Author's Note

Whooo. I worked long and hard on writing, and editing this one so here's hoping. And, to any long time readers URGENT READ URGENT READ If you've been following for a while, you must know Standing Fast Part I has undergone significant change as the story is completely different from what you might have read last time. Please go back and read it to ensure you're up to date and not getting super confused! For more info, there's a change log available on the fics main page so please read that to know what's up! Anyways enjoy, leave any comments down below and please let me know what ya think! Til next time.

Standing Fast Part 2: Old Wounds

The group, in the ruins of canterlot castle surrounded by construction work, stared at the soft blue showmare who only hung her head in shame. They had to cancel last month's game after what the press was calling The 3rd, and then 4th great war respectively and it was all Trixies fault. Lifting her head Trixie spoke softly “Ok, so Trixie may be in part to blame,” the glares intensified “Mostly to-” the unicorns, and alicorns horns began to glow “Ninety-” Trixie could swear Pinkie Pie and Rarity each pulled out weapons. After careful consideration Trixie softly muttered “Trixie is sorry.”

“Well, after you caused the destruction of… everything, we think thou shouldst be sorry.” Luna pouted

“We all may have had a hoof in the… incidents.” Twilight admittedly sheepishly

“Not me.” Sunset shimmer said, hooves kicked up in a relaxed position.

“Wouldn’t be so bad if somepony hadn’t destroyed the castle.” Luna stared dead at Fluttershy who ducked behind the table

“I just don’t know what got over me, there was just brimstone and hellfire, I just felt so… in control.” Fluttershy admitted

“You’re lucky my sister likeths thou so much…” Luna muttered and sighed “Look, let us forget about last month and begin the-” she stopped to stare at Trixie, the group following suite, as the showmare furrowed a brow down at a book labeled ‘Pastafarian Advanced Conjurations.’. Within moments a chair, encased in Luna’s magic, flew into Trixie, knocking her into the wall unconscious as half the group rushed to the book and began stomping on it, hitting it with a bat, and even crying at times.

“Don’t blame the book, sweet Celestia don’t blame the book!” Twilight cried as the book was turned to shreds, not even a scrap allowed to survive with any form of readability.

Dealt with, the group returned to their seats, Twilight weeping over the senseless violence against the written word as the elder princess proclaimed “We are beginning now.” an angry flash of light overtaking the group

“I see…” upon exiting the small meeting room the group called to meet with Caspen who, after having received the same news they had, was preparing a group to go retake the city gates. While selecting men for his mission he was approached by the girls who had expressed their desire to be the ones to make the attack. Caspen, fingers rubbing his chin in thought, sighed and looked back at them “Considering how you managed taking back the church I’m honestly considering it, but…”

Taken aback by his sudden back peddling Wrath retorted angrily “But what?”

“But,” he began “Your group, if we’re really so inclined to call it that, have exactly one accomplishment under yours belts and we can’t deny the possibility of you just being lucky.”

“That’s bull!” Wrath took an aggressive stance towards the man, teeth bared as she growled not unlike a dog

“Yalls can chalk it up ta luck fer these folk, but ah ain’t never been lucky in mah lahf.” Jessebelle replied from behind the group

“Hmm, remind me to invite you out for cards.” Caspen half joked, earning a small grin from the woman “Look, I know I can’t dissuade you, and honestly, I’m inclined to keep my best men here to ensure we maintain our position. So instead of tell you no and have you leave anyways, I’ll make sure you’re prepared.” Caspen turned to one of his men and shouted an order for them to fetch something. A few moments passed as the man returned with a large box “These are some rare items we’ve recovered from the castle proper before coming here, spread them amongst yourselves and get going.”

“Hell yeah,” Wrathtail knelt before the box, unsheathing her blade and using it to crack the crate open “Oh baby, what do we have here.” She spoke excitedly as she pulled out a long flowing golden cloak.

“I’ll take a look.” Starstorm offered, receiving the cloak from Wrath before going over it “It seems to protect the wearer somehow, I believe it will protect one from harmful effects.” Next Star was handed a rather heavy dagger “It’s magically infused to provide superior balance and cutting power.” Taking to Wraths side she pulled something out on her own “These boots infuse the wearer with superior speed and this ring acts as a sort of barrier from attacks.”

“Woah, hey this wand has healing magic in it.” Wrath shook the stick for a moment before scoffing “Meh, can’t use it. Sprinkles you might be able to.” She handed the wand to the bard who waved it about as it began to glow with some magic.

“I’ll take-” Selina begun before Leona interrupted

“The ring.” She muttered, averting her gaze when the group looked at her “We might need her to disarm traps or enter sealed locations, if she’s dead we’d have no way in.” she answered with a light tinge of red on her face

Blushing herself, Selina looked at the ground “I was thinking the dagger, I don’t foresee anyone else being as proficient with it is all, and it’s only fair if we each, um....”

Rolling her eyes, Jesse reached into the box and pulled out a very plain white shirt “Uh, explain?”

Taking the garb Star hummed “It seems it grants the wearer a burst of speed, probably only once. Could be used to move into position or something of the sort.”

“Hey Star,” Wrath caught the mage's attention, tossing Star a small pearl causing the woman's eyes to light up “That’ll restore some essence if you find yourself out.”

“Excellent, and I take it you want the boots?” Start offered as Wrath took the boots and was already slipping her feet in them

“This shirt works fer me.” Jesse muttered as she threw off her duster and began pulling off her clothes

With a devious grin Wrath kicked herself up next to the undressing foreigner “Aw yeah, that’s what I’m talking about.”

Blushing, Leona covered her eyes and turned away causing Selina to pout childishly “You could have changed elsewhere.”

