While Jerry had to deal with a headache when he came back from the Equestrian Isles, it was dealt thanks to the Blues healing his head. In all honesty, he had to focus back to what remains of paperwork he had to install and go through, as well as finish up tidying up loose ends for bureaucracy. Granted he had a lot of help from the Blues and the ‘Gnarl Crystal’ as some of the Minions are dubbing the pink stone in Jerry workroom.

He did however noticed some of the Blues became his unofficially ‘aids’ in handling his more complex paperwork. Even a few using the Crystal to learn more than Jerry could. While Jerry didn’t mind it since he could have extra help when the more complex problems crop up in his laws or terms-- or even economics?

He did noticed that the Blue aids soon had something to distinguish themselves from the other Blues. They all wore shades over their eyes, wearing dress suits as they carried clipboards. Apparently Jerry inadvertently created a PR team to not only help with his laws and his domain...but also ensure the Overlord rep isn’t too tarnished and could be used to boost the Overlord as the ‘better option’.

Jerry was glad that he had additional help with these problems. Even more with the Blues helping lessen the paperwork for both him and for Shadow. Granted they didn’t do everything, just ‘simplify’ the problems for the two to understand. He was thankful that the Blues were able to help, even use the crystal...granted he was trying to figure out how they knew how it work, but figure it was because ‘magic’.

Yet felt with all the madness, the paranoid that kept increasing with each danger that popped up….and the fact he was slowly becoming near his limit of sanity? Jerry felt it was time for him and the herd to...talk. To let himself just open up on his feelings, to just...let it all go as he doubted he could hold onto his troubles forever before he broke down. Or at least, snapped when he can’t hold it back anymore.

He however had to wait until Sky was back...mostly to both check to see how she was and to let her in on the discussion. Since she is part of the herd in all technicalities. Jerry didn’t knew too much on if Spree should be filled in or not since she's a ‘friend’ in the herd. But...he figure it was something he could somewhat allow, since she would help with the kids.

Maybe he could stretch the same with Sonata? Mostly since she is a ally...although he should probably keep it as close as that, since he didn’t want rumors to be spread around of a emotional discussion...or a unloading of his emotions and mental state. Jerry just hope he could have some sort of peace after he unload everything he held back for...well, ever since he got here.

He was certain there would be more crazy shit that will keep him up at nights in the future, but for now? He could at least try to have some sort of stability with his love ones. But for now? He had to focus on the paperwork with his PR team. However as he toil away in the office full of Blues in suits, a Servant Minion came rushing in as he bow.

“Master! Cyclope has arrive, Concubine Sky has return.” Jerry pause in his reading as he glance to the Minion as he said.

“Wait, Skyward is back?” being pleasantly surprise at that as he lay the paper down as he got up from his seat. “Better see how the doctor visit went.” although internally he wonder if the mare was still the same, or would be going through some changes her own, not that it was a bad thing but...well, he wasn’t sure how the visit would affect that pegasus. Still he figure to see if she was coming through the main entrance, as he told to the Blues of PR.

“Alright guys, take a break until I’m back in here.”

One of the Blues gave a thumbs up. “Do not worry Master, we will ensure the Overlord will not have more negative PR for his people. We shall toil away for you, Sire.”

Giving a look, Jerry joked with a grin. “Are you sure you all aren’t trying to be ‘Yes-mans’ to me?”

“We’re instinctively made to be Yes-men, Master.” told a Blue, as another agreed.

“We are Yes-men of the highest order, Master.” Jerry laugh to that as he dust off his red robes and told.

“Alright, have fun with the paperwork!” already turning to head off down the stairways to the Throne room, as that was possibly the likeliest place to see if Skyward was coming up to meet him-- or at least try to find Jerry at the very least.

Descending downwards and reaching the main floor, Jerry looked about those in his castle and had to almost stop at one room that was currently making all sorts of ridiculous sounds. One peek inside and he found a banner with a ‘Happy Birthday Shine!’, with the mentioned mare in the midst of a party Pinkie Pie had apparently made for her.

