For the past three days, Jasmine had began warming up more and more on Jerry. Despite him being odd looking, a male, and owns this big and scary place…

She knew he was actually a silly and kind hearted person. Jasmine knew that during her time meeting and hanging out with him day to day in his chambers, the filly was given attention. She play the games she wanted when they were together, watch Quaver entertaining her than Jerry. Gain more clothes to wear and have a ‘bubble bath’ when she was with the mares in the bath room.

Even purposely making her food bigger than Spree and Shadow, and while they noticed the food size, they briefly wonder what caused a sudden influx of Jasmine needs?

Even more? She pieced it out that despite not wearing the armor, Jerry was the same male who saved her, and frighten her. Honestly with all the Minions slavishly serving Jerry and doing all his biddings and his home being a dark castle like place for villains?

She may be a child, but it didn't mean she was fully ignorant. But...yet? Yet despite the knowledge she knew, despite the fact that he caused her a fright? She nows know that underneath that terrifying and rageful armored being known as the Overlord?

Was a kind and caring male who was simply lonely. And a nerd. Oh how Spree laughed and snorted all the while when she found out the news. Although while Jerry body was all healed up with the Blues, he decided to take a small break, mostly mental to be prepare after his ‘tantrum’ in Ponyville. But even though Jasmine was spending time with Jerry either in his room or around the Castle-- Shadow was spending more time with Jasmine, and essentially with Jerry.

As her motherly instincts were centered around Jasmine well being as the filly was slowly getting better from both what happened to her, and her nightmares. Sadly the nightmares were harder to remove, but Shadow and Spree been taking turns to hold the filly in their own beds, making sure that as long as Jasmine feels safe? They didn’t persist as much.

Gnarl however, felt annoyed, as Spree been blocking him from Jerry whenever the man was with the filly and thestral, (and most of the time Lovely, but she didn’t count to him) as Gnarl needed Jerry to go and cause more evil and pull the strings to get the Overlord riled up for more carnage and destruction.

---

Spree gave a fairly long yawn and leaned back on one of the many chairs of one of the many rooms that the oversized castle had. She hug a towel over her neck and tried to relax, her workout clothes having been saturated with her sweat after a long season.

She slightly gave a glance to the left, seeing both Shadow and Jasmine doing some little activity to keep the filly preoccupied and happy, and Lovely was no place to be seen. Spree recalled Gnarl having dragged Jerry off for something about ‘Evil planning and plotting’ or whatever the little toad liked to proclaim in his nonsense.

Rolling her eyes, the mare got up and considered taking a bath soon. The damp spots on her cloths rubbed a bit awkwardly at times, and she could feel her panties running up the back of her butt. Rather annoying actually.

Snorting to herself and moving, Spree reached up to grip the towel and let her arms hang form the sides while making her way to the training room; just to squeeze a hour or more in before hitting the bath. The idea of a warm dip and washing off the grim sounded nice, maybe go back and visit Jasmine. The girl was a cute little thing and playful.

Her ear soon flicked, causing her to look and see a fully armored Jerry making his way down the hall-- presumably to the throne room. With interest, she changed her course and began to meet the man halfway, and said, “Hey Jerry. Going out already?” Tilting her head curiously at the heavy armor that was over him.

Jerry, now in his Arcanium armor set, merely nod his head as he spoke. “Yeah, I’m just going to go out and start traveling for a bit, do a little raiding on supplies,” and trying to not sound annoyed as he added. “And start building back up my treasury, as apparently my gold is more purer than the gold here.”

With a slight giggle to that, Spree said, “Well I could have told you that!” Then moved a hand to point at him and tell, “With how it shined in that treasure room, it looked like it was more expensive.” Then cocked her head to the side, smiling, “But after those two times you caused property damage? I don’t think you’ll be spending any of it.”