Throwing the shirt to the ground revealed that beneath it was another made of interlocked chains followed by another, smaller shirt beneath it “Yalls really thought ah had nothin’ on under there?”

Grunting in disappointment Wrath sat on the box, balling the cloak up and tossing it to Sprinkles “You take that and we can let Leo take the ring.”

Daring to peek through her fingers Leona looked at the magus as she held the ring out to her “No thank you, someone else should use it.”

“Com’on girleh, we each go’ one.” Sprinkles said as she affixed the cloak to herself, twirling briefly as it fluttered behind her.

“I’m fine, it won’t serve me much use, my faith protects me.” She stated as Jesse snatched the ring up

“Iffen she ain’t wantin’ it-” Jesse began

Snatching the ring back, Wrath growled “If anyone gets it it’ll be Star.”

“Me, but I’m not that helpful anyways, besides, if I hide behind you guys it won’t be of much use.” She said to dissuade the group

Extending her hand out behind the rogue, Leona pushed Selina towards Wrath before walking off without a word. “Hmm… uh…” Selina offered awkwardly

“Technically her ring, if she wants you to have it than it’s yours.” Wrath put the ring in Selina's hand who took it with a sigh before slipping it on “Looks like we’re good here.”

“Not yet,” Star opened her pouch and presented Wrath and Sprinkles with a few rolled up parchments“These are some scrolls I’ve been sitting on for a long time, take’em.”

“Hey thanks,” Wrath took a pair of the scrolls as Sprinkles did the same “When did you get time to go get’em?”

“Oh, um, I may have, uh, had them the entire time?”Star smiled nervously, her voice rising in pitch as she spoke as the other women deadpanned at her “I’m sorry.”

“Here,” a man dressed in military armor approached the women and handed them each a backpack and canteen “There’s a pouch with 3 vials of healin’ sauce fer each of ya.” The man said before quickly being off

“Nice!” Wrath hissed as she threw the backpack on, suppressing a chuckle as Star attempted much the same before tipping over followed by breathing as if running a track race.

Picking up the bag, Leona threw it and her own on, snatching Selina’s just as she’d reached for it before effortlessly adding it to her load, causing Selina to again pout “Let’s go.” Leona said moving for the door.

Elbowing Selina, Wrath smiled brightly at her “Let’s get to it.” Before following Leona out.

Outside of the church, the girls crouched in a circle staring into a map “Alright, so from here to the gates would normally be a straight shot just by following the main road, however that’s obviously impossible. However, if my guess is correct the Hands of Gaia are approximately here from our last report and, uh, Tristana’s group is here. Caspen will use his men to create a diversion here at the church by moving his men forward, in doing so, combined with the other groups movements, this creates an opening just large enough for us to move through relatively safely.” Star marked their movements on the maps with an invisible pen.

“This actually leads us through, or at least by several guild bases and safehouses. We’ve employed a few spell casters to keep them safe and sealed save for to us who have a passphrase for each. I know them well and, if you’d like, can lead us through each safely as they have connecting tunnels underneath we can use to avoid conflict.” Selina offered, using a very much visible pen to mark the locations

“In addition,” Leona took the pen from Selina “I’ve kept up with other movements and I hear a group of various people are pinned here in the old barracks. There are people fighting but not many. We should free them and have them take our opening to return here and help as they can.”

“Seems lahk a waste of tahm.” Jesse spit at the ground

“Tough, I second Leona’s plan.” Wrath insisted, pointing a thumb at herself to emphasize the point

“Agreed, and it’s also near my house, I have even more scrolls scattered about and my familiar inside.” Star marked her house's location

“Your house is on the main road, it might not be worth hitting.” Wrath pointed out

“We’ll see as we progress.” Leona looked up at the others “We ready to do this?” The group nodded “Then let’s give the captain the signal.”

Standing to her full height, Leona flashed the captain a few hand gestures prompting him to nod at her “Five minutes, get ready to run.” The six took up a position due south of the church, their heartbeats and breaths slowing to mere crawls as they let time pass over them. Wordlessly, they each locked onto the various hounds and soldiers scattered about their path, watching their movements with intense focus. Eventually, a loud horn burst through the air, the men that were engaging the beasts repositioning as the men at the front of the church ran forth with bloody screams. Taking notice of this the shadowy creatures yipped and hissed and began running toward the center of attention leaving the path clear “Go!” Leona commanded as they all began sprinting full force.

The girls ran as far as their legs would take them, their heavy footsteps passing right by several groups of the hounds and various, new creatures that littered the streets, the rushing of movement blinding them to the horribly mangled corpses and splatters of blood all about as they focused on their first agreed upon stop. With her new boots, Wrath easily outpaced them all, blade brandished as she dragged it across the sides of several of the straggling beasts while Jesse cracked several shots at others that were beginning to poke from the sides of houses and outdoors, even pointing back to kill a few that were chasing them. “Break left.” Selina ordered as she dropped a small handful of smoke bombs at their back before tossing a rock at a trash bin in the opposite direction, diverting the enemy's attentions. “There, the wore out one with the old banner in front of it.” Selina pointed out.

Running, the girls were halted as a large pack who overheard them slid into view from an alley way, forcing them to turn away from the building. Continuing their spirit they began to takenotice as more rolling, writhing shadow began to form around them, almost as if the creatures were birthed from nothing. Distracted by this, Star was unable to notice the pouncing beast leap from behind a trash bin, it’s fangs digging deep into her shoulder as it knocked her down. Noticing this, Jesse turned to shoot the beast only to be met by clicking “Damnit.” She cursed, about ready to stop and engage the thing with a knife. Fortunately, from behind Leona planted a kick that echoed out with a dreadful pop as the creature's spine burst in its body before it disappeared. Picking Star up and pushing her forward, Leona moved to continue just as one of the beasts latched onto her leg, followed by another and another until they brought her down onto her back.

