Albert wasn’t so sure of Starlight’s intentions. Not when they began to leave town and go towards a winding rocky path that led towards a nearby set of mountains. With its slowly secluded area? He began to half prepare himself. Even Twilight seemed a little unsure, though was keeping hopeful from the looks of it.

It was as they were partially up the incline that Rainbow said, “The hay!?” It was enough to stop them all and glance as the pegasus pointed, “Look!” And from there? They did.

Albert found his eyes widening a bit, while the mares all gasped. Even Starlight spoke, “what is that!?” Taking in the wave of undead that was coming towards the town.

Twilight seemed to say in realization, “the Necromancer.” breathing out anxiously. She glanced at the incline that would lead to the vault, but then back to the town. Quickly she looked and told, “Albert, Starlight.” her tone turned serious, “go to the vault and get Rarity’s mark, the rest of us will go back and warn everyone!”

Turning sharply, Starlight spoke, “what?” Then began to say, “what’s going on, what’s this about a necromancer?”

“No time.” Twilight rushed with a hint of authority. “A lot of things have been going on and this is one of the bigger threats we heard about-- we need to warn everyone in town!” And gave a look out. Then glanced at Albert, “is Jerry..?”

“He’s out there.” Albert spoke, wanting to sigh that Twilight revealed their hidden support. But at the moment it didn’t matter. “From the flashes from here? Jerry’s probably holding them off. But that’s a large hoard, and I can tell he’s going to get spread thin at this rate.”

Nodding, Twilight opened her wings and told, “come on girls!” And took wing. Fluttershy and Rainbow doing the same to fly after. Applejack and Pinkie run to hurry to the Town and warn and try and prepare them.

“Hey, hold on just a moment!” Starlight shouted in slight frustration. Though she turned her slight ire to Albert and Rarity. One with his PDA in hand and messing with it. While Rarity looked uneasy. Starlight considered them, then glanced at the undead that were coming in massive waves. Nearly biting her lip, Starlight asked, “what’s going on?”

“We talk on the move.” Albert told curtly, turning on heel and began to walk up the path. “But a summary? There’s a necromancer that’s been conquering the remains of Equestria and we’ve been trying to prepare to fight them later. And it looks like they decided to try taking this area of land.”

Starlight seemed to twitch to that. Even look at the undead that slowly were spreading out further. She even looked on with some concern when a wave of red electrical magic seemed to burst over the hoard. Going from rushing, to near berserker crazed. It was shortly followed up by a blue lightning that rippled out, and like that the tide of the fight turned. Whatever or whoever was holding them was suddenly pushing back the defenders. Hard.

Firmly, Albert told, “we need to get those Marks and evacuate possibly.” Snapping Starlight from her staring. And when she looked at the strange male? The unicorn took a moment to think.

I don’t want to leave, I can’t leave-- but… but what are we supposed to do against THAT? And again looked at the undead horde. The advance nearly trampled through whoever was keeping them at bay. But it slowed and the defense was stabilizing again. But it was staggered.

She didn’t want to abandon this place she worked so hard to make. But if those undead reached the town. “What will they do?”

“Given reports?” asked Albert as he told factually in a chilly way, “enslave and kill.”

Shuttering, Starlight found herself making up her mind. “We leave.” and began to rush back to town. Though found Albert’s arm in front of her. She glared, but he glared in turn. “Getting to the vault will take too long, and I’m not leaving everyone to get attacked!”

Albert held that gaze with her. Then asked, “Rarity, you know the way?”

“Oh, ah, yes. Yes I do.” Rarity stumbled in admission. Surprised at being addressed.

Thinking, Albert nodded and lowered his arm. “Go then. Work on evacuation protocols. You might be right on us needing to get out.” and turned. “Rarity?”

Nodding, Rarity took the lead once again. Albert on her heels. For a moment, Starlight staried after them. Right before turning and running full throttle for her home. She wasn’t going to lose anyone. Not to destructive selfishness, not to their marks, not to ‘destiny’ and certainly not to invaders!

---

Jerry was fighting almost as if his life depended on it. His armor more than stood up to nearly any undead that got close to him. Most could be crushed without much of a thought with his powerful mechanical limbs. And most attacks hardly even got him to notice. But these undead were just… Endless! Or at least, it felt like it.

Whoever the Necromancer was? They had time to amassed a lot of undead. And what was worse was when that burst of magic affected the undead army. The first hastening them to move faster and attack faster. And a second one to shield them in a manner that they were practically invulnerable to all harm! He lost a lot of minions from that magical combo and was forced to hastily call on more minions when he could.

Now he was fighting tooth and nail with multiple undead. Undead wolves trying to bite and hold his legs down. Undead ponies trying to grab and pry at his armor. Undead chickens flocking up to his face to blind him. Undead mice trying to nibble between the armored plating. Undead caribou guard trying to block his target spell with anti-magic shields!

It was all so damn annoying! The only good thing was both spells used on the undead horde had worn off. But the fact that it sundered his defensive line was a massive issue. Then, as he charged and used his Perimeter defense to shock and jolt the undead off him so he could thrash and tear the undead apart? Did he notice a splash of flame and fire.

Turning, Jerry prepared to deal with an outer undead unicorn. But nearly stumbled when he saw undead Minions. To point, his minions as undead. There weren't many, but the four reds with peeling flesh and bony ribs only showed their dead state. They haggard breath and hissed out incomprehensive sounds while lumping fire at him. Not in glee or with grins. Only with unfocused gazes and focused intent.