“Oh I’m not spending it,” said Jerry as he clarified. “I’m getting more gold. That 5k bribe really hit my treasury funds, and I want it to get back up to 40k, maybe more if I find more treasure around.” then gave a grin in his tone as he went on. “Not to mention, if I do encounter the Resistance, they might need my treasury to use to pay for things they couldn’t, like weapons, armor, food, bribes-- pretty sure my treasury might smooth things out to make them at least trust me as a business partner if anything else.”

Shaking her head to that and thinking some, Spree said, “Why not have me come along when that happens?” Giving him a look and telling, “I’m going to be leaving later on anyways. I might as well try and smooth things over for you, you know… give them at least a benefit of a doubt to make sure you aren't just tossed out.”

Spree then gave a confident smile, reaching to tap her bare neck and told, “A free mare also might help make them feel more comfortable with the idea.” Then pause to say, “Just… don’t mention Lovely for a bit to them. I have no idea how they’ll feel to that.”

“Worst case scenario? Declare me as the same as the caribous, vilify me, and will wait until Equestria is taken back so they’ll stomp me down hard.” told Jerry as he went on. “I know you say that ponies don’t usually kill-- but I think they might make a exception to me and decided to get rid of one more evil just to be sure they aren’t taken advantage again.” thinking some with his right arm moving to let the axe rest on his shoulder and asked.

“Do you, Shadow, or Jasmine need anything while I raid? Fabrics? Special foods? Hygienic stuff, towels, mare supplies? Maybe some toys for Jasmine to play with or books?” musing some as he added. “Maybe some children books, or some drawing books-- maybe a bit of sweets, like a cake, I’m sure she’ll be thrilled of seeing a cake to eat with you all.”

Rolling her eyes, but still feeling a bit impressed at the caring nature he had towards the filly, Spree said, “Just get the ingredients needed. Trying to get a cake back might be too much trouble.” Then teased, “Well, unless you plan to raid a bakery of all it’s goods.”

“Actually I might.” said Jerry with a nod. “I missed having donuts, or those apple fritters. Those are actually good.” thinking some as he recalled. “Ponyville had a bakery...might raid that first just to get all those sweets.”

Giving him a long look, Spree told, “Jerry, it’s been three days. I don’t think they’ll lower their guard today.” Feeling the need to point this out, “I think if you plan to do anything else? Do it someplace else. Ponyville will be up in arms, possibly even more now than before since you hit it.” Then thought on it and gramance, “They might send even more guards to secure the place as much as possible.”

He hum some, and said. “Yeah, I figured.” then nod as he said. “Which is why I asked if you all need anything. Because I’ll be out a bit longer than usual, mostly walking across the land to set up new Main Gates for me to use.” thinking some and going on. “I might be away for a week, maybe two if the distance is longer than I thought.” but didn’t added of him being lost. This time he got a compass.

Thinking it over more, Spree said, “Well.. while I don’t like the idea of stealing, I can understand why. And if you’re going to raid things?” She looked to him and told, “It might sound silly, but do you mind raiding us some actual pillows?” Then went on, “The ones we have are a bit tough, flat even. I’m sure softer pillows would be nice. Better blankets, foods.” Then went on, “Maybe get some paint. The castle is… nice?”

She was trying to be polite in saying it looked like a giant dark kingdom. “But I think you could spruce the place up with some colors. Maybe you can stop by a crafting shop, get some things so Jasmine can have arts and crafts to play around with-- I’m sure Shadow would enjoy doing that with her than another ‘braid the others mane’ time. It’s getting repetitive.” Then added more, “Or, you could even try raiding someplace for those bakery goods you want do badly for Jasmine.” Then blinked and told, “You know what? How about Shadow and I make a list to give to you later?”

Jerry hum, as he said. “Yeah, I see your point, I can raid the stuff on the list,” but then told. “But I’m ready to leave now, so how about when I reach to a town to set up a Main Gate, I come back here, grab the list, and go to the town to raid it until I get everything you all need, alright?” then thought and added in admittance. “Maybe some more clothes for Lovely, mostly because I’m sure she want to wear something more than the maid outfit.” Or that tube-top and panties you use to wear. added Jerry in thought, as it was Lovely substitute when the maid outfit was getting a wash by the minions.

