The following month after the mass damages in Ponyville and the shoring of its guards left a slight durest in the ranks of the Caribou forces. Despite the certainty of their power, the male in cold armor and crowned like helm had been spotted all over the southern areas of the land. Roaming from place to place, patrols coming across the dark lord and his hoards.

There were few survivors to be found-- wounded and bloody and near broken, but enough of them to confirm the male and his armed little imp rats were on the constant move. Appearing in near random locations at the most random of times. Towns and caravans were hit, and most of things remaining set ablaze upon the path he trekked.

Food was stolen. Mare’s let loose to flee into the wilds. Gold stolen. Pillows...raided?

For one noblemen that sat in his lavished chair and looking over the recent news from his lofty place in Canterlot-- he had to raise a brow on his otherwise stony face and read on. This ‘Overlord’ as he proclaimed himself, had done some odd things.

Magic, Arcane Magistater and renowned Master of dark magic practices and Necromancy arts… almost felt stumped at the supposedly ‘Evil’ actions of this new dark force. He had seen evil, being a stallion of Equestria. He had studied the facts found by one Twilight Sparkle about Nightmare Moon. He had seen the greedy hunger of the Changeling Swarms. He had witnessed the chaos the mad spirit known as Discord could bring. He even read the reports of the more legendary dark wizard Sombra and his almost near resurrection at the Crystal Empire. All formidable. All powerful. All made sense to thier motives.

But this? Robbery of bakery goods and sometimes being picky on what to steal or not? Trying to light a house on fire and forget it had a pool on the roof that later put itself out? Raiding a crafting store for lots of glitter? Was this male mocking them all-- or was he a destructive force with a idiot's mind?

He did debate the male was just bonkers mad like Discord, and insanity was only driving him forwards, not conquest. It was hard to tell. For now, Magic merely sighed and placed the reports down, relaxing back while the door opened and a orange pegasus mare in a fine dress and a golden like color filled with a few gems walked up with a slight grace only offset by a preppy step. “I brought you dinner Magic.” Then told with a sexy grin, “It’s you’re favorite~” Hand reaching up and around it lift up the lid to show the steaming rice and fish with a marinade of lemon and garlic.

His stony expression shift to a soft smile, as he spoke with a fondness to her. “Ah, thank you.” then let her place it before him as his horn glow to remove the reports on the side. “To be honest, I need something to cheer me up. I’ve been reading odd reports of this Overlord being-- and doesn’t make sense one bit with his motives.” as he took a bite with a fork to the fish, chewing some as he swallow and continue on to the mare, looking at her lovely blue eyes behind those fake glasses.

“He makes me question if he's a idiot or a crazy male. None of his actions of raiding make sense of a supposedly evil being-- beside the gold and supplies.”

Moving around and trailing her leleth hands around the chair the stallion sat in, the pegasys reached out and took up the paper, reading it some and remarking, “You’re right… this is weird.” Reading a bit more on for a while before placing it down and asking, “Has those bozo dead-brains stop by to get some answers on how this guy is able to pop around Equestria a lot?” Then went on, “I can see some of the Caribou's getting antsy with this guy on the loose.”

Taking another bite, he chewed a bit. Thinking back of when they came by as he answered. “They did. As far as I can understand?” horn glowing to gently pull the mare onto his lap to sit on as he continued on. “Apparently there's these stalagmite things coming up around Equestria. Mostly near towns or cities.” taking another bite as he chew the rice and fish together, humming some as he swallow and told.

“So far? They run on magic I never encounter-- or able to penetrate with my own magical knowledge. Its like its a teleportation based on its structure and symbols on it, but I can’t do anything about it.”

“What about the material?” Asked the mare that snuggled her way back into his grasp, fluttering her full and soft feathers slightly while wiggling her rump on his lap more. “Maybe whatever type of steel or stone it’s using is just interfering with your magic.”

Horn glowing, he acquired something from a sample bag, a small piece of black obsidian as he let Zealous look at it as it hovered as he told. “This is a piece of what I could get with the one in Ponyville. I never seen anything like it. Even more? After I took this, the area I cut it from just grew back.”

Hand reaching out, the mare took the fake glasses off to carefully look the stone over. She rapped a nail on it and listened with her ear carefully. She frowned and reached out for the left side fork, taking it and hitting it’s handle to the rock.

“Well whatever it is, it’s not a rock or gemstone.” She told in a measure of certainty. “But I can tell it’s not metal… I’m not sure what this is.” Holding it away with confusion in her eyes before blinking and asking with her head tilting up to look at the unicron, “Magically summoned construct?”

He nodded in confirmation. “From what I understand, it's exactly that. And even more, I don’t know how he does it.” snorting some as he took back the fork and soon another bite of his meal as he chew it some. Swallowing as he continued. “Whats even more? The Caribou's can’t even do anything, even with their ‘magic’ trying to make it sway to them….leave to messy results. Or sometimes dry husks.”

Thinking some in thought while she held the sample, Zealous asked, “Magic… maybe it’s because it’s not compatible.” Making the stallion pause for a moment during his next bite. “I mean… I know how stones and rocks work with magic-- some metals too. If this is summoned, and uses a magic you don’t know-- maybe we can’t do anything because the magic is too different, it just isn’t compatible to mix.”

The stallion thought that over, thinking of all the magic he attempted and failed, all the research on the rock failed...and took that bite, chewing some as he swallowed and spoke. “You may be onto something. With the reports of the Caribous mind magic unaffecting him in Ponyville and making him stronger-- I dare say, if I am correct in my assumption, his magic and the magic on the summoned construct...are corrupted magic of some sort.” thinking some as he added.