Mortis glared down, as he, Yip, Goop, and Blob were working hard in protecting the Overlord and fighting off the threat. And while the minions had to sacrifice lesser minions? They were ensuring they fought hard. And mortis formed magic as he grip his scythe and cast a spell with a slash of magic.

A blue light came out of his scythe and cut down any undead in the way, or even the undead minions as Mortis took in the life force and slammed his scythe on the ground. Auto healing the minions around as he spoke. “Dangerous for minions to be used.”

“Bad.” Agreed Blob, countering magic of a Red undead bolt and redirecting to another dead.

“Wall made!” Called out Goop, forming a magic wall around the pits and gate, ensuring none of the undead got close. Even if he and many Blues were holding it up? They were keeping the wall up as much as possible.

“Burn and die! Burn and die!” call out Yip, as he had a series of cannons fired with his Reds, as he was in the back, supporting with cannon fire. Though had to move fast to reload and use his own fire magic to burn what he could at the undead.

Jerry took a newborn minion, charging him up and tossing him out; he was happy as he charged at the undead, before he exploded into a magical burst. The overlord was managing to keep up his legion of honor and halo up— as while he kept his minions buff? It was a drain of his mana. Thankfully? Being within range of the gate kept him boosted.

But it was clear he was starting to be overwhelmed. And he needs to keep holding them off, the only issue is how long. He hoped Albert saw this, and had the town use the main gate. He doubted the people could leave any other way. Even as he was tossing magically charged newborn minions at the horde to die in explosive magical fire. Or even hitting as hard as he can. Though he was feeling he was slowly being overwhelmed in this fight of attrition.

He growled, as he needed more, he needed actual defenses, actual weapons of war to push back this horde-- he needed more than what he got to be able to push back this many. If Overlord stuff was coming in-- why hasn’t he been able to get damn Overlord netherworld stuff!? But his focus was pulled back as he had to suddenly bring up Sanctuary, forming the magical dome to push back any smaller undead from getting into his suit.

While the Dominator armor was sealed in? He wasn’t taking any chances. He lowered the shield as he swung his axe, cutting down the undead as while the axe was doing its job? He needed more. He needed more power to fight off this horde. More energy to keep them from reaching the town with its inhabitants, more to kill to weaken this other villain, to render the horde before him, to destroy it all, to fight, fight, fight, fight!

“Message from Albert.” Spoke the automated A.I. thing that seemed to be in the suit. “Play message?” And while it asked, Jerry twisted in place, kicking and stomping on another undead that had gotten close.

With a burst of irritation and magic, Jerry formed another Sanctuary and half growled, “Play message!”

“Playing Message.” Helpfully told the A.I. before seeming to read to Jerry. “We are on our way to the Vault. Twilight, her friends and Starlight have returned to the Town to evacuate. Rarity is leading me to the Vault. Make staggered retreat to the Gate.”

“Send a message back to Albert. Tell them to get the townsfolk to use my Gate to teleport in the Castle. It’s the only way for a quick escape from the horde! I’ll hold them off while retreating back to it!” ordered Jerry, as he couldn’t really type out the message, as he hoped the A.I. was smart enough to send his message by voice.

There was a small pause, before he heard, “Message sent.” Which nearly had him sighing. It was good to know that Albert really thought about--

He nearly jumped when a blast of magic exploded to his left and for a moment he worried that the Necromancer sent in something more powerful. But a streak of pink magic came flying over his head and struck the next group of undead before him, blasting and sending them flying away. Jerry chanced a glance back and just over the town in the air was a single pony. One that caused a spark that quickly grew and lanced and again blasted a large swath of undead away.

Right, he had an Alicorn on his side. And apparently she was a portable magical artillery…

“Someone get over to her and--,” started Jerry, though turn to Yip, and told. “Yip! Get to Twilight and make her fire bigger shots!” knowing that with Yip acting as ‘artillery’ oversight? He could help direct Twilight in better reach. He lowered his shield of magic and took a few newborn minions to over charge them and sent them to explode in a magical explosion.

“Sire yes--” Began to salute Yip, before another magical blast came-- only it wasn’t. They watch what could only be described as a ‘beam’ go from side to side and cut down a good amount of undead. “Whoa! Why don’t we get any magic like that!?” Yip spoke in both awe, but also annoyance.

“Yip, Yip, go!” shouted Jerry in slight irritation as he sent out a burst of lighting to disintegrate more undead. And as the Red minion scurry off with his minion group? Blob called out.

“Master, we can’t hold position long! We are getting hit!” The Blue was reviving who he could, but the hit of the undead, especially the smaller undead bothering him and his blues were causing issues.

“We’re treating slowly backwards! Minions move back bit by bit!” commanded Jerry, as he heard his minions moving back, and after he got a few more minions from the pits, he commanded. “Grubby, drop the pits and gate, we’re pulling back.” and both pits and gate drop down into the earth as Jerry was pulling backwards. But he took a few grenades and with a pull of pins-- tossed them onto the horde to cause some damage.

He lost sight of the things and resumed fighting. Though the ground trembled and the air cracked with a powerful explosive force when they finally went off. Jerry turned to see what could only be described as a ‘hole’ in the Undead forces where each grenade went off. Causing a nice break in attackers, at least in that area.

