." I tried using my magic to bring the cloak over my face. Blaze chuckled and pulled me over to her, kissing me deeply and the patrons cheered my face turned so bright red during the kiss. Of course I didn’t care anymore if she kissed me in front of others. She pulled back and then set me back on my seat and let me pull the hood over my head. Making sure no one can see my face anymore. But she just kept boasting like a Salamander talking about our sex how wild and wonderful I am, how many times she makes me lose it. Looking over to Jonon, I just saw a smile on her face. She looked over to me and mouthed. ' See how happy she is?' I nodded getting a smile on my face placing my mask on it to try to hide my blush. When I did this, Chip Chip came over and calmly spoke. " Miss Hero? Can I speak to you?" I looked up, I removed my mask and nodded. She flew to the side, looking around and then when I walked to her, she looked around again. " I have a request of you hero. There is a mine outside the city limits were many of my brain dead kind are. It's where I was found. I dropped something that was given to me by my former husband. A ring of pure amber. If you do this.. I will be happy and if you clear out the mine. The town will be happy with you even more. But it's your choice you have to want to." I looked to her. Then looking back to my love of her boasting and having a large smile on her face of all the boasting. Then back to Chip chip. I stood up from the seat. “If you need help I will come and do what I can.” Chip chip nodded. I walked over to Blaze and tapped her shoulder. She turned with a large smile on her face. I whispered in her ear and she turned back to her crowd. " I am so sorry but I have to go with my lover to make her scream more. Take care." She winked at them and Jonon walked over to me I explained to them what I was asked to do. " Hmm...maybe this will help them" Jonon said and Blaze nodded. The three of us walked to the new mine on my map. Looking calmly. Looking at my pip buck again and we got stopped by two of the guards who stood near the mine. Two Griffins in heavy plate armor. That looked to be made from the iron. "What brings you here?" One of them asked. " I wish to help you by clearing out the mine and finding something for one of the citizens of your town. I wish to make your town safer. I am sure these creatures are down here looking for a back way into your town. It's pretty simple not all magic shields can go underground." The Griffins looked at each other. " Well I don't see why not of course. We will let the leaders know what you are doing." I give a nod then walk into the mine. Blaze grabbing torch with her tail. The three of us walked down into the mine deeper. What is odd about this place. There seems to be ghost miners miners of the past. Magic imprints left by them. They stare at us and I looked into the eyes of one of them. The pain he felt. The sorrow he had. He wanted to be let free. Something here was keeping them from moving on. Jonon looked around and picked up any ores she found that were just lying on the floor. Pulling my sword out with my magic. But the magic dust didn't shine like it would down here. But when we got closer I could start seeing the magic mist and the bugs hanged to the wall eating whatever they could. Along with those strange beetles. The bugs looked up to see us staring right at me. But something seems off about them when they stare at me. They seem blind weaker than the normal ones. Then one start to speak. "Freeee me... Kill me..." Blinking staring at Blaze she looks to me and pointing a hoof to the bug Blaze nodded. Her spikes on the end of her back started to glow and the magic of the core in her body started to heat up. Magic fire poured out of her mouth. She burned the bugs in front of us. They start screaming screeching burning to nothing but magic husk. The fire even slowly burns the magic mist. Removing it for the time being. But I noticed something when she breathed in. She absorbed the ashes of the magic. Jonon looked around and nodded to me. 0000 We walked deeper into the caves. Most of the creatures we have seen down here are to focused on the magic. But we had to remove them sadly. Walking down the stairs even deeper into the mines. I heard the wails of the past down here. Battle has been fought down here. So much battle watching the endless ghost mine and patrol. But still frozen here in time. Calmly we walked down the stairs finding more of the bugs. They stare at me hissing growling but they seem to be so drunk on the magic down here. My blade slashed a few in two. Jonon using her zebra style attacks to smash them. Blaze burning them like always. The creatures falling into magic explosions. Watching Jonon I didn't see her breath in the magic. She seemed to will it away from her. Looking to Blaze she did the same. But only took some when she needed it. For me I just had it go deep into me. Making my magic to my core flare more and more. But was I becoming addicted to the magic? I could beat it I could stop anytime I wanted to I could..Wait was I really having this conversation with myself? But looking to the ground. I found the amber ring found in a layer of deep deep dust. Placing it in my bag and a voice spoke in my mind. " Ah lovely child. I can sense your magic." The creature sniffs is and moans deeply. " Oh it's divine come to me child. So we can eat together." The voice start to sing to me. While I seemed in a trance. Blaze and Jonon keeping up with me. But bugs stopped them started to attack them. ' Come to me... close those eyes see us together in loves tender embrace.' Blaze screamed to me but I couldn't hear her voice anymore. All I could hear was the song. ' Oh just a little love tender hero. Bring me your magic, let's dine together. Oh hero, come to me dance with me.' Getting in the very bottom of the mind. In front of me was a large magic eater a queen. She stood up from the throne of bones and she kept singing magic filling the air. " Oh give me your heart child. Child of Equestria. Oh bring forth your magic to feed me. Feed my children." More bugs come down from all around." The bugs place magic near my horn. The horn taking the magic inside making it fill my core." Breath in the magic. Show the power you have." Blaze yelled out. " NO!!!" Jonon and Blaze were not far behind trying to get me to stop. " Show me the magic within you!! Release it! Release the magic. Release your power. SHOW ME!!" She yelled the song she sang ended. I took in the magic like she asked me to all of the magic. I started screaming in pain to make the ground shake under me. Is this what a creature addicted to the power of raw magic does to ponies? My horn started to glow so bright it felt like I was on fire. The bugs around me danced, they seemed so hungry and so did their Queen. Tears streamed down my face. The bug queen sang one last verse of music to keep me entranced. " Release it..." The bugs around her started to say the same thing. " Release it.. Release it." The creature opened her mouth and my horn burst alive with pure magic. A beam of magic from my horn, went deep into her mouth. So much pain filling me I felt everything becoming so blinding in my eyes I felt every part of me burning. But Blaze wrapped around me her body burning from the heat of my magic kissing me deeply. My eyes focused on Blaze, staring deep into her eyes. Forgetting the queen around me. Doing this caused the magic from my horn to snap.It caused the magic around us to become poisoned to the bugs that surrounded us. The magic didn't change colour or look. This is what happens when a unicorn gets addicted to magic. It causes the well of magic to be deadly to others. The Queen starts to gasp and gag on the magic. So do the bugs. Blaze and I were still kissing each other, with me wrapping my hooves around her and closing my eyes. Our tongues wrapped around each others. She was feeding me the pure magic of the realm. I started learning more and more about her kind. They are magic cleaners like the little bugs. She was breathing the pure magic into me. A blush formed on my face but I didn't care I just felt pure love flowing through me. The Queen broke from her shell flying off out of the mine screaming in pain. The other bugs that followed her slowly turned into husks and die. The magic around us then drifted back from sight when all was said and done. It was clear. But Blaze didn't stop kissing me. Jonon looked at the two of us. The kiss turned into more. It was pure passion. Tears streamed down my face. I have become part of this land more than I wish to be. I am now addicted to the magic. It's been almost a few seconds. We broke the kiss and she smiled. Lifting a webbed claw to stroke my face. "Don't do that again my love." I smiled sweetly but I felt the rush of pure raw magic. It made me feel wonderful. Looking around, I saw that the dead walked to me. All of them bowed and they all become one with the magic drifting away. I smiled weakly but I felt drained. I did one step and fell to my knees, looking down to the ground. The lava demon leader Obeian. Walked down the stairs he spoke in a deep voice. " Magic addiction. You will live with it forever unicorn." He stared down at me. " But we have come to our choice. Come back up and we shall tell you. Oh and thank you." Blaze helped me back on my hooves and we walked back up the mine. 00000 We stood in front the leaders each of them stared at me and then my friends in turn. The eyes bore into me like their testing my soul. Queen Amarantham was the first to speak her feelers calmly moved back and forth like she is thinking the words to say. "We shall help you hero. We will meet the force main force In Cliff side. We will be there within six months. Find more warriors to your cause. We will send you our greatest warriors." All the leader spoke at once. " We are Exiles! We shall live as Exiles till the Queen is dead." Then their hammers hit the stands and the light dimmed. We had an army. But it wasn't enough. The sea ponies, the sea monsters, and now the exiles. Along with Hawk and the citizens of Cliff side. Walking out of the building, we saw the town starting up their blacksmiths. Smoke was pouring out of every home and work ship. Food was being mass grown through magic over and over. They may be ghouls but at times they still eat normal food. I have never seen such a sight. The Salamanders that lived here did their thing of tilling the lands with their claws to get more farms. They were ready for war. It was more easy to see now. Looking up I saw a bird. But it had red eyes and focused in on me. With my magic I lifted it up and spoke to it. " Warden?" The bird sparked when it tried to speak. Finally after a few more sparks a voice came from it. " AH you finally found out how I am seeing the world child. Fear not the Queen doesn't know about the threat you just started she will never know from me. My broadcast will be about war starting up over who will win her favor. So don't worry child, the good warden is helping you." The bird gave me a very cocky smile. Letting it go and the bird bowed. We walked to the Griffin that helped us get here the first place. But I heard the bird yell out. " Hey Blaze, make her moan more! It makes good music." Blaze turned to the bird and she smirked, winking and I just pulled the hood over my head to cover my blush. The warden was even wanting to hear me moan. As I stepped into the wagon, the Griffin looked back and nodded to the rest of us. " Shall we ladies?" I gave a quick nod and he flew up into the air. We had to do two more swings around the island. Then stop at the salamander caves. I needed to see if they would help us too. But during the spin, I saw no creatures chasing after us. It was getting worrying that nothing was chasing us. Slowly we went around once and we landed in front of a cave a deep dark cave. Blaze got out first. In front of the cave is a bunch of wood. I was curious as to why someone would leave wood laying around when Blaze approached the pile. She breathed deeply and exhaled her fire onto the wood.We all watched how quickly it lit and was burning at a steady rate after Blaze finished igniting the pile of wood. She then backed off. I sat beside her and we waited together for whatever happens next. We didn’t have to wait for too long as i spotted a few salamanders coming out of the cave. One of them was a pure golden Salamander who stared at Blaze and I. " Blaze. You come to hurt your mother more by showing up with this...unicorn." Blaze looked sternly at her mother, a look of anger briefly passed over her face before it vanished.. " Mother, this unicorn is the Chosen One. The hero and as well as my mate." The Golden Salamander stared at me and then back at her daughter. She looked at me with great fear in her eyes. Her guards backing up as well. I just stared at her with my gentle eyes. " I lost grace in your father’s harem dear Blaze. I have no power anymore because I gave birth to the Queen’s doom. So if you wish to win his mind child, you must come in with your love." Giving her mother a calm nod, Blaze looked to Jonon and I. We looked at each other, an entire conversation happening between us yet without a word spoken. We looked back at Blaze and gave her a nod. With our heads almost moving perfectly together, one might think we had practice. The Salamander, Blaze’s mother, and her guards lead the three of us in. 0000 In the cavern along the walls are many homes. There seems to be no stores but from what I have seen, males had many wives and they treated them like prizes to be sold. In fact I noticed males trading wives, selling wives for food. The males even looked at us like we were trash. But when most of them saw Blaze they started tossing rocks at her. " Go back worthless female trash." Many rocks hit her but none of them bothered her. She stared at them with her anger and it made them feel fear. The golden Salamander walked to a large stone castle that in the middle which actually had a throne of a Salamander king plowing one of his wives right in front of the entire kingdom. But when he saw his daughter he removed himself from the female and pushed her away he stood on his four legs walking down the stairs. His eyes focus on his daughter. So much hatred filled them. I looked to Blaze she had the same hatred the spikes on her back glowing catching on fire. I could tell that this feather of her’s really hurt her. " Goldie. This filth of a child is back." The king stares darkly at his wife She bowed her head and nodded. " Stone, she wished to speak. She brought the Hero of Legend and claims that she is her lover." The king's eyes turn to me. They are not warm, but cold and dark. He walked down the stairs to get a better look. All I saw though was hate and anger in his eyes. " So the worthless hero that wishes to fight the Queen. You dare come to my home?! You dare!! Do you understand, I could end you right here and now!! D..." He gasped and my horn glowed bright and had magic around his neck. " Oh I dare... " The kingdom gasped including Blaze and her mother. " I have been forced on your little island by a storm. I am far from home. I fell in love with your daughter. The Queen wants to kill me! I see how you treat females. You call my Blaze filth. But I call you filth. If I am said hero, then I was brought here to bring creeps like you to justice." The bones in his neck started to crack. " Come on! No witty saying? Oh I am female, I am just breeding fodder. I have had a very long and very bad day.. So learn your place!!" I broke my magic from his neck tossing him back into his throne. " Or I shall remove the rod that filled the egg of my lover in her mother? " Stone gasped and coughed as Blaze stared at me. " Now you will listen to me male. The Queen is going to make her move soon. Don't give me this load of bullshit that ‘oh that females are just fodder’. Females, where I am from, saved the world many times over. In fact, the Light Bringer is a female. Half of the hero's turn out to be females. Because most of the time males are to bent on sex and power. " My magic wrapped around something between his legs and he groaned as I twisted it. " Fucking their next female." He gasped and the guards were to frozen in place and as I let him go, he panted weakly and looked at me with great fear. I just had a dark smile on my face. My eyes glowed brightly showing I have had enough of this ‘oh I am better than you’ bullshit. " Now will you give me warriors to fight the Queen or do I have to dethrone you and force a change? Making the females the rightful rulers of this kingdom like it should be? I am not evil. I just saw you and found you to be a piece of living trash. So I do what I do best, I kill trash." I gave a smirk and walked back down the stairs. " Come Blaze, Jonon. Let him think about it before I come back and kill him." Stone spoke out before i had taken more than a few steps.. " Wait. Wait!!! Hero don't go." I heard from behind me. I paused mid step, my left forehoof just raised as if to take a step. I had a smile on my face when I looked over my shoulder I decided to humor him for the moment. It’s not like i couldn’t kill him later." I am listening....for now." He started to speak, but i could easily tell he had so much fear in his voice. I could see fear in Blaze’s eyes too. It made me feel bad that I had to act like this. " I will send you my warriors to anywhere you want. Just don't remove our way of life please.." I have given them fear. "You can send them to Cliffside. A warning though, if you betray me...I will be back." Walking down the stairs and away from the king. I could hear him sobbing in fear. As we walked out to the cave exit, I saw the females smiling at me. They loved how I acted to the males while said males backed off. I winked at thee females, nodding but I saw that a few of them were mouthing ' Please come back to free us.' I sighed and gave them a quick smile and a nod that I might. We finally walked out of the cave, but Blaze stepped in front of me as soon as we passed the exit. I could see that she had great deal of anger in her eyes " Star Shooter that wasn't what you should have done." I have never seen her so angry. But I gave her a charming smile and she just stared at me. " It couldn’t have been done another way?" Jonon placed a hoof on her shoulder. " No Blaze she did the right thing. Your father would have kept going on about how worthless females are and how amazing he is. I think this was needed to break his ego. I know it's not easy but at times you need to break something." Blaze sighed and looked at me with angry eyes and then she wrapped her tail around me pulling me close kissing me deeply again and pulling away. " Don't do that again." I nodded and smiled at her lovingly. Then I heard the warden laugh. " OH that was amazing good show good show. I didn't think you had it in you child. Now the king shall think twice before stealing from other towns before thinking of his own." I sighed and got in the back of the wagon. We had one more place to go. It was the place of Clock work. We flew off and when we got close to the city of Clockwork ponies. The griffin did another loop around the city. Just in case we get attacked by something. We slowly landed and one of the ponies came out to meet us. A mare with gears making her joints. She was the only one out to meet us but she had a gentle smile on her robotic face. " I know why your here hero. We all do. Before we make a choice we have something we wish you to tell us all of us. Please come" I nodded and walked with her with my two other friends far behind. When I got into the town. Many of the ponies looked at me like they never seen an outside pony before. But I watched them they had magic controlling them. Their brains inside them keeping them to be who they are. I stood on a podium that had a mic and I looked at them blinking and a large stallion with a wind up key going and going on his back. Eyes in the shell along with in his brain. he had a top hat a blue suit. A cane he is using to walk and a old watch on his coat. He spoke calmly. " Greetings my name is Doctor Maezono. I am the one that created these bodies so we could live on. I am told you are from Equestria. Please child, tell us how did the war end? Has it even ended at all?" I sighed looking at them. I spoke calmly into the mic. " It ended in balefire. The world as you know it 200 years ago is dead and it is now nothing but a wasteland of death and destruction. All known died but not all stayed dead. Some turned into ghouls, some mutated. Old projects from the past surfaced. But heroes rose from the ashes. " I saw their faces of guilt and fear. " The lightBringer, Security, The Wolf, The Ghost of the big 52 and so many more. They did what most couldn't. True not all of them were big heros. The wolf was a small hero but most were the big ones. But they brought peace in their own way. I know this is not what you wanted to hear. But I told the whole truth and if this is all you needed to know then what is your choice. Are you with me?" The clock work ponies looked at each other. They had no homes it was just machines keeping them going and then they looked back at me and they all stepped forward even the doctor. " We shall." They all said at once. When they said that their plants turned right on and they started to work spewing out machines to help with the fight. Walking back out of the town I closed my eyes and it was the last flight. We got onto the cart and flew off. It was time to fly to the forbidden lands. 00000 We got near the forbidden lands. When we did some old defenses still turned on automatically by the ponies that used to run them. Started to fire on us. The griffin didn't have an easy time most of the stuff we had was so heavy that he had to fly around and he was searching for a place for us to land. But he was hit and we were heading right to the middle of the forbidden lands We pass through the shield and my pip buck started to tick. But the Griffin crashed and the cart sent us flying. Jonon of course landed on her hooves. Blaze was fine she just grabbed a tree branch with her tail that broke and made her land on her feet. As for me I flew and rolled and then blacked out. Oh how fun it was to fly. I never wish to again. Footnote: level up Perk added: Your various travels around the island. Have gained you many allies for the battle ahead. When the final battle calls you will be able to call for them to come. Even if you don’t call. They will come either way..
Chapter Ten: Forbidden lands.Dreams are strange to many of the ones who have them. Some don't understand them. Some may even bring ideas to the forefront. Some dreams can even show if you have a problem. Most never really know what's going on anymore. All that look through the eyes of a dreamer see how it is. Majesty a dreamer in her own right. Sadly will some will never understand it really. Deep within her castle she dreams, but she dreams more of revenge. She sits on her throne, speaking to herself. Her guards floating armor in the shape of ponies. They just stand there like unliving moving creatures. They have no souls maybe they do. Maybe they no longer do. The magic does much to this land. It's starting to become clear that she is the reason. She spoke calmly closing her eyes " Why do they love her more then me? They should be loving me!! MEE!! I'm the master of this island. I should be loved more than her. I deserve their love!!!" Her horn glows shooting magic all over the place. An aura of magic formed around her blade. In a great anger she cut through many tables and in a fit of rage she even cut through a painting of her and a pony. Under the painting was the words my lover. In the anger she broke the sword tossing it right at the cloud creature known as Reaver. The sword went right through him doing no harm. She turned to him tears streaming down her beauty. " Reaver..I wish to be loved." Reaver the cloud creature clicks his fingers. " Take her to her chambers to let her rest." The guards lift her up as the Queen herself letting out pathetic little sobs yelling out screaming even that she deserves to be loved. Reaver sighs " Reaver you seem to be failing at doing your job." A strange creature in the darkness speaks. Glowing eyes hover in the dark shadows. " You have failed at training her. She only wishes to be loved. She needs to be ready for the master to come back. The seals set by those princess are being broken one by one. All those heros thinking their saving the world. But in the end dooming it. Now tell me will she be ready to weaken the seal keeping the master at bay." Reaver doesn't turn around he seems to have eyes full of fear. "The master will be free.. But I need more time." The eyes of the one in the darkness glow brightly. Pain fills Reaver and he tries not to scream. He holds his cloud like chest, groaning as the pain travels through his body. " Master please...I promise you....He will be free." The glow from the creatures eyes dims releasing Reaver from the magic. " Good. See that The Queen is ready. If you fail me again Reaver." A egg like bomb floated from the shadows in front of the vision of Reaver. “You will learn what a Balefire bomb is like. If you fail me now get her ready!!” The eyes vanished and Reaver sighed. For all dreams are real. Some have dreams to be loved and to be the best of all the world. Some have dreams to rule. But mostly about everyone has the same dream. To save the ones they love. 0000 Unknown The Forbidden lands. A land like Equestria trapped in a shield to keep the creatures created by the balefire bomb out. Around the area is many camps old Equestrian and zebra weaponry scattered all over the ground. Most of what is left is ghouls roaming around. I opened my eyes feeling how weak my body is. Even though It was very weak I could still move. Shifting on a makeshift bed. Using my magic to remove the blanket that was used to cover me. I took a closer look at it. It was a skin of a dead bear. Slowly I shifted off the bed during this though. I felt my muscles tense up in pain for a second I couldn’t even move. All I could do was groan in pain. Gently getting off the bed stretching my legs hearing voices I followed them groaning with each step. "I am very sorry for allowing my soldiers to shoot at you ladies. I am sure you can’t blame us for it after all creatures that Majesty sent after us over the years. Most of those who find their way to the bunker just crashed and die.. Like that poor Griffin that brought you here.” I could hear voices. One of them sounded like Blaze’s smokey voice but it sounded so weak. " We have been stuck in here for almost two weeks because of you. Your lucky we didn't kill you when you found us barely alive from the dark magic that resides in these lands." I chuckled to myself as I hear Blaze shout at someone. Walking out I found ghouls of Zebras and ponies. Those of the past who fought. One of the ponies was Bulk Biceps and the other was The Commander. I didn't get his name. Jonon stayed silent. My hooves slowly clicked on the stones and Blaze eyes go wide rushing to me. " Star Shooter!!" She wrapped around me kissing me deeply and I groaned in pain but didn't care. She broke it gently. I smiled weakly. " Two weeks huh?" I lifted my head up to look to Bulk. I nodded to him bowing my head. " Hello Bulk. I'm sorry that you never saw the end of the war." Bulk’s features turn to a sad frown nodding. " I have heard about Equestria’s end. About the Balefire Bombs and the Mega Spells. Sadly, I have never seen what happened to it.Nor will I be able to see what remains since I can not return. The radiation here is mixed with the magic of this land. So if I leave this island, I am doomed to turn to dust. Along with the rest of us here. The bomb that the Zebras detonated didn't go off like it should have. When it went off, it mixed with the magic here on this island. It caused a chain reaction that caused the raw magic to gain a strange healing feature within it. Of course it doesn't just only do this. It makes those that absorb the magic into ghouls. It's also the reason why Majesty wanted us to use it in this spot." He looked outside the cave and sighed. " When we came here to battle, we had placed the Stopwatch in one of the creatures of this land. Mix, I am sure you called him. We used Project Stopwatch to infuse Equestrian magic within this land. We had the poor creature turn it. He used to be a dumb brainless creature. But the magic along with the Stopwatch gave him and his friends the ability to think like us. When it happen we saw what would happen to us. All of us did. After the spell was used from the stopwatch. We saw what would happen to us here. So we escaped trying to find a place to hide. We ran to these caves and the bomb went off. Project stopwatch infused with the balefire created Mix. A warrior of Majesty." I sighed nodding. " I am sorry but we can't continue with story time. We need to go to the main Equestrian bunker." Bulk’s eyes go wide and stare at me. " You wish to go into that hell hole? Just getting there is a challenge." Blaze looked pretty worried. I was still pretty worried. But I had to go in there. There is more to that bunker then I have been told. Closing my eyes I fell to my knees in pain. Blaze rushed to me, wrapping her tail around me gently. " She is still badly hurt. Do you have anymore potions?" Bulk shook his head. Looking into the cave. "The only way I can think of healing your friend is raw magic. We have to allow her to absorb the raw magic within this cave. Thankfully of course she won’t turn into a ghoul. Just...she will always want more. Sadly there is no cure. If there was, it wouldn't be pretty." Blaze had a worried look on her face tears dripping from her eyes. Slowly standing I looked towards the back of the cave. Jonon stepped in front of me looking down into my eyes . " Star shooter..." Jonon placed her hoof on my shoulder. " No matter what I am here to support you. But you need to be careful this road you go down..for something dire could happen to you." Jonon said. I gave a nod slowly walking into the back of the cave. I got deeper into the cave I could see the raw magic flowing around this area. I have no idea why I could see it. The magic turned into claws grabbing onto my horn to pull me inside. My eyes close Blaze placed her claws on my shoulder. I looked to her she calmly leaned over giving me a soft deeply kiss. I felt my will to do this grow. As she slowly pulled away, I let my magic flow into my horn. And from my horn, I directed it into my eyes. My world exploded into color. Magic of every shape and size flowed around me in a way that felt as if it were alive. With my eyes still shut, I slowly began to draw in the magic from the air into my horn. I could feel the magic I drew in frow back into my core and spread throughout my body, healing my wounds. But that's when I heard them. Sounds, voices...whispers. I could hear voices but I could tell none of them were from anyone inside the cave. I grew curious. So I let magic flow into my ears, and that’s when I could understand them. Hundreds of voices. All speaking as if they were one. " Yessss... Take the magic.." I heard their whispers in my ears " Take it. You deserve all of it." Groaning, I feel my bones as well as my wounds mending. " Take more... You deserve so much child." The magic itself felt like it was alive. My wounds were fully healed along with my bones. Now I just had to turn off the font of magic. But it felt so wonderful, so addicting. It amazing but I heard a voice that broke through all the voices and whispers. A sobbing voice looking over to Blaze. " Don't go where I can't follow Star shooter! Please!!" I stared at my crying love. How long have we known each other now. It's almost been a month. She has done so much for me. I have even hurt her for not allowing her to take care of me. Maybe it's time now. Turning off the font, I started shaking. My bone may have been healed, but that doesn’t mean they don’t still feel brittle or broken. She wrapped around me sobbing softly. " Please Star Shooter don't change.." I felt the whispers in my head more and more now. " Please I need you.." The magic filed my mind with wonder.. I could be Queen. I could rule all of Equestria. I could be the Light bringer. I could kill her even. The magic it whispered. This raw magic..The lifeblood of our world. It's been tainted on this island. The magic of our world. Pulls the strings of those that want power.. " I am fine Blaze." I struggled to pull my horn away from the magic. The magic felt like it had claws keeping my horn from moving away. Blaze slowly pulled me away from the magic. Her wet eyes staring into my mine. " Please Star Shooter." She started to sob hard on my chest. Was I only thinking of myself when I hurt her father and her people? Was I only thinking of what I have been wanting then what Blaze wants? " Blaze.. I am not going anywhere. You can't go my love. Not without me by your side. We will always walk the same path" She nodded calmly. I walked through the very cave. I felt powerful strong that I could anything. I stopped in my tracks closing my eyes.I felt the magic filling my very core. I wanted more but there is a time and a place for it. Opening my eyes, I walked back to the main room of the cave. "Give us the directions to the bunker. Then I am going to need you to join us in the coming battle.” Bulk looks to his troops then to the Zebra ghouls. "Lets go." The Zebras along with the ponies nod. Walking out of the cave. Bulk looked back at me. " The Bunker is easy to find. Very easy to find. Walk out of this cave and go north. It's in the side of the mountain." He walked to the entrance of the cave then turned back to me. " Child, if you really are the Hero of the Legends, you better be ready for what is going to happen when the war starts." I nodded. Looking outside after them noticing that their taking the guns and what shot us, out of the sky. Looking back to Jonon and Blaze. Blaze had bloodshot eyes she was crying the entire time I was talking to them. I sighed looking at her with a gentle smile. Nuzzling into her neck whispering gently. " I am always with you." Blaze smiled softly nodding wiping her eyes with the tail. Looking to Jonon, Her emotionless eyes just had a smile across her lips. Nodding it was time to go. Looking outside of the cave and then looking north. I could see the bunker. But I even saw magic eaters mixed with the radiation of this land. Some looked nasty and so evil. Some even looked bloated. But that's not what scared me the most. Robots. Magic powered robots the magic is to raw for the robots. Causing their open gaping parts to spark and shoot wild magic all over the place. Looking back, I saw the others as they put cloaks over themselves. Placing a mask we started to walk through the land. It seemed to be healing but with that it also had nasty magic that didn't seem to work correctly. 00000 The Bunker I hate the wasteland. I so hate the wasteland. I am starting to understand why so many tried to run away from it as fast as they could. Blaze was beside me breathing her fire on the magic eaters that held many of the guns that fired on us. It seems these creatures are very very smart. Using my new found magic I ripped apart their wings shattering their bodies. Magic may be what they eat. But it also makes their bodies extremely brittle. Jonon used her staff and Zebra type attacks to smash many of them. They fly off rushing away as fast as their wings could carry them. We calmly started on our way again. Not far from the bunker. This place was small for some reason. But it would be hard for us to get inside. Many turrets turned around to face us. They seemed to target us for a moment. But they powered down soon after. A voice spoke over the com when we got closer. " Come in.." The three of us looked at each other. Slowly walking into the bunker. The door closing behind us. When we walked in, the lights turned on. Most of them flickered. But the sound of magic going through the building was bothersome. Inside, the building was very silent. But when we got into the first part of the bunker it seemed to be a reception area. Inside the very halls of the bunker ghost walked the halls. They turned to look at us. The life stream of magic seems to be keeping them alive. But they kept walking on. Magic did so much to this land. I had to find the Zebra spirit. He would be in with the prisons. Walking through the halls I could see more of the magic eaters were here. But these ones were lost and seemed to have no idea what is going on. One of them even looked at me. I noticed that something or someone removed his eyes.I felt I should rescue them by killing them all. But I can't I need to do what I need to do to take care of this place. A voice came over the com again. "Come come come." Another door opens up. Leading down stairs. Looking to Blaze and Jonon, they both nodded to me. Walking down the stairs. Seeing more bones of the dead something bad happen down here. The smell started to get pretty bad as well. When we finally got fully inside this arena like room. The doors closed. A voice spoke with a laugh. " Ah we got a couple of live ones." Looking up into the stands. There are many dead staying alive for their final moment with the magic of this island. But in the stands is not a creature that is dead. It’s a Zebra, The Zebra I must fight. But it seemed he wanted to enjoy himself but he stared at me and laughed. " Well well..It's the hero... The hero that is going to save this island. OH I should bow to you. But I won't Oh and you will be fighting all these creatures alone." He tapped his hoof. Blaze and Jonon are lifted up by some strange magic hands and sat on the chairs. Looking at my pip buck for the first time like I should have. It's slowly clicking but it's not as bad at the moment of course. " Now the first creature that the good doctors created. Well the first victim of Project Stopwatch." The first gate opens with a electrolytic whine. Inside is a pony with half his face is old and half his face young. The stallion walks slowly limping on the old side of his body. Lifting my sword out with the magic. The stallion stood in the middle along with me. I stared at him I could tell that his body turned to dust and then reformed. His heart throb quickly he looked up to the one that calls the battle. Then looked back at me quickly. " FIGHT!!" The ghost cheered. The stallion charged at me quickly in a quick flash and smashed into me making time stop a moment in my heart. Making me gasp and fly back after time turned back to normal. He just stood there the watch that is not connected to him anymore giving him more and more power. Standing up on my hooves coughing. He charged again stopping time again quickly making me fly into the wall with apple buck kick. I coughed deeply spitting up blood. I had to find a way to beat him. Looking down at my Pip buck. Looking back at him. He was getting ready to power up the time power again. Quickly getting into S.A.T.S. getting the ability to attack him once. The attack hits smashing into the stop watch that is infused into him. How many of these did they make? When I hit the stop watch. He gasped and the stopwatch went crazy causing him to rewind back to a baby then back to old. Then back to baby over and over. The power getting crazy. I had to find a way to remove him from here. if he blew up here looking towards the gate. Dropping my sword lifting up the stallion when he was a foal tossing him into the gate using my magic to force it closed with me being powered by absorbing the magic. But when I forced the gates closed it caused me pain. But I had to keep it close. Inside the stop watch blew causing all the magic to go into me to heal my wounds. But the project caused an endless frozen time spell in that room. When I stopped using the magic I saw that it was frozen on him exploding his face frozen on a smile. Coughing I looked up to the Zebra and he smiled. " Good job hero good job." He claps his hooves and smirked darkly. He looked down to Blaze and pulled me into the stands. Pulling her down to the arena and chuckles. " Now time for the hero's lover to prove her worth. All heros friends must prove their worth even if their the lover.' Blaze gave a cocky smile she started boasting. " I can take on all of you here. I have slept with the hero made her scream beaten her to submission through sex." The crowd looked at each other with strange eyes some even looked like they were blushing.. The Zebra rolled his eyes . "Now for you to take on another creation of the ponies here. They got a hold of one of your species dear Blaze." The second gate opens up and coming out is a male salamander that has stone scales along his body and a mace attached to his tail. Blaze looked scared and backed up. "Great great grandfather." The Stone Salamander looks to Blaze and then up to me and he smiled. Then back to Blaze. "I am so proud of you my little Blaze. You have found the love you wish. You have found your place in the world. Not a step stool of my worthless son. But what the ponies did to me here child. If I don't fight you and you beat me like a warrior you are. You will finally free me from my pain." The shell finally broke on him all kind of tubes all over his body. Fluid of blood and magic flowing through him. What they did to him made Blaze angry. " I shall free you grandfather." The Zebra lifted his hoof and yelled fight. Blaze rushed quickly attacking like no before. She did some attacks I have never seen. She wrapped her tail around his tail tossing him away her mouth opening up trying to burn him. But when his mouth opens up he shoots magic stones from his mouth some hitting her causing her stance to back off a bit. He then used his mace tail to try to hit her. But she kept jumping around shooting fire from her mouth. The fire singed deep into the stones causing some of them to flick off. But he jumped onto Blaze back trying to smash her down but she trained all her life to be ready to fight him. But she had many cuts and wounds in her body. They back off blood draining from Blaze. I finally get to see her blood. It's pure magic with flickers of fire causing the ground to catch on fire then die. The stone salamander charged. Blazed lifted her head opening her mouth breathing deep sucking in the reaming magic shot a large stream of liquid flame all over the body of the stone salamander. The stone turn extremely hard making him frozen in place. Not even able to move. She rushed to him pulling out the tubes connected to his heart. Blood draining from the wound. She placed it into her mouth like it was a straw and drank the magic blood. Her wound healing tears streaming from her face. She pulls off the tube. The stones grumbling causing the salamander to die. Blaze is placed back on the stands beside me she wrapped around me shaking tears streaming down her face. But she kept herself calm even while she was weeping. Gently held her in my fore hooves. I have seen her like this only when something really is bothering her. Then the hooves the zebra clap laughing. " Good good. who is next?" He looks to Jonon and she just looks up to him. She is sent out sighing softly. The third gate opens up when the third gate opens up it's a simple creature. That seems to have no power. When the Zebra is about to start the fight Jonon already has smashed the head of the creature looking up to him. "Don't waste my time.." She said softly removing her bloody hoof from the smashed head. " I won't play your games." The Zebra stood up looking upset but sighed and put Jonon back on the stands near us and then pulled me down there alone. He walked down the stands into the arena. Looking towards me with a dark smile. "If you wish to fight me know my name first. I'm Koonik. One of the scribes for the Caesar" He stared at me and a strange sensation came over me. A memory hit me like a memory orb. 0000 Memory of Koonik. The past how does the past work for most? Some really never know. The Zebras tend to never understand why the ponies did what they did to them. One known as Dr slice seemed to be working on a project a project to rescue himself. He went to far of course. Help from a scribe of the Caesar that started the war. But these two good friends. Friends try to protect friends. The only reason Dr slice wished to come to this island was to save himself from this sickness that no pony had a cure to. " You sure?" The bandage all over stallion asked his friend. " I am sure Slice. I am sure this is the right place to find you a cure" These two friends working to find a cure. Working to find what is right. But something went wrong. The Scribe the Dr at odds when the friend learns what the doctor has been doing. " You have... Been using my people and your own...To make a cure?! Slice this is madness!!" Slice looked up from the bodies the murders he's caused. Slice looked back to his friend. So much fear in the eyes of the scribe. " I am so sorry Koonik. I had to. I need to live, I need to live!" He said with tears streaming down his bandage face. " I can't live like this anymore! I need my body to stop decaying on me." The scribe and the doctor learning the pain. But all this comes with a price. The good Dr forced shots deep into his friend because of the pain because of the distrust.. He experimented. On his friend then the outside exploded in balefire causing all the ones that died from these murders to be walking around. But with the scribe. He was changed forever. But for the Dr.. No one knows. The scribe faces a hero the hero of legend. But all heroes must face a fate worse than death if they wish to win the battle. The battle is not always going to be easy to do. When the lines are crossed. 0000 The arena I finally came out of the vision " I have never heard of you scribe." I said softly. The Zebra looked wounded and gave me a sneer " I know you have talked to one of my descendants Zranth. I am also the next one the elder from cliff side asked you to fight. If you win I shall give you the fluid so you may learn. If I beat you though you're not the hero of legend and you will be killed. You're fake my dear." Closing my eyes sighing maybe I am fake. Maybe I am not the hero after all. But the magic in this land says I am. The magic seems to keep whispering to me that I am the hero of legend. A hero that is trying to become more. But looking down at myself. I am no hero. I am just one that thinks I am for all the Zebras have said to me. " Hero." The Zebra calls but I don't answer I just keep thinking. My mind wanders am I not the one that Blaze is meant to be with? Am I not the one that Jonon should have trained. My thoughts make me ignore the fact the battle has started. Just staring at my hooves. I didn't hear the Zebra coming to me. I didn't hear the fact I was about to be stepped on. Then I heard the voice of my two friends. " STAR SHOOTER!!" Yelled Blaze. " Wake up Little hero." Jonon shouted. Looking up quick right before he stomped a large hoof on me. Rolling out of the way getting back on my hooves. Staring him down my eyes glowing from the magic infused into me. Pulling the sword out it's edge glowing along. With the very light shining on my sword, I lifted it up with my magic. Standing tall like a warrior of old, I felt my heart beating like the drums of war. I felt like I could take on anything. I felt strong. " I shall beat you Zebra. I know I am the hero of legend. The merchant warned me not to get in this war." The Scribes eyes go wide hearing the Merchant. He was going to tell me something about him but before he could I got on the back of my hooves. Doing a thunderous zebra kick in his face. Making him reel back at a bit staring at me. "You don't wish to be warned... Then you are a fool." The two of us charged each other kicks from him using my legs and sword to block. Taking it back at him in kind. Even though he has trained longer then me to fight. I was able to fight the large body this Zebra had. But I was going to fall sooner or later. He grabbed me suddenly with his hooves tossing me into a door it broke inward and into a cloud of raw magic. This magic though it was green mixing with the radiation. Looking at my Pip buck it didn't tick. But I didn't wish to use it. But before I could move he charged at me in here forcing me hard into the wall my body cracked some bones breaking. He backed up and then smashed one of my hooves. Another broken bone gasping in pain. My focus vanished my sword falling to the ground. He threw me back out my body bouncing on the ground. The magic slowly drifting out of the broken gated room. It mixed with the other magic but not changing it yet. But I couldn't get back up and he stomped on my back it cracking loudly I yelled in pain. He then tossed me into the wall and I groaned feeling more of my body wounded. He looked at me and then to the crowd. " She is not the hero. She is the faults hero that pretends to be part of the legend. Jonon you have trained the faults one." I looked at my friends Jonon now had an unsure look on her face. Blaze looked down like I have failed her. I can't do that.. I can't let that happen. My horn started to glow and the crowd watched me along with the Zebra backing up. His eyes going wide. The magic drifting in my horn. " No.... NO...No pony can take in that raw magic. NO pony can." My bones started to heal, my wounds started to seal. The blood dried on my fur. My sight glowed with me. " Pony don't do that any longer.. You don't know what it will....do" I stared at him my body healed but my eyes glowing. I build in the entire magic and it shot into the air I screamed loudly. All could see it outside again. The beam of light this time. The Queen knew and acted like she should before. Back at the fight my horn stopped glowing staring at him. " I am the hero of Legend Zebra. if I wasn't the spirits wouldn't have talked to me when I drank the elders brew." The Scribes eyes go wide. I pull my sword from the gated room placing it in the ground. I charged him like a zebra would. He and I fought like Zebras a pony fighting like a Zebra. Our blows hit with force but none of us stopped. Block hit block hit downed stand back up block hit downed. Stand back up quickly for the both of us. The magic in me kept me fighting. When I got hurt my horn glowed taking in more. I needed it I needed it so much. I could feel the want it called to me. Star shooter...Starr Shooter drink us. Then I did one large kick in his face, causing him to falling and then I wanted to keep him alive I smashed into his back shattering his spine and the battle was over. I felt tired and drained. The magic was calling me to take more from it. I need it. But I can't do it I don't want to lose myself. I can stop whenever I want. But the Zebra spoke gently.. " I don't know why they sent you after me. The only Spirit is the one in cliff side I am sure they told you more. But I do know Zranth wanted to free me from this pain. But take this to the elder of Cliff side." He removed a strange jewel from his leg it was attached to many rings. Inside the gem it had an item in it. History recordings. That is why I was sent down here to get that. Looking to Blaze and Jonon nodding for them to come down here. Blaze came down and wrapped around me kissing me gently. Placing the item in her bag and whispered " I will keep it for you my love." She gave me a gentle kiss again and the Zebra sighed. " I am sorry my kind lied to you. There are many test but you are the hero.. One last thing I want from you.. Go deeper into the bunker. There is a bomb down here that could remove this blight. Freeing the spirits I think this is another thing they wanted you to do but didn't tell you. But if you see my friend down there. I am sure he is still alive. I am sure. Please tell him I forgive him." The Zebra calmly lied down fully and he slowly stopped breathing. Looking towards the end of what the arena is looking up seeing the sign. This is not an arena it’s a testing area.There is another elevator. I looked back to the ones that cheered for us during the fighting. Looking as I could without seeming rude. I looked closer at all the ghost. Most of them seemed to be ghost of nurses, doctors, and soldiers. I am guessing the magic mixed with the bomb caused them not to go to the afterlife.. 0000 DR. Slice Office The elevator to awhile to get going. But we had interesting odd music. Well very odd music that got very bothersome to the ears. Blaze covered her ears, growling all the while. Jonon just ignored it. I was looking around for the speakers, seeking to remove an annoyance.. Lifting my sword, I began stabbing it over and over. The speaker itself started to spark. Even so the music started to get worse. It started sounding like the devils anius in my ears. How did I know how that felt or thought it? I didn’t wish to think deeper into it. Finally though the speaker sparked and the music died.Blaze grabbed me with her tail. Whispering in my ear. My face turning bright red. " Blaze not in front of Jonon." Blaze smirked and started whispering again in my ear. I tried hard to put my hood over my face to block my blush from being seen. " Oh Blaze you do know sooner or later, she will not blush anymore right?" Blaze smirks. " Oh I highly doubt it. I will find new ways to get her face to turn bright red." I kept the hood over my head blushing even deeper. The two laughing. But after awhile removed it and stared at Blaze. Who just give me a gentle smile. " Oh Star shooter I do it to keep you on your hooves." She winks. I sighed standing up finally the elevator stopped letting us out. Looking up seeing the Sign research and lab. Slowly we walked through the hall but the Research door was welded shut. No way to get that open. Walking to the lap we saw a Mr handy. It looked powered down attached to skeleton covered in bandages. Slowly walking to the Mr Handy turning it on. The robot started to power up and it's eyes looked around staring at us. " Oh dear..." The robot looked at the body. Then at us. " It worked then.." Looking towards me then noticed me. Thinking a moment it's robotic eyes staring then looked at a legend that was on the wall. " It's you the hero.. Of legend.." He rushed over to me. " What’s Equestria like now?!" " I um...200 years ago everything died in balefire. Ten years ago a light bringer brought back the sun for us. Than ten years later a group started up a megaspell that cleansed Equestria." The robot looked at me again and then back to the lab. Then back to me again. " I'm Dr Slice... I couldn't find a cure for my sickness so to save myself and my brain. I placed everything in this robot." I gave a nod then the building started to shake from explosions. The monitor came on showing that the queen’s army was trying to break in " Oh dear.. it's the Queen! She is looking for you. There is a back way out.. But we need some pony to stay here to keep the self destruct from being shut down. " Give me the code I will meet you back at Cliff side" Jonon and Blaze looked at me with worried eyes and Dr Slice sighed. " Remember she is after me. I feel it's wise to try to. Is there a back way out of here?" Dr Slice nods flying over to a console clicking a few buttons and a door slides open. " This leads all the way out of here to the coast. If we stay to the road we can get back to cliff side." I nodded Dr slice attaching a cord to my pip buck and the code came up. They started to run down the hall but Blaze wrapped her tail around me kissing me deeply. I smile gently breaking the kiss. " I will be back I promise." Blaze nodded, rushing out after the others. The door closed behind them. I went to the terminal and clicked in the code. A bunch of information came up then a countdown. Alarms began to ring. I rushed to the back way out but when I clicked the button it didn't open up. It said all power taken to use in the bomb. I sighed looking to the elevator. I would have to go back up. Going into the elevator it slowly went back up. The alarm getting louder but I had my cloak that kept me hidden. Placing it on when the elevator opened I could see the queen's army fighting the ghost. The ghost started to scream loud enough to be ear piercing. I didn’t know what to think during this time it hurt so much. " Your Queen is the reason for our torment!!" So the Queen was the reason for them being stuck in limbo. Slowly sneaking I saw Mix attacking the other ghost even feasting on them. I even saw Cricket who used his swords to slice them up. But I saw a third creature. Staring at it. A large mouse covered in heavy armor. Looked at the side it said Mouse written in red paint. Beware of Project mouse.. But he turned to look right at me. Sniffing. Then spoke in a deep voice. " She is here." His sides opened up. Guns popped out they held that strange green substance. Cricket laughed. " Ooooo time to finally get her." Mix laughed as well. I had to go quickly I tried to run back outside. "But I say we capture her and have our fun with her first then take her to the Queen." They All laugh. Mouse rushing to find me he was right behind me with the other two. I had to keep going. Finally, I got back into the arena and as I began rushing past the fighting army, my hood came off. Mix hit me from behind with a beam, causing me to fall and I saw the other two rushing towards me. Cricket swinging at me with all his swords. I got my sword out quickly blocking him and then rushing up but getting hit by mouse flying near the way out groaning deeply. Slowly rushing to my hooves and mix flew in front of me blocking my way out the other two surrounding me. " Look I know you want to kill me and all but this place is about to blow up so...How about we fight later hmm?" The three looked at each other placing my hood back over my head vanishing from their sight rushing outside the door and then boom. I tried to run the explosion caused me to fly. The flash of the explosion engulfed the entire forbidden lands. Causing the shield to crack and shatter making the shock wave fly all over but it was lesser then it was at the start. Blaze looked up along with Jonon and Dr Slice from the road Blaze had tears in her eyes But they had to keep moving get back to. The rest of the island heard and saw the explosion. 0000 Outside after the explosion Opening my eyes I was alive how was I alive.. But I didn't know what was going on. I slowly started to crawl. But before I could get any farther. Mix held me down. Mouse stared down at me and Cricket chuckled. " The poor hero is hurt..So my friends.. Let’s take her to our outpost and we shall have our fun." Mouse lifted me up they carried me. I had no idea what was going to happen to me. But I am sure I was going to find out. Footnote: Level up Two new perks Quest perk: You have found Dr. Slice he joins you as one of ones of legend. While he fights with you along with others you feel a surge of power in you. You feel that with him near you that you could last through this war. Negative perk: You have been captured by the enemy. There has also been rumors starting to go that you have died in a explosion known know that you live but in the hands claws or whatever of the Queen.
Chapter Eleven: Month One: PainAuthor's Note Warning there are many disturbing things that will be in this chapter. If you don't wish to read it just skip it. Chapter Eleven: Month One: Pain A voice came over the radio " Hello this is the Warden." His voice sounded sad. " The hero is dead or so what the Queen is saying. A large force that is massing at Cliff Side has said she is still alive. They're waiting for her to return. But no one could survive that explosion. But this is the warden who still has hope." A soft song calmly started playing But the radio was clicked off. In the bar of Cliff side was a salamander. Blaze was sobbing hard, her heart so broken since the hero is confirmed dead. Dr Slice floated near her looking to Jonon " I don't know what to say to her." Jonon nodded. She calmly helped Blaze on her claws leading her and Dr Slice. To the Caverns leading them both to the writings of legend. " If she was dead the gem that shows her would be dim. But she is still bright. Dr Slice you are also one of the companions of legend." Slice stayed silent. Blaze nodded they had hope now that the hero is alive. 00000 Opening my eyes. My vision fuzzy looking around seeing I was in a cell. I tried getting up but the chains kept me down. Trying to move my head but I couldn't. A few guards who are oddly ponies looked at me. " Ah you are awake. The warriors had been sent off back to the Queen. We are meant to do everything we can to you child to break you, harm you, and get you ready to be killed. You need to be set as an example. I am Burnout..I shall do whatever I can think to you child to get you ready. But this month’s plan is pain. Get her read." The Guards all nod to the burnt looking unicorn pony. They lifted me up with the chains, injecting me with some strange serum that made my entire body not able to move. Then set me down on a table. Placing my horn in a tube. The tube brought a torrent of magic to my horn. I had no idea why they were doing this. Then Burnout walked over he brought a bag of many different things. He opened the bag bringing out a giant mallet. Setting it down, he then pulled out a carving knife, a small torch, and many other items. He used his horn to lift up the large mallet. Using his horn to chain me down fully so i couldn't move. He then lifted the mallet and brought it down upon my chest. A screamed of pain escaped my lips. I began to cough up blood. He smashed down on my chest again and again, hitting and breaking every bone in and around my rib cage. I tried breathing, but my lungs wouldn't work. But then I felt it. Magic, lots of it. Without thinking, i reached for it, drawing it into my body to heal my wounds. In a single moment of clarity, i realized something very important. This was how they were going to break me. The more i frew in magic, the quicker i healed, and the more addicted i got to it. By drawing it in, i started an infinite cycle of pain and no matter what i did, i was now trapped within. Until Burnout released me, i would unconsciously draw in magic to heal myself, keeping me alive and allowing them to do just about anything to me without worrying about killing me.But before i could do anything, the moment passed and Burnout brought down his hammer, harder than before. Only this time, he didn’t hit my chest. He smashed his hammer into my face with the hammer breaking my skull. My eyes, the target of this swing, quickly sealed shut and I started sobbing. But his next swing broke my jaw. " I really wish i didn't have to do this to you child. But If I don't the Queen would kill my family. I am sure down the line if you do ever get free you will forgive me I sobbed as the pain grew so much. Then felt the hammer smash into my legs he smashed them down blood draining everywhere. He then set down the hammer I heard it clunk on the ground. But He didn't give me a chance to heal. Removing something from the tray then I felt a knife starting to skin me. I started screaming in pain. I sobbed so hard feeling my fur and skin being removed. I didn't hear any laughing just pony kept skinning me my eyes healed enough so I could watch him lucky me.. I screamed sobbing. Looking at the face of Burnout who didn't even have a smile on his face. He looked at me with tears falling from his eyes. Mouthing again ' I'm sorry.' He then took the knife and cut me open I screamed in pain. He sliced out my ability to reproduce. I screamed in pain as he also took my eggs and burned them. Then he looked into the hole the magic slowly repairing what he took from me. Then looked up to me. " Your ability to have foals will return to you. Given enough time. But you will be forever addicted to the magic that is filling you. The same magic which is also healing you." I was sobbing so hard feeling so much pain seeing my skin slowly regrowing. He then lifted the torch starting to burn my body I was on fire screaming in pain. My flesh started to burn off my bones. My scream sounded through the entire building. The ponies even though I wasn't able to see these ponies were sobbing and crying. They wanted to be free but they had to do this.. I was screaming more and he douse me. I shook in pain. He turned the stream of magic on more to let me heal before he started again. Tears streamed down my face. The burns slowly vanished the skin started to reform around me. I felt the magic building I need more I need it. Then I started screaming again my bones started to crack and form back together. I groaned in pain. Feeling my heart beat hard and groan. The skin fully returned but the fur took longer to heal. Burnout looked at me calmly and sighed. " You will forever be hurt little hero. Again I don't wish to do this to ponies. But the Queen has my family. I would not be doing this if I knew they would be safe. Your skin will keep them safe. When we are done, the Queen might even give them back to me.But i can not tell you how sorry I am about this. When this is over, and my family is safe, i will gladly submit myself to the wrath of your mate. ." He said with a weak smile. I knew he wasn't done with me. He lifted more strange items out of the bag as I stared at him with hate. I wanted to hurt him I wanted to kill him. Why would he do this to me? Groaning, i felt my bones finally heal I felt whole again. But he released me and called a few guards to carry me back into the cell. I lay on the cold ground of my cell. My body weak and in so much pain. I shake from the shock of it all hearing my cell door open seeing Burnout. I tried to get away but I am far to weak. He stood over me with a gentle smile. I could tell he didn’t like what he was doing. " I will give you time to heal little hero." He walked away a small little filly walked in staring at me. She opened the cell though bringing in some water and helped me drink She also gave me some food and stroked my head. " I'm sorry Hero.. My father doesn't wish to do this.. But the Queen will allow me to stay alive if he does do it. You need to remain strong for the next six months. You will be sent to death to be made an example of. Maybe during this time you will find a way to escape. I hope you do. All of us wish to be free." I couldn't nod, my body was just too sore to move. So I just layed there, cold, shivering, shaking as well. I felt so much pain in my body, even though I was healed. Some bones were still broken, but they did get set by the magic. I smiled weakly. But less than a moment later, I heard a large creature move inside. Mouse was here, and all I could do was stare at him. The filly started shaking in fear and slowly moved away. Mouse looked at the filly, looked back at me, looked at the table, before finally landing his eyes on Burnout. " Burnout? Why is she not strapped to a table?"Burnout sighed before he walked back over by me, Mouse following him like a shadow. Burnout began to slowly lift me when Mouse spoke out. “Remember. She is nothing more than a piece of meat! Treat her as such! We have been given our mission by the Queen herself! It would be unwise for you to disappoint her. Why think of this young filly!” Mouse reached out and cupped the filly’s chin, being somewhat gentle about it. Burnout quickly hauled me up onto the table, and started to strap me down, all pretenses of being gentle were gone. .As soon as i was fully strapped, Burnout started to hook up the magic feeding tube before Mouse stopped him. With nothing more than a glare, Mouse returned the tube to where Burnout got it, all the while informing Burnout. " Don't attach her to the magic. I want her close to death." He gave Burnout his dark smirk. Burnout grabbed his tools with his magic, intending on causing more pain. But once again Mouse stopped him with a glare. Still wearing his dark smirk, Mouse walked over and leaned in so his face was filling my vision. " What you are doing is not the right way Burnout. Let me show you what is." 0000 I was moved from the main room to another room. I had been strapped to a metal table now. Not much of a difference at this point though. Mouse was searching through every item he could find. But most of it gave him a frown. " Hmm this ain't the right thing to use. Let’s see." He pulled out several strange large bugs trapped in a jar like fireflies from a bag. “This will work just fine.” He pointed the jar’s lid towards me and opened it up. The bugs flew straight out of it and landed on me. I didn’t think much of them until they began to eat my skin. I let out the largest scream in pain my lungs could handle at the moment.. Mouse just smirked and laughed. The entire pony population of the small outpost watched or listened in fear. I kept screaming in pain and the bugs just kept eating me. Then Mouse pulled out a giant magic prod, looked at it fondly, and stabbed me with it. A strong current of electricity flowed through my body. Causing me to have convulsions. The bugs exploded covering me in their bug fluid. I bite my lip hard feeling the blood burn through me. " Aww poor little hero." He then took a large blade removing left hind leg from its socket and my body in one clean cut, before tossing the leg across the room. Like it was nothing more than trash.. "OH! I am so sorry...did I do that?" He said in his signature dark laugh. I just screamed. But as the scream left my lungs, Mouse did the unexpected.He stabbed me in my chest, the blade going clean through my heart. I gasped deeply trying to force air into my lungs, before my brain suffocated from lack of Oxygen. One of Deep thought’s lessons flashed through my mind. “While the brain is one of thee most important organs in your body, the heart is by far the most vital. For without it, our bodies would be unable to deliver the Oxygen rich blood from the lungs to the rest of our bodies. And without the blood filled with Oxygen, we will slowly suffocate upon the very air itself.” My vision started to grow dark around the edges as I felt death creep up on me. Mouse looked to Burnout. " You better get her to the other room quickly or our poor hero will be dead." Mouse smirked. " Now if you will excuse me, I need to get back to the castle. The Queen refuses to take over any of the towns since most of the soldiers are now in Cliff side. But she is waiting to kill the hero to get them all to surrender." Burnout released me calling to the other ponies to carry me to the other table attaching me to the tube. Removing the knife from my heart. Coughing loud and painfully. Feeling the magic repairing my heart slowly. Feeling the want for magic like it's a drug to me. I need more I need more. If only I could open the font more to get more. A few mares cleaned up the blood from my body they all looked at me with sad eyes. " You need to be strong hero." One of the mares said. Tears just streamed from my face. Even though I was healing still felt the pain feeling every inch of me in pain. They wanted to break me they should seen they already have. But I think the ponies here need to do more to harm me. 0000 Opening my eyes I was hanging in the middle of a room blood below i didn't feel any pain. Burnout looked at me and then down to the blood sighing. " Listen hero I know you think that we want you broken. But in the legend, the hero goes through a trial to become stronger. Her heart stays soft but she is ready to take on the Queen and all her warriors." I heard buzzing seeing Mix flying to me staring at me. " Burnout is she ready?" Burnout nodded. Mix stared at me with a gentle smile whispering. 'If you do live hero please kill me when the battle comes. I am tired of not being able to die.' Blinking looking towards him. " Don't get me wrong hero. I am not a bloodthirsty monster. I used to be more of a gentlemen then your kind placed this device in me. Causing me to see all deaths all futures. But I never knew what one was real. The reason they made it was to go back in time. To try to stop the war from evening happening from the start. They got the idea when Twilight went back a week to talk to herself." Looking at the stopwatch in his chest. " But trying to change the past to affect the future isn't wise. It makes things even worse. They tried it once on this island. It caused even worse things to happen." Mix flapped his bug like wings, the buzzing from the sounds of his wings drove me nuts. " Now forgive me hero.. For what I must do. You must stay strong. I don't want you dead." Mix stabbed his legs inside my body. His eyes flashed suddenly. Causing the Stopwatch to glow and the hands move.. Making time around just us going quickly. I screamed in pain. My body turning old turning to dust but then reversing turning back to young But he spoke calmly. " Hero don't fail." Blinking seeing the rest of the ones who were chosen for the project. " Save us all.. remove us...free us." Then I passed out. I woke up from the pain of seeing the past and future. Looking around I noticed MIx is gone. But in his place is open wounds were he stabbed his legs inside me. Burnout looked at me and he had the look of pain in his eyes. Burnout lifted the whip with his magic. It had nasty looking hooks at the ends of it. It was dripping some weird greenish hude liquid. To be honest, it looked quite gross, and the whip was covered with this stuff. Looking towards the dried pool of blood, but also seems to be gathered for some reason. A strange mechanism brought me over the grate down to the pool of blood behind. I looked weakly at all the ponies that had so much fear in their eyes. Behind me I saw the shadow of the whip being lifted. Fear filled me. Burnout pulled back with the whip. When it finally hit my back, I felt my flesh being ripped into. I felt the acid enter the very wounds. It caused the flesh to sizzle and burn, it filled me with so much pain that I sobbed hard and cried out. I felt the acid weaken my spine, eating away at the marrow inside. When the whip hit, I felt my spine shatter and the ability to move my hind legs left me. Even though I felt like I was such agony, all I could do was hang there, screaming my soul out in pain. Maybe that is a good thing? I cried again trying so hard to get Burnout to stop from harming me. Though every time I cried out. All I saw in his eyes was a heartbroken expression as he lifted the whip again. The very spikes drenched in my blood and flesh. He hit right in the same spot again to make the pain even worse. " You don't have to do this.. Take me back to my friends. Let me go...let me go!!" The spikes stabbed into me I screamed feeling my insides burn and they stab in an out over and over. Causing blood and many things to fall to the pit. I felt like all the pain was burning causing those wounds to burn. Feeling every inch of me burning and burning. " Sorry hero. You may heal but you will have many scars your lover will break to see what you have been through." The spikes form into swords starting to slice along me causing my skin and fur to fall down into the pit. I couldn't see why i am still awake. Feeling every inch of my insides burning over and over. Smoke came out of my mouth from the burning. I was then dropped to the grate to let more blood drain from me. I tried standing up. " Oh Goddess she is trying to stand up." Said a mare watching. I got on my hooves noticing the leg that got removed was slowly growing back. I tried to walk to the ponies to ask them for help. " Let me go.....please." Cricket walked in behind me, I didn’t notice before I could even do anything. He pulled a sword out stabbing me in the back. I gasped it went through my heart. Looking at it seeing the blood looking at the ponies coughing. " Help me...." Fell to the ground of the grate my world going black. 00000 Opening my eyes shaking so much pain. I coughed more and more. Feeling every inch of me in deep pain. I lay there feeling my leg grow back. The feeling felt so painful. The real issue i had right now was my heart working overtime to keep the blood flowing. That the magic is working hard just to keep my heart beating. I felt sick and so tired. But I couldn't just fall asleep. I saw the same filly offering me water and I calmly drank feeling it go down slowly grunting in pain trying to move. But I could feel my legs moving. " Shhh hero. Don't move. It's not wise...just slowly allow yourself to heal." Nodding, i look at my chest and saw a pink spot where they impaled the spikes in me. Just by looking, i could tell that I would have some scars from this wound. So much pain in my chest since my heart is working on trying to keep me from crashing. My vision finally went back to normal coughing a bit. Feeling the blood slowly going through me.I looked around I wanted to move, I wanted to get back to Blaze. I groaned I felt so much pain in my body. My nerves reformed throughout my body, adding to the pain. I grunted in pain coughing up some blood the taste was awful. I had to make sure my Pipbuck wasn’t removed since I forgot what leg was removed. Looking down to my right foreleg I saw the Pipbuck drenched in my blood. Burnout slowly walked back in looking at me. He smiled weakly the tube removed from my horn. Guards coming in to take me back to the cell. Sprawled in the cell so much pain filling me what is left there magic infused food. But I couldn't move, I couldn’t feel my back hooves. But the smell of magic was causing me to want it.. I wanted it so much, I needed it. The filly then set magic infused water down next.. When i glanced at her face, i noticed that she had tears in her eyes. " I'm sorry for what my father is doing to you." Just calmly staring at her finally able to lift my head up groaning deeply. leaning over the water calmly drinking it. Feeling the magic heal my insides slowly. It tasted so good, and it was so addicting. Using my horn to take the fork the very dull fork eating the gruel like food. Feeling it fill me but i was still very weak. Looking around finally seeing I wasn't the only one in these cells. Many Griffins and Minotaurs as well. One of them looked at me. They all looked at me they all had hope but fear in their eyes. I was the hero of legend. Seeing her in pain wasn't what they wished to see at all. I had to give them hope. All i could think of hope was a song. I can't let them break me. I can't let them win. I softly started to sing. " Hope is all we have.. Hope shall bring us forth to free us." The guards started to come back to get the Griffins and Minotaurs it was their time to be broken. Some started to sing as well. A female Minotaur calmly sang " Hope is all we have now...To see us through." She was placed on a table and right then and there a knife stabbed her in the chest. As she started to slowly die. She choked out a few words. " Hope....is...all...we have left...." It went on to another Griffin singing as well. " The past is here to haunt us...For we must never scream...in the light." He was placed in the chains over the pit of blood. A whip smashing into his feathered back. " We can't let pain control us.." He started to cringe getting out a few more words before screaming. " We must sing to show our peace for all that is here.. We can't fail." He kept screaming but then I saw that there was a few salamanders here as well. One was being hung by her tail to keep her in place with the chains that surrounded her body. As she started singing she felt a knife stabbed into her pussy the knife slowly cut her in half. But,. But, she kept singing. So her hope would never leave her dying body " All shall never fall if we keep hope. Please.." She grunts as the knife slowly cuts her in half. " Please remember....us.." Her body is split in half allowing her insides to spill her brain slowly leaking out of the cut. The voice that was singing now gone.. But more around kept singing three Salamanders slowly started to sing started with a green one. "Green Salamander: Our hope will not fail us.. Our hope will never fall. Oh please Goddess of the lands. Please free our souls." The Green salamander is placed on a table that starts causing her to be ripped apart. Then a light blue Salamander sang. " Light Blue Salamander: If we fall then the world falls" The Salamander being the colour blue makes her able to use ice. While she sang they lifted a badly made flame thrower and set her on fire. She screamed. Then a purple one tried to run away using a strange teleporting magic that allowed her to run. " We must be free. We must flee we must keep up our hope." She was softly singing as she ran through the jail Cricket stood in front of her. He brought out his swords and sliced all over her turning into nothing but meat. Cricket walked the halls calmly singing now. " There is no hope for any of you... You will never find freedom you will never find hope." The bug slowly sang. "You will never find the right to be free. The Queen shall win. Don't let the fake hero win you." All the prisoners along with me started to sing. " We must have hope!!" We all sang throughout the building. " Hope will fail...Hope will fall." Cricket sang.. " We need hope to win this battle to win our hearts to free us. We need to be free will be what we need to do. Please hero free us. Please hero don't let us fall." The entire building sang. Even the Guards, Burnout, and his family. " Hero, please wise one. Please give us hope. Don't give into pain." Cricket made it to me seeing that I am the one that started this lifting me up. Bringing out to the middle singing. " Your hero shall fall. Your hero shall be broken your hero shall die. When the Queen says it's time. it's time for her to fall. Time for the Queen to wise." The prisoners and the guards. Started to grab their weapons letting the prisoners go. They all started to come to us. " We must have hope... We must " Cricket then grabbed one of his swords "You can't win with just hope..." He said without singing he stabbed me tossing me to the ground my bones breaking. The song ends. " Get back to work..." I tried to move then he kicked me with the back of his foot making me black out. Softly singing. " We must have.....hope.." 00000 Cricket stood over the heros body. While the guards sent the prisoners back into their cells He looked over to Burnout. " Burnout if they start singing again kill them...We can't be letting them have hope. Also take this hero to the magic. I am going to be breaking her myself.. You all have been to kind to her." Burnout blinking nodding lifting up the hero of legend attaching her horn to the tube. " I shall get ready to destroy her to break her. But Burnout.." Burnout turned to look at him. " Don't make me do this again. You will amp up the pain. You will get her closer and closer to death each time. Then you will heal her, but you will give her all the pain you can think of. If she keeps having hope the Queen will lose her will to wait. She will do it herself. " Burnout nodded Cricket went to go sharp up his swords. The little filly walked to her father. " In six months Soup spoon. We will be sending her to be killed. But not even we can get the Griffins or the Minotaurs to stop the caravan. I need you to go to them, little daughter. Let them know there is going to be powerful warriors from both sides in there. But don't tell them about the hero." Soup nodded and slowly grabbed the hero's hood along with the sword and other things. Slowly, she walked out. The only thing the hero still had was her pip buck. The little filly put the hood on vanishing from sight heading were her father wanted her to. He smiled weakly knowing that sooner or later he will be killed. He wanted to save his daughter from seeing that. He turned on the magic so the hero would soon wake. He sighed. Cricket coming back in with many different items of harm. " Hmm I would say lets allow her to be raped as well. Inject her so she can't get pregnant either. That will take her years to do it." He gave a dark smirk. " Now wake her" Burnout sighed placing a strange powder to the hero's nose and she started to stir. 00000 Opening my eyes I came first to face with Cricket. Staring at him. He put his buggy face in mine hissing. I spit in his face hissing more. " I have hope that I will beat your Queen. I have hope that you.. will.." He put his claw at my neck growling deeply. " Listen little hero. The Queen is very upset.. She is ready to take on the entire island. i doubt you want that..Now. I may not be happy at keeping you alive. But we need to make sure you are broken enough. Then take you to be killed. It will take six months." He smirked " Now let see. OH yes." He grabbed a tool and started pulling teeth. I began screaming in pain. It's all I felt for the first month of this hell. Pain. If those could understand why they wished to do this to me I wish I could tell you to but I can't. Pain is all that I have felt and will ever feel in this prison of hell. Footnote: No level Negative perk: You’re being forced into an addiction you will feel weaker when you leave the island. You will always dream of this day even though it will be painful. You will learn to live with it but for now it's not going to be easy.
