Fallout Equestria: Desperados V3 (Bonds of Platinum)

Fallout: Equestria

Desperado’s V3: Bonds of Platinum

Ch 32, Bonds of Platinum, Part 2.

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I didn't like it, but Slowtrot reduced my Med-x intake, and though my face didn't hurt anymore, it fucking itched. But at least I was able to remove the bandages and feel the cool air on my bare eye sockets. It felt weird, and I was sure it creeped everyone out.

“When they said that your eyes melted, I thought it was a metaphor. But fuck, your eyes are realy gone!” Lair said in genuine shock. “But the bitch stole my leg as well, so I'm not surprised she'd do something so cruel to a lady.”

Star then gave me a tight hug. “I'm… I'm so sorry. I should have stopped her.”

I patted my good friend on the back. “You tried, and you did come back for me. Anyways, none of us could stop her, that mare is too powerful and she wanted us to know it.”

Letting me go, Star sighed. “I know, but I still feel like I should have been able to do more. Were she was fighting and getting stronger, I was fucking around and shaking my flank. And like how I failed my mother, I failed you.”

“Oh stop whining.” Lair said in irritation.

“You want to go, bitch!” Star growled.

“Even with a missing leg, I'll kick your flank!” Lair boasted back.

I cleared my throat, gaining their attention. “Maybe now is not the time.”

“R… right, sorry.” Star said apologetically.

“Same.” Lair said. “What I meant was that instead of getting depressed over what you could have done, why don't we focus on what you can do right now. As in training.”

“Training?” Star asked.

“Yes, you already have the body and flexibility for fighting, you just need to train it and gain experience. Chum is actually quite the accomplished swordsmare, and probably could have taken Victoria on if that Necromancer hadn't overwhelmed her first. So maybe once she's recovered, ask her to show you a thing or two about how Privateers fight.” Lair suggested.

“I… I might just do that.” Star said, a bit of hope returning in her voice.

The sound of clumsy hoofsteps caught our attention as Slowtrot returned. “Alright, I got the sterilized gauze and wrap.”

“Is stuffing her sockets necessary?” Star asked.

“I'm just following the instructions on my pipbuck. And right now we need to avoid infection, even if it's been healed, the sockets aren't meant to be exposed to the air.” He informed us.

After a moment, and the odd sensation of gaze being pushed into my skull, Slowtrot then rapped my head back up, though not as much as I was before.

“Well you can still see the scars from the acid, is that normal?” Lair asked,

“Unfortunately.” Slowtrot sighed. “The acid burned deep, and Harp is lucky we were able to recover most of her skin, but the fur around it won't be growing back, just as her eyes and eyelids won't be.”

“You're rather calm about this?” Star then asked.

“Because I've seen it before.” He said bitterly. “Veterans of the war who had survived Zebra alchemical weapons. The Ministries would then cart them around to stir up hatred for the Zebras. The first time Insaw it I had nightmares.” Slowtrot then tightened up my bandage and again, sighed. “I can't say I know much about it, but a few ponies I knew said the fear was likely the purpose, to turn a pony into a living warning and to spread fear.”

“And that likely hasn't changed.” I said, touching my bandages. It still itches, but whatever was on the gauze helped make it more bearable. I then felt my face, where the bandages didn't cover, and where my skin sunk in from the acid burns. “But I'm not going to let Victoria have her way. We already come too far to be intimidated into submission. And on that, I think we need to pay a certain church a visit, and get on the good side of the Wrench Mares before seeing the Rangers.”

“Agree.” Lair said as she tapped her peg leg. “Those bitches owe not just you new eyes, but a new leg for me.”

__________________________________________________________________

Slowtrot drove us to the Red Light District, where I was told that the Desperados had fully taken over. For better or worse, Slum had died in the chaos, and though nopony said how, I suspected that it was no accident. How quiet everything was spoke far louder to how bad the fighting must have been, and how much the Desperados were locking things down.

Getting out, Fiel and Reina came to my side, their tails making sure I knew I was between them. “So, how bad is it really?” I asked.