Figuring he could stop by later, Jerry skipped on ahead. Minions went about as usual and from the looks of it, only a few seemed to be helping with that little party going on. Waving this thought off, when he came to the throne room, he was happy to see Skywards. Though when she looked towards him, he almost stumbled because she wore… glasses.

In fact, as soon as she looked to him, Skyward said, “wow. You’re a lot more hairless than I thought.” And apparently just as blunt as always. “And kinda pink. Almost like a piggy.”

Raising a brow, he said. “Huh…” feeling rather thoughtful of that...comment. “Like a pig…” rolling that thought around in his head as he remarked. “I’ll admit, I didn’t see that coming…” going on to say as he started to walk again to come close to Skyward. “To be honest, I thought you would of made a comment on how I almost remind you of a monkey.”

She blinked and thought on that and said, “you know… you kinda do. A bald monkey… with piggy colored skin.” Then said, “and wow, I can’t really explain how clear things now look too!” Then went on, “okay, so things are still a little off, but really, everything looks so much more sharper and crisp--” Then stopped before reaching into a pocket. “Oh, right, Glint said I needed to had this to you!”

Taking what seem to be a note, Jerry opened it ot read over. Apparently despite Skyward being farsighted due to pegasus seeing, Sky would be considered legally blind in most cases. Blinking to that, Jerry thought. So...she needed glasses? thought Jerry as he read more in the notes, seeing that there were psychological trauma in Skyward, with a noted of needing re-education of somethings…

But apparently most of the issues stemmed from the mere fact she couldn’t see things correctly near her. The limit was apparently anything closer than 25 or so meters. huh...that explains the ‘klutziness’. thought Jerry as he raise a hand to gently rub Skyward head as he joked with a amused grin. “So, still think I’m a ‘hunk’ with those glasses on?”

Giving him another look, Sky said, “well, besides looking a little weird? You're still like, really muscular.” Making him want to chuckle. Even more further when she made a point to feel up his chest. “Like, really packed. I don’t need my eyes to see that!”

Amusement on his expression, as he pocket the note into his robe as he took his arms to gently pick up the pegasus and hugged her. “Aw, such flattery!” then gave a kiss on the cheek as he asked. “Did you missed me while visiting the doctors?” already moving to the throne seat, mostly to sit down while holding the petite pegasus in his arms.

Giggling, she told, “I sort of did, but they were pretty nice.” Then pouted, “well, until I messed something up. But they seemed to understand. But I really didn’t like being poked and prodded at all the time.” Then made a irritated sound, “I hate needles.”

When Jerry settle on the stone throne, he let Skyward settle on his lap as he gently petted her mane as to ‘sooth’ the irritation from the pegasus. “There, there. I’m sure as long as you keep being healthy and get checked on by the Blues, I’m sure you won’t need to get needles.”

“I hope not.” Huffed Sky while adding, “what I’m really trying to put up with are the glasses.” Fixing the rounded things to add, “it’s… strange to have them on. I mean, I see super well with them but, trying to get used to them has been weird.” then perked up with, “but, since I’ve had them, I haven’t had any clumsy accidents lately!”

“See? There’s a upside to this.” said Jerry with a smile on his face. “With them, you could move around easier.” then added while moving his head to hers, cupping a hand to whisper in her ear. “Plus, with the glasses on? You look much more cuter with them on!” he mostly said this since it would help with her getting adjusted...plus they were really cute on her.

Flushing up with a blush, she giggled out, “you think?”

Leaning back his head, he could only smile as he nods. “I know so. In fact right now I am trying my hardest to not hug you as tight as I can and nuzzle you with how cute you are with them on.” Then amended. “Well you were always cute, but with them on you’re like....40% cuter.”

Sky preened greatly to that, wings even fluffing out to say, “well, at least you like them on me.” Then asked while scooting herself more into his lap. “But, what about when I take them off, hmm~?” And he had a fairly good idea where that line of thought was going. And it was tempting.

If it wasn’t for what Shadow had been telling him since Sky was away. It made him puff out a breath, knowing that he would have to say no… because he had work to do really.

