Fallout Equestria: Isle of the lost.

by Megaskullmon

First published 28th of December, 2017

Ten years it has been since Sunshine and Rainbows. StarShooter a young eight year old filly back in the day. Now at age eighteen its time for her to leave on her own adventure.

It has been ten years since Sunshine and Rainbows. Ten year's after the death of Tiria who helped found the town of Freedom town, renamed to Tiria's heart. She went on her own journey in the waste.

She was hit in the back of the head and forced into a crate and ends up in a land that is still under a great battle. An area of the world that never got hit, but still has it's own share of deadly creatures. She must learn the secrets of this land to find her way back to Equestria.

Cover by Scarletsfeed

I want to thank my new editor for the newest chapters Dragonoidsix Seekers

Intro: The Lost island.

The wasteland that used to be full of death and pain. Even if it's been ten years since Sunshine and Rainbows. The world is still full of danger. It's not as peaceful as many would like to have you think it is.

Most would say, war never changes. But sadly war does change.it changes from desperation to all out murder. The time that it strikes than most would never understand why. A battle that could be here to be seen that would never be seen maybe? Who knows really, it's something that most of us would never know in Tiria's heart. Yes, I am from Tiria's heart... In fact, I am known as Star Shooter. I was raised in that very town back when it was a camp of slaves... Then Tiria came in and rescued us from the enclave.

I did my best to be there for her when she was slowly dying. I saw her body slowly die over time. The pain in her eyes. The fact that she gave birth and then died. But I was trained to be a hero of the waste... But right now I am in the middle of a large battle between the NCR and some raiders. I am on the outskirts to Caledonia. I am trying my best to stay out of it. I had no friends helping me. But I had a mission to find more traders for my home. The attack was near a dock that seemed to be gathering food. But none of the NCR got on it.

I rushed through the battle, I was trying to get away since I didn't want to get into the middle of it. I rushed onto the ship but... I never saw this ship before. But I was hit from behind and knocked out. A few hours later I woke back up in a brig. I looked out of a port hole I could see where are in the middle of water... Wait I have never been out this far... Why would they bring me here? I looked to finally see the captain of this ship. A Rat Creeper? Wait when did Rat Creeper's start showing up so much... Wait, no... Not a rat creeper... A strange Lizard creature.

The Lizard creature had scales all over his body. He looked like a salamander. He stood on all fours like a normal creature. He wore a strange outfit that seemed very flimsy. But what is interesting the water didn't even seem pure. Some of the 200 years of run off had affected this war. But it seemed to be clearing up a bit in some spots. But seeing a lot of ships broken on rocks. But then I looked at him again and he started to speak. His voice crazy and very deep. A sense of a hiss as he spoke. As the features on his face. Nothing, no emotion at all.

"You dare.." He hissed softly and walked around softly staring at me. He looked very scared. I just kept staring never seen a creature like this. "You dare bring...the NCR and raider's on our asses. The NCR wanted you for something so we moved away. Tell me who are you Pony?"

I stood on my hooves and stared at him through the bars. "I'm Star Shooter... I was on a mission for my home..to find more trading partners. I ran into that fight and rushed up to your ship to be safe... Then I got hit from behind... Now I am stuck here far from home." The Salamander smirks laughing softly so much hissing.

"Don't...worry miss Star Shooter we will get you back home... In about two to three years maybe." I blinked. Two to three years? I felt my heart break I was going to be away from home for that long? I was about to ask a question and then out of nowhere, a storm hit us. Just a freak storm out of nowhere. I looked outside the clouds were green and there were red lighting and the rain...it was raining acid. I could see skulls of ponies that had been here before. I started to speak...worriedness present in my voice.

"Where are you taking me?!" The Salamander seemed to smile and wanted to speak but there was a loud sound outside and then a mist floated into the room. The mist turned into a nasty creature took the form of nothing it seemed... Just the mist vanished after entering than leaving. But water started coming in. The boat started to shake. Was this the end why did this happen so suddenly?! I felt that I was being thrown around and I hit the bars with a thud. But the door broke open and I landed on the Salamander as ponies rushed around something was attacking us. I heard roars of anger. I rushed to look outside... A sea monster... An honest to Goddess Sea Monster. It was breathing the clouds... It was causing the storm.

"What is going on?!" I looked to the Salamander who stood up and sighed.

"We are trying to find the lost island of an Equestria that escaped the war... This island...was meant to be housing them... But no pony can ever get into this island... Because of the storm and the monster. Anyone who has tried has been killed. The island is called the lost world..of Equestria... The best and brightest and young fled the main lands...from both sides...to come here... Think of it...a land..never hurt by war..or the bailfire bombs... But we learned...something else resides here..that tries to keep the outside world from coming in."

I was about to ask and then I saw it... An Alicorn. An honest to Goddess Alicorn. Her horn glowed and it was pure black. The ship started to crack and break. Then I got hit in the head by a board and passed out from it.

I woke up...on the beach with the water slowly licking my back hooves... I stood up. Seeing the ship crashed on the rocks... The entire hall broke open. I rushed to the ship in a trot but stopped... Seeing a unicorn with guards of different species of pony and creatures... I hid behind a tree.

She spoke in a soft voice. "I asked...you to bring no more...souls to us... We want to be left alone... No pony must know the peace we have here... Even if a rebellion has started." The Salamander bowed, nodding.

"I am sorry Miss Majesty... I understand the death of my crew is payment for bringing the new soul... But of course, I think she is dead... For she is one that would contact the rebellion." I learned the unicorn's name Majesty. She had a cutie mark of flowers. Then I noticed something else. A dragon a small baby dragon in armor by her side. But this one was light blue and she was also a female. The unicorn left with her guards and the Salamander looked towards me when they finally left and I came over.

"Please miss get to Cliff...run..contact the bar tender...he will find a way to get you home." I nodded and he gave me a map. I had a Pip-Buck I had hidden in a bag I placed it on since...it was something that most ponies wanted. I downloaded the map and looked at him. It said on the Pip buck my main thing...is to get home... I nodded to him.
I started walking and he called out. "Stay on the road... The creature's here are just as bad as her Majesties temper. Stay away from the seer. She will try to get you pulled into their little war."

I looked back to him but the midst of this island engulfed the path I couldn't see him it was so thick. But looking to see the pureness of the land. It may have been ten years of sunshine and rainbows for Equestria. But this land never got harmed by the war.How could this be? Maybe soon I will learn. I walked along the road.waiting to see where I would go and how I would get there? That would be something I see soon. But I heard a sound and turned seeing nothing but kept moving and heard a voice.

"Long way from home, pony." I blinked turning to finally see what it was. It was another Lizard creature. This one hunched back like Tiira's species and wearing heavy armor. He had a bunch of wares and goods on his back. He seemed to be a merchant. "I see you don't know this land. This is known as Dream Valley. Of course, there are two of them... A dream valley is hidden by a shield and then this dream valley. It was a dream because we were exiled here... By Celestia before the war. Along with Majesty Of course, before you go, there is no history.This was way before even then... But excuse me. I am named Scale Foot. I have been on this island for 500 years. I can help you get to Cliffside if that's where you are going. The Alicorn that stopped you here is a spell that keeps us here."

I nodded as I started to follow him. I didn't know what to expect with him. But I followed him anyway through the very mist that seems to be trapping me here. I had to get home. I had to get back. This land is not my land. Looking to a sign it said Cliffside is 60 miles from here...damn that is a long walk. I read the others. Scale hide city that way. Castle jewel that way and the last thing I saw. Since I looked at the map there is more to this island. But the last thing. I was lost magic hub. A hub of magic? My horn started to glow but when he noticed it, he turned to face me.

"Better be careful if I were you..magic is banned on this island... Only the guards the Queen can use it. It's her way of keeping the peace and keeping those in line. There has never been a war here. But there has always been some that dislike her rules. Her biggest rule is that males can place their seed into who they wish. So stallions can force a boost in the surplus population so rape is legal here. So watch your flank."

I blinked my eyes going wide...rape... I could get raped here and nopony would care?! What kind of island is this?! I wanted to leave now. But all I had was my supplies my bottle caps. But I noticed something... They were using real bits... They must have some money mint here. That works. How can one like me raised in a waste last here? It's only been ten years since Equestria was healed. But that is not long enough for one like me to be free of the issues of the waste.

I was losing it in my own mind. What will I do? How will I live here?! I felt so many questions at once going in my head. I had no idea how to live like this. So peaceful. I felt the issues going around in my head over and over. The ponies didn't need the outside world causing issues. I needed to get home. Oh, please, Goddess let me get home. I was praying as we walked the very road. I wasn't sure of what this Island was going to bring to me. But I was to hope if I am forced to stay here longer than I wish to. Then I best move on. I know one thing for sure. I needed to be careful. For one wrong step. I could end up in jail or worse.

Story: The Isle of the Lost.

Writer: Megaskullmon

Editor: rainbowscoots1

Chapter One: CliffSide

Author's Notes:

I would like to thank Dragonoidsix seekers For editing this for me.

" A world of many different lands tend to be evil."

I walked along calmly. Behind the lizard creature that had the wares on his back. He looked to me and had a sad look on his face. But then smiled.

“Is the war between ponies and Zebras still going?” I blinked looking up to him.

“ The war. .ended in the entire world burning in balefire and the mainland destroyed along with the Zebra lands.” Then I blinked looking around seeing that no bombs hit here. But seeing old pre-war boats of Zebras and ponies and other races."

“ What is this place?” The lizard sighed closing his eyes.

“ Many years ago this island was created as a penal colony. It was created by a powerful Alicorn race. The race that Celestia and Luna were part of. They placed all their greatest enemies here. Dragons, Zebras, ponies, and creatures from the war. All races are now here. This is not Equestria like I said. It’s not even dream valley. The island is named, Devil’s due. All that are here are damned. But still sad about the war.”

I nodded sighing softly “ A young mare took it upon herself to give us back the sky and then magic was used to fix the land. But. .I do have a feeling that I am never going to see it again.” I sighed softly. As I looked up seeing a road

“ A warning before we fully go in.” He stopped in front of me. I stopped as well looking up to him. “ Avoid the Seer. They work for a Zebra tribe that is made of many different tribes. They call themselves the outcast. This town we are going to is full of them. if you see their seer they will try to pull you into their war with the queen. Also there are some stallions here..That try to force their wants of sexual intercourse. Meaning one of them might try to rape you and sadly they will not be stopped. Also go to the blacksmith he will give you a weapon he no longer needs.”

I nodded and he lead me in. When we get fully into the city. I see that the entire town is on a cliff most of it is built into the cliff. I looked down seeing them fishing for food. Looking to see many different races and ponies working together. But then I heard screaming and seeing a raping right in public. I stood her watching and then backed off hitting some fabric and looked up to seeing a seer. She removed her hood. I could see her old features and she looked at the mare getting raped. Then she lead me into her home. After closing the door, looked at me again. She spoke in an exotic voice.

“ Hello young one. Tell me what brings you to this town of sin?” I looked up blinking my eyes unsure what to say and she lifted a hoof to my mouth. “ Shhh I know. I have seen you in the stories of those that come here before..So many years ago. The stars speak the voices sing the bones dance. A hero with magic on their leg. Magic that shall free us from this horror.” The wind starts to blow and she starts to float up. “ All shall be known..Look for the one known as Jonon she will lead you to our warriors then we can win this war and become free.” A bright light happens and I am thrown out of the building and almost roll off the cliff. But I am saved by a couple of stallions as I see the building calm and no more magic.

The stallion smiled and chuckled. “ Hello miss. You must be new here. How about we help you hmm?” I didn’t even know I was being watched in the darkness

“ I. I am searching for the blacksmith.”

The stallion smiled and him and his friends lead me into an ally. All there was is a wall and suddenly they started to get all over me. I felt hooves smash me in the face as they held my hooves. I wasn’t much of a fighter. I started sobbing as the first stallion got behind me. I gasped in pain feeling a bunch of hooves smashing me. Around me, I heard hoof steps and a strange sound of cutting flesh. The stallion behind me screamed and I felt the tip of a slab of meat leave my body. He was at the wall holding his crotch with his hooves and then I saw a cloaked figure with a stave smashing into the stallions and kicking them with their hooves. Whoever it was had a strange knife at the edge of the staff and killed each stallion. It all happen so quickly and as I laid there shaking and crying. Then the cloaked figure looked up and tossed a knife deep into the head of the stallion. Then there was sounds of anger and guards rushing to the alley.

“ Get up little one..” A mare’s voice called out.

I stood up on my shaky hooves and she hit a hoof on a brick and a door leading to a basement opened up. “ Come!” I nodded and with blood leaking from many parts of my body. I followed the cloaked one. Then the figure went into the room and the door closed behind us.

I was lead through some old tunnels and sewers. There are strange glyphs carved into the wall and I stopped to read them. The creature under the cloak, looked down to me. I was still young for a young mare. Just out of my teen years. I felt so much pain in my withers and blood kept dripping. He did something to me. But I felt so much pain but I ignored it because the creature started to speak.

“ Many years ago the evil ones you know as Alicorns created this penal colony way before the reign of Celestia and Luna. This island was created to remove the fake creatures they thought of the lands. They said it was a better land. it was a land for hope of the future. But they lied. Ponies from every timeline came here. They created a spell to keep us here. The war of Equestria caused the spell to become very unstable. It caused a back fire and creatures of evil rose. They wander the many areas of pre war ponies that brought their weapons here.” I was lead to the next one.

“ War. A unicorn took over 500 years ago. A unicorn that was said to be force here by Celestia but..I highly doubt that. Some think she has been here for years. She force rules on us. Telling us we aren't allowed to use magic and all the rules she did are what you see now. She knows that a pony or whoever is going to come. That will take her down. She must never see you or hear of you. But to make the ponies of this land trust you. You must do things for them.” The creature then leads me to the final one.

The final one is with a pony in the middle and the other creatures hidden from the darkness as their gems.

“ The friends of the savior. They will follow her through thick and thin. For they will fight with her and be there for her when she breaks and shatters. This ain’t your wasteland little one. This land never got into the middle of the war. But Zebras and ponies that did land here during it, used their weapons and caused a part of the island to be like it. It’s kept at bay by a powerful magic. Now come with me.” I followed the creature into an underground city of Zebras. They all turned to look at me. I was lead by the large creature to the elder. “ Go on little one.” She used her hoof to slowly push me inside.

I walked in and looked around seeing glyphs everywhere. Seeing a very old elder sitting in the middle of the room. A pot was boiling with screen fluid and She lifted her head to look at me. Her eyes glow softly and looked to the pot and pulled out the green fluid in a wooden spoon

“ Drink child..” With my magic i lifted up the spoon and drank. As the entire world went white.

00000

Opened my eyes in a strange room. Fog everywhere and I looked around calmly. I didn’t know were i was then.. Calmly a zebra walked to me and stood in front of me. The mask of the Zebra from what I learned was wisdom. The zebra stared at me calmly and then walked around me. The voice from the zebra spoke feminine.

“There will be many trials little one so full of pain and anguish.” I stared at the zebra walking around me as they speak. “ Follow these trials and you will be able to do what we need you to do. But you need to do what most would call quest. You would have to go around cliffside to find everything you need to do. Once you do this come back to me. Once you become well known in Cliffside I will give you your test. Follow the creation on your leg. It will be used to show you were you need to go. Stay around cliffside don’t allow the guards to see you use magic. Be prepared if you become strong you may get offers from males to bring forth the next hero. But It’s proudly best to keep near your protector. Now speak your mind.”

I blinked looking down at my hooves thinking a moment. I felt my brain think hard over and over not sure what to think. I started pacing a moment. Moving around and I turned to the Zebra and looking at them. I calmly spoke.

“ Not more of a question more, than a wonder. It’s something i don’t understand. Why me? I got here at the wrong time. I was captured on a ship that came this way. Then i was forced here by the spell that is keeping you all here. It’s bothering me why me? Why did this fate choose me? Do you know this reason.” The zebra removed their mask and my eyes went wide. All that was there was bones in flesh. The Zebra spoke softly with their bones clacking.

“ Most are found at the right place at the wrong time. Like the Lightbringer. The ghost of this 52 the other heros of your wasteland. Ponies zebras and other races that will understand. Most never wish to know or wish to be in a battle to protect what is a former land that was full of magic and hope. I can’t help you with most of this little one. You have to understand they see your machine on your leg. Most don’t even know what a pip-buck is. Only that is seen in the forbidden lands of war. The creatures in that area can’t leave to cause issues. But folks who wish to explore can go in there and risk their lives for treasures. But you will only go there when your mission calls for it. Your mission like I told you before. Is to get known in Cliffside. My request to you. There are sales of meat ponies and other creatures being sold to be raped and forced to breed. So please take care of that.” I gave a sigh and paced around.

I felt odd i felt painful. I felt hateful of this. Something that I don’t even understand what is going on anymore. Sitting down on my haunches closing my eyes and stroked my hoof along my face. Nothing makes sense to me anymore. Looking up the boned Zebra I softly spoke.

“ I will do this for you..Then I will do whatever I am needed to do. I was told I will have a protector.” The boned zebra stared at me.

“Jonon you will meet her when you are removed from this vision. Wake up little one.” She claps her hooves in front of my face and my vision went white.

00000

Opening my eyes I looked up being eighteen years old. I wasn’t fully grown as of yet still a teen. But I could see that this creature had a mask. She took it off with the flip of her head and stared at me. I saw that she had pure black stripes and kind eyes. But she looks to the elder bowing her head. Then lead me out and calmly spoke.

“ I am sorry to tell you this hero...But what happen to you. You can’t be a victim you need to kill the leaders of these fools. You must rise up and do what is best for the many.” Staring at her my eyes looked down frowning. I felt pain in my heart. I wanted to save myself for one i wanted to marry. Looking back up to her.

“ I’m Star Shooter.” I gave a weak smile the zebra mare stared at me. Looking back to the elder and I sighed. “ I am searching for Jonon.” She nods.

“ Come with me.” Blinking following her looking at the home it was a cavern. They grew mushrooms and they seemed to be eating giant creatures in the water. It looks like an entire city under Cliffside. She lead me through a group of guards. I stood here as she walked and they stood on their back hooves. From what I learned it’s a way to show honor. To find a way i had to remove myself from being a victim here..that is weakness. Breathing softly closing my eyes. i was stopped in front of a arena and then lead down.

The Zebra mare stood there calmly staring at me. “ I am Jonon. I am going to test you hero of the stars.” Blinking and before i could pull out my gun she grabbed it with her mouth and stared at me.

“ Only The Griffins and Minotaurs use those weapons..You must learn to fight hoof to hoof first. Then you will find a trainer for the weapons.” The zebra stood over me and dropped her stave and I stared at her not sure what to do. But I remember some of the training Tiria gave me. But it was along time ago.

Jonon did a howl of battle and many zebras rushed to watch and she started to move around me. She was like a hell hound ready to attack me. Feeling so unsure about this as I watched her every movement. Staring at the face then she started to attack me with her hooves jumping around doing many different attacks that the zebras tended to do. I blocked and with one of my hooves i tried to smack back into her. But it didn’t work so well. But she kicked me hard enough to cause me to fly into the wall. I lay there coughing a bit and stood up. Charging at her and she did a high kick.

I watched her like time was slowing down and i moved quickly and kicked a joint at least what i thought was a joint after she landed. She groaned a bit and stared at me she then attacked me again with her hooves. I tried blocking feeling nasty hits on my body and forelegs. The zebra kept kicking over and over bruises formed on my forelegs and then she lifted me up with one of her hooves and did a hard kick in my stomach. I felt the air leave my lungs. Some blood draining from my mouth. She said no weapons but she didn’t say magic..She attacked again and my horn glowed..But the look on her face..She wasn’t ready for this.

I used a magic push spell to push her off her footing and she tried to get back into attacking me..But i got between her legs and did apple buck hard enough to make her fly away. But she lay there like she was knocked out. Blinking walking over to her. Suddenly I was hit down and she put a hoof to my neck. But instead of hurting me she stood up and looked at me with a gentle smile.

“ You don’t fight well warrior..But this will sadly have to do. Now your mission, Many of our kind are being sold as sexual slaves. I will be coming with you to study want watch you. The legend..is that the warrior would fight off the evil of the island. Free us from the threat of the island.” Blinking sighing and walking off to grab my gun. But she grabbed it again and smashed it under her hoof staring at me.

“ Prove to my people even to my elder that you can fight without the weapons of ponies and my kind.” Giving a nod She lead me back out. But she lead me to a zebra bar. She wished to drink and wished to get me a drink. I heard music and then after i sit I heard a voice from a radio.

“ HEY HEY!! This is the Devil’s Warden Owl!!! Lets see here...ah yes! The war between the minotaurs up in gravel falls and skull dance ridge is still going. The Queen has a party forming. Also another fool went up into the forbidden lands. Awww... No news is good news all. So bad so bad. Awww anyway we are all stuck here, so enjoy the fact no one will get real news wooo!”

Jonon orders what is called water for this place. It looked awful. I asked for water myself and I drank it blinking it tasted oddly good. Drinking it down and looking to Jonon.

“ Um....is your tribe from the old war?” She set the cup down looking down at me.

“ My tribe yes. I was born on this island though. But I am sure you will ask if I felt this war of the past. But the past will never know. I don’t care about the past.. I care about the now. Both sides were stupid.” I sighed listing with a unsure look on my face. Then she spoke again. " Doing what we do now..You will be hunted by the leader of Cliffside. Your first quest is to remove his sex trafficking and then remove him from power no matter how you do it."

Listening to the music and looked back to the bar drinking not sure what to do. Then calmly a zebra mare placed a brew. She softly whispered to Jonon and looked to me as she smiled.

" Please drink this it will augment you. Change you. Make you stronger." Blinking looking at the fluid calmly sighing lifting the mug drinking from it calmly. Feeling the change of my body gasping a bit feeling the weirdness in my body. Shivering a bit as I felt the fluid working on me. It made me feel strange looking around to Jonon and smiled weakly.

"Smooooooth." I coughed out. Jonon gave me a soft smile laughing gently.

0000

Walking out of the sewers near the docks. I was wearing a cloak with a mask. On my cloak I put The shooter. Jonon and I followed others in the same cloaks and we calmly walked through the town. Ponies looked at us but they gave us a wide berth. Most of them from what I was told avoided the Zebras. Their the only ones that don't get raped but they do get sold for sexual wanting. I, along with Jonan and more zebras, calmly walked through the city of cliffside seeing a bit building.. Were many ponies and other creatures went in. We sat in the back. We had to wait for the right time to strike. Jonon had all the money we needed. Buying all the slaves would be hard. But I felt it was wise. Sitting in the back of the room. At first it was mainly the guards of the town..The queen never came to this town. But there was a rebellion starting in her own city in the middle of the entire island.

One of the heavy armored guards spoke loud enough to be heard.

" Hello ponies and creatures of everything. The auction will start soon. But I wish you all to know there were a few stallions murder in an alley keep an eye out for any pony that is trying to stop the normal ways of our lands." We waited as more cloaked warriors of the Zebras walked around and outside as well. Most of them walked in here and sat down. They didn't allow me to go to the blacksmith yet.

The blacksmith is in jail for the time being..For not making his weapons for the guards. We had to free him after this. Our first mission to stop this. Then free the blacksmith then make weapons to take down the leadership of the town. It was just getting to start. My stomach was a bit knotted since..I watched sure what is going to happen. Then the seller stood on the stage. He was a unicorn. He started to speak in a rich snooty voice.

" Ah! All of us are here then." He smiled. "Now time for the sale." The curtain pulled back many young females of each race. Even a hellhound. " Now, first sale." I looked to Jonon and she nodded. She had to wait for all of them to be sold and given to us. What came out first was a Zebra

" Now this young Zebra mare is part of one of the tribes living on this island. She has been a slave and a sexual toy to many." He smirks. " Now first she is worth 60 coins of gold right off the bat." He was about to start it.

" 100 Gold pieces." Jonon said and every pony and creature turned looking at her. He smirked and nodded.

" Sold next." After an hour or so all the creatures were sold. It was about time to attack. " We got one more." Jonon knew this was coming. A young filly Zebra was brought on to the stage. Jonon stayed calm so did the others around us. I had no idea what was going on.

" The final one...The daughter of Jonon the warrior of the zebras." I blinked and it was my time to do this..So i did what I thought. I moved but Jonon stopped me. She shook her head and lifted up a sign with her hoof. " Now the first bid would be a 100 gold. So please bid all you can for this worthless mare." A guard behind her whipped the mare. But Jonon didn't seem to care. I didn't know much about their relationship. The mare didn't seem to scream when she was whipped. But she looked out and smiled weakly.

" Our Queen Majesty will save me from this emptiness." Blinking I thought to myself no wonder..She didn't seem to care much about her child. The mare was already too close to being one with the Queen. Looking to Jonon she lifted her Sign and yelled.

" I wish to buy her with Ten thousand gold coins." The seller blinked staring at Jonon. Then looked back to the mare with a smirk. Then waved his hoof for Jonon to come forward. She stood on her hooves the cloak hiding her stripes. She stood on the stage. The stallion releasing the mare from her chains. The seller looked to Jonon and smiled

" Now your gold." Jonon smiled in the mask with a quick swipe metal went through the seller's neck and his head fell down with a bloody thunk. She removed her cloak and mask. Along with many of the other Zebras. They started to take out the guards as quickly as they could. I of course lifted my stave and attacked with my magic for the moment. Since I didn't understand my full might. Jonon stood by her daughter who had hate in her eyes.

" Traitor...." Jonon turned to her daughter no emotions in her eyes. " The Queen shall destroy your small little rebellion." Jonon quickly used her hoof knocking out her daughter lifting her up. Looking to me as she ran out. I didn't know what to do anymore. But I watched the other Zebras take out the guards. One of them walked up to me lifting a sword. I quickly moved out of the way. Smacking the stave into his head but of course. He had a helm and it broke my stave. I didn't know what to do. But then opened my bag pulling out my gun and fired. The sound made the alarm go off. Now it was our chance to free the blacksmith. But of course when I did Jonon came back in without her daughter. She stared at me.

" Bad choice hero." I felt awful now but I followed her out to free Cliff side.

00000

Jonon and the others fought like it was nothing. No explosions like I am very used to. The Zebras around me fought like it was nothing. The guards started to run off and we then rushed out the slaves that got bought getting armed and rushing to the prison next to free even thieves and murderers. But these thieves were hungry and the murderers killed the guards. We freed the blacksmith,but it surprised me that he was a large creature known as a roc. A strange bird that was a lot different then griffins. He stood above up and spoke in a deep voice.

"I know what you want...." He breathes deep. " Get all the coal you can.." Blinking grabbing a pick axe and then looking up to the top of the cliff. Seeing a large building at the top of the cliff. I never saw it before. It's a large wooden building. That seems to be a large mason built along time ago. Jonon looked up to and sighed.

" That's the leaders of the guard's home. No one knows his name. But that building was built when ponies and zebras brought their war here. The town was built when most of the dead pilled and then this town was built on the bodies of zebras and ponies of the war. But as you told some the war is done...and the world is dead." Giving a nod and then I blinked and then I gave the Blacksmith my gun. The blacksmith stared at it and blinks.

"Hmm interesting.. I can try to make more along with the gun powder and ammo but this would take time. I will send some to find some there should be some old gunpowder and such along with casings laying around." I gave a nod lifting the pick axe. Heading to the mine. Jonon followed me and then I heard a voice.

" Well...for someone who said..they would never get into the middle of this land. You sure have." I looked up seeing the same merchant that brought me here. Jonon calmly stared at the Salamander. Then he stood up and opened his coat showing a bunch of weapons and healing potions.

" Since you will be in the middle of many different battles and wars you will need something." Blinking noticing an old war weapon. It was a large automatic rifle which had been named, The Dancer. " Also! Remember any of these guns I have, the ammo is very hard to come by. So use it sparsely if you want one of them. I will give you each one for free." I nodded grabbing the Rifle and Jonon grabbed a large sword with her mouth it had Black stars folly on it. He nodded it and then closed his coat walking off.

" Stay safe...you two." He walked into the fog. Jonon stared and wrapped the scabbard on her back. Then I placed the gun in my bags and then held the Pick axe.

" So let's go get some iron for the blacksmith so we can take over this town for you. Then find a way to get me back to Equestria." The zebra stared calmly at me and I looked back blinking.

" Um...you don't know how to get me back do you?" She just shrugged and lead me to the mine. It wouldn't have been the first time I mined. We wanted to get coal I could get. Using the pick I had of course this would be the first time I ever digged for anything. But then I noticed something when I hit out the coal. Seeing some strange magic fill the ground and coal replaced the coal i just took. Staring at it and then blinked looking to Jonan.

" Is this normal?" Jonan looked towards me her eyes just staring calmly at me as she keeps mining. But I feel i am the only one that sees this. " Jonon, there is magic in this mine. The coal is growing back." She looks back at me again. She just keep staring, shaking her head. I ignored it.

0000

We worked for hours I even passed out after awhile. I woke up in a dark room and calmly walked out of the house. It was owned by the Zebra that got me into this. But of course she was gone. I went outside to see Ponies and Zebras getting armor and weapons. To be ready to attack the building above us. Jonon calmly taped my shoulder and I looked up to her.

" I found something to help you get into building during the attack. To take down the leader no one knows who that is. But their great great great grandfather built it. After they beat the zebras of the war and turned them into slaves. Then freed them allowing them to build the town."

Blinking a moment thinking to myself then looked up to her. " Why did it turn into what is happening now then? I don't understand this because if you are working together. Then why is he forcing ponies to buy slaves and so on?" Jonon stared at me and then looked towards the road.

" Head down that way...in the very middle of this island you will see a large giant castle with a town in it. That's where the warden and the leader run this town..I have heard of her I heard she is an Alicorn some say she is a dragon some say..She is worse. But many don't see her and live." Blinking nodding calmly sighing. But what she gave me was a stealth buck. Blinking and attached it to the pip buck and would turn it on later.

" When are we attacking?" The Zebra mare smiled softly and looking over to the others.

" In a week. We aren't ready to fight them. So you need more training without guns." Blinking sighing a bit I knew I would have to learned how to fight without guns. I needed to learn to use weapons like Tiria used.. But someday I need to return to my home. So whoever I meet here. I do hope, To bring them with me away from this island. To get back to the wonderful land of Equestria.

But it would take time to train. I calmly looked around and sighed. " Fine. but are you worried they will attack us." Jonon looked up to the house.

" I doubt it..The leader is very much a large coward. To the point he will allow anyone under him to die. To save himself." Blinking thinking a moment nodding. It would be awhile before the battle so. I knew I would have to fight many creatures in this land.

0000

Back in the underground cavern, Back into the arena looking around there are many weapons set down. She was going to teach me the best way to use weapons without guns. Since guns are very rare here along with ammo. Looked at all the weapons. Old weapons that aren't weapons i am used to seeing. The first ones we used are staves. I wasn't allowed to use my magic. Since if the Queen of the island learn magic is being used..She would send her minions to capture and then hold them in jail for months and break them. Taking the staff in my mouth. I didn't know how to fight like a zebra i would learn someday. Lifting the staff and Jonon got on her back hooves and got ready to fight with me.

Zebras rushed to watch us. I knew I would get my ass kicked. She started to attack me, I blocked the vibration went through my body and then I tried to attack back. I had no easy time doing this. Smashing the stave she gave me into her stave. But nothing chased. she just kept attacking me over and over. It's becoming hard to train. Grunted and got on my back hooves and started to attempt to be like her. Even if it was harder for me. I did all i could to keep up with her and then she hit me down breaking my stave and it flew out of the arena and smirked.

" Every hero, little Star Shooter, learns through pain. Now again." Standing up quick and then grabbing the large mace. Charging at her and the stave easily blocked the mace over and over. I was looked like a fool. Closing my eyes sighing. Ignoring all the cheers and such around me. Just listening to the battle and i made a swing but of course again the mace threw out of my mouth and it smashed into the wall and stuck. Looked to the mace glowering showing my anger a bit. Looking back to the other weapons and picked up a dagger and held the blade in my mouth. Charging at her slice into the stave over and over. The slave getting some slices inside.

But she did a twist with her hoof and smacked the hoof into the dagger and it tossed and coughed feeling a cut on my face from the blade of the dagger. Growling through my teeth and then rushed to another weapon a large sword. Rushing at her with my anger and she hit the blade out of my mouth it stabbing into the ground and then she smashed me down with her stave and then stared down at me.

" You're learning...but slowly." She then smashed down on me with her hooves and my world went black."

0000

I opened my eyes and I was on a bed a note written beside me. Here is some food for you my little friend. Eat and be ready for more training. Then we will be ready. Used my magic and lifted up the plate of fish and carrots along with some strange juice. Sighing narrowing my eyes a bit feeling my my cheek and there is a scar there..But it's healing slowly. Taking the food and calmly ate. It's something I wasn't used to eating. Fish was new to me. I have eaten meat before. But that was because I kind of had to when I was younger. Drank the rest of my juice and then stood up hearing commotion outside. Jonon rushed in and smiled.

" Ah your awake. Anyway everything's coming into place. But we need to do this calmly. But of course the battle will not start yet. Also the warden is not speaking about it yet..So the Queen is not sending her spy's to find out who or what is causing this issue. The Queen doesn't leave her castle unless it leads to her castle and then anyone questions her little rule." She closed her eyes and sighed a bit looking up seeing the large mansion and looked back at me.

" Get ready for more training soon. But I need to check on the others. Go see if you can offer help to those that need some help within this town." Gave a nod placing my hood and cloak on and grabbing my weapons. Hiding them under the cloak. " First one go to the potion maker near the docks. She has a job for you..as a test to see if you can be trusted by the resistance here." Giving a nod trotting off calmly.

Looking around the town noticed it's very calm no rapping ponies and Zebras seem heavenly armed and ready to fight anyone that..tries to break the peace. I calmly walked down to the dock. The smell of rotting dead fish and dead creatures. But looking at the water it's pretty pure water. Even though the gardens went off some of the water is going to take awhile to cleanse. Looking towards some ponies and Zebras they seem to be taking the water putting it into some machine and removing the salt. Looking at my caps but I doubt I would be able to buy anything here..Since they don't use caps they still use coins. I noticed some smoke coming from one of the shakes near the docks. Went inside and looked around. Seeing a old Zebra mare that seems blind. But she is mixing all kind of brews and she looked up from the sound of the door.

" Ah it's the little hero..Now young mare." She said in her very exotic voice. Turning to me and smiled. " Jonon told you I have a job for you and she is correct. There is a cave, A cave that has mushrooms grow. But an old war machine that was brought here from Equestria has become a problem. This thing has been here for 200 years never has given me any issues. Now it has it keeps talking about some project that it needs to protect." Blinking a moment nodding.

" Alright I shall do it." The old zebra mare smiled. I head out and noticed my pip buck is leading me to a cave that is not far from the docks. Calmly walked up to the cave and looked inside. Looking at signs that said warning don't go in. Very evil spirits in this cave. Calmly walking inside looking around and I heard nothing at first. But I noticed giant lizards that seemed to leave me alone. Pulling my sword out holding it with my magic at first then placed it in my mouth. Looking around but I noticed all the mushrooms. But as I got deeper inside I noticed an old Equestria base. But I heard some heavy steps and I hid behind a rock. Seeing a large robot that has a brain inside. It's standing on two legs and has machine guns on it. On the side it said. Hawk walker, I calmly moved away from it trying to get inside the building to understand what is going on then a stomp behind me happen and I dropped my sword looking up to the robot as it stared down at me.

" Pony...speak now...I must destroy the Zebra filth." Blinking looking up coughing a bit.

" Um....sir? Miss? The war is over..It's been over for 200 years, and both sides had lost." The robot stared down at me and looked up trying to contact it's hub.

" Any hub able to hear me...any hub at all...I need. " The robot droops and seems to realize this it now that I am speaking the truth. " What happen?"

" I....the bombs fell. The world died...then recently, Equestria itself was cleansed. But it still has problems." The robot just kept staring at me and then gave a robotic sigh. " If..I may ask what in the world are you? I have never seen a robot like you in what was left behind from the war."

The robot calmly spoke. " I am what is known as Project Mech. However, I was the only one built. They placed my brain inside here since my body was destroyed. Then I was on one of the boats that crashed here. We followed a prison ship that held many Zebras. But I was placed on shut down and I just woke up. Because a Pip buck gave a single for me to turn on."

Frowning a bit sighing at all this and then looked up. " The Zebras here are friendly and their under a threat of being raped daily and so are the ponies." The robot wirrirs angrily at the sound of raping.

" I shall come with you and protect this town of ponies and Zebras. I am the only one of Project mech. A failed project since Fluttershy didn't want to risk any more brains to be placed in bodies like this. So I was the lucky one. Also the one who did this was Dr. Slice. I haven't seen the good Doctor in many years. The last time I did was on the ship before we hit the rocks." The mech calmly walks out of the cave and then I looked back at the base it was protecting. Going inside after placing my weapon back in the holder. Going inside the base. It seemed to be an old bunker..But all i saw were a lot of bones and old bodies. Looking at the wall written in blood. 'Beware of Project Mouse.' Blinking a moment Project mouse? But as I looked through I grabbed a bunch of old ammo and whatever weapon I could pick up and placed them in my bags. Hoping to give them to the blacksmith and he could make whatever he could with the ammo and the guns. But before I left I heard a sound. Looking down to see a robotic mouse walk through. But before it got to far it uranted pure green fluid and I went to it after it was done and sniffed it.

After i did so the world around me started to drift and spin and my pip buck started to crack and pop. I had to get out...Walking slowly through the halls to get some fresh air. Seeing bodies in the middle of dried puddles my insides burning and hurting. As I feel wounds forming along my body from something cutting me. Reaching into my magic bags and bringing out a potion and drinking it down. The pain went away as well as the wounds..But looking around I didn't see anything that would hurt me.. But i could still smell the fluid and covered my nose as I left, closing the door behind me to make sure those creatures can't leave. Walking back out of the cave, I see that the mech is standing right by the entrance.

" Come with me. Might I ask what is your name?" I asked while looking up to the mech. It looked down at me and swore i could feel it smile..

" I'm Hawk, you could say. I don't remember my pony name, so just call me Hawk." I nodded and left the cave with the robot following me as Zebras and ponies looked on with fear. It lowered it's weapons to show them it means no harm. Going up the zebra brewing and went inside.

" I took care of the issue miss." The Zebra looked towards me and smiled. Reaching into her bags and brings out some strange coins with the face of that unicorn mare I saw when I first hit here. Looking towards her with a gentle smile.

" You befriended it didn't you, little hero?" She asked.

" i did yes." The older mare smiled as I walked out placing the gold in my bags and looked up to Hawk. " Come with me Hawk I need you to meet Jonon"

00000

Walking back up from the docks with Hawk behind me. When I finally got back to where Jonon slept she came out and looked up at the creature her eyes wide open. Her pupils turning into pinpricks. I smiled removing my mask and chuckled.

"Jonon this is Hawk, a weapon from the war. He wishes to help protect the town of Cliffside." Jonon looked at me a moment she seemed to relax and then looked back to Hawk.

" Hawk...if I may.." The Zebra mare said. " What is your take on Rape?" She bluntly asked. Hawk looked down at her and it would seem the fluid in the cockpit got very red and bubbled.

" My take on it? It is that it should never happen. It's a travesty that ponies even did it during the war. But why do you ask?" Jonon gave a gentle smile and thought on how to say this calmly and looked back to the other buildings in the town.

" Well this town or city most call it a town is called Cliff side it was built by slaves of the war..But it's turned into slave selling raping trading and the guards welcome it and do it themselves..But many of them stay close to the building up top at the moment. We will be heading to take care of them soon and removing the threat to us and ponies once and for all..After all that is said and done..Are you willing to stay while me and the hero do the journey to save this island?"

Hawk seemed to be thinking a moment the magic hydraulics on the legs let off some smoke with a gentle hiss. Then looked around and then back to Jonon. " I shall to protect the Zebras of the war..That didn't even wish to fight. I heard the war ended badly. Very badly.." Hawk seems to make a robotic sob a bit but sighed and then looked at the town. "I shall patrol then." Hawk calmly started off patrolling and then Jonon turned looking at me. Seeming to frown a bit then smiled.

" So..little hero that is your first mission. There are many more for you to do. Are you ready to do so?" Giving a nod and blew air out of my mouth sighing a bit. " I am sorry little Star shooter it's the only way ponies and Zebras can trust you here." Lowering my head giving a nod. " Now your next mission is from a mother." Blinking looking up and she pointed with her hoof to an inn. Looking to her I nodded. " The mother owns the bar so please be quick."

I sighed softly and walked to the inn. Putting the mask back on and seeing that ponies and Zebras are now staring at me. I didn't understand why but..Was I going to be known as the hero of the island. I heard whispers as I walked past and then went inside. Walking up to the inn owner. Who is a mare a red cherry mare with blue streaks in her pink mane. "I am here for the job." She looked at me and gave me a large cup of whatever they drink here. Then pointed with her hoof to one of the tables in the back..I gave a nod.

Trotting over to the table sitting in it and looked at a note on my cup. It read. 'The bar closes in an hour. Please stick around.' Giving a nod and since i was in the darkness.. I started to notice a lot of the guards from the leader of the town seemed to come in here and acted like they owned the place. But most of the time they just sat down to drink and eat. Removing my mask..I calmly started to drink. Whatever this drink was it tasted odd. Looking down seeing it's a strange orange fluid. But I kept drinking it and drank the entire thing down. Then watched guards but..then my vision went odd. I could fully see in the darkness and then I looked beside me and I saw what they wished me to see. A Gila monster that seemed to be hidden but only can be seen with this fluid. It spoke up with a smirk.

" Ah now you can see me..Good it means my wife trust you. Now I got a request of you. I want you to start a bar fight..I want you to get the guards removed. This means even if they stab you. The guards may not be trusted but..not all the people of this town believe their being held back and controlled. Now.." She slips me another drink and gave a smile. " I want you to drink this and you will get extremely drunk and I want you to go to those guard ponies..Do what you can to get them to attack you. If you do this my wife and I will be in your debt." Looking at the drink then back to the Gila monster. Who just had a sharp smile and seemed to be mutated.

Giving a nod I drank it all down it burned so badly. It felt like venom going down my throat. Coughing a bit and looked at the creature but she vanished. I stood up doing what I was meant to do and I tripped hitting one of the guards by mistake. The pony guard looked down at me. All of them did. They smirked and one of them spoke. Strangely, they all seemed to be males.

" Now now. let us help you." He helped me up and then he smacked me with his hoof hard in the face. I flew back and tried pulling my sword out but then another guard smacked into me. The ponies around watching saw what was going on and most of them looked at the guards with anger. Some looked on with glee but also a bit of fear. I was hit into the wall and then stayed on my hooves and groaned and then I charged at one of the guards and turned quickly giving an apple buck, making one of them fly into the wall. Then without me realizing it one of them brought out a bow and grabbed an arrow. Then pulled back on the string and the arrow went deep into my shoulder.

Groaning deeply in pain from the arrow and then a Pegasus forced himself on me and forced me down. Being younger and a bit weaker..I knew i wasn't going to be able to do anything and one of the spectators spoke out.

" Stop! She has had enough!!" Other ponies around said the same thing. But the guards just stared at them with glee.

" No. She hasn't." One of the ponies tossed a knife that had a strange venom on it and they were about to stab me and one of the ponies rushed in to stop them and they turned around and stabbed the mare right in the chest. But then they realized it wasn't a mare at all it was a filly a foal. She was also a worker here. Then they noticed after the glimmer vanished. The ponies who were defenders of the guards. Who didn't care what they did..This was the last straw after the owner of the inn rushed to the filly and held her close sobbing. The ponies grabbed their weapons and the guards ran out quickly. The ones doing the chasing were the griffins and outside there were sounds of weapons ripping flesh and cutting into bone.

Just laying there feeling my body burn coughing hard and vomiting whatever it was that I drank. My vision going back to normal. Every creature that was in the bar is now gone and I watched the mare hold the little one sobbing. But then after awhile the filly vanished along with the owner and I looked seeing the owner waving to me looking to see the blood gone. I stood up shakingly on my hooves and walked to them calmly. I finally got a good look of her wife. A pure red Gila monster who stood on her back legs like Tiira did but..she had a bigger hunch that made it hard for her to walk on them.

" Ah yes forgive us little hero for what we had to do." The gila monster said. The mare nods " Forgive my wife she doesn't speak. I'm Speckle Scale this is my wife Paw pad" Pad smiled sweetly nodding and nuzzled into Speckle blood drained from my nose and i had a nasty bruise on my face.

" How did you do it all?" Speckle smirked and chuckled.

" Thanks to the magic of this island many of the creatures mutated from it. Unlike what happened on Equestria with the bombs and all this island was created by some powerful magic. It's why there are many creatures like us and why we are able to breed with ponies. But you don't need to know my sex life with my wife of course. Now again we are sorry. Oh and yes." She clicked her claws and I saw the little mare show up who was the waitress and then saw her die and become the filly with a wound in her chest blood draining from her mouth and a mare rushing to her and hugging her sobbing. Then she clicks again. It all vanished and she smiled.

"My magic is illusion my entire race has one magic and one magic only..I am that..It's easy to spy and such. Now hero have some food and drink on the house from us. Also some music." Blinking she clicked her claws again and a band formed playing calm music. But it was just music and no singing. I sighed stroked my head with my hoof it was throbbing from whatever i drank..But when I sat at the chair..They put down some veggies like carrots and other stuff..Along with some nasty looking water..But of course this water has been cleansed from what they told me.

00000

After eating and drinking whatever it was. I was given some more gold coins of this currency of this island. Looking to see bodies of the guards being cut into sections by Griffins so they could eat them. My stomach lurched a bit from that drink they gave me before the meal. It still messed up my stomach..But I was able to see there are more things to this island then I didn't know.. I looked out to the water and finally saw the spell. The spell looked like it was created by Zebras and ponies. But why would an island be made to keep them in? This is odd to me really that it was made to be like that. Then I saw something I never thought i would see again..That sea monster surfaced and it looked right at me. It's eyes glowed brightly and pointed at me.

I blinked putting a hoof to my chest and the creature nodded. Then he pointed down to the docks. I sighed walking back down to the docks. I trotted past Hawk, who is now patrolling with a few Griffins. The guard that normally are around, are now being chased back to the large house on the hill. Finally I got to the dock and the creature came out of the water and stared down at me. It spoke calmly and growled.

" Creature of Equestria. You don't belong here. But the only way you can leave. Is in three years there is a hole in the spell. But i doubt you wish to wait that long to get back home. But I have seen that you have been causing a big stir here. I have come to warn you..If the Queen learns what you are doing..She will find you break you and then kill you." Giving a nod and then looked back up to him sighing.

" What is this island really..I was told it's a penal colony..I highly doubt this." The creature looked at me and then looked around and leaned down to whisper.

" This island was made to hold a minion of a great threat. A threat that hasn't been seen in hundreds of years or so the story that was created by the first Zebras that landed here..So they could find a hero that could defeat it. But this would mean a war would start on this island. You are close to starting that war. If you destroy the threat that is sleeping on this island..The spell will be broken." Blinking and sighed softly and then walked back to get to Jonon then turned back to see the creature vanished. I blinked and saw a bright light of him just going somewhere and had no idea anymore.

Sighing and biting my lip a bit not sure what to think anymore. I am here to fight a threat start a war? It's something I wasn't extremely happy hearing that feeling that if I caused a war here..Then it was going to be a pretty bad thing. But I finished another one of the task for Jonon and I walked up to her and she looked down at me with a gentle smile.

" Ah your eyes have been touched by the juice of the illusion. Now you will see things that have so much magic in them..But it will go away but only show up when you will it." Blinking a moment and looked into a broken mirror and saw my eyes they glowed just a bit. I could see that I had powerful magic flowing through my blood up to my horn. Then I blinked once more and the eyes went back to normal and then I looked back to Jonon.

" What is my next task?" Jonon looked towards me and smiled. She went into her home and brought out a basket.

" I need you to take this to the orphans. It's their food. It's been hard to get them food since our leaders." She said with hate in her voice. " Needed to steal it from us for him." Nodding and lifted the basket with my mouth and she tapped me with her hoof and pointed with a hoof to a very run down looking building on the outskirts of the town. It was heading out of the town. I gave a nod and left.

0000

After awhile I finally got to the building but i noticed something red in my vision. I just remembered my eyes forward sparkle and set the basket down and..saw them. Giant dragonflies that breathed fire. Looking at my pip buck, I saw no rads but then I remembered this is not like Equestria. What happen here was something very different. No bombs just over use of magic and discharge. But the creatures were flying weirdly but It didn't hit me at first. I pulled out my sword and they bugs charged at me and I heard hooves? They smashed into me and I flew back and my sword hit the ground and it lifted my sword?

Then I finally knew what this was..it was another one of their damn test. So I tried willing the vision and I saw it...The creatures aren't even there but...how did I get hit? What did I get hit by. Then when it got closer I finally saw it. Of course it was so stupid. I was fighting a creature that used illusions to make itself bigger. It was a small little muskrat. I stood up and still heard the hooves. Charging at it myself and when i hit with my horn I stabbed into the chest of a pony. The pony jumped back turning to normal but..it wasn't a pony. it was a real musk rat creature. The creature held it's chest and looked at me with very angry eyes.

"OI you want to fight?! DOO YA?!" The creature yelled. But before it could charge at me the orphans rushed out and stepped in front of the rat and gave me angry eyes.

" How dare you attack miss Swampy?!' Blinking a moment and looking at the young ones stare at me.

" I...um....brought the food that Jonon wished me to..then swampy? Attacked me....I um..sorry?" The ponies looked to Swampy and the creature shrugged.

" Can you blame me? A pony that looks heavily armed bringing a basket you tend to fear it's a threat thanks to the owner of this town. Fine fine." The creature tossed me a bunch of coins and they landed in front of me and she lifted up the basket with her tail and I just stared at them as they walked away. I was flabbergasted how...did I know? Now I am being...”I sighed but then looked back at the building and spoke softly.

" I can help fix the building if that would be more of help." They all turned to look at me.

" Thanks for the offer dear." The rat creature smiled sweetly. " But even if you try the guards will see you and destroy everything. So please go on." Sighing again nodding and lifted my sword and then the coins as well walking off. Feeling so tired and sore now.

00000

Walking back to Jonon's house she seemed to be relaxing a bit and the resistance had more presence on the streets now. But I was just so dead tired. I had no idea what to do anymore tonight. I took off my mask and she saw my tired face and she smiled gently.

" Go rest...we will remove the fool tomorrow." Giving a nod I simply walked to my bed and removed my cloak and everything else looking at my pip buck and it showed my body was crippled in some spots. But I couldn't do a thing about it. I was told recently that pain makes you stronger. I lied down in the bed and fell asleep because tomorrow it would be time to fight for the town.

Footnote: Level up

Perk added: Magic sight: From the drink you were given at the inn. It gave you the ability to see magic. But don't overuse it.

Chapter Two: Blaze

" How fate Ends."

It was the middle of the night before the day of the fight. I woke up to screaming and sword clashing. The battle had started early. I gathard my cloak and weapons along with my bag and rushed outside. Seeing that the village is on fire. It seems the leader of these guards made a surprise attack. I saw many bodies of zebras and ponies I didn't know.

I saw many of them rushing into the inn. As it seems it's the only building along with some on the dock that is not burning. I noticed the ordinance is on fire and all the children and the swamp rat thing is in the inn as well. I got into the battle hearing machine guns from Hawk and we started to push them back. Arrows flew behind us and then I heard more gunshots. Looking towards the blacksmith I noticed they were able to make guns but very poor guns.

They still fired and hit the guards and I noticed Jonon who had a few arrows in her side. But she kept plugging on and they were pulling zebras griffins and ponies out of the burning buildings. I felt I had enough. There is something in my bag. I never told Jonon that it was in there. I attached the Stealth buck and reached into my bag, bringing out several metal apples, and a landmine. I rushed by the guards into the middle of them and set down a frag and they blew up causing them to fly and burn. Then I tossed one up the road to them more burning. I looked down and Jonon had a look of disappointment frozen to her face.

I reached into my bags with my magic and pulled out some tape and before another guard rushed out. I placed the mine covered in tape on the ass of the stallion without him even knowing. Of course i didn't know if it would go off or not. But I armed it first. Maybe I would hear something. Then I went into the building. Looking around calmly and saw the nameplate of who owned this building. The Bicep's family. Looking to see the first of this line. Captain Bulk Biceps had built this house. Then went down the line and I finally saw the owner of this house. Sir Bicep's. I looked at the painting seeing the smug ass grin. It was pretty silent in this house. Looking around very calmly and looked into a glass case..Seeing a very old gun. A gun called the Bulk. It seemed to be a giant giant gun made for one as big as this Bicep's family. But before I could do anything I finally heard something and walking out of the room. It seemed to be a bodyguard of the owner. A large earth pony male with heavy armor and large sword's. I tried to sneak with the stealth buck of course not realizing that it's about to go shut off. I got closer and a little bit closer and when I got near him it went turned off and I looked at him face to face. He looked down at me in my eye. Giving me a soft kind smile. I gave a weak smile back trying to now back up and then before I could the large stallion lifted on his back hoofs and tried to smash into me. But I moved quickly but felt a bit of a shock wave that shook the house..That made me back up closer.

Coughing a bit and looked up to him. I was scared to death was it normal for me to pee? Well I did pee myself and looked down the puddle of yellow forming at my hooves and gulped deeply. He walked closer to me and started to speak in a deep voice. " So...you're the one that has been causing all the problems." He started walking closer to me. " The little hero..trying to make the island a better place. Go back to Equestria little filly. You belong there with the rest of the filth." My eyes went wide and I kept my cool and with my magic I pulled out my sword. He pulled out his giant sword with his mouth and I just stared.. I was trained to fight like a Zebra. But it wasn't going to be easy. Because I needed more than just a few weeks of training. Slowly we started to move around each other eyeing each other. Looking for weakness but the battle was getting closer..I could hear screaming and swords from the battle outside.

It was silent inside the house. All we heard was the screaming and the sword. He charged first and rushed at me. I ducked and went through his legs. He tried stomping me with his hooves but I made it before he could get me and I turned around quickly slicing into his flank. Blood spurted everywhere but he kept going. he then turned around and smashed his sword into mine and I had to parry it and groaning in pain from trying to use my magic. Then I didn't noticed that he lifted a hoof and smashed into me made me fly into the wall. The sword dropped from my magic and I coughed and looked up from him and he said in a dark smile with the sword in his mouth.

" You...will...die.." He charged and I tried to get out of the way and He stabbed me right in the shoulder and I coughed as the sword impaled me into the wall so much pain but..he couldn't pull it out. But he smirked at me and pulled out another sword and I was in a daze from the pain. As he stabbed a knife into my other shoulder. I groaned in more pain..i couldn't move. I knew my bones were broken and I couldn't move my leg to see the Pip buck. I had to do something my vision turned into the magic seeking. Looking around i noticed a vase that had a strange magic aura. I tried to grab it with my magic but I couldn't he was backing up. He set his bow down and then armed an arrow and I heard a window break seeing a gun landing right beside me. Looking up seeing the merchant lizard and gave me a nod vanishing into the night. Looking at the gun and him looking at me with glee to shoot me with an arrow. He fired but the arrow missed very slightly hitting my mane and it hitting the wall. I finally lifted the gun and weakly aimed and finally did what I should have done.

I went into S.T.A.T.S. and time slowed down. I aimed for his head targeting it three times. The first two shots missed him and when the time went back to normal I fired one more time and he fell dead. But then I noticed my Pip Buck it said. Stats will not refresh . Something on this island was blocking its ability to recharge. Groaning in so much pain, I used my magic to pull out the knife and the sword. I groaned as I’m sure my bones are broken. Looking into my bag for some potions. I did find them of course and I drank the two the wounds and the bones did heal..But I felt I was standing on very weak legs. But then fell back on my haunches groaning. I felt my body burn from pain and I groaned softly. Slowly I stood back up. Now I needed to find the owner of this building. Looking around calmly my eyes studying the glass cases. Some were full of old armor and flag's. Other had old weapons and some had guns along with a few bullets for said guns. I was looking at old paintings of the princess and ponies before they died from the stupid war that somehow got to this island. My hooves clicked along the wood of the floor.

Slowly walking upstairs to try to find the owner of this building and when I finally got to the main room. A chair was not facing me it was turned around looking into the fire place. A voice spoke a soft male voice.

" You must be the hero that is trying to rescue this little town of filth. But from the point of you view that you see. Yes I do understand. You're from Equestria! Where my ancestors are from. I am sorry to say though if you kill me, the Queen will send some of her army to take this place back from you. But that’s if she cares what goes on here. But If you call off your dogs and I call off what is left of mine, we will have a duel! A duel for the fate of this town. If i win I will kill all the Zebra and leave the ponies to be breeding fodder. If you win, I will be dead of course but if you do win, my guards will leave and you may have all the treasures of this building."

The large Pegasus stood up and he had a dueling sword along his side. He looked to me and smiled. " No guns. Just the weapons of the past. Before the war that ended our land."

