Jerry had little doubt that Albert wouldn’t take long in delivering the Seamoth. What he did doubt, was whatever ‘improvements’ was made to it. Since in a way, he would be using the Seamoth this time. Especially since he’s been riding on a Cyclopes plenty of time, even though all he knows of the Seamoths was the basics. But yet, he fully didn’t know why a Seamoth was needed instead of riding on a Cyclopes. Granted he figure the Seamoth could be used to travel easier with the Gates, but wouldn’t it be better for him to be in a Cyclops with others instead of himself?

Mostly from the chances of not getting himself lost or eaten by a Leviathan. He still recalled the encounters of Sea Dragons, Reapers and other sea life that would easily swallow him-- that weren’t even predators to begin with! Hopefully Albert had some sort of plan with this Seamoth. Especially when he heard from a Minion that ran up by him in the throne room.

“Master! Sick-man arrive!” to which Jerry asked.

“Did he ask for anything?”

“No, only for many minions to carry something.” Jerry partially wondering what it was-- although he gained his answer as Albert was walking up behind him was at least 12 Minions was carrying a black Seamoth ...with a title on it as ‘Overlords Carriage’. Staring at it, Jerry couldn’t help but ask to Albert.

“Albert...is this some sort of joke you’re making-- or a prank someone from Citadel-1 was hoping to make.”

Giving the best looking of indifference, Albert said, “Pyro thought you would of liked the gesture.” (End)

“Okay, one: I never thought this Pyro pony would paint it black and make the name. Two: What makes this Seamoth different from the ones you made beside the paint job and name?”

In order, Albert nammed off, “One: Pyro wanted to load it with explosives to make it a large torpedo. His wife Crisp suggested to give it a paint job.” Then held up a hand with two fingers up, “two: this Seamoth is made to get you from Equestrian Shores, to Griffin shores. Sonar, Perimeter defenses, solar recharger and some increased hull mods to make sure you reach your destination.”

“And you’re sure nothing else was done to this Seamoth?” asked Jerry in slight caution as while he wanted to believe this was all was fine in terms of designs and looks-- Magic did mention of...Pyro ‘tendences’.

“I gave him a spare seamoth to turn into a extra-large homing torpedo.” Albert seemingly assured, but soon mused. “I’m unsure of it’s progress, but I’m pretty sure I saw him sneaking a few pounds of Polyline into it.”

The man soon waved the thought off and told simply, “I’ll go over the controls with you quickly. I need to hook back up with the Dauntless and get Celestia to the Hippogriff’s.” Though he did go as far to get a slip of paper out and hand it to Jerry.

While the overlord looked it over, Albert supplied, “in case you need a reference to how it works later on.” Moving up to the Seamoth to ready his explanation.

Glancing over the paper, he pocketed it in his robes as he looks over the Seamoth. With the Minions still holding it up, not letting go as the 12 Browns ensure they won’t drop the thing until their Master say so...to which Jerry motioned them to gently place it down for now as they moved it to the center of the Throne room for transportation.

Overall, the instructions were pretty simple. The sonar was for times where he wanted to keep his lights off-- such if there was a hunting party of Caribou Sailors, hostile light sensitive fish or other troubles of that sort. The perimeter defense, thank god, was for leviathan fish. On a low, quick charge? It could surprise a Reaper Leviathan on letting go from the shocking power. Higher charges more than enough to become lethal to most small fish.

The Solar recharging would ensure he get to the Griffon borders without wasting battery power, (though was warned to stay above 200 meters for both solar effectiveness and seamoth crush depth safety). As for the little mod for hull enforcing… it was apparently just to make it tough out from being crushed by hostile fish-- or if he ran into anything like rocks.

While Jerry felt a little insulted he was going to ram into rocks-- he figured it was probably if he was attacked by any sea life. So he let it pass by. At least for this time since Albert was on a time limit. Although he did glance to noticed Minions were carrying boxes by the dozen as he asked. “Hey Albert, what are the Minions bringing?” seeing them putting it in a little area for now in the throne room.

With a glance, Albert told, “cure for the Khara.” turning to explain to the other man, “once you reach the Griffins, they’ll possibly need it. And even if they don’t, you need to ensure that some still get it. The cure is the only defense we have against the Khara. Until you’re actually close to the Griffons, keep the cure here and under strict security.”

Giving a glance over, he look to a Minion and ordered. “Get those boxes to somewhere no one would touch them.”

To which the Brown Minion told. “Me bring to Green Hive!” although despite him saying it-- he had to leave and soon brought a Green Minion come to the building boxes as he told. “Master want boxes near hive!”

“Okay!” told the Green, although a Blue was already writing something on it as ‘Green’s Cologne’ as more Greens were grabbing the boxes as they were moving them down to the Spawning pits.

Jerry could only stare as he admitted. “I don’t know if my Minions are really clever in their simplicity-- or utterly stupid in putting them somewhere so open.”

“Regardless of stupidity.” Spoke Albert, “it’s also the most secure. Who would want to near the minion Hives by themselves?” Then thought on, “furthermore, who could sneak into a place swarming with more minions than they could handle?”

“Especially ones that smell of death.” agreed Jerry as he turned to look to Albert as he said. “By the way...No one really did mention where this storm King lived in the first place. Even less of how far the distance is for me to get there by Seamoth.”

Turning to once more gauge Jerry, Albert said, “you won’t have to. You can just return here and call up a Cyclops crew to take you near it’s shores. Add in your seamoth to sneak in, even more sneak in through rivers if you wanted to? Then most of the traveling can be done by one of the expedition teams.”

“Hrm...yeah that can work…” hummed out Jerry as he said. “Still, going to be rather tricky to get to the Yaks for me to make a Main Gate. Even less if we can’t use the cyclops or Seamoth to travel upwards to them.” he then added. “Unless, there's going to be another way for me to set up a Main Gate over there.”