Chapter Twelve: Month Two: Mind.Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter Thirteen: Month three: Broken WillMy eyes opened slowly looking around. I was laying on the ground of the cell. Slowly, I tried to stand. Leaning upon a wall to stabilize me, I began crying loudly. All of the guards along with Burnout, even the little foals they had with them. They all watched me as I broke down. My will had been broken without them doing anything. All they had to do was stare at this so called hero of legend. This so called young mare trying to get back home. I’m just a tool to the queen, but now I am here. I looked to the side of the cell and to my surprise, sitting there was the Dealer. In his hooves sat a deck of cards he shuffled.”This shall be the only you will ever see me, so listen closely.” He pulled out three card from the top of the deck and set them onto the table in front of him. “Three cards send you on your way. Three marks guide you home.” The Dealer flipped the card at the right end first. Upon it laid a shield of three colors, a lightning bolt resting upon an outstretched wing. “The First mark, The Survivor. One who is filled with sins. One whose spirit is drowned by guilt.” The Dealer then flipped the second card over. A snowflake rested upon it. “ The second mark, The Politician. One who tries to keep a broken nation whole. One who is a teacher of many. “ The third and last card was flipped. Upon it lay two lightning bolt which crossed each other like an X. “The Third and final Mark, The Leader. One who who challenges the Survivor and the Politician. One who tries to reclaim the ways of old.” “Equestria does not need you child, for it moves without you. Remember these Three marks. They shall be your guide home. Return now, to the waking world.” And with that, the dealer, and his table, vanished into thin air. Burnout opened the gate, and slowly started walking in. He took a few steps before he just stood there, watching me. Just watching what had become of that once brave mare. And then he walked closer.Closer and closer until he hovered over me, more than close enough for me to attack him. But I wouldn’t, I didn’t have it in me anymore. He knew it, I knew it, everyone around us knew it. My will had been shattered. Broken. " They wanted us to break your will as well Child. But it seems your will has already been broken." Burnout said with joy in his voice. “ Maybe if that Salamander wasn’t so protective of her Inner Fire, she might have lived larger.” Inner Fire? Why would Blaze defend her fire? Why wouldn’t she use it? Was she protecting something with it? Unless.... Flashback “So how are Salamander born anyways? Do I need to worry about finding you a stallion when you enter you Estrus cycle?” We had just dealt with Blaze’s father and I had forgot to ask Blaze’s mother about how to tell when Blaze entered Estrus. Blaze looked at me curiously before she brought a claw to her lips, assuming a thinking position. “Well first, we molt. A lot! That’s the first clue. The second is we get really emotional. However, I personally lose my thought to speech filter. Next, I..” “She really doesn’t change much other than more sex talk and rapid molts.” Jonon says as she interrupts Blaze. “Just don’t mess with them when their knocked up. While they can’t fully use their Inner Element, their claws get sharper.” I just started blushing like crazy, my face turning redder than a tomato. Blaze just looks sternly at Jonon and huffs. “Aww. I wanted to make her blush! I was going to embellish it more! And then have another round with you in front of Jonon!” Blaze said looking at Jonon, wiggling her eye ridges at her. Now I was blushing more than before, if that was even possible! “I’m....going to go back to talking to the Griffin.” I said as I slowly backed away from Blaze. “It was just a joke!” Blaze yelled back at me. Jonon just looked at her with stern eyes. “No it wasn’t. You would have totally done it.” “Yeah. I totally would have.” Flashback ends Oh no… NO!!! I yelled to myself in my mind. NO! It can’t be true! No. NO!! In that one moment, I gave up. I wanted to go home. But not without her body. I shall bury it as far away from this Island as I could. I was suddenly filled with energy, and I couldn’t feel any pain either! I quickly got my hooves underneath me, as stealthy as I could be. With a burst of speed surprising both myself and Burnout, I stood tall. Burnout tried to run, but I had him pinned against the bars of my cage before he had taken more than a few steps. With tears streaming down my face, I practically yelled into his ears. “Let me go back home!! I will give up. I will give it all up to the Queen. I will let her win! I will stop being the hero of Legend! Just let me take Blaze’s body with me back to Equestria. Please! I beg of you!!” Burnout just looked at me with a neutral look in his eyes. I didn’t even notice his horn was glowing or that he was holding something large in his magic. He struck me right in the face and I was knocked out cold. 00000 Burnout’s POV I looked down at the poor hero. I could hear the buzzing from Mix flying over head while the large Cricket well cricket stood beside me shaking his head. I could hear Mouse laughing like a school filly loving how the hero is well a mess right now. " She has failed then, if her will is already this far gone." Cricket shook his head he didn’t like seeing the hero like this. Mix looked down at her he looked away in disgust. Mouse on the other hoof was extremely giddy. He even went inside the cell with me and before I could stop him. He stomp on the hero’s hind legs, breaking a few bones. Of course, I stopped him with my magic to make sure he couldn’t do that again. The bone he broke though repaired itself right in front of us. " Hmm it seems she still has much of that magic inside her." Mouse calmly said as he started moving away. Mix sighed softly as he flew away from the others looking back towards me and the others. " Burnout. I know you sent your daughter to the Minotaurs and Griffins. I think you need to give them more info. I'm going to send them the time and the info. Please keep her alive Burnout. The other two aren't as kind as I am." I nodded as the other two just stared at the broken hero. I rushed to my office quickly bringing the times of the next caravan heading to the castle. Mix followed me we looked at the times. " Alright In three more months we are going to be sending them out. Mix, I know you want to be free. But is it wise to betray the Queen?" Mix turned to me, his eyes full of pain. " Burnout tell me would you enjoy being fitted with a stopwatch. That allows you to see the death of everyone? Even the death of yourself? I am tired of this life and tired of this project that is inside me. Now I am going to take this info to the Minotaurs and Griffins. The Hero needs to get free. Make sure you go with them Burnout. You must get her to them. I can no longer take The Queen’s orders or live like this." I nodded, giving him the info. Mix vanished with what he needed. I walked out of my office The hero just laid there in her cell. I looked around quickly to see if Mouse or Cricket were nearby, before I facehooved. Mouse and Cricket had left. I calmly went into the cell to stroke the hero with his hoof gently. I looked over all the scars she had now. I looked back out to see The other guards looking at me. " Get ready to leave in three months.. We need to put up a fight" I looked back down to the hero then walked back to my office closing the door to let the hero rest. Walking along I spoke to one of my guards. "Listen I am going to need your help." The guard nodded. " I want you to be standing by her cell stop the three warriors from harming her. " The guard nodded again walking to the cell. I sighed before heading back into the cell and attached the hero's horn to the tube to give her a boost of magic. Then he heads to his office again laying in a bed falling asleep. Footnote: No level Negative perk added. Broken Will: They have done so much to you to break you. Your will has been shattered. As well as your heart. Blaze is dead. While you may one day recover, you will be scarred for life. It causes your special to be weaker.
Chapter Fourteen: Month four: Lost hopeOpening my eyes, I lay there looking around seeing that I was still in the cell. Standing on my hooves trying to use my horn to get out. But I couldn't sadly. Looking around to try to find a way out. I didn’t know how to find a way out. I had no one but Jonon and Dr… Wait I am sure they were killed too. I have no pony to go back to but my friends in Equestria. I lifted myself on my hind legs and with my forehooves smashed into the cell bars. " Let me out!!! Let me out!!!" Burnout rushed out of his office I stared at him. " Get me out of here now..." Burnout blinks before looking at a cleverly place lever near my cell. What i didn’t see is the label underneath it, which said only two words. Trap door. Burnout looked back at me, a smile upon his face. “Have fun!” He said as he gave that lever a might pull with his magic. After a long, twisty fall, I ended up landing in a ring that looked like one of those old sports ring. Looking around, I was in the middle of a cage around me prisoners cheered called for blood. I had no idea what was going to happen. . A voice spoke over a PA. " Welcome to the Cage Battles. Since the Queen has been keeping us all here. We shall express our anger in the only way we know how. By causing as much blood and mayhem to others as we can.Welcome the hero of Legend. If anyone has the guts to beat the shit out of her. To try to prove to her fighting the queen is folly. Then let’s do it so we can get back to our normal lives.” “First on the roster she will fight. A magic eater known as Flap Flap." I blinked. Flap Flap? These names are odd. I finally got to see what he looked like. From what I have learned he is the warrior type of magic eater. A stronger type to what I am used to taking down. He looked at me, hissing softly and showing his venom leaking from his mouth. He spoke like he was pointing at me with a loud deep voice. "I am going to beat you Hero. Then we will load up the rocket ship with fuel! Load it with the World! When I beat you. I shall present you to the Queen and win my freedom!" He made a loud grunt noise. I just stood there looking at the stupid speaking bug. He wanted to win his freedom and take me down? I snorted and slide my hoof on the cage floor causing sparks with my hoof. They have now just pissed off the wrong dam mare! " How about you stop talking and fight? I'm sick and tired of being in this jail for no reason. Oh yes! I am a hero. Oh no! The Queen hates me for some reason! How sweet." I say, my voice filled with rage. Flap Flap turns to look at me. He hissed deeply pointing his bug like leg at me. He is about to speak again but i grabbed his leg with my mouth, reared up onto my hind legs, and began smashing him into the ground over and over. I am not going to sit around as this stupid creature boasts like a fool and an idiot. Removing his leg from my mouth, I issued my challenge. " Shut up and fight me!" As many could tell, i’ve had enough of the stupid fools in this jail. And unfortunately for them, but fortunate for me, they are within hoof striking range. The poor bastards. " Let me out of here...let me back to my friends! And i promise I won’t kill all of you!" I yelled out while Flap slowly lifted himself back up. I didn't waste any time, pouncing onto the magic eater and stomping on him with all my hooves. I kept smashing him, causing the blood and guts to fly everywhere. When i stopped stomping him, i noticed that I had guts and blood all over me. " Again if you don't let me out, I will rip part this prison till you let me out!! You hear me?!!" Growling in anger, I clenched my teeth. Stepping around the corpse, I began hearing cheers and boos all around me. I just smashed my hooves in the cage, trying to make myself look stronger than I really am. As many spectators could tell, I have had enough of this. I needed to get home. Trotting around in the cage, I closed my eyes for a moment. Then, opening them, i rushed at the cage door, trying to smash it open. " Let me out!! You hear me?! I don't belong in here." The cage door behind me slowly opened up. After it was fully opened, a large earth pony walked in. I just glare at him. Before the cage door could even close, I rushed at it. However, i smashed into the pony hard enough to make him fly back out. But the door closed before I could get out. I started to boast a bit myself laughing. “How can you keep me here?! I am beating the shit out of everypony you bring my way! Just open the door now and I promise I will make your death..be swift and painless.” The PA ringed again after my words. " Well then since it seems no one can stand up to her, we shall have the all time champion face her in combat! As you all know, we have tried to kill him. But everything we do to him, he just keeps healing. Everyone clap your hooves, claws, whatever together! For SKULL CRUSHER!" I watched the gate slowly open up. As it opened, i caught sight of the largest pair of Minotaur legs i’ve ever seen. Big and filled with pure muscle. I could feel a bit of heat in my cheeks as my eyes travel upwards and studied his 12 pack of a chest. His arms were what caught my attention next. With muscles which were bigger than my entire head. A tattoo of a weird clock laid on his right arm. He placed his hands together bowing in respect. " You honor me hero. I do hope you get out of here.” He smirked walking around the cage studying me. I noticed him checking his arm then back up at me. We circled around each other. Staring each other down. I didn't know if he would be the one to do the first strike. My hooves clicked along the metal ground. He then charged at me quickly I moved out of the way. One of his horns gored one of the poor watchers of the battle. But they didn't seem that badly hurt. He pulled his horns away from the cage and then looked back at me. He then charged at me again using my horn I tripped him with magic. He fell beside me and I tried to smash my hooves into him. But he grabbed them, tossing me into the cage. Groaning, I finally was able to see him charging at me. I quickly got out of the way. When he hit I noticed it caused the door to bend a bit. Then I looked to him pointing with my horn to the door. He looked at it seeing it. He turned to me nodding. Then mouthed. ' Got to make it look good.' He charged at me, grabbing me, then charging into the bent door. We broke through it then he set me down. The guards charged at us with their weapons. Skull Crusher hit them back with no issue. With my magic, I picked up a sword while Skull Crusher didn't need anything. We easily fought through the swarm of guards. I tried to keep some of them alive. Burnout was the one I wanted to kill. On our way On our way through, we freed the other prisoners. They stayed behind us as we fought through knocking out most of the guards but unable to help killing some. We broke through the rest of the prison with many of the prisoners behind us. When we got to the way out, we let them go first. There were hundreds of them. We had to let them go. We kept the guards from harming them or stopping them. I watched on the other side of a door of Burnout watching me. I wanted to kill him. But I had to save these creatures first. Most of them finally got out but a door came down blocking the rest out. Skull looked back at me. " Go. I will rescue the rest." Skull stared at me then nodded he rushed out. I rushed to the gate holding Burnout. Kicking over and over hard enough to break it down. Then with my sword lifted, I stared at him. " Open it... Let them go. Then I won't kill you" Burnout looked to the lever he had just pulled. Then he didn't do what I asked. He had done the exact opposite. He pulled out a sword. " I knew I should have killed you hero." Burnout said. We charged at each other our weapons smashing into each other. I felt the anger I had for Burnout. I wanted to kill him. Our weapons hit over and over. Sparks flew the papers that are in the room start to burn. I just stared at him with so much hate and anger. " You hurt me....you broke me...You broke my will. You should have listened to me. You should have freed me. You should have let me go." Burnout has so much fear in his eyes. Then, as I was about to strike him down, I feel a sharp pain in my back. I yelled loudly and Cricket lifted me up tossing me into wall with a thud. I tried standing up groaning. Cricket walked over me staring at me. He pulled the sword out of my magic. Then tossed it aside. I tried using magic again but he lifted a large stone and smashed it into my horn. Over and Over. I screamed my horn cracked and part of it broke. Then he started using his many hands to punch me over and over. I couldn't see anymore. I started feeling my bones in my leg being broken. Then he stabbed a sword deep into my chest. I screamed in pain, falling to the ground shaking due to hom much pain i was in. "Get her hooked up to the magic. Keep her there, destroy her life with it. Make sure she is addicted to it. Make sure she has a constant limp in one of her legs. No matter, what she will pay for what she did here." He then pulled the sword out of me then lifted me again, smashing me into the wall. The wall shattered as well as my weak body. He then tossed me again, making me bounce off the wall. I could hear Burnout getting the machine ready. Burnout was going to pick me up but Cricket wasn't done yet. " Oh no I ain't done with her yet. I am going to to make sure she goes to the Queen so broken, that no one will ever ever look at her the same way again." He tossed me into the cage door. My body sliding to the ground. Opening my swollen eye. " ...Please let me go..." Cricket laughs picking me up staring in my eyes. " Oh why would I do that? Your lucky the Queen wants you alive. Ah I also found the leg that will be broken forever, little child. Even if the magic heals it, the bone will never heal fully.” He picked the back left leg and twisted it over and over.I let out a blood curdling scream from the pain. I felt the bone crack and heard it crack. The very bone broke the skin of my leg. I felt the muscle and marrow break along with the bone. Then He twisted it more. Dropping me staring down at me. All i could do was sob as blood pooled under me. " I just wanted to leave...I wanted to get home..." Cricket stood over me and I could tell his face soften. He stroked my back and sighed. " Listen hero. I don't like the Queen. I don't like doing this to you either. But Because of you ponies, I am what you see now. I was an unknown project. When I learned I was created by you ponies. I got very angry. But I know I shouldn't have put all the anger on you little hero. Maybe if we meet again. I doubt we will. You could kill me and end the torment of the one that did this to you." Cricket walked out of the cell grabbing his swords along with a strange jacket he had. Looking back to me I didn’t even understand why he did this.. He had a gentle smile sighing closing his many eyes looking to Burnout. " Her time is almost up Burnout. Keep her attached to the magic till then. The Queen wants her hurt as much as she can be. Even though I look at her now, I don't see a hero. I see a lost soul from Equestria wishing to get home. Maybe I will get to see your land child. When I do I will try to protect it from the ones like the Queen. I am hoping to get away from the Queen." He nodded slowly walking out of the Prison getting in some caravan. I was lifted by the other guards as well as Burnout. They placed me gently on the machine. He placed tubes from the magic machine on what was left of my horn. After doing so i felt the magic turned on full blast. Even though I felt my body slowly starting to heal along with a new horn growing. I could still feel the endless throbbing pain in the horn. " It's going to hurt every time you use it hero. So be prepared for that. For the horn to heal, it will take time." I just lay there,barely listening. My wounds slowly heal.The meat, the muscle and the bone slowly recede back into the leg. Then it starts to untwist I groaned, feeling the pain from it. The leg twisted back slowly to normal. But it was harder than most. The bone healed but it wasn't going to heal right. My leg would stay bent in a strange way. But the magic just kept filling me filling me slowly. Burnout then turned it on fully. Making all the magic from the machine go into me slowly. But filled me with it. Gasping deeply feeling my heart beat filling my body with the magic. Knowing that sadly. I would feel so much pain in me. But after awhile Burnout let me out. Setting me back on my hooves. Slowly walking back into the cell my back leg so badly limping it hurt each time. Slowly sitting down. Closing my eyes, I feel that all the hope I had it's fully gone. Burnout came to me easily seeing the fact that my hope is gone. " Hero, you need to stay strong." I just stared at him. I just huffed at him, turned around as painlessly as I could and laid back down, my eyes closed and ears flat. " I am never going to see Equestria again. I am never going to see Blaze again." I closed my eyes to rest and just let the empty world take me away. 0000 I watched the poor hero sleep. It made my heart break at the fact she is broken and losing hope. "Burnout." A group of ponies walked up to me as I looked at them. i didn't know what to say or what to think. But I could see anger and sadness in their eyes. "She has lost hope my friends. We can no longer wait till we get her to the castle. We need to get her through this. But I don't know how to bring her hope back." I sighed I hated the fact that I did this. My own daughter even watched me do this evil. Then I had a thought come to my head. "We can't let her get to the castle. We need to keep skinning her and get more blood from her body. We have to make sure the Queen thinks she is dead. She will learn it too late that she is not." "But Burnout you already said she is broken.. That her very hope is gone. How can we do that to her?" I looked to the body of the broken hero. I could see tears streaming down her face. "You're right I can no longer do anything to her. Just look at her. I would say let's go get the others ready. I got an idea but it will be done next month. So I am just hoping she won't be too broken. Footnote: No level Three new perks. Negative Perks. Broken leg: Your leg has been broken and set wrong. You will always walk around with a limp and never be the same again. It won’t hinder anything you do just it will be harder for you to walk on it. Prison break: Even though you didn’t make it out those you rescued will remember and fight with you at the final battle. Shattered horn: Your horn has been severely damaged. Any magic casting will cause you agonizing amounts of pain. It will heal given time. But do you have time?
Chapter Fifteen: Month five: BrokenI didn't eat or sleep for a few days. I just allowed myself to get weak. IN fact they had to force feed me at times. I was just so broken. My soul was shattered. My idea of living was just laying here feeling so weak. As I layed there, I searched my brain for a reason. At this point, any would do. But all I could find was a list of things wrong. Blaze? Dead. A future with lots of kids? Gone. Another chance to love again? Who would want a half dead magic addict like me as a lover? No matter the direction my thoughts went, for the life of me, I just couldn’t find it. A reason. A reason to live. " Take me to the cage. Give me a weapon, anything I could use to clean out your prison. I am going to die. I no longer wish to fight it. I might as well die here." Burnout and the guards stared at me. Pain has filled my soul and no matter how I looked at it, I couldn’t find a reason to go on anymore. It was too much, and I was too much of a coward to commit suicide. After a few minutes of talking among themselves, Burnout, Cowboy and Bee Bop approached my cage. They all looked at me and nodded their heads, simultaneously at that. It was both kinda cool and kinda creepy. Burnout opened my cage and jerked his head towards the door. I merely walked behind him, not a thought of stabbing him crossed my mind...well...maybe a few. Still a nice thought! As we approached the ring, Cowboy walked ahead, presumably to set up the fights. As I entered the games, Burnout passed me a sword. A short sword to be exact. I lifted it up in my magic, a lance of pain flying through my head as I did so. My horn was still broken and my leg wasn’t doing me any favors today. Before I got too far from my door, the opposite side door opened and out came out another pony. An Earth pony stallion to be exact. His appearance doesn’t matter. I’m just gonna kill him pretty shortly. All I did was stare at the creatures on the other side. I would do this the entire time I was here. They had sent out a pony without the PA announcing it. No one cheered as the bell was rung. This fight wasn’t for anyone’s entertainment, it was a fight for suicide. A fight so both sides would die. A fair fight. All of people in the stands could see it. Neither side had hope. And in my case, it would never return. As the stallion charged, I leaned into my good back right hoof, taking weight off my others as I attempt something Blaze has done before. As soon as the stallion was almost on top of me, I kicked upwards with all my strength. The result was that I flew over top of him just as he reached where I had been standing moments before. Surprised at how his target escaped, he lashed out with his hind legs, trying to applebuck me. I blocked it with my sword then sliced off his hind legs with said sword. My blade sliced clean through his legs like a knife through warm butter. I swung the blade back around in my magic and readied another strike as screams of pain escaped the stallion’s mouth. His eyes focused onto my blade as I swung it towards his neck with speed only possible with my magic. As my blade finished it’s pass, I stabbed it into his chest, making sure that he dies quickly. I may want to die, but that doesn’t mean I wish to deny these poor bastards the joy of meeting their God in person. The guards came quickly after the bell rang twice to remove the body and the head. I slowly started to limp back closer to my door so as to welcome my newest punching bag. I had landed upon my bad leg by accident when I jumped. By the time I had reached my corner and turned back to face the opposite corner, a new pony was slowly walking out and the guards (along with the dead body) had vanished. The stallion’s blood remained unfortunately. I couldn’t see what the pony’s race was from this distance nor their gender. All I saw was a yellow blob. I am going to clean out this prison, or die trying. While the Hero within me might have been broken, I shall engrave my name into their skulls for my Blaze! And then sign hers right next to mine. Maybe I might sign Jonon’s name if I have pace left over. A few minutes of waiting later, I finally was able to figure out what this yellow pony was. A male Salamander had been sent in next. This one was pure yellow. We both stood in our corner until the bell sounded once more. Then he charged. What is it with stallions and charging at things? He tried hitting me with a strange spell from his magic. I didn't understand what it was at first. I blocked it with my sword, but I was tossed back by the shockwave that was produced out of nowhere. Flying through the air, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. The stallion punched the earth and a giant wave of earth flew at me. Just before the wave hit me, I remembered what blaze had said about Earth Salamanders. “Never attack from the front. That’s almost suicidal. If you are fighting one and i’m not there to help, remember this: their magic is linked to the earth. But your magic isn’t, you can command the very stars themselves with your magic. Use that to your advantage. Fire and water won’t help you in a fight against an Earth Salamander. Hit them from the sides or with powerful spells made of Air or Stellar magic. With a flick of my horn and a lance of pain, I casted a Sky Jump Spell, launching me into the air and narrowly avoiding the wave of earth. The Salamander looked surprised at me, and no wonder why! I had just casted an Air-class spell to dodge his Earth-Class one. Now I was an equal to his power. Time to end this! I noticed that my sword was still gripped by my magic, and even better, was on the ground underneath me. I casted a slow fall spell as I neared the ground. With sword hovering by me, I charged at the Salamander. He tried to hit me with a few more spells, but with a clever use of a simple breeze speel, those spells always missed. But I wasn’t as fast as I could be due to my leg. Even now, even with all the adrenaline flooding my system, I could still feel a constant pain from my horn and left hind leg. It wasn’t much, but adrenaline is a hell of a painkiller. I finally reached the Salamander Stallion and with a lunge, a scream, and a flame spell surrounding my horn, I pierced his thick scales ad lit his insides on fire. The salamander started screaming until his lungs melted and he fell over.His inside was still cooking slowly when I pulled out my horn. Blood rolled down my face, but I just didn’t care. I had more immediate thing to worry about, like the pain my leg and horn were in. I was suddenly hit with all the pain my adrenaline had kept at bay now that the fight was over. I think I broke some ribs with all the screaming I did. Or maybe it was because of all the coughing I did after the screams went away. After a minute or two of recovering, I glanced back at the Earth Salamander stallion’s body. It has just cooked and was turning to dust from the amount of magic I put through him. The dust slowly drifted away and I sighed, softly closing my eyes. I didn't wish to do this. The bell dinged twice out of nowhere, signaling a end to the fight. I walked back to my corner and turned to face my enemy’s corner once more. The P.A. system crackled before a voice sounded out. “Give it up for Star Shooter! I personally thought that battle would have been too much for her! Consider me impressed Miss Shooter! Only one last battle remains tonight folks! And what a match up it will be! It brings me much joy to introduce Miss Shooter’s last opponent for the night! Here for Tonight only! She comes from parts unknown! She has come today, fighting for the honor and reputation of her sister and Family. Ladies and GentleStallions! People of all ages! It is my great pleasure to introduce to you, the one! The only, CRYSTAL WING!” A pegasus mare flew out from her door and landed in her corner. She was a pure white pegasus with a necklace that I swore i’ve seen before. Can’t seem to remember where though. But I feel that necklace is somehow more important that I think. “So Miss Hero! We meet at last! In the name of the Crystal Family, I do hereby sentence you to death for the murder of my twin! For the honor of my family name, you will face me in a one on one battle to the death! No holding back and if I feel you are hesitating, I will find a village filled with foals and shatter each and every one of their minds, before feeding them to a bucKING DRAGON YOU DAMN MURDERER! NOW FACE ME! SO I MAY SHOW YOU THE SAME DAMN MERCY YOU SHOWED MY OWN DAMN SISTER!” The pegasus, whom I now know is Crystal Wing yelled. She crouched down, wings spread like she was about to try a flying charge. I noticed that her necklace began to glow softly, which put me on a bit more of an edge. After a tense few seconds of staring at each other, the bell dinged loudly. This caused Crystal Wing to charge at me, her screams filled with rage. My body had yet to fully heal after the previous two fights, so I couldn’t attempt some sort of dodge. But I was able to flatten myself to the ground at the last moment and my head had only escaped untouched by mere inches. Whoever this mare was, she was FAST! If I will have any chance of beating her, I have to level the playing field! Think! Think! How do PegasI fight faster Pegasi?! Cripple the wings? No. Too fast for that. Maybe increase air pressure in front of her? No. it would slow her until she moved around it. Weight spell? No. I actually need her to stand still for more than a minute. Damn. Here Crystal comes for another attack! Wait. Uh-oh! Run time! Zig Zag! Zig Zag! Zig Zag! Gotta keep running in a random Zig Zag! I start running in random directions while trying to remember a spell that might help me tip the fight in my favor. ‘Think! Crystal is a pegasus! That means her element affinity points towards the Air-class! Earth-class spells take to long for me to cast, Fire-class spells burn lots of energy, and I never learned Arid Moisture so unless I have a large amount of water already nearby, Water-class spells are impossible! AH! If only Blaze or Jonon were here! Blaze could burn Crystal easily with her Fire Affinity Spells, Jonon would just beat her without magic, and I don’t know how to cast Siphon Spells!’ As I was thinking and running, I never noticed that Crystal had figured out my running patterns and had angled herself to follow my next zigzag. With her target finally in her sights, Crystal flew full force into Star. After a few rolls, Crystal and Star got their hooves underneath thema stood up. Less than ten paces were between the two mares. Crystal, filled with anger and rage, glared at Star Shooter who merely panted as she watched the pegasus. “You killed my sister and ruined my family’s reputation. I WILL have your head either mounted upon my wall or to give to the Queen! I will not let some punk Hero ruin many generations of hard work! Any last words before I separate you head from your body?” Crystal asked with a maniacal grin. “A few,” Star says with a tilt of her head, “Who the fuck was your sister?” The grin on Crystal’s face dropped like a rock. “Crystal Ball!” A blank look on Star’s face was her reply. “A unicorn that looks kinda like me but with a horn?” Star gave her another blank look. Crystal’s rage had been replaced with curiosity for the moment,“Tall? Sexy but kinda skinny? Always tries to have a plan? Loves making new spells?” Star just shook her head. “Huh...how else to explain her? Umm.....Ah! She likes messing with ponies heads! And enjoys using someone’s love against them!” That got Star’s attention. “You mean the mare who wore a scale of my Blaze?! And haunts me with her death?! I wish to find her so I may rip her FUCKING HEAD OFF!! SHE KILLED MY BLAZE! My lover and mate! WHERE IS SHE?!!!!” Star yelled at Crystal. Crystal actually took a few steps back from Star in surprize. Crystal’s patience had finally broke with this statement. Instead of logic and reason, her head filled with rage. As far as she cared, Star was responsible for Crystal Ball’s death. She spread her wings once more and her necklace, which until this moment had been glowing softly, suddenly lit up like a sun. With a burst of speed, a shout of anger and a flash of magic, Crystal landed a single full force blow upon Star Shooter’s head. But instead of being flown back from the force of the punch, Star remained standing, without a single strand of hair out of place. Neither her nor Crystal moved, but a battle raged unseen to the naked eye. No long were they fighting in the physical world, they fought a battle inside their own heads. A battle between the minds and wills. As I opened my eyes, all I see around me is a land of endless black with a light layer of mist hugging the ground. I don’t recognize anything here. ‘But how did I get here? The last thing I remember seeing was Crystal charge at me with that glowing necklace. Is it some sort of teleport gem? But there are no walls, so...not a prison? But where am I then?’ I take a few steps before I realize a very important fact: i’m not feeling any pain from either my horn nor my leg. Did that necklace heal me? How? ‘Eh. Fuck it. Not really in the mood to care at the moment. Might as well just start walking. Might actually get somewhere. Eenie meenie miney moe, fuck it, let’s go!’ I just start walking in a random direction while chuckling to myself at my accidental rhyme. After who knows how long, I finally found something else other than the endless black! A nice patch of gray! I know it doesn’t seem like much, but it feels like i’ve been looking at only black for HOURS now! A bit of gray is more than welcome! As i’m walking closer, more details become available to me. That patch of gray? It ain’t a patch, it’s a full blown cave! But not just your run-of-the-mill-empty-cave, but it’s a Salamander cave! You can tell by the fact it’s got a door, a few rocks scratched up, and all the scales they surround it with. As I get within spitting distance, (which is suicidal by the way. Spitting on a Salamander’s cave. They see that similar to a mare telling her overprotective dad that she’s pregnant and the father decided to run and hide. Put simply? Very, very,very, bad idea), I can’t help but notice that the scales of this house are bright red. Could this mean....is my Blaze...Alive? The sound of a door opening catches my attention. My head whips around, my heart filled with hope. A bright red Nelle, or a female/mare Salamander, walks out. Her head turns towards me when my breath hitches in my throat. For what feels like forever, we both just stare at each other, not a sound is heard. The silence is then filled by the sound of my heart. Thump... Thump... Thump... ... ...Thump ...Thump I can’t help but to start bouncing towards her, even after I quite literally heard my heart skip a beat or two. It doesn’t matter though. I found her! It’s her! Alive! Somehow. Who cares? BLAZE IS ALIVE!!! ‘Time itself can go to tartarus as long as I have my Blaze beside me! The Demons from Hell will bow to me as long as I have my Blaze! I’ll take on the whole damn wasteland for my Lover, my Blaze! Death will not touch her, the Queen shall not have her, that damn pony Burnout will feel fear before I allow him to look upon the beauty that is my Blaze! Huh...maybe next time I see him, i’ll let Blaze beat him up first.’ By the end of my thoughts, I had finally gotten close enough to throw myself onto my Blaze. And thus began thee longest makeout session i’ve ever had, with a surprised Blaze as a bonus! The two of us broke the kiss but something was off about her. There was no passion in her kiss, no caress in her motions, no fire in her belly. I took a closer look at my Blaze and that is when I noticed something off about my lover. I thought of old words Tiria told me when I was younger. She told me if anything seems out of line always say these words to the one out of line, and then maybe it will work. “Why Blaze.. What big eyes you have.” Blaze blinked. Her eyes were filled with confusion. What made me more suspicious is that she didn’t even answer back. I just stared into her eyes, those pony-like eyes. They were way too big to be proper Salamander eyes. It made me question many things even during the kiss it felt off. “Why Blaze what flat teeth you have.” Blaze finally smiled showing those flat teeth. “The better to chew my food.” The creature tried to say with a fake smile. Chew her food? Salamanders like to rip and swallow their food. That's why their teeth were sharp. Ponies like to chew their food...well more like have to chew their food. Hay doesn’t go down very easily without being chewed. “Why Blaze, what dark scales you have!” Blaze’s fake smile never left her face. “It’s a new look of mine. To better complement your natural dark colors.” Now i’m certain that something is wrong! Blaze couldn’t give a second thought about how she looks most days. She’s more of the ‘Rip and tear my enemies followed by kissing my strong willed mate’ type of Salamander. This is not my Blaze! Blaze may be many things, but this pony-like? Impossible! This Blaze is a fake! I push her away and glare at her, my eyes filled with anger. This isn't Blaze and I can tell that is isn’t a changeling. Changelings would have tried to feed upon my love for Blaze. This is worse than a Changeling, this is an Imposter! ‘Someone wears her face!’ Anger had filled my heart once more, along with sorrow. If this was an imposter, that means Blaze was still dead. ‘And if Blaze is dead, then who was I making out with? ....Wait! Ahh! I was making out with another mare!’ Pure RAGE filled me once more. ‘ I will Rip whomever this mare is apart! I shall Tear this mare’s face off! I don’t care who she is! She broke my first rule! Don't mess with those I care about! Especially those I love! Definitely not Blaze!’ Before I could strike the Imposter, she changed before my eyes. Scales became fur. Spines retracted to form mane and tail. Paws reformed into proper hooves. The Fur that was scales changed color from a dark red to a bright white. Wings popped out of her sides, fully grown without a feather out of place. A necklace formed slowly around her neck, it’s pendant glowing softly. The sudden change from Salamander to Pegasus pony made me pause. I felt a pressure land upon my head, which I instinctively flinched from an rubbed my head with my hoof. But no matter how much I scratched and rubbed, the headache just got worse. I focused once more upon the Pegasus mare when she began to walk closer. Her voice was smooth as silk, but kinda echoed. “You are a threat to the safety of this island. And it will be a privilege to end you.” The pressure upon my head increased. The pony opposite of me narrowed her eyes, a look of concentration rested on her face. “Your mental defences are strong. I’ll admit, I didn’t expect this much of a challenge from you! How ‘bout you do us both a favor and open your mind? I promise that you shall only feel the pain for a few minutes before I destroy you from the inside out.” This surprised me. This pegasus mare was assaulting my very brain! But she was doing it from a distance. ‘Is she a telepath? Didn’t Tiria once tell me how to fight one? Right! Remember the past to scare them away!’ Just as I finished my thought, the pressure on my head grew too much for me to deal with, and like a bullet through a glass window, I felt something break. The last thing I remembered was a burning building. A memory...did this pony that was in my mind...wish to see it? I swear that while I was running with my family from the burning buildings, I saw a new pony. One that I know I never saw before. She was standing in the middle of the battlefield, bullets flying around her but never hitting her. While the Enclave attacked, I could hear screaming, crying, and death. The memory was of that battle in the P.O.W. camp. The new white pony was always in the corner of my eye though, always watching what I saw. I instinctively knew that this new pony would watch this memory side by side with me. As the battle was coming to a close, Mom, Dad and I were running by some building that had been damaged by all the explosions from both sides. What I didn’t notice until I had already stepped on it was a piece of loose rubble. As the full force of my weight came down upon it, it gave way and I ended up head over hooves down the slope. A slope which had been blocked from sight by the collapsed wall. What I didn’t see was a pile of rubble right next to an open door which, as with my luck, I was heading right towards. I hit the door and with the transfer of kinetic energy, fell into the basement from which the door led to. The door, which received lots of new kinetic energy hit the rubble beside it, destabilizing a perfectly balanced load, before bouncing back and closing itself. The load that the rubble use to hold had been destabilized and fell upon the door, locking me inside. While not pitch black, as soon as I looked up, I soon wished it were. All around me were ponies. Dead ponies and dying ponies alike. And no matter how much I screamed, how much I pushed, how much I begged, I could not either call for help nor escape on my own. I was stuck down here without any food or water. And from what I could see, no other pony had any either. Crystal Wings back peddled quickly from me. I could tell she had a look of horror on her face. A look that I knew all too well. Something tells me that she looked into one of my memories and saw something she never wanted to see. “Y..y...how? Why were those ponies attacking you?” Her voice sounded shaky and scared Closing my eyes I finally understood what memory she saw. A memory that truely haunts me, opening my eyes again. I finally was able to say it. “The Grand Pegasus Enclave, what you saw was ten years ago. You must understand I never wished to come to this island. I was forced here and I had no desire to become the hero. But all the zebras around me and everypony else made me their hero.” “But what happened to my sister?!” Crystal Wing demands. “I Don’t know. I only remember her in my head.” I reply. “May I look to see if my sister left something in your head that might give me a clue?” “I just give her a nod and close my eyes, letting my thoughts drift like the water flows. I feel a gentle pressure upon my head, no where near a bad as last time. After a few moments, voices begin talking out of nowhere. My eyes shoot open, trying to pin down where they are coming from. " Hmm...poor little hero. She thought she could escape from me." Crystal Wing perks up upon hearing this voice. “Sister” she whispers. " Are you almost done Crystal Ball? you have been at this for almost a month already." Crystal sighs. "It's not so easy to break her. But now I am done. Her mind is broken for the moment. She will not wake for awhile. Now that my job is done where is my money?" Crystal Wing just nods her head. “That’s definitely my sister. I would recognize her tone anywhere. " I got your payment right here." Something fell to the ground with a blood splat. " Clean this up. Lock the hero up and then get her ready for the next few months for her death." Crystal just looks at me with sadness and anger in her eyes. “That was a memory. But one from when you were unconscious. Your body kept listening even as your brain slept. I fear this means that she truly is dead. But now I know that you are not responsible. You are no larger the target of the Crystal family. This I do swear upon my honor. Now we must return to reality, I have a new target to hunt.” I look in her eyes and decided right then and there that I misjudged her horribly. “Cricket.” I tell her. Crystal just tilts her head at me, not understanding. “That voice at the end. It belongs to a Large Bug named Cricket.” Crystal looks to me in surprise before she smiles and vanishes. The black walls and the nearby cave around me start vibrating before they slowly begin vanishing. The next thing I know, i’m laying on the hard cement floor of the cage stadium. I raise my forelegs to rub my eyes, but I stop. On my left forehoof, hanging on my pipbuck, is a small note. You gave me direction in my hunt for my sister’s killer. I can not tell you how much time, money and trouble you save me. I owe you one Miss Star Shooter. Don’t worry to much about trying to find me. I’ll keep an ear to the ground. I’ll know when i’m needed. MAybe next time we meet, i’ll have Cricket’s head hanging on my wall. Ha. Maybe. I’ll see you around kid. And...thanks. You truly have no idea the weight you lifted off my shoulders. - Crystal Wing. The radio on my pipbuck switch on, somehow by itself. "This is the Warden. In news there is a giant alliance forming in CliffSide. In the name of the hero. Some say she has been seen in some prison. But that pony was killed soon after. I fear the hero is gone from the world for good. Maybe someday we will learn what has happened to her. All I can say is that a red female Salamander is the one leading this Alliance in Cliffside. She said she is doing it in the name of the one that showed her love." Hearing that didn't even fill my hope. I know her well knowing that she is alive now. That it would be very hard for her to move on. Maybe I will see her again when I die. I heard the cage door open again. I lifted my sword off the very floor of the cage. I finally saw the large stallion that walked into the cage arena with me. I thought I was done with this farce of a game. Now… must I kill again? “Hello little hero. I know you don’t know me at all but I just wish you to understand no hard feelings alright?” I didn’t know what he meant by that but the large stallion charged right at me. I wasn’t able to move out of the way quick enough and he rammed me right into the back of cage. I felt my back losing fur, again, and felt my body getting weaker as he forced into me there. He then backed up getting back to the middle waiting for me to stand. Slowly I stood, still holding the sword in my magic. A painful twinge hitting me for just a second. I ran at him with a trot in my step. With one swing of the blade, I was able to land a paper like cut on him. Of course he forced his body on me and forced me on the ground. He lifted his back hoof, trying to stomp on me. But I moved just in time, stabbing my sword into his heart. His lifeless body fell on me with all it’s lovely weight. It took such a toll on me I felt my body give out and just lay there panting from the battle. The cage opened up after the battle was over. I thought to myself. ‘Oh come on no more please!!.’ Thankfully they didn’t even try to attack me. All they did is remove the body off me. Then Burnout himself lifted me up on his back and took me back to my cell. He set me down gently, allowing me to limp in the back of the cage. I sat on my haunches, looking up at the stallion. I still had a hate for him but I couldn’t let it get the better of me. " Get ready to leave. We will be leaving tomorrow.. Or we will miss our window of opportunity and we are going to die." I started to sob my tears falling to the cage floor below. I can’t go on any longer I wanted to get back to Blaze she is alive I know this now. But I was to weak to fight Burnout. Burnout looked at me, watching as I tried to get away from him. He slowly walked over to me, leaning down so he was closer to my ears. " Hero you need to show others that you are strong." I just laid there, not able to move anymore. I didn't speak, just lay there as other prisoners watched me. " You need to give others hope." "You want to give me hope?" Groaning softly looking up at him. " Let me go..." Burnout shook his head as he tried to lift me up again. Burnout just shook his head before lifting me up in his magic, while also spinning me to face him. He stared deep into my eyes before I heard him speak. " Hero you need to stop. You need to stop feeling sorry for yourself. Yes, you have been through hell and back. Several times I might add. You have been through so much to the point it killed you. You need to be strong little hero. Prove to these Prisoners that you're the hero of legend. In the legend, she falls down so hard that she uses that pain to give others hope. Give them hope hero. Please...give them hope." He set me down, looking at the others. 00000 The Warden Deep in the castle. In the core tower a male dragon known as the Warden who was hooked to every computer that had cameras. He watched the hero on his camare’s making sure that every speaker in the prison including her pipbuck was going to say. What he said gave the hero pause for a moment. " A pony that was given hope from the hero. Before the hero passed away. I am sorry children she has passed. But this pony gave me a recording. It has her voice. Please listen closely children." The hero looked at the cam with great anger. But she then spoke. Making it loud enough for all to hear. The hero spoke loudly. " To all those that will hear this. I'm known as Star Shooter. Who ever will hear this I am dead I guess. But before I fully go on. Blaze.... I love you so much. I love you...You showed me what true love is. When we meet again. I will make sure my heart is open for you again. But yes. To all that hear me. We have to have hope." A group surrounded a radio in Cliffside. The Warden could see this. As the hero spoke, Blaze was sobbing and Jonon & Dr. Slice were trying to help her through it. "For all of us who don't have hope, we will fall. Tiria always told me when I was younger, hope is like the Sun. When you love it, it glows. I feel that the only way to give hope is to be there for every pony. Remember the Queen can't keep you all down forever. You need to be ready a year from now... At least a year for you all. You need to be given hope." The Warden looks at another camera, seeing the Salamander kingdom. The king looked down. He spoke. " My daughter is broken..oh hero.. I wish you didn't die.." The Warden could hear. " Sing my friends, sing! Bring hope to your heart." The warden looked to see Burnout mouth 'Sing." The hero closed her eyes and calmly started to sing. " Bring hope to your heart. Gain your heart that most would never know. I have fallen but most would never know. But I am surrounded." The hero looked to Burnout and nodded to him. The sounds of a scuffle and a battle. It was all to make it sound good. Then the sword was lifted and after a single moment held at the apex of it’s rise, with a glint off the blade, the sword fell and the hero was stabbed. Her screams of pain filled the radio, broadcasting on the open air.. " There you have it folks. The hero died, giving hope to everyone to this island. I'm sorry. Be ready to take down the Queen for what she did to our hero. It's time to end her! Get ready for the battle in a year. It's time to take back our home from her. Now time for some music." The Warden turned on the music. Watching the cam that is in Cliffside. Watching as Dr Slice had to hold down Blaze. He turns on the mic so he can hear. " Blaze, don't go rushing in to battle. I know your upset." Blaze growled trying to break free. " Upset... Upset?! My love is dead.. I want revenge." Jonon sighed. Quickly heading into the cavern and then soon after she returned. " Blaze...she is alive..." The Red Salamander looked up to Jonon. " The crystal is still glowing. But I am think I know why the Warden faked a recording. It is because he wants us ready for battle." Blaze looked up to Jonon. Dr,.Slice lifted one of his eyes from the eye stalks to look at the zebra. If he could show his emotions of what he was thinking. Of course Blaze’s emotions were of pain and despair. " It's easy to tell from what I have been told that a lot of the core computers that the Warden is hooked up to are old. And if because of this, recording things is not easy for him." The Warden sighs while the music goes on. 0000 Opening my eyes, I noticed that I was in the magic machine again. Burnout was staring into my eyes. He’s lucky i’m strapped down. Otherwise I might slap him for staring too long. " Was that extremely necessary to stab me?" I asked. Burnout sighed and nodded. " We are about to leave little hero. Rest. The caravan will take almost a month just to get to the castle." I watched Burnout walk away from me. I sighed softly, closing my eyes and letting the magic heal me. I feel my magic core being mutated more and more as time goes by. And with said passage of time, I slowly fall asleep. Footnote: Still no level New perk added: Crazy Friends, Crazier Families. You proved to Crystal Wing your innocence. No larger are you a murderer in the eyes of the Crystal family Crystal wing shall join you in the Final battle. Negative perk add Queen has won: The Queen has won in her mind. You were killed well maybe killed on live radio now even though the gems still show you alive. It will make the island think while you sneak back to your friends and get ready for the battle ahead. But this is also a bad thing for those trying to save you might get attacked on sight.