“Would also explain why some of the Caribous turned to husks, the construct source must of absorb the magic into the Caribous until there was nothing left to give.” taking another bite and chewing, before swallowing and said. “But his actions are still unknown. He is a supposedly evil-- but let mares free into the wild and picked up by them. A real evil being would try to get the mares as his new property. Not let them go.”

With a joking smile, the pegasus reached up and began to poke a finger under his chin, even going as far as to slightly wrap her finger into his small beard to tug on it and tell teasingly, “Or maybe he doesn't care? I know that you only like one type of pussy, and that’s this little needy girls love hole~” Giving a knowing wink. “Maybe he just doesn't care, ever think of that, Magic?”

Humming some, as he chew his next bite, ignoring the slight tug as he swallow and respond. “Perhaps, he may have gotten slaves and feel like not having more.” as he look down, with a teasing look as he move his other hand to her DD breast as he gently squeeze it. “After all, if I was raiding and causing destruction, I would want to go back to my domain and make my pet scream as I take her as her Master.”

She giggled and said in a mock pleading tone, “Oh Master, you don’t plan to punish me, do you?” Fluttering her eyes before saying, “I’ll be a good girl-- a really, really good girl.” Then huskily asked, “Unless you really want me to be a very naughty girl~?”

Before she said more though, she stopped and said, “But before I get to feel you pin me down with that hot dominating nature of yours-- do you think we should tell them about this?” Motioning a hand to the rock in her hand before placing it on the table. “I know they can be a pain, but your friend might want to try and bring it up. Maybe find out what we can do next instead of sitting here.”

She then amended with a giggle, “Not that I mind. Having you around to ‘play’ with your little pet is really, really great.”

A smile on him, as he gave another squeeze to her breast, before letting go as he said. “I might as well, maybe this Overlord will be a ‘the enemy of my enemy is my friend’ scenario. As he seem to attack Caribous more than stallions, so its possible that we can at least come to a agreement of sorts with him.” then held that scowl as his horn glow, gathering the reports as he told.

“But knowing them? Argue for a week, debate, and get more report as he’ll probably be all over Equestria and stealing clothing's next.”

“It’s not like they can move.” Zealous pointed out, “Not easily anyways. Dainn has been extra keen lately. I think the Overlord also got his guards all stirred up too.”

He nod in agreement, as he add in. “And in a sense, their caution is justified, as the reports of his wrath are...very gory.” taking another bite as he chew and swallow as he went on. “Apparently for a possible idiot, he seem to hold a lot of anger towards the Caribou, and tend to cause massacres with him and those imps.”

Relaxing back, Zealous laid idly with the stallions bears a bit while he ate, letting that settle in her mind before smiling and wiggling on his lap. “Maybe once you’re done, I can help you unwind and forget about your stressful work, Master.” Nuzzling her head up some. “I still feel a little horny after you showed those boys out in the streets that you’re the only Stud allowed to take this broodmare~”

A slight grin came on his face as he spoke. “Of course Zealous, couldn’t let them get their grubby fingers on you.” as he move a hand to go under the dress over her chest as he gave a possessive squeeze. “After all, you’re mine, Zealous.” he then gave a wink as he then whisper in her ear. “Maybe you can be a very naughty mare? Been bad and need me to ‘correct’ you to be a good little broodmare for me?” horn glowing to teleport the information to a secret drop box, knowing they will have it.

Right now though? He has a mare to focus.

His ears flicked, feeling tickled by that bubbly giggling voice of hers. “Oh Master, I’ve been such a naughty little mare. I was rubbing myself without your permission-- please have mercy~” This mare was so much his sin, but Magic was not willing to pass up such a lovely poison that was his property, slave and wife.

---

All things considered, this wasn’t so bad. Jerry had to admit, there were rough patches… alright, plenty of rough patches-- but going from nearly coast to coast and visiting new places and always on the move? It was actually a little fun. He got to see new places, got to bash new enemies… almost reminded him of the actual game… but this time it was real.

He constantly had to push that fact down, but it was something he was slowly coping with. Something made easier whenever Shadow actually would sit down with him and TALK about it. And she wasn’t the only one, Spree would sometimes stop by with the thestral and make sure he was holding up-- or pause in a spare to talk.

It admittedly relieved him. But once more? Gnarl wasn’t the sole annoyance in his head. In fact, not even a week after he found that murder-crystal tree, Jasmine had gone and found her way to the same room Gnarl would advise him form. And the results… were amusing to listen to while he hiked along. Like some comedy radio show in his helm.

“Blast you whelp! I am in the middle of speaking to the Master!” as Jasmine talk back.

“And I’m telling you baldy-- Jerry needs my help and not creepy talk from you.”

“Arg, I should of put Minion guards here! You’ll never come here in the Spawning Pit!” grouch Gnarl as Jasmine gave a raspberry, as the filly told.

“I took the stairs, beside I got bored from moving around the Castle.”

“Confound it whelp! I swear you will be the death of the Master!” snarled Gnarl in annoyance. Feeling annoyed that the Dark Lord didn’t tell the Minions to forbid her anywhere!

“Are not!” told Jasmine a certain tone.

“Are too!” called back Gnarl as they went at it like children.

“Are not!”

“Are too!”

“Are not!”

“Are too!”

Back and forth, back and forth. It mildly amused Jerry, as he look over his map, knowing he got nearly all the places on the map. Except for Trottingham, Vanhoover, Luna Bay, Hayseed Swamps, the San Palamino Desert, and both South and West areas as well as the Badlands. And the Crystal Empire, Canterlot, and Cloudsdale. Right now? He was currently thinking of heading to Rainbow Falls, as to set a Gate there and travel down to Trottingham.

