“M-M’lady” Daniel muttered under his breath, his back turned to Leona as she changed into her armor.

“What are you still doing here?” She asked coldly as she reached behind to attach the front and back plates.

“I want to-”

“No.” She said sternly “You will be better served helping the people evacuate… we… we’re not close to the strongest among those in the city… but besides a few we’re the best the city has.” her tone was deadly serious, almost macabre “Protect the people, and if we fall… lead them somewhere safe.”

“But you won’t…” he said hopefully

“Daniel…” she muttered softly as her eyes wandered down to the ground

“You can’t!” he shouted, the room falling silent as the two stood unmoving, Leona turned only briefly, catching a glimpse of the boy before turning away once more. With a soft sigh Leona looked down at her hand, it was bruised, cut up and even now stung. Her eyes traced each mark, almost as if she was trying to pass time. A few moments passed, the fighting outside and the movement downstairs being the only noises to be heard, that was, until a soft sobbing began to ring out from behind Leona

Turning to the boy Leona looked at him as he sniffled into his arm, small trembles washing over his body. 'You're still just a boy aren't you?' Leona thought, smiling briefly to herself. “If we don't win, you may be one of the last of the New Krayan order Daniel, you have to live on to teach our ways, and warn the neighboring towns of the impending danger. I'm certain this war won't end here, regardless of who wins and since we can't get word out...

“I don’t care!” he shouted, his arms reaching around Leona's waist as he clung to her back “You have to come back… you have to… you…” he paused to gather his strength as his sobs became frequent “I don’t want to be alone again.” he ended, gripping tighter around her.

“You’ll find yourself alone more often than not. It won’t be the loneliness that breaks you, it’ll be remembering the times you weren’t lonely that hurt the most.” Leona spoke softly before turning to hold the boy back “I’m sorry I saved you only to leave you hurt like this. So sorry.”

“Leona…” the boy wiped his face and looked up to her "You... we could... I could..." he tried to speak, but each time the words fell dead in his mouth. "I-if we're going to have any chance, shouldn't we all fight, together? I should be here to help!" he spoke adamantly, the boy putting on a strong facade as he stared at her.

Leona ended the embrace and rested her hand on his shoulder “I know you want to fight, and one day you'll get the opportunity but now you're just too young. If we can't make it back, someone will have to remember us, our stand, to rally the people and fight back against these... things. You're not just my squire, you're," Leona turned away as if searching for the word "You're... my legacy. I put everything I have into raising you and training you. I love you Daniel, and I need you to have a future. If not for yourself, for me."

Daniel looked down briefly, swallowing roughly before looking back up to Leona. Clenching his fist he stared her dead in the eye, and upon seeing the way her eyes looked upon him, with such gentleness and care, he felt his frustration melt, and his resolve hardening "I understand. But, if I get word that things have changed, that we're winning I'm coming right back to help you. To help my city."

Leona smiled at the boy, an overwhelming sense of pride welling in her chest as she wrapped the boy up in a mighty hug "Only then." she whispered "Now go Daniel, do what you can to get away."

With a nod they ended their embrace, Daniel turning to leave, only looking back at her one more time, eyes held overlong as he wanted to remember her face, her proud smiling face, no matter what were to come.

“I forbid this!” Caspen shouted as he stood between Wrathtail and the exit of the church.

“Forbid whatever you want, I’m fighting.” she answered back seriously, whilst glaring daggers at the captain

“No, your father-”

“My father’s caus…” Wrathtail bit her tongue and turned “I just… I’ve got to fight.” hands clenched, knuckles a stark white

“You need to leave, if your brother fell today you’re the last of the royal line.” Caspen spoke in a hushed tone.

“As if anyone would believe that. Even so I’ve only half the blood of royalty, if you don’t recall I’m the daughter of a tribeswoman, these people would never accept that.” she retorted

“You’re in no condition.”

“And you’re in no position.”

“This isn’t a damn joke!”

“I’m not smiling am I?” she crossed her arms and frowned harder than before.

“Damn it!” he cursed, turning to look out at his men who stood in position before the church “Can’t you see, we’re just a distraction, we’re only here to hold them off… our men… our men have already said goodbye to what family they could find here. It’s a suicide mission, and you’re so young, you might be able to return one day and save New Krayan but for now you have to leave.”

Wrathtail shook her head “Nah, not happening. Here your royalty run but the tribal leaders always stand. If I am the last, than I’m dying like the people who raised me… like they did…” she finished pushing passed her uncle

“I’m sorry brother, she would not be persuaded…” Caspen smiled to himself “She is your daughter, damn your own reckless behaviour for being inherited.” Caspen turned “I won’t argue with you about this any longer, I have a battle to fight. Please, just try and escape once we’ve fallen.”

