Chapter 15

--- A Gem in the Wastes ---

“How can you call this Luna forsaken place a clinic!?” Moonlight yelled louder than I have ever heard her speak before.

I couldn’t blame her. When we found Dr. Lovegood’s clinic on the other side of town after leaving Mercer’s store, I had a hard time believing Ratchet. The place was a mess, looking more like the cafeteria after a big food fight. Wrappers everywhere, spit, vomit, piss, even some shit on the wall.

“If you have a problem with my clinic, you can take your business to another doctor in town. Oh wait, there isn’t one.” A unicorn stallion in a white lab coat said smugly.

This was Doctor Lovegood, a sickly green stallion with a lighter green mane. He was arrogant and smug, making my skin crawl the moment he introduced himself. How somepony could call themselves a doctor and not keep their workplace clean and sterile was beyond me.

“This is a crime to the profession! Just walking in here could get ponies sick. And the amount you charge for your services is outrageous! 2000 caps for a rad purge, 5000 for a broken limb, it’s robbery!” Moonlight shouted at him again.

“Ponies in the wasteland need doctors all the time, and I need to pay for supplies. Medicine and equipment is not cheap, bat freak. Now if you are done barring your fangs at me, get out of my clinic. You are scaring away my customers.” Dr. Lovegood said as he made a shooing motion with his hoof.

That was where I drew the line and stepped in, “What did you call her?”

“You heard me. Now as I said when you barged in here, I don’t treat stripes. Or whatever creature this bitch is, now leave or I shall call the guards.” He said as he turned to me and spat at my hooves.

I was about to bash his skull in when Ratchet grabbed me and Moonlight, dragging us out of the clinic. I resisted a little, but the look he gave me made me stop and comply.

When we got back onto the street, I was fuming and turned to Ratchet, “Why did you do that? All those horrible things he said about Moonlight, and you just leave.”

“Believe me Shadow, I wanted nothing more than to nail him to the wall. But we can’t cause trouble around here. Red let you off with a warning back at the saloon, but not everypony is that forgiving. The guards would have thrown you out into the desert.” He said grimly.

I growled for a second, but a hoof on my shoulder made me turn my head to the source. Moonlight looked at me with a smile, something I did not expect.

“Shadow I’m grateful for you defending me, but that disgusting twit is not worth getting kicked out of town. We’ll manage without supplies. Perhaps we can find some on the way.” Moonlight said, trying to calm me down.

I sighed and nodded, “Alright. But if we run into him again, you and Ratchet will have to hold me back. Honestly, that’s what counts as a Doctor’s Clinic in this town? Hydra Junction was less than half the size of this place and it had a better clinic.” I said.

“I know. The last owner of that clinic was a lot more professional, and kept the place clean for starters. Guess he must have died or moved on.” Ratchet said.

“Well where to now? There a decent inn around here?” I asked.

Ratchet nodded, “Yeah, over by the mayor’s office. Decent beds, and somewhat clean.”

Ratchet led us through the streets of Sandpit once again, walking past shops and other establishments. The more I saw of the city, the less I liked about it. Ponies fight over supplies, merchants wanting more caps for their wares. I figured a large settlement would have problems, but this was beyond my expectations.

Another thing that stood out was the level of prostitution in town. On nearly every street corner were mares in skimpy clothing, waving a sign telling ponies to head to the “Lotus Garden”. Ratchet said there was a brothel in town, so I guessed that was the name. Interesting name for a brothel, I expected something more perverse.

As we made it to the center of the city, a much larger marketplace came into view. Ponies in every direction, all heading to different destinations. Stands and carts were everywhere, selling everything from junk to food. Moonlight found a fruit stand with tangerines, but sadly they were too expensive and we had to push her away before temptation got to her. It was a shame too, as they looked delicious and I had yet to try one.

“These prices are ridiculous! I just watched you sell the same product to another mare for a third of this price!” A familiar voice rang out from the crowd.

We made our way over to the commotion, and sure enough, we found a familiar sight.