Chapter Sixteen: Month six: CaravanAs I opened my eyes, the first thing I noticed were the metal bars surrounding me. ‘Damn. Still in the cell.’ A sudden sound to my left made me jump. I quickly son my head and ears towards where the sound originated. I saw guards escorting prisoners from their cells to a giant Caravan waiting outside. Looking around, I soon located the dusty form of Burnout. He was sitting in a makeshift office. The office itself wasn’t more than a few wooden walls, a small desk, a candle, and a chair. All sitting upon a giant board of OSB. A few well placed ‘windows’, which were nothing more than a large triangle shaped hole in the wood, allowed easy view both into and out of the ‘room’. I sat there watching Burnout for a bit, just waiting to see what’s going to happen next. After a bit, Burnout’s head rose and he began to look around. ‘What has it been? Twenty minutes? Thirty? It takes him this long to notice he’s being watched?’ I thought to myself, ‘It’s a wonder he hasn’t been sniped yet. If this was the Wasteland, he’d be dead several times over!’ When burnout finally looked over towards me, I couldn’t help myself. I rose a forehoof and just waved at him, before pointing at my other forehoof as if I was asking about the time. Burnout facehooved before gathering a set of papers and folders. He then just drew an ‘E’ in the air before pointing behind me. Glancing in that direction, I saw the sun just cresting over the trees. ‘Either that’s east, which means the sun is still rising, or he’s saying that i’m up early and it’s almost night time,’ I guessed, ‘It makes more sense for it to be the former rather than the latter though.’ I looked away from Burnout and back to the prisoners. Some have decide to try breaking free. Their attempts never lasted more than a few seconds before they were tamed once more. I didn't see the three warriors that stayed here to break me, which I took as a win in my book. Slowly, I stood up, but once I tried to take a deep breath, I discovered something disturbing. I haven't had a bath or a shower for several months now! I had blood all over my beautiful, formerly silky smooth, black fur body. Oh, and a bunch of pink patches of skin were showing through my coat. A closer look revealed that those pink patches were caused by scars. Seeing that many little pink spots in areas that don't have any fur was a little disturbing. Well at the moment anyway. I'm sure the fur will grow back. I noticed I was the last one they would take. I just sat there, watching them remove most of the weapons from the building. Burnout exited his office before he looked at a bunch of guards hanging out by the prison and yelled out to them. " Remember to take everything! We will be burning down the outpost. We can't allow the Queen to know how kind we have been to these prisoners. We need to really have her think the hero is dead. Place all the extra papers that have nothing on them around the area to torch down the building. We can't allow her to think the hero is alive." Lifting my head, I stared at Burnout who turned to look at me. " Listen, hero, I am very sorry for what happen to you. I had no choice. We are ready to die to save you from the Queen." I just looked at him, I didn't even speak. Since...well, I didn't care to talk. But I would listen. I owed him that much at least. Laying myself back down, I closed my eyes and slowly started to get some rest. But then, a commotion forced open my eyes as I jumped back up, watching the ponies rush around. Many of them said it would take hours to just get everything ready. Watching each pony run back and forth getting prisoners. They even had parts of the cage with them. What interested me more was the fact that many of the ponies had their families here. I saw young foals stare at me as they passed. But their parents moved them along so they wouldn't stare at me too long. Another pony rushed back to the Caravan with many weapons in his magical grasp. Dropping them using his magic to pull a giant whetstone. He quickly sharpens the dull weapons. Sparks flew from this as I watched them. I have never noticed until now how these ponies had no modern guns. But I did see a few old guns. Near the pony that had the whetstone, Another guard took apart old guns to repair them as well as clean them. It was an odd show to watch while they did all this. To my surprise though they brought out the machine they strapped me to all these months is taken apart and placed in crates. Crate easy enough to get to if they need to well use it on me again. I am really hoping they don’t have to use it on me again. My magic core is already screaming for magic as it is. I remembered the magic sight I was given. Using my horn to connectrate. My eyes changed color to see the magic in the air. I could see the crates are full of this magic. I need it...I need it!! The pony stared at me shaking their head walking away with the box of magic. I sighed. I needed it so badly. I wanted to try to break through the cage. But sadly I don't think that would have been a good idea. I sat down on my haunches watching them take everything but the sink.. wait did they just take a sink? Watching water spray everywhere but I wasn't the one that was even next. This outpost is so big. They needed to gather more of what they had here. I watched two stallions bring out some beds, placing them around in areas to burn them. I watched them place old documents to get ready to burn the place down. I couldn't believe that they wished to destroy everything. Burnout came back in looking at me and leaned down to speak " We almost got our part of the caravan ready. So everything will be ready for you and all of the others." I stared at him with no emotions in my eyes. Burnout sighed, going back to watch the rest of the ponies remove so much from this building. Looking back at me. I could tell he wanted to tell me something. But he looked up to the Cam that the warden would look through. " I can't tell you a little hero. I wish I could but all will come clear when we can finally speak to each other.” I nodded curling into a ball was they did all this around me. Looking at them even taking some of the walls. They were attaching the metal and doors to the Caravan but they rushed so much that some of the spots are badly connected. But they had welding torches. It's gotten to the point when I watched them that I felt the Caravan was going to fall apart just from how it looked. I saw the wheels attached to the metal as well. I was kept in my cage. I noticed them starting to pry the walls of to keep me in place. The cage I was in was moveable but it would take them a while to get to what is holding it in place. I watched as one of the ponies removed tubes from the radio to try to use them as a connection to the caravan. I didn’t understand why they took apart so many things. But I lay my head down to longer watch but to hear what is going on. I didn't wish to pace. I was in too much pain from being still for too long. Moving slowly. I felt cracks happen in my bones. I groaned I had a strange feeling that, I will never be fully healed. I heard parts of the building fall to the ground. Seeing the very dust come along with the ride. But most of the building stayed up. I started to notice more about it. It's attached to old ruins the ruins of the race that helped create this island. I find that hard to understand why they wanted to burn it down. Then I pulled one of the documents to me. Opening them up, staring at them. These documents are of ponies and me. They wished to make me stronger by getting me closer to death. Most of the ponies here wanted to see me escape. But they couldn't do any of this. The three warriors kept showing up. But the only two that showed respect to this idea, was Mix and Cricket. Mix, from what I remember wanted to die. Reading more of the documents I saw that they were in contact with the resistance, who wanted to know if I was alive. But they kept saying ‘We don't know. We never found the hero.’ It seemed that they were trying to keep me being here a secret. But the next documents are the Queen coming to see who is in this prison in the next four days. Looking around, I noticed that they are rushing. " Learning why we have to leave so fast then little hero?" I looked up, seeing Burnout. " We can't allow the Queen to find out you are here. She will kill you try to make an example of you. But yes we still are going to be heading to the castle to hide you in the lower parts of the city." Tilting my head for a moment. "Lower part of the city? What kind of city is this castle?" I simply asked. " Well, it's like a giant city in the lower parts that are hidden from the sun are the slums. Every pony goes there to hide. Then try to sneak out through the ruins. But you shall be in there soon." I nodded, calmly watching him rush off and pulling out a terminal. They started building a large metal prison that seemed to be for me. But they don't seem to be ready for me yet. I watched them placed bodies of those long dead from a basement, smearing blood all over the walls as well as the floor. Then they threw the bodies everywhere. It's like they wanted to make sure a riot happen. I wanted to lose what I ate. But I couldn't since I didn't eat much. They sprawled brains guts as well as bones. Then they placed papers along with them too. Burnout ripped apart all the documents. They started dumping what is left of their fuel. I heard the inner workings of an old fuel engine. I have heard of things like this in Equestria but it seems they learned how to make fuel cars here. But they maybe had to since the magic type things in Equestria. But I am not a smart pony when it came to the machines we have in Equestria. I could smell the fumes from the caravan it didn't smell very good either. Finally, they started to get me out of the hole I was in. Lifting up my cage placing it into the back. Attaching it to the caravan they even gave me a toilet soI could well go to the bathroom. Unlike how they did have it. Just have a little grate. So shitting through a grate and peeing through it as well. Slowly they attached walls to the cage that kept me in here. Burnout then walked into the same part of the Caravan I was in. he sat in a chair looking calmly at me with a smile. " Well, we are now ready to go." He then yelled. " Set them off." Looking outside, I saw many explosions. The entire outpost started to burn to fall apart. Watching the home I had for six months burn to the ground. I smiled softly watching it just burn. I wanted to do this myself but at least they got all the prisoners out first. But then I heard screaming. I stared at Burnout he smiled softly but then frowns." Some of the families stayed behind to show that some of the guards and their loved ones lost their lives during the riot. Also, we had a body with your skin and fur so we could make sure she thinks your dead. Also, don't worry the Queen is so full of herself. She won't start the first attack. She will end it." I gave a nod but we haven't started moving yet. Looking outside seeing them filling the caravan more with fuel. A guard rushing to speak to Burnout. "We have enough fuel to get to the castle. But since we are like ten miles from Cliffside we need to bypass it at the turn to get to the castle through the Minotaur and Griffin lands." Burnout nodded. The guard rushed up. I heard all kinds of doors opening and closing. It was close and the smell of smoke was harsh. As I saw dark smoke come from the smoke stakes of the Caravan but they were testing. Before we fully left they started feeling us. I was given fresh water drinking from it. Then they put down fresh food. The guard delivering it spoke softly. " We won't have anything else to eat for the next few days. Stay silent when we get to the Griffin lands. They will be waiting to attack us." I gave the guard a nod looking to Burnout. He gave a smile. But the Caravan didn't start moving for a while. They waited for night to fall before we started moving from what I was told. The smoke floated through the air. I could hear the sounds of explosions within the machine. But it was way before the night was going to fall. I watched them while they attached some, of the weapons to the walls of the outside and the inside as well. I felt I was being escorted by a heavily guarded building. I heard the core of this machine come to live and roar. It roared so loudly that it made the entire caravan shake and it was getting ready to move. But they seemed to be waiting for something. I heard hooves trotting towards the back. " Okay Burnout, everything is ready. We need to get going before the Queens sees the smoke and thinking that something is wrong and send her warriors to check it out." Burnout nodded, looking towards me with a gentle smile before he looked back to the pony. " We move out now! We need to get to the Griffin-Minotaur lands before morning." The pony nods, rushing back to the front. I felt the floor under me shift. We started to move along to the road. The wheels slowly rolling along the road. 0000 We just started our trip through the land to get to the Minotaur-Griffin lands. Looking outside seeing many ponies walk by us to get to Cliffside. I haven't ever seen so many traders or weapons being taken there. I wish I could say something but I am too broken to say anything. The ponies that past us stared at the machine the prisoners were in. They didn't even stop us. But they could tell it was full of the queen's enemies. I looked over to Burnout who watched me intently. He spoke. " I wish you would forgive me for what I did to your child." Turning my head to stare at him. " Why should I forgive you? I have a bad leg I have many little scars on my body. If Blaze ever sees me again, she will just sob, staring at every scar I have on my body. If you want me to forgive you, let me off right here." I stared at him with so much hate. His ears pinned back on the top of his head showing his fear. " I wish I could tell you the true hero." My anger grew my horn glowed brightly then I groaned feeling the pain from using my horn. Lay down closing my eyes calmly resting my head down. Then I heard overheard a conversation between one of the guards and what I assume was a trader. " Hey, you got any fuel on you?" I heard the cocking of a gun.." Whoa whoa, we just want to trade for fuel." " You killed the hero... You murders." Burnout rushed to the window outside. " Listen we just need fuel." The trader turned to look at Burnout the anger on their face was very easy to see. " You killed Star Shooter! An eighteen-year-old mare who got stuck in a land foreign to her! A mare who, despite it not being her home, began helping others regardless of the damage inflicted upon herself! We learned so much of this from her lover. Now her lover is out searching for the ones that killed her. So no you will get no fuel from us." Burnout turned to look at me. Tears formed in his eye. He rushed to me. " Oh, goddess hero. Why didn't you tell us your age? The age of eighteen here in this land is precious and meant to be protected." I snorted looking towards him. " Tell that to your Queen. She seems to have large hate for me for no reason. If I escape here. I am going to kill you." I stared at him with so much anger standing up staring at him. " So be prepared for that. I will find a way out of here. Then you will be the first one I kill." The burnt colored unicorn stared back at me, his eyes filled with nothing but fear. It seems he never been treated this way. I paced around the cell feeling so angry. Then I sat on the toilet but you can't really keep an angry look as you empty your bladder. It seemed they gave me the ability to flush. So when I did some traders near us yelled. " OH GODDESS the smell." One yelled Another yelled. " OH damn, they got living prisoners in there!" Guns started firing on us and the drivers turned up the speed, getting off the road. To get away from the traders. After a while, we went back onto the road and Burnout sighed. I noticed we stopped at another outpost that was being ripped apart and burnt down. But we got more fuel. I looked to Burnout then back to the outpost. " Are you trying to show that the rebellion is winning?" The burnt color stallion looks to me then back to the burning building. " No, I am sure no one has told you this hero. Majesty is losing her rule. She doesn't even know that half the island is running to kill her. This has been happening way before you showed up. You merely caused it to go into overdrive." He looked outside then back to me. " I wish we could have met at a better time hero." He walked to the cage opening the door. He backed up while I slowly walked out, my anger wanting to take over and just murder this stallion. But I reigned it in and just sat on my haunches. Burnout slowly shut the cage back up behind me. With his magic, he grabbed some water and proceeded to dump it on my mane. I instinctively shook the water out of my face. " We don't have enough water to give you a bath hero.” Burnout said with a sigh, “We will be in Minotaur lands tonight. Then on our way to the castle. But we have one more outpost. To get more fuel, some water and food for you. So be prepared to eat and eat all your given for it's the only time around this time you will get to eat." I sighed myself, thinking about my parents a moment then he spoke again. " Tell me about yourself hero. All I did was get to know your pain. But not the one that stayed strong proving to all those in the prison that we didn't have a right to do what we did to you." I didn't know what to think when he asked this. Thinking awhile my eyes shifting a moment then looked outside. " I am from Equestria. My family used to be raiders. But they wished to break off from that after my mother found out she was going to have me. We ended up in a former Prisoner of War camp. The one who ran it was named Wheel Tread. I was born in that camp, spending most of my early childhood surrounded by wood and steel. It’s ironic though. Back when I was eight, we got attacked by a pegasus supremacy faction known as the Enclave. I would have died in that battle, but a creature known as a Vulf'van arrived and fought the Enclave to a standstill, before she took them out. She saved me. A helpless little filly saved by a Vulf'van. Before she died from giving birth. She helped me learn about almost everything I know, including battle and kindness. She is the reason I stayed here. Instead of heading to the castle for the first time to ask to go home.” Burnout blinked looking at me tears formed in his eyes and then looked down. He felt awful for what he did I could hear him softly crying after what he did to me " I am sorry little hero. I thought you were just another pretender out there. So many pretenders that say they wish to protect the island. But you? You have the right to do so it seems." I gave a nod looking towards the way out. " We are so far away from Cliffside. I want to get home. But it seems I am going to have to wait." I said with a weak smile.I slowly lay down looking up to burnout. " Tell me about yourself, one that tried to murder me." Burnout blinks staring down at me and chuckled. " I'm Burnout. I was born and raised on this island. I'm sure you understand being born here is not the best thing. The Queen has to well...test you each time there is a newborn. Since I had no legend behind my name. But I met many who did have family part of a legend. So they were killed. But as you can tell. If you're from Equestria, the Queen doesn't worry about you being a threat." Blinking for a moment, I nodded but then we stopped again. Looking outside seeing the last outpost we are at. They brought more prisoners. Looking towards Burnout and then back outside I saw this outpost being ripped apart with them adding more to the caravan. " Aren't you guys worried that making the Caravan to big will make folks think that you have something very important in here?" Burnout looked to me giving me a gentle smile. Then I finally figured out why they were doing this. " You want to be attacked," I said softly. " No, we don't. But some will want to attack. So if we do get attacked, run away as fast as you can. Also please aim to get back to Cliffside if we do get attacked. We need you to live child." I nodded, smelling the fuel going inside the caravan. " How in the world did you find this fuel to move this giant thing." Burnout just shrugged. " I don't know I am not even part of the research. I just break ponies. Others smarter than me will do more than me." He then opens a door. " I am going to let you speak to the others in here. Come back here when you're done, please. If we do get attacked I wish to be with you." I gave a nod calmly walked through the caravan. 000000 In a larger part of the caravan, there are seats that many of the prisoners sat in. The guards looked at me but they didn't seem to bother me. I sat down by a mare. Who seemed to stare at me,then her eyes go wide seeing my cutie mark then looking at me again. "You're alive.." I stared at the mare who I don't even though before she jumps up and start yelling. " The hero is alive!!" All the Prisoners looked at me staring at me. Looking around I started to blush a bit. " Uh yes, I am alive." They all rushed to me showing so much hope in their eyes. I have never seen so many ponies. Some Salamanders even. I started to back up into the corner. I had fear in my eyes, but Burnout who had been watching got in front of me to protect me from my fans so to speak. "Listen. Yes, she is alive. But after being stuck in a cell for six months. She is not herself. So if we get attacked to make sure she gets out. " The others looked at each other nodding. " We need to get her back to Blaze." The mare calmly said. " She is ready to kill the Queen herself. So when you get back Star Shooter. I think it's wise to put Blaze to bed and please her for hours." My cheeks turned bright red. I was being told to have sex with the one I love. So maybe it's a good idea for us to have sex when I get back? I sighed softly closing my eyes "Listen I have been trying to escape from these folks for a long time now. They broke me. They hurt me. They even skinned me alive. But they did so much to me to break me. They even broke my back leg to the point where I doubt anything will heal it." Lifting up the leg and sighed. Closing my eyes at the pain. The mare gasped, stroking her hoof along the leg. Feeling that the bone is basically so badly set right that if I even move it. I had a nasty twinge of pain go through my leg. "Please might be best to leave her alone for now.." Burnout said. I slowly trotted into the back again. But I can still hear them all. " She wants to get home to her love. But we can't just let her go. The Queen is watching for her right now. So again I request that you let her go if we get attacked. We must protect her from whoever attacks her. " The crowd nods. I closed the door getting back into my cell and closing the door. Shaking so hard closing my eyes. I felt that being around so many made it hard for me to be strong. I wished to be strong. But at the moment I sadly couldn't be strong. I sighed deeply. Burnout slowly returned with a plate of food and more water. He opened the cell door placing the food and water in. I looked up to Burnout with a gentle smile calmly lifting the water up in my magic. Drinking it down calmly. Setting the cup down, closing my eyes and sighing. Then lifted the fork to calmly eat. I looked up to him again then set the empty plate aside. Looking out the cage window. Seeing the world go by me. Missing Blaze so much. I looked down to between my legs. Then looking up to Burnout. " Um, Burnout can you turn around please?" Burnout looked at me strangely but then he then turned around, his eyes looking elsewhere.I sighed softly. " Never mind. It will never be the real thing. Blaze..." I said softly, feeling the pain when I said her name. I wanted to be with her so badly right now. I felt it's going to be hard for me to wait to see her. I needed to get to her. " I sadly don't have a wife anymore." Burnout calmly said. " The Queen didn't care that I fell in love with an outsider. So she killed her in front of her foals. The Queen has some pretty stupid rules. Some make no sense to us at all. But we don't understand why she wishes to be so loved. But a lot of us can't do that for her. Since she has broken so many of us." Looking outside again to see the castle. It was pretty far away. The giant wall that kept the citizens inside. Then looking back to him with a gentle smile. " Are the citizens behind the wall snobby? I am sure they are since I was told by a ghoul from the past. That high society is very stuck up." Burnout laughed softly. " No, they don't live like they are rich at all. They are just happy they live at all. So it's basically they live like it's well a day they will die. They may live like it's amazing but if you make nice to the Queen. You get to live wherever you wish. Get all the power you want as well." Blinking a moment, I looking back outside. Remembering what the Sea ponies told me. That they had to find a way to go inside through the pipes of the water supplies for the castle. Maybe if we win this battle. I am going to tear it down. I couldn't sleep but I could sense the magic near my horn. I wished to bring it inside to try to heal my leg. Looking down to the bad left leg, I tried to stretch it out. But the pain was too much. I gasped and slowly tucked it back in. " Whoa whoa. Don't overdo it Star Shooter. Your leg will heal. But they might have to open your leg up. Fix it through that way. The bone was twisted to the point your bone came out of the leg. It wasn't pleasant to see. I even hated the fact that cricket did that to you." Giving a weak nod. Looking around calmly started to pace. I felt trapped. I was hoping we could get to the castle soon. But we had to go through the Griffin Minotaur lands. " Burnout, How did the Griffins and Minotaurs get here?" Burnout shrugged his shoulders. " The Griffins and the Minotaurs came here on many different ships. It took many years for them to even get their own lands. They are even ahead in technology. We have some guns but they have ten times more powerful guns. They brought a lot of them with them to. So I am amazed they haven't tried fighting the Queen at all. It's so amazing to me how weak she really is. But she doesn't wish to fight off any threats that want to harm her rule." Blinking a moment looking back outside feeling my head hurt a bit. So many issues that would happen here. Looking back to Burnout. "You got any magic? I could use some. I just need a little bit." I said with a weak smile. Burnout shook his head. I frowned, feeling the pain of want. But I need to beat this want. Closing my eyes, I reached for my magic sight once more. And to my surprise, I was finally able to use the magic sight. When I looked at the castle with the magic sight. I started to see that the raw magic was seeping out of the castle itself. The castle was the reason for the problems here? Looking back to Burnout. I saw that he had powerful magic in him to. But I didn't know if it was wise to try to steal the magic from him. I sighed turning the sight off shaking my head. Looking back outside. Feeling my heart gently beat. I was thinking of Blaze. I wanted to be with her to the point I screamed her name. I needed her so much. Blaze... Laying down again laying my head on the metal floor to relax. Feeling my head throb from the pain of missing her. But it's not just her I miss. I miss Jonon as well. I also wanted to get to know Dr. Slice. Maybe I could make him one of my friends. Slowly, I looked at Burnout. " Will you wake me when we get to the Griffin Minotaur lands?" Burnout gave a nod with a gentle smile. But It would be a while before I am able to fall asleep. I slowly stood on my hooves and walked around calmly feeling my heartbeat. Looking out the window I watched the world slowly go by as we are in the Caravan. I smiled gently staring at the sun. It's something I missed, seeing the sun. Slowly I looked back at Burnout, still feeling weak. A stallion is here. I could use someone to ease my want. But I didn't wish to break the heart of Blaze. The idea of having sex with a stallion that hurt me and used me is a bad idea. We may be a herd like race. But I still have class. But I thought of how Blaze would feel. Her species do this to their females. So I don't wish to hurt her more. She is a wonderful Salamander. I wish she was here with me getting my face so bright red. That I looked like a walking tomato. Then I lay back down closing my eyes to rest. I breath softly wanting to try to sleep. I had to ignore the movement of the core of whatever is getting us to move. Feeling some bumps on the road. Shifting a bit. I felt Burnout lifting my head with his magic using his side as a pillow. I smiled softly at him. " Thank you Burnout. You didn't have to do this for me." He gave a nod. " I didn't but after what I did to you. I feel you deserve a little respect little hero." I calmly closed my eyes feeling my worry slowly drift away. Smelling burnt like fur. It just made me drift into a long sleep. Feeling myself finally dream after so long. 00000 I was dreaming that I was back in Equestria. I was even there with Blaze. She was wrapped around me like always. She held me close kissing me. I just needed to make this a real thing outside of the dreams. My dreams got to the point. I saw all my friends. Even my family. I miss my family and my friends. Looking at the fog but all of them vanish and Tiria came out of the fog. My eyes gently get larger. She calmly walked to me. " Hello, little Star Shooter. It's good to see how much you have grown up." Blinking, I looked around calmly not sure how she knows I am grown up. But I calmly smiled at her. " Hello, Tiria. I hope you aren't angry at me for falling in love with a none pony. I wish you were alive she is a wonderful gal. I miss her so much. I wish she was with me right now just holding me close whispering how red she would make me." Tiria smiles laughing softly. " I am so proud of you Star Shooter! You have become a hero in an island that has been lost for so many years. I wish I wasn't just a figment of your mind to keep you from falling apart. But I am mostly here so you can feel yourself rest." I blinked. Was my brain that screwed up that I just said that to myself in a dream? I laughed softly at that fact that I just said that to myself. " I understand maybe this was needed." Smiling gently, I calmly trotted to my friend. I nuzzled my friend, happy to see her again. Then she gave me a gentle hug laughing. " I wish I would be there to see you get married little Star Shooter. I do know you will get married then you will be a happy Mare. I love seeing you smile. It's something that you need to do more often." I smiled calmly but felt myself frown as I looked down at my body. The scars didn't come to the dream. " My body is pretty beat up. They even skinned me alive Tiria. Then attached me to some magic that healed me. I am lucky I was able to get all my fur back." Looking at my midnight black fur. Then to my cutie mark: the gun shooting stars. I smiled. I missed my cutie mark. I think my talent was shooting the very stars. But I doubt it I never really learned what the talent was that I got. I just remember protecting Tiria from the Enclave. It's pretty impressive how it works. I felt my heart beat even though I was asleep. Looking back to Tiria with a gentle smile sitting in front of her. " So if you're here to help clean my mind. Does that mean I won't fall into a crazy spiral spontaneity?" Tiria laughs softly shaking her head. I felt she it was amazing that I was able to talk to her. But then I asked calmly. " Are you with Sand?" Tiria's smile didn't change but looked at me calmly. " Little one you know. I'm just here because your mind placed me here. I am sure Sand is taking care of Tiria in the land beyond our times river. I am sure you will meet her again along that river. Maybe when the river becomes what you need to learn. Then the river will be what you need to see." I sighed. My brain was trying to be big with me. I didn't have the time in big ways. I calmly looked back at her. But I smiled at Tiria again. But maybe it was best to ask her. " Tiria I am sure since your here. You're here because they tried so hard to break me and hurt me. They again broke me forced me to fight. They even found ways to keep me broken. I am now even addicted to magic. It's gotten to the point where I doubt I will be able to leave this island very easy. It's how I feel the pain of it to when I am away from it." Tiria nodded looking towards the darkness. Then back towards me. Then back towards the darkness. " I think it's a way you will gain the ability to be stronger my friend. I think at times you will need to be strong. It's going to come to a point you need to be ready to fight my dear child. So soon, you better wake up. I mean it. Soon you better wake." I blinked not sure why she wanted me to wake so early. I started to hear my name being said. " Star Shooter wake up!!" I blinked hearing I looking towards the darkness. Then back to Tiria. I wanted to stay asleep longer. I need to talk to her more. I felt my heart break. I’m not sure what to do. Wake up see the pain fill me more? Or stay and exist without it? I didn't know what to do. I felt my pain fill me. I know I was waking up. But Tiria slowly vanished. " Don't forget about me, my dear friend. Please remember who I am." Then I woke up. 0000 Opening my eyes It was pretty dark and Burnout looked outside. Looking back at me. " We are here." I stood up yawning a bit. We turned and it seems we are in the lands of the Minotaurs and the Griffins. Looking around seeing all the bodies from their wars. But then I heard some strange sounds. Then behind us, the wall exploded. Causing me to fly into the wall and smash my head. I felt my vision go dark. At this rate, I think I might be getting brain damage.... Footnote: Still no level Negative perk added. Fully Broken: The six months are over and you have fully fallen into a broken heart. But there is hope the ones that did this to you are now trying to save you. If they save you they can get you to the rest of your friends and then you will finally be free of all the negativity you went through for six months
Chapter Seventeen: FreedomI dreamed, I felt like I was in an empty void of nothing. I didn’t know this was a dream at first. It felt real, but that is normal for some. All the magic I have taken from this island has had a nasty effect on my magic core. I am even starting to hear it. I think the magic knows I wish to be home, that I wish to be free of this island. I watched while the magic inside my dream made the land that I miss and love. I want it so badly. I miss my family, my friends. Seeing what the magic wished me to see. War…I see war back home. Is this real? Bodies all over the ground, blood coating the dirt with death. I noticed all of Manehattan under control by the Enclave. Oh dear Goddess, I hope this is fake. I don’t want to go back home and see more war. Then, as if it was over, I saw what I wanted to see. My family. I felt this was a good thing, but I don’t really know anymore. Is this a dream, or a vision of what is to come? Red eyes staring back at me, darkness coming for us. Wishing to know who this was... was making me wonder. Wanting to run is something I can’t do. I fear this creature, feeling it’s hate for ponies. Give me freedom of this dream magic core! Give me freedom, please! I don’t wish to be here any longer. My endless nightmares, the laughter I hear, all of it throbbed inside my head. As if the magic wished to bare with my pain and my sorrow, it did what I wished. It gave me the freedom to dream. Equestria, right here, right in front of me. It finally shows me what I wanted to see. That my life is empty without my friends and my family. Then, as if the magic wished to fight me on this, Blaze and my other friends formed in front of me. I saw their smiles at seeing me. Looking back to Equestria, pain filled my heart. I wanted to be back home, I wanted my family. But… I’d made a family here, on this island. My very core is trying to tell me that this island is just like Equestria. It’s a home of many souls that wish to be free. It never had the issue of a war that caused the end. But it’s a prison, a prison for damned souls. Am I one of those damned souls then? Do I have the right to bring fate to this land? All heroes seem to bring fate with them, as well as death and pain. The ghost of 52, The light-bringer, Security, and Tiria. Tiria brought fate to my home. She was the reason that the Enclave attacked my home. No… NO! It was Wheel Tread. That fool brought them himself. The figment of Blaze walked up to me. I could feel the fire from her spikes, the heat of her breath. I could see the love in her eyes for me. So much love that she had in her heart. Something was wrong. The fire feels real, and it’s causing me pain. Oh she is real, I need her. Even though I wanted to stay, voices called out to me. “Star Shooter. Wake up. It’s time to wake up.” The words of a stallion came out of Blazes mouth. Oh that felt weird in my mind. A hoof poked me many times. My head started to throb from the pain I felt. I didn’t know what to think. Holding my head, I felt my horn burning, and the dream started to crack. I was waking up. No… no I need to be here… I need to see them! “Star Shooter, wake up!!” The sounds of dire worry in the voice. I started to hear a battle within my dream. Swords clashing, and bullets smashing into metal. I didn’t know what to think, but the pain in my head was telling me I needed to wake up. “Wake up, Star Shooter!” the voices kept saying. Looking back to Blaze, I watched as the dream shattered. Still, she mouthed a message to me. ‘I will be waiting for you my love.’ A weak smile formed on my face as the dream broke into thousands of pieces. I woke up, even if I didn’t wish to. Pain. I’ve felt so much of it that it’s like pain is an old friend. It lets you know you’re alive, even if you don’t wish to feel it. My vision was fuzzy while I tried to regain myself. Fear made me get up, only to fall again. I couldn’t get my hooves under me. All the sounds of the battle made me remember my home getting attacked. A felt a hoof smack me across my face. It woke me up enough to see Burnout relaxing a bit. “Come we need to...” Before he could finish his words, a Griffin and a Minotaur fought in the middle of the caravan. Their screeches and heavy stomps were so close to us. We had to move, but it wasn’t going to be easy with all this battle around. The guards of the caravan fought off what they could. One of them I could see was covered in his own and another blood. He risked his life to get me and Burnout out. Before I could thank him, a bullet smashed right into his brain, and he died right in front of me. Burnout and I ran away from the battle. We galloped as fast as we could. Griffins started to chase us, but we found a way to escape them. We ended up in the husk of a large tree that held a skeletal body. Inside with it, was a pile of decayed food and some water. The rush to hide made the pain come back I just sat there looking back. That stallion, he risked himself for me. Am I worth this pain for them all?! A zip came from Burnouts bag as he brought out a potion. Giving me no say in the matter, he used his magic to pry open my mouth and forced the potion down my throat. Gagging on the healing fluids, I finally felt the pain leave me. Reaching with my hoof to the back of my head, I felt the fresh blood from the smack. Burnout chuckled. “Well, that worked better than expected.” “What?” I wasn’t sure what he meant, but I was not willing to find out. “My daughter gave both sides the time table of when we would show up. Some had to give their lives for you, hero. Some needed to die to save you, even if they had families.” Horror formed on my face. This was a set up? Just to get me back to my friends and fulfill this silly legend? Anger started to form in me. These ponies were used to die in my name?! “Do you have a fucking death wish?!” I was angry, and I had every right to be angry. Lives were lost because of me. “You used their lives to save me when you should have left me there to die! I am not this so called ‘Hero of Legend’!” Burnout was taken aback by my words. He knew I was right, that I am not worth these lives. I am not worth anything. I wanted to hurt him, I wanted to kill him for this. But he would say something that would make me break. “You’re our last hope, Star Shooter. If you fail to free us and bring us peace, then we will all die because of the Queen. You may not be a hero to yourself, but you’re a hero to us. Look at everything you have done. You freed Blaze from herself, you have shown you’re strong.” I put my hooves on my ears to block his voice. He can’t be right, can he?! Burnout nuzzled my side. It surprised me a bit, and I jumped back. Feeling that he cared for me, I could see the pain in his eyes, of what he did to me these past few months. Tears fell from my eyes to the ground. I felt myself getting sick, maybe it was all the pain. The screaming of my soul for what happen to me. I want to hurt this stallion, even if my heart is crying to do so. I can’t allow my screaming soul to win. The anger made me sick, quickly turning my anger into vomit. Releasing all the hate, bile, and food from my stomach onto the floor. The pain is too much for me, sobs of pain filled my heart and voice. All I could feel was my soul angry. In a turn of a twist I felt Burnouts forehooves wrapping around me. Stroking my head to comfort me. It may not be what my soul wants. My heart is what needs to heal even if my anger will not. “Why do you care?!” I asked through tears. Burnout smiled weakly, showing he had pain in his heart. “You remind me of my wife. The Queen killed her because our daughter... because she was lame and had no magic. She has magic now. But I had to give up my wife... to free my daughter.” Hearing those words broke me more. After awhile, he left me to wallow. I felt better after a while, using my magic to lift the water. I cleaned my mouth out, washing away the taste of vomit. I spit it out on the ground, feeling a bit better. Still, I felt drained from the pain of crying. After almost an hour, I woke up to the sound of approaching hooves. Had Burnout come back with fresh water and meat? How can ponies even eat meat. I don’t really get it or understand it. My stomach even lurched a bit at the thought. Still, I needed to have something to eat. Lifting myself up on my hooves, I poked the meat with my hoof. “What’s wrong? You act like you haven’t had meat before.” The stallion chuckled watching me grossed out from the meat itself. The smell made my stomach lurch again. I never felt this sick for food before. “Meat is good for us, even if it’s not the best for us. There is no veggies or such around so we need this.” I didn’t like the idea of eating meat. It felt very wrong for some reason. We aren’t meat eaters of the sort. It was raw meat too, but I think there was a reason for that. If we started a fire, it would call them to us. Lifting the meat in my magic and taking a sniff, I gagged, and my stomach lurched. Taking a small bite from the meat, the taste felt strange odd. I could taste the blood of the creature it used to be. Again, I gagged a bit, but forced myself to swallow. “There you go, it’s not that bad. Let’s finish our food and water, then let's get out of here. There is a cave all of us were going to meet at. Are you willing to walk, and can you?” I nodded. “But first let’s wait for things to calm down out there.” Standing up looking out of our hiding place, I watched the sunset that I could see. Taking a deep breath of the air, I could smell smoke and fresh air. I can’t give up now. Blaze, my love, I am coming back for you.. It was time for us to move on. Following Burnout we both slowly sneaked through the woods. From what he told me it wasn't going to be easy to find a safe way to the home's of these two creatures that are always in constant battle. We stopped in a bush while Minotaur's trotted past us. They were searching for us. They even had help from Griffin's. When they finally left Burnout nodded to me while we kept moving along. It's still raining but the rain seems to make it harder for them to see us. My hooves make muddy hoofprints. While Burnout seems to not even make one. He looks back with a smirk. He looked to be trained to sneak around like this. He whispered calmly. " Keep moving little hero. Don't stop for anything." I gave a nod looking around. I felt this is going to get harder. I felt that this is the stupidest way to get to another town. Closing my eyes for a moment. Then opened them. We found another one of those trees. I wonder why these trees had so many large hollow spots in them. Then I noticed why this seems to have been a den for a deadly creature. There are bones all over the place. He grabbed some wood from the tree to start a fire so we can dry off. "It looks to be that they killed whatever creature that was in this tree." Burnout calmly said looking around. He opened his bag's bring out more of the deer meat. " Going to cook this meat so we can have it later." He set the large wooden cup outside to collect the rainwater. Laying down close to the fire to dry off. Feeling the heat of the fire fills me with hope. I wanted to get home. Looking at my Pip buck it said something around here is blocking it. I am wondering if the magic in this land messes with the Pip buck. I sighed softly closing my eyes a moment feeling a bit of stress leaving me. Burnout lifted the cup of rainwater offer it to me. I nodded taking it in my magic even with the pain from my horn. Taking a sip. I didn't wish to over do it. The water tasted so pure. Just small little sips. Looking outside, it seemed that the Minotaur's even stopped searching for us for the moment anyway. Since the storm was getting worse. The wind blew but for some reason it didn't come into the hollow part of the tree. He looked to me a moment while drinking a cup of water down. Pulling the cooked meat off the fire dousing it with what is left of the water. Nodding to me. " We need to go. It will be easy for us to get to the outskirts of the town's. There are many trees we can hide in till you feel you're ready to go talk to them." I gave a small nod. I didn't wish to talk as much right now. I just wanted to get home. Back to the one I love. But the wind started blowing harder. it seemed Burnout didn't want to leave yet after the wind blew quickly through the top of the tree's. " Yeah... let's not go yet. It's getting pretty nasty out there. " He said with a gentle smile. I sighed closing my eyes. I did feel a little hungry. He set down some of the meat in front of me. "Why do you keep calling me little hero?.. I do have a name you know." I said while lifting the meat. Calmly eating it. The cup being placed back outside to fill it with rain water again. Burnout chuckled softly. " Well child you're younger than I am so. I am trying to protect you." He said with a grin. I rolled my eyes biting some of the skin from the meat off. I wanted to say for some pony who harmed me. But I didn't wish to. Closing my eyes enjoying the taste of this meat. I didn't wish to eat meat. But sadly it was the only way that I could get food. I couldn't find anything that would be veggie's or anything. But I doubt it's wise to. Then above us fire started to rain from the sky. Well not fire but lighting and thunder. The entire forest lit up. Then I saw more of the Minotaur's not far from us. I whispered softly. " Their still searching for us. I just saw them." He gave a nod I slowly placed down the last of my bones and meat. Taking the water to get one last drink. Burnout and I started moving again the forest. When the flashes happen from the sky. We were close to the patrols. But they didn't see us. I made sure I picked up the cup to drink from it then emptied the cup. To place it back in Burnout's bags. A bolt hit the ground in front us causing a small fire. He looked back to me nodding to me. Then we rushed through the burning ground but slowly the fire dimmed when we finally got through it slowly. I felt the flame's lick at my hooves. But they didn't bother me that much. Since my hooves were pretty muddy and wet. We finally hide into some bushes. Burnout looked around when another boom from the sky. There was a giant flash. We could see what looks like a cave. But the way in was hidden by many bushes and trees. His horn glowed the magic lifting me up of course he didn't seem very good at this either. But he kept me off the ground. While he didn't leave hoofprints. We slowly went into the cave. Then when we got in it was bitch black. He started another fire but took a torch from it. " Come with me child." I nodded heading down the path of the cave. Following the path of the cave. He left the fire going I had no idea if this was a good or a bad thing. But when we got deeper into the cave. I noticed one of those out posts that we left behind. It was made from the metal that made that made that caravan. When we got down there I saw some of the Prisoner's I met a few days ago. But most of them seemed to be gathering food then go on their way. But I heard a filly yell “daddy!!” Burnout blinked looking to see the little filly who gave me food. He rushed to her wrapping his hooves around her. " My little Soup spoon. Did you do what I ask?" She gave a nod. " Yes I gave the caravan time's to both town's. But ..." She looked up to me Gasping backing up a bit. " Don't worry little one. She is not going to hurt you. She is in fact happy to see you." I gave a nod. " Hello again little one. I wish to thank you for the kindness you showed me. When your father didn't. Even though I am happy that he saved me. But...Burnout what is this place?" Burnout sighed looking towards the outpost. " This is called Snake bite cave's. But it was given that name by us. So any pony who tries to come in here. Will have fear the Minotaur's and Griffin's don't wish to come here. It's a place that those that wish to hide form the Queen come here to get new lives and names. If we made it to the castle. It would have been easy. But right now it's not going to be so easy." I finally asked the question like I should have. " Who controls the weather here?" Burnout looked to me blinking. " Well no pony does. The magic of this land makes its own weather from the magic water that is on the island. That's why it's so nasty and the water taste so pure." I looked towards the cave wall seeing pure water dripping slowly into a pond near the outpost. Then I heard you!!! I turned seeing Skull Crusher he stared at me. " You're alive... I told my people that your dead. How can you be alive?" I smiled weakly and chuckled. " Well from most reports that have said I am dead. I am not. I think it was faked to make the Queen lose it for awhile. Before she went herself to the prison I was at to make an example of me. Now... Skull Crusher. I need to speak to the leader's of both town's. I feel you need to put your difference's aside." Skull crusher laughed shaking his head and snorting. He just shook his head looking back down at me. Then frowned. " Child that's not going to be very easy. But if the hero of legend does show up out of the blue. That is going to be a problem. So i do have an idea. I could bring you there in a day or so. When they have their meeting. Then present you to the counsel of both town's. I recommend though writing down a speech. I will be back in five days. So go into the outpost I am sure there is some paper. I gave a nod sighing softly. He walked out of the cave. "Hero I wish to fight with you." The guard's and burnout looked at me. Along with the Prisoner's. " I got an idea then. When I leave head to Cliffside. Tell them that you wish to join the cause." Burnout nodded looking to his daughter and the rest. They looked to gather things to get themselves ready. I went to the out post calmly walked into the building. It was the same as the one I was in for six months. But it only had dust no creature's being harmed. But I saw something that made me very happy. A shower. I went into the shower cleaning myself up to look presentable. So much dirt and grim left my fur and mane. My tail was so matted up. I had to rip that apart. I felt clean. But when I finally got clean. I looked at my body in the mirror. I had three scars on my neck. I had one down near my stomach. I had small holes in my side's. They did a number to me. I looked down to my leg finally seeing the scar there. It was pretty bad. it was still kind of bent a bit. Kind of why when I walked on it. I felt pain. I grabbed a towel drying off. Then went back to looking around the outpost. It looked to be that it could be taken apart as well. Like the first one I was in then turned into a machine. I sighed closing my eyes a moment. Having flashbacks of the pain I felt in a place like this. I started sobbing hard feeling the pain again. I could hear myself screaming. Let me go home..Let me go back home please. I kept hearing then I felt a hoof on my back turning to see Burnout. I just wrapped my fore hooves around him gently crying loudly. As it echoed through the outpost. I could feel all the pain again. I could feel the magic fill me up to heal me. I needed Blaze so much. I needed her badly. I wish I was there. I wish I was there right now. My tears calmly fell down to the metal floor. I knew I would never feel the same again. Feeling the pain drain from me as I fell asleep calmly sleeping. It was already morning. I sat in the office using my horn to use a pen to write the speech. I sighed I have been at this for awhile. Maybe Skull crusher asked me to do this. So I didn't focus on the pain I was feeling in my body. Looking at the first words of the speech. Closing my eyes but then read it back to myself. "Yes I am alive. But there is more to being alive. Then being dead. The queen wishes to harm our entire island. True, I may not be from this island. But I am stuck here because of the storm. I may wish to go home back to Equestria. But ..." When I was speaking to myself with the speech. Heard a door open beside me. Looking over to see Soup Spoon bring in my bag's. My sword as well as my cloak. I smiled nodding to her. " Thank you little one. I was starting to miss all that. So thank you again little Soup Spoon." She smiles calmly walking back out. I went back to reading my speech after the door closed again. Sighing feeling this is a stupid idea but I have to do something. better than this damn speech. " I may wish to get back home to Equestria. But I feel at home here. Thanks to Blaze and my friend's. I feel that we need to get ready to battle the Queen. The Queen is the biggest threat of this land. I know this is much to say. But think about it. She is wishing to harm this land. Just because I am here. I come here from a storm. I was pony napped by some of the creatures from this land. Then the creature I haven't seen since I came here. It's starting to get on my nerves that." I growled ripping apart the paper and sighed. I felt the idea of a speech. Is what bothers me so much. It's not what I want to do. But I feel that I am stupid at the moment. Sighing again. Taking a pen and started to write down another speech. I wanted to be there with Blaze. All I could think about was her smile on her face. Her breath on my skin.. I could only think about that. Looking down between my legs. Maybe I shouldn't.. It's been six months. I need some easing my body. But Maybe I can wait a little longer. I stood on my hooves letting using my magic to write on the paper. Pacing around calmly. I sighed closing my eyes. I didn't know what to think anymore. I had so much on my mind. Looking to my speech. My face turned bright red. Most of the Speech said. Oh Blaze... Your beauty is so amazing my dear Blaze. I wish I was in your arm's right now. Oh Blaze. Please hold my heart while you please my needy body. I need you so much Blaze. I face hoof so hard. I needed to find a way to keep my mind off well Blaze and I having sex. I grumbled angrily that pissed me off even more now. I wanted to just skip all this. I had to get back to her. I grunted lifting up the chair i was in smashing the wall with it over and over. I needed to get my mind off of Blaze. Then I set the chair back down. It was oddly not broken at all. I sighed deeply closing my eyes. Sitting back down. Finally writing my speech again. " My name is Star Shooter. I am from Equestria so to most here. I wouldn't have the right to even speak like I am. But I have been on this island for seven months. I have seen what the queen does to you folks. It's starting to make me wonder. If the Queen is even sane to the point of being able to lead like she wishes to. Now I wish I could have come to you all sooner. But I am sorry to say that I couldn't do that. I wish I did. But the problem was the fact. I was forced on this island after a crew on a ship. Found me hiding in their cargo when. I was running away from attacker's on a group of NCR. I didn't even wish to be on this island like I said. But I was pony napped placed in their cell. Then forced here." I sighed reading through it feeling this is going to get harder. I had to find a way to get them to join us. This battle is not going to be easy. The final part of the battle is even going to ten times worse. I started pacing again feeling my anger growing. I felt so angry so upset. Closing my eyes tightly. Hearing a bell ring. I think that was to say dinner is ready. I will go there soon. I Just need to end this speech. The speech needs to be done. Looking down to the paper for the speech. I felt the the hate from the pain growing. I have no idea what to think anymore. I paced more and more. Maybe listening to the radio would be a good thing. Maybe not I sighed sitting back on the chair. Lay my head on the table closing my eye's breathing softly. I was getting extremely tired of all these thoughts. It started to get on my nerves. I felt the pain in my body it was getting unbearable. But I had to allow my heart to ease and then maybe after I eat. My brain will be set to do this Speech. Slowly getting on my hooves groaning softly. I felt so much pain from my movement's. But I couldn't let that stop me at all. Getting off the chair calmly stretching my body groaning in pain. Heading to go get something to eat. I calmly walked into the cafeteria sighing softly. Seeing that all kinds of food was made to celebrate something. I looked up seeing a banner. I felt my face turn bright red. A gentle smile formed on my face. It said. ' Welcome back hero.' They all looked towards me. All I could do was get some food. But I felt happy that folks cared about me this much. There was a lot of veggies for me to eat. I took a bunch of carrot's along with cabbage. Set the tray on the table. Lifting the fork up with my magic to calmly eat the food. A cup in front of me being filled with pure clean water. It was pretty hard to come across clean water sometimes. Even when Equestria is healed. But that's because it may have happened. But It would still take time to heal. Not just using a spell would work fully. Lifting the cup in my magic drinking it calmly. Hearing the voice's speak. The voice's seem to mingle and become one some of the time. Looking at the other's around me. Some even looked at me. I could tell that some of these creatures didn't like me. I didn't even have my weapons with me. I felt a knife on the back of my head not moving my head I softly spoke. " Can I help you?" I said calmly. The voice that answered back sounded very very angry. " You're the reason hero that my village was destroyed. Because of your legend." Closing my eyes in my magic I lifted the tray. I quickly moved it and smashed the head of the creature that wanted to stab me. The creature flew into the table. I stood up quickly looking down at the mare. Then I got over her putting my hoof to her neck. " I didn't ask to be the hero of Legend. I was forced into being part of that legend. Want to know something it was true as well. But I never asked to become part of this legend." I removed my hoof from her and they all stared at me. I looked up at them. "I didn’t ask to be this Goddesses damned hero of legend! I didn’t ask for this!. I was forced from my home, my friends, my family. If you all are so adamant about killing me. Then just fucking do it.” I picked the knife the mare had dropped and put it to my neck. “DO IT! Maybe that will make you happy, I am just fucking done with you all!" The crowd watched me, some with awe, some with horror. The fact I was willing to kill myself to prove a point must have been a shock, but I didn’t care. I tossed the blade aside looking down to the mare. I sneered at her, so full of rage at this very moment. But I couldn’t hate her for it. I took her by the fetlock and helped her back onto her hooves. “Wha...?...why would you help me? I just tried to kill you.” The mare had a look of confusion on her face. I could tell that now she had no idea what to think. She used her mouth to lift up the knife, but only to place it back into its scabbard. Finally I was able to say the right words. The words I am going to need to use for the council. “Everypony and creatures are needed to fight back the Queen. If we can’t work together and stop ourselves from trying to kill each other like the ponies of the past, then we are no better than the Queen.” 0000 “Are you ready, child?” I nodded, putting my hood on and followed along with Skull Crusher. My cloak hid my features from others as we approached the guard that stood outside of the Minotaur town. Skull Crusher whispered something to the guard, and offered him a bribe of food. “Go on in, Skull Crusher.” The guard looked at me as we both walked in. He mouthed, ‘Please save us hero’ as I passed him. He... knew who I was. Skull Crusher lead me through the town of many ally ways to get to the council building. After half an hour, we finally made it to the big building. It looked like it was made to house the rich if the Queen attacked at all. I didn’t know what to think, but he stopped,looked at me, and sighed. He knew it wasn’t going to be easy to convince them. “Come with me... and stay close to me, Star Shooter.” Nodding, he lead me through the building. I could hear many angry voices speaking inside. Something was in session, I had no idea what.I could tell I heard that voice before. Maybe it was one of the griffins that helped fight the creature Mix? “If we don’t stop this battle now. We will be too weak to fight the Queen.” Black Feather, looked disheveled and angry. “The Queen wants this war to go on, it’s how she keeps us in line. You all already know this, so why don’t you see reason?” Before anyone else spoke ,they noticed Skull Crusher, and I finally got to hear what his rank was. “Ah, Commander Skull crusher, what brings you to the hall this day?” Skull Crusher looked up to a Minotaur that wore a strange hat. The hat had a symbol of a gavel, so I wonder if he is the one that starts these meetings. Skull Crusher walked in front of the council and sighed, blowing hot air out of his mouth as he looked back to me. He was worried this wasn’t going to work. “I have brought a guest who wishes to speak.” He allowed me to get into the middle of the meeting room “Are you willing to listen to her?” “Hmm. Well, it’s a private meeting. I feel this would be good if it was another time.” Black Feather added. I took off my hood at that, and the entire place gasped in surprise. Black Feather smirked, like somehow he already knew I was alive. “Yes, I am alive despite what Skull crusher said after I saved his ass from the Queens prison. Now I am here to ask for your help. I am sure most of you are going to be upset that I ask this of you.” Looking towards Black Feather and Skull Crusher, these two helped me through many trials. I wish I could give them back something for that. Maybe giving them back their land and home is the best way. “Now we have a battle to win and we need to fight the Queen. What say you?” Footnote: Level up. Perk added The first step: You have found a way to heal. This makes you gain two percent armor in battle. But you will very easily fall back into remembering everything done to you. Pain never really goes away. It’s how you deal with the pain that makes this a good thing or a bad thing.
Chapter Eighteen: Griffins and MinotaursEquestria, what to say about this land really? It’s been said for many years that no one remembers it. The past most of it is not even able to be read. The books on such things are so out of date and overly burnt. Well it’s like a sad truth. The times have moved there is still history in this land, just most of it is gone with the times. All the creatures of this land, I am not sure of anymore. Can it be explained without a book? Maybe orbs of memories? I am not sure that there is something that we can do and learn any more. Maybe if we never do a war like this again. Creatures of this land there are many. Now some of these creatures are known as Griffins. Griffins are hard to understand; nopony knows where they came from. It's something that most tried to learn from the start. At times most things never come up. But it's how something comes to pass. The idea of how it works. Some creatures formed in Equestria. Some formed outside that magic land. But most don't even remember the name of the world. Some call it Equis. Some call it Gyia. Some call it earth. Most just agree it's simply just a planet with an odd name. Maybe someday the world will be named again. But right now most never understand what most of the lands are even as well. But at times we will never do that. The world needs to heal. The world needs to be ready for more threats that will show up. Too many threats have been seen. To many have shown up. It's the issue of how the world works. If the world worked like it did in the past. we would just end up having another war. Sometimes folks wonder what the world would have been like if the war never happens. Would it go back to being so peaceful? To the point that some endings that might bring forth chaos and endless pain? Sometimes the pain that will always bring forth its ideas. But most never wish to know the ideas of the ending of the world. The world ended in a way that most never wished to see again. Most ponies never even saw this idea of peace, most were born during the war. The ending of stupidity from the war it's not what most would want to see. The peace of hope it's all some would have. But peace, peace to some is a shrill of the tongue. The music that calls them to the ending darkness. Death is one step then it's a second step. A step of death should always be seen to the right way it's known. How it knows it's seen to be peaceful. But sadly most would never know what is going on. As for me the hero of the island. I'm starting to try to understand this path that is going to happen to most. Why? Why did I become this legend? Why did fate choose me? It's not what I wanted to see or care to understand. My pain was never this bad. It's painful for me to think that this island is trying to make me into something I know I'm not. But the seer turned me into it. She did something to me that make folks think I am the legend. Maybe the Legend already showed up. Maybe he or she died before I even showed up to the island. So much on my head, as I think of this. It's going through my mind. As I know that pain is going to happen soon this little island. This island has turned me into a better pony. I knew that someday I would be meant for greatness. But I'm not sure what to really think at this moment. The pain of seeing so many around me fall because of my choices will be what breaks me. Breaking me into this pain. Is all I can think of. The idea of how it's done. I will never know what most would know. I am a hero now. I am a legend. I have somepony, well some creature; a Salamander who fell in love with me just through one moment of pleasure. But she fell for me because she cares for me. I am not strong. I am not powerful. I am a simple everyday unicorn mare. I wish I was powerful, I wish I were stronger but it's a pain that will always come back to haunt me. It's going to break my heart when the war starts. I will be leading so many to their deaths. Just because most want the Queen to suffer for what they did to the ponies and creatures here. I wish to know the real name of this island. So much on my mind. I gotta say what comes to mind. if I can't say what comes to mind what can I say? Minotaurs? Griffins? What would this be in the grand ending story of things? Maybe I will see the end of what is going to happen. I hope I do when I finally heard voices through my thoughts. " Little Hero." 0000 I finally found myself back in the middle of the meeting room. I looked at them. The one that spoke was Skull Crusher then I sighed. Looking over at them. "Yes, I am alive. I was held Prisoner for six months in one of the queen's cells. They endlessly mutilated me.” I removed my cloak. I heard so many gasps they saw the scars along my body and even along my chest. "They did so much to me. They even broke my horn. Listen to the guards who did this to me didn't even wish to do it. They pretended that I was killed. Because the Queen would throw a fit and she did from what I was told. Then they made that machine your warriors attacked. I was in there. They wished to get me to the castle. So I could then get back to Cliffside. But I felt it was wise to come here." I looked at them all then I finally said the words " It's time to stop fighting each other. It's time to work together. I know you all have your differences. I am sure you have a great hate for each other." Turning around to look at them all. " Is it wise to keep this hate? This hate is something that won't even know. Why hate maybe the hate is something that goes back or the Queen did something to start the war between all of you." I lifted my hoof to look at them. Pointing my hoof at Skull Crusher and then at Black Feather. "I save these two when they fought me. Black Feather, I saved from the creations of the Queen. Skull Crusher, I saved him from the Prison when I got almost killed by Cricket." I heard whispers then looked to them then they looked back at me. " We will talk about it." I stared at them all. "Just talk about it. You do realize right war is about to happen in a year. It's starting in Cliff Side. The Queen will be removed from the battle. If you don't join us then get out of the way. I am not just going to sit here and wait for you to choose. You need to choose soon or I will be heading back to Cliff Side and telling them you are on the menu." I was about to walk out but one of the Griffins yelled at me. "You can't do that!!" I turned to stare at the female Griffin who said it. They started to shake. "I can't do that? Really, I”m from Equestria darling, I am from a part of the world that has been long dead until recently. I have the skill you don’t." I stared at them all. Then slowly walked out again. I hear worried whispers. Skull Crusher walked out behind me while chuckling softly. "I have never seen them so worried. I am sure that wasn't wise to say. But I am sure we could find a way to get them to change their minds. Come with me the inn is this way." I blinked following him to the inn. 0000 Slowly we walked into the inn it was pretty calm. On the stage, there was a small band playing the cello along with a horn. I sat at one of the tables and Skull Crusher talked to the inn owner. A waitress walked over to me and smiled softly. "What can I get you?" I looked up and thought. "If you have any daisy sandwiches along with some water?" The Minotaur waitress nodded. She went to go put in the order. Then the owner came over to me. I looked up to him blinking. "Skull Crusher told me that you are the hero of legend. So if you don't mind I have a job for you." I gave a nod. "There is a building not far from here in the slums, it houses slaves." My ears perked at that. "The guards have been paid off by these slavers. They have no power over the higher ups though, but some do buy these slaves from them. It's easy for them to do so. Since they don't get into scandals. All I want you to do is to free the slaves. Take all the documents and you can then burn the place down." I lifted up my leg to see if the pip-buck is working again. The screen for my bags came up. So the pip-buck is absorbing the magic of this island or something is allowing it to work. I clicked my bits setting the coins down on the table. When my food came with my water. I thought for a moment. "Will it help the leaders of the army to choose quickly?" The inn owner gave a nod. Slowly standing after taking a bite of the food. Placing the hood back on and vanished 0000 I found myself in the slums of both towns. many of the creatures here seemed to be starving So many just homeless. I could do something for them. I could get them to Equestria. But this is not what I had to do now. I walked to the building. It had a sign I never thought I would see. Griffin streets brothel. I slowly walked in seeing that the whores they called them had strange collars on their necks. But most of them seem not even working. I slowly walked through. Noticing that parts of the brothel are already in use. I tried to ignore all the sexual intercourse that was happening around me. I sighed then when I got into another room. I saw things. I never thought I would my face turned bright red. I looked away before the heat started to form between my legs. I had to find a way to turn off the collars that kept the whores here but. I have a feeling there is more to this than I thought. I got into the main room of the owners I could hear his voice. "Miss you can remove that hood now." I blinked removing my hood and the creature turned in their chair and it turned out to be a light Green mare with gentle blue eyes. "Ah, it's the hero of legend. So what do I owe the honor of you sneaking around?" I sighed softly closing my eyes a moment. Then opened them back up. "I was asked by the Inn owner to come here to free what you call slaves." The mare put her hooves together a moment and sighed shaking her head. "Yes to some they would be slaves. To most, they're meat for sex. But to others normal creatures that should be set free." I sighed softly this is something bad to tread in. "Then Why do they have slave collars that could explode if they got away from the ones who placed them on?" I noticed her eyes going wide. "What do you mean slave collars?" She asked calmly. "Those collars that your whores have on are used to keep them from running. If they got away they could just pop the head off. Some of them could even go off during their little sexual intercourse." The mare just seemed to be scared now rushing downstairs. I calmly followed her then she looked at the collars seeing some of them glowing. Seeing some of the Minotaur males who were plowing into Griffin females by grabbing on to the collar. I Just stood there blushing deeply at all the sex around me. All the moaning the slaps seeing the heated pleasure around me. But I coughed. "I can try to remove them for you. I am sure this is the reason why I was sent here. With these on they do look like slaves Now sometimes there is a power box. What happens to it." The mare pointed her hoof to a vibrating bed that was being used right now. My cheeks turned so red. "Can you get them to stop." The mare smirked at me. "What is the hero scared of a little sex?" My eyes went wide my cheeks burned so red. "Oddly no...I just don't want to cheat on my lover...A salamander who....made me moan live on the warden's Radio." The mare's eyes go wide and laughed loudly. "That was you?!" I gave a weak nod my cheeks turning even redder. I went to bed the mare who was being plowed relentlessly by the male Griffin. I calmly trying to ignore the sound of sex. Starting to work the machine and all the collars fell off the necks but after they did they all just shorted out and caused nasty marks on the floor. Then I stood back up the male had their climax and the smell that came from that made my face turn bright red. Slowly I walked back to the mare. "Now they can leave. I am sure they're the reason why the innkeeper asked me to come here. Was they had a family member here... That couldn't leave." The mare smiled sweetly at me giving me a kiss on my cheek. "Come back sometime maybe we could have some fun." All I could do was blush my face was so red placing my hood over my head. Slowly rushing out of the building so fast. I am sure that wasn't what the Innkeeper wanted me to do. But I ran back to the inn so fast that I didn't wish to see any more of that. 0000 I ran into the inn. Then The innkeeper and Skull Crusher were laughing. "I am sure she found a way in there and she found out that you were just testing her." I walked up to them taking my hood off and stared at them both. "So...I was being tested for going into that den of sin?" The innkeeper nodded looking back to Skull Crusher. "The real issue is need your help with. Is the power plant, that has been taken over by the Queen's army. But the leadership doesn't know what to do. They want to try to get it back. Before they use the power plane to cause us to be in deep shit. They don't know how to fight the queen's army and this army is not the magical creatures she normally has in her service. They're normal everyday ponies." "Before I go though I am going to rest a bit. I am sure if what you say is true that these ponies are too stupid to understand how to work it yet." I calmly sat down to listen to the music. I needed some time to think before I did anything else. I had sex on the mind. I needed to be with Blaze soon. I needed her so badly. Soooo badly. We have been apart for six months. I think of her so much.. First I want her to know I am alive. She needs to know I am alive. I noticed a singer coming up to the stage. A nice looking mare. The music played. While she sang I just sat there listening. "Look through the past today. You see that so much has changed." I heard the song. I looked through my journey. Ending up on this island. " Coming to see us all sing today. for we must become one today." Looking back I found myself in Cliff Side. Being drafted as the hero of legend. Something I didn't really want or care for. But now I am being this way. " Oh, please, one of my heart. Remember who I am." My entire journey meeting joins learning of the legend. Being trained by her given this weird quest by a spirit to get stronger in my heart then she would give me a test. "Oh find our love in the past of our hearts. Sometimes most would never know." Meeting my love for the first time when she saved me from Cricket. The fact that she risked her life just to be there for me. I remember the first time she said to me. ‘If you keep acting like that. beating down on yourself. I will force you to have sex with me.’ I just remember the blush on my face. "Oh bring your love to me, please. Hold me in your hooves. For all we need is our hearts to be one. if we remember the past we see the future." Remembering everything I have been through the prison fighting so many magic eaters saving lives. Just finding myself in so much pain at the end of the cell. " Please hero find us today." I blink she was looking at me now. " Listen to our song hero. All it to guide you on your journey." I smiled softly. Starting to close my eyes again to remember my journey. "The heart of our ways become the new way today.." 00000 The time was 5:00 the sun was getting ready to set. I had my hood on looking up to the power plant. But It said magic power plant. Looking down seeing dead bodies of the workers. Most of them are ponies. But slowly I walked into the building. Looking around seeing some of the soldiers of the Queen. I could hear one of them speak. "There are some workers still locked in the break room." I slowly walked through the plant finding a door that had break room above it. Two male ponies were trying to break through They had some strange machines trying to break through the door. But the door looked to be well made. I took a quick look at the machine. Pulling the sword from the scabbard. Quickly slicing a few parts of the machine. Then I backed up. One of the mares clicked on the machine to get it going again. It started to short out. Then it charged backward. Sparking and pop. Both of them chased after them. I calmly clicked on the door. A voice from behind the door yelled out. "No, we aren't letting you in so you can murder us." "Listen I am the hero of legend. Please let me in so I can help you. Then you can lock it back up." I heard voices behind the door then heard it unlock. Slowly walking in the door locking up behind me. I removed my hood looking at them. They had weapons ready to kill me if I wasn't saying the truth. "Who is the boss of you folks?" A largely muscled mare walked up to me she was larger than most mares I have met. She was pink with red eyes. Also had a large horn. Her cutie marks a screwdriver in an eye. "I'm The Boss my name is Screw. You wish to help us then?" I gave a nod, looking at the rest of the ponies. All of them seemed pretty tough. But I stopped looking at them. Mostly seeing earth ponies and unicorns. All of the mares. "Yes, I wish to help you. Just point me to their leader then I will remove them quickly." Screw gave a nod. She leads me to a map of the plant. Looking through it she put her hoof on power room. I nodded then placed my hood back on. "Wait, hero." I turned looking back at Screw. "When I am done here training the next boss. I am going to follow you." I blinked turning to them and then nodded. Making sure the hood is set right. Slowly heading out of the room. Heard the lock latch again. Watching the two mares still chasing after the machine. Walking up the stairs to the main power room. 0000 Opening the door to the power room. The ponies clicked on the power plant to turn the power off. I heard a voice I hadn't heard for a while. "Hurry to find out how this works. I would like to get back home..." I looked up to see Mix. So I had a chance for revenge. Looking at the ponies trying to work the machine. Calmly walking to one of the ponies opening their bag without me knowing to pull a pin out from their makeshift bombs. Slowly backing up. Then there was a loud boom the body of the pony smashed into another group of ponies. They all seemed to be knocked out but the one that blew up was of course dead. Mix flew down looking at the group of ponies. He powered up the stopwatch to try to go back in time a bit. Grabbing my sword I sliced into one of his wings. Mix screamed in pain. He fell to the floor trying to get back up. I removed my hood he looked up to me. "You.... you're alive?!" I smashed my hoof into his chest a few times breaking the stopwatch enough so he couldn't transport into the past. Of course, I didn't know it could repair. Placing my sword at the bug's neck. "Yes, I am alive. I should take my revenge now and just kill you. But I’ve got ponies I need to save. Now tell the ones who live to all leave!" He coughed a bit. He spoke in a strange machine on one of his wings. "Attention everypony our here job is finished, head back to the Queen." I could hear hooves trotting to the outside but looking to the ponies in this room. Most of them seem too wounded to move. I will take care of them later. "Good now." I was about to speak when the Stopwatch went off. I flew off he grew a wing back and turned back to me. He flapped his dragonfly wings. Staring at me, he started to circle around me. His buggy eyes shined. I could see myself in them. While he turned around me. "I should just stay behind and kill you now. In fact, I think I will." He started transporting into time trying to get to me quickly so he could kill me. But I blocked most of his attacks with my sword. He flew up smashing into me making me fly back down the stairs. I bounced down the stairs until we hit the bottom. I groaned standing back on my hooves looking up to Mix rushing down at me. Lifting my sword slicing him a bit. He crashed into the ground. He couldn't move for the moment when the device made him heal. Then turned to look at me. We charged at each other he stung into my body but it didn't do anything to me really just gave me some pain. But the sting started to burn when I felt magic building inside it. Lifted my sword slicing his stinger off his body. He started screaming, magic built up into his body. The stopwatch turned back on he transported back up into the power room. I needed to get his stinger out before he came back down. My magic grabbed the stinger pulling it out. Groaning deeply feeling so much pain. It slowly came out the stinger was covered in blood. Mix rushed back down he just looked at me. "We will meet again the hero," I growled staring at him. "No, I deserve my revenge now." Mix kept staring at me, he sighed. He vanished stomping my hoof in anger. I tossed my sword at the wall in anger. But I groaned from the pain of the stinger. Blood drained from the wound. Knocking on the break room door. It opened revealing the workers inside. "They're gone..." I said then fell to my knees in pain groaning. They rushed out forcing me on my side to look at my wound. "Get the first aid kit!!" Screw yells. One of the mares rushes back into the break room. I hear a box fall beside me. I feel water go into my wound. I scream in pain. They then dump alcohol into the wound. I groan deeper in pain. Then I feel a need a thread going through the wound. Slowly it felt like it was sealing. They stared at the wound while it healed so fast. "Thank...you..." I said softly they all nodded. "Going to head back to the inn." Looking at my pip buck again but again something was blocking it. I can't even look at my map or anything else. Groaning slowly walking back out of the plant. Before I left I could hear them say “She has absorbed the magic of the island...” 0000 Calmly walked back into the Inn sitting down looking to the Innkeeper who walked to me. "I did what you asked. It was the Queen's army and one of her warriors known as Mix.” The innkeeper nods. The innkeeper set down a set of keys. "Since you helped me I am going to go talk to the leaders. You stay here and rest." I gave a nod. Skull Crusher left with the keeper as well. I calmly walked up the stairs to my room. I sat on the bed, sighing softly. Looking around the room it was a calm room. Closing my eyes when I lay my head on the pillow. I fell asleep. It was a calm dreamless sleep. I didn't dream of anything. But I was in that strange dark part of my mind again. I saw those red eye's staring at me. A voice came from the darkness "Ah, you have become the strong hero of legend." Looking around trying to find the voice. But all I could see was the red eyes. "Who are you?" The creature just laughs softly then the eye's vanished. Opening my eyes I heard voices downstairs. I couldn't make out the words. Slowly walking down the stairs. The patrons looked at me. I froze right at the stairs as most of them looked at me. "You're alive..." A voice said. I looked seeing Doc. " Doc." Slowly I walked to him. Giving him a tight hug. "Say nothing when you go back please." "I am not going back without you Star Shooter. Blaze is so broken she doesn't even boast anymore. So please head back soon. They all miss you." I look at all the ponies who are with him. "Why are you here with all these ponies?" "There was a rumor of a mare that looked like the hero. I was asked to come so Blaze sent these guards with me. Because one she still doesn't trust me. But the Queen is starting to send her army out to try to take over the towns. But it's not going so well since her army is not that strong. Since most of her powerful warriors stay in the castle." I gave a nod. I sit beside him and give a great sigh. "How is Blaze?" Doc looked at me calmly and sighed. "She is so broken Star Shooter, she won't smile. She heard stories of a mare pretending to be you. So she demanded that I be sent out to find this hero. But after you were confirmed dead she locked herself into the house for awhile sobbing her eyes out." I nod weakly. "I have been in many situations that I could have cheated on her Doc. But I refuse to, I love her too much, that want to be with her is big. But I can't leave yet. Till I know the Minotaurs and Griffins are willing to listen." "That's why I am here, Star shooter. They want me to say you're a fake hero, but I can't do that. Blaze sent me here to try to prove you are fake and not the real hero. But I see those eyes and I can't do that." Skull Crusher walks back into the inn and sees the two of us. "They wish to see you two now." 000 I am back in the middle of the meeting room. Doc stood there along with the others of Cliffside. "Now Doc.." One of the Griffins said. "Is this the hero?" Doc looks at me and lowers his head. "Yes, she is the hero I brought into the world. She is not fake she has the heart of Freedom town or Tirias heart what the town is called now back in Equestria. I can't lie to save you from your fate, she is the hero of legend. The hero that deserves to be treated with respect." Screw finally broke her way in. "I demand to speak for the hero. But some of the leader's friends have been trying to keep me out of here. This hero risked her life to save us from the Queen's army that wanted to destroy the power plant." The Griffins and Minotaurs stared at each other. The rich in the back seemed very scared, some of them even started to try to walk out then I spoke. "STOP!!!" The rich stopped looking back at me. "You sold out your own town?!" The leaders of the army looked up to see the rich and the politicians. "From how the plant looked the protection just left. You sold your own people for no reason. Give me one reason not to end your lives." The generals stared at the rich they pulled out weapons from their seats. The rich and leaders of the towns sit back down. " Now I am going to explain something if your leaders are willing to sell you all out to the Queen. Then I see no point in having you help the battle. You will be the next town we clean out as we did with Cliffside." Screw looks up speaking. " I will help her as well. So will the workers of the plant." Black Feather added something else. " I will even remove my own platoon to attack this town before I allow it to fall to the Queen." The rich looked to be outnumbered. So the one that normally leads them stood up walking down to the middle of the meeting room. What stood before me was a well dressed Griffin. " Since you haven't lied to us about being the hero. I think it's time to do what you ask. Even if it doesn't help our pockets." The Griffin lowered themselves to me and bowed. " Hero of legend please allow us to help you. We will write up the alliance tomorrow." I give a nod. " Oh yes, my name is Golden plume." He then leaned in and whispered. " I warn you here some of the rich and leaders might try to cause a coup since this info came to light. But If they do I will send my bodyguards to fetch you.” I gave a nod as he walks back up the stairs. I look at some of the leaders of the town. They seem upset and angry, along with the rich. They wanted to sell out their own people. It's pretty silly I sigh, Doc reaches out and calmly pats my back. 00000 The meeting is over. I calmly walk back to the inn Doc already headed back. Calmly walking back to the inn feeling unsure about what was going on. Doc is sitting at a table alone. The guards went to get something to eat. I sat beside him looking at him with a gentle smile. "I think my life is now forfeit. Some of the rich demanded that I call you a fake. So they could keep the good thing they have. I am sure now, that something bad is going to happen." I sighed facing hoofing so hard. Doc, what room is yours?" He gave me his key, then I gave him mine and looked up the stairs. "Come with me Doc." He slowly walked up the stairs. " I was given this in the key by one of the leaders of the town." I gave a nod and opened my door up let him in. "Lock yourself in here don't let anyone in here." Doc nodded slowly closing and locking the door. I went into Docs room leaving it unlocked placing on my hood to hide in the shadows. I closed my eyes and waited. After an hour of waiting, I opened my eyes at the sound of a door being opened. A Griffin walked in he had a knife in his claws. Watching him closely I made the bed look like Doc was asleep. He sliced into the bed. Then when he removed the bedding his eyes went wide. I sliced into the Griffin he didn't even see what was coming. Blood gushed from the wound, I had struck him in the neck. Slowly walked downstairs. I saw the bodies of all the Cliffside guards that came with the doc. Most of them had their necks cut. The inn was dark, the only thing giving off light was the fire burning in the fireplace. There had to be more than one. But then I heard fighting outside looking out the window, seeing that some of the towns are on fire. So the warning was true. But I was grabbed from behind feeling a knife at my neck. " Hello, hero. Could leave well enough alone it seems." Griffin said. He cut into my neck making it bleed. I didn't scream I just allowed him to. " So your leaders are trying so hard to keep their old ways. I see willing to sell yourselves out to the Queen." The Griffin behind me grew very upset. He was about to slice my head off but the bodyguard's of Golden Plume rushed in shooting him in the head like it was nothing. I coughed my neck hurt so much. To heal me they placed a magic box on my horn the wound healed but I kept the scar. Sighing, sitting at the table. "I am sure you can tell that the rich and some of the leaders of the towns have tried to start a coup. But they're having a problem. They’re holed up in a Manson in the middle of the slums. So please do what Golden Plume wishes you to do. Remove them before they cause more death." I gave a nod placing my hood vanishing from sight turning to look at the Griffins. "Please make sure Doc is protected." The two Bodyguards nod. I get all my stuff ready sighing I doubt this is the wise. But If I want an alliance. I need to fight the threat to it. Slowly heading out into the burning city, to go rescue it from itself. Footnote: Level up Perk added Friends with Minotaurs and Griffins: You have shown yourself to the Griffins and Minotaurs of the island to be the hero the legend said you would be. Everything is slowly falling into place for the final battle and the war to come. When you fight with both races your damage will rise to 20% they will join you for the final battle that is if you stop their little civil war.
