With a low sigh, Jerry watched within the Cyclops of the vast ocean, seeing the shifting through the glass as he stood a few feet behind the pilot seat of a mare. He knew that Albert called him earlier, and wanted to talk to him on something. Granted he didn’t know why, but had a feeling it was due to the sudden near invasion of the Caribou at Alpha base. Probably wanted to go over a few things since the silence of communications…

However, he frowns and thought to himself. But, it also means I need to figure out on other things, like boosting my Minions efficiently. I know I told Mortis to get to work on reviving old minions from my ‘past’ fights, mostly those I help made stronger with better gear and uses. Problem is...I didn’t told him which minion, or even worse, which Tribe I want him to revive the most. a low sigh escape from him as he shook his head some.

I really hope he picked the good ones. Even more the ones who could help better the strength and brains of the other Minions. Sure they die like mayflies...but they do have their uses.

Although part of him wonder if he should keep boosting his ‘army’ mostly in minion sacrifice for the few new ‘guards’ of mares and stallions at his home with their gear...or the few who choose to be guards. Really he wasn’t expecting them to all volunteer, or willingly to serve him as a guard like the few in the ‘Reserve Guard’. Mostly due to his...infamy and the fact in a twisted sense they would be helping the ‘enemy’.

Still he shook that off, looking ahead as he saw the location of where Albert wanted to talk with him. He noticed it was...smaller than Alpha base, a ‘mid-size base’ if he recalled right. He also noticed the Dauntless was already there by it, making confirmation that Albert was there and waiting for him. He waited until they were close as the mare in the pilot seat slowed the Cyclopes a bit as she glance and told him.

“Alright Overlord. Go through the Moon pool and head to the Scanner Room, it's down a hall and to the right.” Jerry glance to see the ‘entrance’ of the base as he gave a quick nod, moving down to the Cyclops own entrance as he jump through the Cyclops as his swim-suit re-breather reacted to pump oxygen in his lungs. With a bit of movement of his body, the human began his process of entering in the base Moon Pool as his re-breather was off with his head popping out of water.

Glancing around, he noticed two ladders on either side of the Moon Pool, moving to one on his left as he climbed up and out of the water. Soon enough he headed to the Scanner Room to proceed to see the man himself. However he noticed Albert walking around a large holo image of...something. It was a area to be certain...although he noticed part of the images held red spots pinging over it.

“I’m going to guess out of a limb thats probably a map of Equestria or something, right?” Asked Jerry as he walked up a bit more to speak directly to Albert.

Eyes flicking over the image, Albert told, “Just the local area. I’m searching the seabed for some resources.” Walking around it for a while in thought before turning his head and saying, “Anything change while I was busy dealing with my own crisis?”

Shrugging, Jerry admitted. “Well, the Equestrian Princess’s handling the island ponies in making sure there’s not a panic, a request for me to try to gather more materials for them….” thinking and going on. “Me getting old minions as best I can with Mortis….oh and apparently? Some mares wanting jobs as maids for the Castle and a few willing to be new guards…” shaking his head as he admitted. “Gotta say, it took me by surprise. I honestly expected none were either willing, or desperate enough to come to me for work.”

Stopping and looking to the man before him, Albert gave a shrug and told, “Times changed. They now have a new home and I’m sure they just want to protect it and not lose it again.” He turned back to the map, another red dot pinging in another place. While both observed it, Albert told, “Have you thought about heading back to Equestria anytime soon?”

Thinking, Jerry admitted. “A bit...I had to stop for a while, mostly to relax from the large amounts of raids with Shining and processing who we gathered. As well as grabbing materials and food for the ponies at the island-- but I had to stop due to lack of contact with you and the other's at Citadel-1. Mostly because I was unable to bring the usual stuff I bring.” then further admitted.

“Plus...let's just say with the new residents at my place? I had to go through on what job opportunities are needed and figure out when or where they can work-- as well as started making some crops to grow in new lands with what seeds I stole.”

While Albert gave a nod to this, the man himself was standing in place in thought. It was a little hard what was going through his head, though Jerry knew it was something important to make a meeting over. “I think we should stop going to Equestria.” The words alone hit Jerry hard, even stump him. “I think, personally, that our interests-- yours, mine the princesses and ponies? I think we need to stop and just go on hold for a month or two and let Equestria be.”

Wait...what? it confused Jerry on why he should stop going to Equestria...until he asked in a cautious tone. “Is it...the Khara Virus that’s in Equestrai in the first place? With it being nearly to the brink of a full blown plague?” Already knowing that its spreading all over Equestria at this point, as Jerry then adds. “Or is it due to the whole Windigo thing that’s spreading from north to south?”

Shaking his head and pocketing his hands, Albert informed, “Everything, Jerry.” Thinking to himself for a while before giving more explanation. “Khara. Windigos. Caribou. The situation is spiraling out of control. And until things start stabilizing, we should consider not going to Equestria for a while.”

“It’s not ideal.” Admit the scientist. “We’re trading some lives for time for ourselves. But with the threat of Pink’s? The situation isn’t in our favor at the moment. Citadel-1 is still being built and settled. I’m still scanning for any more traces of spies. I still need to recover the Vehicle bay possible near equestrian waters. The Windigo see you as a potential meal and I have a feeling the Caribou are starting to become desperate which makes them more dangerous.”

Turing to look to Jerry, the sickly looking man informed. “You have your hands full. The princesses have their hands full. I have my hands full.” Then jerk his head to the large image of the local area. “Until we can get things under control, than our problems will look like that map. A bunch of bright red spots we need to deal with, while also juggling a war with the Caribou. And right now? We need to think about stability.”

A frown on Jerry face, as he didn’t like this...but had to concede that Albert was making a strong case, he didn’t knew how to fight against Windigos yet, the Caribous will probably try to kill him all the more...and he had no idea if he had Pinks in his own home or not-- something of which he need to talk to Gnarl about. With a deep sigh, he nodded and said. “You’re right...not to mention I need to make sure my place is also stable, especially in improving lifestyles…” then admitted as he glances to the holomap.

“I was thinking of starting to build my Gates onto other nations, mostly due to the chances of Caribou's leaving Equestria and spreading the Khara at this point with them. The problem is that I don’t know how to drive a boat-- and I doubt you can lend me a Cyclopes for me to use as you need them more than I do.”

Lifting a brow, Albert told, “I can rent you one.” Though told even while Jerry gave him a look. “But the Khara isn’t like the Windigos. It can spread without other people transmitting it-- the fish in the sea and the water form it is already spreading it. It’s already reaching other places by now.” A very strong certainty in his voice. “I think it’s going to be a need for you to reach these other places to keep them from going extinct too.”

A low exhale of breath came out of Jerry as he nodded, but admitted. “Problem is...where first? From what some of the ponies mention, and brief talks with Shadow and Spree? There are a few places like the Zebra lands, the Minotaurs, and the Griffons. Each with their unique talents...the problem is who should I head first to start making grounds?”

“Griffins.” Albert shot out while turning, heading for the hall and Jerry needing to turn and keep pace. “Griffins in mythology were half bird, half lion. It would suggest predatory needs and fish might be on the menu for both sides.” Turning his head, Albert continued. “They are the most likely to start preying on infected fish. They will be needing the cure much more sooner than Zebra or Minotaur.” Stopping, the man turned and tld, “But, the Zebra’s are closer and I’m sure that the Princesses could deal with them.”