“Between all that died in the chaos, and the gunfire actually causing a few buildings to collapse, real bad.” Slowtrot explained. But the Sanctified Cannons have been working real well to restore what they can, and dig graves.”

There was no way they were doing this out of the goodness of their hearts, “And I suspect they are claiming any property not accounted for.”

“Actually, mother already moved in to claim everything Slum owned.” Lair said with a chuckle. “Actually, we suspect that's what the attack here was mostly about. Purity Spiral was likely planning on offing Slum, and taking part of the city for herself, with the Corps Brigade acting as some raiders that snuck in.”

“But then we had them locked down, so they called the necromancer and those tin cans.” Live, said bitterly.

“It was clear they weren't expecting us to be here as well, and to be tied to the Desperados.” Lair added. “My guess, Victoria though Purity had completely failed here, but still decided to fuck shit up before going after the Platinum Guard.”

It was the best explanation so far for the attack so far, but there was likely more going on. Maybe destroying evidence, cutting loose ends, and of course, sending a message. I was sure if we hadn't been waiting for them, and forced them to act, the damage would have been exponentially worse.

With a heavy clop, Star had jumped down from the gunner seat. “And now your mother owns this part of the city. Why?”

“Well first off, she's likely going to lay new infrastructure, make her own little inner city here. But probably not change the business much.” Lair explained. “Booze and whore are alwayd good business after all, though I doubt mother will be as loose with it as Slum was.”

“And through it, spread her influence, right?” I asked.

Lair let out a little chuckle. “Of course. That is how she works after all. And it should help keep the clergy away by having the Blackhearts hoof firmly here. Speaking of which, it looks like that dick has already made his move.”

Lair trotted off and Star and I followed. Slowtrot and Live hanged back to keep an eye on things from the Smuggler.

We arrived at the church, where I could already hear an argument going on.

“Now get his junk out of my church.” A stallion yelled, it probably was the normal high priest of the Blessed Spears.

“Junk! Junk! These are her holiness relics!” Sparking Reactor yelled back.

“Old fucking computer parts and and bearly saintifyed tools, hardly holy relics!” The priest protested.

As they continued to argue, the quiet steps of a pony came near, and feeling out with my magic, they felt simulator to Lair, but different, and seeing with my magic, they were a very pretty stallion. “Hello Bishop Pitch Blackheart.” I addressed him.

“Oh, chills. Not every day a blind pony can see. I suspect you're here to see the wrench mares?” Pitch asked, not sounding surprised one bit.

“Naturally, since they have the expertise that could help me. And I still have to hold up my end of the bargain.” I informed him.

“Ahh, that's good to hear. The Blessed Spears have been quite stubborn since the fighting. To imagine that a quarter of their numbers had been corrupted by the Corps Brigade. It's almost as bad as a vampire infestation.” Pitch spoke in an overly dramatic tone.

I was reminded of Ashwood, and decided to not mention the actual vampire under the city. “Not to be rude, but why are you here?”

“Isn't it obvious my dear princess, to oversee the remodeling of the church. Purity may have been satisfied with just covering everything in sheets, but as a Blackheart I cannot abide such laziness.” He explained, then whispered, “it's also a good idea to give ponies jobs after such a disaster. Makes them feel indebted to you, and easier to manipulate.”

“Which is what mother is doing as well.” Lair added.

Pitch gave a low and mischievous chuckle “That is why she and your father were allowed to wed. No way we would let a dunce taint either of our bloodlines.”

“I guess I'd be considered quite tainted then.” Star snarked.

This time Pitch openly laughed. “Miss Star, about half the Alginate family are whores in some fashion or another. Frankly, you're probably one of the least tainted anong them, which isn't saying a lot. Though you do have a cousin who's practically a saint, and a pain in my ass.”

“Right, High priestess True North.” Lair said with a sigh. “I keep forgetting that she's part of the Alginate family.”

“And a self righteous bitch.” Pitch huffed out. “Any who, I've got to finish evaluating this property before having it torn down and rebuilt properly. If you could, go let the Blessed Spears know they can leave now.”