Pulse.. If he didn’t say no and keep to point on his work? Spree was going to turn his ass to grass. The mare, his ‘unofficial’ first mare when the time came, would put her hoof down if he fooled around too early in the day. She was seriously starting to take the whole ‘responsibility’ into account, even if they were still… warming up to the other as a ‘herd’.

Plus, there is the fact I’m planning on...telling them about my own issues before I go nutter than Albert is...or at least close enough… thought Jerry as he told. “Well, normally I would say you would still be cute with a side of sexy,” but raise a finger to boop her nose. “But I’m afraid I have to give cuddling, nuzzling and just spending time, Skyward. I do need to do some of my work as the Overlord. Can’t really fool around with being the ruler of this island.”

He did however compromise. “But you’re welcome to just relax in my arms, or at least spend some time with me since you haven’t gotten Jerry time.”

While she gave a pout to that, Sky said, “well…. I guess.” Then said lowly, “but I do still feel a bit horny. I haven't had a good rut in a while and it’s making me all fidgety.”

Thinking a bit, he gained a idea. While Spree mention he has to take his work seriously...he was sure that after work he could fool around. Since he knew that Spree won’t come after his ass once he was done. He was just thankful there was no training for the rest of the day. Jerry refocus on the pegasi as he told. “When I’m completely done with my work that needs to be done?” Thinking on the time it would probably take. “Which would be...3-4 hours since its already 1…” then look as he asked. “Think you can wait until then?”

Going on to add. “ I’m sure after I’m done with all of my work in my office area, I could at least get us some time for ourselves once my work is finished up.” he did however thought. Theres also the fact I have to tell the herd about….the full extent of my problems. thought Jerry as he knew that...was going to unload a lot for himself.

Taking in a breath in to not focus on the negative thoughts in the future, he tried to smile as he asked. “Think you can wait until then? You could at least hang out with me in the office while I work.” It was the closest he could have in a compromise.

With a small pout, Sky thought it over and said, “alright. I guess I can wait for a bit longer.” Shifting in place to rub her thighs together. “But after that we can have some real fun, right?”

Smiling, Jerry told. “Yes Sky, after I’m done?” Moving to press his lips to her in a chaste kiss, moving back his head as he added. “We can have fun.” He ignored the rubbing legs on his lap as asked in amusement. “So your coming with me to the office, Sky?” Then tease as he boop her nose. “Or do I need to carry you there?”

Getting off his lap, she told, “I think I’ll walk. Now that I won’t be causing anything to come crashing down just by walking past it.” And wasn’t that the truth. It wasn’t often, but she did have a odd tendency to cause… incidents even inadvertently.

In hindsight, her walking would give a good view of things around her….wonder how she’ll react with the Minions? thought Jerry as he got off his throne, starting to make his path to the Private Quarters.

And in cue, a Servant scurry up to asks. “Does Master request-,”

But was cut off as Jerry suddenly felt and winced as Sky scream. Jumping into his arms in her surprise as she was screaming out. “Freaky-bald-toad-rat!”

The Minion made a face and Told. “No reason to be rude, Concubine Sky.” Jerry roll his eyes as he told.

“Just send snacks to the office as usual.” Then add to Sky. “Guess I’m carrying.” Already back on track to his office.

---

While Jerry went back to the office with his Yes-Minions and Sky, his other mare Lovely was doing some minor tasks of cleaning.

However the earth mare frown as normally she would be cleaning with her duster….but for some reason she couldn’t find it. She looked everywhere as she asked to one of the minion servants. “Do you know where one of my dusters is?” While one of the servants shook his head, another told.

“Do not worry, we’ll get new one!” already moving to get another one as Lovely lightly sigh, wondering if she misplaced her duster? However she shrug it off, as the maid-mare lightly rub her stomach, feeling the foal progress as she wonder if she could still keep up the work of being her Master maid? She doubted it as she would probably be restrained from working…

She however smile in knowing that she would be pampered by her Master in the later months. She look to one of the servants that brought a new duster as she said. “Thank you Grob.”