Chapter Nineteen: AllianceGriffin Flight, the Griffin town is on fire. Down the way Hoof trot, the Minotaur town had fights out in the streets. This was all because I dared to have somepony say I am not fake. I worked to get to the Mansion in the middle of the slums. I found Skull Crusher and Black Feather fighting off the troops that were part of the coup. I removed my hood looking to them. "Ah, hero. I see you have come out to help us with this." Skull Crusher calmly says. Giving a nod looking towards down the road to the slums. I could hear gunshots and explosions. " If you're after the ones causing this silly battle. It's not going to be easy for you to get down there." I Look around, calmly lifting my blade. The two leaders nod. They are getting ready to charge. Skull Crusher lifts a poorly held together gun with the Minotaurs he leads. "Now my friends. The rich and some of the leaders wish to cause a coup. Because we dare to fight the Queen! The queen is the reason for them being in power, to begin with! Let's help the hero remove them from power. Kill them if we have to. We may not wish to lose any more lives but to protect our home, we must do this. Come, soldiers let's go!!" He charges into the fray running into the slums Black Feather sighs looking to his troops. "Listen, my friends, I know you don't wish to fight with the hero. Since her showing up has caused the fragile peace to die. We have to end this battle remove the threats to our homes. Come with me. Let's bring peace back to our homes." The Griffins fly up into the air, lifting their machine guns to pour streams of fire down on the roads below. I pull the hood over my head. I slowly walk through the streets, seeing the dead and the dying. This must have been what it was like during the war. The war must have had so many dead in the streets. Tears streamed down my face seeing families dead in the streets. Heard cries of little ones not to far away from me. I just wanted to leave this island I didn’t want this to happen because of me. This island had so much peace before I showed up. But I am starting to see that if you want to change. You must do it through the pain. Going deeper, I finally find the battle. Friends fighting friends. But in the middle of the slums, I find the Mansion. Running by me was Screw and her workers. They rush through with makeshift weapons. Helping the ones stopping the coup. They wore some pretty heavy makeshift armor as well. It's amazing how many fight. The ones causing the coup has many that wish to see me dead. They search for me while they fought. I notice they had sewers. But I couldn't get inside I have to find a way to get through this battle. Slowly I walk, passing each fight in the street. I saw Skull Crusher staying true to his name and crushing Griffins who were part of the coup left and right. Looking up to see Black feather aiming a strange weapon. I notice some well-made guns on the ground beside me. I pick them up, cocking them. I place them under my cloak so nopony saw me. When I got closer to the street that had the Mansion the battle got extremely bloody. The streets were soaked in blood. I calmly step through the blood. I can't stop, I have to fight. Something explodes not far from me. I am happy with this cloak, but I am amazed at how well it works. Finally I got close the Mansion, the battle looks pretty nasty there. Getting into the door wasn't going to be easy, as they had Minotaurs guarding the door. So I did what I could I found a spot to hide behind lifting my guns up firing at them, I made it look more like a distraction. After firing quickly hiding back into the shadows. Thanks to the cloak it was easy. After that I watched trip over themselves in fear. Looking around calmly the inside of this building looked newly built. It had so many expensive items in it. Most of them from the Queen. The light turned on they knew I was here. Over the PA one of them started to speak. "Some hero you are, you disturb our peace and now you wish to harm our way of life." As he speaks I rush forwards "Wait! I am not done speaking to you! Stop!!" I looked up at the cam and removed my hood. "I don't care if you're killing innocents. I am going to deal with you my way. If that means killing you then so be it. Settle everything with your families. Here I come!" Putting the hood back on going through the first door. When I open the door machine guns started to fire to stop me, I have to back out. But after a while, I hear the glass shatter and Griffins made it inside starting to remove the threats that would cause me harm. I had no idea why they were bowing. Then I remember the legend; the legend gives these Griffins hope. "Make sure nopony leaves." They nod heading to the door outside to make sure no pony ever leaves. But when I got into the main room. An explosion causes me to go blind. I feel something smash hard into me causing my head to throb, then I hear gunshots and a body dropping beside me. I felt myself being lifted to my hooves my vision slowly returned, seeing the face of Black Feather. "Hero, let's end them." Skull Crusher came through the other door causing a dead Griffin to fly into the wall looking towards. I nodded to them it was time to take care of these fools. The three of us walked upstairs. Going into the room. I see Cricket standing with the leaders and the Rich. "YOUR ALIVE?!" Cricket yelled in surprise. My two friends simply charge at the leaders and the rich who didn't fight back. ‘Cricket is mine!’ He pulls out his weapons and rushes me, our swords connect, sending sparks flying. I glare at him past the two blades. "Yes, I am alive. After how you, Mouse, and Mix tried so hard to kill me. I am sure you won't tell the Queen. Because I doubt you want to know how badly you failed." I give him a smug smirk. Cricket hissed he spread his wings out, disengaging. I hear the leaders scream in fear and agony as Skull and Feather had their way with them. I’ve had enough of this, I hear a scream outside running out the door seeing Cricket. He stood over a filly, she was in his way and he was about to remove her. “STOP!!!” I yell at the bug. Cricket lowers his weapons and without saying anything, he charges at me. I had to dodge him as he rushed by, narrowly avoiding his attacks. I came back up and prepared myself for another battle for my life. Our fighting took us outside as I catch him by surprise and smash him through a window. I landed on him and stumble back onto my hooves as fast as I could. We were now in the middle of the street in the middle of the street. But when both sides saw us the battle stopped. For just a moment to look at the two of us. I lift my blade as we stared each other down. "I am going to end you Cricket...After what you did to me, you took me from my love. You took me from those that needed me. Now you're in my way. They need me..." My anger grew I limped on my back hoof remembering the pain he caused me. Cricket’s many eyes soften a bit but he keeps himself alert . I feel my hate for him grow at every moment of pain. Tears streaming down my face. Cricket stops a moment as he sees the pain in my eyes. "I did nothing to your Queen. I just showed up here forced in the war. Then you break me, you hurt me. You keep me in that prison for six months." I breathe hard, my body shaking with anger and pain. My horn glowing brightly from all the magic in me that has backed up since then. But Cricket charges, breaking through my defenses making me fly into the wall, my sword dropping. He slowly walks to me. " You may be the hero, but you’re still weak. You need to learn to lose. Maybe losing this.." He pointed at the pip buck. " Will give you an idea of loss. Losing what you brought with you from Equestria.” I growl in anger he brought his sword down on me. Quickly I lift my pipbuck, smashing it into his head over and over. He fell back very dazed. I quickly grab my sword. Poor Cricket shook his head having a nasty pain in his head. Even though he is trying to kill me. He stared at me. "I will not lose any more from Equestria. I lost so much when I came here. I am not going to lose anymore." My horn glowed brighter as our weapons clashed against each other again and again. Sparks fly as the war beside us kept going. Skull Crusher and Black Feather came out with one of the remaining living leaders. SkullCrusher spoke in a talkie that is connected to a PA system. "All the leaders and the rich have been killed but one. Stop this pointless battle. Now!" The shooting has stopped now, the battle ends as it started with a whimper. Cricket turns to Feather and Crusher then looked at me. His anger grew to pull every sword from his many bug hands. He starts slicing at me very quickly. I have to block, some swings manage to get past my guard, giving me some cuts. But my horn glowed brighter causing the sword to glow with me. I did one large swing and I splintered his swords along with my own parts of the blade fell to the ground. Looking at the blade I found a while ago. I dropped it charging quickly at Cricket getting on my back hooves despite the pain. Smashing my front hooves into him over and over. "Hero!" Skull crusher said and tossed me his sword. I grabbed it and started to slice into Cricket over and over. I had to break through his shell to get into the weak body. He kicked me off and stood up bleeding strange blood. Many guns cocked around us. They all aimed at him. I backed lifting up a gun I found, making sure there was ammo in the magazine. "Cricket, for all the harm you caused many of the creatures of this island. I find you guilty...Fire..." Every single creature, even the ones that started the coup since most lost their families because of the Queen. I fired at Cricket, all the bullets went into the cut in the armor. He screamed in pain falling to the ground blood draining from all his wounds. I lifted my broken blade. He looked up about to die. I had no heart left. He had to know the pain he caused me. Before the swing hit him, Mix rushed in, taking the blow from the sword. Picking up Cricket and vanished in time. Heading back to the Queen herself to repair Cricket. I watched as my revenge was taken from me. I grew very angry I screamed so loudly. I screamed his named Cricket. All the pain he caused me all the sorrow filled that scream. I sat on my haunches feeling my sorrow and anger grow. I wanted revenge. I needed it so badly. Tears slowly fell from my eyes. Skull calmly walked to me and helped me on my hooves. "Wanting revenge young hero, is not the wisest thing to do. I know all the pain he has caused you. But still, the idea of wanting so much revenge will only continue to lead you down a road of pain and suffering." I sigh, a horn was sounded to call for a meeting. The Griffins and Minotaurs that were part of the coup were arrested and I followed the others. Back to the meeting building. Maybe they will now see it my way. 0000 I stood waiting for the meeting to start. Many of the leaders of the rich were dead. So they had no say in what goes on in their towns. Many of the leaders of the state have been killed as well in this battle. All that is left is the military. Skull Crusher and Black Feather stood in the middle holding paper. They both spoke when it was the others turn. "Now do you see why we need to have an alliance with the hero? You saw what happened just because the Queen wanted to be loved. So she gave these fools this power. We need to remove ourselves from the Queen. We join the hero and her friends." Black Feather nods. "I know many of you don't trust the hero. But she did so much for us that she didn't even have to. She risked her life to end this coup before it got worse. Now, will you let her speak?" The leaders look at each other and they all nod. I calmly stood up walking into the middle with my hooves gently clicking on the floor. I feel every movement of my bones It was time for things to change. "The alliance is what we need. The war will start in a year. We need to make sure we all work together. During this time we will train to get ready. Then break through her defense in the entire island. I know this isn't what you want to do. But think of it this way. if we can bring peace to this land. then we can finally have hope. I can get home I can then get out of your manes." They all looked at each other. On the table set adapter for an alliance. I read along the paper. But I needed to sign it myself. I lifted the pen with my magic. Writing my name looking up to them. "For all, we should work together. Come down Write your names. Then we will head to Cliffside. But we need to make sure we have weapons and that the towns are ready for most of you to leave." They looked at each other all of them came down to write their names. Because they knew if they didn't they might lose their power. It was time to get me back to Cliffside. I just simply watched them write down their names. I felt it would be useful to watch how these things worked. Then when the leaders of the military signed it they looked at me. I blinked wondering why they stared at me. They all looked at me for a moment. I didn't know what to think at all. "They wish you to speak little hero." Skull Crusher whispered Blinking a moment closing my eyes thinking of what to say. My eyes looked at the rest of them. "I feel this is the time to move on from the hate that the Queen has placed in all of the creatures of this island. I know I am not the best leader, but I am from a land that was always in constant battle even after the Light-bringer did her job. No matter what the heroes did. The ones beyond the heroes still had to fight. It made evil feel they would have a challenge out there. It's a sad thing but also extremely true. Security had her time of being a hero. But the thing with this. Even though all heroes have had their missions end. Sometimes they have to understand with the pain." After I speak these words they just all stare at me, but I smile gently. "Sorry, it’s just how one thinks when they grow up in a dead wasteland. You're all extremely lucky that it never happened to you. You guys got saved from the spell the island had." Smiling weakly. They walked back up to their seats and they grabbed their wooden hammers. "The alliance with Cliff Side and the hero being the leader. We shall fight with them to take down the Queen. Remove the spell then trade with Equestria." They hit their tables to show their support for the alliance. One of the ponies picked up the alliance paper and took it into the back of the building to store it. I sigh softly, I have to get back. Blackfeather places his claw on my shoulder. "Little hero, we are going to need your help to gather everything. It's going to take a few days. Then we can get you back to Cliffside. But first, go head to the Inn I am sure they wish to throw a party for you." Blinking a moment a party for me. Slowly I walked outside. I noticed the bodies being cleaned up. But I saw a little griffin hatchlings crying over a body. I calmly walk over to the little one. I wrap my hooves around them hugging them tightly. I could feel small punches from the little one. I am sure their parents were part of the coup members. But they calm down. I lift them up on my back. "Hold tight I am taking you to the inn little one. You don't belong here.." The little one doesn't even speak. But I slowly walk along to the inn. I feel many eyes staring at me as I walk along. Some had smiles some had anger in their eyes. Many died because of me being here. But they knew it would have happened sooner or later without me. I can tell in their eyes that they didn't wish to be. Slowly I walked to the inn. My back hoof even more painful. I grunt the little hatchling looked at my leg and jumps off my back. I stop a moment watching them look at my leg they remove a cloth wrapping it around my hoof. Of the poor leg rushing to get water. They clean my leg, I groaned in pain it is so sensitive. The pain of the leg goes through the entire leg to my hoof when they clean it up. There was no fur on the leg. It was slowly growing but the leg is really beat up. Then the little hatchling jumps back on my back. I smile weakly at her. Slowly getting inside the inn. 00000 I walk in through the door feeling the little one getting off my back. The lights must be off it’s very dark. I don’t know why my eyes must be messed up with how the sun is. But is there really a sun outside? I don’t really know anymore all I really see in my head.. Is the pain I am causing to this land. Before I could go on in my head. The light suddenly turns on and a loud surprise sounds through the air. My eyes finally fix itself and I see the banner over the heads of the creatures of this town. The banner says in deep black letters. ‘Thank you Hero’ Before I could back away Screw kissed me on the lips. My cheeks burn so bright red, ‘I need to hide!!!’ I think to myself. I slowly back away after the kiss was over. I try to hide, but they wouldn’t let me hide. I am sat in a chair near Doc. Lifting my leg to place it on a stool near me. They give me apple cider. Doc takes a look at my leg frowning. He takes a calm look at it. Gently touching it I felt a deep pain and groan gently. Using the magic of my horn, I lift up my mug to drink. Removing the cloak fully Doc just stared at all my scars and small wounds that have healed so poorly. "Oh, goddess Star Shooter what did they do to you in that prison." I glare at Doc my eyes full of pain. I try to hold back the tears. He sees pain I feel, and doesn’t press anymore. I smile weakly, drinking the cider. As the party went on without getting into the middle of it. Screw quickly came over grabbing me in her magic. "Come dance with me." I don't even fight. I just feel so tired. But she starts to dance and the music is happy and bouncy. I felt some pain but I calmly dance. I have no smile on my face. I just wish to get back to Blaze. That's all I can think of. But I finally allow myself to loosen up. The tense muscles of my body calmly leave me. I feel every inch of me fill with pain. But it is a good pain. I keep dancing. While the ponies on the stage sing and play happy music. I feel drunk from the cider. But after a while, I don't care. I feel so weak and drunk that I am carried to my room as the party ends. I feel a pony covering me up with the blankets. But also getting in bed with me. But I don't feel anything happening. I finally fall asleep. 00000 Opening my eyes looking beside me I see Screw. But she wasn't all over me. I think she did this to keep me from hurting myself. I slowly try to move but she wraps around me. Whispering gently. "Little one don't leave yet." My cheeks turn bright red. " I just wish to thank you for your kindness to us." She smiled pulling me into a deep kiss. "But I know you're taken. So I just slept with you to keep you from getting hurt too much. Doc asked me to do so. He wants to take a look at you before you leave to help." I nod calmly as I slowly get out of the bed. Heading downstairs. Doc takes a look at me. "Come with me to the hospital Star Shooter. I got a room ready to check everything that happened to you. This will take a while to. I see a lot of things I need to clean and work on." I gave a weak nod. Following him to the hospital. It looks brand new as well. I have a feeling that the Griffin town was just recently built. Maybe like a year or so ago. I follow him into it. He leads me to a room closing the door. He has been given all the tools to give me an entire look. "Now forgive me Star Shooter much of this might be painful. First thing I need to check that leg." I nod weakly he had me lay on the table. Calmly removing the cloth from my left back leg. He grabbed some water and started to clean the leg. He looks at it closely seeing many old burns that haven't fully healed yet. He holds up the leg a bit. Frowning. "Star Shooter your leg is infected as well. I am also going to have to break it again to set the bone right. This is going to hurt a lot be ready for it." He gave me a stick of wood to bite down on. He looks at my leg with the spell to look through the skin then taking a hammer. Then he smashes down hard on the bone shattering it again. Setting it correctly, then wraps a bandage around it. We sadly didn't have the magic bandages like in Equestria. He finishes with covering the entire leg as well as the hoof with a strong cast. "When we get back I am going to have to tell Blaze. She is going to have to remove that clean it. Then get a new bandage to re-wrap. Heh, she is going to get to baby you witch she loves doing so much. " He then takes a cloth cleaning along with my fur. All kinds of grim and nasty crap slide off to the table. He had an ‘eww’ look on his face. He then looked at my horn. He could tell it was broken off and regrown through magic. " Star Shooter. I am going to have to tell Blaze since you two want to be together till death. That she is going to have to do a lot to keep you away from raw magic." I smiled weakly. He looked at all the scars. Frown forming on his face. I could tell he wasn't happy at all how I was treated. He looked at the scars. He even saw the spot I was skinned. "Star Shooter what in the world did they do to you?" I start to sob softly. His ears drooped. "They... skinned me alive. Cut me up, even cut off my leg. It regrew because of the magic. Why they did to me. I have no idea. But they did so much to me. Even cut out my ability to have foals. Then it regrew. But they said my ability to have children will never return." Doc sighed shaking his head. Looking at the stinger wound that is sewn shut. He removed the stitches. The hole opened back up. He took a scope to look inside. He took a tool inside digging out some dead tissue. I growl deeply. I know he was trying to help me but I felt that he was making me worse. He sews the wound back up cleaning it. He looked into my ears. Inside of my ears is extremely nasty looking. "I am going to need you to take a bath after this Star Shooter. The bandage will be alright. It will dry. Just I don't think I was able to remove everything. Now one last thing." He took a scope to my heart to listen. " Okay Star Shooter take some deep breaths." I did what he asked calmly my lungs filled with air slowly then breathe out. Feeling the hot air slowly coming out of my nose. A Griffin walked in looking to Doc. "Excuse me Doc may I take a look at her to?" The female Griffin smiles, Doc looks back to her nodding. "I feel it might be wise. I had to break her leg all over again. It seems they used so much raw magic on her. That’s a lot of scars and the wound didn't heal correctly. Like that deep scar on her neck." The Griffin nodded. She walks over to me with a gentle smile. " Hello, Star Shooter. I am Needle. Yes, stupid name. But my family found it funny. Since the doctor that helped me hatch. Said I could maybe be a doctor just like him. Now I am going to be coming with you to Cliff Side. From what Doc told me you need more doctors." I nodded weakly. Doc backed off she looked at the tissue from the wound. " I had a magic eater sting me. His stinger got stuck in me. So I had to remove it." Needle sighed. "Well, they also have a type of venom that will cause a negative effect on unicorns only. Since most of their time, they use magic. Magic is a part of them to the point that even some of their tissue has magic within them. So you got lucky. That he only found some tissue with this decay." I nod weakly she checked my horn when she did a spark came off. "How many times did they attach you to raw magic?" I sigh closing my eyes "I was pretty rebellious. I wanted to get out. So to punish me they kept me attached to the magic for like three months. Then they destroyed my mind with some unicorn that tried to make a story of death in my head. I just didn't know why either. But the queen wished that I was ripped apart. Before they fully left. Cricket tossed me in the wall. Then took my leg. Twisting it to the point my bone split out of the leg." Needle blinks looking to Doc. "She is lucky she is not demanding magic every day." I did have the feeling that I need to have magic in my system all the time. Raw powerful magic. Just thinking about it made me hungry for it. ‘Could I do it?’ Maybe I can find some here. I tried to just think about that for a while. But then I think of Blaze. Seeing her face of pain when I did it last time. I remove the thoughts of wanting pure magic. "I do wish I could have that in my body. Pure magic in me. But I promised Blaze I would never allow that to happen to me again. I love her I want her to be happy that her lover is going to listen to her." Needle smiles softly nodding. "That is so romantic. But I need to check more of your scars. I might even have to dig in a few to see how well they healed. " I gulp nodding. Needle asks me gently to get on my back. She opened one of the healed scars. That is from where my ovaries are located. She calmly looks inside there. Seeing that they were removed at first and slowly grown back. " I'm sorry to say Little Star shooter but I doubt you will ever be able to have foals. I am sure you and Blaze want little ones. So if you do. You will have to take your eggs to mix them with hers and inject them into her. I am sorry to say but I don't see a way you will ever get little ones." She sealed up the wound. I was still fully awake from this. But I am surprised they never put me asleep while doing this. "Um. I am sorry to say but I am so much pain right now. Why don't you put me to sleep." Needle gave me a gentle smile. " I am sorry but we have no Memory orbs here or the means to do so. So if you need to have surgery. You will need to be fully awake for it. Now back on your stomach please." Slowly shifting myself onto my stomach. She removed the scar from where the heated spikes went into. Looking inside with a tool slowly removed scared and burnt tissue. Hissing in pain. But she frowned seeing so many of the scars. She didn't poke at the rest of them looking over to Doc. " I don't think it's wise to keep doing this to her. So I am going to seal this wound up. Then I think she could use a bath." Doc nodded. " We will head back to the inn. I will make sure the tub she goes into has a lot of hot water. Then I can cut her long mane. Since it grew out along with her tail." I found it interesting that I never noticed my long mane and tail. Till now it's odd to me that now when they mention it. it starts bothering me. Needle nods. Leaving the room looking back at me with a gentle smile. I finally get a good look at her. She is brown with a lion-like body. Her head is owl like as well. "I will meet you with the main force in a few days. Then we'll head to your home." I give a weak nod. Slowly getting off the table. "Come with me Star Shooter there is a barber here." Blinking a moment nodding. 0000 He leads me to the middle of the town. It's odd the middle of the town is a mix of Minotaur and Griffin buildings. In the middle of this is a barber. We calmly walk inside. The barber isn't either a Minotaur or a Griffin. He looks at me with a large smirk. It was a salamander with strange claws that looked like they were sharpened to cut manes as well as tails. I sat in the chair. He looks at my mane and tail and had an odd look on his face. When he speaks he sounds so stuck up. "Oh, darling. Your mane and tail look…." he sniffs "...terrible, dear. Now sit whereas I make you beautiful." I sigh, the Salamander calmly hummed gently. Using a claw that feels like a comb. Then with the other claws cutting some of the manes. "Oh, darling, I can tell you're a hero. The unkempt mane. The poorly maintained tail. Oh, darling, this is not done!" I sighed softly while this Salamander kept talking. "Oh, poor heroes. They think they do so much for all the land. But they forget to look decent. Oh, such a bad thing." I wanted to cover my ears. Since he kept yammering on and on. I felt the comb go through the mane as my mane fell down to my hooves. I tried to block out his voice. " Oh, darling you look so beautiful now." He even placed bows in my mane as well as my tail. I didn't care. Doc laughed as he pays the Salamander. "Come back sometime, you look so darling with your mane done." I quickly rush out of there. When Doc follows me I turn to look at him. "Never again...Never again!!" He laughed. A pout forms on my lips. Then I sighed. We walked back through the town. This town was amazing. So many vendors around the main part of town. So many folks buying and selling. It must have been like this before Equestria blew itself up. Of course, the past is the past. I think it's best to stop hating the past. 00000 Walking back into the inn. They are cleaning up from the party we had the night before. Doc led me upstairs. He forced me into the tub. It was one of those old tubs were you had to carry the water to it. He walked back downstairs then a few mares walked up with him with buckets. Dumping pure hot water into the tube. I gasped in pain. Feeling the water burn me a bit. But when the water slowly filled in the tube. I felt such glee and pleasure from the water. " Now I want you to soak in there for awhile. It will help your scars. I will come back up when I feel you have had enough of that little one." I smiled nodding leaning back just closing my eyes rest. For the first time in my life. I didn't even want to move or even think. It was pretty silent. But the door opened up. Seeing Black Feather and Skull Crusher. " Little hero we need to speak with you." Said Skull Crusher. I gave a very half hearted nod. "Skull Crusher and I wish to come with you. It sounds like we are the last companions of the legend. So we wish to follow you. Meet the others of legend." I give a nod. "I am sure they would be happy to have you two." They both nod. They both slowly walk out. I lie back into the tub. Seeing the door open and close. But I don't care. I hear hoof steps walking towards me. I looked around. "Um...hello?" A hood was removed seeing Jonon staring right at me. She has tears in her eyes. "Jonon..." I say softly. I don't move, as she comes forwards and wraps her legs around me in a hug. "Little hero you're alive...I am going to head back to let the others know. But I had to come myself. When I saw the new companions of legend on the wall…” "No don't tell the others. Not yet. I wish to surprise everypony when I get there. So please ask Speckled to form a party at the inn." Jonon frowns, but sighs and nods. "I will do this for you hero. I feel you’re right if you show up. I am sure Blaze will lose it. She is already very broken. I haven't seen her smile for the past six months. When that recording came out of you being dead, it broke her." "Oh...That wasn't a recording... That was life." She stares at me, anger forming in her eyes, it subsides after a while. "Jonon I know it was a bad idea. But the one who did this all to me. Told me it would be best. So the Queen will slow down with all her planning." Jonon sighs nodding. "The one who did this to me is named Burnout." Her eyes pop wide open staring at me. "We just welcomed him and his family into Cliffside. Oh, I will not tell Blaze he is the reason that Blaze couldn't find you." I nod, she then places her hood back on her head slowly heading back out of the inn. Finally closing my eyes, falling asleep. 00000 Opening my eyes when Doc walks in he smiles. "They seem to be ready to get going little one. They have a cart ready for you. Since I don't wish for you to walk." I give a nod getting out of the tub. He dries me off with a towel. Then grabbing my cloak my bags. Looking into my bag seeing my broken sword. I sigh softly. Putting on the cloak and heading outside. Doc followed behind me. I notice the cart is farther behind. It is empty just for me, but some others had tons of gear and young ones. Slowly getting into the cart laying down. Placing the hood over my head so they don't see me when I get back. Until I got to the party. They started to march down the road. It would take a few hours to get home. They even started to sing. "Stomp stomp.." We walked through the land. I looked at everything."Stomp through the land. To fight and gain our hearts through the love of battle. Endless battle. Griffins, Minotaurs walking side beside to ready for the battle to take down the Queen.” I was able to see what they walk by. The song is repeated throughout the trip. The same song over and over again. I close my eyes for meaning to rest them for a bit, I end up falling asleep. A few hours later I opened my eyes back up when I hear a female voice saying, “Halt!” Placing my hood over my head. Gently getting out of the cart. They were talking to Blaze. Who doesn't even have a smile. But just had her bar body. I calmly walked into the inn. Seeing they built a stage and everything. I was going to have to wait. So I went to the back of the newly made stage sitting there waiting. Jonon sat beside me whispering softly. "I have a feeling you're going to sing for Blaze?" I gave a nod. "Maybe that will be best." I nodded. She walked away from me. I had to wait for the party to start. 00000 A few hours later the party starts but I don't see Blaze. But after awhile Blaze walks into the Inn with Jonon and Dr. Slice. But not the other two who were just drinking. Blaze didn't seem to want to stay. She was slowly about to walk out but Jonon shook her head. Blaze nodded sitting back down. I calmly lift up the mic, the curtain opens. I still had the hood on. They have some gentle music playing. I started to sing; "To some that may know." They know the voice but they looked around. The Blaze grew angry. I could tell in her voice. She thought it was fake. Jonon had to hold her down shaking her head. "I have one in my heart is a wonderful beauty. She has won my very heart." I felt I was poorly singing. " I love her so much. She has given me peace. I calmly left the stage with the hood still on. " I wish to live with her for the rest of my life. For she has given me the love I don't deserve.” When I get closer, I can see that she is getting pissed. "Who is doing this?!" Dr. Slice tries to shrug. I then remove my hood, the entire inn stares at me in shock. I removed my cloak. "Blaze...I am alive... I know after six months of pure pain in a prison. Also yes this is me. I tried everything to get back to you. But they kept me from you." Blaze just stares. My cheeks burn brightly as I got so many looking at me now. Footnote: Level up New perk. The companions of legend: You have formed all the heroes of legend. When they’re near you your resolve knows no bounds. You feel strong, you feel ready. The battle will test you all and with the battle ahead. You will be ready. A kiss from a mare: You have been kissed by the mare known as Screw. You felt the love the compassion that she had for you. You couldn’t give her advances back but she will join you for the final battle. She will die in your name.
Chapter Twenty: ReunitedAuthor's Note There is NSFW part in part of the story. Now you can skip it or read it. Chapter Twenty: Reunited I stand in the middle of the inn. My face is bright red because of all the stares I am getting. Blaze is just looking at me. I slowly backed away. She can tell it is me since I am getting very shy. I place the hood back over my head and rush out. Leaning on the wall panting softly. But the door opens and Blaze comes out staring at me as if not believing what she saw. She removes the hood, revealing my face. "Blaze...." I say softly as she looks at the numerous cuts, scars and bruises. "I'm sorry that I couldn't tell you that I was alive..." Blaze just stares at me, she looks at my Cutie Mark. Then back at me sniffing gently. She wraps her tail around me gently. My cheeks burn as I know what is coming. She pulls me into a deep kiss. I close my eyes, savoring every moment. In that moment I forget the pain my body is in, all bruises dull, all cuts disappear. She broke the kiss, gently pulling back. "It is you...please, come back in.." I gave a nod. She carried me back in. "Everyone this is Star Shooter our hero, My love..." I smile, blushing deeply but then I think of something I should have done a long time ago. When she sets me down, I pulled out a little case, presenting it to Blaze. With my magic I open the case. it is a ring. The ring that Zranth gave me. "Before anything else happens my dear Blaze. I know that we have only been together for six months. But I wish to be with you for the rest of my life. Blaze.. Will you marry me?" The music stops, the lead instrumentalist seem to burst with joy and began playing a rather romantic sounding piece of music, the rest of the musicians joined in. all eyes turn to the two of us. The hero asking her love to be with her for the rest of their lives. She doesn't even take much time to think. "Yes..." I smile as the entire crowd in the inn cheers as I place the ring on one of her many claws. She wraps her tail around me again pulling me into a deep kiss. All I could do was smile in the kiss, ‘I feel amazing!’ The party goes back to normal after the kiss. She breathes deeply after the kiss. She has a large smile on her face. "Come with me. Jonon, Dr slice you to as well." I lead them to the table that Skull Crusher and Black Feather sit at. " I want you guys to meet the other two companions of legend." Jonon blinks looking at the two. " So the legend is fulfilled. That means the spirits will offer you." One of Dr. Slices robotic claws changes from the saw to a hand to shake. " Greetings to you two I am Dr. Slice. I was found in the forbidden zone." Crusher and Black Feather shook the robotic hand. " We will be working together now...Star Shooter what happen to you? My sensors so some pretty nasty scars on you." I sigh. "They skinned me alive. They had me attached to a magic machine to fill me with magic. So they could keep doing what they wished to me." I lifted the leg that didn't have the pip buck on it. "They cut this leg off trying to see if the magic will make me regrow it. They broke my horn. They..." I sighed. "They removed my ovaries to remove my ability to get foals. I still have my eggs of course. So if we want little ones Blaze we can mix our eggs and they can be injected in you." Dr. Slice just stared at me. "That...we never did that to the Zebras. Why would they allow that here? Equestria did barbaric things during the war. But we never went that far in hurting our enemies!" Blaze had tears in her eyes, wrapping her tail around me and holding me close. Dr. Slice looked at my leg that had the cast on it. "What happened to your leg?" The robotic Dr asked. "Cricket was very upset when I tried to escape with Skull Crusher here. He smashed me into the wall and sliced me up with his swords. Then he grabbed my leg and twisted it to the point that the bone broke through the skin. He then smashed me into the floor many times as well. One last thing; he did stab me in the heart. Before I died, they placed me back into the machine to heal me. Even though Doc reset the bone after breaking it again. I am sure I will never walk right on that leg again." Dr slice sighs softly. But it came out very robotic like, so it sounded more like a cat yowling through a mic. Jonon then spoke up. "We have a year now to get ready for the real battle. Since most of the warriors have left their homes. The Queen will be taking them over one by one till Cliff Side is the only free town. Then we take every town back. Then the legend doesn't say who wins the final battle. So when we have time little Hero we will head and speak to the spirits. To get the final training you need to finally be the hero you're meant to be. So please, spend your time with us. Go have some private time with Blaze." I blink, Blaze stares at me with an evil smile. All I can do is blush. My face turns bright red, I want to ‘hide!’ "Now, now, Star Shooter, you can't hide from your friends. I am sure they know it is you. if I just keep making you blush." Blaze said gently in my ear. The others around us laughed. My cheeks burned so brightly. I didn't know what to do, so I just accepted my fate. Yes, I am going to finally get with my lover. I missed her so much, but first party, then hot sex with the fire Salamander. "Let's enjoy the party, my love...then we can have some more...intimate fun." Blaze said very gently. I nod, blushing. The red female Salamander lifts off her chair, stroking her tail along my neck. She went to go get some food and a drink for me. I shiver deeply from the feel of her tail on my neck, imagining me and Blaze... "I am impressed by how much she loves you little one." Skull Crusher said, in a calm demeanor. "I can see why you tried so hard to get out of the prison." I nod sighing, Looking over to Dr. Slice who floats along with us. "Slice I got a question for you. Why did you come to this land?" Slice looks down to me looking around with his many eyes. " I really had no choice in that matter. Along with my friend who wasn't really respected by the others of the ship. But I'm happy Bulk lived through the battle and the bomb. I do hope to have a long conversation with him. But the Clockwork ponies are very interesting they have been placing some powerful turrets around Cliffside. Because they know sooner or later the Queen might attack. They also said when their town is taken over like in the legend, It's going to explode. But right now they’re building clockwork machines that will help us fight the Queen. But they said it would take a year just to get them working." I nodded I thought I didn't see any of the Clockwork ponies at the party. But that is because they don't drink or eat. I sigh, finally Blaze returns with a large plate of veggies and a bottle of water. She sat beside me using her tail to stroke my back. Leaned into her. Zranth taps her hoof on my shoulder. "Star Shooter. The elder is ready to speak to you. But I will let you eat first." I give a weak nod. Blaze rushes out quickly. I don't know where she went. But I start to eat, relishing the refreshing meal. Drinking from the water, Jonon stays silent. She doesn't speak much. But I can tell in her eyes this is a serious thing. Blaze finally rushes back in with the golden armor piece that I got from the Scribe. She places it in my bag. Kissing my cheek then sits down beside me. "Hmm, I haven't had anything this good for a long time." I look up to see Burnout coming towards us with a nervous smile. "Ah hello, again Star Shooter. Are these your friends?" I give a nod, Blaze just looks at him oddly, confused. "Who are you?" Blaze asked. Burnout gulped. "I am...the one that did all that to her in the Prison." He points to my many scars and cuts. Blaze stares at him as if not believing that he had the audacity to confess such a crime, so did Jonon and Dr. Slice. Skull Crusher and Black feather just started to snicker. "I ah..." Burnout looks at my angry Blaze, who had steam coming from her mouth. Huh, I didn’t know she could do that. I think to myself "I also helped her escape as well." That doesn't calm Blaze down, she looks at me, seeing my eyes pleading her to just leave it alone. She sighs softly nodding to my, somewhat reluctantly. "I just wished to say. Thank you Star Shooter for forgiving me for what I did. But we are ready to risk our lives to fight for you to take down the Queen herself. " I give a nod, then Burnout goes back to his daughter. I just sigh, Blaze pulls me out of the inn, her eyes full of righteous anger. "My love, I don't trust him." She says softly. I nod, sighing. "I understand." Blaze, takes a bit to settle down after that encounter, then it’s back to kissing my face again. "Go to the elder my love, after that, you are all mine." When she said that my face turns bright red, cherry red. I was blushing so hard it was difficult to say anything.. She gives me a wink, I chuckled weakly. I had to get going. 0000 I walk down to the caverns the Zebras live in. I walk to the elder, I sit there as she was meditating. She opens her eyes looking at me with her gentle eyes. Removing the piece of armor from my bag. Setting it down lowering my head to wait for her to speak. I watch her pick it up. Then setting down the drink. "I am sorry for lying to you little hero. There was only one spirit on this island. Now, this is the last time we will be speaking. Because soon I will die. The Zebras will pick a new elder. An elder that will lead them back to their lands. The Zebras wish to go back home. The ponies wish to go back home as well."I give a nod sighing a bit. "But before you drink..we have much to talk about." I give a nod looking down at one of the drinks. Sniffing it gently noticing it was pink. With a strange brew inside it. "Now little hero. It will be a year before the final battle starts. You will need to train and be ready for the final battle. The entire island will be taken over by the Queen. You will fight for the island. Destroy the army of the Queen. The final battle in the castle, you will remove those that hurt you the most. Then you will meet the one that caused all this. But little hero, it's going to be hard for you. But I know you will live. You will live but during the final battle fulfill the legend and marry Blaze. Then the legend will be fulfilled. My mission will be done, little hero. You have done so much for me. So drink the brew and be ready to say goodbye to me." I give a nod lifting the brew looking at it calmly. I stare at it in the bowl. I feel this is going to be a new way to learn. Taking a deep sip from it feeling the world around turn fuzzy and then the world going dark. 00000 I am back in the mist world. I calmly close my eyes feeling the dizziness. My vision finally goes back to normal. Looking around while the Zebra walks out of the Mist. The Zebra in the mask stares at me. Slowly walking towards me, then looks around and nodding. "Hero you have learned many different things about a legend. The legend is true but most of it is also fake. It was never in the legend that you would be held in a prison. Broken, hurt and almost killed many times. The final battle no one knows who will win. Only the stars know, but speaking to them is never a wise thing. They never speak the truth or when they do, it's for their own gain." I gave a nod, calmly standing up. I don't feel the pain from my leg or see any of the scars on my body. "I have a few things I can teach you, child. But first I need to go through your journey. Some of the journey you walked through like an iron pony. But that is how some would see you. You did what you had to. But to some, you failed, some would say you became stronger than you think. Now child, this is the final thing we will speak of. When we are done here. The world around you will change. You will become more aware of the magic. You won't be anymore as powerful with magic then you are now. But you will be much more aware of it. The first thing is this," I calmly listen to the spirit. She stood up, drums form beside her. Along with more brews. She starts to mix them as the drums play. The drums help with the brew to form magic within it. Closing my eyes softly feeling the music. I look back on my entire journey. The journey has been hard for me. Being forced to leave Equestria, because I was at the wrong place at the wrong time. I wish I could go back home. I know they miss me. I feel the anger in my heart. When I think of Mouse, Mix, and Cricket. I will finally see them dead at my hooves. I hope It will happen soon. I will not see their deaths for a year. I feel that is a chip because.. I want to see the death of these three. But I feel, I will not be the one ending them. Blaze will have dibs on all three of them. But we shall see when the time comes. I close my eyes again. Looking back at the brew. I take a drink of the spirit brew. I feel the pain in my horn vanish. I feel my magic vision becoming ten times stronger when it happens. I start to feel more of the raw magic around me. But I feel it would take time for me to get used to this. Groaning gently then standing back on my hooves. Looking at the Spirit. "One last thing. The two of us will battle. I will train you to fight more like a Zebra than a pony to be ready for the final battle. Since guns will not be what you use for the final battle." Around me the land changes an arena forms in the mist. A staff forms in my mouth. I was trained to fight without the magic. I am starting to see why she banned the use of magic. Because of the raw magic that can cause many issues. We both stand in the middle of the arena. It isn't a battle to the death, she wants to train me. At least I thought she was female but I can’t tell. She stands there holding the staff in her forehooves, standing on her back hooves. It is interesting how the Zebras fight. I find it very impressive. Maybe I will learn how to do it myself. Since Zebras are able to stand like that. But I am not sure really. Maybe I will learn, maybe I won't. "Get on your back hooves, little hero. When your back leg fully heals you will be able to fight like this. But It will be only when other things don't work. Don't overuse this ability I am going to give you. Because it will ruin your pony legs more than you wish to." I give a nod slowly standing on my back hooves. Trying to hold the staff in my hooves. It wasn't easy, but I was able to do it, at least for the time being. The spirit and I started to train. Our staves connected slowly at first. The momentum of the battle is going to take time for me. One, I am not a Zebra. But fighting like this is strange to me. The battle started to speed up as the spirit’s stave smashed hard into mine. It hurt at times. She hit me down trying to smash the staff into me but using the back of one of my hooves to block the attack. Bringing around the stave I held to smash into hers. But the battle was tough for me. "Well done hero. But of course being a pony it's not pleasant, to fight like a Zebra. So when I remove you from this vision. I want you to stay there with the elder until she fully passes away. Are you willing to do that?" I give a weak nod sighing. I knew that sooner or later I would be asked to stay and watch somepony die. I wasn’t keen on doing that. I feel the fact. I am going to feel so much pain when I get out of this vision. "Now hero I know I didn't teach you much. I know I didn't help you much at all. But you will now have the ability to learn how" I gave a nod sighing a bit, knowing the fact that when I get back into the real world, I will have to watch an elder die. Looking towards the Spirit then I can finally ask. "Spirit, what is it about this island that blocks my ability to use this pipbuck in many areas of the island." The spirit looked at me for a moment, then sighs, looking to the Pipbuck. "Fate refuses to allow you to use that device to make it easy for you to find your way around. Even when you use that ability from it to slow down time. It's something the magic of this land has. It's alive in a way. Some of it can be evil. Some of it can be good. But both sides of the magic don't care for the easy way out. It wishes that those work hard for what they need to do. If you're willing to work hard. The way most things happen in this land. That the land is willing you to learn without that device." Sighing, closing my eyes a moment then nodding. "Alright, I am ready to go back." The spirit nods. "When you leave, I will die as well. I am linked to the elder that is chosen. I knew when the legend would happen, I would finally pass. I am sorry I haven't been much of a help, hero." I gave a weak nod, the world around me started to go back to normal. The bones of the Zebra spirit slowly start turning to dust. the spirit world slowly dies. What is left of it is the dust. It blows away when I finally open my eyes. 0000 Opening my eyes I hear a bell ring. All the Zebras from the community stand around the body of the elder. She was laying on a bed. Jonon was beside her. I calmly walked to her. Leaning down holding the hooves of the elder. Zranth stands on the other side. "Little Hero." The elder said softly. "Thank you for saving us from ourselves. When I die, the Queen will know. She then will start getting her army ready to fulfill her part of the legend. The part of the legend is taking over the towns. That will start in a few months. No matter what some of the creatures in those towns need to stay. To fight them off to show might. But most of them will die, she needs to think that she will win." I give a weak smile holding the hoof tightly. Many of the Zebras around us have tears in their eyes. The Zebra calmly closes her eyes. Her heart stops beating. I don't know how the elder will be chosen. But when she dies. She turns to dust. Jonon looks up to me. "The Dust will fly to the next elder." I give a nod as the dust slowly blew to Zranth. Her eyes go wide. The healer of the ruins was the next elder. "I...I am not worthy of this...but I will do my best to be the next elder." I give a nod. Slowly standing up on hooves. I had no idea why I was welcome here. But the Zebras bow to me. Blinking a moment why were they bowing to me. I looked over to Jonon. "Little hero you have done so much for this island. You're now not only a hero, but thought to be a leader. Remove the spell, get some of them back to Equestria or our former lands. Many have forgotten the name. But some of these Zebras came from there as well from Equestria. Their families knew sooner or later they would return. It's time for them to do so." Jonon calmly said. I sigh weakly looking over to the Zebras who bow to me. I calmly walk out of the elder’s home. But I stand there thinking a moment. I am the one that wishes to bring peace to this island. But now did I bring peace it. I sit down thinking a moment. I can see that the Zebras have made a community down here. I never really looked at it. I just focused on trying to get home. Watching some of the Zebras walk along like nothing is ever going on. Closing my eyes calmly feeling the pain from being stared at for being thought more than life. A young Zebra filly sits beside me. Opening my eyes looking down at her with a gentle smile. "Hello, hero. I wish to thank you for all you have done for us." She smiles. " I know you feel you didn't do anything. But you helped free this town from the descendants of the former owner of this town. I spoke with him myself. He is very sorry for what he did for us. He hopes sometime we can all fight together to take back the island." I give a nod. I feel why must I follow this legend to take down the Queen. But then I think; maybe she will overextend her forces to hold all the towns. We take them all out. Then she doesn't have much to protect the castle anymore. Looking down to the little filly. "I don't understand this legend. Does anyone tell you how it was created or made?" The Zebra looks up to me frowning gently. "At first it was a fake legend back during the war. An elder said we would find an island in the middle of nowhere. That is run by a Queen known as Majesty. Many thought she was crazy. She went missing from our lands. Then there was a rumor that there was an island in the middle of the ocean that no one has seen before. So my ancestor had to find a way here. This was before the war even started. So I guess I am part of the lucky families that never got into the middle of it. Just heard stories of it from those that came here." Nodding. I stand up looking down at her. "I need to be going. Thank you for telling me.." The Zebra filly nods. I slowly walked back out of the cavern. Heading back to the inn. But before I did, I felt a tail wrap around me. Gently pulling me close. "Ah ah you belong to me now. besides, I have been told I need to redo your bandage on your leg. So.. I am going to baby you...then please that wonderful body of yours." I feel my cheeks turn bright red. I don't know what to say or do. But I know if I say no, she wouldn't take it as an answer. She lifts me up with her tail. Pulling me close to her. I can feel her heated breath on my neck. "My little hero is an amazing mare. I will do everything to make her smile." All I can do is blush. I had no choice in this matter. She leads me up to the Mansion many watched me as I am carried off by the female Salamander. They all have smirks on their faces, the cheeky bastards the lot of them. One even said. “Scream loudly!” 0000 NSFW Lying on the bed. Blazes tail calmly hit the radio to play a gentle song. ' I will never let you go...My love.' The song gently plays. A bucket gently placed by the bed. The salamander gently removes the bandage from my leg. I groaned a bit. But if she was going to turn this into a sexual way of pleasing me I am kind of amazed. ' I love you...with all my heart..' With her tail, she lifted up a cloth gently stroking the leg. Cleaning it up. I feel her gently trying to make it a sexual interaction. Even if I had a lot of pain from it. She gently places her heated mouth on the hurt leg. I groan deeply in pain, but after a while the pain vanishes. While she gently dries it with her heated mouth. Then takes a new badge wrapping it around the leg tightly. 'Oh, my love give me all your heart. So I can hold it my hooves forever.' The cloth went along my other body. I gasp when she pushes it between my legs. A gentle wet noise sounds, when she touches my heated marehood folds. Sliding the towel along my body sensually. I have never felt such pleasure in my body. My heated itself inside my folds and the want of pleasure. ' Love shall sing to us forever.' Blaze places the towel back into the bucket. Going up to my horn gently wrapping her tongue around it. Like it is a stallions beautiful flesh. I gasp deeply feeling the magic from her fire breath filling me with pleasure. I have never felt this way before. My nerves sparks deeply with the pleasure she was filling me with. ' Please kiss me along my beauty. Oh, wonderful one I love. Hold me in your hooves.' Blaze gently engulfed the horn. Like I was a stallion. Gentle sounds played from her heated mouth. While magic drool went down my face. All I can do is feel the pleasure of the magic filling me from her own magic powers. She pulls her mouth of the horn with a pop. I want to climax so bad but...I am not even close. But the core of my magic. Feels like I already am. She speaks gently in my ear. "My little hero deserves every moment of this pleasure. Six months we have been apart. I have so many ideas I wish to do to you." A gulp came from me. Her snake like tongue slides along my body. Giving me a deep kiss. She doesn't force her entire body on me yet. But the feel of her heated mouth on my ear makes me shiver. She stares deeply into my eyes. ' Please hold me forever in your loving embrace.' Blaze gently went down to the folds of my marehood. licking along it slowly. The heated breath of her magic made it heat up faster. Deep moans came from my mouth. I could hold it back any longer. My climax came much quicker than I thought it would. Just because of the heat from her fire breathing mouth. My horn started to glow. I couldn't hold back the magic anymore. It was like my way of climaxing. It removed some of the magic from my core as well. I scream in deep pleasure. My horn aiming for the window. My climax happens, the magic shoots out like a laser,...oops. I get lucky and hit the bird that was watching us. Heh, I finally got the last laugh on the warden. But after the smoke lifts the warden's cam appears again just barely sing. I can hear him laughing. But the feel of my climax subsiding makes me feel wonderful. 'Please fill me with your love my dear. Never let me go..' I feel the entire weight of the beautiful salamander get on me gently. She looks down at me. Using her claws to keep me held down. My hooves sprawled out. Staring down at me with love and lust. I can tell she has been holding back. Nothing was going to take me from her. I can tell with that look in her eyes. But instead of it being any more sex. She kisses me deeply. Our kiss lasts a little while. She slides her tail along the folds of my marehood. I felt it heating even more. I groan deeply in the kiss. I want to move I just want to please her back. But when she removes the kiss spit connecting on our lips. She starts gently licking along my chest. The heated breath filling me again with so much pleasure. ' Fill me with your love....oh my love.' The song plays on. She moves her tail forcing it into my folds. I scream deeply in pleasure. I already look tired out. That kind of annoys Blaze. But she just thrusts wildly with the tip of her tail deeper inside me. All I can hear is the squishy wet sounds of the tail going in and out of me. 'Oh my love never let me go... never let me go.' I scream deeply in pleasure, eventually passing out from exhaustion and pure orgasim.. 00000 In the castle in the warden's prison. He watches the moment with Blaze and the hero. He has a large smoke. He was setting up recording to be ready to make the hero blush even more. He hears some angry sounds outside his chamber. Walking in are the three warriors. "So, good job at trying to kill the hero." The warden says with a smirk. The three warriors stare at him. "Also don't worry the Queen thinks this hero is fake. So we will be free sooner than you think. I will have my freedom and you three will as well. " Mix grows angry, sighing. "Why must we wait for a year before the final battle. I want to end this curse." He touches the stopwatch in his chest. "I will finally be free of this curse the ponies placed on me." Mouse nodded. "Project Mouse can finally die along with me. All the secrets of the past will die. I no longer wish to be one of the sins of the ponies during the war." Mouse grunts. Cricket looks at the other two warriors then back at The warden. "Why do you wish to be free?" The Warden stares at Cricket, he pulls on the tubes that went deep into his body. "Why? I have been stuck here since the creation of this island. I'm the reason the threat is still held in the cell. So If the hero is strong enough to kill him along with the Queen. Then we will be fully free." The Queen yells. "Warden!!" He turns off the hero's play time looking towards Majesty. "Is the prisoner ready to speak?" The Warden nods. He turns on a strange transporting ring. Majesty walka onto the transporter transported away from the castle. 00000 Majesty is placed in a cave. She rushes to the cell. Glowing eyes open up, a dark deep voice speaks to her. "Well, Majesty... I haven't seen you for...let's see, oh for many years. What brings you down to see me, hmm?" Majesty growls her eyes glow as well as her horn. She clicks a button making him scream since it caused a torture device that he is connected to turn on. She then removes her magic from the button. "The legend you created...has come true. How dare you create this legend!!" The creature laughs deeply. Fish fly out of his mouth along with bones. Even a stench of fish. "Oh, I never made that legend. I told you before...I had no tentacle in the matter. You seem to forget I have been in this cell since the creation of this island. I am sure someone else has made this legend. To get your goat Majesty. Now, what brings you here. I am sure it has something to do with me waking up." Majesty blinks. "You haven't woken up since the hero came to this island. Now you will tell me who did this. Tell me!!" She clicks the button again causing the creature to scream again. She removes her magic again from the button. "Oh wow, majesty you sure are worried that your followers will never love you again." The creature laughs." Now go back to your followers and watch your island die. I will be free. Now go on." She snorts going back to the transporter. 0000 She transports back into the room of the warden. She grows very angry. heading to her throne. The cloud creature follows her. "I am ready for my training, Reaver. I have a war to wage in a year." Reaver nods, he sighs. "I shall get your armor ready, my Queen." He bows to her as she walks to her chambers. The creature folds back into the shadows. "I see you have fulfilled your end. Make sure you do enough to weaken. Her army. The hero must win, we need to have her join us in the final battle when the seals are broken." Reaver nodded and the creature vanishes. “I hate this job.” Reaver says with an angry sigh. 0000 I wake up Blaze lay beside me. I slowly get out of bed, heading outside. It is the middle of the night. I sit near the cliff looking at the moon. I lie there on the ground watching the stars. Jonon calmly sits beside me looking down at me with a gentle smile. "Thinking little hero?" I look to her and nod. "I have to wonder...What will happen to this island when I go back to Equestria. I need to go back. I miss my family so much. I just went out to get a trading deal going with the NCR. But instead of that. I was lead into a trap. But then found my way into a ship. I learned the call was sent to me by one of the Salamanders in the boat. I have a feeling he knew I was part of the legend. But I haven't seen him since I got here. He just walked down the road and I have no idea where he went." I sigh lying back, so much on my mind. "Well, little hero. you have done so much for us. If you do leave and when we leave with you. We will have no issues doing so. Because the queen will be gone. The Queen will never be seen again." I give a nod. "I am just very worried, Jonon. I know it's simple. But being worried is pretty normal for me." Jonon gave another nod looking to the moon then back down at me. "Rest hero. I can still smell the sex on you. But I feel it might be best for you to rest. Go back to bed. Allow yourself to sleep. Stop thinking and you will be ready for what is to come." I nod, she stands up walking away. I lie there watching the stars and the moon until I go back inside to get some sleep. Footnote: level up No new perk
Chapter: Twentyone Warnings and speeches.Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter Twentytwo: Eyes that see.I wake to Blaze shaking me gently. I look at her, noticing her fearful eyes. I get to my hooves while looking at her. "Star Shooter. The Queen's army, They are amassing in front of the castle." I nod, heading out of the Mansion. Looking outside, I see all creatures of the town rushing about, getting what they need to the factory to build weapons. I could hear hammers smashing against metal. I could see a wooden wall being constructed around the city. I sigh, shaking my head, a few months have passed. Looking down to my leg the cast is removed but it still didn't heal that well. I still limp a bit. But I had a feeling I would limp. I Head outside the building. Taking a look around everything was going so quickly. I have never seen so many creatures, Zebra and ponies rushing so fast through the streets of this town. Another forge was outside of the Blacksmith's building he even had help now. The help was a Minotaur. The hammer smashed hard into the anvil getting swords and armor ready for the battle to come. I didn't know how to help, so I went down to the docks to see what is going on there. But I saw the sea ponies and the sea monster I saw not too long ago. They were helping them gather fish to get ready for a possible siege. The sea ponies all wave at me, I smile at them. I know that soon they will help us in the battle to take the castle. Blaze comes up behind me, lifting me up with her tail. "No my love, you will keep resting." My voice sounds awful. I sound sick. I blink, staring at her, but I don't wish to argue with her. I still needed to heal. She carried me in her strong tail to the inn. Blaze set me down at a booth. "You stay here, I don't want you to get the idea to check out the army like I know you want to do." I blinked then she forced her face into mine. "Promise me..." Blinking not sure if I should, but I sighed. "I promise." I could barely say. Blaze smiled, kissing me deeply gently then pulled away. "Good mare." She winked rushing outside the door to help with everything. I sighed the inn was pretty empty. But Speckled Scale walked over to me with a smile on her face. "Hello, Star Shooter are you hungry?" Nodding looking up to her with a smile. "Good my love, please give her the new special." I wanted to speak but when I tried it came out pretty much well nasty sounding. Speckled stares at me then looks at her wife. "Also get me the better fire juice." I blinked, thinking to myself ‘get me better fire juice’? Why would there be a juice called that? I turn on the radio. So I could listen to the warden. "Well folks, the battle for the fate of the island, is closing in. The Queen's army is amassing in front of the castle. I wish I could say this is a good thing. But I'm sad, my friends. I don't see the point of this war. But she wishes to be loved. So she feels the only way for her to be loved is...well this. It's something that is always sad. But now I have learned some things from Equestria. It seems a hero came from a stable. But that's all we have learned. If the spell is ever lowered we will finally learn what is going on in the outside world. There will be no music for you folks. It will just be a message from the Queen." The warden's voice is replaced by the Queen. "Greetings my kingdom. I wish to explain my reasons for doing this. Now since the Warden is the only Radio channel that we have, I will explain here." The voice gets very bossy. "I am your Queen, I demand that you bow to me. But, you wish for an explanation. I will give it to you. Ahem, The legend has ruined my kingdom. The hero has been dead for six months now.. Please my ponies help me fight off these rebels.” I turn the radio off sighing softly, leaning my head on the table. I know sooner or later, I will hear that I am the reason for this happening, that it is my fault. I sigh, only to discover my nose is clogged up. I close my eyes to rest. A plate is placed in front of me with many peppers on it. As well as some carrots. The drink I am given also as if it was on fire. But she blew it out. The smoke filled the air as the boiling drink bubbled. I looked at the food. "Go ahead and drink, Star Shooter." I nod, my horn glowing brightly. Feeling Speckles claws in my nose to block it. I wondered why she was doing this. I drank it all down, setting the drink down. Smoke filled my mouth, it burned so much. I started to sweat feeling like my insides were on fire. "Now, quickly eat." Doing what she asked of me. I lifted the food to my mouth, eating the peppers. I chewed them quickly. Then I ate the carrots. But I felt like my mouth was on fire. Speckled wrapped her tail around me holding me down so I couldn't move. I coughed loudly feeling the smoke coming out of my nose and mouth. I felt like every part of me was on fire. She held me there for a few seconds. I didn't know what to do. All I could do was try to cry, but the pain was so much that it made it nearly impossible. She then removed the wrapped tail and lifted some water up to my lips. "Open up your mouth." I did what she asked, drinking down the fluid; feeling my mouth still burning but after a while, I felt my body slowly cool down. I didn't know what to think, but I stood up staring at her. I spoke. "Hey!! that.." my voice was normal. I could breathe even. "What was that?" I gave Speckled a surprised look and she chuckled. Looking at her wife at the desk nodding to her. "Well, it's an old recipe my wife learned before she came to the island. Back when she was a young filly." I nodded, noticing that my nose still felt like it was on fire. I was grateful to discover that it wasn't clogged anymore. I still had a temperature of course, but I felt ten times better it as it had cleared my sinuses. But it still made me feel worse. But then I felt the heat in my bladder. "Oh! I’ll be right back." I quickly made my way past many other patrons going to the bathroom themselves. Without even thinking I cut past them. I heard some angry voices at the moment, though I really didn’t care. Closing the door with my magic sitting on the toilet. I felt pain and the rush of burning heat going through my bladder. After I was done I looked into the toilet, seeing a strange discolored fluid. It even stank so I tried to flush it. It didn’t even wish to go down. Like the toilet itself refused to take it. Forcing the flush a few more times it finally went down. The finish of the toilet was gone. The shine was stained groaning. I went back out looking up to the Gila monster groaning. "What was in that drink?" Speckled smirks. "A few rotten eggs. Some very deadly peppers. A few pints of sand light it on fire and mix it. Then it becomes what you just drank. We call it fire punch. Your lover drinks it all the time. It's what keeps her burning hot. Of course, you already know this." My face turned bright red. So this is why every time we kiss she burns my mouth. I chuckled softly sitting back at the booth. "Now can you give me real food and a real drink please?" Speckled chuckled nodding. I lay my head on the table relaxing. Happy that I am able to breathe. Blaze walks into the inn, placing a claw on my head. "Still sick I see." I nodded weakly. She looked to Speckled. " Keep an eye on her. My father is asking me to come to my old home to get some of the young away from there. I will be back." She gave a smile placing a gentle kiss on my face. Walking back out of the inn. I sighed I hated being sick. But I was told the reason I am sick is that of that Prison. Another plate of food is set down this time. It's just a normal sandwich. Along with a glass of juice. Lifted the food with my magic eating it. Along with the juice. Looking at the door open. Doc walking in he smiled. Checking my temp a moment. " h, you should get some more rest Star Shooter. I doubt it's wise for you to be out and about. It's best to get better before the battle starts." Sighing while I ate the rest of the food drinking down the juice. Setting some gold coins down. Looking to Doc. I have a feeling that you're right, Doc." I nodded heading back out of the inn. Slowly I walk around town behind my back hoof causing me to limp just a bit every now and then. I lifted my back leg to look at the fur growing back. I stop looking at my leg, watching my friends rushing back and forth. Walking along the road I watched while my friends helped. Dr. Slice checking the defenses. Standing there for a moment to watch while his robotic body pretended to be a guard smashing into the defenses. I couldn’t help but laugh at this. Walking further down the road to the docks seeing the Clockwork ponies trot back and forth from the cave. I wish I could have helped but even the zebras and ponies asked me to stay out of the way. I may be their hero but I can’t always be of help. Maybe it's wise to do this. I started to continue on my way, but that silly swamp rat and her children rushed past me. I blinked as I watch them. They were carrying so much metal, I was astonished they didn't collapse right then and there. They looked to be heading into the caves. I heard heavy stomping just ahead of me, looking up I saw Hawk looking down at me. She had been upgraded, the brain casing was covered in heavy cast iron. Her legs were heavier looking, perhaps from all the added armor. Her weapons were not safe from his upgrade either. The guns had been repaired, some parts even were replaced. She glanced down at me. "Ah, little hero. I heard that you ran into Project Stopwatch. I wish the ponies of the past listened to me. I told them trying to mimic what Twilight did to go back in time. Just to stop the war it’s not going to be that easy. It’s not easy when you know the elites of Cantorlot wanted this war in the first place. They used the spell on me and my brain left my body going back in time. I was lucky that I landed near someone of magic. They found me frozen in a magic case. Sometimes I look back on all this and just wish I could have gotten through to them.” I blinked and nodded to her. Hawk seemed too tired to nod, all I got was a shrug and a clank of her armor, then turned and walked off down the road. She had metal tied behind her. She was probably heading to the blacksmith. Heading up to the Mansion I noticed the zebra Commander who's name I never got and Bulk. They stood there watching the town get ready for the battle. "I feel it, my old friend." The Zebra said. "We could have learned much from each other in the past." Bulk gave a simple nod. "I agree if we had worked like this in the past...The war might never have happened." They turned their heads at the sound of my passing, seeing me they bow their heads in respect, I nodded graciously, acknowledging them in return. I was surprised, I hadn’t realized they had such respect for me. I continued into the Mansion, their voices following me as the door began to close. "She’s a strong young mare." Bulk said. "Aye, I agree she risked her life for others who are strangers to her. She owes us no loyalty. No one would even have faulted her if she just went home. And yet she remains with us, delaying her own return home." Closing the door, I had no idea why they talked about me with such reverence. I ignored the feelings for the moment. I had to prepare for when the battle arrived, sleep would come easily. Through the sight of Blaze. I quickly ran as fast as I could. My body shifting from side to side like a Salamander's body does. Looking behind to see if I was being followed. Seeing no one I approached the cavern that held my former home. Starting the fire with my magic I looked around, making sure no one will see. After a few seconds, my mother walked out. "Mother take me...in there as quick as you can." She gave a nod. The two of us walked side by side into the cavern. Our plight was bad enough that the females were given weapons and armor to defend our cavern. They knew they would lose, but they had to fight, they had to hope. I didn't wish to see my former home taken by the Queen. That bitch who dared harm my Starshooter. I shook my head to clear my thoughts of what she told me that happened to her during those months of pain and hate. I finally made it to the throne, my father sat in it, he was looking very tired. At the sound of my hoofsteps on the cold stone floor, he looked up with a defeated look on his face. "Ah... daughter... I know I will not get the chance to say this when I fall in battle." He walks down the stairs towards me. He then wrapped his arms around me in a hug. I could feel tears streaming down his face along my back. I tried to stay strong, putting on a flat face, but my father couldn’t, I could feel the silent sobs that he let loose. He sighed, "I would like to apologize for what I did, my daughter. I know that I'm meant to be the king of our people. But our species was never meant to be ruled only by males. Daughter, when this battle is over I would like you to remain here to rebuild what is ours, I do not know if we are to survive, but I do know that we will need your help. I know that you might want to leave with that lover of yours, but before you do, please help rebuild." I sighed, I didn't want to talk to him about this. I still was pretty upset about how he treated me when I was younger, but I had to let go. Star Shooter told me that I should never let the past control my decisions. I smiled, or at least a fake smile. "I forgive you, father. I will stay to make sure that my wonderful Starshooter stay's here to help rebuild. Now I need to be going. Please let me take the younglings with me. Since they’re our future and the only future our race will have. Knowing the Queen she won’t stop with the adults she will wipe out our entire race. Just to prove a point that she is not to be messed with.” My parents lifted their heads to look at me after I said this. I could tell they knew this as well. The Queen to kill the future to get Star Shooters goat. Looking towards the future. I see myself married to Star Shooter. I see my heart full of love and hope. All I see is happiness in my future. I will never be lonely again, here I am going to marry the hero of legend during the final battle. Like the legend says I will. Looking back to my family. I sighed smiling softly "I am so sorry to all of you that this is happening. I never would have thought that falling for Star Shooter would cause you all this pain. I love her with all my heart. I am happy that you all are happy for me, so please stay alive. I wish you to see me create a family with Star Shooter. I plan to follow up with making her mine, I want you to love her like I do. She has much to prove that she ain’t a heartless mare. But a kind gentle full of heart pony. That wishes the best for all those around her." My father just gave me a gentle smile pointing with his tail towards the way out. "Go, Blaze, the battle will be starting soon. The Queen will be hitting the magic eater’s lair first, the ones that broke ties with her. Most don’t know this, but she didn’t create all of the Magic eaters. These are the ones that are made offshoots of her magic experiments. They broke off from her years ago. The only way she will feel happy is if she kills all those that broke off from her. After she takes care of them. She will come for us then Cliffside. Go, daughter, save yourself and take the younglings.” Looking away, I frowned as I watched my own mother put on her golden armor. I was sure I would be the only one left of the royal bloodline. I gave my mother a tight hug, my tears fell from my face along her golden scales. She pushed me away after the hug was over. She mouthed. “Go, leave us, we must face our judgment.” I nodded, backing away before motioning to leave to the entire population of the youngling. I didn't want to leave, but I had to. When I got outside right above me is the sky filled with clouds. It was going to be a rainy walk back. I didn't want the younglings to see me being weak. Looking back to the cavern seeing all the salamander guards getting ready for the battle ahead. The sky flashed, rain pelted from the sky, splattering along our scaled bodies. My tail slid along the ground as I ran. I couldn't boast like I usually did. None of my kin could during times like this. When we got to the newly made gates of Cliffside. The guard's standing there looked very confused at all the young salamander's coming behind me. The gate opened the guards were heavy armored Zebras. Since this town was founded on Zebra blood. I looked at them with my sad eyes. Leading them into the town. Speckled opened the door to the inn walking out seeing me along with the entire population of the young of our old home. Her eyes show pain I nodded to her heading into the cavern. The young were going to be put up into the empty part of the cavern. Letting them all inside the empty cavern. I spoke softly to them when they all got in. "The Zebras are going to take care of you. They will give you food and water. Please, whatever you do; don't leave here at all. When the battle is over, you may come back out. You will know when it's time to return." I closed the door, leaving them inside. I watched the Zebras go inside to take care of them. Then I slowly ambled back the other, out of the caverns. Feeling the anger filling me up. I needed to see my lover and see how she was doing. I headed into the Mansion but I heard a voice that stopped me. "Blaze, she is asleep." Blinking turning to see Jonon who is always in the same chair in the same spot at the same time all the time. "I had a feeling you wished to talk to her about all the little ones you brought to the town." I blinked my eyes having three eyelids since I had one set then another to show that my eyes. How did she know all this stuff? I have never heard her conversations with Star Shooter. "How do you know?" I simply asked. Jonon just looked at me. "Blaze I have eyes you know. Also, Dr. Slice told me you have a parade of you and tiny salamander's walking in the Rain. Now My simple question are you going to adopt?" My eyes went wide, my eyes weren't like the ponies. I had slit irises. "Jonon, I doubt Star Shooter wants to adopt. We haven't even gotten married yet. This stupid legend says we will be married during one of the battles for the island. I am hating this legend so much. It took Star Shooter from her home and family. I see her look at the direction of Equestria all the time. But she knows she can't even go home. Because of me and this entire island counting on her." Jonon sighed looking towards the door that Star shooter is in. " Listen, Blaze, a day doesn't go by that Star Shooter ask me these questions herself. Before she got sick she asked me. Is this punishment for forsaking Equestria? I doubt it as I said to her. She stayed for you Blaze. She stayed because she loves you. if you went with her. She would have left and been home." I sigh rubbing my eyes with my claws. Finally, the truth is out. My lover, that mare that won my heart. Just from how tender and weak she can get. I love that so much. Closing my eyes again I felt tired and I needed to sleep. " I am going to go sleep Jonon. I am happy we could talk." Jonon nodded to me, I slowly walked into the bedroom. Seeing Star Shooter laying in the bed. She looked so beautiful in my eyes. I gently got into the bed so she won't wake up. I lay my head on her shoulder falling asleep. Through the eyes of Dr. Slice. I opened my eyes feeling my system's turned on. I had to repair a system in my robotic body. I felt the hover talisman turning on helping me float. Slowly lifting into the air. I was in the bunker in the cave. I was trying to study the project mouse. But when I woke up. I noticed my body was covered in this strange substance. Looking around seeing the mice that look very robotic. They dump this strange substance all over the room. Taking a vial to try to fill it up. To study it. But all I could learn is that this green substance is full of raw tainted magic. But when I read the info on these mice. They were meant to mind. But they're taking the magic out of the air. Looking around it was time for me to leave. Slowly floated out of the bunker. Closing and locking the door again. Passing the clockwork ponies. Who did some work on me to update my system's. But when I got near some flesh creature's mainly the Zebras, when they saw me they moved back. " Slice.. that substance on you makes us very sick." Looking around with my three eyes than looking at myself seeing the substance. What did it have in it to make the flesh sick? One of the Clockwork ponies brought out a strange vacuum and cleaner to clean along with me. When every inch of the green substance was gone. I moved away from the bunker. " I think we need to burn that bunker down or at least try to remove project mouse." I sighed I knew becoming this thing would ruin my ability to enjoy life. I need to find Star Shooter. I need to know what was down in that basement. I floated up to the Manson using my claw hands to open the door flying inside. " She is asleep, Doctor." Before I can do anything I float into the kitchen Jonon sitting in a chair seems to be cleaning a strange stave she always has with her. I have no idea what it was for. I may have had a friend who was a scribe of Caesar. I sigh like a robot. " I need to speak to her about the mice she found in that bunker." Jonon looked up to me. " Doctor she is asleep. Also, Blaze is in there. Do you really want to pull her from that protective Salamander?" Again I sighed. " I will come back when she is awake." Jonon gives a nod. Floating out of the house opening and closing the door. Maybe I can talk to some pony who wants to study this. The only one I can think of is Doc. Quickly I floated to the doctor's office. But on the way, I was stopped by Hawk. Looking up with my three eyes. " Slice..." The mech calmly said. " I'm not happy to see you. But it seems we will be working together again." I was scared to death but how can a mister gutsy have emotions? Maybe my emotions came with me through brain transferring. " Hawk I am so...sorry what happen to you. I didn't mean to cause you this pain." Hawk just stares down at me. I didn't wish him to attack me. For I am one of the reasons he is in this machine. " I am sure you're Slice. I can tell you lost your battle to that sickness that ate your flesh. So now you know my torment of being inside a robotic body. I do feel sorry for you. But