Pitch then trotted off, followed by several other ponies.

“Strange, why am I not excited about seeing his face again.” I said, half jokingly.

“Trust me, if I didn't need them, I'd blind myself too just to not see his ugly mug. It would at least make the sex easier.” Lair said, likely in all seriousness.

Trotting to the two arguing ponies, I spoke up to get their attention. “Excuse me, is it a bad time?”

The stallion let out a huff. “Anytime is a bad time when dealing with you heathens. But if your hear to convert and help us clean all the blood from my church, along with telling the Wrench Mare to fuck off, then no, it's not a bad time.”

I then heard Sprocket laugh. “Your church? This is ours now!”

“Blasphemy if I ever heard it before.” he snapped back

“About that.” I spoke up again, trotting towards their voices. “The deal was the church for Alginate's Pistols, correct?”

“Yes, but you failed to keep them didn't you?” the priest grumbled.

I took a small case from my saddlebag and gave it to him. “Take a look.”

He slowly took hold of the case, unlatching it. Everypony was silent as I heard others trot over to look at it themselves.

“Seriously, you didn't show me them first.” Star said in annoyance. “Their literally my ancestor’s guns!”

“Sorry, I've been a bit distracted with being blind, Star.” I huffed out.

“And you're sure they're real?” The priest asked.

I nodded. “They are the same magical pistols I took from my family's tomb. And if you need more confirmation, I'm sure the Bishop can take a look at them.”

The case slammed shut. “That I will be doing shortly. We still need to make sure he upholds his end of the bargain as well. If the Blessed Spears are ever to return to our rightful place, we need to prevent Utopian from being named our next bishop. Now can you get rid of these two unclean mares from my church.”

“It ain't yours!” Sprocket protest.

“Until I get confirmation, it is.” The priest said firmly. “Now get the fuck out!”

“Actually, I need to talk to you two as well.” I told the two Wrench Mares.

“Is it about your eyes?” Sparking asked with her synthetic voice.

I nodded, “Yes, but I just want your opinion right now. That, and maybe three heads are better than one.”

“Three?” she said inquisitively.

__________________________________________________________________

“By Celestia, what happened to you, Harp?” Crème Brûlée asked as I trotted into the Rangers workshop.

“A sword, and then acid.” I said truthfully.

I could tell the Ranger scribe was cringing at that. “Well come in, take a seat. And, does it hurt?”

“A bit, but I'm on a controlled dosage of med-x for the pain, and fixer to keep me from becoming dependent. Among a few other potions and herbs.” I told her as I was led to a seat.

“As long as you're doing alright.” Crème told me. “Now, who are your new… acquaintances?”

“I am High Priestess Sparking Reactor, and this is Priestess Sprocket, of her hollynesses Wrench Mares.” Sparking spoke loudly and with pride.

“I'm head scribe Crème Brûlée of this chapter of the Steel Rangers.” Crème said with equal amount of pride and volume.

“Sis, what's with the announcement shouting?” Marshmallow asked as she trotted in. “Umm, why are there two cyber ponies in our workshop?”

“Are they mirage ponies?” Crystal Harmonium yelled from another room.

“No, they look like they came from a junk heep!” Marshmallow yelled back. “One looks like her face is made of porcelain!”

I heard trotting rapidly come closer. “Well fuck, your right!” Crystal said in shock.

“You dare insult her holynesses devine technology!” Sprocket said in annoyance.

“Sister Sprocket, please shut up.” Sparking said with a cold calm before addressing the other mares. “I see that you have been blessed with divine technology as well, miss?”

“Crystal Harmonium, and no, it's not divine technology, it's Marewaii tech.” Crystal said before addressing me. “Harp… oh fuck, what happened to your face? Are you alright?”

I let out a sigh. “That's actually why I'm here.” I said as I tapped the side of my face. “Unfortunately I don't have eyes anymore, but you all might be able to fix that.”

“Harp, we may be the foremost experts on cybernetics around here, but we can't just make you new eyes.” Crème told me.

“We'll we can.” Sprocket then said.