However, the problem was that the only way to get there was by train, as attempt to get there on foot? Would mean going through the Crystal Mountains-- and he doubts he can get there unless he travel for months on foot. hmm, maybe take a ship to Trottingham and go by sea and on the tracks to Rainbow Falls? Idly wondering where to go as he gave attention to the two-- and apparently they were still at it. With a sigh he spoke.

“Alright you two.” gaining their attention as the Arcanium armored male spoke. “Right now? I need to figure out where to go, as of right now I’m near Philadelphia.”

“Are you sure Sire? Didn’t lose your compass?” Gnarl asked ‘helpfully’ as Jerry told.

“One time Gnarl! That was one time!”

The man reached down to get the compass that was in a side pouch to his armor, flipping the flap open and reaching in… before his armored hand felt a noticeable hole in the bottom of the bag. It didn’t help when Gnarl seemed to remind him at that moment of how he lost it.

“It seems Master, that during a fight with the last patrol, one of their blades cut into your bag.” then asked snidely. “Should we get a Waypoint Gate up for you to return too?” He grumble as he rolled his map up, as Jasmine added.

“Jerry, if you do try to do it yourself, you’ll get lost again and we’ll have to pity you when you’re not close to a Main Gate.” then added. “Plus Lovely missed you, and I’m sure Shadow and Spree will want to know what happen since you left.” Jerry sigh as he shake his head and comment.

“You really are such a lovable, but annoying little sister.” she giggle and said.

“And you’re like a nerdy, but silly big brother.” Gnarl gave a gack sound as a Waypoint Gate was made as he told.

“Just get inside Sire, all this nice talk is making me sick in the stomach!” Jerry chuckle, as he and his horde came through, and was back in the Castle, as he crack his neck, moving to the Forge to get his armor off, as within a few minutes later he came back in pink robes. As when Jasmine and Gnarl came up to greet him, Jasmine giggle of seeing Jerry in pink robes. As there was a incident with his robes being wash and mixing colors, which made his robes pink.

Gnarl suggested Jerry to burn it-- but surprisingly the man wore it with pride and up-turn nose as he merely comment ‘real men wear pink’.

At least there weren't flowers on it too. That was something that Gnarl took a little solace in.

With a pat to the filly’s head and a quick flicking of a hand to have Gnarl follow along, Jerry moved down the halls and slightly in thought. Being Overlord was proving to be a mixed bag of challenges, one that was only slightly better due to the ponies around. For a people that didn’t like evil-- they supported him fairly well. And were actually nice. It made him wonder what was going on in their heads from time to time, but otherwise didn’t bother too much.

Turning into the next room, Jerry thought about what he wanted to do before the slight waffering scents of something tasty tickled his nose. Food was sounding good, and a nice lunch might be what he needed. But first, he moved to find out what he smelled. He picked up his pace, moving for the dining area and glancing inside to blink at the small set up before him-- all three mare’s sitting at the table.

Shadow was the first to notice them first, turning her head and stopping her giggling to smile at them. Spree and Lovely too, noticed. Turning their heads to spot them and the yellow mare waving a hand to them. As for Lovely, as soon as she spotted her Master, she was swift to raise from her seat and straighten out her more proper dress and slightly straighten up the small lay of food out more nicely and going about getting a more proper chair for her Master.

He smile, moving up as he said. “Hey girls, how are you?” Shadow smile as she replied.

“I’m doing well Jerry, in fact we were wondering how long you will be gone for this time.” as Jerry nod his head some, as usually he would take days, maybe weeks of traveling and raiding before coming back. Glancing to see Lovely getting a proper chair for him, as once it was set near his meal, he sat down and said.

“Thanks Lovely.” she smiled and gave a bow head.

“Of course Master.” Jasmine sat down by him, as her plate was full of food, as she began munching, Shadow asked to Jerry who took slow bites, mostly to enjoy the taste.

“Where were you planning to go this time?” humming some after he swallow, Jerry recall back his planning as he said.

“Well, I was planning to head to Rainbow Falls, I was near Fillydelphia and thought to head up near Trottingham. That or use a Gate to get close to Vanhoover from Smoky Mountains.” gnarl merely stay in his place, standing on the right side as he ignored the slave close to his Master as Jasmine giggle and said.

“But he didn’t go because his compass got lost during a fight with a patrol earlier.”

Turing to that, Spree asked, “Again?” Then looked to Jerry and said while waving a fork his direction, “You really need to consider on hanging back a little. I know you can take hits with that armor-- but I keep trying to tell you, don’t always rely on it.” She realized she was technically helping the bad guy be a better fighter… but it was hard not to when he was also her friend now.

Groaning out as he told. “And I told you, I tried! They keep rushing at me when I’m sending the Browns to distract them, and get the Greens to hit them in the back.” then taking another bite to chew some, swallow and went on. “And believe me, they’re getting more antsy to try to kill me more and more.”

“That's because they’re terrified of you, Sire.” told Gnarl with a grin. “It is after all, natural for them to run or piss their pants of your dominating presence. Only those that try to kill you are the foolish.”

While they gave the elder minion a look, Spree said, “You know… the toddy’s right.” Making Gnarl ready to refute her-- before spluttering in realizing what she admitted.

“Pardon? For a moment I thought you actually agree to me-- which I dare say is a evil miracle of sorts.”

“I said, you’re right.” Spree repeated to Gnarl before motioning at Jerry, “They are scared of him-- scared enough that they think he’s a threat.” Then looked to the male and said with a smile, “I mean, it’s not great you’re in danger all the time-- but it means that you’re actually making some sort of damage to them.”

