Meanwhile, Jasmine was currently reading with Jerry, as while she notice he got done from fighting, or rather harvesting, he was surprised to see her with Lovely. But at her request for him to read with her, he couldn’t say no to her. So as she sat close to him in the bed, with Lovely on the other side, massaging Jerry arm as to make sure his muscles weren’t sore. Smiling all the while as Jasmine read out.

“The cat went to the market, she liked the milk and like to drink it so much,” she frown, looking up to Jerry as she whined. “Do I have to read this? I feel silly reading a book that's for foals younger than me!”

He gently pat her head and told with a low smile. “Come on Jasmine, I know it's silly, but it's part of reading. You should be lucky I found a book for foals at that age at all.” she pouted as he laugh, as he told. “Come on now, finish it up Jasmine.” she pouted more, but relent as she went on.

“The cat skip to town, she skip on her paws all the way to town to get some milk.” she frown while reading this, as she look up to Jerry and beg. “Can we read something else, please Big Bro?” Jerry was about to respond, before his mind pulled a halt as he blinked.

Wait...what did she say? slowly looking down and asked. “What did you say Jasmine?” seeing the filly look up to him, having a smile, her expression showed of trust, happiness, and amusement of seeing his reaction as she repeated.

“I said, can we read something else, please Big Bro?” smiling more as she gently jab at his side as she said. “What else would I call you beside your name, Big Bro?” seeing his befuddle expression, as Lovely look to Jerry, noticing he was confused, really confused, as she look to Jasmine as she asked.

“Jasmine, Master is confused, this is the first time you called him by a title than his name.” Jasmine giggle and said.

“And he’s trying to figure it out?” Lovely slightly nodded as she admit.

“I’m a bit confuse too, what reason would you call him this?” trying to figure out why the filly keeps doing these unpredictable and silly things, that for her? Made no sense whatsoever! The filly giggle, as she relax against Jerry and told.

“The reason I’m calling him Big Bro now, is because he treats me like his little sister,” then glance up and jokes. “And I tease with you calling my big bad overlord, so I thought if I’m going to stay here and help you-- I might as well be like your sister!” Lovely just look at the filly, and soon look to Jerry as she said.

“Master, I’m so confused.” leaning on his other side as she nuzzle his neck, her body leaning against his side, arms wrapping around his own as she was trying to understand and help him in his confusion at the same time. All the while Jasmine giggled, as Jerry blinked some more, and soon said.

“Well...if you do want to be my new sister...alright.” then smile wide as he said. “I’ll be your big brother.” She smile wide, however he noticed, as well as Lovely she frown, and look up as she asked.

“Big Bro,” using his new title now than his name. “Can you promise...promise you’ll find my big sister? We were separated in the empire, and I...I…” looking down as Jerry reacted. He wrap his free arm around Jasmine, pulling her closer, as he hugged the filly close and gently. Giving comfort to her as he promised.

“I promised you Jasmine. I’ll find her. Sooner or later, I’ll find her.” then smile to her as he added. “Just let me know what she looks like, so I won’t accidentally mistaken her.” the filly nodded, as she laid against him, internally happy that she has a elder sibling again, even if not related by blood. Lovely furrow her brows, trying to understand, as she understood her Master was giving Jasmine comfort, attention...just like she did to him, just...just not in the same way she did with him.

As she asked herself. Is there….more than one way to comfort another? thinking that could've worked, she slightly move around to Jasmine, hugging the filly the best she could, as she and Jerry felt the filly holding their arms the best she could. As while Jerry gave a small smile, to both her and to Lovely, a part of him...a part of him wonder if he’ll be able to fulfill it. But he knew...somehow...he’ll do it. It’ll just take time.

---

After a little bonding moment, a little break with Lovely, and ready up the next day. Jerry was in his Arcanium armor, mostly to provide him the best he has to protect himself. As he was teleported from the throne room to the Gate, which was near the Smoky Mountains. As Jerry was gathering his Minions, he heard Gnarl voice speaking. “Now Sire, I believe you should enact your daily evil dosage. Carnage, destruction, and plenty of chaos. Oh it will be so-,”

Only to get interrupted as Jasmine said. “Gotch your cape!” sounds of running were heard in Jerry helmet as gnarl shouted.

“Gah! Get back here you welp! That is something I had for the last millennium!” sound of chasing as he kept on. “Do you know it’s history!? It was from the first Overlord himself, you ungrateful brat!” all the while Jerry comment as he began walking.

“Well...that's new.”

“I think that’s the first time I’ve seen that old toddy of yours run so fast.” Spree’s sudden voice made Jerry’s mind slightly stop, just to be sure he heard it in his helmet, but otherwise didn’t falter in his step while he had to ask.

“..Spree? That you?” said Jerry as he asked. “How are you able to use the Tower Heart to contact me?” then pause and answer that question. “Unless Gnarl left the spell on for you to use while Jasmine occupy him for who knows how long.”

There was a slight giggling as the mare told, “Well, I wanted to maybe chat with you a bit. Maybe give my own advice. I don’t know about you, but trying to talk over Gnarl is like trying to talk over a chatterbox.”

There was a amuse snort, as he told. “Just imagine having him talk in your head 24/7 when out here, or back at the Castle constantly.” as he kept moving with his horde as he asked. “So what's up, Spree? Don’t know if you recall, but I’m heading to Vanhoover to set up a Gate there for later purposes.”

“Where do you plan to put it?” It was a odd question to hear, especially from Spree. But, a question was a question, so he answered to it.

“Usually away from the city, somewhere that isn’t too close-- but isn’t too far.” told Jerry, as he moved along the path. “Make sure that whatever I raid or carry, isn’t too far for me to travel with, or to close for the Caribous to get a jump on me.”

There was a humming, and Jerry could only presume that she was nodding along. “Alright…” Pausing for a small moment before saying, “Have you thought of trying to put it in a cave?” And went on, “You know, maybe out of the way and off the path some. Make it harder to find-- probably put it more deeper in the woods?”

“Admittedly a few times to be honest.” said Jerry as he went on. “But even though it's more solid for me to try to put the Main Gates in a cave-- it won’t work for a few locations around the map. So some of them, are in the open sadly.” thinking some ashe made a slight turn on the pathway, Minions follow as he continue the conversation. “Granted I could relocate the Main Gates-- but that would mean I need extra time to find new places to put them in caves, but that also mean I need to figure out the distance between the town or city, to the Main Gate.”