Star turned to help right before she locked eyes with Leona who shouted “Go!” As more of the beasts began to pile on top of her, digging their fangs into her armor, causing small splashes of blood to hit the ground beneath her. Fully loaded, Jesse began to shoot the hounds off of Leona’s back as she struggled to push them away. Turning fully, Selina, with both blades drawn, had began to cut through the creatures, a vicious sense of focus in her eyes as she pierced one's head, than with body twirling one pounced at her, missing completely and instead finding itself cut in twain. With a bloody roar Leona was able to force the beasts off her back, their bodies exploding off of hers as she rose to a stand, the rush of adrenaline sending her into a fury as she turned and began to lay fist after fist into the approaching monsters, one being knocked back with such force that it hit another with enough momentum to shatter both of their spines. Taking to Leona’s side, Selina had both of her blades in hand, however she was picked up and swiftly tossed away from the encroaching enemy. Running in front of the rampaging woman both Sprinkles and Star weaved a spell each, from Star a burst of radiant colors that caused many to fall over as if paralyzed and from Sprinkles a wave of magic that made several wobble tiredly before falling over asleep

Safe to proceed, Leona Star and Sprinkles returned to a full sprint forward. Just as the others began again, Wrath turned back to notice her friends were gone, eye twitching as she realized she’d ditched them. “Damnit!” She yelled angrily, causing a few more hounds to lurk from the darkness. Deflating, she readied her weapon, cleaving through the first two effortlessly before scorching the last three with a powerful wave of flame that burst from her hand. As those were dispatched she noticed the others catching up behind her “Let’s go!” She yelled and began to run ahead again. A few more moments of running, the girls finally looped back around and were approaching the building.

Sliding to a halt in front of the door, Wrath’s head darted back and forth as she leapt to slash another approaching beast as it crept up from the shadows. “Come on, get in.” Wrath spoke as Selina effortlessly flipped over the small railing the stood at the side of the stairs leading up to the door before muttering some short incoherent phrase before pushing the door open, holding it for the others to enter with Jessebelle the last to move in as she loosed a few more shots into the enemy. Door shut behind them, they soon heard the scratching of the hounds at the door as they yipped and growled for entry but were completely blocked.

On the ground huffing as if moments from death, Star struggled to as much as stand “I *gasp* no *gasp* move *gasp* again *gasp*.”

Huffing herself Wrath lazily kicked the downed mage “This *huff* is why *huff* we exercise.”

Hobbling on her leg, Leona began to walk further in. Alerted by Leona’s movement, Selina yelped “No!” As she tackled the woman to the ground as a poison tipped arrow sailed overhead. “Thieves base, remember!” She yelled, staring at the woman before realizing she was straddling Leona, a furious blush creeping on her.

“Get off.” Leona muttered meekly much to Selina's surprise as she quickly came to her feet.

“Oi, yer leg’s all inna tizzeh, lemme and ol’ ‘appy sitck ‘ave at ya.” Sprinkles offered, moving to Leona and applying the magic from her wand to Leona.

Ready to protest, Leona was halted by Star “Let her, you should save your power while you can, it’s more effective in combat anyways.” Realizing what she meant Leona nodded acceptingly and let the bard get to work.

“You know, um, I’m going to, uh, get to work on disabling those traps.” Selina spoke far too eager to get away as she moved further in.

Finally settling down, the group was able to look on into the room which seemed completely untouched. Over on one side was a table and several chairs with a a set of playing cards on top. To the other side was a large couch that looked very soft right now to their weary eyes. Beyond that there was a door leading into another room and a set of stairs leading up.

“All betteh.” Sprinkles announced as she moved to treat Star’s bleeding shoulder.

“Wooh, ah ain’t run lahk that since…” Jesse looked at the bard who smiled and shrugged much to the group's confusion

“I suppose you know each other, she gave me a similar workout this morning.” Leona spoke as she began to walk about.

“We should wait until Selina gives us the ok to move.” Star mentioned to Leona who ignored it and instead began to look around the room.

Leona started at the table before lifting up the cards to notice a few too many aces in the set “Of course.” She muttered

Plopping down on the couch, Wrath sank in with a loud yell before announcing “We made it!”

“Onleh so far, we’ve go’ alot more ta go.” Sprinkles reminded

Coming from up the stairs, Selina returned “All clear.” She said, taking a seat at the table

“Shouldn’t we get going?” Leona asked, only to receive a groan from the room

“Come on Leo!” Wrath complained “This is the most comfortable I’ve been all day.”

“We just started.” Leona stated “We can rest when we’ve saved the city.”

“She’s right, we should move on.” Star agreed, despite her own burning ribs

“Follow me.” Selina said, leading them into the next room over, seemingly just a very simple bedroom. “Leona, could you move that bed?” Without a word Leona picked the bed up and tossed it away “Leo!”

“Oops.” Leona feigned as she knelt to the now revealed trapdoor, hand stopped when a dagger struck beside it

“Traps, Leo.” Selina spoke before leaning down and fiddling with the door. After a short moment she pulled it up and slid down into the darkness below “Oh it’s awfully dark, Star do you have a light?” Casting a bit of magic Star dropped a glowing stone that landed with a thump “Ow, Star the hell?” She yelled up as she was seen holding her head

“Sorry!” Star apologized to a huffing Selina.

Picking up the stone Selina continued forward “Follow behind, I know where the traps are so if you don-”

Eyes narrowing to pinpricks, Jesse caught a feint movement heading for Selina“Selina move!” She yelled down as Selina turned just as a pitch black sword pierced her chest causing her eyes to go dull as she fell down onto the ground lifelessly

Before anyone else could react, Leona leapt down with an animalistic roar, running to Selina’s side “Damnit Leona, stop!” Wrath yelled as the shadowy blade appeared again and slashed Leona across the chest, causing her to stumble back as blood trickled down her armor.