“Of course.” replied the Servant as the earth mare continue to do her tasks as per usual.

---

After a few hours of work in his office with paperwork finish, and having his ‘fun’ with Sky, did Jerry pass a hall in the Private Quarters. Musing to himself as he glance to see Shadow at a balcony as it seem the mare was looking over the landscapes. Shadow? stopping his tracks as he thought for a moment, and internally thought. Maybe...I should tell her first? She understands me more than most of the mares.

Already turning his tracks to walk up by her as he said. “Hey Shadow,” smiling a bit as he saw her head turning with a pleasent smile of her own. Walking up by her as he asked. “Enjoying the view?” stopping by her side as he wrap a arm around her waist, feeling the mare leaning up by him as she nods with a wing wrapping around him.

“Yeah, I rarely see the progress outside the Castle.” then said in amusement. “Plus it's nice to see a stone city growing around us.”

Jerry blink as he glance down and noticed...that the Browns were building more, making a few detailed works on the buildings, even constructing bridges over some of the lava as he said in confusion. “I thought I told them to stop?”

“If I heard right from some of the Minions?” said Shadow in thought. “You said they needed to stop making buildings. You never said stop construction.”

Jerry sigh as he shook his head, as he glance to Shadow and said. “Hey Shadow, there's something I gotta say.”

Looking up in curiosity, Shadow asked. “Yeah Jerry?” leaning up a bit in relaxation as Jerry was about to speak, then hesitated. Choking up a bit as he feels...unsure. Come on man….just tell her, she’ll understand. but as she look at him in curiosity, Jerry felt...felt he shouldn’t.

Already there was enough problems. The Castle being continuously worked on, the people living here, the amount of stress she faced. Especially more if he did tell her about his own problems, his fears of the villian coming here and killing him? Knowing a Hero would eventually kill him as previous Overlords…

Or even the fact despite her love for him, despite the love he gain from his herd as much as he could tell?

They...they might not be able to handle it. Handle his doubts, his trauma of everything he witness in both Equestria and his clawing guilt that he was the reason this new villain was here. That if he wasn’t the ‘Benevolent Overlord’ as Mortis proclaim? Then none of these problems would come up. That's not even mentioning the fact that if he did follow Gnarl advice, he would still be killed by the ponies later on…

Shadow look at him with a bit of concern now as she noticed how...hesitant he was, it didn’t show on his face as he managed to keep it calm. But his eyes told of something. How unsure he was. How he was debating on something. “Jerry?” spoke Shadow as she managed to get him out of his thoughts as he gave a small grin and said.

“Sorry Shadow, I was just thinking on,” his mind pushed the thoughts he wanted to say and changed the topic. “On that PR group I made.”

Raising a brow, she asked in slight confusion. “PR...group?”

Nodding as Jerry flip the topic as he raise a finger to explain. “Yeah, see a bunch of Blues that been helping me in the office work became my PR group. Wearing shades and suits with notepads. They’ve been extremely helpful,” then thoughtfully added. “And really refined. Helped me cracked out the laws and other things a bureaucracy Overlord needs.”

Shadow internally frown as she asked. “You sure that's what you brought up?” knowing that might’ve not been what he wanted to say, but it was hard to say what Jerry wanted to say with his face being so different. Even if his eyes told he was thinking of something else.

“Well,” started Jerry as like the coward he was, he changed topics fast. “Sky’s back, and she was really surprise of my looks...as well as the looks of the Minions.”

Shadow gave a amuse snort as she imagine that. “Yeah,” then asked as she recalled his words in thought. “Wait...why was she surprised?”

“Apparently she needed glasses. She’s ‘legally blind’.” told Jerry as Shadow hummed.

“Huh. that is a surprise...explain why she was as klutzy as Derpy was.” then shook her head as she asked. “You sure that’s everything?”

“Well...beside figuring on how to fight the Storm King, finishing up everything in the Castle in terms of laws, legal issues in the future?” said Jerry as he lied through his teeth. “Pretty sure nothing else comes to mind.”

fighting the Storm King? That...might be why he hesitated a bit. Fighting against a potential dictator that might be smarter than he is, could be why he didn’t knew what to say… but she partially wonder if that was it? Yet the mare shelfed this for now, mostly due to enjoying what time she had with her stud as she lean her head on his chest as she assured.