But then added in a thoughtful tone. “Although for the city, I could put the Main gate in the sewers, spacious enough and hard to find with how dark it looks.”

While he didn’t hear anything to that, the humming only confirmed she heard him. “Maybe you should.” He soon heard, “It’s like you said. Sometimes Caribou try jumping at you. Maybe you should take your time to find good hiding spots. Even if it’s a bit of a inconventant walk-- a longer walk has to be better than being ambushed as soon as you step out of a gate.”

Note to self, relocate all the Gates into hidden areas that will make sure it can’t be used as a ambush point. he made another turn as he soon asked. “You know, you reminded me something-- do you, Shadow, or Jasmine need anything while I’m in Vanhoover setting my Main Gate in the sewers? Maybe raid some more supplies? Or crafts, or even glitter?”

“You still have the list?” All Jerry had to do was reach for his other bag and pull out the lengthy list and hold it before his eyes. He knew she would be able to see it. “Good. Just get what’s there, or whatever you can find. Or, maybe just collect everything you find. Shadow, Lovely and I can just organize it later. You do have the space, and we can have the minions here help straighten things out.”

He chuckle some as he joked. “Maybe while I grab what I can on the list, I can do some of my evil monologue. Stir up the fear, get some practice-- maybe try a few deep shouts of one words for a sentence or two.”

“And grabbing mares.” That made Jerry splutter for sure. “I know it sounds weird, but hear me out. You’ve been causing the Caribou trouble… but all the mare’s you let loose are running away and possibly being captured again. We want to bring them somewhere at least safe. I talked it out with Shadow, and we plan to be there waiting for any incoming mare’s to calm them down when they come through the gate.”

“I know it’s not the best plan, sending minions out to just carry mare’s away… but if we have to free them by dragging them kicking and screaming? Well… we can say sorry after that.” Then slightly laughed, “Plus… I think it will really annoy the caribou's to know you took away their ‘booty’ I think pirates call it.” The double joke not lost to the man.

Jerry laughed as he said. “Right on the mark, Spree.” then said in honestly. “As for getting mares by Minions...That I can do, but I need a Waypoint Gate to make the transaction easier. I mean I don’t want my Minions to carry mares all the way to the Main Gate in the first place. They’ll be killed and mares get captured.” he thought for a moment, slightly realizing the fact Gnarl isn’t around to ‘uproot’ the Waypoint Gate, as he said.

“Spree. You may need to get Gnarl when I need a Waypoint Gate. he’s the one who can get Grubby to get the Waypoint Gates close to me.”

Thinking to that, Spree said, “How about we try finding a good place to set that Main gate you were talking about first? Then when you get near Vanhoover, I can go get Gnarl and talk about the gate. That way, when we get back, you will already in Vanhoover itself and getting a pile of things ready to carry through.”

Thinking some, he nodded in agreement. “Although don’t expect too much while I’m on the walk, with the exception of patrols or wild animals-- nothing really exciting happens when I’m walking with the Minions.” rolling up his list as he put it in his bag as he joked. “But this does at least help me practice my evil monologue.” clearing his throat as he spoke out in the ‘overlord tone’.

“Fools! You dare assume that I, the Overlord of Terror, wouldn’t be here? HA! I will crush you and take all that you hold dear, including the booties of mares!” then back to his ‘normal’ voice as the deep tone voice asked. “So, how was that?”

With a clearing of a voice, Spree said, “Admittedly? A bit intimidating…. Well, up until you mention the booty. That...that almost sounded silly, scary sure, but almost silly.”

“Hmm, okay, okay. How about this?” clearing his throat and tried again. “Fools! You dare assume that I, the Overlord of Terror, wouldn’t be here? Ha! I will crush you, take all that you hold dear, and annihilate everything until there is nothing but bones and ashes to see with your pathetic hides!”

“Eyes.” Stated Spree a bit more certainty in her voice, “They can’t see with their hides.”

“Okay, add that in...how about this one?” clearing his throat. “You dare? You dare question me? I am the Overlord! I am the destroyer of lives! I am the harvester of souls! I am the one who commands the legion of Hell! I make mortals like you my bitches to torture in acid!”

Just barely, Jerry heard a slight mutter form Spree, “And I thought Lammy was a real drama queen.” Then spoke a bit more clearly, “Yeah, I think that should do. Even more with that voice-- however you do it.” Then gave a slightly mirthless laugh and told, “If the Bearers of Harmony ever heard you monologue that, they would be all over you.”

“The….Bearers of Harmony?” stated Jerry in a bit confused tone. Why does that sound like a group of hero's that are holding some odd thing or relic that OP everything?

“The Barriers and elements of Harmony.” Repeated Spree, “Let me guess, you never heard of them either?” Then snorted, “You seem to be way behind on knowing anything about Equestria, you know that?”

“Oh I'm sorry, it's not my fault when I came here everything was filled with Caribou propaganda and smutty works.” snarked Jerry. “And it's not like I just came here nearly 2 months ago either!”

He could hear the eyeroll in the silence as she snarked back, “Oh sure, and it’s not like you have two mares that know this stuff.” Then finished, “Uh, duuuuuh.” Then went on, “But anyways. They were six heroes of Equestria. Our last line of defense kind of. Whenever Princess Celestia or Princess Luna were either unable or indisposed of-- the Element Barriers were there to help defend Equestria with their elements. Wielding them to reset Harmony to our home. They’re heroes.”

There was then hesitation, “Well… until the Caribou came… With how many times they had to use the elements? The Caribou knew they were a threat and targeted them. I’m not really sure where they are anymore. I don’t think even Shadow does.”

Thinking that over, he thought. And I’m certain Gnarl will want me to ‘corrupt’ them somehow just to keep them off the side to not attack me when Equestria is up. he soon asked. “So these elements, were they some sort of artifacts, armor, weapons-- wait not weapons, probably armor or some artifacts.” although a part of him did ask. “Quiiiiick question. If we somehow managed to find them, and that’s a big if. And if we save Equestria….what are the odds that I’ll be blast by a big-ass blast of possibly something that could kill me.”