Not that Lovely didn’t mind his teasing with the device and the cloth, but Jerry figure he would at least get his, was she a slave at this point or a pet? Eh, a bit of a pet-maid-slave. he sometimes wonder what she liked to be his as? A slave? A pet? His sex-maid? Something to ask her later. concluded Jerry.

Having a almost firmer look, Spree told, “Can you at least get something a bit more modest for her?” Then went on, “before it was just us adults, and both Shadow and I could put up with it-- but there’s a filly here now. I want to make as good of an example as I can make for her-- evil Overlord or not.”

While Jerry internally groan as he knew Spree had a valid point and Lovely should wear modest clothes? A part of him feels cheated as in admittance, seeing Lovely in that maid outfit was a bit of a turn on for him. Its why he took it for her. But he gave a reluctant sigh he said. “I’ll see what I can do.”

Shaking her head and rolling her eyes, Spree said, “Oh don’t be a baby about it.” Then went on, “I’m sure when you have privacy you can have her wear whatever, or not wear anything, you want as long as Jasmine isn’t around to see it.” Then joked, “It’s not like I’m telling you to stop ‘sneaking deserts’ in the middle of the night. So buck up.”

“And I’m sure you are glad that the doors are sound proof too.” teased Jerry as he soon wave. “Anyway, I’ll be off, don’t expect to hear me for a week or two,” then amended. “Unless its for emergency with a Waypoint Gate.” moving his feet as he began to make his trek towards the throne room for teleportation as he internally thought of which town to ‘visit’. Maybe Appleloosa? I can make a good trek through the Everfree Forest.

Granted its a shorter distance with using the Gate at Dodge Junction-- they might have heavily armed guards waiting for me. So best to use the Gate near the Everfree and make a straight south path down till I reach the town. Beside, I’m sure I can handle some of the wildlife in the forest itself. knowing that while he would be facing danger-- he’ll be able to handle himself within the forest.

I mean...its just a forest, right?

---

Oh Jerry couldn’t be so wrong. Right after he came to the Gate, he had to deal with Caribous, which resulted 5 of his Minions death. And while he could easily get new ones, his usually good mood was soured with not only Timberwolves jumping at him and his Minions, cat-scorpions things that attack and made him lose Minions, chicken-lizard things that turned his Minions to stone before he managed to kill them before he lost more…

And a river that forced him to go to another direction to go south-- and losing more Minions in the process! What's worse than that? Why blue flowers that made any of his Minions either turn into a different color-- or into big monstrosities that he had to kill! In short? He was getting really antsy as he once had 50 Minions. Now he has 20. And the only ones left were 15 Browns, 3 Greens, and 2 Blues!

In other words, Jerry was getting more angry and more annoyed with each minute he spend here. Hell, the only reason I’m not burning anything is because I don’t want to start a forest fire. Especially with me in it. Grumbling some as he managed to see a clearing of sorts as he walked as he thought. Well..it's not too bad, at least I know which direction I’m going with my compass. So there's that. But honestly, how did that town survive with a forest like this so close? Mind boggling it is.

Although now he was getting a clear idea on that Caribou words of ‘disaster after disaster’ and why Jerry should've left as soon as possible when he first arrived here.

Why anyone wants to live so near a place like this, Jerry would never know.

Trekking onwards though, he paused for a moment to get the map out and hold the compass up-- trying to accern his location and where to go next. It was admittedly hard, seeing as he was in the middle of the forest and with very little in the way of land markings. For ten minutes, Jerry grumbled and decided to just keep going until something map-identifiable was found.

This also called for some near off-trail walking, going through underbrush and taking the more rugged paths he felt would get him outside the cursed forest. And he was sure if he didn’t have a compass, he would be all the more lost.

Rocks crumbled under foot while the Overlord made his way down a rocky slope, going into a gorge that raised to either side of him. The ground hard and dry. He wasn’t sure, but this could of been a river… or it was just a big giant crack in the ground. Who knows. All that he cared about now was it made for a rather convenient high-way like road.