“Don’t worry too much. Long as you’re with us and keep a calm head? I’m sure you’ll figure something out with him.” then joke. “Plus with the Blues helping? I’m sure you’ll handle those papers in no time.”

Jerry chuckle as he stare out to the landscape. “Yeah.” yet internally, he cursed at himself. I knew it...I’m a fucking coward. Here I was about to tell her on what I’m actually feeling and letting her in on my darker thoughts...and I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t even tell her my troubles because I’m a shitty man. I’m a failure as a Overlord...and a man. but he managed to keep his face calm enough to not let on to Shadow, as he just held her close, looking at the landscapes as he doubted he could even tell the herd...if he couldn’t even tell it to his first mare.

---

A hum escapes from Magic, looking over the zombie, a earth stallion with the right eye being replaced with the optic, as well as additional runes and a power source in the chest cavity. Sensors added in the head to ensure that everything was working correctly. The unicorn nod his head in approval, the stallion itself was collected a few years earlier before the Caribou arrival, as it was a former farmer found dead by Timberwolves attack. Thankfully with some clothing's of a farmer and the drone in its chest area, the zombie was perfected to hide among the endless horde.

Looking to Albert, he said. “It’s ready.” then added. “Or at least as ready as it could be….” he did asked. “Now, the question is how to send it without notice?” Already knowing that the zombie would follow its orders to hide within the ‘dark lord’ forces of undead, but sending it? Well the only real way is through Jerry Gates. It’s which one that was the problem. Still, Magic shook his head as he asked. “Think we should head to the Dark Castle to inform Jerry we need his Gates?” then added. “Or are we going there right now to check on the six mares as well?”

Shaking his head, Albert said while looking over the undead ‘cyborg’, telling, “we need to test it first. Maybe send it through one of the gates to the furthest location possible and see if it can still receive orders from you and send back telemetry data.” Because there was no point in sending in a Drone that might be a dud.

Nodding in agreement, Magic look to the undead as he said. “Lets hope it works.” giving a order to the undead to get onto the Main Gate as Magic asked to Albert. “Should I prepare another body if this one is a dud?”

“Yes, regardless of success or not.” Swiftly told Albert while going on in thought. “If this first undead-drone works? Then we should make duplicates. One’s good, but multiples are better. We don’t need an army, just a very small handful. The more spread out they are, the more data we’ll get.”

Horn glowing to open some more coffins, Magic brought various bodies out as they stood in place. Without much thought, he order the first to get on the table to be operated for the implants. He flick a ear as he comment. “The first thrall went through the Gate.” feeling the connection still there with himself and the undead, but less connected.

Nodding, Albert moved over to where Pyro was, watching mostly in interest while the stallion tinkered on something while sitting next to the ‘scrying basion’. Albert half tapped his chin in thought and asked, “Pyro… how far along are you with that trigger?” His hands moving over the runes on the underside of the water filled basin, mind chating out the ‘spell’ Magic taught him.

With a little focus, Albert watched in fascination as the basins underside lit with a sort of sickly green glow before the water surface rippled and began to show images. Images that only the undead would be able to see. And while it was a little foggy, they were seeing something.

“Welllll, I managed to calibrated the wires to ensure that the trigger will work right,” told Pyro with a grin. “And I managed to put the nitrogen all ready with the correct compounds.” then gave a low snort with crossed arms as he said. “But its not finish yet, especially with no lemons to try making those combustible lemons!” he did however amended with a wide grin. “But I know how to make combustible Minions!”

Magic gave a low sigh as he glance to his friend and asked. “Please tell me you didn’t use one of the Minions as a test subject for that ‘idea’?”

“Nope! Just gave the idea to them and let the Reds figure it out themselves!” assured Pyro with a wide grin.

