Mask

Cherry Jubilee.

The woman had her red hair tied behind her in a braid, a far cry from when Spike first met her and her wild hairdo. She wore a loose t-shirt underneath her armor with a faded cherry on it, and her pants were slightly ripped in different places. Her eyes, green and beautiful, had a friendly aura about them, ignoring the fact she had threatened both Spike and Storm not even two minutes before hand. In her hands appeared to be one of the Diamond Dogs boomers, though the gem underside had been replaced for a bayonet attachment and there were several tallies on the side, making Spikes eyebrow quirk up.

He was shaken back to reality by Cherry turning around, giving a smile as she holstered the boomer on her back. "Alright, here we are, radio room is straight through that door." Storm smiled and walked forward, Spike making to follow, though Cherry grasped Spikes arm, making the dragon blood peer down at her arm, before looking up at Cherry. "Mind if I borrow Spike here for a sec?"

Storm looked at Spike, who nodded, then walked into the radio room, Spike turning to Cherry, who sighed and rubbed her cheek, smiling under her palm. "So." Spike began, leaning against the wall, sparing a glance out towards the buildings they had erected. Although not the same level as The Caverns, the people had built themselves quite the arrangement. They had dug into the walls of the cave, using their limited metals on important buildings, and were surviving well, with magic helping keep their crops alive. "Thought you were in Dodge Junction when it happened."

"Yeah, well, was actually sellin my produce in Ponyville when the bombs dropped. Thought Ah might check in on tha Apples too, say hi to Applejack an Pinkie Pie. Never got the chance to, though." Cherry admitted, before crossing her arms a bit. "Plenty of us were farmers and workers though, built ourselves a mighty fine home. Heap of us got lucky, we were near the doors to the underground, but...we had to close the door on those still tryin ta get in when..." She tailed off, staring up at the cave ceiling, before looking back down at Spike. "You got taller."

"Well, dragon puberty hit me. Won't grow for another century or two, though, so get used to this handsome face." Spike smiled at her, making the southern woman chuckle a bit. "You changed your hair style."

"Yeah, well, cave dust really don't like mah old hair style. Had to get quite a bit of dust outta there before they could even braid it right. Ya would think it would be far dustier in Dodge, but these caves would have 'em beat." Cherry said adjusting her weight on one food and flashing Spike a smile. "But, us cowpoke adapt. Always do."

They stood in silence for a moment, though Spike turned to her and gave her a look, making Cherry cock her head, "What?"

"I know you wanna ask, so...go ahead and ask."

Cherry stood there for a moment, before crossing her arms a bit and leaning her back against the radio stations wall, finally finding the words, and asked, "Applejack and Pinkie Pie...did they...?" Spike shook his head in reply, Cherry sighing in relief. "Oh thank Celestia. Had mah fears for years."

"Truth is...we don't know what happened to them." Spike spoke, peering down at his hands. He held his own hand, brushing his thumb along his palm, giving an unfocused stare at them. "They were in the Crystal Empire when the bombs hit. We have no clue if it was even targeted or if the girls are alright..."

Cherry cocked an eyebrow, before speaking, "Sensin there is more to that story."

"Always is."

Cherry nodded, before giving Spike a half smile, wrapping a hand on his shoulder and giving it a soft squeeze, "You don't have ta talk about it if you don't want to." Cherry offered, making Spike look up at her, before grasping her hand and squeezing it a bit.

"Sorry, it's just...I don't know how to explain it, but..." Spike thought for a moment, before standing up straighter and looking Cherry in the eyes, her rounded pupils meeting his slitted ones, before he spoke, "I just feel like they are alive."

Cherry quirked an eyebrow at him, then opened her mouth to continue, before the door opened, interrupting them. There, Storm and Bright Light walked out, Bright Light giving a smile at Spike as she saw him. She walked over, clasping Spikes forearm, Spike returning that grip for a moment, before standing back a bit, adjusting her pack a bit. Her armor had some claw marks on it, and her helmet seemed to be a bit dented, though still functional, as it sat on her head. She also seemed pretty chipper for someone who had fallen down a hole a few hours ago, Spike had no doubt it had something to do with the radio.