Shaking his head, Albert told, “for the Yaks you’re walking, Jerry.” Which had the Overlord staring. “There’s no waterways to the Yaks, and any there are frozen more than likely. You have to walk there.”

“....does my armor have heating?” Asked Jerry.

“It does.” Nodded Albert, “but when I come back from the Hippogriffs, I could make a trip back here to help your smith convert one of your other armors for arctic conditions.”

“Arcanium or Duranium armor set.” told Jerry as he added. “Go ahead and turn one of them to an artic set-- I doubt the prototype armor could be used for everything in terms of terrains.”

Shaking his head, Albert seemed to tell, “your prototype armor was made for all-around combat conditions. And as named, a prototype.” And smiled, “and to update you, the full set is coming along. I still have a few more things to add before bringing it here for it’s final touches.”

Blinking in surprise, he asked. “Seriously? But I thought you said it would take a good while for it to complete-- or did you had Magic help with some parts of it?”

With a half smile, Albert explained, “no. I simply had some spare uninterrupted time to work on it.” Then took out his tablet. “If that’s all, I should really get going. Every second wasted is another opportunity lost.”

Waving a bit, Jerry said. “Alright Albert, take care now.” then glance to see the minions finishing up moving the boxes as he mentally activated the Throne room teleporter, with 12 minions moving to carry the Seamoth once more as they were transported from the throne room to the Waypoint Gate near the coast line as he told. “Now I need to get going myself. Got a lot of distance to cover...And a diving suit to change into.” already turning to hurry himself to get the spare diving suit from the Private Quarters.

Although while he did, Quaver seem to have a few chuckles as he danced himself in the Throne room, giving a glance to Albert as he spoke in rhyme. “Greeting oh scientist of water and science, one should know that things have been turned unbound. But fret not, Quaver is here to keep farcery abound.”

Without even looking down, Albert seemed to regard the jester with, “good. Best keep it that way.” Tucking the tablet under his lab coat to further state, “be sure to keep your little play going. The elder might be gone, but there might still be issues.”

Giving a laugh, Quaver told as he leaned on his stick. “That is true, so true indeed. But be assured, be amazed! For it would surely draw your gaze!”

Having a ghost of a smile, Albert acknowledged, “I look forward to the song’s you’ll make out of this little turnabout.” Then dropped the smile to add on. “Be ready. I think things are going to get… interesting soon.”

“Be assured oh one of many boiles! The Fool is certain that preparations are made-- even if he cannot see them.” then did a little dance and twirled as he added in a rather...cryptic tone. “It won’t be long, it won’t be soon, but ponies are noticing something askew!” stopping as he faced forward to Albert as he finished with a bow. “But not to worry, the Jester will make assure that despite attempts-- everything will become exempts!”

“If need be, make dummy’s for the image.” Told Albert, peeking from the corner of his eyes. “I should go. I have work to attend to.” Moving on towards the exit without pause.

Giving a little laugh, the jester soon turned to dance in his merry way, singing songs, making small rhymes...and seemingly making sure as if nothing had happened despite what’s been said...or what hasn’t been said.

After making sure for the fifth time he had everything, such as supplies of food and water, a sorta map-- and a ground plan for his arrival? Did Jerry left across from one place to the next, being the coast line in equestria. He sent his minions away once he saw the Seamoth in the water, and let the Waypoint Gate disappear behind him. Leaving without much noticed as he began his journey…

Which was both calm and dangerous during the first few days.

During the third day in and as dusk approaches, Jerry took a moment to have a well needed break. He steered the seamoth to the surface, breathing it and letting it float in place before he got out and breathed in the sea air. Pulling himself out and soon just sitting on the ship, he stared out at the vast ocean waves and the slowly purple tinting sky. Hues of orange marking the horizon and the setting sun.

He stared out in silence before moving to the side and opening a compartment. He searched for food and brought it out, taking a moment to just… relax and eat. It was fairly uneventful, the wide ocean. And big. Sometimes it was a slight bother to glance down in the dark and seemingly unending depths. But at moments like this, it was… peaceful.

After a nice meal, a swish of water and a moment to relieve himself, did Jerry once more get into his little sub and dive back under the waves to continue his journey. His only real means of navigation being a compass installed on the ship to provide him with directions.

Slowly it began to get dark and darker, and after a time, the waves began to get unruly. One little peek over the waves with his light’s on soon showed that a slight storm was picking up, water sloshing and waves rising higher. On a while to not deal with it, Jerry dived down deeper, watching as his Seamoth began to tick up. 10 meters. 20 meters. 30 meters. 40 meters. 50 meters.

Deeper and deeper he went, his light’s showing nothing but blackness as he went down to avoid the unruly waves and currents overhead. And as he expected, things smoothed out the deeper he went. 100 meters. 110 meters. 120 meters. 130 meters. 140 meters. 150 meters.

By that point, Jerry evened out and began to just go straight. Not too much further down, a bit of a seabed being in sight. Or, he believed so. He had to use a quick sonar pulse to confirm and, yes, according to his Seamoth hud, there was a seabed some hundred or more meters down. Well past his crush-depth.

Choosing to just keep at the depth he was at, Jerry moved on, only the sounds of water, the gentle slicing hum of the seamoth and his own breathing in the dark waters. He had to take an easing breath, feeling a slight unease. Even then, his light’s picked out something in the backness, as bit’s of green… weeds could be seen.

Passing it some, Jerry paused and turned the seamoth to get a better look, and saw long tendrils of some sea-grass of some form. Kelp. Tracking it down, he found that there were some sandbanks and high-ridges, about… some 20 or so meters down and a hundred meters away from him.

The light’s, upon reaching the kelp, scared away a few schools of local fish and other fauna. Each dartting and swimming for shelter in their home before he turned and kept going on his way. Really, it wasn't so bad. Well, bare some noises coming from the kelp nearby now. But it was minor in comparison with what he dealt with.