“They could.” agreed Jerry with a slight nod. “Might take a while, but they can.” then thought on and said. “I might need some thing from the Princess’s in terms of showing proof I mean well to the Griffons, for all I know? They could of heard about my rep through Caribous or their own spies and assume the worst when I show up. I doubt they would let me explain, or help give them the cure with their lesser sick people.”

Smiling a bit, Albert told, “Desperations a powerful thing.” Motioning over his own body to tell, “When the outbreak begins? There’s going to be a lot of deaths and no signs of it slowing. They’ll take the chance if they know you have the one single thing that can save their entire species.”

A snort of amusement escape from Jerry as he joked. “They probably be assuming I’ll make demands from them in exchange for the cure.” then shake his head and told. “But I’ll probably be ‘demanding’ a promise of them assisting me in ‘taking Equestria’ and acknowledging I have a sovereignty of my place.” rolling his eyes as he admit. “There isn’t really much from them I want to take, especially with how bad things are in their nation. Seem kinda dickish for me to just take what remains of their nation when they’re near extinction.”

Tilting his head and looking at Jerry, Albert said, “Well… there’s always the ‘stay out of my way’ option.” Giving the Overlord a long look to add in. “Equestria's going to be weak after this. They might be too, but they will have a working military. If you don't think they won’t help you conquer? Tell them to just stay away from Equestria and call it even.”

A low chuckle escape from Jerry lips as he joked with a grin. “I can see it now, me in my ‘Overlord’ voice, telling to whoever ruling the Griffon’s that Equestria is going to be mine once the Caribou Empire is broken, and that I don’t want to assume that them attacking it is a sign for me to just remove what mercy I got for them and anyone else.” then thought it over some as he asked.

“What about this ‘Saddle Arabia’ I heard of? Think I should make a trip there once I deal with the Griffons and Minotaurs? Doubtful they eat fish, but I can’t be too precautious in nation searching.”

Thinking some, Albert admitted, “It’s possible. If you’re willing to risk the blistering heat.”

“I think I’ll take the trip with my steel set.” told Jerry as he went on. “Maybe use mostly Browns and Reds to endure the heat, I might handle the heat until I set up a few Gates.” thinking some and went on. “Anything else we need to discuss? Because I might need to start planning on what to fill in orders for the other's while I’m heading to the Griffon nation, as well as warned the Princess’s I’ll be away to start set things up to give the cure all around.”

Finger up, the scientist said, “Before you commit to a sudden crusade, Jerry?” Re-pocketing his hands to stare at the man once more. “Work on your castle, it’s defense and it’s inhabitants first. You can’t have anarchy while you’re off doing business.” Then gave a slight chuckle while turning and walking away. “Alpha base wouldn’t be where it was if it didn’t have stability of leadership.”

“Hrm….Point.” agreed Jerry with a hint of admittance in his tone as he had a hand under his chin. “I need to make sure my Minions are outfitted well, make sure the guards are outfitted with the best armor with upgrades, need to get Gnarl and the workers to start making some defenses outside and in as precaution-- need to also get the job situation dealt with…” thinking more on as he mutter to himself.

“Might need to make sure Shadow is alright in dealing with the work, as well as getting the majority of paperwork finish, as well as construction dealt with. Maybe make sure the few remains of the wolves are taught well with the Browns. Maybe make sure there outposts? Hrm…” he could tell he had a lot of work to cover, and knew he needed to deal with it all before heading to elsewhere.

He really didn’t want to baggage Shadow by accident like last time with the amount of work that was needed to be done. I also need to make sure loose ends are dealt with, make sure Mortis is finished with getting the right minions and make sure everything is 100% clean and prepare for anything I could think of.

He could also feel the utter headache of it all rising with the amount of paperwork...maybe he could give it to Gnarl? That always work. However a frown filled his face as he admits. “Albert...there’s something serious I need to tell you.” Looking at the scientists as he told on. “A few things actually. One is that I might have Pinks at the Castle. We’re working out a idea of sorts...but I need to see if it work or not when I come back. A bait idea we come up. Not the best plan...but it’s one we got beside what Spree heard.”

Then took a deep breath, hands on table as he let it out and told. “And there's...there might be a potential new…’villian’ to show up. One that will enjoy their job.” looking to the ill man with fear in his eyes. “One that might be the feared Overlord the ponies are afraid of.”

Eyes up and brow lifted, Albert asked while moving to the side of the room to work the rooms scanning systems. “I’d ask how you know about this. Where the information came from, or more importantly, who this new threat is.” Seeming to go off into thought. “And why ask me about it?”

Jerry did his best to calm down as he said. “How I know about this...isn’t easy to accept. You see...there this, this powerful being. Omnipotent type. Called the Eyes of Fate, he...he brought me here as the Overlord. Told me if I don’t do my job right? I’ll get replaced.” a dry gulp of air came through him, eyes glancing around in wary as if the being himself might appeared.

Albert pause in his work to listen on the Overlord as Jerry went on. “He...he told me whenever he show up that if I don’t do my job as Overlord right? If I...don’t be evil enough...I’ll be killed and someone more worser will appear as the new Overlord...someone who might not have morals or ethics. As for this threat...I don’t know. All I do know is that...that if I do manage to survive and live through what’s going on now? This new threat will appear, or might appear sooner...and is going to be the new ‘Evil’ around here.”

Humming to this, Albert stopped his work and placed all focus on Jerry. A look of steel and deep thought were in those glowing sickly eyes, the man’s mind no doubt turning with thoughts. Motioning a hand, Albert more or less told Jerry to follow, which the taller Overlord did. Both went out of the room and began to go about the halls, passing a pony or two.

One of which, Albert told, “I need you in the Scanner room. Continue resource operations for the teams outside.” Not pausing in stride while passing the surprised mare up. When they came to the next room, Albert opened the bulkhead and jerked his head for Jerry to enter, which the man did. Once inside and door closed, both were in what looked to be a small lab.

There was a odd air around Albert while he moved through the room, getting a chair to be moved to the side and sit down at what looked to be a table used for breaks. Jerry moved by the other free chair, watching a thoughtful scentest that folded his hands and seemed to stare on ahead.

Looking to the current Overlord, Albert told, “this is a problem.” Which summed up Jerry’s thoughts. But the man went further. “If there is a person that is going to be worse than you, then they’re going to add to the fire. A lot. Going out to do anything right now would be a even more horrible move.”

Thinking to himself, Albert thought on and eventually said, “and Gnarl can’t be trusted in the least. Once this new player comes in, then he’s going to start recognizing them. The pink’s are going to be the least of our problems if this new player starts to get any leverage.”

Jerry was...honestly surprise at Albert seriousness. It was like seeing a different person, even more when Jerry told of this new information. He was half expected to be told that it was crazy or something...but Jerry took a deep breath and told in admittance. “It won’t be long until he’ll try something. Even though I have the power of the Tower Heart...Gnarl has a few tricks to use it...I won’t be surprise he’ll try to get this person to the Castle itself.” shivering in a cold feeling as he told in fear.