“You know, about that.” Wrathtails hand began to crackle with electricity “I’m feeling particularly cocky, so don’t be surprised when I cut their giant mutt down myself.” Wrathtail spit at the ground “This bastards killed a lot of my friend and mussed up my favorite pub, so excuse me if this gets personal” and with that she left to join the front lines

“Leo…” Selina muttered to herself in the temple larder, huddled up against the corner of a wall, sniffling in silence. A few moments passed before a light rapping near the door caught her attention

“Hey.” Starstorm said gently as she walked in “You, uh, okay?” she gave the weeping woman a forced smile

Though Selina hadn’t answered this didn’t dissuade Starstorm as she sat beside her “I, uh, heard everything. I’ve actually heard a lot of things about you two.” Starstorm rubbed the back of her neck “Considering your actions I’m not inclined to believe them all.” an awkward silence hung overhead as Starstorm poorly attempted to console her “Er, I mean… Remember that time you tried to steal the Headmasters spell book?”

Selina picked her head up from between her knees to look at Starstorm “When you touched the book and it began barking at you, why, you’d looked as if you’d been afflicted with ghoul rot how white you were. I was ready to magic missile you right then and there but Eramac, he just smiled at you, grabbed his book and handed you some gold. And when you ran off he said “Starstorm, not everybody gets to live with wealthy parents from a well established family and sent to train in a prestigious school. People suffer, and though you don’t understand their suffering doesn’t mean you should dismiss it.” and at the time I didn’t understand it really, but, I think I do now."

Selina drew her knees closer to her chest “Leona yelled at me when I brought the gold back… even though I told her it wasn’t stolen…” She muttered sadly

“Sounds like she yells a lot.”

“It’s because I mess up a lot.”

“You know who else yells a lot? Eramac, and though I didn't realize it before, looking back, he only yelled at me. I had always thought myself just another student, but to him I suppose I was special. I wasn’t just being trained, I was being mentored. And when we met him and the king, the high priest and your master that's when I truly realized that.” Starstorm stopped to moisten her lips “I would often see you and her in the city and wonder things. 'Why don't they leave if they're not wanted, why does nobody like them, have they always been alone?' I'd think to myself. Heck, part of me wanted to… I don’t know, help or say something. Instead I let rumors and misinformation get to me, I stayed away. Than when I saw Leona up to hang I felt bad. Like, every time I decided to keep my distance was a time I could have… done something.”

“It’s not your responsibility…” Selina interjected

“Maybe it was. I feel the same way about Wrathtail, she just kept getting into trouble, kept messing everything up and I felt like I knew why. She had no friends, quite the opposite really. Like you two, loathed for nothing more than being born, and I wanted to say or do anything but I was just too much of a coward too. Maybe I could’ve kept her from being kicked out. Maybe, I could have kept you from getting hurt and Leona from…”

Silence filled the room as well as a tinge of dread as Starstorm felt a lump grow in her throat, she looked at Selina who turned away a glimmer of sadness in her eyes “I heard it was… bad.”

Selina pondered for a moment, her gaze turning glassy and lifeless for but a moment, as if she was trying to distance herself from the memory “It was… surreal. It's hard to describe really. I suppose, in a way I loved Leona. I suppose in a way I still do. I'd see Leona, her faith, her kindness, her resolve and sense of honor. Even as children I knew she was meant to be more. I looked up to her and relied on her, but I always knew I'd never be her, she was this... thing that I couldn't touch and I idolized her. I put her on a pedestal and looked up in awe, she was strong but sweet, ready to fight and help at any moment. I wanted to be there for her, to care for her like she cared for me. Sure, I'd often do it in ways she wouldn't approve but I just couldn't do anything else. I wasn't like her, I couldn't be like her and though she'd berate me I knew she did it because she cared about me. She wanted me to do better, but when times got desperate...

"There were times, mostly in the winter, when things would be at their hardest. It would be cold, food and work would be impossible to come by and, well, the church would get full and because of what we were we would be denied. In those times, she wouldn't fight me. Not entirely. I'd steal fire wood, but she wouldn't use it, I'd steal food, but she'd have me eat it all, I'd steal blankets but she'd bundle me up and do without. She couldn't bare to see me hurt but she couldn't bare to neglect her morals. I hated it. It wasn't fair, why should she be cold when I was warm, why should she be hungry when I wasn't. Why did she do so much for me when I only disappointed her? The worse part was that I was too scared to try and change. I wasn't her, I was weak so I needed the extra warmth, I was to weak so I needed the extra food. When we got sick I was just too weak and needed all the medicine we could scrounge up. How am I not supposed to idolize her when she could survive so much, do so much, be so much."

By now Selina had been talking for a moment, Starstorm just looked on and let her speak, even when the original point had been lost she remained attentive and even invested, a sense of awe building in her as the woman at her side spoke the praises of Leona "She may have worshiped a god but I worshiped her. She made me feel safe, cherished, loved. That's what made that day so surreal. If you truly got to know Leona, you'd know who she really is. She's very calm, patient and thoughtful. She'd do whatever it takes to help people, she's kind like that. But on that day there was no kindness. I'd never been more terrified in my life, I just watched on in disbelief, the anger the violence the unrepentant and unabashed slaughter. I was certain I was dead and in hell, because that person, that thing I saw couldn't be the same Leona who'd cared for and nurtured me for so long. But it was. I was looking at something primordial and terrible, like a monster trapped beneath a mountain, freed at last to wreak a terrible vengeance. And the thing that haunts me most to this day is her smile. The wide, manic terrifying smile that spread across her face as she did it. My god became a devil before my eyes and revealed to me just how wrathful the heavens could be. The way she stood there, a victorious beast blood dripping from her body as she screamed her animal cries. And when it was done she looked at me, and I was scared for my life. Next thing I know she was cradling me, hushing me..."