Giving a sideways look, Albert mused, “seeing combustible Minions would be interesting. Wonder what sort of colors they’d make?” but seemed to also toss the thought to the side adding, “and I was talking about the trigger for the grav-bombs for the drones. Incase they are discovered.” Wanting to leave no trace for anyone to pick up.

“Oh those? They’re finished!” motioning a finger to the side with a built trigger as Pyro told. “I was trying to work on a trigger to surprise Jerry with a Minion cannon.”

“a….Minion cannon?” asked Magic as he paused in his work of removing pieces from the corpse as he glance back to the red stallion, who only nodded vigorously with a wide smile.

“Yep! I figure it would surprise his enemies! Who else would use their followers as ammunition than the Overlord?”

With a glance, Albert told, “well, investing in a cannon to fire Minions would be a little too much of a hassle.” Going back to watching the basion in thought. “Counting for the size of it, the amount of power needed to launch a minion… there’s also the fact that while they can be revived, you need to make sure they survive on impact. They do more damage to something if they’re still alive to cause trouble.”

“But in honesty, I think investing in a mobile cannon would be too much trouble.” Finished Albert. “But a stationary cannon for the castle? I think you have better luck with that. Or a catapult to launch them.”

Humming some, Pyro somewhat agreed. “Yeah, since Jerry could always pop a Minion from there at his home base. I could probably tell him to try that out.” then soon said. “But think of the damage he could use with combustible Minions to fire out!”

“If it works.” told Magic as he went back with his dissecting.

Humming, Albert suggested, “why bother with inaccurate fire of projectile minions?” Lifting a hand to roll on, “why not instead make a vest that detonates violently? I think a suicide minion chasing a target is more effective than firing minions and possibly missing.”

Thinking, Pyro grin widely. “Oh! That’s a brilliant idea! Make the minions suicide chargers as they combust in a fiery explosion!” cackling as Magic roll his eyes, but didn’t say anything as he cut open the skull, taking out the brain as begam to talking out pieces of the body to start the cybernetics of the drone parts. The unicorn did ask to Albert. “Need any help with the spell?”

With a glance over his shoulder, Albert told, “I’m managing.” Then looked down to add on. “But you should possibly try it yourself. It’s blurry for me, and I want to make sure the connection is gaining static because of my own novice-skill.” Backing away and allowing the silky glow to diminish.

Hands folding behind himself, Albert continued on, “also, I can trade places with you and place in the probe parts. You’ve already opened up all the cavities for it?”

“I have.” nodded Magic, wiping his hands off from the work with a rag, moving to the water-filled basin as he began the chant. Seeing it glow a deep blue as the connection grew, seeing everything the undead did as he said. “It’s not blurry for my end…” then frown as he said. “But there is some sort of interference. Possibly either a blizzard is going on in its area, or something else.”

Placing on some gloves for his work, Albert suggested, “try for another area, just as far or further. It’s possible it’s not the blizzard, but something more magical. Like Windigo’s in the vicinity.”

Focusing his magic, Magic moved the head around as his frown deepened. “You’re correct. It seems the undead was passing by some Windigo’s.” Seeing the spectral spirits as they were like the old tales told. Ghostly horses like beings, glowing eyes of cold, swirling around of energy that was out of this world. While Magic knew he could defend himself against these Wendigos, trying to fight them was another thing, as the blizzard was stronger than most blizzards he witness.

If it was just a few of these Windigos that caused this….then it clearly show they were powerful enough that he would be defeated and frozen over. “It appears that a handful of Wendigos are becoming powerful enough to cause a large blizzard.”

Albert fixed his face up to that in thought. “How bad would you place it Magic? You are an archmage. What sort of force would be needed to repel them?”

Thinking to that in his mind, Magic flick a ear as he said in a...concerned tone. “The Element Bearers aren’t enough.” giving a glance back, as even Pyro stopped his work as Magic went on. “If the Windegos weren’t as strong, I would say the six mares with their gems could easily handle the Windigos and restore Equestria…” Taking a breath in as he told. “But now? After seeing just a handful?”