Sasha was wearing a pair of saddlebags now, both looking like she had been quite busy in the market. She was currently in a confrontation with an earth pony merchant who looked as unhappy as she did. Zaheera was nowhere to be seen, thankfully not getting caught in this scenario. The zonkey seemed to be arguing over a bag of apples, some red and some golden.

“Well that was then, this is now. And that is the price for my product is 500 caps. You don’t like it, then beat it half-breed.” The merchant said.

“What kind of a bullshit reason is that? What, not getting enough business? You could try being less of an asshole and maybe you’d have more customers.” Sasha said.

“I get plenty of business, thank you very much. But if you got stripes, then you gotta pay the stripe tax. You should be grateful that I do business with you at all.” The merchant said.

“Stripe tax! You racist piece of brahmin dung!” Sasha yelled out.

I was about to walk up and try to help her out, when Moonlight held me back. I looked back at her with disbelief.

“Oh come on, she’s our friend. And that asshole is clearly trying to cheat her.” I said.

“You can’t just go flexing your muscles everywhere Shadow. Making ponies scared of you isn’t a great first impression.” Moonlight explained.

“She’s right Shadow. Keep throwing your weight around and you’ll soon find yourself in a world of…” Ratchet said, stopping before he could finish as his eyes widened.

I looked at him confused, “Uh Ratchet? You ok?”

He said nothing as his mouth hung open, looking in one direction, not seeming to blink. Curiosity got the better of me, so I turned to look in the direction he did, soon finding the reason for my friend’s behavior.

A unicorn mare was walking towards the stall that Sasha was at. There was something odd about this mare, mostly the fact that she was so brightly colored and clean. Her pale peach coat seemed to shine, despite the sand blowing through the streets. Her mane was a mix of pink and green, a flower pinned above her ear, something I didn’t expect to see in a desert wasteland. Her eyes were a sky blue color, and had a cutiemark of a present with a heart coming out of it. She seemed out of place, her appearance too perfect. I couldn’t put my hoof on it, but there was something else about her.

As she stepped up to the stall, the merchant saw her and turned back to Sasha, “I got another customer. Now pay up or beat it!”

Sasha huffed and stormed off, seeing us as she did and making her way to us. The unicorn mare made it to the stand and smiled.

The merchant combed back his messy mane and grinned at her, “What can I get ya gorgeous?”

The mare giggled, “Oh thank you kind sir. I was actually looking to buy some apples.”

She tapped her hoof on the bag Sasha was trying to buy, “Are these still for sale?”

“Sure are missy. That’ll be 100 caps.” The merchant said smiling at her with his rotten teeth.

“Oh dear, I’m afraid I’m a little short. My mother needed a rad purge and you know that stingy doctor charges a fortune. Could you maybe give me a little discount? Please?” The mare said, batting her eyelashes at him.

The stallion blushed, “Oh well, I guess for a pretty mare like you, 50 caps.”

The mare beamed and clapped her hooves, “Oh thank you! You’re so kind.”

She laid down the caps and took the basket, waving goodbye to the stallion as she left the stand. As we all watched this occur, Sasha had stopped next to us and witnessed the event as well. She had grown irritated as she watched the back sell the same product she was wanting for a fraction of the price she was offered.

What we did not expect was the mare turning to walk over in our direction, and sit the basket of apples down at Sasha’s hooves. Sasha was shocked as she looked between the mare and the basket.

“There you are dear. I believe these are yours.” The mare said, smiling at our zonkey friend.

The merchant looked over our way and saw the exchange, “Hey! What gives? You said those were for you and your mother!”

She looked back at him, “I lied.”

He growled and gritted his teeth, “Don’t expect any business with me again, you fucking bitch!”

The mare simply winked at him and turned back to Sasha.

“But… but why?” Sasha said, at a loss for words.

“Because that brute was cheating you for a stupid reason. Never be ashamed of what you are. You are beautiful and no pony can tell you otherwise.” She said.

Sasha was speechless, trying to come up with something to say. After a minute, she just smiled, “Thank you so much Miss.”