"Good to see ya, Bright Light."

"Likewise, Spike." Bright Light said, adjusting a bit, looking back and forth between the trio. "Were you able to recover Star Gazer?"

Spike reached into a pocket and pulled the tag out, making Bright Light sigh, then nod in understanding, Spike putting the tag back in his chest pocket and closing it. "He was a good man."

"I'm sorry, Spike. I didn't know him well enough, so I hope we can come up with something when we meet with the others." Bright Light spoke, before moving her hand a bit to use her magic, making a light appear in front of them, floating over them to give them more visibility, Bright Light pulling a map out and unfolding it for them, pointing towards a location on it. "So, we are here at the moment. Radios are pretty bad, even with this little area you have built for it, but as far as I can tell, Silver is in this area right-" She traced a finger along a cave, before tapping it in an open area, finishing, "here. It'll take him about an hour, maybe less, to reach us."

Spike nodded, then looked at Cherry, asking, "Can we can resupply?"

Cherry smiled, then waved her hand, "Come on, we'll just pop over to the kitchens and fix ya right up."

Silver peeked around the corner, his sweeper aiming down the dark hallway, seeing nothing, he concentrated, then shot a ball of light from his hand down the tunnel, aiming around with his sweeper after a moment. No noise followed it, his eyes saw no movements, before he checked the geiger counter attached to his wrist, its silence comforting him. He waved over the others, Meteor, Steel, Wave, and Stone peering around the corner, taking up positions along the corner. Silver looked to Steel, giving him a nod, before they started moving forward, covering each other as they walked. Bright Flare was the last one to poke around the corner, watching behind them, just in case something decides to sneak up on them, her eyes scanning to and fro.

"Silver." Meteor whispered out, the man giving a glance backwards, the scars visible across his face in the light. "Look, I know Spike is...well, the closest thing you have to a son, but we do need to focus on the mission." Silver said nothing, continuing onwards, Meteor grasping his shoulder, making him glare at her. Unlike Steel and Stone, who immediately looked away, Meteor met his gaze, determination in her eyes as she stared him down, then continued, "Spike said it himself, there are people that need our help. When we reach the first group, we can look for Spike after we help them out.

Silver looked away, then back at Meteor, though his gaze made it seem like he was staring right through her. He moved his shoulder out of her grip and looked at Wave, giving the man a soft motion with his hand, Wave walking towards them.

"Any contact from Bright Light?"

"Not since we last checked in half an hour ago." Wave fiddled with the radio, then shook his head a bit, his dreadlocks tied behind his head as he gave Silver a confused look. "Somethin' weird is happening here, sir."

"Weird how?"

"Weird as in we are close enough to get their radio signal, but all I'm picking up is static. It's weird, it's almost like something doesn't want us talking."

Silver was about to turn and ask what he meant, when a loud bark echoed in the area ahead. The group quickly sank into the shadows, their black armor and clothing helping them blend in with the background. Approximately five seconds later, two Diamond Dogs rounded the corner, talking to each other.

"Why do we have to search?" One whined out, the other giving a short huff of anger at the sounds its cohort was making. "We should be getting gems or humies! Not this stupid green boy!"

Silver perked up, before holstering his weapon, slowly pulling out his extendable spear, letting it quietly activate. Although, normally it would have been easily heard by the Diamond Dogs, one was whinging so much that the other had been too distracted. A serious mistake.

"Leader says we look green boy, then we look for green boy!" The second finally snapped, not noticing Silver silently creeping up on them. "No need to think hard! Boss lady says we do it, so we do it!"

Meteor noticed and shook her head, mouthing the word "no" whilst making a hand motion, one that was completely ignored by Silver.

"Why do we care?! We should just eat h-"

Silvers fist smashed into the temple of one of the Diamond Dogs, sending it into the wall, immediately dazing it. The other looked back, raising its weapon, only to be shot in the chest, blood and bone exploding outwards, Silver backing up to look at Stone, her boomstick still smoking from its barrel. The Diamond Dog fell backwards, its hand twitching and its eyes slowly glazing over, the other Dog giving a pained whine as it slowly stood back up, Silver smashing his spear into its leg, pinning it to the ground, making the Diamond Dog yelp in pain, Silver smashing the spear in further, pushing out of the Diamond Dogs leg, blood spilling out, making it snarl at him.