No predators. No freaky giant-lion cats, no weird chickens with lizard bodies-- the place he found himself in was actually fairly safe like. So, that was all good and well for Jerry to use it to get past more of the forest. But as he made his way down, he paused. To his left, and coming up as he drew closer, was a cavernous hole. It looked almost out of place of the otherwise straight path of the large gorge he walked in.

But as he got closer, he could see a sort of shine, a light? Inside the cave? Human curiosity got the better of him, and with a slight change in his path, turned for this cave and began to enter in. The light got brighter as he moved around a few stalagmites and stalactites or large rocks… before he found himself staring at a glowing and sparkling tree made of pure crystal. Just… sitting there, growing under ground and almost chiming with a magical sound of power.

He heard Gnarl voice. “Master, I don’t believe it! It's a crystalize tree full of Good! Or rather, of pure good. It must of taken eons for this to grow, Sire.” then gave a disgusting sound. “Buts the way it radiating of purity, of goodness, of just that sweet loving thing-- gak! It makes me want to puke and try to torture something! I suggest if you do plan to corrupt it, be aware of it might to resist you.”

I’m not going to corrupt this-- I don’t even know what this is! feeling more annoyed at Gnarl assumption, as he look over the tree shape thing, just wondering how the Caribous didn’t find this...and recall the very fact that this thing is inside a murderous forest that does weird as shit to whoever goes in it. So he doubt they would willingly get near inside...But he was a bit curious, on he was being cautious of this thing.

His minions moved behind him, ready for anything as Jerry felt a strange sense of assurance that, whatever this thing was, was untouched by the Caribous...and that burning anger, including his anger of everything that happened, was building up as Jerry darkly thought. Damn Caribous. Screwing over a entire civilization, invading them, demeaning the mares-- and putting fillies like Jasmine on posts to take? I’m starting to not mind killing them for everything they done here. Karmatic that a evil is going to show the ‘bad guys’ place. Under my heel.

It wasn’t noticeable at first, but there was a pressure at his head, a burning at his left hand. It was small but it built, and Jerry had to hiss in pain and shake his left hand, feeling a touch more agitated-- before there was a rising sound, that chiming getting louder, the light brighter. Jerry looked up in time to see the tree become aglow, six gem like spots glowing their respective colors of blue’s reds, purples and such.

Energy thrummed in the room, and with a great blinding flash-- Jerry felt his body BURN under its radiance. Jerry was slightly aware of Gnarl even shouting out in pain from the literal flash of light that blinded him-- and he was sure he could hear his minions in utter panic before there was a shove, a powerful force that made him fly and crash hard into rocks and surfaces before rolling on the ground in aching pain.

When his sight returned to normal, the peaceful chiming was back to normal, and one glance up, the Overlord found the tree was looking as peaceful as it had before.

“Gah my eyes! Oh that's some powerful good crystal alright! More powerful than I first thought! Possibly can rival the Tower Heart power, Master.” Jerry didn’t respond at first, as he was slowly getting up, aching in pain as he nearly shouted.

“Holy. Shit.” noticing there were skellington minions standing in place from the ground zero of the tree, as he soon repeated. “HOLY SHIT! How, why, just-,” being befuddled as he managed to get up and said. “That tree almost kill me!” then told. “In one shot!” then said to Gnarl. “Gnarl, we are not getting near this tree at all. Maybe make a Gate just a few yards away in case the ponies know of this-- but NOT getting close!”

While he would rather disagree with his master and tell him it would be best to corrupt this crystallized weed-- Gnarl had to concede to him. This thing was more powerful than he thought, and if it could rival the Tower Heart? Then there was a good, if not small, chance it could win-- possibly eradicate the Overlord entirely. In a sense… his Lord was lucky, more so than the minions that had wandered too close. It was with a slow releasing nod, Gnarl agreed.