Fingers tapping away on the controls, Jerry let out a breath and leaned back to relax some. Sleep began to be played about in his head. And with a nearby area to maybe park in? He could get some sleep and feel somewhat safe. While he played with such thoughts, he heard a low deep sound.

For a moment he thought it was some wale, or one of those Reefbacks. But when he heard it again, it was much more.. Sharper. More of a roar and not a moan. When he heard it again, he felt the hairs on his back rise and he turned his seamoth in the direction he thought he heard it.

There was a shadow of something, but it was gone and Jerry hung there in the water. Gently turning his seamoth about and letting his light’s help scan the area. Breathing in, he turned the seamoth to continue its journey, pushing forwards.

A deep bellow and a sudden jolt, Jerry felt himself get shaken about his seamoth while the sub’s lights turned red and a warning alarm went off. Jerry’s hand flew about the sub and glanced up, seeing a huge angry white face full of teeth and four black eyes. Mandible holding his sub as the jaws chomped at his sub while being thrashed about.

“Oh SHIT!” screamed Jerry, as he was trying to press what he could recall of the Seamoths defenses as he kept screaming. “Fuck, fuck, fuck, go away, go away, go away!” A little shock came out of the Seamoth as the Reaper dropped him slightly. The sub spinning around as it was free and on a tilt on the side while the large fish swam off. Vanishing in the darkness as Jerry took panting breaths, looking over if there were any damages as he breathes deeply.

However he heard another reaper roar, glancing up did Jerry saw a fish that was coming at him, mouth wide and mandibles ready to grab. “NOPE!” screamed Jerry as he moved the Seamoth away as the Seamoth had contact with the fin of the leviathan tapping the side of his sub. Causing it to half spin and forcing him to regain control, as Jerry check the sonar, he glanced around to see it was both silent...and no fish.

His eyes focus on the sonar as the fish was below and making another turn, swimming fast as the sonar wears off before he could see where it was at. There was another roar sound somewhere, as the sonar blipped again to show it was coming to his right. Very fast. Jerry pulled up to avoid the Reaper asue said . “This is the nope ship, we are leaving!” starting to swim away from the giant fish that was after him, and apparently it was pissed off.

Jerry recalled that Albert considered Reaper Leviathans as very tempermental fish.

Now one of them was after him as it wanted to turn him to a meal. Jerry could easily tell it was fast. REally fast, he barely avoid it’s next passing as he turned to keep tabs on it, only able to catch the red tips of its fins before it again vanished “Great. Its big, fast, mean, and very stealthy ...How could a big fish like that with it being brightly colored could be so damned sneaky?!” complained Jerry as he tried just swimming the Seamoth away as best he could as he knew it was going to be an all nighter in fleeing for his life.

Another roar came in….

Jerry felt he was filled with both fear and paranoia...large doses of them as he could tell he would be having nightmares of this added in his ‘things that scared the shit out of me~!’ Just swim away, just keep swimming and fleeing. Things got to be better, right? I mean it’s not like more would be chasing after me...right?

Yet for now, he had to keep his seamoth moving as quickly as he could, evading the reaper by the skin of his teeth as it nearly chomped at his Seamoth. Jerry had to glance around every 5 seconds as he maneuvers the Seamoth. Feeling pure terror and paranoia filling his body, heart thumping loudly with each beat, his palms becoming moist with them being unwilling to let go of the controls despite how shaken they are.

His breath coming in and out in fast breathing of a panic attack as he tried to look through the pitch black waters around him. Unable to stop his panic screams and yelps as the leviathan attempt another swipe at him. Trying to snatch and drag him about to be his meal. His thoughts only containing of praying to God for the creature to not eat him, his emotions all wrangled as he swore that when he had a chance? He was going to bring all of his herd, not giving a damn on what work they needed to do and shut the doors for three days worth cuddle and ‘Jerry time’.

Even if there were problems that needed to be addressed in the Castle, he was trying to survive against a predator. Feeling his body tense as he catches a hint of the pale white fish-skin. Noticing those tips of white-red fins...Or even hearing those vicious roars, knowing it was just there...swimming around him ...STALKING HIM!

Yet there was a miracle, as when Jerry glance down of the raised sea-ridge that held plenty of kelp, did a thought occurred to him. Or rather a single thought. Oh my God! I could hide from it! Already making the Seamoth go down as he heard the reaper was on his tail, the Overlord didn’t care of what could be in the kelp, all it was to him was possible safety.

Yet he had to move the Seamoth into the highest speed he could force it, diving into the kelp as he nearly crashed into some rock formations the man didn’t see. The sounds of the beast behind him as it was coming closer, Jerry in his panic state of fear and paranoia filling his mindset, blindly push the Seamoth to speed through both kelp and around hidden rock formations. Maneuvering about with the sole paranoid thought it was after him alone. Darting, weaving, driving all over before he settle near a set of low hanging rocks.

Settling by the sand as he look around with his lights...trying to find the beast itself….

Hearing it’s faint roars, but not seeing it in sight.

Talking deep breaths, trying to calm himself as he could with shallow breathing. In that moment of peace, Jerry slowly move his Seamoth forwards over the sandbed, peeking up and around the edges of his hiding place from under the low hanging rocks. “Okay...I...I think it’s gone.” breathed out Jerry.

Then screech like a little girl, moving back as something made a vicious sound, hitting his Seamoth and causing it to tilt-- and bonks on it. After he managed to get his wits to calm, he noticed it was a Sand Shark...One that was floating in place before it shakes its head and dazely swims off. Jerry look on as he relaxes with a grin, laughing a bit to himself of how silly he was as he cold feel his heart slowly calm…

“Stupid fish.” muttered Jerry, chuckling in slight relief and maybe in a bit of hysteria.