Pointing down, Jesse began to shoot at the shadow whose movements she barely followed behind the veil of darkness. Leaping to the bottom, Wrath took to Leona’s side followed by Sprinkles who began to heal Selina’s wounds. Again from the darkness the blade struck again, this time bouncing off Leona’s armor, a bright spark revealing the shadowy creatures form more completely as it resembled a person in a hood and mask dipped in moving shadow, “Listen, it seems to be striking and moving back, if we-” Wrath began only to notice the large woman was in a wide eyed rage twitching violently with any semblance of rationality lost as she roared again before running into the darkness.

“Fuck!” Wrath cursed, turning to Star looking for advice

“We… we should get Selina up if we can and follow with a plan.” Star spoke hesitantly, knowing it to be the smart answer if not the preferred one.

Jumping down, Jesse and Star joined the others with Selina gasping back to consciousness after a few moments under Sprinkles care “Yer alright girleh, jus’ breath.”

“Yalls got blind sided.” Jesse added

“Whatever that thing was, it was projecting an area of darkness that was swallowing up my light spell.” She began to chew her nails

“Do you have magic missile?” Wrath joked with a shrug

“Haha,” Star scoffed and began chewing more

Noticing Leona was nowhere to be found Selina muttered “She ran in didn’t she?”no one answered her, there was no point

Running on pure instinct, Leona followed the creature in for close to a minute, pausing when it’s own running seemed to halt. Blind and shaking with raw emotion, Leona’s head darted at every sound it could until she felt something scrape against her armor. Reflexively she swung at it but only felt the cave wall chip beneath her fist. Again another scrape as she swung wildly at it, connecting with nothing. This time, Leona focused on the direction of the attacker and just as she felt a new scrape she swung her leg feeling something as the sound of tumbling was heard before her. Certain the enemy to be somewhere in front of her Leona began to wildly punch at the ground the echoes of her gauntlets against the stone ringing out until she felt the satisfaction of her fist strike onto something fleshy, a pained screech released from it’s body. Hearing the sound of moving away from her Leona charged forward, swinging wide as she felt another direct hit as whatever it was crashed into the wall. Last hearing it against the side of her, Leona entered another flurry of punches into the wall but failing to connect with anything. Her pummeling of the stone lasting a few moments until she felt a terrible pain as a blade entered her kidney and pulled away in a single movement.

Vision blurring with pain, Leona filled her palm with magic before touching herself as the energies began to rapidly seal her own wounds followed by her pulling out one of her potions and chugging that as well, throwing it in the enemy's general directions when she was finished with it. Now in utter silence again Leona waited and this time when the blade struck her armor she reached out with both arms, body draping over the unseen form. The thing in her grip stabbed at her again and again, the weapon scraping against her armor uselessly as she dragged it to the ground, straddling it as she felt it up until her hands found it’s throat, or what she assumed was a throat, squeezing and squeezing all while howling angrily until finally she felt it disappear in her grip.

Leona remained for only a short while longer, gasping for breath as each intake scraped against her sore throat. Suddenly her trembling returned, breath growing in pace as tears stung her eyes. With more screams she began to strike the the ground again and again, the grinding of the stone against her gauntlets sending ripples of pain through her fingers. During her blind assault she began to shout words from her native tongue into the air.

Coming from around the corner, the light of Stars magic revealed the rampaging brute as she screamed violently. “Leo?” Star attempted to get her attention, though that didn’t stop Leona who continued as if possessed

“Erm, someone should…” Wrath muttered anxiously

“Ah sure as hell ain’t gettin’ near her like dat.” Jesse refused, keeping a safe distance from the rampaging brute

“Any idea what she’s saying?” Star turned to the others, all of which shrugged save for Selina who began to approach.

‘Don’t touch her. Never touch her.’ Selina repeated Leona’s words in her head as she slowly inched her hand to Leona’s shoulders ‘I’ll kill you, I’ll kill everything.’ She finished mentally as her hand landed upon her childhood friend, the other woman turning and swinging at Selina who leaned back away from the attack. Realizing what she was looking at, Leona’s expression softened to a hollow stare. Reaching her hand to touch Leona’s face Selina began to whisper “It’s ok, I-”

Leona knocked her hand away “Leave.” She ordered

“The hell?” Wrath growled “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Leona turned, clearly not wanting to look at the others, or have them look at her “She’ll just get in the way.” She answered

“Leona calm down, it was one-” Star began but Leona had a reply ready

“Twice.” She said “This is twice. We don’t have time or resources to waste on her anymore.” Leona spoke coldly

Enraged, Wrath approached shouting “The hell gives you the ri-” as she spoke Leona’s head whipped toward Wrath, her glare alone sending a chill of fright through Wrath who stepped back, sensing intent to kill in Leona’s eyes.

“Yalls need to get yer head outta yer ass, yalls got about as much say on the matter as ah do.” Jesse added with her back against the cave wall.

“Do yourself a favor and shut up.” Threatened the now trembling titan

“Make me.” Jesse replied, a known mistake as Leona rose, eyes glossing over into a manic glare as she approached. Realizing Leona was serious, Jesse began to reach for her gun, hand pinned to the wall by an expertly placed dagger from Selina whose own frigid stare spoke volumes “Tch, as long as ah get paid.” She muttered causing Leona to back off.

Moving to Jessebelle, Sprinkles pulled the dagger out “Let meh ge’ that.” She spoke weakly, she herself shaking nervously.

Drawing her sword, Wrath readied herself, aimed at Leona who turned and stared back “Maybe you should leave, you’re just a fuckin’ bully like everyone else.”