“Of course Master, I’ll be sure to get Grubby a Gate for you with Spawn Pits.” Jerry glance to what Minions he had left, feeling a tad bit annoyed that he had 10 now. And he was aching from the pain that Tree did to him, granted he learn that while corruption magic aid and was immune to him-- ‘good magic’, like whatever the Tree was made of, can harm him, even kill him.

And as much as he wanted to head to the Dark Castle for a rest-- he knew he had to travel on down to Appleloosa, so with a reluctant breath, he left the cave with as much speed his aching form did, and gather his numbers for a long walk. But Gnarl spoke in a advising tone. “Sire, perhaps you should come and rest in the Dark Castle? I doubt you’ll be able to fight off things while wounded. And I’m certain your maid wouldn’t mind the company either.”

Jerry debated as while he wanted to not waste time, that Tree really hurt him, to the point he was sore all over. So with another reluctant breath, he headed to the Gate to transport back. However when he did, there was a surprise voice of Shadow.

“Jerry, you’re back?” glancing to see the mares, apparently were coming back from the bathroom in the Private Quarters as she continue. “I thought you would be back in a week or two?”

“Change of plans.” said Jerry as he said. “Now, if you pardon me...I need to relax, I just got away from a murderous tree in the everfree.”

Fixing the towel that was around her head a bit, Spree said, “The Everfree?” Then pulled a face and told, “Let me guess, you didn’t know what was in that place and thought it was a normal forest, didn’t you?” Drying the rest of her head for a moment before tucking the towel under her arm.

Shaking her head, Spree asked, “Are you at least alright? Not everyone walks out of that forest in one piece unless you know your way around.” Through looking the man over, she could tell the armor was a little roughed up with dust, dirt and a few smudges. Otherwise it looked fine.

“Armor is fine, granted I’m annoyed of losing Minions, but fine.” assured Jerry as he added with a frown. “My body? Not so much.” the mares and filly look at him with a quizzical look as Jerry explained. “Right now, my body is sore, aching, and I feel like each step I take is a strain on my muscle.”

“How did your body get hurt so much?” asked Jasmine, as she was trying to see what wounds he had as he thought of how to explain of the tree…

And replied. “I got smash and indented a stone wall by a magical blast.”

Staring, Spree asked, “By a tree?” The three just looking at him as if he lost his mind. “Did you get a concussion while you were out?” Sounding a touch concerned.

“With how much my head hurts?” started Jerry. “I think I did.” then asked. “Please tell Lovely to get into my chambers...or at the very least, get the Minions to carry my knock out body if I’m not able to walk there.” As a second later he fell backwards on the ground.

“How...did a tree made him knocked out?” questioned Shadow in surprise, as she saw the Minions working on dragging their heavily weighted Master to the Forge to strip him of his armor.

“Is Jerry going to be okay?” asked Jasmine in concern, as while she knew he was strong...she doubt there was many things that could make him be hurt that badly.

Spree looked down at Jasmine for a moment before telling, “I’ll go get Lovely and we’ll check up on him.” Then looked up to Shadow adding, “Think you can get her ready for bed?”

Shadow nodded, as she lead the filly away, as to help Jasmine get some shut eye. And while the Minions managed to drag Jerry down to the Forge, Gnarl came from the stairway to the Tower Heart, humming as he saw his Master being dragged away. Its worse than I thought. Despite the Lord being alive-- he was weaken by the weed. Very troubling, this tree is. then as he moved by the throne, seeing the earth one leaving to get the slave, he internally thought.

This will set back for a few days, maybe 1 or 2, depending the Blues to rejuvenate him. Maybe a trip to the Tower Heart of corrupt energy to get him all better? musing to this as he saw Jerry being carried out, in his usual red robes by the Minions as he contemplate something. The Master assumed the ponies knew of this, but neither whores knew. Perhaps the Tree was on the need to know basis? If everyone knew of it, the Caribous would of gotten to corrupt it at this point. Gnarl glance to see Jerry now being helped up by the two earth mares as he added in thought.

Still, perhaps the Master will use that town he destroy instead of the forest for walking. Makes things easier on him, but not too easy to get him angry when needed be. giving a evil mischievous cackle under his breath.