Then quickly went into panic mode as as he screams all the profanities he could recall in his life when the Reaper nose-diving down and slamming into the sand shark. “FUCK! SHIT! SHIT! SHIT! SHIT! OH FUCK, OH FUCK!” screamed Jerry as the Reaper sweep up it’s prey with a cloud of sand and green blood moving in the waters. He almost swore it saw him, before it went swimming off…

Leaving Jerry to cling to his seat, his Seamoth still hiding under a rock for all intent and purpose. “...Make it a week. A week with the herd.” muttered Jerry as he let out a agonizing breath as he looked outside and said. “I...I hate the ocean…”

Despite the adrenaline driven time in the seas, screaming and fleeing from the Reaper Leviathan more than once, or even other predators of the sea. He swore the same Reaper stalked him at least once a night-- Jerry managed to reach the griffon lands within 2 days with only minimal damage on the Seamoth….

Once he reached near the sands of the griffons-- at least he partially hoped he headed the right way (although from the directions he had and assurance he won’t get lost, he doubted that was the case).

As Jerry moved the Seamoth near the sands of his destination and left out of it, did he brought forth a Waypoint Gate with a full set of the Tribes pits around it. Summoning forth his Blues to move the Seamoth onto the Gate first as he ordered. “Get the Seamoth somewhere it won't be stolen.”

“Yes Master, it’ll be done.” told the Blue, as they carried the black vehicle onto the Gate, teleporting away as they knew the best place to keep this safe was where they kept the Tower Heart. Jerry himself went onto the Waypoint Gate to teleport back home. He needed the rest as he felt bags under his eyes, as when he did arrive in the center of the Throne room, he sluggishly headed to the Private Quarters.

He did however order to a Minion. “Get the herd in my private Quarters. Tell them I need them with me for at least a few days.” raising a hand as he added in agitation. “I don’t care what plans they had, I’m being a selfish prick that need his mares right now after what I had to deal with.”

“Yes Master!” bow a Minion as it scurried off to alert the Overlord herd they were requested by him.

Ugh...sleep. Get sleep… His head was throbbing in pain from the lack of sleep, as staying awake for two nights straight wasn’t good for him, even longer than that in a few occasions. Maybe get a good massage later? He didn’t know what else he wanted beside sleep as once he enters in his Quarters and bed? He went out like a light.

After some needed sleep, lots of TLC with his mares, actual food that wasn't in packages, and a change of clothing into armor, did he left the Dark Castle and back on the shores of the griffon lands.

Which didn't take long as within a few moments later, the man exit out of the Gate as he brought forth his selected Minions as he figure of summoning 20 Browns, 10 Reds, 15 Greens, and 5 Blues. Making a full Horde of 50. Okay, now if I was griffonstone, where would I be? trying to see where it was at on a map he ‘borrowed’ when he was doing his Evil Shopping list of shopping spree.

Although while he was looking over a map of nearby places of Equestria, he heard one of his Minions pointing and shouting. “Big tree, big tree!” Which made him pause for a brief moment, glancing up to see...in the distance of a rather really large tree like structure...actually it was so big it almost made him stuck awe as he thought.

That is the biggest tree...I have ever seen...in my life. looking at it, he partially wonder if the Griffons grew that tree-- or it’s been there for...a very long time. It was hard to say as he look to the map he was holding, then to the tree as he thought. Well...better something than looking at the map. rolling it up as he placed it in his ‘pockets’ of his armor. Seeing his destination in sight as he began his walk to the tree, or rather find a path to said tree as he doubted there was anywhere else the Griffons would live in.

As he began his walking in the near silence, well beside the little sounds of his Minions, Jerry thought over on what to do when he arrived. Hrm. Maybe see if I could find any royalties, see if I can get to them first, then the important people and any citizens that could survive? Can’t bring them to the Castle, so I need to bring the cure to here. There was another thing he needs to figure out, mostly if the royals were killed, or left, does that mean the city is in anarchy or near anarchy with the lots of deaths?

What if the city was a ghost town? If it was...then trying to ‘save’ the griffons would be hard, especially if there is none to give the cure to. Although he doubted that they would leave, especially if they hear Equestria was in bad shape with the Wendigos around.

Really, Jerry hoped that he would reach the city before dark, or at least the base as to make a Waypoint Gate there.

The travel to the mountain base was a quiet one, there were no threats, no patrols...just utter silence and the rare few sights of dead animals infected with the Khara, which Jerry had to move around with his Minions. He could only grimiance at the sight as things looked bad.

He just hopes he can reach the city as fast as he could.

Traveling up the mountain has its difficulties, mostly since it took a near day to arrive at the base of the mountain and going up on the nearly jagged pathway upwards. However he had to call it a night when it became dark, mostly to get some sleep and get back in the early start of the morning. By afternoon he arrived at the entrance of the city…

He had to admit, he never expected such a horrid sight before him as everything was in disarray, homes were nearly in server disrepair from lack of work, afew griffons that were barely alive covered with the Khara virus with the boils-- and to top it off, it look nearly a ghost town.

Alright. Get a Main Gate start, order Mortis to get the cure here-- and wrap up business with any sort of authority. thought Jerry as he began his first step within Griffonstone to find a good ‘center point’ for his Main Gate. He whoever heard Mortis speaking.

“Hrm, dark tidings Master. Many sick, near death, best find ones who could survive in the early stages.”

There was another voice to join, and it started with a slightly distressed breath. “Celestia… this is even worse than that town we visited when this first got out. This is just…” It was with another calming breath that Spree told, “Jerry, you need to find who’s in charge. I know getting a gate is important, but I don’t think we need to spread panic.” though lowly added, “at worse, it might cause some heart attacks by this point...”