“Hogshit!” Crystal scoffed. “Eye implants are notoriously hard and expensive to do. Back on the islands, you'd need to be sponsored by Orthrus to just get the cheapest eyes available.”

“Well, actually.” Marshmallow spoke up. “We might have the tech, but Red Velvet is currently sitting on it.”

I could hear Crème facehoof. “Even if we could, it's irresponsible for us to let outsiders have such tech.”

“This, we agree.” Sparking said. “That is unless the good princess shows her wisdom and sees the light of Saint Roseland, then maybe considerations can be made.”

“Or, maybe you both can learn something from each other.” I said to them, “You three come from the most technology advanced groups that I know of, so maybe you can work together, and maybe I can benefit from it.”

“Harp, that's not how this works.” Crème said to me, disappointed in her voice. “Even if you're right, and we could, our codex prevents us from leaking technology to outsiders. Actually, if these Wrench Mares are as advanced as you think they are, it is going to be a major problem for the Steel Rangers. It may even spark conflict.”

“Heathen fools.” Sparking huffed out. “Where our ancestors saw Roseland’s light, yours fell into darkness by being trapped on this cursed land. The holy technology is a gift, and gifts must be used for the faithful. To see it used by the faithless, it is something that should be corrected, even if it's used by our lost sisters.”

Shit! This might have been a huge mistake. I was so focused on getting new eyes sooner, that I forgot how zealous these two were.

Wait… lost sisters?

“Excuse me, but what do you mean by lost sisters?” I asked.

“It is as I say. It's been over two hundred years, but we've not forgotten who we were.” Sparking said.

“Oh… don't fucking tell me you to are...” Crème said with a hint of dread in her voice.

“Are they… Steel Ranger scribes… but insane?” Star then asked.

“Saint Roseland found us during the battle of Evils Thrall, where the Ministries were still trying to hold their dark influence over this world. Saint Roseland and her ship fell in that battle, but we were saved by her sacrifice, freed from evil's influence.”

“Like in the song!” Stare said in shock.

Once again Crème face hoofed. “Wait, a ship, over two hundred years… were you the ones who sank the Steel Rangers fleet so long ago!”

“Sank, oh no, only two ships sank that day. The holy Leviathan and the accursed Applejack sank, having rammed and tied each other together in a bloody duel. Those left, surrendered to her holy fleet, and today still serve the Wrench Mares as our factory ships.” Sparking explained with pride.

I was sure there was more to this, but it did help explain why the two groups wore very similar robes. “Wait, is that why you both dress in red?”

“The old maintenance jumpsuits for the rangers were red.” Marshmallow explained.

“That's not…” Crème began to say, then let out a sigh. “Nevermind the technicalities, if this is true, the elders need to know. Miss Sparking, is there any way you can confirm this information?”

The synthetic laughter Sparking gave didn't sit well with me. “If you're looking for data.” She then tapped her head. “All fully ordained Wrench mares have our history saved in our personal spell matrix kept inside our skulls, including the names of the first Wrench Mares.”

“Madness.” Creme said under her breath. “But… if we can get a copy of it, maybe we can confirm if those Wrench Mares were Steel Rangers from the war.”

“Would that be enough to get you to help Harp?” Star asked.

“If they're really a lost chapter of the Ranger… Then it means we have long failed our mission and the ponies who we sought to keep dangerous technology away from have long had it in their hooves. It possibly proved the Applejack Rangers right, to an extent.” Crème said, worried in her voice. “But, it also might be what we need to finally convince the Elders that we can't just close off the rest of the world. If we can do that, then I can convince them to give you new eyes.”

“But not right away.” Marshmallow added. “Just preparing the tech will take days, not to mention programming it to fit your brain. That said, I've never installed eye implants before.”

“I have.” Crystal said.

“As have I” Sparking also said. “If you let us study your holy technology, we could offer our aid.”

I let out a sigh of relief. If I can get new eyes, then I wasn't out of this fight just yet.