I am only protecting this village for Star Shooter that little more need's all the help she can get. She even promised me a way to get back to Equestria. I know you wish to go back to. But for now, you walk..the other way. I will walk this way. If I am in a better mood. I will not want to shoot you." Sighing again floating away from the large creature quickly. Finally, I make it to the Doctor's office. Opening the door seeing many creatures wandering around they seem to be trying to create potions to be ready for the battle. Floating to find Doc. I found him talking to some Zebra's who were creating a brew to do crazy things to the fighters. He turns to look at me. " Doc I got something I need you to take a look at." Opening a compartment in my body pulling out the vial of the green substance. " I went into the bunker. To study those robotic mice. From Project mouse. I feel this could be used as a weapon if we harvest it from the creature's." Doc took a look opening up. " I will take a look at it. But I am sure this is the same substance that made Star Shooter sick. But it energizes Salamanders and Magic eaters. From what she told me about it. It's tainted magic. Since the ground is so enriched with magic. So I would say if you do harvest it. Use it as a final resort. Now Dr. Slice. I need to get back to work." I give a nod floating outside of the doctor's office. My core needed a bit of a rest. After all the update's I was given from the clockwork ponies. I needed my core updated. I hover into the cave looking for a worker to speak to. I never got their names. They don't talk about themselves. " I need an update to my magic core." The Clockwork pony looked at me and used its strange tools to open up. To take a look and give a nod. " I can update it. But it will take a while for the talismans to work ." I sigh softly. " I need to be useful so please upgrade me." The Clockwork pony nods. " This will take some time. Are you willing to stay off till it's all set up and ready?" If I could nod I would I just bopped up and down like I was nodding. I looked at the Clockwork pony. They had interesting magic and technology working over their systems. But I had a lot to think about. Maybe it's wise for me to be shut down. So they can upgrade my core. " I will do it." The clockwork pony nods again, shutting me down. Before my brain went fully dormant from the shutdown. I look back on how it felt to be a robot with the ability to be turned on and off. Through the eyes of Jonon. Removing myself from the chair near the dining room table. No one seems to come in to bother Star Shooter. I walked to the bedroom opening the door to look in. I could see the two asleep. Star Shooter had a smile on her face. Blaze the same. These two together are amazing. I do hope I will see the wedding when they have it. Closing the door back up. Heading back to the seer looking into the building hearing the seer sleeping. I walk inside and lift up the bed making her fall to the ground. The seer then looks at me with great anger in her eyes. "You and I need to talk." The Seer lifts herself off the earthen ground and sits with annoyance on her bed. "Jonon, I am trying to sleep. The stars aren't speaking to me at this moment." I sigh, shaking my head. "You ruined the life of Star Shooter. You and I both know she is not the hero of legend or she wasn't meant to be the hero of legend." The seer snorts, laughing softly. "Oh no, she is the hero of legend. But that is because all the ones that became the heroes of legend died. She is not the first of the legend. But she is the first to make it this far. The last hero died soon after they ended up here in Cliffside. Some just give up and become part of the town. You see a legend talks about a powerful creature. But it turns out to be one that no one ever knows." Looking towards the way out then looking to the Seer. "So we ruined the life of Star Shooter because of this legend about the ones that created this island. Made a legend to fight the Queen. The Queen has been here for so long.. No one will ever know why this island was created. The real reason for it. I am sure the real reason is the prison." The Seer nods, a look of grief on her striped face. "I never wished to ruin the life of Star Shooter. She just walked in here. So I felt hmm I will see her future. The Stars told me, of course, being from Equestria I didn't wish to tell her I was listening to the stars. So how could a pony from Equestria trust a Zebra that speaks to the stars?" I gave a nod. " I am surprised she trusts Zebras at all. After how I beat her through training with her. She didn't stop or even give up. She just kept working hard on the training to be ready to fight whatever. But I feel maybe we ruined her life or that Merchant.." The Seers eye goes wide looking around quickly then back to me. " That Merchant with the large bag on his back?" I gave a nod. " Don't trust him. whatever he gives you toss it away. You don't want to be indebted to him. So please if you see him or the hero does. Don't allow her to even talk to him. He has a future on this island." My ears twitch at those words. How is he the future of the island? Why would he be? I do know that he is the reason the Griffin went after Star Shooter for the first time. But maybe this merchant has something that he wants. But I would never know. So I left the seer's home to go talk to our new elder. I wanted to learn more about what the elder wants to see and wants to do. Heading to my place opening the wall to head down the cave. Looking at the carvings in the wall placing my hoof on them. I felt that this legend didn't only ruin the life of Star Shooter but all of us. I have been in Cliffside all my life. I was told I would someday train the hero of legend. But I wasn't told I would consider her one of my close friends. A legend would never tell you that you make friends with the hero and worry about them when they get sick and wounded. I wish I could have found her after the bomb went off. But I was one of the ones that kept telling the other's that she was alive. But in my heart, I wasn't even sure that she was still alive. Just the fact that I had to keep Blaze's hope. But I'm never going to understand why the Queen is doing all this. I don't even know why she wants to be loved and take over the island so badly. Sliding my hoof along the walls. I wish I could read all this. I would wish to learn about the past. I need to understand what in the world is going on here. Someday maybe I will learn, maybe someday I won't. But the idea of how some things are said. Slowly heading into the cavern looking around seeing all of the Zebra's getting ready for the army when it finally it's here and we know it will hit here. It's not going to be pleasant when it happens. I walked along the walkway that we made through the sewers that were created so long ago. But I am very happy that we don't get the crap from when the ones above go to the bathroom. Oh, the smell would be awful. Getting to the main building walking inside to see Zrannth. The elder seemed to be reading a book as she looked up to me. We didn't care much for each other. Because she is from a family that wished to bring their little war here with the ponies. But I sat in front of her calmly smiling weakly. " Elder...I need your wisdom." Her eyes go wide. " You want my wisdom Jonon. But our families never got along because of that silly war." I gave a nod. "Star Shooter, I learned a lot from her. She may be a pony. But she removed the past. the past is now gone it's now for the future. Even though our families of the past are the reasons why we are here. It's sad yes. But sometimes we must understand why this happens so it never happens again." Zrannth nodded sighing softly looking towards the guards. "Please leave." They nodded to her as they walked outside of the building. She stood on her hooves and looked towards me. "Jonon I never wished to be the elder. But it seems the fact I wished to go back to our land. That I was chosen. But I am sure our land hasn't even healed yet after what happened at the end of the war. I heard stories from new Zebras that came here when the spell is down. Half the land is still burning, a lot of Equestria is still pretty much dead along with the outside lands. How can we fix the land? When we deserve what happened to the world. Maybe it's the star's way to teach us how stupid we are or had been in the past. The fact the world ended just because of how stupid our species can be." She sighed looking towards me and smiled softly at me. "Jonon I wish I was lucky. You will fight with the hero. But I will be fighting with her as well when the attack happens here. We all know the Queen wants to be loved. Even if she will force it. The battle is going to be hard to do. I feel that a lot of us are going to lose loved ones. Heck, I know that your daughter doesn't even talk about loving you." I sighed. "That's because she was born through a marriage that didn't have love behind it. It was the only way for us to live down here. Before the hero showed up. What's interesting she wished to be sold so she could get away from me. But the fact that I used the hero to save her. She won't even talk to me anymore. She is waiting for the battle to come so she could fight in it. Maybe even lose her life." Zrannth frowns shook her mane out of her eyes. "Well, I feel that the only way that we all would know is when the battle happens. If your daughter doesn't wish to talk about it. I feel bad for you. But I do feel the only way to learn is most of the way to live. It is to be on your own. I feel the way to be on your own is the only way to live." Zrannth set down a cup of tea for me to drink. I lifted it up on my hoof looking at it closely. " I am attached to Star Shooter. I am close to Blaze. Blaze is so open about her relationship with Star Shooter. I have never seen a Salamander so happy about being with a pony. I have gotten to know the Doctor as well. I am slowly getting to know the Minotaur and the Griffin that Star Shooter brought with her when she came back to us." Zrannth sips from her tea. "The fact that she brought so many together in the name of some strange wolf creature that she met when she was younger. So young from what she told me. Eight years old. But the fact she is now stuck on this island. Because she was pony napped by a Salamander that was on Equestria. I wanted to know more but. She didn't know anything about this Salamander she hasn't even seen him again. So I am wondering if the Salamander just rooted her up thinking it was the right thing to do." Sighing softly I had no idea what to think. "I did find the boat that brought her here. The boat was just a simple small old cargo ship. But it wasn't even meant for these types of waters. But when I went into it. I found no cargo I found nothing but a cell she was in. I think this Salamander either knew something about her or he just wanted someone to pony nap." Zrannth drinks the rest of her tea, setting the cup down looking towards the guard's return. "Look Jonon I think you should get some sleep. You will need to be ready to train more of the warrior's that will want to defend the town." I let out a tired sigh while drinking the tea. I set the empty cup back down on the stand. "Thank you for the talk, elder." I stood up slowly trotting back out of the tunnel. I needed some rest. But before I did anything I looked back at the carvings. I sighed stroking my hoof along the one that is meant to be Star Shooter. I said softly. "I am sorry for the legend destroying your life, little hero. I wish the legend was never learned. I am sure you would have found a way to get back home." Sighing softly getting into my bed and falling asleep. The eyes of Black Feather. I found it interesting how the creatures of this town have fully started to get ready for the battle ahead. I wish I could talk to Skull Crusher but he went back home to make sure they have enough staying behind so the Queen feels that she won without the towns being empty. I sighed knowing that many will die in the next few days. The hero is going to feel it's all her fault. I wish I could talk to her but that lover of hers wants her to rest before the battle fully starts up. I don't blame her for wanting her to rest at all. I watched as the zebras started learning to use guns. But the ammo is pretty poorly made but it seems to cut through many a fabric. But I wonder how it would do on armor. Grabbing some heavy armor that was just made into my claws placing it on the dummy. "Alright aim for the armor." Then I saw them just aiming for the head, blowing it off. I blinked wait a moment. Are they really that smart to aim for the head than the body itself? Heh wow, I am impressed. " Still I want to see how the ammo is with this armor." The Zebra's nodded firing on the armor. The bullets bounced off but they left some nasty dent's. But while they kept firing the armor did wear down in the spot they kept hitting. I felt maybe they will do good enough. But what we mostly had to worry about is the fact that the army is mostly magic. So hopefully we will know a time that would happen. Then I noticed Skull Crusher was already back. He walked up to me holding a large stave. "Hey, Griffin let's do some training eh?" I lift my eye ridge at this request to train. It’s rare for our species to even fight alongside each other. Maybe for once our species and work for peace after this war is over. We lifted our weapons. The two of us started to train. Others around us watched the two of us train. To learn our skills and try to be useful in the battle. It’s getting closer to the day that the war is going to fully start and we need to be ready for the battle ahead. Max Level
Chapter Twentyfour: Siege of CliffsideSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter Twentyfive: A name a word.CliffSide was a town founded before the war. Most were told it was founded when Bulk landed. But a town already existed. It was run by strange creatures that were killed by the Zebras and ponies that landed here. It used to be a town that brought fish into the island. So long ago it was used to bring all the food that many creatures would eat. It would gather what it could for the castle. All food would have been shifted to the castle. So it could be cleaned and given to the Citizens of the island. A long time ago before all this even started. The Queen was loved. But when the war started the Equestrian war. It brought many from the mainlands to get away from the war itself. These creatures of the mainland loved the idea of living with freedom. What happens is the idea of freedom without the Queen looking over your shoulder. At first, it didn't upset the queen. She still was loved in her castle. But down the line, she started to become more and more like a tyrant. She felt that since the creatures outside her town. It made her very upset. When Bulk and the Commander of the Zebras that made it here. No one even got his name. They always thought he was just named Commander. But when they came she started to start some strange plans that could make Cliffside from a small town of fishing. Into a town of sex slaving raping and many other things. But down the line, the island was already known to the outside world. They wished to leave the war as quickly as they could. The next ship that landed. Brought in Mimic a yellow mare along with a Griffin named Glendo. An earth pony mare named Rose. A diamond dog named Roof. A Pegasus pony stallion named Sun Rise. Then twin unicorn brown mares named Chocolate. As well as Milk Chocolate. When they came to the island. The creatures Cliffside who named it and all. Who didn't even need ships to go fishing? They looked to be mutated Brown bears. But they never gave themselves a name. They told the group that they're the heroes of legend. Mimic and her friends allowed that to get to their pride. What's interesting these bears creatures started to teach that landed here about the Legend. Because something was killing these creatures off. Most think the Queen did it herself. But the final one that died from a very harsh sickness. The sickness came from the fish. The Queen did something to the fish when they sent them back to Cliffside. All the creatures of the island already knew the legend. The Salamanders all the lizard-like creatures on the island. But when the new souls came to the island. They learned the legend. But sadly things were becoming bad for the island. After the creatures of the cliffside died from the sickness. Only the creatures in the castle didn't buy it. This was way before the magic eaters were created by her. At this moment everything was peaceful. Till she learned in the castle was the hero herself. Because back then the castle was always opened for many. They went in when they did, they noticed how bad the slums were. The slums are the home of the weaker creatures of the island. It’s also used as a sewer for the upper crust to give the slums their shit for existing. That’s most of the reason why the rebellion started because the queen never gave a shit for the slums. Many never understood the reason for the rebellion. But they started riots in the city. They even caused an issue that made the entire island standstill. The island hasn't healed from anything these heroes of legend did. The heroes were meant to save the island. But they destroyed how it worked. They shattered the economic structure of the island. All the food that went to many places on the island started to fail. But after a while, they learned how to live without Queens food. They had to find new ways to live. It caused the Queen to lose her temper. That the magic she used to spread her temper at the rebellion caused the raw magic to spread all over the island. The magic during this time was pure and raw. But it got to the point using it too much. Caused the magic to spread allowing more of the creatures to form on the island. Salamanders already happened. But most of the creatures died from the exposed creatures that used the magic. She tried to counter this. But magically creating the magic eaters. But before that a few months went on she made the Beatles. But they didn't work at all. She created the magic eaters by grabbing many of the bugs that are normally found on the island. She used Dragonflies to make the magic eaters that looked like Mix and others. But only those were made at first. Some learned how to speak through teachings that some gave them when they got captured. But the other species were created when it didn't work and caused more. The Queens started to form. Majesty didn't even understand what she was causing. It got to the point that she met up with the hero and her friends. She said to her. " I can give you a ship to take you back to your homeland. But you need to give me your friends as the price of what you did to my lands." Mimic didn't think she had a choice. But when she learned what she did. She did worse than what is happening in Equestria right now. She knew she wasn't a hero. They learned later the legend is not only fake but futile. But she gave up her friends. She watched them be killed in front of her by Majesty herself. When she went back to Cliffside and she asked Bulk if a room just for her could be made. He did agree. At this time the Manson was still being built. But the room that was made. Was enchanted by her to only let the hero of a legend inside. She stole one of the gems forced into the wall that showed the big threat that would happen if the warden was removed. She used it to place the hero of legend enchantment. When she got into the room she created a hidden room. Placing the memory orb and little lady. She got on a ship heading back to Equestria but when she got close to Equestria she knew she was home. But she noticed contrails heading towards many parts of Equestria she got the docks in the hoof. But that was a bad idea even for her. The balefire bomb hit and she was burned alive. So she not only went back to face her fate. She paid for all the sins that she did to the island and did to her friends. Many don't even remember that hero. Only that some pretender showed up with friends of hers. It's why the Minions of the Queen called Star Shooter a fake. But hope won in the long run. Causing what is happening now to happen again. Maybe this time this hero will do it, right? Who knows, in the long run, no pony knows. Cliffside the battle has taken a toll on the poor town. Half the buildings were half burnt. The inn was one of the few buildings not even burning. But in the middle of the very town is a tower. When the young dragon walks into the town. With the army, there is no one here for them to fight. But hanging on the tower tied above what is left of Mix. The watch is still repairing slowly. But he hangs there with no eyes half his body gone. Just there as a message. With a message hanging around his broken neck. The dragon gasped reading the message. 'Hello, minions of the Queen. Thank you for the fun. Now it's time for you to die.' She blinked the tower broke apart. Hawk coming out of it. Along with the rest of us coming out of many of the hidden parts of the cavern. All our army even the Clockwork ponies joining in. We armor weapons. Surrounding the large army from front to behind. I walk in front of the army standing in front of the dragon. " Look around you dragon. These creatures have had enough of your Queen. So if you do we will allow you to live." The Dragon rolled her eyes and clicked her claws together. Strange magic formed forcing me and her into a strange spell that made me and her frozen in time. I blinked as time around me stayed frozen. " Now we can speak freely." I blinked staring at the Dragon. " I for one mean you no harm hero. I have had enough of Majesty. She may have hatched me so long ago. But she accuses Celestia and Luna of being here. But she is here because of what she did in the past. She has forgotten her past. If she knew who she was. She would never be like this. She wishes to go to Equestria. But she is forced to stay here. Because of her spell, she cast it so long ago. But now I can explain that Cliffside used to be in control of another race." I nod listening. I didn't know what to think now. " But what about the rest of the army you brought?" The dragon sighed softly, shaking her head. " The army is here to be killed. Some of the ponies in the armor gave up their lives. So they could weaken the castle more. I didn't wish to do it. But It was the only choice. The former hero of legend caused a lot of problems. She used to be so loved. That everyday ponies would bow to her. As well as the rest of the land. Now no pony bows to her at all." She sighs, shaking her head. " You know that...you might die here.." She nods looking away. " I was never given a name. I am just called a dragon by her. Could you give me a name before you kill me?" I stare at the little dragon. My heart broke at the fact she wants me to kill her. Closing my eyes tightly I didn't know what to think. " Just aim after you name me a hero. I am too close to Majesty if you don't do this. I will have to fight you. I don't wish to be that hero, a killer like Majesty. I just wish this to end. It won't end if I just surrender. The army is going to fight you no matter what." I sigh, not sure what to do. Closing my eyes tightly thinking still. Looking to see the dragon. She is blue scaled. With bright green eyes and green spikes. I am not sure but I think I had a name for her. I would have to say it before I shoot her but. I have questions. " Why was this island made the way it is? Why didn't she allow the zebras to leave or the ponies to leave? If she allowed them to leave. Why was this island made, to begin with?" She sighed looking at me a moment and then back to the frozen land. Looking back at me. " The island was created to house prisoners. One of the prisoners is stuck on the island. She knows he is there. But he won't help her remember who she is or why she is not loved. She even recently blamed him for her not being loved at all. But when you release the Warden from his prison. The creature will escape not sure really. But please name me Child." I sighed closing my eyes. " I got you a name. I will tell you before I fire." The Dragon smiled softly nodding as she clicked her claws making time go forward. I was standing in front of the dragon. I lifted my gun in my magic and aimed it at her. " Goodbye Gentle wave." The dragon smiles, closing her eyes. I fired right into her head and it blew up into many chunks. But even so, that happens. The suits of armor that are shaped like magic ponies. They pulled their weapons and attacked us. I was pushed back into the crowd while we spread out. I rushed away from Hawk firing on whoever stayed there. The Clockwork ponies fought the armored ponies. I slowly backed up further the battle going on quickly. I placed the hood over my head and slowly walked away from the battle to sit on the edge of the cliff watching the battle below. Blaze used her flames along with her tail to burn many of the armored ponies. They kept streaming into the town. I heard some of the Zebras backing up as well to let the Minotaurs. The Griffins and the scaled hides take care of the battle now. The rest of the army stayed behind to rest and take care of their wounded. The Magic ghouls were far away from protecting the docks. I think for now they did so much for the creatures of this town. While I watched I removed my hood. I heard a large body land beside me. " Amazing ain't it?" Looking to the battle then follow the voice with my eyes. Giving a weak smile to Balk. Then I looked back down to the battle. I should be in there but after I killed that dragon. I doubt it is wise to be in there. "You can hear a song being played through the battle. But I doubt you wish to hear a song through a battle child. You seem to have questions for me." I look back to Balk, a moment then back down to the battle. It was getting worse. But the Minotaurs, Griffins, Clockwork ponies, and the Scaled hides did what they could to fight off the army that the Queen sent. I closed my eyes tightly and then opened them again looking back to Bulk. I wanted to speak to him. I wanted to know more about the past. " Bulk. What was it like before the war?" Bulk looks to me. He gave a weak smile on his ghoul-like face. He looks back down to the battle. Then back up to the sun going down. " It was like this.. beautiful wonderful. But thanks to our leaders our world ended because of them. Some never understood why the war started. I never did either at the start. Then I thought about it. It was greed. Greed is all that can happen to some. What would you do if ponies start fighting you because they want something you have. But society needs to work. The only way for it to work is to get the coal we need. Too many ponies forgot the old ways." I sigh thinking of words that Bulk just spoke. The old ways maybe it was the time before we got weapons like guns. Before we even had to use these strange computers that seem to still be working after the end of the world. Tears fall from my eyes and drip down to the ground. I felt that my heart was broken. I stare down at the battle. While the battle goes on more of the army is being taken down only armor is being left behind. I am starting to wonder why I bring the war to this land? Why did I bring guns to this land? How could I be the hero? " I feel I ruined the peace of this island Bulk. I am sure I am the reason for what happened to the Queen. I just murdered the Queen’s pet. I even named her. She asked me to end her life. But do you know how to remove this feeling? I feel I brought the war to a land. That was about to go to war itself, of course. But I brought guns and found Hawk." Looking down, I saw a Hawk stomp on a few of those ghostly ponies in the strange armor. While the magic armor ponies kept fighting. Did she send her entire army just to get me? Why get me what have I done to cause all this? "I don't know Child. I am sorry I can't tell you this myself. It's something you will have to understand yourself down the road. It could have happened because well it could have been happening before you even showed up. Maybe you showed up and started the path of this war. Sometimes sadly you have to accept it. You're the leader of these creatures Star Shooter. They're going to follow you to hell and back. Are you willing to have them follow you?" Looking back down at the battle it was getting harsher. Most of the army was now in the town. But these creatures seemed to be wanting to die. Maybe it's their only way to get back at the queen for what she did to them. I know it's not going to be simple for me. I stood on my hooves. I spoke out loudly. "Army of the Queen!! Listen!" I said yelling hoping to get them to stop. For the moment they seemed to stop along with the rest of the battle. But just for now. " I am the hero..yes. But why are you doing this for the Queen?" I look at the creatures. They just had forms of ponies in the armor. I notice them looking up at me then back at each other. The one looking up to me. It's armor forming wings to the sides flying up staring at me with its empty eyes. I could make out a mouth that tried to speak to me. Then the pony forces itself inside me. I scream in pain feeling my world go black falling off the cliff. I open my eyes to a bright white world. I stood on my hooves looking around. Standing in front of me. It is a mare Pegasus. I blinked at her as she walked closer staring down at me. she sat in front of me for a moment. I just stared back at her. Not sure what to think. I felt unsure of what to do or what to think. " You have her gun child. So you must have known my Mimic." I blinked staring at her. "I used to be an earth pony before I was given these wings and well I don't remember the rest. All I remember is Mimic giving us up so she could return home. Of course, she wanted me to be able to go with her." Blinking I felt something very wrong. She stood in front of me more looking into my eyes. " You must be the hero that took her spot. She never really wished to be a hero. She just wanted to get away from the war." She blinked a moment. " How did it end, child?" Blinking, she grabs me with her hooves shaking me a moment. " How did it end?" Closing my eyes looking away a moment. Looking back up to the mare. " It ended in fire. Both sides fired mega spells and it ended in fire and death. But the world is healing slowly. Equestria is slowly healing. Thanks to a light-bringer. Sadly the rest of the world will take a lot longer to heal. It's not going to be easy though." I sighed closing my eyes a bit looking back up to the mare. " So she went back.. and burned to death. I am sure she didn't even get to become a ghoul as some have become." The mare’s eyes filled with tears. It's getting to the point. I know I will break more hearts from what I tell them about the world ending. "She was a fool. A fool that I loved. She wanted to buy a lovely home on this island if we never could go back. She just wanted to get away from Equestria. But she was told that she was some hero. So it went to her head. Then she gave me and the others up. Of course, sadly I am the only one of our friends still alive. I was the lucky one..you could say the armor keeps me alive. If I take it off now...I will grow old and die. Right away little one. I know you wish to free some of them in the armor. But you can get through to us to make sure we can help you. All you have to do is this word child." She leans in to whisper to me. ' victoria Concordia crescit ' She calmly said. I listen in a tongue that is old and leads. I closed my eyes and said it to myself many times. But I didn't know what it meant. I just needed to say it when I woke up. I looked at her with a gentle smile. It's time to wake up I felt. " I shall say these words " She sighs and smiles. " Remember child it will only work once and it will free those that are attacking you, folks. Then ...we will be free. But it will not work again. So use the word once and that is protecting Cliff Side. In the castle itself. The very castle itself will rise to fight you. Are you willing to allow that?" I gave a nod. It was never going to be easy to fight them off. I felt maybe it's wise to get this battle started. The world around me slowly dimmed as I felt the world around me fade. My eyes open. I was held by the armored pony that I spoke to. She then set me back up. Bowing her head I had to say the world. I didn't know if it was wise to say the word. I stood there looking to Bulk and the others who looked up at me worried. I could tell it would be soon that the creatures started attacking us again. I closed my eyes tightly. I shouted the word out from my voice loudly. " victoria Concordia Crescit" I yelled the world. Then the army of the magic armored ponies looked at each other and the magic runes on the armor vanished, their bodies turning back to normal. The armor falling off but.. then I saw the horror of that word. I watched right after the earth pony mare I spoke to land in front of me. I held her hoof as she lilies on her side. She slowly starts turning old. She gave me a very gentle smile. " Thank you hero....you freed me...I will get to see the one I love again." Tears stream down my face. I used a word that killed so many ponies and creatures I looked down the cliff to see more forming. Some of them seemed young in the mind. One even started screaming for her mother. Covering her head. Another yelled for his wife. But he slowly turned to dust. Some got lucky but..some were very young when they got captured turned into these creatures I looked back at the earth pony. She was getting older. " I didn't want this...didn't want this!!" I said sobbing softly. I held the mare’s hoof as it slowly turned to dust. But all she did was an ale. Showing a gentle motherly smile. I held her with my hooves staring calmly at her. I looked into her eyes. I felt my heartbeat from this pain. " No...pony...wishes to harm...to others. Child...But you freed me... offered the rest of us freedom. I know it's not a pleasant freedom child...But don't forget about me or my friends. Don't forget about Mimic...Please remember." I closed my eyes, nodding she turned to pure dust while the dust blew in the wind. I looked down at the remaining living. I barely remember the number they had when only thirty are left alive. Most of them are very young or some were taken many days ago. They looked up to me. Some smiled, some had frowns But they knew what I had to do. I had to protect my friends. My home….Equestria. I slowly walk away from the town locking myself in my room in the Mansion. I looked down at my Pip buck not sure what to think. Look through my music. I blinked seeing some old music that I haven't seen before. But Maybe it was recorded a long time ago from the pony who had it way before. Maybe it will help me feel better. It took a while for the music to start. It just had a strange horn playing now and then. I felt that the music was going to make me even sadder. The music had calm horns playing slowly. The music slowly had words starting to come from it. 'Empty hearts. Empty lives. How can we move on? It's sadly all we have left. To become what shall fully end in the second way..our hearts filled with our brains.' I heard a gentle knock on the door as the song went on. I heard the voice of Jonon softly speak. " Hero.. are you alright?" I closed my eyes, tears falling from them. ' Bring down your lifeline too. Oh please bring it down to sing with us.' Blaze opened the door and I looked at all my friends. They could tell my heart was broken. I turned off the pip buck turning to them. My eyes filled with tears " I...killed them. I didn't wish to kill them. " Blaze turned to the others then wrapped her tail around me. She tried to pull me out of the Manson but with my magic, I grabbed on part of the wall. " No Blaze. I don't wish to leave this place. I just wish to sit here and brood." Blaze turned to look at me and kept her tail wrapped around me. " Star Shooter, you need to come out and stop feeling sorry for yourself. You killed some folks because of a word. You can't just allow yourself to stay locked in a room forever crying." She drops me turning around and slapping my face with her clawed webbed foot. Her claws didn't dig into me. But it did hurt. I just stare at her. I wanted to sob but I felt like I needed it. " Listen I am sure other heroes have had these times of breaking down and crying and crying. But you don't need to cry, my love." I just stared at her not sure what to think. Looking up at my other friends. I gave a weak smile. Slowly standing up walking out of the Mansion like they wanted me to. It's been a few hours watching the Zebras from the cliff above. They were digging graves for all who died. It was going to be a large graveyard. I slowly walked down the path to watch the families cry. Some even carried the bodies of the dead. They wanted me to speak before all of them were buried. All the wounded walked out of the hospital following me up the hill. Blaze left to check on her home. I stood near the road on each left to right. There are many graves of the dead from both sides. I removed part of the ground placing the body of the baby dragon down into it. I sighed I wish I didn't have to kill her. But she asked me to name her and kill her. Slowly lifting her down with my magic into the hole. Lifting the dirt to place her in it. Lifting the stone it had her name on it. But that’s all I added. Slowly watching all the eyes staring at me. But most went back to burying the dead. I looked up seeing the magic eaters that are free from Majesties will. Looking towards Ruby Glide who seems to have made a group of friends. That will start to follow her. I sigh but heard slow-walking behind me. Turning to see Blaze she had tears streaming down her face. " Blaze?" I said very softly. She looked up to me with a weak smile. "My home everyone knew and grew up with..re dead...I left it behind to just let it stay there. I can't think of sending the young back there. For a long time. But we won...the the first battle." " But at what cost Blaze? At what Cost...all the towns are now under the control of the Majesties army. They have magic eater Queens there. I don't know what to do." Blaze smiled turning my head with her tail to look at the army I have formed over six months. " Look at the Cost, my love... You may have been broken. But even so, you saved half of these creatures. You even gave them hope. I know we have lost so many to this battle. But with the battle, you will always lose so many. You can't just allow it to break you, my love." Sighing softly I looked back at the group starting to stare at me. All the bodies have been placed in their graves. I looked at them all the Magic ghouls. The magic eaters no longer under the control of Majesty. Looking to see Doc, Zrannth, and all the leaders of each army. I looked to Bulk for just a moment. I didn't know what to think about this. I closed my eyes and softly spoke loudly. " The battle is over, for now, my friends. But many lost their lives for nothing. A Queen tried to kill us because we refused to give her the love that she wanted. We refused to bow to her. We refused to tell her. Oh, you may lead us however you want. She pushed so many away from herself. I learned back then she used to be a wonderful leader. But she lost her way. Most always lose their ways. I know I will sooner or later. But we must stay strong. Look at all the dead. That was in the name of the Queen. She sent so many Magic eaters. With the mind and they know how to live. She killed children and kidnapped them turning them into those armored monsters." I closed my eyes and was not sure what to think. But before I could end my speech a strange spell came from the castle and the face of the Warden forms. " To all that can hear me. I have been watching the battle. Good job hero. You have done wonders. But now Majesty is locking down the entire castle. She is trying to purge it now. Sadly the legend said this would happen. Please, a hero a year from now, please. I will do my best to keep those alive inside the castle. Take back the towns. Kill her minions. Destroy Mix. Kill Mouse and end Cricket’s life. This is the last time you will hear anything from me. I am sorry my friends. Warden radio is dead for now." After the face vanished. The tower transmitter exploded causing it to fall inside the castle. I sigh not sure if I am the right one for this fight. I turn to look at all the eyes staring at me. I turn to my friends and then look at my wife to be. I know sooner or later I will marry Blaze. I see her want in her eyes for me to be the hero. So many voices are telling me I can’t be the hero. But I must.. " Listen to every pony." They all looked at me. I had a gentle smile on my face. "Let’s rest, rebuild get ready for the final battle. But that will be in a few months. I for one...will take time to relax and rest." I looked at the grave of the dragon. Put my hoof on her name. Smiling softly to myself. Then looking back to Blaze. " Come let's go to the inn with the others and rest." Blaze nodded. An hour later. The in was silent. Many Zebras and ponies were inside it. But most of them stayed outside. I could hear hammers and before I came inside. Most were fishing. I sat at a table with my friends. Even so, he couldn't sit in the booth with us. Dr. Slice hovered right beside it. The rest of us sat at the booth. I sat right near Blaze who wrapped around me very tightly. No way I was going to be moved from her. Jonon stroked her wounded hoof. The other two just sat there. "I feel bad for what I did. But Maybe it was wise." Looking at the pip buck noticing that the radio is no longer able to be selected. " But at least we won the battle. But the war is just starting." leaned into Blaze closing my eyes. Her tail wrapped tightly around me to keep me very close to her. Nuzzling along her back gently. Speckled scale walked to us ready to get our order. I smiled at her. "I will have some fish and magic juice." She nodded with a smile. The others ordered what they wanted but the oddest order was from Dr. Slice. "Could you bring me some oil? Well, I think oil is what I drink now? Maybe Not sure at all." He would try to shrug. She nodded heading back to the kitchen. Laying my head on the table closing my eyes. Looking to Blaze who is hiding her pain. I smiled softly knowing that she will never be whole again. But maybe it will be time for her to move on. " Now let’s remove ourselves from the want of battle. A few months and the year will hit. Till then I feel we should rest and get ready for the final battle. But we do it in our ways." I gave Blaze a gentle smile kissing her deeply feeling like this is right. The others near us just watched this. Jonon, of course, rolled her eyes. I broke it gently and Blaze stares at me laughing. "I agree..." Jonon calmly said. " I feel maybe it's best to get all the army ready. Then get you back home child." Smiling softly, closing my eyes laying my head on the table again. Our drink finally came. There were many different drinks. But I didn't even know what to call them. lifting the drink in my magic taking a drink. Feeling the magic fill me gently. It helped me feel happy. I felt a bit drunk from the magic even though It just hit me. But how did they mix magic into a drink? I always felt it's impressive. But it made me happy, is that not a good thing? Black Feather and Skull crusher drank their drinks. But Jonon just sipped her water. Blaze drank some strange fluid that made steam come from her mouth and nose. Closing my eyes, feeling the magic filling into me. The core of my magic is filled with magic. Drinking more of the drink to let my core fill me. Drinking more of the magic. Blaze wrapped her tail around the glass pulling it from me for a moment. Looking to Blaze I blinked. "Slower my love. We don't need you to get drunk from this drink." I frowned, sighing a bit. The food finally came as well. We all had fish on the table it was a way to honor us. It's oddly one of the only things you can eat here. Since it's a fishing town and more of the food is very hard to grow. The garden in the Mansion kind of died during the battle. Lifting the fork eating a few bites. Feeling every bite and flavor of the food. Sighing again, closing my eyes. But I heard screaming outside. Rushing outside quickly. When I got outside Hawk and the others were aiming their weapons at Mix who was starting to break through his bonds. We left him hanging in the same spot he was in for the past few hours and slowly walked to him, breaking the rope to let him down from the rope. He flew above half is a body was still missing but his eyes grew back. Thanks to the Stopwatch finally repairs he looked to the rest of us then to me. His anger was very easy to see. " Listen, hero...We will meet again in a year...The final battle will start and then we will either die together or you will die." He vanishes from the stopwatch. I sighed, I went back to the inn going back inside to eat and enjoy my time with my friends. it was time to enjoy our lives before the battles begin again I walk up to the cliff near the Mansion. Sitting down I watch the world of the broken town slowly going back to normal. Blaze sat right beside me. “I was asked a question just recently. The question was why do I love such a weak mare?” I don’t blame her for getting that question. I tend to look weak and broken most of the time. I could either be stronger for her or maybe someday I will. “What did you say to the question?” “I said that makes me love you more. I love that you’re not some strong powerful mare. That you have your limits that you easily have a broken heart. I watch you fight, you try so hard not to harm anyone. Even if it’s MIx or Cricket or even that robotic Mouse. My love for you will never change even if you become a heartless mare. I look at you and I see the heart you have. It makes me feel deeply for you. Just to see you sit here crying. It’s not only proof that you’re the hero of legend. But the mare I want to spend my entire life with. Take those words to heart.” She stood up and went back down the road into town to do her best to help. She is right. Laying down near the edge watching the rest of the town. I had been lucky to meet someone like her. If I kept looking at it through her view. It’s alright to be strong but also show weakness. Max level
Chapter Twentysix: Time passes.It's been a month since the siege of the cliffside. All the land was pretty silent. The entire town went back to normal before the battle even started. But some parts of the road still had bloodstains. Flowers started to grow on the graves. They all had heroes or heroes that tried to fight us. But in the blacksmith's workshop, he started working. A powerful weapon to get ready for the final battle it's going to be hard. The town is slowly being rebuilt. A new Zebra took over for the seer. She was burned and her ashes will be buried in her homeland. Outside of the town in the former Salamander home. Bodies have been moved out slowly. They have been placed in a pile to slowly burn. Then the cave is closed by a giant rock. It was easy for Blaze to move that way. Traders walked along the road. The traders came from the scaled hides town. A trade agreement happens after the battle ends. It's been pretty silent since the battle. No pony has seen Mix or mouse. Cricket has been seen in strange new armor covering his burned body. But he didn't stop to fight anyone. Each town is under the control of the army along with some of the Queens of the magic eaters. The only town not standing is the Clockwork ponies town; it's a giant crater. All melted together armor and burning magic eaters. Time always passes like a war is not happening. Blaze stared at her home. Looking at the burning bodies. She knew that it was the end of her species for the time being. She wasn't alone of course. The Gila monster Speckled Scales stood beside her. Looking towards Blaze. But staying silent for the moment. She knew it's not wise to piss off a Salamander. Even if she was born in this same cave. "All of them dead..just because they wish to hurt my love...But instead of hurting my Star Shooter, they hurt...me." She turned to look at the Gila monster. " They hurt us both...Even if you were an outcast of both towns" Speckled nodded. " I found my wife when I was banished from both. She refused to speak. But she only speaks to me when she wishes to. But only when she has something to say. But she was born on this island. Her family is from Equestria. But she wants nothing to do with that land anymore. Just because of how bad the war got." Blaze nodded to the Gila monster. " I am not sure if I wish to go there myself. My wife wishes me to meet her family. But I doubt her family will even like me." She said with a gentle smile. " But I have no home anymore but she is all I have left." She turns back to her former home. Sitting down watching the bodies burn. " I feel that's all I am going to see for the rest of my life. These bodies are burning." Her eyes close gently then looks back to the road heading to town. "Don't worry about going back. No one has heard anything from the army that went for the other towns. Majesty used up most of her army in the battle at Cliffside. I'm lucky my Sky Paw didn't go outside. She just locked herself into a door in the basement.." Blaze Chuckles looking back to the cave Dr. Slice and Burnout are playing a game of chessboard that survived after all these years. The two just seem to stay silent. For the moment it's so calm in Cliffside that most of the zebras calmly walk by holding boxes of weapons. Some even have the armor they're placing them in front of the gate. The Magic ghouls and Clockwork ponies get everything ready for the battle when the months go into the year. When the next year starts the battle for the island is going to start. But only one month has passed at this moment. Burnout stayed out of the fight. Recently came down to see what is going on since.. All the ability to talk to anyone in the castle is gone. "I'm a bit worried about my family stuck in the castle," Burnout moves the pawn. Sighing trying to keep his mind off what is going on inside the castle’s walls. Slice moved a pawn along one of the squares. He sighed as well looking at Burnout. " I wouldn't be too worried Burnout. I would be more worried if Blaze gets a hold of you for what you did to Star Shooter. I got to say you got guts to stick around even after all that." He said with a robotic-like chuckle. Burnout smirks and his burnt fur-like body makes him look like he is burned. But of course, it's how his coat is. He shifts in his seat. " I...um...well yes I may have done many things to her. But at least I didn't allow any pony to rape her." He said with a weak smile. Slice lifted up his many eyes to look right at Burnout. " OH...that makes it ten times better than Burnout. Wait no it doesn't. She can barely sleep sometimes because of what you have done to her. She may have forgiven you. But many of the creatures of this town will not. She is their hero. Look at them Burnout. Most of them are staring at you. Waiting for you to make a mistake. So they can kill you." Burnout looks to the others of the town. They gave him very nasty looks. He moved another piece on the board. " I understand perfectly why most of them wish to kill me. But I haven't heard the hero crying and sobbing. Oh.. Wait I hear it every night since. She allowed me and my daughter to sleep in the Manson. I feel bad about it every time Blaze wakes her up and she starts sobbing. What makes you think I want to remember all this Slice?" Burnout asks, stroking his head in anger. Slice looks up seeing Blaze staring at Burnout. She then walks up to them. Her hate and anger for Burnout are very easy to make out on her face. She smacked the board away with her tail. Slice slowly drifted back. Blaze just stared at Burnout. " I um...Hello Blaze.." He said with a weak smile. Blaze just stared at him. Walking away. Then turning back to look at him. " You're lucky that my love wants to keep you alive and lucky. That she is trying to bring the boat that brought her here. So for her, I will keep you alive. But if you backstab me or her.. I will kill you." Burnout mods. Slice lifted the board and the pieces. Placing them back to how it was before. " See what I mean? Blaze could have killed you right there. But if it wasn't for Star Shooter you would be dead by every pony in this town. I am sure the zebras are just waiting to do so." Burnout nods, sighing, biting his lip. The two start to go back to their game like nothing ever happen. Inside the walls of the walled city, most of the buildings are on fire. With the army in search of the rebellion or the fact, they don't all wish to love the Queen. A young filly is running through the stone steps. Running past bodies of the dead. She was being chased by Magic eaters. The little filly kept running away from them. Hiding behind a pot. The magic eaters passing her by. She then rushes to a closed-door knocking it a few times. It opened up and she rushed inside. The door closing up. She dropped a bag of letters. Panting hard. " Sorry...it took so long...They have more guards around the secret doors to the outside now. I got some letters from the rebellion outside." The one that opens the door nods. Lifting the bag of letters. Opening the door. " It’s best to be careful. They seem to be getting smarter." The filly nods trotting back out looking around rushing back the other way. He closed the door heading deeper inside. Heading downstairs. There are many creatures in this part of the city. It's called slums. The slums seem to have all their sun blocked off from the upper land. The only way they get light is from the unicorns that power up the lamps with their horns. It looks like they have to change every few hours to have another power to the lights. He gets in the middle of the slum's yelling. " Letters from the outside." All eyes open wide. Rushing to get the letters. It's not that big of a bag. But most got the letters that had their names on it. But a lot lost most of their families during this silly war. The zebras of the slums stay away from the others but they seem to be planning an attack on the upper levels. The leader of the rebellion walks out of the darkness of the slums. " So is it true that the hero found Mimic's weapon, little lady?" The stallion nods. The Griffin smiles. " So it is true then. Good to see that Mimic didn't die for anything then. Too bad I couldn't go back with her or the fact that...the Queen let us all go. I think I am the only one left. Could you smuggle me out of here so I could talk to her?" The stallion nods. " It won't be easy, they don't let any pony out much of the time. But If I place you in a box. Tell them I am heading out to gather fish so maybe they will let me out. If the box is big enough. But what would you say to her when you see her?" The Griffin shrugged. " I am not sure really. I am sure I would ask her how the war ended. But knowing how ponies are. I am sure the world ended in fire. I do hope that is not true. Because if it's true then it's something I shouldn't worry too much about." The stallion nodded looking back to the door that leads back up. " I will go find the box I need. Now it might be best to try to tell the Zebras not to start another attack. It would cause worse things to happen down here. We don't want them to bring more magic eaters down here to watch us." The Griffin gave a nod. The Griffin watches the Stallion head back upstairs. He walks to the Zebras looking at them. Who turns to stare at him. " Listen if we wait long enough. The hero will be here just in time to save us. We need to not allow ourselves to have more issues." The Zebras look at each other and one of them walks up to the Griffin staring right up at him. " The stars have cursed us all here Griffin. But if we have to wait for this pony to save us from this curse. Then we will do so. But how will we live with the sun being blocked from us? Because Majesty wishes to see us suffer?" He sighs." The Queen has lost her mind, my friends. I feel the only way to keep us alive.. is to sing. So maybe we should allow ourselves to sing. if we fall because we can't keep our hope from failing us. Then we will never be strong enough to be ready to fight. We need to be ready to fight. I will be heading out soon to meet with the hero. Then I will come back to let you know when the attack will happen." The Zebra nods. The Griffin goes back into the bar. It was run by two unicorn twins. How could they be alive still after so long? But they seem to be young and they looked up at the Griffin. " Hello, Uncle Glendo." He smiled at them. The two twins seemed young. They look to be descendants of the two mares he came to this island with. " It seems we found the hero that took up the mantle from Mimic. So I will be going to check on this hero. So I wish to know what is up." The two glower at the name of Mimic. She gave up her friends. Including their mother. Since Chocolate Milk had these two. The other died before she could give birth to herself. " I am sorry this is happening because of Mimic. I do wish that we all can make up for it." The two nod as one. He smiles and glances back at the others in the bar. He sat at the bar sighing still dealing with the fact that he was one of Mimics friends. He looked at the twins. Who cleans dirty glasses. But a large group of magic eaters walks into the bar. He looked to see Cricket with them. He was wearing some heavy armor. That hides his burnt body. He walked to Glendo. " Well hello, Glendo. The Queen sent me down here to check on you." Glendo sighs, shaking his head. " What does Majesty need with me now?" Cricket laughs softly. " Nothing, she is just wondering if you're causing problems down here dear Griffin." He shook his head, sighing a bit. Looking at the twins. Clicking the bar for a drink then looks back to Cricket. " If I wanted to cause a problem Cricket I already would have. You and your friends. Have broken all the hope that the citizens have down here. So you don't need to do anything to me or the others." Cricket hisses softly the Magic eaters simply just fly away. Cricket sighs looking back to Glendo. " I hate that....anyway Glendo... My friend, I am sorry for what is going on up there. I wish I could help you more. But Majesty is upset I got so beaten up when we tried to take Cliffside. That hero... is a strong hero. I do hope you are prepared for her. Because when she gets into the city. Majesty will do anything to try to kill her." Glendo nods. " I am sorry Cricket. But I am going to miss our chats. When she comes in here with her friends to kill you. Most around would find it odd. That I'm friends with you and have been since..I became a magic ghoul." He sighs. "I still wish to see if I can go back to Equestria to see how bad it's become." Cricket nods looking back out the door. "Take care Glendo. I am getting some nasty looks from those Zebras." Glendo nods while taking a drink. He sighed softly. It was going to be hard, he thought to himself. It's going to be tough to take care of everything. While he drank. The stallion came back down walking to Glendo. " I got a big enough box. We will leave in a few days. Be ready to head outside of the castle." Glendo gave a nod. He drank the rest of the drink. Heading out of the bar to get to his home that is right under one of the guard towers above. A well-dressed stallion was in the bar hearing what was going on. He quickly got out of his chair and went upstairs. He showed the guard his card. He was a high society pony of the castle. When the guard let him out he rushed off to a large building. The Catcher Residents A young mare was holding her dying father' hoof. He was the leader of the high society ponies. " Sea Catcher you...need to take up the mantle. Keep the high society ponies in line. They need your wisdom." Sea catcher nods, tears streaming down her face. But she was not like normal high society; she cares about the ones below her. Thanks to her mother being a former pony from the ones below them. A mare that won her father's heart through being his slave. " Father...I don't know if you can...." The stallion laughs weakly. He held her hoof weakly " You're your mother... Sea Catcher your mother such a lovely mare. That made my heart soft. Lead them like her. Some will not like the fact that." She smiles softly as her father slowly drifts from being awake to close his eyes. As he gives his last breath with a smile on his face. She sighed standing on her hooves. The workers of the home lift the body to burn him. She sighs looking out the window seeing a group of high society ponies gathering outside. She walks out walking down to them. " Yes, the hero is real. Glendo is going to go talk with her." They turn when Sea Catcher comes down to him. From the look on her face. They know that her father is dead. " So...what now Sea Catcher. Since your father was the leader of us...What do you think we should do?" She thought for a moment, sighing a bit. " I feel we can't do much of anything. But we need to try to get ready when the battle does come here. If it's true about the hero helping protect Cliff Side. I feel we need to train ourselves in battle. But you all need to understand. The ones below us. Don't trust us. I don't blame them either." One mare almost spoke but a stallion looked at her shaking his head. " I agree with you Sea Catcher. But we have lived like this all our lives. How can we help?" She thinks a moment looking towards the guards that are protecting the main doors leading down to the slums. " When the battle starts. I think it's best to go free to the slums. I know it's not going to be pleasant but if we are going to have my father's dream. Then we must all be willing to fight with us." They nod. " Now I need to go speak to Majesty. Meaning I need to go place makeup glop all over my face. Remember when the battle makes it here we go right for the slums." She heads inside. The stress of this gets to her. it makes her feel a bit of a pain. Heading into her shower cleaning up her sea color like body. Then getting out, drying herself off. She sighs and closes her eyes. When she went into her room. A large Roc stood by her room. She looks up at her. " Hello, Mistress I made sure that your makeup is all ready for you." She gave her a nod going inside looking into the mirror sighing softly. She worked the makeup on her face. Then some pink eye shadow. Getting into one of the best dresses she has. Walking outside of her room. " I hate this'' glop '. But come on let's get going." The two slowly walked to the castle. The guards let her through. They walked past the room that held the Warden. She looked in and smiled at the dragon. " Hello, Warden." The warden looked over to her. He looks extremely weak like his body if failing. " Sorry If I don't seem very happy to see you myself Sea Catcher. I'm sick and tired of being trapped like this. I have been here since this island was created. But Majesty is waiting for you dear. " Sea Catcher frowns, nodding heading upstairs to the throne room. Near one of the doors, there is a strange device magically mutating dogs into larger creatures. Then in another, a room doing something to stallions makes them taller. The guards open the door. But at a normal time Reaver would be there to greet them but it's Majesty herself. " Ah hello, Child." She gave a sweet smile. " Hmm, dear Majesty, Reaver normally greets us. What happened to the poor creature?" Majesty chuckles leading them inside. To the side, there is a bottle with a cork on it. Reaver is inside it." " He was causing some issues in the castle a little while ago. So the only way to get him to listen to place him in a bottle. Then he will be easy to speak to after a while." Sea Catcher blinked nodding noting that. " Now I heard about your father. I'm so sorry about that dear. I understand you shall lead the high society now." She gave a nod. " Yes, I am. But there is another reason that you called right Majesty?" Majesty had an angry look on her face. She sighed softly " Yes, I did. My pet has been killed by the hero. But that was my fault. I sent her out there to lead the army to take the hero down. It sounds like the hero found a way to take them all out without a battle. I do hope you understand. Why I had to close up the slums. It was a way to keep the minions of the hero at bay down there. Because most of them are down there." Sea gave a nod smiling. " Ah yes, you must do what you can to fight the filth dear. I shall remember this." She said with a hearty laugh. But she didn't feel like this in her own heart. It made her feel bad. She had to keep this up." " Now Sea Catcher you may go. I just wanted to welcome you to be a leader." She gave a nod slowly heading out with the Roc not far behind. When they get out of the castle. She looks up to the Roc. "I wish you to find an enchanted bottle that could hold Reaver when the battle starts. I need to get home and get some rest." The nameless Roc nodded flying away out of the castle. Sea Catcher heads into her home locking all the doors letting her servants have the day off. While she just goes to rest her head in her bed. Hoping this war is over soon. The Roc flew towards Scaled hide city. But the way into the kingdom is through a nasty cliff like a road. Just walking over it causes issues. She looks below seeing many bodies of the dead from the battle that didn't happen too long ago. She gently walks along the path. it was made for creatures like lizards that could go through here. She made it to the way into the city. But she didn't get hateful looks like others would give. She was welcomed. She slowly walked along the path to the glassmaker. Inside were the glassmakers. A dragon she knew well. She used to be his bodyguard. The Dragon turns with a gentle smile. " Ah, Unknown one good to see you." The Roc smiled. She was known as the Unknown one here. He hatched her named her out of respect for her species. " Good to see you Jabari. I'm here to place an order for Lady Sea Catcher. I need the glass to be a large bottle. Then I need it enchanted." Jabari thought for a moment nodding. " Ah I see but I can't do those enchants sadly. But I can tell you who. There is a turtle, the only turtle of this village that is here. He has some powerful magic that some unicorns helped him learn ages long past. So I shall start on your order. It will be done in a month. But go speak to him." The nameless Roc nods heading to a large homemade straw. She sighed going inside. Saw the old turtle with the long beard open his weak old eyes. " Ah..." He said slowly. " Someone...That...wishes...to...Speak." He smiled slowly. " What...ole...Box...do..for..You?" he said with a slow voice. She calmly spoke. " I need an enchant to house a creature of clouds. A creature that can break through normal none enchanted glass." The turtle blinks a moment. Stroking his chin with his turtle foot. " Ah...I ..see...So ...Magic...of the ponies....of the...past....is needed..." The turtle stood up. He walked pretty fast...But his speech was slow. Looking through the books of old. Finding one of the spells. "Ah. I will...cast it...when you have...the ..item in question." The unknown one gave a nod. " Then I shall go. I need to get back to Milady and make sure she is well guarded." Box gave a nod smiling. Nameless Roc went out of the house flying off back to the castle to protect her mistress. Near the shore, a ship was lodged on some sharp rocks. Most of it seemed wrecked but it could be very easily rebuilt. I was using my magic to place the waterlogged wood on the shore. I had some Zebras with me taking the parts of the boat. It wasn't going to be very easy to get the boat off these rocks. But I had to find away. I turned to look towards Hawk. " Hawk, could you please try to blast up these rocks to see if you can break them enough so I can get to the boat?" Hawk walked up onto the beach. His large feet sink into the wet sand. But he is still able to move. Take a look at the sharp rocks. Arming his guns firing at the rocks. Trying to shatter them. When most of the rock shatters. I sigh, closing my eyes. I wasn't very good at this type of magic but I had to try. My magic wrapped around the boat. Lifting it in my magic. Slowly getting it on the beach I pant hard from how it felt. My heartbeat is hard from the overuse of the magic. I was happy that two clockwork ponies were here to help me. Two of them helped by lifting the boat onto a wagon. But It didn't seem like it would be that easy. Laying on the beach for a bit panting a bit closing my eyes. It was bad for me to overwork. But I had to repair this boat. So I can get back to Equestria when I need to. Slowly standing back on my hooves walking to the wagon to see how well the boat is. It's going to need to have a lot of work to get me back. But It's going to be needed for later. Looking towards Hawk who walks onto the road than looking down to me. " I got a request for you Star Shooter. I wish to return to Equestria with you. But maybe it might be best that I stay here and go with whoever wishes to go." Giving her a nod " I doubt this ship will be able to handle your weight. They will have to send a bigger boat to get you back there. Maybe that will happen in a few years." Hawk looks around a moment. Then looked at the castle. It's been so silent for a month now. No more attacks. Not even any magic eaters showing up trying to attack. " I'm worried, Star Shooter. We buried so many dead a month ago. Now the kingdom itself is so silent. It reminds me before we left Equestria. I still wish I was there. I had a family there. Now I am sure they are dead. But I doubt they wish to see their mother." Blinking a bit. Did Hawk use to be a mare? A family mare even? I got to say that it is new to me. " Maybe before we leave you can tell me about yourself." The cameras from Hawk looked down at me then back at the Clockwork ponies. I lifted my hoof to tell them to get going. " Please, I wish to know more about you Hawk. I wish to know the pony you used to be before. This happens to you." The Clockwork ponies nodded leaving taking the fixer-upper ship with them. Maybe soon I can work on it to get it. Watching the mech slowly sit down. It surprised me that the large thing could sit. " I remember a lot of little Star Shooters. I don't remember everything. I wish I did. Now I was a Pegasus mare. Fighting in the war I found myself getting my wings sliced off. Crashing hard into the ground. I don't even remember what happened. Only remembering waking up and in an iron- lung to keep me alive. They told me the Zebras got a hold of me ripping me apart. So Dr. Slice offered me another body. He said he was working on a robotic body that would help me fight in the war." The cameras look at the body. From the sounds of it, she wanted to cry. But I doubt she can now. Because crying would be hard. But It was easy to tell that she hates the fact. That she is stuck in this robotic body. "Anyway, I said yes. He removed my brain from my body, placing me in what you see now. But I joined the war to protect my home. Even joined to protect Equestria from the evil of Zebras. But now that I talk to them I learn more about them. They had all the right to do what they did to us. Because of what we did to them. I see them now and I feel very bad for them. I do wish that we could go back and never allow that to happen again." Hawk gave a soft robotic sigh. It's very hard for her to do it seems to be like this. But I wish I could be of more help with her. Hawk stood back up. We walked back to town. I wanted to get working on the boat right away. So when the battle is over I can get back home. So I can see what has happened since. I have been gone. I am worried about Crystal. I am worried about Kipke. As well as Silver Gunner. I just felt that they needed me. I don't know really. But the pain of this was going to be easy for me to lose it. Closing my eyes, stopping a moment. Looking back to see the Merchant staring at me. Looking up to Hawk. " Go on without me, I need to speak to some pony." Hawk looks to the Merchant then back down to me walking off. I walk to the Merchant. " Well good job hero. You have ruined the lives of many in the castle. I do hope you understand that...So much bad has happened there because of you. But what's done is done. You better be ready for when the year comes. Be ready I will be watching to make sure if you fail. That I can take that gun from your corpse, clean it, and sell it to someone else that will use it wisely. Maybe they will send your body back to Equestria if you fail. I bet that's all you want to do right now go back there. You should have taken her offer as a child." I snort biting my lip in anger. He had no right to act like this towards me. I am happy to be helping all these creatures. Turning on my hooves to head back to Cliffside. Then they turn to stare at him. " What gives you the right to think you can act like this towards me? I don't see you doing anything to help. You just show up at these random times. I didn't even see you during the battle. So many died because they wanted to protect their way of life." The merchant gave me an evil smirk. " Oh, I was there but in my way child. I saw what you did to the poor dragon. I even saw that you gave her a name. That you used the word to destroy most of the Queen’s army. I am sure you love that. That most of the creatures in that armor are dead or need to learn to be an adult. Since most were just foals when they were taken from their families. Oh, wait...I am sure you know but you're so proud of what you did to them." He said with a smirk. That was a low blow. My anger built and I wanted to harm him. But I am sure that is what he wanted. It made me feel that is all he wanted. He was about to do it. I was so close to using my magic on him to try to kill him. But why couldn't I just control my anger that I held inside me? I need to hold it tightly and deep inside me. So I wouldn't allow this to happen to me again. I don't want to get angry and just hurt some pony out of the blue. We finally made it back to town. I rushed to the dock to Salty and looked at the ship that brought me here. He whistled. "Hmm, that is going to be a lot of work Star Shooter. So It's doable, it may take a lot of our wood for new boats. But I am willing to do this for you" Nodding with a smile. I felt a tail wrapped around me. Lifting me I could tell that Blaze was pretty upset. Because she doesn't lift me unless something is bothering her a lot. She took me behind one of the buildings letting me go. I turned to see her blinking. " Star Shooter I don't trust that Burnout pony for what he did to you. I know you trust him. I know you do but it's hard for me." She bites her lip after she spoke. Closing my eyes a moment I had to think of something to say. I am all she has now. So I had to think of a way to give her peace. So all I thought of was kissing her deeply. She had anger flare in her eyes. But after a few moments, she closed her eyes. While our kiss just went on. Pulling from the kiss I smiled. " Well um...is that a good answer." Blaze gave me an angry look again. " No Star Shooter. I know you don't wish to talk about it. But I am your wife to be. You need to explain to me why we keep this pony alive that hurt you so badly. The fact I have to wake you up every night you have these nightmares. So please tell me why are we keeping him alive?" I sigh, biting my lip not sure what to think. I snickered softly. " I doubt it's wise to kill some pony because of what he did to me. Cricket, Mix, and Mouse did worse to me than whatever Burnout did. Also, I don't want to kill him to harm his daughter. His daughter is the reason why I was found in that caravan heading to the castle got me out." Blaze stood on her feet looking right into my eyes. She wrapped around me tightly. Kissing me very deeply once then pulling away. " I love you Star Shooter but you aren't good at explaining why. So, for now, you will be punished. But that will be when we have time to get to our bed and I will punish you." Blinking my cheeks turned bright red. I felt my insides burning from the thoughts of being in bed with her. Between my legs even burned. Blaze smirked walking away. Sliding her tail along my face. I shiver, slowly shaking my head. Trying to regain me. But Of course, I couldn't when I turn to see Jonon. " Well, it seems that it's all sex or love between you two." Jonon gave me a gentle smile. All I did was stare at her. How long has Jonon been there? I wanted to ask but she said before. " Ah, so you wish to know how long I have been here?" She chuckles softly. " You got to understand the little hero. I am your bodyguard. I will always be here. Even when your lover.Wishes to punish you. So I bet you're willing to have that punishment hmm?" She said with a smirk. I just stare at her..My cheeks bright red. I didn’t even know what to say or think. I felt like I wanted to just hide again. But I can't hide when Jonon is here. But I need to get back to Salty to see what he needs to build the ship back up. It's not going to be simple for us to get the ship rebuilt So we can get going. Slowly walking away from Jonon she just chuckled and vanished. I got back to the ship while the Zebras and Salty worked on it. " Welp this ship wasn't taken care of very well. But I am sure I can make it seaworthy in a few months. So you have a war to win. Then we can get you home. I am sorry that it's going to take that long. I hope you are willing to wait for it to be that hard for you to get back child." Nodding with a smile. " I knew that it would Salty. But I am happy that you will be able to get me back to Equestria. I wish to know what is going on. I miss my friends. My family and my home. I just need to see what it's going to be happening. But I need to end this silly damn war." Sally nodded. I needed some rest. I slowly walked up the path away from the docks. But for the moment I stood there watching all the Zebras and ponies rushing back and forth back to the gates. At the gates is a caravan full of many creatures getting ready for the battle ahead of us. Looking back to the docks see that they are fishing and that some are trying to forcibly grow gardens faster so we can have food. But even so, that will not be wise to force it. Forcing food to grow with magic is not wise. I sighed sitting on my haunches closing my eyes a moment listening to the hooves of the wings. I even hear Hawk walking along the road. Along with Roll Roll. I watched them patrol. I feel that it's going to be crazy for all of us to fight. It's impressive how heavy our army is. But How are we going to break into a castle? That is ready to attack us. I just need some sleep. I looked back to see my friends. They seem too busy to talk or to eat something. Slice seemed to be playing chess with Burnout. Of course for the moment Blaze kept watching him. She turned her head to me. Walking to me slapping her tail in the back of Burnout's head. I sigh and didn't like how she was acting. But she wrapped her tail around me, lifting me. Then leading me into the Mansion. Four days have passed. I was working on the boat. Hammering some planks into the holes. Salty painted a name on the side to cover the old name. It used to be called sea nymph. But he turned it into the Warden's Soul. Blinking at the name. He gave me a shrug. I just laughed softly. A stallion in a cloak walked to us with a large box. " Hey, Salty they let me out of the castle to get some fish from you guys. Of course, Majesty doesn't know everything that is happening in the castle. So if you have any fish you can give me. I will leave the box here." The stallion left the box there and I watched Salty open it up. Seeing that a Griffin is inside. " Well..blow me..down with a heavy wind..if that ever happens around here. A griffin gift wrapped for us." Glendo stares at me walking out of the crate then looking at the gun strapped to my side. He just stared at me then pulled a sword out from a scabbard on his side. Tossing it to me as it landed in front of me. Looking up to him as he pulled another sword out. " I have come to take the gun back...I knew Mimic...I was one of her friends. So stop pretending. You're Not the hero like she was. The fact you even have that gun is a problem." Anger filled me. I felt the heat of my anger go to my core. I grabbed the sword hilt with my mouth. I wanted to prove without using my magic. He blinked seeing this. I stood on my hooves as a Zebra got into a strange fighting stance. I just stared at him with my angry eyes. He held the sword in his claws. Charging at me swinging with the weight of my head and with my body. Our sword clash for the moment. My horn glows, grabbing his tail pulling it. He yelped looking at me with hatred in his eyes. He backs up charging at me but Blaze tackles him, her mouth opening up getting ready to burn. Dr. Slice had his saw hand close to his face. Jonon stood there watching as well. Black feather and Skull Crusher handgun are aiming at him. I spit out the sword. staring at my friends they backed up I stood over him. Staring down at him. "I am sick...and tired of this shit. I just want to go home, you stupid Griffin. I am fighting the Queen. To be able to get back to Equestria. So get out of my way. So I can fight her and get back home." Anger filled me. I tense up. I had tears stream from my face. Because I felt that I wanted to get back to Equestria me even more upset. Blaze slowly pulled me away. The Griffin slowly stood up. He had a smile on his ghoul's face. Slowly stopped crying while Griffin had many eyes him. " Now...I got a question for you, hero. What happened to Equestria? I know that Mimic wished to go home. She left us behind thinking that Majesty wanted to harm us. But she did nothing to us. Before I turned into a magic ghoul. I have a family there. As well as our other friends. Even if you save us a hero. I won't be returning nor will the descendants of the others." I sighed closing my eyes for a moment then looking back at him a moment. "Equestria died in the fire. Then we had many heroes show up not too long ago to try to heal it. But it wasn't that easy to heal. It took a long time. But yes taking time is always going to happen. But the hero I knew personally just took care of the place I lived at. A former POW camp. She fought off the Enclave after she was chased out by them. She went back to save her friends. But she then passed away after giving birth. I was there watching her." Lowering my head, closing my eyes tightly. I felt more tears fall from my eyes. I didn't want to bring her up again. But I had to. Many need to understand. That she is the reason I am fighting like I am. I feel maybe it's wise to stop thinking about it. I took a deep breath looking back up to Glendo. I gave a gentle smile. " I will fight in the name of Mimic to protect you and your family. As well as the family of the friends that stayed behind." Glendo nods looking towards the rest of Cliffside; it was calm while rain slowly started to come down from the sky. He looked around at how very much alive this entire town is. Salty worked on placing fish into the crate. Looking at Glendo. "Are you going to head back inside the crate with the fish? I know it's not going to be pleasant.." Glendo blinks and nods. " yes, I will be going back inside the castle. So yes I will be traveling back with the fish." He chuckled. " I am lucky I already stink for being a ghoul after all." Salty rolled his eyes and laughed. " Yes yes, I know what you mean. I have done that many times myself. It's how I even got on this island. I was on the run from most of the mercenary groups of Griffins. So I had to get away somehow. So I came here. I changed my name and became the Quartermaster of the dock. It's interesting how that works." Glendo nods. " Please come along with me. I know your friends don't trust me. So I just wish to speak to you." I gave a nod looking to Blaze and the others. " I will be fine..." Blaze pulled me into a deep kiss I just blushed deeply as she pulled away and winked. I sighed softly. Following Glendo to talk with him. We walked up the path to get near the inn he sat in a chair. I sat in the other beside him and we watched the town gathering stuff up to get ready for the battle ahead. I looked up at Glendo. " So you wish to learn about Mimic then?" Glendo Calmly asked. I nodded my head. " Well, Mimic was a strong mare. She did what she had to do during the war. But We were friends way before the war even started. I met her before she even met the others. But we met the others. When we joined the army. They didn't allow me to join at first. Since I wasn't a pony. But Mimic made a big stink saying that I have a right to fight in the name of Equestria. She also added it would be better if I didn't join us with the Zebras." He sighed softly, shaking his head. "But we didn't get to name ourselves. We fought as one of course. But our platoon was known as that one with a griffin in it. Yes, make fun of the Griffin." I chuckled softly. Nodding. " Well, I don't know much about the past. I just know the war was awful. The fact that most look back and see how they treated the Zebras as they did. They start trying to forget how they were treated. It's gotten to the point. I think most of the ponies are trying to fix the problems of the past. It's interesting how most wish to learn from the past. Tiria is the one I told you about. Hated ponies. She called them the most worthless creatures of the world. The biggest reason for the end of the world. She didn't care that she was killing innocent Enclave soldiers either. She said to me when I was young. That sometimes you must cause harm. She then almost killed one and I got my Cutie mark when I lifted her gun to fire on an Enclave more solidly that wished to kill her." Glendo blinked, staring at me looking at my Cutie mark and then back at me with a smirk. Blinking a moment looking at my Cutie mark again and then looked back to him. "So your talent is being a good shot. Impressive. Mimics talent was mimicking whatever some pony did. She had a photographic memory where she could remember everything. But that also was her problem when she learned. That she was some hero of legend. It went to her head. Then we lost her when she thought she could end the pain that was caused." Skypaw walked out of the inn. Looking towards me and Glendo she set down a paper offering food or drink to us. " I will take some juice and maybe some fish," I said softly. Glendo shook his head. Skypaw smiled rushing back inside to go get what I wished. But of course, Glendo just kept looking towards me then I looked at him. I had no idea what to say anymore. Oddly, this Griffin had such interest in me. My cheeks turned red and he just kept looking at me. "I um please stop staring at me. It makes me feel that you want something from me." " I do.." I blinked looking around trying to ignore what he wanted from me. I hope it wasn't my body. " I just want you to fight for us. That's all I want you to know. Also, don't worry I am not attracted to you so relax and calm yourself." A strange scent formed between my legs. I placed my hooves between my legs to block the wetness and try to block the smell. SkyPaw trotted out with the food. But when she set the food down. She sniffed the air staring at me. Her cheeks turned bright red quickly galloping back to the inn. Lifting the juice with my magic to ignore my thoughts. Yes, I was thinking of having sex with a Griffin. Now I need to find Blaze to remove these thoughts from my head. Glendo stood up from the chair looking down at me. " I am sorry little hero. I didn't mean to cause this." He chuckled. " But I need to get going. Also, a bit of a warning that Salamander that kissed you is on her way here. I think she can smell you." I blinked looking to see Blaze walking up the road from the docks. Glendo flapped his wings heading back to the docks. Oh, Goddess