“It’s...it’s bad when that happens.”

“Which is why it’s even more important you don’t go to Equestria for any reason.” Albert affirmed more sternly. “I’m rethinking about you meeting other nations. If there is a new player on this whole situation, we need to keep Gnarl in the dark as much as possible.”

Thinking a bit more to himself, the infected man eventually told, “for now? Keep to your castle and your land. Deal with all the problems there first, then when things have settled? We’ll talk.” Eyes on Jerry, Albert told, “and you should alert the Royals about this. And to make it more believable, tell them it’s a vision.” Going into silence as he said, “because so far? Impossible is the norm here. We can’t risk another high-end threat like this.”

Trying to calm himself, Jerry nod in a shaken matter. “I-I was actually going to warn them after this. Try to get them to hear of this new threat...and its implications.” then admitted. “But I don’t know how I’ll reach you again if I hear from you, yes we have the radios...but speed might be important if whoever this threat is will show up sooner than later….” then facepalm and let out a frustrated breath.

“If only I could make a Main Gate somewhere here! It would cut travel time, even more if we need to reach the other.” it was already hard enough to not tell Shadow, Lovely, or even Jasmine and Spree about his worries. Especially if Gnarl was within ear shot, or had ways to hear about this. He didn’t want the old minion to know about this threat, even more make the ponies there panic or know how he knew about this.

Shaking his head, Albert told, “we need to think worst case scenario, Jerry. If this new person does gain control of the Castle? It’s better there is no gate for them to reach any of my more important locations. It’s already a risk that a maingate is next to the Equestria's current place of stay, it would be a disaster if this new threat takes control and then attacks them.”

It was a fact that nearly slapped Jerry in the face, knowing that Albert was right on that front. He couldn't just rely on the gates because it would make it easier for the new villain to use against him if they took control. “You need to also consider alternatives if Gnarl finds out.” Continued Albert. “Like what you will do if you don’t have minions.” Which, wasn’t a great thought in Jerry’s mind.

Still, the scientist sat in place and said, “but… that’s for later.” getting up, Albert told, “Go on and get ready to leave. This small outpost has a few materials you can take with, I have a Expedition Team on standby to help move them. So for now? Deal with the problems on your Castle like the Pinks, than worry about this new threat. We have a lot on our plate as it is.”

A sagged breath escape from Jerry, nodding as he said. “Yeah...and thanks Albert. Nice to know that you believed me, even if I don’t have evidence…” rubbing his head and already trying his best to think on what to do for the Castle...and how to deal with Gnarl as he walked out of the room to meet this Expedition Team.

As soon as the bulkhead was closed with a hissing, Albert waited for a defined 15 seconds before turning to the nearest radio and activating it. Going as far as to fiddle with a few hidden switches to get a private connection. “Inform the Trickster that there’s been a development.” Told the man. “There’s a few things we need to go over.”

---

If Shadow was honest with herself, she was nervous of this little discussion. Mostly on a mixture of Lovely ‘fate’ as it was, as well as talking with Princess Cadence herself. While talking with the Night mother was one thing, as she was the thestral goddess? Talking with another ruler, someone she use to look up beside the other Princess’s and being their equal suddenly? It was a lot to take in.

She was also admittance that she wasn’t sure how Cadence fit this in her busy schedule. She was certain that the Princess of Love was busy with the populus with the other rulers too. Or what she heard from at the very least while visiting the island last time. Shadow was just glad that they were in a place that they weren’t going to be bothered, like the balcony that was part of the Private Quarters.

The thestral however glance to the earth mare sitting down, not in her ‘work setting’ as she wore a plain dress, she could tell Lovely was unsure to this as well. Shadow also noticed the heavily armed Brown Minions with their spears, as well as wolf companions by their side near the doorway...or the fact the Minion Guards were ‘upgrading’ from their usual set up of leather set up. They seem to be wearing armor platings on them, possibly steel of sorts as well.

From what she heard from Jerry, apparently there was something ‘new’ he founded within the Minions, but didn’t divert to say more...mostly since he admit that this was new to him as well. Yet before she could ponder a bit on what else changed without them realizing it, did she heard the voice of the Jester himself. Head turning to see him in the lead, as well with two Minion Guards accompanying Cadence.

“Top floor of the Dark Castle, oh pink one!” told Quaver with a jolly tone as he soon use his jester staff to motioned to Shadow. “Presenting her greatness, the Mistress,” then did the same to Cadence for Shadow. “And presenting the ruler of love and all that is pink and pretty, Cadence the shipper!”

Casting a glance down, the alicorn mare, with two guards of her own, gave the minion a slight glance and said with amusement, “you’re never going to let that one go, are you?”

Laughing, the jester merely shake his rattling jester staff to Cadence with a wide toothy grin. “Why should I give up good comedy like that? It is a thing that needs to be told by all!” then bow before Shadow. “I shall take my leave, Mistress, for this fool is needed elsewhere to bring joy about! And laughter!” cackling in laughs, did the jester prance away in merry, with one of the accompany Minion guards snorting.

“Quaver being addle as before.”

Shadow motioned the two Minions with amusement. “Go on ahead you two, I’m certain I’ll be fine here with your other guards around.” then glance to Cadence in curiosity as she asked. “Should I know what happen about that side comment? For a moment I swore you two know each other somehow.”

Shaking her head, Cadence said, “a little. Mostly during moments where either I or Shining Armor had to talk to your husband, Jerry.” She then added in with a slight tone of her previous amusement. “And really, I think he just caught on to the norm most ponies have of me being a ‘shipper’.” Though did giggle, “not that I’m denying it, it’s my job and talent!” Motioning her guards with a free hand to take posts by the doorway.

As they did, the two Minion Guards with their wolves gave the two crystal guards a look, mostly of annoyance. But allow the two to remain by them, mostly to keep a eye as Shadow couldn’t help but smile a bit to Cadence. “I recall a bit of talks about you, mostly in regard of you helping ponies now and then find love…” then motioned a hand to introduce to Lovely, who glance to Cadence in uncertainty.

“This is Lovely Loyal…” although didn’t add more, mostly due to half of Shadow being unsure how much Cadence knew...or how awkward it was to bring up said history of the mare origins.

Apparently, the princess knew more than Shadow thought. “Jerry’s blank slave that was touched by the Tree of Harmony.” Cadence walked up towards the two and smiled, “I’ve met her. Honestly, at the time I was more focused on my sister-in-law, Twilight, but I saw Lovely too.” Then more softly asked to the mentioned mare, “how have you been?”

Shifting a bit, Lovely spoke in admittance as she glance to the side. “I’ve been...alright so far...it’s been hard to...get adjusted since the...Tree…” glancing up as she told. “I’m feeling a bit better since then...but part of me has been feeling...unsure with...Jerry.”

Shadow decided to bring up tidbits of this to Cadence. “It’s how the two feel on each other...since she was touch by the Tree, I asked Jerry to let her get adjusted as a free mare...and we’ve been unsure on how to proceed...mostly with both Lovely and Jerry sake.” rubbing her arm some as she glance to the side as she admitted. “This is new to all of us...and we have no idea on how to fully proceed on it.”