Thinking to herself, he soon heard her tell, “Well, I haven’t seen the element’s up close except this one time. And they’re more like necklaces really, five necklaces and one tiara to a group of close friends. It was some years back-- even before the Caribou.”

“There was this male, a Druaqanus?” Then a beat to presumably shake her head, “A really weird guy that had all these mismatched body parts that went by the name Discord. A spirit of Chaos and Disharmony. With a snap of… well, anybody part he wanted to snap-- he could make weird stuff happen. Houses floated off, lamp posts growing legs and wandering around. I think there were even singing teapots that gave out rabbit canes.”

“Wait, wait...let me get this straight. They got these necklaces and a tiara, they beat a being of chaos that could bend reality itself...”

“And returned Ponyville back to normal after Discord made it his Capital to Chaos itself.” Finished Spree. “It was a big blast of rainbows too. It completely encompassed Equestria I think-- gave Luna and Celestia their power back to once more control the moon and sun-- Discord kept making the sun and moon dance around. Night and day randomly turning on and off was not fun.” Then added on, “During that blast? He was turned into a stone statue.”

Jerry was silent. As while he wasn’t too sure if that Tree and these elements were connected...it made him think of the same harmonious energy blast that almost killed him as he soon asked. “Okay...but here's what I’m trying to understand...will they shoot this giant rainbow at me, when save Equestria, Spree.” as he was making sure that despite being nervous about this, he was really trying to not sound nervous or concern one bit. “Because, I don’t know about you, but I think it might do worse to me than just turn me to stone.”

There was a contemplating sound for a while before Spree said, “You know… I’m not really sure. I only saw the elements be used once, and that resulted in a giant dome of magical Harmony that just rushed over all of Equestria.”

Aka...Magic Nuke. grimly thought Jerry as he said. “Well then. Spree, I’ll be frank. The moment Equestria is saved and those six are coming near me? I’m going to run like hell and sacrifice my Minions to give me a headstart.”

With a hint of concern, Spree tried, “You know I could just talk to them and--”

“Do you think, that they will all think that I’m nice, Spree? I killed, I raided, I burn down and destroyed-- hell, to them and probably to everyone, I’m the Goddamn villain. And let me ask you, what usually happens to the villains?”

With a sigh, Spree said, “You don’t have to be a downer about it, Jerry. They’re reasonable. And if they are the good guys, don’t you think they will be willing to give you a chance before getting on your case?”

“Let me ask you another question. You know them, right? Who do you think would cause the fight among the six?”

There was a humming before she said, “Purposely trying to hurt them?” Then went on, “And before you say it again-- I think you need to keep in mind. Right now? Killing, raiding and burning down places? Guess what Jerry-- these Caribou stole our home, they are raping our people and even warping the minds of Equestria's citizens.”

“I’m not really military, but I know that if my Dad was still alive? He would say we were at war. And you know what? What you said happens in war.” There was a moment of silence, one that almost felt somber as she went on, “It’s… a really sad truth, to be honest. Equestria prided itself on being harmonious, peaceful and friendly. That was what it stood for. War was just so horrible to us, but we try to be ready. And right now? Right now there’s a horrible amount of wrong being done to my home. To my friends and even families.”

“So in truth? To me, we’re at war. I’m at war with the Caribou. It’s not really filled with justice-- but I’m willing to fight with what justice I can give back to them for what they’re doing. They need to pay for their crimes.”

Jerry couldn’t help but comment. “Even if that Justice is on the side of Evil?”

“... I would be lying if I said I didn’t want a little vengeance, Jerry…” Sadly admitted the mare.

“Well lucky for you?” cracking his neck some. “I’m perfectly okay to be someone tool for vengeance. Because these Caribous are going to regret causing my wrath on them. And if some ponies complain of my methods? Well guess what? Payback is a bitch.” Seeing the distance of Vanhoover a few miles away, as he added. “It’ll be a few hours until I reach close.” as he kept moving as he thought for a moment….and soon asked.

“Spree...who do you want me to give revenge on?” knowing that despite her point of view, he was sure she wanted payback on someone.

Hearing a sigh, Spree told, “I want revenge on a lot of caribou’s and ponies, Jerry. But I’m not going to ask, because it would feel wrong.” Then waited a moment before saying, “All I can ask? Is you try returning the favor to the Caribous. Most of them seem to deserve it anyways. That’s, really the best I can ask I guess… Just help the mares. Just help my nations people.”

He give a nod, as he said. “That I can do Spree.” as he was silent, walking with his horde as he was about to ask something else-- as he felt something trying to penetrate his armor. He look down to see a crossbow bolt, as he gave a annoyed sound. “Oh come on.” gripping it and pulling it out as he quickly moved behind a tree with his horde. As there were silence as he asked. “Spree, any ideas?”

Refocusing, Spree told, “Okay, first, can you tell me what you’re minions can do? I know the blue ones heal, and the red ones can literally toss fireballs… but anything else you can tell me?”

“Browns are my fighters, they are the front lines. Greens are my assassins. When group together they’re invisible-- but I need focus on them to move in said group.” as he added. “And to know where they’re going.”

Hearing a breath in, Spree soon said, “Alright. Jerry, I need you to listen carefully. Peek around the corner carefully, get a good look around quickly. Try finding as many places of cover you can and get those greens to sneak ahead as much as possible. You need to gain a forward line. Crossbows fire far and hard-- but they take a long time to reload. If you can get those Greens to sneak close enough, the snipers won’t stand too much of a chance while distracted with you in the open.”

Slowly he peeked a bit around the corner, quickly looking over a few rocks or trees to move his Greens. He motioned his left hand, mind thinking of how many Greens to form up, then heard some added advice form Spree, bringing at least 3 Browns in a group. He moved the Browns ahead as test dummies, as he saw a crossbow bolt coming at one, it hit one of the Browns, but it stood for now as he saw one sniper.

Hiding right down near a tree as he motioned the Greens to move around, sneaking their way as he made them stop in a rock area to hide. As another crossbow bolt came from another direction, killing a Brown in the head, as he moved a small number of Greens to the now reviled other sniper as he kept a good eye if there was a number more there.