fuck me with a banana. Sighing again, calming down sipping from the cup. Lifting the fork to eat the fish. I was getting tired of the fish. But it's time to get going because. I doubt stopping me from any veggies. I wish we did have veggies here. But It's impressive to me how the Gardens all got destroyed during the attack. I wish we could grow stuff faster. Blaze sat beside me wrapping her tail around me gently. " I could smell you down there Star Shooter. So were you thinking of me?" I blinked, blushing deeply, pushing away the fish. Since I couldn't eat anymore. Because well I couldn't think of eating since.. Sex was mostly on my mind right now. " Sadly no...I was thinking of that Griffin taking me. Don't hate me for that. Just ever since I have been here. I know I have gotten older. So I think that wanting sexual intercourse has hit me hard. So It's that time of the year maybe?" My face was bright red thinking about this. Then trying to push it out of my head. I said to myself ``Think of Majesty under....me.....I blink " Blaze can you take me to our bedroom, lease. Please!!" Blaze blinked, staring at me a moment. " Um, Star Shooter I know it's that time of the month for your kind. But I think you need a cold shower. So please go take a shower. I will please you later my sweet mare." My cheeks were bright red. Since I had so much on my mind.odding calmly looking towards the Griffin then to Blaze. I felt bad for how I felt right now. But I want to stay pure to Blaze. " I want to stay pure to you my dear Blaze. You mean so much to me. I love you so much." She smiled softly wrapping the tail around me tighter. Then let me go pointing with her tail to the Mansion. Giving a nod I calmly trotted up to the Mansion. When I got to the Mansion. I went to the shower slowly going under the water tower. Turning it on feeling the cold water flow along my body. I felt that the heat from my body slowly cooled. It made me happy that I felt it. Blaze joined me and smiled. A blush formed deeply on my face. Lifting the soap with my magic I rub the soap along Blaze’s body. She just stood there smiling taking another bar of soap in her claws sliding it along me. This was the first time we ever did this. So It made me burn inside. We kissed deeply while the water removed the soup from us. I am sure we are being watched. Since under us is the cavern. Slowly breaking the kiss I stared at her with a gentle smile on my face. Sighing a bit feeling happy. " Thank you, Blaze, I needed this also I needed you." Blaze chuckled softly wrapping her tail around me, turning the water off. " I want you to rest Star Shooter. So go get some sleep and we will work on everything out here." Nodding she unwrapped her tail around me. Slowly walking into the mansion heading up into my room. Removing the gun looking at it closely. I feel that I am fighting in the memory of Mimic and her friends. I calmly lay onto the bed slowly falling asleep. The slums: two days later. The cloaked stallion carried the large box on his back walking through the up part of the castle Sky. Guards rushed around trying to find the ones stealing from them but they seemed to just ignore him. He hits his hoof on one of the doors that heads down into the slums. A peephole opened up a set of eyes to look out to see him. " I am back with the food." The door slowly opens letting him into the slums Then he closes the door but the one who opened the door stays in the darkness. The stallion who has a strange cutie mark that is a crate. But of course, he is one of those that never got a name from his family. So his name to himself is created Because of the cutie mark. He set the box down in the middle of the slums Next, the door is the bar not far from that is a brothel. Around that are many small places for folks to live in. Crate looked around opening the box up. " Food folks." All kinds of ponies Zebras and many other creatures leave the many buildings. They each take a fish of course in the middle of the fish Glondo comes out of the crate and he coughs getting out quickly. " Oh god...." He coughed " I wished my sense of smell went with me. When I became a magic ghoul." Crate chuckled the twins lift the crate with their horns taking it into the bar to clean and serve the fish. The Zebras walked up to Glendo looking at him while one of them walked up to ply ask. " What did the hero say?" Glendo blinks, nodding thinking a moment on what to say. He looks around to see the guards don't seem to be down here. It's impressive to him that they ignore these underground slums. Then there is a flush and not far from them a door opens up and a flood of water comes in. The water is yellow and full of feces. It was in some strange tub. The twins then rush back out lifting the tub in their magic. Glendo sighed watching them place the tub over a large flame. They dig into the tub removing the feces then they well did what they had to. They ripped it apart with their magic. Taking the food they found. Inside it, yes how pleasant. Then they had to boil the water pouring the water into a system that takes the urine out of the water. Mixing it up. But what caused this to work was two horns of magic. The twin’s horns injected themselves in two holes. That allowed the machine to do its work. Even though it was working. It caused some nasty smell. That caused most of the creatures down here to wear a mask. Glendo sighed. He hated the fact that all this was going on then he looked back to the Zebra that asked him the question. " Well, the hero is ready to come and help us. But we need to be ready for her as well. She said the town will be taken back first. Then the castle will be attacked. So we need to find a way to open up the sewers to let the sea ponies in.. So they can cause some problems." The Zebra nodded and turned to his friends. " I know the button to open that up. So tell me when and I will use it." Glendo nodded. "I shall let you know. But right now I need to check on the twins See if their uncle has been spotted." He walked into the bar heading to it looking to the twins. " No Glendo he hasn't been seen or released from the prison." The left one said. " I doubt he ever will be." Said the right one. He sighed, shaking his head. Heading upstairs to get some rest. Two more months past The island was created to be a prison. A prison to hold the threat of the long past. But the island turned into a home for many because of the spell to keep the creatures in. Brought more lost souls. One's who are trying to run away from the world. Some that came here by mistake. But they use this island to make a family. Then wait for either three years to get in the good graces of Majesty. But if she kept the spell down for too long Too many would try to break free. Since some that are here are here..because she doesn't wish to be alone. At least from what she has told most folks. The many towns that had been built on this island. Most are now taken over by Majesty's army. But in Cliffside right near the way into the town of Cliffside a bunch of wagons. Full of armor and weapons. It looks to be getting ready for the final battle. The hero being asleep most of what is going on is her friends. Taking care of the battle. Fireclaw the Roc who is the Blacksmith is working overtime. Just to be ready for this battle. He shall join in. The final battle is going to come. Since the Clockwork ponies and the magic ghouls don't need to rest or even eat. They place all the weapons after they clean them into the wagons. Along with the armor. It's been very quiet for many months. But at this moment most of the creatures in the town are sleeping. But the one that is not asleep is the one known as Hawk. Now known to be a former mare. She went down to the docks to look through but zebras brought over some paint. Hawk lowers herself fully down. They start painting a hawk on the sides of the nose of the Mech. Placing eye's on the side of it. They paint eagle claws into the feet of the mech. But the poor creature doesn't even know the idea of feelings anymore. She still knows love and anger. But she knows she won't be able to feel it anymore. Hawk goes back to her patrol. Walking along the path looking to the Mansion and looking into the window. Seeing the Hero and Blaze their limbs intertwined together. Just simply watching wished to herself that she could smell the scent of their fun they had not too long ago. But she heard a voice behind her. " Hello Hawk..." The voice said calmly the large mech turned halfway seeing D.r. Slice. The cams on the mech itself stare at the former pony Dr. " Impressive ain't it ever since I came here you always seem to avoid me. But it's been so long...Haw. I know I failed yo. I know the war destroyed your body. Kept you from your family. But we didn't fall in the hell that went on back in Equestria. The bombs that fell would have killed us to Hawk.." Hawk's Sam's just started at D.r. Slice. " D.r. I know I haven't wished to talk to you since we saw each other. Also, the fact that you're one of the companions of that silly legend. That I know that is fake. I just don't wish to ruin the rest of this for the hero. I just don't know if I could ever look at you the same way again..After you promised me that you would make me a body. You turned me into this. Project Mech. A large robotic being. That can break a siege. It would have been interesting if you placed my brain in a tank." Slice laughed softly looking into the window. Looking back to Hawk. " Is there a reason you're watching the two lovers?" Hawks Cams turn to look into the window. Then turn back to look at D.r. Slice. Then the cams did a strange shrug like motion. " Because I wish I could feel again D.r. Slice. But all I can see is that you now understand my issue. You caused yourself more pain trying to find a cure for what you did. You created Project mech and project stopwatch To go back into time to stop your wife from dying. But it was used to stop the damn war. Then Project Mouse. why did you create those things?" Slice sighed robotic-like. " I regret what we created in those labs. I help create Mix, Mouse, And Cricket. Trying to understand how the magic eaters work. I wish her, of course,e created Cricket and then mix. Giving some of the Magisters the ability to talk and to think like the ones we have seen. But I am guessing before we showed up. Most were lucky enough to change themselves." The two just kept chatting but of course when Blaze moved off the bed to look out the window. She softly said with a deep yawn. " Do you two mind?" Hawk and Slice turn to look at Blaze. " Or I could tell you how many times I got her to scream this time." She said with a smirk. Suddenly when that was said. Hawks Cams turned red in the middle like she was blushing or seeming to. Hawk quickly stood up walking away. Slice looked with his three eyes. " I um....bye! " DR slice went over the edge of the cliff hovering down to the ground. Hawk walked the long way. Blaze laughed going back to the hero to get some rest. Hawks eyes another month passes. It was getting closer to the battle to start. Most are getting ready for their final meals on that day. It was going to be hard to battle and fight for most of them. But for the hawk, it's just simply going to be like the war in the past. She wishes she could feel for all those she fought and killed in the ages past. She will last forever or till the ability to repair is destroyed. She knows while she patrol's along the path. Most called her he..Since most thought her brain and the fact she has a male name. It's just the fact she forgot her real name. She only remembers why she is in this body and why her brain is running this machine. Her feet clomp on the ground watching the fact that many will be dead in a few months. She wishes she could be helpful in this battle. But she will. For now, it's time to wait when more time passes and then the battle shall start. Time moves forward as all-time seems to do. It’s a matter of how most see the time. Some see it as a heart beating some see it as just a key turning the clock. But most would never understand it when the time is right they would. Many months past the eyes within a prison. I open my eyes staring out the cell in front of me finally seeing the one known as Cricket. A smile forms along my lips. “Is she willing to allow me to do what I have been wishing to do since I was ahem held here?” To some, I sound evil to others. I have been known by too many Cricket snarled, showing his teeth. “The fact she is willing to work with you upsets me. How you got in here without the magic being taken down bothers me. The magic should have stopped you before you made it in here. That salamander that came on the ship with the hero. It seems to have a trick or two. To get you here. Now your offer to use one of her minions to use them as a scheme later on she has agreed.” I chuckle softly offering a device from a compartment in my belt. “Put this in the one known as Ruby Glide. I need a puppet and a Magic eater is the best type.” Cricket takes the device looking at it. The device looks like a slave master chip. Magic flows through it. He lifted his head to look at me in my eyes. I could tell he wasn’t happy with this idea. Looking closer at the device. Then pockets it looking towards the way out of the prison. “How will I get it inside her head? She is now at Cliffside.” I laugh softly. “Oh very easy, tell Doc the good doctor that he owes me. Just give him my name and he shall.” Cricket smirks looking towards me again. “What is your name?” I laugh softly. “Wheel Tread.” Max Level.
Chapter Twentyseven: BattleIt's finally a year the battle finally starts. I stood in front of the gate. With the entire army behind me. We have a few staying behind but only a few Zebras. We were going to go reclaim every town first.. Then we would go take the fight to the castle itself. The first town would be the Minotaur's and Griffin's towns. I stood there closing my eyes My friend stood beside me. Looking all at them. I could lose them looking to Hawk who stood behind us near Roll Roll. Looking towards the graveyard that we made from the Siege we didn't have too long ago. Looking at the name of the baby dragon that I named. I closed my eyes again and I felt a knot in my stomach. This battle needed to be done. Standing further ahead I turn to pull out Little Lady pointing to the road to the first path. " A year has passed us, my dear friends. To long for the towns to be in the hold of these creatures. We take the entire outside of the island then we gather for the final battle to the castle. I need to know are you all ready to stand behind me? Are you willing to die for me? Are you willing to die for a mare that is not even part of this island? If so all follow me. As we leave behind the home I have had for a year. A year away from Equestria." With my friends, we started to march along the road. Behind me, I heard the hooves wing's flapping wheel's turning. I heard so many things like music mixed into one. The knot grew tighter in my stomach. The rush of this battle is getting to me since. Closing my eyes tightly slowly walking along the path. Looking up seeing that the Magic eaters have grown a lot since the Queen's found places to stay. I lifted my hoof so hawk could aim up along with the other's who had gun's " Fire!" The guns went off all the Magic eater's above exploded causing the magic to go back into the world when they hit onto the ground. Some magic eater's leave heading back to the town their queen is at. We start rushing faster because most of us have had enough. The flyers went on ahead. So all the magic eater's that joined us. The magic ghoul's that could fly. They were lead by Queen Sheenee then Griffin's started to fly ahead with Black feather leading them. It would take the walker's an hour to get there. But it would take the flyer's not as long. When they finally vanish from sight. We could hear gunfire and explosions not far ahead. The Clockwork ponies had strange catapults that toss large magic bombs. These bombs didn't harm much; it allowed them to herd the mindless magic eater's so they could be easy to take down. Blaze lifted me with her tail. She started rushing ahead. With the others behind us speeding up. We finally made it to the first towns. Half the buildings have been burned down. But now the citizen's are fighting back since we got here. Some of the armored ponies rush out of the building's to attack. I fire along with the flyers above and keep firing on the creatures below dropping the bombs that were made to destroy the mindless magic eater's. In the middle of the town was the meeting room. But it was turned into the hive for the queen. The Minotaur's and the rest of the army spread out. Along with my friends. Hawk the mech sticks close to me though I looked up to her. But I felt a bit in the back of my neck and my body froze feeling Mix in the back of my neck. I tried to buck him off when my hooves hit him he flew quickly. But It seems mix is the only one that is willing to come out. I turned to stare at Mix while I felt blood flow along my neck. " You and I .right now.." Mix blinks. I lifted my gun but Mix flew away like a wimp. I growled in anger. I have had enough of these warrior's of Majesty. But looking towards the hive looking to Hawk. "Let’s go." I quickly rushed inside. But the Hawk got smashed away from me by a large rolling magic eater like Roll Roll. I was alone now. I had to do this on my own. I got to the hive. But I had no way to get in. But I heard something breathing fire behind me seeing Blaze burn the strange subsistence off the door. Turning to see Blaze she nodded to me. She was in her heavy armor. "Let us go, my love. The others are waiting for us to take care of the Queen. Then the leaders want to have a meeting so I guess we use this place." Nodding slowly opening the door the smell of decay and death filled the building. Slowly going along the halls of the building. I could see many dead holding onto weapons. Most of them have been eaten to bone's or some are just allowed to lay there and decay. Sadly, this happens. I wonder what it was like during the war. All this death all these bodies. I closed my eyes taking a deep breath, turning my head vomiting. I had no idea why I did this, maybe thinking too much about it. But I just stare at the vomit. Then I look up to Blaze. Of course, it wasn't going to be that simple. The little mouse robot's made their way in here. But they seemed more heavily armored and the size of rat's. Along with the flying magic eater's that flew out of the walls. They attacked the two of us. Blaze lifted her head breathing fire to try to burn them all. Even if she wouldn't be able to at all. Jonon appeared beside us with many other Zebras they all held staves attacking while the Roc blacksmith removed a hood from his cloak taking a large hammer smashing into the strange rat creature's. A smile formed on my face. They allowed me and Blaze to get into the middle of the meeting building known as a senate. But when I opened the door I stared at the large queen and the worker magic eater slowly carrying the egg's to let them hatch in the magic that made them grow fast. I lifted my gun but I didn't know the best way to kill them. Slowly walked in to see if I could talk to them. " Excuse me I come to speak with you.." The Queen turned her head I could tell she is smarter than the one's she hatched. I could tell it went through her mind if it was wise to speak but she hissed. " You may speak little hero." I nodded, closing my eyes thinking a moment. " I don't wish to kill you. I wish to free you from Majesty. I know this is something you might have heard a lot from others. But we could use your help when we fight to take down the castle. I am sure she gave you something that you want. I can't give you anything. I know that is not something you wish to hear. But maybe if you look deep inside you. I am sure you don't wish to fight and wish to have a place on the free island away from Majesty." The Queen stared at me. I could tell she was thinking about it. But It would amaze me if she even agreed to it. The Queen then turned to her minion's screeching loudly and the battle outside went silent. Mix flew as quickly as he could to face the Queen Magic eater. " You can't think of just giving up like that!!" The Queen stares down at Mix. " Listen you little freak. I'm sick and tired of working for Majesty. I have been waiting for someone to show up to offer me what I wish. That is just having a life without a battle. I know my sisters won't listen. But I will." The Queen broke from the tube that connected to her so she could lay many eggs. She opened her mouth sucking up the webbing. It took a while. But the battle was over for this town. But why was it that easy? Would it be easy for others? The other magic eater's attacked Mix so he had to quickly rush away. " I got a question for you. Is there an easy way to take down your sister's?" She turned her head to look at me. All the webbing is gone. But the bodies are left behind. I could tell it was hard for her to want to tell me how to take down her sister's. But she knew sooner or later she would have to tell me. " The way to take down my sister's. You just have to drain the magic from them. The best way is to sneak it when they are laying eggs. You just have to place your horn on the egg layer. I know it won't be easy. But I will be going into hiding with my hive. When the battle is over I hope you remember us. The island used to be so peaceful before you showed up here. You're lucky that I am giving up just like this. Take care" She flew out with the rest of the magic eaters that came with her. I looked out the window as the rest of them flew off towards a part of the island I have never been to. Closing my eyes a moment falling to my haunches breathing softly feeling my insides burn from the bite that Mix gave me. Looking over to see Blaze and the Zebra's taking out the remains and bodies. Jonon walked to me looking at the bite on my neck. " Little one you seem to have venom going through your system It will pass but it won't be kind to you." Smiling weakly nodding. Closing my eyes as I watched the leader's walk-in they looked around. Skull Crusher looked at the seats that most of the leaders are still sitting in and dead. He felt this was wrong. But he knew this would have been the best thing. They will have to find a new set of leaders sooner or later. Skull Crusher went up to the seat. Opening the window so I could get some fresh air. Feeling the venom go through my body. Watching the leaders of each army go into the seat's of course the magic ghoul lava demon's stood in the middle of the room. " They wish you to speak like a little hero. They want to know the next plan of attack." I sighed closing my eyes a moment thinking of what to say. But I looked up to them. But I heard a drain move a little water sprayed to make it deep enough at my hooves. But only in the spot, I was standing at The sea pony Snow Drift came up from the drain " I have come to tell you the rebellion in the castle is ready for you. They have it set up to open the way for us to go in first to take out what we can for you inside. But you give us the time you will do this attack." I gave a nod looking up to the ones that wished to hear me speak. " Tell them this Snowdrift. We will be attacking when I take down Mix, Mouse, and Cricket. They have gotten in my way for too long. I will be taking them all on with my friends. The army will be getting ready to siege the castle. So when all three are dead I will send up a flare made by the clockwork ponies. Then you will know." Snow Drift nodded getting back into the drain. I looked up to the army that sat in the chairs before me. "Well, I say we see who is still alive here. Then we get something to eat and then go to the next town. Then I feel we should go to Blaze's home. I feel we should clean it out because I am sure there might be some magic eater's still in there even though she took out all the bodies. Then I feel we should follow the path of the old outpost that might have been rebuilt. But I think the biggest thing here. I don't think all of the Magic eaters followed her or the armored ponies still might be here. These two towns are big. So we might have to search after we check if the innkeeper is still safe." Closing my eyes falling to the ground groaning the venom-filled my every vein even making it harder for me to stay on my hooves. "But for now I think I need to rest before we go on to the next battle. So please go get doc I will just lay here." Jonon rushed to get Doc. Closing my eyes the leaders slowly walked out to do what they needed to do. They went to search for the rest of the city's people. First the Minotaur one. Then the Griffin's. I close my eyes feeling the pain grow. I heard Doc's hooves rushing to me. " Oh, dear...lets get her to the hospital." I could feel myself being carried. I don't know why the bite hurt me so much. But I felt it burning inside me. They carried me far I could feel my body slowly drifting away I passed out while they carried me Opening my eyes I was in a hospital bed. Looking to the side seeing a lot of armor those magic ponies that are forced in the armor leave behind. Trying to get up but they had something to hold me down. It was a large Salamander, my love of course. She was laying on my back. " Ah, you're awake. I knew you would try to get up and get yourself hurt again. The venom will be out of your system soon. You will feel your bladder about to explode when it's time to Now you rest till that time happens. You have been out for a day. I can tell you what has been happening." I sighed nodding. " Good good now they have found some of the town's folks alive in the inn. Most of the leaders are accounted for as well. But they said a lot of the town's people were killed when Majesty said no prisoner's. So it took a long time for them to find and hunt down all they could find. But they missed many. They had to hide in the inn and other areas of the area for a year." I nod shut my eyes feeling my bodywork while I felt the venom slowly drift into my body feeling it about to get into my bladder. " Blaze I need to go to the bathroom. So please let me go.." Blaze slowly got off my back and I quickly got out of bed rushing to the bathroom. it was like my bladder was going to explode. Getting into the bathroom sitting on the toilet. I shut my eyes in pain. While my body released the venom along with the urine that wished to follow. I hurt so much when it removes itself from my body. I have to shiver a bit. Since it was making my body very tender. Looking up to see Blaze watching. I broke out in a cold sweat since.. it was taking a lot of my water inside me. I felt dehydrated. It made me a bit sick. Slowly standing on my hooves Blaze helped me back to the bed. Blaze went to go gather some water and food for me. Closing my eyes, breathing deeply. It's stupid to me that my body was this weak. I felt that it's getting silly. Well at least to me. I don't want to get sick. Blaze walks back in holding the food and the water. Lifting the water with my magic gently drinking, closing my eyes sighing. " I am going to get going. The next battle will be starting soon Star Shooter but you rest a bit." Giving a nod she walked out of the room. Taking a calm drink from the water. I closed my eyes, feeling the water help my body heal a bit. Taking a fork gently eating slowly. I didn't wish to go too quickly. Taking small bites of whatever this was. Laying my head down to let my body heal. Because it would take a while after what the venom did to my insides. The water slowly went through the sensitive stomach. It feels very strange as well as the food. I didn’t want to move Closing my eyes again to rest. But I needed to be ready for the final battle. But I got out of the bed, my hooves standing me up with my joints allowing me to stay up. Slowly walking down the hall hearing voices downstairs. I saw my friend's talking as they looked up at me. "I'm ready to go but I think it might be best if we just rest a little longer. Because the next battle is not going to be easy to handle." My friends look at each other and give a nod. " But sadly we need to get going Star Shooter we will place you in one of the Caravan's so Doc can help you." I nodded weakly closing my eyes a bit then I was lifted by Blaze laying me down in the wagon that held some of the armor and the weapons. Doc sat beside me keeping an eye on me while I fell asleep. Jonon I was watching the other as they slept. I felt this was the only way. I could handle things. I stayed far away from the others. I love them as my friends. But I can't trust them. But I had my hood off. This was a little before we kept moving we decided to stay a little bit at the town to rest. Let the hero rest. Since we know she won't wake till we get to the next place of battle. A large Roc landed in front of me. I stare at the creature. I know this one...The unknown one. " Hello, Unknown one." The unnamed Roc nods setting down a glass bottle. It wasn't too big. But big enough to place something inside. " Use this Jonon to take care of Reaver when the battle starts. But I do have to warn you. Your daughter has been seen going into the castle. We think she has betrayed you. Like your husband before." The pain returns to my heart after hearing that word. Husband, maybe someday I could tell the hero about him. " I see I will kill her just like I did him. It can't be helped. It's fate and the stars and how they wish to curse me. Even if I don't believe in that sort of thing. But sometimes it feels good to curse them." The nod as I lift a bottle of water to my lips to drink. Then place the bottle back in my bag. " It's enchanted to hold him. Hopefully, it will be used to keep in it for a while at least." I gave a nod the Roc turned around and looked back at me. " Thank you Jonon for keeping the legend alive. While most of us wrote the hero off as a fake. It's given those in the castle city hope." I gave a weak nod as she flew off. I place my hood to cover my head and wait for the night to go on. Before I went back to my friends. I open my eyes seeing that we are still on the road to get to the exile town. But it was a night most of the flesh creatures of our army slept while we were being pulled by the robotic ones of our army. I slowly got out of the wagon. Walking calmly beside Hawk. Looking up to Hawk who just kept marching. The hydraulics made hissing sounds. While her legs allow her to move as quickly as the feet would allow her to. "We will be there in an hour, little hero. From what the rest have learned. It's the only town left standing. The Clockwork one is destroyed. Then there are outposts we need to down before we can fully get to the castle. Also, I was told that the three warriors have keys to open the big door to get into the castle. There are back doors. But they won't be easy to get into. We need to all storm in at once. That would be from killing the three warrior's." Closing my eyes most of the towns have been destroyed so taking them back would be moot at this point. But we could see the exile's town not far away. But we heard battle not far from us. It sounds like some of the citizens of the town have been in a constant battle with the Majesties army. The other's woke up Blaze standing beside me. Looking towards me I nodded to her. I pulled out my gun looking at the ammo. I only had three bullet's left of the ammo. I didn't know if I should use it. But when we got closer we saw the lava demon's doing most of the fighting. While they pulled the other's away. The battle started The clockwork ponies stayed farther behind to take out the flying Magic eater's. Roll Roll rushed in as a ball smashing many of the Majesties armies. Hawk rushed in as well the larger creatures of our army rushed in. Skull Crusher rushed in with a troop of other Minotaurs. The battle starts and an explosion happens right beside me causing me to fly away from the others. But I didn't hit anything hard. But I stood up quickly lifting the gun in my magic. Lifting my sword as well. Rushing into the city most of it is destroyed. Looking around for my friends but I didn't see them. I closed my eye's a moment then opened them. When I did I saw Cricket standing right in front of me. He held his weapons. I knew I would face Cricket. But I didn't think it would be this soon. He charged at me, slicing his sword's down at me. I blocked each and I had no idea how I was going to fight him. But I turned around giving him a hard apple buck that caused him to smash into a tree not far from us. I rushed to him smashing into him with my front hooves breaking the armor on his chest that kept him protected. He pushed me away flying into the air blood dripping from the armor. It looked fused to him. " Hero...." He coughed softly. " Soon we will have to face each other...So you can get into the castle. I doubt you are willing to kill me you're too much a wimp to do so." I lifted my gun firing into his chest, the shrapnel cut most of his insides and he gasped in pain. It was getting harder for him to fly. But of course, Mix flew in to grab the poor creature to make him vanish. Stomping my hoof. " NO come back here and face me!!!" Breathing deeply closing my eyes putting the hood over my head to sneak through the battle. I hide in the shadow's watching the battle I have caused. Watching Magic ghoul's fighting magic eater's and the ponies in the armor that made them forget who they used to be. I sit on my haunches, tears falling down my face. Is this how many felt during the war in Equestria. Is this how the other hero's felt? They look at the ones that follow them seeing many falls. Some fall someday, some never will understand the path. Closing my eyes tightly remembering the two vials of memories I drank the vials held the thoughts of the past of this island. Jonon stood beside me. I could tell it was here. Because she found me with no issue. " Little hero I know that you seem to be having issues that this battle is happening because of you. No hero was bound to happen even if you didn't show up. But I doubt we would have won this battle. Since the army is endless since. She uses the newly born or the young to become her army. Also, the magic eater's are powerful creatures." Closing my eyes sobbing softly. Jonon pulled me close to her. I was young, still, my heart is breaking from the fact. I caused an island to fall apart just for being here. " I..show up..the island turns into a second Equestria..." Jonon smiled softly holding me closer nuzzling my head a bit looking towards the battle then back down to me. She had a gentle smile on her face. Looking towards the battle. It made my heart sink more. " Hero a second Equestria won't happen. There is no balefire or mega spells on this island. if there is we never found them. All we have found is a former mare turned into our friend Hawk." We saw Hawk fighting many of the magic eater's larger than the normal ones. She fought them beside Roll Roll and Dr. Slice. " But the thing with our friend's little hero. You have done something that most heroes do. You brought all of us together little hero. Some see their friend's death in battle. Like you said about Tiria. You said she watched that many died around her. Because of the Enclave but she fought them off Like you’re with this island child. You need to get back into the fight. Get to the queen. There is only one here. It seems the rest of the Queen's went to the same part of the island the Queen that you let go went. It sounds like all of the magic eater's are tired of working for Majesty. So it seems we need to take out the last of the Queen's and then take out the outpost along the way to the castle. Because there are many along the road. " Closing my eyes standing on my hooves. " lead me to Queen Jonon." She nodded as the two of us walked through the battle. Hawk rushing in front of us smashing into a large magic eater. Skull Crusher and Black Feather working together taking down many of the creatures. Ruby Glide along with other magic eater's that joined us are doing all they can to take down their kind. As well as the armored ponies. The scaled hides rush behind us with the ghouls. Looking to see Bulk and his army taking out what they can. But they didn't see us. We seemed to be following burning bodies. The work of Blaze fresh burning bodies is what we mostly saw. As it leads us to the old mine that I cleared out when we first got here a few months ago. Blaze stood there removing my hood. She turned to me with a smirk on her face. " You need to go in alone my love." I let out a sigh feeling fear take over me. Blaze walked beside me, turning to look at me. I turned my head to look at her. " You can do this, my love. I have all the faith in the world in you." She smiles at me. I put the hood over my head again. When I went down into the mines. I saw a ghost but this time it's the ghost of the dead from this war. I saw the dragon even though I killed it. What is it with this mine that brings the dead here. But I stopped turning to look at Mimic. My eyes went wide. Mimic the hero of legend? But how is she here? She went back to Equestria. Why is her soul trapped here? " Ah...the one that is now the hero of legend." I just stared at her. How could I be the hero of legend? "But I am sure you wonder how you're the hero of legend when I was the real hero of Legend. Well, it would take a while to tell you." I let out another sigh. I sat down removing the hood looking towards the other soul's stuck here. I stroked the temples of my head. I left some dirt on my head. From my dirty dirty hooves. This was all too much to take in. " I did go back to Equestria. I got burned up pretty bad but I was still alive even after. It took me many years to heal. But the reason you're the next hero. I gave my blood to a mare that was about to die from a bad sickness. So you could say you're related to me in away. But it's because of the blood I gave your ancestor. So you have the DNA of a hero. I'm happy that you found so many friends. But I can tell how bad the battle is getting. I wish I could help you, child. But if you see Glendo. Please tell him I miss him. I wish I could take back what I did to them. I know they’re alive. I can feel it. I just can't leave this mind. I have been here since the first time you came. I didn't even remember who I was. It was until you caused the other creature to run. Making her run to the part of the island that holds only the magic eater's." Closing my eyes tightly falling to my haunches she gave her blood to a mare. " But I doubt it would last that long." "I died when the blood was being moved to the mare. Now I think it would have been a Fifty by fifty chance. If you would have been born at least with one part of my DNA child. But even so, this legend is strange. At first, I never thought I could become part of it. It seems for whoever created this island made the legend to piss of Majesty but the one with the blood that could control the magic here. But well being a unicorn and the magic here. It's not a pleasing feeling. But I have kept you for longer than I should have. I know from what I told you. You look upset." Closing my eyes looking down the stairs then back up to Mimic. " I thought I would be your grandchild somehow. I related to a hero. It would have made me feel ten times better." Mimic chuckled softly, shaking her head. " Sorry child but not every pony can be the decedent of a great pony. But You are a hero. You have been near heroes. The one is known as Tiria. I am sure she did a lot for you." I shook my head looking away a moment then back to MImic. I smiled before I spoke. " She did much, yes. But she also hated ponies and Zebras. She felt they were the reason that the land is dead. She also felt she had a right to insult all the ponies she saw. Down the line, she did calm herself. But she did anger a lot of ponies she made friends with. But I did sadly agree with her. I was a young foal then. But now that I look at the world of Equestria after the war. It's the end of the battle that has caused great harm. She was right if it wasn't for the fact that the coal. Maybe even more that caused the war. The world would still be the peace-loving world it was." Mimic nodded and sighed. " The war...the war that shouldn't have ever happened child. The war could have been stopped but. I think the ponies loved the fact that they had so much. These strange gun's showing up. These boost in technology even the boost in living. We could have just lived without this coal or the fact that I was a friend with some Zebras. The fact it was hard for me to even get Glendo to be able to fight in the Equestrian army. It's how it was; it's a sad moment in history. Yes, But that's how war and battle are. But we are ponies we never even fought in a war before. We have been peaceful for many years for our good. War never even came across as something we should do." I look down the path. " Why are you here Mimic?" Looking up to me she smiled weakly. " With how this island works. It causes a lot of the dead to be stuck here. But only ones that ate the magic of the island. That's why we become part of the island's magic. So the only way I can go away..is if you take my magic." Blinking, biting my lip, closing my eyes. Of course, I thought. I had to kill her all over again. I had to take her magic from the land. Slowly opening my eyes, tears falling from them again. How could I do this to her? But I took a deep breath looking up to her placing my horn in the mist that formed her. Looking up to her with a weak smile. " Goodbye Mimic please rest and let your soul got to a place full of a happy world." Mimic smiled. I closed my eye's my horn glowed, taking the magic of Mimic inside me. I felt the inch of the magic going into my core. I could feel the soul of Mimic slowly vanishing from the magic that is keeping her from moving on. When I fully take the entire magic. All I see left behind is a strange ball of light. It slowly drifted up into the sky. Back in the castle, Glendo could feel that Mimic moving on he had tears in his eyes. “Goodbye, my friend.” Looking to the floor I had to go fight this creature. It's now time for it. Slowly walking down the stairs. I could see that the Queen had no guards or even any other magic eater's. When I went into the chamber the Queen just kept laying eggs but none of them hatched. Something tells me this one when she was created a problem happens. The Queen lifted the egg's looking to see there was no larva inside them. Tossing them to the side I had to find a tube that I could use to kill her. But the tube wasn't even connected to her...Um, ass or whatever brought the egg's out? I know nothing about bugs and how they breed. I had to figure out how to kill her. But I hit a rock causing her to look up. " Come out hero...I know you here." Removing my hood looking up to the Queen this one was a lot different. She had a harder shell pink on the shell and yellow on her facial features. " You must have come down here to kill me. But I am no threat to you at least not anymore. I sent all my warriors to fight your army. I'm sure they're all dead by now. But yes I needed the seed of a male to give me more eggs. But the only male I could use at the time was Mix. He gave me the seed. But since it's so screwed up thanks to that stopwatch. None of these eggs will hatch. The only time they will if he is killed." I let out a sigh shaking my head not sure what to do or to think. " Well, you can't stay here. Because well this mine belongs to the magic ghouls. If you leave...I am sure you could.." There suddenly is an explosion and flesh and blood flew everywhere. I blink my eyes seeing the eggs are broken and shells all over the ground. I didn't know what the fuck was going on. When all the smoke of magic drifted inside me. I tried to force it out. But I saw Mix hover over the Queen magic eaters body. However, not all the eggs are broken but look very weak. " Why did you have to kill her?!" Mix laugh softly looking towards the body and the eggs. I could tell the watch was finally taking its toll on his mind. He has been using it since I came to this island. He turns it on making me and the eggs fly out in the middle of the army. Looking around he yelled loudly to the army. " Listen army of the hero. I shall kill her in front of you all. Don't stop us from this battle." My friend's tried rushing to me but Mix stared at them. " I will take him on alone. I said calmly." I look at my friends who stopped. Looking at all the eyes stare at me. I smiled at them. Looking to Doc who stood not far from us either just in case I got badly hurt. He could get me out of here. " Before we do this battle Mix. Can I at least say goodbye in case I don't win this battle?" Mix sighed nodding. I went to my friend's kissing Blaze, deeply nodding to them. I whisper. " if he starts overusing the watch, take him out." The others nod. I slowly went back to get ready to battle him. I sighed closing my eyes, not sure what to think. I lifted my gun and my sword. Looking up to Mix most of his body is like a tumor now. The stopwatch is cracking and it seems about to blow. " I need your key to open the door to get inside the castle. If I beat you. You will give me the key." Mix growls hissing. " The only way you will get my key if you get it over my dead long-dead corpse." We got into the position he charged at me. I did the same with him. It was time to see who could win a battle. A magic eater turned into a weapon by the ponies of the past or the hero. Who will know.? Max level
Chapter TwentyEight: Battle with MixThe stopwatch. It was known to just be used as a simple watch that could time runners and many other things that go on in sports. But after a time when Twilight went back in time a week. Some ponies found it interesting but nothing came of it. But when the war started. Project Stopwatch, a device that could have been used to go back to stop the war or at least talk got the Princess to stop Luna from becoming the full leader of Equestria. Project Stopwatch was one of the ones that stayed in the background. Not many ponies even understood what it was. When it even showed up all they learned about it. All they knew about it. That it’s a magic Stopwatch a simple magic stopwatch The first test subject was a stallion back during the war on Equestria. He used it but the rest of his body went back in time before the start of the war. Of course, when they found the body years later it fell down a cliff when it came back. But the thing about the brain was that it was used in the mech body at first. But the issue with this stallion’s brain. It caused a lot of shock to the point they had to shut him down and trash the brain. Killing the pony fully. But they kept searching for subjects for both Project Mech and Project Stopwatch. A mare is known as Hawk in the army. She used that name most of her life since..half her life was the war. That's what she named herself. But she came to them all broken and close to death. Before they placed her in the mech. They used the stopwatch on her to try to heal her wounds. But it caused her to get memories of a future that might have happened if the war ended. She was a family mare. But when she learned that it was maybe the future. She knew that she would never be able to see the end of the war..if she died like this. So Dr. Slice is the one working on both the projects. This was when he had the flesh-eating sickness. It was a sickness he got from the Blue hats that were stationed in Wymarnic. It was a creation of theirs to destroy what the ponies of that land called the threat to Equestria. It was meant for some pony else. But he was the greatest target. He tried to warn a detective known as Smoke Pipe about the problem. But the Blue hats got to the poor detective removing everything that he knew about them. He found a way to steal some of the memory orbs. Placing them around areas for the detective to find. But it was too late as one could say. The sickness took him over since. Before the detective could find the orbs. The bombs fell and Dr. Slice was on the island. Causing him to place his body inside the machine. But before that of course. They placed poor Hawk inside the mech. A newly made robot that was meant to work on its own. But it didn't work. So they had to place a brain inside to keep it working. They placed Hawk's brain inside it. Then they found themselves on the island. The scribe went with them. But another set of ponies got a hold of rare magic eater that was Cricket like. They used what they brought from Equestria and started experimenting on Cricket. Then they found a creature like Mix. Just a normal flying dragonfly-like magic eater. Some had colors like pink red so on. But this one was just pure brown. But when they placed the stopwatch inside the chest of Mix. They turned it on causing a great problem to happen. In the forbidden lands, the ponies and Zebras start their battle. The stopwatch causes them to see their future. But it was too late. They rushed to a cave while some stayed in the base. When the balefire firebomb went off in the forbidden lands. It caused Cricket to grow into the creature he is now. It also caused him to have a hate for ponies. But he also had a personality of caring for others. Mix causes so many problems. When he learned what happened to him and the power that had been given to him. He found a way to cause more problems and now...Hero... " You know...." I blinked feeling the world around me going back to normal. We did start our fight. But when we hit I saw the past of what I saw, what he did, and what happened. " Now you see why I hate your species. You couldn't leave well enough alone. Yes, it's been ten years since the past has been fixed. But think about it, hero. Think closely no matter what the past will happen again. Your ponies are too foolish to move on. I have seen what will happen and has happened to you StarShooter. I saw what happened to Tiria. She was right...She was right about all your species." I didn't wish to know more about him. I wanted to fight...I wanted to fight him and destroy him. Closing my eyes tightly looking at my friends and the battle around us that still went on. The battle was still going because of him. But the battle between him and just me...was going to happen. Looked over to Doc then He charged at me. He tried biting me but I did a few slices with my sword. But he dodged it, firing my gun at him. But the bullets missed him. But after that, the ammo was out. I placed the little lady back in the holster. Mix, starts using the clock to form himself a sword as well. That he held in his little leg's. Charging at me while our weapons caused sparks. The sparks flew all over the place. Some of them hit me causing me to get burns. I slice my sword into his head making it fly away. But of course, the battle restarts after the stopwatch causes us to be in the same spot before the sword sliced his head off. I shook my head. I did the same attack he dodges out of the way hitting me with his stinger in my chest. I gasped feeling the sting go deep into my side. I felt the paralyzing venom going through my system. It burned so much. But lucky for me, I could still use my magic when I fell to the ground. I sliced him in half causing the stopwatch to turn on again causing us to go back a few moments before the stinger hit me. He of course did the attack. I moved out of the way using my telekinetic magic to grab the sting and forced him to sting the ground. But it didn't cause him to get stuck. I sliced my sword into his chest. I could see the stopwatch was still cracked for what Skull Crusher did to him. But he bites into the sword removing it from my magic. Tossing it away I got on the back of my hooves taking the stave I had on me in my hooves. I had to fight him like a Zebra. I lifted the stave blocking each attack, even the stinger. He flew back growling hissing at me. " You deserve to die a hero. You're a threat to peace. You ruined the peace when you came to this island and removed the leader of Cliffside." I growl in anger staring at him. " You can see the past. Do you even know that the guards of that leader did to the mares of that town? If you say that I ruined the peace take a fucking look at what they did to that Goddess forsaken town. If you won't I will force you too!!" Mix laughed. " Oh, I know what they did. Just it's the ponies hurting other ponies and Zebras. I told you, child. the past is happening again. Majesty would have stopped the threat of the Zebra's and the ponies from." A smack him from Jonon who joined in the battle. My friend's finally joined in. Skull Crusher smashes one of his fists into Mix causing him to fly back but then flies quickly at him. Now the battle was between Skull Crusher and Mix. I wanted to join in the battle. But he grabbed Mix punching him over and over. But again the stopwatch turns back the time before my friends Join in the attack. He lifts his stinger firing the magic laser like a stinger. It smashed deep into Crusher before he could be punched. Crusher fell to the ground paralyzed. Mix quickly rushed to Crusher stabbing the stinger into his chest right in the spot of the heart. Killing him right away. Blinking my anger grew but Blaze jumped in breathing her fire burning him causing him to remove the stinger from Skull Crusher the lifeless body lay there. I just stared at it tears forming in my eyes. I lost a friend...I had to kill Mix. Blaze's breath burns Mix to the point he dies. The stopwatch glows causing the battle to rewind. My sword flew away again. I used my staff but there wasn't a need for words. Skull Crusher was alive? He starts to punch Mix again Mix backed up his stinger getting ready to fire the laser stinger into him again. But Crusher picked up a rock tossing it into him. The laser hit the ground next to him. Crusher charges at him, the two of them fighting quickly since we have learned. Mix grew angry biting Crusher's arm forcing the venom through him. Causing him to fall to the ground again. Lifting a rock smashing it into the Minotaur's head once making the skull break. Blaze rushed in like the first time trying to burn him. But this time he dodged out of the way. Using the rock to smash into the armor trying to break through it. Jonon joined in the attack smashing her stave into him. Causing him to move out of the way, tossing the rock with great force into Jonon stave it broke and made her fly back a bit. But she stayed on her hooves. Mix growled picking up one of the parts of the stave when Blaze opened her mouth to cause another attack of fire. He quickly shoved the staff deep into her mouth making her choke on the wood. I rushed to her trying to pull it out. But no luck I watched the one I love choke fall to the ground. I felt my heartbreak seeing her die. I started to sob. Looking up to Mix who laughed darkly at my pain. Jonon grabs the other part of the stave stabbing it into his chest causing the watch to turn back time again. The sword flew to the side. I shook my head the time going back to before the battle started. Skull Crusher attacked again but Mix finally seemed smarter. He lifted high into the air then triggering the Stopwatch to cause Crusher to go a little slower. He stabbed the stinger deep into the chest of Crusher causing him to die right on the spot. Mix was losing his mind. The stopwatch has been used too much. it was starting to shatter. But it kept working as he wished it to. Blaze rushed in trying to burn him. Mix turned around getting burned a bit but when Jonon got into the fight the stave hit Blaze instead. Mix used the device again or tried to cause Blaze to go faster in time. She rushes at him so quickly. It caused him to lose the chase. He turned around making her go back to normal time. She burned him again. He used his stinger firing the magic laser from it to try to break the armor. When it hit it caused it to get heated. I started to melt a bit since Blaze was overheating from using her magic so much. Part of her neck was easy to get to. Mix quickly turned around biting into Blaze trying to drain her magic. She wasn't able to break him off. Jonon lifts to her smashing her stave into Mix making him break off but it was already too late. I rush to her wrapping around her. " Blaze...." I said softly...She just dies right in my hooves. I was getting tired of this... I was getting very tired of this. Looking to Jonon now fighting Mix. Slice rushed in next using his saw blades. He dodged the blades causing one of Jonons hooves to be cut but not bad enough to be fully sliced off. But it didn't stop her, she kept hitting Mix. Slice turned on his flame thrower trying to burn Mix. He dodged out of the way of the fire burning Jonon. She screams falling to the ground burning to death. Mix turns to me but before he could do anything. Slice sawed into the stopwatch. Causing it to break going back a few moments into the past. When we made it back to the start of the battle. The sword flew into the ground stabbing into it. But Mix wasn't well. He grew a second head. Half his body was a tumor looking thing. He was still able to fly. Skull Crusher and Blaze attacked at once. Crusher used his fist to grab Mix and Blaze burned him causing him to scream. Crusher got burnt a bit. But it didn't stop Mix from gaining power from the broken stopwatch. He tossed Crusher with his small body tossing him onto Blaze causing them both to be not able to move for the moment. But he stabbed deep into Skull Crusher again the stinger going through him firing the stinger laser burning the armor on Blaze. Causing the armor to burn off then fully stabbing into her killing them both at once. Mix was getting too broken in his mind. His stinger was broken when he pulled it out from the two. He flapped there watching the rest of us. I just stared, not sure what to do my brain didn't work anymore. I was watching those that went after him keep dying. Jonon Black feather and Dr. Slice went after him next. Black feather fired his gun, Jonon and Dr slice doing their best to keep him from moving. Mix moved to quickly cause Black feather to over fire a bit too much. He blasted Dr. Slice causing him to blow up, falling to the ground. Jonon quickly moved out of the way. Mix floated above us looking down on us. " I will keep coming back. You can't stop me. I will keep returning. I will keep killing every single one of you. I will not be stopped." Jonon jumped quickly using one of her knives to stab him into one of the heads. But he grabs Jonon the overuse of the watchmaking him stronger then he should be. Rushing into the ground with his large wing's smashing her into the ground on a rock. Her entire body breaking and he did it twice dropping her to the ground. The stopwatch glowed brightly. Absorbing the magic of this land. I rushed to Jonon who was already dead when she hit the ground. I turned to see Black Feather trying to use his gun again but Mix rushed quickly at him smashing into him. The stopwatch causes time around the griffin to grow older. Then Mix moved away from him. Black feather looked so old that he couldn't even walk anymore. He lay there slowly dying. He turned to look at me. I stood up ready to battle him. He fired his laser stinger and it went into my chest. Forcing me to the ground. Mix floated there looking at all of us. I was still alive watching the last of my friends slowly die from old age. I only had one chance of prayer. " Oh, Goddess. please save us....one last battle...One last move of pain. We need to win this battle oh my dear Princess please give us your glory. Please give us glory oh Goddess please." I said while lifting Little lady in my magic to get a shot off. But my magic died. The gun falls to the ground. "Please..." Mix laughs softly. " Praying dear hero...praying for the dead is never going to work for you. " He floated to me. I look to see all my friend's around me dead But before anything happens to me. I heard magic going off and I saw Doc stabbing my sword deep into the chest of Mix. Doc kept it there and put his hoof on it. Making sure he can't go back in time to stop it again. Mix started to scream as he started to break apart, time started to change and go nut's around the area we were in. Magic went deep into each of my friends. They came back to life going back before the battle even started again. But I didn't. But they watched to see what was going on. " Doc.." I softly said. " Shh, little Star Shooter. I have seen what happened. My wife is long dead. She died during the attack of the Enclave. She rescued you little one." He started to glow as well. The power of the stopwatch started to cause Mix to bend and explode a bit. The stopwatch finally reached its point. " Slice told me... the only way to stop the Stopwatch. Some pony must give their life for it. I hurt you, child. I tried to turn you in. I even brought you into this world. I wish things could have been different" Magic went inside me slowly standing up. " No Doc...I need you to stay alive. You can come back with me to Equestria." I tried to pull him away but Blaze's tail grabs me pulling me away from Doc. Doc shook his head with a gentle smile on his face. " No, I feel I deserve this child. Goodbye.." Mix exploded in the magic of this land. Causing the wounded of the battle to get back up. After a while, the magic went all over the place. Repairing some of the building's it even healed some things I never knew about. But when the light vanished. All that was left behind was what remains of the stopwatch. I walked to it. Lifting the stopwatch it broke leaving behind one of the keys of the castle. Placing it in my bag. There was nobody left at all. Now maybe Doc would finally meet his wife again. I look for my sword, the singer. But wherever Mix went my sword went with him hopefully he went to the future or the past or finally died. Maybe he can finally be at peace for all that has happened to him; he deserves all the peace that he can get. It was time for us to move on. Looking at my friend's they remember everything that happened to them. I felt two swords stab in my back. I screamed in pain falling to the ground. I didn't know what was wrong. But I felt a foot on my back. I didn't know what was going on. Then I heard a voice that put fear in my heart. He was going to try to kill me again. " Ah hello there....friend's." Cricket laughs loudly. Max Level
Chapter Twentynine: Duel between a lizard and a bugI watch my lover fall to the ground. Watching Crickets swords pull from the flesh of Star Shooter. Every emotion fills my body but hate for Cricket Hate for him happens even more. This is the last straw I had enough of my lover being hurt or even harmed such in away. I felt the anger build inside me, venom dripping from my mouth. The burning fire of my drool drips all over the grass causing a great fire. Fire starts to form around Cricket and I. The fire builds causing the others to move away from the fire. Cricket laughs seeing the fire build to surround us. My eyes stare in his bug-like eyes. The leather of his blades cracks while I see the mussels in his hands go tight and tense. The two of us circle each other. My heart beats loud enough in my ears. I feel a rush of fire in my body. Looking to my Star Shooter again. I could see the wounds from the flesh. The broken flesh and deep holes of the swords. The blood pooling within them. The smell of blood I have had this smell in my nose before. I don’t remember when but. Oh, I do remember now the bears the attacks. Everything before I met Star Shooter. “Oh come on.. Salamander I’m doing the work of the Queen. Come. Join us to join the winning side. Mix, is now dead but it’s all in the Queen’s grand work my dear. Just taste her power I shall give you a taste. If you taste her power I will let your lover live. If not my dear.” He places a foot on the back of Star Shooter who groans in pain. This is the only chance I have to save her. So I have to think of something. He offered me power. To save her. “What kind of power Cricket? Power to end this war?” Cricket chuckles lift up his swordless hands offering his very blood. “Infused in me and my blood is what created me. From the ponies of old that turned me into the monster, you see now. Just a taste my dear and you will.” He closes his fist and laughs. “Join the winning side.” He said in a hiss. So much fills my mind power to save her? I could use the power to bring my race to give the little ones their parents back. Bring my own parents back a battle within my mind. No, it’s not right to get this power. While I did this of course Cricket grew even closer but in a slow matter. Holding the leather of his hilts again. Causing the leather to break and crack. “BLAZE!! Don’t fall for it!!” I heard Black Feather shout. “Open your eyes girl!” Jonon shouts. Finally, my mind comes back to the task at hoof claw. I think it’s claw I heard the wind the swords cuts as it reaches for my flesh. I lift up my sharp claws my claws stopping the blade. It hurt just a bit because my claws may be sharp. But they still have pain receptors in them. I took a deep breath staring at the hate in Cricket’s eyes. “You make a good point Cricket. Power is what is needed here. But I am a hero of legend!!!” The words cause a battle to start by the watching armies while the battle between me and Cricket was just starting. I look to my friends fighting the Queen’s army I could feel their desperation to get to me. My focus went back on Cricket who starts to laugh he shook his head clapping his swordless hands. “Oh, that is rich dear Blaze. I have been hunting you for years and I beat you at every turn. But you still escape but this time you have no way out but to fight me.” With his swordless hands, he grabs two more blades holding four swords in all his hands. Fear shown in my eyes but I can’t let fear get the best of me. I have to fight for this island for my dead family. For my home for my land. “The battle around us has formed Cricket. Look we are winning this battle.” Each word I say rings somewhat true each battle we fight at this moment. Most of the troops on our side is the victor. Some do die on their side and then others die on our side. It’s the problem of war. Too much death just for freedom. “We are fighting. Fighting for our freedom. Fighting in the name of my mate my wife to be.” Cricket turns the fire shining in his eyes. “Then do it. End this talk lets see who wins on the path of battle.” As if it was fate rain started to pour to try to break the magic fire. That forms from my core. Even if the waterfalls the fire still burns. I charge slashing my claws to get through his guard. I doubt it would be easy with his four swords. All I need is one window one strike. That is never going to be easy my heart beats harder. I could feel the fire in my body burning. Each time I strike with my claws he blocks. Till finally, he was able to strike into me. The four blades bite in my flesh my blood running onto the ground itself and I skitter back shivering in pain. I cough up some blood feeling it fill my body since he did strike some vessels. “Come on give it up Blaze. You know full well you have never been able to win. You’re like a pony on four hooves. I am made of stronger stuff and creation to fight in the ponies war. I am willing to give you mercy Blaze. Just give up I won’t kill you.” I couldn’t allow it I charge again The strike causing him to lose his swords. The swords all stab into the ground he grew in anger lifting me up over his head and tosses me into the ground. I felt a couple of ribs break I gasp in pain coughing. He kicks into my stomach with his bug-like foot. “Give it up!!” He stomps into my throat choking me. “I have won give it up!!” I felt my life slowly drifts away my vision going cloudy feeling my heart slowly stop beating. I didn’t know it at the time but I could see in my cloudy vision Star Shooter lifting up one of the blades in her magic and stab Cricket in the back. He roars in pain turning around taking his foot off my throat I gasp for air while he picks up his blades going on the attack after Star Shooter. He laughs pulling the sword from his back. The fleshy sound of the blade moves out of the flesh. Blood sprays out of his back causing it to land on me. I could feel the fire in my body finally grow again. The blood had the magic of this land. For the longest time since the war even began. I have been weak letting him go each battle we fought or him doing the same to me. I stood up the spikes on my back burn with fire licking them all over. Finally, I felt whole again. Cricket did all he could to fight my love. He uses his bare hands to grab her neck and lift her to his eyes smirking. “You’re going to die here, hero.” Star Shooter smirks while he held her In his claws. “Oh, what are you smirking at?” She lifts her hoof weakly point to me. He turns to look at me fear to form in his eyes. “Drop her.”Cricket drops Star Shooter onto her ass. He grabs his swords again lifting them up fearing for his life. I open my mouth and breath fire out of my mouth the flames washing over him. His flesh melts off his bones I really don’t give a shit if he is crying for mercy. He has been on the hunt for me most of my life. He has hurt my wife to be. Cricket falls to his knees after the might of the magic slowly vanished from my body. Leaving nothing behind but a burnt husk in the position forever time of his failure. I fell to my knees. The fire dims allowing those who aren’t fighting to help me and Star Shooter. “Get him!!!” We heard a yell. “Mercy!!” Mouse screams We all chase after Mouse he leads us to the castle gates. He had an evil smirk form on his face while a storm of Magic eaters and the magic armor pony ghost coming over the wall. It was a trap like most of us knew it was. It was a final battle for the castle gates and the legend stops right after this. The legend stops after the hero of legend marry their lover. I look to Star Shooter. Even during the battle she looks to me she knew what time it was and the battle was about to start to get into the castle. Then the legend itself would be up to fate next. Max level
Chapter Thirty: Dance with a mouse.In the front of the pack Hawk along with Roll Roll. Behind them, a former outpost was destroyed. The outpost looked to be rushed up and taken down with no issues. When the army got in front of the castle itself. Standing in front of the way in. Is the rest of the army of Majesty and Mouse. The army lifted their weapons while Majesty's army charged. The hero was placed farther away and she was still fully out of it. Mouse charged them. The eye's of Mouse Most never understood what it's like to be made like this. Grown from a normal mouse. In to this. I was just grown given this armor and called Project Mouse oh how impressive. My first target was a large mech. That gave me a hard time when I fought them at the siege of Cliffside. Thanks to my new armor I was ten times faster than I was before. Crashing into the leg of the mech. Causing them to fall. Jumping on the cockpit to try to smash into the glass to get to the brain. But a magic eater smashed into me causing me to fly into the wall of the castle. I looked up seeing the large rolling magic eater rolling after me. " Traitor!!" I yelled but the creature kept smashing into me. I didn't know the best way to kill a magic eater. But I had to destroy that crazy Mech. But I watched them surrounding the broken Mech. To let it repair. I had to rush into the rolling magic eater making him fly away from me. Looking at the army so many, how did the hero bring so many to take us down? I had to find Star Shooter the hero. The compartments on my sides. Open up to bring out my cannons to fire the green magic ore into the air. To try to take out some of the armies. I doubt it would have worked. I wasn't even made for battle like this. I was made to help with mining and to help with the ponies war. But I have never been in a battle like this. Around me and the other's the ground was on fire. The army of the enemy made so much ground. That it was hard for us to do anything. We couldn't even retreat. Of course, they wouldn't allow me to. After what I did to the hero. They would do what they can to destroy me. I never know. Rushing through their army breaking through some of their ranks. I was searching for the hero. I found her in a caravan and she looked like she was out of it. So it was time to kill her. I charged at the wagon she was in. But Skull Crusher got in my way. I smashed into him. It didn't even make him budge. " You..." I said softly. Skull Crusher smashed me with his fist. Making me fly far away from falling on my side groaning. I hate this armor. It's weaker than the older armor. I used to have. "The other two are dead Lil Mouse. Revenge has been given to all those you three have hurt. Even the little hero. Her friends are out getting this castle ready to be taken over.. I don't see Majesty out here to save you...I don't see her coming to save you at all. Maybe she knows her days are numbered." Growling came from my bleeding mouth charging at the large Minotaur. I know I didn't stand a chance. When I used the cannon I was able to hit him. But it didn't even phase him. I had no eyelids. I didn't even sleep. Well good for me. A large foot came down on me hard. My body creaked and groaned. My armor exploded causing me to fly out of it. Thanks to the doctors of majesty. They had to use potions to try to repair my wounds. I may not be armored anymore. I was ten times faster out of the armor. Jumping quickly onto the wagon grabbing the hero's sword. But before I could charge at the Minotaur. A large ghoul Pegasus smashed into me. Yelling " YEAH!!" I stood face to face with Bulk. I looked to Skull Crusher then Back to Bulk. " You shall fall little mouse. " I didn't know what to do. I was sure I was going to die from this battle. But I had to fight but they were after my key. It was in my armor. I dropped the blade. " I give up!! my key is in the armor. Just let me go. I will never show up again." Skull Crusher and Bulked looked at each other. Then I heard a voice. It was the hero's voice. She stood up walking to me holding Little lady in that magic of hers. I know that weapon. Oh, no. I walked to Mouse standing in front of him. Lifting my sword up with my magic. " Mouse you have done so much to this land. You think you have done the right thing harming others. In the name of Majesty. Mix was taken down after he killed my friend. One gave his life to kill Mix. The one who brought me into this world." My anger grew my eyes flashing with magic. I had absorbed some magic not too long ago. Being closer to the castle seems to make the core of my magic power. " I can't let you just run Mouse...You need to be ready to fall." Mouse looks down then looks at the others coming into the battle. I felt something was wrong. I looked down seeing the green fluid. I started getting dizzy. Coughing loudly. How did it get there...How.Oh, no. Little robotic mice skitter around releasing the fluid. I yelled out. " Every pony kill those little mice." I groaned my friends along with Hawk and Roll Roll attacked the Mice but Mouse tackled me forcing my face into the green goo. Closing my eyes trying not to breathe in. I tried to use my magic to stop him. Firing my gun in his leg forcing him to go away. But I couldn't open my eyes the green goo fused my eye's shut. I trained to fight like this. Getting on my back hooves. Putting my gun away. Holding my sword in my mouth. using my ear's. " Awww poor little hero." Mouse laughs. " You fell for it...You thought you could win." He was getting closer. Fighting like a Zebra." I heard his paws clawing through the ground. He charges up at me trying to attack me. But with a twist of my neck, I did a slice with my sword. I heard the sound of flesh cutting and him screaming. I felt the blood splatter all over my face. I still couldn't see but I heard him breathing hard. I set down my blade for the moment. " Give up Mouse. I will not do this dance with anyone anymore. It's time to give up your life." Using my magic to put the hilt of the sword back in my mouth. I could hear him trying to keep something from falling out of his body. " Hero..." I heard him slurping on the ground near one of the pools of goo. It made the sound of flesh mending. Could it heal him? Then why did it harm others? " Time for you to die." Mouse charges at me. I moved out of the way just a bit and I did get a scratch in my side. Feeling his claw's dig deep into me. But I used my sword to slice his tail off. Mouse screamed loudly. Blaze ran to me looking at my face. I could tell she was unhappy. I heard Hawk's large foot coming down to pin Mouse to the ground. " We need a healer!!" Blaze yells. I heard hoof steps rushing towards me. I could smell the scent. it was Zrannth. " We need someone to cut her eyelids away from her eyes and feed her a potion." I felt Blaze's tail wrapping around me. Feeling her claw's pry my eyelids apart. Then a potion was forced down on me. I felt my eyes and eyelids slowly healing from the green goo. Looking back to Mouse who was under the large foot of hawk. " I got a question for him..." I walked over to Mouse who was oddly still alive. " Mouse, why is this it? Are there any threats we should know about in the castle?" Mouse coughs bleeding from wounds on his body. " Majesty has many creatures to fear in there. But most of them would just let you by. But the battle for the castle will be hard. All her magic eaters are in there. The guard's who are brainwashed by her. Will do what they can to keep you from getting into the castle. They will use the young or turn them into the cannon fodder." Mouse looks out of it. He looks like he was ready to die. " Can I just kill him already?" Hawk was very upset I could tell in how she spoke. I look up to hawk. "He is of the past. The past needs to be removed. We don't need any more hints of what our kind did in the past Star Shooter." I gave a nod. Closing my eyes was it my call to kill him? I felt it was now. Looking down to Mouse. " Go ahead, Hawk." Hawk lifted her foot and came down with a smash hard enough to crush Mouse. She did it more than once. I could tell that Hawk had many things that were bothering her. She lifted her foot. Mouse shook he had a great deal of fear in his eyes. Before the foot came down to smash him. “WAIT!!” Mouse yells loud enough to stop Hawk from stomping him. Hawk stops before the foot hits. “I am a coward just let me go. I will give you the key and take my mice with me. I promise scouts honor and I will not harm anyone. Hawk kept her large foot above Mouse looking towards me with one of her cams. “Every creature deserves to be redeemed. Do you think you could be at peace with others?” Mouse nods looking up at Hawk’s foot. “Yes, I promise you. You ponies respect the magic of friendship and all.” The magic of friendship? I never heard of this before. Looking to Hawk and sigh nodding. “Let him go.” Mouse stands up after Hawk moves her foot back down. He removes the key from his back and walks away from us. I hear Hawk’s guns warm-up and before anypony could say anything she shoots him with almost every bullet in her guns. Hawk walks to the broken body. With some miracle, Mouse is still alive. He couldn’t even move his head. “W..hy?” “The magic of friendship died because we ponies redeemed to many villains like you.” Hawk lifts her foot again, stomping hard down on him crushing him. The mech looks back at the rest of us. “If you allow murder to live because of a sob story or you’re thinking he will not turn back to evil. You’re all mindless and blind.” I want to be upset with Hawk. But I had no right to argue with a pony of the past. I doubt the Clockwork ponies would argue with her either because of them being ponies of old as well. It’s a bit of a dark side that comes with the past and the now. The Warden's Chamber The poor dragon pulls some of the tubes out of his body causing some gushes of bleeding. He didn't wish to be part of this battle anymore. He was injected with potions to heal him over time. He watched the screens of the army of the hero taking care of the remaining forces outside the castle. He heard a voice behind him. " So you have betrayed us.." The dragon turns to look at Reaver. " I have done nothing of the sort Reaver. I betrayed no one. Majesty need's to fall along with you. But I can't move since...One of the wires is in my heart. So the castle will not attack as long as I am alive. Also, remember if I do, he will be released." Points to the teleport to the prisoner of the castle. Reaver looked to the teleport. " OH warden of little faith. Maybe this is what is needed to win this battle." The Warden's eye goes wide. Then he smiles. " Oh, I doubt he will fight with you Reaver. I'm sure the one who brought you here. Has other plans." Reaver blinks fear forms over him. " Yes, you know who I am speaking of. I'm slowly dying little Reaver. He will be released but..your master will be angry. Because it's too soon for the release of this threat." He smiled falling to the ground from the blood draining from him. Laughing Reaver quickly turned away. The poor dragon lay his head down on the ground. He turns on the mic since he can still be heard in the castle and near it. " This. It is the Warden. This is my last broadcast. I am dying in the name of the hero. To all in the castle. Fight Majesties army. Fight them off every mare foal stallion. Male so on..Fight Majesty and her minions. Free yourselves then find yourself a new warden to protect this island. Now it's time for the truth. When I die a threat greater than Majesty will be released. But don't worry about my ward's. The creature won't hurt you. He will try to escape the island without harming any of you. Don't worry it will be.....easy to...find a new....warden...He....won't...be hard...to find...He's in the slums.." The dragon slowly closes his eyes going into a coma. But his heart keeps beating at least for now. Tears streamed down my eyes. A song started to play a song. I have never heard before. " May this be your victory song " The upbeat song played while it played for all to hear in the castle and the outside of the castle. I didn't know how it was helping the souls inside the castle to fight. But the sound of music always helped. Inside the castle while the song went on. All the creatures of every part of the castle city started to turn on the minions of Majesty. The charge was led by Glendo. The words of the Warden made them Rise. "A song for you when I am gone" Even some of the guard's in the castle itself turn on the others. It was time for the battle of the castle to start. but the song went on. The Zebra's opened the sewer letting the Sea ponies inside the castle. But even though the fight went on. Most fell The guard's in the castle were taken out. But some stayed to protect the song in the warden's room. Majesty sent some of her best soldiers to destroy this message in song. "Reminding you of what you're meant to be" "A gift to bring you clarity" The army was emboldened by the song. I used the Key to open the castle. My friend's near me felt their heart's rise. Hawk stood above ready to fight. The magic eaters that joined us flew above the castle walls to go inside. Roll Roll for how big he was can fly as well. The Griffin's both the magic ghouls and the normal one's flew up. The Clockwork ponies some able to fly flew in to join the battle before I could get the door open. Black Feather and Dr. Slice flew up inside as well. It was just me and the land-based part of the army. I looked at Bulk one last time. I am sure this would be the last time I ever see him. He gave me a nod flying up into the castle city. Looking back at the Keyhole. I closed my eyes getting ready to use the key. But behind us, some of Majesties Minions that are magic eater's flew at the army. Lifting my gun in my magic. I stayed behind while using the keys to open the door. I can't allow us to be stopped to open the door to the castle. " To show that your destiny" " Is not defined by what you've failed to see" "No" The army fought off the magic eaters. I smiled at the song. Inside the warden's room. The guard's protecting it did their best to keep the song alive. Most fell but a few stayed strong fighting off the powerful warrior's that Majesty sent after them. Reaver started to follow the warrior's he wanted to end this song himself. But it's already done more harm than good. The warden's words. Have made many join the battle. Even the old picked up their weapons to start their battle. Glendo worked on freeing the slum's to open up the sky to see the sun. The Explosions riddled the upper part of the city. The lower part of the city always got the butt end of this. But no more he and his warriors are fighting in the control room to open it up. The only part of the castle that wasn't controlled by the warden. But by the guards. That Tried to keep the scum away from the high society. But now the higher society the richer the better off. Are now fighting as well. They are working on trying to free the lower level. " May this lift you up " But the song cut off before it could finish but it already did its harm. Inside the castle, the warden's room is burning. Reaver floated to the dying warden. Grabbing the tube that is connected to his heart. But felt it was best to wait. “No, I will let you suffer for betraying your creators.” Reaver leans down in the face of the warden. “But whatever hell you’re going to be prepared to join those that created this island. For what they did to my master. My master will always be ready for you and your creators.” Reaver floats away from the warden leaving the poor dragon bleeding out. The song ended the magic eaters slowly were taken down. I lifted the keys placing all three in their key hole's. The door opened up and the smoke came over the walls. Slowly drifted out of the front door. I allowed the army to go in without me. Hawk stood beside me along with my other friends. I sighed. I wasn't ready for this. Looking to Blaze who nodded to me. Looking to Jonon my first two friends. Blaze my lover. I think it was time for what it was meant to do. The final battle. Magic eater's attacked me, Hawk Blaze, and Skull Crusher. I look to Blaze and smile at her. Then yelled to Skull Crusher during the battle. " Skull Crusher Marry us!!." Blaze blinks, her face turns even brighter red. But smiles. Skull Crusher grabs one of the magic eaters ripping its head off. Hawk spoke. " Are you sure this is the right time?! I mean if you think battles like this are romantic for a wedding? " Skull Crusher laughed while the battle went on. "In the name of Celestia and Luna, we are Gathered here today. To bring these two in marriage. Do you Star Shooter. Take Blaze to be your lofty wedded Salamander Wife?" He said while he smashes his fist into a Magic eater. " I do!!" I said as I used my sword slicing more of the magic eater's. " Do you Blaze take Star Shooter to be your lofty wedded hu...i mean...wife...I mean mate...I mean...You know what I mean!!" Blaze did a deep breath of fire burning a few magic eaters. " I do!!" "IN the power invested in me...." He stops a moment to smash another Magic eater. " You may...Kiss.." The battle around Blaze and I slowed down to a stop. We slowly start to kiss. The world around us slowly stops. I am now married to the wonderful Blaze. I didn't care anymore about the battle. But we kept the kiss going for the time being. The final battle is here. It's now time for us to fight. A newly married couple along with our friends and the army clapping not far from us. As well as Hawk oddly cheering as well. It's time for the battle to start. But the kiss is all I cared about..for the moment. I broke it and lifted my sword and we rushed into the broken kingdom of Majesty. Max level Final perk: The marriage of legend: The legend has fully come to past fighting with your wife means every attack is 10% stronger. But even though the legend has finally come. No one knows who wins this war. The legend never told the story of who wins.