Lifting her fists, Leona looked intent to fight Wrath who would have continued had Selina not drawn her blades as well and stared at Wrath with equal violent intent. “Enough!” Star screeched with enough force to send a deafening wave over everyone as they gripped their ears in sudden pain. Panting, Star looked over the others as they stood hunched over stunned “You need to stop this right now, this isn’t helping anyone, you’re not helping anyone,” she pointed and Leona “Can’t you see she doesn’t want you protecting her all the time?” Star raved

The cavern went quiet for a moment as Leona and Selina just looked at each other sadly. The silence could only last so long until Leona grit her teeth and began walking away “Like I care.” She said heading further in “She doesn’t mean anything to me anyways, just another thief.”

Shaking, Selina yelled back “That’s fine why would anyone care about a monster like you anways!” Before running back towards the hideout.

Scoffing Jesse began to stretch “Whateva, at least we can get sometin’ done now.” She spoke before walking in Leona’s direction.

“Screw you!” Yelled Wrathtail as she began running after Selina

Biting her nails until her thumb nail chipped, Star ran in front of Jesse “Wait here, I’ll go talk to Leo.” before running off as well

Rolling her eyes Jesse put her back against the wall again “What a waste’a tahm.” She muttered

Sprinkles and Jessebelle stood in the cavern completely unmoving and silent, nothing but the dull shine of magic keeping them company. However, as Jesse began to slip into a soft nap she heard something speak, but not in words she understood. Reflexively drawing her gun she looked for the source of the words until she turned to Sprinkles, or she would have if she were still there “Ah… huh?” Jesse muttered, looking around to see only blackness. Confused, she looked down at herself and was able to see her own body in full view despite the deep, endless black.

Not risking movement, Jesse focused her hearing, trying to find the source of the words from before until a chuckle echoed out from behind her “Lookin’ fer somethin’?” It asked in a terrible, familiar voice that made Jesse’s confidence shatter in her chest, eyes laced with terror “Why tha long face, ah reckoned you’d be excited ta hear yer ol’ man again.” It taunted as a single white pulse formed in the blackness that moved as fire and beat like a heart. Soon around the single spark formed a thing of shadows outlined only by its constant movement, it’s shape like that of a full grown man in boots, a duster and a large western hat with only a single eye glowing from it’s grinning face “Howdy.” It spoke in a deep, raspy voice as if it came from the throat of the dead

Despite the terrible thumping in her chest, Jesse raised her gun once reality sunk in, but the absurd speed of the figure caught her off guard, grabbing onto her arm with enough force to cause mild bruising. Suddenly she felt small, weak, the terrible sight of the man drawing in flashes of the same figure as a normal man with whiskey on his breath as he pulled far too roughly on a little girl's arm. “What’d ah say, iffen yalls wanna put yer old man down, yalls need to be better’n that.” it mocked before laying it’s knee into her chest, air forced from her lungs as it brought her to her knees “Come now child, why look so scared? This is a touching family reunion.” He spoke before throwing her to the ground a few feet away, the gun sliding beside her.

Arms shaking, Jesse reached for her firearm, vision growing blurrier by the second. Just as her fingertips brushed the piece a foot came crashing down on her arm causing a shriek of pain to erupt from her throat as she began to squirm beneath the man “You’ve always been worthless.” He said before laying a kick into her side, pushing her away from her weapon “No good like yer mah.” He stomped on her chest, causing her to gasp and gurgle helplessly “Ah did ya a favor by killin’ ya once. Now wah’d ya have ta go’n ruin that?”

“Ah… ah…” she struggled to speak as blood now ran down her chin

“What?” The man leaned down to look her in the face a she spoke

Once close enough Jesse spit into his face, her blood now splattered on his face “Ah hate you.” She finished, a defiant grin on her face

Finally pulling a long, black revolver from his belt he pointed it down at her, her eyes catching the words Maria on the side of the weapon as his own eye flickered briefly, a cold look on his near featureless face “Night kiddo.” He said before pulling the trigger.

“Leo wait!” Star huffed as she run up in front of Leona, hands on her knees as she gasped for breath “W-Wait *huff* oh gods *huff*.” Leona looked away, mostly out of embarrassment for the woman's poor health “W-Why…”

Leona mulled the question over for a moment, shrugging “It doesn’t matter.”

Looking up to Leo, Star stood straight “Of course it matters. Please, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” She said coldly, still avoiding eye contact

“It’s clearly nothing Leo.” Sighing Star crossed her arms “I know I don’t understand, but I’d like to you know, just talk to me.” She smile kindly up at Leona who seemed as if overtly interested in the stone wall.

Grinding her teeth for a moment, much to Stars disgust, Leona looked to her than back away “I…” shaking her head of the thought Leona muttered “It’s nothing.”

Grunting annoyedly Star held the bridge of her nose “Leona please, just give me anything.”

Sensing Stars frustration Leona began to rub her arm “I’m fine, it doesn’t matter, no one cares.” She spoke weakly

Looking up in surprise Star frowned “I care. Even Selina-”

“She clearly doesn’t” interrupted Leona who anxiously shook and fidgeted

“Leo, no, of course she does. She was just upset is all.” Star,having to reach her hand all the way up, rubbed Leona’s shoulder comfortingly “Is that what’s bothering?” Leona shrugged not unlike an emotionally confused child “If that’s why you’re mad at her-”

“No!” She yelped surprising Star “I-it’s not why…” her voice trailed off softly

Holding her hands to her lap Star tilted her head confusingly, leaning in closer to look at Leona’s eyes as they seemed to shimmer gently. Humming in thought Star drew back “Than, why are you mad?”