He sigh, and nod his head as he told. “While on one hand its giving me a good infamous reputation and gets me to raid faster-- its getting more annoying with my horde.”

“What do you mean?” asked Shadow in slight confusion. “I thought you had many numbers.” recalling a brief discussion of him having thousands of Minions to use.

“Had, is the word. Ever since patrols been hitting at me and with the constant moving and dying Minion of wildlife, my numbers are slowly depleting.” Jasmine look up as she asked.

“How many do you have, Jerry?” Jerry snapped his fingers to Gnarl to answer that as he ate his meal.

“Sire has exactly 703 Browns, 800 Reds, 657 Greens, and 799 Blues.”

While this was concerning, Spree thought it over a bit and said, “If it’s a problem, maybe you should stop exploring and instead just go back to getting what you need.” Looking to Jerry and going on, “Maybe just get what you need to get back your minions? Go into hiding a bit too, wait for things to settle down some.”

Shadow nod in agreement, as it would also help give Jerry a small ‘vacation’ than the simple leave for days and come back a short time. Help him relax more as he gain more...She scrunched her face as she realized something. Looking to Jerry as she asked. “Jerry,” gaining his attention as she asked. “How do you gain Minions? I don’t think we ever asked that before.” recalling in all of their discussions...not once did one of them thought to ask the man where these comedical, and sometimes odd creatures came from.

Taking another bite as he soon swallow and told. “Life force.”

“Life force? What's that?” asked Jasmine as Jerry thought of a way to answer this gently, but Gnarl did it bluntly and took enjoyment of it.

“By the slaughtering of lives and taking their lifeforce for him to create Minions!”

You have got to be kidding me. Spree could only stair alongside with Shadow-- she had gotten a hint it might be like that when Jerry said ‘Life Force’ was what he needed. But now? She was heavily wondering of who made this whole Overlord thing in the first place-- it was like everything was made to make them as bad as possible and not give them a real out.

Taking a calming breath, knowing that really Jerry had no real means to substitute that, Spree asked, “And… you have to kill… people to get it or…” Hoping that he didn’t need to go to a town to just start slaughtering both bad and innocent.

“Animals are used to gather Lifeforce too.” assured Jerry as he took another bite, Shadow letting out a relief breath, feeling glad that he didn’t had to go slaughtering people. As Jasmine was a bit thankful that there were other options, Gnarl took in the discomfort of the ponies with glee, enjoying causing them such stress on them. Jerry swallow his meal, taking a sip of water and went on to explain.

“I can get Life force from nearly any living thing, animals, insects, really as long as its ‘alive’? I can take it, but it depends on how much Lifeforce to gather.”

“What do you mean?” asked Shadow as she was both concern if there were going to be problems in gaining it, or worry if there was a catch?

“Mostly each living being, let say a Caribou, produce one life force. And each Life force is depending on their elements, Brown for earth, Red for fire, Green for nature, Blue for water-- and each Life force and their element are different according to that being.” they just look confuse at him, as trying to wrap up what he just said as Jasmine tilt her head, Lovely look confuse, and Shadow was trying to understand as Jerry simplify it.

“I get specific Life force for a specific living thing. And a specific number depending on those beings or creatures.” Jasmine gave a ‘oooooohh’ sound as she soon asked.

“But how did you got so many Minions in the first place?” he thought on that...and asked to Gnarl.

“Gnarl, is the Dungeon working finally?” gaining confused looks from the ponies as Gnarl spoke.

“Actually Sire, it has. The Tower Heart has finally gotten use of these lands, and can recreate what harvesting you need.”

“Harvesting,” started Shadow in a questioning tone, as she quickly ask. “And what do you mean ‘recreate’?” Jerry thought a bit, trying to make it simple as he answer.

“The Tower Heart, is sorta like a camera in a sense. It take ‘pictures’ of my enemies that I fought, and recreate them in the Dungeons for me to fight and well, harvest their Lifeforce.” Shadow was taking that in...and a shiver went in her spine as she asked.

“Jerry….does it...recreate Caribous too?” dread fill them all, as if hoping it couldn’t at all. Gnarl spoke in with a snort.

“As much as fun that would be to see the Master de-stress with them in the Dungeon-- the Tower Heart is having, some difficulties to recreate sentient beings, at best it recreates creatures, mostly those Sire fought in his days before we came here.”

Feeling happy there would be no horny caribous breaking out and stalking the halls, Spree felt a bit more reassured she didn’t need her spear around. “A-Alright…” Nodding some to herself before saying, “So you can just… instead go to this dungeon and just harvest what you need-- here in the castle? No need to go out and find more of it out there?”

Jerry thought some...and nod as he said. “It would give me a chance to see if my special gear works still.” Lovely look down and asked.

“Special gear, Master?” Jerry nod as he took another bite as he chew some, with a quick swallow as he answer.

“From the armory, I don’t use them often, due to their uniqueness.” then took another bite as Jerry thought and admit. “But if those beetles are around and my helm harvester works as it should? I should have maybe...around 1500 Minion Tribes each in two days, one if I focus in the Dungeon for one whole day.” Shadow nearly spit take her drink, coughing as Jasmine let out a sound.

“Wow, how can you get that many Jerry?” He grin as he told.