Groaning a bit, but knowing she was right as he examined around, trying to find at least a near living griffon to ask questions with. He however took notice of a male griffon that was leaning on a wall as he might as well have asked this one. Coming up before the griffon as he spoke. “Griffon. Who is in charge here?” Waiting for the griffon to notice, which didn’t take long as he saw the two eyes widen in either shock or fear as Jerry waited…

Until the griffon held up a hand and slowly spoke in fits of cough. “I-I’ll tell yah-- for a gold piece.”

Giving a stare ...Jerry asked in near blandness. “You’re serious, aren’t you?” staring at the griffon as he questioned. “You really, really want a gold piece...despite you looking near dead with the virus in you.”

Clearing his throat, the griffon sneered out, “no gold, no words.” Seeming to stubbornly keep it as that. It was… near shocking. Possibly at the gall the griffin had, or the mere… well, Jerry wasn’t sure what to call it.

Feeling a bit angry at such...gall, Jerry jab back. “No words, no medicine to cure that sickness.”

With a raspy laugh, the bird said, “what a joke.” Then waved Jerry off, “get lost. If you don’t get gold, I--” Half being interrupted at a particularly sickly and hard coughing. The mere sight of the guy half bending over, using the wall to brace himself, just gave the sight of how…. Pitiful sick he was.

After a long moment of coughing, and getting his body to relax, the griffon finished. “No gold.. to give? No info.” Seeming to stand by it.

“...you are by far, the most pathetic person I have ever seen so far.” said Jerry as he turned to walk away as to find another griffon to talk, as Mortis spoke.

“Greed filled, despite being near death and being before your presence-- demand a coin for simple information. Either he was desperate...or stupid. Best to find another, Master.”

While Jerry agreed to that, and looked about for someone to fit that bill, he heard Spree say, “try her.” At first he had no clue of who the mare meant, but got clarification. “The kid over there. Got a dark silvery-blue coat. Scrunchy holding her feathers back.”

Focusing on such a description, Jerry found who Spree was talking about. The griffin in question looked to be as young as a teen, and seemed to have the infection too-- in it's early stages though. But he could almost see why Spree suggested her. One, it was just a kid, and for two? Well… she was trying to help another sick griffon.

Turning his attention, he figure if a kid would willingly help another griffon-- then they might be more agreeable to talk. So as he began walking to her, his metallic boots seem to alert her someone was coming to her location. So when the teen glance at the source of the sound she froze. Fear gripped in her eyes as the dark armored being, accompanied by a horde of imp like creatures in armor and weapons as her legs shook a bit.

Seeing the taller and dark being stopped a few feet away as she held the other griffon as best she could, with the griffon being paralyzed with fear himself as Jerry spoke in a slight soft tone. “Child. Do you know who is in charge here?” Moving himself down a bit to have eye to eye distance to speak on her level of height.

She gulped, no doubt a bit scared of what he was or could do. It was a common sight to Jerry, and looking at her current person, he could see why. He heard of how bad the Khara affect the body, and she was no doubt weakening ever so steadily.

But, after she collected herself, she gramanced with, “W-well… nobody's really in charge?” Which, filled Jerry with disappointment. He could hear in his helmet that Spree also, was concerned by this news. “It’s just… us griffins, that’s about it…”

“No royalties? No head of guard? Just you civilians? Not even a speaker of sorts to rally you all together?” asked Jerry as he doubted there was no actual leader-- especially in a time like this of panic and the Khara infecting them all ...unless they were killed from said Khara.

Shaking her head, she said, “no one.” Half hefting the griffon by her side, looking to be near the end of his own rope. “I-I mean, we sort of have this… tent we try helping the sick, but everyone else sort of left Griffon Stone.”

It wasn’t needed to be said, but Spree seemed to voice it anyways. “Jerry… this is bad. Real bad.”

Mortis agreed. “If this is all remains, best get the Main Gate to arrive and start spreading the cure. Attempt to save the earlier affected sick, leave those near death if possible. Will tell Grubby to get Gate ready, Master.” sounding to leave as Jerry spoke to the teen.

“If they left...then it is a pity I did not arrive earlier.” then ordered. “Blues. Assist the child with her...acquaintance.” Already the five blues moved around the two, hands going up as they began their healing magic as to ease the sickness within the two as Jerry explained to the two. “This is a temporary solution child. Enough to give the both of you strength until I will deliver the cure onto the remainers of Griffon stone. Can you lead me to this tent of yours?”

For a moment, after feeling a surge of strength that had left her for a long time-- the young teen looked up in slight shock, surprise and… conflict. She half fidgeted, looking about the minions and the Overlord himself with an uncertainty.

But, after a moment of thought, she gave him a look and a slight nod. “I… sure, I can.” Half helping the other griffon up while saying, “I’m Gabby, by the way.” And soon slowly asked with a desperate hope. “You… have a cure to help everyone?”

It was something that made the male she aided along to scoff at. “What’s the catch?” It slightly became clear to Jerry, the older giffin expected some price to be labeled along with the cure.

Snorting as he raised himself full up as he told in annoyance. “The catch? The catch is the simple fact you should be grateful that I'm giving the cure to you all for free. Gold is meaningless from a place that is as poor as I can tell.” then answered to Gabby with a bit nicer tone.

“As for the cure? I do. It’s making sure everyone take it is the problem.”

With a slightly fierce determination flashing in the otherwise tired eyes of the teen, Gabby told, “leave that to me!” Grinning, up until she gave a slight cough. Though it was nothing server. Still, she hefted the male once more and said, “Come on, you need to talk to Dulsion! He’ll want to hear about this!” Taking the lead as she moved. (End)

As Jerry followed her, with the Minions following in tide, he couldn’t help but ask. “Dulsion? Who is this Dulsion you speak of?” partially wondering if he was some sort of captain guard-- or some civilian that tried to be a leader-- or even a healer to try to heal the Khara as he heard from Mortis.