After a time Selina had grown quiet, Starstorm sat beside her in the silence as she soaked in everything that was said until a question came to her lips "How do you feel now? About Leona?"

Selina pondered the question a moment, ultimately speaking as if she knew all along "I feel... obligated." Starstorm looked at the rogue quite curiously "Everything that happened, everything that occurred was my fault, because I was weak. Leona became a monster for me, she'd sacrificed everything for me, she was ready to die for me over and over again and I gave her nothing."

"So you left?" Star asked

"I didn't want to, but I had to. I made a deal with Darius to get her into the care of the Church, and in exchange he'd..." Selina paused, a look of realization on her face, shaking it away she continued "Anyways, I was resolved to make things right."

"By being a thief?" Star asked incredulously

"By doing what I was good at, and by being so good at it I'd never have to see Leona like that again." Selina's face grew serious, eyes gleaming with a deadly sense of focus "I'd be strong, fast, cunning. I'd be untouchable, someone that couldn't get hurt. Then..." her expression grew soft and confused "I don't know." she grew silent again her resolve melting away as she stared at the ground "For so long I told myself I'd grow strong. I'd get revenge on the man who got my parents killed, I'd become the leader of the thieves guild and control the city. I'd be the best. It's what I want."

"And how does Leona fit into all this?"

"That's the part I haven't figured out... hell does it even matter now? I just don't know what I feel anymore. Truth is I've hired people to spy on Leona for me, this morning I received another update. She was fine, no problem, bought some new clothes because the old ones were torn breaking up a street fight." Selina shifted slightly, trying to find a more comfortable position before beginning again "When I think of her, I feel obligated. But more then that I feel warm and happy and safe and scared and frightened and mortified. I still look up to her, but I know she hates me. I want to believe I love her at times, that I could go back to her and say it and for it to be true. But I'm not sure, I don't feel obsessed, I feel like I barely think about her at all like shes just a thought in the back of my mind, tertiary. Maybe I'm afraid nothing has changed, that we'd just be the same people again, maybe I'm afraid we've strayed to far away and could never want to be together. But I have to do something, be something, anything for her. I'm only here because of her, I've only come this far and lived this long because of her. I don't know what do you think?'

Surprised that she was even asked, Star sat in extreme thought for several moments until the perfect words came to mind "No idea."

Smiling at the mage, Selina chuckled and sighed "Sounds right." she leaned her head back and stared at the ceiling "Sorry for talking your ear off. I don't usually get like this, but she makes me... emotional I suppose."

"It's fine, I just hope it helped a little." Star smiled back

With a sigh Selina smiled softly off into the distance "Not at all. But, thank you regardless."

Frowning disappointingly Star muttered "Any time." dejectedly

Sensing her disatisfaction Selina giggle "Sorry if my emotional turmoil wasn't solved by a chat with a stranger."

Star blushed furiously, shaking her head frantically "I-I didn't mean it like that!"

Poking the mage on the nose Selina smiled playfully "No need to get so flustered darling." standing up Selina brushed herself off and looked at the other woman who looked up wide eyed "Now that I've finished my whining there's an ugly pile of... fur? Anyways, I've got the distinct urge to stab him many times until he stops moving and I have a feeling my estranged friend shares this feeling."

Nodding, Star smiled as she stood up beside Selina "Yeah, let's get going."

“Quite th’ quandereh if ah say’so m’self.” Sprinkles spoke as she popped up behind Jessebelle who had secluded herself behind the church as she polished her gun. Annoyed at the western woman's lack of reaction Sprinkles crossed her arms

“Ah reckon so,” Jessebelle checked the barrel for what seemed like the third time that hour

“Cannah collect on a dead girl, can ya?” Sprinkles added playfully as she snatched the gun from Jessebelles hand

“Gimme dat back!” Jessebelle stood from the barrel she was seated on

“An’ if ah don’ ah reckon you’ll ‘ave ta’ do sometin’ abou’it?” she teased

“Ya lead me this far only ta’ get yerself killed over a country that’s not even yours, of all the no good thangs ta do.” Jessebelle complained

“Cannah be all dat bad. We ‘ad a laugh din’t we, ah’d jape, you’d ge’ mad at meh, catch meh an’ ah’d jus’ break out and be gone again.” Sprinkles spoke as she pulled over a barrel for her to sit on beside Jessebelle

“Yall had a laugh, ah was just pissed yalls escaped again and forced me all the way here, at all the times to get caught and surrounded by… whatever those thangs are.”

“Ya, well lemma ask you sometin’ den. Wha? You ‘ad your chance to give up a ‘undred tahms an’ you din’t.”

“Yall didn’t see the contract, enough zeros on that thang ah could settle down for life.” Jessebelle sat back down before leaning against the wall behind her barrel

“Is tha’ what you want? Some shiny baubles an’ some false sense of satisfaction? Come off it, we both know you love this kanda lahf, the chase, the thrill, than.”