It was a very short reprieve, but it allowed him and his Minions to back up and set up the next defensive line. Cannons and magical blasts came overhead, Yip having apparently repositioned the guns and Twilight still suppressing fire.

But even with that, Jerry found the need to back off every so often. More and more ground was lost and much to Jerry’s frustration the Town was getting closer and closer in sight. He could just about make out the ponies and caribou that--

Something, no, a lot of something scratched overhead about them. And for a moment the battle slightly stilled as the sky was filled with glowing bright streaks flying through the sky and later seemed to dive down into the town. Though as much as he wanted to watch? Jerry turned his attention to the Undead that had resumed their advance. The undead first, then he can figure out what that lightshow was.

---

NO! No, no, no, no! Starlight wanted to scream and rage as she watched in horror as cutie marks came streaking down from the skies and into her perfectly happy ponies. And as each one was struck and even seemed to flash with magic and regain richer colors. Some looked a little scared, but others seemed to also have a strange look in their eyes, as if they longed to have this.

For once in a long time, Starlight felt a deep scowl forming on her lips. But she had to repress it. For now she had to just grit her teeth and focus on keeping her people going. Even though this had just ruined the perfect way of life she and the other’s had made here. The only constellation to all of this, was what few belongings she had and the more special things she kept to herself.

“This way, hurry!” Starlight heard and saw one of those outsiders, ‘Rainbow’ something. The pegasus looked just as confused as to what happened, but was focusing on getting people to move. Apparently she returned from the fields.

“Leave’em!” Applejack called to some family trying to move a cart of things. “Take the important, leave the rest!” And helped grab a few things. Clothes, money and a few necessities.

As Starlight rushed, she saw the shyest of the group gently helping one of their slightly more disabled people. “Just hold my hand and I’ll get you to someone that can help you into a cart.”

As much as they irked her, as much as Starlight wanted to spite them for causing this mess-- they were also helping everyone. Starlight turned and told a few Caribou, “grab a few carts from the left shed, they should still be loaded with grain.” They nodded and rushed off, knowing that a little food would help during the escape.

Then, the Princess herself swooped down. She let out a breath from using so much magic, but told with strength, “is everyone ready, Starlight?”

Lips pressed, the pink mare took a deep breath and nodded with a bit more control over her emotions, “as ready as we can be, I sent a few to grab a few carts of food.”

Twilight made a face and said, “where we’re going, we’ll have enough food. But a little can’t hurt I suppose.” then soon told, “my friends will be leading you all to someplace safe. A magical Gate that will teleport everyone away.” Then pointed up, “I’ll be covering you all from overhead.”

Shifting her bag around her back, Starlight told with a glare, “I’m not going to run with the rest. I’ll be covering them too.”

Twilight blinked in some surprise, but after a moment nodded, “Do you think you can cover the rear then? Make sure everyone catches up?”

“Easily.” Spoke Starlight a little tightly. “You should go, I think the battles are getting closer.” Something that the Princess gramanced to and took off into the air. Starlight glared a little up, but shook it off. Get the town out first. Then… I’ll just start over later. It was a massive setback. And she could tell that a few of her people were internally rejoicing at having their marks back, at having their hubris once more influencing them.

I can start over another time. Equization means nothing if we’re all dead. Starlight reaffirmed with a tight breath as she moved back into organizing the people and making sure nobody got left behind.

---

Jerry gave a shout and swung his axe, the blade sparking off a glinting blade. He swung a hand out, casting his Target spell. And in return, the enemy he intended it for darted to the side. Floating on wisps of green magic. Their pale bare feet not even touching the ground as they seemed to float over and off the ground. Recognizing he was different from the rest of the undead. As he was clearly human-- which made Jerry all the more tense under his armor.

Pale deathly skin, glowing green eyes-- a ragged robe covers his form with a ram-skull hood covering his head with angular features. Jerry half glared at this man. The Necromancer. He was only sure with how they moved, the intent in their actions, the armored robes and the two weapons in hand. A glinting sword in one that struck out like a snake. And a skull-tipped staff in the other, blasting out magic at every turn.

Jerry knew, he knew this was the guy. Not just because of his appearance-- but he caught the guy literally raising a pile of dead minions into his own thralls. He hoped to just kill the guy by charging in and hacking him to bits-- but the damn guy was slippery! Just using that floaty-magic of his to dodge and twirl out of the way and dart in and out to poke at his defenses.

So far? The Necromancer couldn’t seem able to get past his armored defenses. But Jerry himself couldn’t land a hit on this much faster bastard! And as Jerry was about to cast another Target spell? The necromancer jumped to the side and pointed at Jerry--

As one, nearly every undead in the area snapped their heads to Jerry and with a rabid shriek from every one of them they ran and charged. They didn’t care if minions were in the way. Or if cannon fire cut them down. All at once Jerry found himself the image of a lone survivor being dogpiled by zombies. They couldn’t hurt him-- but they were bodies that were getting in the way of him and it was making it near impossible to move!

Blob, Mortis, and Yip were in the back, supporting-- but he let out a roar as he grip his axe. Gripping with both hands as he spun around, going in a 360 movement forcing the undead back briefly as he went to grab a Blue newborn, draining the minion to form more mana and health. He couldn’t get a gate up, nor the pits as he didn’t want this bastard to get any funny ideas.

But even with the boost of mana, he once more had to deal with the upcoming horde, as despite him hitting or slashing. Even using his thrusters to push back for space? His minions were being cut down or trampled as he was losing them.“Message from Twilight. Play Message? Intoned the A.I. once more.