Looking between the two, Cadence gave a slow nod. “I think I understand now…” Looking mainly to Lovely and saying, “for a long time… you didn’t know anything but what you were told, and now… you had… well, for lack of better terms, a moment of enlightenment. And you, or Shadow, don’t know how to deal with it.” Pondering this, Cadence admitted, “I can’t really say I know how to comment to that myself. Nothing like this has really happened before.”

Giving a sigh, Shadow merely nodded as she said. “I figure...but I was hoping you might have some insight.” glancing to Lovely she went on. “We both care for Jerry, that much I’m assured at that, and I can tell Lovely may have feelings for him...but at the same time, part of me thinks it's...how she was made.” seeing Lovely head bow down with ears flat as while it wasn’t...nice to say it, that was the truth.

To which Lovely took a breath and spoke as she glance up to the two. “All I knew...was to be with him...I knew how to be a maid, I knew how to cater to him...I knew only my place was with him...and now? Now I...I don’t know what to do.” hands on her chest as she admit. “Part of me feel like I’m lost, that...that I should leave…to find my way..” getting Shadow to lowly wince, mostly on the worries of Lovely actually leaving.

“But whenever they do come up, another part ask, ‘what would happen to Jerry...if I do leave?’,” feeling something sad within herself as the earth mare went on. “What would happen to him if I just left him? And that...that make me afraid. Not for my sake...but for his.” taking a small breath as she told to Cadence. “Despite me having doubts on everything here...a large part of me knows that if I leave Jerry? It would only hurt him even more, encouraging...his own thoughts even more.”

Sighing to this, Cadence though of how to word her response and help this mare. “Your situation isn’t easy, or simple. I’ll admit that.” Moving and figuring to take a seat and settle down. Looking over the mare, Cadence went on, “what you do is up to you. But if I had a guess, Lovely? I would say that you’re just confused with all these new… feelings, sensations and thoughts. You… never were given the chance to be a real pony, a real person.”

Smiling, the alicorn went on. “I can’t say I know what to do for you or how much you love Jerry.” Something Lovely and Shadow weren't all that happy to hear, for different reasons. “But I can tell you, he cares for you a lot. Enough that he was willing to risk the very idea of you leaving him, if that made you happy.”

Fluttering her wings a bit, Cadence went on. “He’s scared of you leaving. I think any stud would be knowing a mare with their foals might. But he’s not going to stop you, I don’t think. He wants you to be happy.” She looked to Lovely and smiled, “and you want him to be happy. Not because you were made to. But because a good person cares if another is happy. Your love might not be strong yet… but you can still love him even more, if you are willing to give him a chance.”

“And if you want to be his full on second wife?” Asked the princess of love with a smile. “Well, I think you know somepony that can help you know what it’s like to be a Mare, a real lover and even a Mother when the time comes.” Looking to Shadow in particular. Looking back, Cadence spoke on. “It won’t be easy. You’re… starting from scratch. In a lot of ways… you’re a filly in a mare’s body, Lovely. I can’t stress how much of a… challenge this would be for you.”

Looking down to the table, mind in thought as Lovely thought on those words. Shadow herself partially wonder if Lovely would choose that route? If she wanted to be the second wife to their stud. Although her attention focus on the earth mare as she wipe her eyes a bit, then look up to Cadence as she asked. “Is it...is it wrong for me if I feel...feel like I wanted to be Jerry...Treasure?”

It made Shadow slightly pause, as she look to Lovely as the earth mare spoke on. “Even though...I’m free, part of me, or...most of me feel like I want...want to be his as before. I don’t know if its because of me being...made, or if its because I made him happy being his like before.”

Shaking her head, Cadence told, “there’s nothing wrong with it.” Which was odd to hear for the mare that mostly heard the idea of being free was good. “Like I said, you’re like a filly in a mare’s body, Lovely. Unlike most mares, you never had a chance to grow up and learn what it’s like to be free, or to have mom, a dad or siblings.”

Sighing sadly, Cadence continued to speak. “When the Tree touched you… it took everything that was possibly keeping you from living as a real pony and gave you the gift to be alive. To make the choice to be free, or a slave, or something else.” The alcorn pondered this to herself before looking up. “There is nothing wrong with being Jerry’s ‘treasure’. Maybe, deep down, that’s just what you like. Sexualy anyways.” Giving a slight smirk.

It was gone in a moment as Cadence reflected. “But don’t let that stop you from trying new things. Because while there is nothing wrong with you becoming a slave to Jerry, there’s more to it. You will have foals. Young little ponies that are your children. And you’ll have to make a choice, of how they are raised. Of how they see their mother.” Looking Lovely in the eye, the Alicorn also told, “I know it’s hard. Know it’s hard because you don’t know what to do. But if you really want to find out…”

Thinking a little, Cadence smiled a bit and said, “if you really want to find out… can you answer me something first?”

Slightly nodding, she asked. “What is it?” wiping the bits of tears off her eyes as she look at the alicorn. All the while Shadow partially wonder on what Cadence was ‘cooking up’ in terms of a plan.

“Have you ever gone out to do something for yourself?” Asked Cadence, much to the two’s confusion. “What I mean by that is, have you done anything besides clean laundry, cook food, please Jerry now and then…?” Tilting her head before going on. “Maybe go out and have fun swimming?” Smiling on, the pink mare told, “because if you haven’t tried to do something other than your normal routine? Than I think you need to know what it’s like to not be ‘Lovely the loyal slave’, and more of ‘Lovely the pony’.”

Softening her smile, Cadence gently told. “You won’t know the real answer, unless you try going out and being yourself, or try making a name for yourself. Being a free mare is more than ‘not being a slave’, Lovely. Being a free mare is about making your choices on your own terms and thoughts.” Then let out a breath. “Choices, you’re either ready for or not.” Though with a slight smile, she did tell, “but that’s a good thing about herd-sisters. They’re there to help you along.”

Shadow smile as she nod to this, looking to Lovely with that same smile as she told. “We can do this, Lovely. Especially on what you want to decide. Figure out what you wanted to do. It just take one step at a time.” Getting Lovely to think to herself a bit as Shadow mentally sighed. Although honestly? All I’m hoping is for her to stay with Jerry. Sure I could help him both emotionally and sexually if needed be...but lets face it, she made a bigger impact to him than I could. I might be his first mare in the herd...but she’ll always be his favorite sex toy. Then again...that what she was made for…

In all honesty, I might not be surprise that she might stay with him. The only problem, is what she wants to be for Jerry. looking at Lovely as it seem the earth mare understood a bit of Cadence words, although a part of her hesitated a bit...before looking at Cadence and asked. “And...and after if I do things for myself...try to be more than what I was made for...what if after all of that, I chose to be...still Jerry Treasure?”

“I…” Lovely place a hand on the bump on her stomach as the earth mare went on. “I know I’m holding his foal, and I know I’ll be a mother later on...but part of me, part of me still feels...feels…” trying to word it out as she bit her lip some.

Sighing and getting up, Cadence moved towards Lovely and placed her hands on the mare’s shoulders, getting her to look up at the taller alicorn. Having a small smile, Cadence told, “you don’t have to leave Jerry to find out.” Affirming even more. “You don’t have to do this alone. And you don’t have to make that choice now, or tomorrow or in a week.”