“Think nothing of it dear. Times are hard enough without jerkbags like him making it worse.” The mare said.

“Thank you again, please let me pay you back.” Sasha said, digging out a bag of caps.

The mare lit up her horn, glowing a light green as she put the caps back in Sasha’s bag, “That won’t be necessary dearie. It was my pleasure.”

Seeing her kindness, I had to join in, “Thank you for that. I didn’t know such kindness existed in this city.”

She looked to me with a bright smile, “Kindness is always there, as long as you know where to look. Forgive me for stealing your spotlight, I could tell you were about to step in.”

I was shocked, “How did you know that?”

She grinned, “No offense sir but I could have felt your anger from two block away. I applaud you wanting to help your friend, but as your friend said, flexing your muscles isn’t the best way to deal with a situation like that.”

“How did you know what we were talking about? And what did you mean “feel” my anger?” I asked.

“I have pretty good ears. As for your feelings, let’s just say I have a special talent for sensing other people’s emotions.” She said.

Sasha stepped in, “Forgive me for interrupting, but I must ask for your name so I can thank you properly.”

“Of course, how rude of me. I am Saskia, pleased to make your acquaintance.” Saskia said, with a bow.

Ratchet walked up and finally got his voice back, “That’s a real fine name Miss Saskia.”

“Just Saskia dear, and thank you.” Saskia said, giving Ratchet a wink, making him blush.

Moonlight joined us as she giggled, “You certainly worked him splendidly. You had him captivated like a colt with his first crush.”

Saskia brushed her mane out of her eyes and over her ear, “Well if you have looks, you might as well use them. I bet you’ve had plenty of stallions swooning over you dear.”

Moonlight blushed and began to fidget with her braid, “No, not really. I’m not that pretty.”

“Nonsense. Your mane is lovely, and that braid is so cute. Take pride in your looks.” Saskia said, moving to Moonlight’s side.

Moonlight blushed more and hid behind a wing, making Saskia giggle. Then she turned to Sasha, wrapping a hoof around her shoulders.

“And you dear, you have such a unique look. I bet with a little style in your mane, you’d have stallions eating out of your hoof.” Saskia said, brushing a hoof through Sasha’s mane.

Sasha blushed a bright red, “Thank you for your kind words, but I am not looking for a stallion right now. Thank you again for your help Saskia, now please excuse me. Mother will be worried if I am not back soon.”

“Of course. Be safe dear.” Saskia said, letting her go.

“I will. And my friends, it was nice seeing you again. I hope next time, we can meet when I am not fighting with somepony.” Sasha said, waving at us as she left.

Ratchet cleared his throat, “So uh, what’s a nice mare like you doing in this city?”

Saskia turned to look his way, “I get around. And what about you guys? A thestral, an earth pony, and a zony of all things. You’re a bit of a rare sight.”

“We’re just passing through. We’ll be gone by tomorrow morning.” I said.

“Oh, what’s the big hurry?” Saskia asked, looking curious.

“We're gonna hit the raider base up north from here.” Ratchet said.

“Ratchet!” I said, covering his muzzle as I tried to keep him quiet.

I looked around and no pony seemed to look our way or notice us in the crowd. I let him go and got in his face.

“You can’t just say things like that in public. They could have spies here.” I said in a hushed tone.

“Spies? Come on Shadow, that’s being a bit paranoid isn’t it?” Ratchet said.

“They sent a messenger to Hydra Junction, and this city is closer to their base. We can’t be too careful.” I said.

“You three plan to take on the raiders up north? That’s quite bold. Any reason why?” Saskia asked.

“They attacked my home, and they have information I need.” I answered.

“Ah I see. So it’s personal. Sounds like fun, need another gun?” Saskia asked.

I was shocked, my eyes wide for a second, “Why would you want to get involved?”

She shrugged, “Boredom mostly, but those raiders have been a scourge around here for a while. Ponies will be pretty happy to see them gone.”

“Boredom? There are safer ways to pass the time than following strangers into a hornet’s nest.” I said.