“Hmph, yalls seem a might sure o’dat.”

“Because ah know ya, din’t take much ta see it though. ‘ell, when we ran inta one anotha ah was confused when ya din’t tell’em who ah was or anythin’” Sprinkles leaned back and kicked her feet up

“Din’t do me a lotta good the last two tahms, reckoned it wouldn’t matter.”

"Well?" Sprinkles asked with a perky smile

“Well what?” Jessebelle asked back

“Are we doin’ dis or are ya runnin’ away?”

“Ah reckon yer intent on stayin’?”

“Wha wouldn’ ah be? Whole lotta good dat money does ya when yer miserable. Ah’d rather in some beasts belleh than forced back into some stuffy dress gown and paradin’ about lahk some kinda show piece, than.”

“Yalls got yer answer than. Ah said ahm takin’ ya back and ah ahm, condition won’t matter too much. Reckon ah can drag you back with ya still breathin’.” Jessebelle snatched her gun back out of Sprinkles hand “And what was that all about?”

“Hrm?”

“Them dresses? Ah thought yalls was some kinda warrior society or somethin’” Jessebelle asked as she went back to caring for her firearm

“Even a warrior princess is a princess. Ya think mah people only run aroun’ tryin to figure out who’s ‘figurehead’ is bigger? Nah, there’s still politics, lotta good that does. Y’know, ah once dunked a dignitaries ‘ead into bowl of drink because he pinched mah bottom. Got a tongue lashin’ fer that one ah did.”

“Princess ya say? Ah reckon ah coulda asked for more.” Jessebelle replied as she looked down the sight

“It’s jus’ a sayin’, high noble sure, bu’ mah point remains’ doesn’ it?”

“Reckon it does.” Jessebelle stood and holstered her gun before kneeling down to mess with her boots.

“Wha’ about you? Reckon’ ya oughta tell me a bi’ abou’ yaself before we go an’ kick tha bucket.”

“Ah should?” Jessebelle turned to the woman with a perched brow

“Yah ya should, ‘ere ah am pourin’ me heart out and you’re jus’ gonna go and leave me in tha dark? Ah thought we ‘ad a real bond ‘ear.”

“Fillin mah bra with ants isn’t somethin’ ah bond over too much.”

“Come now, if yer gonna’ be an arse about every lil’ thing than what’s tha point of livin’?”

“Not gettin’ covered in ants is one.”

“Seriously, is dat it than?”

“Ah shoot, ah reckon ah can share, iffen you gimme a drink.”

“Ah, you want some more of dat bitter from last time do ya?” Sprinkles smiled and she lifted her kilt to reveal a small flask on her inner thigh. Taking the flask in hand Sprinkles twisted the top off before taking a drinking, sighing and shuddering in satisfaction “ ‘ere, ‘ave at it than.”

Taking the flask Jessebelle mimicked the bubbly girl at her side and took a nice long swig from the drink before sharing the same reaction “T’aint whiskey, but ah reckon’ it’ll do.” Jessebelle proceeded to throw back another drink

“Well?” Sprinkles questioned as she watched Jessebelle slowly but surely drain the flask.

Releasing the flask from her lips Jessebelle wiped off her mouth and handed the near empty container back to it’s owner who shot her an annoyed glance briefly. Sighing contently Jessebelle leaned further back on the barrel “Mah pa…” she started, staring passionately at the sky as she began to reminisce “Ah hated that man.”

Sprinkles tilted her head and leaned in, urging her friend to continue “Maybe ah shouldn’t, maybe he knew somewhere in his heart…” she frowned and shook her head, gripping the sides as if overcome with a headache “Ugh…”

Worriedly the springy bard took to Jessebelles side “Are ya alrigh’ girleh?”

“Ngh,” Jessebelle grunted as shadowy visages began to flood her head, a dance of swirling blacks and whites occurred within her vision, suddenly the words came from her mouth slowly “He killed me.” sudden silence consumed the two as Sprinkles blinked in surprise “Ah was eight, he pulled the gun, than the trigger.”

“Ah...ah don’” Sprinkles began

“The floor was so cold, but ah felt so comfortable…” Jessebelle shuddered and breathed deep but once, exhaling through her nose

“Are ya okay?” Sprinkles asked as she gently rubbed Jessebelle’s shoulder

“Ah met death than, and he said to me ‘Girl…” Jessebelles eyes glazed over, dulling to a lifeless gray “ ‘Yer not your own, you never were.’ “

“Woah…” Sprinkles breathed lightly, taken off guard as Jessebelle shot to her feet

“Ah… ah need ta go.” she muttered hurriedly before rushing back into the church.

“She can’t… could she?” Sprinkles thought to herself a song, a slow song written in a dead language composed of entirely string instruments and a haunting Soprano “Deathtouched…”

“Ya wanted me?” Jessebelle asked as she entered a small meeting room in the church, noticing that Sprinkles, Selina, Leona and Starstorm were already present. By this point it had been an hour since the horde arrived and from all corners of of the city friend and foe alike had began pouring towards the church, either for it’s defense or destruction.