Leona’s mouth hung agape, her expression softening “Why?” She repeated the word as thoughts flashed to a smiling Selina when they were kids playing out in the forest “Why?” She repeated again as she remembered holding Selina warmly at night “Why?” Her eyes began to well with tears, a soft sniffling coming from her as she saw Selina disappear into the crowd, not to be seen again for a long time “Why?” Leona held herself as she began to shake, tears falling down heavy on the stone floor, her voice trembling as she whimpered weakly “Beacause… because…”

Star watched as the woman began to breakdown more and more, heart beating anxiously as she saw Leona shudder like a starving dog “Leo?” She spoke softly reaching for her face

“Because she abandoned me!” Leona yelled, falling to her knees as she began to sob loudly, head buried into Stars robes as they were quickly stained with tears

Holding back her own tears, Star knelt down next to Leona, gently cradling her and rocking gently, hushing her as best she could “I-I don’t think…” she offered weakly

Now gasping and sniffling uncontrolably Leona dug her face as close to Star as she could “W-why di-id sh-she go? I-I l-looked everywh-ere a-and she w-wasn’t an-ny-where a-at all! I w-was so s-scared. Sh-she c-could of g-gotten hurt a-and I w-wasn’t th-th-there! Sh-she never m-messaged m-m-me a-and n-never t-to-old m-me i-if sh-sh-she was o-o-o-k-k-kay.”

Star held a little tighter, her own tear dripping gently down onto Leona’s hair “I-I’m sure she was fine…”

“But I wasn’t there!” She screamed into Stars chest, her massive frame balling up as tightly as it could “W-why did go?” She whimpered weakly “D-does sh-she hate me?”

Biting her lip, Star wriggled weakly “No… she- I’m sure she-”

“She h-hates me doesn’t she? Is it b-because of h-how I look? H-how I am? Sh-she hate m-me cause I-I’m an u-ugly w-orthless f-f-freak!” Her bawling was out of control, is was obvious to Star at this point that years of pent of fears and turmoil came gushing out in a single moment of complete weakness.

“Don’t say stuff like that, i-its not true.” Star couldn’t stop herself from bawling at this point, roughly wiping at her face with her robe sleeve

“I-it is, I’m stupid a-and worthless. She hates me, you hate me, everybody hates me! It’s not my fault, I don’t wanna be like this, I don’t I don’t. It’s not fair why does everybody hate me why? I just wanna help I do! It’s not fair. I-I-I hate m-myself, I hate how I look I hate how I am I’m so stupid stupid stupid.” She began banging her gauntlets against her had, quickly drawing blood that ran down her pink mane

“S-stop, don’t” Star grabbed onto Leona’s head, wrapping it up to protect it from Leona’s violent fit “D-don’t say stuff like tha-”

“I wish I was dead!” She screeched, hands gripping into Star so hard her robes began to tear

Heart beating like a drum, Star tensed as it became painful to watching Leona this completely miserable. Wiping her tear stained face in Leona’s hair, Star blurted out “She doesn’t hate!” She began to breath heavy as she spoke “She doesn’t! She doesn’t hate you and she didn’t abandon you!” Her yelling so loud that it began to strain her voice “She only left because she had to, she had to, i-it was to keep you safe!”

Leona gasped, her crying seeming to cease as she pulled away to look at Star “W’what?” She asked meekly

Realizing what she said Star gulped loudly and nodded “Y-yeah, she promised to work for Darius and in return he’d get you into the church.”

Leona was dumbfounded, her heartbeat was wild and her thoughts raced and despite all the thoughts and feelings the ran through her, her face scrunched up as tears began to stream with renewed vigor as she buried her face back into Stars chased “She doesn’t hate me, she doesn’t hate me.” Was all she could say in her irrational, emotional state as she sobbed sloppily into Stars clothing even more

“Y-yeah, that’s right. Neither do I Leo, a-and if everyone else does that’s their problem because you’re the nicest person I ever met.” She spoke through her sore throat, though she was sure by now anything she said wouldn’t register with Leona.

Tired and distraught, Star resigned to just let Leona cry helplessly into her robe, cradling her and stroking her hair while humming quite off key but still pleasant enough to get the point across. In time Leona’s bawling turned into soft sniffles and whimper until finally she just lie there comfortably, a placid look on her face as she sank into her friend's lap and felt the gentle stroking of Stars delicate hand. However, no matter how bad she wished to just lounge under her friends gentle care Leona sat up, fully realizing how she’d been behaving “I-I should go make things right so we can get back to it.” She stood up, picking Star up with her

With a smile, Star nodded cheerfully “Let’s get to it!”

Humming softly, Sprinkles sat somberly while doodling musical notes into the dirt under her. Slowly she began to smile, cheering herself up as the tune came together in her head. Happily she turned to Jesse “Oi, ya think everythin’ wil- Jesse?” She looked up at Jesse who seemed unmoving and unbreathing. Standing Sprinkles gulped as she touched the woman's hat “Jesse?” She asked again, lifting the hat to reveal Jesse’s eyes were closed but both they and her mouth were leaking blood “Jesse!” She shouted, grabbing her by the shoulders and shaking in a panic “Wake up, wake up!” She screamed shaking the woman as hard as she could

“Poor Beatrice, as helpless as ever.” A voice echoed from a little down the cavern “Why must Geppetto's puppet misbehave so, strings breaking like so many hearts, both tossed into the fire and left to burn.”