“YIP, FIRE ON MY POSITION!” roar out Jerry as he added. “Play message!” and took two more newborn minions to charge himself.

Surprisingly, instead of the A.I., he got a voice recording as Twilight’s voice spoke almost breathlessly, “We’ve got everyone at the Gate, Jerry. It’s time to pull back! Albert said he and Rarity are on their way, but I’m concerned that they might not make it!” Then the A.I. told, “Message end.”

Odd is with them with his Greens. He can make sure they make it out. thought Jerry as he commanded, even as artillery fire rained down around him. “Retreat! Retreat to the pits!” and saw in his HUD, his suit was at 76% power. He needed to pull back. And began to use the remaining of his minions to both supercharge himself-- and sent out as explosive bombs.

The Necromancer raised his staff upon seeing this, and the undead got jolted by red magic. Magic that crackled over them and caused them to hasten. Rushing faster, attacking faster like rabid animals. They were leaping, grabbing, trying to pile on him, slow him down, get in the way. Trying to stop him from escaping. He used the suit’s Perimeter defense a few times, trying to get them off. But they kept getting back on-- so he changed tactics.

Activating the Shield feature? A protective cover of shifting triangle like energy blanketed over him in a bubble shape. And while it was draining his energy? He was able to plow right through the undead that no longer could grab or get ahold of him. Allowing him to escape as he saw his smart minions already gone, taking everything into the pits as they disappeared. All he needed to do was get to the Gate and pull it out once everyone was gone.

More and more undead tried to of course get in his way. And Jerry could see his power ticking away every second almost. He was thankful he was fast, half a minute and he went from 73% power, to 43% power! This shield was a powerhog like Albert said. But with one last burst of speed and coiling his legs, Jery leapt and shut down the shield. Putting everything into thrust and watching the gauge in the corner of his HUD. Quickly the thrusters were burning through their current charge and they could only help give so much air-time.

But it was enough to get clear of the undead, and with a crunch of hard dirt, Jerry landed with a hissing of pistons. Right before he took off in a run and headed for the Gate. his thruster power returned to full in no time. A flick of his eyes and Jerry watched that 43% power tip into 42% and then just hang there. As long as he didn’t use any more gadgets? He should be able to maintain that amount without any hassle.

He could hear the undead trying to keep up, but he was just fast enough to keep them outpaced. And from overhead, beams of pink magic flew. And on the ground, cyan bolts flew past him. They were soon joined by other magical colors, some smaller than the rest. He even watched a few horseshoes get chucked past him.

Then he saw them, the ponies and caribou of the town. The ponies in particular were of much varied and richer colors. Some even have lost their same mane styles. Jerry wanted to stare, but again he was reminded of the situation as more and more people ran into the gate to teleport away.

Glancing, Pinkie ran up to Jerry and said, “Jerry! Al and Rarity’s not back yet!” nearly bouncing in place, hands waving in the air, “Nearly everyone’s in but nobody’s seen them!”

“Sending a message,” started Jerry as he said. “Albert, where are you? We’re getting everyone in, but the horde is coming close! Do you need me to hold off them a bit longer for you to arrive!?”

He waited until he got a message back as the A.I. spoke. “Message received: Cut off. Hiding.”

“Send Message: Albert, I’ll head to you, I got enough juice for me to find Odd and get you all through a gate!” Jerry said as he turned to Pinkie and told. “Pinkie, get everyone in, I’ll set up some defenses to hold off for a few extra minutes.” (done)

To that, Pinkie shouted, “Are you cray-cray!? There’s a Zompony apocalypse coming in from over there!” pointing in the direction of said undead and giving them a look-- Then blinked with, “oh, I didn’t know zombies sparkled red!” then paused to ask Jerry, “Wait, is that a bad thing they’re sparkling red?”

“Fuck, fuck-- yes!” nearly shouted Jerry as he said with heated words. “I don’t have a choice, Pinkie-- the Necromancer is among them-- and he won’t give us time to evacuate everyone here.” coming close by the gate to charge up, and getting more Minions as he added. “Just get everyone moving, we aren’t going to have enough time.”

“Roger that, Dodger!” Pinkie saluted before zipping off with, “RUN! THE ZOMBIES ARE COMING, THE ZOMBIES ARE COMING!” not the most calm and orderly way of going about it-- but those not defending got the message to hoof it.

And as Jerry saw those defending pulling back, Jerry told. “Send Message: Albert, I’m being forced to pull out, I’m getting the rest out. Have Odd keep you and Rarity safe until we can get you out by outer gate.” Then turn with his horde of Minions, most of which were new blood as he commanded. “Goop, Yip, get out here!” and as both Blue and Red pop out from the Pits, he commanded. “Goop, set up what runic traps you got. Now!” and as the blue did so?

Jerry turns to Yip. “Light me up! I need to charge!” if he was going to hold off the necromancer? He needed more power in his suit than what he had. And fire was going to make sure his suit was charged up.

Yip at first looked confused. Then his eyes lit in realization as he looked to the red’s around him and ordered, “On the Overlord, fully burn!” And with embers sparking as he got close, did Yip put all energy into letting out a constant, if not very short range burst of fire. His fellows did the same as they sprayed out a short ranged flamethrower of all things. It didn’t reach far but it was hot. Jerry watched as his temperature read out and skyrocket up before tempering off.