The atmosphere was a dreary one, a single candle sat in the center of the room atop a table the others had been seated around, every window boarded up so tight that no sunlight could spill through. Jessebelle took a moment to look over the room, noticing the increasing hostility pouring through Leona as she ever so often glanced at Selina. Selina, on the other hand, was dripping in anxiety as her downcast gaze did everything in it’s power to avoid causing attention from Leona. Starstorm, seated between the two, had acted as a silent mediator, smiling at the two once in a while. Sprinkles, whether by choice or lack of sense, remained unattentive of the rooms mood.

“Come on in.’ Starstorm offered kindly. Nodding towards the spellcaster Jessebelle took hold of a seat, spun it around, and sat with the back end against her chest. “Excellent.”

“Ah reckon Wrathtail is goin’ ta arrive soon.” Jessebelle questioned

“Yes, but she rushed off to the battle field and we’re unable to find her amongst the chaos at the moment.” Starstorm answered calmly, though worry did find it’s place in her tone.

“Why are we being kept back? We can handle ourselves.” Leona complained, a stern look etched onto her face.

“I understand, but the captain said we’d have a different part to play soon.” Starstorm again answered as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

“And if ah don’t want ta play this part?” Jessebelle said as she perched a brow.

Leona glared at the woman, motioning to the door “Than leave. Get in our way and…”

“Leona!” Selina interrupted only to be brought down with a single glare. The glare only lasted a moment before Leona stared at the ground, her angry expression turned to one of inner turmoil.

Starstorm frowned, her thoughts beginning to race rapidly Just than the door burst open as Wrathtail hobbled in with her arm and left eye covered in bandages. “Hey.” she spoke shortly before taking a seat and kicking her feet up on the table, wincing in pain as she did forgetting the large gash that was just mended only moments ago “Fuck” she spoke under breath

Sighing, Startorm conjured a small hand of magic and pushed Wrathtails feet off, much to the womans annoyance as she again winced “The fuck Starstorm?” she cursed

“I should ask the same, are you insane going in out of formation. It’s this behavior that got you removed from the academy.” Starstorm scolded causing the rowdy woman to stand up again

“Fuck you, you think you’re so special because you get to stay in your pretty little school. I’m tired of you thinking you’re so much better than me!” she yelled threateningly

Leona quickly stood to Starstorms defense motioning in between the two. Gritting her teeth Wrathtail yelled “Why the hell are you taking her side? We’re the ones her kind enjoys kicking around remember?” the room got awkwardly quiet for a moment before Wrathtail blushed and sat down rubbing her head “Ugh, no, sorry, I’m just…”

“We know.” Starstorm smiled causing Leona to take her seat as well. “Look, things are getting serious out there and Captain Caspen wanted us to, er.” Starstorm drew back nervously

“You don’t know, do you?” Wrathtail perched a brow and leaned in, placing her elbows on the table

“Ok, look, I don’t” she answered bluntly “He said we’re supposed to figure that out.”

“Than we should march out there immediately and fight.” Leona announced

“Hell yeah we should!” Wrathtail slammed her arm on the table only to remember that arm was bandaged and, now, in quite a bit of pain.

Shaking her head Leona stood and moved to Wrath’s side to heal her arm, causing the other woman to purr happily “So good~” she hummed and smiled causing the large woman to blush and partially hide behind her hair, Selina secretly pouting in her corner of the table.

Once the healing was finished Wrath released her arm and began to roll it around. Content they were done Starstorm spoke “Good, now that that’s done, let’s discuss not blindly charging in.”

“Ah reckon iffen yer wantin’ mah help might as well make me a good offer.” Jessebelle spoke, sniffing loudly as she finished her sentence

Leona's face pulled back into a scowl as she looked about ready to kill the strangely dressed foreigner "People are dying and all you can think about is lining your pockets? Does being this disgusting take practice or were you born a bitch?" the others drew back as they sensed the hostility coming from Leona

"Listen here, where ah come from, taint no one else's life yer problem but yer own. Botherin tryin ta help others only gets ya killed or worse. If ya wanna spout yer self righteous crap be mah guest, but if ahm riskin mah hide ah'll at tha very least need sometin to make this worth the effort." Jesse retorted, not an ounce of sympathy, or anger, found on her face

"Fine, I'll personally pay you from the church funds after this is done. Then, kindly leave my city with your pay, goddess knows we don't need any more bandits for hire around here. " Leona spit, falling back into her chair and crossing her arms.

"Leona this isn't the time for us to be fighting, we-" Star began as Jesse interrupted

"No need fer all dat now, if ah disagreed with'er ahda said sometin'. Truth is she's raht, ain't nothin' but a selfish bitch." putting her elbows on the table and leaning, Jesse tilted her hat up "Listen, ah know from experience people lahk you, all good and what not, somewhere down tha lahn, that goodness, all da shit in this world. It gets to ya. And in the end, ya die hated by everyone you love." Jesse finished by leaning back into her chair "Atleast this way... no one can say they ain't see it comin' iffen ah turn mah back on'em" she crossed her arms and looked away.