“Well certain creatures give off more than one Life force, and these beetles that the Dungeon will have? Produce 3 Life force each 1, and there’s around 10-15 of them for each round,” then tap his head with a hand as he chew his food with a swallow as he went on. “My Harvest helmet gives me a way to get two Lifeforce for one. So really, it's not surprising for me to gain the numbers fast when I harvest them repeatedly.” Jasmine expression was of amazement, while Shadow look nearly shock of how quickly he can produce Minions in a short time, Lovely felt a bit of pride as she smile to her Master, seeing how he use his equipment to his advantage.

He has a private army. Was the stark realization to Spree, who held her hand in place over the plate of food. She was having trouble with moving it as her own shock at the very thought made her stop. Sure, from what he told her the guy only can have 30...40? Some ten’s of minions with him at a time-- about a Battalions worth. But if he could just pop out more whenever he wants? He could easily reinforce his group and be good.

She sighed and started stacking lettuce onto her fork in thought. Jerry was turning out to be a very powerful force if given the time to build up. Despite some… shortcomings, he was more than able to help save, or even destroy Equestria. I can’t let that happen. She thought privately. I need a way to… to keep him from doing that. But how, how could she keep him more to the right if she leaves for a Resistance that may be there?

Spree knew she had to think of something. Anything really, to make sure Jerry doesn't become the next big threat of Equestria. If not for their sakes than Shadow, who was showing to be more and more interested in the stud before them. Not that Spree could blame her at all-- he was growing on her too. Flicking an ear, Spree glanced to Jasmine and… had an odd thought.

---

As Jerry went off to the Armory to gather his things, he headed to the Dungeons to start his harvesting. Lovely went back to clean the Private Quarters, mostly knowing it need to be ready when he decided to come and need her assistance. Shadow was off and taking some flying, as while she was inside and couldn’t go in the air-- it was better than going outside and smell the ash and volcanic sulfur.

Jasmine however, was reading a book, and was sitting in the throne chair oddly enough, as while it wasn’t suited for a filly, it made her reminded of home in a sense. Gnarl grumble, feeling the chair being disrespected by the whelp sitting in the Master chair, but couldn’t do much as he knew she will ignored him and pretend he didn’t exist. Blasted child, you’ll regret it soon enough in interfering my plans! As the Minions were more or less doing their own business, as such were the loyal and slavish species to the Overlord.

“Jasmine?” Gnarl wanted to hiss in annoyance, hearing that goody-two-shoes whore making her way into the throne room. He hated her since day one, and seeing the mare walk in with a respectable step and holding a strong stride even with a modest dress on her-- for some reason in his gut… Gnarl knew. He just knew this mare had the makings of a hero. And it made his skin itch as if it had hives, to know this mare was in this castle of evil.

Spree glanced around and found the filly sitting on the throne chair, seeing her little ear perked and eyes attentively up. The sight of the small filly in the way-too-big throne made Spree giggle slightly before calling, “Could you come here? I wanted to talk to you.” While while Jasmine sighed, she got up and out of the chair to follow the older mare.

Snorting, Gnarl left. He was damned happy the mare got the whelp out of the throne, so he might as well go now and do something productive evil.

As for the two ponies, Jasmine followed behind Spree that began to lead her to their shared room, the golden yellow mare looking almost deep in thought. When she glanced down at her with those maroon eyes, Jasmine could see a smile on her lips before opening the door and leading her in-- door shutting before she was told, “Jasmine… please take a seat.”

She recognized that tone. The ‘I’m not angry, I’m disappointed’ tone. Especially with the way she said it. “I didn’t do it!” Blurted out the filly.

The outburst first surprised Spree, before she all but laughed, leaving the poor filly completely confused for a few moments. But when the laughter died down to bubbling giggles, Spree waved a hand, “Y-you’re not in trouble Jasmine.” Further reeling in her laughter before sobering up and breathing out, “I’m just… a little stressed. I had something serious to talk about and tell you. That’s all.”

She mutely nodded, as she moved to sit down in the chair, idly kicking her hooves as her hands rest on each end of the chair. She looked up and asked. “Are we talking of the birds and bees?”

Giving a long look to the filly, Spree shook her head and told, “No. Not today.” Then added in thought, But I think that’s a job for Shadow to do later. Then moved to sit down on her bed, looking to Jasmine for a moment before sighing, “It’s about when I leave.”

That made Jasmine stop kicking her legs. The young pony blinked her eyes, a little confused while Spree went on. “You see Jasmine, while Jerry’s out doing his work, he’s keeping an eye out for ponies. Free ponies like me and Shadow that are trying to kick the Caribou off our land.” Then thought carefully before going on, “When he finds them, I plan to leave and join them. Help them get our homes back.”

Pausing a short beat, Spree soon added, “I wanted to ask you a favor.” Softly looking at the young filly as she said, “Jerry… needs somepony to make sure what to do. A little angel you could say.” Giggling a bit at her own words. “I sort of help, try reminding him to be nice… but I’m not going to be here when I go off to help those other ponies. I was hoping you could be that little shoulder angel for him?”

She was thinking a bit...and soon look at her and asked. “Why not Shadow be his angel?” then asked. “Unless she’s coming with you...and I thought I was going with you.”

Shifting to that, Spree admitted, “We’ve thought about having you come with me. And Shadow… admittedly is thinking about staying for her own reasons.” Then looked to Jasmine and told, “I’m asking you to be his shoulder angel, because you’re the miracle filly.” Smiling more and going on, “Shadow… Shadow tries, but she’s not always vocal. She’s… she’s too nice to just tell him what he needs to hear.” Then looked to Jasmine to say, “He listens to you. And if I was honest? You’re in safe hands here. With Shadow watching you, Lovely keeping you fed…”

She grinned and joked, “Jerry being the ‘big bad Overlord’ and scaring away all the bad caribou.”

