When Jerry heard from Grubby about something odd about the first cavern that was dug in, Jerry partially wondered if it had to do with the Minions working within the island. But when he came to the mine entrance through a waypoint Gate? Seeing Grubby there as the Minion miner saluted. “Master!” To which Jerry gave a quick glance as he asked.

“What's going on Grubby?” getting off the Waypoint Gate as the miner moved up by Jerry to point at the cave entrance.

“Minions found opening, sent a few Browns in, big scaly beasts came out, forced back as best-- but breath fire! Not come out of a deeper entrance. Think Master need good bashing on scalies!”

Scalies? thought Jerry as he partially wondered what Grubby meant as he asked. “What sort of scalies?” to which the Brown answered.

“Big, red and like to come up from underground!” Jerry furrowed his brows under his helm, as he felt that was somehow familiar...but he was unsure of how. Especially as he couldn’t fully recall anything like those terms. With a shake of his head, Jerry glanced to see the familiar sights of the minion pits, bringing forth a well rounded force of Browns, Greens, Reds and Blues to accompany him as he told him.

“I’ll be sure to check it out Grubby.” already embarking in the cave entrance as he partially wondered if it was some sort of pest control? Nevertheless, he will gain his answers one way or another. Even more once he ventures deeper inside.

While there weren't too many sights, beside torches set aside walls and signs of mining equipment, Jerry could note slight scorch marks on a few walls or on the ground. Odd….must be what these ‘scalies’ did? Durium armor set and ax he wielded.

He almost forgot how...light it was despite the look of how heavy it was supposed to be. He considers it’s why it was so strong, that despite its type of armor, it felt light for him...Or maybe he’s gotten so used to carrying the prototype armor, everything felt light weight for him. Still, he refocused back to the task at hand, seeing nothing as of late. Or at least once he went deeper within the cave did Jerry spot the broken segment of a wall, as it seemed this was where the Minions found the trouble Grubby mentioned.

Giving a glance over, he could tell it was broken in, as well nothing much had been done beside extra means to hold up the entrances wooden poles were on either side of it. Yet he never did bother to see that stone object on the right side, an object that always indicates within the game of the Overlord series.

An entrance to a dungeon.

When Jerry walked on deeper, did he notice it being slightly warmer, as there were multiple cavern tunnels leading to different directions, the cavern walls appearing to be cracked as slight dust was shown on them. There seem to be nothing in sight as of yet...but for some reason Jerry felt an old familiarity as a gamer.

The sense of paranoia of unexplored caverns with hidden traps.

At first there was nothing in sight...but that made Jerry paranoid, as he took a random pathway to the first tunnel he would explore, figuring to explore what he could at first...before one of the cracked parts of the walls exploded outwards, as a familiar sight of three red Salamanders appeared. Salamanders that appeared only from Overlord 2.

Oh shit! Oh shit! thought Jerry as he sent out his command of Browns and Greens to charge, as Jerry himself charged up with his axe to kill them. Kill the Salamanders quick and fast as while Reds were firing bolts of flames at the creatures, Jerry's mind was blown as he never thought of seeing the Salamanders here…

But quickly recall his forces back once they ‘killed’ the Salamanders, and by killing it was retreating as the bodies imploded into a burst of fire. As well as gathering Red Lifeforce. Despite Jerry wanting to explore more...He thought on what he saw...and what the implications were.

Salamanders. From Overlord 2. Was this a by-product of the Tower Heart magic on the land? Or was it something else… thinking over the possibilities...Jerry motioned his Minions to retreat, as while he wanted to explore? This...this cavern-- and whatever holds deep in it?

It had so much potential and so much danger. If the Salamanders' appearance were enough to tell Jerry of the unknown of the caverns? Then who can say there weren’t other elements of either game enemies showing...or DLC type of enemies?

As of now? Retreat. Gather better gear...and plan for the unexpected of the Overlord style of puzzles and enemies to kill him.

Despite the implications of danger and creatures that will try to kill him? Jerry couldn’t seem to remove a smile on his face. One that promised something both familiar and new at the same time.

---

Over the course of the week, Shadow had been figuring out on how to approach Spree on the mare situation, even more with the three triplets assisting her the best way they could. Although she partially wondered if it was ‘successful’ as she would be talking to her friend soon. But she made sure to talk to Jerry on a little talk when she could...

Although Shadow hasn’t heard anything from Jerry yet as he left from the mines Grubby was working at. Apparently it really...really made him focused on something. Shadow figured he found something rather interesting as when he was spotted back from the Throne room he was muttering to himself. Mention something on ‘endless possibilities’. But nothing more as he took his Arcanium armor set, a blade for some reason and left without a word. Shadow figure was that Jerry was going to deal with something involving the mines.

Hopefully things would work out fine enough as there won’t be any nasty surprises like last time around here.

But her attention went back to Spree, who she was waiting on the balcony, as this time Sonata was with her to aid with her needs.