Kneeling a bit to be more level with the earth mare, Cadence went on. “You have only have been aware for as long you were created. And you’re dealing with things that, if I was honest, you weren't ready for. The reason Shadow and I are so well rooted and steady? It’s because we’ve had years to learn and know what we want.”

Giving a sort of one-armed hug, the crystal ruler spoke on gently. “Jerry loves you, Lovely. No buts or ifs about that. You might not be confident in your own feelings for him, but at least be confident that when everything goes wrong? He will fight through horrible monsters and demons to save you, because he loves you.”

Moving back and smiling, Cadence nodded. “Love is unconditional, Lovely. He’s giving you a chance to be more. You don’t have to leave him to find out. If you never want to leave his side, then there is nothing wrong with that. Him willing to let you go, when you do know what to do with your life? That just shows how much he cares for you.”

Giving a slow nod, being silent for a moment as Lovely admits something that slightly surprised Shadow. “Sometimes...Sometimes I feel like calling him...Master again.” ears flat as she said. “I know I shouldn’t...but at the same time, I feel I should...Because when he did brought be before the Tree...he was there for me, he let me stay by his side, even if I wasn’t his again...I...I know I should try new things, try to think for myself….but at the same time? I just want…” Looking down in silence.

Shadow move up, coming by the mare other side to gently hug her as the thestral said softly. “I understand Lovely...he makes you feel safe, assured...loved. It’s not wrong to think like that, even I thought like that before I became pregnant.” gently nuzzling the mare head as she told on. “Jerry may not be a pony...but he does manage to get it right as a guy for us.”

Smiling to this, Cadence told, “I’m sure he’d love to hear you call him Master still.” Getting looks from both as she asked, “what? Even Shiny likes it. Some guys like being on top and incharge.” With a giggle she also told while patting Lovely’s shoulder. “I know that for a while, Shadow was Jerry’s slave too. Up until she became his queen and we found out she was pregnant. You can make the same choice, Lovely. To be his treasure and have time to learn and grow, and when you feel honestly ready to do something with your life, then… then you can try.”

“I don’t think anypony can blame you, Lovely. This is all new to you. You need time, and both Shadow and Jerry don’t want you to rush to find out what makes you happy. Take your time and… follow your heart. And if you’re confused?” She glanced and said, “well, Shadow’s been a filly and a mare, I think she’s the first one to go to when you’re not sure what your feeling. Ask any mare, they might also know what you’re dealing with.”

Slowly nodding, Lovely was quite for a moment, feeling the one-arm hugs of the two mares as Shadow smile a bit, seeing that maybe things might settle, and won’t be as awkward once Jerry comes back. Although what made her drop her mouth was Lovely question as she raise her head. “Do you...think I could get a pink collar, like Zealous?”

Giggling and giving a small laugh, Cadence smiles and tells, “well, I’m sure we could work something out. I still know all the Equestrian legal agreements for slave-marriage.” Then booped the mare’s nose. “But you could just ask someone here to make one, I’m sure. This is the Overlords domain and his rules. If you chose to be his pink, can’t be called enslavement.”

Smiling a bit to that, Lovely nodded as there was a slight happiness in her heart at Cadence words. Choose to be his pink… feeling a bit lighter as she glance to Shadow as the thestral asked.

“A pink collar? Not red, Lovely?” to which the earth mare shook her head and told.

“No Shadow...to be honest, I doubt I’m a red collar anymore. If anything, I’m too...loyal to Jerry in a way.” smiling a bit in amusement as she try to joke. “Like Zealous is loyal to Magic despite him being a utter rock.”

Shadow snort as she told. “I think being a ‘rock’ is a understatement, its a near miracle that Zealous is attracted to him with his personality.” then added flatly. “Or how he talk with other ponies.”

Shaking her head, Cadence said, “Archmage Magic isn’t the most easiest of ponies to get along with. It took sompony with Zealous’s… special way of thinking to win his heart.” Then looked to Lovely and said, “but if being a pink is what you want, I won’t argue over it.” Then told, “just be sure to tell Shadow and Jerry how you feel. You might be Jerry’s love-slave, but remember that you are still a mare with feelings. He won’t know unless you tell him….”

Thinking for a moment, Cadence giggled and said, “Say Lovely, why not having a golden collar instead of a pink one?” Then winked, “you are more than just a normal Pink. You’re the Overlords Treasure.”

Giggling a bit, Lovely admits. “I do like the idea of having a gold collar, make me feel special...almost like a ring too in a sense.” then frown and asked. “But wouldn’t he be a tad of using gold in the treasury for a collar? We do need to save what we can.” Shadow ponder over that as Lovely held a point. They do need the gold…

Then thinking it more, she recalled. “If I recall right...we still have a few gold ores we managed to trade with Albert..We can melt one of them for a collar for you Lovely. Maybe get Giblet to start making one. I’m sure he won’t mind crafting it for you Lovely.” turning her head to call out. “Bigis.” a few moments of silence, before a Minion servant scamper up to Shadow and bow.

“Yes Mistress? Does Mistress need tea and crumpets?”

Smiling, she shook her head and told. “Can you tell Giblet to get one of the gold ores and craft a golden collar for Lovely here? She wants to be the ‘Overlord Treasure’.” getting the minion to perk his head as he said.

“Oh, Giblet will be please to aid the Master! Me get gold!” turning to run off as Shadow let out a low giggle and joke to Cadence.

“I know having the servants coming to my beck and call for anything tedious is a bit of abuse of power-- but these Minions won’t mind it. I think some of them enjoy the constant orders we give out.”

Laughing to this, Cadence told, “it’s not a huge abuse of power. They are the serving staff, it’s their jobs to do the tedious little things for us.” Then told in a frank manner, “do you know how far it is from the office to the nearest coffee maker in the islands? A full ten minute walk!” Then waved a finger, “normally that isn’t so bad, but when you have two six-foot piles of documents and papers that need to get done in a single day? You really can’t waste too much time.”

Smirking to this, Shadow told with a jam thumb to the doorway. “Which is why we put all the paperwork somewhere else, and let Gnarl handle the most tedious of things. Let him deal with the problems of organizing and handling the paperwork.” then added in amusement. “I think he both hates and like it, as he’s being forced to do it, but gets to work with the greatest evil of all. Bureaucracy.”

Laughing to this, Cadence said, “I work with it, and even I feel like it’s evil at times. A necessary evil, but still!”

Lovely giggle as she add in. “Not to mention Jerry mention whenever Gnarl complains to him,” clearing her throat to recall those words. “Nothing says Evil Overlord like paperwork and bureaucracy.” then giggle as she told. “I think Gnarl never expected him to actually say anything like that.”

Shadow roll her eyes in amusement as she joke. “I think Gnarl half expected someone else to do the paperwork…” then hum in thought and remark. “You know...if Jerry did his whole ‘Overlord’ thing on the world or in Equestria...I think I can see him using a approach no one expected.” holding up a hand with three fingers rising with each word. “Paperwork, laws, and bureaucracy.”