He waited… and saw one percent go up. Then another. Slowly another-- it wasn’t fast. It felt way too slow. And the hoard was approaching much, much faster. Clearly, he was not going to get a lot of recharging done before the hoard got to them.

But Jerry wasn’t the only one there. A blast of cyan magic from the ground and pink from the air lanced out. Blasting and blowing up the front group of Zombies. Starlight moved up to one side as she sent out rather shockingly potent bursts of magic. While Twilight landed by his other side, looking a little worn from casting so many combat spells over the duration of this.

“Starlight!” Twilight called out, “small multiple blasts to slow them down, I need a moment!” and began to light her horn. Layers of pink magic wrapping around her horn as she cupped her hands.

Starlight gave a glance, but turned and began to send out multiple smaller shots. These caused concussive like blasts that slowed the undead down more than anything. But it was buying time.

They were nearly on them and Twilight’s brow began to get damp with sweat. But when her eyes opened, nearly glowing with white power, did she wave her hands out.

Jerry was not unfamiliar with big scary stuff. But seeing one mare, one he knew was a kind hearted, nerdy and sometimes awkward woman that often tried to be friends with anyone no matter what-- exploded with so much magic, so much power and force that the air clapped? He nearly stumbled back. A wide wave of magic blasted out in a massive wave, turning dust and upon reaching the hoard? Send it flying and away from them. Tumbling, shoving and just outright reclaiming large swatches of land.

Twilight nearly doubled over and panted, a hand on her forehead and horn sparking. A pony was right by her in an instant, she tried to wave them off, but the unicorn said, “no you’ve done enough.” Trying to sound firm, but concern was in their voice.

“Y-yeah, enough.” He heard Starlight stutter, looking at Twilight in her own shock. But she shook it off and told, “Gate, now!” Which did Jerry agree. Twilight might have blasted back the closest group, but there were more that were far off the flanks and now rushing in to get them. It was time to leave.

“Pits!” commanded Jerry, and while the Minions all jumped into the pits, he made sure both mares were inside the Gate as they teleported. And as he came onto the Gate and teleported? He mentally commanded the removal of the pits and the Gate. As both Pits and Main gate began to cut off and began to go within the earth, disappearing from sight as they left.

All that was left was the necromancer with his horde of undead. Watching the sight of what happened with Twilight blasting away a portion of his undead…and internally wanting that pony as one of his undead, as she was rather powerful. However, he also felt fascinated by Jerry. And was rather interested in making Jerry an undead, even wondering if it would allow him more minions if he controlled the ‘Overlord’ if he heard right.

With a smirk, he eyed the area where the Gate used to be, as he’ll have his chance at another rematch.

---

Jerry let out a slight breath of relief, even as he moved to his throne and sat down, the stone throne shifting its form again to accommodate him as all around, ponies and caribou were being organized. Many of the ponies voiced confusion, annoyance, or even concern. Starlight eventually calls out, “QUIET!” causing an utter silence at how…demanding and angry it was.

Got to keep a eye on her. thought Jerry.

But with a deep, calming breath, she claps her hands and tells with a smile that was clearly strained, “we need to get organized and find some space to settle down, everyone. There’s no reason to get worked up.”

Jerry spoke. “And speaking of organized, Welcome to my castle.” gaining attention to him, as he leaned back in his seat as he looked at them all, as he glanced at Twilight as he asked. “Need a mana potion?” noticing how tired she was.

Though she waves a hand and smiles. “Thank you, but no. Just…just give me a while.” and winced as her horn sparked. “I just…over did it a bit.”

Jerry nodded, and soon spoke up. “Fluttershy, can you help move those with disabilities to proper bedding? I’m sure the medical ward I have should suffice for them all.”

Nodding, the butter yellow pegasus softly said, “O-of course!” And waved a number of people to follow. She looked nervous, mostly with how many she was directing. But she was keeping together rather well. Pinkie was quick to volunteer to help and hopped right along.

Twilight was helped by that unicorn mare from before, seeming to want to make sure the princess didn’t try to do anything to further overtax herself. Applejack was quick to take her own share of work and talk to a slightly tense Starlight-- possibly over where they could move everyone. Jerry knew he did have space in the city-- maybe too much space. There was room for everyone.

“Applejack, perhaps you can guide the rest to the city, there is plenty of space.” suggested Jerry.

Turning, the apple mare nodded, “I’ll be sure t’ get to it, Jer’!” and turned to Starlight again. Chatting with the mare as the two of them were off.

Jerry was about to relax, or that was until a prismic blur stopped next to him, Rainbow having hands on her narrow hips as she asked, “Hey, where’s Rarity?” and glanced around, “Or Albert? What about them?” Possibly out of the know.

Letting out a slight breath, Jerry told while moving to set his axe on the side of his throne. “They got cut off. They’re hiding right now and have Odd with them. Once we get things settled here, I’ll try to track them and pull them out with a smaller gate.” knowing that he’ll need to charge his suit, try to track where they were with the Tower Heart-- and make a gate near them to get out.

“And you just… left them behind!” Asked the nearly outraged mare.

Jerry turned as his fists clench and his voice growled. “You think I left them?” his voice dripping in anger as he reminded her. “Rainbow dash, have you just forgotten about Two. Minutes. Ago. Of our situation? Did you forget about the horde of undead that was coming at us?”

“I don't care if it was a flood of them!” Rainbow said, “if I knew they were left out there, I would have gone and got them myself!” Fully of bravado Jerry felt was misplaced.