__________________________________________________________________

There was one more place I needed to visit before returning to the Desperados, and fortunately the Coven of Clovers wasn't far away. I was a bit worried about leaving the Wrench Mares with the Rangers, but I was sure neither of them were dumb enough to get violent.

Unfortunately I could hear a familiar scene as we reached the gates of the Covin.

“Tiramisu, you need to leave.” Willow nearly shouted.

The Steel Ranger's voice was filtered through their helmet, masking their gender with a robotic voice. “And let you invite more dangerous ponies into this city? I demand to see the elder, and have her answer for her crimes!”

“Lady Paladin, we have already decided on an Elders meeting about this disaster, let's head back for now.” Mayor Morning Mist pleaded. “Violence now will only hurt your case.”

Tiramisu let out a frustrated huff. “Fine then, but don't think you will escape justice.” With loud stomping, Tiramisu trotted to the gate, and stopped in front of me for a short moment. “Freeks.” She said, then moved on.

“My appolo… oh my.” Mayor Morning Mist sounded quite shocked, like from seeing my face.

“No need to worry, I'll get better. And I do hope the damage to the city wasn't severe. As you can see, I haven't.” I told him.

“Oh no, the inner-city is fine, we just got a major scare from the fighting. But the Rangers are taking this very seriously.” Morning Mist said politely. “Now excuse me, but I got several fires to put out over this.”

Morning Mist quickly trotted off, his hooves tailing off as we stood there.

Lair then clicked her tongue “Typical isn't it. The ponies least affected by the fighting are the loudest ones to cry about it.”

“E'yep.” Star said in agreement.

“You can't blame them.” Willow trotted over, her voice sounding more strained than normal. “The whole point of them living here is to be away from the madness of the wasteland. Having it so easily slip in, and be the fault of ponies they trusted, they have the right to be upset. Now come in, Elder Magnificence is waiting for you.”

The smell of Clover’s tea house helped me relax, and I found it far easier to trot around due to how dence the magic here was. It was just less disorienting to see with magic within the walls of this place, not to mention that it was far less noisy. Taken to a room, I senced two individuals, both old, but one more powerful than the other.

“Elder Magnificence, and?” I asked.

“Hello Harp, you recognize my voice?” Fullmetal spoke.

I smiled as I was led to a seat. “Of course, Elder Fullmetal. I'm guessing you're here to talk about recent events.”

“Sadly yes.” She replied, the old mare sounding far more tired than before. “I'll be stepping down as an Elder a bit sooner than I had planned.”

“What! Why? You weren't involved in the incident!” I said in shock.

Fullmetal let out a long sigh. “Doesn't matter. Gold Leaf's reputation was damaged by all this, and my inability to see it coming made it all too clear that I needed to go. Also, I fear for those taken, and what they must be going through, if they're even alive. It shames me that I hope they aren't. But let's not fret over it here, I should have stepped down years ago, but hadn't due to fears of the Rangers taking over. In the end I just gave them a bigger opportunity to worm further into the guard.”

“As is politics.” Lair commented.

“Any pony to replace you? What about Silver Leaf?” Star asked.

“Silver is still too young, and is a poor diplomat. That and the Rangers are pushing for Elder Potato Pie to take my place.” Fullmetal told us.

That didn't make sense. “How could a Ranger Elder take your position?”

“Remember, I too was a Ranger Elder, and Elder Potato Pie's chapter was once my own.” she reminded me. “I do have a few experienced guards ponies to take my place, but the fact remains that Potato Pie is the most qualified as of now. It doesn't help that the loss of Guard members has the rest of the Guard looking for strong and experienced leadership. And it would also result in Tiramisu being promoted to Elder as well, which the Steel Rangers are in full support of.”

“Any way we can help?” I finally asked.

“No, that would only make things worse.” Mag then told us. “This is all internal affairs, and unless you plan on staying here, you should stay out of it.”

She was right about that. I didn't want to see the Platinum Guard be annexed by the Rangers, but I also couldn't stay here.

“I wouldn't worry too much about it, Princess.” Fullmetal said with a hint of mischievousness in her voice.

“So you were told.” I said meekly.