“Then we’re all doomed.” Joked Cadence, but settled down to say, “I’ll be honest with you Shadow. At the rate things are going… it almost feels like there won't be an Equestria to go back to.” Which made the thestral pause. “Wendigos. Kharar. Caribous… everything is falling apart over there. And while we all want to get our home back…” She dragged off in uncertainty before sighing, “the empires lost. We could recover it.. But it will take… years… and Equestria?” She shook her head. “A full scale war… if there’s anything left to war over and reclaim.”

There was quietness from that, as while Lovely was trying to imagine it, Shadow could see that it might take years...maybe a decade to reclaim it, and by then there might be nothing with how it look in the aftermath. Something that was unsettling with frozen landscape, khara running rampant..and any surviving Caribous or ponies. However Lovely thought and asked.

“But...couldn’t Jerry ‘claim’ the land as a means to be a Overlord and ‘lend’ it to Equestria for land?” glancing to the two as she went on. “I mean...technically Equestria as a nation is already in debt to him with him loaning gold and giving supplies. It might not be too far off if he made that move.”

Shaking her head, Cadence told, “that won’t matter if there’s nothing to return to. The windigo’s are going to cause a lot of damage everywhere they go. Ice and snow… and who knows if there will be any gold left in our lands to pay things back. As it stands, things aren't looking good. And we can’t even go to war yet. We just don’t have the forces.”

Being silent, Shadow thought...biting her lips a bit in thought to tell or not to tell as she said. “We...do.” glancing to Cadene as she glance to the two crystal guards as she told lowly to Cadence. “In all technicalities...Jerry has the forces.”

Cadence was surprised to hear this, but when Shadow spoke lowly, it had her wondering. Choosing to speak lowly herself, Cadence asked, “if he has the forces… why isn’t he moving in?” Then thought a moment before grimacing, “the Windigos…”

Giving a nod, Shadow told. “Yes. the Windigos would see him as a juicy meal. So much that he and his forces would be killed slowly…” glancing to the guards, then to Cadence as she went on lowly. “I know I’m not suppose to tell...but Jerry has enough forces, that he could easily resupply his horde within seconds while on the field. If there's one thing I learn while living with him...Jerry can be both callous to the Minions and can be...brutal. To him, the Minions are tools in more ways than you think.”

“He would even sacrifice a lot of the newborn Minions to gain back stronger ones he lost if he had enough numbers.” then amended. “Or had enough left over numbers from the constantly harvesting he does most of the time.”

While some of that was disturbing to know, it only reinforced what some had said about Jerry. Such as the Heads of the former resistance of how he operated. Regardless of this, Cadence said, “the fact of the matter still stands, Shadow. Jerry can’t go in without the Windigos getting him and become extremely powerful and fat off his hate.” Then went on, “and we ponies can’t go because we just don’t have the numbers.”

While Shadow grimace to this in thought, Lovely thought a moment...and asked. “Couldn’t you use the Crystal Heart to push the windigos back...or combine it with the Tree of Harmony to cause some sort of...I don’t know, push to the Windigos and get Jerry a way to enter in Equestria for the push?”

Sighing, Cadence told, “the Heart is powered by love.” Then shook her head. “When is war ever fueled by Love?”

Thinking a bit, Lovely replied in honesty. “By the love to protect other's? Or to protect love ones?” then admit as she glance to the side. “I may not know a lot of the artifacts or how they work...but I know love can make someone do crazy things...and I know if it means to fight the entire land, I know Jerry would do it..for us and for those he love.” looking up she asked. “So maybe...we could use the Heart fuel by the love of protecting other's..maybe save Equestria?”

Shaking her head, Cadence told, “you have to understand Lovely, while it’s true that want to protect can be by love… not everyone feels the same.” Head down in almost a slight shame as she said, “all the ponies feel a sort of resentment to the CAribou. The Mare’s the most had to suffer under their rule. A lot of them just… hate the caribou. And I’m worried about what that could do to the Heart, if something could affect it. Ancient artifact or not, it’s too important.”

“And the Tree of Harmony?” Questioned on the mare with a sigh. “We need the Elements for that. And at this moment? They’re at sea, hidden away. Nothing is in our favor, Lovely. And we can’t act rashly. I think the best action we can do is… just wait for now. Wait until something changes.”

“Meaning we will need to wait even more longer Lovely.” added in Shadow, patting her herd-sister shoulder as she told. “We also have to keep our own interest in our safety here…” then told on. “Best we can do, is wait for the right chance...especially with Mortis handling Jerry request on said forces.” not wanting to say more as she...recalled the order given from the man himself earlier. Despite his assurance, it still felt wrong to sacrifice the newborns for the older minions who died. Especially those who died even longer past.

Nodding some to this, Cadence told, “a life of a ruling mare is much more different than a freemare’s, Lovely. Because we’re not just making a choice for ourselves. We’re making a choice that affects everyone that we’re helping.” Thinking this over, the princess shook her head and said, “but… all this gloom aside…”

Gaining a smile, Cadence asked, “what do you do for fun around here? I’m going to take this chance to have what little relaxing fun I can get before I have to go back and slave away in public affairs.”

Laughing abit, Shadow told. “We don’t have much, but we do got a few things. We have a swimming area on the edge of the island-- granted it’s heavily monitor by some Blues. We also got a large patch of land explore by the Minions, but also guarded due to crops growing..” thinking a bit she admit. “We have the park deep in the Castle, one with plenty of light. Wide space too...We have a library...or a small one since most of the books are in Jerry work area in the Private Quarters.”

Sheepishly, she told in honesty. “Unlike Equestria? This place feels more medieval than anything, especially since we lack electricity. Everything is fire-use.” than thought and added. “The only downside in living the Dark Castle is that everything feels...lacking in fun.”

“This was supposed to be a domain of darkness.” tease Lovely as Shadow roll her eyes.

“I know, I know. But the only ‘fun’ thing we might do is painting on some of the walls, and even then it’ll grow tedious.”

Rolling her eyes, Cadence said, “oh trust me, I know what it’s like living in a medieval castle. The Empire didn’t know what electricity was for a while.” Thinking to this and saying, “but a swim does sound fun. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to get beach time on the Equestrian Island we have. With all the extra ships roaming around and some mare’s still finicky about guys seeing us in anything that shows fur?” She shook her head. “Let’s just say I’m thinking of getting a private pool made for mares or some walled off section at this rate.”

“Well, we do have a seperate pool bathroom.” add in Lovely. “One for the males and one for the mares. They’re pool size, so they count as a place to swim in.” then admit with flat ears. “But we still don’t know how the minions done it...they seem to be able to do things that left some of us confuse.”

Snorting in amusement, Shadow pitched in while sitting down. “She’s not kidding either. Despite how some are at first as newborns? They’re becoming something else…” then look at Cadence and told. “Although I don’t know if we got swimming suits, since the only ones we got were for ourselves...and from a place that Jerry stole from in his raiding.” although she knew that maybe time off with her fellow mares might work…

Especially with how tense the situation was with the whole Equestria being gone thing. She wasn’t sure how she, or her friends...or any pony could handle that. Even more when everything is said and done. Especially more with the whole bait thing that was about to catch a lot of attention soon enough. Or has been gathering attention since Jerry left to meet with Albert.

---

As much as Jerry wanted to get to the Equestrian Island, he recalled on Albert words to look over his Castle. Especially in making sure the Pinks were handle first. So he headed toward the Dark Castle with the Expedition Team for a few days’ worth. Coming to the island of his domain, with the materials set aside for the Minions to take and move as Jerry hurriedly walked to his Castle.