“Maybe, but it certainly adds some excitement. Come on, you can’t deny that you could use the help.” She said, giving a cocky smile.

“Look Saskia, I appreciate the offer and you helping Sasha. But we don’t know anything about you.” I said, my expression turning a bit more serious.

I looked her over again, seeing no barding, no weapons. She didn’t strike me as a fighter. But she did seem to be in great shape, so I guess she kept herself fit for combat. It still struck me as strange that she had no flaws in her coat, no scars. Yet she was excited to help wipe out a raider base. What was this mare?

“And pardon me Saskia, but you don’t really strike me as a fighter.” Ratchet said.

Saskia simply smiled and ignited her horn, disappearing in a flash of light. We all were shocked at this, looking around to find her. Then I suddenly felt the cold barrel of a gun on the back of my head, my instincts kicking in as I ducked and turned around, drawing Venta.

Behind me stood Saskia with a grin on her face. In her green magical aura was a submachine gun, pink and green like her mane. Her cutiemark was engraved on the side.

She turned to Ratchet, “You were saying?”

He was once again speechless. We all were. I didn’t hear her pop in behind me, even with my enhanced senses. What kind of pony was she?

I put my sword away, “How in Tartarus did you do that?”

She smirked, “Silencing spell on top of a teleport. If you were a raider, you’d be full of holes before you heard my gun go off.”

“And what a gun it is. Mighty fine craftsmanship. Where’d ya get it?” Ratchet asked, almost drooling. Whether it was over the gun, or the mare holding it I couldn’t tell.

“Back home. We have a pretty good gunsmith.” Saskia said, pulling out a second submachine gun from her saddlebags.

“Meet my boys, Bane and Blight.” Saskia said, gesturing to the guns.

“Very impressive. I always found automatic weapons to be a bit inaccurate and take too much ammo. But to each their own.” I said.

“Thank you. By the way, I don’t think I ever got your names.” Saskia said, putting her guns away.

“My name is Shadow Strike, these are my friends Moonlight Song and Ratchet.” I said as I introduced me and my group.

“It’s nice to meet you Saskia, it’s nice to see a pony that’s so kind in the wasteland.” Moonlight said.

“I know what you mean. Ponies have forgotten what Equestria was founded on. We must help them remember.” Saskia said.

Ratchet stepped closer, rubbing the back of his head, “So, where ya from Saskia?”

Her smile waned a little as she looked at him, “South. And that’s all I wish to say about my home. Sorry.”

He nodded, “I get ya. I don’t like talking about my home either.”

I looked over to him, “I never asked where you came from Ratchet. The way Mercer talked, you’re not from here.”

His ears lowered a bit, “No I’m not. And I don’t wanna talk about it either.”

Ratchet chuckled after a second, “Look at us. A group of misfits who don’t like talking about where we came from.”

“Yes, we are an odd bunch indeed.” Moonlight giggled.

Saskia looked over to me, “Judging by the barding, you are from a Stable. Stable 100 from the number on your collar. Never heard of that stable. I’ve been to a few stables out here and none are still active.”

My eyes widened, “There are other stables out here?”

She giggled, “Of course silly. Stables are everywhere. Though I couldn’t get into any of them. Need a pipbuck. Hard to come by in the Badlands.”

I looked towards mine on my foreleg, “Great, so I’m a scavengers dream come true. They could open any stable with this thing.”

Ratchet laughed, “I’d love to see a scavenger take that thing off ya. They’d lose their head before even touching it.”

“Anyway, we should try and find a place to stay for the night. Then we can make our way north in the morning.” I said.

“So, that offer is still up. Can I tag along?” Saskia said, smiling at me.

I thought about it for a bit. She did seem to be talented in magic, unlike me. And she could be a great help at the base. Three guns is better than two, especially with Moonlight still unwilling to use one. And there was something about her that seemed to make me trust her. But at the same time, she was hiding something. Something I couldn’t put my hoof on.

After a minute or so of thought, I answered, “Alright. You can come. But if you get killed, don’t blame me.”

