The winter air still pummeled us as we reached the border from the Empire to the Strip. The split biomes jagged as far as the eye could see.

“So, they call this an ecotone?” Comp asked as he jumped down from Brick’s back and trotted to stand next to me. I looked back at Shining Star who saw my look.

“That is to be believed by the studies of the M.A.S.” He looked as the border between the Empire and the Strip was separated by a long fence. “Of course, when RCE heard about it about some sixty years ago, they made it their duty to secure it and erect a barricade. Now, it seems that the only way between the borders is that you have business with them, RCE officials, traders or courier.” He nodded to me.

“Then I’m a free pass for every pony.” I said, pulling my hood down. “Let’s go then.”

“Wait.” Goldenlee said. She quickly trotted over to my left and peeked out of the scope of the rifle. I squinted as I tried to follow her gaze. “Just as I thought. The entire thing is a death trap.” Comp snickered.

“Well, it should be obvious that it is one.” Before he could continue, there was the sound of ponies screaming and what sounded like energy turrets and mines were being set off. Goldenlee sighed looking very depressed.

“That was a caravan.” She slung her rifle across her back before continuing. “They got too close.” Comp winced.

“Then that must mean that the RCE is preparing for something.” I said. I wasn’t exactly sure, but then again, I never really was on the side of the Republic of the Crystal Empire. “Let’s go.” I could tell my companions were nervous about reaching the gate. I peeked out from under my hood to see two gigantic energy turrets locked on to us as we got closer. I was feeling nervous myself. The last time I had gone through, there weren’t as many defenses as there were now. Something or sompony must have set off the RCE. My guess was it had to deal with the Stable Dweller. We were only a few meters away from the gate when an intercom next to us buzzed to life.

“Hold it. This is RCE protected area. State your business or leave.” A mare’s voice said sternly. I pressed the button on the intercom with my hoof and spoke into it.

“Courier Sixteen. I’m with the Crystal Express. My orders are to reach Las Pegasus.” I said. There was a pause before the mare’s voice came back.

“You’re courier Sixteen? Well, I’ll be damned. The Savior of the Roads is here.” I rolled my eyes and was about to retort when Brick nudged me to play along.

“Err… yes. I have business in Las Pegasus. May we go through?” I winced as there was another long pause.

“Alright, but there is a price for the others.” The mare said. “A thousand caps per pony.” Goldenlee seemed ready to burst. I shook my head at her and she hmphed.

“They are with me under orders.” I said.

“Doubt it. Just sit tight then. I’ll send some pony to get you.” The mare said. I arched a brow at my companions.

“Listen, you are directly interfering with courier business. There is a penalty for doing so. You either let me and my clients in or we will involve the president in the matter.” I hoped that the bluff would work. After a long moment, the mare’s voice came back.

“Tell you what. I’ll let you and your friends in if I can get your autograph.” Okay, now I was really confused.

“Autograph?” I looked to my companions for any ideas.

“Just go with it.” Shining Star whispered. “It seems these ponies have heard of you and are willing to let us by without incident.” I sighed. I was really going to hate my new found fame.

“Deal.” I said back at the intercom. There was a buzzing sound and we looked to see the turrets face away from us and the gate slowly opened.

“Geez, they couldn’t make it any more intense.” Comp said. We trotted up to the gate, only to have me stopped by three RCE guards.

“You sure that’s Sixteen? I imagined her as being in full power armor.” One young stallion said. I arched a brow.

“Hey, what do you look like under that hood? I’ve been dying to know.” A mare said. I pulled my hood down further.

“I wear it for a reason.” I muttered.

“Yeah! That is Sixteen! Look at the back of her barding!” the third pony said.

“Hey!” a voice shouted. We all looked to see one of the RCE elites trot out to meet us. The elites of the RCE wore a special suite designed to enhance their physical capabilities. What gave them the creepy look was the SWAT looking visor they wore over their heads. As the elite approached, the pony took off the helmet, revealing a young and stern looking brown mare with charcoal mane. “Shouldn’t you three be on patrol? Quit bugging them and get to your posts!” she barked. The three gave a quick salute before hurrying off. She sighed and shook her head. “Sorry about all that. They believe that the pony New Pegas keeps talking about is here.”