“Alright, good so far. Sorry about the one brown.” Commented Spree, “But keep pushing. Send in groups of browns from cover to cover. With more pressure, they’ll feel the need to start firing. Make sure you keep a steady advance, you don’t want to spend up your minions. When you think you’re half way-- spring your greens on them. After that? Have the browns move in, with the reds bringing up the back for cover fire and you covering the blues to join the front assault.”

“They’re Minions. They’re expendable.” told Jerry, following her advice as he moved the Browns into groups, moving both Greens and Browns the best he could as did.

“They’re also your only minions until you can get reinforcements-- you can’t think of them as expendable when you don’t have a place to shore up your strength again, Jerry. What would happen in that… Gibbles and Orcals?” Once more messing up the game’s name. “Whatever it’s called-- what would you do in that? Waste it all in risky moves, or try stretching it out?”

Quickly thinking as he told. “No, I would try to stretch it out. Keep moving my Browns as best I could, make them charge and get the Greens in position.” as he was thinking this as a game, ironically enough as this was life and death. Figuring the possibility of the snipers possible movement as he said. “The snipers might move to their left path, or fall back to gain distance in sniper shots. Don’t know how many bolts they got, but I’m guessing 50 or so just in case if one didn’t work.”

Glad he was thinking, Spree pushed on for that. “They might start wising up. If you need to, pressure them by having your reds send a volley of fire down in a large area. Smoke them out a little. Can the Red’s toss that fire while behind cover, while staying in cover?”

“Unless you want them to burn the forest down, no.” told Jerry. “They have to see their target and fire like a catapult with their flames.”

“Can you order them what direction and how far to throw?” Asked Spree, “You being their eye’s during the volley.”

He thought it over and said. “I can try.” using mental commands as surprisingly, the Minions followed his directions. Reds moving to a area that get them to hit a direction and ready their throw. While he kept the Browns pushing and the Greens moving as...he noticed he was controlling all the groups at once, like a sort of Hive-mind for him, as the Greens were position to jump on the snipers in their own areas.

He felt another Brown dying, as he made the two groups of Browns charge. Coming at the snipers to panic them, and causing the Greens to jump on them. In the midst of confusion he ordered the Reds to fire as he saw their target. At once the red devils fire bolts of fire onto the snipers, burning them alive as the fireballs arcing back down on the now panicking snipers.

“Alright, your path should be cleared. Have the browns hold position and begin moving up with your reds and blues. Let the blue’s heal your main assault ground and get your reds to dig into a few positions to provide cover fire.” He once more heard Spree, “While that’s happening, keep your eyes peeled and keep the groups of greens flanking those snipers. When the browns are set, advance again like before.”

He convey the orders as the Browns held their positions, moving his Reds and Blues with him as he focus on his Greens stabbing into the snipers, a few jump off, as he made his Blues give any healing as Jerry realized something as he took cover. He chuckle, as he said to Spree. “You want to know something ironic, Spree? I tried to think this entire situation as life and death...but the moment you mentioned that game...I imagine this entire situation as a gameboard and moved my horde with my mind. Funny really.”

“If you weren't in a real life-or-death situation? I probably would be laughing.” Said the mare before adding, “But back to focusing-- Watch your left!” It caused Jerry to jerk his head in time to see what Spree apparently warned, as one Caribou sniper had apparently waited in ambush. As soon as the threat was noticed, the Reds reacted-- heads and eyes now trained on the new threat that was shortly overwhelmed in moments under a near wall of fire tossed his way.

As the Caribou was caught by surprise, screaming as he burn. The Reds kept firing fire at him, as he focus on his forces, as the Greens were coming back, with either new gear for them-- or a Life force. As a Green offer a Brown Life force as it spoke. “Life Force!” his left gauntlet absorbed it, as once the last Caribou fell down in flames, Minions grabbing anything of armor or a Lifeforce and gold, they offer him the later bit, as he raise his left arm up.

Calling back all the Minions as he gave a head count and spoke. “18 Browns and 14 Green. I say this was better than what I usually have to deal with.” then added. “Thanks Spree.”

Sighing, he heard, “As long as you come back to us alive and in one piece? Any time.” Then told, “Try thinking about what I told you. You need to be careful how you use your minions-- if you run out and can’t get anymore reinforcements, you’ll be in trouble. I’m going to go find Gnarl now, I know you’ll need it once you're in Vanhoover.”

“Try staying there for now. Make sure your minions are held-- and maybe, try scouting ahead with them carefully. There might be more ambushes like that in the area.” Told the mare before he heard her hoof steps echoing away.

He chuckle, although he felt a slow migraine as he carefully held his head as he thought. Controlling more than one Minion isn’t easy. Guess that what happen when I try to bend game logic in controlling them. moving to a rock to sit down, at least to ease his headache as he slightly wonder...just what more he could do with this? He was honest, with how Spree help broaden his horizon...there were a lot of way to control his Minions with a possible Hive-mind.

---

After a few hours of moving, fighting patrols, and gaining a hang on his ‘Hive-mind control’ over the Minions, Jerry been gaining more of that migraine for each time he control all of them with his mind and not the gauntlet. As the gauntlet to control them, was more easier to wield said Minion, or minions in doing the Overlord bidding. Probably why in the game, it made sense for the player to use the gauntlet with Game logic. Glancing to his gauntlet as he figured to use the gauntlet the mass of the group, while using his mind to micromanaged the smaller groups of the horde.

However when they came near Vanhoover, Jerry had to go down in the sewers way to make a Gate. which was more difficult due to his large form and armor around him. Thankfully, Spree noticed a large pothole for Jerry to get in as when he moved to a rather large sewer area? The Main Gate spiral upwards, forming with the Spawning pits around it as he heard Gnarl voice.

“Master, are you sure its wise to make it here? Not saying its a good hiding place, but it does stink much like the Greens!”

“It is, keeps the Caribous off guard for me to just pop in their city and not travel in it like the usual way.” feeling the pounding headache as he said. “Anyway, make sure the Waypoint Gate is set up when I start bringing mares.”

“Of course Master, I will be sure to get it ready for you.” then asked “But are you sure you are ready, Sire? From the looks of it, I say you may need to take a little break from straining your mind.”

Spree pitched in, telling, “You have the gate up now. Come on back and take a breather. You can take a moment to organize your attack while you rest up. The Caribou don’t know where you are, so you have a moment to gather yourself.”