Saskia squealed and hopped in one place for a second, “Yes! You won’t regret it. Those bastards won’t know what hit them.”

We all laughed at her excitement, giving me a warm feeling inside all the sudden. I just realized that I had another member on my team now. At first I was against it, but now, it made me feel more at ease. Part of me still didn’t trust her, or want to put her in harm's way when she had nothing to do with this.

But as I learned with Ratchet and Moonlight, having friends in the wasteland was necessary to survive. Especially if Achlys or Algea were at this base. Algea was still in my mind, the mare that was responsible for the attack on my home. She and Achlys were powerful, and as far as I knew at this moment, unkillable. Perhaps I can trap them, or maybe they have a limit to their healing.

“Shadow, you ok?” I heard Moonlight ask me.

I refocused on the world around me to find my friends all staring at me. I chuckled nervously and they all laughed at me.

“Y’all need to stop spacing out Shadow. A raider could blow your head off if we weren’t here to snap you out of it.” Ratchet said after he was done laughing.

I frowned and bopped him on the nose with my hoof, making him recoil to hold his snout. That got the girls laughing again.

“Alright, for real, let’s get going and find a place.” I said.

“I’m afraid that’ll have to wait, Badlands Guardian.” I heard from behind us.

Turning around I found Captain Slate, the pony we met at the town gate standing there with two more guards. Moonlight quickly moved behind me as Ratchet and Saskia stood to my sides, their bodies tensing for whatever may happen.

“How can we help you Captain?” I said calmly.

“I need you and your friends to come with me. The mayor has requested to meet with you.” Captain Slate said.

“The mayor? What does he want with us? We’ve never even seen the guy.” Ratchet said, confused.

“I cannot say why he wishes to meet, but I have my orders. Please follow me.” The captain said.

“I take it this is an offer we can’t refuse?” I asked.

He looked at me sternly, “No.”

I sighed as we were escorted to the large mansion-like building in the center of town. The building was three stories high, most of the windows were in decent shape, with the occasional shattered one on the ground floor. Compared to most of the buildings I had seen since leaving my stable, it was the least damaged. On the front door, a plaque that read “Mayor’s Office” was plain for all to see.

Captain Slate walked up to the door and opened it, “This way. You bucks stay out here and keep an eye out for trouble.”

The two stallions nodded, “Yes Captain.”

We followed the captain inside, and were surprised to find clean carpet and working lights. A large chandelier hung on the ceiling as the building seemed to have working electricity, unlike the rest of the town. The place looked as clean as my stable back home, and that certainly made my fur stand on end. The town was still in shambles and this Mayor was living like a king.

We went up to the receptionist desk, seeing a mare behind it. She looked up and smiled, “Ah I see you found them. Good work Captain.”

She moved her hoof to an intercom, “Sir, The Guardian is here. Shall I send him up?”

A voice rang over the speaker, “Yes Taffy, send them up.”

The captain motioned for us to follow him again, leading us down a hallway to the right of the receptionist. The hallway was just as clean as the main entrance. Pictures of all the ministry mares lined the wall, starting with Rainbow dash and ending with Twilight Sparkle. Seeing all these important figures of Equestrian history made me remember all the late study sessions with Silver and Keira.

As I saw Fluttershy and Rarity, I remembered the file I found in the old EREC building. Doctor Gingko mentioned both Ministry mares, and how they wanted to partner with the EREC. As far as I knew, the other ministries didn’t want any part of the EREC. Our records back home made little mention of the other ministries.

I also remembered that memory orb I found in the safe. I needed to watch that later. It could contain more history about my tribe.

We came to an elevator, Captain Slate pushing the button to call it.

“The Mayor’s office is on the second floor.” Captain Slate said as he gestured for us to get into the elevator.

As we entered the elevator, Slate pushed the button for the second floor. The doors closed and it started moving. It felt like being in the stable again. I wish the building I met Achlys in had an elevator. All those stairs were a pain.

“So Captain, I don’t appreciate being dragged here in less than a day. How did this Mayor know I was here?” I asked.