His offer was just too good. A way to free the town and without much bloodshed? I gave him nod. I would free this town!

0000
Duel for Cliffside

It took some time but i was able to get the citizens of Cliff side to stop their attack. I had no gear on anymore but my sword. The citizens were ready to kill anyone even after the duel. I told them the deal but most didn't care they would do what they wished anyway. A storm oddly started to form and rain slowly. Putting the sword in my mouth and it was getting to be time. I looked at all the citizens of Cliff side that lived through the battle. They all were out here cheering for me most of the guards held back because if they even got close to the citizens they would be killed. The Pegasus started to speak.

" Citizen's of Cliff side...This is a duel of the old ways before our lands pushed ourselves into that silly war of the past. If she wins..Everything will belong to you and the debt my ancestors did to you will be repaid. If I win...then you will follow me and rebuild this town. The deal has already been agreed. Now! No using magic unicorn." Giving a nod and the clock not far from us counted down to the time for the duel.

It was time and our weapons clashed while the storm came down harder and ten times nastier but..they all watched. This was their fate a fate that they never knew they wanted. He had more experience then I did he was able to hit me back a few times and got a few cuts in on me but I was able to get one of his wings. Blood drained from my small wound's. Blood drained from his wing. Pain went through every fiber of me. It was getting harder to do this fight..Because I had muscles I over strained while trying to keep myself from falling. He smashed my sword out of my mouth and then looked at me with a grin.

" Ah the hero..doesn't fight so well I see." He said speaking with the sword in his mouth and started to swing his sword at me in many stabs motions and swings. I could feel the power behind each swing and stab and I did my best to avoid then and I heard Jonon yell. 'Fight like a Zebra!!' Then I started to use my training I got on my back hooves and jumped into the air getting onto his back..But being smaller I couldn't do anything but while he was trying to buck me off his back. I wrapped around his neck and then tried to remove all the air from it. He started to slow while his eyes were bugging out. Grabbing a knife with my mouth I stabbed it right into his head killing him but when I did, a flash hit my eyes.

00000
Memory

I was in the body of Bulk? He was building his house and he looked to the Queen as she came over with a gentle smile on her face.

" Did you find the seal and make sure it was protected?" My host gave a nod looking towards the building. He didn't seem to speak much but he did speak. It had a calm and relaxed voice.

" This seal, what will happen if all of them are shattered?" The Queen known as Majesty just seemed to give a dark smile.

" If all the seals are broken on this island, it weakens the seal holding the great threat in place. A threat that would not just harm all of Equestria but the world."

My host blinked and looked back at the Queen.

" You mean the creature imprisoned on this island is not the greatest threat?" Before she could answer back the vision ended.

0000
Unknown

I woke up in a bed. A bed I have never seen before. Slowly getting out of it and I looked around hearing hooves close to the way in and Jonon walking inside.

" Ah you're awake hero. You have been out for a couple of day's. The citizens of the town have thought of giving you this house and you becoming the leader of Cliff Side."

I blinked a moment and thought a moment and sighing knowing If I said no somepony would be put in their place much worse.

" I will be your advisor since..I am one of your companions that follow you on your journey." Giving a nod and slowly stood out of the bed.

" First things first...I am sure he has a garden here..We need to harvest and give all of the food we can find to the citizens then see what is in the basement" She nodded we looked through the entire house seeing mostly paintings and then we got a one large room that was the main room. I found him. IN the room was many books and in the middle on the desk a map of the entire island. But it seems it was made 200 years ago before more of the folks that are here showed up.

Then I remembered that vision I had about the basement. Heading down into the basement we saw a lot of old gear from so long ago. Even some turrets that could be placed around the town. But it would take time to get power to them. They have been powered down for so many year's. The fact they would even work would be impressive to me. Looking through more of the room of the basement not seeing the seal that is carved into the floor and I walked over it. A shield forming around and me and it started to glow. But only I could see this and then it vanished a loud angry laugh sounded as the ground shook for about a few minutes but I was the only one feeling this..But then I looked back to Jonon and she gave me an odd look.

Then I sighed and started looking through more of the basement. Finding some old guns that haven't been used and a lot of ammo we both took the armor and ammo we found along with the guns and gave it all to the blacksmith and then after that..the ponies of the town bowed to me. I just stood there watching them not sure what to think.

But I gave a gentle smile because I knew they needed me to help them through their pain. But It would be along time before I even left cliff side to see what else this island has to offer me. But suddenly I was moved off my hooves and they carried me to the inn. The inn there was a party and a bunch of food for me to have and I just stayed on my own as the ponies and zebras well other creatures of this town cheered and were extremely happy to be freed. I didn't know what to think or what to do anymore at this moment. So I calmly drank and ate watching them party. I stayed in the darkness of the back room I didn't wish to cheer. I wanted to get home. I needed to see my family..I wanted to speak to the one that gave me the will to go on before she died.

But I had the owner of the bar and her wife sit at the same table as me. I looked up to them and they both smiled. They knew I didn't want to be a bother but Speckled and Paw pad just sat there looking at me with smiles on their faces. But Speckled finally spoke and being a salamander it was odd to me that she was married to a pony.

" Now little Star shooter we need you to stay longer in the town. I am sure many have told you that we need to rebuild. We need to be ready for you to leave. Because if we aren't ready just in case the Queen herself sends her guards to fight us..We will need you to stay here to face them." Looking towards the citizens of the town that came here to party but some just came here to relax and drink. It's something I knew that was going to happen. But looking towards the two.

" What do you need me to do then?" The two set down a list and I looked at it calmly reading down it. Along it is to get the fishing market of this little town up to snuff meaning I need to help build more boat's. Then check in with their doctor a doctor that seems to keep to himself a bit to much. Mainly stick around the town and upgrade update and do what I can for it. Looking through most of it. It seems I need to find a way to get a steady stream of food into it. But I would need to find out the best way to get a brew to help grow some gardens quickly. Then I looked through another part of the list. All that I need to do is train guards arm them feed the town. Find a way to get more fish. So I needed to stay here much longer then I wished..I didn't wish this and they could tell that on my face.

Looking towards the two and I gave a gentle smile. " I will do what I can for you.. I do know there is a large garden in the house up there..I will do some harvesting take the seeds to other gardens and try to get more gardens growing. But the thing that is going to be hard is to find enough guards to protect this place. But then I thought of Hawk.

" I got an idea for the captain of the guard for this town." Standing up out of the chair. All the citizens that could make it to the party looked at me. But then I sat back down and they got back to partying looking to Jonon bringing her over with a hoof.

" Jonon..please go to Hawk and tell him. I would like him to be the captain of the guard." Jonon gave a gentle bow. " Oh and I would like some you trust to protect the house while we are gone from here. We can't stay here forever. I need to find a way to get back to Equestria somehow."

She nodded and calmly slipped out. I just sat there watching the party go on. I was slipped a drink and It made my vision go strange and I don't know what I did but I partied through the night.

0000
Unknown caves

I woke up in a strange bed and looked around and looked at the edge of the bed with a stallion on me and...I finally realized what happen. I tried to move away from him and felt so sore. I grunted getting out of the bed and slowly walked out of the house I was in. I found I wasn't even in town. But then I realized the reason i was sore. I felt pain in me and I finally woke fully. Seeing there was no stallion at all but I was held down by one of the Queen's powerful warriors. A large bug creature. I didn't know their names. But they seemed to be the cross of a cockroach and a cricket. He spoke chittering.

" Yes....the queen wishes to send..you a message child. Yes...a message." He rubbed his upper hands together as he held me down. " She knows what you did child yes. Now now, we can't have you go back for help. You will come with me and we shall hold you in jail for most of your life." He lifted me up and I groaned but i had to find a way to free myself. Having none of my weapons at all just my...Pip buck. I noticed I wasn't tied up and I was getting farther away from the town, but then it was hidden from the mist. Lifted up the pip buck and smashed it right into the back of his head over and over. He finally fell to the ground holding his head with his many hands. I ran off as he charged after me his wings spread out. Looking to my pip buck it was saying I couldn't find the map. But I got to the edge of a cliff and fell down screaming and the bug creature just stayed watching me fall and I vanished into the mist falling to my death. I hit the ground hard feeling so much pain..But only a few broken bones.

I couldn't even move and my vision blacked out.

Opening my eyes I was in a bed wrapped in bandages looking around. But it was a cave. I didn't know were i was I tried to move and groaned screaming in pain as the sound went out through the cave and I heard hissing and saw a salamander come towards me she had very fiery red scales and she seemed to exhale smoke came from her nose. She looked up to me.

"You're lucky to be alive little pony. You seem very far from home." I nodded, coughing a bit as it feels like one of my ribs had hit one of my lungs.

" i am...from Equestria...but i have been living the past few weeks in Cliff side..." The lizard nodded looking towards the way out of her cave.

" But you seemed to be on the run from something. But I shall go find someone from Cliff side that knows you." I watched while Blaze calmly walked out of her cave and I lay back in her bed closing my eyes for a bit..Then woke up hearing some buggy sounds...As a voice echoes in the cave.

" Oh...little pony I hear...you Cricket hears you oh yes...The queen wants you to play with her. It won't be so bad. " He then Gasped and laughed darkly. " OH it will be glorious." Feeling great fear I got out of the bed and didn't know how big this. But all that the creature had in here was a bed. Slowly I slipped into the cave it was pretty dark but I could hear him clicking along. I willed to let my magic vision see through. So I can see the magic of this island let me get to the way out. I kept hearing him speak with laughs and giggles.

" Oh little pony come and play oh I will not hurt you...Much!!" Groaning in so much pain. Every part of me was crying. I covered my mouth to muffle the coughing. I kept following the magic path to get out of the cave. Feeling so much pain fill me. I knew if he spotted me I would be dead. Slowly in pain using my weight to get on my wounds. But he and I weren't alone in this cave. The creature knew their way around it. But then I ran into something large and fuzzy. The creature turned to look at me and I saw it's evil eyes.

“OH Fucking Goddess” I said to myself it's a bear! I was scared to death but i had to run. As the bear roared and I tried to get away quickly.

" Now now Bear...that is my target." The bear turned to the bug and charged after him and he grabbed many swords in his six arms holding them in his hands and I heard them battle. But I kept running out. hear sinister laughing. " Wait little pony...don't you want to see the winner?!" My bandages started to bleed more if i wasn't careful I would pull something or cause something to bleed. The battle grew more and more distant but while I couldn't fully go quick. I knew the bug would be on me quickly. Finally I found a way out but I slipped and fell down a small drop and hit the ground more bones cracking and breaking but I could still walk well barley. I must have broke many of my ribs and I slowly could get away but suddenly the bug landed in front of me. He stared down at me with a large evil glare on his face chittering. I moved back as he walked towards me.

" Now now...little pony it would have been easy for you if you just came with me. The Queen wants to make an example of those that threatened her rule." He came closer to me as my butt was forced against the cave wall and I gulped, tears falling from my eyes. He swung one of his swords at me and I covered my eyes but I felt my horn glow and the sword was pulled from his hand he hissed and swinged another at me my magic grabbing it using two. Despite the pain I started fighting him but with so much pain i couldn't get away from the wall and tried to slice into him no luck. Jumping aside but i fell and dropped the swords he picked them back up and laughed.

" The Queen doesn't want you dead little pony." I started shaking was he came closer to me and started tying me up and gagging me. I wasn't going to be able to get out this time. But I heard a large lizard like growl and the salamander landed on the bug and breathed fire on him as he dropped me and Jonon rushed over looking me over and had a frown on her face.

" Stay there little Star shooter." She rushed to help the Salamander with the bug and he was kind of on fire. While Jonon quickly attacked him like she did me when we first met. Doing many of the zebra attacks that she taught me. I was lying here in so much pain knowing that I wouldn't be awake to see the winner..I Slowly started to black out as my vision started to darkened and then I finally passed out.

0000
Doc's Office Cliffside

I am sure it's been a few days later I had no dreams and I woke in a bed I knew. Groaning a bit I sat up but i screamed loudly since I felt so much pain. But I wasn't in a bed i knew. I was in the bed of that doctor I was meant to meet. The doctor trotted in and stared at me.

"Shhh. Lay there child. You need to rest." I gave a nod and lay back. " You're extremely lucky that your friends found you when they did. I will let them talk to you. When you heal up, I got a task for you." Giving a weak nod, I lay back and he left as The lizard walked in so did Jonon they seemed no worse for wear. The salamander got on her back webbed feet and looked at me.

" I didn't give you my name little pony. I am Blaze..I have been told you are Star shooter, a hero. I shall come with you on your journey." I smiled softly nodding but laid back in so much pain.

"How come...i can't have potions?" Jonon sighed and nuzzled my neck a bit and smiled.

" The doctor feels it wouldn't heal you correctly so he used magic to fix your bones. Now he feels your body just need;s a bit of a rest." Giving a smile and then I wondered but I would ask when I wake up. Laying back down feeling so much pain as I tried to get just right. Blaze and Jonon did stay with me though. Closing my eyes and fell asleep. I slept have calm gentle dreams But dreams that didn't make anything important till..

0000
Dreams

i could hear voices in my mind and they all said the same thing.

" He is coming...the great darkness is coming. Red eye's...pure red evil eye's. No pony will live no pony will live..All you know will die. he is coming the seal's have been broken. Repent allow the pact to control what you do and then maybe he will let you live poor little ponies."

Blinking I wanted to see what this creature was and I saw red eye's coming towards me with a dark evil laugh. But It kept coming and I had to run..i was running away as the eye's got closer and all i saw was a mouth opening up and very evil looking teeth trying to bite me. But I quickly got away and just heard dark evil laughter as I stopped turning to stare at the creature.

" Your princess couldn't stop me...Your world is weak...I will finally take over the world that stopped me the first time." The creature gives a dark smile."

Closing my eyes tightly trying to remove this creature from my brain and a flash of light blinded me and then when the light vanished a Alicorn stood there with a gentle smile. I couldn't believe who it was it was Celestia..But I know she wasn't really there..But there to protect my mind from harm. Bowing my head a bit closing my eyes and smiled.

" Thank you Goddess" She didn't speak but nodded with her gentle motherly smile and I slept soundly. I had no dreams but I knew I slept through the night.

0000
Doc's Office

I woke up the next morning and slowly got out of the bed groaning and had to see what was going on but Blaze stood in front of the door and stared at me she seemed to block the entire door with her body and just kept staring at me. She didn't speak the one but with her tail she pointed back to the bed. Sighing I did what i was asked and she used her tail to her eye's saying she is watching me. Then went back around the corner of the door.

" I just...wanted to..." I said as i got back on the bed.

" Don't care.." Replied Blaze.

" But!" I countered back.

" No butts Star you need to rest..now do so before..I tie you down and have wild sex with you. Oh wait keep acting like that. It sounds like fun." She laughs. Gulping with a bright red face I lay back on the bed and waited for the doctor closing my eyes. " Come on Star I need some fun.." She said with a hissing giggle. My face turned so bright red. I could have been mistaken for a very red pony. But I cleared my mind and then tried to find a window..Standing on the bed trying to see outside. But there was no windows it was blocked and I tried to listen to the outside. But I heard nothing. Groaning and lay back down. As the doctor finally came in and smiled.

" Ah there we are...Now we found some potions and we can help heal you..But I would say don't do anything to crazy. But I do have a job for you. Now I know what you found in that cave. You found a bunker from the old war. I need you to go to the elevator that is in there and try to find any research on sickness here. Now you won't be going alone you will be going with Blaze..Jonon is needed here." Giving a nod and Blaze gave me a seductive smile. My cheeks started burning hotly. But then I shake my head and drank the potions i was given. I felt the bones and my body healing but still had a bit of pain.

Slowly got out of the bed and Blaze came over wrapping her tail around me and looked to the doctor.

" I will keep a good eye on her doc. Besides I want to make her my mate..so she needs to be alive for that." The doc laughed as I just blushed so red. She then pulled me along with her tail. I wasn't expecting this but It made me flattered very flattered. Going to my new home and i gathered my gear and I turned to look at Blaze.

" Um...what do you see in me that makes you want to well..you know." She looked to me and smiled softly and wrapped her tail around me tighter.

" Listen...I am sure you have been told that all sexes would be attracted to you for being the hero of the legend. Also I am willing to get to know you Star Shooter before I force you in bed and then do whatever your kind do to claim or marry whatever it is." My cheeks are bright red. I didn't know what to say but I felt maybe this is a good thing.

" But how did you know...I was this hero of legend?" I simply asked. Blaze looked at me with a gentle smile and gave me a long lick on my cheek making me blush bright bright red.

" I just simply asked your Zebra friend...Then asked if you have been taken already by anyone else." She said with a hissing smile and I started to feel that she would be good for me. " Besides..I have no one else..I am a outcast of the Salamander race..Because I didn't follow the queen's will. Besides your so cute when you blush." I was bright red and getting shy pawing the ground with my hoof. She was enjoying the effect she was having on me..She wrapped her tail around my neck and pulled me along.

" Come little hero. Lets not keep the doc waiting besides..When we get back i am going to show you how my kind dance.." She winked at me I looked so red that my normal fur color was. But I have a feeling she would be very protective of me and as we left she turned to me and gave me a deep kiss. It would be my ever first kiss and when she broke it unwrapping her tail around me and I fell on my face with a on air smile and she laughed at that. Slowly standing back up blushing still and Jonon walked into to see all this she just chuckled and whispered gently to Blaze and she nodded.

" Come Star Shooter." Smiled and calmly walked out of the house with my new friend.

0000
Cave outside Bunker

" Then she died..giving birth.. She taught me so much before she passed. I was just eight when that happen. I miss her so much. But Things like this happen she saved us and saved me from dyeing." We were getting to know each other as we walked to the cave and into it. i felt I had a right to tell her what happen to Tiria and the rest of Equestria. I started to like her even if she was a bit forward with what she wanted. But maybe there would be love there. But when we got into the cave we stayed silent the lizard's even seemed to watch us..All the mushrooms have been removed for now.

Slowly we walked into the bunker and We had gas mask on..Just in case I saw that mouse again. It was interesting that one could fit her. But she kept her tail wrapped around me being extremely defensiveness of me at the moment. Blaze wanted me alive so she could give me what she called the night of pleasure and love. Of course she couldn't see the heat on my face. Because it was getting to the point I was very red..But now we needed to worry about what is in here..I went to the computer that controlled the elevator that went down the basement. From what I have been reading this project mouse created a lot of problems for the ponies in this bunker. But that's all I could get and then I powered the elevator back up and when the door open a body fell through well it was of bone's. But when it fell it just lay there. Looking to Blaze she just shrugged and wrapped her tail around me tighter and we both went inside the elevator. Clicking the button to let is go down. But of course Blaze started wrapping tighter around me to the point I felt so much pressure but of course she just spoke up.

" I am not letting my wife to be or whatever to get hurt..Besides i need you strong tonight." Again my face turned bright red. It was becoming crazy at the fact that she wanted me this badly. I never thought a non pony would fall in love with me. But again we had to concentrate on what what happen here. But I removed the mask it was getting on my nerves and I looked to Blaze. I gave her just a gentle smile.

00000
Inside Bunker

The elevator finally opened and down here we found an large lab. Also it seemed to be made to house an entire army. But more of the bodies with the green substance around and looking around on the walls. Seeing beware of Project Mouse. Project Stop watch and Project Mech. Blinking and thinking to myself three projects and why did they worry about Hawk? Maybe Hawk did something they don't remember. But Blaze asked the most interesting question.

" Project Mouse?" She just gave a shrug of her shoulders and we started to look around for research on sickness. It seems they didn't have any security down here to protect the well whatever was placed down here. But again it seemed most of whatever was down here killed all the ponies that lived in here. The two of us went through this and I noticed a screen showing live of a Ghoul detective seeming to be with his friends in a strange mountain area and A zebra mare with heavy robotic hooves and her friends seeming to fight some war not far from Detrot. But it just seems they change every now and then. Then I saw the big 52 then...went to the hoof and the rest of the world. It's getting interesting. Why would this be used to spy? But how could it spy with...

" Wait a moment..." I looked closer. Suddenly, I realized that this was all ten years ago. What is happening is all that happened ten years ago somehow they are receiving stuff from ten years ago. Then it changed again showing Tiria fighting for camp that is her home and I froze...staring at the one that inspired me...Tears formed in my eyes. Blaze looked at the screen then back at me..Then back at the screen..

" Star Shooter...it's the past you need to move on." Giving a nod I answered back.

" I have...just watching the past when i was so young...While all this was going on is crazy to me. But...how can they be getting all this ten years later." Then it was fuzzy and it said interference from an outside force. Next window three years from now. " The spell is blocking the rest. So this has been going on for every three years. I am sure they were able to watch the world die in here. " Clicking on some buttons and I got a recording with a video.

" We just...saw Equestria burn...the war is over...We need to tell the captain..It's been three years since then..Oh Goddesses to damn this island..We are stuck here while are families are maybe dyeing.." In the background there are ponies sobbing and no pony doing anything. Clicking the next one about project mouse but all I found is what it's meant to be a mining robot. That's all really. Then nothing else after it. Clicking on another and there was screaming and ponies dyeing.

" Some..thing..Cough...cough. Is..down here killing us." Then the image died..but the scream's didn't and it all went dead. That happened 100 years ago. Whatever this was caused them all to die. Looked to Blaze and gave her a nod using my magic to pull out my sword. Calmly walking along the room to see what we can find. Looking through some of the housing that is down here..But all we found are beds. Then we saw a sign saying research. Nodded to Blaze with a gentle smile and we went inside the room that held the research. Looking through it we found old vial's with fluid still in them. I took them and placed them into my bag. Blaze started looking through stuff as well but as we did. I noticed more of those little mice robots. But they seemed to avoid us. I watching them digging and placing ore everywhere but then they released a strange fluid not far from us..But I couldn't smell it this time. But I was asked to take anything. Grabbing one of the vial's that the doc gave me and placed it in and then capped it putting it into my bag's and Blaze found some research papers but there wasn't much left it's like everything melted but as we looked around more of those robotic mice started surrounding us but they didn't do much but seem to move around.

Calmly the two of us walked through the research and I wanted one of these mice..But i doubt it would have been a good idea. Leaving the room more mice showed up and they started to stare at us with strange sounds coming from them like their speaking to each other. One of them sprayed on the ground right near my hooves and I could now smell it and I started getting dizzy but I noticed that Blaze didn't get affected by it. She forced my mask back on me and the dazing went away but i did have some scar's. She grabbed me with her strong tail lifting me u p to keep me away from the slime. Then I saw that she started to breath fire to destroy these mice. Some down burn but more are made from a strange hole that came from the research and she carried me far away from these creature's. For some reason these mice wanted us dead but she tripped on something in the middle of the floor and I flew over the mice and landed right into the elevator door. But she rushed over to me and burned whatever got near her. She then rushed to me lifting me up with her tail clicking the elevator and we both waited as she lifted me up to keep me away from the little creature's

It finally came down and we rushed in and she held me close and tight against her she wasn't letting me go. But she removed her tail and removed my mask and looked me over to see if there is any more wounds and all I could do was blush bright red.

" Alright you seem alright...Now lets get this stuff to the doc and then we can go back to your new place and get to know each other..Then I can please you all night." Pawing the floor with my hoof again. But when the elevator open there were no more of those mice. But we needed to block this building off from the rest of the creature's of this island..

Slowly walking out of the bunker and I sighed calmly closing my eyes and breathed deeply smelling the fresh air and had a smile on my face as we walked back out of the cave to go to the doc.

00000
Cliffside

We walked through the town and hawk calmly patrolled near us but then I stopped.

" Hawk...do you know what Project Mouse is?" Hawk turned looking down at me and the hydraulics steamed a bit while the robotic creature just looked at me or I thought it did with strange camera's looking at me.

" Project Mouse..was made to be a mining Project I don't know much about it..But when I was active they went everywhere that cave you see now over there..Was created by them. It took them awhile but then I was shut down after a year or so."

Giving a nod, Then hawk slowly walked away. Looking back to the cave sighing a bit but Blaze sneaked in a deep kiss on my lips and I just seemed to stand there like I was frozen and she smirked.

" Come on hero lets go before you forget we need to get to know each other..Before I make you mind..fully." She winked my cheeks burning bright red as we walked back to the doctor and when we got in. I set down my bags for him to look through.

"Hmmm interesting not much here but they did seem to create some interesting things down there. What else did you find down there?" Thinking before speaking and then looked back to him.

" We found warnings of three project's Project Mech..what hawk is..Project Stopwatch having no idea what that is and Project Mouse." I answered back. He thought a moment and brought out the green fluid looking at it closely and thought a moment.

" I will do some test on this subtense it seems extremely deadly..So I will wear a mask." Giving a nod and he placed many gold coins in my bag. Smiling calmly looking to Blaze who just stayed away to let me do my job and then I looked back to him.

" Alright Doc might be best to tell the citizens to stay away from the bunker. But it is a good area to grow mushrooms. But for now tell them to avoid the bunker as much as they can..There are to many of those robotic mice in that Bunker." Doc gave a gentle smile nodding to that.

" But being a Doc called Doc it's a interesting way to be helpful. Now go enjoy yourself. it seems Blaze has some ideas in that mind of hers." My face turned bright red as he laughed. She wrapped her tail around my neck.

" Yes..I do have some ideas but..I need to get to know her first." She said with a smirk pulling me along with her tail and all i could do was follow Doc laughed softly. She lead me back to my new home and all I could do was stutter and not able to speak..I could tell she wouldn't take no for an answer.

Footnote: Level up

Quest Perk: You have saved Cliffside. You're now the leader of Cliffside and treated as the hero of legend as well as your friend's. You have been given Bulk's old home as your own while you spend your time here. Prices for you are very cheap.

Chapter Three: Downtime

Author's Notes:

Now in the middle of the story there will be this NSFW part. You can either skip it or read it.

" The idea of love even if it's crazy most never know."

We made it into the building and we both sat at the table. I didn't know what to say these feelings are very new to me. Looking to Blaze my face turning bright red she just sat there with a smirk on the chair. All i could do was stare at the floor. These feelings, what are they? It's hard to understand love when you never felt it. She saved me. She rescued me. She stepped off her chair and went to the kitchen to make us something to eat. But what do i do? How do i tell someone that I barely know that I care for them? Is love really this strange? Slowly lay my chin on the table to think. Is love really this strange? Closed my eyes thinking of what I was told about love. But I never was told about anything. I could hear her cutting and working on making something.

Slowly getting out of the chair, I had to do what I could to get some fresh air. I stood on the balcony watching and listening, lost in my thoughts. I didn’t notice when Jonon sat beside me. "So the little hero is unsure about love?" Blinking, my eyes go wide as I looked to Jonon. I was surprised to see her, but then I relaxed.

" I...she cares for me, but she barely knows me."

" Star Shooter she is a outcast from her species. Her species don't do this to joke and such. If her kind wants to be with you then you should be honored. They are a very honorable species. If they want to share their heart and life with someone. Then they will do everything to make you happy. It's not just love...she wants from you, she wants your friendship. She wants you to be there for her and she for you. Think about it little hero! It's in the legend that you find someone that falls in love wit you and you both.. Fight on the island to bring peace for your love and those that come after you."

My face turned bright red. " But...how can females have children together?"

" There is a way Doc could take your egg's and hers mix them and then inject one of them into you or her. But I would say you two need to talk about this and don't allow a legend to control you. But she will not take no for an answer. She wants to be with you. Again, if her species want it you can't stop it. It's how they are." Jonon nodded as I just had a bright red face..But then she left, looking back to me.

" Think about it Little Star Shooter you might be here a lot longer than you want to be...Love is going to come sooner or later anyway. From what you told me you have no one back at your old home. Please consider it because...You’re all she has."

Watching Jonon slowly walk off and looked in my bag finding the necklace that my father gave my mother. He always said to me, being a former raider, if you find the one you love, give them this. Putting it close to my heart smiling I miss them so much. I hope they can meet Blaze when I am finally able to get home. Slowly walking back to the table and sat down and when I sat down Blaze bright out some food and set it in front of me it was a stew and she smiled sitting near me with her own bowl.

" Now little hero...before I do what I want with you, eat up and then tell me about yourself. Because I ain't taking no for an answer. You are going to be mine and I don't care what you think." I just smiled giving her a calm nod and use my horn to lift up the spoon and ate calmly. But before I finished I lifted her webbed foot with my hoof and smiled.

" I agree to this Blaze. I am going to give you something that my father gave to my mother." My horn glowed and I placed the necklace around her neck and let the bullet hang. A bullet that apparently was in the ass of my father. He used that to propose to my mother. I always found that weird but also romantic.

" This was given to my mother by my father. He...well from what my mother told me when I was young. He had this bullet removed from his ass and he used it to propose to her. I want this to work between us Blaze. Since I know It may be a long time before I am even able to go home." Blaze smiled softly and she just chuckled nodding and looking at the necklace.

" Now little Hero, I shall explain about myself if you wish to learn about me hmm?" She asked.

" Yes I am willing to learn everything about you..Since besides...from what Jonon told me even if I said no to you. You would just claim me as your wife-mate anyway." Blaze nodded with a evil grin.

" Of course you being the hero of legend. I wish to make the Hero mine well not just because I want her as mine..But I want to protect the hero as she saves this island from the Queen. Then we can get you back home and you can introduce me to your family." Giving a nod closing my eyes and waited to listen to her story.

" Well my kind were introduced to the island 600 years ago. As normal salamanders. Who ever created the island wished to bring us here so we can help keep the crops free of bugs. Now the magic of this island is very potent. If you hang around those that use magic over and over. You start to gain the ability to use it yourself. So we mutated because of this magic. It changed us from the small salamander's to what you see now. But of course it took us many years to become like this. Our home in the salamander cave's changed so much. The salamanders who leave the community are outcast."

She drank from a cup of tea that she made setting the cup back down. "I was born and a legend they thought was over was talked about me. The walker of fire. The speaker of flame's. Any Salamander with the power of fire..was either killed or removed from the community."

She sipped a bit and thought carefully what she would add next and then looked to me with a smile. Pouring more tea into the cup and then she shifted a bit on the chair. Her tail hanging down and then thought a second.

" Well the legend is...That I would become a monster that would ruin the peace of the island and become part of the hero's friend's. I would remove the peace. the peace of course in this island is that..The Queen doesn't take your males and dosen't try to force ably breed with them so she can find the seamen that can make her pregnant. But there is more to her then just that. She used to be a kind gentle pony. But something happen that caused her to become hateful of all races on this island."

She leaned back into the chair and looked back outside.

" The Queen did come to see me..Then she had a vision that I was the one of the legend. I was chased out of my home by my own kind and then I found that cave where I saved you at. It's the reason why I want you as mine Star Shooter..i got no one else. You are all i am going to have." Sighing to myself I wrapped my forelegs around her into a hug, nodding.

" I can understand but it's interesting that I am not even this hero i feel like...I know I have done so much since I got here. But it's so odd that I am. But I don't see myself as a h.."

My train of thought was stopped by her putting a webbed foot on my mouth and I blushed gently. She calmly spoke in a gentle voice.

" I don't care if you are or not. Star Shooter you impressed me with what you did to live. I watched you. I have seen the spirit of battle in your eyes. I feel it's time that you need to stop thinking like that and be happy that someone finds you attractive." She ended that with a calm purr wrapping her tail around my neck and smiled. All I could do was get bright red in the face again and I coughed a bit..trying to speak.

" I um...well okay I shall explain about myself.." Blaze smiled pulling me closer. She said very softly.

" Please do." I gave off a shiver and smiled. As she removed her tail from me and winked. I could just sit there fidgeting. Oh goddess to hell, this is getting hard not to just want her right now. Why am I feeling this way? I would have to ask myself this another time because right now I need to explain to her about myself. I tried speaking but she wrapped her front legs around me and laid a deep kiss on my lips and then pulled away with a smirk. My face turning so red gulping but I calmly started to relax and smiled.

" Alright Blaze...allow me..to speak." She grinned. "My father and mother are both former raiders. My father and mother were found by an old pony known as Wheel Tread since...my mother was pregnant at the time with me. She and my father needed a place to stay without all the problems normal raiders almost always face. I was one of the first born in that P.O.W. camp. I was given a wonderful home peaceful even. Wheel Tread was great to me and my family. But to others not so much. He tended to cause many problems and issues. But even so he took care of my parents and the other families that were under his care. But he got a hold of a strange crystal before I was born. This crystal did something to him it made him weaker and he swore he could hear voices. Then she came...Tiria.."

Sighing softly trying to not cry and then looked down.

" She worked hard at coming from her old land to find that crystal. it was used to turn her species from ponies into what she is now or well was. She fought and became one of the next bodyguards to Wheel Tread, and then the Enclave attacked. During a nasty attack, I was forced down into a basement by my family. They went to fight, but they lost and they went into hiding to try to wait for a rescue. It took so long. It was so long that many of the little ones along with me started to get hungry and die. Then after what felt like ages, we heard another battle above. After it was over, I was rescued and Tiria did so much for me when I was young. She told me stories about the sun and moon. She even told me about the princess. But truthfully she didn't know anything herself. But.." I sighed softly looked down tears falling from my eye's down my cheeks.

Blaze calmly wrapped around me slowly and held me close.

" I watched her...give birth to a little one that was named Crystal. She died during this. I was there watching the entire thing. Then she was buried the same day. She told her story then died watching the sun. It was so hard for me to even know what was going on at the time. I stood there at her grave. Waiting for her to wake up I spent an hour standing there my mother came up and I asked ‘...Mom why is she not waking up?’ My mother calmly said, ‘She is gone little one’ Then I just started.."

I softly started to sob and Blaze held me close and tight stroking my back with her tail. As she allowed me to let it all out. All the pain I felt that i have been holding back. I needed this it seems being able to explain what has been bothering me for so many year's. It's not easy but it had to be done..How most feel towards each other. But after awhile I slowly stopped crying and sighed leaning into Blaze. True we didn't know each other that well. But I needed someone since..I am going to be stuck here so long.

" I like every part of you Star Shooter. I like how strong you are. I love your gentle side. Also love when I am able to turn you so red. That every part of you is red as well." A soft smile formed on my face. She wrapped her tail around my neck. " Now enough with that sad little hero..I am going to please you to till you burst again and again..." She said with a smirk. She pulled me into the bedroom.

0000

NSFW Part

Blaze laid me on the bed and her tail hit an old radio by mistake and a soft gentle song played. The words so gentle it made my blush fall away and I felt maybe this is right.

' Foolish love..only love can connect our heart's'

Blaze licked along my legs even along my haunches to bring moments of sensation and pleasure. I lied there, gasping in pleasure. Being new to this with just the right song...made my heart flutter.

' Take my heart into your hooves oh one I love.'

The tongue slide along my stomach leaving many warm sensations of pleasure and love. She just focused on my midnight like fur. My blush could have been easily seen. But as the blush again faded from me she lowered her head to between my back legs.

' I shall hold you between my heart..While we make love in the night. please sing with me on this wonderful night of the moon.'

With a loud gasp I felt the wet hot tongue enter inside my mare hold. Feeling very gentle licks. I have never felt such pleasure before. Blaze seems to have done this before. But all that was on my mind at the moment was the pleasure dancing through my body. Every inch and part of my body burned with pleasure. Parts of me even heated up very slowly while every inch of this pleasure made me feel so wonderful.

'Oh foolish lover's heart. I feel your breath along my skin and fur.'

The pure red Salamander removed her tongue. From the sensitive part of my body between my legs. Then she fully got on me looking down into my gentle yellow eye's. Being a female as well. We can't enjoy sex the normal way..But at this moment I didn't care feeling her tail enter me with a gasp from me.

' Oh heart's that throb within our soul's. I shall always love you.’

Blaze calmly did some very gentle thrust inside the folds of my body. All i did was scream in pleasure. It slowly started to rain. Jonon being the same building as me of course. I am sure she had a gentle smile on her face.

' Our heart's throb and beat at the same beat like a drum.' After having my first orgasm ever. All I could do was lay there feeling the glow of the pleasure. But before Blaze could do anything we rolled on the bed. Wrapping my forelegs around her my cheeks so flushed and bright red as well. Leaning down to give her a deep kiss.

' The song's of our love play through the air. Oh please never forget the love we formed today.' Slowly I moves down her kissing and gently licking every inch of her scaled body. Hearing her moaning from the sensation i was giving her. Her body warmed up so much steam came from her nose. But i didn't care while sweat matted my fur and white mane. ' For i...will always love you.' A violin calmly played in the background. ' I will never let you go...my love.'

Slowly going down to every inch of Blaze and my tongue slide along the scales leaving a trail of my saliva. The pure bliss of our love filled the room with heat of pleasure. Of course it could have been the fact...I was having sex with a Salamander that could breathe fire. But ignoring that fact, all i could think of was this moment. Ignoring the fact I am so far away from home. I can't just sit around always crying. I need to get home.

But my brain my thought's all i can think of is pleasing this Salamander. if love feels so much like this why did I ignore it? Oh is it something I had to do? Ignore the fact that all pleasure is something I wish to see. Slowly going down to the folds between her legs. All I could think of is pleasing Blaze. The sun could die tomorrow the moon could fall on us..All i could do was please this one that wishes to win my heart.

I feel that she did..My magic forming along her to gently rub with my magic along her body to press pleasurable pressure points on her body Hearing moaning and seeing her shiver with the shiver droplets of sweat calmly drip to the bed. ' Oh forever I will love you..Remember the past that we come together to sing..In the bed of our love..oh please my love never leave me.' Calmly are inserted my tongue within her folds all i could hear or care to hear is her screaming in deep pleasure. ' For i will forever love you.'

00000

A few hours later I calmly opened my eyes my limbs intertwined with Blaze. Blushing deeply realizing what I did with her and I can't go back on it now. Calmly with my magic I untangled myself with her and removed her tail from my body as I slowly got on my hooves i was a mess it was easy to tell from the mess. But i slowly sneaked out didn't wish to wake her and headed down stairs and heard a voice.

" Did the little hero enjoy her pleasure?" My face turned bright red turning to Jonon and I smiled weakly. I tried to reply but all i could do was stutter.

" ...I um...I" Jonon chuckled and smiled gently and just sat there watching me.

" What you did for her Star Shooter...means a lot to her. I know you wished to get home..But sadly it's not going to be easy to get you back home and you might be stuck here before we can." She gave a gentle smile and all I could do we stand there red in the face. She sighed and smiled. " Go clean up Star shooter. I am sure she will sleep for awhile" Giving a nod I trotted off outside to clean up since there is no shower in this old house. I went under a strange shower head that was connect to a water tower. Turning it on and calmly allowed the rain water to slowly go along my body

" Hello little hero." I gulped upon hearing the voice of the bug. I started looking around but I couldn't see him. " The queen is very upset. In fact, you will be seeing me a lot. But I feel you deserve this moment of peace. Before I find you again outside of this little town and kill you. Maybe I can start with your lovely new lover.." He chuckles chittering. My ear's pinned to my head while my anger started growing. I had so much rage in my voice.

" I will never let you near her! I will kill you before you do that. If you even come near anypony i care about, you will die!!" I breathed deeply never had this anger before. But all i heard was a laugh, a dark evil laugh. He just kept laughing over and over but suddenly went silent.

" Doubtful little hero. You need to be stopped from harming this island. I wish i could just capture you now, but it will be some time before that. I will one day bring you to the Queen and see what she can do to you, little hero. We shall meet again." The voice suddenly stopped speaking and all I could think is those near me getting hurt. Now that I love Blaze, I know that to some ponies, it's too soon. But even though the Wasteland is no more, this is just as evil. We could be dead tomorrow for all i know. So we must keep ourselves happy.

I turned off the shower and knew I had to figure out how to help. But I needed this down time. Slowly I walked out of the shower and started heading back into the house. Jonon was already there, sitting on her chair. She looked over to me with a gentle smile spoke.

" Sit with me little hero." Giving a nod, I slowly sat down on the chair beside her and looked over to her. " It seems you are the hero of legend. I went back to the story i showed you a week or so ago. Blaze and I are your companions and Blaze is the one of Legend that will kill the one that hurt her lover the most. So yes, she will come with us. But again we need to fix up this town before we can leave. It said in the legend the home..of the hero gets destroyed and it's because they don't stay behind to help fix everything that has been destroyed by the former owner of the town." Blinking a moment sighing and laying my head on the table again listening to Jonon but my stomach growled thanks to the sexual intercourse i had with Blaze. But all I could was chuckle.

" Jonon, I know things are bleak but how about this? Lets get some food from the inn and allow Blaze to rest. Then when she wakes, we can continue working on fixing up this town." I replied. Jonon gave a small nod. Slowly, she got off her chair with me following her lead. I smiled, feeling happy that I found Blaze, my soulmate. I knew when I met her and after she saved me she would be the one. But of course she was going to force herself on me. i could have just well said no, but I doubt even that would have worked. Going back into the room upstairs she was still soundly asleep. But what I did was put the cover over her. Kissing her gently and along with Jonon we left the house.

00000

Calmly the two of us walked along the town road. Heading down to the inn but I stopped looking back to the house. Fearing that she will get hurt because of me. But she was stronger than me even. if she is able to lift me simply just with her tail then she has done a lot. Jonon stopped and looked down at me with a frown.

" I can tell you're worried Star Shooter but you can't allow your fear to control you. If you do the Queen will win and then she will have you in her trap. The trap is something that you will never understand. If any of her warrior's see you like this..They will use it to capture you and use that fear to break you."

A frown formed along my midnight furred face. I felt my heart beat slowly and beat faster as I thought of Blaze. Just a gentle smile forming on my face. I never again thought I would fall for some pony well not pony lizard.

I nodded and we calmly walked into the inn and it was pretty busy. When I walked in all ponies and creature's looked at me and my face turned bright red. A little filly walked over to me and gave me a flower. I calmly took it into my mouth and ate it. She smiled at me and I leaned down to give her a nuzzle. A table cleared for me to sit in it. I could see hope in their eyes hope that I could free them from this island. Slowly Jonon and I sat down and I felt overwhelmed is this how the light bringer felt? Looking up to Speckled Scale's and I smiled.

" I would like anything that could fill my stomach even if its meat." Speckled blinked and looked to Jonon and Jonon lifted up to whisper in her ear. Then Speckled smirk.

" So enjoying the afterglow?" My eyes went wide looking to Jonon who just smirked.

" She won the bet..the bet would be if you and Blaze slept together it seems a window was kept open when ponies were listening to you. Even the warden is speaking about it.

I turned on my pip buck putting in ear plume's I could hear the warden laughing.

" Oh listen to those moans. Ponies, this is the hero of the island getting laid." Moans sounded on the pip buck and my cheeks burned. " Oh it's so rich this girl sure knows how to get around heh heh. But Anyway the news. The news is that Cliff side is free well in a way it is. But the other new's is that the Queen is sending her most powerful warrior's to capture the hero. But for now the poor bug hero cricket got his buggy ass kicked."

Could hear laughing. " Anyway good on you hero maybe it will come to something and pure love. Love is all you can have these days it helps with getting through this world. Now there is a cease fire between the Griffin's and the Minotaur's and there are ponies missing since they walked into the forbidden zone. Remember everyone the reason that zone is forbidden is because of that silly war they ponies and Zebras had for so many years. Now for music and again our local music is getting better."

I sighed turning it off.

" So everyone of the island knows about my little escapade with Blaze."

Notching that Speckled Scales was given all kinds of coin's from many ponies and other's. Even her own wife. I just had a bright blush on my face. After awhile though the food was brought to me and Jonon. using my magic to lift up the fork and slowly ate the food it was meat. Oddly I used to eat meat since..My parents are former raider's and it took them time to well change their diet. The door open up and Blaze calmly walks in and a bunch of ponies and other citizen's cheer at her. She blinks and looks around. One of the ponies saying.

" You two sure had some wonderful sex there." Blaze eye's went wide and then smirked.

" Oh yes she is pretty good at it..For being a virgin."

I dropped the fork from my magic my face burning so bright red. Putting the hood over my face from the cloak. " She is so gentle and romantic. " She snickers softly. " To bad I could open a door for you all to watch." I groaned I wanted to die from embarrassment. I can just hear cheer's and laughing since Blaze kept going on and on about how wonderful it was. A soft voice speaking to me.

" Hero..."

Looking down seeing a little filly. She had so many cut's on her body and scar's. Just staring at her a moment. " Are you here to save us?" She stared up at me with soft gentle eye's. How I felt melted away just staring at the little one. Blaze was still boasting about our time together. But I ignored that now. As the little filly started to cry. I got out of the chair and calmly wrapped my for legs around her and she cried into my shoulder. Lifting her up cradling her. As I softly started to hum. Softly speaking.

" I promise you..." All of the bar started looking to me when I started to sing.. A song that Tiria sang to me when..I was this age. " Oh gentle heart..I shall protect you from harm. Oh gentle soul I shall see you along the way.. Through the darkness that is around every single doorway. Oh little one follow the sun as well as the moon. Stop your tears little one. I may not consider myself a hero.. But I shall protect you I shall defend you. From the world that wishes to harm you." I calmly went back to humming softly rocking the little filly and a mare calmly walked over was well. She took the little one from me and placed the little one on her back. The mare turned back to me with a gentle smile.

" Thank you...hero of legend..." Looking down all the bar looked towards me and I had so much going through my mind. Am I being selfish? This land needs someone to protect them to help them. Closing my eyes and then lifting up my head looking at them all to Blaze and then to Jonon.

" For all of you I will stay...Even if I am able to go home. I will be your hero. I will be your savior. Just don't think of me as somepony better then you or some pony above you. So for you all..." Looking to Blaze. " As well as the Salamander I love..I shall stay for her.." Looking to Jonon. " For you all I shall die for you all to save your lands." Lowering my head and going silent. As I sat back at my table. But no pony spoke not even Jonon or Blaze. Calmly started to eat again. There was no cheering no speaking Blaze removed my hood and stared into my eyes

" Star Shooter...You don't have to do this." Looking up to her with a gentle smile.

" Blaze...it's because of you I am staying...If I didn't meet you..I would have said screw this idea of being a hero and did everything I could just to get back home. You showed me how love is and what it's like being a true hero." Calmly going back to eat and Blaze just smirked and went back to the other patrons and started to sprout again..

" Well back to talking. So yes I slept with the hero. Who won the bet then?" Speckled lifted up her coin's and Blaze laughed. " Good on you." I facehoof so hard it was getting to the point.. I feel I would get cat calls every time someone sees me and Blaze together. Jonon just chuckled.

"See I told you...But I need you to come with me. Give Blaze a kiss and I need you to come with me to the elder." Nodding and stood up and before I left with Jonon with my magic pulled Blaze into a deep kiss and every pony in the bar cheered and pulled from her. Winking at her as she had a large smirk.

" later...Blaze I am needed for something." She nodded and went to go sit down as I smiled and left the inn following Jonon,

00000

I calmly walked back down into the cavern like sewer's along Jonon and looking to the wall. Two gem's are now glowing. One in the shape of Blaze. Looking to the heart and it's me and Blaze. But noticed I have three more I need to find. Slowly following her but I noticed a lot of Zebra's are still down here. But It seems they wish to stay down here. Looking at the Zebra's train to do battle. It seems these zebra's are getting ready to do battle with the Queen. Being lead to the elder and Jonon left nodding to me and I sat in front of the elder. She opened her eye's staring at me with a gentle smile.

" Little hero. I have a request for you. But do this after you're done with making sure the town is ready for you to leave. But what I need you to do when You can..Of course again I wish you to go to the Forbidden lands. It's north east from here kind of near the other side of the island. Now I have a Griffin ready to take you and your friend's there." My pip buck did a strange sound and I looked at my map. It showed were the forbidden land is. It's a small part of the land. But it seems to have been sealed off by a spell. You will be able to walk through..But what happen in there one of the zebra's had a balefire bomb.. But the queen sealed them in there. Because she knew they would do that. But I need you to go in there...and search for the spirit of my ancestor and fight them. You need to prove yourself fully and that is a mission to get you ready to take on the queen." Sighing softly nodding.

"I understand I shall do it..But is there anything else?" The elder blinks and sighs a moment and looks up to me with a smile.

" I heard that you have found someone to love." She claps her hooves together and a small filly comes out with a small little case. " When your final battle start's little hero, give this to your lover and then marry her. It's how the legend is during the final battle. But I also know you don't buy this legend. Sometimes it's faith. Like your ponies in the past had faith in your princess. My kind had faith in what we could do with one another. Some had faith in the star's. But these days it's hard to understand the old ways." I nodded and put the case in my bag's and stood up on my hooves smiling.

" One last request little hero. In the forbidden lands, there is a lab. A lab were most of my ancestors were experimented on there to cure some of the zebra diseases and sickness. Many Zebra's on this island don't have the liberty of being in area such as this. So some get sickness and slowly die from them. If they survive it, they aren't ever themselves again."

I nodded calmly and walked back out of the elder's home and looked to Jonon she smiled at me and I just nodded. She lead me back out and Blaze was waiting for us outside of the cave. She wrapped her tail around me and pulled me close to her.

" I am tired....Blaze.." I said with a yawn and Blaze chuckled.

" Awww...Too bad. I could go for another round of fun." She winked jokingly as my face turned bright red again and laughed. " But we can do it again sometime. You need to get your rest little hero and get ready for helping this town." I gave a nod and we calmly walked back to the house and the door closed. Blaze pulled me into the bed with her and wrapped around me and smiled.

"You sleep while I protect you little Star shooter. No one will hurt you while I am awake." I smiled softly and rolled to my side with my back facing her and she wrapped around me gently again. Calmly she hummed in my ear. I had a large smile on my face. Today I can say I have found love. Hopefully my life will stay this happy. But for now, i need to focus on what makes me happy.

Footnote: Level up

New Perk added: Love of a Salamander: You have connected romantically with one of the Salamanders of the island. You gain plus five damage to attacks when she is with you.

Chapter Four: Water's Secret's

" There is a fish in the water."

Chapter Four: Waters Secrets

It was early morning. Blaze and Jonon were already up Blaze was out helping the blacksmith by using a flame to help him make weapons and armor. Jonon was training more of the militia that will protect the town. My job? Well my job was building what you could call fishing boats to get more fish. I wasn't sure why they asked me to do this. But I was introduced to the dock master. A old Griffin that used to be the captain of a fishing boat that crashed into the rock's many years ago. He was showing me how to make a good fishing boat out of some of the trees they cut down. He had a strange carving saw and started to carve slowly into the would that would be the boat.

" You put yourself into the grain of the wood. You try to make sure you keep the image of the boat in your mind. Remember you can fail there is enough wood to learn. But still remember we need enough of these to send some of our fisher's out with a large net. Now a few mare's are making the net as we speak. Now as a hero heh you should be ready to be asked to do very strange things."

Giving a nod using my magic to life the strange saw carving device. Placing it on the wood. With the grain i calmly carved a little sliver of wood. I did make a mistake here and there keeping some sharp corners. But I kept with the movement of carving with the grain With each movement of the straight chisel. Using my momentum to go with the grain into the wood. I stopped for a moment to look over my work scraps to patch some of the other boat's. I had to remember I have never been fishing. My curiosity got the better of me when I looked up to watch the other workers. They made it look so easy. Even if I didn’t keep my eyes on the wood I just kept into the grain. Watching the others make me look like a fool. At least to my own mind.

Sweat poured from my brow. I was still working on my first one and it's already been two hours. But he did tell me this would take awhile. But I slowly looked back down the boat i was making and it was bad. I made a hole all the way in the bottom and the shape was way off. I sighed and lifted the boat to place it on a pile I was told for the ones that don't work. Taking another log and slowly working again. I have never worked so hard in my life. Oddly some had an easy time in the wasteland I did as well for being where I am. I have been trained using muscles in my body i never knew i had. Then a strange whistle sounded and everypony that was working suddenly stopped and the Griffin yelled.

"Lunch is served everyone." I sat at the table and food was given to us along with drink's. In Front of me fish was placed in front of me along with some strange juice and then a male smirked at me.

" So did you two have another go?" Blinking looking towards the stallion and all I could do was blush.

" I um...no..can we not talk about that...I know every pony heard our little fun..Just..I um...Want to eat and get back to work.."

The stallion chuckles. Using my magic, I began to calmly eat while hearing a few birds giving very soft calls. Slowly eating and it seems my sex life was the topic today. I could hear them talking about my screams of pleasure and about Blaze's gloating of her being with the hero. I sighed and calmly moved away from the table my face so red. I sat at a table that had no others around me. Eating but the dock master slowly sat with me and I looked up to him.

" Miss Star Shooter? I am sorry that you are being the victim of the warden's sense of humor. But you have to understand life on this island is very bleak. You have brought so much hope to this land. Oh and i forgot to give you my name. I am named Salty. Yes. A Griffin with a pony’s name. But eh it happens when you have been a captain for so long."

Didn't say much just still had a slight blush on my face but he gave a gentle smile. " I used to be married to a wonderful lady. She was a lot like your Blaze." He placed a claw on my hoof and as i looked at his face, I could see that he had tears in his eyes.

" Don't let her go. Keep her close, as much as you can. I lost my wife when we came here. The queen took her from me when she thought my wife was well trying to start the rebellion. I haven't seen her for 40 years and I know she hasn't killed her."

He looked down sighing a bit and looked back up to me with a smile. " So don't take love for granted. Hold them close and make sure their your every waking moment." I looked at him with a gentle smile and nodding.

" I shall make her my every waking moment when I am not being the hero. But she has a job right now. As do I. I promise, I will be there for her as much as she needs me to be." He smiled and stood back up.

"Thank you for helping us. Eat your lunch. We know that it's hard to make new boats. We will be using the boats you fail at for repairing the walls of our homes." I smiled softly as he left and calmly started to eat again and after I was done I stood up and went back to carving.

00000

It's been two hours after lunch and my second boat failed. Sighing deeply I didn't want to give up and stop. Closing my eyes tightly and thought of a good way to do it. Thinking of it as a poem. Saying loudly enough that some could hear me.

" Follow the grain.. Follow the sun that allows you to sing. Follow the grain..remove the wood, try to form the boat. Follow the grain of the wood. Follow the grain."

I slowly said the words over and over. I could see a boat being formed from it and I had a smile on my face. I felt such a great deal of joy from doing this. The sun, of course was bearing down on me. It made me hot but I didn't let it stop me. The smell of decaying fish from all of it being descaled and getting ready to be eaten. But I couldn't stop now. I felt my hooves getting covered in splinter's from...well not doing it right.

But I finally made a good boat and set it where the other's are. But they needed me to do more and I felt so happy when I made it. But I needed a breather. But I couldn't stop now lifting another thing of wood with my magic I was over extending my magic as well. Putting my hooves on the straight chisel and slowly, While I carved the boat it made me work so hard that I panted.. Feeling my muscles so stiff and feeling so much pain and i collapsed on the wood pass out.

00000

A few hours later, I woke up in the doc's bed. As i opened my eyes, i saw something i found interesting. I was seeing Jonon and Blaze sleeping in the room. As if they were waiting for me to wake. Blaze head was on my chest sleeping soundly and I groaned softly. Blaze opened her eyes and stared at me. She had a angry look in her eye's.

" Star Shooter...you need to not overwork yourself. You look so drained and they found you passed out down by the docks and they brought you here and you will be here awhile. I was very worried I don't want this legend of being a hero..to hurt you Star shooter. But I can't control what you do.. But I can protect you." Jonon gave a nod she seemed a bit disappointed as well but it was bound to happen.

" Little hero needs to rest. Blaze will stay here I need to go back out working. So we can finally leave here." Then then turns to leave but turns to look back at me. " Before you work again, we will train train to get your stamina better. So you can last longer in bed with Blaze." She grins. My face turns bright red.

" Oh come on Jonon not you too.." She smirks, gently nodding then walks out. Blaze turned to stare at me.

" You will not be leaving till I think you are rested enough." She crosses her front legs over her chest staring at me with very angry eyes. " Understand?" She asked.

Staring at her I have never felt this way but I smiled weakly.

" Yes love..."

Blaze smirked and left the room for a moment. I sat up on my haunches on the bed, closing my eyes and breathing softly. After a few moments, i opened my eyes and looked around. I tried to use my magic. But I forgot that was drained and it was harder than i thought it would be. But I had to work. Then the brew maker walked in and smiled calmly.

"I have a brew here for you that will help you regain your magic. But remember, this is your choice. It will change you a bit. I know that's not something you want little hero. But sometimes you need to change to become better and tougher even if the path of being tougher it's not going to be easy or very simple either."

Giving me the choice. Blaze opened her saddle like bag removing the brew or potion it was called. From the bag to set it infront of me. Now I had a choice take it or not. With a move of my magic. I lifted it up to take a swig of it. Now my magic was a bit shaky so it was hard to keep it lifted. Giving her a nod and she set it in front of them and left the room. Blaze walked watching me with a great amount of love in her eyes.

"If it keeps you alive and from getting hurt, drink it. I will not have the one I love always hurt and...I will do whatever I can to make sure you don't."