Jasmine giggle, as she can see it, but that smile lower. As she look to Spree, thinking and admit. “I’ve been...causing Gnarl trouble,” looking away with pin ears. Hooves idly kicking now and then. “Whenever Jerry is out, Gnarl is near the Tower Heart. Always talking to him, trying to make him think to help us out, is to be a total villain. So I...sorta interrupt Gnarl, get in to talk to Jerry...and help him remember that there’s a filly watching him.”

Smiling to this, and feeling hope flare in her, Spree said, “While it’s not nice to bother ‘Baldy’.” Causing her to grin and Jasmine to hold back a small giggle, Spree went on, “But I think we can let it slide. Jerry might act like a bad guy… but I think we both know the truth.” Then laughed behind her hand, “He’s just a silly nerd that’s just dorky and lovable, isn’t he?”

Jasmine nodded with a big grin. Knowing from that ‘nerd game’ hes been working on, he reminds her some teenage colts in highschool playing that game in a room. Not to mention Jerry is just awesome, even if he’s a nerd.

“I know I’m asking a lot of you, Jasmine.” Spree interrupted the filly’s thoughts while going on, “You’re just a filly, and really… I shouldn’t be asking you this. But you’re the only good heart here that Jerry will listen to-- if he realizes it or not. And if I’m not here?” Spree’s smile almost turned sad, “Well… I wouldn’t forgive myself if one of my friends got hurt because he thought he deserved it or something like that. So while I’m away-- You keep an eye on him.” Then pointed at the door, “Keep an eye on the dorky nerd and both Lovely and Shadow.”

She giggle and nodded. “Alright, Spree,” then asked. “Hey Spree, when you are gone, and if Shadow is going to stay with Jerry...where will I sleep?”

Thinking to that, and working her answer carefully, Spree told, “Well, my bed will be free until I get back.” Then smiled, “You can have it. I won’t be using it.” Then gained a thought and told, “And I’ll also make a deal with you-- while I’m away, I’ll look for your sister.” Giving a firm nod, “I might not find her-- but I’ll promise I’ll keep an eye out. And if I have to, drag her back here to you.” Then joked, “I have to do something for you if you keep an eye on all my friends here.”

There was a smile and hopeful look, as despite the goodness that happen here, she missed her sister terribly. She nodded, and thought of something...and asked in a hopeful tone. “Maybe...I can ask Jerry...to find her as well?” looking at Spree more as she said. “He’s always moving around, so he might find her sooner or later, right?”

Thinking to that, Spree gave a sound nod to that. “You’re right. There’s a chance he’ll find her while moving around.” Then winked, “Then you’ll have two people looking for her, double the chances!” Then sighed with a more… content look on her face while looking at Jasmine. “You’re something special. I don’t know why, but I get this feeling you’re going to be something real special one day, Jasmine.”

She giggle, as she got off the chair. “Well, Spree, if there's nothing else to talk, I’ll be reading.” but then as she opened the door, she paused, look to her, with a mischievous grin, commented. “Although I don’t know about you, but I think the pink looks nice on your armor.” giggling as she ran off before Spree realize what she meant.

When she did, Spree thought about giving chase to the filly-- but considering it all… it wasn’t like she was going out to battle anytime soon. With a roll of her eyes and shake of her head, Spree got up anyways. “Oh, I make you a promise and that’s how you pay me back?” She called while running out the door, shouting out more playful than anything, “Get back here! Get back here so I can tickle you to death!”

---

As the throne room was teleportation came again, Jerry was back, as while he said he was going to be under the radar for a bit-- he had to get something real quick. Mostly supplies. And paint. And gold. And toilet paper, because God knows you can’t last in the medieval toilet with rags! Not to mention got another Catalyst stone. he idly thought on that as he went to the armory to change his armor to steel.

As since he’s been here in this new world, he noticed a few odd things, mostly a Catalyst stone showing now and then, granted they were rare, but those magical balls of stones should of been noticed by the Caribous and study on! Unless they were and he had no idea where. Still, I do wonder why they’re here, I honestly thought that one stone was a one time thing...unless there's more and I don’t know where they are. that was likely, as who knows where they were located...or the Spell Stones for Overlord 2 were at.

However as he moved back up to the throne room in his steel armor, he mused a bit on what to do. Go to the Private Quarters to play with Lovely a bit? Go to the Dungeon with Harvesting helmet to gain more Minions? now granted he had plenty with the amount of hours he put in harvesting. Nearly got 1500 for all of them. Would of done more, but took the rest of the day off to relax. he was honestly considering unarmored and just enjoy spending time with Jasmine, or Shadow-- maybe Lovely more? He then thought and added.

Or go to the Dungeon and smash the freaky eye-crab-things that annoyed me when I went by the beach? Sure they give Blue life force-- but despite looking harmless, they leap like headcrabs and try nipping at my heels like little pesky chihuahuas. thinking more he said. “Eh screw it. Dungeon it is.” making a turn towards it down the stairs.

He didn’t make it all the way down, having to stop some as Shadow and Spree were walking his way, both talking about something as they had on slack clothing and towels in their arms or over a shoulder. It came to realization the two were going to be working out-- and it was really the only time Jerry got a look at them with anything nearly remotely skimpy.

In particular, the mare’s wore sports bras and loose shorts, both of which, while more modest than anything the Caribou’s made, still gave him a fair peek at their firm chests and curvy hips. This was of course not mentioning the midriffs he could see clearly or the slight cleavage the bras gave and the smooth toned legs that moved them along.

