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.