“My lady, those tomb doors open to nopony but royalty, and I don't take a genius to put two and two together.” Her tone was firm, but playful, showing no hint of anger, or a sense of betrayal. “Even if Potato Pie takes over the Guard, we are so steep in tradition and bureaucracy that it will be years before he can enact any kind of reform. That and the locals would revolt, as absorbing the Platinum Guard into the Rangers would effectively make most of the ponies here Rangers as well.”

“I see. So effectively, they would need to untangle the Platinum Guard from the Hill first. Which has over a thousand years of history, and that the Guard recruits from the locals as well.” I explained partly to myself. “I can also see the Rangers likely having a problem with that too, not to mention them finally getting a clue to what happened to their ship fleet two hundred years ago.”

“Okay now, my time to say, What?” Fullmetal then asked in mild surprise.

I gave a quick explanation to what had happened earlier with the Wrench Mares, in which Fullmetal didn't sound pleased by hearing. “At least this means the rangers might soon have their hooves full untangling that mess.” Fullmetal pondered. “Well thanks for letting me know, it may prove helpful in keeping the Rangers under control.”

“That all said, Elder Fullmetal, aren't you going to ask me to stay? My presence would be a great boon to the guard.” I asked.

“No, no, that would be a mistake. In the short-term, yes, but you're needed elsewhere.” Fullmetal calmly said. “Allso, you're a leader of a Desperados Chapter. In truth that would put us in the same situation with the Desperados as we are with the Rangers. I know you wouldn't have us be absorbed into the Desperados, but the idea would set into the minds of the ponies here, and that would cause much strife I'm afraid.”

I nodded, seeing the wisdom in her words.

“But lets say, another royal where to move into the city, one not tied to the local politics.” Fullmetal suggested.

“Such as my elder sister Rare Pearl, who would have been the next queen back home.” I also suggested.

Though I couldn't see her, I knew Fullmetal was smiling back at me. “Precisely. With the tomb open, and your identity known amongst the guard, it has generated renewed vigor within our ranks. As of now, most of the Guard think that Mag found a way to force her way in, and the attack was an attempt to get in before the door closed again. Those who know the truth are currently being held in the brig and kept quiet. I plan on using them to go find this sister of yours, and bring her safely back here. Or die trying.”

“Same for the Coven of Clovers.” Magnificence added. “Officially, they are being exiled, sent away to find some lost relic, or do some great deed to redeem themselves. This should help prevent anypony from following them in hopes to capture or assassinat a royal, which I wouldn't put Red Velvet above such actions. Or for a matter of fact, the Darkhearts”

“I want to deny such accusations, but you're not far off the mark.” Lair said without a shred of guilt. “But what if my mother already knows about Harp then?”

“Does she only know about Harp?” Mag asked back.

“Yes.” Lair answered.

“Good, and if you keep it that way, I'll let the secret priesthood have access to our archives.” Mag said firmly.

“It's acceptable.” Lair agreed “And I'll make sure both the Darkhearts and Blackhearts focus just on dear Harp here.”

Truthfully, I was relieved to hear this. I may not have gotten along with my sisters well enough, but I still loved them. Then I realized something important. “Wait, dose this mean Willow and Gold Leaf are being forced out! What about their children?”

“The foals will be safe here, they still have their grandparents and aunts. But yes, Willow and Gold Leaf will be leading the expedition, and I pray for their safe return.” Mag said sadly.

“Well, if anypony can do it, it's going to be Willow.” Star confidently said. “And hey, that might mean we'll see em again out there, heck, they could be going with us.”

“No, that's a bad idea.” Fullmetal told Star. “You're going to a potential warzone, and we can't risk them getting bogged down by that. They will be taking the southern route west, it's longer, and filled with its own perils, but there is at least no war going on there. Now the issue is how to find your sister.”

Though easier said than done, I did have a big clue for them to follow. “You're looking for the organization Orthrus.” I presented my pipbuck to the old mare, sure I was showing the two headed dog symbol on it. “Currently they are protecting Princess Rare Pearl and her foal here in Equestria. Or so her jornal in the archives told me.”