“N-no…” she whispered as strong masculine arms wrapped around her, hands forcing themselves onto her crotch and breasts. “Don’t touch meh!” She yelled, struggling against the arms holding her

“Why not? We spent so many lovely nights together, two lovers dance the lovers dance beneath a night sky filled with stars, sole audience to the enduring proclamation of their eternal bond.”the man stroked her more perversely, dragging his tongue across her ear before digging his nose into her curly pink locks and sniffing greedily

Freeing herself from the grip, Sprinkles ran forward before turning only to see nothing there. Reaching for her whip, she drew her hand back when she realized it was gone “Looking for something my love?” The voice asked, wrapping the whip around her throat and choking her, her hands clawing at the leather bound weapon, face turning a bright red as she gasped desperately for air. Mouth up to her ear, the man spoke “I thought we liked the rough stuff?” He giggled before nibbling her ear with enough force to cause a dribble of blood to roll down to the lobe. Gagging out muddled words, Sprinkles shook and fought “Hmm, what’s that my dear? Oh, you’re choking are you?” He let go of her as she flopped to the ground, drinking in gulps of air as hard as she could

Inhaling deeply, the man spoke “Isn’t it great, the blood, the death, mm, like we always wanted, right my love?”

“Oi,” tears and fear overtaking “Oi never wanted this…”

The man began uproariously laughter, hand over his stomach “You stupid bitch!” He shouted “What did you think would happen? There’s a reason such things are left buried!” He began to approach Sprinkles, stopping to look at Jessebelle “My what a darling little thing we have here.”

Turning back, Sprinkles watched as the man dragged his tongue against Jesse’s chin, lapping at the blood before kissing her, forcing his tongue into her unconscious body “S-stop tha’!” She yelped, latching onto the mans leg

“Jealous? Oh don’t worry my love, she’s cute but my friend has already staked a claim on her.” He teased “Though, I little taste can’t hurt.” He said pulling a blade and beginning to cut the woman's vest open

“Don’t ya dare touch’er!” She screamed, grabbing the knife and trying to wrench it away.

Smiling the man slapped Sprinkles, putting her on her back before keeling over top her, eyes glistening with sadistic pleasure. Now with no choice but to look, Sprinkles stared at the shadowy form of the man, body dressed in the fine clothes of a nobleman, a long head of hair reaching down to the nape of his neck with two stark white eyes. Placing the knife to Sprinkles chest he began to cut not only her clothes, but her skin as her blood began to stain the edges of the fabric “I’ve been thinking about you, you know. Your supple body, you pleasant touch, your screams of terror and delight. I could get intoxicated on the thought alone.”

“Y-yer sick… yer should be dead!” Slapped the man across the face, knocking the smile off of his face

Frowning, the man dropped the knife and instead opted to begin strangling her, his hand prints joining the rough red marks on her throat “Come now my love, let’s not fight, we wanted to change the world and it’s going to be changed! We’ve worked too hard to let this day be ruined. And here I thought you’d be happy that I was back.” Sprinkles kicked and flailed but was powerless beneath his grip, her vision slowly slipping into darkness as she was brutally choked “Oh what am I doing!” He let go again “It’s no fun if you don’t squrm, now is it?” The man broke out into more laughter as Sprinkles turned and began dragging herself away “Oh, I preffer this position!” He screamed forcing his full weight on her “Let’s have some fu-”

With a violent scream Leona struck the small, shadowy gremlin like creature with a violent kick, knocking it off Sprinkles who had been screaming and crying since they arrived. Eyes now open, Sprinkles began to shake violently, balling up into fetal position. Weaving a blast of magic, Star struck the small creature that was currently on Jessebelle, knocking it off and bringing Jesse to consciousness, her body crumbling almost immediately as she began to hack up blood that had been building up in her throat and lungs. As the thing that was on Jesse began to run Leona quickly stomped on it full forcing causing it to disappear like the last.

“Leona, help Jesse I’ve got Sprinkles.” Star spoke as she rushed to Sprinkles side, observing small streaks of blood falling from her eyes and mouth “It’s alright I got you.” She said gently holding the shuddering bard “Here,” she handed a potion to Sprinkles who took it and quietly drank it, the sharp pains that were running inside of her body dissapearing.

At the same time, Leona had physically fed a potion to Jesse who was too weak to stand at that point. As the magic of the liquid worked Jesse began to move around more naturally “Ugh, one hell of a nightmare.”

“Hmm, whatever these creatures are they appear to kill you in your sleep, and from the sounds of it also create some type of hallucination.” Star observed, pulling out a small journal and writing into it “I’ll call it an Umblin, a mix of Umbra and Gremlin, on account of their appearance.”

“Reckon you intend on keepin’ track’a these thangs?” Jesse muttered weakly

“Oh, well, it only makes sense to right?”Star replied cheerfully, every so often looking down at Sprinkles who looked rather distant and scared.

Kneeling beside the two, Leona began to look over Sprinkles “You going to be ok?”

Looking up at the often terrifying paladin, Sprinkles was relieved to see a very kind, tear stained smile on her face. Nodding weakly she muttered “O-otha’s.” Understanding what she meant Leona turned and began running towards the thieves den.

“Selina?” Wrath asked poking her head up from the trap door, immediately spotting the woman sniffling in the corner “Hey.” she greeted weakly

Scoffing, Selina turned her head away “Oh joy, another pep talk.” She complained

“Er, uh… sorry?” Wrath offered softly, finishing her way up the ladder.

Sighing Selina shook her head “No, it’s fine. But really, you should all be focusing on the task at hand.”

Kicking at the ground with her hands in her pockets Wrath shrugged “Well, shit I know. Just, uh, didn’t wanna ditch you here.” She shifted uncomfortably about, clearly out of her element

Chuckling, Selina looked up at the woman “Well, aren’t you thoughtful.” She teased causing Wrath to blush and rub the back of her head. Patting at the spot beside her, Selina offered “Sit.”

Smiling Wrath did just that, plodding next to Selina “So, uh, you ok or something?”

Giggling more, Selina replied “Or something.”