When they spotted him, Spree gave a kind smile and said, “Hey Jerry.” Then blinked before asking, “Why are you in armor?” Then jerked her head on where she and her friend were going, “Planing to work out later in that too? Shadow and I were on our way down to do a bit of stretching.”

“I actually came back,” said Jerry, as he was glad the helmet hide his sight as he was doing his best to not look, it feels awkward enough to look at them in their work out cloths, sure he’s friends with them, and he notices hints that Shadow likes him-- but still awkward enough. “Just grab a few supplies real quick, you know, just in case and all.” then shrug. “I was thinking of going to the Dungeon for a workout, practice a bit.”

“Uh-huh.” Spree said with a half smile, both she and Shadow exchanging a knowing look before saying to Jerry, “You go and do that.” Then as they began to move, she called out, “And try not to eye our flanks too much!” Making him nearly stumble as he heard both mare’s giggling to themselves, chattering away with a notable phrase of, ‘I told you’ form Spree to Shadow.

Shadow giggle more, glancing back as she noticed that despite Jerry ‘not’ looking-- she knew he was taking peeks. As she decided to tease him, with a wiggle of her ass to him, head turn to look at him, and wink with a tongue stick out. She glance to Spree to see she was giving a slap on her ass and groping it a bit as Shadow laugh, seeing the man turning his head, hearing him grumble a bit as he move off.

She look back and admit. “I know it was terrible of me to tease him-- but it’s just so funny.” then giggle with a hand over her lips and large smile. “I do wonder how he’ll endure his boner when he finds out Lovely is watching Jasmine?”

Chuckling a bit, Spree told while letting go of her flank, “I think a bit frustrated and ready to pounce on her once he has her at his mercy.” Then gave Shadow a wolfish grin and told, “You got pretty bold there, Shadow.” Then giggled to herself, “But you’re right, it’s funny to see a guy squirm. I forgot what it felt like.”

She calmed down for a moment before saying, “So… I know you haven’t said it, but I’m getting a good clue that you’re staying.” Then asked, “So how do you plan to tell him? And if you two do hit it off good… what will you both be? Just… together or… find some rings in the treasure room and say it’s all good without a wedding?” Curious of what her friend’s future plans were.

She thought on how to say it…and sigh out, looking to her friend with a smile as she told. “Honestly? I am thinking of staying, and as for how to tell him?” Smiling as she mimicked a zipping motioned as if not telling.

“Oh come on, please!” Spoke out Spree, “Maybe just in my ear?” Using a hand to point there, “I really want to know!”

She giggle, as she decide to give her some mercy. “Alright,” moving to whisper in her friend ear. Making it a little detailed to boot on what she further planned. In reaction, Spree eyes widen and mouthing, ‘really?’ There was a small giggle, as Shadow finished as there was a flush on her cheeks.

She pull away with that blush and pin back ears as she told. “It's, really bold of me-- but it will cement the point and make it a special night.”

Spree took a long drag of air… then let it out and laughed, “Well… you made up your mind.” Then looked to Shadow and nodded, “Alright. It is your choice, as surprising as it was…” Then thought of something and gained a devious smirk. “You know, if I do come back and join up. I’m not going to do it like you did.” And for a moment it didn’t register in Shadow’s mind on what Spree meant… until it did dawn on her.

She furrow her brows and threaten. “If you do, I will make you regret it, Spree.”

“Even if Jerry’s part of it?” Teased the mare, making Shadow snap her mouth shut. Spree pointed to herself, “Bi, remember? We’re going to be sharing. And I can show him a few things.” Then went on, “If it happens. But you get my drift.”

She sighs and nodded. However she glance back and giggle a bit as she told. “But I will say this, this time? I'm going to blow his mind and both of us enjoy it very well.” As they were moving again to the workout room, she thought on a few things...and remark. “You know, I'm honestly surprise during Jerry little travel-- he never thought to bring the mares he let go here.” Then motioned her arms.

“Sure we’re in a dark castle of evil, surrounded by volcanic activity-- but there's plenty of space, beds, food, water-- and no Caribous.”

Turning her head to this, Spree said, “It’s because he get’s distracted.” Then continued on, “I noticed it whenever we spar. Once he’s focused on something, he almost forgets about things around him. Unless he see’s it, he tends to just… close it out to focus on something.” Then raised a finger to tap her chin, “Maybe we should talk to him about it… you know, actually rescuing mares.”

Nodding some, she said. “It might be something to discuss him with, help him gain other priorities than him focus on one thing.” She roll her eyes as she went on. “Really, he should of ask those mares if they want to escape-- but on the other hand? We know most mares would be terrified of him and try to run away from him whenever he shows up.” Then snort harshly.

“I can imagine the Caribous try to use him to scare mares to not go with him, make him some sort of sex-demon that can't get relief and needs mares to take.”

“I thought you wouldn’t mind a bit of that.” Smirked Spree, “You know we mare’s get plenty of ‘O’s, think how great it would be to have a good plenty of them from him.” A teasing in her tone.

She slap Spree at her knees with her tail and told sternly. “Spree I’m serious.”

Hands up, Spree said, “Alright, alright, I was trying to lighten the mood, Daze.” Then huffed and told, “But I know, and I get it. But when you think of it like that, we might as well ask him to have those minions grab and drag the mare’s back, and us in the throne room waiting there to calm them down.”

She thought on and nodded in agreement. “Those Minions can carry a lot of heavy things, despite their small sizes.” she then added. “Maybe have Jasmine as well, to show that they are safe here?” glancing as she admit. “I doubt they’ll fully believe us even if we’re free, but with Jasmine? It might give benefit of the doubt.”