While the mare thought over the situation, the lovely handservant waited with patients that would rival the most best trained Canterlot guards. Not that Shadow was paying much attention to that, more focused on her internal thoughts. But after a long moment of silence, Sotana asked, “Milady, is everything alright?”

Giving a brief look to Sonata, Shadow let out a small sigh and admitted. “No Sonata...I’m just...trying to figure out how to help Spree with her situation-- while at the same time help Jerry, and try to make things less complicated than they are.” then took a brief sip of her tea, seemingly to be drinking it a lot more than usual as she added. “What bothers me even more, is that while I know what my friend will think to do...it’s helping her that remains the problem.”

Pressing her lips together, Sotana asked, “if you don’t mind me asking, why is it a problem?” Going on to tell, “Spree is… well, I heard from Knotful that she’s a good mare. Strict in training, but she’s good and well meaning. I wouldn’t think she would have any issues with the Lord?”

“I’m certain she won’t.” agreed Shadow as she told. “It's convincing her the idea of being a concubine and helping her see things differently that’s the problem. Spree loves me a lot...and supports me even more. I know she wouldn’t love Jerry fully...but I do know that she’ll be able to help him as he can do the same for her in a sense.”

Seeming to now understand, Sotana said, “I see…” A little surprised apparently, that Shadow wanted to let Spree into the Concubines and join the herd, as it were. But as she thought it over, the mare said, “if I may… Shadow.” Seeming to choose to go informal. “I don’t know much about love. I never felt it before.” Trying to not shift in place. “But… maybe you could tell her more?”

The questioning tone left Shadow at a loss of what Sotana ment. And with a simple look, her handmaiden seemed to catch on. “That is to say… Spree loves you, and supports you… but doesn't want to get in the way of your feelings for Jerry, correct?” Going on to shyly add. “But… you’re thinking about letting her into the Herd, even though you don’t know it could work. You could have just… let her be. Why?” Seeming to observe her mistress before asking, “do you love her too?”

Spluttering her tea for a bit, Shadow coughs a bit to gather her breath as she looks to Sonata as she stares at her. To which she shook her head and sigh. “Admitally Sonata? If you asked that to me before I felt I belonged with Jerry...I might have considered it. In all reality? I see her as a close friend. Someone who I can see by my side...but love?” taking a moment to let her teacup be filled again as she went on.

“well...Maybe. I don’t love her fully like I do to Jerry, there's no one able to fill my heart the way he does...but I do care enough for Spree to help her with her own life.”

Tilting her head, and pulling the teapot away to place it to the side, Sotana said, “but Shadow… you’re thinking about allowing a mare-- friend or not, bed your husband. Willingly please him with her own body. ‘Friends’ don’t just allow their other friends to simply have sex with a stallion they claim to love that much. Even for just a ‘one time’.”

It was a odd bit to hear from Sotana, but there was sound logic in it, to an extent. One that Shadow nodded to while taking a small sip. Even then, Sotana went on. “If I recall the gossip right, you and Spree met the Lord before any of us.” Another fact, Shadow knew was true. “I heard back then, you were his slave. But I must ask, did Spree love you like she does now, even back then?”

“...she did. Even to the point of helping me make my own choice. Instead of being selfish and take me with her, she let me choose.” taking another sip as she thought back as she admitted. “Part of me felt slight regret...of not going with Spree. For helping me to be myself again. But I think we both knew that if I didn’t stay-- or even Jasmine didn’t stay?” letting out a breath of air with a shake of a head.

“Then we wouldn’t have Jerry as he is now...but what Gnarl always wanted and what could be true in the various rumors about Jerry as an Overlord.”

While the busty mare nodded to this, she momentarily remained silent before once more asking, “I wondered how it felt for her?” Which was something Shadow didn’t want to hear or think about. “For Spree, that is. I wasn’t aware she was in love with you that long or… gone to that extent.”

The two were quiet, basking in their own thoughts before the maid said, “still… I only asked if you loved her too, because… well, I don’t want to be… blunt.” Seeming a little nervous to point something out. “But you think a lot about her at times.” Which certainly got a look. “You don’t say it, but when Spree’s name comes up, you do talk about her. Almost as much as the Lord, or your herd. And when the Lord is away, you are commonly with her. I should know, I serve you both tea and treats during those times.”

To that, Shadow had to admit...she did view Spree highly, mostly since Spree was her close friend. Something she held from the past as best she had. Shadow hum a bit as she remarked. “You might be right...since Spree is the last thing home to me...she means a lot. She’s the closest thing as a sister to me. Even if we aren’t fully related. Maybe that’s why I want to help her...because she’s like family to me.”

Thinking a little more, Sotana said, “not to be blunt again, Shadow. But is that really the reason?” Getting a long look from the mare. “I have to wonder, if your Lord was not here and you never met him, would you still see Spree like that?” It was a question that Shadow… never considered. “If you chose to go with Spree, would she still only be a close sister?”