Nodding, I lifting up the brew and drank it. I coughing a bit after a drink. I tasted awful. ‘Maybe it tastes better after the first sip?’ I thought. I drank another and wow it still tastes awful. Setting down the bowl coughing. Then looked up to her with a gentle smile. But it would seem to slowly work. But it would take time to recharge my magic. Slowly getting off the bed and Blaze wrapped around me with her tail and lifted me back on to the bed staring at me.

" You will stay here a few more hours doctor's orders love." She smiled. Keeping me there on my stomach by her tail and gives me a sweet smile. " I will do anything to keep you safe my love. It means keeping you here. So I need to get back to the blacksmith. When doc tells you you can go. Then you may go."

I gave her a nod calmly saying, " Yes love."

Blaze smirked. " Good girl."

She removed her tail and then walked out slowly but looked back at me before she left. She slid her long snake-like tail along my chin, her eyes looking at me seductively. " You will get some tonight." She winked and I shivered, my face turning extremely red. She then turned and walked away, leaving me alone for the moment. Sighing happily, I lay there to relax, my head flops onto the pillow. I start close my eyes to rest.

000000

I seemed to be in a memory, a dream or a memory dream. I was in the body of that large pegasus Bulk. This was before even the house was built. He was on a ship heading to an island. My host yelled loudly.

" Do you see them?!" A mare replied beside him.

" Yes. They're trying to get to the island." Then a bright flash happen right in front of them. At the right time, the spell came down to give them a way in. The waters stopped being so choppy and the zebra gun ship fired at them.

" Fire back! fire back!!" There are three Zebra gunships and three Equestrian Gunships but when they get closer there seems to be a strange spell and that Alicorn I saw engulfed them all in a flash. But after the flash ended Bulk opened his eyes to gun fire.

" Captain! Captain!!" Bulk’s eyes open up at the very sound of the word captain. He comes out of his office on the ship. He turns to stare at the one screaming at him.

“You better have a good reason to wake me up.” Bulk growled under his breath.

The mare gulped, nodding. “The zebras have been spotted. They’re trying to get to that island. We need to stop them before they make it there.”

Bulk lifted his head to stare at the ships heading to the island. He shook his head. From what I could tell, he didn’t want to do anything that might cause a problem. He lifted his Mini-Gun in his mouth, placing it on his back.

“Get the cannons ready!!” The mare yelled but Bulk stared at her. “Um… belay that order.”

“Get them to shore and we will take care of them.” Bulk demanded.

It took awhile but the pony ships guided the running zebras to the island. Not a shot was fired even during war time. Bulk knew it was wise to not fire on an escaping foe. The foe may be zebras but these ones are running from the war. They don’t seem to want to fight. But when both parties get on the shore. A mare is standing there. Her white body glows in the moon. She spoke in a demanding gentle tone.

" Hmm... Ponies...Zebras...Equestria i take it?" She said with a gentle voice. Bulk nodded.

" A war is going on? Really? So you bring this war to my lands? How dare you?!" The ponies along with the zebras raise their guns at the Queen. She sighed rolling her eyes.

" Sir.. I can give you all the glory you want.. I can see it in your heart. You want this war to end.. You want the Zebra threat to be bowing at your hooves. I can give you this.. if you promise to work for me."

She gave a sweet smile the white unicorn seemed to be very sincere. Bulk looked at his ponies he was commanding and then back to the Queen.

" This war... has been going on for so long. We wish it to end.. But if it could end here.. I offer my troops to you." The Queen smiles and she vanished.

Then the dream turns to the Zebra leader of these troops. He seemed to be one of their strong warrior's and it looked like its been a few day's.

"We must fight on. For the Caesar. " He calmly said and his troops agreed but was it wise to attack now? But the guards that seemed to be ponies, along with the Queen, were approaching. The Queen smiled.

" I come to you in peace."

My host seemed to not be very sure but he nodded.

" You want the ponies to bow to you. I can do that for you."

She smiled softly.

" There is a forbidden zone you can face them at. I shall place a spell and you can do whatever you wish to them. I know you have been here for months now. But the ponies are enslaving the Zebra they find and forcing them to build them a fishing town. Among other atrocities. I'm willing to help you. Just take a few group of troops there and attack them to free your people. But you must go with them."

The commander nodded.

The dreamed ended and two looked at me from the darkness.

Ah you are the hero of Legend. " The commander spoke softly. " Only the hero is able to see us. Then listen to our story." Bulk nodded.

" But." Bulk started to say. " You will have to go on your journey to understand why she did what she did. She asked me to enslave the Zebras I captured and asked us to rape them to breed. But after the house was built I realized what had happen. But it was to late. My children and grandchildren sent me with some troops and power to the forbidden zone."

I blinked simply asking.

" What else?"

The commander laughed.

" No no little hero. You have to follow our path to understand it. Do what the elder has said. You can then learn the past. But I warn you, the past is not a wise thing to go after. It can bring out the sin's of those that you don't wish to see." Bulk nodded and he looked to the Commander.

" What he said. Follow our path, follow the seal." They both vanished from my vison and I just stood there in the darkness while my body slept. What is this all about? Why am I seeing these things? Are these like memory orbs. I closed my eyes, seeing the facts for the first time. There is more to this island then i have been told. I fear that no pony even knows why it was made to be like this. Maybe to hold the Queen here? Maybe a test to bring the ponies to their knees? All i know it has something to do with the past and the sins of the past. But what sins?

Then I heard a song a soft song.

" Ring out the old.." It echoed slowly. " Ring in the new." Then it slowly stopped and then I couldn't hear it anymore. But dark evil laughter replaced it. Those dark eyes opened out of nowhere again. As they stared at me, I saw a evil smile with the just the teeth. A dark voice spoke out.

" Ah so you are starting to see little one. I fear you will be to late. For you left the home before you could get ready.. Read for what is to come in so many years. Of course you won't remember seeing me child." Strange arc's of magic filled into my body as I screamed in pain. As the memory of this meeting was painfully removed. He laughed darkly and loudly as I felt the memory vanish and then I was there alone. What did I just see? I had no idea but what I thought I saw what is to come. I need to get to the forbidden lands and for that I needed to wake up.

00000

I opened my eyes looking around coughing a bit feeling myself in a cold cold sweat. But I sat on the bed groaning. Seeing Doc walk in and smiled.

" Ah! Good morning little hero. Blaze is sleeping in the next room. She wanted to sleep in here but..I couldn’t allow that." I gave a weak smile and slowly got out of the bed on my four hooves, groaning a bit.

" I feel better doc...I just need to finish working and then get to the forbidden lands." I sighed softly and stretched my body groaning.

" You aren't ready yet little hero."

Blinking looking to him and the doc set down a small list offering it to me. " When you go to the forbidden lands. I need you to gather what you can. To make potions. I also need you to gather whatever weapon you can find for the blacksmith, as well as ammo. Then try to find a blueprint if you can if you can't. They will find a way to build what they need to. I feel the big reason you aren't ready is because you don’t know this land. Let Blaze lead you.” I sighed then spoke out.

" Listen Doc. I don't think trying to make weapons like those in the past, would be a good idea. It would cause a war." The doc sighed and smiled weakly.

" Little hero. The war is going to start no matter what. The thing is, we need to win it and be free from the Queen thus breaking the spell keeping us here. You don't understand little one. If we can't leave to trade, we will not survive. We can’t live on just eating fish. Besides some of the folks here are tired of the same old island. We need some fresh DNA here to. The local gene pool is almost depleted. It hasn't happened yet but sooner or later it will."

My eyes looked down sighing softly and looked around calmly. Maybe he is right..I thought to myself maybe if I don't do something and free them something like this would happen far down the line. But the issue is I am not sure on that. Closing my eyes softly thinking and I heard the Doc leaving and he stopped.

"Oh and Blaze is getting everything ready for you to leave. Jonon is making sure the entire town is ready for you to leave. You better finish what jobs they would give you here. Because I doubt you will be returning anytime soon. But I do feel you should stick around before you leave. like gather all the supplies you can. Because I doubt the flight there will be very simple. But you will be leaving for the forbidden lands in Two week's but we need to get ready. Because it would take a long time to even try to get another Griffin away from their war. So in two weeks time you will leave. But still check around first."

I sighed laying back down feeling a bit tired still and looked up to the doc with a smile.

" Alright doc just need to rest and think for a bit." Closed my eyes a bit, I had to think it wasn't going to be easy to do this really. I sighed softly, laying my head on the bed. Sighing softly again , i was left alone to think. ‘This island is starting to worry me.’ But I found my will to get up and slowly started to leave, but then I noticed an old photo. Looking right at the photo and I blinked my eyes going wide. In the photo is Wheel Tread. Rushing out to the find Doc and stared at him.

" You... I knew...I knew you.. You were Wheel Tread's doctor. The one that went missing when I was young. The one... who" Tears formed in my eyes. " That brought me into the world." I lifted the old photo it was me as a newborn with my mother, my father and the doc Doc stared at me, his eyes turning to look down at the photo. He had a blonde mane. But his mane is much whiter than I remember. his old eye's stare at me. Tear's form in his eyes

"I left after wheel tread chased me off.. After he found that orb called the howling dance. It helped him stay alive. But it also is what got him to be so weak.. he already was in that chair.. But the last memory i had.. Was bringing a filly into the world." Tear's slide down my face and I just smiled.

" Doc. Thank you." I gave him a gentle hug. Doc just had a gentle smile.

" What happen to the camp little Shooter?" Looking up and I smiled softly.

" It's free. That's all I’m going to say. I will break the spell so you can return. To see what has changed." He gave a nod as I slowly walked out and found Blaze placing all kinds of supplies into the cart that we will be flying in. When she saw me, she lifting her tail wrapping it tightly around me and pulled me close into a deep kiss. I didn't care I started enjoying the fact that a Salamander was in love with me. After the kiss, she smiles.

" I am sure the doc told you to keep working.” I nodded and She continued, “ Then check around for more of what you need to." Giving a nod and removed myself from her tail and calmly winking at her while walking back down to the docks.

00000

Getting back to the boats, I found my old one still there. I smiled and with my hooves, I started to work on the boat again. I closed my eyes, calmly allowing the movements of my hooves to work the chisel. Hours passed quickly, yet little notice was payed. All my focus was on the chisel and the boat. Most of the workers have left as the sun started to set. It would be the first time I ever was around here during the night. As the moon rose to it’s peek, I had finally finished. The boat was not perfect but.. I noticed the net laying nearby. I needed to help them somehow. Lifting the net with my magic and slowly got into one of the boat's. Getting deep enough were I can get some fish, I placed the net into the water and let it stay there. But I heard strange sounds and then creature singing.

Looking over to the water and heard the sound of crickets chirping. Along with hearing the hoot of an owl. Then i could swear I heard more singing and then words.

'Listen, child of the land. Please fight for us.'

Blinking looking around hearing more singing. ' Please fight for the creature's stuck near the shore's of this island. Oh please little hero save us.'

Looking around seeing strange fish creature's one comes out of the water. Some seem to be sea ponies. Wait sea ponies...their real? But then I saw another sea monster. My eye filling with uncertainty. Not sure what I can do for all these creature's. But the song kept going along. As I fished for food for the ponies.

'Oh little hero...of Equestria...Please free us...So we can see the world. See our families. Please on the very light of Luna's moon.'

Tear's formed in my eyes and dripped down into the water. How long have they been here? So much pain, this song was making me sad. It sounded so painful. These creatures are in such pain. I spoke out as the song kept going.

" How do I save you?! How?!" I yelled out my heart beating feeling so unsure. " I am not even a hero. I am not the Lightbringer I am just a unicorn that is so far from home. I don't know how I can save you." I said with sadness in my voice sniffing. The sea monster, the sea ponies and other creatures come out of the water they still sing.

' Free us from the spell.. Free us from the pain. We are stuck here..like the one's on the land. The queen has cursed us.. The queen has wronged us.. When the war happens little hero. We will fight for you..' Then a soft female voice sings and it's just one. Looking to see a pure white sea pony mare.

' Please hero I know your feat's. I know your hope. I have seen the good in your heart.' She brought out her fins and held my hoof and smiled softly.

' Hero help us free us.' All of them even the sea monster sings.

' Free our souls little hero.' Looking at them all seeing their pain. Looking to see some of them have even been tagged some of them even have their fin's ripped one of the Sea monster's seems in pain. I thought it was only the creatures on land that were in pain. Looking back to the white sea pony mare. Tears fell down my face.

" I will do it...I will help save you all. I am sorry.." I cried hard and the mare wrapped around me. I have never heard such sad singing. These creatures are in such pain. They have hope in their eyes but the hero is breaking down. Would the hero still be the one they hope even if they break down. Then the mare looked into my eyes and she spoke softly.

" I know you don't think your a hero little young hero. But when we hear that you attack the castle. We will come and fight. In our own way.’ Giving a nod and she kissed my forehead but then my eyes go wide as the world around me vanished.

00000

I was in another memory. My host was the sea pony mare that just kissed me. I think she did this to show me this. She had a large family. Around this time was pretty young and they were swimming near the island. But something happen the magic formed causing the storm.

" MOM! Dad!!" My host screamed as she was forced through the spell and she was being pulled away from them by the magic sea monster that caused most of this spell. I heard her name.

" Snow Drift!!" They both yelled along with her family. But they didn't chase after her. She woke up and was in a fish tank and the Queen gave her a smile.

" Thank you dear." A strange cloud of smoke nodded to her and then drifted away. " Hello little Sea pony. My servant's found you dying on the rocks. So they brought you here to help you heal."

My host just looked at her and nodded.

" You will be let go when you are fully nursed back to health."

She smiled, nodding to the Queen. Her eye's look gentle this time. But something is about to happen i feel. Then I felt something get clipped to my host ear and she blinks. " I am sorry little one but I need to keep an eye on you in the water."

The clip makes my host scream since it sends pain through her. She passed out and woke back up in the water and she saw other's of her kind ripped broken and battered. Then saw a few sea monster's sobbing they seemed ripped apart as well. A large shark floated to her and looked at her with a frown of pain.

" A new one." He gave a weak smile showing no teeth. " I am grandpa..or most call me that..I have forgotten my name. But I protect these one's. I see the Queen has tagged you as one of her pets." He sighed and looked towards the way to Equestria.

" I miss Equestria. I miss everything about that land. But no i had to come this way and get stuck by this spell." My host Snow Drift pulled on the tag and a Sea monster calmly floated over.

" I can remove it child but if I do... part of your ear will go with it." My host nodded the shark nodded as well and put his fins on my host as the Sea monster pulled and removed the tag part of the ear going. But my host grew more angry but she didn't say a word.

The vision seems to go ahead a few years. The guards of the queen are getting attacked by sea ponies in the castle. They have ways to get inside but it seems the sea ponies and sea monsters found a way into the castle. But after awhile the attacks become less because the guard's start poisoning the water they live in. Which harms the ability to get fish. But it worked after awhile the water is so badly poisoned they had to hide away from it.

Then the vision ends.

00000

I open my eyes at the mare removes her lips from my head and I stare at her ear. " Snow Drift.. I promise you i will do this for you." The white mare smiles and nods.

" Thank you.. I know my family is long since dead. But It will save more from being hurt by the Queen. Also lift up your net." Blinking I lifted up my net. As it was so heavy and I brought in so many fish more than they ever had. "I am very sure you will do this for us. That we are helping you help Cliff side." I gave a smile and with my magic I calmly went back to shore looking back to the creature's that started to sing again.

' Oh little hero thank you...Oh little hero save us.'

They slowly went back under and the sun slowly came up and I finally got back onto the dock dragging the fish and ponies woke up from their seaside home's. Their eyes wide seeing what I brought them Salty walked over to me and looked at all the fish. The ponies eye's filling with tear's and their hope filling them more. Jonon and Blaze watching from the cliff above us. Looking up to see Blaze she had a proud smile on her face. Jonon just stared at me. I could see that she was happy. But there is something she knows and I have a feeling she will not tell me.

Smiling at all the ponies, Griffin's, Zebra,'s and other races that were present.

" I will not leave for two more weeks. I will help you all i can."

Giving a smile and I sat by one of the descaler ponies who stank like scales and fish gut's. She smiled towards me she had fish bones as a cutie mark but she started to show me how it works. Use some water to clean the fish remove the scales and then then cut up the fish and remove the bones. Watching her do it with three more so I can get the hang of it pulled a fish out of the pile of fish and then started to do what she did. It was messy it stank and fly's flew around us. But we had to do it. For a while we worked through the morning cutting the fish there was a lot of them and the entire dock working party did this and then I was called by some pony.

" Come over here little hero." Looking up to see Salty and the mare beside me smiled.

" Go on hero. Let ole Fishbone's do it." I blinked at her Fish Bones? I shrugged and went to the old Griffin looking at him.

He smiled and gave me a bag of the gold coins nodding to him and a blaze rushed down taking the coin's from me smirking. " Now you go clean up. I am not giving you fun till i smell no fish on you my love."

I sighed and shook my head as she left and Salty chuckled.

" Go to the inn little hero, clean up first of course. Your job is done here."

I nodded and went up to the manson’s shower again and then slowly showered with Blaze joining me I blushed softly and she smiled.

" Now now no sex but I wish to clean my mare. Since i am clean you seem to need it more than I do. So." She got on her back webbed feet and used soap she found and went deep into my fur and mane and tail. She made sure every inch of me was nice and soapy. But she seemed to focus on parts of me that could be easily hit but she did work on my hooves and well my hooves seemed to be extremely dirty. She then turned to have me face her and as I stared into her eyes, she stared into my mine. All we could do was look into each other's eyes

" I know...this is soon Blaze... But I love you with all my heart." Blaze eye's went wide and then she smiled and held me close. I felt my heart flutter and thump as she felt her breath on my neck."

" I love you to...little Shooter." I could hear sobs between her words. But I didn't do anything but wrapped my fore hooves around her. Letting her sob happy as the water went along our bodies. After awhile though we looked at each other again. So much happiness in her eyes as well as mine. I want to take her home. I want to be with her at my home. I want her to live through this. I want to be with her till I die. I was going to make sure that would happen.

Footnote: Level up.

New Perk: Sea Pony song: You have gained new allies in the sea creatures. When the battle starts, they will come to help you.

Chapter Five: Test

"When life gives you a test. Best to take it or fail."

My eyes opened up. I was wrapped around Blaze and she slept soundly with her head on my chest. I smiled softly and slide a hove along her scaled back. But slowly removing myself from her. Heading down stairs and at the table Jonon sat there with a smile.

" Well it looks like the hero is awake after a good amount of sexual intercourse." I sighed softly my cheeks burned brightly and then I smiled weakly.

" Well at least..I know what she likes..Even if she makes me extremely tired. A good kind of tired mind you." Jonon rolled her eyes and smirked. She offered me some food she made as I sat on the chair near her and looked up to Jonon.

" Jonon.. How come I am seeing visions of ponies past? They are something like memory orbs. But I am not even using them. Somehow they touch me or I am asleep or the last time I killed the former owner of this home. I saw the past of Bulk. So I am learning that the Queen has done a lot of harsh things. She has harmed the sea ponies, she has done so much. She is even the reason for the forbidden lands and this land being built on the back of slaves."

She nodded as I ate the fish. Since there are no chicken's here. We can't just simply have eggs or anything else. But what else is on the plate is a few carrot's from the garden. Taking the fork with my magic calmly eating and looked to Jonon.

" Jonon, are you ever going to find love yourself?" Jonon just gave me an odd look but smiled.

" Little hero, I am not able to have children. That ability for me was removed when I was young. It was removed from my parents. Because they didn't wish me to be deterred into freeing them from this island. But sadly they died not to long ago. I am the last of my family. When I die my family tree will die as well. So I am willing to do this with you to to see the end of this battle that is slowly starting. But sadly many don't know that the war is not going to end well."

Tears streamed down my face but all she had was a gentle smile. But I just sighed and ate the food. While I ate Blaze walked into the room and chuckled.

Then I lifted my head up my eyes blinking . I thought of Jonon’s daughter she said she had. We even saved her from the slaver's trying to sell her. Thought a moment looking around not sure what to say but I brought it up.

" Jonon what about that Zebra we saved. You said she was your daughter." Jonon turned to look at me with a weak smile. She sighed looking towards the window.

" She is a brainwashed Zebra I saved when I was in the well castle City. I went there to try to find Salty's wife. But I found her brain washed and being used to capture rebels. So I got her out and tried to fix her.. But it hasn't been working." She sighed. I blinked staying silent going back to eating my food and not even thinking of bringing it up anymore.

I heard Blaze’s voice behind me " Hmm so this is where my pillow went to." She smiled sweetly at me giving me a gentle kiss on my face. " I need to go back to the blacksmith love. I won't see you for the rest of the day. Enjoy your training." Blinking at her as she walked out of the house and then looked back to Jonon.

" What did she mean by training?" Jonon chuckled softly and I started to wonder what the hell was going to happen.

00000

Welp. Most would tell me I should know how to fight. But fighting so many at once? I was bleeding in many parts of my body. While I fought I started to lose control of my anger. Maybe it was a test maybe another way to control myself. But With how quick the strikes came I could see disappointment in the eyes of some zebras that attacked me. I looked over to Jonon she had a grin on her face. It angers me that she just stood there allowing this to happen.

But she lifted her hoof to tell the zebras to stop attacking me. She then spoke her words striking deep that day.

"Now little hero. Many here don't believe that you are the hero. So I have given you a task. Deep in the cave, there are old ruins from the creators of this island. In the center is a fluid that if you drink it, it will show you how the island came to be. At least that is the legend. But be warned. The cave is protected by the Spirits of the Zebra. Spirits that were forced there to protect it. But the guardian is a creature the Alicorns placed in there. We don't dare go down that way. Neither the ponies nor the Queen ever learned of this." I sighed, looking down at my hooves. I felt bad for Jonon and even the Queen. I lifted my head when she shouted words in Zebra. But I didn’t know what she yelled. All I could do was hear it and listen. But I had something I want to do.. Even if my heart was to soft.

"I want to adopt you as my sister. Jonon. So you will never be alone." Jonon smiled softly and shook her head.

" No my dear friend. That's not how my kind work. I'm your friend and maybe if we live through this war like the legend says. Now gather some food and water. If you don't come back in a few days time, we will come for you. Sorry little hero. But this is not like the land you’re from. It may not have the same issues you have. But it's how this land is. If you want to live you also have to learn how to live through the roads."

Sighing, I lifted up my bags and went to one of the stores in the caverns noticing they mostly sell fish and mushrooms. I had enough water with me. I gave them some coins putting the food in my bags and then a young mare lead me to the back of the cavern. There is a door that says: Keep out. Certain death if you walk in. On the door were more locks than I could count. The mare used many keys that were in a keychain. She lifted each one to unlock each lock.

Afterwards, she removed the chains that were along the door and opened it. The first thing that I noticed was a stale air smell. Going inside, I looked back and saw the mare shut the door quickly. Moments later, the sound of rattling chains and snapping locks filled the air. The door was locked tightly and it would be awhile before it would be opened again. I sat near the door for a while, closing my eyes softly and I felt my heart beating slowly. Why must I do this? Maybe I am chosen for the reason? Maybe It’s fate? Maybe It’s some Goddess joke? But I couldn’t think of anymore questions to ask myself.Then I slowly stood on my hooves and calmly started to walk. My body didn’t wish to walk forward. Forcing myself to was hard. There is something here pushing me on.

00000

I walked along the the old ruined path.The walls had writing from many. Different races I noticed. Zebra words mixed in with pony words. And several languages that I couldn’t even recognize. But I didn't understand what was going on at the moment. I stared at the writing. It was keeping me on my path. I looked closer to the writing it started to move. It started to play out in my vision. I could see it.

The memory was of a war way before the war now. This war they had the same type of weapons but with no slug's and most of them magic.It showed whatever it was they were fighting something. I don’t know what but I couldn’t make it out. But before I could see the monster, the memory vanished and I stood face to face with some Zebras. These zebras are living and nothing to do with the writings they look to be wearing skulls on their heads and they attack me.

Pulling my sword out with my magic, I fought them off while the sword floated in my magic. With a few swings, as my sword cut into a zebra’s flesh, he quickly jumped back fresh blood seeping from the wound as he stared at me. The same zebra lifted its hoof to try to blind me with dust. While the dust blinded me, for a time. I could still hear their hooves come towards. Me. All I could was use a spell to push them away from me so I could regain my sight. But after I regained my sight. I no longer saw them. But I heard a dark laugh and then a voice in the darkness.

" Ah so a pony wishes to steal from me as well as my children." A loud sniff came along with this voice and she laughed.

" Hmm. An Equestrian. I am so sorry about your little land blasted apart." She laughed softly

" But I was there little one. Of course me and my guardian's left before the war could get so bad and we were forced down here by other Zebras and locked. Lucky for us there is water and all kinds of mushrooms. But come and find me child."

Blinking a moment and looking around seeing more that this was built during a war. A war so many years ago that we never learned about. I'm starting to wonder if something happen before Celestia and Luna were even Princess. I walked down the old stone walkways. Seeing some young Zebras guarding some of the paths.

These ones now have old guns. They didn’t even looked that well kept. I looked around for a rock and quickly found a loose stone on the wall. Lifted up with my magic I tossed the rock and it smashed right into the Zebra's head and one of them was knocked out. Then i charged at the other as she tried to use the gun. But it didn't work and started falling apart. As I sliced into them and they fell and started to bleed out. But I could wait. Lifting up the gun's placing them in my bags.

Looking around with fear in my heart as I looked through the gear. But all I could find is the fact they wore extremely old armor. They have been down here for to long. Calmly looking around and blinking seeing the wall of many creature's of the past. One of them being placed in a prison in this island. But the other's i'm not even sure.

But hopefully I will learn why this island was created. Looking around seeing nothing for the moment. But i did find some camp's but no Zebra or pony here. Slowly looking through them. I found some old badly kept ammo. But I placed them in the bag anyway. Sighing a moment sitting down and bring out some of the fish i had with me and ate just a piece. Drinking from my canteen. Closing my eyes gently and then felt a barrel of a gun in my mid back.

"I am not here to harm you." I said calmly and looking behind me to see a young little foal. Her eyes were full of fear and I smiled softly trying to assure her I won't harm her. " I mean it little one. I won't harm you so please drop your weapon."

She stared in my eye's dropping the gun and running off and then I saw many eye's. As I saw many of the Zebra's seemed to be stuck down here. But I think there is a reason for that. Lifting the gun up and placing them in a bag. Then stood up and looking around to try to find my way to the one that speaking to me. But i was stopped by many Zebra's and They surrounded me. They looked weak and dying but I am sure that is because they have been in here too long and to many in breeding. Looking at them and I sat there looking at an elder that stood in front of me.

" Young one.. Are you here to rescue us from this evil?" Blinking i tried to choose my words carefully.

" The Zebra's outside never told me about you. I am guessing there is a reason for it." The elder sighed and he looked at the other's around him.

" That is because the commander that came with us. We were forced in here so long ago. But she lived through something that happen to her before water ended. But we need to be free so we can be with our own kind again. As you can tell we are dying down here."

I gave a nod and looked at them all even the young tear's fell from my eyes I felt that I was sent down here for a reason now. Not just to get the fluid and drink it. But maybe to heal these wounded one's. But I am no magic buff I have no healing magic. All I am is a simple unicorn that knows some spells. I am starting to think that most of the reason i am here is to see if this creature is still alive down here.

" I will help you. Then I need to find a chamber that hold a fluid that I need to drink. Are you all willing to wait by the door? They will open it when they know it's me." The others looked to each other speaking in Zebra. They didn't seem to know Equestrian that well. But it happens with them being here for so long. that only a few knew it. Even teaching it wasn't easy. The elder then looked back to me with a smile.

" We will wait and then we will lead you to the chamber I don't remember my name sadly or i would tell you. But if you free us. We will help you with whatever you need."

I sighed softly not sure what to think right now. But I felt the fact that something wasn't going to be extremely easy for me. Slowly walking past them. The guard's backed away looking towards me as i walked into the chamber's of their commander. The commander stared at me she looked so young but when she came out of the shadows. She was old but looked like she could fight but how could she be alive after so long?

But before i could say anything she lifted up on her back hooves and smashed into my chest gasping feeling ribs break under the pressure and I flew back into the wall groaning coughing. The commander laughed loudly. She had bloodshot eyes for being so old. She seemed able to move rings around me. Slowly I tried to stand and I groaned but she forced her hooves on my side and I screamed. Feel more ribs break and then she hit one of my legs and my pip buck was going crazy showing that many parts of me were crippled. She then backed up and laughed loudly.

"Oh what a fool.." Standing up with my back left leg hanging up staring at her with blood draining from my wounds.. Despite the pain i had great resolve and cough softly blood draining from my mouth and nose. " They sent a worthless pony to fight me. A.." Before she finished I interrupted her.

" A hero of legend that is meant to save this island from the Queen."

The Zebras eyes went wide staring at me and looking towards the strange carvings in the wall seeing one of them was me. But then at the other carvings, She then gave a evil smile.

"A hero you claim to be. Yet so have the other who have came before you. Many have come before you. Yet walk this island, they no longer are. You think you are the Hero of Legend. So did they. You know the Island is a prison. I see it in your eyes. Now I will tell you the same thing I told them. The Hero is a lie. You will not save this Island. You will be it’s destruction. You will release the Devil trapped within the Island’s Heart. This has been foretold by the Creators. The Hero isn’t our savior, you will be our doom."

My ears drooped down my head at these words. Is it true was I the doom of this very island? Maye I am maybe I am not. I feel I need to fight for this island. During my little depression after the words were spoken to me. I heard her trotting towards me in a quick manner. Despite the pain I felt through my back left leg, i quickly used my front legs to launch me into the air. It took but a fraction of a second to spin myself around and slam my injured rear left leg into the zebra’s face. The bones cracking more after I hit her face. I felt so much pain in my left leg even though I acted ready trying to speak with might in my voice rather than pain.

" I'm not going to stop. I am going to fight you despite my pain and broken bones."

I didn't even use my magic to hold my sword but she and I charged at each other and i got on my good leg and smashed my front hooves into her using the one leg to dodge her attack's as she did the same to me. It was going crazy. One broken unicorn mare and one old Zebra mare, with no harm done to her at all, dancing around each other. During the battle I could hear my heart pumping blood and adrenaline through my whole body. I felt the scream of my body as it like it was screaming for me to stop. The pain it was so awful. It felt of pure agony the tongue shilling and all the music that called to me. Stop. So much pain. But I must go on… I must! I can’t stop! I must fight!

With each beat of my heart, I smashed my hooves into her neck. I got a few hits in before she backed away. I stared at her as she backed away. I could hear my very heart beating so hard in my chest.To the point it hurt. I kept on my back right hoof, keeping my left hoof up. It hurt to even try to put weight on it. But she noticed this with one quick movement. She did a kick sweep and I fell on my face. I heard her jump off her hooves and I felt that she might beat me. But I turned quickly on my back to meet her next attack head on. Lifting my blade with the flat part, I blocked her hooves. I felt her very weight on me but I pushed her back with all I had and she flew off me, landing on her hooves to get ready to battle again.

Then she charged at me again and I got on my hooves using my magic to hold my blade. She had strange metal on her hooves. I felt it when my blade struck the hooves. I didn’t even feel that I was making much of a challenge, fighting her like this. But she was able to fight back even without a sword. The hooves hit me in the chest but not causing me to much pain. I was able to block some of it with the blade.

But it hurt so much and she laughed softly. I didn’t know what she was planing. But she lifted a strange dust from her hoof and blew it into my face. I felt pain in my eyes as I screamed. My vision went fuzzy and black. It hurt so much and I had to try to clean it off quickly. I lifted my left foreleg to wipe the dust out of my eyes. As I got my vision back i did it at the wrong time and a knife stabbed into my side by the Zebra Groaning a bit and I fell to my stomach my sword dropped as she smirked backing away laughing.

" Now time to kill you." She backed up to get ready to do a jump onto my spine. But I tried to use my magic to lift up the sword and she charged jumping from far away and flesh ripped and the sound of a sword going deep into flesh. The vision in my eye darkening more as I see her skewered on my sword. She spoke coughing up blood.

" You....will doom us all.." As she died , i pulled my sword out of her and tossed it softly to the ground nearby. Before i lost consciousness, I saw many Zebras rush to me while the elder had a worried look in his eye.

" Hurry. Get the healers." He turned back to me trying to keep my head propped up. " Stay awake hero. Stay awake." I knew that it was going to be impossible for me. As I slowly closed my weak eyes, all I felt was pain. I could feel my heart was slowly stopping. Each beat growing further and further apart, but it still kept beating. That slow beating somehow was keeping me alive.

00000

I started to dream. No memory, this time. But I was extremely young and looking at all the bodies near me and I tried sobbing through the dead bodies. I felt so lost and empty. Heard voices on the other side of the door that lead down here. I started to shake, not sure what is coming to find me. The door opened up and I saw the face of the wolf. Her eyes glowed brightly as she looked down at me. She leaned into the hole and lifted me up.

The wolf creature carried me away from the hole and gave me back to my parents. I looked back at the one who rescued me. Tiria was her name. She went through so much to save me and the rest of the city. But the city around me is in ruins. A Lot of it is being torn down to make a smaller little town. Tear's drained from my eyes as I was carried back to my home but. I wanted to go to the wolf and I was set down and I trotted off to the hero of our town.

When I got close to her she turned looking down to me. Her blue eyes no longer glowing as she just stared. Calmly she lifted me up looking to my parents giving a nod. She didn't even speak she knew what they wanted. They wanted her to look after me as the area is being rebuilt. She lay me down beside her as she sat in a chair. She looked very unhealthy but still no more words from her voice. I remember so much from her.

But I think this is around the time she was unsure what to do with this town. She really didn't care much about ponies. But right now all I could care about is that I am near the one that saved me. I am not a hero like her. I will never be a hero like the wolf. Many always rushed to her to give her food something to read while she rested while every pony worked around. Her eye's closed half the time because It was easy to tell that her body was falling apart. But again she stared down at me. I could finally see a smile on her face. A smile of happiness.

I remember her like this. It's hard to relive my past through a dream. But I wanted to warn her about Crow and Sand dying. Then I remember were I was. I was in her very bag. I unzipped hoping to get to her in time. I saw Sand, her mate dead from the creature's power. . Then I saw Crow the changeling who looked dead but. He turned into a mouse and limped under the stairs to hide. I saw her other friends. KipKipe and Shadow were both wounded and knocked out. But when I looked at Silver Gunner. He was staring at the shotgun that was given to him. He remembered who the ones in the photo that gave him Remembrance. I got out of the bag to slowly walk to Tiria and The Iron Wolf project the so called god it called itself..

" Tiria...." She just stared at me with empty eyes and I was lifted by the creature and he stared at me as I looked into his eyes. Remembering the pain he caused me. I wanted to save her. I wanted her to be there for me. But it's the past and I can't do that. I felt the pain in my leg that he ruined. I remember the pain and Tiria broke free, grabbing me from the creature as he spoke.

" How dare you! I am your god!" She just carried me to the door and using the wire's to open the door. On the other side was Iron Claw the hellhound. She passed me off to him.

" Go and keep the Stable closed." Tiria yelled.

The door closed back up as Iron claw carried me out. I was crying but the Hellhound did nothing to calm me down. All he said was this.

" Let it out little one. Pain is what most ever remember. Remember to use this pain to fight and never end." The dream ended but I was still in the darkness. But in the darkness, a wolf formed and smiled at me. My eyes went wide as I rushed to the wolf hugging her.

" I am sorry little Star Shooter but I am not who you think i am. I am but the back of your mind. It seems your subconcenes is feeling Guilty so it brought me here. I don’t know why you feel so guilty Star Shooter. Is it because of what you watched? What you watched her do? You are alive. But you need to stop blaming yourself for Tiria's death. It wasn't your fault. It was that howling dance, that damned crystal, that ruined her body when she used it to kill that creature."

Blinking staring at the wolf, my heart shattered. I thought it was really her. But I noticed I would never know. I wish I could say goodbye to her but.. I never got the chance to. I just layed beside her as she died from giving birth to crystal. Closing my eyes and I felt a paw under my chin and opened my eyes to stare into the eyes of Tiria.

" She would be proud of you Star Shooter. You are not only following in her paws. You found someone that will never leave you alone. She may not be a pony of course or a stallion since...you never were into same sex. But being with her, I think that changed you a lot." A smile formed on my face and I had something to say to her. I couldn’t hold it back any longer. She must know how I feel.

"I'm sorry Tiria.. I see your grave everyday I close my eyes. I see you laying there after you died during the birthing of Crystal. The pain you felt during that I couldn’t do a thing to help you.” Tears fell from my eyes while I felt such sorrow talking to the hero of my home. But I had more to say. “How is it fair to you that you saved us. But that damned stone took you from us . It's not fair!!.” I stomped my hoof in anger. The dream of my friend sighed patting my head with her paw her smile that smile that made me feel happy when she was there. She spoke so gently.

" I am sure she knows little Shooter. Please don't let guilt get to you little one. Now wake up."

00000

Opening my eyes I was on a bed still in the cavern. My leg was wrapped in a bandage same with my chest and a healer spoke softly.

" Shhh. Don't move little pony." Looking over to the healer and she smiled. " I'm known as Zranth. Odd name yes but Zebras always have odd names." She chuckled softly. " Don't move for awhile though little pony. Your body needs to heal. Then I will lead you to the fluid of the past." I nodded weakly my head hurt so much and throbbed. Laying back closing my eyes groaning and felt a strange substance on my chest.

" What happen?" I asked weakly the zebra just stayed silent. I felt so weak looking around and noticing that only this healer is here. She stayed silent and just kept rubbing the strange substance on my chest and then gave me some water. For some reason my pip buck was going nuts saying there is something inside it making the ticker go crazy. Never understood why it did this. But maybe there is something here that is toxic. But the water felt good going down. The subsistence seemed to make my ribs heal. But it made the bones shift and crack it felt painful while the bones did this. I gasped in pain as all I could hear was the bone's cracking and slowly going back in place.

"I'm sorry young one. This is sadly going to be painful to the point you will have to rest. I do hope you are here to get us out of here. We have been down in this cave for so long." Weakly I smiled and chuckled groaning in pain as my bone slowly healed. The bone's cracking as I felt the bone in my leg twist and crack. A deep groan came from my mouth. The hoof slowly healed but all i could feel was the bones cracking and my insides burning from the water. Looking to the healer and her weary face smiled at me stroking my face with her hoof.

" I am sorry young one. I know it's painful but rest. Relax. After you are healed, we will take you where you are going." Weakly smiling, I finally spoke after groaning. Coughing softly I turned and looked up to her.

" To be fair.. I didn't even know you were all down here.. The Zebras that sent me down here didn't even tell me you existed. Maybe they thought you all died out.."

The healer frowned a bit and looked down, sighing softly. But then looked back towards me.

" It would take awhile to explain why we were forced down here. But you would have to listen to get the others outside to understand why we did what we did. Are you willing to listen to an old Zebra about a story of the past?" Giving a nod weakly and I couldn't even move as my bones calmly cracked and coughed deeply. But she started to speak.

"My ancestor were part of the tribe that refused to fight in the war. Most of my tribe and my family were put on a zebra prison ship and were heading back to our lands. But we got lost in a storm and ended up near this island.” Zranth took a drink from some water sighing before going on with the rest

“But the issue of the matter is the magic. The magic was attracting the commander to this island. You killed her of course, I never understood how she lived for so long. But the spell beached the entire ship. We were able to live on the island peacefully, the Queen didn't even bother us. But when the other Zebra landed. They found out what tribe we were in and the Commander was forced to relocate us into this area. This cavern of writing of the past and ruined. I was born here.” I could tell it pained her to talk about this. But she went on anyway.

“It was made way before we got here. But yes, we were outcast and outsiders. We have been down here for so long. There has been to much inbreeding. With me I got lucky but yes there is too much of it." Nodding. " But we hope you can save us from this death little hero."

Closing my eyes calmly to think as the pain finally subsides still feeling pretty weak coughing a bit. Slowly sitting up with the help of Zranth. Siting there calmly on my haunches as I had so much pain in my body. My mane covard my eye's a moment and with my gentle eye's I stared at her. Then gave a very weak smile. Slowly speaking through my pounding head.

" If you show me were the fluid of the past is. Then I will do so. Just I can't promise anything right away. I just need to ask the elder. From what I have learned most of the Zebra's out there are from every tribe. But most of the Zebra's seem to only care for themselves. But after being on this island for so long" Zranth frowned looking away and she sighed.

" Little hero, there is a guardian defending that chamber. Do you feel ready to take it on? It's a creature that allows us to live here. Its old and will know every way to beat you hero. But I will take you to it. I may not like the very idea of it. But I will." Sighing softly closing my eyes I was going to be in pain more. But I slowly got out of the bed. My legs feeling so stiff and weak.

" Lead me. Please." I softly voiced. Zranth frowned sighing nodding and walked away. Following her she lead me down a strange hall that showed the history of this island. It seemed is was built to keep prisoner's of evil but only one was able to be jailed here. Some giant squid monster and another one a cloud monster. That seems to be a minion of the Queen who runs this island now. But then I see him. The warden. The warden from what I have noticed is located in the castle itself. Written above it in equestrian. ' Speaker for those who wish freedom.' Finally seeing what he is. He is a dragon that is connected to the power of the castle itself. Reading down it said's if he is removed then he is killed.

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I was finally lead to a large chamber and Zranth stayed outside and looked towards me with great sadness in her eyes. I could tell that she has lost many a friend to this creature in there. I smiled weakly looking into the chamber and then back to her.

" I will return. Please be ready to leave." Slowly walking into the chamber, I finally saw what I was after a vial of a strange glowing fluid. But the room was pretty empty and I just stood there a moment, unsure of what to do next. The door slide close behind me as I looked up, seeing the beam of moonlight shine in. But while I walk closer. I hear hissing finally I see very large snakes slithering around. But they seem to leave me alone. But I heard a deep voice.

" Mortal. Your sins, your thoughts, your memories. They betray you little one. I can't allow you to drink from the vial of the past. I..." He goes silence for awhile then after a few pregnant seconds he spoke. " Equestria... Dead? Slowly brought back by a spell? Oh child..Why do you wish to return to a dead land?" The creature asked in the booming voice.

Closing my eye, I sat on my haunches.How can I hero do this on their own? The choices the pain of the choice they make. All choices add up to a hero. But is it wise for me to keep pretending? I wish to go home. But I am in love.. With Blaze. I love her so much.. So for her...I shall.. But I finally spoke after a few moments.

" The idea of being a hero is new to me. I wish to get back to my land but then I wish to free this island from the Queen. The Queen that seems to be the reason why so many souls on this island are full of sadness and sorrow. I.. don't care about my own life. I may be in love with one of the citizens of this island. But I'd rather she be free then my own happiness."

The voice stayed silent for a moment and I felt I failed and then I finally saw what he is. He is a manticore. The creature stared at me a moment using it's lion eye's and he sat on his haunches a moment watching me closely.

Looking at the creature I was always told to avoid this type of being. These creatures are known to be very nasty and deadly. But this one has been trained to think like a pony and to speak like one. Maybe this one won’t hurt me. The Manticore sat in front of me with waiting for me speak its very eyes glowed.

" The world ended in fire.. I see we were lucky. If you call this island lucky. An island created by my former masters. To hold Prisoners of their long forgotten war. They even placed some of the species of the world on this island.” Memories resurfaced of that day of that battle. All because of the past. Then he went on.

“They knew about a war coming. But they didn't know how it would start. Yet they were all killed. All but the parents of the princesses Celestia and Luna. But what ended them was a creature even worse than what you faced with the Enclave. Even worse than the raiders or whatever threat you will face. Just because of you heroes and your choices and the seals.The heroes of your land have been breaking them left and right."

I looked up to him calmly and then looked back down, softly asking.

" What is this great evil? I have heard many things about it since I got here. But I haven't seen anything about it at all."

The manticore stared at me a moment and then looked towards the fluid. He seemed to be unsure if telling me would be a great idea. He walked around, calmly looking towards his snakes as they hissed to him and he nodded. He spoke softly to them.

" You sure I should tell her?" The snakes hissing and seemed to all hiss, almost as if their were speaking to him. Watching him. he came back over to me and smiled softly down at me.

" I will tell you but you can't tell anyone else. In fact, if you do he might discover those that you care about.. If you say his name, he will know who you said it to. So please remember don't tell anyone till the time you know he is coming. You will know when he is."

He calmly leaned down to me and whispered. He just whispered a name that seemed to go into my brain then drown out with the rest of the world. This name had magic in it. It went deep into the back door of my mind and not only did it close the door, it locked it with a seal of magic. The name just escaped my mind I remember hearing it. But I don’t remember the word of the name. Just the fact I was told a name. I gave the Manticore a weak smile.

" I promise." The Manticore gave a smile and then nodded looking back to the fluid.

" Listen child. I have been waiting for you for a long time. The legend is true and you were destined to come here. But not to kill me. But to tell me it's my time to be released. So please if you know everything you do please say those words." Blinking, my eyes go wide but I sigh and close my eyes. Thinking a moment of what to say. Looking up to him.

" Why was this island created? I know most of the reason's but why was the Queen placed in power?" The manticore stared at me for a moment and sighed.

"She was banished from Equestria for trying to take the throne from Celestia while Luna was in the moon. Then she got the power she wished for when she got here. Celestia never knew exactly how powerful she was. But she finally learned the mistake she made. From what I have been able to figure out, the war started before she could fix that mistake." He sighed looking back to the fluid and then back at me. " Please say the words child. If you say the words now, I can get Equestria and prepare for the coming of the creature I gave you the name of."

Thinking a moment, was it wise to speak those words to him? Maybe he will attack me maybe he won’t. Maybe he will show up to help with this battle. But I sighed, closing my eyes taking a deep breath with a smile forming on my face. Slowly I spoke the words.

" You're free to go. You have done your mission." The manticore smiled and then flew up quickly into the hole that brought the moonlight down into the chamber. Shortly afterwards, he was gone. Watching him go and then looking back to the fluid. Lifting up the vial in my magic I stared at the strange pink fluid. Opening up the cork, I drank it down. I started gasping in pain and screaming loudly almost immediately afterwards I’m sure that it echoed all the way back to the cavern. Even to the town, maybe even to the castle itself. I am sure many heard that scream and my world went black.

Footnote: Level up

Perk added: Zebra training: You learned to fight like a zebra does. Remember this is not an easy stance for a pony. But it will help you be +20 times faster in attack. But It will be a little slower on the dodge.

Chapter Six: The forgotten past.

" Much of the past has been forgotten"

My scream kept going and going even as my world went black. I know the one I love is trying to rush to find me along with Jonon. My eyes opened up as I screamed more and the fluid burned in my stomach, every synapse and nerve in my body made me feel like I was burning. I heard hooves hitting the door over and over to break it down. It would take time. My eyes changed from the magic sight to normal my horn glowed and then the glow was gone. My body started going crazy and I started losing it. I talked to myself and laughed loudly.

" Oh but we had to..NO! No we didn't oh yes..." Laughing as the fluid was making its way to my brain and then. I felt it enter my brain and then I felt the fluid leaking from my nose and mouth. It burned so much causing me to hit my head on the wall and knocking myself out. it even leaked out my ass. The fluid just burned away after awhile. But my ability to hear was fully gone and all I could do was dream.

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Opening my eyes. I was neither here nor there. I was in the past, but still in the present. I was in the body of another, yet still in my own. But I wasn't sure who I was with. I just watched as the body flew over the water. Then, I saw many more Alicorns flying with parts of rock and trees. They seemed to be forming an island. They had interesting weapons attached to them. So long ago, this island was built. The Alicorns, a race that I am sure is long gone. But these are the Alicorns of old. Not the new ones that were created.

More of the Alicorns brought more pieces of land and trees to build the island. But the body I was in seemed to just watch as this island was formed. Many different species of creatures placed around the island. To make it more lively even though. Most of them wouldn’t have been highly evolved yet. During this a city was being built into the middle of the island. Then a castle was built around the city. In the tower of the castle an egg was placed inside. Tubes connected to it. With the words on the egg the future warden of Devil’s due It made them feel powerful. My host of course seemed to not enjoy this.

They just stared at the ground. It was real but also the grass was slowly growing. The creature's of this land slowly becoming more and more. Watching the magic used that went into the land. It seemed to be the magic that caused the mutations in many of the creatures here. Unlike the war so long ago it wasn't bale fire and taint that caused the issue. It was the very magic itself. The magic that seemed to find a way to always be there. The one I was in slowly walked into the cavern that the Zebras would come to live in.

They had some strange creatures I haven't seen before create the carvings. These creatures. They seemed to be birds that could shape shift. Then I saw other creatures a creature that looked like to be the first ancestor of the diamond dogs. But no normal ponies around this time. Many, many creatures that just seemed to be long dead. Creatures of living clouds. Rocs, normally large giant birds. but these ones have been cursed to be smaller and used as beast of burden. I don’t see other races of Equestria though Minotaurs or Griffins.

I don't even see the ponies that would come to run the lands. Not even the Zebras. This is so long ago it seems that so much of what is before is just there. No words were spoken just the emotions of my host that seemed to bother them so much. Creating this land to turn it into a prison?I saw one of the carvings it looked so much like me. It had my cutie mark even my black furred body. It didn’t show nothing else nothing else at all.

I saw more carvings on these very walls. It was of a war in the past. But also the war of the future with the zebras and ponies. But the pride of my host didn’t take it to heart or even care. She cared more about what is going on now. I didn’t like what I have seen so far.

These Alicorns act more evil then the Alicorns of the now. I don’t understand that it made little sense to me. But my host I watched her treat the ones working on the carvings like they’re worthless slaves that she can beat and hurt.

My host walked deeper into the cave. Following the path to see the pedestal that would hold the fluid. But it seemed to be used as a clock for the time being and looking to see a young manticore in a little cage. The manticore that would prouply be the one I spoke to. But there is more. I don't understand why so many of these creatures just stared at my host. With great disdain and some with great happiness.

I looked into the mirror then I saw her. Majesty herself. I am in the Queen. She was an alicorn. She was here when the island was created. But why is she smaller now? Why does she act so heartless and having so much hate and wanting to be so powerful? Many just stared at us, while my host stared back as she gave a smile her voice so calm and gentle.

"They wish us to be done before a 1000 years are up." One of the shape shifting bird creatures laughed and scoffed at my host who looked back with great disdain at the creature.

" Right you enslave us expect us to work like your little soldiers do the rest of this yourself. You worthless piece of..." She shot her horn at the creature My host I could feel a smile of glee forming on her face. While the bird lay smoking at her hooves. She lowered her head to look even more at the dead creature. The words they speak sound like old Equestrian.Maybe the potion made it easier for me to understand them.

Maybe. But what I just saw would make me sick. If this was me of course. She then walked back out of the cavern and chuckled softly, seeming to looking at the rest of the Alicorns building the island. But it's interesting most of them seem weak and broken. She used her magic to form a whip and then snapped in the back of one of the Alicorns.

" Get working you trash." She chuckles softly as she keeps wiping the mare Alicorn over and over. Seeing to have glee of doing this. I am like ‘what?’ Why she is doing this to her own species? It makes no sense to me. I wish I could get back into my own body. But I sadly drank the fluid to watch this. To understand why this island was created. But then I saw him. The creature I was told about. But why couldn't I remember his name? Calmly watching the creature as he came towards my host with his strange creatures by his side and then my host smiled softly.

" Ah master I'm happy you could make it. Our enemies will fall and be forced here." The creature nodded and smiled. For some reason though I couldn't see him to well. He was like a block spot in my vision. Every time his name sounds of work and whipping caused it to be blocked. I felt that this is crazy. I have to know who this is. But I feel it's not wise and there is a reason why I can't see him. The creature laughed and spoke.

"Hmm yes. Now the war will start soon and my army will defeat the rest of your species and make them my toys "

But what's interesting the vision went forward and the leader of all this army was attacked by a young Celestia and then banished. I have no idea why the memory skipped but it seems I couldn’t get all the memories. Celestia seemed to even stare at my host. Beside her was her little sister and on the ground in front of them, were the bodies of her parents. They just stared at my host as the battle ended. The blood of the Alicorns calmly seeped into the ground and the bones dislocated the bodies like they never existed. But only the Princess did. But it seems Celestia did a spell on herself and Luna to forget what this creature was. This creature must be something so evil that saying its name is not wise.

My host bowed to her new leaders. Celestia stared at her with great anger but stayed calm. Looking towards her sister. Then she calmed.

" Majesty I need your wisdom to help me learn to be like my species."

My host gave a nod smiling. The memories went forward again. But what's interesting the land was covered in snow. My host herself flew around trying to find what is going on and she came face to face with the windagos. But she flew away quickly and then noticed the ponies forming a conference she calmly looked into the window watched them from a window. She noticed the three sets of ponies. She felt they were worthless creatures. But she watched them. She watched the male pegasus she come to learn his name Commander Hurricane.

Then watched the other stallion challenger Pudding Head. She just stares at that pony like really? Then she looks at the unicorn princess. She didn't care about her name. To her, she was just below her. Majesty flew back to the kingdom or what is left of it.The only Alicorns alive now are three the only three left alive in the kingdom. Her, Luna and Celestia. She just went to check on them as they didn't even have the power they would have now. She sighed wishing she had more power.

The memory went forward again. She was back on the island it seemed to be a day after. She went down into the prison that held the other creature and she smiled.

" Well hello again after so many years." The creature opens their eyes staring right at my host and tries to use it's many arms to grab her but is held back by powerful spells and magic. The creature growls angrily and then stares at her with a dark smile laughing.

" Oh majesty only this cage is keeping me from killing you." The creature talked deeply My host chuckled softly and looked over to the side and then back to the creature.

" I got a deal if you wish. I am sure down the line there will be someone to free you. In fact I know the best way to have this happen. If you follow this deal then we shall take over the world together. What say you creature?" The prisoner laughs deeply and has his eyes closed as a scent of bad odor comes from its mouth. As it seems to be thinking now looking towards the prison and then back to her.

“Whatever you have planned Majesty you better be ready to release me. Even if its many years from now.”

She gave a nod as my head lowers once. Then she flew out and her horn glowed brightly and a spell was place all around the island.She casted a very powerful spell from what I could tell. She started to cause a spell that made a endless storm around the island. The spell hit one of the sea monsters and it turned into part of the storm. To stop boats from invading the island. After all this I could tell from her thoughts that she wanted to kidnap ponies and other creatures from their homes to bring them here to worship her.

The memory forwards again and Majesty was standing by Celestia and Luna. They were talking to Star swirl the bearded. My host yawned didn't seem to care much. But then she heard the words that angered her. But she kept it to herself and she wrapped her wings to her body and she closed her eyes in great anger as she heard the words.

" I wish you two. To lead the new world of Equestria. I wish you Luna to be the princess of the night and you Celestia to be the princess of the day." My host anger was to much. But she kept to herself and she would wait for her time. Later that night after it started. She went into the chambers of Star swirl the bearded and with great anger she spoke.

" How dare you not choose me!!. I am older! More powerful and have ten times more wisdom than those brats." She spoke loud enough that she echos in the room. Star swirl just stared at my host and he stroked his beard with a hoof. His eyes are glowing gently and smiled gently.

" Majesty you're a relic of the distant past. No one should even know you exist." My host blinked and her horn glowed. But a spell from the wizard seemed to weakened her. She fell down her body weak and wounded. But when Star swirl walked to her. He smiled and stroked her head.

" I am sorry child. But they must do what they do. I can't allow you to get in the way of a wonderful Equestria." But he did something I never would have expected, same with my host. He grabbed a knife with his magic and stabbed his side and made a spell that like his horn was cracked. He screamed in deep pain. As the guards rush in and they gasp staring at the scene in front of them.

" Arrest her...she attacked me because she wishes to steal the thrown from the princess." The guard nodded and with many chains, they chained her neck legs and wings. But she tried to struggle screaming.

" He's lying! He's lying." She tried to fight the guards as they pulled her out. The last thing she sees is Star swirl's smile. She was forced into the dungeon and she started sobbing, the eyes of my host filling with tears. As they drip down to the floor. She would seem to stay there for many hours just crying and not eating anything. Then the door into the jail opens and closed and hooves sound along the stone floor. My host looked up seeing Celestia this was before her mane flowed and her mane was pure pink.

" Celestia, please let me go. Please!!" She just stared at my host and looked towards The side and the door looking down into the eyes of my host.

" No. It will be some time but I will be finding out a suitable punishment for you. I need.." Before she could finish speaking Star swirl walked in using a crutch Then smiled.

" I know a place. It's an Island made to hold prisoners. Take her there and remove her powers and you shall receive them."

Celestia nodded and the memory went forward again. Now my host was chained down in the room where the vial would be. A spell was being used to keep Majesty in place. I could feel the pain of her wings being removed from her body with a magic knife. She tried so hard to break the chains that kept at bay. Star Swirl started to remove the Alicorn magic from her body. The pain was bad even to me. I never felt like this before it made me sick. But I can’t do nothing about it. A bottle was placed near her head while she watched in horror as her magic was placed inside Celestia.