While Jerry wanted to keep pushing, the headache that was bothering to no end reminded him that he would get sloppy and could cause mistakes. So with a move of his gauntlet to take the remaining Minions to their Pits, he enter in the Main Gate. And back into the throne room, as man was heading to the armory real quick. After a couple of minutes, he was back up, seeing both Spree and Gnarl as both watch the Overlord rubbing his forehead constantly as Gnarl hum.

“It is unique that you control the Minions with your mind, Master. But it is obvious why the previous Overlords didn’t, the gauntlet help provide a focus for you to wield the Minions and cause a much smoother way of commanding them than using your mind with the gauntlet to command, direct, and position them while focusing on the entire horde. It is no wonder why you are having such pain in the head, it isn’t a easy feat, my Lord.”

Looking down, Spree said, “Wait. Are you saying that other Overlords never tried to do that often?” Then said, “I mean, I can understand if it builds a migraine… but I would have thought they would of put practice into it and not rely on the gauntlet.”

“Let just say that the previous Overlords didn’t had anything to ease the migraines, or thought more like military people.” told Jerry dryly. “They were more akin to warlords or tyrants who just did as they please, conquer, and at times prefer the easy way with the gauntlet.”

“Not to mention that Overlords back then, didn’t had much smarts as the Master here.” added in Gnarl.

Giving the old minion a brief look, Spree shook her head and told to Jerry, “Well, take this break while you can and get ready. We’re going to try brushing up on your skills and strategy some. Because raw force won’t win alone against all the Caribou.”

Rubbing his head more, Jerry said. “Agreed,” trying to elevate his headache as he told. “I’m going to see if we got any pain pills among our raided supplies, with luck this headache will come down in a hour or two.” heading towards to the raided supplies, as while he was walking off, Gnarl gave a low laugh as he look up to Spree and spoke.

“You know wench, you are lucky that you didn’t get too close to the Tower Heart when you spoke with the Master. After all, not many come uncorrupted by it’s very influenced.”

With a almost steeled wide stance and crossed arms, Spree told, “It’s going to take more than a floating glowing rock to make me fall, you grey toad. I was talking to him for his own good.” Then said rather sternly down, “Isn’t it your job to give him advice? Because so far, you’re not doing your job all that great if Jerry mostly fights like a untrained bandit.”

“Oh, I say the Master is doing a fine job right now,” as he held a rather knowing glint in his eyes. “While I may be his adviser, I know that he has uniqueness when he is fighting. Especially when he gets angry.” giving a cackle. “I dare say that when he does get angry-- he is more, professional in the terms of being a Overlord.”

With a huff, Spree told, “It’s being a berserker is what it is.” Then looked down to Gnarl and said, “You might not care about if Jerry lies or not-- but let me just say this.” Jutting a thumb over her shoulder and stating, “He goes and you look for the next evil around? It’s going to be those Caribous-- and guess what? When they get what they want, they’ll toss you out.” Then laughed, “What am I saying? They might just toss you out after a few uses and not care. All they want is sex Gnarl. They don’t care about evil or any of that stuff you spout.”

“Perhaps, perhaps not. Lust is one of the Deadly sins.” as he internally took that in mind, figuring of possibly manipulating the Caribous if this Overlord fails.

“So is Sloth.” Shot back Spree, “And I’m sure you’ve noticed-- they do a whole lot of nothing but sit around, eat and rape. That’s all they seem to care about. Why would they need any of the minions-- when they’re doing so well without you anyways?” Then turned on her hoof to walk away. “And even if one was? All they would do is sit around and have more sex, with a side of sex, and a dessert of sex.” Leaving Gnarl alone to his thoughts.

Hmm...I may dislike the the wench...but she does have a point. These Caribous seem to focus more on sex than on anything else. Even their conquest seem to be focus on one main goal. Sex. thinking more as he move to the throne side. The Master may be a idiot...but he is more productive than these Caribous are...but then...I don’t need to tell him that. Maybe let him assume he needs to keep us around in case he fears we would go to the Caribous. but then frown and thought.

But the wench might tell him of this, inform him that the Caribous will discard us...she may need to be removed… thinking of finding this Resistance early, just to remove the mare as he continue on his thoughts. But there is a certain truth in her words, the Minions will be removed once we are done being useful if we serve the Caribous-- and I can’t have that. The Caribous called us rats, mere vermin and filthy pests.

Perhaps I can manipulate the Master to try to be more evil to keep us, let him be in his delusion that we might go to the Caribous if he doesn’t be a Overlord anymore. Maybe encourage him that, even if the Caribous are a evil-- sometimes Evil needs a new manager. A new face that is. going off to the Tower Heart to search for these Resistance, just to get Spree out, and to make sure that she won’t influence the Overlord than needs be-- the whelp been a constant annoyance in his plans, he didn’t need the mare to continue on.

But for now. Patience is a evil virtue. giving low cackles as he went down to the Tower Heart and began his searching.

---

Thankfully with founded pain pills in the raid storage rooms, Jerry went over with Spree on the game plan of Vanhoover. While Jerry may not be a military person, he was surprisingly average enough to plan for possible ambush areas, where they might keep mares, as well as choke points of areas the Caribous will have.

It was a pleasant change. And while Spree thought it over, she knew that in a sense, this was the first time Jerry was preparing for a fight in a more proper fashion. Not some raid where he randomly hit and attacked-- there was a overlaying plan of what he would do. Where he would hit. How much pressure he would give.

She already told Shadow and Jasmine what they had to do-- they with a number of minions and Lovely, were to wait in the area-to-be and greet each mare that came in. Cover them with towels or blankets and sort them out into groups to later take up residence into a few rooms during their stay.

While she disliked the elderly minion, and same could be said about Gnarl to her-- both agreed to set aside their little ‘good and evil’ differences in the interest of not only keeping Jerry alive-- but making sure he did his job right. Gnarl would be managing some information handling and making sure to keep a more keen out for threats and keep at the ready to resupply his Master with Minions.

Spree originally planned to be there too, just to give advice. But when given the admittedly, good reasoning form Gnarl about keeping any panicking ‘wench’s in line form entering into the castle-- Spree agreed that she should go down and assist Jasmine and Shadow in keeping the mare’s and possibly fillies, form panicking too much.