Chapter Thirtyone: Battle for the castle.The Warden's heart. The heart of the island that protects all that lives here. The castle itself connects to whoever wishes to become the warden. But the warden was a dragon all these years. If he was still connected like he was. The castle itself would suddenly turn on and attack. Some old strange technology that was made in the past. But lost because something really bad happens. Glendo and the other's in the slum fought. Weapons weren't allowed at the bottom of the castle. But they found chairs or parts from tables. Some even used large metal. The upper-level high society ponies didn't care about the lower ones. But after many of the high society have been forced into the slums by Majesty. They have grown tired of it. All of them are starting to see that if they don't dethrone Majesty their way of life is going to be ruined. They had a mare leading them. She is a descendant of some pretty high society ponies from Canterlot. They got stuck here during the war but never made it back home. She is only twenty years of age. But she has been a very outspoken critic of how Majesty treated the others of the city. Her bodyguard stood beside her, an old strange bird creature known as a Roc. Just like the Blacksmith in CliffSide. " Mistress Sea Catcher I think we need to allow the Sea ponies to handle the guard's up here. I think we need to risk the slums." The young mare looked up to the roc. She had a calm sea color like body. She had gentle teal eyes. An earth pony mare that trained to fence with a rapier. " I agree. I wish you to stay here to protect the sea ponies. " The roc nods. Lifting her giant sword. That glowed with weird runes. She walked off standing by the Sewer's while Snow Drift shouted orders. " Keep them at bay. Don't let them get behind the army!! Get the drain's off the fountain's so the sea monster can come up and start using his magic to heal." The sea ponies salute her going underwater. She looked up to the Roc with a gentle smile. " Thank you...Look out!!" The roc turned around quickly and one of Majesty's bodyguards attacked. He was a large stallion. Snow Drift jumps up shooting a strange spit of water into the stallion's eyes. He looked to be blinded and the nameless Roc smashes her sword into the large Stallion cutting him in two. She turned to look at Snow Drift. " Thank you.." She said in a soft voice. " I have no name...I am just a bodyguard to milady Sea Catcher." Snow Drift mods. The magic Ghoul's along with the other ghoul's rushed through the battle. They made it up to the guard towers to try to take down some of the guard towers to control them. The magic eater Ghouls. Along with the Griffin ghoul's and Magic ghouls, Griffin's shot down from above. The lava demon ghouls were coming slower; they didn't wish to use the lava underground to harm their friends. But they made their way to the main keep. Their leader wore heavy crystal armor. They didn't speak to the others. Hawk came up behind them getting attacked by little magic eater's. All the armored ponies that refused to work for Majesty are long dead. Roll Roll bashes through some of the buildings to take down some of the guards. But it didn't anger the high society ponies. The rest of the army started pouring in. The scaled hide's rushed in heading to the docks. Since there are zeppelins that are holding trade that has been stuck in there for many years. Sea Catcher ran past some of the other ponies that are dead from the guards. She lifted her sword in her mouth, cutting through some of the guards to get to the guard box to get the slum's open. She stabbed her sword into another guard as she removed her mouth from the hilt. " Get it open...We need to free the Slums. Those creatures have been living in their filth for years." The others had fear in their eyes. Too much fear of fighting heavily armored ponies. Sea catcher didn't know how to fight them. But they heard heavy steps behind them. Skull Crusher rushing through them smashing into the armor. He kept them at bay. " Get to it now!!" He yelled. Sea Catcher nods, rushing to the door to use the key's to get it open. All the doors of the slum finally open up. Even the ones that could be opened up by another from the slums. But it would have been if they closed it the right way. But when it opens Glendo and the entire Slum’s pouring out. Glendo turns to look at the Sea Catcher. He could see his Pegasus friend in her. Sea Catcher knew of Glendo from her great grandfather's journal. " Listen we will have to get to know each other another time. " Glendo said. " We need to help the hero get to the main castle. I think the Warden is dead so the locks won't be working. Have you seen the Hero?" Sea Catcher shook her head. " No, but we were told to expect her back a few months ago. But something stopped her from coming here. I think it was wise that she didn't come here. Majesty would have found her." A scream came above Bulk falling to the ground in a bad smash looking up Reaver has blood all over his claws. Rushing down to him suffocating Bulk with his body. Bulk had his wing sliced off. He had some deep cut leaking ghoul-like blood. But from the shadow's a zebra opens a bottle forcing the cloud creature inside. Jonon looking down at Bulk looking to Roll Roll who picks him up to lead him to the medics outside the castle. " We don’t have time to sit here and morn. We need to get the castle ready for the hero. She is staying back until she is ready for the final battle. She asked us to go ahead." Sea Catcher and Glendo nod. Glendo lifted his head. " In the name of the hero the creatures of the slums. Are we going to allow Majesty to keep us down anymore?!" They scream No. " Are we going to have our freedom after two hundred years of her keeping us all down?!" They all yell Yes. " Then Charge. '' Glendo charges with all the creatures of the slums. Zebra's holding wood knives bottles. Some fillies and colt's rush out as well to join the battle. The two twins come up from below and rush outside of the castle to see if they can help their way. Skull Crusher. I fought through the many guards. That Majesty had inside her castle. I'm surprised she never used these large ponies to attack us at Cliffside. Slowly I look around the castle. I see many wounded on our side. While some of the magic eater's are flying them out to get them taken care of. Smashing deep into one of the locked buildings. A group of hungry ponies was stuck in here. " In here!!" A few Zebras rush in picking up the weak ponies taking them outside. It's evil here. I never thought Majesty would allow half the stuff I have been seeing in here. Hearing a scream seeing a group of the high society ponies running away from a large dog-like creature charging at them. I turned to take on punching the dog's head making it fly. But I got a good look at the dog. It's a new creature Majesty has been working on. I will kill it. Charging the creature lifting it body-slammed the poor creature. But it kept tossing me away charging back at him. Punching it in the face. Trying to destroy this creature. The creature scratched my body. I had some blood drain from me. But I didn't care, I had to protect the weaker ones. Another group of Minotaur's charged into the creature along with me crushing it. I nodded to them and they all rushed out to go after others. I had to go to the slums I am sure there are many sick and wounded down there. When I went down there. A nasty smell hit me. Looking around I saw the sick the lame and the dying. They lived in filth I didn't know what to do when I saw this. I rushed back upstairs quick calling out. " Need help down here there are many down here." A group of Zebras that are part of our army from Cliffside rushed down with Jonon not far behind. When they got down there. A Zebra mare had tears in her eyes. Jonon stood watching she had her hood over her face. But the Zebra's lifted who they could with no issues. " Bring the medics down here.." They nod as they rush back upstairs. I didn't know what to do. But I noticed something a dark creature stayed in the shadows. I watched the creature looks like a lizard with a bag on it's back. It then vanished into the darkness. I swear I have seen that creature before. But I had to get back to getting the way to the main door to the castle free for the hero. But a storm of magic eaters breaking into the room. "JONON!!!" The Zebra shows up from the darkness hitting them with her staff. I lifted my fist rushing into the magic eater's punching them and grabbing their necks. Slammed a few of them into the ground. "Get them out of here JONON!!." The Zebra nodded quickly and rushed to get the wounded. While she did this I fought all the magic eaters by using my armored fist. I snorted and well being what I am had no trouble with this one bit. Jonon quickly got the wounded out and I spent my time having fun. Hawk I stood in the middle near the sea monster that finally made it through the fountain. My camera's looked around. I saw so many falling on both sides. It hurt me to see the fact I was in another war. But I wished to follow the hero. This hero deserves my help. Looking down at the foal's crowding at my feet. I wish I could touch them and help them out. " Little ones..." I said softly even if it sounded so robotic. " Go outside..this ain't a place for little one's. The foal's and young ones looked up at me. I could see the fear in their eyes. " Go on..I will protect you." They looked at each then nod and started to run towards the way out of the city. I watched slowly, seeing the Magic eater's leaving them alone. Looking back to the Sea monster who kept shooting its strange water magic on the wounds that went by. Thing's happen so quickly. I had no idea what most were fighting and what I saw. Turning around to look around the city it was on fire. All ponies of the city fight Majesties minions. It made me feel wrong. I couldn't go that far. The road was too crowded I could step on many. But I noticed many of the sick being taken out. I moved to stand in front of the way to guard the one retreating from the city. I noticed a large armored pony chasing a family. I started to fire trying to get the creature to attack me. I hit it with my ammo and it looked back at me. Blood drained from the wounds. This thing was faster than me. It looked like a pony that trained to take on things like me. I had to find a way to make myself faster. I leaned down more getting ready to charge. The pony charged at me. I did the same with him. I then jumped over it sliding on the bloody ground. Turning quickly to fire more bullets into it. The creature screams in pain. " Give up.I don't wish to kill you." The creature turned to look at me. It had a dark smile on its face. " Oh but Majesty wishes that I would end you." It wishes to die...so be it. leaned down I felt I needed to use something I was given from the Clockwork ponies. The side of my hull opens up bringing out a rocket launcher. I was only given one rocket. I didn't wish to use it. But I couldn't take this on without a heavy weapon. I fired the creature getting closer to me making the explosion make me fly into the wall of a building. I was heavily damaged. I still had my repairing talisman. It slowly starts to repair me. But It would take hours. When the smoke lifted the creature still lived worse for wear though. The creature charged at me. I heard a saw on its legs. The creature fell to the ground dead as it slid to me. Dr. Slice. Lifting my chainsaw cutting the legs of the creature that attacked Hawk. Slowly going to her. " Hawk...do you need any help?!" I sounded worried but it was hard for me to show it because..Robots don't have ways to show emotion. Hawk lifts her broken Camera to stare up at me. I wish I could see her smile. But All I could do was watch her repair. " Find Roll Roll to get me out of here...Please Slice. I am a sitting duck if I am found." I nodded my many eyes. Floating off to search for Roll Roll. Every spot I went though he just was at. Many ways through the town had so many battles going on. It made it very hard to go through it all. I finally found Roll Roll he was fighting one of those ponies. Of course, he beat it with no issue. Then the giant magic eater turned to me. " Slice?" The creature said. " Hawk is down...we need to get her out of the city." Roll's many eyes went wide turning into a ball following me back to Hawk. Jonon stood in front of Hawk. While many of the ponies that still worked for Majesty it was hard. To tell who was on our side in the city. But she was fighting them off. But when Roll Roll walked up behind the ponies they turned looking up to him with fear in their eyes. " Listen I don't have time for your little ones. Be good little ponies and go with the winning side. Your Queen is going to be dethroned." The ponies gulp rushing out of the door of the city. Roll Roll looked to Hawk " I got you, my friend.." Hawk, I could swear she was smiling or maybe smiling these two stayed close together a lot. But he lifted Hawk slowly taking her outside. I followed the medics look at her and looked worried. But they were happy that her dome was fine. I looked over to the hero. Who was asleep even in the middle of this. I had no idea why she was sleeping. But she needed to be ready for the final battle. I changed my claws into tools to do my best to repair the hawk. Looking up with one of my eyes to Roll. " Head back in Roll I will take care of her. It's the least I can do since I am the one that placed her in this device." Roll stares at me for a moment. " You better take care of her Slice or I will take care of you myself." Roll well Rolls back. Roll Roll Leaving that behind. I found myself back in the city. I was born and raised here. I find it funny that now I am going to take it down. I'm a rare breed of Magic eater. Even if I don't even eat magic at all. I just Roll as my way to get food. But the battle was getting worse. Majesty stayed in her castle. Just kept pouring out the minions she created in there so long ago. I was going to break into the door to get them in there. Turning into the battle rolling quickly past many of the creatures. I made sure I didn't roll over any of our armies. Since they fought close with the army of Majesty. But when I saw the sea monster I had a thought. " Hey...Sea monster." The creature looks down at me. " You see that door that leads into the castle?" The sea monster nods down at me. " Could you lift me and do your best toss to throw me into it?" The sea monster blinks its eyes looking back down at me. " You sure you wish to do that? We have no idea what is even in there. " I shrugged. The Sea monster lifted me. I turned into a ball like I always was. He was getting ready to toss me. He tosses me like a ball towards the door. Glendo I fought near the ponies of high society. We have been trying for a few times now to get to the door. But there are too many using some strange weapons that are causing us to run. But we heard something being thrown and heard something falling a large shadow is on the door. The large magic eater crashed into the door. Breaking it down rolling down the stairs to get the creature's that kept us from getting inside. I look down at Sea Catcher. " You all stay out here. I need to get to the Warden." Sea Catcher nodded. I rushed inside the building along with my army of the slums. The others stay outside out of fear. But it was pretty silent in the castle. I made it to the warden's room. Seeing the poor dragon dead. I went to him but when I did a video turned on of him speaking. " Hello if you're seeing this then I am dead. The creature is about to escape and leave the island for good. This can't be stopped sadly. It's already in motion. But I have someone I wish to become the next warden. Glendo. I know we never spoke much. But since you are the first hero of legend along with Mimic I wish to give you the job of the warden. I know it's not an easy thing to do. But it's to protect the island if it ever comes to a point that it is needed. But you need to be hooked up like I was." I close my eyes unsure what to do. I had to do this... I stood in the middle of the room was the warden stood. Closing my eyes this is my destiny it seems. the tube that connects to the warden removed from his body. Infusing in me. I felt my body burn and I could lift up in the wires. I had to learn how to do this. But the speaker's somehow got fixed. I could see the damage that happens to them. But it seemed something fixed them. I Click some buttons turning it on along with the defenses to turn on Majesties Minions. But it said it would take ten hours to charge them. I think the battle will be over before their charge. But I spoke. " Hello? Ah yes, I am the new Warden. To all that still haven't got into the fight. There is hope the hero is waiting for us to take over the entire city. So Please my friend best to wise up." I look to see the battle is close to ending. But to just get into the Majesties Chamber's is never going to be easy. She had most of her minion's staying there. " Everyone should meet in front of the castle. Then make a plan to figure out what to do from there. I will do my best to help." A deep sigh came from my mouth looking down at the old warden. I didn't know what to do with him. But I had to make sure whatever is held in the prison is kept there. Then a bunch of alarms started to ring and I looked at the screen Prison break. There is more than one here? Turning on the Screen I saw them. A bunch of bird-like creatures that vanishes from sight because of some magic. But then I saw him A pony in a Wheelchair. My eyes went wide. I thought how could he be here if he was in Equestria and dead. I found a mic. "Wheel tread!!" The ponies ears perk and turn to the speaker. But when one of the birds returned he nodded to them. "Sorry Warden. I have a date with protecting our world. From a threat greater than the Enclave. Greater than whatever has been seen. You know of who I speak of. The large horns, the blue body, the red eyes. He is returning. I need to get back to Equestria thankfully these birds are the creators. The island can get me to where I need to go. But.." He pauses He went to one of the wires taking a butter knife. "I can't allow you to remember any of this." He stabbed the wire" I screamed in deep pain when I opened my eyes after the pain was over.. I didn't remember a thing that happened just looking at a static screen. Who was that? What did I see? I shouldn't worry. Blaze Burning all the magic eater's I found. I had to get into the creation chamber that created these things. I didn't wish to kill the ability of them to be made. But I heard the voice of the new Warden. I spoke out. " Hey, warden I am sure you can hear me. Is it wise to take out this machine? I don't wish to stop the ability of Magic eater's from being made if we can fix it to make them smarter." It took a while but I went to town each tunnel taking down the many defenses they were old and didn't handle well when it came to my magic. " There is a way but I doubt it would be best. The machines could be rebuilt. But I feel it might be best to take them out. They do have some females. That can breed and make more eggs. Are you willing to destroy it? It might be best since.. the one's being born might have the programming removed from being just cannon fodder." I thought of that a moment. Each time I had to hide to let another set of the magic eater's make. Slowly going through the strange tunnel's. I didn't even know why I wanted to do this. But I got to the room. The machine was odd; it was shaped like an egg. I took a deep breath burning everything in this room. Of course, it causes a chain recreation. The machine powers down but I had to find a way out of here now. Since there was a cave in the way out. " How do I get out of here now?" " There should be some weak brick's on the wall. It will lead you into the slums. But don't use your fire in the slums. It would cause the entire thing to go up in flames." I gave a nod looking through the bricks. I found the weak one. it opens up into the brothel. I heard moans and screams. I blinked turning to see a group of ponies in bed enjoying each other. " I....warden why are these ponies fucking in the middle of a war?" The warden chuckles weakly. " It's how the slums are. They feel if they ignore the world outside their want of sex. They will feel they have a right to enjoy themselves." I blinked, my face turning red. It made me want to have Star Shooter. I had to find a way through the brothel. " Hey, baby." I blink turning to see a large stallion who had a third leg. I just stared at him blinking. " Would a female like you enjoy a big boy like me?" I just stared at him thinking to myself. Oh, my Salamander mother of eggs. Really? I gave him a gentle smile walking to him "Hmm, maybe big guy why not show yourself to me hmm?" The stallion stood on his hind legs giving me a good look. I took a deep breath using my fire burning the poor stallion. He screamed running into the tub house. " Aww, I was just having fun." I laugh loudly heading outside. " I um..was that needed Blaze?" " I was bored so yes...I wanted to see if he Could stand being burned by a Salamander." Blaze could hear a face claw. I gave a laugh heading off to find wounded. "You're so lucky I am new to being a warden Blaze. or I would try to send some folks to deal with you but. That wouldn't be wise would it?" I laughed. "Oh come on Warden. Was I that mean? All I just did what my kind always does. Now, are you sure there are more wounded?" The warden sighs. "Yes, the slums never had the best care. You might find some of your species here. That your father banished you for well silly things." I frowned, shaking my head. My father was many things but he normally banished some of my kind for good reasons. But I doubt their rights would have respect here. "What was their crime's warden?" "I can't tell you since.. well I am still new to this and the old warden didn't exactly leave instructions I stop pausing to look at one of the speakers. "Then it's true the warden can die?" The warden chuckles. "Yes...yes I can. When he died the one was held in this prison. He will escape. I fear that he will help bring a coming to an end. But we will never know.. I will never know. He has been here...since the making of this island. Since before the Alicorn's vanished leaving just Celestia and Luna. Majesty never forgave them even though she was forced to forget. At least that is what I am reading here." "So...it is true then. Majesty is or was an Alcorn? I thought that was just a rumor. But it seems from what most have been told is true." I sighed and ran off to find the wounded and free some of my kind. Black Feather. A large machine gun I held cocked as I used up my ammo. Looking down at the streets. I saw that most of the army made it through. But now I just had to take out the rest of the magic eater's. Grabbing my pistol. I didn't have any named weapons that didn't see the point of having one. I flew to take out the magic eater's who tried to go after the wounded. I took them down with no issue. I noticed that most of them got pretty stupid. I slowly landed near the broken door looking inside seeing no one at all. I went inside looking around to the warden's room. I looked to see Glendo becoming the new warden. " Well ain't this an interesting mess to find you in." Glendo laughs looking down at me as I lifted up my wing's to be with him face to face. "So you're the next warden." " Yes...it seems. I am doing this in the name of Mimic. I take it you're forcing the hero to rest?" Giving a nod looking back outside the room. To the dead dragon. " Something is escaping from below Black Feather. Could you go check it for me?" I sigh giving nod heading to the teleport to head inside looking around. Seeing one prison. I walked to it seeing two eyes staring at me. " The Warden is dead...Griffin I don't see the point of you being down here." The creature came out of the shadow of the room. I look up at him with fear in my eyes. A giant octopus slowly backing up as the creature roared. Ripping through the bars. Making the entire ground shake. He slowly slithered out using his many arm's to get out of the cell. " Oh, I see the Griffin wishes to bow to me." He Laughs loudly. Quickly I ran into the teleport as the ground started to shake more. A large roar was heard from the creature. "Ah, I take it the creature got out hmm?" Glendo asked. " This creature has been here all this time?!" I asked. Glendo gave a nod. "He was one of the reason's this island was created." Blinking hearing part of the ground break from outside the city. ' Hawk I had to sit here just waiting for the repairs to finish. It was a pain. Well to me that is. But during this, the ground shook not far from us. Seeing the ground crack and split. A large creature came out of the ground. He took a deep breath. Laughing loudly. "Ah. I'm free." He turns to look at the camp. Looking at the sleeping hero. I stood up on my repairing legs aiming my gun at the creature. The creature laughs " You think you can fight a creature of metal. I will destroy you with one of my many arm's. Now I need to find the water." He simply crawls to get to the water. But before he could some strange clouds came down from the sky wrapping around him and he vanished inside the clouds. Searching with my Camera's looking around for the creature. But it seems they're finally gone. " Hawk gets back down here you haven't fully repaired yet." Lowering myself down to get repaired. I feel worried now this creature is out and about. Now I can't feel safe anymore. Majesty My kingdom in ruins. My pet is dead. Most of my army was destroyed. Looking outside the window I see those worthless creatures fighting for their freedom. They should be loving me, they should be fighting the hero. Closing the window it was time for me to wait for my fate and my final battle with the hero. " Something wrong my dear Majesty?" Turning around I looked to see a creature in the Shadows. " Who are you?" The creature laughed and stayed in the darkness. I could see him smile though. " Oh, just a friend. I wish to offer you the power that was taken from you as well as the memories so long ago." He removes a bottle of strange glowing magic from his bag. " Drink this all down child. Then you will remember who you are." Floating the bottle in my magic. Looking at it closely. This is the power I lost so long ago. The memories I used to have so long ago as well? " What’s the catch?" I calmly ask. Looking up at the creature. " Hmm, no catch child. The hero needs to be taken down a peg. I'm hoping you beat them and take them back to Equestria in a bag of body parts." He said with a smirk. " Now go ahead. I shall watch in the darkness." The creature slowly went back into the darkness. Looking down at the bottle of fluid. It glows as I stare at it. I removed the cork and it fell to the ground. Taking a bit of a sniff. Leaning my head back drinking it down. Jonon The battle outside of the castle is pretty much over. Looking around the entire city many parts of it are burning. While our wounded are being taken back outside. I think it was time to go inside. But I needed to make sure everything was fine. Placing the hood over my head to vanish from sight. Looking through the town seeing that most of the minions of Majesty have run out or been taken down. Slowly I walked into the castle looking around. Looked into the room of the warden. Seeing that Glondo has taken up the task of becoming the Warden. From what I see of most of this castle. It has large setup stairs leading up to it. I don't see many other rooms. When I head up the stairs. I see a set of doors leading to a hall. I am guessing that the rest of the minions are protecting the door. Slowly walked back downstairs. It's time to wake the hero. But I doubt it would be wise to let her fight through the castle. But I need to check more on it. But I went into the warden's office removing my hood. Looking to the body of the large grown dragon. The poor creature being here since the creation of this island. It might be a good time to bury him. But maybe better to burn him and place a grave outside of the city. In honor of the warden. Slowly walking outside the city is calm and still burning. It's so empty full of bodies of the dying and the dead. From both sides. But our wounded were picked up and taken outside. Looking to see Sea Catcher standing near many of the high society. Slowly walking to her. Society ponies looked at me with disdain. " We may be helping you Zebra. But After this battle is over things will go back to normal." Sea catcher looked at the mare who just spoke with anger in her eyes. The mare backs up then Sea Catcher smiles. " You must be one of the friends of the hero. Nice to meet you. I am known as Sea Catcher, one of the high society mares. They wish me to take over after Majesty is taken down. But I feel it might be wise if we do a console of all the races. Then just one race." I gave a nod. " I do agree it may not be easy." Looking towards the way out of the city. " I need to go wake up the hero. She is asleep." Slowly walking out of the city. Looking down at the road feeling the fact that this is the final battle coming up. But the hero will have to fight her alone. I don't think that is wise. But it's a must for the legend to be done. Closing my eyes when I got out. I saw so many wounded. A storm started to fall and a dark laugh was heard that woke the hero. My eyes open at the sound of the laughter. Standing on my hooves heading inside to look up in the top part of the castle leading inside Majesties chambers. My eyes went wide. In awe, I saw the Alicorn. The creature laughs with a smile on her face. "I am Majesty the creator of this island so long ago...Bow to your Goddess bow your Princess...No Your Queen." I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I closed my eye's thinking of the best thing to say. Looking to see no pony bow. I lifted up my head and yelled at her. " The past is long gone Majesty. The Alicorn's that live in the world now. Are just creations of the past. They aren't Princesses or Queen's. Move on Majesty...Move on. It's time to move on from the past. You will be brought down and be brought down when I get up there." Majesty stares down at me. Her eyes are full of hate and anger. " The past...maybe gone but...He " She shouts a name but it was blocked by the sound of the storm. " Will be back and with me alive I am the only one that can fight him. Are you willing to doom our world because you killed a child? You wish to doom the world like the ponies and Zebras of the world?" Closing my eyes, sighing a bit. Feeling a claw on my shoulder along with my friends. Looking at me. They gave me the will to go on. I have been stuck on this island for a year. Looking to Blaze who is now my wife...Leaning to her to kiss her deeply. " I'm sorry but are you forgetting about me up here?" I broke the kiss with the rest of us looking up. Hawk walked into the city looking up as well. She then yelled. " Your kind is the reason the war started in Equestria in the first place. The fact you're even here gives us a chance to put Celestia and her sister in her place. I will help the hero take you down if it's the last thing I do." Hawk was then hit by lightning from the sky after she said that to Majesty. Her horn was glowing. Hawk sparked but it didn't harm the mech. But it did fry her ability to walk for the moment. " I can't move...." Dr. Slice rushed towards Hawk taking a look at her legs. " Hmm fried it will take a while for it to repair." Majesty laughed loudly. " Come... hero. I will let my Minions allow you to past. But it will just be the two of us." Closing my eyes taking a deep breath. Slowly walking up the stairs with my friend's and Roll Roll followed along with Ruby Glide. Looking up the many stairs that lead to the top floor. Slowly waking up with my friend's not far behind. But when we got up there. Magic eater's, Magic armored ponies, Some strange dog creatures, And large stallions in heavy armor ready to fight us. But they allowed me to the past. The door opened slowly. I walked in alone to the throne room. I saw Majesty sitting on her throne. The door closed behind me. She had an evil glee of a smile on her face. Slowly getting off her throne to look me over. " So you're the hero. I expected you to be taller, not a mare just coming of age." I would feel insulted but she is right of course I am still pretty young and I just got married to the lizard I love. " Oh kill them" She shouted to the minions outside. I blinked hearing a battle outside. But I had to ignore it, for now, I am sure they will be fine. " Why did you create this island?" Majesty looked at me with a dark smile. " Oh, the child I was part of a race that wished to control the world. But of course, the weaker ponies dared to try to control this world from me. That fool of a wizard wished to have Luna and Celestia be the leaders. Of course, Celestia removed the fact the island was in her memory she did the same to Luna. I was brought here and my power removed along with my memories of a child. Now I got a request for you, child please accept it.” I blink looking up to her. I knew what she might ask. She might ask me to give up and give up my friends and go to Equestria. Closing my eyes, I want to go back to Equestria. But I have come here to fight her. I can't give up now. She wraps her wings around me gently pulling me close. " Think about it child. Your friend's back with you in Equestria. Just let me have this land. Allow me to keep it. I will remove the spell and allow Equestria and the world to trade with it. I know you don't wish to trust me. But.." Then a voice spoke out. " No, don't Star Shooter. She will not keep up with the deal." The new Warden spoke. He removes his name and becomes the Warden. " You can't allow her to win Star Shooter. You can't a.." Boom Majesty used her magic to cause all the speakers to blow up. She closes her eyes staring at me. " Now listen to the child. I don't wish to kill you or fight you. I just wish you to understand. I am not evil. I am not hateful. I just wish to get my world back. My world is this island. Now child what do you say?" Closing my eyes feeling my heartbeat. Slowly standing up walking around looking out the window. I felt my heartbeat looking towards all the army outside. They were getting attacked by minions that went after my friends. I looked down seeing them they all started to yell up at me. " Fight her!!!" Sea Catcher said. Free us!!" Yelled Jonon "Fight in the name of us Child." Skull Crusher said. " Don't fall for her tricks." Roll Roll yelled. " Fight and win!!" Hawk screams. I heard many yelling to destroy this free us. All the words for this war to end. I turn and hear so many voices screaming for me to free them. " Fight her my love. survive for you are our Champion." Closing my eye's turning to Majesty pulling out my sword and the gun little lady. " I don't wish to accept the offer." Majesty stares at me with a gentle smile forming on her face. She stood there a moment. Then started laughing loudly. I think she finally snapped. I watched her laugh then she turned back to me. With a dark smile on her face. " Well then...child.....DIE!!" She flashes her horn and hit me with magic. I was thrown into the wall. I didn't know what to do at all for the moment. She fired again and I got out of the way before the next bolt hit me getting ready for the final battle. Max level
Chapter Thirtytwo: Final battle.I quickly went prone to the magic that Majesty shot at me and went over me singing my mane and tail. I slowly stood back up quickly. How do you fight an Alicorn that is so powerful? Lifting up my gun firing at her. Some of the bullets went deep into her body. But she heals quickly. Blinking a moment she formed a sword in her magic. Attacking me with it. I block the sword with mine. She had more power than me. I had to find a way to either tire her out or find a way to stop her. Lifting the gun to her face I fired and her head flew back a bit. She kept her head up like she was looking up. Then a dark laugh sounded from her mouth. She looks down, her eye missing, and right in front of me, it regrows. But I spoke before she could. "You lied to Bulk, there were never any seals. The strange seal I found in CliffSide was something else?" The Queen laughs loudly shaking her head. "Then what was that thing in the basement?!" "A seal keeping my master from coming to this world. But of course, you will never meet." She said the name and horror filled my heart. That name puts fear in my heart. I don't know why it does. But I feel that this name is a threat that I am going to meet someday. Then she started to boast. “Oh for a hero you’re so weak.” She lifts me in her magic tossing me into the wall. I drop all the weapons I had and I move off the wall groaning. Getting on my back hooves grabbing my stave in my mouth. I felt a great amount of pain going through my body. She stared at me like I was crazy. Looking at my back hooves she had a look of confusion on it. Quickly charging clumsy though. Smashing my staff into her. Her flesh turned red each time I smacked her with the staff. She growled trying to block it. But she tosses me again with her magic. She snapped my staff before I hit the ground she made sure I would land on the stave. I groan feeling it impale me on the side. I cough in pain. " You could have been home by now...Child.." She walked to me. Struggling to get up I bite my lip with the pain flowing through me. But she stomped her hoof on me. Keeping me down. " I don't wish to kill you, child." Groaning I felt my body burning in pain. Forcing myself to go into the magic vision. Raw magic flowed through the throne. I am starting to see why her magic is so powerful. " Now to take back my memories, child." She places her horn on my head. Then I felt every memory of hers being taken from me. I screamed and it was heard outside. All the memories Majesty went to her. She lifted me, putting me over the edge and then yelling. "Your hero has fallen.." I felt my heart slowly beating. I had to get back into the battle. I had to close my eyes tightly starting to make my horn glow to take the raw magic. She dropped me and I fell slowly. She went back inside laughing. But I slowly started to float back up. When I got back into the room. I stood on my hooves feeling the magic build around. Around me. I felt I needed more. She turned around staring at me gasping. " Child....stop... You never will be able to go back to Equestria if you keep this up. Stop!!" I needed more magic. I need more, I need it so much. I felt my horn glow brightly burning my entire body burning. It felt like a drug going through me. Closing my eyes to try to shut off the rush of magic. But my horn wanted more and finally thought it worked. Opening my eyes to stare right at her. " I am never going to allow you to win Majesty." I stared at her. My eyes glowed brightly. But the magic slowly stops drifting through me. Charging without weapons using my hooves to fight her fighting like a zebra but very badly. I smashed my hooves in her face and points of her body. I don't know how I can fight like this. But I feel it was needed. This needs to end. But I am sure this is going to end with her death. But she didn't even get hurt. But she fought back with her hooves as well using the training I had back on me. She kicks me back making me fall. I pant hard closing my eyes in deep pain. I doubt I will win..Blood drips to the ground. Looking up at her she smashes her hoof into me making me fall to the ground. “You have failed, little hero. You gave up your chance to go back to Equestria. I see you laying there and see you like this. End your fight now… end.” She walks away from me. To lift my gun in her magic. Looking at it closely, I saw that it said, little lady. She turns and aims at me. She fired. I gasp feeling a bullet go into my chest. Groaning I am too weak for this battle. Using the magic to fill my core with more. She fired again bullets staying in my body. I screamed in deep pain. But I kept my horn glowing. She kept firing till the ammo was out. She tossed the gun out the window. It fell to the ground when I needed them. I need them. I groaned so weak and in pain. Then I heard an object falling seeing a Shadow and dodge out of the way. Smashing through the window is Roll Roll he breaks down the door and then rolled back out smashing his claws into Majesty. Near the open door my friends. Blaze, Dr. Slice, Black Feather, Jonon, and Skull Crusher. She turns to stare at the heroes of legend, her eyes wide. " The legend....said the hero has to fight on their own," Majesty said in anger. " No... heroes of legend fight the threat.." Jonon Calmly said. They slowly walk in. I couldn't even move. " We are here to help her." Skull Crusher said calmly. "We won't let you win and destroy our way of life. " Black Feather said. " Your minion's killed everyone in my home. I will not allow you to kill anymore. Even the mare I love. Blaze said steam coming out of her mouth. My friend's attacked. Skull Crusher charged picking her up, smashing her down into the ground punching her face with her large fist. Jumping out of the way when Black Feather fired his gun riddling her with bullets. Gathering more ammo. Blaze charges jumping with her claw's scratching deep into her. Her healing couldn't keep up with it. She used her fire deeply onto her body. Majesty stood quickly up forcing my friends away. Dr. Slice was thrown out the window, falling hearing a loud smash. Down below he was pretty much destroyed. But it could easily be repaired. Black Feather fell back and his left-wing broke. He screams in pain. Blaze smashed into the wall, her back leg broke and she lay there knocked out. Skull Crusher flew back, smashing his horns into the wall but seemed to just pass out from the pain. The only one of my friends that didn't get tossed back was Jonon. " Ah...Jonon. Hello, again my little minion." My eyes went wide looking at Jonon. She looks at me with a weak smile. Then turned back to Majesty. " Former... Minion Majesty...I am going to dethrone you now." Majesty smiled softly " Oh Jonon child. I am the one that married you and your late husband and I'm the one that helped you birth your daughter. Ain't that right child." I heard a voice from behind us. " Yes...Majesty." The young Zebra I never got to know walked in. A Zebra that always stayed to herself so much like Jonon. She didn't even look at me or smile. She stood in front of her mother. " Mother stay your stave and join Majesty in destroying the hero." Jonon just stares at her daughter. I could see no love in her eyes for her daughter. " No my daughter. This way of thinking is why I killed your father." The Zebra just stared at her mother. " Don't make me do the same to you child." I blink she killed her husband? Why did Jonon stay to herself so much? All I could think of was killing the Zebra. But I couldn't move that easily. "Mother. I don't wish to kill you...but I will." But of course, Jonon didn't even care. She stood on her back hooves grabbing her daughter's neck and with a quick movement she snapped her daughter's neck. No tears fall down her face, no grief from this. Looking up to Majesty who shot a large amount of magic into her causing her to fly into the wall breaking her front foreleg passing out from the pain. Looking around I saw that all my friends are now down and out. Majesty turns around, forcing me to the ground stomping her hooves hard on my body breaking some bones in my body. I groaned in deep pain. My horn glowed lifting the sword and with a quick swipe. I cut into the horn of the large alicorn mare hard. She screams in pain. Since the horn is a very sensitive part of the unicorn. Then again I swing the blade into the horn again. Chipping it again then she backed up screaming in more pain. I lay there doing it again slicing right through it. She screamed in deep pain. Falling to the ground passing out. She shook when I tried to stab into her to kill her. But a dark cloud came inside wrapping around her, lifting off with her and then floating away. I lay there groaning slowly getting on my hooves feeling my ribs broken. But I heard a clap. " Decent child.." I blink looking around. A figure came out of the darkness. The merchant that I first met when I came here. " You beat my master's minion." He sat there smiling at me. " But you seem to think the battle is over silly pony. It's not that we shall win this night. " Blinking staring at him. He reached into his bag pulling out a gun. " Now child are you ready to die? He set down his bag. It grew legs running to hide. I blinked watching that. I heard the gun cocking was here to fight? " Oh shit." He fired my horn glowing, stopping the bullets for a while. S.A.T.A.T.S finally came back up after all this time. Looking at my pip buck gave me time to think. Closing my eyes I don't know how long I had. Grabbing my sword in the magic allowing the bullets to hit me. But I used the attack and stabbed the sword into his stomach. But I fell to the ground panting in pain. But even though he had a sword lodged in his stomach. He didn't stop his movement. He walked over me standing on my face. Cocking the weapon. " Die, child.." I had tears streaming down my face. I then saw Blaze jump him. The gun flying from him landing to the ground. Too much pain filled me. My entire body would take a long time to heal. Blaze forced him down, scratching deep into her he screamed. Clawing him over and over. " No one harms my wife..NO ONE!!" She screamed. He tossed her off him and he stood up very wounded. He had a weak smile on his face. He did something the other's never thought they would see. He rushed back to me quickly. I use my magic to toss him away from me. I slowly stand on my weak hooves. I need to fight him. I don’t know why he is turning on me. I need magic to fill my body again. “Well, this is how it’s going to go then?” He laughs whistles for his backpack to come over. The backpack runs over setting down beside the merchant. I now see what Jonon warned me about. The fact this creature is evil. I had no idea what he was going to do. Looking through the pack tossing a large sword to me. “How about we do this in the old ways. We duel to the death.” He gave an evil smile, showing that he has the upper hand? I had no idea but he had what was called hands. I lift the sword in my magic. I need to stop myself from gathering the magic of this land again. “Take the magic of this land you’re going to need it to beat me.” I can’t do what he said. I would be fully addicted to this magic. We both stood in the middle of the throne room. Around me, my friends are all wounded. I look at Blaze, Black Feather, Skull Crusher, and Jonon. I couldn’t see Dr.Slice since he was tossed out of the window. With a great swift movement of the merchant, he swings the blade. I try to block but it slices into my side. I scream in pain feeling the wound gush blood. “Ah so weak without the magic” “I’m not weak. I will fight in the name of.” The merchant laughs, smirking at me. “Tiria?” My eyes go wide hearing her name. “You do remember me now don’t you?” I had a flash of the past. I was very young before I even saw Tiria. I remember Wheel Tread holding a glowing stone in a case. It can’t be it’s the one. The one that brought the howling dance. The merchant in the memory turns to look at me. His eyes shine, making me and the others around to forget. “You… you’re the reason she is dead!!” The merchant just stared at me; he had no idea what I meant. Before he could say anything I charged at him. Each swing I do he dodges out of the way pretty easy and each dodge he swings is blade cutting into my sides or deep gashes. I finally drop the sword and my magic goes fully out. The blade falls to the floor slipping away from me. “I am not the reason your hero is dead. I just triggered events like my master’s grand design. A little battle here a little battle here. To make the world weak for when he returns. Of course, his design is not going on in every battle in this world. Some ponies are just greedy and think that their will in the world is the greater good.” I groan, panting falling to my knees. “Give up and give in to my master. He will forgive you. He will give you a place in his grand design all you have to do is give up.” I look at my friends again and my magic. Slowly standing up and the merchant sighs. He lifts his blade again. Quickly slicing into me. “Then you will be in hell forever. You will never see your destiny or why the world. Just don't care if we stop right now and listen to the world won’t care. Just as the world never cared when Luna was banished. For you’re just a little speck to what Luna was. She was a threat to Celestia no one cared. Not even her sister, it's all you see a figment of a hero, a faulty idol to the world. Heroes are nothing but empty shells of spirits of hope. Fake hope that never comes.” The only hope I had now is the magic. I closed my eyes, my horn glowing while it called for the magic an evil smile formed along the merchant’s lips. He steps back waiting for me to gain the magic into my body. Fully lifting back up on my hooves. “ Now is my chance.” He ran towards me before I could do anything. He grabbed my head, staring deep into my eyes. I could feel pain filling my head and I started to scream. "Remember all children." He forced a spell in my head the other's couldn't stop him in time. Memories from the potions I drank memories of mine. My brain started to fry and my ear's started to bleed. My eyes closed shut in the pain. The magic on my horn died and all my weapons fell from it to the floor. After he was done he tossed me to the ground. His hands were smoking. Then he reaches for my neck to try to break it. " I am doing what is needed... If I don't kill her she will break the next seal-like...Most of the heroes of this world have already broken. It will bring back. My master My master. " He said the name but skull Crusher crashed into him lifting him up, taking him outside. Tossing him over the edge. He screamed smashing into the ground dead when he hit. Zrannth rushed in looking at me. I was not able to speak or even able to look at her. I just looked brain dead. I could hear them speak. "Take care of them." The Zebra nod doing what they can for my friends. But when Zrannth turns to me she frowns. Checking my wounds. She sighs " What's wrong?" Blaze tries to ask without crying. "She is brain dead. The battle fried her brain. We will need something to help her." The warden opens a strange door floating there looking down at me. " I know what we can use but...she won't wake for 40 years. You will be able to talk to her. She may wake up from time to time...But then she will go back into it. Being in this for most of her life." Blaze had tears in her eyes. She wraps her forelegs around me sobbing hard. " No....No Star shooter doesn't go where I can't follow." Skull Crusher calmly pulls Blaze off me. The new warden lifts a potion. " This is a potion I found in the old warden's room. From what I read in a note. It's all the memories of the creature's that built this island for Majesty and her minions. It was never made to hold that evil. It was made to house a threat to Majesty. She didn't care about Equestria or the world. This was all because she wished to be Queen. Now it might be best to leave for Equestria right away. Her body is too damaged. You need to get her to a family that knows more about her. But Blaze..."He offers her the potion. You're her wife. You must do this.`` Blaze took the potion into her tail. Looking at the others. Dr. Slice finally came back up. He looked half repaired and half damaged. "I am back what ...did I miss?" Dr. Slice looks down at me and his camera moves me or tries. "But...the legend never said anything about this. She is only 19 years old. How can this have happened to her?!" Blaze grew angry turning to look at Dr. Slice "I don't know!!" She grew angry but I said one word. "Blaze...." I said so far out there. I could still see I could still think well in away. But they all turned to look at me. I spoke again once. "Give..." Lifting my hoof very weakly, my brain working for the moment. But then All I could do was breathe. Blaze knew what she needed to do. "We need to stay with her.." Skull Crusher said. "We can't just leave her. So we will be coming with you. I will talk to my leaders." He looked to Black Feather who nodded. "Good, then we all will go Jonon?" The Zebra mare looks up with a shrug. "You're all the family I have now. So yes I will go with you. Now give her the potion" Blaze sobs softly removing the cork from the potion and calmly making me swallow it. After that my brain starts to take me off to a dream of memories. I give off one last smile. Saying. "L....ove...you...Blaze..." Blaze sobs loudly as my world went black. To see the memories of the creator's of this island. Skull Crusher lifts up the hero in his arms. Slowly walking downstairs. I felt my heart shattering that I can't be with my wife. I limped on my leg. The others behind me looked sad and unsure of what to think. The warden spoke over the speakers. " The battle is won...But at a price. The hero is broken beyond repair. She needs to be removed from this island. I found a way to break the spell so everyone you can now get ready to leave." But no pony was cheering. Crusher set down the hero. My dear love my wife. Snowdrift jumps out of the water crawling to her. Not caring that she was not in the water. " No….Star shooter." There was no dry eye in the entire castle. Snowdrift sobbed. Dr. Slice picked up Little lady placing it into a compartment of his. Crusher lifted her back up. It was time to rebuild and move on. The army leaves the castle grounds. Along with the city. Leaving those that live here with their own devices at the moment. It would take a while to get everything set up. We were followed by everyone, even the ones in the city. They wanted to honor the hero. By walking with us back to Cliffside. Star Shooter was placed in a Caravan. Skull Crusher pulled as the rest of us followed the entire castle, emptied the ponies in the group started to sing. " Our Champion. Our Champion. Please come back to us our warrior. We wish to thank you for what you did for us. " Tears filled my eye's Jonon put her hood on vanishing from sight. It hit her hard that this happens. The song went on but it was the same words. It took a while but we made it to Cliffside. All the creatures of the town wish to honor our hero. But they saw her and looked down in pain. Crusher took her to the docks Placing her on the ship that brought her here. Placing her in the room she was placed in the cell. On a bed. " We won't be leaving yet Blaze." Skull Crusher looked down at me and I gave a nod. " Stay with her. There will be a party but we need to make sure everything will be fine before we leave." Skull Crusher left. I look back to My love who lay there seeing memories of a world long dead. I wanted to be there with her. I wish I could be. I lay beside her wrapping around her. She felt warm. I missed that part of her. I love her so much that it makes me feel bad. I couldn't stop this from happening. Slowly stand walking out. I was broken. I love her so much and Now It is time to rebuild the lives of this island. Jonon stood beside the door looking towards me. " It's not easy I know.." She said softly. " I loved her to like she was my own daughter. I wish she was my daughter. But I can't look at her like that." Skull Crusher was keeping to himself looking upset. Black feather as well he had his wing wrapped in a cast. " I can't see her like that," Crusher said softly. "She fought for so long. She did so much for us. I do hope that she will return to us unharmed." I nod looking to Slice who came up onto the ship. " There is a party going on...But I don't think I can join in.." Jonon nods. " I can't either..." She said... " Neither can I," I said. Crusher stays silent so did Black Feather. Salty got onto the ship with Bulk beside him. He was still alive oddly enough. But he smiled weakly. " I can get us back to Equestria. But I ain't going to stay. I will just get you there then return here." We all nodded calmly. "Let’s wait for a few days. Then we will go back to Equestria. It sadly will have to be the hoof I drop you off at then. You can find your way to her home." I gave a nod heading off the ship heading to the cavern to let the little one's out. " The Queen is beaten, children. It's time to take you home so we can see what the future will bring for our species." The children nod following me out of the town and back home to the tomb. Max Level
Chapter Thirtythree: The futureThe voice of the Warden sounds over the speakers. " It's been six months. Since the end of the war. So much has happened since then. But the hero and her friend's just left the island. It took longer then they wanted. But they had to make sure the spell was broken. It was but they also had to make sure the island was ready to move on from Majesty being the Queen. Now CliffSide has turned back into a port town. Zebras and ponies as well as many others have left the island. Some stayed behind Hawk and are now seen patrolling the entire island. With her new friend Ruby Glide, Roll Roll, and a Clockwork mare named Tick Tock." He sighs softly. " I had a name well I still do. But I am now fully the warden. But to all that wish to know. The salamander's home has been cleaned up and now the young took over. But they aren't alone in this. Some of the scaled hide's are helping the young ones. But they don't choose a king. They would be lead by the scaled hide's. They didn't care they just wished to be alive." " Now the forbidden land's. The spell has been reinforced. It will not heal for many years. When it heals. We will allow folks to go in to clean it up." He sighs " Now the castle. The old Warden was placed in a grave not far from the castle. But it's come out more since I have learned why and how this island was created. There was a war many years ago that killed most of Celestia and Luna's kind. Majesty was one of the few that still lived through this battle. But one of the biggest threats of this war..Was the creature that escaped six months ago. It turns out that the Alicorns in the past had much evil in their hearts. They did so many awful things to the creatures of the land." The sound key's clicking. " Now Sea Catcher got her to wish. The island is now run by a console of each race. The exiles have one leader. They picked Queen Sheenee since she was a better choice. The magic eater's one of their Queen's the hero fought. She didn't give her name didn't wish to. For Cliffside it was Salty to represent the little town. For the Minotaur and Griffin's. It was two of the leaders that survived the entire war. Their names Hoof stomp and Whitewing. For the Scaled hide, they had the commander Jewel Claw. They take care of every issue of the island. The one's that represent every citizen of the castle city though is Sea Catcher. She was asked by both to take care of the castle. The clockwork had one on the Console as well. The one that created them. Doctor Maezono he represented the robotic creatures of the island. Since there were some and his own ponies." The sound of coughing. " Damn that hurt's speaking so much." " Anyway the Sea ponies left as well. After the spell was shown to be down. Snow Drift took her species and went off to explore what is left of the world. After the spell broke as well. We finally have learned what happened to our world. The machine that is used to study every three years of what happens. Came in a flash. It recorded 210 year's everything. The light-bringer. Security and many other heroes in our world. It's starting to show that there are more hero's out there." He gave a deep sigh. " Now it might be wise to explain to all here. I am Glendo Star Shooter was the fake hero of legend. Yes I know it's sad that you're learning this now. But here she didn't even have to fight for you all. But she did because the legend didn't go to her head. It made her feel that she needed to make what was set wrong on this little island. But I can explain who the real hero was." He gave a deep sigh. " Her name was Mimic. A very young mare that I met when I was very young. I wished to join the Equestrian army. But of course, some ponies felt that only ponies couldn't be part of it since. I was not a pony. But Mimic proved to them that I can be part of it. That's how we met some good friends of ours. The twin's Chocolate and White Chocolate. Chocolate had two twin's but her sister died from a sickness. The other two...id rather not speak of them. But the hero did it in the name of Mimic. I'm sorry that the legend was not only fake. But the hero risked her life to make it real.. But look at it now my friend's. We are free from the Queen. I hope that we never have to fear her again." " OH, one last thing of course. Reaver changed his tune after he was removed from the bottle. He is now the writer and speaker for all the leaders. He wants to redeem himself. Since well he feels that what Majesty did was wrong. But still, it's not easy to trust him. But some will over time. This is the warden over and out." Unknown I open my eyes. I was in chains from head to hoof. " How dare does this to me?! I am Majesty I am Queen." A sinister laugh and a voice speak. "Oh really.." The sound of hooves clicking on the ground. " A Queen that should have won Majesty... Now good to see you after so many years." The creature stays in the darkness. Getting closer to me. My eyes went wide. Trying to back away. But He laughed darkly. " Oh, Majesty don't worry I am not here to harm you. I'm here to ask you to join me of course dear." I blinked staring at the creature in the Darkness. " If you join me Majesty you will still get your revenge on her. You just have to join me what say you?" Closing my eye's a moment looking up to him. I gave one nod. " Well, then it means you need to be in the word's of the ponies before the war upgraded." A strange magic machine brought down some deadly claws. It made some nasty charges and I scream with it touches me. Then the door closes while everything in my vision went dark. Author's Note Another story done. There is another after this that take's place another ten year's. Then my Final story set 20 years after. It will be the final FOE story I do that is linked to this universe. Both stories are Called Project Rainfall and Journeys End.