“Orthrus… as in the group floating around in the massive airship out west?” I nodded. “I guess that's more than a start. Any way we can contact them?”

I shrugged. “My pipbuck maybe, but for reasons I can't explain, I need to keep my pipbuck. But if you do get in contact with them, my father is one of their representatives, or at least was one before I ended up out here, so letting them know about me may help get them to talk with you.”

“Anything else you can tell me about Orthrus?” Fullmetal further asked.

“Well, they're a peacekeeping organization, so they should be fairly reasonable to outsiders. And their also former Stable-Tec, as in actually Stable-tec, not just Stable dweller, so their technology is considerably advanced.”

“So, a highly advanced and organized military organization with a big ass airship… joy.” Sarcasm layed think in Fullmetals voice. “Still, this gives us a target and what to expect. I'll make sure Gold Leaf is both informed and prepared. Now if you excuse me, I have a lot of paperwork to do. And sorry for letting all this happen to you.”

“No need to apologize. We are dealing with very dangerous individuals after all. I'm just glad we were able to prepare for them and prevent the worst possible outcome.” I then waved my hoof in front of my face playfully. “And personally, I'd take getting blinded over being captured any day. At least I'm safe and can recover.”

“To not be lost in despair over your lost eyes, and already charging forward. You would have made a wonderful Steel Ranger.” And with that, Fullmetal slowly trotted out.

After a moment sitting in silence, it was time to address the Paradise Dragon in the room. “Elder Magnificence…” I began to say, but couldn't find the words to ask.

“I got approval from Fullmetal to set root on top of the hill. And… it’s happening tomorrow morning.” Mag bluntly told me, like just ripping off a bandage.

“So soon!” I said in shock.

Mag sighed. “It's the only way to be sure it happens where we want it to happen. Willow is already getting tired from keeping me… me. And yes, I wish I had more time, even if I don't deserve all the time I was given.”

My lip quivered a bit. “D… don't say that. You helped form the Coven of Clovers, and kept it going.”

“And I stagnated them too. Always looming over the Coven like a worried nanny. We might not have been in this position if I had let the Coven grow on its own, let new minds take charge. But now it will happen without me.” I could feel Mag use her magic, and several items were then levitated in front of me. Books by the sound of them. “When you get your new eyes, read these. There my notes on magic performed without a unicorn horn. Things such as magical sight. The first one took me a hundred years to write, and is packed with useful information.”

Lair whistled. “Seriously, actual magic tomes, and not cursed too.”

I picked one up, and felt a subtle, yet powerful magic from them. “Are you sure? These must be important to the Coven.”

Mag laughed. “Everypony says that, but it's not true. Theis are copies of my original notes, and protected by magic. I give them out to anypony who has shown great potential in magic, as knowledge is meant to be shared. Since I cannot be there to teach you anything more, those books will have to do.”

Picking up the rest, three books in total, I held them tightly. “I'll treasure them. And I too wish you could have shown me more. It's just not fair.”

“Oh hush, I'm over two hundred years old, and it's not like this has been a bad life. Actually, you should be more upset over your eye. I was told they were very beautiful.” Mag said to comfort me.

I took a deep breath, and touched my bandages, feeling where my eyes used to be. “Still feels unreal actually. That… maybe tomorrow they will just be back, like it was all a bad dream. Truthfully, I'm just trying to not think about it until I can get cyber eyes. If I get them.”

“I'm sure Fullmetal is already pulling favors behind the scenes. That mare was quite the ruthless filly in her youth, and now she's a soft great grandmother. Unlike me who has been unchanged since I first came into this world. But change I will, and change I must.” her magic swirled and the clinking of teacups came out of nowhere in front of me. “We have all day, so why not share some tea as we talk. Tell me more about your home, and I'll tell you more about the coven. Since we never quite had the time to have just a simple chat. And you two as well, Star, Lair. I'm sure you all have lived interesting lives.”

Wiping a tear forming in my eye, I breathed in deeply and smiled as I took a teacup. “Yes, let's.”

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