---

Given some time to recuperate under the watchful eye of Lovely, and some ‘visiting hours’ form Jasmine, Jerry’s recovery took just another day or two before he left out the gate to once more march out his reign of terror. Granted it was going to be more of a ‘Evil Shopping day’ with the list the two friends next to shoved at him.

The ‘Shopping list of Evil Raiding’, as Spree had put it, gave them all a good laugh. Even Gnarl, with his distaste for the mare, couldn’t help but crack a grin at the idea. But after seeing him off, Gnarl wandered off, his path set for the Tower Heart where he could oversee his Master’s progress. Lovely herself hinted that she had some places to clean, primarily the Overlords private room and getting it ready for certain ‘activities’ when he returned. She seemed giddy about the last part.

Spree and Shadow let Jasmine wander off herself, the Minions apparently off with her to make sure the filly stayed out of more restricted or dangerous places their Master had informed them to keep Jasmine from wandering into. This left both Spree and Shadow alone, both now having a moment of just visiting the other.

While they moved to someplace to talk, Spree straightened out her dress and gave her friend a glance. It was odd, over the week of Jasmin coming around, the thestral had a odd look in her eye. One that Spree wasn’t completely familiar with at first. But after having moment’s to see when it came up, Spree had a suspicion of what it was.

“Jasmine’s a sweet girl.” Spree started off as they walked down the halls. “It’s nice to see that she hasn’t lost her innocents completely.” And getting a nod from her friend to that. “And Jerry… he’s not too bad I guess. I mean, I did have my reservations, but he seems like a normal guy with Jasmine hanging around him.”

Shadow giggle, as she added. “Even more when he makes a few comments,” as she rolled a hand in a circle as she went on. “He sometimes mention how she’s like a ‘cute little sister’ when they’re playing a boardgame or him telling his ‘heroic tales’.” knowing his ‘tales’ were more or less fabrications of a story, granted she didn’t knew how he got detailed of his words, but at least it entertained Jasmine now and then. “It's like he knows how to entertain and watches kids,” then amended.

“Granted maybe he watched over his young siblings, but still, he at least know how to give the right response to Jasmine.”

Shrugging, Spree said, “Not that’s a bad thing.” Then gained a slight smile, “I mean, what mare wouldn't like a stud that’s good with kids.” Crossing her arms and humming out, “Hmm, Shadow?”

She glance away, ears pin some in embarrassment as there was a flush on her face. “W-Well...Jerry is...sweet, and knows how to keep a eye on Jasmine.” then clear her throat as she went on. “B-But! I will say that despite him being a Overlord...he is a decent male.”

With a slight smirk playing it’s way to her face, Spree said, “Uh-huh.” Then reached out and not so subtly patted Shadow’s rear, causing the mare to slightly jump before the yellow mare giggled, “Shadow, I know you. I can tell he’s starting to appeal to you.” Then admitted, “And I’ll admit it to you, even I’m starting to find him a bit attractive.” Almost making Shadow stumble to that.

“W-What?” said Shadow in surprise, as she tried to get her footing, looking at Spree some, it was honestly surprising that Spree would see Jerry attractive. She knew Jerry was starting to appeal to her..but she asked to Spree. “But I thought, you disliked him since what he done?”

“Don’t remind me.” Sighed out Spree, “I mean… the whole Overlord thing and evil and all that?” She motioned a hand around, “I’m not really all that thrilled about it. But it’s like you said, he’s a decent male. He’s good with kids-- he can be sweet!” Then placed a hand to her chest, reminding, “I’m a mare too. I can see it.”

Pointing to the thestral, Spree went on, “I know I don’t have a chance with you Shadow. You’re just not fully into mares like I can be. And only chance I got at having some fun under the sheets with you is being either buck-buddies or being part of the same herd.” Then smiled, “You do have a nice ass and wings.”