“Rainbow.” he said as he soon began to stand up and look down at her, only for her to flap and retain eye-level. “You would’ve been killed.” looking down at her the best he could as he said. “And you would’ve caused your nation, your friends-- and everyone else the loss of your element.” going on to tell. “I don’t like leaving them any more than you do-- but we barely managed to get out those townsfolk. The Necromancer was there. He was charging his horde to come at us. He managed to make my dead minions into his thralls.”

“Right now? We can’t just go back as he’s still there. Right now? I can go and find them, and when I do? I can make a gate, get them here, and do it with near to no losses.” then told on. “Even if you did fly off, you don’t know nor do I know where Albert or Rarity is.”

“Alright, brainiac.” Sarcastically spoke the pegasus. “If we don't know where they are, how are you supposed to get a Gate to them, huh?”

“Because Odd is with them.” flatly told Jerry.

“So you do know where they are!” Shot back Rainbow.

“Oh for the love of all that is,” started Jerry as he took a breath to calm himself, as he told in an irritated tone at the pegasus. “I know Odd is with them, but I need to know where, and I can do that, once I take a moment to focus.” and soon grabbed his axe as he began to walk off. “Now if you excuse me, I’m off to do just that!”

“Not without me!” countered the speedster, moving right beside him and almost taking point as if to lead.

Jerry rolled his eyes and just went straight down to the Spawning Pits, ignoring her as his metallic boots echo down the stairs. Even if Rainbow tried to take the lead, he gripped her shoulder to lightly pull her back as he wasn’t in the mood to stroke her ego. It didn’t take long for him to reach down to the Pits, as he came up towards the Tower Heart and stretched out his hand as he took a breath in.

Focusing as the stones floated around, before shifting as his eyes stared into the orb, using the Tower Heart to find where Odd was. It took him a bit of time as he saw them on a cliff side-- no…the mountain. They somehow climbed the mountain and now are overseeing the horde. It was all over, and even flowing and wrecking the town. Searching for anyone.

He saw Odd with his Greens, keeping close to both Albert and Rarity as he mused. Okay, seems like Albert is taking stock of the situation. Probably gathering data… and he soon saw Albert getting a builder tool, starting to make a habitat under a stony ledge. Going about preparing solar panels and everything for the long-haul just in case.

Jerry took another breath in, as his focus was on the Tower Heart, as he tried to get into contact with Odd, to touch Odd mind for telepathy-- but instead of that? When he touched Odd’s mind, instead of talking to him? Jerry's mind felt it was going out of his body and into…Odds. Even if he knew he was still back at the Dark Castle, he was also here. He felt Odd presence within the body, and while Odd was shocked? He was also in awe of Jerry’s presence within him.

Jerry took stock of the situation, the cliffside, how his body could feel the wind, how he could feel his control over the other Greens around and spread out. Even how his body shifted. Jerry thought he had to possess a Minion with the Netherworld Shards…

Apparently not, as with the Tower Heart, he could bypass that…and he knew THAT wasn’t part of the game mechanics…he shook his head, and figured to work it over later. As the Green Minion turned to Albert as the minion voice spoke through. “Albert,” the voice being duality, part Odd and part his own, as Jerry spoke through Odd. “there you are-- give me a moment, I can make a Gate for you and Rarity to get back.”

Albert paused in his work, even looking at Jerry/Odd with a slight look of confusion. But he nodded and turned back and began to deconstruct everything. Jerry was going to turn away, but blinked and looked at Rarity. The mare looked down the cliffside in worry, but that wasn’t what had Jerry’s attention. It was her still ashen coat and dull mane color. And that exhaustion, it was still there. Along with a sort of… hopelessness.

“Rarity, what happened to you?” asked Jerry/Odd, coming up by her, as the possessed Minion went on. “Why aren’t you still looking like that?”

Turning, the unicorn spoke with a tight voice, “it wasn’t there.” looking ready to cry. “My Cutie Mark… it wasn’t in the vault. Albert shattered the whole thing, but mine wasn’t there.”

Turning inward, he checked through Odd memories, and was looking over as there was, from what Jerry saw? A wall of glowing marks, then Albert and Rarity enter in, and try looking. But Albert chose within moments that it was best to set charges along the glass-like vault and destroy the wall. Causing the marks to streak out the cave as soon as they were free-- but none went to Rarity.

Jerry frowned, and thought on it…and asked as he crossed his arms. “If it’s not there, maybe it was somewhere else?”

“Now’s not the time for debates.” Albert was heard as he finished up his work. “We need to leave. Before we’re possibly found.”

Jerry nodded, and turned with Odd’s body as he formed his hands up, as an outer gate form, with a Green Spawn Pit. As the Greens entered, Albert was fast to help Rarity up and later head straight for the Gate. once they were through? Jerry moved in Odd body to jump in-- and cut the connection. His mind was back in his body, as once he gained his body back? He noticed a contrail of rainbow hues. The pegasus was already off like a bullet to meet Rarity. He made sure the Gate and pit was gone to remove evidence.

He let out a breath, turning back to get up the stairs and meet with Albert. As this was concerning news of Rarity mark.

The whole point of their mission was to get it back, and maybe help the other ponies. But primarily get Rarity's mark. And they got most everything but the primary mission done. Which of course begged the question of ‘where’ Rarity’s mark was.