Thinking over it in his mind as he slowly shook his head. “We would need...something stronger. Something to counteract, or even balance the entire land itself...like the Tree of Harmony to push the Wendigos back..” then added. “Or Discord to counteract the Windigos with his chaos magic.”

“Assuming we can locate him.” Added the scientist while placing in the next bit of tech. “Still, this is an annoying setback. If they’re this strong and they’re randomly roving the land? Anny moves into Equestria by people will be a risk. Jerry’s lucky he’s had the gates to get around safely during his scouting.”

“He’s even luckier he wasn’t spotted and devoured by them.” agreed Magic as he look to the images as the undead went on walking. “But it also means that we would need to either somehow get the Tree to push the Windigos back, or hope we have some sort of plan as I even doubt Celestia and Luna-- even Cadence could fight the Windigos without harm on themselves.”

Pyro thought and asked. “Why not ask Jerry to use his Heart to just absorb the Windigos? Doesn’t it absorb all sort of magic to boost itself?”

Working the wire’s through the skull, Albert told, “it is from what I understand. But that would mean we need to bring the Windigo’s straight here, and directly to the heart. Between them and the heart, are minions and Jerry. They’d get a large meal then just leave, the heart never touched.”

“Well, why not bring the Heart outside of the Dark Castle? Transfer it through the Gate and let it suck the Windigos up from there?” asked Pyro as Magic shook his head to this.

“Jerry’s not going to risk his only source of magic and transportation that easily. I even doubt he could move it without some sort of ramifications to his Gates and Island.”

“The heart powers everything Jerry possesses.” Agreed Albert, “we don’t know what would happen to the magic, the castle, the gates or anything else affected by it, if removed.” Reaching around to pull the wires through and take a moment to clean off the ports. “If I could, I’d rather make a machine that could transfer energy from point-A to point-B. B, being the Heart and A being the X mentioned tool that would act as the link between Heart and the targeted Wendigo.”

While Magic ponder this, Pyro gained a thought as eh said. “Oh, oh! What if you got a vacuum, add some techno stuff to it, with Magic rune making to just contain the wendigos in it for easy transportation?”

“Making something to hold a Windigo would take too much power, even more with how strong they are.” commenting Magic as he added. “And what would also hold a windigo of that level of power? I can’t hold back them at my strength, as the only thing to do the job is a alicorn or the Tree itself.”

Plugging in the wired to the Powe source, Albert hummed and stopped his work. The ‘vacuum’ comment had his mind going, and he admitted. Magic was right. Containing a spector of that strength was no easy feat. They would need a huge amount of raw power for containment.

They’re also spectral, so really to hold them we need something to contain the magical or ectoplasmic energy. Less of a ‘container’ and more like a energy trap. And there was the issue of actually trapping it, but that was simple enough. But getting a windigo into the trap was another thing. Unless, of course, they could catch it and force it in.

Blinking, Albert thought back to what he had available and asked, “what if we used something that could wrangle and later contain them like Pyro suggested?” Both ponies glancing at the pondering scientist. “Windigo’s are spirits, entities made up of energy. Magical, ectoplasmic like energy. Energy that can be affected by other sources of energy. Correct?”

Thinking, Magic nod to this. “They can. If apply with the right or correct amount, they can be affected. But like I mentioned earlier, it takes either a alicorn or the Tree to go on against the Windigos.”

“It takes those levels.” Albert seemed to remind. “And while it’s not the same, I have something that could reach those levels of raw power. Ion Cells.” Proceeding to tell, “a Ion Battery has a large amount of power that is like a small nuclear fusion. A Ion Cell is more like a portion of a Nuclear reactor. If we could engineer a containment unit that can bend that raw energy into a powerful magnetic field, we can contain them.”

Considering it, Magic slowly nodded as he admit. “It might work...but we don’t have anything at hand to craft a container of sorts. Even less that we don’t know how strong we can make it against them.”

“Couldn’t we use some of Albert tech, equestrian magic, and see if those Blues got something?” asked Pyro as Magic remarked.

“Why bring Jerry Minions into this? They aren’t exactly well learners.”

“Except for the Blues.” remind Pyro as he grin out. “Side, you did remark Mortis was a prodigy.”