Getting back on topic, Spree went on, “But I still like studs, and MmmMmm, you’ve seen those muscles under the armor, I get a look at them when we Spar.” Then went on, “Sure, the flat face is… weird, really weird. Even being a hairless monkey just about-- but tell me you can’t feel a little warm when you see all that ripped and lean meat.”

“Spree, I was under him before I became free,” started Shadow as she held a smile as she recalled those time and giggle out with her hands on her cheek, face flushing as she told in a abash tone. “I’ll admit...I think I’m starting to fall for him, I try to get peeks at his body under the robes when we’re together with Jasmine. Just to see those muscles again.”

Patting her friend's shoulder, Spree told, “Just don’t fall too fast or hard, we know how that’ll end.” Then went on to tell, “But yeah… so far he’s shaping up to not be too bad. I’ll admit that.” Then shook her head and told, “Too bad he can’t be some ‘Lord’ of a white castle instead. I think I would feel a bit more better.”

Then glanced to Shadow and laughed, “Still, I wouldn’t be swooning at the sight of him like you are.”

She gave a smile...as her eyes glance far off, as she was reminded of something she saw as she said. “You know... I think I might be more than swooning.” then look to her friend with a full smile and told. “I saw Jerry, when he was better-- gave Jasmine piggyback rides and do a bit of rough playing with her when she wanted it.”

Blinking some at the soft and near motherly look on Shadow’s face, the adoration in her eyes and the almost relaxed stance, Spree shook her head and slightly laughed, “Wow… you find it a slight turn on that he’s good with kids, aren't you?” Then thought on it herself and admitted, “You always did want to be a mom, right? And your folks did push you to find a stud that would fit the bill for a good dad… I can… see it.”

And while she thought on it, and the what would happen if Equestria was freed and better… she knew Jerry thought he might die. Still, if he didn’t… and if he could be maybe pardoned, Spree glanced and asked, “Think we could reserve a spot for me in that herd?” Making Shadow blink as she told, “I mean, if things return to normal and Equestria does get better… someone needs to make sure you’re looked after too, maybe help you with your litter… you know, I can help.” Rubbing the back of her head some.

Smiling some, as despite Shadow being glad that Spree was trying to be protective, she had to remind her friend. “Spree, I know you’re trying to look out for me,” then told with a soft smile. “But if the Resistance does exist? I’m sure you want to see any mares, maybe some stallions if some are good-- are around first?” then continue with a shake of her head. “I know that you would be welcome when Equestria is better, but I want you to at least find love among ponies before coming to us.” then admit with a sigh.

“Besides Spree, I know you like Jerry-- but I know you well enough to know that you’ll be put off by his appearance, and him being a Overlord for life.”

Glancing to Shadow, Spree told, “I might not like it, but I don’t think being Overlord will matter if I have a say in it.” Then paused, reaching out to grip at Shadow’s arm to get her to stop. With a heavy sigh, Spree looked up and told, “I know you’re trying to get me to have a better life Shadow. And really? You’re right. It would be just plain smarter to go to the Resistance and look at beautiful mares and hot studs there. Give them a shot.”

She looked up and straight at Shadow’s eyes before quickly darting her face up and delivering a fast, and almost paused kiss that honestly made Shadow reel at the feeling and want-- before it was taken away. Spree gulped and took in a nervous breath, and while Shadow held her hand to her lips that almost tingled at the feeling, she perked at Spree’s tone.

It was of longing, but also acceptance. “You’ll only really like stallions. You told me, and I know. But don’t forget, Shadow. I. Love. You. I always will love you more than anyone.” Then gave a wry smile, “You can’t… really forget about your first crush or actual lover. Why do you think I’d rather settle for being in the same herd than looking for some other pretty mare?” Then glanced off, “It’s because I really can’t get over you.”

Shadow was surprised, taking that in, as she never fully thought Spree would see her in that light, but then...she supposed it made sense, with them aiding each other in their heats, or when they’re horny. Even with Spree shamelessly flirting with her now and then or getting in feels at times-- granted not always in a sexual manner. Shadow took a low breath, shaking her head in amusement and soon move to gently hugged Spree.