“Master, Grubby has a Waypoint Gate ready for now, the Greens are moving the cure once a connection has been established.”

Jerry didn’t comment yet, but gave a subtle nod as he was glad that things were working out-- despite the situation at hand.

“A traveler that came to Griffin Stone for help.” Answered Gabby. “ He wanted to call on us for help… but things were already getting bad, and this sickness was taking lives.” Slightly becoming more somber at the mere thought. “So he.. Sort of stuck around and tried to help. You know, slow the sickness. He caught it a week back himself, but… well, he’s trying.”

“You can’t slow the sickness with the methods you have, you need...unorthodox methods.” spoke Jerry as he went on. “Luckily for you all? I have the methods to cure any here.” although he was trying to figure out who this Dulsion was. It didn’t sound like a pony name-- and nothing he ever heard of. He was partially curious of why this traveler was seeking aid from the griffons.

Maybe he was some old diplomat the Princess had? But if he was...how come neither Celestia or Luna mention on him? Hrm..something...feels off about this, but what? What is making me feel this...off? thought Jerry as he followed Gabby, as a part of his mind was thinking of removing some Minions to get more Blues to heal, or at least prolong the sickness till the cure went into full effect.

While he entertained these thoughts, he was given more sight of the city that was of the griffins. And to say, it looked even worse the further they went in. There was some bonfire areas, places that he soon noted had dead bodies burning inside. A way to help stave the sickness, as Mortis told him.

Even then, more dead could be found around the area. And in a way, he heard Spree comment that it looked like they had just… given up. And in a way, it looked the part. Everyone seemed to believe, they were going to die and there was just no means to stop it.

It was… morbid in a sense. There was no mad scrambling, no chaos or disorder. Everyone was just in a strange state of acceptance, thy were just going to… die. The peacefulness behind the dystopia like surroundings felt so... hopeless.

Well, we can’t have that, can we? thought Jerry, as while he accepted the role of his position? He...he didn’t want things like this. Both for the fact he didn’t want these people to die-- and to show that despite being an Overlord? He can be a merciful one at times. He couldn’t help but feel...shaken? Unsettled by this place and the utter lack of hope around.

Or was it the fact they have just accepted they are going to die? That they have no choice, but to accept this. Almost like at one point...he accepted the fact, he was just a bad guy ...and he would die as one.

“We’re here!” Jerry felt himself shaken out of his thoughts when they made the next turn around some tree-like branches. And the tent, or in this case the main tent and the few around it, seem to have… a little order to them. It was nothing grand, or splendid. The tents were stained and there were sick all around. Only a few griffins seemed to have even an ounce of hope or perseverance in the fact of this sickness.

“Gabby!” The shout was enough to make the teen half-flinch as an elder griffin walked up. The female looking a little miffed. “Picking up strays again, brat?” The white-headed and golden furred griffoness crossing her arms and looking to be one of the rare few still healthy-- or yet to show the full symptoms.

With a small smile, Gabby raised a talon and said, “hey Gilda.” and went on, “and, well…”

Raising her claws hand to her beak, Gilda said, “yeah, yeah, I get it. Just… dump him next to the rest, will ya?” And just as shortly turned to Jerry. And, rather surprisingly, did not seem to give a single fuck of who he was. “And who’s this dweeb dressed like some cosplayer?” Then peeked around him, “and when did we get a rodent problem?”

“...Cosplayer.” stated Jerry in either surprise...or slight agitation as he didn’t expect her to not care about him...or insult him and the Minions like that. Still Jerry told simply. “I’m not a cosplayer. I’m a traveler of sorts.” then added. “And don’t insult my Minions, only I can insult them like that.”

“Yeah, Master can do that!” told a Brown.

Arms crossed, Gilda asked, “do I look like I give a pluck?”

A little caught off guard herself, Spree commented, “She’s real ballsy.” Seeing as she herself was more than nervous when she first met Jerry.

Moving up, and half interrupting the other griffon, Gabby said, “Gilda, please? This guy has a cure!” Trying to appeal to the golden grifoness. “He can help.”

Huffing, Gilda told down, “listen, Gab, don’t be stupid. Guy’s probably lying so he can get something out of us later on.” Looking right up to Jerry and going on, “I mean, that’s how it works. We give something, you give.” Then rolled her eyes, “Or are you one of those sissy sorts that just hands stuff out for free and want a pat on the back for your good deed?”

That made Jerry seeth out in anger. “Be Careful griffon. I am giving you the cure only because it would be a waste of life.” already motioning an arm to summon a Waypoint Gate as he continues on. “The only reason I came to you griffons, is because I hate seeing a waste of both lives and potential.” Already the Gate popped up within the wooden ground as he took a deep breath to calm himself, and soon told to Gilda in a more restrain tone.

“You may not believe I am what I say I am-- but know this. I am aiding you not for good deeds. But to make sure that there is a chance you lot will survive and be happy that you will live instead of succumbing to the Khara virus.”

While the gate’s arrival did startle both, or rather most griffins, Gilda still seemed to hold some level of bravado. She looked him in the eye and glared back, ready to say something in turn. It was about this time that the main tent’s flap moved.

“What’s going on?” Boomed out a males voice. When eyes turned to him, Gabby spoke out.

“Dulsion!” Smiling as she did. Gilda looked annoyed, but for Jerry felt himself just stop. Similarly, so did this Dulsion. For a moment, Overlord look straight at a well armored caribou, bearing the mark of Dainn. And in turn, the Caribou seemed to recognize him in turn.

With a hardened gaze and drawing of a blade that looked oddly magical in quality with it’s glowing edge, the Caribou told, “move away from him!” Readying himself, despite the irritated skin breaking out in green blisters. “That’s the Overlord!” Causing both griffins, and many more that were able, to look at Jerry like a leginament threat.