Blushing harder Wrath cleared her throat “I-I mean, ya know…”

“Darling, don’t quit your day job. I fear for your patience were you to take up a psychiatric job.”she teased loosening up a tad

“Hey, I’ll have you know I’m a great motivational speaker.” She jerked her thumb in her direction, head held up proudly

“Oh I’m sure you are, and I’m actually a goddess, this is all an act and you’re really asleep in your bed.” She retorted

Pouting, Wrath glared at the woman who continued to laugh at her expensive. Slowly Wraths expression lightened as she stared at the woman in awe, she was pretty, quick witted, and graceful; certainly a gem. Swallowing roughly Wrath looked away while scratching her face absentmindedly “Y-yeah, well, uh I’d believe it. Y-you being a goddess part.” Blinking, Selina tilted her head at Wrath, a confused look on her face “I mean, uh, nevermind.”

“Ok…” Selina replied awkwardly, still smiling at Wrath though it had become rather forced. She waited for Wrath to begin speaking, expecting something nice or generic or even remotely comforting to come out but from the way the woman looked about the room you’d imagine she forgot where she was “Ahem.” she cleared her throat

“Oh! Uuh…” Wrath stared blankly at Selina who couldn’t help but smile and giggle more

“Darling, I believe you came up here to cheer me up?” She reminded the adorably confused swordsman

“Oh yeah! So, like, Leona’s dumb.” She spoke matter of factly

Giggling more Selina just shook her head “Oh, don’t mind her. She’s just… a little emotional is all.”

“Emotional? She was going to smash my skull like an acorn! She’s insane is what she is.” She complained, though this only seemed to dour Selina’s mood “I mean, monster is right, that oversized freak needs a leash.”

“Darling, I’ll request you speak more kindly of Leona, or you may find yourself having a bad time.” Her word were like daggers dipped in venom, her glare causing Wrath to gulp roughly

“I-I mean, uh, like she doesn’t have to act like that is all…” she sputtered weakly

Sighing Selina drew her knees back in close “I know, she does it for me though so I suppose I shouldn’t complain.”

“That’s bull though, she treats you like your helpless or something!” Wrath argued

“Maybe I am?” Selina offered weakly, a soft sad sheen to her eyes

Taking offense, Wrath grabbed Selina by the arm “Don’t say that, you’re totally not.”

‘Totally?’ Thought Selina with a blink

“You’re all, like, cool and, like… hiya and junk with your daggers.” Selina blinked even more as if Wrath were speaking a completely different language “Ugh, what I mean is, like, you’re super not helpless.”

‘Super?’ Selina questioned

“Like, the way you handle those mutt things and, and, the way you do your thief junk, which I’m totally cool with by the way, it’s really cool.” She urged and though only half the words seemed to register with Selina the point did come across

“I suppose, I like to think what I can do I’m competent at.” Selina shifted awkwardly “I don’t know, I just don’t feel good enough around her I guess. Every mistake just feels so crushing when she sees it. I want her to look at me like I look at her, impressed, in awe… “Selina blushed, shaking the thought away “Bah, that’s stupid.”

“No it’s not!” Wrath disagreed “I think it’s totally cool-”

‘Where does she get this dialect from? Here I thought Jesse and Sprinkles spoke oddly...’ She wondered

“That you look up to someone, you just, you look up to a jerk and a bully is all.” Selina frowned “Like, all she does is tell people what to do because she’s bigger than them or something, she thinks she’s so much better than ever-”

“You’re wrong!” Selina argued “You don’t have to like her but don’t you dare talk like you know her!” Wrath withdrew, forced back by her vengeful diatribe “She doesn’t think she’s better than anybody, quite the opposite in fact, I wish she’d look at herself as more than just an oversized freak! She’s kind and sweet and only tells people what to do to protect them. All she wants is to help people, even you, and sure she has a temper but that doesn’t mean she’s not trying her best! She can’t help it sometimes, ok, it’s not her fault, everyone else made her that way because they just wouldn’t leave her be so she has to act that way to keep us safe!” Somewhere during her rant Selina began crying, tears rolling around her angry scowl

Blushing, much to her chagrin, Wrath nervously began scratching the back of her neck “Jeeze, sorry…” she replied causing Selina to blush herself and move back to her seat

Selina and Wrath resigned to sit in awkward silence after that, the latter thinking furiously on what to say next, hoping to lighten the priors mood. “Look,” she began “I don’t know what you two have been through-”

“No, you don’t.” Selina huffed

“H-hey lemme finish! Jeeze. But, that doesn’t mean she has to be that way you know. It’s not cool. Like, I wouldn’t treat you like that. Or anything.” Wrath was blushing even more furiously now

“Well, that’s a nice sentiment bu-” inhaling sharply, Selina looked down to see Wraths hand holding hers

“You’re, like, really cool and…” her grip tightened “And you should maybe be with someone who’ll treat you better.” Wrath turned to look at Selina, both of their faces a deep red as they stared at each other's eyes

“Uh, um, Wrath darling I appr-” Running on pure hormones Wrath pressed her lips to Selina’s, her other hand reaching to hold Selina’s waist tenderly. ‘W-what the hell is she thinking?!’ Selina thought as she was gently eased into the kiss, and to take the situation awkward to awful, as Selina’s eyes darted about the room in shock they ultimately locked with Leona’s, who stood on the ladder of the trap door, in a shocked stare. Slowly Leona’s eyes narrowed as she grit her teeth, tears falling immediately as she began down the ladder again without as much as a word. Registering what was happening Selina pushed Wrath away, angrily glaring at Wrath who simply looked confused just as a bitter slap fell upon her face before Selina stood and darted down the manhole “Leona it’s not what you think!”

In silence Wrath just stood there holding her cheek “But…”

“