Celestia’s pink mane started to flow full of magic. My host fell to her stomach watching in horror still as this went on. She started to feel the memory being taken from her. While her vision started to darkend

Star Swirl held her chin with his magic. “This is now your kingdom. You do what what you wish to this land. You are nothing my little Majesty. Just a worthless creature of the past. Deal with the fact that I smile seeing you be removed from your power. You will forget this.. And I shall laugh at the grave as I die.”

Tears rained down her face. As the last bit of the memory went into the little glass potion bottle I drank from. Everything then went black as the memory ended.

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My eyes opened and quickly became aware of the fact I was in the doc's room. But while I couldn’t see anything, I could hear some small sobs. It sounded like Blaze. I heard her speak softly with her tears.

" I should have gone with her...I should have been there for her." Jonon spoke softly.

" it wouldn't have changed anything Blaze. You would have been hurt as well it's something that you need to learn and understand sometimes a hero must face threats alone. But it's not how you see it. But you need to remember she loves you. She would risk her life and die for you. Just to see that smiling face of yours." I could hear that she stopped sobbing and I was just so weak. But I heard Zranth speak.

" She might be able to tell us what happen her. It might be best to tell her it's been almost five days." I couldn't even blink my body was so weak. But I tried to speak.

" B.....L.." My voice couldn't finish by I felt the bed shake and saw the beautiful eyes of Blaze and tears streamed down her face and smiled.

" I am here... Star shooter." I tried to smile but I couldn't even move. Zranth along with Doc started to check me out and even looked into my eyes and Doc blinked.

" It seems she has a temporary state of paralyze of course whatever was in that she drank. it sure caused her a lot of issues. It may take time for her to heal. Zranth nodded calmly. " But I wonder if she can feel." He poked my chest and I groaned in pain.

" Ah yes she can. Every synapses is on fire. So Blaze I doubt it's wise to kiss her because it will give her pain." Blaze frowned and looked at me and sighed.

" I am going to stay here and watch her." Doc sighed nodding.

" You will have to go back to the Blacksmith soon. We all knew this would happen. All of us." The last of the fluid I drank seeped out of my ears my brain itself blocked what I saw from my memory like I never drank it. I couldn’t even move it’s like my entire body just wants to lay there after what I went through.

" Jonon....Jonon..." She came to my vision and looked down at me with a smile.

" I...drank it..but I don't remember anything. I know I saw something. I know I was there in the past. But I don't remember what it is. All I know it was some ponies Memories but... I don't remember. I'm sorry." I said with soft sobs. Jonon shook her head.

" You no longer need to worry you proved yourself little hero. All in the town you didn't think you are the hero of legend now you are. They are all doing their little jobs to get the town ready for you when you leave. Till you return from the forbidden lands. But we asked the Griffin to wait a little longer. he will wait two more weeks. So you may finish what you need to do in this town." I gave a weak nod. I knew it would take longer to move. But I need to see Blaze again.

" Blaze..." I said weakly. She placed her head on the bed and she smiled sweetly. Tears still streaming down her face. I could tell she was in great fear of what would happen. Groaning and calmly weakly wrapped my fore hooves around her neck and smiled. " I'm so sorry for worrying you. I am very very sorry for worrying you so much. " She smiled sweetly nodding and then removed her head from my forehooves.

" I need to get back to work Star shooter." She gave me a gentle kiss and all my nerves burned like their one fire but she smirked. Walking away from the room and Zranth started to rub some strange substance into my stomach and chest and then my legs. It seemed to remove the burning feeling but it's not a pleasant feeling at all half the time. Then she rolled me onto my stomach. I gasped deeply from the pain as I felt the fluid go into my back now and it started to make every part of me burn even more.

" Thank you little hero. We are now free. But I am sorry I see that you have forgotten what you have seen. I am sure someday you will remember what you have seen. Hopefully of course. " She said with a nod and then set a bowl of water for me to lap up with my tongue. I felt like a dog but it was the only way to keep me from getting to dehydrated. My head pounded badly it felt like my brain went through a nasty ringer. My eyes opened again and I tried to will the magic sight. I could see the lines of the magic filling this room it seemed to be a lot more than I thought. Closing my eyes to remove the sight and coughed a bit. Doc walked back in and looked into my eyes and he smiled.

" Well you gave us more help for fishing and now I got a full staff thanks to you."

I couldn't smile I just looked at him with a sick look on my face. But I heard a bag of coins going into my bag. Hopefully I will find a use for them to buy some armor. Laying my head back down trying to remove the throbbing of my head groaning deeply. Closing my eyes again. I couldn't move anymore for the moment it seems. Then I heard my stomach popping and then with a quick movement I got on my hooves fast.

" Bathroom! Bathroom!!" Doc pointed with a hoof outside the hall and I quickly rushing out like crazy to the bathroom. Despite the pain and feeling like I can't feel half of my body. When I got into the bathroom I sat and groaned as well. The fluid came out of me burned so much that I tried not to scream. Every nerve in me burned just from this little way of cleansing my system. It's like my body is going. ' Hey hey...Dumb shit.. Don't drink something like that again.' Groaning after removing the fluid from my system weakly pulled myself off the toilet getting weakly back on my hooves. Then it slowly glowed then turned to normal everyday urine. Sighing I flushed it and now I felt that my body was back to normal. But still every nerve was on fire. But not as bad as it was.

Slowly walking back into the room and Doc just looked at me with a smile.

" Feel better?"

I gave a nod sitting back into the bed groaning softly and looked to the Doc and he smiled.

" You have done so much for us little hero. But there are few more jobs for you. Go back to the brew maker, go to the inn and to the blacksmith. But maybe you should sleep some before you head back out."

I chuckled looking up to Doc with a gentle weak smile and He smiled back and patted my my back gently with his hoof. I gave a very weak smile slowly getting back into the bed to rest my body. Putting my head on a pillow closing my eyes to rest a bit. I had many thoughts in my head. Why would I forget the memories? Why would I forget everything that happen. Maybe I wasn't strong enough in magic to handle those memories.

Opened my eyes to hoof steps coming inside and I saw a little filly. She spoke in a soft voice.

"Hero..the orphanage has been taken over by some nasty bugs. Miss Swampy had to fight them off and got us all out. Then got out herself. But it was bound to happen because of how badly built the building is. Are you willing to help us?" She sounded more adult like but.. She had the voice of a young filly. I wonder why so many of the young on this island sounded so mature. It made little to no sense to me at all. Giving a nod and smiled weakly.

" Is it alright if I rest first before going? I’m very weak and I can’t stand at all” The filly smiled nodding.

" Of course hero. Rest some what those bug's aren't going anywhere at the moment at least." Giving a weak nod and my mind just blacked out as I slept.

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. A new memory.

Did I really see this the last time? Why am I dreaming of this? Looking over to what seems odd to me then most. But what I saw in this is how they found the ground for the island itself. They took most of the parts of a mountain and then caused a volcano to go off to cover the holes they created. But my host seemed to be gathering prisoners. I don't understand but around were I was is the land of Alicorns. My host looked around but she felt that she was the only great. Most seemed to bow to her. But also many feared her.

But interesting thing is a dark evil creature walked to her and stared at her. The creature pulled out a large sword and seemed ready to attack her but she started saying something that scared me to my core. She spoke so soothingly with a soft voice.

" Dance like a tree creature of evil. Dance dance and sing like a tree. The wind shall blow through your leaves. You shall be home to the birds and then learn to sing with them as the cock crows Oh creature of evil you shall never see again." The creature just stares at her but the words seem to give him great fear. He starts to scream in pain I could hear him speak.

" How?!" The creature’s legs slowly spread out and its legs split into roots. Wood starting to fill out in the body of the creature. The sword fusing into his body. As the arms of the creature turned to pure wood. The sword itself become a normally everyday branch of the tree starting to grow apples. He just kept screaming wood shooting out of his eyes the eyes themselves turning into branches and every part of the creature is now a tree. Then when the screaming end and blood drained from the bark and the skin melted away into dust. The screaming stopped but the wind started to blow and birds and other creatures started to come to the tree to make a home out of the former being of life.

The wind slowly blew. The scream carrying on the wind. But she turns to more trees and they seem to be the same. She had a dark smile on her face. Walking through the newly made woods. Along every part of the tree's blood origins being absorbed by the trees causing them to grow big and strong. Leaves slowly grow and she stood in the middle of them and smiled and softly hums as she pulls flowers out of the ground as they seem to scream in pain. Calmly eating them and chuckling with a smile as some of her species stare at her. Then she turns to them.

" Now take these trees to the island. Not all of them of course." She placed her hoof on what she has done and whispered to one of them. " Now you will learn how to respect your Majesty." She chuckled softly and walked away from the trees and all they could do is scream. But the memory wasn't over. A little dragon walked up to her I couldn't see the colour of the dragon. Seems to be blotted out couldn't even understand what they said when they spoke.

" Gardens.. Hanging...Super...Story...Within...History..Of ends.." All I could make from the dragon and Majesty laughed softly and before she walked away from the dragon. Behind her an elder of her species spoke to her.

" Majesty.. Please stop trying to harm every creature you see. There is no need to feel you're better than them." My host Majesty just gives a sweet gentle smile.

" Oh elder we must show the creature's of the world. That we are the shepherds of them. If they wish to harm the shepherd. So we must do a little harm to them to get them to understand who is in charge." She just said this like nothing is wrong. With a gentle evil giggle. The elder frowned sighing as what is interesting about him his mane flowed and seemed to flow along with the magic. From how feel in my host the magic of Equestria is power even before the princess took over.

The elder stares at my host his eyes so full of disappointment.

" You will never learn what you namesake is Majesty. Yes you may be Majestic. You may be even more powerful than most. But sometimes power takes over the mind. As I can see power has taken over your mind." He shook his head. Majesty just smiles softly and chuckles and laughs loudly and deeply. After she stops. my host speaks like a royal snobby ass hole.

" Oh elder." She snickers softly. " I am Majestic. I am what so many of our kind wish to be. Beautiful the first one to breed with. Oh elder it's just how I see ourselves." She smiled sweetly at the elder who just sighed closing his eyes and calmly walking away and before he fully walked out of sight he turned his head staring at her.

"Majesty sooner or later you will learn that this mindset you have is well.. Going to end you." My host just had a large smile on her face. Her voice soft and tender.

" Oh elder. You don't seem to understand anything. You may be older than the rest of us. But you know I shall lead us. I shall have my power that I deserve. I shall be Queen!!!" She stood into a pose and If I was there myself I would just face hoof so hard that it would leave an imprint in my face. The elder stare at her with much sadness in his eyes. He closes them and slowly walks away from the trees. My host just kept that smile and walked to her hovel. Her hovel made like it was a small castle. She walked looking into her mirror staring at it and she had a dark smile.

" Oh they will know. They will know who is their Queen. I shall never let anyone. Anyone take over my role as Queen. NO one NO ONE!! Can stop me. NO ONE!!" She yelled in the mirror and smashed it with her hoof and she started to shake and stare at her bloody hoof and she laughed loudly and deeply in happiness. She lifted up a piece of glass of the mirror. She just stares at it and her eyes seem to focus on the glass and a dark smile forming. But then looked up to the mirror and her features softens. Then frowns and then calmly sets the glass down.

" No one..." She said softly.

0000

Opening my eyes I felt my heart beating so quickly and shivers. I felt that I just saw something that bothered me to the core. But was I dreaming? I don't remember the dream at all. I don't think I was dreaming. It felt so real but of course most dream's do feel real. Calmly getting on my four hooves feeling all the pain gone. Just not in my brain. Slowly walking out of the room. But I heard a voice.

" Oh Majesty such a fool you are." I turned looking for the voices. But I didn't see anything. Closing eyes and said to myself. 'i'm Not crazy I'm not crazy I'm' Opening my eyes seeing the gentle eyes of Doc but I jumped quickly back and screamed being scared to death at the moment but he blinks and I started breathing deeply and shivering.

" Star Shooter?" He said softly and walked over to me and wrapped around me. I started trembling. What did I see why is it bothering me so. Why do I feel like I should cry and feel sorry for some pony. It's making no sense to me. I softly sobbed in his shoulder. I could tell he was just here for me at the moment. I heard hoof steps and Jonon walked in and just stared and I felt him shaking his head. As I sobbed so hard.

" Tell me... what is bothering you Star shooter." I sobbed harder the pain felt so harsh to me. It felt like I was going to die at times. But I softly spoke.

" I..." Sniff sob." I feel... weak.. I feel that I am going to fail...I feel I will end up...Like Tiria." Sobbing harder. " I was there... I watched her give birth and die.. I was there when she... Almost murdered an enclave soldier. Just because they touched me. She called.... All ponies and Zebras worthless.. For the war they started.. For destroying the world. That ponies deserve the pain... They have gotten. I don't.. Want to feel or be that way either.." Sobbing harder shaking now and I felt more hooves wrap around me and it was Jonon who spoke softly.

"Hero...I mean Star shooter." She gently stroked along my head. " If you believe in yourself you won't become like that. If you allow Blaze to help you and give her all your love. Then you will never be alone and die alone. But little Star shooter breaking down now is not the best thing to do. You need to remain strong. I know this is not easy for you little one. Please allow me and Blaze help you."

I shivered deeply and sobbed harder. Doc removed himself from the hug and so did Jonon but when I opened my tear filled eyes I saw Blaze who calmly wrapped her front legs around me and her tail. Sobbing harder I just held her tightly and she stroked along my back. Doc went back to work and jonon left as well to leave the two of us alone.

"..I'm...Sorry...that you see me...this weak Blaze.." She put a webbed claw to my hoof to hush me.

" Star Shooter I didn't fall in love with you with how strong you. I fell in love with you because I can take care of you. You aren't just a hero. You are an everyday pony that has feeling's and doesn't get a stone heart. When I saw you wounded in my cave. A pony that is not strong. A hero that is not strong. But a hero with a large heart. That is all I care about with you Shooter. I don't need an amazing mare to love. I just need you.. That all I need." Tears keep dripping from my eyes and calmly looking up to her and giving her a deep deep kiss. The kiss went on for a few moments. Then we broke it and then she removed herself from me. Wrapping her tail around me more lifting me up. I wasn't that large of a mare. She could do a lot.

" I think my little hero could use some pleasure. Then we will get to working in the morning." My face turned bright red and I nodded. She carried me off to the house that we now started to both live and sleep in and make love in. I thought of my dream's. Why don't I remember but I am starting to wonder should I care.. I don't know.

Footnote: Level up

New perk added

Salamander love: You have gained a deeper connection with Blaze. When you fight together you feel like one unite and you’re happier when she is near.

Quest perk: The potion you have taken has helped you learn how to read the carvings on the wall.

Chapter Seven: Learning

Chapter Seven: Learning

It was the next morning. I felt so much better and I didn't have the sorrowful heart I did last night. Blaze made me feel like a mare. Well as much as a female and female can express their love. But it's something I am starting to enjoy more and more. I was asked to help with clearing out the orphanage. I need to take out whatever these creatures. I walk into the blacksmiths building. I watched Blaze at the forge using her firebreath to keep the forge heated. The blacksmith turned his head to look at me while he smashed his hammer on the anvil. From what I could tell he was making armor for a creature like Blaze.

" How well is the gun making going?" The roc nodded and looked down thinking a moment nodding again.

" A plant is being built in the cavern. The Zebras have no issue doing so and they will be putting the smoke stakes in an area that won't tip off the Queen. But again, I don't feel it's wise having these type of weapons of war. But with what is going on right now. It's sadly going to be needed if we are to win the coming war. Now how can I help you little hero? Need your lover to make you scream some more?"

He gave a smirk and Blaze snickered as I just blushed brightly then softly sighed and shaking my head with a smile gently. Reaching into my bag, I offered my sword to him.

" Could you please fix this?" The blade seemed fine it had no cracks but it seemed dull and in need of a good sharpening. He smiled softly, taking the sword in his wings. Calmly looking at it closely with his trained eye and chuckled.

" Hmm you need a better weapon then this little hero." I blinked and he looked through the weapons on his wall. Thinking a moment and pulling a weapon that seems pure blade it looks like a blade from the old war. Looking on it, I saw it had a name engraved on it. It was called ' Singer.' I don't know why it was called Singer but the Roc set it down in front of me with a gentle smile.

" This was found in the basement of Bulks house. From what I have seen it belonged to the Bulk family. It was weighed in a way to help a Pegasus pony fight with no issues. I shall melt down this sword you have now." Blinking a moment, I lifted it with my magic.In my magic the blade felt extremely light. When it whooshed around it sounded like a pony was signing but it was just the air. Staring at the blade and looked more at it and Blaze calmly looked at me and chuckled.

" Star shooter if you wish to kiss it, go ahead. You're giving it the same look you give me." My cheeks burned bright red and then looked to Blaze and calmly walked to her giving her a kiss.

" I will see you later." Blaze nodded and started to get back to work. She was making armor from how the armor looked. It looked like it was for her.But I trotted out calmly closing my eyes and listened to the air of the wind blowing through the air. Placing the sword in the scabbard on my side and reached into my bag placing on my cloaked to cover my black body, the hood along with the mask. Just in case a minion of the queen was lurking about. Walking up the road to the orphanage building. it was silent. Very silent. I willed my eyes into the magical spectrum. But I saw nothing. No magic at all. Removing the sight for the time being, I calmly walked into the building. I could hear the buzzing of the bugs softly and willed the magic sight again. My eyes went wide. They were eating magic. They ate magic. The smaller ones looked like they removed the raw magic. Maybe the raw magic was to deadly for some of the creatures in this island.

I can't let them get outside and harm the rest of the town. Lifting my sword slowly, I waited silently to strike. When they came towards me I did a slash and when I cut into them there was a magic explosion. Making me fly back and all the magic flowed out of the creature causing my horn to flare brightly as some of it went inside me. But it caused me to feel energized but also in pain. But the bugs didn't seem interested in me at all.

The magic caused so much pain that it gave me a vision a vision of how these creatures were created. She mixed them with many different bugs and used them to clean the magic or to use the magic as a weapon. I came out of the vision holding my head in pain. How did I know this? I don't remember what I just saw, I just remember that I know what they do. Calmly lifting up my sword I sliced my sword at another and the blade glowed gently from the attack. The blade sounded like a song while I sliced deep into the bug magic released from it.As it exploded in magic and my horn glowed brightly. As the magic went through and the bugs finally looked at me and stingers glowed brightly and they did something I never thought they would.

One of the stingers shot a beam of magic out at me. As it hit the wooden wall, a large hole was drilled into it and I charged at one of them, slicing them apart. Another beam cut through my cloak, giving me a little burn. Then rushed into the other bug slicing it and it made me fly into the wall and the sword stabbed into the ground. I tried to stand back up but I groaned as to much magic was going into me. It felt painful it felt worse than magic burn out. But I stood up and picked up my sword in my mouth and placed in back in the scabbard.

The magic floating around calmly vanished and went back to just floating beyond the realm of being able to see it. Looking around, I noticed this was meant to be a school in the past. Removing some dust from a broken door, I discovered it said ' School of Learning.' It seems this building was built to teach Zebras more than just being slaves. There is more then just what they said here. It seems the history of this island is wrong. Built to be a prison but I doubt the Zebras were slaves. It seems the queen caused the issue. It seems the queen is the one that started all this. No wonder most of them are heading to war. Looking around calmly and looking through the old books. The magic seems to be keeping the old books clean and rotting free.

Looking to the side finding some old desk. They seemed to have been here for years. Using my magic to lift them apart and placing them in a row of what I have seen books like these in Deep Thoughts school. It would take along long time to clean. But I kept the books in the spot they should belong. But I had more places to check. Walking into the next room there are many different types of bed. I guess the children sleep here.But this is the clean area. Looking around calmly and then saw another interesting bug. This bug looked like a beetle and it was eating the same magic. But when it ate it. It seemed to clean it a bit. Then re released it in a stem of breath. Who ever created these creatures they live on magic. I am starting to think the reason this island never was found during the war. It was because of the pure magic. It stopped the ability to find it.

But maybe some had ancestors that found it and got out. So the one that brought me here must have lived here before. Like that Salamander that was on the boat before. Then vanished, They must have been here before me. I sighed softly and the beatles just avoided me. Walk into the kitchen and looked around seeing those giant bugs with wings again. But they just looked at me with their many many eyes. I could see that they see me as walking magic. I have been in here to long magic is filling me up. But my horn starts to glow and it makes the magic around us glow brightly. Pulling out my sword and charging at the creatures. While they dragonfly hornets. All I can think of calling them is Magic eaters. The magic flowed into the stinger and the stinger glowed and shot at me with magic beams.

I sliced the stinger off one of the bugs. It flew into the wall the magic slowly released into the air and went into my horn again. Turning to watch the bug it slowly started to die it had no way to release the magic back out. It caused the poor creature to burn up from the inside out but it didn’t do anything but the magic seeped out of it’s cracks and went into the air to linger and cause more visions but these ones I didn’t even remember It made me wonder.. What have I have seen and what would I remember? had more places to check.

But now I see why creatures here mutated like they did on Equestria. This is natural magic. But sadly, it would be easier if it was because of the bombs so long ago. The magic of this land could be a problem but for the moment might be best to clean the rest of these bugs out of the school. Taking a deep breath I am sure I am breathing in the magic. I feel more power seeping through me. Looking to my pip buck I see that there is no ticking. I feel powerful but maybe being high on magic is a bad thing. I am hoping that I could find out more about these creatures. But sadly I couldn’t find anymore of them. Slowly standing back on my hooves and calmly walking through the rest of the building.

Finding some stairs and walking down them and my eyes went wide. The magic flowed slowly through the air. But I am starting to see why. On a pedestal in the middle of flowing raw magic. That I could see. Slowly walking to it and looked at it closely. This seems to be what is causing the bugs to come. But why did it start happening now?Hearing something, I looked towards the door and saw the Swamp Rat creature. It walked down the stairs and smiled softly.

" Hello Hero. I wish to thank you for cleaning the place out for us.” I watched while the children came down the stairs. I watched Swampy walk around the pedestal to reach up for it. But her claw moved back looking back to me and the children. I’m starting to feel I was set up.

" I can't do it." The Swamp rat turns back to me. " I am sorry hero, I am the one that brought the bugs here. The Queen said she would give me a great prize if I gave her this. But I can't. She even gave the kids a prize for it to. But we all came to an agreement. We can't accept it." Sitting on my haunches and looked at the kids. They seemed off more off then most.

" Why do the kids seem so strange?" Miss Swampy looked towards me and then towards the kids and she sighed.

" They were born in this island. Have you ever seen why the Zebras live in that cavern? The magic is blocked by that cavern. They were born here and it killed their mothers and fathers. If one is born in this magic.They won’t grow to be adults. They will be what is called magic ghouls. But magic ghouls happen to those who have been alive for many years. Ones who are born are called run off. Now if they leave this island. They grow old and die. Me and these children are hundreds of years old and if the magic leaves us we grow old and die."

Looking to the fluid and then back to her.”She wanted this potion of memories. She is trying to remember who she used to be herself. But we can’t allow that to happen. If she is given these memories she could be a deadly force. These memories have power hero. Keep the power at bay don’t let her have them.” From just hearing these words from Swampy. Made me very worried is there really power in these memories?

Looking towards towards the vial again and used my magic.

" Go.. I am going to drink it. I need answers. I know this is stupid of me to do this. But I really need the answers." Miss Swampy and the children nodded and calmly ran up the stairs. I lifted the magic of the pedital took a long look at it. Than I started to speak to myself.

"Oh the tongue swirling darkness and the music that calls to me. It is more of the music that is making me wonder about this island. The music of the island is faults in my head. Why does the song feel so fake? Why does the music feel wake? Why does the idea of this enigma feel so wrong to me? I don’t understand the path I am taking. Equestria Devil's Due what is the point? Why am I speaking to myself? Is this all I can see all I can hear? "

Blinking to myself, I face hoofed hard and sighed. I was talking to myself now. Closing my eyes, I wondered if this was a good idea at all. Maybe it was a way to keep it from the queen maybe I would find a way to understand and remember it now. Sighing sitting on my haunches setting the potion back on the pedestal. I just watch the magic around it swirl and break apart to become more. My ears perked up hearing steps coming down the stairs. Turning my head to see Jonon and Blaze come down. Smiling deeply kissing Blaze and she smiled at me.

" Love why are you holding that thing?" I sighed, looking towards Blaze.

" I wish to drink this to learn more of what I don't remember." Jonon nodded calmly.

" I can understand that you wish to learn of the past. Maybe you will learn more and then remember it." I nodded unsure what to think. Lifting the vial off the pedestal again the magic glowed while I moved it along the vial. Lifting it to let Blaze take a look at it. She gave it a snife and shrugged. I set it back down kissing Blaze deeply again feeling so happy to see her. I wish she could drink this with me so we could both learn together.

" Lets go. Maybe I will learn more later." Walking up the stairs and Jonon spoke.

" Maybe you will learn of.... Another way." My eyes went wide and then Blaze spoke.

" Yes I am sure you will....learn as well." My eyes turned into pinpricks my ears folded back into the back of my head. I stared at them in horror. How did they know that name. It made me upset. I lifted the blade from its home staring at them. How did they know that name. Why did I hear voices?

" How do you know...that name?" Blaze and Jonon calmly looked at each other.

" Doesn't everyone?" Blaze answered. Tears started to fill my eyes how did they know.. Do they know more than me? Could they be fake!? Yes they are fake the kiss felt fake. It didn’t have the love behind it. I stared in the eyes of Jonon I didn’t see the honor in her heart. So much fakeness I felt I had to fight them. But I heard a voice behind me.

" Star shooter." My sword dropped to the ground while my horn dimmed down in surprise. Yet I still saw them turning to see Tiria. My eyes began to fill with tears. She walked down the stairs But she looked so weak and in so much pain. ‘It can't be her’ I thought, ‘She is dead.’ Then more faces show up. Some I don't even know. More start show up in the magic. I saw Kipkipe, Silver Gunner.. But Silver was in the middle of a war in another land. From what I could make out. Fighting with a mare a mare with a pink mane and tail. Orange furred he turned to stare at me. Tears streamed from my eyes I felt that I should be there.. I need to go back to Equestria war is going on.. I am needed.

"You aren't real!!" My head throbs staring at them and my unsure anger caused the magic to flow more it was affected by my emotions. I started to make me float in the air. But Tiria held me down looking into my very eyes and she spoke like she was there.. But far away.

" Drink the vial Star shooter." Tiria said calmly to me and all the voices but Blaze and Jonon had repeated what she said in overlapping voices. " This magic it's killing you. It's going to destroy you. I am dead, yes." Closing her eyes and smiles. " But the magic has made a figment of us. Even your lover. As you see this is your mind. Please listen to those that care for you. Even your lover Blaze would tell you to do this. I know she would. She did pick you after all and forced you to be her lover." She smirks. " Hmm sounds like a gal I would have liked if I was still alive."

Looking to Blaze and she frowned and looked down and Jonon nodded. She just seemed not to speak. Closing my eyes, I lifted up the vial again. After a moment, I opened my eyes and began to stare at it. My eyes glowing to see the magic while my face was glowing along with it. Tears began to stream down my face. I know the pain will be coming after I drink. Lifting the vial pulling the cork off the bottle to take a sniff. I couldn’t smell anything. But I took a deep drink from it. I started to scream a beam of magic shot out of my horn breaking through the floor into the sky. Blaze and Jonon rushed out of the blacksmith to see it. They hear me screaming and start running towards the school. There is a battle between the Minotaurs and Dragons they lower their weapons after they see the beam. In the home of the Salamander’s many of them come out of the cavern watching.

The forbidden lands a group of ghouls watch all the land watches this happen. One mistake by me causes a tumble of dominos to happen. The last one to see it. The merchant the lizard that helped when we first met. He shook his head.

“Hero of legend you have started the war.” He said softly to himself.

Then at the castle. The Queen watches her eyes full of anger. My body glowed brighter and brighter. As the white light vanished and I kept screaming in pain. I could hear running from upstairs and seeing the real Blaze and Jonon rush in as the vial fell from my magic and I kept screaming loudly and Blaze held me close. As I started to speak in words.

" More....yes.. understanding...Pain ...Pain!!" I screamed again and then the world went black.

00000

The host I was inside. The large bulk, the large creature. Bulk Biceps the large Pegasus. It seems he was learning about a tornado that he would have to fly to make. He was sitting in a tree waiting and listening he was an interesting being. From what I could see he was very good friends with the six mares. The six mares that helped bring the world to ruin. He helped fight off many of the threats that they faced to. He was part of gathering water from a tornado. So much this Bulk did all this happen before The war was slowly starting. But he didn't become part of that at first

It's when the war took the six mares to be more than just that. Calmly, he signed up along with many friends of his. He was in many battles with some of his friends. But one by one, he watched them fall. He didn't wish to remember them I watched as he went into the ranks. But it seems most of his memories are pretty badly broken. The don’t like the right set of memories it seems the memories that gave him happiness and those that gave him the most pain as well.

He was the first to offer himself to go to that island that some pony found an island of and have been told that the Zebras already are heading to it. To see if they can use it for something. But the memory seemed fragmented and all I saw was darkness and nothing else. I felt my head burning.

000000

Opening my eyes hearing sobbing as I was being held by Blaze. Wrapping my hooves around her staring into her eyes, this time but I didn't remember anything. Softly speaking.

" Blaze... I will never leave you." She was a strong Salamander but it was hurting her watching me to get into this pain. Jonon was on her own and she knew that saying words would not be best right now. She warned me how Blaze would feel and I softly moved the crying Salamander to stare in her eyes and she smiled.

" I am here Blaze.. I will never leave you." Blaze smiled and then her eyes fill with anger and she slaps me with her tail once.

" Next time you do that again you be around us. I love you but I am not going to let you hurt yourself." She growled and then she softened. " Besides, your better at sex when your not in pain." My face turned bright red and The swamp rat came back down the stairs. She set down some gold coins. I could tell that she felt bad for what she did. After this though Blaze suddenly forced me on my back forcing me into a deep kiss. I laughed and stood back up when she got off me and then I looked at Swampy.

" I think the queen saw what you did. I think you will need to be leaving for the forbidden lands soon. Because I am sure she will have someone be watching you. But I doubt she will send anyone after you till your out of the town." Nodding closing my eyes and sitting on my haunches as the last of the fluid drips from my ears and lands on the ground and every memory I saw is now gone. Standing on my hooves and looked at Swampy.

" Swampy, this was a school. I doubt it would be wise to turn it back into one." Swampy nodded sighing and noticed the magic is still in the air. I noticed the air around here is calmer now without the potion. had a gentle smile on my face and it was time to get ready to leave. Maybe in a few more days.

" Blaze, get whatever your working on ready. Jonon, we will leave in seven days. Then we will come back with what we find." Jonon nodded and calmly trotted outside and Blaze stared at me with a smile and sat beside me while she stroked my face gently with her tail and sighing.

" I am going to get old by how crazy my lover is. I am going to stay here with you till your able to walk better." Giving a nod, I sat there and calmly closed my eyes. I wanted to be with her forever and I know this, smiling at her and she chuckled.

" I know that look Star Shooter. You want to tell me something. But it would be a bad idea to tell me now." I nodded and she wrapped her tail around me, kissing me gently. " Tell me when the time is right little hero. I shall be here till the end if we win or lose you will be mine in life or death. I love you to the point I want you to be my wife. But of course we need to end this battle before we do that."

Chuckling giving a nod and groaning and standing up again shivering. The pain from the memories still affected me a bit. A shiver came from my body and I fell back on my haunches stroking my head with my hooves. Shifting a bit and then looking to Blaze.

" Lets go get something to eat. I am very, very hungry." She nodded with a smirk and walking up the stairs with me not far behind as I looked into some of renaming magic mist. seeing Tiria and the others again. Feeling unsure what I am seeing maybe a figment the magic wanted me to see. But when I look back I see the magic forming back into Tiira. She waved at me and vanished. Maybe it was all in my mind.

00000

Walking into the Inn, They had many other customers most of them zebras and some ponies. The all looked at me. Waving to me, I smiled and waved my hoof to them. Calmly sitting in a booth with Blaze beside and Jonon seemed to follow us this time and Speckled walked over to us and looked at me with worryness in her eyes.

"I think the entire island saw what happen Star Shooter. In fact I got news from friends of mine in the Griffins and Minotaurs army. The all saw the flash of light and put their little war on hold. They wish to know what happen here. The warden is even talking about it. But he is mostly talking about the fact. That the queen is upset and destroying a lot of couches in her castle." I blinked sighing and lied my head on the table sighing while Blaze patted my back gently and looked up to Speckled.

" I will have some water. I am sure that Star shooter will have some fish and that juice." She gives Speckled a wink and they laughed.

"I will just have fish and water." Jonon calmly said. Speckled nodded and walked off with the order. Lifting my head back up groaning a bit.

" My head feels like it's going to burst from all that fluid I drank." Blaze chuckled Leaned back into the booth closing my eyes breathing softly and deeply. I could feel memories floating in my head. But I don't understand or remember any of them. I feel I deserve this for what I did. Looking over to Jonon and Blaze.

" I am happy to have you two with me. I know I am not the best hero." I chuckled softly. " But I am trying of course. At least I am not trying to be the next Lightbringer." Jonon nodded and Blaze just leaned into me stroking my chin with her webbed claw.

" I think you need to stop worrying little hero." Jonon said calmly. " If you worry too much, it's going to be hard for you to understand. A hero doesn't question...well they do at times.But the hero should always be ready to be known. Even if they don’t wish to be known. But yes we need to be ready to leave."

I nodded as the food was brought to our table and I smiled softly. Using my horn to lift the fork on my magic. The aura around my fork didn’t look as bright as it normally does. My horn sparked and then the magic quickly removed from my horn causing the fork to fall to the table. I groaned in pain feeling spent. I looked over to Blaze. Smiling weakly at her and she chuckled

" My poor little hero needs help. So I will help her." She winks, making me blush gently because she is babying me but maybe I need this. She fed me with her tail and I felt it's a wonderful thing. She ate herself calmly and her tail seemed to have a mind of its own.

After awhile my plate was empty I closed my eyes and laid my head down from the pain. Blaze looked down to me with a worried look in her bright red eyes. Laying her head on mine.

" Star shooter do you need to get some more sleep?" Blaze asked with fear in her voice.

" Maybe I need a little rest. This fluid really destroys my ability to think. Also I doubt drinking the fluid in the middle of so much magic. Make it even worse." I drank the juice and gasped in pain. It was the juice that I was given the first time I went in here. As it caused me to have so much pain. My horn glowing brightly and then dimming the magic within me seemed to build and build. Then I burped loud enough a mist of magic left my mouth and then dissipated. Then I laid my head on the table feeling extremely weak. I feel that I have magic still in my horn. But I am starting to wonder if the magic of this island is doing something to me.

" I think I need to go to Doc." Blaze nodded and let me out of the booth and I weakly walked to the door to the way out of the inn. But I was getting dizzy and about to fall. But Blaze quickly along with Jonon stood on each side of me to keep me up.

00000

I was laying in the Doc's bed as I felt my body burning and I groaned deeply. Sweat poured down my body and I shivered as I felt I was falling apart. I could hear Doc talking to someone that didn't know who it was.

" From what I see she has some new mutations in her ability to to use magic. For any pony that stays in a room that long of that much raw magic. It would mutate the ability to use it. She is becoming more one with this island. When she leaves this island she will be weak and always feel that her magic.. reserves are empty.So it would be along time for her to get back to normal. But that's not all that is wrong with her. From what she has told me. She has memories of ponies in her head. That she doesn't even remember. These pink fluid from those vials. From what I have learned, they are memories and they seem to mix with the magic in the island. Causing some great nasty things to happen to her."

Even though I heard them, I couldn't say anything as my ability to speak was gone. The muscles in my mouth tightened, making it harder just to open my mouth to speak. My heart beat extremely slow feeling the blood slowly go through my veins. It burned so badly but being here on this island is changing me. It’s something I am learning that I am not enjoying. But maybe I deserve this fate.

" Also Blaze it seems when you two ahem.. have sex..you seem to remove the magical stress on her body." I could hear Blaze chuckle.

" So I need to have more sex with her daily then? OH I would love that maybe we could do it in front of an entire group of ponies so they could be so jealous of us." She chuckled darkly. My cheeks burned brightly and Jonon chuckled and I could hear somepony doing a face hoof.

" Blaze, please take this seriously." Doc said with anger. Jonon answered back to Doc.

" She is Doc. This is how Salamanders handle stress. They boast and enjoy talking about their private lives.” Blaze spoke softly, Her voice sounded scared but maybe has a fear I didn’t know about.

"I'm scared to death Doc. I am scared that I’m going to lose her. I am scared that this hero legend is going to make me lose her and I will not be able to follow. She is all I have Doc. So please, if I don't act like this. I will be broken and sobbing over and over. I need her more than you know."

Doc sighed and looked back into the room.

" I think she needs you two. But right now she is to toxic and to full of this magic. She will pass it soon. But luckily for her all that is mutating inside her is the ability to use magic."

I heard my two friends leave and Doc walked back in looking down at me with a soft smile.

" I am so sorry you have to deal with this Star Shooter. I wish I could help you. But all I can tell you is rest sleep. "

He patted my shoulder then walked out of the room. I was about to close my eyes but I couldn't. I was in too much pain. I tried to move but my hooves would let me. I tried to use my horn but the magic just died quickly but after awhile. I finally lay my head down on the bed and fell asleep.

0000

I started to dream or what some would call a dream. It wasn't more memories, it just seemed to be a dream of well...being silly. My brain seemed to be trying to tell me something. I could see food dancing and I could see many things happening like I was in a crazy farm. A giant chicken stared at me and then it popped and standing there was well something that was hard to understand. But whatever it was, it turned into my sub consensus. It formed into Tiria and she stared at me with a frown on her face.

" Little Shooter you need to stop doing this to yourself. You're beating yourself up and it's making your mind to make to stop you from doing this to yourself. You need to stop this.I am truly sure if I was the real Tiria I would grab you and slap you to stop. ‘Stop you worthless pony if you worry to much about the past then the future is dead.’ Of course, if I was here of course"

I just stared at Tiria and then I turned looking towards the salt shaker and the pepper shaker dancing and then I looked back at Tiria.

" Is it normal for my brain then to show these strange things?" Lifting my hoof to a gun dancing and singing to a bunch of other guns.

" I well I doubt this is normal. It seems your brain is so messed up that you think you really see these things. It seems like you're on drugs. But all you have been is the magic...Oh" She looks down a moment thinking and looks back to me.

"The magic of this land is doing a lot of strange things to you. But hopefully it will pass." I sighed and sat on the floor on my haunches. When I did the floor whined like a dog. I lifted up quickly and watched it get up wake it’s floor tail and quickly run off. ‘Star Shooter this is all in your head. If you just sit here and stop thinking it will end.’ Then everything around me just started to get crazier. I had enough so I walked off and smacked myself on a rock to end this dream. But it didn’t work and I just sat down.

I just sat there. Not even sure what to think anymore. Closing my eyes and feeling that I destroyed my ability to live. But looking up to Tiria who is not even real.

" I feel that I need to wake up and just go for a walk maybe." She nodded.

0000

I opened my eyes and got out of the bed feeling so much better. But still groaned some. But walking along the halls of the doc's office, I heard him talking and listen with my ear.

" My Queen. I don't know where she is. I am sorry she is no longer in town. Maybe you should try looking in the Salamander caverns. I know. I know. I promise if she comes back, I will make sure I put her to sleep. so you can have her brain. Of course. Thank you my queen." He stopped speaking and then I hid behind the door as he left and I looked inside seeing the terminal. An Equestrian terminal here. Slowly rushing back out and calmly walking along the hall. Doc was in the room looking for me and then I thought a moment of what to say.

" Sorry Doc I needed to pee. I’m feeling much better now." Doc turned to look at me and I could tell he had something on his mind, but I just smiled.

" Alright Star Shooter, go ahead and do the rest of your jobs that you need to do." Smiling gently to him, I calmly walked to him and gave him a hug with my forehooves wrapped around him gently and nuzzled his chest.

" Thank you Doc. I know I can trust you." I smiled and calmly walked out of the room and heading outside. I sat down near the door taking a deep breath of the fresh air. Closing my eyes a bit and relaxed but I had more to do. There are some jobs I need to do. But right now I just need to relax and rest as my brain throbs gently of what is coming next.

Footnote: Level up

Perk added

Magic Eater perk: You have faced what is known as the magic eaters of this island. You have gained 10+ damage against them. But later you will face stronger versions that this perk will not work against.

Weapon perk: Singer was given to you from the Blacksmith this weapon is just a normal blade with a powerful enchant on it that sings for you when it swings in the air. It’s also extremely light enough that it feels hard to wield.

Chapter Eight: Letters

It's been a day since I slept at the Doc’s office. I was in the Manson, opening the boxes in the basement to see what else I could find. I found some old clothing that I could wear or I could sell. Along with finding that I found some preserved food. I am sure it’s still hopefully. The biggest find of it all though. I found books that never were changed. These books look like they came from a library that never got the Image treatment. I found some old Equestria maps. But I didn't find any use for them. But Zebras and Ponies walked down the stairs to take any box that I didn't want. Most of the clothing was taken outside for the citizens to enjoy. The preserved food as well.

I opened another box finding old world money known as bits. Now I don’t know if they would them here. I also found some strange gold that looks like they were going to use it as money for this island. Looking to one of mares that had been helping me she looked into the box looking back up to me shrugging

" Well we could try and use this like the gold we have now. I am not sure how it would work. But we could try."

I nodded allowing the mare to take the box. Finding another that said on it letters. Opening it up I found some old letters from Equestria even a few old pre-war magazines one called play mare? I opened it up and my face turned bright bright red. Quickly I put it down trying to regain my composure. Finally while I did I found an old recording. I didn’t know what think of it at first. I plugged it into my Pip-Buck and let it download. After it downloaded I put my ear plumes in my ears and listened.

“Greetings to those that have found this. I’m known as Bulk Biceps, I was commanding my soldiers well I tried most could say. We chased a group of zebras trying to catch up with them. Since most of them escaped from a prison. Little did we know that we would find ourselves in a prison with them. Old hatreds died hard though Majesty the owner of this island. Gave us a little place to continue our bloodshed. Enemies stuck on an island can’t get over their own war. Who ever found this thank you. I hope the war ended in the best way it could.” I could hear a deep sigh and weapons being primed. “I miss my friends.”

“Maybe someday I will meet them again. But my sins are so much that it's not going to be easy for me to meet them again. I have to come clean. I started treating the Zebras that came under my care.. As slaves. That Queen Majesty, the ruler of this prison, felt it was wise to do so. But this is my last message. I am heading to a field of battle. A spell has been placed on it so it doesn't affect the rest of the island. To those that listen to this. I am sorry." The recording ends and I removed it from my pip buck and placed it back into the box with the rest of the letters. I closed the box backup pushing it away from the others since I wanted to keep reading these.

I opened another box finding old armor. I wanted to use this armor but Jonon wouldn't agree to it. Setting it aside for the ponies and Zebras to look through it. They took the box and I know they would take it to the Blacksmith so he could replicate the armor. Again I feel bad that I might be bringing the war of Equestria to this island. I am starting to wonder if I can stop this war. Maybe I find out that this was another part of the Legend. That this war was needed to remove the Queen from power. I watched while the boxes go up and the basement was getting closer to being more and more empty.

Opening the one last box that was down here. All I could find in here was photos. How did he get all this stuff? Would he have returned after the war ended to go gather what he could? But I sighed and pushed the photos to the side so they wouldn't take them. The basement was empty same without the seal keeping the creature at bay. There are no extra doors down here. But I just sat down here thinking of how it would be for him. Hearing that all his friends died in balefire. But it's not always the last thing he would have seen. He would have prouply died in the forbidden lands. But when I sat I hit a strange button and a wall opened up showing a display of a zebra weapon. At first I couldn’t tell what it was. After taking a good look it I noticed it was a zebra sniper rifle.

I walked to the Sniper taking it out of the display and looking through it. It's powered by something and I doubt it really needed ammo. But if it did I would know later. Checking it more and I looked at it closer seeing it had a name in zebra tongue. Sadly I can’t read it. I saw a note on it and looked at it closely. ' Greetings Hero of Legend. If this is you I can’t stop you from well taking this. In the legend your so clumsy that sooner or later I knew You would stumble onto this.' I am the sniper rifle to check if I could still use it. It was so badly kept up it fell apart like it was nothing. But whatever is powering this rifle, it is still on. I sighed softly and began lifting up the parts. I would have to take it to the blacksmith. Fate seems to not want me to have any guns other than the one I have in my bag. That is badly kept. Sighing and set it aside, I looked to the Zebra that came down.

" Take this to the Blacksmith I am going to stay down here a little longer." The Zebra gave me a nod and I stood up and walked to the box again opening looking at all the letters. I was getting upset stroking a hoof along my head. don't know if I should read all these. But the owner of them is long dead. I dumped the box on the floor so I could get a good look. The recording attached to my Pip-buck drove my crazy. So I removed it setting it back into the box. I looked through all the letters and brought one of them out. Lifting it up and stared at it sighing very unsure I have a right to do this. Looking at the pile then at the letter I am holding closing my eyes.

I opened the letter and I started to calmly read it. ' Dear Bulk thank you for offering your support to the army. But I don't see how you can join us. You have done so much but you just don't give us the right mind set of handling the battle. We need those that are ready to lose their minds because of how this war would turn out to be. Again we are sorry.'

Signed Recruiting office.

Blinking looking at the letter, I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and then opened them again. Why would they not allow him to fight at the start? From what I have seen of him he was an amazing pony. But that's just how it was back then? Hmm I don't understand the reason for it. But I looked through the box finding another letter. Opening this one and started to read calmly.

'Hello Bulk it's Thunderlane. I heard that you haven't been able to get recruited. But it's bad out there big guy. We need you Many have already tried to get recruited. I am one of the ones that has as well. But the war is getting bad I am sure you have heard. But I am not sure what is going to happen. But we need you big guy. I am sorry for this letter I just have so much on my mind. I am not sure what is going to happen. So many in my family are scared because of this war. The war is going to either end in a good way or end in death.'

I sighed looking at the other letters I doubt I could read more of these I didn't really want to keep reading and finding out something that I shouldn't be learning at all. I placed the box backup and only a few letters still were laying on the floor. Lifted them up but the last one I picked up I felt something pulling at me. Opening the letter and I felt this was a big letter a letter of pure pain.

' Dear Bulk, it's sad to report to you that your brother, Dumbbell Biceps, has been killed. While he was guarding Luna’s school for gifted unicorns, an attack happened from Zebras and your brother was among the dead. We are extremely sorry for your loss. Sorry we can't give you more.' There was no name at the end, just that his brother was killed.

I remember a story of a school getting attacked during the war. I remember that many of ponies started joining the army after that attack. So, one of bulks family members passed away because of that attack. I sighed and put the letter back into the folder.

Standing back up I closed the box up and put my head on the box, feeling sadness for Bulk. He lived while the rest of his friend and family died by the bombs. He got to live a well not a full life till he was sent to the forbidden lands. I walked up the stairs opening the door then closing it behind me. Looking towards the ponies and zebras that helped me with this task.

" Done." They nodded and set down like five gold coins and I sighed softly placing them into my bags and looking around the Manson. Not even sure what to think of this anymore. Slowly walking up the stairs going into the main office and sitting down on the chair closing my eyes a bit and calmly wondering what I can do. But looking through the desk finding another letter. Lifting the letter up and it said to the hero. I opened it up to read it.

' Dear hero of Legend. I have been told many things about you from the Zebras that have learned about you. I wish to thank you for removing my family from this home. It was meant to be used to fight the Queen. But she had to much of a hold on the ponies and Zebras here. But I have a warning to give you. Don't trust the Queen, even if she offers you anything. She will have minions watching you and waiting to backstab you. Only follow the ones that are the friends of legends. But before I go on. I wish to say I am sorry for what we did to Equestria. I know it's as much the fault of the Zebras. But it was mostly our fault. Ponies never had the rights for the coal and we tried to force it from them. The sad thing is hero this war could have been stopped. But sadly hate doesn't help the fact that most want revenge. Anyway take care hero. I hope you free the island and that Equestria has forgiven the past for what we done to the future." I set the letter down looking at it. I held my head with my hooves groaning so much stress..

I felt I had more on my shoulders now that the past needs me to remove the spell from this island to let the ponies and other creatures of it go free. So they can see what happen to the land of Equestria. Slowly standing up on the hooves and sighed deeply looking around the office seeing so many books and paintings. I am sure I will find more letters before I leave here and learn more about this strange island. Looking through some of the books now and closing my eyes more dropping the book and felt pain from using my magic again. Sighing and sat back down on my haunches feeling that I am wrong to be a hero. But then I heard hooves behind me and seeing Doc. He looked at me with a frown on his face. He just looked at me and looked down.

“Star Shooter I am very sorry that you got stuck here. But I must do this please forgive me someday.” At first I had no idea what he meant. HIs horn glowed lifting a very old pistol that he brought over from equestria. A frown formed along my face I didn’t know what to think at first. So I felt the best course of action was to be like a stallion and show my balls. I lifted the pistol to my chest fear forms on his face. I could tell he didn’t expect this at all. This gave me time to ask my question.

" What did she offer you Doc? Did she offer you the ability to go back Equestria if you killed me and removed my brain?" Looking up to him with my soft eyes. He kept aiming the gun in my head and he shook a bit. I just stared at him with my gentle eyes. " I heard what she wished of you Doc. I understand if you have been in pain for so long. But why betray me after you brought me into this world?"

Doc’s magic around the gun fell to the ground and discharged and the bullet hit into my stomach. Many here don't know the sound of gunfire so it would bring some pony around. Blood drained from the hole in my stomach and I just softly smiled. Even when I was in so much pain.

" Doc... I am sorry for whatever is going on with you.. To betray me." Doc just backed up and used his magic to pick the gun back up. Aiming at me again and re cocks the gun.

" If I end you now Star Shooter. I can finally get home to my family. So many letters I wrote to them and I have to wait years just to get one back." I slowly stepped closer and his eyes went wide. " Don't come any closer!!" The gun shook in his magic grip. I stepped closer again and he pulled the trigger and the bullet hit into my chest and I fell to the ground. As another sound would bring them here. But I stood back up despite the pain.

" Doc I forgive you... I really do.." I sat up on my haunches again but I was getting weak. So much blood draining from me. No pony was going to make it to save me even if they tried. " Doc please If we remove the Queen from power. We could break the spell keeping every pony stuck here. Then we can go home. Please Doc drop the gun and come with me to talk to Zranth." Doc shook and he started aiming more at me and my magic started working around the gun and we started to fight. As the gun started to fire making most of the sounds. One bullet it even made it outside. It hit a water jug a Pegasus mare was carrying in the sky. When more of the sounds hear. An alarm went off it was an alarm that was recently set up. Doc broke my magic from the gun. With my magic being so unstable he rearmed the gun. I could hear panic in voices coming up the stairs. Blaze, Jonon, Zranth, and Speckled came to the door seeing the two of us.

" I have to Star Shooter. She can get me back to Equestria so I can get back to. To our home.. So I can see my wife again." Frowning softly closing my eyes and looked at him with pain in my eye.

" Doc, the enclave attacked ten years ago and killed many. It took us just two years to find out who was who. Wheel tread was one of them. Your wife as well. She was killed like many during the first attack. In fact I was there when she died. She died protecting me Doc." Looking over to the four with my weak smile. As Zranth gasped at the wounds. Standing on my hooves weakly.

" No. You lie!! She is alive! She promised me she is alive. She says some pony she knows that has been to the main land and said my wife is still alive!!" Standing closer again and he fired again hitting the ground missing me.

" Doc if any outsider ever came to Tirias heart, they would be killed on sight. They only allow traders, so they wouldn't have been allowed in unless they offered to trade. They don't trust outsiders and that’s because of the new leaders of the town. They do it to protect them from the rest of Equestria, even though it healed. But after the death of their friend...I mean our friend I understand were they came from. I was eight years old when I fired my first gun Doc. I fired a gun Tiria’s gun protecting her from the Enclave. Then I got my cutie mark.. By using a gun for the first time." Doc stared at me and I just stood there on my hooves.

" Choose Doc. You were there while my mother gave birth to me. You’re the doctor that saw me as a little foal. You even risked your life to protect me when Wheel Tread demanded that you kill me for being raider trash. You wish to betray me now?” I stared at him. My magic wrapping around the gun and he pulled the gun down setting it to the ground. His ears pinned to the back of his head sobbing. I opened the gun removing the cartridge of bullets out of it and putting on the safety just to be safe, setting it down and I smiled weakly. " Doc....I..." His eyes went wide seeing me getting pale from the loss of blood. The door opened behind him and my four friends quickly rushed in. I was on my knees blood loss getting worse. Zranth ignored everything else to quickly come to me. I tried to move but she put her weight on me to hold me down.

" Down little hero down." She calmly said. Blaze, Speckle, and Jonon stood in front of me and Zranth to protect me. Jonon stayed calm holding her staff between her hooves. Speckleds eyes glowed brightly. She looked ready to use her illusion magic to harm Doc if needed. I’m sure though he was more worried about Blaze. The Spikes on her back to her head glowed like fire. Her eyes burned with hate. Smoke streamed from her nose her tounge shooting out of her mouth. Every inch of her tense while she extended her claws.

" WHY?!" Blaze asked as she stood face to face with Doc. Her eyes were full of anger. Jonon stayed silent, allowing Blaze to do what she needed. " Why would you hurt her? She has done nothing to you!" She stared at Doc, clawing the wooden floor and causing some of it to splinter with her sharp claws. One swipe by them and his body would be ribbons if she wanted. .

" The Queen promised me she would remove the spell so I can get home. All I needed to do is bring her or her brain. She has memories of the ones who placed the spell on this island. That's why I did it. If you had some pony you thought was still alive on Equestria, would you do the same?" Jonon didn’t say a word she didn’t have to Blaze said it for all of us. She looked back to me anger still in her face. I could see the deep love she had for me. Turning her back finally with her claws she almost brought up a floor board.

" You hurt my lover. You hurt the one I wish to spend the rest of my life with. Now I do understand but what would happen to me if she is dead? Have you thought of that? Have you?!" Doc looked at her then looking to me behind the others, he was regretting what he did, Zranth made me drink some fluid and all I could do was focus on what is going on right now. The fluid seemed to do something strange to me and the bullets popped out of the wound covered in blood. But I was still pretty weak. Zranth looked up and stared at Doc.

" Many have been lied to by the Queen, dear child. The commander that was locked in the ruins with us Majesty promise her, that Equestria would be destroyed. I am sure she has promised many many things to the citizen's of this island. But you shot the hero in the town that loves her. Your lucky her lover is not ripping you apart right now." Blaze hissed, her tounge shooting out. From what she told me, when she is upset, and it's easy to tell, her tongue would shoot out looking for blood.

" I am ready to do so." said Blaze. I stood up and Zranth stared at me. She wasn't sure if she could have kept me held down. I felt weak and dizzy I needed to stop this though. I walked beside Blaze whos features softens to her loving face. I nuzzled gently against her and smiled calmly. Then stared at Doc.

" Doc I forgive you. I understand the pain you're going through. I would have done the same in your hooves. But not with the one I love." I looked to Blaze and nuzzled her neck. " Doc. She lied to you. I would like you to stay here Doc. I’m sad to say though, I doubt anypony would trust you anymore after this. I would say it is best that Zranth takes over till you redeem yourself.” Zranth looked to me while she walked up giving me a good look over first. I could tell she didn’t want me standing at all. Then she looked at Doc with Disgust in her eyes.

" I can trust him. I would say we both control the office but those that don't trust him. I will take over. Deal Doc?" She asked. Doc gave a nod and looked towards me bowing his head. Then Speckled looked towards me and smiled.

" Well little hero it seems you have pissed off the Queen." Speckled said laughing. Blaze nodded and wrapped around me with her tail pulling me close.

" I am not letting you out of my sight for the rest of the night Star Shooter. So you stay with me and talk. No sex talk." Staring at her calmly blushing gently but I nodded and she chuckled. " Even if you said No I would have locked you in the bedroom and forced you to talk with me." Speckled laughed. Jonon rolled her eyes.

" I shall go back to training the others." Jonon slowly started to walk out but turned back to me. Having a very gentle smile. " Star Shooter, you're a very strong little pony. You make your trainer extremely proud to have trained you and of course to beating your ass as well." She winks and slowly walked out Speckled looked at me and winked.

" Your next meal Star Shooter, is ten percent off." I nodded and she walked off herself and Zranth looked back to me and Doc.

" I will keep an eye on him Star Shooter. If he tries anything I will break him." Doc gulped and Zranth lead him out. It seems news got out quick but I started to wonder. I turned on the Pip buck.

"Well, I called it!!” The warden yelled. “I told you you or didn't the warden tell you. Get this Doc the wonderful healer of Cliff side. The wonderful Doctor of Cliff side. He backstabbed the hero. The Queen wants her brain. Can you buy that kids?" He laughs. " Oh the Queen is so angry in the castle here. But if you're hearing me kid you need to leave. If you stay there any longer. She will send her army out to get you. From what I have seen, Cliff side is nowhere near ready to fight off a giant army. Also a bit of a warning hero. You have got some interest from the Minotaurs and the Griffins. So if you can leave soon because I doubt it's going to be kind what they wish to talk to you about."