Drawing his own blade out, Jerry felt a mixture of shock and anger as he didn’t expect Dulsion to be a Caribou-- especially one with a magical blade. Which would explain why he never heard of him as he heard Mortis warned. “Be wary Master. That blade is filled with magic...powerful magic as well.”

Jerry gripped his titanium like blade as he spoke in annoyance. “Great. Just peachy.” then eyed the Caribou as he told. “Listen deer head. Unless you want me to kill you and cause a great deal of annoyance to me? Stand. Down. As of now, I have better things to do than to fight another Caribou. Like giving a cure to these lot and move on.”

“Cure?” Asked the doubt filled voice of the Caribou, Dulsion. “Are you also going to not bother telling them this virus was your doing too?” This time making Gabby really back away from Jerry with a hint of alarm.

Welp...this is my fault. Probably shouldn’t have try to claim the cause of it. Doubt I can explain it wasn't fully my fault...I made my bed, better well lay in it. thought Jerry as he told simply.

“It was a calculated risk. I didn't expect the true source to spread. Now Dulsion, I rather we put a hold on whatever you were order to do if you face me. As of now, I have better things to do.” then added lowly enough for Spree and Mortis to hear. “Guys, I’m fucked. I think this Caribou is a lot different than the other's.”

“Hold on.” He heard Spree, and from the clopping of hooves, was probably on her way to get her gear on to come to his aid. Something he wasn’t sure he was glad for, or worried about.

“You keep saying that.” Started Dulsion while taking careful steps forwards, blade still at the ready. “But I think I’ll be doing us all a favor in killing you where you stand.” The focus was a little disconcerting, seeing as most Caribous ran at him full on. This one, seemed much more paced and careful. And Jerry juggled the idea of just downing him with a dogpile of minions.

He was already making a mental game plan to stall as Jerry knew things were going to be rough. So he sent his Blues back, moving the Reds somewhere in a high position-- or at least somewhere they weren’t going to get killed as he sent his Browns first. Allowing them to be a distraction as he felt an odd sense of deja vu for some reason. Like back when he was playing Overlord when he was facing some threat.

When the Browns rushed, he half expected a normal brawl to break out. That wasn’t the case. The Caribou took a step back and with a single stab, got a brown at his throat. While the minion gasped for air and fell, Dulsion backed still, warding and striking at the most vulnerable of places to kill each Browen off one-by-one.

There was something more to that blade, as each minion that died seemed to have a slightly nasty burn that crept around the area they were struck.

He had to send his Greens around, making the Reds fire bolts of fire to the Caribou as Jerry move in to cause a distraction. Seeing the blade spins in reverse and kneels while seeming to be in a prayer position. Which was odd-- but a dome of light surrounds him and cause nearby Minions to burn, or the fire from Minions to not harm him. Already Jerry mind was working to pull the Minions back, allowing the blues to grab the dead to revive as Jerry felt himself on high alert.

This wasn’t normal. This was by far something that both concern him and made him afraid for a rather long time. As when Dulsion stands, he used a hand for a prayer as to absorb the dome of light before tossing it outwards like a cast spell. The orb of light and heat seeming to fly at him and his minions like a swift bolt. Jerry had to quickly cast Sanctuary to block it.

A sensation of magic grinding on the other, like slight opposite at battle was what filled his mind...and now he knew. He knew why this was familiar to him. Why he dread so much as he spoke. “So it seems a Hero finally arrived.”

Apparently, Dulsion heard that and told, “your dark end is here, Overlord.” It was almost surreal, even as the Caribou moved in a slight charge. Steel blade glistening with a magical light that began to give the tells of something more holy. For once, Jerry felt his worry mount and his mind came to a striking realization.

This Caribou was some form of hero, and he had the resolve to kill him here and now for his empire.

Ending the Sanctuary spell, Jerry told lowly to Mortis as he prepared his own blade. “Mortis, tell them to hurry. A hero is before me.” Already moving the Minions as he had to stall the Hero no matter what. He sent his Browns as a means to stall, as his Greens were moving in behind with Reds firing fire bolts to the Caribou.

Yet he heard the sounds of some of his Reds dying, as his attention turn to see some of the Griffons were killing them, possibly to assist Dulsion. Look like I get what I deserve. To be hated as a villain. thought Jerry, as he saw some of the griffons look of mixture of determination and fear as Jerry had to turn see Gilda tossing rocks at him as Jerry had to resolve himself to stall as much as possible...even if he placed himself in this position in the first place.

His momentary musing had him almost too distracted to move when another orb of light sped by him. The apparent hero was not slowing. While it was clear the sickness was making him less than stellar-- the skill Dulsion possessed was still there. Even more the magic he had. The armor was clearly enchanted to take on magical spells, as the fireballs were not doing their fullest to affect him. And his blade was used to often catch and bat that fire away to other minions.

With single and well places slashes or stabs, minions either died or were incapacitated severely. By his pace through the ranks, Dulsion was going to be right on him in a few more moments. And he seemed to have built up his resolve to get to Jerry himself and fight the Overlord directly.

This is it Jerry...Time to see if I can handle this. thought Jerry as he heard the sounds of the Minion pits as he heard Mortis spoke.

“The pits have arrive Master. Use us, your Minions.” Already Jerry summon forth more Browns, mostly to use them to push away the Griffons, or hold them down as he sent his Reds elsewhere. He raised his blade to ready himself as he swung to the Caribou.

Instead of taking it though, Dulsion dodged. The power of the Overlords swing missed and Jerry was thankful for his armor at that point in time. The slight jarring of his body when a blade-tip barely even sunk into his armor-- told him that Dulsion tried to stab him.

Apparently his armor was plenty thick, and the Caribou backed away. So, Jerry turned and attacked once more, trying to land a hit on the backing and weaving caribou. Whom in turn struck and stabbed at the hinged locations of his armor, the slight opening and pretty much wherever the tip could go.