Once ready, Jerry began to march his way out. Armor clanking over his body and eyes glowing white inside the darkened face of his crown-like-helmet, the man went over the general plan. He was to cause a fair unduly amount of chaos around Vanhoover on a set path, one that allowed his minions to take a sewer at any given time.

He was to make near random hits on shops, grab whatever he could and then move on-- snatching up any mare’s and fillies along the way. Spree also mentioned to him of the Adoptions, a very well protected, but also filled full building of ponies yet to be given a master. Some still themselves-- others completely broken. It was a place of interest to hit, if he came across it-- but only risk it when he can dig into a well protected area to even storm it and gain access.

Otherwise, it was just plain easy to just randomly pick up mare’s on the street. Less effort than trying to break into a building that was pointedly made to resist forced entry and have stolen lost ‘goods’.

As Jerry came out of the Main Gate, getting his Minions as he was moving out of the sewers and walk around as if he was making his way to ‘enter’ the city. As Jerry was getting closer, he noticed a stallions glancing at him-- and one recognize him as he shouted. “Everypony run! It's the Overlord!” Jerry motioned his arm out, getting Minions to break into buildings, started his ‘Raid shopping list’ as well as get Minions grabbing mares-- mostly blacks that were seen around as some stallions were about to attack them, before Jerry started his ‘monologue’.

“Males of Vanhoover, I have come to take all that you hold dear! I will break you, smash you down-- and I will harvest your very souls if you dare to stand in my way! So by all means, try to attack what is mine, and you will know that your pathetic souls will be used for my gains!” this caused nearly all guys to stop, as once Jerry mentioned ‘souls’ they started to realize he wasn’t about to raid their things-- he was going to take souls.

Jerry heard Jasmine told in his helm as he recited her words. “Yes, that is right. COWER! Cower and run-- or better yet, come to me and fight so I can steal your souls!” As more stallions were terrified, not noticing that the mares were being taken by a Waypoint Gate by Jerry with the Minions as he was mentally ordering them to grab mares and keep raiding as he recited Shadow words as he gave a dark laugh.

“Doesn’t matter, if you run it will thrill me to hunt you down and take it by force!” giving out a maniacal laughter that echo out.

One of weaker will got up, holding a young teen that hadn’t even reached 14 in his arms and next to shoved her his way, shouting, “Take the whore, just let me live!” And without another word, turned and ran for his life. While his lone slave yelped at landing on the hard unforgiving ground and picked herself up-- only to pause and look up in slight terror at the Overlord, making her tremble in place.

Jerry look down as he motioned his arm as two Minions move around. Grabbing her as they carried her by her limbs. While they ignored her screams of terror and trying to escape, Jerry kept thrusting his hand out, getting Minions to raid and cause chaos as he saw the populus ran, some tossing mares, other's trying to take their mares with them as once the last of the ‘captured slaves’ were through the Waypoint Gate, it went under ground.

This gave Jerry the signal to keep moving, as he saw the expected Caribous troops to come, quickly giving a mental order for the Browns to stand before him, while making the Greens form up and move behind the rushing deer-men. Gnarl admit while he look through the Tower Heart, as much as he loathed Spree, he admit her extra planning with the Master made him more efficient and effective. And making the Caribous reactions more predictable to counter ahead of time.

As Jerry let the Browns charge, and the Greens to attack from behind, causing the Caribous to get a surprise. Even more as the Reds threw their fires at angles to hit unprotected areas, as the carnage came with them being disorganized. While Jerry kept pressing on, he let the remaining Minions sweeped to areas or buildings to raid, glancing to see more troops coming from a chokepoint, as he called back his Browns, Greens, and Reds as they weakened the troops to be position for holding back the reinforcements.

Quickly giving a Combustion spell on the remaining Caribous as they burned to death. Mentally he focus on positioning the Browns to act as the vanguard, gaining the Caribous attention as the Greens move up in high ground to jump down to backstab, while the Reds would throw high angles to let fireballs rain down. A part of him felt smug of the fact he was a nerd. I may not gotten much back home-- but my nerdy thinking and playing D&D paid off. Suck it jocks!

However as the Minions were weakening the Caribous at the choke point, he gave another Combustion spell, and let them gain Lifeforce and anything of use. As he return to his raiding, gathering things as much as possible as he mentally checked off the list of his raiding. Food, water, blankets, pillows, gold, fabric, art stuff, paper. however as he kept his raiding, he noticed a ‘roman’ wall as Caribous having large shields, forming up as he saw a impressive Caribou peeking behind the wall as the Caribou shouted.

“Give up! You cannot best us, nor your rats can’t beat us!” Jerry mindlessly ignored the Caribou, as he sent a mental order as he moved both Greens and Reds in two different areas. The Reds on secured range locations, and the Greens to sneak around the back to the speaker, or shouter behind the wall. He managed to hear what the Caribou finished up. “--you will be shown what happens when you mess with the Great Caribou Empire!”

“...Really.” said Jerry as he could imagine the rather bemuse look as Jerry told. “If that’s a threat...let me show you a real threat.” taking in his breath and shouting out. “I am the Bringer of Darkness, the Harvester of souls! You Caribous are nothing but bugs underneath my boots, unworthy to even dare talk to me! I will lash you until you bleed, I will break every bone in your body, and I will make you bend as your knees will fall down! Your ‘Great Empire’ is nothing more than just a mockery!”

Pointing at them all as he shouted. “Now flee, or suffer the wrath of the Overlord!”

In response, Jerry watched the shielded wall advance-- looking un-intimidated by his threat. “You hold no true threat to us!” The speaker spoke, the lines advancing on Jerry whom stood on place, waiting. “We will not cower-- we are the many and you are the few with mere rats!” Confident roars sounded as that walk slightly turned into a slight jog--

Jerry lifted his hand and made a slight gesture-- and the once large wall that advanced, turned into a mess. Greens, laying in wait, sprung from their places, jumping from the buildings or the ally’s-- many rushing from far behind the lines and using their smaller sizes to duck or squeeze right into slight gaps of the once armored line.