In a reminding tone, Albert tisked with a waving wire, “Mortis was a elder minion too. He was the oldest blue of his kind. Even with the amount of Blue’s in the castle, that doesn't mean they’ll be able to reach the same height. That sort of mental capacity takes years possibly.”

Turning back to plugging in the additional wires, Albert continued. “They could help, but they would have to learn what to do. What I’m suggesting is to contain a windigo. But trapping it is a issue. We need to wrangle it into a containment unit. And that might involve wakening it with a powerful enough beam of energy…” Then gained a thought. “Or… even better, weakening it.” Wich perked Magic’s attention, wondering what Albert had in mind to weaken a spectral ghost.

“What do you have in mind?” asked Magic in curiosity. “Some sort of spell or a type of magic that is useful against the spectral?”

With a odd confidence, Albert told, “a chemical.” Which certainly confused Magic, and got all of Pyro’s interest. “They feed on hate. And hate, in a person, is a chemical mixture produced by the brain.” Continuing his line of thought, Albert began to set the battery to the drone inside the chest. “My thought is that we use a chemical mix meant to counteract negative emotions. Herbs, potions, remedies-- there’s a lot made to cause ‘comfort’ or ‘relaxation’ to a person chemically. We could try a similar approach with a gas or spray. Something that would chemical effect the frequencies near a windigo to cause it to weaken and tire, in a manner of speaking.”

“Like how Zebras used herbs and incense to affect the supernatural, or the spiritual to ward away bad spirits.” mused Magic as he spoke in a questioning tone. “But what could tune in on the Windigos that could affect their negative nature?”

Pyro thought in his mad mind, as while there were plenty of thoughts for bombs? He still recalled everything as ‘Periodic’ as he spoke. “There’s sage, Cedar, frankincense, basil, white sage, fennel, rosemary, eucalyptus,” going off as the mad bomber recalled each herb that had a chemical usage and how effective they were. “Oregano, clove, lavender, vetiver, sandalwood. Most of that can’t be gained by usual means since we can’t grow them or gain them off the lands, but I remember how most are chemically used. We could make substitute of those herbs to be used against the Windigeos and weaken them.”

While the sudden list initially surprised Magic, the stallion was more than willing to believe Pyro. The Chemist was well versed in magical studies, mostly all due in part from Magic himself and their shared projects.

Albert worked this over in his head, carefully lacing the wires around the spinal cord. “We may need to perform some tests then, at a latter date.”

Nodding, Magic said. “Yes, we can let Pyro produce some of the chemicals mix and I can ensure they work with the device.” then frown as he said. “But the problem is how we can perform the tests? Or even ensure the machine works correctly? We don’t have a windego around, and we have no idea how it’ll work in the first place.”

“Oh relax Magic!” told Pyro as he grin wide, already starting to write something onto a paper. “First we need to make the machine work to suck in the ghosts…” thinking as he asked. “But how are we gonna ensure the vacuum thing won’t kaput on the first try?”

“That is the question, Pyro.” spoke Magic, already going back to his own work as he went on. “A matter of trial and error to ensure it works properly.”

Pausing in his work to take a moment and actually ensure the connections were all in place, Albert suggested, “if we could gain a spectral creature, possibly a lesser one from Magic’s summonings, we could perform the needed tests. Though I would suggest a number of magical wards for protection if the test were to fail-- we don’t need any more issues going amuck.”

“Agreed.” told Magic. “I will be sure to use the strongest wards and means to banish the creature back if the machine fails.” Magic thought on something briefly, and suggested. “Maybe we could add gemstones to the machine too? Certain gemstones could be used to increases the ‘positive’.” recalling what his Zealous mention of certain gemstones during their time together.

“Oh, good idea! We can then add that to my chemical mix!” said pyro, Magic roll his eyes, but knew that with the both of them and Albert working on this project? He was certain they would succeed with something to fight against the Windegos.

Next Chapter: A discussions of a Overlord, a Scientist....and of scouting. Estimated time remaining: 9 Hours, 4 Minutes