Only a few times did Jerry become aware of a slight pressure in such places, but his armor was, remarkably, well made. Something he had to thank Giblet for later on. Along with Albert and his added ideas. Yet, even with such defense, Dulsion did not give up. Instead he backed, turned his blade around in reverse again and placed his off-hands palm to the jeweled hilt. With a light of golden like magic, he thrust his hands out, and a wave of scorching magic washed over Jerry.

For a moment, it felt like the Tree of Harmony but…. Different. Sterner, hard and unmoving. Where there was his dark chaotic magic, there was a light and order pressing on him. It caused Jerry to stumble, and for a moment felt like his armor had heated up for a moment. Heat, that the AC went right to work to cool off.

It’s...it's not holy….it’s...almost orderly? thought Jerry as he summon forth Sanctuary again, feeling his magic...a little harder to use as he grit his teeth. It feels like something is restricting my magic...the blade. looking to Dulsion as he felt himself spoke. “A blade of Order. That would explain a bit.” Keeping the shield up as he prod for answers. “Why have you come Dulsion? Why now of all times? Especially in this place?” already noticing his Minions were doing a good job of holding the griffons back. At least for now.

Blade once more righted in his hand and seeming to glow more brightly, almost hotly so. Dulsion soon told simply. “The griffins are allied to no one. Dainn chose to call for their aid. The hope was to band and stop your chaos.” Face hardening while he once more prepared. “Looks like I will have the chance to rid the Empire of you here and now.”

For a brief moment, Jerry felt a slight itch in his mind. Like something to respond to that as he told. “Ah yes, the Empire...a supposedly so righteous nation ...who also underhandedly invaded and took control of another nation. Taking its marefolk to be slaves and lesser as playthings-- and making all the females, both adult and fillies into nothing more than sex-toys.”

“Even made the nation of Equestria nothing more than a slowly rotting landscape.”

With another burst of magic, Jerry had to focus on keeping his spell working as the Orderly magic washed over. For a moment it felt like a literal ton of bricks struck at it. “We are an Empire of Order, Structure and System!” The words were spoken with a conviction, even as the caribou swung his blade again. Arcing lights of magic washed and half wrapped around the Sanctuary spell, crushing and gripping at it for a moment to try and break it.

“You’re a dark, foul chaos that disrupts that order. An order we worked hard to make. I won’t let you spread it anyplace else.” Once more striking, Jerry himself feeling that odd magic still in him, tightening and trying to make him bend in an odd way.

Jerry pushed back as he held out his arms as he spat out. “an order that stagnates. An order that caused thousands of mares to either break mentally, or be turned into nothing more than dolls. An Order that would of spread all over and caused even these griffons such same positions. I may be dark, I may be a villain-- but I at least am honest in my intentions. You’re Empire ‘order’?”

Giving a scoff of a laugh, Jerry mocked. “You’re nothing more than a force pretending to be good, but are just like me. A force that conquers and destroy the very balance itself.”

“I am nothing like you!” Shouted back the Caribou, sward ablaze in light while moving in. Jerry placed more into his spell, even as the blade struck. For a moment, he felt his will begin to stress in his head while the orderly blade clashed on his sanctuary.

Magical sparks flew and danced as the two battled it out. One pushing with his blade, the other trying to hold his ground. And while Jerry held, something else didn’t. In the side of his helmet, Jerry was aware of a slightly flashing red icon. Something that he didn’t notice before-- and a corner of his mind wondered if Albert put that in during his last repair check.

Whatever the case, Jerry was only then and there, aware of how hot his armor felt. In fact, the red warning bar had a few other things. Mostly some sort of power warning and temperature warning. It was then that something did give. One of his armor’s arms seemed to spark and hiss. A section of his leg armor began to glow with magical runes and flash dangerously. The power that he and the Caribou were making… it was overloading his armor and it was literally starting to break apart.

Minions, defend me! mentally order Jerry, as he saw a ‘Warning, armor systems critically overloaded. Evac the prototype armor system, or be possibly vaporized. Thank you for using the Prototype Overlord Armor and have a nice day.’

FUCK! cursed Jerry as he heard various shouts of his Minions calling out.

“Defend the Master!” calling out his Minions as it was too late. As the suit forced him to crumple to the ground, in a kneeling position first, as the magical barrier burst. Minions flying back as the hero stumbling back, as he was stuck on the ground, armor too heavy to move in as he felt the painful burn like areas all over him. The Minions doing their best to defend him as Dulsion defended himself.

You know...Albert did warn me that this was too heavy for me...can't move without the hydrologics… thought Jerry as he tried to order his Blues to come and cool his armor down...only to sadly see them being viciously killed by some of the griffons.

It was no better that the Caribou hero was still going. He was tiring, obviously, from the hoard. But with both him and the many griffins that could fight? Jerry found himself in a truly tight bind. He could hardly move and he felt pricks of pain from what he assumed were burns.

He knew what once Dulsion was done with his minions, the caribou would come for him. And he would be dead shortly after… once he figured out how to pry the armor off...

So ...this is it. thought Jerry. Seeing his minions being killed off, hearing Mortis mentioning on ‘holding on’. Even seeing the griffons aiding Dulsion in killing his forces. Jerry couldn’t help but...but feel a strange sort of acceptance. He couldn’t fully believe it, but he felt...alright with this. This was normal with being an Overlord. Being killed by another evil or a hero… That once Dulsion was finished with his Minions, with the last Minion falling to the blade did Dulsion moved up.

Hot blade in hand, looking down to Jerry with a still burning resolve in his eyes. It was clear as day, he was going to finish him off...this was going to be his end. Even as the Caribou kicked him down, forcing Jerry to lay on his back and stuck under his own armor weight, a blade soon rose up and prepare to strike with all of his might.

Whats going to happen next? what will become of Jerry? Only time for tale....