I switched off the Pip buck looking to Blaze. All I could think of was making her happy. But at this time I couldn’t let her be harmed by anypony else.

" I am starting to think we should leave early to the Forbidden lands and see if they follow us there." Blaze gave a nod and I walked down stairs, heading to the basement. I calmly opened the crate to look into it and saw the Letters again. I started to think maybe I should read these. Then we should get out of here. As quick as we possibly can. I look over to Blaze. " I am going to do some reading my love. Go find Jonon and tell her to get the griffin and the wagon ready to take off. I will be fine down here. I promise."

She stared at me. Very, very, unsure but smiled nodding. Then walked back up the stairs turning back to look at me with her gentle red eyes. I knew she was scared I could tell. Then I called to her.

" When your done come back love. Then we will talk." She nodded and walked upstairs. She has so much fear in her eyes. I wish I could do more for her because it's starting to show. I have never seen some pony well someone ahem. Well I have never known love. It's easy to see that I am in love with her and she is with me. Just from how angry she gets when I get hurt.

I got back on my hooves closing eyes not sure what to do. Maybe I should leave for a moment to think. Opening them back up looking up the stairs maybe I need to relax somewhere else. I went upstairs putting the hood of my cloak on so I could vanish and leave town.

0000

I was back where I woke up on the first day of being on the island. I looked seeing the boat I came in on. It's lodged so badly on the rocks. I left the town without any of them knowing at all. I am sure their searching for me now. I heard some heavy steps behind me. I closed my eyes accepting my fate.

" If you're here to hurt me, then do so. Don't just stand there and make me wait." Looking over my shoulder I saw the same lizard merchant when I first showed up on this island. I felt my body relax my mind at ease.

" Dear child. I'm not here to hurt you. But I was walking towards another town down the road. A town of course that has many out hunting for you. Just in case they can get their gift from the Queen." I sighed looking to the Merchant more.

" Why me?" The merchant smiled calmly and chuckled and sat beside me, his large bag of wares falling down behind him to give him more room.

" Well not everyone wishes to be a hero child. Most never wish to know it either. Some don't understand the pain of that type of job. When they do understand it. They have either died or either have fallen apart. But I'm sure that most of the time you will see what fully has happen. Like let’s say this. They saw the fact that you drank a vial of memories that contained magic. Mixing with the magic of this island that caused a reaction a beam of light came from you shooting up into the air.”

I blinked staring at him. He just looked at me through his hat that covers his mouth. But I could tell he smiled from how it looked in the scarf over his mouth.

" How do you know what I drank?" He chuckled softly and reached into his bag and gave me one of those vials.

" Dear child, I am the one that sold them the vials" I blinked thinking a second, I don’t even remember the memories anymore. Hmm I am starting to wonder if he has really been here for 500 years. But I am very unsure at the moment myself. " Child why are you here? Many are out searching for you, like I said. I am sure your friends are trying to find you too."

I closed my eyes feeling sorrowing taking over tears slowly rolling down my face. I soft started to sob gently. "I am starting to see.. Why so many heroes that fight for the wasteland fall apart. I am not even in the wasteland and I am feeling broken every step I go. I want to be home. I never wished I came here. But even though I'm happy I met Blaze. She is an amazing female. She knows the ways to make me smile." The merchant sighed softly and looked over to a cave that is behind is.

" Come with me child." I blinked as he lifted up his bags and then I followed him into the cave. The cave had another door leading into the cavern. He turned to look at me and smiled.

" Dear child, this cavern leads back to Cliff side. But I warn you it’s full of those magic eaters. Are you willing to clean out a potential escape? But I warn you child you need to leave Cliff Side the ones searching for you are starting to go that way as well. In fact." He went outside the cave and yelled.

“She is over here come and get her before she gets away.” He yelled at first I thought he was kidding. He turned his eyes back to me pulling down the scarf mouthing run. He stepped aside along three Griffins into the cave. They had Equestrian weapons on them ones used during the war. They looked very well kept I didn’t stay to make sure though. I ran into the cave focusing my magic to use my magic sight to find out what I can find in this cave. I found mostly magic eaters they didn’t see me at all at first so I quickly hide behind one of the large rocks.

One of the Griffins lifted a rock to try to find me. While they did this though I saw something nasty coming this way. When It came into view the Griffins turned around staring at the creature with fear in their eyes. It was a mutated magic eater ten times bigger than the other ones. It hissed at them magic fluid dripped from their very mouths. The other magic eaters around it slowly ate the magic fluid causing them to expand and grow like this one. It charged quickly at one of the Griffins one of them lifted their guns to fire they made sure to aim at the right spot of the creature to make sure they could kill it.

Each bullet that hit a bug caused it to explode like a mini bomb, causing a bit of a bright explosion that made the magic spray all over the place. Along with its blood, some of the magic hit my cloak and it started to hiss and eat through it. But the other bugs ate what magic came out of the dead one. Then the other dead. But when only one in this part of the caverns were alive. Bullets didn't even harm it. I know these Griffins were after me. But I had to help them. I tried to move out of my hiding place. I heard deep growling not far from me watching another one of the big creatures come into view. It lifted it’s stinger to fire a strange magic beam to hit right into the armor of one of the Griffins. He flew back hitting into the wall he was still alive though his armor smoking and melting a bit.

I stared at the bug turning my head and right there face to face was another of the bugs. Thankfully I had my weapons with me my horn glowed grabbing my sword before I could get harmed. I quickly took the blade to slice the bug, It had to parts of it hang in the air a moment. The two parts becoming two new bugs. My eyes went wide and then I slashed into another bug removing the wings and part of it's head. But the head that fell grew into a smaller bug and they all hissed at me. But the one I cut the head from blew into magic. Causing me to fly off below were the Griffins are. They all looked at me aiming their guns at me.

" Look." I said to them. " Do you want me now or do you want to die? These bugs are going to kill you before you can take me down. You know this right?" The three Griffins looked at each other then back up to the bugs. They turned, aiming their weapons at the bugs. One of the Griffins offered me a smaller gun. I shook my head, putting my sword away and pulling out the machine gun that I got from the merchant. I cocked the weapon and the barral glowed from an enchantment. The bugs lifted in the air screeching loudly and with my magic sight I could see more coming.

" There are more coming." But we started firing at the first two. One fell to the ground in front of us and blew up causing more magic to fly everywhere making my horn bright more and more. It was starting to get more and more painful. Then the other bug that was with that one ate the magic and grew even larger. I was quickly running out of ammo. I knew I would need to use my sword soon. With the last few bullets I hit the creatures in the head along with the Griffins. The creature crashed to the floor exploding in powerful magic that flew everywhere making a mist. I put my machine away pulling the singer back from its home. The Griffins reloading the guns they had.

"Listen. I don't know how strong these creatures are. But you three have been on this island most of your lives. So how big do they get?" The ground started to shake after I asked. One the Griffins who was smoking on a makeshift Cigar.

" They get bigger then most trees. But they lose their ability to fly and become egg layers." I blinked staring at the Griffin who looked at me with a smirk.

" They call them Queens. The queen of the magic eaters." When said that I didn’t know what to think. I couldn’t see the creature but heard growling. He yelled again to the others" Okay Boys! No one wants to live forever!" He lifted a strange makeshift bomb and two of the Griffins risked themselves to pry the mouth open of one of the bugs. It looked like it was pretty hard. I used my magic to try and help. After the mouth was open, they tossed a bomb inside it and the Griffins flew away from the creature. It moved extremely slow for it didn't have the speed as the others did.

" By the way miss, you might want to take cover." I blinked and rushed behind a nearby rock. As more of the creatures came closer to us I could feel the world around me slow down. While the bomb ticked down, it had loud beeps that speed up each tick. When it finally went to zero, It blew the creature up and taking many of it’s friends with it. It caused a giant magic explosion like a giant bale fire explosion but this one without all the problems that came with it. But something did come with it. The magic was seeping into me and I groaned, feeling it again. The magic slowly dissipated the body of the poor queen lay in a smoking heap. The Griffins and I were about to cheer when we looked behind the body there hovering behind it were many deadly magic eaters. The large ones known as warriors had serrated edges on their feelers and claws on their mouths. They hissed in deep anger. Even though we seemed to be out of luck one of the Griffins laughed and cheered.

" We almost got them boys!!" I thought to myself ‘These Griffins are crazy!’ More and more of the bugs started to come out of holes of the walls, It was an endless stream of them. Many different types, I heard them scream the words. ‘Flappers, Jiggly’s, and Spitter’s.’ When I saw them the Flappers had larger wings then the others. The jiggly’s bounced like up and down like they were made of plastic balls. The ones known as the spitter’s attack me. A strange form of magic. My horn glowed to grab the spitball tossing it back at it. It made the creature scream in pain and melt. One of the Griffins with heavy weapons tossed a black makeshift bomb down there and when it blew. I could smell burning meat. They screamed and screeched.

The bugs seemed to be very attracted to magic and magic like this caused them to try to eat it even if it would kill them. I looked at my Eyes forward sparkle. I wanted to yelled on more was coming. It quickly came out of hole flying above me hissing. As I looked face to face with the creature I looked at the creature with so much fear in my eyes, It attacked me. But acting quickly, I moved out of the way and it smashed into a rock but flew up and hissed. It was the last one of this cavern. It was a mix of all three from what I noticed.

" It's Mix!!" The Griffin yelled. The bug laughed he turned to look at all of us he was much smarter than the others. I wanted to run now he had an aura about him that made me scared. He opened his very mouth to speak. It started as a hiss at first then words came.

" How.. dare you..how dare you...In the name of the Queen you shall all end.." My eyes went wide and the bug looked down at me with a evil smile. " Ah the little hero. Oh yes, forgive me. I didn't introduce myself. I'm the second warrior of the Queen. I'm known as Mix. Yes, yes. I know, bad name. But it’s what your Queen gives me" He hissed his words I didn’t know with him being a smarter magic eater then the others I had to fight even though I shook in fear. Lifting my sword, I sliced into him but when it hit... My eyes went wide. When his chest opened up I saw a stop watch and then Time itself did a small rewind. It went no further than a few seconds back, but I could see his wound close itself back up.

I was back hiding behind the rock. I felt I have been here before. Looking at my forward sparkle again and the bug came back out the same way but I moved to the side quickly. This time he doesn't hit the rock and flies above me with a evil smile hissing.

" Ah you ponies of the past fitted me with a wonderful project.." He split the casing on his chest. "Project Stopwatch. You will never learn about it because you will be dead. I just need your brain." One of the Griffins spoke.

" Oi! She is our prize! Get your own!" Mix and the three Griffins looked at each other and then at me. The Griffins aimed their guns at him and he sighed softly rushing at them firing as in front of their eyes he used time to stop one of them. But from what I noticed if there was too many around, he can't keep the spell up for long. Because right after the Griffin came back out firing at him. I watched all this happen so quick. I didn’t know what to do at all. The other Griffins fought him off with their bullets and he bite one of the other Griffins and right in in front of his friend sucked every fluid out of him and he fell dead like a husk. Turning to the other and he laughed loudly.

" You can't stop me!!" He flew causing the last one to be frozen in time.I had a choice rescue this Griffin and deal with this creature known as Mix later. I watched the creature he was about to kill the griffin. Quickly with a swift movement I charged while Mix didn’t know I was coming. He finally saw me but it was far to late. My blade sliced into him and he backed off letting the Griffin go. He screamed and hissed. I heard laughter from a very familiar voice. My blood ran cold knowing that another was here to.

" Mix. Leave. We will both get her next time." It was the voice of Cricket and Mix growled deeply nodding and flew out into one of the holes and when I heard a gun cock and aim at me.

" Oh come on really!! I just saved your fucking ass." The Griffin removed his helm and he had the look of a cat Griffin but with a more bird like body.

" You grant me honor little hero. I am Black Feather. We shall meet again and I will give what I owe you." He nodded and flew out. I sighed and put away my sword and headed through the cavern. Looking more at the history of why this was built. From what I can...wait I can read this? Looking at it closer, from what I could read, the darkness of the world was taking over. The one named.. The name was removed. No one should ever say his name. But I needed to get back. I am sure Blaze was getting very worried. I finally found the way back to the cavern and when I opened it up, I saw many zebras getting ready to search for me. When I opened and closed the door behind me. They all looked up staring at me, the elder looked at me with disapproval. So I did the next best thing, I lied.

" I um I found a nest back there I felt I would clean it out for you." I said with a smile. The elder spoke.

" Hero your lover has been frantically searching for you all over Cliff side. She is upset and angry." I sighed and walked out to the caravan that ended up in Jonon’s home and I was hearing sobbing.

" I am sure she is fine Blaze. I am sure she had a reason to suddenly leave like that." Slowly coming out and closed the door loud enough they both could hear me.

" Um..I got a lot of explaining to do don't I?" Blaze stared at me with so much anger in her eyes. But when she came over to me she just wrapped around me tightly.

" Please do." Jonon said calmly..

" I went back to the shipwreck that brought me here. Then the merchant found me. Then lead me down to the back way into that cavern." Jonon blinks looking at me and looking at the door and then back at me.

" Then he sent three Griffins to attack me and we ended up into a nest of magic eaters." Sighs softly

000

After explaining the rest of the story to them they stared at me.

" I feel we need to leave then." Jonon said and Blaze nodded.

" I already got all my stuff so let’s get going." The three of us went to the Griffin who was waiting. It turned out he was pretty badly mutated, so he kinda looked a lot like a ghoul. But from what I learned about him he ate some of the magic eaters and the magic mutated him into this creature. That lives on magic and unlike radiation magic of this island keeps him alive more than rads would. We got in the back of the wagon with all our gear. He lifted his wings to lift us into the air and we flew off away from Cliffside. I looked back I noticed they had a sign up that i never had seen before. It said ‘Zeberica Remembrance. Let's remember our homeland.’ I closed my eyes sighing looking away not sure what is ahead.

Footnote: Level up

Perk added: You have faced the warrior version of the magic eaters. You have gained a damage buff when you fight them. But they will be able to smell you easier now because of the magic you have taken from them.

Chapter Nine: Flight

Chapter Nine: Flight

The sun drifted slowly into the sky. It showed how beautiful this island is. From what I was told, the flight we had to take would a few hours to a day. From what I have been told flying tends to bring to much attention so we have to fly around the island a few times to get ponies to stop worrying that their going to get attacked by who ever is flying around like this. It was the first time I ever flew like this. My stomach kind of felt weird one could say. It gurgled and lurched each time. It’s like after eating some hot dogs. Jonon looked to be meditating to ignore the flight she seemed very used to this flight. Blaze was searching through her bag, which I noticed holds some strange armor that she created. Blaze then looked back to me with a smile.

I smiled back weakly, trying to keep my head down to ignore the feeling my stomach. But also I was scared of high places I forgot to tell them that. The contents of my stomach were dancing around inside my gut. Adding to the fact I am scared of high places and I feel sick. I rushed over
to side despite my fear I vomited over the side. Now along Down below a donkey mare was teaching a class and the vomit landed on the poor mares head. The kids didn’t try to laugh. Some even tried to help her clean while some did laugh. They all looked up seeing me I waved weakly yelled before I was fully out of sight.

" Sorry!!" I groaned holding my stomach laying down closing my eyes tightly feeling my stomach feeling a bit better from all of this well flying. It was causing me to have issues with my stomach again. But I held down my bile and sickness. Feeling that the flying just seemed to cause more issues than needed. But to help me Blaze gently wrapped around me and stroked my stomach with her claws. Whispering gently in my ear.

" Just think that this is us bouncing on our bed. The bed you and I sleep in and I am giving you so much pleasure.. To the point you scream again and again." My face turned bright red. But it helped me feel better. The muscles in my body slowly remove the knots that caused me to stress out. I got onto my hooves weakly the feeling of being this high up still bothered me. Blaze removed her legs from the embrace she had me in. She chuckled softly.

" Just talking about our wild sex and you seem to walk around like nothing is happening." The Griffin that is flying us turned his head back to look at me.

" You do know right... that this ain't a time and a place for the time of pleasures of the flesh?" I was about to reply with a sarcastic comeback when a loud buzzing sound formed all around us. I lifted up my head to see the magic eaters. They flew from the trees holes below us and they seemed to be after the Griffin. Blaze hissed and shot fireballs out of her mouth at most of the bugs. Some of them exploded into magic. Some ate the magic and grew a bit. Jonon lifted her staff and ones that got to close she smacked them with her staff. Causing them to fly to the ground and explode.

My horn glowed the magic of my aura engulfed the sword. Allowing it to float with my magic being used some of the magic eaters turned their gaze towards me. I'm now seeing why the Queen has a rule of not using magic. Lifting the sword and I got ready to attack them. We fly by another town I haven't heard of. Looking down, I saw the town is full of the magic ghouls like this one. He flys closer and yells.

" Heads up!!" He flies through the city and the magic eaters follow. But a magic shield causes the pursuers to turn to dust when they touch it. Then he landed panting hard and looking towards us.

" I need a breather before.. we fly off." I nodded and slowly got out of the cart running to hide and vomiting more. Blaze followed me but stopped after she heard me let out my stomach again. Then I wiped my mouth groaning and looked to Blaze who just smiled.

" You alright little hero?" I nodded weakly.

" I am hungry." My stomach growled and Blazed laughed. The two of us let Jonon take care of what she could. She looked through a bag she had with her, tossing some coins and taking the rest to do some trading. When the two of us walked into the inn I looked around. It looked so much like an Equestrian inn. All kinds of ponies not unicorns other races sitting at the table. Music playing at the bar, a Salamander cleaning some cups with a cloth. We sat at a table I didn’t know what to think looking over at the piano seeing a dragon playing it. Watching all the magic eaters that seemed to have turned into the ghoul like creatures themselves. One flew to us holding a tray.

" Ah. Greetings." The strange magic eater had rings all over it's wings and looked to be female. The creature noticed my fear and she sighed with a gentle smile.

" You must have ran into my brainless cousins. We aren't magic eaters, we are the exiles created to be the same. But a mutation caused us to well become smarter and noticing that we have genders. I'm Chip chip, a female worker. Are you here for some food?" I gave a nod

" Give us whatever is good for...well non magic ghoul food." The bug nods flying back to the kitchen. The innkeeper seems to be a salamander like Blaze. But he is more decayed and has cracks along his body and he smoked a cigar causing the magic inside him to glow brightly.

" Blaze.. What is this place?" Blaze looked to me giving me a gentle smile.

" It's called Exile City. Only the ones addicted to the magic of this island as well as the magic eaters have been welcomed here. These are creatures who have been absorbing too much magic all their lives. Interesting thing about these creatures though, it can be reversed but it’s pretty painful and most die from it. But these creatures are either former minions of the Queen or taken too much magic to make them powerful."

I blinked I couldn’t believe it, there is a way to remove ghoulication? I doubt it's the same thing like the ghouls back home. My thinking slowly died when Chip chip returned with a tray of sandwiches that had carrots and some with meat in them. She tried to give a respectful bow but it was hard for her bug body.

" Forgive me that it took so long our cook is having a bad day." When the door opens a lava monster that seems to be a ghoul as well.

"I can hear you Chip Chip! Get back to work." Chip turned to the lava monster.

" Of course boss." The Lava monster nods as Chip Chip flew off to get more orders. Sighing and my horn flashed and the ghouls turned looking at me like they could sense the magic. Looking around, seeing them look over to me while my magic came from my horn. I didn’t know what to think at first but I shut down my magic core for now. Lifting the sandwich to my mouth eating it. Blaze uses her tail to eat. Chip flew over.

" Miss thank you for not using your magic. As you can tell magic tends to bring out the worst of us." I gave Chip a nod setting some coins down for her. She quickly picked it up flying away. Looking around, I heard the piano in the corner of the inn over to it seeing one of the creatures. The creature looked to be another creation of the queen. But it looked to be a dragon, one that had much magic flowing into its body. Blaze noticed that I felt strange being here. I didn’t feel that I was respected in as many ways I could think, that so much has changed. Reaching over with her claws, she held my hoof. I looked up at her with a gentle smile upon my face.

" Star Shooter I understand how unsure you are about this place. But don't worry, there will only be two more stops. We will be stopping at my home next. The final stop is at the Clock Workers." I blinked “Clock work? I thought things like them were only stories."

“Oh yes. Clock Workers are ponies from 200 years ago, but they changed themselves into clockwork robots to make sure they could live forever. But they don't know that the war is over." I gave a nod, sighing because i could figure out how they would act when I tell them.

" How long are we going to be here then?" Blaze looked at the clock and then back at me.

" Six more hours. Jonon wished to do some trading here and she also wished to see if we can talk to the leaders of the exiles. So before we leave, we need to talk to them.” I ate the food looking over to the dragon playing the piano strange though I heard more than that. I heard the dragon playing the music. It was being played by a dragon. On another table are many creatures playing card games. Some were drinking and a bell rang allowing Chip Chip to know the food is ready. This town worked so much like ones in Equestira it made me smile. They seem to be gathers looking over to other creatures. Some ponies seem to be the workers they have dust all over their coats. Jonon walked into the inn and called to us.

" The leaders are ready to speak with us."I gave a nod while slowly standing up.. Blaze and I slowly walked out of the Inn. We meet up with Jonon, who then lead us to a large building. Around us is a mix of homes that looked like bug hives and pony homes. There were even volcanoes for lava like beings that looked like they could become ghouls to. We walked into the building that housed the leaders of each race. The first one a magic eater. She had her desk made of honeycomb and her chair was made of gold. From the look of her, she expected much. Her name plate was made of gold as well with it plate saying her name, Queen Amarantham. On other name plates that looked made of gems named Flame. He said on a gem hoard. The next was a pony a earth pony named Storybook just a normal plate. The Griffin one was made of old bits and he sat in a nest. His name was ClawThe final one the lava monster leader on a rock of obsidian. Obeian is on the nameplate.

The Queen speaks first.

" Hail creatures of Cliffside. We shall hear your words." She wore a crown that looked far too big for her buggy head. Her wings glittering like gold and silver. Her eyes in a strange kind of makeup that makes her stand out more then most of the folks here. Jonon walked in front of us and started to speak.

" This is the hero of the legend that would rescue us from the threat of the Queen. She has been here close to one month already and she has done so much for us. But you all know the legend. Sooner or later, we all have to rise up to fight the Queen and free ourselves from her rule and remove the spell of the island keeping us here."

They all looked at each other. None of them speaking for the moment but the mare, Storybook, spoke first. She had no smile. But unlike a ghoul she still had her mane.

" I don't think every pony." The others coughed. " Excuse me, everybody understands this legend. But the Queen is on the hunt for you little one. What makes us want to help you?"

I wanted to speak but the Griffin spoke.

" Yes I agree with this... What makes us want to help you? The queen and her ahem warriors tend to leave us alone. I don't see how attacking her would be good for us. Tell me what can you offer more than the Queen." The lava monster huffed laughing.

" Just like a griffin only thinking of wealth. Now I feel I agree with the little hero. The Queen is not always going to be willing to give us a simple pass. There is going to be a time. That she sees us and that she wants to use us as her little toys or use us as targets."

The dragon gives a nod.

" I do agree with that. I have been around longer then most of you. The Queen is not a kind mare. She even created the magic eaters."

Queen Amarantham stared at the dragon she had an upset look on her face. It’s odd that bugs like her could show such emotions. She calmed down a bit and gave a sad sigh.

“I sadly have to agree with my friend here. I don’t wish to but my kind can be monsters if you let them be. But that's because their brains never really found enough time to change. But we would need to speak to the elders of our species to see what they think. We may be the leaders but it might be best. Give us an hour or so and we will tell you our choice." I nodded sighing walking back out of the building with my two friends. Going back to the inn I sat back down Blaze looked worried. Jonon being well her just sat near the fireplace by herself relaxing.

" Love you seem to be overworked again. Do you want to get a room and ease yourself?" I started hearing the creatures of the inn cheering at that. Looking to see some of them smirk one of them called out.

" Yes make her moan like on the radio" Blaze smirked widely starting to be her boasting self.

" Oh I can do more then that." The patrons cheered and she started to boast and that made her forget I was there. She was laughing and talking about everything we have done together. All I could do was hide my face blushing so deep red. I may love her but it's starting to get very bothersome how much she boast about how good she is at it. But I was told by Jonon that all Salamanders boast its how they are. If they didn't then it's best to let them do it. Then Blaze lifted me up with her tail and started to show me off.

" This is that beautiful mare that screams my name every night. A wonderful hero." All I did was hang there wrapped in her tail my face so bright bright red. "You can tell she is blushing when she blushes.. She knows she is mine and only mine." The patrons laugh and it seems the innkeeper knows not to stop a boasting Salamander.

" I um...Blaze can you let me down...please.. I um..." I tried using my magic to bring the cloak over my face. Blaze chuckled and pulled me over to her, kissing me deeply and the patrons cheered my face turned so bright red during the kiss. Of course I didn’t care anymore if she kissed me in front of others. She pulled back and then set me back on my seat and let me pull the hood over my head. Making sure no one can see my face anymore. But she just kept boasting like a Salamander talking about our sex how wild and wonderful I am, how many times she makes me lose it. Looking over to Jonon, I just saw a smile on her face. She looked over to me and mouthed. ' See how happy she is?' I nodded getting a smile on my face placing my mask on it to try to hide my blush. When I did this, Chip Chip came over and calmly spoke.

" Miss Hero? Can I speak to you?" I looked up, I removed my mask and nodded. She flew to the side, looking around and then when I walked to her, she looked around again.

" I have a request of you hero. There is a mine outside the city limits were many of my brain dead kind are. It's where I was found. I dropped something that was given to me by my former husband. A ring of pure amber. If you do this.. I will be happy and if you clear out the mine. The town will be happy with you even more. But it's your choice you have to want to." I looked to her. Then looking back to my love of her boasting and having a large smile on her face of all the boasting. Then back to Chip chip.

I stood up from the seat. “If you need help I will come and do what I can.” Chip chip nodded. I walked over to Blaze and tapped her shoulder. She turned with a large smile on her face. I whispered in her ear and she turned back to her crowd.

" I am so sorry but I have to go with my lover to make her scream more. Take care." She winked at them and Jonon walked over to me I explained to them what I was asked to do.

" Hmm...maybe this will help them" Jonon said and Blaze nodded. The three of us walked to the new mine on my map. Looking calmly. Looking at my pip buck again and we got stopped by two of the guards who stood near the mine. Two Griffins in heavy plate armor. That looked to be made from the iron.

"What brings you here?" One of them asked.

" I wish to help you by clearing out the mine and finding something for one of the citizens of your town. I wish to make your town safer. I am sure these creatures are down here looking for a back way into your town. It's pretty simple not all magic shields can go underground." The Griffins looked at each other.

" Well I don't see why not of course. We will let the leaders know what you are doing." I give a nod then walk into the mine. Blaze grabbing torch with her tail. The three of us walked down into the mine deeper. What is odd about this place. There seems to be ghost miners miners of the past. Magic imprints left by them. They stare at us and I looked into the eyes of one of them. The pain he felt. The sorrow he had. He wanted to be let free. Something here was keeping them from moving on. Jonon looked around and picked up any ores she found that were just lying on the floor. Pulling my sword out with my magic. But the magic dust didn't shine like it would down here. But when we got closer I could start seeing the magic mist and the bugs hanged to the wall eating whatever they could. Along with those strange beetles.

The bugs looked up to see us staring right at me. But something seems off about them when they stare at me. They seem blind weaker than the normal ones. Then one start to speak.

"Freeee me... Kill me..." Blinking staring at Blaze she looks to me and pointing a hoof to the bug Blaze nodded. Her spikes on the end of her back started to glow and the magic of the core in her body started to heat up. Magic fire poured out of her mouth. She burned the bugs in front of us. They start screaming screeching burning to nothing but magic husk. The fire even slowly burns the magic mist. Removing it for the time being. But I noticed something when she breathed in. She absorbed the ashes of the magic. Jonon looked around and nodded to me.

0000

We walked deeper into the caves. Most of the creatures we have seen down here are to focused on the magic. But we had to remove them sadly. Walking down the stairs even deeper into the mines. I heard the wails of the past down here. Battle has been fought down here. So much battle watching the endless ghost mine and patrol. But still frozen here in time. Calmly we walked down the stairs finding more of the bugs. They stare at me hissing growling but they seem to be so drunk on the magic down here. My blade slashed a few in two. Jonon using her zebra style attacks to smash them. Blaze burning them like always. The creatures falling into magic explosions. Watching Jonon I didn't see her breath in the magic. She seemed to will it away from her. Looking to Blaze she did the same. But only took some when she needed it. For me I just had it go deep into me. Making my magic to my core flare more and more. But was I becoming addicted to the magic?

I could beat it I could stop anytime I wanted to I could..Wait was I really having this conversation with myself? But looking to the ground. I found the amber ring found in a layer of deep deep dust. Placing it in my bag and a voice spoke in my mind.

" Ah lovely child. I can sense your magic." The creature sniffs is and moans deeply. " Oh it's divine come to me child. So we can eat together." The voice start to sing to me. While I seemed in a trance. Blaze and Jonon keeping up with me. But bugs stopped them started to attack them. ' Come to me... close those eyes see us together in loves tender embrace.' Blaze screamed to me but I couldn't hear her voice anymore. All I could hear was the song. ' Oh just a little love tender hero. Bring me your magic, let's dine together. Oh hero, come to me dance with me.' Getting in the very bottom of the mind. In front of me was a large magic eater a queen. She stood up from the throne of bones and she kept singing magic filling the air.

" Oh give me your heart child. Child of Equestria. Oh bring forth your magic to feed me. Feed my children." More bugs come down from all around." The bugs place magic near my horn. The horn taking the magic inside making it fill my core." Breath in the magic. Show the power you have." Blaze yelled out.

" NO!!!" Jonon and Blaze were not far behind trying to get me to stop.

" Show me the magic within you!! Release it! Release the magic. Release your power. SHOW ME!!" She yelled the song she sang ended. I took in the magic like she asked me to all of the magic. I started screaming in pain to make the ground shake under me. Is this what a creature addicted to the power of raw magic does to ponies? My horn started to glow so bright it felt like I was on fire. The bugs around me danced, they seemed so hungry and so did their Queen. Tears streamed down my face. The bug queen sang one last verse of music to keep me entranced.

" Release it..." The bugs around her started to say the same thing. " Release it.. Release it." The creature opened her mouth and my horn burst alive with pure magic. A beam of magic from my horn, went deep into her mouth. So much pain filling me I felt everything becoming so blinding in my eyes I felt every part of me burning. But Blaze wrapped around me her body burning from the heat of my magic kissing me deeply. My eyes focused on Blaze, staring deep into her eyes. Forgetting the queen around me. Doing this caused the magic from my horn to snap.It caused the magic around us to become poisoned to the bugs that surrounded us. The magic didn't change colour or look. This is what happens when a unicorn gets addicted to magic. It causes the well of magic to be deadly to others. The Queen starts to gasp and gag on the magic. So do the bugs.

Blaze and I were still kissing each other, with me wrapping my hooves around her and closing my eyes. Our tongues wrapped around each others. She was feeding me the pure magic of the realm. I started learning more and more about her kind. They are magic cleaners like the little bugs. She was breathing the pure magic into me. A blush formed on my face but I didn't care I just felt pure love flowing through me. The Queen broke from her shell flying off out of the mine screaming in pain. The other bugs that followed her slowly turned into husks and die. The magic around us then drifted back from sight when all was said and done. It was clear. But Blaze didn't stop kissing me. Jonon looked at the two of us. The kiss turned into more. It was pure passion. Tears streamed down my face. I have become part of this land more than I wish to be. I am now addicted to the magic.

It's been almost a few seconds. We broke the kiss and she smiled. Lifting a webbed claw to stroke my face.

"Don't do that again my love." I smiled sweetly but I felt the rush of pure raw magic. It made me feel wonderful. Looking around, I saw that the dead walked to me. All of them bowed and they all become one with the magic drifting away. I smiled weakly but I felt drained. I did one step and fell to my knees, looking down to the ground. The lava demon leader Obeian. Walked down the stairs he spoke in a deep voice.

" Magic addiction. You will live with it forever unicorn." He stared down at me. " But we have come to our choice. Come back up and we shall tell you. Oh and thank you." Blaze helped me back on my hooves and we walked back up the mine.

00000

We stood in front the leaders each of them stared at me and then my friends in turn. The eyes bore into me like their testing my soul. Queen Amarantham was the first to speak her feelers calmly moved back and forth like she is thinking the words to say.

"We shall help you hero. We will meet the force main force In Cliff side. We will be there within six months. Find more warriors to your cause. We will send you our greatest warriors." All the leader spoke at once.

" We are Exiles! We shall live as Exiles till the Queen is dead." Then their hammers hit the stands and the light dimmed. We had an army. But it wasn't enough. The sea ponies, the sea monsters, and now the exiles. Along with Hawk and the citizens of Cliff side. Walking out of the building, we saw the town starting up their blacksmiths. Smoke was pouring out of every home and work ship. Food was being mass grown through magic over and over. They may be ghouls but at times they still eat normal food. I have never seen such a sight. The Salamanders that lived here did their thing of tilling the lands with their claws to get more farms. They were ready for war. It was more easy to see now. Looking up I saw a bird. But it had red eyes and focused in on me. With my magic I lifted it up and spoke to it.

" Warden?"

The bird sparked when it tried to speak. Finally after a few more sparks a voice came from it.

" AH you finally found out how I am seeing the world child. Fear not the Queen doesn't know about the threat you just started she will never know from me. My broadcast will be about war starting up over who will win her favor. So don't worry child, the good warden is helping you." The bird gave me a very cocky smile. Letting it go and the bird bowed. We walked to the Griffin that helped us get here the first place. But I heard the bird yell out.

" Hey Blaze, make her moan more! It makes good music." Blaze turned to the bird and she smirked, winking and I just pulled the hood over my head to cover my blush. The warden was even wanting to hear me moan. As I stepped into the wagon, the Griffin looked back and nodded to the rest of us.

" Shall we ladies?" I gave a quick nod and he flew up into the air. We had to do two more swings around the island. Then stop at the salamander caves. I needed to see if they would help us too. But during the spin, I saw no creatures chasing after us. It was getting worrying that nothing was chasing us. Slowly we went around once and we landed in front of a cave a deep dark cave. Blaze got out first. In front of the cave is a bunch of wood. I was curious as to why someone would leave wood laying around when Blaze approached the pile. She breathed deeply and exhaled her fire onto the wood.We all watched how quickly it lit and was burning at a steady rate after Blaze finished igniting the pile of wood. She then backed off. I sat beside her and we waited together for whatever happens next.

We didn’t have to wait for too long as i spotted a few salamanders coming out of the cave. One of them was a pure golden Salamander who stared at Blaze and I.

" Blaze. You come to hurt your mother more by showing up with this...unicorn." Blaze looked sternly at her mother, a look of anger briefly passed over her face before it vanished..

" Mother, this unicorn is the Chosen One. The hero and as well as my mate." The Golden Salamander stared at me and then back at her daughter. She looked at me with great fear in her eyes. Her guards backing up as well. I just stared at her with my gentle eyes.

" I lost grace in your father’s harem dear Blaze. I have no power anymore because I gave birth to the Queen’s doom. So if you wish to win his mind child, you must come in with your love." Giving her mother a calm nod, Blaze looked to Jonon and I. We looked at each other, an entire conversation happening between us yet without a word spoken. We looked back at Blaze and gave her a nod. With our heads almost moving perfectly together, one might think we had practice. The Salamander, Blaze’s mother, and her guards lead the three of us in.

0000

In the cavern along the walls are many homes. There seems to be no stores but from what I have seen, males had many wives and they treated them like prizes to be sold. In fact I noticed males trading wives, selling wives for food. The males even looked at us like we were trash. But when most of them saw Blaze they started tossing rocks at her.

" Go back worthless female trash." Many rocks hit her but none of them bothered her. She stared at them with her anger and it made them feel fear. The golden Salamander walked to a large stone castle that in the middle which actually had a throne of a Salamander king plowing one of his wives right in front of the entire kingdom. But when he saw his daughter he removed himself from the female and pushed her away he stood on his four legs walking down the stairs. His eyes focus on his daughter. So much hatred filled them. I looked to Blaze she had the same hatred the spikes on her back glowing catching on fire. I could tell that this feather of her’s really hurt her.

" Goldie. This filth of a child is back." The king stares darkly at his wife She bowed her head and nodded.

" Stone, she wished to speak. She brought the Hero of Legend and claims that she is her lover." The king's eyes turn to me. They are not warm, but cold and dark. He walked down the stairs to get a better look. All I saw though was hate and anger in his eyes.

" So the worthless hero that wishes to fight the Queen. You dare come to my home?! You dare!! Do you understand, I could end you right here and now!! D..." He gasped and my horn glowed bright and had magic around his neck.

" Oh I dare... " The kingdom gasped including Blaze and her mother. " I have been forced on your little island by a storm. I am far from home. I fell in love with your daughter. The Queen wants to kill me! I see how you treat females. You call my Blaze filth. But I call you filth. If I am said hero, then I was brought here to bring creeps like you to justice." The bones in his neck started to crack. " Come on! No witty saying? Oh I am female, I am just breeding fodder. I have had a very long and very bad day.. So learn your place!!" I broke my magic from his neck tossing him back into his throne. " Or I shall remove the rod that filled the egg of my lover in her mother? "

Stone gasped and coughed as Blaze stared at me.

" Now you will listen to me male. The Queen is going to make her move soon. Don't give me this load of bullshit that ‘oh that females are just fodder’. Females, where I am from, saved the world many times over. In fact, the Light Bringer is a female. Half of the hero's turn out to be females. Because most of the time males are to bent on sex and power. " My magic wrapped around something between his legs and he groaned as I twisted it. " Fucking their next female."

He gasped and the guards were to frozen in place and as I let him go, he panted weakly and looked at me with great fear. I just had a dark smile on my face. My eyes glowed brightly showing I have had enough of this ‘oh I am better than you’ bullshit.

" Now will you give me warriors to fight the Queen or do I have to dethrone you and force a change? Making the females the rightful rulers of this kingdom like it should be? I am not evil. I just saw you and found you to be a piece of living trash. So I do what I do best, I kill trash." I gave a smirk and walked back down the stairs.

" Come Blaze, Jonon. Let him think about it before I come back and kill him."

Stone spoke out before i had taken more than a few steps..

" Wait. Wait!!! Hero don't go." I heard from behind me.

I paused mid step, my left forehoof just raised as if to take a step. I had a smile on my face when I looked over my shoulder I decided to humor him for the moment. It’s not like i couldn’t kill him later." I am listening....for now." He started to speak, but i could easily tell he had so much fear in his voice. I could see fear in Blaze’s eyes too. It made me feel bad that I had to act like this.

" I will send you my warriors to anywhere you want. Just don't remove our way of life please.." I have given them fear.

"You can send them to Cliffside. A warning though, if you betray me...I will be back." Walking down the stairs and away from the king. I could hear him sobbing in fear. As we walked out to the cave exit, I saw the females smiling at me. They loved how I acted to the males while said males backed off. I winked at thee females, nodding but I saw that a few of them were mouthing ' Please come back to free us.' I sighed and gave them a quick smile and a nod that I might. We finally walked out of the cave, but Blaze stepped in front of me as soon as we passed the exit. I could see that she had great deal of anger in her eyes

" Star Shooter that wasn't what you should have done." I have never seen her so angry. But I gave her a charming smile and she just stared at me. " It couldn’t have been done another way?" Jonon placed a hoof on her shoulder.

" No Blaze she did the right thing. Your father would have kept going on about how worthless females are and how amazing he is. I think this was needed to break his ego. I know it's not easy but at times you need to break something." Blaze sighed and looked at me with angry eyes and then she wrapped her tail around me pulling me close kissing me deeply again and pulling away.

" Don't do that again." I nodded and smiled at her lovingly. Then I heard the warden laugh.

" OH that was amazing good show good show. I didn't think you had it in you child. Now the king shall think twice before stealing from other towns before thinking of his own." I sighed and got in the back of the wagon. We had one more place to go. It was the place of Clock work. We flew off and when we got close to the city of Clockwork ponies. The griffin did another loop around the city. Just in case we get attacked by something. We slowly landed and one of the ponies came out to meet us. A mare with gears making her joints. She was the only one out to meet us but she had a gentle smile on her robotic face.

" I know why your here hero. We all do. Before we make a choice we have something we wish you to tell us all of us. Please come" I nodded and walked with her with my two other friends far behind. When I got into the town. Many of the ponies looked at me like they never seen an outside pony before. But I watched them they had magic controlling them. Their brains inside them keeping them to be who they are. I stood on a podium that had a mic and I looked at them blinking and a large stallion with a wind up key going and going on his back. Eyes in the shell along with in his brain. he had a top hat a blue suit. A cane he is using to walk and a old watch on his coat. He spoke calmly.

" Greetings my name is Doctor Maezono. I am the one that created these bodies so we could live on. I am told you are from Equestria. Please child, tell us how did the war end? Has it even ended at all?" I sighed looking at them. I spoke calmly into the mic.

" It ended in balefire. The world as you know it 200 years ago is dead and it is now nothing but a wasteland of death and destruction. All known died but not all stayed dead. Some turned into ghouls, some mutated. Old projects from the past surfaced. But heroes rose from the ashes. " I saw their faces of guilt and fear. " The lightBringer, Security, The Wolf, The Ghost of the big 52 and so many more. They did what most couldn't. True not all of them were big heros. The wolf was a small hero but most were the big ones. But they brought peace in their own way. I know this is not what you wanted to hear. But I told the whole truth and if this is all you needed to know then what is your choice. Are you with me?"

The clock work ponies looked at each other. They had no homes it was just machines keeping them going and then they looked back at me and they all stepped forward even the doctor.

" We shall." They all said at once. When they said that their plants turned right on and they started to work spewing out machines to help with the fight. Walking back out of the town I closed my eyes and it was the last flight. We got onto the cart and flew off. It was time to fly to the forbidden lands.

00000

We got near the forbidden lands. When we did some old defenses still turned on automatically by the ponies that used to run them. Started to fire on us. The griffin didn't have an easy time most of the stuff we had was so heavy that he had to fly around and he was searching for a place for us to land. But he was hit and we were heading right to the middle of the forbidden lands We pass through the shield and my pip buck started to tick. But the Griffin crashed and the cart sent us flying. Jonon of course landed on her hooves. Blaze was fine she just grabbed a tree branch with her tail that broke and made her land on her feet. As for me I flew and rolled and then blacked out. Oh how fun it was to fly. I never wish to again.

Footnote: level up

Perk added: Your various travels around the island. Have gained you many allies for the battle ahead. When the final battle calls you will be able to call for them to come. Even if you don’t call. They will come either way..

Chapter Ten: Forbidden lands.

Dreams are strange to many of the ones who have them. Some don't understand them. Some may even bring ideas to the forefront. Some dreams can even show if you have a problem. Most never really know what's going on anymore. All that look through the eyes of a dreamer see how it is. Majesty a dreamer in her own right. Sadly will some will never understand it really.

Deep within her castle she dreams, but she dreams more of revenge. She sits on her throne, speaking to herself. Her guards floating armor in the shape of ponies. They just stand there like unliving moving creatures. They have no souls maybe they do. Maybe they no longer do. The magic does much to this land. It's starting to become clear that she is the reason. She spoke calmly closing her eyes

" Why do they love her more then me? They should be loving me!! MEE!! I'm the master of this island. I should be loved more than her. I deserve their love!!!" Her horn glows shooting magic all over the place. An aura of magic formed around her blade. In a great anger she cut through many tables and in a fit of rage she even cut through a painting of her and a pony. Under the painting was the words my lover. In the anger she broke the sword tossing it right at the cloud creature known as Reaver. The sword went right through him doing no harm. She turned to him tears streaming down her beauty.

" Reaver..I wish to be loved." Reaver the cloud creature clicks his fingers.

" Take her to her chambers to let her rest." The guards lift her up as the Queen herself letting out pathetic little sobs yelling out screaming even that she deserves to be loved. Reaver sighs

" Reaver you seem to be failing at doing your job." A strange creature in the darkness speaks. Glowing eyes hover in the dark shadows. " You have failed at training her. She only wishes to be loved. She needs to be ready for the master to come back. The seals set by those princess are being broken one by one. All those heros thinking their saving the world. But in the end dooming it. Now tell me will she be ready to weaken the seal keeping the master at bay." Reaver doesn't turn around he seems to have eyes full of fear.

"The master will be free.. But I need more time." The eyes of the one in the darkness glow brightly. Pain fills Reaver and he tries not to scream. He holds his cloud like chest, groaning as the pain travels through his body. " Master please...I promise you....He will be free." The glow from the creatures eyes dims releasing Reaver from the magic.

" Good. See that The Queen is ready. If you fail me again Reaver." A egg like bomb floated from the shadows in front of the vision of Reaver. “You will learn what a Balefire bomb is like. If you fail me now get her ready!!” The eyes vanished and Reaver sighed.

For all dreams are real. Some have dreams to be loved and to be the best of all the world. Some have dreams to rule. But mostly about everyone has the same dream. To save the ones they love.

0000

Unknown

The Forbidden lands. A land like Equestria trapped in a shield to keep the creatures created by the balefire bomb out. Around the area is many camps old Equestrian and zebra weaponry scattered all over the ground. Most of what is left is ghouls roaming around.

I opened my eyes feeling how weak my body is. Even though It was very weak I could still move. Shifting on a makeshift bed. Using my magic to remove the blanket that was used to cover me. I took a closer look at it. It was a skin of a dead bear. Slowly I shifted off the bed during this though. I felt my muscles tense up in pain for a second I couldn’t even move. All I could do was groan in pain. Gently getting off the bed stretching my legs hearing voices I followed them groaning with each step.

"I am very sorry for allowing my soldiers to shoot at you ladies. I am sure you can’t blame us for it after all creatures that Majesty sent after us over the years. Most of those who find their way to the bunker just crashed and die.. Like that poor Griffin that brought you here.” I could hear voices. One of them sounded like Blaze’s smokey voice but it sounded so weak.

" We have been stuck in here for almost two weeks because of you. Your lucky we didn't kill you when you found us barely alive from the dark magic that resides in these lands." I chuckled to myself as I hear Blaze shout at someone.

Walking out I found ghouls of Zebras and ponies. Those of the past who fought. One of the ponies was Bulk Biceps and the other was The Commander. I didn't get his name. Jonon stayed silent. My hooves slowly clicked on the stones and Blaze eyes go wide rushing to me.

" Star Shooter!!" She wrapped around me kissing me deeply and I groaned in pain but didn't care. She broke it gently. I smiled weakly.

" Two weeks huh?" I lifted my head up to look to Bulk. I nodded to him bowing my head. " Hello Bulk. I'm sorry that you never saw the end of the war." Bulk’s features turn to a sad frown nodding.

" I have heard about Equestria’s end. About the Balefire Bombs and the Mega Spells. Sadly, I have never seen what happened to it.Nor will I be able to see what remains since I can not return. The radiation here is mixed with the magic of this land. So if I leave this island, I am doomed to turn to dust. Along with the rest of us here. The bomb that the Zebras detonated didn't go off like it should have. When it went off, it mixed with the magic here on this island. It caused a chain reaction that caused the raw magic to gain a strange healing feature within it. Of course it doesn't just only do this. It makes those that absorb the magic into ghouls. It's also the reason why Majesty wanted us to use it in this spot."

He looked outside the cave and sighed.

" When we came here to battle, we had placed the Stopwatch in one of the creatures of this land. Mix, I am sure you called him. We used Project Stopwatch to infuse Equestrian magic within this land. We had the poor creature turn it. He used to be a dumb brainless creature. But the magic along with the Stopwatch gave him and his friends the ability to think like us. When it happen we saw what would happen to us. All of us did. After the spell was used from the stopwatch. We saw what would happen to us here. So we escaped trying to find a place to hide. We ran to these caves and the bomb went off. Project stopwatch infused with the balefire created Mix. A warrior of Majesty."

I sighed nodding.

" I am sorry but we can't continue with story time. We need to go to the main Equestrian bunker." Bulk’s eyes go wide and stare at me.

" You wish to go into that hell hole? Just getting there is a challenge." Blaze looked pretty worried. I was still pretty worried. But I had to go in there. There is more to that bunker then I have been told. Closing my eyes I fell to my knees in pain. Blaze rushed to me, wrapping her tail around me gently.

" She is still badly hurt. Do you have anymore potions?" Bulk shook his head. Looking into the cave.

"The only way I can think of healing your friend is raw magic. We have to allow her to absorb the raw magic within this cave. Thankfully of course she won’t turn into a ghoul. Just...she will always want more. Sadly there is no cure. If there was, it wouldn't be pretty." Blaze had a worried look on her face tears dripping from her eyes. Slowly standing I looked towards the back of the cave. Jonon stepped in front of me looking down into my eyes

.

" Star shooter..." Jonon placed her hoof on my shoulder. " No matter what I am here to support you. But you need to be careful this road you go down..for something dire could happen to you." Jonon said. I gave a nod slowly walking into the back of the cave. I got deeper into the cave I could see the raw magic flowing around this area. I have no idea why I could see it. The magic turned into claws grabbing onto my horn to pull me inside. My eyes close Blaze placed her claws on my shoulder. I looked to her she calmly leaned over giving me a soft deeply kiss. I felt my will to do this grow. As she slowly pulled away, I let my magic flow into my horn. And from my horn, I directed it into my eyes.

My world exploded into color. Magic of every shape and size flowed around me in a way that felt as if it were alive. With my eyes still shut, I slowly began to draw in the magic from the air into my horn. I could feel the magic I drew in frow back into my core and spread throughout my body, healing my wounds.

But that's when I heard them. Sounds, voices...whispers. I could hear voices but I could tell none of them were from anyone inside the cave. I grew curious. So I let magic flow into my ears, and that’s when I could understand them. Hundreds of voices. All speaking as if they were one.

" Yessss... Take the magic.." I heard their whispers in my ears " Take it. You deserve all of it." Groaning, I feel my bones as well as my wounds mending. " Take more... You deserve so much child." The magic itself felt like it was alive. My wounds were fully healed along with my bones. Now I just had to turn off the font of magic. But it felt so wonderful, so addicting. It amazing but I heard a voice that broke through all the voices and whispers. A sobbing voice looking over to Blaze.

" Don't go where I can't follow Star shooter! Please!!" I stared at my crying love. How long have we known each other now. It's almost been a month. She has done so much for me. I have even hurt her for not allowing her to take care of me. Maybe it's time now. Turning off the font, I started shaking. My bone may have been healed, but that doesn’t mean they don’t still feel brittle or broken. She wrapped around me sobbing softly.

" Please Star Shooter don't change.." I felt the whispers in my head more and more now. " Please I need you.." The magic filed my mind with wonder.. I could be Queen. I could rule all of Equestria. I could be the Light bringer. I could kill her even. The magic it whispered. This raw magic..The lifeblood of our world. It's been tainted on this island. The magic of our world. Pulls the strings of those that want power..

" I am fine Blaze." I struggled to pull my horn away from the magic. The magic felt like it had claws keeping my horn from moving away. Blaze slowly pulled me away from the magic. Her wet eyes staring into my mine.

" Please Star Shooter." She started to sob hard on my chest. Was I only thinking of myself when I hurt her father and her people? Was I only thinking of what I have been wanting then what Blaze wants?

" Blaze.. I am not going anywhere. You can't go my love. Not without me by your side. We will always walk the same path" She nodded calmly. I walked through the very cave. I felt powerful strong that I could anything. I stopped in my tracks closing my eyes.I felt the magic filling my very core. I wanted more but there is a time and a place for it. Opening my eyes, I walked back to the main room of the cave.

"Give us the directions to the bunker. Then I am going to need you to join us in the coming battle.” Bulk looks to his troops then to the Zebra ghouls.

"Lets go." The Zebras along with the ponies nod. Walking out of the cave. Bulk looked back at me. " The Bunker is easy to find. Very easy to find. Walk out of this cave and go north. It's in the side of the mountain." He walked to the entrance of the cave then turned back to me.

" Child, if you really are the Hero of the Legends, you better be ready for what is going to happen when the war starts." I nodded. Looking outside after them noticing that their taking the guns and what shot us, out of the sky. Looking back to Jonon and Blaze. Blaze had bloodshot eyes she was crying the entire time I was talking to them. I sighed looking at her with a gentle smile. Nuzzling into her neck whispering gently.

" I am always with you." Blaze smiled softly nodding wiping her eyes with the tail. Looking to Jonon, Her emotionless eyes just had a smile across her lips. Nodding it was time to go. Looking outside of the cave and then looking north. I could see the bunker. But I even saw magic eaters mixed with the radiation of this land. Some looked nasty and so evil. Some even looked bloated. But that's not what scared me the most. Robots. Magic powered robots the magic is to raw for the robots. Causing their open gaping parts to spark and shoot wild magic all over the place. Looking back, I saw the others as they put cloaks over themselves. Placing a mask we started to walk through the land. It seemed to be healing but with that it also had nasty magic that didn't seem to work correctly.

00000

The Bunker

I hate the wasteland. I so hate the wasteland. I am starting to understand why so many tried to run away from it as fast as they could. Blaze was beside me breathing her fire on the magic eaters that held many of the guns that fired on us. It seems these creatures are very very smart. Using my new found magic I ripped apart their wings shattering their bodies. Magic may be what they eat. But it also makes their bodies extremely brittle. Jonon used her staff and Zebra type attacks to smash many of them. They fly off rushing away as fast as their wings could carry them.

We calmly started on our way again. Not far from the bunker. This place was small for some reason. But it would be hard for us to get inside. Many turrets turned around to face us. They seemed to target us for a moment. But they powered down soon after. A voice spoke over the com when we got closer.

" Come in.." The three of us looked at each other. Slowly walking into the bunker. The door closing behind us. When we walked in, the lights turned on. Most of them flickered. But the sound of magic going through the building was bothersome. Inside, the building was very silent. But when we got into the first part of the bunker it seemed to be a reception area. Inside the very halls of the bunker ghost walked the halls. They turned to look at us.

The life stream of magic seems to be keeping them alive. But they kept walking on. Magic did so much to this land. I had to find the Zebra spirit. He would be in with the prisons. Walking through the halls I could see more of the magic eaters were here. But these ones were lost and seemed to have no idea what is going on. One of them even looked at me. I noticed that something or someone removed his eyes.I felt I should rescue them by killing them all. But I can't I need to do what I need to do to take care of this place. A voice came over the com again.

"Come come come." Another door opens up. Leading down stairs. Looking to Blaze and Jonon, they both nodded to me. Walking down the stairs. Seeing more bones of the dead something bad happen down here. The smell started to get pretty bad as well. When we finally got fully inside this arena like room. The doors closed. A voice spoke with a laugh.

" Ah we got a couple of live ones." Looking up into the stands. There are many dead staying alive for their final moment with the magic of this island. But in the stands is not a creature that is dead. It’s a Zebra, The Zebra I must fight. But it seemed he wanted to enjoy himself but he stared at me and laughed.

" Well well..It's the hero... The hero that is going to save this island. OH I should bow to you. But I won't Oh and you will be fighting all these creatures alone." He tapped his hoof. Blaze and Jonon are lifted up by some strange magic hands and sat on the chairs. Looking at my pip buck for the first time like I should have. It's slowly clicking but it's not as bad at the moment of course.

" Now the first creature that the good doctors created. Well the first victim of Project Stopwatch." The first gate opens with a electrolytic whine. Inside is a pony with half his face is old and half his face young. The stallion walks slowly limping on the old side of his body.

Lifting my sword out with the magic. The stallion stood in the middle along with me. I stared at him I could tell that his body turned to dust and then reformed. His heart throb quickly he looked up to the one that calls the battle. Then looked back at me quickly.

" FIGHT!!" The ghost cheered. The stallion charged at me quickly in a quick flash and smashed into me making time stop a moment in my heart. Making me gasp and fly back after time turned back to normal. He just stood there the watch that is not connected to him anymore giving him more and more power. Standing up on my hooves coughing. He charged again stopping time again quickly making me fly into the wall with apple buck kick. I coughed deeply spitting up blood. I had to find a way to beat him. Looking down at my Pip buck. Looking back at him. He was getting ready to power up the time power again.

Quickly getting into S.A.T.S. getting the ability to attack him once. The attack hits smashing into the stop watch that is infused into him. How many of these did they make? When I hit the stop watch. He gasped and the stopwatch went crazy causing him to rewind back to a baby then back to old. Then back to baby over and over. The power getting crazy. I had to find a way to remove him from here. if he blew up here looking towards the gate.

Dropping my sword lifting up the stallion when he was a foal tossing him into the gate using my magic to force it closed with me being powered by absorbing the magic. But when I forced the gates closed it caused me pain. But I had to keep it close. Inside the stop watch blew causing all the magic to go into me to heal my wounds. But the project caused an endless frozen time spell in that room. When I stopped using the magic I saw that it was frozen on him exploding his face frozen on a smile.