Silver, however, was having none of it, and smashed his fist into its face, knocking a tooth out, making it whine in pain, Silver grabbing its chest plate and lifting it up a bit, staring into its eyes. "Where is he?"

"What Humie talking about?"

Silver gave a glower at the Dog, before lifting his hand, his hand glowing for a moment, slowly sliding the spear out with his magic, then plunging said spear back into the beasts kneecap from behind, making it howl in pain, using his magic to twist the spear, cracking bones and wet, fleshy sounds echoing out.

"Where is he?!" Silver snarled out, his hand turning into a fist, his silver magic gripping around the Dogs throat and choking him when no answer came. "Spike! The green haired boy! Where is he?! What have you done to him!"

"Sir-" Meteor began, though a quick look by Silver made her back down, her Sweeper held at her side, before Silver squeezed his fist, making the Diamond Dog give out an airy sound, its eyes bugging out for a moment as it kicked its good leg reaching a weak hand out to try and stop Silver.

Steel grasped Silvers shoulder, giving the man a stern look. Silver looked back at Steel, his eyes full of fury and pain, a deep sadness within them. Steel only squeezed Silvers shoulder, Steels eyes softening, making Silvers hand stop glowing, the Dog taking in deep gulps of air, loving every second of life he was given.

"Silver. We are better than that."

They stood there in silence, before the Diamond Dog looked up, looking at his dead comrade, seeming to make up his mind. "Little dragon?"

"What?"

"You are looking for little dragon, yes?" The Dog asked, his voice raspy from the magic choking from a moment ago. "I can tell you...but you have to promise, no more hurt!"

Silver, Steel, and Meteor all looked at each other, before Silver lifted the Dog up a bit, giving him a glare. "Talk. Fast."

The Diamond Dog gave a nervous smile, before coughing a bit, rubbing his neck. "Hard to speak, but will try. For humies." He sat up a bit, then pointed down the tunnel, speaking, "We came from that way. Spits and me dug here, found this tunnel. Dragon boy was in tunnels, couldn't follow him cuz he blocked off tunnel. We have to dig around."

"And why are you looking for Spike?" Silver asked, bringing the Diamond Dog closer, making the creature give out a fearful whine.

"Me not know! Queen said she wanted him, and we follow orders!!"

The group looked towards each other, before Silver dragged the Dog to the wall, setting him there. "Queen? What Queen?"

"Me not know her. She showed up after big boomers, took over underground, kicked out leaders and turned them into hunters. Now we hunt gems and eat more food because of her, so we follow orders!" The Diamond Dog said, looking around as if he would see the Queen peering amongst them. "She said she wanted dragon boy alive though! Said not to hurt him, but kill whoever got in Dogs way!"

Silver looked back at Steel, who gave him a worried look. Someone was looking for Spike, and was willing to send an entire pack of Diamond Dogs to bring him back. Silver walked over to Wave, then motioned his hand so they could move away from the Diamond Dog, who was nursing his injured leg and throat.

"Wave, I want you to contact the Caverns and tell them to double shifts and prepare defenses. We have no clue where these things will pop up, but if they follow the scent of Spike and us, they may head to the Caverns by mistake." Silver ordered, Wave nodding and pulling his backpack aside, pushing some wires into his radio and speaking into it.

The words were drowned out to Silver, who walked back towards the Dog, pulling his Snapper out, pulling back the slide, then stopping in front of the Diamond Dog, it getting confused.

"You promised no more hurt! I gave info, like humie asked! You promised!"

"No. I didn't."

Silver pulled his pistol up and shot the beasts head, executing the poor Diamond Dog in front of them, Steel giving Silver a shocked look, Meteor and Stone backing up, Bright Flare shaking her head and looking away when Silver did this. Silver fired two more rounds into the poor beast, making sure it was dead, before looking at the others, waiting for Wave to finish his message.