As Jerry entered the throne room, he was able to see Rainbow leading a distraught Rarity off, no doubt guiding her to the room the six of them had shared in the castle during their stay not days ago. For some reason, Jerry had a feeling that they would be sticking around a few days. Not just to help with the influx of people, but to help Rarity.

Albert himself worked on his PDA and told, “Twilight is administering the Khara cure to your new refugees. And Applejack is getting everyone situated into their own lodgings. I’ve sent a request ahead with the minions to get a better handle of the Caribou that just entered, they might have worked fine in the Town but better safe than sorry. I’ve also sent a request to one of your Caribou scientists to see if any of the Caribou here will have a relapse in habits.”

“Thanks.” nodded Jerry, as he moved to cross his arms, thinking with a frown under his helmet. “Still, not able to get Rarity mark… this is an issue….” and asked. “Got an idea who might’ve taken it? Because it feels odd that out of all the marks there-- her’s wasn’t there.”

Albert gave a thoughtful hum and told, “well, we need to interview the ponies. See how many have and have not regained their mark. It’s possible that there was a second Vault we didn’t know about and the one I blew up was near capacity.”

Going on, Albert said while typing away, “it’s also possible that it was sectioned off solace or hadn’t reached the vault. But our overall suspects are narrowed down to Starlight or someone else in the Town that had ulterior motives.”

“Let's try Starlight first. She was in charge of the whole shindig, and considering how she ran the town and did the whole ‘equalizing’? Odds are she’s our main bet of knowing if there was more than one vault.” told Jerry.

“Let the girls handle her first.” Told Albert simply while he finished. “I’ve just updated Twilight. Rarity is not just her friend, but a subject. If Starlight gets difficult we can step in, but until then? Let’s allow them to handle it.”

“...I’m still having my Greens keep an eye on Starlight. I’m getting the ‘secret villain’ vibe from her.” said Jerry.

Shrugging, Albert joked with a slight smirk, “your house, your rules.”

Jerry grinned under his helmet. “Damn right.” though as he glanced around, he added. “Well I’ll say this Albert. I just had to face off the Necromancer. And he seems to not be able to control his undead well, but have magics to boost them in speed and aggression. Even able to use my own dead minions as more thralls.” a frown on his face. “The armor helps push back against the guy's magic. But I couldn’t even hit him with the guy moving around in the air.”

Seeming to think it over, Jerry went on. “But it’s also clear that he’s able to control those with Khara easily like any other dead. And while I can figure out a way to handle him one to one? He’ll overwhelm me with his horde.”

“Those with the Khara could have been dead for a while, and that’s just the sickness persisting post mortem.” Albert seemed to counter while lowering his PDA. “and you’re assuming a lot. For all we know he has very fine control of the hoard and he was just testing you. Or maybe he had less control because he had so many. We lack a lot of data.” Then motioned to the forge. “Let me take a look at your armor in the Forge.”

Jerry nod, though, and sent the helmet recording of the entire fight to Albert PDA as the two men began to walk. As Jerry said. “One thing I am annoyed at? He has control of not just people, but small animals, mythical, and even has them use gear without issue. While the suit kept me safe from the smaller enemies like mice? It also proves a problem. Too much focus for me.”

“Elaborate?” Asked Albert with a slight glance, even as they descended down the steps. The air slowly gets warmer and the clangs of a hammer’s work in forging weapons reaching their ears.

“Okay so, he seems to send small rodents, mice, rats-- going up to my armor, trying to bite through and tear apart the armor plating, he had chickens, literal chickens rushing at me. He had caribou with their anti-magic gear on them. He had ponies firing bolts of magic, and despite me holding off, for every undead I managed to kill, they took down my Minions, and my Blues didn’t have the means to revive them except Mortis.”

“And instead of breaking apart? The Minions began to rise up as undead with rotting body parts.” told Jerry as he moved the armor to the specialized stand to get out. “And the guy was in the middle of the horde, able to send out electricity like magic to make his undead berserker, go faster in hitting or overwhelming me. Blue gave them a moment of invulnerability. Stacking them both?”

“Made them hit hard, hit fast, and were unstoppable for a short time.” Jerry breathed out as he went on. “And with the motion of a hand pointing at me? All of the undead's heads turned to focus on me and went only for me.”

Humming deeply in thought, Albert waited for Jerry to fully pull himself out of the suit before getting out a repair tool. The man took his time to look over the armor, searching for damages. “Well. I think I was right about assuming. He’s smarter than you think.”

Kneeling down and using a finger to feel part of the armor, Albert went on. “The fact he sent mice to attack at the armor joints? That’s not a fluke. He purposely brought mice along to purposely attack the joints of more heavily armed opponents. The fact they only attacked you or rather focused on you the most and not the minions? It hints at it.”

“The Chickens are odd, and neither one did damage.” Spoke Albert while moving to start working on a ding in the armor. “But the fact he began to prioritize Caribou with anti-magic gear on you and begin using magical able unicorns to out-range you in damage? I’m starting to think he was getting a feel for you and how to take you down.”

Going on, Albert said thoughtfully. “And from your account, he kept in his hoard and even sent them right for you-- you were the biggest threat. This is what he must have realized. And he knows that without him the hoard will probably disperse. So he keeps the largest body mass to use as meat shields.”

“All guessing and conjecture, but that’s the impression I’m getting.” Albert spoke. “High mobility to keep out of reach, and using the undead as meat shields to further keep enemies out of reach.”