Star coughed nervously, smiling to everyone in the room, smile fading away when she turned to Selina who had her hands on her daggers, a look of murder in her eyes. 'This is all going to hell." Star thought as she put her hand on the rogues, smiling again just hard enough to get Selina to stand down... for now. "Look, I can see there's a bit of hostility... or alot of it, but please, we have to work together, I'm begging you."

"We've been fighting since the morning Star, everythings gone to shit and I really wish I was drunk right now. Kind of hard to play nice when you're angry and derpessed at the same time." Wrath pointed out

"I know it's been a stressful couple of hours, I feel like my heads about to burst, but we need to just focus alright?" pleaded Star as she rubbed her temples quite vigorously. The group silently agreed, easing the tension in the room as Starstorm began to talk again “Alright, look, we’re losing and badly, our only chance is to maybe take out Teronidus again.” she explained only causing the girls to look on in irritation

“Look, darling, we tried killing him and it didn’t work. I would suggest trying to find more of those gates that keep letting their army into the city.” Selina suggested

Shaking her head, Wrathtail spoke “No good, the enemy is surrounding those locations too densely to even try and the only thing keeping their hordes thinned out, our most powerful spellcasters, have been silent for a while."

“Can’t tha clerics ‘andle dat?” Sprinkles spoke for the first time since Jessebelles arrival

“They’re busy with the wounded. I say we clear a path out of the church and through the city before taking on the horde without worrying about defending the citizens, there’s not much left after the first few evacuation efforts.” Leona offered

“No good, they’ve got us outnumbered ten ta one, we’d get eatin’ alive out there.” Jessebelle pointed out “But maybe iffen we reunite with some of our sectioned off forces we could prepare a counter attack.”

“It’ll never work, we’ve gotten word that they’re all surrounded and guarded.” Wrathtail mentioned, gritting her teeth in thought “But damn, having the mages support the front lines from atop the roof would be great.”

“Not just the mages, I know were more of my, er, groups men might be. I can gather them and get them in the fray.” Selina suggested only to be attacked by a condescending scoff

“You and your kind would never take to a righteous battle unless you plan to pillage the day and make off with the spoils of war unearned. You lawless mutts wouldn’t be much use anyways, you lack the capability of thought or compassion.” Leona ranted, an unforgiving scowl on her face.

Selina, hurt, turned away and began to shudder as if about to cry. The others shot Leona an angry stare. Leona, amongst the angry eyes felt her face soften as she turned away, a trembling all her own taking over.

As if a bat out of hell Daniel burst through the door panting and sweating “I’ve got news!” he shouted gasping for air

“Daniel, what are you doing here!? You were to be with the first caravan out!” Leona looked fit to burst with rage

"I know I know, but we've got reinforcements!" the group reacted with shock, moving to hear the boy better "Right now two independant groups are in the city fighting with the horde. On top of that, Westmarch has sent a huge detachment of soldiers to us via teleportation, but their magics were blocked off and they were left at our front gates."

The girls looked at each other, sharing hopeful smiles, however before they got too excited Leona spoke "Daniel, where are those other groups? Who are they?"

"The Hands of Gaia, they returned from some goblin hunting recently and have engaged the monsters." Daniel said almost hesitantly, looking to Leona pleadingly

"Damnit, those kids don't stand a chance." Leona balled her fist as she looked at Daniel "I know they're your friends but..." Daniel looked as if ready to cry as Leona spoke. The rest of the group looked to Leona.

"You really going to make the kid sit around while his friend get offed?" Wrathtail interjected, causing Leona to grit her teeth

Looking at Daniel, Leona hesitantly nodded before adding "You find them and get them here, nothing else."

"They're near the mages tower. They're dead set on freeing them." Daniel added "And so am I."

"Absolutely not, you wait for us to-" Leona stopped when Star put a hand on her shoulder

"We need them, and the kids have an amazing record. You have to trust him sometimes, right?" Star smiled weakly "Besides, you were doing just as much at his age."

Standing up defensively Leona argued "He's not me, I was twice his strength, size and skill at that age!"

Sizing the kid up, Wrath smiled and nodded at him "Kid's got it in him, he just needs your blessing."

"Eeyup, reckon he's ready ta get out from unda' mama birds wing." Jesse added

"But..." Leona deflated, a solemn look on her face

Unable to stay quiet any longer Selina muttered "If you keep protecting them, they can't grow..." when she spoke the room grew even quieter then before.

In a fit of anger Leona brought her fist through the table, shattering it to uselesness, the others unmoving as she did. Trembling Leona looked at Daniel, who only stared back with overwhelming determination. After some time she sighed "A paladin keeps her word. Go Daniel, I expect to see you back in one piece."

Nodding Daniel added 'The other group, ms Star-"

"Please no." Star muttered, reading the boys look like the answer was on a flashing neon sign

"Is Tristana's Troubadours, and they sent word they're breaking open a thieves guild safe house that's been surrounded since the attack." Finishing his report, Daniel didn't wait for a reply as he dashed out the room.

"Ugh, damnit!" Star threw her arms up "Why her!"