Coughing I looked up to the Zebra and he smiled.

" Good job hero good job." He claps his hooves and smirked darkly. He looked down to Blaze and pulled me into the stands. Pulling her down to the arena and chuckles. " Now time for the hero's lover to prove her worth. All heros friends must prove their worth even if their the lover.'

Blaze gave a cocky smile she started boasting.

" I can take on all of you here. I have slept with the hero made her scream beaten her to submission through sex." The crowd looked at each other with strange eyes some even looked like they were blushing.. The Zebra rolled his eyes

.

"Now for you to take on another creation of the ponies here. They got a hold of one of your species dear Blaze." The second gate opens up and coming out is a male salamander that has stone scales along his body and a mace attached to his tail. Blaze looked scared and backed up.

"Great great grandfather." The Stone Salamander looks to Blaze and then up to me and he smiled. Then back to Blaze.

"I am so proud of you my little Blaze. You have found the love you wish. You have found your place in the world. Not a step stool of my worthless son. But what the ponies did to me here child. If I don't fight you and you beat me like a warrior you are. You will finally free me from my pain." The shell finally broke on him all kind of tubes all over his body. Fluid of blood and magic flowing through him. What they did to him made Blaze angry.

" I shall free you grandfather." The Zebra lifted his hoof and yelled fight. Blaze rushed quickly attacking like no before. She did some attacks I have never seen. She wrapped her tail around his tail tossing him away her mouth opening up trying to burn him. But when his mouth opens up he shoots magic stones from his mouth some hitting her causing her stance to back off a bit. He then used his mace tail to try to hit her. But she kept jumping around shooting fire from her mouth. The fire singed deep into the stones causing some of them to flick off. But he jumped onto Blaze back trying to smash her down but she trained all her life to be ready to fight him. But she had many cuts and wounds in her body. They back off blood draining from Blaze. I finally get to see her blood. It's pure magic with flickers of fire causing the ground to catch on fire then die. The stone salamander charged.

Blazed lifted her head opening her mouth breathing deep sucking in the reaming magic shot a large stream of liquid flame all over the body of the stone salamander. The stone turn extremely hard making him frozen in place. Not even able to move. She rushed to him pulling out the tubes connected to his heart. Blood draining from the wound. She placed it into her mouth like it was a straw and drank the magic blood. Her wound healing tears streaming from her face. She pulls off the tube. The stones grumbling causing the salamander to die.

Blaze is placed back on the stands beside me she wrapped around me shaking tears streaming down her face. But she kept herself calm even while she was weeping. Gently held her in my fore hooves. I have seen her like this only when something really is bothering her. Then the hooves the zebra clap laughing.

" Good good. who is next?" He looks to Jonon and she just looks up to him. She is sent out sighing softly. The third gate opens up when the third gate opens up it's a simple creature. That seems to have no power. When the Zebra is about to start the fight Jonon already has smashed the head of the creature looking up to him.

"Don't waste my time.." She said softly removing her bloody hoof from the smashed head. " I won't play your games." The Zebra stood up looking upset but sighed and put Jonon back on the stands near us and then pulled me down there alone. He walked down the stands into the arena. Looking towards me with a dark smile.

"If you wish to fight me know my name first. I'm Koonik. One of the scribes for the Caesar" He stared at me and a strange sensation came over me. A memory hit me like a memory orb.

0000

Memory of Koonik.

The past how does the past work for most? Some really never know. The Zebras tend to never understand why the ponies did what they did to them. One known as Dr slice seemed to be working on a project a project to rescue himself. He went to far of course. Help from a scribe of the Caesar that started the war. But these two good friends. Friends try to protect friends. The only reason Dr slice wished to come to this island was to save himself from this sickness that no pony had a cure to.

" You sure?" The bandage all over stallion asked his friend.

" I am sure Slice. I am sure this is the right place to find you a cure"

These two friends working to find a cure. Working to find what is right. But something went wrong. The Scribe the Dr at odds when the friend learns what the doctor has been doing.

" You have... Been using my people and your own...To make a cure?! Slice this is madness!!" Slice looked up from the bodies the murders he's caused. Slice looked back to his friend. So much fear in the eyes of the scribe.

" I am so sorry Koonik. I had to. I need to live, I need to live!" He said with tears streaming down his bandage face. " I can't live like this anymore! I need my body to stop decaying on me."

The scribe and the doctor learning the pain. But all this comes with a price. The good Dr forced shots deep into his friend because of the pain because of the distrust.. He experimented. On his friend then the outside exploded in balefire causing all the ones that died from these murders to be walking around. But with the scribe. He was changed forever. But for the Dr.. No one knows.

The scribe faces a hero the hero of legend. But all heroes must face a fate worse than death if they wish to win the battle. The battle is not always going to be easy to do. When the lines are crossed.

0000

The arena

I finally came out of the vision

" I have never heard of you scribe." I said softly. The Zebra looked wounded and gave me a sneer

" I know you have talked to one of my descendants Zranth. I am also the next one the elder from cliff side asked you to fight. If you win I shall give you the fluid so you may learn. If I beat you though you're not the hero of legend and you will be killed. You're fake my dear."

Closing my eyes sighing maybe I am fake. Maybe I am not the hero after all. But the magic in this land says I am. The magic seems to keep whispering to me that I am the hero of legend. A hero that is trying to become more. But looking down at myself. I am no hero. I am just one that thinks I am for all the Zebras have said to me.

" Hero." The Zebra calls but I don't answer I just keep thinking. My mind wanders am I not the one that Blaze is meant to be with? Am I not the one that Jonon should have trained. My thoughts make me ignore the fact the battle has started. Just staring at my hooves. I didn't hear the Zebra coming to me. I didn't hear the fact I was about to be stepped on. Then I heard the voice of my two friends.

" STAR SHOOTER!!" Yelled Blaze.

" Wake up Little hero." Jonon shouted.

Looking up quick right before he stomped a large hoof on me. Rolling out of the way getting back on my hooves. Staring him down my eyes glowing from the magic infused into me. Pulling the sword out it's edge glowing along. With the very light shining on my sword, I lifted it up with my magic. Standing tall like a warrior of old, I felt my heart beating like the drums of war. I felt like I could take on anything. I felt strong.

" I shall beat you Zebra. I know I am the hero of legend. The merchant warned me not to get in this war." The Scribes eyes go wide hearing the Merchant. He was going to tell me something about him but before he could I got on the back of my hooves. Doing a thunderous zebra kick in his face. Making him reel back at a bit staring at me.

"You don't wish to be warned... Then you are a fool." The two of us charged each other kicks from him using my legs and sword to block. Taking it back at him in kind. Even though he has trained longer then me to fight. I was able to fight the large body this Zebra had. But I was going to fall sooner or later. He grabbed me suddenly with his hooves tossing me into a door it broke inward and into a cloud of raw magic. This magic though it was green mixing with the radiation. Looking at my Pip buck it didn't tick.

But I didn't wish to use it. But before I could move he charged at me in here forcing me hard into the wall my body cracked some bones breaking. He backed up and then smashed one of my hooves. Another broken bone gasping in pain. My focus vanished my sword falling to the ground. He threw me back out my body bouncing on the ground. The magic slowly drifting out of the broken gated room. It mixed with the other magic but not changing it yet. But I couldn't get back up and he stomped on my back it cracking loudly I yelled in pain.

He then tossed me into the wall and I groaned feeling more of my body wounded. He looked at me and then to the crowd.

" She is not the hero. She is the faults hero that pretends to be part of the legend. Jonon you have trained the faults one." I looked at my friends Jonon now had an unsure look on her face. Blaze looked down like I have failed her. I can't do that.. I can't let that happen. My horn started to glow and the crowd watched me along with the Zebra backing up. His eyes going wide. The magic drifting in my horn.

" No.... NO...No pony can take in that raw magic. NO pony can." My bones started to heal, my wounds started to seal. The blood dried on my fur. My sight glowed with me. " Pony don't do that any longer.. You don't know what it will....do" I stared at him my body healed but my eyes glowing. I build in the entire magic and it shot into the air I screamed loudly. All could see it outside again. The beam of light this time. The Queen knew and acted like she should before. Back at the fight my horn stopped glowing staring at him.

" I am the hero of Legend Zebra. if I wasn't the spirits wouldn't have talked to me when I drank the elders brew." The Scribes eyes go wide. I pull my sword from the gated room placing it in the ground. I charged him like a zebra would. He and I fought like Zebras a pony fighting like a Zebra. Our blows hit with force but none of us stopped. Block hit block hit downed stand back up block hit downed. Stand back up quickly for the both of us. The magic in me kept me fighting. When I got hurt my horn glowed taking in more. I needed it I needed it so much. I could feel the want it called to me. Star shooter...Starr Shooter drink us.

Then I did one large kick in his face, causing him to falling and then I wanted to keep him alive I smashed into his back shattering his spine and the battle was over.

I felt tired and drained. The magic was calling me to take more from it. I need it. But I can't do it I don't want to lose myself. I can stop whenever I want. But the Zebra spoke gently..

" I don't know why they sent you after me. The only Spirit is the one in cliff side I am sure they told you more. But I do know Zranth wanted to free me from this pain. But take this to the elder of Cliff side." He removed a strange jewel from his leg it was attached to many rings. Inside the gem it had an item in it. History recordings. That is why I was sent down here to get that. Looking to Blaze and Jonon nodding for them to come down here. Blaze came down and wrapped around me kissing me gently. Placing the item in her bag and whispered

" I will keep it for you my love." She gave me a gentle kiss again and the Zebra sighed.

" I am sorry my kind lied to you. There are many test but you are the hero.. One last thing I want from you.. Go deeper into the bunker. There is a bomb down here that could remove this blight. Freeing the spirits I think this is another thing they wanted you to do but didn't tell you. But if you see my friend down there. I am sure he is still alive. I am sure. Please tell him I forgive him." The Zebra calmly lied down fully and he slowly stopped breathing. Looking towards the end of what the arena is looking up seeing the sign. This is not an arena it’s a testing area.There is another elevator. I looked back to the ones that cheered for us during the fighting. Looking as I could without seeming rude. I looked closer at all the ghost. Most of them seemed to be ghost of nurses, doctors, and soldiers. I am guessing the magic mixed with the bomb caused them not to go to the afterlife..

0000

DR. Slice Office

The elevator to awhile to get going. But we had interesting odd music. Well very odd music that got very bothersome to the ears. Blaze covered her ears, growling all the while. Jonon just ignored it. I was looking around for the speakers, seeking to remove an annoyance.. Lifting my sword, I began stabbing it over and over. The speaker itself started to spark. Even so the music started to get worse. It started sounding like the devils anius in my ears. How did I know how that felt or thought it? I didn’t wish to think deeper into it. Finally though the speaker sparked and the music died.Blaze grabbed me with her tail. Whispering in my ear. My face turning bright red.

" Blaze not in front of Jonon." Blaze smirked and started whispering again in my ear. I tried hard to put my hood over my face to block my blush from being seen.

" Oh Blaze you do know sooner or later, she will not blush anymore right?" Blaze smirks.

" Oh I highly doubt it. I will find new ways to get her face to turn bright red."

I kept the hood over my head blushing even deeper. The two laughing. But after awhile removed it and stared at Blaze. Who just give me a gentle smile.

" Oh Star shooter I do it to keep you on your hooves." She winks. I sighed standing up finally the elevator stopped letting us out. Looking up seeing the Sign research and lab. Slowly we walked through the hall but the Research door was welded shut. No way to get that open. Walking to the lap we saw a Mr handy. It looked powered down attached to skeleton covered in bandages. Slowly walking to the Mr Handy turning it on. The robot started to power up and it's eyes looked around staring at us.

" Oh dear..." The robot looked at the body. Then at us. " It worked then.." Looking towards me then noticed me. Thinking a moment it's robotic eyes staring then looked at a legend that was on the wall.

" It's you the hero.. Of legend.." He rushed over to me. " What’s Equestria like now?!"

" I um...200 years ago everything died in balefire. Ten years ago a light bringer brought back the sun for us. Than ten years later a group started up a megaspell that cleansed Equestria." The robot looked at me again and then back to the lab. Then back to me again.

" I'm Dr Slice... I couldn't find a cure for my sickness so to save myself and my brain. I placed everything in this robot." I gave a nod then the building started to shake from explosions. The monitor came on showing that the queen’s army was trying to break in " Oh dear.. it's the Queen! She is looking for you. There is a back way out.. But we need some pony to stay here to keep the self destruct from being shut down.

" Give me the code I will meet you back at Cliff side" Jonon and Blaze looked at me with worried eyes and Dr Slice sighed. " Remember she is after me. I feel it's wise to try to. Is there a back way out of here?" Dr Slice nods flying over to a console clicking a few buttons and a door slides open.

" This leads all the way out of here to the coast. If we stay to the road we can get back to cliff side." I nodded Dr slice attaching a cord to my pip buck and the code came up. They started to run down the hall but Blaze wrapped her tail around me kissing me deeply. I smile gently breaking the kiss.

" I will be back I promise." Blaze nodded, rushing out after the others. The door closed behind them. I went to the terminal and clicked in the code. A bunch of information came up then a countdown. Alarms began to ring. I rushed to the back way out but when I clicked the button it didn't open up. It said all power taken to use in the bomb. I sighed looking to the elevator. I would have to go back up. Going into the elevator it slowly went back up. The alarm getting louder but I had my cloak that kept me hidden. Placing it on when the elevator opened I could see the queen's army fighting the ghost. The ghost started to scream loud enough to be ear piercing. I didn’t know what to think during this time it hurt so much.

" Your Queen is the reason for our torment!!" So the Queen was the reason for them being stuck in limbo. Slowly sneaking I saw Mix attacking the other ghost even feasting on them. I even saw Cricket who used his swords to slice them up. But I saw a third creature. Staring at it. A large mouse covered in heavy armor. Looked at the side it said Mouse written in red paint. Beware of Project mouse.. But he turned to look right at me. Sniffing. Then spoke in a deep voice.

" She is here." His sides opened up. Guns popped out they held that strange green substance. Cricket laughed.

" Ooooo time to finally get her." Mix laughed as well. I had to go quickly I tried to run back outside.

"But I say we capture her and have our fun with her first then take her to the Queen." They All laugh. Mouse rushing to find me he was right behind me with the other two. I had to keep going. Finally, I got back into the arena and as I began rushing past the fighting army, my hood came off. Mix hit me from behind with a beam, causing me to fall and I saw the other two rushing towards me. Cricket swinging at me with all his swords. I got my sword out quickly blocking him and then rushing up but getting hit by mouse flying near the way out groaning deeply. Slowly rushing to my hooves and mix flew in front of me blocking my way out the other two surrounding me.

" Look I know you want to kill me and all but this place is about to blow up so...How about we fight later hmm?" The three looked at each other placing my hood back over my head vanishing from their sight rushing outside the door and then boom. I tried to run the explosion caused me to fly. The flash of the explosion engulfed the entire forbidden lands. Causing the shield to crack and shatter making the shock wave fly all over but it was lesser then it was at the start. Blaze looked up along with Jonon and Dr Slice from the road Blaze had tears in her eyes But they had to keep moving get back to. The rest of the island heard and saw the explosion.

0000

Outside after the explosion

Opening my eyes I was alive how was I alive.. But I didn't know what was going on. I slowly started to crawl. But before I could get any farther. Mix held me down. Mouse stared down at me and Cricket chuckled.

" The poor hero is hurt..So my friends.. Let’s take her to our outpost and we shall have our fun." Mouse lifted me up they carried me. I had no idea what was going to happen to me. But I am sure I was going to find out.

Footnote: Level up Two new perks

Quest perk: You have found Dr. Slice he joins you as one of ones of legend. While he fights with you along with others you feel a surge of power in you. You feel that with him near you that you could last through this war.

Negative perk: You have been captured by the enemy. There has also been rumors starting to go that you have died in a explosion known know that you live but in the hands claws or whatever of the Queen.

Chapter Eleven: Month One: Pain

Author's Notes:

Warning there are many disturbing things that will be in this chapter. If you don't wish to read it just skip it.

A voice came over the radio " Hello this is the Warden." His voice sounded sad. " The hero is dead or so what the Queen is saying. A large force that is massing at Cliff Side has said she is still alive. They're waiting for her to return. But no one could survive that explosion. But this is the warden who still has hope." A soft song calmly started playing But the radio was clicked off. In the bar of Cliff side was a salamander. Blaze was sobbing hard, her heart so broken since the hero is confirmed dead.

Dr Slice floated near her looking to Jonon " I don't know what to say to her."

Jonon nodded. She calmly helped Blaze on her claws leading her and Dr Slice. To the Caverns leading them both to the writings of legend. " If she was dead the gem that shows her would be dim. But she is still bright. Dr Slice you are also one of the companions of legend." Slice stayed silent. Blaze nodded they had hope now that the hero is alive.

00000

Opening my eyes. My vision fuzzy looking around seeing I was in a cell. I tried getting up but the chains kept me down. Trying to move my head but I couldn't. A few guards who are oddly ponies looked at me.

" Ah you are awake. The warriors had been sent off back to the Queen. We are meant to do everything we can to you child to break you, harm you, and get you ready to be killed. You need to be set as an example. I am Burnout..I shall do whatever I can think to you child to get you ready. But this month’s plan is pain. Get her read." The Guards all nod to the burnt looking unicorn pony. They lifted me up with the chains, injecting me with some strange serum that made my entire body not able to move. Then set me down on a table. Placing my horn in a tube. The tube brought a torrent of magic to my horn. I had no idea why they were doing this.

Then Burnout walked over he brought a bag of many different things. He opened the bag bringing out a giant mallet. Setting it down, he then pulled out a carving knife, a small torch, and many other items. He used his horn to lift up the large mallet. Using his horn to chain me down fully so i couldn't move. He then lifted the mallet and brought it down upon my chest. A screamed of pain escaped my lips. I began to cough up blood. He smashed down on my chest again and again, hitting and breaking every bone in and around my rib cage. I tried breathing, but my lungs wouldn't work. But then I felt it. Magic, lots of it. Without thinking, i reached for it, drawing it into my body to heal my wounds.

In a single moment of clarity, i realized something very important. This was how they were going to break me. The more i frew in magic, the quicker i healed, and the more addicted i got to it. By drawing it in, i started an infinite cycle of pain and no matter what i did, i was now trapped within. Until Burnout released me, i would unconsciously draw in magic to heal myself, keeping me alive and allowing them to do just about anything to me without worrying about killing me.But before i could do anything, the moment passed and Burnout brought down his hammer, harder than before. Only this time, he didn’t hit my chest. He smashed his hammer into my face with the hammer breaking my skull. My eyes, the target of this swing, quickly sealed shut and I started sobbing. But his next swing broke my jaw.

" I really wish i didn't have to do this to you child. But If I don't the Queen would kill my family. I am sure down the line if you do ever get free you will forgive me I sobbed as the pain grew so much. Then felt the hammer smash into my legs he smashed them down blood draining everywhere. He then set down the hammer I heard it clunk on the ground. But He didn't give me a chance to heal. Removing something from the tray then I felt a knife starting to skin me.

I started screaming in pain. I sobbed so hard feeling my fur and skin being removed. I didn't hear any laughing just pony kept skinning me my eyes healed enough so I could watch him lucky me.. I screamed sobbing. Looking at the face of Burnout who didn't even have a smile on his face. He looked at me with tears falling from his eyes. Mouthing again ' I'm sorry.' He then took the knife and cut me open I screamed in pain. He sliced out my ability to reproduce. I screamed in pain as he also took my eggs and burned them. Then he looked into the hole the magic slowly repairing what he took from me. Then looked up to me.

" Your ability to have foals will return to you. Given enough time. But you will be forever addicted to the magic that is filling you. The same magic which is also healing you." I was sobbing so hard feeling so much pain seeing my skin slowly regrowing. He then lifted the torch starting to burn my body I was on fire screaming in pain. My flesh started to burn off my bones. My scream sounded through the entire building. The ponies even though I wasn't able to see these ponies were sobbing and crying. They wanted to be free but they had to do this.. I was screaming more and he douse me. I shook in pain. He turned the stream of magic on more to let me heal before he started again. Tears streamed down my face.

The burns slowly vanished the skin started to reform around me. I felt the magic building I need more I need it. Then I started screaming again my bones started to crack and form back together. I groaned in pain. Feeling my heart beat hard and groan. The skin fully returned but the fur took longer to heal. Burnout looked at me calmly and sighed.

" You will forever be hurt little hero. Again I don't wish to do this to ponies. But the Queen has my family. I would not be doing this if I knew they would be safe. Your skin will keep them safe. When we are done, the Queen might even give them back to me.But i can not tell you how sorry I am about this. When this is over, and my family is safe, i will gladly submit myself to the wrath of your mate.

." He said with a weak smile. I knew he wasn't done with me. He lifted more strange items out of the bag as I stared at him with hate. I wanted to hurt him I wanted to kill him. Why would he do this to me? Groaning, i felt my bones finally heal I felt whole again.

But he released me and called a few guards to carry me back into the cell. I lay on the cold ground of my cell. My body weak and in so much pain. I shake from the shock of it all hearing my cell door open seeing Burnout. I tried to get away but I am far to weak. He stood over me with a gentle smile. I could tell he didn’t like what he was doing. " I will give you time to heal little hero." He walked away a small little filly walked in staring at me. She opened the cell though bringing in some water and helped me drink She also gave me some food and stroked my head.

" I'm sorry Hero.. My father doesn't wish to do this.. But the Queen will allow me to stay alive if he does do it. You need to remain strong for the next six months. You will be sent to death to be made an example of. Maybe during this time you will find a way to escape. I hope you do. All of us wish to be free."

I couldn't nod, my body was just too sore to move. So I just layed there, cold, shivering, shaking as well. I felt so much pain in my body, even though I was healed. Some bones were still broken, but they did get set by the magic. I smiled weakly. But less than a moment later, I heard a large creature move inside. Mouse was here, and all I could do was stare at him. The filly started shaking in fear and slowly moved away. Mouse looked at the filly, looked back at me, looked at the table, before finally landing his eyes on Burnout.

" Burnout? Why is she not strapped to a table?"Burnout sighed before he walked back over by me, Mouse following him like a shadow. Burnout began to slowly lift me when Mouse spoke out. “Remember. She is nothing more than a piece of meat! Treat her as such! We have been given our mission by the Queen herself! It would be unwise for you to disappoint her. Why think of this young filly!” Mouse reached out and cupped the filly’s chin, being somewhat gentle about it. Burnout quickly hauled me up onto the table, and started to strap me down, all pretenses of being gentle were gone.

.As soon as i was fully strapped, Burnout started to hook up the magic feeding tube before Mouse stopped him. With nothing more than a glare, Mouse returned the tube to where Burnout got it, all the while informing Burnout.

" Don't attach her to the magic. I want her close to death." He gave Burnout his dark smirk. Burnout grabbed his tools with his magic, intending on causing more pain. But once again Mouse stopped him with a glare. Still wearing his dark smirk, Mouse walked over and leaned in so his face was filling my vision.

" What you are doing is not the right way Burnout. Let me show you what is."

0000

I was moved from the main room to another room. I had been strapped to a metal table now. Not much of a difference at this point though. Mouse was searching through every item he could find. But most of it gave him a frown.

" Hmm this ain't the right thing to use. Let’s see." He pulled out several strange large bugs trapped in a jar like fireflies from a bag. “This will work just fine.” He pointed the jar’s lid towards me and opened it up. The bugs flew straight out of it and landed on me. I didn’t think much of them until they began to eat my skin. I let out the largest scream in pain my lungs could handle at the moment.. Mouse just smirked and laughed.

The entire pony population of the small outpost watched or listened in fear. I kept screaming in pain and the bugs just kept eating me. Then Mouse pulled out a giant magic prod, looked at it fondly, and stabbed me with it. A strong current of electricity flowed through my body. Causing me to have convulsions. The bugs exploded covering me in their bug fluid. I bite my lip hard feeling the blood burn through me.

" Aww poor little hero." He then took a large blade removing left hind leg from its socket and my body in one clean cut, before tossing the leg across the room. Like it was nothing more than trash.. "OH! I am so sorry...did I do that?" He said in his signature dark laugh. I just screamed. But as the scream left my lungs, Mouse did the unexpected.He stabbed me in my chest, the blade going clean through my heart. I gasped deeply trying to force air into my lungs, before my brain suffocated from lack of Oxygen. One of Deep thought’s lessons flashed through my mind. “While the brain is one of thee most important organs in your body, the heart is by far the most vital. For without it, our bodies would be unable to deliver the Oxygen rich blood from the lungs to the rest of our bodies. And without the blood filled with Oxygen, we will slowly suffocate upon the very air itself.” My vision started to grow dark around the edges as I felt death creep up on me. Mouse looked to Burnout.

" You better get her to the other room quickly or our poor hero will be dead." Mouse smirked. " Now if you will excuse me, I need to get back to the castle. The Queen refuses to take over any of the towns since most of the soldiers are now in Cliff side. But she is waiting to kill the hero to get them all to surrender."

Burnout released me calling to the other ponies to carry me to the other table attaching me to the tube. Removing the knife from my heart. Coughing loud and painfully. Feeling the magic repairing my heart slowly. Feeling the want for magic like it's a drug to me. I need more I need more. If only I could open the font more to get more. A few mares cleaned up the blood from my body they all looked at me with sad eyes.

" You need to be strong hero." One of the mares said. Tears just streamed from my face. Even though I was healing still felt the pain feeling every inch of me in pain. They wanted to break me they should seen they already have. But I think the ponies here need to do more to harm me.

0000

Opening my eyes I was hanging in the middle of a room blood below i didn't feel any pain. Burnout looked at me and then down to the blood sighing.

" Listen hero I know you think that we want you broken. But in the legend, the hero goes through a trial to become stronger. Her heart stays soft but she is ready to take on the Queen and all her warriors." I heard buzzing seeing Mix flying to me staring at me.

" Burnout is she ready?" Burnout nodded. Mix stared at me with a gentle smile whispering. 'If you do live hero please kill me when the battle comes. I am tired of not being able to die.' Blinking looking towards him.

" Don't get me wrong hero. I am not a bloodthirsty monster. I used to be more of a gentlemen then your kind placed this device in me. Causing me to see all deaths all futures. But I never knew what one was real. The reason they made it was to go back in time. To try to stop the war from evening happening from the start. They got the idea when Twilight went back a week to talk to herself."

Looking at the stopwatch in his chest.

" But trying to change the past to affect the future isn't wise. It makes things even worse. They tried it once on this island. It caused even worse things to happen." Mix flapped his bug like wings, the buzzing from the sounds of his wings drove me nuts. " Now forgive me hero.. For what I must do. You must stay strong. I don't want you dead."

Mix stabbed his legs inside my body. His eyes flashed suddenly. Causing the Stopwatch to glow and the hands move.. Making time around just us going quickly. I screamed in pain. My body turning old turning to dust but then reversing turning back to young But he spoke calmly.

" Hero don't fail." Blinking seeing the rest of the ones who were chosen for the project. " Save us all.. remove us...free us." Then I passed out.

I woke up from the pain of seeing the past and future. Looking around I noticed MIx is gone. But in his place is open wounds were he stabbed his legs inside me. Burnout looked at me and he had the look of pain in his eyes. Burnout lifted the whip with his magic. It had nasty looking hooks at the ends of it. It was dripping some weird greenish hude liquid. To be honest, it looked quite gross, and the whip was covered with this stuff. Looking towards the dried pool of blood, but also seems to be gathered for some reason. A strange mechanism brought me over the grate down to the pool of blood behind. I looked weakly at all the ponies that had so much fear in their eyes.

Behind me I saw the shadow of the whip being lifted. Fear filled me. Burnout pulled back with the whip. When it finally hit my back, I felt my flesh being ripped into. I felt the acid enter the very wounds. It caused the flesh to sizzle and burn, it filled me with so much pain that I sobbed hard and cried out. I felt the acid weaken my spine, eating away at the marrow inside. When the whip hit, I felt my spine shatter and the ability to move my hind legs left me. Even though I felt like I was such agony, all I could do was hang there, screaming my soul out in pain. Maybe that is a good thing? I cried again trying so hard to get Burnout to stop from harming me. Though every time I cried out. All I saw in his eyes was a heartbroken expression as he lifted the whip again. The very spikes drenched in my blood and flesh. He hit right in the same spot again to make the pain even worse.

" You don't have to do this.. Take me back to my friends. Let me go...let me go!!" The spikes stabbed into me I screamed feeling my insides burn and they stab in an out over and over. Causing blood and many things to fall to the pit. I felt like all the pain was burning causing those wounds to burn. Feeling every inch of me burning and burning.

" Sorry hero. You may heal but you will have many scars your lover will break to see what you have been through." The spikes form into swords starting to slice along me causing my skin and fur to fall down into the pit. I couldn't see why i am still awake. Feeling every inch of my insides burning over and over. Smoke came out of my mouth from the burning. I was then dropped to the grate to let more blood drain from me. I tried standing up.

" Oh Goddess she is trying to stand up." Said a mare watching. I got on my hooves noticing the leg that got removed was slowly growing back. I tried to walk to the ponies to ask them for help.

" Let me go.....please." Cricket walked in behind me, I didn’t notice before I could even do anything. He pulled a sword out stabbing me in the back. I gasped it went through my heart. Looking at it seeing the blood looking at the ponies coughing. " Help me...." Fell to the ground of the grate my world going black.

00000

Opening my eyes shaking so much pain. I coughed more and more. Feeling every inch of me in deep pain. I lay there feeling my leg grow back. The feeling felt so painful. The real issue i had right now was my heart working overtime to keep the blood flowing. That the magic is working hard just to keep my heart beating. I felt sick and so tired. But I couldn't just fall asleep. I saw the same filly offering me water and I calmly drank feeling it go down slowly grunting in pain trying to move. But I could feel my legs moving.

" Shhh hero. Don't move. It's not wise...just slowly allow yourself to heal." Nodding, i look at my chest and saw a pink spot where they impaled the spikes in me. Just by looking, i could tell that I would have some scars from this wound. So much pain in my chest since my heart is working on trying to keep me from crashing. My vision finally went back to normal coughing a bit. Feeling the blood slowly going through me.I looked around I wanted to move, I wanted to get back to Blaze. I groaned I felt so much pain in my body. My nerves reformed throughout my body, adding to the pain. I grunted in pain coughing up some blood the taste was awful. I had to make sure my Pipbuck wasn’t removed since I forgot what leg was removed. Looking down to my right foreleg I saw the Pipbuck drenched in my blood.

Burnout slowly walked back in looking at me. He smiled weakly the tube removed from my horn. Guards coming in to take me back to the cell. Sprawled in the cell so much pain filling me what is left there magic infused food. But I couldn't move, I couldn’t feel my back hooves. But the smell of magic was causing me to want it.. I wanted it so much, I needed it. The filly then set magic infused water down next.. When i glanced at her face, i noticed that she had tears in her eyes.

" I'm sorry for what my father is doing to you." Just calmly staring at her finally able to lift my head up groaning deeply. leaning over the water calmly drinking it. Feeling the magic heal my insides slowly. It tasted so good, and it was so addicting. Using my horn to take the fork the very dull fork eating the gruel like food. Feeling it fill me but i was still very weak. Looking around finally seeing I wasn't the only one in these cells. Many Griffins and Minotaurs as well. One of them looked at me. They all looked at me they all had hope but fear in their eyes. I was the hero of legend. Seeing her in pain wasn't what they wished to see at all.

I had to give them hope. All i could think of hope was a song. I can't let them break me. I can't let them win. I softly started to sing.

" Hope is all we have.. Hope shall bring us forth to free us." The guards started to come back to get the Griffins and Minotaurs it was their time to be broken. Some started to sing as well. A female Minotaur calmly sang

" Hope is all we have now...To see us through." She was placed on a table and right then and there a knife stabbed her in the chest. As she started to slowly die. She choked out a few words. " Hope....is...all...we have left...." It went on to another Griffin singing as well.

" The past is here to haunt us...For we must never scream...in the light." He was placed in the chains over the pit of blood. A whip smashing into his feathered back. " We can't let pain control us.." He started to cringe getting out a few more words before screaming. " We must sing to show our peace for all that is here.. We can't fail." He kept screaming but then I saw that there was a few salamanders here as well.

One was being hung by her tail to keep her in place with the chains that surrounded her body. As she started singing she felt a knife stabbed into her pussy the knife slowly cut her in half. But,. But, she kept singing. So her hope would never leave her dying body

" All shall never fall if we keep hope. Please.." She grunts as the knife slowly cuts her in half. " Please remember....us.." Her body is split in half allowing her insides to spill her brain slowly leaking out of the cut. The voice that was singing now gone.. But more around kept singing three Salamanders slowly started to sing started with a green one.

"Green Salamander: Our hope will not fail us.. Our hope will never fall. Oh please Goddess of the lands. Please free our souls." The Green salamander is placed on a table that starts causing her to be ripped apart. Then a light blue Salamander sang. " Light Blue Salamander: If we fall then the world falls" The Salamander being the colour blue makes her able to use ice. While she sang they lifted a badly made flame thrower and set her on fire. She screamed. Then a purple one tried to run away using a strange teleporting magic that allowed her to run.

" We must be free. We must flee we must keep up our hope." She was softly singing as she ran through the jail Cricket stood in front of her. He brought out his swords and sliced all over her turning into nothing but meat. Cricket walked the halls calmly singing now.

" There is no hope for any of you... You will never find freedom you will never find hope." The bug slowly sang. "You will never find the right to be free. The Queen shall win. Don't let the fake hero win you." All the prisoners along with me started to sing.

" We must have hope!!" We all sang throughout the building.

" Hope will fail...Hope will fall." Cricket sang..

" We need hope to win this battle to win our hearts to free us. We need to be free will be what we need to do. Please hero free us. Please hero don't let us fall." The entire building sang. Even the Guards, Burnout, and his family. " Hero, please wise one. Please give us hope. Don't give into pain." Cricket made it to me seeing that I am the one that started this lifting me up. Bringing out to the middle singing.

" Your hero shall fall. Your hero shall be broken your hero shall die. When the Queen says it's time. it's time for her to fall. Time for the Queen to wise."

The prisoners and the guards. Started to grab their weapons letting the prisoners go. They all started to come to us.

" We must have hope... We must " Cricket then grabbed one of his swords

"You can't win with just hope..." He said without singing he stabbed me tossing me to the ground my bones breaking. The song ends. " Get back to work..." I tried to move then he kicked me with the back of his foot making me black out. Softly singing.

" We must have.....hope.."

00000

Cricket stood over the heros body. While the guards sent the prisoners back into their cells He looked over to Burnout.

" Burnout if they start singing again kill them...We can't be letting them have hope. Also take this hero to the magic. I am going to be breaking her myself.. You all have been to kind to her." Burnout blinking nodding lifting up the hero of legend attaching her horn to the tube.

" I shall get ready to destroy her to break her. But Burnout.." Burnout turned to look at him. " Don't make me do this again. You will amp up the pain. You will get her closer and closer to death each time. Then you will heal her, but you will give her all the pain you can think of. If she keeps having hope the Queen will lose her will to wait. She will do it herself. " Burnout nodded Cricket went to go sharp up his swords. The little filly walked to her father.

" In six months Soup spoon. We will be sending her to be killed. But not even we can get the Griffins or the Minotaurs to stop the caravan. I need you to go to them, little daughter. Let them know there is going to be powerful warriors from both sides in there. But don't tell them about the hero." Soup nodded and slowly grabbed the hero's hood along with the sword and other things. Slowly, she walked out. The only thing the hero still had was her pip buck. The little filly put the hood on vanishing from sight heading were her father wanted her to.

He smiled weakly knowing that sooner or later he will be killed. He wanted to save his daughter from seeing that. He turned on the magic so the hero would soon wake. He sighed. Cricket coming back in with many different items of harm.

" Hmm I would say lets allow her to be raped as well. Inject her so she can't get pregnant either. That will take her years to do it." He gave a dark smirk. " Now wake her" Burnout sighed placing a strange powder to the hero's nose and she started to stir.

00000

Opening my eyes I came first to face with Cricket. Staring at him. He put his buggy face in mine hissing. I spit in his face hissing more.

" I have hope that I will beat your Queen. I have hope that you.. will.." He put his claw at my neck growling deeply.

" Listen little hero. The Queen is very upset.. She is ready to take on the entire island. i doubt you want that..Now. I may not be happy at keeping you alive. But we need to make sure you are broken enough. Then take you to be killed. It will take six months." He smirked " Now let see. OH yes."

He grabbed a tool and started pulling teeth. I began screaming in pain.

It's all I felt for the first month of this hell. Pain. If those could understand why they wished to do this to me I wish I could tell you to but I can't. Pain is all that I have felt and will ever feel in this prison of hell.

Footnote: No level

Negative perk: You’re being forced into an addiction you will feel weaker when you leave the island. You will always dream of this day even though it will be painful. You will learn to live with it but for now it's not going to be easy.

Chapter Twelve: Month Two: Mind.

I woke up sometime after the first month of pain had ended. My body felt so tender, every inch of me was in indescribable pain. As I lay there, with tears streaming down my face, I took in my surroundings. First thing I noticed was the metal bars all around me. Not much else was in the room. Just three walls of bars surrounding me, Solid stone walls beyond those with only a single metal door, one solid stone wall behind me, and one pony in the center of it, filled with pain. Oh...wait...that’s me. ‘Where are painkillers when you need them most?’ I thought to myself. As time passes on, i slowly feel less and less pain throughout my body. Instead, I am beginning to feel metal above me...or is that below me? All i can tell is there is something digging into my back and i’m way too sore to move. I tried lifted my right forehoof to feel what was on my back, but it was just too heavy for me to lift.

As feeling returned full into my back, I felt...wet? Cold? ‘Why am I wet? Why am I cold? I have FUR Celestia dammit I shouldn’t be feeling so cold!’ I tilted my head to the side and would you believe it? I was bathing in my own tears! ‘Didn’t they have a grate around here somewhere...oh. So that’s what is digging into my back! That explains a few things.’ After that realization, I remembered just how long i’ve been here.

From how my head was tilted, I could see the scratch marks i put on the wall to keep track of the days. One of the benefits of having hooves I guess. I made it through the first month but I didn't know just exactly how I did. Slowly, I stood up, careful about how much weight I put on each leg. I don't know how long I was out. It could be anywhere from a few hours to a few days. And thats without assuming i've been in some sort of coma and am now just waking up. I looked over my body, spotting the many scars that crisscrossed across my barrel and legs. Slices that ran along my stomach and reached upwards towards my neck. From what I could feel with a forehoof, it stopped just after my breast and just before my neck. I lifted up my left leg to look at the pip buck. Thankfully they allowed me to keep it and never harmed that leg.

The one next to it, my right forehoof, was burned a bit. I am sure it had more scars than burns. After checking to make sure i wasn’t bleeding or had any open wounds, I took a closer look at my surroundings. I found a way out a lot quicker than i thought possible. The gate was left open. Not wide open like someone was holding it open, but open just a crack. Not noticeable unless you could clearly see it. I blinked and then slowly walked through the cage. I went outside seeing the castle is gone, it's in ruins. What i saw outside almost made me run back inside. Everypony and creature seemed to be dead. Yet i couldn’t tell how any of them died. I looked around hearing the chitters of the magic eaters flying around eating all they could of the magic from something hanging in a tree. It made me feel strange that all I could hear was the wind. I saw the body of the Queen dead hanging from a tree. Magic eaters around her corpse, eating up the escaping magic from her dead form.

I continued along the path, wondering why is everything was dead. But as i rounded around a tree, i saw Her! My Blaze. My Love. She was...She..who..dead? Blaze was dead. There she hung, swinging from the wind, a rope pulled tight around her throat. Her claws were tied behind her and her tail was tied to her back legs. Tears filled my eyes as i rushed to her, cutting her down with my magic. Grabbing her in my forehooves, I cried long and hard, not caring about the world around me all I could care about was Blaze.. I just sat there,tears running free, my hooves wrapper around her tightly. All i could do was hold her tight. Soon i began to hear whispers, quiet at first, and easily ignorable. At least at first. Then they got louder...no. Not louder, closer! I looked up, trying to find the voices i am hearing.

" Hero... you failed us...Hero you failed us." I held Blaze close to me. All I could think of was these creatures trying to take her body from me. I no longer wanted to live without my Blaze. I felt my mind break just a moment when I saw the eyes of my love open with a dark smile.

" You failed me Star Shooter." I stood up away from her and I was placed into the back of a tree trunk. Seeing all the creatures and ponies coming to me. Beyond the herd of ponies, i saw a Single teal green unicorn with her magic lit. Hanging around her neck was a single scale. A red scale...Blaze’s scale! ‘That mare killed Blaze! SHE killed Blaze! SHE WILL DIE! I’m gonna Kill her!’ At at moment, the ponies herd had reached me and started to rip me apart.

00000

Outside of the strange dream, a mare with a teal coat and ears filled with many earrings, sat with her horn glowing. Her name was Crystal Ball and her skills laid in manipulating dreams. She sat only a few feet from Star Shooter. Crystal had been hired on to break Star’s will, which was no easy task given that Star’s indomitable will came from her love of Blaze and from her loyalty to her friends. To break such a pony like Star was a challenge like no other.

To speed up the task, and to keep everything according to her contract, Crystal had spent the last few days studying Star’s memories. She had used those memories to forge a nightmare unlike any she has used before. A nightmare designed to feed off of Star’s love and loyalty to create a reality which would draw out every single one of Star’s fears. Crystal had dubbed the spell Corrupting Nightmare after the story of Nightmare Moon.

" How is she doing Crystal Ball?" The mare turned her head to look at Burnout as crafty smile formed upon her lips.

" She is strong but I am breaking through many of her defenses. I don’t know why the Queen wishes to harm her or go after her. She just seems to be another stepping stone to her highness. However her mind is surprisingly extremely powerful and annoyingly resilient! But I doubt it's wise to break her mind. If she really is the hero of legend. Breaking the mind of a hero is never wise, it is only going to cause more issues than she wants. But I can try."

Burnout sighed before looking towards the others.

"When she comes out she is going to be wanting to kill us all. I want her chained to that bed right now!" The other guards looked at each other blinking.

" Why can't she just shatter her mind? Make her pick up the pieces?" Burnout looked to the guard that asked and then sighed softly.

" Breaking her mind like that would be a bad thing. She could go on a rampage. And if that happens, we’re all dead."

“Besides, She’s already gonna be angry. Corrupting Nightmare is designed to target what you love most and turn it against you. She loves a salamander, so the spell will most likely have Star killing her own love. Be sure that those chains are tight!” Crystal said with a smile upon her face.

The guards nodded and chained the hero down. Star had begun to stir shortly after Crystal ball stopped doing her Nightmare spell. Under his breath, Burnout whispered, “Hell hath no fury like an angered mare. So sayeth Thy Lord Sombra.”

0000

As I opened my eyes, I immediately noticed that i was laying on my back. When i tried to move my hooves underneath me, i heard the shuffling of chains, felt the pain in my hooves, heard someone take a step back, and quickly came to the conclusion that i had been chained up. As the memories slowly came back to me, so too did the rage. All i could think about was revenge for Blaze. I wanted to rip who ever harmed her, tear apart that mare who killed her, and destroy any who tried to stop me!

"Let me go....LET ME GO!!" I yelled, reaching out with my magic. I tried to break through the chains that held me down. The chains so strong on my body feeling them rub." I will not be here any longer. I need my Blaze. I need her!! Let me go! I need to see her! I need her!!" Ponies tried to hold me down. Crystal ball tried using the spell on me. My horn glowed brightly trying to use it to break the bond's. But I didn't allow the spell to affect me this time. I was angry and I had the right to be angry! They hurt me so much.

" Hero relax..." I turned my attention to the voice and what i saw made my blood boil. A unicorn mare of teal coat. She who ripped away a piece of me. A killer, a murderer, a Target! Blaze’s killer stood before me. And I was going to get even.

" Relax?... they took me from my love... They hurt me. They took my ability to have children. Yes I was told it would heal so i can have one. But you listen to me and listen good. I will not be your tool! I will not!!!"

They let me go and I stood on my hooves groaning gently. I just looked at them with a great amount of hatred in my eyes. I will deal with them later, I have to find Blaze. Mix flew in front of me. I used my magic to rip him apart, tossing him aside. I reared up and came Smashing down on the stopwatch. After following the signs to the way out, I found Mouse standing in front of me.

" I will not be kept away from my love!!!" I charged into Mouse like it was nothing. Mouse just lay there broken, staring at him and smashing his robotic head. Then I walked out the door. I just started plowing right through everything to get to my love.I walked along the path to Cliffside. I couldn’t run that well even though I saw smoke I never gave up hope. I saw the Queen's guards in my way. All I had to do was fight. Instinct long dormant rose up and without a thought or a spell, my magic formed in the air in front of me before solidifying itself into a sword. With a grin upon my face, i charged. No one was going to stop me from finding Blaze! No one!

Majesty walked up the road to me. I had finally won or at least in my heart I had won. Around her a war was going on even though she had blood all over her body. A sword floating in her horn along with something else. I felt like it was a dream everything around me stop turning around looking at the frozen world. Finally seeing the mare that I had killed before.

“I can save you Star Shooter. I can stop all this and free you all you have to do is give up and give yourself to the Queen. Become her slave let her win let her beat you. Then she will maybe send you back home.”

I just looked at the mare a smirk formed on my face. I looked to the side seeing Tiria in my mind and seeing her right there beside me. All I could think of is what she did everyday even if it caused her pain.

“I look back on everything Tiria did. She saved us she fought for us and even though the world tried to stop her and tried to kill her she kept fighting using the word no.”

The mare Crystal Ball frowned looking down to her hooves trying to find a way to stop all this but all she could do it seems to me was a question.

“But can you win?” The mare would simply ask with a frown on her face.

I laughed cracking a smile on my face. Looking towards the Queen and staring at her right into her eyes even though I had to use my magic to life me to her eyes. “Everytime I look in the eyes of Death and say No…”

I stared deep in the eyes of the Queen. Right in front of me she turned into a ghastly pony in a chair shuffling a deck of cards looking up to me with a wary smile. A stallion in a hat and a coat with no skin. He would lift up the cards showing BlackJacks cutie mark along with Scootaloo’s.

“Anti up.” The stories from the story of Blackjacks journey.. Meeting with the dealer.. Is what shows up when the mind is broken? Is what shows up when your mind has lost? “Win… little one win.”

He vanished and the Nightmare started in motion again. Majesty laughed and cackled madly.

“If I can’t.. Be loved if I can’t be Queen of this island!! I will Destroy it!!” She lifted a strange button and clicked it. I heard the sound of a missile coming down us. A mega spell the bombs that destroyed Equestria.

I sat defeated as she laughed cackling madly and with a flash with the army my friends and the Queen herself we all became part of the dust.

00000

Crystal ball chuckled.

" Hmm...poor little hero. She thought she could escape from me."

" Are you almost done Crystal Ball? you have been at this for almost a month already."

Crystal looks back at Burnout and sighs.

"It's not so easy to break her. But now i am done. Her mind is broken for the moment. She will not wake for awhile. Now that my job is done where is my money?"

Cricket stood behind crystal and she looked up to him.

" I got your payment right here." Cricket said as he lifted his swords out of their scabbards without a sound. Crystal Ball didn’t even notice it coming. He did two quick movements of his arms, slicing the very head off her shoulders. It fell to the ground with a blood splat. The look of horror left on her face. He turned his head to stare at Burnout a smile of pure glee on his face.

" Clean this up lock the hero up and then get her ready for the next few months for her death."

Burnout nodded as Cricket walked away. He looked down at the body of the dead mare. Then to the hero. He knew he was running out of time.

Footnote: No level

Negative perk.

Broken mind: Your mind has been slowly broken to try to break you. It will take a long time for this to be fixed. Even if you’re free this will affect you for the rest of your life. You have also seen the dealer you may see him through your journey since the mind is broken.

Chapter Thirteen: Month three: Broken Will

My eyes opened slowly looking around. I was laying on the ground of the cell. Slowly, I tried to stand. Leaning upon a wall to stabilize me, I began crying loudly. All of the guards along with Burnout, even the little foals they had with them. They all watched me as I broke down. My will had been broken without them doing anything. All they had to do was stare at this so called hero of legend. This so called young mare trying to get back home. I’m just a tool to the queen, but now I am here. I looked to the side of the cell and to my surprise, sitting there was the Dealer. In his hooves sat a deck of cards he shuffled.”This shall be the only you will ever see me, so listen closely.”

He pulled out three card from the top of the deck and set them onto the table in front of him. “Three cards send you on your way. Three marks guide you home.” The Dealer flipped the card at the right end first. Upon it laid a shield of three colors, a lightning bolt resting upon an outstretched wing. “The First mark, The Survivor. One who is filled with sins. One whose spirit is drowned by guilt.”

The Dealer then flipped the second card over. A snowflake rested upon it. “ The second mark, The Politician. One who tries to keep a broken nation whole. One who is a teacher of many. “

The third and last card was flipped. Upon it lay two lightning bolt which crossed each other like an X. “The Third and final Mark, The Leader. One who who challenges the Survivor and the Politician. One who tries to reclaim the ways of old.”

“Equestria does not need you child, for it moves without you. Remember these Three marks. They shall be your guide home. Return now, to the waking world.” And with that, the dealer, and his table, vanished into thin air.

Burnout opened the gate, and slowly started walking in. He took a few steps before he just stood there, watching me. Just watching what had become of that once brave mare. And then he walked closer.Closer and closer until he hovered over me, more than close enough for me to attack him. But I wouldn’t, I didn’t have it in me anymore. He knew it, I knew it, everyone around us knew it. My will had been shattered. Broken.

" They wanted us to break your will as well Child. But it seems your will has already been broken." Burnout said with joy in his voice. “ Maybe if that Salamander wasn’t so protective of her Inner Fire, she might have lived larger.”

Inner Fire? Why would Blaze defend her fire? Why wouldn’t she use it? Was she protecting something with it? Unless....

Flashback

“So how are Salamander born anyways? Do I need to worry about finding you a stallion when you enter you Estrus cycle?” We had just dealt with Blaze’s father and I had forgot to ask Blaze’s mother about how to tell when Blaze entered Estrus.

Blaze looked at me curiously before she brought a claw to her lips, assuming a thinking position.
“Well first, we molt. A lot! That’s the first clue. The second is we get really emotional. However, I personally lose my thought to speech filter. Next, I..”

“She really doesn’t change much other than more sex talk and rapid molts.” Jonon says as she interrupts Blaze. “Just don’t mess with them when their knocked up. While they can’t fully use their Inner Element, their claws get sharper.” I just started blushing like crazy, my face turning redder than a tomato. Blaze just looks sternly at Jonon and huffs.

“Aww. I wanted to make her blush! I was going to embellish it more! And then have another round with you in front of Jonon!” Blaze said looking at Jonon, wiggling her eye ridges at her.

Now I was blushing more than before, if that was even possible! “I’m....going to go back to talking to the Griffin.” I said as I slowly backed away from Blaze.

“It was just a joke!” Blaze yelled back at me. Jonon just looked at her with stern eyes.

“No it wasn’t. You would have totally done it.”

“Yeah. I totally would have.”

Flashback ends

Oh no… NO!!! I yelled to myself in my mind. NO! It can’t be true! No. NO!! In that one moment, I gave up. I wanted to go home. But not without her body. I shall bury it as far away from this Island as I could. I was suddenly filled with energy, and I couldn’t feel any pain either! I quickly got my hooves underneath me, as stealthy as I could be. With a burst of speed surprising both myself and Burnout, I stood tall. Burnout tried to run, but I had him pinned against the bars of my cage before he had taken more than a few steps. With tears streaming down my face, I practically yelled into his ears.

“Let me go back home!! I will give up. I will give it all up to the Queen. I will let her win! I will stop being the hero of Legend! Just let me take Blaze’s body with me back to Equestria. Please! I beg of you!!”

Burnout just looked at me with a neutral look in his eyes. I didn’t even notice his horn was glowing or that he was holding something large in his magic. He struck me right in the face and I was knocked out cold.

00000

I looked down at the poor hero. I could hear the buzzing from Mix flying over head while the large Cricket well cricket stood beside me shaking his head. I could hear Mouse laughing like a school filly loving how the hero is well a mess right now.

" She has failed then, if her will is already this far gone." Cricket shook his head he didn’t like seeing the hero like this. Mix looked down at her he looked away in disgust. Mouse on the other hoof was extremely giddy. He even went inside the cell with me and before I could stop him. He stomp on the hero’s hind legs, breaking a few bones. Of course, I stopped him with my magic to make sure he couldn’t do that again. The bone he broke though repaired itself right in front of us.

" Hmm it seems she still has much of that magic inside her." Mouse calmly said as he started moving away. Mix sighed softly as he flew away from the others looking back towards me and the others.

" Burnout. I know you sent your daughter to the Minotaurs and Griffins. I think you need to give them more info. I'm going to send them the time and the info. Please keep her alive Burnout. The other two aren't as kind as I am." I nodded as the other two just stared at the broken hero.

I rushed to my office quickly bringing the times of the next caravan heading to the castle. Mix followed me we looked at the times.

" Alright In three more months we are going to be sending them out. Mix, I know you want to be free. But is it wise to betray the Queen?" Mix turned to me, his eyes full of pain.

" Burnout tell me would you enjoy being fitted with a stopwatch. That allows you to see the death of everyone? Even the death of yourself? I am tired of this life and tired of this project that is inside me. Now I am going to take this info to the Minotaurs and Griffins. The Hero needs to get free. Make sure you go with them Burnout. You must get her to them. I can no longer take The Queen’s orders or live like this." I nodded, giving him the info. Mix vanished with what he needed.

I walked out of my office The hero just laid there in her cell. I looked around quickly to see if Mouse or Cricket were nearby, before I facehooved. Mouse and Cricket had left. I calmly went into the cell to stroke the hero with his hoof gently. I looked over all the scars she had now. I looked back out to see The other guards looking at me.

" Get ready to leave in three months.. We need to put up a fight"

I looked back down to the hero then walked back to my office closing the door to let the hero rest. Walking along I spoke to one of my guards.

"Listen I am going to need your help." The guard nodded. " I want you to be standing by her cell stop the three warriors from harming her. " The guard nodded again walking to the cell. I sighed before heading back into the cell and attached the hero's horn to the tube to give her a boost of magic. Then he heads to his office again laying in a bed falling asleep.

Footnote: No level

Negative perk added.

Broken Will: They have done so much to you to break you. Your will has been shattered. As well as your heart. Blaze is dead. While you may one day recover, you will be scarred for life. It causes your special to be weaker.

Chapter Fourteen: Month four: Lost hope

Opening my eyes, I lay there looking around seeing that I was still in the cell. Standing on my hooves trying to use my horn to get out. But I couldn't sadly. Looking around to try to find a way out. I didn’t know how to find a way out. I had no one but Jonon and Dr… Wait I am sure they were killed too. I have no pony to go back to but my friends in Equestria. I lifted myself on my hind legs and with my forehooves smashed into the cell bars.

" Let me out!!! Let me out!!!" Burnout rushed out of his office I stared at him. " Get me out of here now..." Burnout blinks before looking at a cleverly place lever near my cell. What i didn’t see is the label underneath it, which said only two words. Trap door. Burnout looked back at me, a smile upon his face. “Have fun!” He said as he gave that lever a might pull with his magic.

After a long, twisty fall, I ended up landing in a ring that looked like one of those old sports ring. Looking around, I was in the middle of a cage around me prisoners cheered called for blood. I had no idea what was going to happen. . A voice spoke over a PA.

" Welcome to the Cage Battles. Since the Queen has been keeping us all here. We shall express our anger in the only way we know how. By causing as much blood and mayhem to others as we can.Welcome the hero of Legend. If anyone has the guts to beat the shit out of her. To try to prove to her fighting the queen is folly. Then let’s do it so we can get back to our normal lives.”

“First on the roster she will fight. A magic eater known as Flap Flap." I blinked. Flap Flap? These names are odd. I finally got to see what he looked like. From what I have learned he is the warrior type of magic eater. A stronger type to what I am used to taking down. He looked at me, hissing softly and showing his venom leaking from his mouth. He spoke like he was pointing at me with a loud deep voice.

"I am going to beat you Hero. Then we will load up the rocket ship with fuel! Load it with the World! When I beat you. I shall present you to the Queen and win my freedom!" He made a loud grunt noise. I just stood there looking at the stupid speaking bug. He wanted to win his freedom and take me down? I snorted and slide my hoof on the cage floor causing sparks with my hoof. They have now just pissed off the wrong dam mare!

" How about you stop talking and fight? I'm sick and tired of being in this jail for no reason. Oh yes! I am a hero. Oh no! The Queen hates me for some reason! How sweet." I say, my voice filled with rage. Flap Flap turns to look at me. He hissed deeply pointing his bug like leg at me. He is about to speak again but i grabbed his leg with my mouth, reared up onto my hind legs, and began smashing him into the ground over and over. I am not going to sit around as this stupid creature boasts like a fool and an idiot. Removing his leg from my mouth, I issued my challenge. " Shut up and fight me!"