Now inside, the greens took full advantage of the confined spaces with their smaller sizes, knives cutting deep, seeking out the chinks in the armor and slicing into the tendons to many a knee. The chaos alone caused the jog to turn into a wreck-- bodies tangling or tripping up the entire unit, the wall of shields gaping-- and now providing nice, sizable gaps for Jerry to signal his ready Red Minions.

Jerry thrust his arm out, as the Reds began firing down onto the Caribous, hitting down as some were quickly burning alive. As he saw some Greens on the possible commander of the Caribou, being hit all around as Jerry motioned his Browns to charge to bash down the Caribous while the Reds and remaining Greens keep up the pressure. The Overlord join in, as to make things quick, slashing down his axe as dying sounds came, or screams as some were still burning.

“Master, better make it snappy, there’s more coming up behind you.” So Jerry double time it, quickly slashing down and calling all his Minions once they took what they wanted, or give to him as he glance to see more Caribous charging at him. He turn and let Combustion burn, he would of let the Browns finish them, but had more better things in mind. Like taking more mares to his castle.

But while there weren’t around in the streets, he did struck gold. A Adoption, as he quickly thought and told. “Gnarl, get Spawning pits of Browns and Blues.” as two Spawn pits came, as he lower his Blues down to 5, as he brought up more Browns. “I’m going in.” pushing his Browns as they assaulted the door, breaking in as they charged at any male that was within the building. Jerry quickly enter, as he mentally commanded Minions to move furniture to block the door behind him.

Seeing quickly that there wasn’t too much defenders-- yet. He figured there were more inside, as once the Browns ended the surprised stallions or Caribous, they pitched into push anything to make a barricade at the doors as he said. “Gnarl, where's the best place to keep slaves?”

“Hmm, I say deep inside, with heavy security, Sire.” Jerry mental commanded the Browns to be the ones to attack anything that get the jump at him, as he saw the large sign ‘Adoption area’ and figured that was where the mares were kept in.

Moving up, he found that the door leading to the area was locked… but far from anything that could stop him. With a raise of his weapon and bringing it down, the wooden door gave a snapping crack, allowing him to soon shoulder and rip the thing off it’s hinges.

Walking in, Jerry gave a glance around and found a room, one that held a empty desk and a much more heavy, much more secure steel door behind it. With a glance to his weapon, Jerry realized it was going to take a bit more to rip that door down.

He look over it as he asked. “Gnarl, ideas?” feeling a little annoyed, surprised at first-- but annoyed now.

“Well Master, unless you want to just break the door with your might or force your Minions to waste your precious time, perhaps you can make any surviving males here to make them open the door?” Jerry grumble as he sent the mental commands to the Minions with a basic order ‘Find the key’. As the Minions began scrambling around, searching for any traces of the key, or anywhere the key was at.

However within a minute, he heard a struggle sound as he glance, seeing a pegasus stallion being forcefully carried by some Browns as Jerry spoke. “I’m going to make a simple deal. Open that door and I’ll let you live, don’t and I’ll force you to open the door and end your life.”

Blinking to that, the stallion actually considered giving the key-- right before realizing, “Hey! That's not fair, I’ll die either way!” Knowing the Caribou's would just do him in.

“The former is giving you a head start.” told Jerry. “And remember, I’m the Evil Overlord. Tick. Tock.”

Figuring that maybe he could run for it, the stallion reached into his pockets and began to pull out a number of things. Gum, condoms, bits, a few strange cards-- a key eventually clanging to the ground. As soon as he felt his arms free enough, turned and bolted for any exist he could.

He motioned a Minion to open the door, as another brought him the bits the pegasus took out. As they heard a unlocking sound and the door was being pushed, he mentally order his Brown to go in first, with his Greens to sneak around to hit behind. He saw the ‘defenders’ as it was a few Caribous and stallions, and one Caribou holding a black-collar mare hostage with a choke hold as he told.

“Either you relent, or this bitch neck breaks.” smirking some, knowing that this might get the male to stand down. Jerry however look at him...as the Greens were behind the males as he said.

“Really? Just….really?” gaining bemused looks as he told. “That's just...wasteful. And sad. Really, really sad. I mean...putting a slave in a hostage situation-- while there is a EVIL Overlord that really doesn’t CARE what will happen to her-- and you really think that she’s going to just...protect you and make me surrender?” motioning to himself and his horde. “Big Bad Villain. Not Goody, goody hero. Major difference.”

Tightening his hold and making the mare tremble with wide, tear filled eyes, the Caribou snarled, “You’re bluffing.” Smirking in utter certainty.

“And you’re dead.” told Jerry as the Greens jumped onto the Caribou back, stabbing onto him as he let go of the mare from sudden pain, the stallions look in shock, before getting zerg rush by the Browns as Jerry saw a Waypoint Gate opening up as once the males were dead, he thrust his arm out. As every Minion was breaking into the cages, taking mares out, even the one that was a former hostage.

Some panic, some tried to fight back, but the Minions kept a good grip on them as they moved them one by one to the Waypoint Gate. Jerry turn to shut the steel door, and locking it as just in case to cause the reinforcement trouble.

“No! Let. GO!” “NO, NO!” “Please, please Celestia, please!” Please and screams rang out from many a call, all of which centered around the very idea that something horrible was going to happen to them. The mare’s did all they could, some even trying to tackle and hurt the minions before being dog-piled and dragged away. Fillies cried and whimpered in fear, all looked the sight of females trying to flee for what little safety they could.

But as soon as they felt themselves get carried or dragged through-- many found themselves feeling dizzy, nearly ready to puke for others-- before landing on hard, stone ground and meeting… mare’s. Three mare’s and a filly, with more mares and fillies in blankets and… towels. Blankets, towels-- food and water being served by imps in… servant's clothing?

Many of the newly saved mares breathed out in confusion and panic, glancing around at all those with collars and those… being removed of their collars. What was happening, what was-- “Shadow, more just came through! Hey, you, you five, get more food and blankets!” They heard a yellow mare all out, looking to have some steel armor over her body.

More Minions left to gather more food and blankets, as the mares were just looking in confusion, some were just looking around as the sight before them, and the area they were in...clashed with their minds. However the filly, look to them and said. “Hey, can you please move? More might be coming!” getting the mares to slowly blink, and with some hesitation, left their spot.