"Agreed." Wrathtail sighed "But, her group's technically proficient so we'll need them, now more then ever."

Standing up from her seat Leona drew her blade "Then we're cutting our way to the gates. If even one of us succeeds we have a chance, if all of us succeed... we can win."

"Damn straight we can, and once we get those men in the city, we're putting that mutt down for good, personally." Wrathtail drew her own blade, flourishing it

Silently Selina stood as well, followed by Jessebelle who spun her barrel "Reckon ah ain't fenna see hell today, reckon that's a good thang."

"Ye, we're gunna give'em 'ell t'day!" Sprinkles cheered excitedly

Stepping forward, Star looked upon her new found allies and smiled "Let's do this."

As the world around them faded into another, the mane six realized two things, One, the game room was a lot bigger then before. Wait, no, it wasn't the same room. The second thing they noticed was they weren't the only group here. Among them were three overly energetic foals known locally as the Cutie Mark Crusaders, the very mare who almost got Ponyville destroyed, one Trixie Lulamoon. Prince Blueblood, a favorite to be sure, the angry and aggressive Spitfire, the angrier and more aggressive Gilda the Griffon, some stranger she's never met and, thankfully, the smiling face of her foalsitter Cadence and assistant Spike.

Confused and disoriented Twilight looked at all of the other faces surrounding her and cleared her throat "Luna,"

"Hmm?" Luna hummed

"What's happening?" Twilight asked calmly, though her twitching eye would suggest she was anything but

"Oh, well.we just got word our schedule will be lightening and we just love GMing so much we decided to run more games." Luna said as if nothing was unusual.

Before anyone could say anything more a group of voices broke the silence "Cutie Mark Crusaders Roleplayers, yay!"

“Applebloom?” Applejack yelled

“Sweetie Belle?” Rarity yelled

Silence filled the room for a minute, Rainbow Dash leaning back in the weird new chair as she casually picked her nostril before being elbowed by Pinkie “ooh, uh, shcootsh?” she asked lazily through her cotton filled muzzle

Pinkie leaned in and glared at her “Worst, surrogate sister, ever.”

“I’m also here.” Spike mentioned

“He’ll be taking over Daniel from here on out.” Luna mentioned

“Hmm, what’s taking Trixie’s friend so long to say hello?” Trixie complained and crossed her hooves.

“Oh, sorry, I’m just…” Twilight began

“Hey Twi!” A green and pink maned unicorn mare waved and smiled, her fur a light bright brown

“Who are-” Twilight sputtered

“Uh, let’s not get into it now.” she said sheepishly with a smile

“I believe introductions are in order? I'm-?” An orange and yellow maned pegasus mare spoke seriously

“Sh-sh-sh-sh-sh…” Rainbow strained to speak as she gawked at her idol

“Ugh, she’s about to go full on hero worship again” A griffon rolled her eyes in annoyance

“Gwhia? Wha…” Rainbow drew back in surprise

"Nice dental work there dweeb." Gilda taunted laughing at the mares swollen face

“Sunshine sunshine.” Cadance, the large pink alicorn, sang with a smile

“And what, I’m just chopped liver?” The vapid voice of Blueblood spoke up

“Yes.” Rarity added

“Stoooooooop!” Twilight screamed and stomped her hooves on the table “What in the absolute buck is happening!?”

“Ok, so, we wanted to run some more and this brown pony, uum, Someshed Simmers, showed up and filled us in on something interesting so we’ll have plenty of time to think of stuff and work on many campaigns. Though we could easily work with more we decided three groups would serve us best. Group one, of course, is you girls. Group two is Trixie, Gilda, Spitfire, Someshed Simmers, Cadance and token male Blueblood?”

“What Auntie?” Blueblood asked

“We wanted Big Mac but this wasn’t his thing we suppose.” Luna smiled sheepishly once more but it was clear the mane 6 weren’t happy with the explanation.

“Ok, ok, Listen, we were approached by Someshed, she told me something interesting and I realized I had more time to myself. With that time, we decided to run more campaigns. At first they were just isolated ideas, however, what could be more interesting than this! With our ability we can interweave a most epic story!” the girls began to nod and agree, smiling amongst themselves

“Ara prpesh waffer a sha.’ Rainbow sputtered incoherently

“Trixie was never welcomed by her supposed friends! Hello?” She shouted

“Ugh, can it blueberry, no one cares.” Gilda huffed

“Well that’s not very sunshiney.” Cadance muttered

“Ah will literally pay ya in any amount of blood, money, or mah soul to never say that again.” Applebloom offered with a perfectly straight face

“Ditto.” Scootaloo agreed.

“Twilight, frieeeeend!” Trixie whined, desperate for the purple mares attention “Trixie has a lot to talk to you about. Oh the adventures she’s had! Acknowledge me!” her whining growing more and more shrill

“Oh, well that sounds lovely Trixie, but it’s only been a month since I last saw you…” Twilight pointed out to a now shocked Trixie

“Erm, well… Trixies life sure is exciting after all, hehe…” Trixie faked a cough as Twilight's bright, innocent, if not a tad awkward, stare dug into her

Meanwhile, Rainbow meekly approached Gilda who she hadn’t seen in quite a while “heh grr"

"Pfft, I’m done here so if you don’t mind, I’ve got important stuff to deal with. Later losers.” she spoke curtly before taking off out one of the large windows in the room

“Psh wffer er guh cerer fre anwa!” Rainbow spit, literally, as she made several rude gestures at the departing griffon.