He didn’t turn his head to me, “He has eyes and ears everywhere in this city. To keep an eye out for trouble in the city.”

That put me on edge. This mayor could see everything in the city, meaning he had known about me and my friends since we arrived. But this also gave me an opportunity. If he knew about everyone that passed through this city, maybe he could have some information that could help in my mission.

The elevator dinged and opened, revealing another hallway. On the other side of the hallway was a door, with gold embedded in the wood.On a plaque it said, “Mayor’s Office”.

Wow, could he be anymore vain?

The captain opened the door for us, allowing us to go first. Once all of us were inside, he shut the door behind us. No doubt to keep us from leaving. This whole situation was making my fur stand on end.

“Ah there you all are. Welcome, welcome. Please come have a seat.” Said a voice from the other side of the room.

Looking at the large fancy desk, I saw a unicorn with a cyan coat and light blue mane. He wore the most clean and trimmed suit I had ever seen. A bowtie on his neck and a flower on his chest, telling me that he took a lot of pride in his appearance. Where does a pony get clothes like that in the wasteland?

Sitting in front of his desk sat several bean bag chairs, all in pretty decent condition. We moved to sit in them, facing the mayor as he looked at us with his green eyes.

“I’m so glad you could make it Guardian. I am Mayor Rich, leader of Sand Pit.” Mayor Rich said.

“Greetings sir. I am Shadow Strike, and these are my companions, Moonlight Song, Ratchet Set, and Saskia.” I said, gesturing to my friends.

“Yes yes, hello to you all. Now that we have the introductions out of the way. I am in desperate need of your help, Guardian.” Mayor Rich said.

“Shadow, please sir. And what do you need of me?” I asked.

“There are dangerous fugitives lurking in the shadows of my fair city. They attacked my son on the way to his brothel. They must be apprehended, and I want you to do it.” He said, pointing at me.

“I understand how you must feel. But this sounds like something your guard can handle.” I said.
“From what Athena has said, you are all about helping ponies in need. Is that not true?” He asked.

“I help when I can, but I am not a mercenary or one of your guards. I have no reason to get involved with small time crooks.” I said calmly but sternly.

The door suddenly opened behind us, and in came a much younger stallion, looking almost identical to the Mayor, only his eyes were blue instead of green.

“Father, have you found somepony to go after those ruffians yet? And where are my escorts? I am not walking those dreadful streets all by myself again.” The stallion said as he marched towards the desk.

“Yes son. This is the Guardian from Athena’s broadcast. He has agreed to go after those ponies who attacked you. Shadow, this is my son, Silver Platter.” Mayor Rich said.

“I haven’t agreed to anything Mayor. As I said, I have no reason to get involved. Captain Slate and his guards should be more than capable of dealing with this.” I corrected him.

“If it’s caps you require, I am perfectly capable of paying more than any caravan company will offer in terms of bounties.” Mayor Rich said.

“Mayor Rich, caps are not my priority. I have a more pressing and important goal to pursue. My friends and I will be leaving tomorrow morning.” I said, getting up from my seat.

“Shadow wait.” Moonlight said, getting up to stand next to me.

“I’m no fan of hurting ponies, but if these ponies attacked his stallion, they should be brought to justice.” She said, giving me a concerned look.

“I agree with Shadow actually. The guards are paid to deal with this kind of stuff. Why do they need us when they got dozens of ponies to hunt these scumbags down?” Ratchet said, not getting up from his seat.

“Yes, it does seem a little odd to send a stranger to deal with a group of fugitives when you have your trusted captain and his guards.” Saskia said.

The mayor cleared his throat, “I understand that this may seem odd. But I have a good reason.”

He took a second, seeming to come to an internal decision, “I believe they may have a pony inside the guard feeding them intel.”

“What makes you believe that?” I asked.

“They attacked me while I was out in broad daylight. They knew exactly when I would be leaving and knocked out my escorts with little effort. That would take inside knowledge on who was escorting me, my schedule, and the route I would be taking.” Silver Platter said.