Wave walked back, giving the man a look, before reporting, "Sir, the Caverns have been notified. Your next orders?"

Silver looked over at the two dead Dogs, clicking his tongue for a moment, before holstering his Snapper and pulling his Sweeper out, "We keep moving. Come on."

"So, what are the marks for?"

"Spike, y'know better to have a lady kiss and tell." Cherry joked cheekily, making Spike chuckle a bit, before she took a serious look. "Well, when the bombs dropped, we were a bit low on supplies, so we had ta scrounge an' harvest what we could. Though, that changed when the varmints came a few weeks ago."

"Dogs?"

"Diamond Dogs. After a raid, took one of these beauts off of the one we killed. Marks are for how many I have taken down, so far."

Bright Light and Storm sat there, watching Spike and Cherry Jubilee speak. Storms eyes narrowed a bit, her wings rustling a bit as he watched Spike laugh at something Cherry said. Bright Lights eyes traveled from Storm to Spike, and then back to Storm again, humming in thought. She would have opened her mouth, but decided against it, knowing not to meddle in such things. Spike finally walked towards them, adjusting the cracked mask on his hip, giving them both a nod.

"Cherry says we can resupply here, and that the next station should be clear."

"Next station?"

Spike turned to Bright Light, then rubbed the back of his neck, before finally admitting, "I'm not staying. I can't. I have to keep moving until I can hear about what happened to my friends. I'll travel along the same route as the rest of the team, but I need information."

Bright Light looked at him, surprised, before looking at Storm, who was currently inspecting her mask, nodding at it, making the woman sigh loudly, catching their attention. "You've already made up your minds about it, so I won't stop you."

"Really?"

"Really. Besides -" Bright Light scratched the back of her neck, smiling, "- Cherry needs all the help she can get, and if what you guys have told me is right, then we may be expecting company soon."

Spike smiled, before adjusting his gear a bit, saying, "We leave in five."

However, said plan would quickly fall apart as soon as a loud bell rang out, Cherry jumping out of her skin, before running off without a word, Spike, Bright Light, and Storm sharing a look, before jogging after her heading towards the gate. A man and woman were arming the ballista near the mounted light, Cherry running up the stairs, a woman pulling away from the bell and pointing out into the darkness, Spike, Bright Light and Storm walking upwards, aiming outwards with their sweepers.

After a moment, a Diamond Dog walked out of the darkness, holding one of the boomer in its hands, licking him chops a bit as he looked at the wall of lights and weapons, giving a glare.

"What is he doing?" Bright Light whispered to Spike, making his eyes narrow.

"Cherry?"

Cherry stood up a bit, then hollered out, "What do ya want, ya dirty varmint?!"

The Dog scanned the wall, squinting against the light, before spotting Spike, pointing towards him. "DRAGON HERE!" It screeched out, four more Dogs walking out of the darkness, snarling and growling, the first ones back peeling back its lips to show its fangs. "WE WANT DRAGON!"

Cherry turned to Spike, giving him a soft look, "What did ya do to get them so riled up?"

"I may...have invaded their home to save Storm."

"WE WANT HIM! NOW!"

Cherry shared a look with the ballista users, then stuck her fingers into her mouth and gave a sharp whistle, them nodding and pulling a bolt out. "Y'all wanna act like a bad dog, we'll treat ya like one. Now, let's discuss this all...civil like, why do you want the boy?" The Dogs behind the lead one shared a look, backing up a bit as they saw the smile Cherry gave, which was one filled with danger.

"Queen wants him!" The lead Dog growled out.

"Queen? What Queen? Why does she want this boy here?"

"Me not know why! All we know is she wants him, and she gets what she wants!" The Dog looked back towards the pack, then called out, "You have five minutes before we take boy and chew on your bones!"

The Dogs started to back into the hallway, the mounted light finally being manned and shining towards them, making them growl out. They disappeared back into the darkness, making Cherry adjust her weapon, looking at the others, "Y'all should hold off before ya head out. After all, don't wanna be rude to our guests, now would we?"