“Great….Fate sends a ‘better villain’...a smarter one.” breathed out Jerry in irritation. “And you all are stuck with me.”

Stopping his work, Albert raised a finger, “on contraire. You’re still alive.” Going on, “you lost minions, but you nearly had his undead at a standstill. I think what you need is better equipment and more numbers. Then you’ll be on more even ground to face him and his undead.”

“Yeah the Axe was not effective.” agreed Jerry, then scowled as he crossed his arms. “And I was stalling. If I had equipment that could’ve helped, I might’ve done something. Like having summonable catapults, or ballista's.”

Resuming his work, Albert told, “I’m working on new weapons for you. Along with armor mods.” catching his attention. “I’m already nearly done with a modification for your off hand. A large armored shield. Anti-magic plated too.”

“I thought your stuff doesn’t allow the use of weapons or means of weapons or fighting?” asked Jerry in confusion.

Albert just gave a grin. “No. but, that doesn't stop me from modifying or scanning already existing weapons and inputting them as new blueprints.”

“There’s also the fact that Albert scanned Forge stones!” added Giblet with glee. “Scan Netherworld artifacts, gain new knowledge and means!”

Head tilting in a slight nod, Albert spoke, “that didn’t hurt either.” And spoke on. “In short? I have an arm-shield that will cover one arm and give you a large steel anti-magic shield for use. Straight from the Storm King's anti-magic alloys, meaning that it can reflect magic. If you can practice enough? You could potentially rebound combat spells to their senders.”

Jerry grinned at that, though he somber up as he glanced at the Forge stones with a frown. “Well, one thing I’ll say, is that despite what I managed to gather with the Forge stones? I might not be able to craft anything with them.” huffing in slight irritation. “Been rather tight with money and been lacking Dark Crystals for them.” feeling annoyed at being unable to craft anything of Netherworld alloy.

“I suggest you leave that behind for now and focus on upgrading other avenues of research.” Albert suggested. “With the new things I’ve scanned? I think I can supply you and your minions with some easy to replicate tools and weapons that Giblet can further enhance.” Going on, “cheap, easily made amass and due to them being common materials? Then no loss in the enemy getting them because it’s common steel.”

“Heh, nice,” grin Jerry as he shakes his head. “Well, it’s been a while since I looked at upgrades of the city, maybe I can see if anything changes.” seeming rather thoughtful as he added. “I’ll also need to go to the Dungeon later. I got a lot of minion rebuilding to do. And then there’s reports of things over farmland, and then making trades with Fay,” though added to Albert. “Which remind me, you got my message on that pointy eared bastard, right?”

Albert gave a simple nod with, “I’m working on contingencies. And might bring in someone else to help with them.” Then refocused on the armor. “I’ll give your armor a checkup and see if I can do any tuning of the systems after that fight. And next week or later? I’ll have a few modifications for your arm attachments. The Shield is one, but I also have a grenade launcher, a propulsion cannon, a drill and a few other ideas to try out.”

“The grenade launcher and propulsion cannon-- Oh Albert,” said Jerry with a slight chuckle as he grinned while joking. “Are you just trying to make me more of a badass?”

With a humorous look, Albert said, “well, I can try. Your suit won’t completely stack up to a Prawn suit completely. But I can make you pretty close.” then resumed his work adding. “The only reason I’m making a grenade launcher is because a Propulsion cannon has to ‘grab’ before it can ‘launch’.”

Now Jerry was curious as to why Albert was telling him this. But it was made obvious soon enough. “The Propulsion cannon, especially the one ratted for Prawns, can lift massive and heavy objects. Nearly fifty times heavier than what a normal propulsion gun can lift. But like I said, it has to first ‘grab’ and tether something before it can do that. And do so with a cannon-like force.”

“The Grenade launcher option will let you load a number of those grenades Pyro has been making. So you can quickly shoot them out in rapid succession without needing to ‘reload’ them one at a time.” Finished the scientist. “Pyro’s working on variants of explosives. You’ve just been using High Yield explosives. But gas bombs, pepper bombs, incendiary bombs and many others are on his list.”

“....so that’s why they blew up so big.” said Jerry in realization, as he recalled the ones he tossed at the horde earlier caused large amounts of damage. And thought it over as he let out a breath. “Well…that is both assuring and concerning at the same time.” letting out another breath as he glanced at Albert and asked. “Need anything? Because otherwise I’ll just suit up and start grinding and working.”

Shaking his head, Albert told, “no. I’ll finish up your armor and be heading to the Labs near the beach.” going on, “I might have someone send Twilight’s ship over if she and her friends stay for long. Otherwise? I’ll be around for a while.”

Jerry nodded, moving to suit up and get into his Arcanum armor, though switch into his harvest helmet and got a blade as he waved at Albert and Giblet. “Well, I’ll be off getting more Minions.” moving to walk off, though as he left them to their work. Jerry walked up the steps, feeling some fatigue from the fight-- but was quick to siphon off from the Tower Heart to get him up to snuff.

He managed to reach up to the throne room and was about to head to the dungeon-- but stopped when a Servant minion came over to speak. “Master, Paper pony request to see you!”

Jerry raised his brow, and t thought on it-- before recalling. Oh, Case File! Right, my personal Lawyer…wait why does she need me? thought Jerry as he asked. “Did she say a reason?”

“She said it’s time to start working over laws and tax.” responded the Brown servant.

“.......” Jerry stares down at the Minion, before sagging with his head lower and arms drooping. “Fuck.”

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