Epilogue:Back to EquestriaIt's been a calm trip back to Equestria. From what Bulk told us it would be close to a month before we get back to Equestria. But he found a way to get us there in under a month. He dropped us off at a place he calls the Hoof. He said there is another name for it. But He didn't wish to stay. We took care of Star Shooter Skull Crusher placing her in a wagon and we watched Bulk turn the ship around and go back to the island. We got some weird looks well I did of course the ponies of this land never seen one like me. But all we asked was how do we get to Tiria's heart. One mare gave us a map. But as we walk the road following it to the part of Equestria we wish to go. But as we walked I looked to see how beautiful Equestria really is. I see why my love wanted to come back. I looked to her seeing my poor love locked in the memory. We walked along with a trader. Who told us stories of what happened here in the Hoof. But what is interesting many of us really didn't care. We are also told a story about a mare named Scootaloo that helped fight a war and destroy the machine. The name wasn’t really given to us. It wasn’t a pleasant war from what they told us. The enclave fighting each other so much death and pain. After the story of the war. He asked about Star Shooter " She was Pony napped taken to an island surrounded by a spell that kept an endless storm from allowing anyone to leave. She was forced into a legend. A legend to free us from the creature that dared to control us. But she did so much to go home. So much that she risked her life. To most here in Equestria they may never learn the story unless they go to the island." The trader nod. It took us a day to get to Manehatten. When we made it we asked again how to get to Tiria's heart and a Griffin pointed their claw to the direction. We didn't wish to rest. We walked along the path that leads us to large walled crossroads. That has giant rats and ponies guarding it. We are given a welcome by one of the leaders, Cannon Ball. When he saw Star Shooter he rushes to the Wagon. " Star Shooter." He gently looked into her eye's seeing that she is not even there. " What happened?" I sighed closing my eyes. " I'd rather not say, sir...But I'm Blaze I'm her wife." Cannon turns to look at me. Then he looks at the others. " We are from an island that she was forced to go to. A final battle to free us...Destroyed her mind... She will not be awake again in forty years." Cannon turns to us again. Looking at me and my friends. " I'm Cannon Ball the king of the Rat Creepers. This is Reaper fields. As you can see this all happen here because of a creature named Tiria. Who Star Shooter tried to fight like." Jonon blinked looking down at Star Shooter and smiles softly. " I will lead you there." We were lead through the field's inside we saw that it was cleaned up. But so many weapons lying along the ground near many bones." We kept it the way it is. But cleaned up again and placed a large all around to protect the way to Tiria's heart." When we got to the other end there was a bog. We were offered a strange mask. But Cannon said no. We walk in. " Take a deep breath.." He calmly said. We all did but Dr. Slice wasn't able to see it. But what we saw was amazing. " The past. We have watched this many times. The past show's love, and friendship ponies used to have. Then...the world ended. " We then saw the world get destroyed. But we heard growling and strange creatures start rushing to us. " Ah, ghoul's." Cannon lifted his leg lifting a machine gun that is his leg. He started to fire killing these creatures pretty easy. He lowered the smoking gun looking back to us. " Come Come." I nod. The rest of us follow we finally made it to a large walled community. In front of the gate, two robots lifted their weapons. " Hello Silver Gunner RA Proto." Silver walks up to us looking down at Star Shooter. Then he looks up to us. " I will ask another time." He calls. " Bulwark opens the gate. Also, send some pony to get Kip." The door opens up. Some Apple Jack rangers and some Enclave. Well, Enclave that came from this town. Since after ten year's they rebuilt it to help Equestria. We go inside getting some strange looks. Well, I got strange looks. But when we got in we saw the grave. A glass case holding a broken gun. A pip Buck and bag. But in front of it. A grave. Looking up at a set of hooves rushing towards us. A gentle motherly mare looks at us then gasp seeing Star Shooter in the wagon. She rushes to her side. " Oh....oh, dear...Star Shooter. " She shook her a bit. I sigh. " I am Blaze her wife...Her brain was burnt out from a final battle." Kip looks up to me with a gentle smile. " Tell me another time, please. But it's nice to meet you all. Welcome to Tiria's heart. Please enjoy your new home." I blink smiling. " Oh...Star Shooter's parents were killed a year ago. It was during the war that happened. The Enclave attacked Manehatten they were sent out to help protect it. They were among the dead." I nodded. A ghoul walked out of the cave a large mare that had a sense of beauty. She looks down seeing Star Shooter frowning. Then looking at me. " Greetings I am Fleur Dee less." I smiled softly. " I am Blaze...Star Shooter's wife." When that was heard the entire town came to a halt. I blink looking scared that I said something wrong. But all I got were smiles. " Welcome to our home. You and your friends will love it here. But come with us miss Blaze." I nod Fleur picked up Star Shooter in her magic. I looked at the other's who nod to me. Jonon vanishes from sight. Dr. Slice went to check on others. Skull Crusher and Black Feather went to go find the bar. I follow the two mares into the cave that show a big community. What's interesting though the young ones are being followed by heavily armed ponies, Griffins, Zebras, and other creatures. We went into a hospital. Star Shooter was placed on a bed. Having many devices placed on her. " Welcome to our home Blaze. Since you're Star Shooter's wife. You're an instant citizen. if you can sponsor your friend's they can become citizens in about a few months." I gave a nod. Walking off giving them a nod. I was welcome to my new home. But I look back to see my love. I won't be able to get sexual with again for forty years. I softly said. I love you. Then walk off learning more of Equestria the land of Friendship. <00000000> The future I close the book looking at the young ones before me. “That is the story of the isle of the lost.” I saw such big eyes staring at me. “Now I am sure you have some questions but we could always read a new story.” “New Story please uncle Silver Trial” I gave a robotic chuckle. “Let’s see.” I put my book back on the shelf. “Hmm, Survivors guilt written by Scootaloo. Hmm, the end of the journey. The Silver Trial. Oh wait here we go Rainfall." One of the bugs claps and cheers. “The story of my grandmother!!” “Yes.” He sits down to open the book. The end. Author's Note RainFall is next!!
Chapter Six: The forgotten past." Much of the past has been forgotten" My scream kept going and going even as my world went black. I know the one I love is trying to rush to find me along with Jonon. My eyes opened up as I screamed more and the fluid burned in my stomach, every synapse and nerve in my body made me feel like I was burning. I heard hooves hitting the door over and over to break it down. It would take time. My eyes changed from the magic sight to normal my horn glowed and then the glow was gone. My body started going crazy and I started losing it. I talked to myself and laughed loudly. " Oh but we had to..NO! No we didn't oh yes..." Laughing as the fluid was making its way to my brain and then. I felt it enter my brain and then I felt the fluid leaking from my nose and mouth. It burned so much causing me to hit my head on the wall and knocking myself out. it even leaked out my ass. The fluid just burned away after awhile. But my ability to hear was fully gone and all I could do was dream. 000000 Opening my eyes. I was neither here nor there. I was in the past, but still in the present. I was in the body of another, yet still in my own. But I wasn't sure who I was with. I just watched as the body flew over the water. Then, I saw many more Alicorns flying with parts of rock and trees. They seemed to be forming an island. They had interesting weapons attached to them. So long ago, this island was built. The Alicorns, a race that I am sure is long gone. But these are the Alicorns of old. Not the new ones that were created. More of the Alicorns brought more pieces of land and trees to build the island. But the body I was in seemed to just watch as this island was formed. Many different species of creatures placed around the island. To make it more lively even though. Most of them wouldn’t have been highly evolved yet. During this a city was being built into the middle of the island. Then a castle was built around the city. In the tower of the castle an egg was placed inside. Tubes connected to it. With the words on the egg the future warden of Devil’s due It made them feel powerful. My host of course seemed to not enjoy this. They just stared at the ground. It was real but also the grass was slowly growing. The creature's of this land slowly becoming more and more. Watching the magic used that went into the land. It seemed to be the magic that caused the mutations in many of the creatures here. Unlike the war so long ago it wasn't bale fire and taint that caused the issue. It was the very magic itself. The magic that seemed to find a way to always be there. The one I was in slowly walked into the cavern that the Zebras would come to live in. They had some strange creatures I haven't seen before create the carvings. These creatures. They seemed to be birds that could shape shift. Then I saw other creatures a creature that looked like to be the first ancestor of the diamond dogs. But no normal ponies around this time. Many, many creatures that just seemed to be long dead. Creatures of living clouds. Rocs, normally large giant birds. but these ones have been cursed to be smaller and used as beast of burden. I don’t see other races of Equestria though Minotaurs or Griffins. I don't even see the ponies that would come to run the lands. Not even the Zebras. This is so long ago it seems that so much of what is before is just there. No words were spoken just the emotions of my host that seemed to bother them so much. Creating this land to turn it into a prison?I saw one of the carvings it looked so much like me. It had my cutie mark even my black furred body. It didn’t show nothing else nothing else at all. I saw more carvings on these very walls. It was of a war in the past. But also the war of the future with the zebras and ponies. But the pride of my host didn’t take it to heart or even care. She cared more about what is going on now. I didn’t like what I have seen so far. These Alicorns act more evil then the Alicorns of the now. I don’t understand that it made little sense to me. But my host I watched her treat the ones working on the carvings like they’re worthless slaves that she can beat and hurt. My host walked deeper into the cave. Following the path to see the pedestal that would hold the fluid. But it seemed to be used as a clock for the time being and looking to see a young manticore in a little cage. The manticore that would prouply be the one I spoke to. But there is more. I don't understand why so many of these creatures just stared at my host. With great disdain and some with great happiness. I looked into the mirror then I saw her. Majesty herself. I am in the Queen. She was an alicorn. She was here when the island was created. But why is she smaller now? Why does she act so heartless and having so much hate and wanting to be so powerful? Many just stared at us, while my host stared back as she gave a smile her voice so calm and gentle. "They wish us to be done before a 1000 years are up." One of the shape shifting bird creatures laughed and scoffed at my host who looked back with great disdain at the creature. " Right you enslave us expect us to work like your little soldiers do the rest of this yourself. You worthless piece of..." She shot her horn at the creature My host I could feel a smile of glee forming on her face. While the bird lay smoking at her hooves. She lowered her head to look even more at the dead creature. The words they speak sound like old Equestrian.Maybe the potion made it easier for me to understand them. Maybe. But what I just saw would make me sick. If this was me of course. She then walked back out of the cavern and chuckled softly, seeming to looking at the rest of the Alicorns building the island. But it's interesting most of them seem weak and broken. She used her magic to form a whip and then snapped in the back of one of the Alicorns. " Get working you trash." She chuckles softly as she keeps wiping the mare Alicorn over and over. Seeing to have glee of doing this. I am like ‘what?’ Why she is doing this to her own species? It makes no sense to me. I wish I could get back into my own body. But I sadly drank the fluid to watch this. To understand why this island was created. But then I saw him. The creature I was told about. But why couldn't I remember his name? Calmly watching the creature as he came towards my host with his strange creatures by his side and then my host smiled softly. " Ah master I'm happy you could make it. Our enemies will fall and be forced here." The creature nodded and smiled. For some reason though I couldn't see him to well. He was like a block spot in my vision. Every time his name sounds of work and whipping caused it to be blocked. I felt that this is crazy. I have to know who this is. But I feel it's not wise and there is a reason why I can't see him. The creature laughed and spoke. "Hmm yes. Now the war will start soon and my army will defeat the rest of your species and make them my toys " But what's interesting the vision went forward and the leader of all this army was attacked by a young Celestia and then banished. I have no idea why the memory skipped but it seems I couldn’t get all the memories. Celestia seemed to even stare at my host. Beside her was her little sister and on the ground in front of them, were the bodies of her parents. They just stared at my host as the battle ended. The blood of the Alicorns calmly seeped into the ground and the bones dislocated the bodies like they never existed. But only the Princess did. But it seems Celestia did a spell on herself and Luna to forget what this creature was. This creature must be something so evil that saying its name is not wise. My host bowed to her new leaders. Celestia stared at her with great anger but stayed calm. Looking towards her sister. Then she calmed. " Majesty I need your wisdom to help me learn to be like my species." My host gave a nod smiling. The memories went forward again. But what's interesting the land was covered in snow. My host herself flew around trying to find what is going on and she came face to face with the windagos. But she flew away quickly and then noticed the ponies forming a conference she calmly looked into the window watched them from a window. She noticed the three sets of ponies. She felt they were worthless creatures. But she watched them. She watched the male pegasus she come to learn his name Commander Hurricane. Then watched the other stallion challenger Pudding Head. She just stares at that pony like really? Then she looks at the unicorn princess. She didn't care about her name. To her, she was just below her. Majesty flew back to the kingdom or what is left of it.The only Alicorns alive now are three the only three left alive in the kingdom. Her, Luna and Celestia. She just went to check on them as they didn't even have the power they would have now. She sighed wishing she had more power. The memory went forward again. She was back on the island it seemed to be a day after. She went down into the prison that held the other creature and she smiled. " Well hello again after so many years." The creature opens their eyes staring right at my host and tries to use it's many arms to grab her but is held back by powerful spells and magic. The creature growls angrily and then stares at her with a dark smile laughing. " Oh majesty only this cage is keeping me from killing you." The creature talked deeply My host chuckled softly and looked over to the side and then back to the creature. " I got a deal if you wish. I am sure down the line there will be someone to free you. In fact I know the best way to have this happen. If you follow this deal then we shall take over the world together. What say you creature?" The prisoner laughs deeply and has his eyes closed as a scent of bad odor comes from its mouth. As it seems to be thinking now looking towards the prison and then back to her. “Whatever you have planned Majesty you better be ready to release me. Even if its many years from now.” She gave a nod as my head lowers once. Then she flew out and her horn glowed brightly and a spell was place all around the island.She casted a very powerful spell from what I could tell. She started to cause a spell that made a endless storm around the island. The spell hit one of the sea monsters and it turned into part of the storm. To stop boats from invading the island. After all this I could tell from her thoughts that she wanted to kidnap ponies and other creatures from their homes to bring them here to worship her. The memory forwards again and Majesty was standing by Celestia and Luna. They were talking to Star swirl the bearded. My host yawned didn't seem to care much. But then she heard the words that angered her. But she kept it to herself and she wrapped her wings to her body and she closed her eyes in great anger as she heard the words. " I wish you two. To lead the new world of Equestria. I wish you Luna to be the princess of the night and you Celestia to be the princess of the day." My host anger was to much. But she kept to herself and she would wait for her time. Later that night after it started. She went into the chambers of Star swirl the bearded and with great anger she spoke. " How dare you not choose me!!. I am older! More powerful and have ten times more wisdom than those brats." She spoke loud enough that she echos in the room. Star swirl just stared at my host and he stroked his beard with a hoof. His eyes are glowing gently and smiled gently. " Majesty you're a relic of the distant past. No one should even know you exist." My host blinked and her horn glowed. But a spell from the wizard seemed to weakened her. She fell down her body weak and wounded. But when Star swirl walked to her. He smiled and stroked her head. " I am sorry child. But they must do what they do. I can't allow you to get in the way of a wonderful Equestria." But he did something I never would have expected, same with my host. He grabbed a knife with his magic and stabbed his side and made a spell that like his horn was cracked. He screamed in deep pain. As the guards rush in and they gasp staring at the scene in front of them. " Arrest her...she attacked me because she wishes to steal the thrown from the princess." The guard nodded and with many chains, they chained her neck legs and wings. But she tried to struggle screaming. " He's lying! He's lying." She tried to fight the guards as they pulled her out. The last thing she sees is Star swirl's smile. She was forced into the dungeon and she started sobbing, the eyes of my host filling with tears. As they drip down to the floor. She would seem to stay there for many hours just crying and not eating anything. Then the door into the jail opens and closed and hooves sound along the stone floor. My host looked up seeing Celestia this was before her mane flowed and her mane was pure pink. " Celestia, please let me go. Please!!" She just stared at my host and looked towards The side and the door looking down into the eyes of my host. " No. It will be some time but I will be finding out a suitable punishment for you. I need.." Before she could finish speaking Star swirl walked in using a crutch Then smiled. " I know a place. It's an Island made to hold prisoners. Take her there and remove her powers and you shall receive them." Celestia nodded and the memory went forward again. Now my host was chained down in the room where the vial would be. A spell was being used to keep Majesty in place. I could feel the pain of her wings being removed from her body with a magic knife. She tried so hard to break the chains that kept at bay. Star Swirl started to remove the Alicorn magic from her body. The pain was bad even to me. I never felt like this before it made me sick. But I can’t do nothing about it. A bottle was placed near her head while she watched in horror as her magic was placed inside Celestia. Celestia’s pink mane started to flow full of magic. My host fell to her stomach watching in horror still as this went on. She started to feel the memory being taken from her. While her vision started to darkend Star Swirl held her chin with his magic. “This is now your kingdom. You do what what you wish to this land. You are nothing my little Majesty. Just a worthless creature of the past. Deal with the fact that I smile seeing you be removed from your power. You will forget this.. And I shall laugh at the grave as I die.” Tears rained down her face. As the last bit of the memory went into the little glass potion bottle I drank from. Everything then went black as the memory ended. 00000 My eyes opened and quickly became aware of the fact I was in the doc's room. But while I couldn’t see anything, I could hear some small sobs. It sounded like Blaze. I heard her speak softly with her tears. " I should have gone with her...I should have been there for her." Jonon spoke softly. " it wouldn't have changed anything Blaze. You would have been hurt as well it's something that you need to learn and understand sometimes a hero must face threats alone. But it's not how you see it. But you need to remember she loves you. She would risk her life and die for you. Just to see that smiling face of yours." I could hear that she stopped sobbing and I was just so weak. But I heard Zranth speak. " She might be able to tell us what happen her. It might be best to tell her it's been almost five days." I couldn't even blink my body was so weak. But I tried to speak. " B.....L.." My voice couldn't finish by I felt the bed shake and saw the beautiful eyes of Blaze and tears streamed down her face and smiled. " I am here... Star shooter." I tried to smile but I couldn't even move. Zranth along with Doc started to check me out and even looked into my eyes and Doc blinked. " It seems she has a temporary state of paralyze of course whatever was in that she drank. it sure caused her a lot of issues. It may take time for her to heal. Zranth nodded calmly. " But I wonder if she can feel." He poked my chest and I groaned in pain. " Ah yes she can. Every synapses is on fire. So Blaze I doubt it's wise to kiss her because it will give her pain." Blaze frowned and looked at me and sighed. " I am going to stay here and watch her." Doc sighed nodding. " You will have to go back to the Blacksmith soon. We all knew this would happen. All of us." The last of the fluid I drank seeped out of my ears my brain itself blocked what I saw from my memory like I never drank it. I couldn’t even move it’s like my entire body just wants to lay there after what I went through. " Jonon....Jonon..." She came to my vision and looked down at me with a smile. " I...drank it..but I don't remember anything. I know I saw something. I know I was there in the past. But I don't remember what it is. All I know it was some ponies Memories but... I don't remember. I'm sorry." I said with soft sobs. Jonon shook her head. " You no longer need to worry you proved yourself little hero. All in the town you didn't think you are the hero of legend now you are. They are all doing their little jobs to get the town ready for you when you leave. Till you return from the forbidden lands. But we asked the Griffin to wait a little longer. he will wait two more weeks. So you may finish what you need to do in this town." I gave a weak nod. I knew it would take longer to move. But I need to see Blaze again. " Blaze..." I said weakly. She placed her head on the bed and she smiled sweetly. Tears still streaming down her face. I could tell she was in great fear of what would happen. Groaning and calmly weakly wrapped my fore hooves around her neck and smiled. " I'm so sorry for worrying you. I am very very sorry for worrying you so much. " She smiled sweetly nodding and then removed her head from my forehooves. " I need to get back to work Star shooter." She gave me a gentle kiss and all my nerves burned like their one fire but she smirked. Walking away from the room and Zranth started to rub some strange substance into my stomach and chest and then my legs. It seemed to remove the burning feeling but it's not a pleasant feeling at all half the time. Then she rolled me onto my stomach. I gasped deeply from the pain as I felt the fluid go into my back now and it started to make every part of me burn even more. " Thank you little hero. We are now free. But I am sorry I see that you have forgotten what you have seen. I am sure someday you will remember what you have seen. Hopefully of course. " She said with a nod and then set a bowl of water for me to lap up with my tongue. I felt like a dog but it was the only way to keep me from getting to dehydrated. My head pounded badly it felt like my brain went through a nasty ringer. My eyes opened again and I tried to will the magic sight. I could see the lines of the magic filling this room it seemed to be a lot more than I thought. Closing my eyes to remove the sight and coughed a bit. Doc walked back in and looked into my eyes and he smiled. " Well you gave us more help for fishing and now I got a full staff thanks to you." I couldn't smile I just looked at him with a sick look on my face. But I heard a bag of coins going into my bag. Hopefully I will find a use for them to buy some armor. Laying my head back down trying to remove the throbbing of my head groaning deeply. Closing my eyes again. I couldn't move anymore for the moment it seems. Then I heard my stomach popping and then with a quick movement I got on my hooves fast. " Bathroom! Bathroom!!" Doc pointed with a hoof outside the hall and I quickly rushing out like crazy to the bathroom. Despite the pain and feeling like I can't feel half of my body. When I got into the bathroom I sat and groaned as well. The fluid came out of me burned so much that I tried not to scream. Every nerve in me burned just from this little way of cleansing my system. It's like my body is going. ' Hey hey...Dumb shit.. Don't drink something like that again.' Groaning after removing the fluid from my system weakly pulled myself off the toilet getting weakly back on my hooves. Then it slowly glowed then turned to normal everyday urine. Sighing I flushed it and now I felt that my body was back to normal. But still every nerve was on fire. But not as bad as it was. Slowly walking back into the room and Doc just looked at me with a smile. " Feel better?" I gave a nod sitting back into the bed groaning softly and looked to the Doc and he smiled. " You have done so much for us little hero. But there are few more jobs for you. Go back to the brew maker, go to the inn and to the blacksmith. But maybe you should sleep some before you head back out." I chuckled looking up to Doc with a gentle weak smile and He smiled back and patted my my back gently with his hoof. I gave a very weak smile slowly getting back into the bed to rest my body. Putting my head on a pillow closing my eyes to rest a bit. I had many thoughts in my head. Why would I forget the memories? Why would I forget everything that happen. Maybe I wasn't strong enough in magic to handle those memories. Opened my eyes to hoof steps coming inside and I saw a little filly. She spoke in a soft voice. "Hero..the orphanage has been taken over by some nasty bugs. Miss Swampy had to fight them off and got us all out. Then got out herself. But it was bound to happen because of how badly built the building is. Are you willing to help us?" She sounded more adult like but.. She had the voice of a young filly. I wonder why so many of the young on this island sounded so mature. It made little to no sense to me at all. Giving a nod and smiled weakly. " Is it alright if I rest first before going? I’m very weak and I can’t stand at all” The filly smiled nodding. " Of course hero. Rest some what those bug's aren't going anywhere at the moment at least." Giving a weak nod and my mind just blacked out as I slept. 000000 . A new memory. Did I really see this the last time? Why am I dreaming of this? Looking over to what seems odd to me then most. But what I saw in this is how they found the ground for the island itself. They took most of the parts of a mountain and then caused a volcano to go off to cover the holes they created. But my host seemed to be gathering prisoners. I don't understand but around were I was is the land of Alicorns. My host looked around but she felt that she was the only great. Most seemed to bow to her. But also many feared her. But interesting thing is a dark evil creature walked to her and stared at her. The creature pulled out a large sword and seemed ready to attack her but she started saying something that scared me to my core. She spoke so soothingly with a soft voice. " Dance like a tree creature of evil. Dance dance and sing like a tree. The wind shall blow through your leaves. You shall be home to the birds and then learn to sing with them as the cock crows Oh creature of evil you shall never see again." The creature just stares at her but the words seem to give him great fear. He starts to scream in pain I could hear him speak. " How?!" The creature’s legs slowly spread out and its legs split into roots. Wood starting to fill out in the body of the creature. The sword fusing into his body. As the arms of the creature turned to pure wood. The sword itself become a normally everyday branch of the tree starting to grow apples. He just kept screaming wood shooting out of his eyes the eyes themselves turning into branches and every part of the creature is now a tree. Then when the screaming end and blood drained from the bark and the skin melted away into dust. The screaming stopped but the wind started to blow and birds and other creatures started to come to the tree to make a home out of the former being of life. The wind slowly blew. The scream carrying on the wind. But she turns to more trees and they seem to be the same. She had a dark smile on her face. Walking through the newly made woods. Along every part of the tree's blood origins being absorbed by the trees causing them to grow big and strong. Leaves slowly grow and she stood in the middle of them and smiled and softly hums as she pulls flowers out of the ground as they seem to scream in pain. Calmly eating them and chuckling with a smile as some of her species stare at her. Then she turns to them. " Now take these trees to the island. Not all of them of course." She placed her hoof on what she has done and whispered to one of them. " Now you will learn how to respect your Majesty." She chuckled softly and walked away from the trees and all they could do is scream. But the memory wasn't over. A little dragon walked up to her I couldn't see the colour of the dragon. Seems to be blotted out couldn't even understand what they said when they spoke. " Gardens.. Hanging...Super...Story...Within...History..Of ends.." All I could make from the dragon and Majesty laughed softly and before she walked away from the dragon. Behind her an elder of her species spoke to her. " Majesty.. Please stop trying to harm every creature you see. There is no need to feel you're better than them." My host Majesty just gives a sweet gentle smile. " Oh elder we must show the creature's of the world. That we are the shepherds of them. If they wish to harm the shepherd. So we must do a little harm to them to get them to understand who is in charge." She just said this like nothing is wrong. With a gentle evil giggle. The elder frowned sighing as what is interesting about him his mane flowed and seemed to flow along with the magic. From how feel in my host the magic of Equestria is power even before the princess took over. The elder stares at my host his eyes so full of disappointment. " You will never learn what you namesake is Majesty. Yes you may be Majestic. You may be even more powerful than most. But sometimes power takes over the mind. As I can see power has taken over your mind." He shook his head. Majesty just smiles softly and chuckles and laughs loudly and deeply. After she stops. my host speaks like a royal snobby ass hole. " Oh elder." She snickers softly. " I am Majestic. I am what so many of our kind wish to be. Beautiful the first one to breed with. Oh elder it's just how I see ourselves." She smiled sweetly at the elder who just sighed closing his eyes and calmly walking away and before he fully walked out of sight he turned his head staring at her. "Majesty sooner or later you will learn that this mindset you have is well.. Going to end you." My host just had a large smile on her face. Her voice soft and tender. " Oh elder. You don't seem to understand anything. You may be older than the rest of us. But you know I shall lead us. I shall have my power that I deserve. I shall be Queen!!!" She stood into a pose and If I was there myself I would just face hoof so hard that it would leave an imprint in my face. The elder stare at her with much sadness in his eyes. He closes them and slowly walks away from the trees. My host just kept that smile and walked to her hovel. Her hovel made like it was a small castle. She walked looking into her mirror staring at it and she had a dark smile. " Oh they will know. They will know who is their Queen. I shall never let anyone. Anyone take over my role as Queen. NO one NO ONE!! Can stop me. NO ONE!!" She yelled in the mirror and smashed it with her hoof and she started to shake and stare at her bloody hoof and she laughed loudly and deeply in happiness. She lifted up a piece of glass of the mirror. She just stares at it and her eyes seem to focus on the glass and a dark smile forming. But then looked up to the mirror and her features softens. Then frowns and then calmly sets the glass down. " No one..." She said softly. 0000 Opening my eyes I felt my heart beating so quickly and shivers. I felt that I just saw something that bothered me to the core. But was I dreaming? I don't remember the dream at all. I don't think I was dreaming. It felt so real but of course most dream's do feel real. Calmly getting on my four hooves feeling all the pain gone. Just not in my brain. Slowly walking out of the room. But I heard a voice. " Oh Majesty such a fool you are." I turned looking for the voices. But I didn't see anything. Closing eyes and said to myself. 'i'm Not crazy I'm not crazy I'm' Opening my eyes seeing the gentle eyes of Doc but I jumped quickly back and screamed being scared to death at the moment but he blinks and I started breathing deeply and shivering. " Star Shooter?" He said softly and walked over to me and wrapped around me. I started trembling. What did I see why is it bothering me so. Why do I feel like I should cry and feel sorry for some pony. It's making no sense to me. I softly sobbed in his shoulder. I could tell he was just here for me at the moment. I heard hoof steps and Jonon walked in and just stared and I felt him shaking his head. As I sobbed so hard. " Tell me... what is bothering you Star shooter." I sobbed harder the pain felt so harsh to me. It felt like I was going to die at times. But I softly spoke. " I..." Sniff sob." I feel... weak.. I feel that I am going to fail...I feel I will end up...Like Tiria." Sobbing harder. " I was there... I watched her give birth and die.. I was there when she... Almost murdered an enclave soldier. Just because they touched me. She called.... All ponies and Zebras worthless.. For the war they started.. For destroying the world. That ponies deserve the pain... They have gotten. I don't.. Want to feel or be that way either.." Sobbing harder shaking now and I felt more hooves wrap around me and it was Jonon who spoke softly. "Hero...I mean Star shooter." She gently stroked along my head. " If you believe in yourself you won't become like that. If you allow Blaze to help you and give her all your love. Then you will never be alone and die alone. But little Star shooter breaking down now is not the best thing to do. You need to remain strong. I know this is not easy for you little one. Please allow me and Blaze help you." I shivered deeply and sobbed harder. Doc removed himself from the hug and so did Jonon but when I opened my tear filled eyes I saw Blaze who calmly wrapped her front legs around me and her tail. Sobbing harder I just held her tightly and she stroked along my back. Doc went back to work and jonon left as well to leave the two of us alone. "..I'm...Sorry...that you see me...this weak Blaze.." She put a webbed claw to my hoof to hush me. " Star Shooter I didn't fall in love with you with how strong you. I fell in love with you because I can take care of you. You aren't just a hero. You are an everyday pony that has feeling's and doesn't get a stone heart. When I saw you wounded in my cave. A pony that is not strong. A hero that is not strong. But a hero with a large heart. That is all I care about with you Shooter. I don't need an amazing mare to love. I just need you.. That all I need." Tears keep dripping from my eyes and calmly looking up to her and giving her a deep deep kiss. The kiss went on for a few moments. Then we broke it and then she removed herself from me. Wrapping her tail around me more lifting me up. I wasn't that large of a mare. She could do a lot. " I think my little hero could use some pleasure. Then we will get to working in the morning." My face turned bright red and I nodded. She carried me off to the house that we now started to both live and sleep in and make love in. I thought of my dream's. Why don't I remember but I am starting to wonder should I care.. I don't know. Footnote: Level up New perk added Salamander love: You have gained a deeper connection with Blaze. When you fight together you feel like one unite and you’re happier when she is near. Quest perk: The potion you have taken has helped you learn how to read the carvings on the wall.
Chapter Twentythree: Prison of the mind.Author's Note Warning parts of this chapter will be disturbing. Chapter Twentythree: Prison of the mind. A day or so has passed. I woke up hearing that the Queen's army is on its way to attack all the towns. But Blaze kept me in the bedroom. She locked the door to make sure I fully rested. I can't believe that I am the hero of legend and they need me to be there for them. So they have hope. If I am not there they don't have any hope. I paced around the room. I had to leave. But of course, If I tried Jonon would carry me back upstairs. My hooves smack a candlestick near the bed and it bent and a door in the wall opens up. I blink a moment and I feel something calling me. Walking through the hall, the wall closing up behind me. I sighed softly feeling like something was leading me here. I come into a single room. A glass case is a case that looks very well kept. Looking to see a broken memory orb inside the case. But what else is inside the case. What was inside the case was a pistol. Not another one of those Zebra pistols that Tiria had. I looked at the Plaque that was placed there. The weapon's name is hole puncher Looking at the weapon itself lifting the glass case off from it. But when I did the memory orb reformed. I blinked, placing the glass back over it the orb looked broken again. Also, the gun looked to be just a normal everyday gun. When I moved it. The gun was from what I read since.. I didn't know a lot about guns. A 357 magnum. It wasn't given the name the Hole punch. It has the name Little lady. It was bright silver. The lettering was gold. The ammo itself was in a large box that when I open it had ten little boxes of it. The ammo from what I read on the box is used to take down heavy armor targets. When I opened it some had strange green stripes on the edge of the bullet. Some red, some even blue. Looking at them elemental magic made bullets. I look to the memory orb. I think it was time to see why this is here. I want to check the orb. I felt the fact this was here was something I need to scratch. Using my magic to life the orb to my horn. I was in another mare. A unicorn mare. She looked very roughed up. Looking into the mirror she had been through hell and back. But when she looked outside Cliffside was just everyday normal. But the guards just walk along the roads. She looked in the mirror. " Whoever finally sees this. I want to say I am sorry for what I have caused. To those that wish to learn. I am the hero of the legend. But I can no longer go on. My friends have died. If you think I am making this up. If I am really part of the legend. Not the fake ones. So whoever sees this. I am sorry for not taking care of the Queen. But I took her up with her deal. I gave her to my friends. Then when I got back here. The owner of the town took over again. I beat him and I didn't kill him. I wish to tell every pony who sees this I am so sorry." She sighs looking towards the tunnel I walk down. She walkes along it speaking still. "When I left Equestria the war just hit its peak. Luna just became the leader of Equestria then the Miniseries was created. I had to leave. I had to get out of there with my friends. But I didn't come alone. A group of ponies came with me. Then we learned of the legend. I was the real hero of legend so were my friends. But we didn't trust the Zebras and went into the castles slums to learn about it. But all we started is a small rebellion. Then the Queen learns about me. She demands that I give up or she will use me as an example. I'm...." my host sighs. " I'm known to many as Mimic. I was asked to join the army because of my abilities to mimic others' deeds with magic. But I ran the second chance I got taking the weapon I stole from the armory. Along with as much ammo I could carry. During this time there was a Zebra attack not far off from the base. But yes I gave my friends up to die. I stole from ponies that needed to win a war. I'm no hero. To the next one that finds this please know that I have gone back to Equestria to face my fate." I could feel tears falling down her face. I could feel the pain. "The room of this house whoever is given it. It can only be given to the hero of legend. The doorknob is enchanted to keep the owner from this room. I.." She sobs hard. But in the room, a stand was already made for the gun. It had the same plaque. She places the weapon on the stand. Along with a box of ammo, none of them even used. " I didn't deserve this weapon. To the one who is watching this memory. Please tell them the truth." She lifted up the orb to her horn was filled with the memory. The memory slowly fades my world going back to normal. I open my eyes. I was laying on the ground feeling very groggy and in pain. Why did memory orbs have to hurt so much? Slowly getting back on my hooves groaning. Lifting the gun while I did it glowed. Looking right at the golden name. Little lady. When I went to place it in my bags. A magic holster formed wrapping around me setting the gun right into it. I sighed again, placing the ammo into my bags. Looking at the orb. I did tell the truth. Lifting it up in my mouth placing it in my bags. I calmly knock a few times on the door. Blaze walks to the door. " Blaze, gather our friends, please. We’ve got a lot to talk about.” The tone of my voice sounds close to crying and anger. An hour past. We all sat down at the dining room table. I sat at the end of the table in the big chair and I looked at them all. " I am not the hero of legend. The hero of legend was a unicorn mare named Mimic. Who came here from Equestria at the height of the war itself. She is the one along with her friends who started the rebellion. Then the Queen learns about her. She gave up her friend for the ability to get back to Equestria. She left these two things behind." I brought out little Lady and the memory of others just stared at me. I blinked. They all smiled. " We knew already Child." Jonon spoke in a sad tone. Blaze nods just seeing the nod made my heart in other words jump. "I knew this as well. But we didn't tell you because... One Star Shooter I deeply love you. Second, we need you to stay strong." They knew I wasn't the hero of legend? A frown formed on my face. Looking down, closing my eyes, letting all the pain take me again. I could have gone home. I could have gone home. I felt my anger growing. The magic formed around the table. I scream loudly while the others back away from the table As I started smashing the table into the wall. The table started to splinter and shatter. I have never released my anger like this before. I scream in deep anger. I could have gone home. I just kept smashing everything in the room and into the wall. But I fell to my haunches, tears falling from my face. I could have gone home...m jus.e mimic of a hero. I'm just the means to an end. But as I sobbed softly I felt Blaze tail on my shoulder. " Star Shooter, we didn’t tell you because we need you. You're a hero, screw the legend. You made my life so happy." I stared in Blaze’s eyes so much pain filling them. " We need you to keep this up. The rest think you are the hero. So you need to fight for us. Till the end..." Closing my eyes, I didn't know what to think anymore. I felt the pain fill my beating heart. Looking back at the prison from the past of my mind. I'm still locked in that Prison. I have never left that prison. I still dream of them doing so much to me.” I stood looking at my friends. Picking up the gun in my magic placing it down. Then looking at the memory orb. The only thing left to do is remove the past. Lifting it up I smash it down hard. The memory vanishing. Now I need to remove myself from that prison of the mind. " I need all your help...I need to remove myself from the Prison." The others looked at me. Blaze knew what I meant she wrapped her tail around me tightly. " Tell me how...Star Shooter please." I smiled softly thinking of a way I could do it. I feel the only way is to talk about my pain with my friends. " Sit with me then." Skull crusher looked at where the table used to be, then the chairs I left just where the table was. " I feel this is a bad idea...idea.the chairs away just in case you wish to smash us with them." I chuckled nodding. The large Minotaur slowly moved along lifting up the chairs, setting it down and nodded he stayed silent for the moment. Dr. Slice floats beside me, placing a robotic hand on my shoulder. "I may be one of the only few that didn’t know the legend is fake. But I will be staying by your side till this battle is over or till death my friend.” I smile looking up to Dr. Slice feeling my heart slowly mend from the kindness. " Thank you, Dr. I just need a little help to remove my mind from that prison. I think the best way is to speak to Zrannth. But this would mean locking me in that spirit world for a little while all be able to handle keeping up the date without me there?" They nod. Slowly standing on my hooves looking at all the wood. Finally seeing what I did. The table all smashed up and splinters all over the wall and the floor. " Don't worry little hero we will take care of it." I gave a weak nod not sure what to do right now. Blaze stood in front of me. " I am coming with you this time Star Shooter, no ifs, and, or buts. I am not going to stay behind this time and allow you to face this alone." I blink, staring calmly at Blaze. I wanted to argue with her. But I doubt it would be wise to do so. Since she gets like this it's best to give in to her demands. But before I left I wanted to say something to them all. " Look I know I haven't done wise things for you all on this Island. I think I made things worse because the Queen is out to get all of you because of me. She even wants Cliffside. She wants the entire island. To just in her own mind cleanse it. To free this way of thinking from it. To remove all that would oppose her. I think she is like the Enclave. They wished to help but they also caused problems." I look at the others and they all simply nodded. Jonon just sat there though I didn't know what was going through that mind of hers. She had that mind that always made me wonder if she even cared. The others start to walk out of the door. Well one of them did float but Jonon turns to look at me and Blaze. " I shall join you with this. I am sure the oath will be found until I get back. I know it's not a wise idea. But I feel it might be best. But I doubt it would. But sometimes we must work together to take care of the issue of friends." I thought for a moment and then nods. with my hoof, I said, in a way she could follow. ‘Let’s remove ourselves for a time and just relax.’ Walking into the caverns. Looking at my two friends ease her worries. She wrapped her tail around me like always. Jonon just rolled her eyes chuckling. When we got into the caverns we saw the Zebras working double time. Since the army started moving. It sounds like they are now attacking the magic eater caves. caves out one of the queens that never joined her in her battle. But the Queen is not with them from what I was told. It seems most of the army is attacking the first place. But I ignored how it felt it felt the moment. Slowly walking into the building that held the new elder. There were ten times more guards guarding her. Since she is their last hope to get them home. "hero'' How can I help you?" I sigh sure how to ask this. I wanted to back away since..I felt scared. I wanted to back away at all the eyes staring at me. My eyes filled with panic. Feeling that I was going to be put in prison again and broke and skinned alive again. Slowly backing away trying to run. They could see the fear in my eyes as I turn away trying to run. I could hear Blaze yell. But then the guards stopped me. I stood there shaking urine drains from between my legs. I start shaking violently. The guards just stare at me. I could hear laughing holding my head so I sob hard. Why did this have to happen now? Blaze rushed to me. Jonon stood over me. I could tell she had fear in her eyes. All I could do was sob and shake. Blaze wraps around me hold me close, gently whispering. " Shhh, I am here little Shooter I am here. Relax." Eventually I calm down. Closing my eyes, breathing deeply, my heart slowly beating now. Feeling the blood in my body slowing. I didn't even know I was in a panic. I slowly came back to my senses looking around calmly. I felt awful about what did happen to me since it came back to me. I sigh slowly looking to Blaze and place my forehooves around her, closing my eyes to rest my head on her back to relax. " I am sorry about that Zrannth. I think my mind never left the Prison. I think it's still there with me getting broken. So I have come to ask for that brew. So I can go to the spirit realm to fight this." Zrannth nods calmly looking at Jonon. " The brew will take an hour or so to make. So I want you to stay here and relax. While my guards go get what we need for it. Lucky for us most of it grows down here. So please sit." I nod to Jonon. Blaze and I sat in front of her. Her guards left to gather what is needed for the brew. She set down a tea kettle. She poured some freshly made tea into each cup. Blaze leans down to sniff it. Her features gave a strange look. She coughed gently but lifted it up with her tail. It was still piping hot, drinking it down with no issue and steam came out of her mouth. "Hmmm not bad really. Still not what I enjoy drinking. I enjoy drinking Star Shooter." She grins at me but I didn't blush a frown formed on her face. "My love not blushing...I am worried.." Jonon nods. "You're always so bright red in the face, little hero. It seems this thing going on in your mind has ruined your way of blushing. At least that or you have gotten used to it." I nod thinking maybe that is the reason then, of course, see, Blaze whispers in my ear. " The taste is so wonderful. I just love when you orgasm so many times in a row, my love." She smirks. This time my face turned bright red. I tried to hide my face. But I didn't have my cloak or my bags this time. Then smiles softly. "Thank you, Blaze...I needed that." Blaze laughs softly, wrapping her tail around me gently. Jonon smiled, seeming happier that I am bright red in the face now. " Ah, I like it when she gets you red in the face, little hero. I feel that means your mind is back to normal for the time being of course. Maybe it's something you needed. Because she is your lover and she loves you with all her heart." I smile giving a nod. Gently leaning in to kiss Blaze's face. Lifting up my tea drinking from it. " Now I am going to say this. Sometimes going into the spirit world. It's like trying to talk to the stars The spirits and the stars can be just as evil. Sometimes the spirits of the mind. It can cause more issues then the Stars itself. But when you're in the Spirit realm you can hear the stars speak to you. It's not a lovely sound." I blink a moment wondering why it's different. " But the last elder had me into the spirit realm many times. Is there something different for going into the spirit realm with the thought of fixing the issues of the mind?" Zrannth sighed softly nodding. " Going into the spirit realm to fix the mind can be deadly. As deadly as talking to the stars themselves. But sometimes talking to the stars is needed to learn what might happen. In fact, some of the ruins here talk about the stars helping whoever created this island." I nodded while lifting my tea to drink the rest of it. Setting the cup down. After a while, she poured more into the teacup. I didn't know what to think. " Well, I do hope I can fix whatever happens to my mind. Because I tend to dream of what happened to me. Then Blaze has to wake me up. Because she doesn't let me sleep alone anymore." Blaze nuzzles into me smiling., " I told you Star Shooter. I love babying you. I don't care if you are a strong hero. I want to make sure my love is not being stupid and gets hurt more and more." I blushed gently turning to her with a gentle smile. All I could do was stare in her eyes. Soon In the legend, I would be marrying her. But the thing is. The marriage when we haven't known each other that long. But like back home. You have to do what the moment gives you. " Now is there a way we can heal my dear Star Shooter?" The elder sighed nodding. " It's not going to be easy. She is going to have to go through each memory of it. It's not going to be easy like I said. Each moment is going to hurt her. So I need you both to be prepared for what is to come." Blaze and Jonon nod. " I am sure we will do what we can to help the little hero. Even if I know it's not going to be very simple. Even if I wasn't there but at times we need to be there for our friends. She is our friend. So we shall always be there for her." Blaze gave a nod pulling me closer to her and our bodies touched. I just blushed gently because I loved feeling her scales on my body. It felt so smooth. " I am going to help her no matter what. She is my wife to be. Soon I am going to make sure she understands who she belongs to." Blaze said with a smirk. I just faced hoof. I know very well that I belonged to her. But I doubt she cared how it made me feel. Since I am learning more and more that these salamanders are very possessive. Also, it's a way to keep their pain from taking over. So some joke around and then make their lover blush or scream in pleasure. I just thought about our sexual intercourse. I just felt like it was amazing. My withers started to burn. A smell started to come from me. I just noticed what was happening. My face turns bright red. " Um....oops," I said softly Blaze chuckled. Leaning into a whisper. " Maybe we can take care of that later my love. " I blink my eyes wide. As I notice Jonon and Zrannth looking at the two of us. " Well well does the hero need to go into the back room with the Salamander." Jonon said jokingly. Blaze chuckled, her chest expanding as she was about to start boasting. "Yes, maybe she needs to scream a few times. Maybe we can get over the count of how many times she has an orgasm." All I could do was stare at her. My face is so bright burning red. I wanted to hide again. But she didn't let me. I could tell for the moment she was just kidding. Then I shift seeing the guards walk in with the plants that are used to make the brew. I sat there giving the plants to the elder Zrannth. She gathered many different pots making a fire for each of them. Placing each pot over them. Pouring strange fluids in them. Smashing the plants placing them into each pot after she was done. Then she looks at me with a gentle smile. " It will take awhile before it's ready, little hero. But It's time to get you ready. Since they will be connecting to your dreams. All you need to do..is this. "She brings out a substance from a bag. " Rub this all over her," Blaze smirked, taking it. My face turned bright red not sure if this was wise. But when Blaze opened it up. The smell made me feel odd. I felt dizzy but also happy and drunk. " Ah, it seems you found a way to calm her down with the salve of sleep." Zrannth nodded. Blaze smirked, still placing it on her claws rubbing it into my fur. I just lay there not sure what to do. Since my brain was drunk. Blaze didn't miss a spot. She felt since I was her wife to be. She was allowed to touch spots that are private. Even between my legs. I gasped when she rubbed the slave with her claws along the folds of my mare hood. I never thought I would feel drunk and horny at the same time. Jonon rolls her eyes at the display. " Blaze I think she is drunk enough." The Salamander smirks at Jonon. " Not at all my dear Jonon. I think she needs to be drunk more. Besides, I adore when she gets like this. She gets like this even after sex. I love it. Shows that I have done so well to her." Zrannth coughs, hiding her blush. Since now it was starting to get to her on how..Blaze got around me. All I could think of is what did I drink to make me so drunk? The drunkenness subsides a bit. Watching Zrannth pour the fluid from each brew into three bowls " Now I warn you three. The stars may try to play tricks on you while you are under this effect. It's not going to be a full fix child. You will have to confront your fears alone. But that will be the time before you fight the threat that you shall have for many years in the future." I blink hearing that but looking to the others they didn't hear it. I will face something in the future. But what will I face? I am starting to wonder. " Here drink this." Lifting the bowl with my magic. Slowly drinking from it. I felt the world around me grow fuzzy then I fell to the floor passing out. Opening my eyes I was right outside the Prison. Fear fills my heart. The one I was held in for six months. I wanted to run. I start backing up. But Jonon and Blaze put a stop to that getting behind me. I stare at them shaking tears streaming down my face. " I can...'t...I can't do this...I can't It's just so painful.." Blaze looked to Jonon. She nods Blaze wrapping her tail around me, lifting me up. " I don't want to force you, my love. But I am going to. Remember I am stronger than you. I will do whatever it takes to baby you. To the point that you face all these fears you have." I couldn't fight her. I wanted to try to break through her tail. But when Blaze wanted me to do something. I should do it. We walked into the Prison. But it was empty but it felt so real. They set back down. When I hit the floor. All the cells around us filled with me and what they did to me. Blaze’s eyes filled with so much hate. I could tell that when she stood in front of one of the cells. The cell had me hanging over a pit that had old blood filled inside it. The pony behind me was holding a whip with claw tips on the end. I felt the pain fill me. As I saw it frozen. But I had to face it. I didn't know-how. " Jonon...I don't know how to face this." She sighed softly looking towards me with a weak smile. " You need to take the whip and hurt yourself a little hero. It may not be something you want to do. But your mind is hurting your ability to move on. So you will have to face it through causing harm." I gulped not sure I wished to do this. I felt this was a bad idea to do this. I look to Blaze tears falling from my eyes. " Blaze… I can't… can't do this… Please wake me up… Get me out of here." Blaze looks at me with a soft smile. Pulling me close to her with her tail. Tears streamed down my face. I wanted to sob. But I couldn't any longer. The red salamander just stares at me. I could tell she wouldn't let me back away from this. " I can't let you back away from this Star Shooter. Jonon can't either. You need to face this. So please, my life allows your own self to do this. I know it's not going to be easy for you to do this to yourself. But if it helps you beat this for a time at least. Till this war is over. Then we can help you through it another way." Closing my eyes tightly, not sure what to do with this. But I stood in the image of the pony that held the whip. the memory starts to move. All I did for a time was stand there hearing myself scream. " Let me go!!!" I scream. I couldn't do what she asked. If I did my family would be killed because. The queen would learn that I couldn't hurt the hero of legend. The fake hero of legend. No...NO! I thought to myself. You can do this. You need to do this. I grunted to myself lifting the whip. But for a time I just left it there. I wanted to do what she asked. I wanted to let her go. I wanted to let her go. The magic formed around the whip and it glows brightly. I shook because I couldn't do this to myself. I felt the pain growing just by staring at my back. I look at the barbs at the end of the whip. The venom that was used on it dripped from them. It hit the floor hissing softly. It burned through the metal floor. Then I felt I could do it. I took a deep breath and with the whip smashed into my own back. I watched the venom burn and eat through the tissue in my back. I felt the pain again. Then I found myself hanging there screaming in pain. I cried loudly. " Let me go. I did nothing to you ponies.." I sob loudly. After a while, I fell to the ground and the memory vanished. I lay there sobbing feeling every part of my back burning. But the wounds vanished but the pain was still there. Blaze wanted to help me but Jonon kept her from coming to me. I scream so loudly that I felt the pain wishing to just linger. But I had to beat this. Slowly standing weakly on my hooves. Looking to Blaze and Jonon. I gave them both a strong smile. Even though I was in the full amount of pain. I move out of the cell. Turning around to see the image frozen. The whip deep into the skin of my back. Jonon kept Blaze away from me. Looking at her. " She needs to do this on her own. We need to be here to just watch and give her support." I could tell by Blaze's face. She didn't like to just sit back. But her spines on her back lower. What I knew about these spines on her back. It was to tell her mood if you couldn't see her face. If she was well-having sex with me. They were bright red and glowing. If she was sad and upset they turned dark and cracked from the former flames. "Let's get this over with then. So we can take care of the Queen and I can help kill her for what she did to my love." I smiled weakly. I knew she was very unhappy. Slowly walking to the rest of the cells. The next cell had me strapped to a table. I looked at the knife starting to skin me. Tears streamed down my face. Just staring at the knife that skinned me. It was just a normal skinning knife. But remembering the pain. Jonon looked away. Blaze just started her eyes full of anger. But she looked at me. Nudging me gently. Looking at her my tears fell to the ground. I knew I had to take care of this. But all I can feel is the knife cutting into my skin removing it. Fell to my haunches shaking again feeling the pain filling me up. All parts in my body burned from the thoughts of the knife digging into my skin to remove it. I had to fight this too. Slowly standing taking the knife in my magic. But I didn't wish to, I could just let myself go. But that's not what happens. I can't just let myself go. I can't allow it to let me go. I will never learn how to face this. Lifting the knife slowly starting to cut into the fur. Down to the skin blood spurt out along the knife. As I scream in pain. Tears just streamed down my face while this happened. Blood drains from the wounds. I could hear the knife slowly cut the skin. Squishing wet meat sounds. Sound through the prison. I could hear Blaze retching. Jonon kept looking away. Then I changed places with the one holding the knife. I started screaming loudly. I cried yelling. " Let me go. I did nothing to you!!" They left my face alone. Allowing the skin and fur to grow slowly. I just lie there like when I first did it. But for some reason, I was stuck in this one. Something must have happened that I don't remember. Cricket walked into the Prison. He grabbed one of his knives. " Hmm, let's see there being far too nice to you." The bug smashes his blade over the wall over and over. Causing sparks to fly everywhere the sword glows bright red. I could feel the heat from it. My skin fully regrows from the magic going into my system. First I felt him going for my eyes. I screamed feeling my eyes being taken out. I didn't even know this happened. Feeling my eye socket cooking. But I couldn't see anything now. But I could feel the pain from him skinning me. He turned the magic off for the time being. Then I could feel him removing my main leaving my scalp burn. Along with my tail. Then he stabbed into my heart. I could feel myself die slowly. He pulled the sword out then left. I could hear hooves rushing in. I heard his voice. " I got you a little hero!!" It was Burnout. He turned the magic on. I couldn't breathe because of my heart-stopping. But the magic slowly healed my heart first. The healing sealed the wound in my chest. It would take a while to get my eyes back if I got them back at all. My vision returns after the memory is over. I fell to the ground screaming loudly crying as well. Loud endless sobbing fills the prison. My tears streamed down my face. I never sobbed like this. I held my hooves over my head trying to cover my weakness. But I know this wasn't a weakness. My heartbeat slowly. I felt alive but the pain. The pain just made me want to cry. " I...I can't do this anymore...I can't!!" Blaze nods to jonon. " We need to wake up." " Sadly we can't...The stars are enjoying the show.." Jonon calmly said. Blaze stared at Jonon, her eyes full of anger looking up to the sky. There was no roof but there were stars. They just glowed of course. How could a star talk? But maybe these bodies are known as stars. have minds and enjoy the pain of others. But I didn't even look, I just lay there crying loudly. So much pain. Slowly standing on my hooves. My tears stopped feeling better. But I looked over to Blaze who had such a worried look into her eyes. I smiled weakly. " I feel we must get to the next one and let the stars enjoy their little fun. At my expense of course." I gave a smile hoping it would make my friends feel better. But I could tell it wasn't going to be that easy. Slowly walking along. I was placed in a cell that had spikes. That didn’t only go into my skin but burned me. With smoke coming out of the wounds. A frown formed on my face. It was one of the parts that pained me the most. But that was coming up soon, something that really hurt me to the point. That I don't want to see it happen to me ever again. I just sat there watching the next memory it wasn't moving but I could remember the burning inside. I had no idea that this raw magic healed me like this. It felt interesting after a while. It felt like many things had changed deep in my body. Like my body slowly gaining a new power inside itself. But I could still taste the magic that went through my body. I wanted more but I couldn't get more at the moment. The feel of the magic still flowing through me made me wish for it. The want of the magic fills me. But I feel maybe at this time I should wait to get my fix. Turning to look at Blaze. She had some tears falling from her eyes. I didn't think before asking her to come with me. I knew she would see all this then be upset that she didn't save me. " Blaze..." Walking over to her nuzzling along her neck. " I am sorry, love. I know this is not easy for you to see. I know.." She used her tail to silence me. Staring at me with sad eyes. I could tell she wasn't happy. But she wrapped around me with her forelegs. I didn't hear her speak looking to Jonon who just nodded to me. The silent Zebra slowly started speaking. I could tell this wasn't easy for her to see either. " Little hero...Star shooter...This is hard for the two of us. Harder for Blaze because she loves you. Hard for me...because I could have followed you and saved you. But I had to follow that stupid fake legend. In the legend, it said you break and then you need to be rebuilt through the love of your friends. I should have just said damn to the legend. Then just got off my striped ass to save you." A smile formed on my face. Blaze looked into my eyes with her gentle glowing red eyes. I keep forgetting that she has magic in her body that allows strange things to happen to her. We kissed deeply for a moment, my cheeks turned bright red from the kiss. I hope down the line this never changes. I enjoy the fact that she makes me so burning hot when we are close and when we touch. Jonon looks around coughing a bit. " Excuse me you two maybe you should wait before making out or wanting to sleep together hmm?" I blink, breaking the kiss looking at Jonon my cheeks burning bright red. Blaze laughs and shook her head. We moved away from each other. I stood up fully to look strong. Since I need this feeling to look strong. I need to make the stars fight for their want of pleasure. Wait? I am now believing that stars have minds of their own? Yeesh, Zebras sure have weird ways of expressing themselves. The stars are evil. Ponies are evil. This spoon is evil...At least that's how I see it. Looking back at the memory. I sighed closing my eyes tightly. I didn't want to do this memory. But I had to slowly walk to the button that would start the spikes to go inside my body. The memory slowly starts moving. Around this time I was already broken. I didn't scream or ask to be free but I did scream. The spikes went inside my body; they glow burning me inside. Smoke slowly drifted out of the wounds. They pulled out and then went into other areas of my body. Around this time the prison had many other creatures that just watched. Some could have even broken through the prison cells. But I gave them hope. Maybe that's what most of us needed was hope. I close my eyes, biting my lip trying to ignore the screaming. But It switched us. I was now inside the memory. The burning slowly burned through my body. I could feel that my body was on fire. Flesh slowly cooked and fell off my bones to the ground. They had me attached to the magic of this land again. Each time flesh dripped off. It slowly regrew I am starting to see why some of the tissue never repaired itself. The magic being poured into my system like it was a drug. It caused more harm to me than good. At least it wasn't pure radiation. I know this didn't happen in Equestria since.. when the Balefire bombs went off it never did this type of thing. This island again never got hit by the war or the bombs. Just one little area of the land. That caused the magic in that area to be corrupted. But the raw magic of this island. The magic on Equestria is not as raw for some reason. But of course, if it was. Unicorns would proudly lose themselves into thinking they have the right to be more powerful than the rest of the world. I hope I don't get this feeling myself. Since well the feeling of endless power at the tip of my horn. It feels wonderful, it feels amazing. The pain I don't feel anymore, the fire tips keep going into my body. But the magic flows through me like a drug. MY hunger for the magic-filled me I wanted to scream for the fire to burn me more. I wanted to scream for more of the magic. But the hunger of the magic clouded my mind. But I shook out of it for a moment. I needed to scream in pain or this pain would keep filling me. The magic would keep filling me. I would be here forever loving the feel of the raw magic filling me slowly. I opened my mouth screaming in pain. Then I fell to the ground painting in pain. Tears again streaming down my face. The want of the magic to fill me. It made me cry. But I couldn't allow it to control me. " Bla...aze.Help me up." Blaze gently wrapped her tail around me. Lifting me onto my hooves feeling a bit dizzy. " I want to taste that magic again..I need it." I felt my body shaking the want of the magic to fill me. My horn glowed trying to draw in the magic that is not there. Blaze frowns wanting to help. But Jonon pushed her gently out of the way, shaking her head. " She needs to beat this herself. I know it's hard to watch this. But sometimes you have to sit back." The magic didn't come like I thought it would feel the magic empty from my system. The burn they wanted made me want it more. But I had two more memories to look through. Slowly I walked through the memories then I saw one I didn't even remember a mare. Slowly went to do what the mare did. The memory starts filling me. The others who are with me saw it. The memory I was...mind raped. My mind was ripped apart and broken. But wait why didn't it work? Then I heard voices. " Hey, why is it taking so long to do this?" The mare spoke but didn't turn around. " Her mind is too strong. I have a feeling it has something to do with her being from Equestria." I was mind rapped the memory stopped like it wasn't even that important they tried to destroy my mind. But why didn't it work? I thought about why it didn't work. The vials I drank. I am thinking about whatever was into those vials they left something behind so I couldn't get my mind wrapped any longer. I rub the temples of my head with my hooves sighing softly. I have enough I need to move on. I had no idea what was next. Then it was the first day I was there. The hammer. My eyes went wide. I backed up into Blaze who gently pushed me to the memory. " No...NO!! I can't do this any longer..NO!!" I tried to move away but Blaze kept pushing me to the memory. " Listen to Star shooter I want to end this now. So please my love goes through the memories so we can get back." I sighed and I knew that sooner or later Blaze would get very angry to the point that she would want to get out of here quickly. Going into the cell. I wrapped my magic around the hammer. I started smashing the hammer down into my limps. I could hear myself screaming and crying. " Let me go...please!!! I need Blaze...Let me go see Blaze!!!" I scream out then I feel myself form into the memory. The hammer smashes my bones cracked breaking feeling shards dig deep into the skin. Felt the hammer smash into my chest. I coughed and felt removed from the memory. Why did it have to hurt so much? I didn't cry this time. " Blaze!!" I scream out. Blaze rushed to me. I lay on the ground looking up to her. "I missed you so much." I smile standing on my hooves but groaning deeply. I felt the pain growing now. I wasn't healing now? I couldn't walk that well. I felt myself being pulled to the last thing that happens to me. I was in the arms of cricket during the escape of the many that tried to get out. " This...I was trying to run. Skull Crusher and I start a riot. I could have made it outside. But I saw Burnout, the one who did all this to me. I wanted to kill him. But Cricket grabbed me. Blaze Jonon this is the part of it that broke me the most.." I closed my eyes forcing myself into the memory. I was trying to break into the cage that held Burnout. " I am going to kill you for what you did to me!!" Cricket came up behind me grabbing me. He smashes me into the wall as many times as he wanted. He then tossed me to the ground and my body bounced into the wall. He lifted me again grabbing my horn breaking part of it off. I was crying and sobbing and not sure what to do anymore. Only heard the voice of Cricket. " Going to do something to leave my mark on you stupid hero." He started twisting my bad leg. Twisting it to the point the bone started to crack then it broke. The bone poked out of the skin. He then tossed me to the ground. Stabbing the sword I got from the guard into me. It stabbed to the floor. Then he walked away. Blaze watches Cricket. Jonon looked like she wished he was already here. Burnout lifted me up and attached me to the machine. But when the memory ends I stood there watching this. " I think it's time to wake...I don't think I did any good doing this. But I feel for the moment I can face it." I felt like I was shaking Blaze and Jonon looking around. The world went black. Opening my eyes Zranth was shaking the three of us awake. Blaze and Jonon looked around but we heard an alarm. This soon? They're here this soon. We rushed outside and we saw that the battle had already started. But they didn't seem to be in the city yet. They still were at the gate. But I felt it was good they didn't have the technology as we did in Equestria they tried to break through the lines. But right now it was just the magic guards. That could be easily pushed back. But the siege has started. Now it was time to fight for our lives. I quickly tried to get to the Mansion While I lost track of my two other friends. But the battle was getting insane. I didn't know what I was going to do without weapons. I forgot the little lady that is strapped to my side. I heard a strange sound coming near me. Then I saw a large black device land right beside me. I look closely at the device. A strange powder covers the device. Gun powder? I thought I had to get away from it. But fire drops on it. I didn't even see it coming. I tried to get away from it. Then boom it went off making me fly into the hard road. My head smashes on the road with a loud thunk. Max level New weapon perk: Little Lady; you found the weapon of the real hero. The Little Lady is known to fire odd ammo that can cause great pain to yourself if you’re not careful. Your damage with this weapon is doubled when you use this on Magic eaters. The magic breaking bullets can destroy the insides of every magic eater. But it can also harm a unicorn.