Gently combing her mane with her fingers and said gently. “And I love you too…” Then gently pull away as she asked with a sad smile. “Just...promise me you’ll try at least. Try to meet ponies in the Resistance before coming to us. I’m sure...there are some mares and stallions who might need a mare like you, Spree.”

Blinking her eyes to try and not cry, Spree just smiled and told back, “You know that once I make a goal, I don’t steer away, right?” The back of her hand gently brushing Shadow’s cheek before sighing and nodding, “But yeah… I’ll give them a shot.” Then glanced up telling, “No guarantee, you know… My heart is still pining for you, you know.” Then smiled, “My first BFF and… you know.”

She let out a shuddering breath and soon just leaned her head on Shadow’s shoulder, hugging the mare and relaxing in place for a moment. But after a while, the earth mare told, “I’m still going to fight… or at least until there’s nothing to really fight… then, I think I’ll come back to you. And… and if you’re with Jerry here?” She laughed a bit, “Then I’ll just have to make sure Jerry is a benevolent bad guy, and not just an evil jerk. Compromise, right?”

She giggled and nodded. “Yeah, compromises.” then as she thought on Jerry...there was a sort of frown, as she was recalling...things whenever Jasmine wasn’t around, or if she was, didn’t fully noticed about Jerry. Like his body language, his expressions...and his eyes. She look to glance to Spree, as she held her friend and hugged her...but was considering...on giving her answer to her.

Because the more she saw of Jerry...the more she realize that Lovely alone couldn’t help him. Even if she tires, she’ll be lost now and then on how to help the human.

Hearing a sniffle and feeling the mare pulling back, Shadow could only place those thoughts to the side for now and give a soft look at the mare. Spree was doing her best to wipe what little tears were fighting their way out, and was doing her best to clear them off with her fingers.

“Wow… crying again. Sometimes I hate getting so emotional like that.” Then looked up to crack, “I’m glad I don’t like wearing makeup. Tears really make mascara smear.” Making them both laugh shortly at that for a moment before it calmed down.

They stood in the hall, straightening out their respective dresses before Spree said, “I’ll just say it again. I really do Love you Shadow… but I understand… and I’ll look around.” Then glanced up to give a smile.

She nodded, as it was the best she can ask for of Spree right now, try to give other ponies a chance before coming to her and Jerry. Because for all she knew...they might ‘run away’ if things do go bad. She did however, asked in a joking tone. “So Spree, we know the Minions are watching Jasmine, how long do you think it’ll take until we see them miserable from any shenanigans Jasmine will get into?”

Giggling some, Spree told, “She’s well behaved mostly-- but if what I heard from her when playing a bit of tag before? I think she’s secretly a little prankster under those adorable and cute eyes. Just waiting to spring out!”

Giggling in agreement, Shadow nodded as she said. “I’m sure when she comes back with us-- those Minions are going to be dragging themselves to catch up to her.” then added with a mirthful smile. “Maybe got eggs, ink, or even somehow got chicken feathers on them.” giggling more of the imagine of the Minions looking more ridiculous, as she iddly wonder what the little filly was doing now?

---

“Filly! Down!” told a Brown, as Jasmine was currently on a narrow walk way, as the stone like walkway was crumbling a bit, lack of repairs in other parts of the castle as Jasmine was humming. One of the browns saw bits of stone breaking from under her hooves, as they moved to form a ‘minion bridge’ as as their claws grasp the other ankles, as Browns were a bridge for the filly as the stone fell down below a couple of feet down.

While it wouldn’t kill the Minions, it might kill her, so the Minions did their best in following the Master orders to keep her safe. They gave groans and sounds as Jasmine inwardly grin, as she couldn’t help but have enjoyment of the Minions going through bodily harm for her protection. They sort of remind her of that dog that protect a foal as it get's in hurt comedical ways while protecting the foal.

As she got on the other side of the ‘Minion Bridge’ she look back and smile as she said. “Thanks!” moving along as the Minions let go to follow...until they all fall down as Jasmine giggle rang out of the area.

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