However as he was heading to the Castle, he noticed across the landscape that grass was slowly showing. Especially with farmland being made and crops forming. He swore he saw some Brown Minions with some ponies, wearing some farmer clothings. Then again he figure it was the upgrade being taken into effect of the farmer Minions. His attention returned to the revealing Dark Castle. Still looking evil and dark on the outside…

Although Jerry swore there was a gray touch to it instead of the usual dark coal looks. Then again it might of been the sun showing down over it. Jerry noticed some guards at the gate of the Castle, Browns with wolves in rather...unique armor over themselves. He figure it was another thing that took in effect as they both saluted. “Master returned!” both spoke coherently, as the doors open wide.

Okay, Minions are more elite like. So guess that elite upgrade thing worked. thought Jerry, as he walked through the halls of the Dark Castle, seeing a few passing ponies and various of Minions. Some were servants, others were passing Minions...But one thing he did notice was for the later of the bunch, they seem familiar to him. It was odd thing for Jerry to feel, but he felt familiar to these few.

However that feeling pass as he walked upwards of the stairway to the throne room itself. Although he was jumped by a familiar pair of small arms and a shout. “Big Bro!” air escape his lungs as he stumble a bit. He managed to stop moving as he look down, a smile growing on his face to see Jasmine hugging him, nuzzling a bit as he recall the filly was doing better, especially with Dew having her sisters back and playing with them.

Although that feeling was gone as she look up with a frown and asked. “Why are you getting concubines? I thought you were happy with Shadow and Lovely?”

Oh shit. thought Jerry as he wasn’t expecting this, especially more with the puppy dog eyes. Granted he knew the real reason, and so did the key few...but not Jasmine, and possibly not Jade. Which...might not do well. Taking a breath in, did he said. “Well you see, it was Shadow idea...so I couldn’t really, you know.” he felt a bit hot under the puppy-gaze sweet little Jasmine was making, especially with how she look so confuse to him…

“But wwwwhhhhyyyyy~?” she drawn out as she gave a cute little sniffle. “I thought they matter to you?” that made Jerry feel a bit guilt tripped as he stuttered.

“W-Well, you see, there was, well something that,” trying not to reveal the actual truth, but at the same time it was so damned hard to lie to this filly! No wonder I didn’t make a evil Overlord if I can’t lie to a child. darkly thought Jerry as he was trying to explain his best with a sad looking Jasmine.

It didn’t last long as there was a giggling sound, as his attention turn to Jade with a amused smirk on her face as she told to her sister. “Come on, drop the cute act. It's obvious why, Jasmine.” to which Jerry was putting two to two together as he look down to the filly with a frown. Said filly giggled and pull back as she said.

“Sorry Big Bro-- but it was soooo tempting to do!” then assured. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell~.” then felt a flick of her elder sister fingers on her ears as Jade added.

“It’s not our business in the first place.” then added to Jerry. “Go on up Jerry, Shadow and Lovely are waiting for you, a lot happened since you left.” Jerry frown further to Jasmine as he told.

“That was mean.”

“Consider that payment for not playing with me!” told Jasmine with a playful tone as she gave a sound with her sister noogie her.

“You know Jerry is busy as a ruler here. He got a lot of things to do.” then wave off the human. “Go on. They’re waiting upstairs.” pulling her sister away as Jade was talking the filly. “Now Jasmine, you shouldn’t tease him like that, he just got back,” going on in her small scolding as Jerry shook his head a bit, feeling both amusement and annoyance at being played at as he was heading up to the Private Quarters.

As he was making his way upwards he partially wonder on how many mares took the bait, how much Mortis revived, and how many Minions should Jerry gather in the Dungeons? It was all he thought over as he reached the top to the Private Quarters. One Minion he wasn’t fully pleased to see was Gnarl, mostly due to the potential betrayal the Minion Master will do when he hear of this threat…

“Ah hello Master, good for me to catch you before you do the usual business.” then held up an open scroll with a malvent grin as he read over the reports. “The bait work out quite well! Some mares responded to the announcement and went through the screening. Only 6 truly answer the opportunity!” walking with the Overlord as the two was walking. “The Mistress screens each of them and asked very good questions, even made sure to ask on why they wish to be your concubines.”

Gnarl then added. “Nothing show of them being Pink yet-- but I’m certain we’ll find out soon enough.” then told on with the report scroll. “The minions that became farmers have been...adaptive in learning. I don’t bother to understand why you want Browns farming the land since we got the ponies.”

“More hands on land, more food to gather and get.” told Jerry as he pushes the topic aside and asked. “What of Mortis and the recent Hives?” getting Gnarl attention fast as the Minion Master told.

“Oh yes, Mortis have been reviving old and powerful Minions for you, Master. In fact our numbers depleted from 10,000 to 9,000 of the extra Minions!” A frown on his face as he told. “The very old Minions were a hefty cost, Master. 10 newborns for each! Robbery I say!” then told with a grin. “Buuut, the old Minions from all the Tribes are quick to understand it was by your orders they were brought back. Even the ones who served you against the Heros and died in aiding you.

“In fact, they really felt happy that you asked them to bring them back, Minions do love to serve the Overlord after all!” cackling a bit to this as he went on. “Giblet has been working on ‘elite armor’ for the Minions, specifically the old types like Giblet and Mortis. Made sure to give the Minion Guards something more greater than those pesky ponies of Equestria, Sire.”

Gnarl look over the paper as he finish up. “Over all a lot of progress Dark One, even the progress of those researchers developing a few things, or so they claimed.” then glance up as he said. “Ready to meet your potential ‘concubines’, oh Dark Lord?”

“Later. First I need to hear from Shadow on what she manages to see.” said Jerry as he added. “Just incase she noticed something off about them.” giving a huff, but bow his head did Gnarl said.

“Very well, but when you are ready, I shall bring them into the Private Chambers...although perhaps you should indeed visit, since that wench made her choice.” already turning and walking off, Jerry blink as he thought in a paused step.

What? turning to Gnarl as he was about to ask what the Minion Master meant, only to be pause further when he heard the clopping of hooves and pair of arms reaching around his neck. Turning his head to focus on the sudden body of Lovely did his eyes widen at her. For one she was brimming with a smile, one he hasn’t seen since before the Tree restoring her.

Another thing that was different was that her eyes held life in them, purpose being filled…

It was like being reminded of her before the Tree, where she enjoy being with him. Perhaps even brighter after the whole Tree thing. Yet one thing became his major focus as his breath hitched. Around her neck was...was a golden collar. Part of him wanted to question, no demanded on why gold was used for its creation. But it was silence when he saw the words engraved on it.

Jerry’s Treasure.

He was stunned to say the least, his mind recalled a memory so long ago that it felt like years. Seeing the mare on his bed, snuggling close to him after taking her virginity. Making it stick in his mind that she was his forever. His Treasure. Jerry just stare at the mare, seeing her beautiful smile, her warmth of her body and expression looking up to him. Even on how she said those simple words made his inside tingle a bit.