“Aw, don’t be like that,” Cadence said tilting the rainbow maned pagasi’s head up to her “She misses you just as much, it’s just a hard transition is all.”

“Yes, she does talk alot about you.” Blueblood added “A shame, when she should be talking about the most interesting pony she knows, me!” he said with a slimy smile

“No one would want to talk about you even if you were on fire.” Rarity quipped as her muzzle turned up away from the prince

“Hehe, it’s been fun, but I really must be going.” Someshed spoke as she began to leave

“Awe, but we just met you.” Twilight spoke after her

“Oh yes, why don’t you stay, um, if you want to I mean…” Fluttershy added meekly

“Oh, I will be, erm, soon, yes. It’s complicated and I’m sorry ahead of time.” the mare smiled briefly “We’ll talk soon, sooner than you think.” she mentioned before trotting out of the room

“Who needs her when you have me, Trixie! Here to ravish you with her tales of wonder!” Trixie boasted as she levitated a scrapbook from seemingly nowhere and placed it on the table “Where shall we begin.”

“Umm…” Twilight hummed nervously, looking to her friends who each giggled and waved as they left.

“Ooh, I just love Trixies stories. Did you hear? She’s beaten an Ursa Major all by herself.” Blueblood giddily clopped his hooves together as he sat on the showmares other side.

“Great…” Twilight huffed

“Teehee, that was fun, we’ll get our Role Playing Cutie mark in no time.” Sweetie Belle squeaked excitedly

“And what are yalls gigglin’ about? Why wasn’t ah notified about this. huh?” Applejack, alongside Rarity, eyed the trio.

“Luna said not too, and she’s a princess.” Applebloom explained “Besides, Granny and Big Mac said it was ok.”

“Well. ah reckon if they said ok…” Applejack muttered

“And you young missy?” Rarity perked a brow at Sweetie Belle

“I asked mommy and daddy and they said I could.” She spoke cheerfully

“Well, alright than. And I assume Scootaloo has permission as well?” she said turning to Fluttershy

“Oh of course she does, right angel.” Fluttershy scooped the orange pegasus in her hooves and began to nuzzle her

“Ugh, mom, please stop…” she groaned struggling to be free from her grasp

“You’re just the cutest little thief, aren’t you.” Fluttershy giggled and continued to nuzzle

“Mom, I’m a ninja thank you very much, that’s why I’m cool.” Scootaloo said with a too cool for school nod

“Anyways, me and little miss fussy pants are gonna go to bed. She gets so cranky when she doesn’t have her nappy.” Fluttershy snuggled Scootaloo more as she hovered off the ground, the orange filly groaning

With a roll of her eyes Scootaloo hugged back and was flown off.

"And this is when Trixie awed all of Manehatten" Trixie spoke with majesty to a bored, but polite Twilight and engrossed Blueblood

"Oh oh, tell her how you made the bridge float!" Blueblood urged

Clopping her hooves together, Cadance giggled "Aren't Blueblood and Trixie the cutest little couple to be?"

"Oh sweet Celestia don't let them procreate." Rarity said with a terrified look on her muzzle.

"Be nice, Mr. Bluebloods not nearly as bad as you make him out to be." Sweetie pouted up at her sister

"Yeppers, they're awfulyl cute! Super duper sunshiney!" Pinkie cheered wrapping her hooves around the three.

"Ugh, Applejack let's go afore ah bash mah head on tha table." Applebloom muttered as she wandered toward the door

With a shudder of disgust Applejack muttered "Eyup." as they left together

"Rgh apdhfon dfohaj alkjhjvosdh oha oua." Rainbow went on before she flew away

"Let's go Sweetie Belle, early to bed and early to rise and all that." Rarity began, passing one more look at Trixie and Blueblood, dreading their obvious future union.

"I should get going too. Shiney's got to be bored to death waiting for me." Cadence smiled and waved as she left.

Without a word Spitfire also left, instead opting to nod straight faced at Luna before soaring off. With many words, many of which were ignored, Pinkie also made her exit, stage right apparently. Turning to Spike, Twilight teleported to him and scooped him up "Well, it's been fun, but I must get him to be before he gets cranky. Baby's and all that." she offered with an unconvincing smile, but by this point Blueblood and Trixie were to busy starring bashfully into each others gaze.

"Uh huh, that's fine Trixie's friend, take care of your son or..." Trixie's voice trailed off into a giggle as she was engrossed by Blueblood's talking

"He's not my..." Twilight and Spike looked at each other before shrugging rather uninterested in pursuing the idea further before leaving together

After that, all that was left was Trixie and Blueblood who didn't seem to notice that were alone. Not really caring, Luna simply said"Well, bye." as she left, turning the lights off on the two.

Author's Note

I'm back? I mean, I wanna be. Buy attentions span is