“...admittedly? I might have fallen in love with her. Get a stud together and live a happy normal life.” admitted Shadow as she went on. “Knowing Spree? She would be miffed with a guy in the relationship. But she knows I was raised by thestral style.” then chuckle. “She might be fair, but she is grabby at times…” thinking a bit as she went on.

“Despite being a trained guard-- she can be a little selfish to those she cares about. Or wants.” then look at Sonata as she told honestly. “If I never met Jerry nearly a year back? I would have latched onto Spree...she the first pony I trust fully, we went through thick and thin, we both got no family, friends-- and our home is gone...I know that if she had a choice between Equestria or me? She chose me in a heartbeat.

“Because that’s the kind of mare she is. The one that goes through anything once she set her mind to it.” then took another sip as she admitted. “I don’t think I can give her the same full love I can for Jerry, I don’t think I ever could...but I...can at least give some love to her, even if it’s not much.”

Smiling a little, Sotana said, “it must be nice to feel Love.” Then glanced out over the balcony to ask, “what will you say to her?” Observing the greening lands that slightly clashed, but mixed with the dark soot of the island. Small lava rivers still active flowing around, almost making a strange paradise of vegetation, sea, fire and ash.

Sighing a bit, she said. “The truth. That I do like her. That I want her to join in the herd, even if she’s not an official member...that she can be with us and maybe...I want her to still be happy, even if I can’t give the same love she can give to me?”

“You mean like Miss Sky?” Inquisitively asked Sotana, striking a slight point that Shadow didn’t like to think on.

“More like...Sea.” said Shadow as she admitted. “I think Sky...needs a lot of help, professional help. And sure she likes Jerry...but she needs a reality check.” rolling her eyes as she said. “I swear, she almost acts like a Pink around him.”

Rather pointedly, and next to rudely, Sotana pointed out, “Pinks are still able to think out elaborate plans, Milady.”

Rubbing her forehead, she let out a drag of breath. “Fair enough Sonata.” taking a calming breath as she said. “I just...sometimes feel a little jealous that she can easily be fawned over to Jerry at times. Not to mention fawn over Jerry.” taking a deep breath in to relax as she look back to Sonata as she told Sonata. “Sky not a bad mare...but she’s latched onto Jerry a lot faster than we really thought.”

Sotana thought to that some, wondering and puzzling over the topic a little. “Do you think she’ll help the Lord?” Going on to add on, “I don’t want to be disrespectful but… I’ll be honest. Sky acts… acts more like a foal with some adult wants. I’m not sure if that’s good or not. It certainly makes Jerry happy, but…”

“Honestly? With how neglected she was as an orphan and was used for some company purposes? I’m surprise she didn’t turn out worse.” told Shadow as she went on. “She never knew how to grow up, no one helped or taught her how. And with the Caribous screwing things up for years? She can’t get that chance so easily….” then thought and amended.

“She does make Jerry happy...but she can’t fully help him like Sea or I could. She almost likes Lovely-- but is...natural in a sense.” then with another sip of tea to drink down, she went on. “Really? I might have to send her to the closest thing to a psychiatrist to undo what’s been done to her...but at the same time…” dragging off for a moment.

Lips forming a tight line, the handmaiden gave a deep sigh and seemed to look up with an odd look in her eyes. It was a similar gaze Shadow saw when she was trying to find out who sent the mare, and in a way, it showed again. “Perhaps, Milady, you should ask Spree to join not because of love, but because you need her.” the upfront manner it was said, shocked Shadow.

“You and Sea can’t handle Lovely, Jerry and your children-- along with Sky’s own issues alone. Maybe, you should call Spree to come and help stabilize your lives.” She gave a slight smile, one that was… almost confused, like Sotana wasn’t sure how to convey her feelings. “Spree doesn't want to move on and has nothing. But you said that she cares a lot for those she knows. Maybe, for her to move on… you need to give her something to latch onto, like what you did in the past. OR what Sky did. Maybe… she needs something to give her a chance to have a life again.”

Placing a hand on her stomach...she thought and soon nodded in agreement. “You’re right…” thinking that perhaps...the foals could help in some way? Especially with them being her own foals. It would help things smooth out even more, even later on in the future as she said with a smile. “Thanks Sonata...I might consider doing that…” then tease with a grin. “Although the opening for you is still available if you want it.”

Like a switch, Sotana seemed to become her almost shy and humble self, blushing up a storm and said, “I-I, I couldn't Milady. Being your maidservant is an honor enough.” Shifting uncomfortable in place. “I… I think I should refill your tea, yes!” Taking up the teapot to go on, “it’s cold, you need warm tea!” Turning and heading out to leave. It made Shadow want to giggle. For a very beautiful mare that any stud would love to tap-- Sotana was quite shy about her own sexuality.

Honestly I partially won’t mind if she did accept...mostly since I can trust her to do what she needs to do. thought Shadow as she thought for a moment. I wonder if I could order her to bed Jerry?

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