This was getting more complicated by the minute. It seemed like they truly had a problem on their hands if they had spies in their ranks.

I sighed, “What would you have me do if I took this job?”

The mayor grinned, “I would have you find these vermin and bring them to my guards. Alive or dead, I leave the decision to you.”

I paused and thought it over. I really had no place getting involved in internal conflicts like this. Monster and raiders were one thing, but this was more complicated and less dire. Bandits should be easy for Captain Slate to deal with, unless he was the mole.

“Shadow. Please. We can help these ponies. Like Hydra Junction.” Moonlight pleaded.

I looked into her blue eyes, filled with innocence and kindness. They seemed almost hypnotic as I just stared into them.

After a while, I sighed again, “Do you have any idea where to find these fugitives?”

The mayor clapped his hooves, “Splendid! Yes, my sources tell me what they frequent the back alleys on the other side of town. There is an old bunker there that squatters use as a shelter.”

“Very well. My team and I shall investigate.” I said.

“Oh joyous day Father. We will finally be rid of those barbarians once and for all.” Silver Platter shouted in glee and he stepped towards me and Moonlight.

Once he reached us, he held Moonlight’s hoof, “Thank you for your compassion. A beautiful mare with a heart just as beautiful.”

Moonlight blushed hotly as she pulled her hoof away, “Oh. Thank you kind sir.”

Platter looked towards his father and the two seemed to share a look. I didn’t like this look, as it made my skin crawl but I couldn’t tell why.

“Very good Shadow. Now I believe it would be wise to not take all of your team with you. A group of armed ponies are sure to draw suspicion.” Mayor Rich said.

“Agreed. Stealth will be more preferable. I could probably do this on my own.” I said.
Moonlight reached for me, “Shadow, you can’t go alone. I can come with you.”

I shook my head, “Moonlight, these ponies may be armed and dangerous. As you are not willing to hurt other ponies, I cannot risk taking you.”

She was about to protest when Saskia stepped by and put a hoof on her shoulder.

“No need to worry Moonlight. I’ll go with Shadow and make sure he comes back in one piece.” Saskia said, smiling to the thestral as she stood by me.

“You sure about that Saskia? You’ll be walking into a hornet’s nest. No telling what you’ll find.” Ratchet said, sounding unsure.

“I can use magic to keep us silent. Plus it’ll be a good way to show Shadow here how much of an asset I can be for your group.” Saskia said confidently.

I thought about it for a minute. Her magic would be useful, and it would give me time to get to know her and her capabilities. Though going alone with a pony I had just met seemed a little hasty. She could turn on me and I wouldn’t hear her coming.

But seeing all that she had done so far, and her kindhearted attitude, I felt like I could give her this chance.

“Alright Saskia. You can come. But I’m in charge. What I say goes. That ok with you?” I asked.

“Perfectly fine.” Saskia answered without hesitation.

“Wonderful. Your other friends are more than welcome to stay at The Lotus Garden with me, free of charge of course until you return.” Platter said.

“Excellent idea son. Your friends will be in good care Shadow. Thank you again for this service.” Mayor Rich said.

“Very well then. We’ll meet you all at this “Lotus Garden” after this is resolved.” I said.

As Saskia and I made our way out of the office, Captain Slate pulled us aside.

“I heard it all through the door Shadow. And I must add my own personal request in this.” He said.

“I’m listening.” I said.

“My daughter disappeared a week ago. She worked at The Lotus Garden, but didn’t show up for work one day. I think these fugitives had something to do with it. When you find them, press them for information about a unicorn mare with a crimson red coat and mane. She was wearing her mother’s broach, gold with a large emerald in the middle.” Captain Slate said.

“I’ll see what I can do. You have my word.” I answered him.

“Guess we have our work cut out for us my new friend.” Saskia said.

“Seems so.” I said.

Footnote: No status change.

Author's Note

Hey guys, Hades here with another chapter.

And a new friend has entered the fray. Who is this mare? Why does she seem so clean and perfect? What could she be hiding?