As many could tell, i’ve had enough of the stupid fools in this jail. And unfortunately for them, but fortunate for me, they are within hoof striking range. The poor bastards.

" Let me out of here...let me back to my friends! And i promise I won’t kill all of you!" I yelled out while Flap slowly lifted himself back up. I didn't waste any time, pouncing onto the magic eater and stomping on him with all my hooves. I kept smashing him, causing the blood and guts to fly everywhere. When i stopped stomping him, i noticed that I had guts and blood all over me.

" Again if you don't let me out, I will rip part this prison till you let me out!! You hear me?!!" Growling in anger, I clenched my teeth. Stepping around the corpse, I began hearing cheers and boos all around me. I just smashed my hooves in the cage, trying to make myself look stronger than I really am. As many spectators could tell, I have had enough of this. I needed to get home. Trotting around in the cage, I closed my eyes for a moment. Then, opening them, i rushed at the cage door, trying to smash it open.

" Let me out!! You hear me?! I don't belong in here." The cage door behind me slowly opened up. After it was fully opened, a large earth pony walked in. I just glare at him. Before the cage door could even close, I rushed at it. However, i smashed into the pony hard enough to make him fly back out. But the door closed before I could get out.

I started to boast a bit myself laughing. “How can you keep me here?! I am beating the shit out of everypony you bring my way! Just open the door now and I promise I will make your death..be swift and painless.” The PA ringed again after my words.

" Well then since it seems no one can stand up to her, we shall have the all time champion face her in combat! As you all know, we have tried to kill him. But everything we do to him, he just keeps healing. Everyone clap your hooves, claws, whatever together! For SKULL CRUSHER!" I watched the gate slowly open up. As it opened, i caught sight of the largest pair of Minotaur legs i’ve ever seen. Big and filled with pure muscle. I could feel a bit of heat in my cheeks as my eyes travel upwards and studied his 12 pack of a chest. His arms were what caught my attention next. With muscles which were bigger than my entire head. A tattoo of a weird clock laid on his right arm. He placed his hands together bowing in respect.

" You honor me hero. I do hope you get out of here.” He smirked walking around the cage studying me. I noticed him checking his arm then back up at me. We circled around each other. Staring each other down. I didn't know if he would be the one to do the first strike. My hooves clicked along the metal ground. He then charged at me quickly I moved out of the way. One of his horns gored one of the poor watchers of the battle. But they didn't seem that badly hurt. He pulled his horns away from the cage and then looked back at me. He then charged at me again using my horn I tripped him with magic. He fell beside me and I tried to smash my hooves into him. But he grabbed them, tossing me into the cage. Groaning, I finally was able to see him charging at me. I quickly got out of the way. When he hit I noticed it caused the door to bend a bit. Then I looked to him pointing with my horn to the door. He looked at it seeing it.

He turned to me nodding. Then mouthed. ' Got to make it look good.' He charged at me, grabbing me, then charging into the bent door. We broke through it then he set me down. The guards charged at us with their weapons. Skull Crusher hit them back with no issue. With my magic, I picked up a sword while Skull Crusher didn't need anything. We easily fought through the swarm of guards. I tried to keep some of them alive. Burnout was the one I wanted to kill. On our way On our way through, we freed the other prisoners. They stayed behind us as we fought through knocking out most of the guards but unable to help killing some. We broke through the rest of the prison with many of the prisoners behind us. When we got to the way out, we let them go first. There were hundreds of them. We had to let them go.

We kept the guards from harming them or stopping them. I watched on the other side of a door of Burnout watching me. I wanted to kill him. But I had to save these creatures first. Most of them finally got out but a door came down blocking the rest out. Skull looked back at me.

" Go. I will rescue the rest." Skull stared at me then nodded he rushed out. I rushed to the gate holding Burnout. Kicking over and over hard enough to break it down. Then with my sword lifted, I stared at him. " Open it... Let them go. Then I won't kill you" Burnout looked to the lever he had just pulled. Then he didn't do what I asked. He had done the exact opposite. He pulled out a sword.

" I knew I should have killed you hero." Burnout said. We charged at each other our weapons smashing into each other. I felt the anger I had for Burnout. I wanted to kill him. Our weapons hit over and over. Sparks flew the papers that are in the room start to burn. I just stared at him with so much hate and anger.

" You hurt me....you broke me...You broke my will. You should have listened to me. You should have freed me. You should have let me go." Burnout has so much fear in his eyes. Then, as I was about to strike him down, I feel a sharp pain in my back. I yelled loudly and Cricket lifted me up tossing me into wall with a thud. I tried standing up groaning. Cricket walked over me staring at me. He pulled the sword out of my magic. Then tossed it aside. I tried using magic again but he lifted a large stone and smashed it into my horn. Over and Over. I screamed my horn cracked and part of it broke. Then he started using his many hands to punch me over and over. I couldn't see anymore. I started feeling my bones in my leg being broken. Then he stabbed a sword deep into my chest. I screamed in pain, falling to the ground shaking due to hom much pain i was in.

"Get her hooked up to the magic. Keep her there, destroy her life with it. Make sure she is addicted to it. Make sure she has a constant limp in one of her legs. No matter, what she will pay for what she did here." He then pulled the sword out of me then lifted me again, smashing me into the wall. The wall shattered as well as my weak body. He then tossed me again, making me bounce off the wall. I could hear Burnout getting the machine ready. Burnout was going to pick me up but Cricket wasn't done yet.

" Oh no I ain't done with her yet. I am going to to make sure she goes to the Queen so broken, that no one will ever ever look at her the same way again." He tossed me into the cage door. My body sliding to the ground. Opening my swollen eye.

" ...Please let me go..." Cricket laughs picking me up staring in my eyes.

" Oh why would I do that? Your lucky the Queen wants you alive. Ah I also found the leg that will be broken forever, little child. Even if the magic heals it, the bone will never heal fully.” He picked the back left leg and twisted it over and over.I let out a blood curdling scream from the pain. I felt the bone crack and heard it crack. The very bone broke the skin of my leg. I felt the muscle and marrow break along with the bone. Then He twisted it more. Dropping me staring down at me. All i could do was sob as blood pooled under me.

" I just wanted to leave...I wanted to get home..." Cricket stood over me and I could tell his face soften. He stroked my back and sighed.

" Listen hero. I don't like the Queen. I don't like doing this to you either. But Because of you ponies, I am what you see now. I was an unknown project. When I learned I was created by you ponies. I got very angry. But I know I shouldn't have put all the anger on you little hero. Maybe if we meet again. I doubt we will. You could kill me and end the torment of the one that did this to you."

Cricket walked out of the cell grabbing his swords along with a strange jacket he had. Looking back to me I didn’t even understand why he did this.. He had a gentle smile sighing closing his many eyes looking to Burnout.

" Her time is almost up Burnout. Keep her attached to the magic till then. The Queen wants her hurt as much as she can be. Even though I look at her now, I don't see a hero. I see a lost soul from Equestria wishing to get home. Maybe I will get to see your land child. When I do I will try to protect it from the ones like the Queen. I am hoping to get away from the Queen." He nodded slowly walking out of the Prison getting in some caravan.

I was lifted by the other guards as well as Burnout. They placed me gently on the machine. He placed tubes from the magic machine on what was left of my horn. After doing so i felt the magic turned on full blast. Even though I felt my body slowly starting to heal along with a new horn growing. I could still feel the endless throbbing pain in the horn.

" It's going to hurt every time you use it hero. So be prepared for that. For the horn to heal, it will take time." I just lay there,barely listening. My wounds slowly heal.The meat, the muscle and the bone slowly recede back into the leg. Then it starts to untwist I groaned, feeling the pain from it. The leg twisted back slowly to normal. But it was harder than most. The bone healed but it wasn't going to heal right. My leg would stay bent in a strange way. But the magic just kept filling me filling me slowly.

Burnout then turned it on fully. Making all the magic from the machine go into me slowly. But filled me with it. Gasping deeply feeling my heart beat filling my body with the magic. Knowing that sadly. I would feel so much pain in me. But after awhile Burnout let me out. Setting me back on my hooves. Slowly walking back into the cell my back leg so badly limping it hurt each time. Slowly sitting down.

Closing my eyes, I feel that all the hope I had it's fully gone. Burnout came to me easily seeing the fact that my hope is gone.

" Hero, you need to stay strong." I just stared at him. I just huffed at him, turned around as painlessly as I could and laid back down, my eyes closed and ears flat.

" I am never going to see Equestria again. I am never going to see Blaze again." I closed my eyes to rest and just let the empty world take me away.

0000

I watched the poor hero sleep. It made my heart break at the fact she is broken and losing hope. "Burnout." A group of ponies walked up to me as I looked at them. i didn't know what to say or what to think. But I could see anger and sadness in their eyes.

"She has lost hope my friends. We can no longer wait till we get her to the castle. We need to get her through this. But I don't know how to bring her hope back." I sighed I hated the fact that I did this. My own daughter even watched me do this evil. Then I had a thought come to my head. "We can't let her get to the castle. We need to keep skinning her and get more blood from her body. We have to make sure the Queen thinks she is dead. She will learn it too late that she is not."

"But Burnout you already said she is broken.. That her very hope is gone. How can we do that to her?"

I looked to the body of the broken hero. I could see tears streaming down her face. "You're right I can no longer do anything to her. Just look at her. I would say let's go get the others ready. I got an idea but it will be done next month. So I am just hoping she won't be too broken.

Footnote: No level

Three new perks.

Negative Perks.

Broken leg: Your leg has been broken and set wrong. You will always walk around with a limp and never be the same again. It won’t hinder anything you do just it will be harder for you to walk on it.

Prison break: Even though you didn’t make it out those you rescued will remember and fight with you at the final battle.

Shattered horn: Your horn has been severely damaged. Any magic casting will cause you agonizing amounts of pain. It will heal given time. But do you have time?

Chapter Fifteen: Month five: Broken

I didn't eat or sleep for a few days. I just allowed myself to get weak. IN fact they had to force feed me at times. I was just so broken. My soul was shattered. My idea of living was just laying here feeling so weak. As I layed there, I searched my brain for a reason. At this point, any would do. But all I could find was a list of things wrong. Blaze? Dead. A future with lots of kids? Gone. Another chance to love again? Who would want a half dead magic addict like me as a lover? No matter the direction my thoughts went, for the life of me, I just couldn’t find it. A reason. A reason to live.

" Take me to the cage. Give me a weapon, anything I could use to clean out your prison. I am going to die. I no longer wish to fight it. I might as well die here." Burnout and the guards stared at me. Pain has filled my soul and no matter how I looked at it, I couldn’t find a reason to go on anymore. It was too much, and I was too much of a coward to commit suicide. After a few minutes of talking among themselves, Burnout, Cowboy and Bee Bop approached my cage. They all looked at me and nodded their heads, simultaneously at that. It was both kinda cool and kinda creepy.

Burnout opened my cage and jerked his head towards the door. I merely walked behind him, not a thought of stabbing him crossed my mind...well...maybe a few. Still a nice thought! As we approached the ring, Cowboy walked ahead, presumably to set up the fights. As I entered the games, Burnout passed me a sword. A short sword to be exact. I lifted it up in my magic, a lance of pain flying through my head as I did so. My horn was still broken and my leg wasn’t doing me any favors today. Before I got too far from my door, the opposite side door opened and out came out another pony. An Earth pony stallion to be exact. His appearance doesn’t matter. I’m just gonna kill him pretty shortly. All I did was stare at the creatures on the other side.

I would do this the entire time I was here. They had sent out a pony without the PA announcing it. No one cheered as the bell was rung. This fight wasn’t for anyone’s entertainment, it was a fight for suicide. A fight so both sides would die. A fair fight. All of people in the stands could see it. Neither side had hope. And in my case, it would never return.

As the stallion charged, I leaned into my good back right hoof, taking weight off my others as I attempt something Blaze has done before. As soon as the stallion was almost on top of me, I kicked upwards with all my strength. The result was that I flew over top of him just as he reached where I had been standing moments before.

Surprised at how his target escaped, he lashed out with his hind legs, trying to applebuck me. I blocked it with my sword then sliced off his hind legs with said sword. My blade sliced clean through his legs like a knife through warm butter. I swung the blade back around in my magic and readied another strike as screams of pain escaped the stallion’s mouth. His eyes focused onto my blade as I swung it towards his neck with speed only possible with my magic. As my blade finished it’s pass, I stabbed it into his chest, making sure that he dies quickly. I may want to die, but that doesn’t mean I wish to deny these poor bastards the joy of meeting their God in person.

The guards came quickly after the bell rang twice to remove the body and the head. I slowly started to limp back closer to my door so as to welcome my newest punching bag. I had landed upon my bad leg by accident when I jumped. By the time I had reached my corner and turned back to face the opposite corner, a new pony was slowly walking out and the guards (along with the dead body) had vanished. The stallion’s blood remained unfortunately. I couldn’t see what the pony’s race was from this distance nor their gender. All I saw was a yellow blob. I am going to clean out this prison, or die trying. While the Hero within me might have been broken, I shall engrave my name into their skulls for my Blaze! And then sign hers right next to mine. Maybe I might sign Jonon’s name if I have pace left over. A few minutes of waiting later, I finally was able to figure out what this yellow pony was.

A male Salamander had been sent in next. This one was pure yellow. We both stood in our corner until the bell sounded once more. Then he charged. What is it with stallions and charging at things? He tried hitting me with a strange spell from his magic. I didn't understand what it was at first. I blocked it with my sword, but I was tossed back by the shockwave that was produced out of nowhere. Flying through the air, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. The stallion punched the earth and a giant wave of earth flew at me.

Just before the wave hit me, I remembered what blaze had said about Earth Salamanders. “Never attack from the front. That’s almost suicidal. If you are fighting one and i’m not there to help, remember this: their magic is linked to the earth. But your magic isn’t, you can command the very stars themselves with your magic. Use that to your advantage. Fire and water won’t help you in a fight against an Earth Salamander. Hit them from the sides or with powerful spells made of Air or Stellar magic.

With a flick of my horn and a lance of pain, I casted a Sky Jump Spell, launching me into the air and narrowly avoiding the wave of earth. The Salamander looked surprised at me, and no wonder why! I had just casted an Air-class spell to dodge his Earth-Class one. Now I was an equal to his power. Time to end this! I noticed that my sword was still gripped by my magic, and even better, was on the ground underneath me. I casted a slow fall spell as I neared the ground. With sword hovering by me, I charged at the Salamander.

He tried to hit me with a few more spells, but with a clever use of a simple breeze speel, those spells always missed. But I wasn’t as fast as I could be due to my leg. Even now, even with all the adrenaline flooding my system, I could still feel a constant pain from my horn and left hind leg. It wasn’t much, but adrenaline is a hell of a painkiller. I finally reached the Salamander Stallion and with a lunge, a scream, and a flame spell surrounding my horn, I pierced his thick scales ad lit his insides on fire. The salamander started screaming until his lungs melted and he fell over.His inside was still cooking slowly when I pulled out my horn. Blood rolled down my face, but I just didn’t care. I had more immediate thing to worry about, like the pain my leg and horn were in. I was suddenly hit with all the pain my adrenaline had kept at bay now that the fight was over. I think I broke some ribs with all the screaming I did. Or maybe it was because of all the coughing I did after the screams went away. After a minute or two of recovering, I glanced back at the Earth Salamander stallion’s body. It has just cooked and was turning to dust from the amount of magic I put through him. The dust slowly drifted away and I sighed, softly closing my eyes. I didn't wish to do this. The bell dinged twice out of nowhere, signaling a end to the fight. I walked back to my corner and turned to face my enemy’s corner once more.

The P.A. system crackled before a voice sounded out. “Give it up for Star Shooter! I personally thought that battle would have been too much for her! Consider me impressed Miss Shooter! Only one last battle remains tonight folks! And what a match up it will be! It brings me much joy to introduce Miss Shooter’s last opponent for the night! Here for Tonight only! She comes from parts unknown! She has come today, fighting for the honor and reputation of her sister and Family. Ladies and GentleStallions! People of all ages! It is my great pleasure to introduce to you, the one! The only, CRYSTAL WING!” A pegasus mare flew out from her door and landed in her corner. She was a pure white pegasus with a necklace that I swore i’ve seen before. Can’t seem to remember where though. But I feel that necklace is somehow more important that I think.

“So Miss Hero! We meet at last! In the name of the Crystal Family, I do hereby sentence you to death for the murder of my twin! For the honor of my family name, you will face me in a one on one battle to the death! No holding back and if I feel you are hesitating, I will find a village filled with foals and shatter each and every one of their minds, before feeding them to a bucKING DRAGON YOU DAMN MURDERER! NOW FACE ME! SO I MAY SHOW YOU THE SAME DAMN MERCY YOU SHOWED MY OWN DAMN SISTER!” The pegasus, whom I now know is Crystal Wing yelled.

She crouched down, wings spread like she was about to try a flying charge. I noticed that her necklace began to glow softly, which put me on a bit more of an edge. After a tense few seconds of staring at each other, the bell dinged loudly. This caused Crystal Wing to charge at me, her screams filled with rage. My body had yet to fully heal after the previous two fights, so I couldn’t attempt some sort of dodge. But I was able to flatten myself to the ground at the last moment and my head had only escaped untouched by mere inches. Whoever this mare was, she was FAST!

If I will have any chance of beating her, I have to level the playing field! Think! Think! How do PegasI fight faster Pegasi?! Cripple the wings? No. Too fast for that. Maybe increase air pressure in front of her? No. it would slow her until she moved around it. Weight spell? No. I actually need her to stand still for more than a minute. Damn. Here Crystal comes for another attack! Wait. Uh-oh! Run time! Zig Zag! Zig Zag! Zig Zag! Gotta keep running in a random Zig Zag!

I start running in random directions while trying to remember a spell that might help me tip the fight in my favor. ‘Think! Crystal is a pegasus! That means her element affinity points towards the Air-class! Earth-class spells take to long for me to cast, Fire-class spells burn lots of energy, and I never learned Arid Moisture so unless I have a large amount of water already nearby, Water-class spells are impossible! AH! If only Blaze or Jonon were here! Blaze could burn Crystal easily with her Fire Affinity Spells, Jonon would just beat her without magic, and I don’t know how to cast Siphon Spells!’ As I was thinking and running, I never noticed that Crystal had figured out my running patterns and had angled herself to follow my next zigzag.

With her target finally in her sights, Crystal flew full force into Star. After a few rolls, Crystal and Star got their hooves underneath thema stood up. Less than ten paces were between the two mares. Crystal, filled with anger and rage, glared at Star Shooter who merely panted as she watched the pegasus.

“You killed my sister and ruined my family’s reputation. I WILL have your head either mounted upon my wall or to give to the Queen! I will not let some punk Hero ruin many generations of hard work! Any last words before I separate you head from your body?” Crystal asked with a maniacal grin.

“A few,” Star says with a tilt of her head, “Who the fuck was your sister?”

The grin on Crystal’s face dropped like a rock. “Crystal Ball!” A blank look on Star’s face was her reply. “A unicorn that looks kinda like me but with a horn?” Star gave her another blank look. Crystal’s rage had been replaced with curiosity for the moment,“Tall? Sexy but kinda skinny? Always tries to have a plan? Loves making new spells?” Star just shook her head. “Huh...how else to explain her? Umm.....Ah! She likes messing with ponies heads! And enjoys using someone’s love against them!” That got Star’s attention.

“You mean the mare who wore a scale of my Blaze?! And haunts me with her death?! I wish to find her so I may rip her FUCKING HEAD OFF!! SHE KILLED MY BLAZE! My lover and mate! WHERE IS SHE?!!!!” Star yelled at Crystal. Crystal actually took a few steps back from Star in surprize.

Crystal’s patience had finally broke with this statement. Instead of logic and reason, her head filled with rage. As far as she cared, Star was responsible for Crystal Ball’s death. She spread her wings once more and her necklace, which until this moment had been glowing softly, suddenly lit up like a sun. With a burst of speed, a shout of anger and a flash of magic, Crystal landed a single full force blow upon Star Shooter’s head. But instead of being flown back from the force of the punch, Star remained standing, without a single strand of hair out of place.

Neither her nor Crystal moved, but a battle raged unseen to the naked eye. No long were they fighting in the physical world, they fought a battle inside their own heads. A battle between the minds and wills.

As I opened my eyes, all I see around me is a land of endless black with a light layer of mist hugging the ground. I don’t recognize anything here. ‘But how did I get here? The last thing I remember seeing was Crystal charge at me with that glowing necklace. Is it some sort of teleport gem? But there are no walls, so...not a prison? But where am I then?’ I take a few steps before I realize a very important fact: i’m not feeling any pain from either my horn nor my leg. Did that necklace heal me? How?

‘Eh. Fuck it. Not really in the mood to care at the moment. Might as well just start walking. Might actually get somewhere. Eenie meenie miney moe, fuck it, let’s go!’ I just start walking in a random direction while chuckling to myself at my accidental rhyme. After who knows how long, I finally found something else other than the endless black! A nice patch of gray! I know it doesn’t seem like much, but it feels like i’ve been looking at only black for HOURS now! A bit of gray is more than welcome!

As i’m walking closer, more details become available to me. That patch of gray? It ain’t a patch, it’s a full blown cave! But not just your run-of-the-mill-empty-cave, but it’s a Salamander cave! You can tell by the fact it’s got a door, a few rocks scratched up, and all the scales they surround it with. As I get within spitting distance, (which is suicidal by the way. Spitting on a Salamander’s cave. They see that similar to a mare telling her overprotective dad that she’s pregnant and the father decided to run and hide. Put simply? Very, very, very, bad idea), I can’t help but notice that the scales of this house are bright red. Could this mean....is my Blaze...Alive?

The sound of a door opening catches my attention. My head whips around, my heart filled with hope. A bright red Nelle, or a female/mare Salamander, walks out. Her head turns towards me when my breath hitches in my throat. For what feels like forever, we both just stare at each other, not a sound is heard. The silence is then filled by the sound of my heart. Thump... Thump... Thump... ... ...Thump ...Thump I can’t help but to start bouncing towards her, even after I quite literally heard my heart skip a beat or two. It doesn’t matter though. I found her! It’s her! Alive! Somehow. Who cares? BLAZE IS ALIVE!!!

‘Time itself can go to tartarus as long as I have my Blaze beside me! The Demons from Hell will bow to me as long as I have my Blaze! I’ll take on the whole damn wasteland for my Lover, my Blaze! Death will not touch her, the Queen shall not have her, that damn pony Burnout will feel fear before I allow him to look upon the beauty that is my Blaze! Huh...maybe next time I see him, i’ll let Blaze beat him up first.’ By the end of my thoughts, I had finally gotten close enough to throw myself onto my Blaze. And thus began thee longest makeout session i’ve ever had, with a surprised Blaze as a bonus!

The two of us broke the kiss but something was off about her. There was no passion in her kiss, no caress in her motions, no fire in her belly. I took a closer look at my Blaze and that is when I noticed something off about my lover. I thought of old words Tiria told me when I was younger. She told me if anything seems out of line always say these words to the one out of line, and then maybe it will work.

“Why Blaze.. What big eyes you have.”

Blaze blinked. Her eyes were filled with confusion. What made me more suspicious is that she didn’t even answer back. I just stared into her eyes, those pony-like eyes. They were way too big to be proper Salamander eyes. It made me question many things even during the kiss it felt off.

“Why Blaze what flat teeth you have.”

Blaze finally smiled showing those flat teeth. “The better to chew my food.” The creature tried to say with a fake smile. Chew her food? Salamanders like to rip and swallow their food. That's why their teeth were sharp. Ponies like to chew their food...well more like have to chew their food. Hay doesn’t go down very easily without being chewed.

“Why Blaze, what dark scales you have!”

Blaze’s fake smile never left her face. “It’s a new look of mine. To better complement your natural dark colors.” Now i’m certain that something is wrong! Blaze couldn’t give a second thought about how she looks most days. She’s more of the ‘Rip and tear my enemies followed by kissing my strong willed mate’ type of Salamander.

This is not my Blaze! Blaze may be many things, but this pony-like? Impossible! This Blaze is a fake! I push her away and glare at her, my eyes filled with anger. This isn't Blaze and I can tell that is isn’t a changeling. Changelings would have tried to feed upon my love for Blaze. This is worse than a Changeling, this is an Imposter! ‘Someone wears her face!’

Anger had filled my heart once more, along with sorrow. If this was an imposter, that means Blaze was still dead. ‘And if Blaze is dead, then who was I making out with? ....Wait! Ahh! I was making out with another mare!’ Pure RAGE filled me once more. ‘ I will Rip whomever this mare is apart! I shall Tear this mare’s face off! I don’t care who she is! She broke my first rule! Don't mess with those I care about! Especially those I love! Definitely not Blaze!’

Before I could strike the Imposter, she changed before my eyes. Scales became fur. Spines retracted to form mane and tail. Paws reformed into proper hooves. The Fur that was scales changed color from a dark red to a bright white. Wings popped out of her sides, fully grown without a feather out of place. A necklace formed slowly around her neck, it’s pendant glowing softly. The sudden change from Salamander to Pegasus pony made me pause.

I felt a pressure land upon my head, which I instinctively flinched from an rubbed my head with my hoof. But no matter how much I scratched and rubbed, the headache just got worse. I focused once more upon the Pegasus mare when she began to walk closer. Her voice was smooth as silk, but kinda echoed. “You are a threat to the safety of this island. And it will be a privilege to end you.”

The pressure upon my head increased. The pony opposite of me narrowed her eyes, a look of concentration rested on her face. “Your mental defences are strong. I’ll admit, I didn’t expect this much of a challenge from you! How ‘bout you do us both a favor and open your mind? I promise that you shall only feel the pain for a few minutes before I destroy you from the inside out.” This surprised me. This pegasus mare was assaulting my very brain! But she was doing it from a distance. ‘Is she a telepath? Didn’t Tiria once tell me how to fight one? Right! Remember the past to scare them away!’ Just as I finished my thought, the pressure on my head grew too much for me to deal with, and like a bullet through a glass window, I felt something break. The last thing I remembered was a burning building.

A memory...did this pony that was in my mind...wish to see it? I swear that while I was running with my family from the burning buildings, I saw a new pony. One that I know I never saw before. She was standing in the middle of the battlefield, bullets flying around her but never hitting her. While the Enclave attacked, I could hear screaming, crying, and death. The memory was of that battle in the P.O.W. camp. The new white pony was always in the corner of my eye though, always watching what I saw. I instinctively knew that this new pony would watch this memory side by side with me. As the battle was coming to a close, Mom, Dad and I were running by some building that had been damaged by all the explosions from both sides.

What I didn’t notice until I had already stepped on it was a piece of loose rubble. As the full force of my weight came down upon it, it gave way and I ended up head over hooves down the slope. A slope which had been blocked from sight by the collapsed wall. What I didn’t see was a pile of rubble right next to an open door which, as with my luck, I was heading right towards. I hit the door and with the transfer of kinetic energy, fell into the basement from which the door led to. The door, which received lots of new kinetic energy hit the rubble beside it, destabilizing a perfectly balanced load, before bouncing back and closing itself. The load that the rubble use to hold had been destabilized and fell upon the door, locking me inside.

While not pitch black, as soon as I looked up, I soon wished it were. All around me were ponies. Dead ponies and dying ponies alike. And no matter how much I screamed, how much I pushed, how much I begged, I could not either call for help nor escape on my own. I was stuck down here without any food or water. And from what I could see, no other pony had any either.

Crystal Wings back peddled quickly from me. I could tell she had a look of horror on her face. A look that I knew all too well. Something tells me that she looked into one of my memories and saw something she never wanted to see.

“Y..y...how? Why were those ponies attacking you?” Her voice sounded shaky and scared

Closing my eyes I finally understood what memory she saw. A memory that truely haunts me, opening my eyes again. I finally was able to say it.

“The Grand Pegasus Enclave, what you saw was ten years ago. You must understand I never wished to come to this island. I was forced here and I had no desire to become the hero. But all the zebras around me and everypony else made me their hero.”

“But what happened to my sister?!” Crystal Wing demands.

“I Don’t know. I only remember her in my head.” I reply.

“May I look to see if my sister left something in your head that might give me a clue?”

“I just give her a nod and close my eyes, letting my thoughts drift like the water flows. I feel a gentle pressure upon my head, no where near a bad as last time. After a few moments, voices begin talking out of nowhere. My eyes shoot open, trying to pin down where they are coming from.

" Hmm...poor little hero. She thought she could escape from me."
Crystal Wing perks up upon hearing this voice. “Sister” she whispers.

" Are you almost done Crystal Ball? you have been at this for almost a month already."
Crystal sighs.

"It's not so easy to break her. But now I am done. Her mind is broken for the moment. She will not wake for awhile. Now that my job is done where is my money?"
Crystal Wing just nods her head. “That’s definitely my sister. I would recognize her tone anywhere.

" I got your payment right here." Something fell to the ground with a blood splat.

" Clean this up. Lock the hero up and then get her ready for the next few months for her death."
Crystal just looks at me with sadness and anger in her eyes. “That was a memory. But one from when you were unconscious. Your body kept listening even as your brain slept. I fear this means that she truly is dead. But now I know that you are not responsible. You are no larger the target of the Crystal family. This I do swear upon my honor. Now we must return to reality, I have a new target to hunt.”

I look in her eyes and decided right then and there that I misjudged her horribly. “Cricket.” I tell her. Crystal just tilts her head at me, not understanding. “That voice at the end. It belongs to a Large Bug named Cricket.”

Crystal looks to me in surprise before she smiles and vanishes. The black walls and the nearby cave around me start vibrating before they slowly begin vanishing. The next thing I know, i’m laying on the hard cement floor of the cage stadium. I raise my forelegs to rub my eyes, but I stop. On my left forehoof, hanging on my pipbuck, is a small note.

You gave me direction in my hunt for my sister’s killer. I can not tell you how much time, money and trouble you save me. I owe you one Miss Star Shooter. Don’t worry to much about trying to find me. I’ll keep an ear to the ground. I’ll know when i’m needed. MAybe next time we meet, i’ll have Cricket’s head hanging on my wall. Ha. Maybe. I’ll see you around kid. And...thanks. You truly have no idea the weight you lifted off my shoulders. - Crystal Wing.

The radio on my pipbuck switch on, somehow by itself. "This is the Warden. In news there is a giant alliance forming in CliffSide. In the name of the hero. Some say she has been seen in some prison. But that pony was killed soon after. I fear the hero is gone from the world for good. Maybe someday we will learn what has happened to her. All I can say is that a red female Salamander is the one leading this Alliance in Cliffside. She said she is doing it in the name of the one that showed her love."

Hearing that didn't even fill my hope. I know her well knowing that she is alive now. That it would be very hard for her to move on. Maybe I will see her again when I die. I heard the cage door open again. I lifted my sword off the very floor of the cage. I finally saw the large stallion that walked into the cage arena with me. I thought I was done with this farce of a game. Now… must I kill again?

“Hello little hero. I know you don’t know me at all but I just wish you to understand no hard feelings alright?”

I didn’t know what he meant by that but the large stallion charged right at me. I wasn’t able to move out of the way quick enough and he rammed me right into the back of cage. I felt my back losing fur, again, and felt my body getting weaker as he forced into me there. He then backed up getting back to the middle waiting for me to stand. Slowly I stood, still holding the sword in my magic. A painful twinge hitting me for just a second. I ran at him with a trot in my step. With one swing of the blade, I was able to land a paper like cut on him. Of course he forced his body on me and forced me on the ground. He lifted his back hoof, trying to stomp on me. But I moved just in time, stabbing my sword into his heart. His lifeless body fell on me with all it’s lovely weight. It took such a toll on me I felt my body give out and just lay there panting from the battle.

The cage opened up after the battle was over. I thought to myself. ‘Oh come on no more please!!.’ Thankfully they didn’t even try to attack me. All they did is remove the body off me. Then Burnout himself lifted me up on his back and took me back to my cell. He set me down gently, allowing me to limp in the back of the cage. I sat on my haunches, looking up at the stallion. I still had a hate for him but I couldn’t let it get the better of me.

" Get ready to leave. We will be leaving tomorrow.. Or we will miss our window of opportunity and we are going to die." I started to sob my tears falling to the cage floor below. I can’t go on any longer I wanted to get back to Blaze she is alive I know this now. But I was to weak to fight Burnout.

Burnout looked at me, watching as I tried to get away from him. He slowly walked over to me, leaning down so he was closer to my ears.

" Hero you need to show others that you are strong." I just laid there, not able to move anymore. I didn't speak, just lay there as other prisoners watched me. " You need to give others hope."

"You want to give me hope?" Groaning softly looking up at him. " Let me go..." Burnout shook his head as he tried to lift me up again. Burnout just shook his head before lifting me up in his magic, while also spinning me to face him. He stared deep into my eyes before I heard him speak.

" Hero you need to stop. You need to stop feeling sorry for yourself. Yes, you have been through hell and back. Several times I might add. You have been through so much to the point it killed you. You need to be strong little hero. Prove to these Prisoners that you're the hero of legend. In the legend, she falls down so hard that she uses that pain to give others hope. Give them hope hero. Please...give them hope."

He set me down, looking at the others.

00000
The Warden

Deep in the castle. In the core tower a male dragon known as the Warden who was hooked to every computer that had cameras. He watched the hero on his camare’s making sure that every speaker in the prison including her pipbuck was going to say. What he said gave the hero pause for a moment.

" A pony that was given hope from the hero. Before the hero passed away. I am sorry children she has passed. But this pony gave me a recording. It has her voice. Please listen closely children." The hero looked at the cam with great anger. But she then spoke. Making it loud enough for all to hear. The hero spoke loudly.

" To all those that will hear this. I'm known as Star Shooter. Who ever will hear this I am dead I guess. But before I fully go on. Blaze.... I love you so much. I love you...You showed me what true love is. When we meet again. I will make sure my heart is open for you again. But yes. To all that hear me. We have to have hope."

A group surrounded a radio in Cliffside. The Warden could see this. As the hero spoke, Blaze was sobbing and Jonon & Dr. Slice were trying to help her through it.

"For all of us who don't have hope, we will fall. Tiria always told me when I was younger, hope is like the Sun. When you love it, it glows. I feel that the only way to give hope is to be there for every pony. Remember the Queen can't keep you all down forever. You need to be ready a year from now... At least a year for you all. You need to be given hope."

The Warden looks at another camera, seeing the Salamander kingdom. The king looked down. He spoke.

" My daughter is broken..oh hero.. I wish you didn't die.." The Warden could hear.

" Sing my friends, sing! Bring hope to your heart."

The warden looked to see Burnout mouth 'Sing."

The hero closed her eyes and calmly started to sing.

" Bring hope to your heart. Gain your heart that most would never know. I have fallen but most would never know. But I am surrounded." The hero looked to Burnout and nodded to him. The sounds of a scuffle and a battle. It was all to make it sound good. Then the sword was lifted and after a single moment held at the apex of it’s rise, with a glint off the blade, the sword fell and the hero was stabbed. Her screams of pain filled the radio, broadcasting on the open air..

" There you have it folks. The hero died, giving hope to everyone to this island. I'm sorry. Be ready to take down the Queen for what she did to our hero. It's time to end her! Get ready for the battle in a year. It's time to take back our home from her. Now time for some music."

The Warden turned on the music. Watching the cam that is in Cliffside. Watching as Dr Slice had to hold down Blaze. He turns on the mic so he can hear.

" Blaze, don't go rushing in to battle. I know your upset."

Blaze growled trying to break free.

" Upset... Upset?! My love is dead.. I want revenge."

Jonon sighed. Quickly heading into the cavern and then soon after she returned.

" Blaze...she is alive..." The Red Salamander looked up to Jonon. " The crystal is still glowing. But I am think I know why the Warden faked a recording. It is because he wants us ready for battle."

Blaze looked up to Jonon. Dr,.Slice lifted one of his eyes from the eye stalks to look at the zebra. If he could show his emotions of what he was thinking. Of course Blaze’s emotions were of pain and despair.

" It's easy to tell from what I have been told that a lot of the core computers that the Warden is hooked up to are old. And if because of this, recording things is not easy for him." The Warden sighs while the music goes on.

0000

Opening my eyes, I noticed that I was in the magic machine again. Burnout was staring into my eyes. He’s lucky i’m strapped down. Otherwise I might slap him for staring too long.

" Was that extremely necessary to stab me?" I asked. Burnout sighed and nodded.

" We are about to leave little hero. Rest. The caravan will take almost a month just to get to the castle." I watched Burnout walk away from me. I sighed softly, closing my eyes and letting the magic heal me. I feel my magic core being mutated more and more as time goes by. And with said passage of time, I slowly fall asleep.

Footnote: Still no level

New perk added: Crazy Friends, Crazier Families. You proved to Crystal Wing your innocence. No larger are you a murderer in the eyes of the Crystal family Crystal wing shall join you in the Final battle.

Negative perk add

Queen has won: The Queen has won in her mind. You were killed well maybe killed on live radio now even though the gems still show you alive. It will make the island think while you sneak back to your friends and get ready for the battle ahead. But this is also a bad thing for those trying to save you might get attacked on sight.

Chapter Sixteen: Month six: Caravan

As I opened my eyes, the first thing I noticed were the metal bars surrounding me. ‘Damn. Still in the cell.’ A sudden sound to my left made me jump. I quickly son my head and ears towards where the sound originated. I saw guards escorting prisoners from their cells to a giant Caravan waiting outside. Looking around, I soon located the dusty form of Burnout. He was sitting in a makeshift office. The office itself wasn’t more than a few wooden walls, a small desk, a candle, and a chair. All sitting upon a giant board of OSB. A few well placed ‘windows’, which were nothing more than a large triangle shaped hole in the wood, allowed easy view both into and out of the ‘room’. I sat there watching Burnout for a bit, just waiting to see what’s going to happen next. After a bit, Burnout’s head rose and he began to look around.

‘What has it been? Twenty minutes? Thirty? It takes him this long to notice he’s being watched?’ I thought to myself, ‘It’s a wonder he hasn’t been sniped yet. If this was the Wasteland, he’d be dead several times over!’ When burnout finally looked over towards me, I couldn’t help myself. I rose a forehoof and just waved at him, before pointing at my other forehoof as if I was asking about the time. Burnout facehooved before gathering a set of papers and folders. He then just drew an ‘E’ in the air before pointing behind me. Glancing in that direction, I saw the sun just cresting over the trees. ‘Either that’s east, which means the sun is still rising, or he’s saying that i’m up early and it’s almost night time,’ I guessed, ‘It makes more sense for it to be the former rather than the latter though.’

I looked away from Burnout and back to the prisoners. Some have decide to try breaking free. Their attempts never lasted more than a few seconds before they were tamed once more. I didn't see the three warriors that stayed here to break me, which I took as a win in my book. Slowly, I stood up, but once I tried to take a deep breath, I discovered something disturbing. I haven't had a bath or a shower for several months now! I had blood all over my beautiful, formerly silky smooth, black fur body. Oh, and a bunch of pink patches of skin were showing through my coat. A closer look revealed that those pink patches were caused by scars. Seeing that many little pink spots in areas that don't have any fur was a little disturbing. Well at the moment anyway. I'm sure the fur will grow back.

I noticed I was the last one they would take. I just sat there, watching them remove most of the weapons from the building. Burnout exited his office before he looked at a bunch of guards hanging out by the prison and yelled out to them.

" Remember to take everything! We will be burning down the outpost. We can't allow the Queen to know how kind we have been to these prisoners. We need to really have her think the hero is dead. Place all the extra papers that have nothing on them around the area to torch down the building. We can't allow her to think the hero is alive." Lifting my head, I stared at Burnout who turned to look at me.

" Listen, hero, I am very sorry for what happen to you. I had no choice. We are ready to die to save you from the Queen." I just looked at him, I didn't even speak. Since...well, I didn't care to talk. But I would listen. I owed him that much at least. Laying myself back down, I closed my eyes and slowly started to get some rest. But then, a commotion forced open my eyes as I jumped back up, watching the ponies rush around. Many of them said it would take hours to just get everything ready.

Watching each pony run back and forth getting prisoners. They even had parts of the cage with them. What interested me more was the fact that many of the ponies had their families here. I saw young foals stare at me as they passed. But their parents moved them along so they wouldn't stare at me too long. Another pony rushed back to the Caravan with many weapons in his magical grasp. Dropping them using his magic to pull a giant whetstone.

He quickly sharpens the dull weapons. Sparks flew from this as I watched them. I have never noticed until now how these ponies had no modern guns. But I did see a few old guns. Near the pony that had the whetstone, Another guard took apart old guns to repair them as well as clean them.

It was an odd show to watch while they did all this. To my surprise though they brought out the machine they strapped me to all these months is taken apart and placed in crates. Crate easy enough to get to if they need to well use it on me again. I am really hoping they don’t have to use it on me again. My magic core is already screaming for magic as it is.

I remembered the magic sight I was given. Using my horn to connectrate. My eyes changed color to see the magic in the air. I could see the crates are full of this magic. I need it...I need it!! The pony stared at me shaking their head walking away with the box of magic. I sighed. I needed it so badly. I wanted to try to break through the cage. But sadly I don't think that would have been a good idea. I sat down on my haunches watching them take everything but the sink.. wait did they just take a sink? Watching water spray everywhere but I wasn't the one that was even next. This outpost is so big. They needed to gather more of what they had here.

I watched two stallions bring out some beds, placing them around in areas to burn them. I watched them place old documents to get ready to burn the place down. I couldn't believe that they wished to destroy everything. Burnout came back in looking at me and leaned down to speak

" We almost got our part of the caravan ready. So everything will be ready for you and all of the others." I stared at him with no emotions in my eyes. Burnout sighed, going back to watch the rest of the ponies remove so much from this building. Looking back at me. I could tell he wanted to tell me something. But he looked up to the Cam that the warden would look through. " I can't tell you a little hero. I wish I could but all will come clear when we can finally speak to each other.”

I nodded curling into a ball was they did all this around me. Looking at them even taking some of the walls. They were attaching the metal and doors to the Caravan but they rushed so much that some of the spots are badly connected. But they had welding torches. It's gotten to the point when I watched them that I felt the Caravan was going to fall apart just from how it looked. I saw the wheels attached to the metal as well. I was kept in my cage. I noticed them starting to pry the walls of to keep me in place. The cage I was in was moveable but it would take them a while to get to what is holding it in place.

I watched as one of the ponies removed tubes from the radio to try to use them as a connection to the caravan. I didn’t understand why they took apart so many things. But I lay my head down to longer watch but to hear what is going on. I didn't wish to pace. I was in too much pain from being still for too long. Moving slowly. I felt cracks happen in my bones. I groaned I had a strange feeling that, I will never be fully healed.

I heard parts of the building fall to the ground. Seeing the very dust come along with the ride. But most of the building stayed up. I started to notice more about it. It's attached to old ruins the ruins of the race that helped create this island. I find that hard to understand why they wanted to burn it down. Then I pulled one of the documents to me. Opening them up, staring at them. These documents are of ponies and me. They wished to make me stronger by getting me closer to death. Most of the ponies here wanted to see me escape. But they couldn't do any of this.

The three warriors kept showing up. But the only two that showed respect to this idea, was Mix and Cricket. Mix, from what I remember wanted to die. Reading more of the documents I saw that they were in contact with the resistance, who wanted to know if I was alive. But they kept saying ‘We don't know. We never found the hero.’ It seemed that they were trying to keep me being here a secret. But the next documents are the Queen coming to see who is in this prison in the next four days. Looking around, I noticed that they are rushing.

" Learning why we have to leave so fast then little hero?" I looked up, seeing Burnout. " We can't allow the Queen to find out you are here. She will kill you try to make an example of you. But yes we still are going to be heading to the castle to hide you in the lower parts of the city."

Tilting my head for a moment. "Lower part of the city? What kind of city is this castle?" I simply asked.

" Well, it's like a giant city in the lower parts that are hidden from the sun are the slums. Every pony goes there to hide. Then try to sneak out through the ruins. But you shall be in there soon." I nodded, calmly watching him rush off and pulling out a terminal. They started building a large metal prison that seemed to be for me. But they don't seem to be ready for me yet. I watched them placed bodies of those long dead from a basement, smearing blood all over the walls as well as the floor. Then they threw the bodies everywhere. It's like they wanted to make sure a riot happen.

I wanted to lose what I ate. But I couldn't since I didn't eat much. They sprawled brains guts as well as bones. Then they placed papers along with them too. Burnout ripped apart all the documents. They started dumping what is left of their fuel. I heard the inner workings of an old fuel engine. I have heard of things like this in Equestria but it seems they learned how to make fuel cars here. But they maybe had to since the magic type things in Equestria. But I am not a smart pony when it came to the machines we have in Equestria.

I could smell the fumes from the caravan it didn't smell very good either. Finally, they started to get me out of the hole I was in. Lifting up my cage placing it into the back. Attaching it to the caravan they even gave me a toilet soI could well go to the bathroom. Unlike how they did have it. Just have a little grate. So shitting through a grate and peeing through it as well. Slowly they attached walls to the cage that kept me in here. Burnout then walked into the same part of the Caravan I was in. he sat in a chair looking calmly at me with a smile.

" Well, we are now ready to go." He then yelled. " Set them off." Looking outside, I saw many explosions. The entire outpost started to burn to fall apart. Watching the home I had for six months burn to the ground. I smiled softly watching it just burn. I wanted to do this myself but at least they got all the prisoners out first. But then I heard screaming.

I stared at Burnout he smiled softly but then frowns." Some of the families stayed behind to show that some of the guards and their loved ones lost their lives during the riot. Also, we had a body with your skin and fur so we could make sure she thinks your dead. Also, don't worry the Queen is so full of herself. She won't start the first attack. She will end it." I gave a nod but we haven't started moving yet. Looking outside seeing them filling the caravan more with fuel.

A guard rushing to speak to Burnout.

"We have enough fuel to get to the castle. But since we are like ten miles from Cliffside we need to bypass it at the turn to get to the castle through the Minotaur and Griffin lands." Burnout nodded. The guard rushed up. I heard all kinds of doors opening and closing. It was close and the smell of smoke was harsh.

As I saw dark smoke come from the smoke stakes of the Caravan but they were testing.

Before we fully left they started feeling us. I was given fresh water drinking from it. Then they put down fresh food. The guard delivering it spoke softly.

" We won't have anything else to eat for the next few days. Stay silent when we get to the Griffin lands. They will be waiting to attack us." I gave the guard a nod looking to Burnout. He gave a smile. But the Caravan didn't start moving for a while. They waited for night to fall before we started moving from what I was told. The smoke floated through the air. I could hear the sounds of explosions within the machine. But it was way before the night was going to fall. I watched them while they attached some, of the weapons to the walls of the outside and the inside as well.

I felt I was being escorted by a heavily guarded building. I heard the core of this machine come to live and roar. It roared so loudly that it made the entire caravan shake and it was getting ready to move. But they seemed to be waiting for something. I heard hooves trotting towards the back.

" Okay Burnout, everything is ready. We need to get going before the Queens sees the smoke and thinking that something is wrong and send her warriors to check it out." Burnout nodded, looking towards me with a gentle smile before he looked back to the pony.

" We move out now! We need to get to the Griffin-Minotaur lands before morning." The pony nods, rushing back to the front. I felt the floor under me shift. We started to move along to the road. The wheels slowly rolling along the road.

0000

We just started our trip through the land to get to the Minotaur-Griffin lands. Looking outside seeing many ponies walk by us to get to Cliffside. I haven't ever seen so many traders or weapons being taken there. I wish I could say something but I am too broken to say anything. The ponies that past us stared at the machine the prisoners were in. They didn't even stop us. But they could tell it was full of the queen's enemies. I looked over to Burnout who watched me intently. He spoke.

" I wish you would forgive me for what I did to your child." Turning my head to stare at him.

" Why should I forgive you? I have a bad leg I have many little scars on my body. If Blaze ever sees me again, she will just sob, staring at every scar I have on my body. If you want me to forgive you, let me off right here." I stared at him with so much hate. His ears pinned back on the top of his head showing his fear.

" I wish I could tell you the true hero." My anger grew my horn glowed brightly then I groaned feeling the pain from using my horn. Lay down closing my eyes calmly resting my head down. Then I heard overheard a conversation between one of the guards and what I assume was a trader.

" Hey, you got any fuel on you?" I heard the cocking of a gun.." Whoa whoa, we just want to trade for fuel."

" You killed the hero... You murders." Burnout rushed to the window outside.

" Listen we just need fuel." The trader turned to look at Burnout the anger on their face was very easy to see.

" You killed Star Shooter! An eighteen-year-old mare who got stuck in a land foreign to her! A mare who, despite it not being her home, began helping others regardless of the damage inflicted upon herself! We learned so much of this from her lover. Now her lover is out searching for the ones that killed her. So no you will get no fuel from us." Burnout turned to look at me. Tears formed in his eye. He rushed to me.

" Oh, goddess hero. Why didn't you tell us your age? The age of eighteen here in this land is precious and meant to be protected."

I snorted looking towards him. " Tell that to your Queen. She seems to have large hate for me for no reason. If I escape here. I am going to kill you." I stared at him with so much anger standing up staring at him. " So be prepared for that. I will find a way out of here. Then you will be the first one I kill."

The burnt colored unicorn stared back at me, his eyes filled with nothing but fear. It seems he never been treated this way. I paced around the cell feeling so angry. Then I sat on the toilet but you can't really keep an angry look as you empty your bladder. It seemed they gave me the ability to flush. So when I did some traders near us yelled.

" OH GODDESS the smell." One yelled Another yelled. " OH damn, they got living prisoners in there!" Guns started firing on us and the drivers turned up the speed, getting off the road. To get away from the traders. After a while, we went back onto the road and Burnout sighed. I noticed we stopped at another outpost that was being ripped apart and burnt down. But we got more fuel.

I looked to Burnout then back to the outpost.

" Are you trying to show that the rebellion is winning?" The burnt color stallion looks to me then back to the burning building.

" No, I am sure no one has told you this hero. Majesty is losing her rule. She doesn't even know that half the island is running to kill her. This has been happening way before you showed up. You merely caused it to go into overdrive." He looked outside then back to me. " I wish we could have met at a better time hero." He walked to the cage opening the door. He backed up while I slowly walked out, my anger wanting to take over and just murder this stallion. But I reigned it in and just sat on my haunches. Burnout slowly shut the cage back up behind me. With his magic, he grabbed some water and proceeded to dump it on my mane. I instinctively shook the water out of my face.

" We don't have enough water to give you a bath hero.” Burnout said with a sigh, “We will be in Minotaur lands tonight. Then on our way to the castle. But we have one more outpost. To get more fuel, some water and food for you. So be prepared to eat and eat all your given for it's the only time around this time you will get to eat."

I sighed myself, thinking about my parents a moment then he spoke again.

" Tell me about yourself hero. All I did was get to know your pain. But not the one that stayed strong proving to all those in the prison that we didn't have a right to do what we did to you." I didn't know what to think when he asked this. Thinking awhile my eyes shifting a moment then looked outside.

" I am from Equestria. My family used to be raiders. But they wished to break off from that after my mother found out she was going to have me. We ended up in a former Prisoner of War camp. The one who ran it was named Wheel Tread. I was born in that camp, spending most of my early childhood surrounded by wood and steel. It’s ironic though. Back when I was eight, we got attacked by a pegasus supremacy faction known as the Enclave. I would have died in that battle, but a creature known as a Vulf'van arrived and fought the Enclave to a standstill, before she took them out. She saved me. A helpless little filly saved by a Vulf'van. Before she died from giving birth. She helped me learn about almost everything I know, including battle and kindness. She is the reason I stayed here. Instead of heading to the castle for the first time to ask to go home.”

Burnout blinked looking at me tears formed in his eyes and then looked down. He felt awful for what he did I could hear him softly crying after what he did to me

" I am sorry little hero. I thought you were just another pretender out there. So many pretenders that say they wish to protect the island. But you? You have the right to do so it seems."

I gave a nod looking towards the way out.

" We are so far away from Cliffside. I want to get home. But it seems I am going to have to wait." I said with a weak smile.I slowly lay down looking up to burnout.

" Tell me about yourself, one that tried to murder me." Burnout blinks staring down at me and chuckled.

" I'm Burnout. I was born and raised on this island. I'm sure you understand being born here is not the best thing. The Queen has to well...test you each time there is a newborn. Since I had no legend behind my name. But I met many who did have family part of a legend. So they were killed. But as you can tell. If you're from Equestria, the Queen doesn't worry about you being a threat."

Blinking for a moment, I nodded but then we stopped again. Looking outside seeing the last outpost we are at. They brought more prisoners. Looking towards Burnout and then back outside I saw this outpost being ripped apart with them adding more to the caravan.

" Aren't you guys worried that making the Caravan to big will make folks think that you have something very important in here?" Burnout looked to me giving me a gentle smile. Then I finally figured out why they were doing this.

" You want to be attacked," I said softly.

" No, we don't. But some will want to attack. So if we do get attacked, run away as fast as you can. Also please aim to get back to Cliffside if we do get attacked. We need you to live child." I nodded, smelling the fuel going inside the caravan.

" How in the world did you find this fuel to move this giant thing." Burnout just shrugged.

" I don't know I am not even part of the research. I just break ponies. Others smarter than me will do more than me." He then opens a door.

" I am going to let you speak to the others in here. Come back here when you're done, please. If we do get attacked I wish to be with you." I gave a nod calmly walked through the caravan.

000000

In a larger part of the caravan, there are seats that many of the prisoners sat in. The guards looked at me but they didn't seem to bother me. I sat down by a mare. Who seemed to stare at me,then her eyes go wide seeing my cutie mark then looking at me again.

"You're alive.." I stared at the mare who I don't even though before she jumps up and start yelling. " The hero is alive!!" All the Prisoners looked at me staring at me. Looking around I started to blush a bit.

" Uh yes, I am alive." They all rushed to me showing so much hope in their eyes. I have never seen so many ponies. Some Salamanders even. I started to back up into the corner. I had fear in my eyes, but Burnout who had been watching got in front of me to protect me from my fans so to speak.

"Listen. Yes, she is alive. But after being stuck in a cell for six months. She is not herself. So if we get attacked to make sure she gets out. " The others looked at each other nodding.

" We need to get her back to Blaze." The mare calmly said. " She is ready to kill the Queen herself. So when you get back Star Shooter. I think it's wise to put Blaze to bed and please her for hours." My cheeks turned bright red. I was being told to have sex with the one I love. So maybe it's a good idea for us to have sex when I get back?

I sighed softly closing my eyes

"Listen I have been trying to escape from these folks for a long time now. They broke me. They hurt me. They even skinned me alive. But they did so much to me to break me. They even broke my back leg to the point where I doubt anything will heal it." Lifting up the leg and sighed. Closing my eyes at the pain. The mare gasped, stroking her hoof along the leg. Feeling that the bone is basically so badly set right that if I even move it. I had a nasty twinge of pain go through my leg.
"Please might be best to leave her alone for now.." Burnout said. I slowly trotted into the back again. But I can still hear them all. " She wants to get home to her love. But we can't just let her go. The Queen is watching for her right now. So again I request that you let her go if we get attacked. We must protect her from whoever attacks her. "

The crowd nods. I closed the door getting back into my cell and closing the door. Shaking so hard closing my eyes. I felt that being around so many made it hard for me to be strong. I wished to be strong. But at the moment I sadly couldn't be strong. I sighed deeply. Burnout slowly returned with a plate of food and more water. He opened the cell door placing the food and water in.

I looked up to Burnout with a gentle smile calmly lifting the water up in my magic. Drinking it down calmly. Setting the cup down, closing my eyes and sighing. Then lifted the fork to calmly eat. I looked up to him again then set the empty plate aside. Looking out the cage window. Seeing the world go by me. Missing Blaze so much. I looked down to between my legs. Then looking up to Burnout.

" Um, Burnout can you turn around please?" Burnout looked at me strangely but then he then turned around, his eyes looking elsewhere.I sighed softly. " Never mind. It will never be the real thing. Blaze..." I said softly, feeling the pain when I said her name. I wanted to be with her so badly right now. I felt it's going to be hard for me to wait to see her. I needed to get to her.

" I sadly don't have a wife anymore." Burnout calmly said. " The Queen didn't care that I fell in love with an outsider. So she killed her in front of her foals. The Queen has some pretty stupid rules. Some make no sense to us at all. But we don't understand why she wishes to be so loved. But a lot of us can't do that for her. Since she has broken so many of us."

Looking outside again to see the castle. It was pretty far away. The giant wall that kept the citizens inside. Then looking back to him with a gentle smile.

" Are the citizens behind the wall snobby? I am sure they are since I was told by a ghoul from the past. That high society is very stuck up."

Burnout laughed softly. " No, they don't live like they are rich at all. They are just happy they live at all. So it's basically they live like it's well a day they will die. They may live like it's amazing but if you make nice to the Queen. You get to live wherever you wish. Get all the power you want as well."