“Hello my Master~.” Then Lovely reach her head up and gently kiss her lips to his as the mare held it for a brief second before pulling away. All Jerry could do was stare at her, either in shock, confusion...Or in utter relief. He wasn’t sure on what to feel at all…

At least until his body reacted and moved. His left arm wrap around her waist in a gentle manner, mostly due to her showing signs of early pregnancy, a squeak came out of her as his right arm move to her back as he pulled her in a hug. Lovely was a bit surprise of the sudden pull of her body to his, but ease right in the near possessive, yet gentle grip of his touch. She actually accepted the hug wholeheartedly, knowing that this shocking to Jerry, but at the same time it was also an ease on his mind to know where she stood in a sense.

Nuzzling under his chin, she place her hands on the back of his shoulders, giving a content sigh as her breasts press deep against his chest, not feeling his hands running around her body, or groping her. Just feeling her close and holding her to his very being. She didn’t mind this at all.

Sadly all good things must come to a end, as she felt him slowly pull away, gaining his attention as their eyes look to the other, as Jerry spoke in a near whisper. “Lovely, are you…” She smile softly as she knew what he wanted to ask but was fully unsure. So she assured his uncertainty with a hand moving from shoulder to his face, gently rubbing it as she smile more to his eyes.

He was silent to this, as she soon said. “Before we do anything Master, we need to talk a bit with Shadow. About us as a herd, and with you being my Master again.” Jerry slowly nodded, as she felt his arms letting go of her to turn and head to their room. Jerry followed as his mind thought over her words.

Talk..oh boy, talking...I wonder if this is more than the ‘this is what I want in our relationship’. Considering with the whole bait of concubines and those six potential spies? I just hope this plan pull through...or if we got a potential back-up plan. Or...or if the plan succeed...but too much? it was all hard to say for Jerry, as he followed the earth mare...and her swaying hips, her swaying maid hips with that fine ass of hers.

Don’t judge him. He had Lovely as his for a long enough time. He wasn’t a pervert if it was with a mare he was with still. Especially since Lovely was willing to be his love-slave again. As they walk into his room, with two Brown Minions in heavy armor standing guard, which was rather new. The steel doors closed behind them as they walked around the furniture to see Shadow waiting and looking at something.

She flick a ear, glancing to the two as she let a small smile shown, then rolled up the scroll as she teased. “I see your Treasure is back with you.” Jerry snorts at the small joke, but went to the bed edge and sat down on it. Seeing the two mares coming on either side of his body, with Shadow taking his left or Lovely took his right as he moved his arms around their waists. Both leaning onto his shoulders as Jerry spoke with his head turning to the earth mare.

“Lovely you mention on...us?” she nodded as she looks up to him as she spoke in a rather nervous matter.

“Yes.” shifting a bit, mostly in getting closer to him as she took a breath in, she said. “I thought hard and long on this, Master. I want to be with you. I want to be yours, almost like before. Feeling you close, feeling your authority over me.” then took a small breath in as she told. “But I..want this foal.” having a hand on her stomach and admit. “I want to...to try to raise this foal, for you and for me.” then assured him with a nuzzle to his cheek.

“But I’m not going to fight with Shadow on who foal will be head of the household. She’s the first mare, her foals are first. Mine will be settle on a smaller title. I…” taking another breath in as she said. “I want to be consider a mixture of a second wife...and a love-slave if that make sense, Master.” hand from stomach to his hand as she continue. “While I won’t have much authority like Shadow will...I do want to raise this foal with you.”

Jerry was taking this in as he slowly nods his head. While part of him was wrapping up the fact Lovely wanted to be under him again, there was also the fact she also wanted to raise the foal...and be a sorta-wife that was also the slave? He thought it over much as he took a deep breath in and said. “Alright...while part of me is still trying to wrap around the whole mix thing of wife and slave...I can at least agree on raising the foal.”

Smiles shown from both mares as they nuzzle his cheeks lovingly, as they knew their stud was confuse, or rather trying to settle with what was told to him. Lovely decided to improve his mood as she said in a knowing tone. “But as far as me being yours fully again?” gaining his attention again as she wink at him, moving the hand from waist to her chest. Giving a low coo as she felt the hand instinctively squeeze a bit as she went on to say.

“Nothing changed. You can do whatever you want with me Master, just not in front of the foals and do whatever you desire.” then amended with a smile. “At least, until the foals are showing more clearly.”

“I...am very fine with this.” admit Jerry, starting to grope the chest as his Treasure coo at this, leaning more on him as his thestral giggle abit.

Shadow smile at seeing Lovely looking content, and was glad that Jerry look content...but she couldn’t help but sigh a bit, and spoke in as she gain the two attention. As much as she didn’t want to bring this up, she knew it had to be done. “Which brings this up.” looking up to Jerry as she told. “The six mares that managed to ‘pass’.” hand moving to the scroll she place to the side, and open to look at it as she went on.

“I don’t know if they are actually real or are Pinks, and I did my best to question them heavily...but they managed to pass...somehow.” frowning a bit as she look over the scroll as she told on. “They gave their reasons on why they wanted in. One wanted to pay back a sort of debt they feel to you. Another was feeling desperate in finding a good stud to be with. A few told that being your concubine might be a pampered job and nothing too hard to do. Overall it was...hard to find out if they were Pinks or not to be honest.”

Slowly nodded, he partially wonders if some were being truthful or not. “So just six answer the thing?” asked Jerry as Lovely nod her head.

“Six so far, Master. They might be Pinks acting as decoys if this is a trap, but on the other hand, they might be all that’s left here. There’s not a lot of ponies around, so not many would take it...even more with how some ponies felt about you.”

“Of course…” Jerry sarcastically said while rolling his eyes. He soon looks to the two as he asked. “How long until the Greens are ready to hide and for me to get each mare one by one?” then furrowed his brows and asked. “And how will they know they’ll be ‘concubines’ to me when they come in the room?”

“Well…” said Shadow as she glance to the side, as she thought and soon told. “I was considering you bring them in a room together with the Greens all over and bluff. Just say that you have a spell and said there’s a spy among them and could use a spell to rat them out.”

Raising a brow at this, Jerry considers it...and admits. “Technically it's not a lie...but it’s close enough.” then told as he pull his arms away from the two. “Lovely why don’t you get Gnarl to get those six ready.” then looks to Shadow as he went on. “Let the Minions know it’s time to ready the trap.”

“We already know, Master.” Jerry nearly jump and screech like a little girl, turning to see a fully armored Green a few feet away from him. Shadow wings flared out in alarm as Lovely look shock as the leather armor and skull cover Green bow his head and held his arms up as he told. “Did not mean to alarm, Master. We been here, waiting above and around for your word. Will be ready when strike comes.”

Slowly nodding, and calming his heart rate down as Jerry told. “A-Alright...go and do that.” turning to look at the mares for a brief second before looking to the Green, only to see the Green was gone as Shadow spoke.

“By the Night-mother…” not expecting the Green to just...vanish! Slowly looking to Jerry she asked. “Did...did you knew they could do that?”

Only for him to slowly shake his head abit. “That...that was new for me.” the shock filled the three, or at least until they calm themselves and had to go and gather the right ponies.

Next Chapter: A attempted invasion. Estimated time remaining: 18 Hours, 13 Minutes