As they were move on the side, they felt blankets around them, one of the mares turn her head, yelping of the imps in servant clothing placing it on her. Before she could even give a word or reaction, they ran off as they saw a thestral coming before them and spoke with a smile. “I know this is all confusing for you all, but you’re in a safe place, and we’re going to get rid of those things on your neck.”

One regained her voice, just enough to shout, “W-Who are you people? What’s going on!?” Hugging the blanket all the more closer to her sweaty, cum stained bare naked body. She felt scared, just like those who were in those cages with her. “Who was that, why are--”

“Right now, we’re ponies who are helping you.” interrupted Shadow, as her tone was calm and sincere. “All will be answered, but until then? Simply enjoy being free and away from the Caribous.” turning her head as she asked to Jasmine. “Can you see how he’s doing with Gnarl?” although there was a teleportation sound, as another group of mares came as she sighed. “Oh dear, look like he’s cleaning that horrid place up.” then said to the mares she was speaking to.

“If you don’t mind, I need to get the servants to gather more blankets now, I hope we have plenty still.” then turn to Spree and call. “Hey Spree, I think we might reach a limit in blankets, we should get Gnarl to tell Jerry to come back!”

Head looking up, Spree gave a nod before reaching down and next to plucking a minion up by the scruff of his uniform. While he gave sounds of protest and limbs flailing about, Spree said, “Calm down-- I just need you to run to Gnarl and tell him to pull Jerry out, we’re going to run out of things here and he might as well get back now.”

He soon gave a understanding sound. “Get Master back!” as he was soon dropped, heading off to somewhere else, as while Jasmine brought the next group of mares over on the side, one of the mares look up to Shadow and asked.

“Where...where are we? And why are we here?” Shadow gave a wide smile and soon answer.

“You’re in a safe place, and you’re here to be free mares.”

They looked to one another, uncertainty radiating off of them some. “We’re...free?” A hopeful tone rising from within the group while Spree walked up and gave a nod.

“You’re free.” Then motioned, “Come on, I’ll help you get sorted out. We’re trying to assign rooms.” Gently ushering them along before pausing to glance at Shadow and tell, “Think you can keep the oncoming fillies calm enough? Maybe get a few mare’s to help?”

She smile and nodded as Shadow walked over, going to other mares who had their collars off recently as she asked a few to aid her to calm the fillies. Although as things were slowly working in a organized fashion, the teleportation came as everypony turn to see Jerry coming in, and once more things became hysterical. “Oh Celestia! It’s him!” “Oh no, no, no, no!” one of the mares turn to Spree with a look of betrayal on her face as she nearly scream out.

“I thought this was somewhere safe!?”

“QUIET!!” The shout made the panicking come to a halt, all heads turning to Spree, who was clearing her voice and holding herself tall in that armor she wore before turning to Jerry and asking, “You get them all?” Making the mares stand in place, utterly confused, “Because if you’re done, we’re going to need someone to organize all the new stuff while we find these mare’s rooms to sleep in.” Then blinked and asked, “There are doors for their rooms… right?”

“Yes, I made more just in case around the Castle.” said Jerry as he soon told. “But yes, the mares here were all from the Adoptions, well beside the ones who first came here and helping you all out.” then stretch some as he added. “Also the reason I took a bit long was...stress relief.” A mare look horrified, as another became anger as she was about to shout--

Before Spree beat her to the punch with, “Jerry, stress relief or not, you should have gotten back here sooner!” The mare going on to tell, “Staying around to bash a few more heads together isn’t going to keep you any safer.”

“Actually I was burning the Adoption place. Had to let it all get set up before I left. Figure it would give a crippling blow to the Caribous-- and don’t worry, I made sure it only burn the building, nothing else.” He pointed out.

Finger up, Spree shot back, “That’s not the point, Jerry. The point is you can’t drag out your vendetta without some consequences-- what if that extra you spent got you stuck and get your back stabbed or arm twisted out of joint?” Then motioned, “You’re needed here-- don’t forget that.”

A few look surprise, or worry of the mare shouting at the Overlord, fearing for her safety-- while he sighed out and said. “Alright, alright-- you made your point, Spree. I’ll be considerate. Okay?” then told. “Now if you pardon me, I need to put my weapon away-- and get things in order with the raid room, don’t know if anyone checked what we took recently, so might as well check.” turning as he headed to the Forge, as one of the mares look to Spree and spoke out with a shaky breath.

“I, I honestly thought you were in trouble. We...we thought the Overlord was...was going to hurt you for talking back at him like that.” then shiver some. “Or...force you down, like what the Caribous told of his unending needs.” while Shadow didn’t hear that-- she did felt her ears burning as if what she guessed turned out to be right.

Thinking about that, Spree said, “Well, maybe before Shadow and I came along-- but he's mellowed out.” Then went on telling with a smile, “Trust me-- he’s not as bad as he seems. Barks loud, but he’s actually a softie under that armor.” Causing no loss of gaping or confused looks.

“Listen, I’d like to gossip about him and the myth of his insatiable needs.” Started Spree before pointing at their lack of wear, “But we need to get you all washed up, dressed and given out rooms.” Then said, “Alright, group one? If you can follow me I’ll get you to the bath to wash up.” Moving to the group of mares and fillies to assure them along.

A unicorn, one whose horn was cut off, shook her head and blinked, turning to Shadow before saying, “The… the Overlord is a… softie?” As if unable to believe what she just heard.

She giggle some, nodding her head as she said with a amuse look. “Yes, despite his scary appearance and his deep tone, he’s a big softie, especially to foals.” although she glance to the cut off horn, frowning some as she grab a servant Minion by the arm and told. “Can you get Gnarl to get all Blues? I think its time these mares get back what was taken by them.”

“Okay!” told the Brown, as it headed off, while another mare look with suspicious of these imps, as she glance to Shadow and asked.

“What can these things do to help us? Especially these ‘Blues’?” Shadow let out a giggle, and soon replied.

“Regenerate pieces of us that were forced to be taken. Like horns and wings.” getting surprised and shocked as Shadow told. “Now let's get those collars off, and don’t worry about the Blues coming near, they’re going to be repairing what was stolen from us.”

Next Chapter: A Resistance debate Estimated time remaining: 46 Hours, 11 Minutes