Thinking to that, Spree added on, “It would also help if we find this Resistance.” Then smiled, “You know, a sort of gesture of goodwill? If the mare’s are with us and are shown straight to a safer place? The Resistance might actually listen to Jerry more too.”

While she wanted to be optimistic, part of her felt like Jerry able to find the Resistance will be hard, if anything they might try to get near Jerry to see his reaction. “For now? We’ll let Jerry know to get the mares with the Minions.” however as they were nearing the workout room, she did ask. “How is Jerry fighting style anyway? I know he has no actual training by his own admittance, so how is he pulling through?”

“In my dad’s words?” Asked Spree before deepening her voice like some drill instructor, “He fight’s like a sissy, that’s how he fights-- now drop and give me a hundred!”

She laugh, having a hand over her mouth, laughing as she could imagine Spree dad telling exactly like that. As he was a hardass in the military. She calm some, as she told. “W-Well, we know that even if he got that buff body and good looks-- we know that he’s nothing but around our age!” as she found that amusing….before she slowly realize something. Stopping some as her eyes widen, shocked filled them as it just came to her.

Coming to a slow stop, Spree turned curiously to tiled her head at Shadow. The mare had just stopped, and her eyes stared on with a deeply pooling dread before a hand plastered itself to the mare’s lips. “Shadow?” Began Spree with concern. “What’s wrong?”

Unfocusing from her thoughts, and to her friend...she soon spoke with concern filling her voice. “Spree, I think we failed to forgot something. Something about Jerry that I just realized right now.” taking a breath, she explained. “You know that we ponies are ‘adults’ at a certain age, and are allowed to enlist young, right?” seeing her friend slowly nod, as Shadow went on. “We know that for ponies, this is normal, and while you may not noticed the signs of Jerry during our discussions and time here…”

“I think we overestimate Jerry being a Overlord to begin with.”

Turing more to the thestral, Spree said, “Shadow, making sense would be nice right now. What are you trying to tell me?”

“He’s like me, he doesn’t fight-- or at least he never fought like a military pony.” told Shadow. “He never lead a army, never fought, or even killed before. He was a nerd that just got thrust into being a bad guy….”

Blinking a bit and taking a moment to think, Spree went over what she knew and had to admit… Shadow was right. For a supposedly chosen Overlord-- he sort of sucked at it. He more than not charged, his fighting skills weren’t all that great. The few times she had watched a fight through that Tower Heart thing, it seemed like a slight mess in tactics-- not that she could speak, but she was taught!

But was he ever taught? The thought made Spree pause and think it over. Yes, Jerry was a nerd, and it showed through with that Goblins and Ogals or… whatever that nerd board game was! He knew stats, he knew tricks and strategy for those games-- but in the real life-or-death situation of a fight? Did he even know what he was doing, or was he just… using his ripped body to muscle his way through?

With a snort, Spree looked up and sighed, “Alright… I think I get what you’re saying Daze.” Nodding some before saying, “I really need to get him in that training room and start pushing him more… if not for keeping him alive than keeping him more ready… Maybe see if I can do more to help.” Mind thinking of what more she can do.

Shadow head gave a firm nod. “He will need it.” thinking some and told. “I think the only flaw he has, is with his fighting and focusing. Maybe one-on-one matches. He seem fine with the Minions around, gives him something to somewhat focus on. But by himself?” sighing some, as she said. “Thank Luna I figure this out, maybe we can help him before he might get himself accidentally killed.”

“I’d go out there with him.” Started Spree before grimacing, “But the truth is? I don’t think I’m ready just yet. I might be strong, maybe skilled-- but there’s no way I’ll last. I need real training. And I can’t watch both my back and Jerry’s out there.” And while she would rather try and have Jerry stay and get more practiced, more better and more ready-- that wasn’t a option. He would just leave and do what he planned to do-- and really, Spree knew she couldn’t stop him.

She wasn’t going to kid herself, even with her natural earth mare strength, (not her magically attended strength she has yet to learn properly) wouldn't be able to fully out muscle him in his armor. Even out of armor he was pretty strong. In raw, brute power, he was stronger than her, greatly so within his armor. So for now… she was on the sidelines.

Thinking some….she asked. “Why not try to use the Tower Heart to guide Jerry?” gaining a look as she said. “Jasmine mentioned she can talk to Jerry with the Tower Heart, something about him connected to him, and you can help give him tips and guide him while he does the fighting with his Minions.”

“I know.” Responded the mare, “I’ve watched a few times.” Then went on to admit, “I planed to do that actually. But I can only do so much by talking to him-- and the old toddy might not make it easy for me either. He really doesn't seem to like me at all.”

“You probably remind him of someone he doesn’t like.” suggest Shadow, as she tap her chin some, then added. “That or he’s still mad that he got in trouble when you told Jerry the truth of what happen during our first few weeks here.” Thinking some on how to stall Gnarl, then grin and snap her fingers. “Why not let Jasmine handle him while you’re near the Tower Heart? It’ll give you a good chance for you to talk with Jerry, and I’m sure Jasmine will annoy Gnarl to no end.”

Given a slight snort to the side and adjusting the towel over her shoulder, Spree said, “Oh yeah. She’s usually up there watching, maybe I can nudge her to do that.” Then looked back down the hall and jerked her head, “But enough of that. We still need to get our workout in-- burn off those calories and fat we keep eating.”

With a smile and a nod, she moved with her friend, burning off the calories, and mentally preparing of when she’ll make her move, if anything, it’ll be soon.

Next Chapter: Overlord raiding with a side of liberation Estimated time remaining: 46 Hours, 54 Minutes