Blinking a moment, I looking back outside. Remembering what the Sea ponies told me. That they had to find a way to go inside through the pipes of the water supplies for the castle. Maybe if we win this battle. I am going to tear it down. I couldn't sleep but I could sense the magic near my horn. I wished to bring it inside to try to heal my leg. Looking down to the bad left leg, I tried to stretch it out. But the pain was too much. I gasped and slowly tucked it back in.

" Whoa whoa. Don't overdo it Star Shooter. Your leg will heal. But they might have to open your leg up. Fix it through that way. The bone was twisted to the point your bone came out of the leg. It wasn't pleasant to see. I even hated the fact that cricket did that to you."

Giving a weak nod. Looking around calmly started to pace. I felt trapped. I was hoping we could get to the castle soon. But we had to go through the Griffin Minotaur lands.

" Burnout, How did the Griffins and Minotaurs get here?"

Burnout shrugged his shoulders. " The Griffins and the Minotaurs came here on many different ships. It took many years for them to even get their own lands. They are even ahead in technology. We have some guns but they have ten times more powerful guns. They brought a lot of them with them to. So I am amazed they haven't tried fighting the Queen at all. It's so amazing to me how weak she really is. But she doesn't wish to fight off any threats that want to harm her rule."

Blinking a moment looking back outside feeling my head hurt a bit. So many issues that would happen here. Looking back to Burnout.

"You got any magic? I could use some. I just need a little bit." I said with a weak smile. Burnout shook his head. I frowned, feeling the pain of want. But I need to beat this want. Closing my eyes, I reached for my magic sight once more. And to my surprise, I was finally able to use the magic sight. When I looked at the castle with the magic sight. I started to see that the raw magic was seeping out of the castle itself. The castle was the reason for the problems here?

Looking back to Burnout. I saw that he had powerful magic in him to. But I didn't know if it was wise to try to steal the magic from him. I sighed turning the sight off shaking my head. Looking back outside. Feeling my heart gently beat. I was thinking of Blaze. I wanted to be with her to the point I screamed her name. I needed her so much. Blaze...

Laying down again laying my head on the metal floor to relax. Feeling my head throb from the pain of missing her. But it's not just her I miss. I miss Jonon as well. I also wanted to get to know Dr. Slice. Maybe I could make him one of my friends. Slowly, I looked at Burnout.

" Will you wake me when we get to the Griffin Minotaur lands?" Burnout gave a nod with a gentle smile. But It would be a while before I am able to fall asleep. I slowly stood on my hooves and walked around calmly feeling my heartbeat. Looking out the window I watched the world slowly go by as we are in the Caravan. I smiled gently staring at the sun. It's something I missed, seeing the sun. Slowly I looked back at Burnout, still feeling weak. A stallion is here. I could use someone to ease my want. But I didn't wish to break the heart of Blaze.

The idea of having sex with a stallion that hurt me and used me is a bad idea. We may be a herd like race. But I still have class.

But I thought of how Blaze would feel. Her species do this to their females. So I don't wish to hurt her more. She is a wonderful Salamander. I wish she was here with me getting my face so bright red. That I looked like a walking tomato. Then I lay back down closing my eyes to rest. I breath softly wanting to try to sleep. I had to ignore the movement of the core of whatever is getting us to move. Feeling some bumps on the road.

Shifting a bit. I felt Burnout lifting my head with his magic using his side as a pillow. I smiled softly at him.

" Thank you Burnout. You didn't have to do this for me."

He gave a nod.

" I didn't but after what I did to you. I feel you deserve a little respect little hero." I calmly closed my eyes feeling my worry slowly drift away. Smelling burnt like fur. It just made me drift into a long sleep. Feeling myself finally dream after so long.

00000

I was dreaming that I was back in Equestria. I was even there with Blaze. She was wrapped around me like always. She held me close kissing me. I just needed to make this a real thing outside of the dreams. My dreams got to the point. I saw all my friends. Even my family. I miss my family and my friends. Looking at the fog but all of them vanish and Tiria came out of the fog. My eyes gently get larger. She calmly walked to me.

" Hello, little Star Shooter. It's good to see how much you have grown up." Blinking, I looked around calmly not sure how she knows I am grown up. But I calmly smiled at her.

" Hello, Tiria. I hope you aren't angry at me for falling in love with a none pony. I wish you were alive she is a wonderful gal. I miss her so much. I wish she was with me right now just holding me close whispering how red she would make me." Tiria smiles laughing softly.

" I am so proud of you Star Shooter! You have become a hero in an island that has been lost for so many years. I wish I wasn't just a figment of your mind to keep you from falling apart. But I am mostly here so you can feel yourself rest." I blinked. Was my brain that screwed up that I just said that to myself in a dream? I laughed softly at that fact that I just said that to myself.

" I understand maybe this was needed." Smiling gently, I calmly trotted to my friend. I nuzzled my friend, happy to see her again. Then she gave me a gentle hug laughing.

" I wish I would be there to see you get married little Star Shooter. I do know you will get married then you will be a happy Mare. I love seeing you smile. It's something that you need to do more often." I smiled calmly but felt myself frown as I looked down at my body. The scars didn't come to the dream.

" My body is pretty beat up. They even skinned me alive Tiria. Then attached me to some magic that healed me. I am lucky I was able to get all my fur back." Looking at my midnight black fur. Then to my cutie mark: the gun shooting stars. I smiled. I missed my cutie mark. I think my talent was shooting the very stars. But I doubt it I never really learned what the talent was that I got. I just remember protecting Tiria from the Enclave. It's pretty impressive how it works. I felt my heart beat even though I was asleep. Looking back to Tiria with a gentle smile sitting in front of her.

" So if you're here to help clean my mind. Does that mean I won't fall into a crazy spiral spontaneity?" Tiria laughs softly shaking her head. I felt she it was amazing that I was able to talk to her. But then I asked calmly.

" Are you with Sand?" Tiria's smile didn't change but looked at me calmly.

" Little one you know. I'm just here because your mind placed me here. I am sure Sand is taking care of Tiria in the land beyond our times river. I am sure you will meet her again along that river. Maybe when the river becomes what you need to learn. Then the river will be what you need to see."

I sighed. My brain was trying to be big with me. I didn't have the time in big ways. I calmly looked back at her. But I smiled at Tiria again. But maybe it was best to ask her.

" Tiria I am sure since your here. You're here because they tried so hard to break me and hurt me. They again broke me forced me to fight. They even found ways to keep me broken. I am now even addicted to magic. It's gotten to the point where I doubt I will be able to leave this island very easy. It's how I feel the pain of it to when I am away from it." Tiria nodded looking towards the darkness. Then back towards me. Then back towards the darkness.

" I think it's a way you will gain the ability to be stronger my friend. I think at times you will need to be strong. It's going to come to a point you need to be ready to fight my dear child. So soon, you better wake up. I mean it. Soon you better wake." I blinked not sure why she wanted me to wake so early.

I started to hear my name being said.

" Star Shooter wake up!!" I blinked hearing I looking towards the darkness. Then back to Tiria. I wanted to stay asleep longer. I need to talk to her more. I felt my heart break. I’m not sure what to do. Wake up see the pain fill me more? Or stay and exist without it? I didn't know what to do. I felt my pain fill me. I know I was waking up. But Tiria slowly vanished.

" Don't forget about me, my dear friend. Please remember who I am." Then I woke up.

0000

Opening my eyes It was pretty dark and Burnout looked outside. Looking back at me.

" We are here." I stood up yawning a bit. We turned and it seems we are in the lands of the Minotaurs and the Griffins. Looking around seeing all the bodies from their wars. But then I heard some strange sounds. Then behind us, the wall exploded. Causing me to fly into the wall and smash my head. I felt my vision go dark.

At this rate, I think I might be getting brain damage....

Footnote: Still no level

Negative perk added.

Fully Broken: The six months are over and you have fully fallen into a broken heart. But there is hope the ones that did this to you are now trying to save you. If they save you they can get you to the rest of your friends and then you will finally be free of all the negativity you went through for six months

Chapter Seventeen: Freedom

I dreamed, I felt like I was in an empty void of nothing. I didn’t know this was a dream at first. It felt real, but that is normal for some. All the magic I have taken from this island has had a nasty effect on my magic core. I am even starting to hear it.

I think the magic knows I wish to be home, that I wish to be free of this island. I watched while the magic inside my dream made the land that I miss and love. I want it so badly. I miss my family, my friends. Seeing what the magic wished me to see. War…I see war back home. Is this real?

Bodies all over the ground, blood coating the dirt with death. I noticed all of Manehattan under control by the Enclave. Oh dear Goddess, I hope this is fake. I don’t want to go back home and see more war. Then, as if it was over, I saw what I wanted to see. My family.

I felt this was a good thing, but I don’t really know anymore. Is this a dream, or a vision of what is to come? Red eyes staring back at me, darkness coming for us. Wishing to know who this was... was making me wonder. Wanting to run is something I can’t do. I fear this creature, feeling it’s hate for ponies.

Give me freedom of this dream magic core! Give me freedom, please! I don’t wish to be here any longer. My endless nightmares, the laughter I hear, all of it throbbed inside my head. As if the magic wished to bare with my pain and my sorrow, it did what I wished. It gave me the freedom to dream.

Equestria, right here, right in front of me. It finally shows me what I wanted to see. That my life is empty without my friends and my family. Then, as if the magic wished to fight me on this, Blaze and my other friends formed in front of me. I saw their smiles at seeing me. Looking back to Equestria, pain filled my heart. I wanted to be back home, I wanted my family. But… I’d made a family here, on this island.

My very core is trying to tell me that this island is just like Equestria. It’s a home of many souls that wish to be free. It never had the issue of a war that caused the end. But it’s a prison, a prison for damned souls. Am I one of those damned souls then?

Do I have the right to bring fate to this land? All heroes seem to bring fate with them, as well as death and pain. The ghost of 52, The light-bringer, Security, and Tiria. Tiria brought fate to my home. She was the reason that the Enclave attacked my home.

No… NO! It was Wheel Tread. That fool brought them himself.

The figment of Blaze walked up to me. I could feel the fire from her spikes, the heat of her breath. I could see the love in her eyes for me. So much love that she had in her heart. Something was wrong. The fire feels real, and it’s causing me pain. Oh she is real, I need her. Even though I wanted to stay, voices called out to me.

“Star Shooter. Wake up. It’s time to wake up.”

The words of a stallion came out of Blazes mouth. Oh that felt weird in my mind. A hoof poked me many times. My head started to throb from the pain I felt. I didn’t know what to think. Holding my head, I felt my horn burning, and the dream started to crack. I was waking up.

No… no I need to be here… I need to see them!

“Star Shooter, wake up!!” The sounds of dire worry in the voice.

I started to hear a battle within my dream. Swords clashing, and bullets smashing into metal. I didn’t know what to think, but the pain in my head was telling me I needed to wake up.

“Wake up, Star Shooter!” the voices kept saying.

Looking back to Blaze, I watched as the dream shattered. Still, she mouthed a message to me.

‘I will be waiting for you my love.’

A weak smile formed on my face as the dream broke into thousands of pieces. I woke up, even if I didn’t wish to.

<HR>
Pain. I’ve felt so much of it that it’s like pain is an old friend. It lets you know you’re alive, even if you don’t wish to feel it. My vision was fuzzy while I tried to regain myself. Fear made me get up, only to fall again.

I couldn’t get my hooves under me. All the sounds of the battle made me remember my home getting attacked. A felt a hoof smack me across my face. It woke me up enough to see Burnout relaxing a bit.

“Come we need to...” Before he could finish his words, a Griffin and a Minotaur fought in the middle of the caravan. Their screeches and heavy stomps were so close to us. We had to move, but it wasn’t going to be easy with all this battle around. The guards of the caravan fought off what they could. One of them I could see was covered in his own and another blood. He risked his life to get me and Burnout out. Before I could thank him, a bullet smashed right into his brain, and he died right in front of me.

Burnout and I ran away from the battle. We galloped as fast as we could. Griffins started to chase us, but we found a way to escape them. We ended up in the husk of a large tree that held a skeletal body. Inside with it, was a pile of decayed food and some water. The rush to hide made the pain come back I just sat there looking back. That stallion, he risked himself for me. Am I worth this pain for them all?!

A zip came from Burnouts bag as he brought out a potion. Giving me no say in the matter, he used his magic to pry open my mouth and forced the potion down my throat. Gagging on the healing fluids, I finally felt the pain leave me. Reaching with my hoof to the back of my head, I felt the fresh blood from the smack.

Burnout chuckled. “Well, that worked better than expected.”

“What?” I wasn’t sure what he meant, but I was not willing to find out.

“My daughter gave both sides the time table of when we would show up. Some had to give their lives for you, hero. Some needed to die to save you, even if they had families.”

Horror formed on my face. This was a set up? Just to get me back to my friends and fulfill this silly legend? Anger started to form in me. These ponies were used to die in my name?!

“Do you have a fucking death wish?!” I was angry, and I had every right to be angry. Lives were lost because of me. “You used their lives to save me when you should have left me there to die! I am not this so called ‘Hero of Legend’!”

Burnout was taken aback by my words. He knew I was right, that I am not worth these lives. I am not worth anything. I wanted to hurt him, I wanted to kill him for this. But he would say something that would make me break.

“You’re our last hope, Star Shooter. If you fail to free us and bring us peace, then we will all die because of the Queen. You may not be a hero to yourself, but you’re a hero to us. Look at everything you have done. You freed Blaze from herself, you have shown you’re strong.”

I put my hooves on my ears to block his voice. He can’t be right, can he?!

Burnout nuzzled my side. It surprised me a bit, and I jumped back. Feeling that he cared for me, I could see the pain in his eyes, of what he did to me these past few months.

Tears fell from my eyes to the ground. I felt myself getting sick, maybe it was all the pain. The screaming of my soul for what happen to me. I want to hurt this stallion, even if my heart is crying to do so. I can’t allow my screaming soul to win. The anger made me sick, quickly turning my anger into vomit. Releasing all the hate, bile, and food from my stomach onto the floor.

The pain is too much for me, sobs of pain filled my heart and voice. All I could feel was my soul angry. In a turn of a twist I felt Burnouts forehooves wrapping around me. Stroking my head to comfort me. It may not be what my soul wants. My heart is what needs to heal even if my anger will not.

“Why do you care?!” I asked through tears.

Burnout smiled weakly, showing he had pain in his heart. “You remind me of my wife. The Queen killed her because our daughter... because she was lame and had no magic. She has magic now. But I had to give up my wife... to free my daughter.”

Hearing those words broke me more. After awhile, he left me to wallow. I felt better after a while, using my magic to lift the water. I cleaned my mouth out, washing away the taste of vomit. I spit it out on the ground, feeling a bit better. Still, I felt drained from the pain of crying.

After almost an hour, I woke up to the sound of approaching hooves. Had Burnout come back with fresh water and meat? How can ponies even eat meat. I don’t really get it or understand it. My stomach even lurched a bit at the thought. Still, I needed to have something to eat. Lifting myself up on my hooves, I poked the meat with my hoof.

“What’s wrong? You act like you haven’t had meat before.” The stallion chuckled watching me grossed out from the meat itself. The smell made my stomach lurch again. I never felt this sick for food before. “Meat is good for us, even if it’s not the best for us. There is no veggies or such around so we need this.”

I didn’t like the idea of eating meat. It felt very wrong for some reason. We aren’t meat eaters of the sort. It was raw meat too, but I think there was a reason for that. If we started a fire, it would call them to us. Lifting the meat in my magic and taking a sniff, I gagged, and my stomach lurched. Taking a small bite from the meat, the taste felt strange odd. I could taste the blood of the creature it used to be. Again, I gagged a bit, but forced myself to swallow.

“There you go, it’s not that bad. Let’s finish our food and water, then let's get out of here. There is a cave all of us were going to meet at. Are you willing to walk, and can you?” I nodded. “But first let’s wait for things to calm down out there.”

Standing up looking out of our hiding place, I watched the sunset that I could see. Taking a deep breath of the air, I could smell smoke and fresh air. I can’t give up now. Blaze, my love, I am coming back for you..

<HR>

It was time for us to move on. Following Burnout we both slowly sneaked through the woods. From what he told me it wasn't going to be easy to find a safe way to the home's of these two creatures that are always in constant battle. We stopped in a bush while Minotaur's trotted past us. They were searching for us. They even had help from Griffin's. When they finally left Burnout nodded to me while we kept moving along. It's still raining but the rain seems to make it harder for them to see us.

My hooves make muddy hoofprints. While Burnout seems to not even make one. He looks back with a smirk. He looked to be trained to sneak around like this.

He whispered calmly. " Keep moving little hero. Don't stop for anything."

I gave a nod looking around. I felt this is going to get harder. I felt that this is the stupidest way to get to another town. Closing my eyes for a moment. Then opened them. We found another one of those trees. I wonder why these trees had so many large hollow spots in them. Then I noticed why this seems to have been a den for a deadly creature. There are bones all over the place. He grabbed some wood from the tree to start a fire so we can dry off.

"It looks to be that they killed whatever creature that was in this tree." Burnout calmly said looking around. He opened his bag's bring out more of the deer meat.

" Going to cook this meat so we can have it later."

He set the large wooden cup outside to collect the rainwater. Laying down close to the fire to dry off. Feeling the heat of the fire fills me with hope. I wanted to get home. Looking at my Pip buck it said something around here is blocking it. I am wondering if the magic in this land messes with the Pip buck. I sighed softly closing my eyes a moment feeling a bit of stress leaving me. Burnout lifted the cup of rainwater offer it to me.

I nodded taking it in my magic even with the pain from my horn. Taking a sip. I didn't wish to over do it. The water tasted so pure. Just small little sips. Looking outside, it seemed that the Minotaur's even stopped searching for us for the moment anyway. Since the storm was getting worse. The wind blew but for some reason it didn't come into the hollow part of the tree. He looked to me a moment while drinking a cup of water down. Pulling the cooked meat off the fire dousing it with what is left of the water. Nodding to me.

" We need to go. It will be easy for us to get to the outskirts of the town's. There are many trees we can hide in till you feel you're ready to go talk to them."

I gave a small nod. I didn't wish to talk as much right now. I just wanted to get home. Back to the one I love. But the wind started blowing harder. it seemed Burnout didn't want to leave yet after the wind blew quickly through the top of the tree's.

" Yeah... let's not go yet. It's getting pretty nasty out there.

" He said with a gentle smile. I sighed closing my eyes. I did feel a little hungry. He set down some of the meat in front of me.

"Why do you keep calling me little hero?.. I do have a name you know." I said while lifting the meat. Calmly eating it. The cup being placed back outside to fill it with rain water again.

Burnout chuckled softly.

" Well child you're younger than I am so. I am trying to protect you."

He said with a grin. I rolled my eyes biting some of the skin from the meat off. I wanted to say for some pony who harmed me. But I didn't wish to. Closing my eyes enjoying the taste of this meat. I didn't wish to eat meat. But sadly it was the only way that I could get food. I couldn't find anything that would be veggie's or anything. But I doubt it's wise to.

Then above us fire started to rain from the sky. Well not fire but lighting and thunder. The entire forest lit up. Then I saw more of the Minotaur's not far from us. I whispered softly.

" Their still searching for us. I just saw them."

He gave a nod I slowly placed down the last of my bones and meat. Taking the water to get one last drink. Burnout and I started moving again the forest. When the flashes happen from the sky. We were close to the patrols. But they didn't see us. I made sure I picked up the cup to drink from it then emptied the cup. To place it back in Burnout's bags. A bolt hit the ground in front us causing a small fire. He looked back to me nodding to me. Then we rushed through the burning ground but slowly the fire dimmed when we finally got through it slowly. I felt the flame's lick at my hooves. But they didn't bother me that much. Since my hooves were pretty muddy and wet.

We finally hide into some bushes. Burnout looked around when another boom from the sky. There was a giant flash. We could see what looks like a cave. But the way in was hidden by many bushes and trees. His horn glowed the magic lifting me up of course he didn't seem very good at this either. But he kept me off the ground. While he didn't leave hoofprints. We slowly went into the cave. Then when we got in it was bitch black.

<HR>

He started another fire but took a torch from it.

" Come with me child."

I nodded heading down the path of the cave. Following the path of the cave. He left the fire going I had no idea if this was a good or a bad thing. But when we got deeper into the cave. I noticed one of those out posts that we left behind. It was made from the metal that made that made that caravan. When we got down there I saw some of the Prisoner's I met a few days ago. But most of them seemed to be gathering food then go on their way. But I heard a filly yell

“daddy!!”

Burnout blinked looking to see the little filly who gave me food. He rushed to her wrapping his hooves around her.

" My little Soup spoon. Did you do what I ask?" She gave a nod.

" Yes I gave the caravan time's to both town's. But ..." She looked up to me Gasping backing up a bit.

" Don't worry little one. She is not going to hurt you. She is in fact happy to see you." I gave a nod.

" Hello again little one. I wish to thank you for the kindness you showed me. When your father didn't. Even though I am happy that he saved me. But...Burnout what is this place?"

Burnout sighed looking towards the outpost.

" This is called Snake bite cave's. But it was given that name by us. So any pony who tries to come in here. Will have fear the Minotaur's and Griffin's don't wish to come here. It's a place that those that wish to hide form the Queen come here to get new lives and names. If we made it to the castle. It would have been easy. But right now it's not going to be so easy."

I finally asked the question like I should have.

" Who controls the weather here?" Burnout looked to me blinking.

" Well no pony does. The magic of this land makes its own weather from the magic water that is on the island. That's why it's so nasty and the water taste so pure." I looked towards the cave wall seeing pure water dripping slowly into a pond near the outpost. Then I heard you!!!

I turned seeing Skull Crusher he stared at me.

" You're alive... I told my people that your dead. How can you be alive?" I smiled weakly and chuckled.

" Well from most reports that have said I am dead. I am not. I think it was faked to make the Queen lose it for awhile. Before she went herself to the prison I was at to make an example of me. Now... Skull Crusher. I need to speak to the leader's of both town's. I feel you need to put your difference's aside."

Skull crusher laughed shaking his head and snorting. He just shook his head looking back down at me. Then frowned.

" Child that's not going to be very easy. But if the hero of legend does show up out of the blue. That is going to be a problem. So i do have an idea. I could bring you there in a day or so. When they have their meeting. Then present you to the counsel of both town's. I recommend though writing down a speech. I will be back in five days. So go into the outpost I am sure there is some paper. I gave a nod sighing softly. He walked out of the cave.

"Hero I wish to fight with you." The guard's and burnout looked at me. Along with the Prisoner's.

" I got an idea then. When I leave head to Cliffside. Tell them that you wish to join the cause." Burnout nodded looking to his daughter and the rest. They looked to gather things to get themselves ready. I went to the out post calmly walked into the building.

It was the same as the one I was in for six months. But it only had dust no creature's being harmed. But I saw something that made me very happy. A shower. I went into the shower cleaning myself up to look presentable. So much dirt and grim left my fur and mane. My tail was so matted up. I had to rip that apart. I felt clean. But when I finally got clean. I looked at my body in the mirror. I had three scars on my neck. I had one down near my stomach. I had small holes in my side's. They did a number to me. I looked down to my leg finally seeing the scar there. It was pretty bad. it was still kind of bent a bit. Kind of why when I walked on it. I felt pain. I grabbed a towel drying off. Then went back to looking around the outpost.

It looked to be that it could be taken apart as well. Like the first one I was in then turned into a machine. I sighed closing my eyes a moment. Having flashbacks of the pain I felt in a place like this. I started sobbing hard feeling the pain again. I could hear myself screaming. Let me go home..Let me go back home please. I kept hearing then I felt a hoof on my back turning to see Burnout. I just wrapped my fore hooves around him gently crying loudly. As it echoed through the outpost. I could feel all the pain again. I could feel the magic fill me up to heal me. I needed Blaze so much. I needed her badly. I wish I was there. I wish I was there right now.

My tears calmly fell down to the metal floor. I knew I would never feel the same again. Feeling the pain drain from me as I fell asleep calmly sleeping.

<HR>

It was already morning. I sat in the office using my horn to use a pen to write the speech. I sighed I have been at this for awhile. Maybe Skull crusher asked me to do this. So I didn't focus on the pain I was feeling in my body. Looking at the first words of the speech. Closing my eyes but then read it back to myself.

"Yes I am alive. But there is more to being alive. Then being dead. The queen wishes to harm our entire island. True, I may not be from this island. But I am stuck here because of the storm. I may wish to go home back to Equestria. But ..."

When I was speaking to myself with the speech. Heard a door open beside me. Looking over to see Soup Spoon bring in my bag's. My sword as well as my cloak. I smiled nodding to her.

" Thank you little one. I was starting to miss all that. So thank you again little Soup Spoon."

She smiles calmly walking back out. I went back to reading my speech after the door closed again. Sighing feeling this is a stupid idea but I have to do something. better than this damn speech.

" I may wish to get back home to Equestria. But I feel at home here. Thanks to Blaze and my friend's. I feel that we need to get ready to battle the Queen. The Queen is the biggest threat of this land. I know this is much to say. But think about it. She is wishing to harm this land. Just because I am here. I come here from a storm. I was pony napped by some of the creatures from this land. Then the creature I haven't seen since I came here. It's starting to get on my nerves that."

I growled ripping apart the paper and sighed. I felt the idea of a speech. Is what bothers me so much. It's not what I want to do. But I feel that I am stupid at the moment. Sighing again.

Taking a pen and started to write down another speech. I wanted to be there with Blaze. All I could think about was her smile on her face. Her breath on my skin.. I could only think about that. Looking down between my legs. Maybe I shouldn't.. It's been six months. I need some easing my body. But Maybe I can wait a little longer. I stood on my hooves letting using my magic to write on the paper. Pacing around calmly. I sighed closing my eyes. I didn't know what to think anymore. I had so much on my mind. Looking to my speech. My face turned bright red.

Most of the Speech said. Oh Blaze... Your beauty is so amazing my dear Blaze. I wish I was in your arm's right now. Oh Blaze. Please hold my heart while you please my needy body. I need you so much Blaze. I face hoof so hard. I needed to find a way to keep my mind off well Blaze and I having sex. I grumbled angrily that pissed me off even more now. I wanted to just skip all this. I had to get back to her. I grunted lifting up the chair i was in smashing the wall with it over and over. I needed to get my mind off of Blaze. Then I set the chair back down. It was oddly not broken at all. I sighed deeply closing my eyes.

Sitting back down. Finally writing my speech again.

" My name is Star Shooter. I am from Equestria so to most here. I wouldn't have the right to even speak like I am. But I have been on this island for seven months. I have seen what the queen does to you folks. It's starting to make me wonder. If the Queen is even sane to the point of being able to lead like she wishes to. Now I wish I could have come to you all sooner. But I am sorry to say that I couldn't do that. I wish I did. But the problem was the fact. I was forced on this island after a crew on a ship. Found me hiding in their cargo when. I was running away from attacker's on a group of NCR. I didn't even wish to be on this island like I said. But I was pony napped placed in their cell. Then forced here."

I sighed reading through it feeling this is going to get harder. I had to find a way to get them to join us. This battle is not going to be easy. The final part of the battle is even going to ten times worse. I started pacing again feeling my anger growing. I felt so angry so upset. Closing my eyes tightly. Hearing a bell ring. I think that was to say dinner is ready. I will go there soon. I Just need to end this speech. The speech needs to be done.

Looking down to the paper for the speech. I felt the the hate from the pain growing. I have no idea what to think anymore. I paced more and more. Maybe listening to the radio would be a good thing. Maybe not I sighed sitting back on the chair. Lay my head on the table closing my eye's breathing softly. I was getting extremely tired of all these thoughts. It started to get on my nerves. I felt the pain in my body it was getting unbearable. But I had to allow my heart to ease and then maybe after I eat. My brain will be set to do this Speech. Slowly getting on my hooves groaning softly. I felt so much pain from my movement's. But I couldn't let that stop me at all. Getting off the chair calmly stretching my body groaning in pain. Heading to go get something to eat.

<HR>

I calmly walked into the cafeteria sighing softly. Seeing that all kinds of food was made to celebrate something. I looked up seeing a banner. I felt my face turn bright red. A gentle smile formed on my face. It said. ' Welcome back hero.' They all looked towards me. All I could do was get some food. But I felt happy that folks cared about me this much. There was a lot of veggies for me to eat. I took a bunch of carrot's along with cabbage. Set the tray on the table. Lifting the fork up with my magic to calmly eat the food. A cup in front of me being filled with pure clean water. It was pretty hard to come across clean water sometimes. Even when Equestria is healed. But that's because it may have happened. But It would still take time to heal. Not just using a spell would work fully.

Lifting the cup in my magic drinking it calmly. Hearing the voice's speak. The voice's seem to mingle and become one some of the time. Looking at the other's around me. Some even looked at me. I could tell that some of these creatures didn't like me. I didn't even have my weapons with me.

I felt a knife on the back of my head not moving my head I softly spoke.

" Can I help you?" I said calmly. The voice that answered back sounded very very angry.

" You're the reason hero that my village was destroyed. Because of your legend."

Closing my eyes in my magic I lifted the tray. I quickly moved it and smashed the head of the creature that wanted to stab me. The creature flew into the table. I stood up quickly looking down at the mare. Then I got over her putting my hoof to her neck.

" I didn't ask to be the hero of Legend. I was forced into being part of that legend. Want to know something it was true as well. But I never asked to become part of this legend."

I removed my hoof from her and they all stared at me. I looked up at them.

"I didn’t ask to be this Goddesses damned hero of legend! I didn’t ask for this!. I was forced from my home, my friends, my family. If you all are so adamant about killing me. Then just fucking do it.”

I picked the knife the mare had dropped and put it to my neck. “DO IT! Maybe that will make you happy, I am just fucking done with you all!"

The crowd watched me, some with awe, some with horror. The fact I was willing to kill myself to prove a point must have been a shock, but I didn’t care. I tossed the blade aside looking down to the mare. I sneered at her, so full of rage at this very moment. But I couldn’t hate her for it. I took her by the fetlock and helped her back onto her hooves.

“Wha...?...why would you help me? I just tried to kill you.”

The mare had a look of confusion on her face. I could tell that now she had no idea what to think. She used her mouth to lift up the knife, but only to place it back into its scabbard.

Finally I was able to say the right words. The words I am going to need to use for the council.

“Everypony and creatures are needed to fight back the Queen. If we can’t work together and stop ourselves from trying to kill each other like the ponies of the past, then we are no better than the Queen.”

0000

“Are you ready, child?”

I nodded, putting my hood on and followed along with Skull Crusher. My cloak hid my features from others as we approached the guard that stood outside of the Minotaur town. Skull Crusher whispered something to the guard, and offered him a bribe of food.

“Go on in, Skull Crusher.” The guard looked at me as we both walked in. He mouthed, ‘Please save us hero’ as I passed him. He... knew who I was.

Skull Crusher lead me through the town of many ally ways to get to the council building. After half an hour, we finally made it to the big building. It looked like it was made to house the rich if the Queen attacked at all. I didn’t know what to think, but he stopped,looked at me, and sighed. He knew it wasn’t going to be easy to convince them.

“Come with me... and stay close to me, Star Shooter.”

Nodding, he lead me through the building. I could hear many angry voices speaking inside. Something was in session, I had no idea what.I could tell I heard that voice before. Maybe it was one of the griffins that helped fight the creature Mix?

“If we don’t stop this battle now. We will be too weak to fight the Queen.” Black Feather, looked disheveled and angry.

“The Queen wants this war to go on, it’s how she keeps us in line. You all already know this, so why don’t you see reason?”

Before anyone else spoke ,they noticed Skull Crusher, and I finally got to hear what his rank was.

“Ah, Commander Skull crusher, what brings you to the hall this day?”

Skull Crusher looked up to a Minotaur that wore a strange hat. The hat had a symbol of a gavel, so I wonder if he is the one that starts these meetings.

Skull Crusher walked in front of the council and sighed, blowing hot air out of his mouth as he looked back to me. He was worried this wasn’t going to work.

“I have brought a guest who wishes to speak.” He allowed me to get into the middle of the meeting room “Are you willing to listen to her?”

“Hmm. Well, it’s a private meeting. I feel this would be good if it was another time.”

Black Feather added. I took off my hood at that, and the entire place gasped in surprise. Black Feather smirked, like somehow he already knew I was alive.

“Yes, I am alive despite what Skull crusher said after I saved his ass from the Queens prison. Now I am here to ask for your help. I am sure most of you are going to be upset that I ask this of you.”

Looking towards Black Feather and Skull Crusher, these two helped me through many trials. I wish I could give them back something for that. Maybe giving them back their land and home is the best way.

“Now we have a battle to win and we need to fight the Queen. What say you?”

Footnote: Level up.

Perk added

The first step: You have found a way to heal. This makes you gain two percent armor in battle. But you will very easily fall back into remembering everything done to you. Pain never really goes away. It’s how you deal with the pain that makes this a good thing or a bad thing.

Chapter Eighteen: Griffins and Minotaurs

Equestria, what to say about this land really? It’s been said for many years that no one remembers it. The past most of it is not even able to be read. The books on such things are so out of date and overly burnt. Well it’s like a sad truth. The times have moved there is still history in this land, just most of it is gone with the times. All the creatures of this land, I am not sure of anymore. Can it be explained without a book? Maybe orbs of memories? I am not sure that there is something that we can do and learn any more. Maybe if we never do a war like this again. Creatures of this land there are many.

Now some of these creatures are known as Griffins. Griffins are hard to understand; nopony knows where they came from. It's something that most tried to learn from the start. At times most things never come up. But it's how something comes to pass. The idea of how it works. Some creatures formed in Equestria. Some formed outside that magic land. But most don't even remember the name of the world. Some call it Equis. Some call it Gyia. Some call it earth. Most just agree it's simply just a planet with an odd name. Maybe someday the world will be named again.

But right now most never understand what most of the lands are even as well. But at times we will never do that. The world needs to heal. The world needs to be ready for more threats that will show up. Too many threats have been seen. To many have shown up. It's the issue of how the world works. If the world worked like it did in the past. we would just end up having another war. Sometimes folks wonder what the world would have been like if the war never happens. Would it go back to being so peaceful? To the point that some endings that might bring forth chaos and endless pain?

Sometimes the pain that will always bring forth its ideas. But most never wish to know the ideas of the ending of the world. The world ended in a way that most never wished to see again. Most ponies never even saw this idea of peace, most were born during the war. The ending of stupidity from the war it's not what most would want to see. The peace of hope it's all some would have.

But peace, peace to some is a shrill of the tongue. The music that calls them to the ending darkness. Death is one step then it's a second step. A step of death should always be seen to the right way it's known. How it knows it's seen to be peaceful. But sadly most would never know what is going on. As for me the hero of the island. I'm starting to try to understand this path that is going to happen to most.

Why? Why did I become this legend? Why did fate choose me? It's not what I wanted to see or care to understand. My pain was never this bad. It's painful for me to think that this island is trying to make me into something I know I'm not. But the seer turned me into it. She did something to me that make folks think I am the legend. Maybe the Legend already showed up. Maybe he or she died before I even showed up to the island. So much on my head, as I think of this. It's going through my mind. As I know that pain is going to happen soon this little island.

This island has turned me into a better pony. I knew that someday I would be meant for greatness. But I'm not sure what to really think at this moment. The pain of seeing so many around me fall because of my choices will be what breaks me. Breaking me into this pain. Is all I can think of.

The idea of how it's done. I will never know what most would know. I am a hero now. I am a legend. I have somepony, well some creature; a Salamander who fell in love with me just through one moment of pleasure. But she fell for me because she cares for me. I am not strong. I am not powerful. I am a simple everyday unicorn mare. I wish I was powerful, I wish I were stronger but it's a pain that will always come back to haunt me. It's going to break my heart when the war starts. I will be leading so many to their deaths. Just because most want the Queen to suffer for what they did to the ponies and creatures here.

I wish to know the real name of this island. So much on my mind. I gotta say what comes to mind. if I can't say what comes to mind what can I say? Minotaurs? Griffins? What would this be in the grand ending story of things? Maybe I will see the end of what is going to happen. I hope I do when I finally heard voices through my thoughts.

" Little Hero."

0000

I finally found myself back in the middle of the meeting room. I looked at them. The one that spoke was Skull Crusher then I sighed. Looking over at them.

"Yes, I am alive. I was held Prisoner for six months in one of the queen's cells. They endlessly mutilated me.”

I removed my cloak. I heard so many gasps they saw the scars along my body and even along my chest.

"They did so much to me. They even broke my horn. Listen to the guards who did this to me didn't even wish to do it. They pretended that I was killed. Because the Queen would throw a fit and she did from what I was told. Then they made that machine your warriors attacked. I was in there. They wished to get me to the castle. So I could then get back to Cliffside. But I felt it was wise to come here."

I looked at them all then I finally said the words

" It's time to stop fighting each other. It's time to work together. I know you all have your differences. I am sure you have a great hate for each other."

Turning around to look at them all. " Is it wise to keep this hate? This hate is something that won't even know. Why hate maybe the hate is something that goes back or the Queen did something to start the war between all of you."

I lifted my hoof to look at them. Pointing my hoof at Skull Crusher and then at Black Feather.

"I save these two when they fought me. Black Feather, I saved from the creations of the Queen. Skull Crusher, I saved him from the Prison when I got almost killed by Cricket."

I heard whispers then looked to them then they looked back at me.

" We will talk about it."

I stared at them all.

"Just talk about it. You do realize right war is about to happen in a year. It's starting in Cliff Side. The Queen will be removed from the battle. If you don't join us then get out of the way. I am not just going to sit here and wait for you to choose. You need to choose soon or I will be heading back to Cliff Side and telling them you are on the menu."

I was about to walk out but one of the Griffins yelled at me.

"You can't do that!!" I turned to stare at the female Griffin who said it. They started to shake.

"I can't do that? Really, I”m from Equestria darling, I am from a part of the world that has been long dead until recently. I have the skill you don’t."

I stared at them all. Then slowly walked out again. I hear worried whispers. Skull Crusher walked out behind me while chuckling softly.

"I have never seen them so worried. I am sure that wasn't wise to say. But I am sure we could find a way to get them to change their minds. Come with me the inn is this way." I blinked following him to the inn.

0000

Slowly we walked into the inn it was pretty calm. On the stage, there was a small band playing the cello along with a horn. I sat at one of the tables and Skull Crusher talked to the inn owner. A waitress walked over to me and smiled softly.

"What can I get you?" I looked up and thought.

"If you have any daisy sandwiches along with some water?" The Minotaur waitress nodded. She went to go put in the order. Then the owner came over to me. I looked up to him blinking.

"Skull Crusher told me that you are the hero of legend. So if you don't mind I have a job for you." I gave a nod.

"There is a building not far from here in the slums, it houses slaves." My ears perked at that.

"The guards have been paid off by these slavers. They have no power over the higher ups though, but some do buy these slaves from them. It's easy for them to do so. Since they don't get into scandals. All I want you to do is to free the slaves. Take all the documents and you can then burn the place down."

I lifted up my leg to see if the pip-buck is working again. The screen for my bags came up. So the pip-buck is absorbing the magic of this island or something is allowing it to work. I clicked my bits setting the coins down on the table.

When my food came with my water. I thought for a moment.

"Will it help the leaders of the army to choose quickly?" The inn owner gave a nod. Slowly standing after taking a bite of the food. Placing the hood back on and vanished

I found myself in the slums of both towns. many of the creatures here seemed to be starving So many just homeless. I could do something for them. I could get them to Equestria. But this is not what I had to do now. I walked to the building. It had a sign I never thought I would see. Griffin streets brothel. I slowly walked in seeing that the whores they called them had strange collars on their necks. But most of them seem not even working. I slowly walked through. Noticing that parts of the brothel are already in use. I tried to ignore all the sexual intercourse that was happening around me.

I sighed then when I got into another room. I saw things. I never thought I would my face turned bright red. I looked away before the heat started to form between my legs. I had to find a way to turn off the collars that kept the whores here but. I have a feeling there is more to this than I thought. I got into the main room of the owners I could hear his voice.

"Miss you can remove that hood now."

I blinked removing my hood and the creature turned in their chair and it turned out to be a light Green mare with gentle blue eyes.

"Ah, it's the hero of legend. So what do I owe the honor of you sneaking around?"

I sighed softly closing my eyes a moment. Then opened them back up.

"I was asked by the Inn owner to come here to free what you call slaves." The mare put her hooves together a moment and sighed shaking her head.

"Yes to some they would be slaves. To most, they're meat for sex. But to others normal creatures that should be set free." I sighed softly this is something bad to tread in.

"Then Why do they have slave collars that could explode if they got away from the ones who placed them on?" I noticed her eyes going wide.

"What do you mean slave collars?" She asked calmly.

"Those collars that your whores have on are used to keep them from running. If they got away they could just pop the head off. Some of them could even go off during their little sexual intercourse." The mare just seemed to be scared now rushing downstairs. I calmly followed her then she looked at the collars seeing some of them glowing. Seeing some of the Minotaur males who were plowing into Griffin females by grabbing on to the collar.

I Just stood there blushing deeply at all the sex around me. All the moaning the slaps seeing the heated pleasure around me. But I coughed.

"I can try to remove them for you. I am sure this is the reason why I was sent here. With these on they do look like slaves Now sometimes there is a power box. What happens to it." The mare pointed her hoof to a vibrating bed that was being used right now. My cheeks turned so red.

"Can you get them to stop." The mare smirked at me.

"What is the hero scared of a little sex?" My eyes went wide my cheeks burned so red.

"Oddly no...I just don't want to cheat on my lover...A salamander who....made me moan live on the warden's Radio."

The mare's eyes go wide and laughed loudly.

"That was you?!" I gave a weak nod my cheeks turning even redder. I went to bed the mare who was being plowed relentlessly by the male Griffin. I calmly trying to ignore the sound of sex. Starting to work the machine and all the collars fell off the necks but after they did they all just shorted out and caused nasty marks on the floor. Then I stood back up the male had their climax and the smell that came from that made my face turn bright red. Slowly I walked back to the mare.

"Now they can leave. I am sure they're the reason why the innkeeper asked me to come here. Was they had a family member here... That couldn't leave." The mare smiled sweetly at me giving me a kiss on my cheek.

"Come back sometime maybe we could have some fun." All I could do was blush my face was so red placing my hood over my head. Slowly rushing out of the building so fast. I am sure that wasn't what the Innkeeper wanted me to do. But I ran back to the inn so fast that I didn't wish to see any more of that.

0000

I ran into the inn. Then The innkeeper and Skull Crusher were laughing.

"I am sure she found a way in there and she found out that you were just testing her." I walked up to them taking my hood off and stared at them both.

"So...I was being tested for going into that den of sin?" The innkeeper nodded looking back to Skull Crusher.

"The real issue is need your help with. Is the power plant, that has been taken over by the Queen's army. But the leadership doesn't know what to do. They want to try to get it back. Before they use the power plane to cause us to be in deep shit. They don't know how to fight the queen's army and this army is not the magical creatures she normally has in her service. They're normal everyday ponies."

"Before I go though I am going to rest a bit. I am sure if what you say is true that these ponies are too stupid to understand how to work it yet."

I calmly sat down to listen to the music. I needed some time to think before I did anything else. I had sex on the mind. I needed to be with Blaze soon. I needed her so badly. Soooo badly. We have been apart for six months. I think of her so much.. First I want her to know I am alive. She needs to know I am alive.

I noticed a singer coming up to the stage. A nice looking mare. The music played. While she sang I just sat there listening.

"Look through the past today. You see that so much has changed." I heard the song. I looked through my journey. Ending up on this island.

" Coming to see us all sing today. for we must become one today." Looking back I found myself in Cliff Side. Being drafted as the hero of legend. Something I didn't really want or care for. But now I am being this way. " Oh, please, one of my heart. Remember who I am." My entire journey meeting joins learning of the legend. Being trained by her given this weird quest by a spirit to get stronger in my heart then she would give me a test. "Oh find our love in the past of our hearts. Sometimes most would never know." Meeting my love for the first time when she saved me from Cricket. The fact that she risked her life just to be there for me. I remember the first time she said to me. ‘If you keep acting like that. beating down on yourself. I will force you to have sex with me.’ I just remember the blush on my face.

"Oh bring your love to me, please. Hold me in your hooves. For all we need is our hearts to be one. if we remember the past we see the future." Remembering everything I have been through the prison fighting so many magic eaters saving lives. Just finding myself in so much pain at the end of the cell. " Please hero find us today." I blink she was looking at me now. " Listen to our song hero. All it to guide you on your journey." I smiled softly. Starting to close my eyes again to remember my journey.

"The heart of our ways become the new way today.."

00000

The time was 5:00 the sun was getting ready to set. I had my hood on looking up to the power plant. But It said magic power plant. Looking down seeing dead bodies of the workers. Most of them are ponies. But slowly I walked into the building. Looking around seeing some of the soldiers of the Queen. I could hear one of them speak.

"There are some workers still locked in the break room."

I slowly walked through the plant finding a door that had break room above it. Two male ponies were trying to break through They had some strange machines trying to break through the door. But the door looked to be well made. I took a quick look at the machine. Pulling the sword from the scabbard. Quickly slicing a few parts of the machine. Then I backed up.

One of the mares clicked on the machine to get it going again. It started to short out. Then it charged backward. Sparking and pop. Both of them chased after them. I calmly clicked on the door. A voice from behind the door yelled out.

"No, we aren't letting you in so you can murder us."

"Listen I am the hero of legend. Please let me in so I can help you. Then you can lock it back up."

I heard voices behind the door then heard it unlock. Slowly walking in the door locking up behind me. I removed my hood looking at them. They had weapons ready to kill me if I wasn't saying the truth.

"Who is the boss of you folks?" A largely muscled mare walked up to me she was larger than most mares I have met. She was pink with red eyes. Also had a large horn. Her cutie marks a screwdriver in an eye.

"I'm The Boss my name is Screw. You wish to help us then?" I gave a nod, looking at the rest of the ponies. All of them seemed pretty tough. But I stopped looking at them. Mostly seeing earth ponies and unicorns. All of the mares.

"Yes, I wish to help you. Just point me to their leader then I will remove them quickly." Screw gave a nod. She leads me to a map of the plant. Looking through it she put her hoof on power room. I nodded then placed my hood back on.

"Wait, hero."

I turned looking back at Screw.

"When I am done here training the next boss. I am going to follow you."

I blinked turning to them and then nodded. Making sure the hood is set right. Slowly heading out of the room. Heard the lock latch again. Watching the two mares still chasing after the machine. Walking up the stairs to the main power room.

0000

Opening the door to the power room. The ponies clicked on the power plant to turn the power off. I heard a voice I hadn't heard for a while.

"Hurry to find out how this works. I would like to get back home..." I looked up to see Mix.

So I had a chance for revenge. Looking at the ponies trying to work the machine. Calmly walking to one of the ponies opening their bag without me knowing to pull a pin out from their makeshift bombs. Slowly backing up. Then there was a loud boom the body of the pony smashed into another group of ponies. They all seemed to be knocked out but the one that blew up was of course dead. Mix flew down looking at the group of ponies. He powered up the stopwatch to try to go back in time a bit. Grabbing my sword I sliced into one of his wings. Mix screamed in pain. He fell to the floor trying to get back up.

I removed my hood he looked up to me.

"You.... you're alive?!"
I smashed my hoof into his chest a few times breaking the stopwatch enough so he couldn't transport into the past. Of course, I didn't know it could repair. Placing my sword at the bug's neck.

"Yes, I am alive. I should take my revenge now and just kill you. But I’ve got ponies I need to save. Now tell the ones who live to all leave!" He coughed a bit. He spoke in a strange machine on one of his wings.

"Attention everypony our here job is finished, head back to the Queen." I could hear hooves trotting to the outside but looking to the ponies in this room. Most of them seem too wounded to move. I will take care of them later.

"Good now." I was about to speak when the Stopwatch went off. I flew off he grew a wing back and turned back to me. He flapped his dragonfly wings. Staring at me, he started to circle around me. His buggy eyes shined. I could see myself in them. While he turned around me.

"I should just stay behind and kill you now. In fact, I think I will." He started transporting into time trying to get to me quickly so he could kill me. But I blocked most of his attacks with my sword. He flew up smashing into me making me fly back down the stairs. I bounced down the stairs until we hit the bottom. I groaned standing back on my hooves looking up to Mix rushing down at me. Lifting my sword slicing him a bit.

He crashed into the ground. He couldn't move for the moment when the device made him heal. Then turned to look at me. We charged at each other he stung into my body but it didn't do anything to me really just gave me some pain. But the sting started to burn when I felt magic building inside it. Lifted my sword slicing his stinger off his body. He started screaming, magic built up into his body. The stopwatch turned back on he transported back up into the power room. I needed to get his stinger out before he came back down. My magic grabbed the stinger pulling it out. Groaning deeply feeling so much pain. It slowly came out the stinger was covered in blood.

Mix rushed back down he just looked at me.

"We will meet again the hero," I growled staring at him.

"No, I deserve my revenge now." Mix kept staring at me, he sighed. He vanished stomping my hoof in anger. I tossed my sword at the wall in anger. But I groaned from the pain of the stinger. Blood drained from the wound. Knocking on the break room door. It opened revealing the workers inside.

"They're gone..." I said then fell to my knees in pain groaning. They rushed out forcing me on my side to look at my wound.

"Get the first aid kit!!" Screw yells. One of the mares rushes back into the break room. I hear a box fall beside me. I feel water go into my wound. I scream in pain. They then dump alcohol into the wound. I groan deeper in pain. Then I feel a need a thread going through the wound. Slowly it felt like it was sealing. They stared at the wound while it healed so fast.

"Thank...you..." I said softly they all nodded. "Going to head back to the inn." Looking at my pip buck again but again something was blocking it. I can't even look at my map or anything else. Groaning slowly walking back out of the plant.

Before I left I could hear them say “She has absorbed the magic of the island...”

0000

Calmly walked back into the Inn sitting down looking to the Innkeeper who walked to me.

"I did what you asked. It was the Queen's army and one of her warriors known as Mix.” The innkeeper nods. The innkeeper set down a set of keys.

"Since you helped me I am going to go talk to the leaders. You stay here and rest."

I gave a nod. Skull Crusher left with the keeper as well. I calmly walked up the stairs to my room. I sat on the bed, sighing softly. Looking around the room it was a calm room. Closing my eyes when I lay my head on the pillow. I fell asleep.

It was a calm dreamless sleep. I didn't dream of anything. But I was in that strange dark part of my mind again. I saw those red eye's staring at me. A voice came from the darkness

"Ah, you have become the strong hero of legend." Looking around trying to find the voice. But all I could see was the red eyes.

"Who are you?" The creature just laughs softly then the eye's vanished.

<HR>

Opening my eyes I heard voices downstairs. I couldn't make out the words. Slowly walking down the stairs. The patrons looked at me. I froze right at the stairs as most of them looked at me.

"You're alive..." A voice said. I looked seeing Doc.

" Doc." Slowly I walked to him. Giving him a tight hug. "Say nothing when you go back please."

"I am not going back without you Star Shooter. Blaze is so broken she doesn't even boast anymore. So please head back soon. They all miss you."

I look at all the ponies who are with him.

"Why are you here with all these ponies?"

"There was a rumor of a mare that looked like the hero. I was asked to come so Blaze sent these guards with me. Because one she still doesn't trust me. But the Queen is starting to send her army out to try to take over the towns. But it's not going so well since her army is not that strong. Since most of her powerful warriors stay in the castle." I gave a nod.

I sit beside him and give a great sigh.

"How is Blaze?" Doc looked at me calmly and sighed.

"She is so broken Star Shooter, she won't smile. She heard stories of a mare pretending to be you. So she demanded that I be sent out to find this hero. But after you were confirmed dead she locked herself into the house for awhile sobbing her eyes out."

I nod weakly.

"I have been in many situations that I could have cheated on her Doc. But I refuse to, I love her too much, that want to be with her is big. But I can't leave yet. Till I know the Minotaurs and Griffins are willing to listen."

"That's why I am here, Star shooter. They want me to say you're a fake hero, but I can't do that. Blaze sent me here to try to prove you are fake and not the real hero. But I see those eyes and I can't do that."

Skull Crusher walks back into the inn and sees the two of us.

"They wish to see you two now."

000

I am back in the middle of the meeting room. Doc stood there along with the others of Cliffside.

"Now Doc.." One of the Griffins said. "Is this the hero?"

Doc looks at me and lowers his head.

"Yes, she is the hero I brought into the world. She is not fake she has the heart of Freedom town or Tirias heart what the town is called now back in Equestria. I can't lie to save you from your fate, she is the hero of legend. The hero that deserves to be treated with respect."

Screw finally broke her way in.

"I demand to speak for the hero. But some of the leader's friends have been trying to keep me out of here. This hero risked her life to save us from the Queen's army that wanted to destroy the power plant."

The Griffins and Minotaurs stared at each other. The rich in the back seemed very scared, some of them even started to try to walk out then I spoke.

"STOP!!!" The rich stopped looking back at me. "You sold out your own town?!" The leaders of the army looked up to see the rich and the politicians. "From how the plant looked the protection just left. You sold your own people for no reason. Give me one reason not to end your lives." The generals stared at the rich they pulled out weapons from their seats.

The rich and leaders of the towns sit back down.

" Now I am going to explain something if your leaders are willing to sell you all out to the Queen. Then I see no point in having you help the battle. You will be the next town we clean out as we did with Cliffside."

Screw looks up speaking.

" I will help her as well. So will the workers of the plant." Black Feather added something else.

" I will even remove my own platoon to attack this town before I allow it to fall to the Queen."

The rich looked to be outnumbered. So the one that normally leads them stood up walking down to the middle of the meeting room. What stood before me was a well dressed Griffin.

" Since you haven't lied to us about being the hero. I think it's time to do what you ask. Even if it doesn't help our pockets." The Griffin lowered themselves to me and bowed. " Hero of legend please allow us to help you. We will write up the alliance tomorrow."

I give a nod.

" Oh yes, my name is Golden plume." He then leaned in and whispered. " I warn you here some of the rich and leaders might try to cause a coup since this info came to light. But If they do I will send my bodyguards to fetch you.”

I gave a nod as he walks back up the stairs. I look at some of the leaders of the town. They seem upset and angry, along with the rich. They wanted to sell out their own people. It's pretty silly I sigh, Doc reaches out and calmly pats my back.

00000

The meeting is over. I calmly walk back to the inn Doc already headed back. Calmly walking back to the inn feeling unsure about what was going on. Doc is sitting at a table alone. The guards went to get something to eat. I sat beside him looking at him with a gentle smile.

"I think my life is now forfeit. Some of the rich demanded that I call you a fake. So they could keep the good thing they have. I am sure now, that something bad is going to happen." I sighed facing hoofing so hard.

Doc, what room is yours?" He gave me his key, then I gave him mine and looked up the stairs.

"Come with me Doc." He slowly walked up the stairs. " I was given this in the key by one of the leaders of the town." I gave a nod and opened my door up let him in.

"Lock yourself in here don't let anyone in here." Doc nodded slowly closing and locking the door. I went into Docs room leaving it unlocked placing on my hood to hide in the shadows.

I closed my eyes and waited. After an hour of waiting, I opened my eyes at the sound of a door being opened. A Griffin walked in he had a knife in his claws. Watching him closely I made the bed look like Doc was asleep. He sliced into the bed. Then when he removed the bedding his eyes went wide.

I sliced into the Griffin he didn't even see what was coming. Blood gushed from the wound, I had struck him in the neck. Slowly walked downstairs. I saw the bodies of all the Cliffside guards that came with the doc. Most of them had their necks cut. The inn was dark, the only thing giving off light was the fire burning in the fireplace.

There had to be more than one. But then I heard fighting outside looking out the window, seeing that some of the towns are on fire. So the warning was true. But I was grabbed from behind feeling a knife at my neck.

" Hello, hero. Could leave well enough alone it seems." Griffin said. He cut into my neck making it bleed. I didn't scream I just allowed him to.

" So your leaders are trying so hard to keep their old ways. I see willing to sell yourselves out to the Queen." The Griffin behind me grew very upset. He was about to slice my head off but the bodyguard's of Golden Plume rushed in shooting him in the head like it was nothing. I coughed my neck hurt so much. To heal me they placed a magic box on my horn the wound healed but I kept the scar.

Sighing, sitting at the table.

"I am sure you can tell that the rich and some of the leaders of the towns have tried to start a coup. But they're having a problem. They’re holed up in a Manson in the middle of the slums. So please do what Golden Plume wishes you to do. Remove them before they cause more death." I gave a nod placing my hood vanishing from sight turning to look at the Griffins.

"Please make sure Doc is protected." The two Bodyguards nod.

I get all my stuff ready sighing I doubt this is the wise. But If I want an alliance. I need to fight the threat to it. Slowly heading out into the burning city, to go rescue it from itself.

Footnote: Level up

Perk added

Friends with Minotaurs and Griffins: You have shown yourself to the Griffins and Minotaurs of the island to be the hero the legend said you would be. Everything is slowly falling into place for the final battle and the war to come. When you fight with both races your damage will rise to 20% they will join you for the final battle that is if you stop their little civil war.