“You don’t say.” Shining Star muttered. I looked at the mare before giving her a feigned smile.

“Thank you for that.” I said. The mare narrowed her eyes at me.

“What are you hiding under that hood, missy?” she said. I must have shown my annoyance because the mare seemed to nicker.

“Enough about what’s under the hood. I need to get going and I’m behind on schedule.” I said, trying to get us past all the questioning RCE guards. The mare gave me one last look over before nodding.

“Alright then. Hurry along.” She put her helmet on before trotting back into the outpost. When I said I wasn’t on the side of the RCE, I truly meant it. Now my new found fame is causing me grief that I can’t even go by without being stopped and asked if I was the Savior of the Roads. I was going to really tell off New Pegas when we get there. As we crossed the border, I shuddered as the cold feeling of winter left me and was replaced by the warmth of the desert air. I glanced at my PipBuck to check the navigation tag. Las Pegasus was at least a day trot from the border. The closest town I could find was halfway down the road. I had passed it before and my PipBuck labeled it as Tipson. I beamed.

“Okay then! Las Pegasus is going to take at least a day to get from here to there. But the town, Tipson, is not too far away. Only a couple hours walk.” I said. Sure, a couple hours would it take.

But it took us longer. We had a run in with a group of low-be gangers called the Vipers ambush us and almost took us hostage. It was thanks to Shining Star’s intellectual talk that caused the dumb gang members to ponder the question. We took that opportunity and took them out. Comp and Brick had salvaged from the corpses and we continued on our merrily way. Then, the next obstacle came. My EFS had picked up a lot of red bars.

We had to retreat a little ways back because we had walked into a recent Radscorpion nest. I made quick work of the little ones as Goldenlee used the power of the anti-material rifle to blow off the stingers of the giant ones. Brick cleared a lot of them from our side by launching an incendiary grenade and catching the scorpions on fire in a chain reaction. A scorpion had gotten past us and its stinger lashed out towards Shining Star. I was surprised at how nimble the pony was as the stinger stuck to the ground. I rushed up and entering S.A.T.S. fired two rounds of slugs into the stinger that blew it off, then I aimed for the face. The scorpion exploded from the blast and its body parts flew into the rough sand. Checking to make sure we were all clear, we took a moment breather before continuing. I could see Tipson as we rounded a corner of a mountain when Goldenlee came trotting up next to me.

“So, I’m curious about that gun of yours.” She said with a smile. I glanced back to my enchanted shotgun before focusing back at her.

“What about?” I asked.

“Where did you get such a perfectly customized combat shotgun like that? I mean, I saw you use it frequently and there isn’t a sign of wear and tear on it!” she said marveling at the ivory and blue striped gun. I flushed a little.

“Well… if you must know I uh… kinda stole it.” I said with a sheepish smile.

“From raiders I would presume.” Shining Star said. My look told him otherwise. “From who then?” he asked. I adjusted my hood before speaking.

“Well, it was about six days ago. I was in Settlement, which is about a twenty mile trot to Pleasant Town. Some corrupt booth tender had it displayed in a case. Of course, like any decent pony, I walked up and saw the price.” I nodded to her rifle. “It cost more than that borrowed rifle.” Goldenlee arched a brow. “Well, after completing my job, I met my sister the next day and we both were just catching up on personal deliveries when there was a commotion. We went over to investigate. Some pony had stolen the gun.”

“So, you stole it back?” Comp asked. I flushed.

“W-well… kinda.” I muttered. “You see, the booth tender was trying to look for some way to get some more caps. So, he tried to stage a robbery. There was a filly he hired to do the trick. I noticed when my sister began playing the poor investigator.” I nickered. “Never let her become a detective. It was by sheer luck that I noticed the filly under the table. Well, when I did check under the table, I saw she wasn’t there. She was given a Stealthbuck. Fortunately, a crowd had formed and cornered the filly in the crowd. We stalled long enough for the Stealthbuck to wear off.” I stopped and put a hoof to my chest. “I must have scared her to death. She shot me point blank in the chest.” Comp winced.

“And you survived it?” he asked. I nodded.

“I realized that the gun was in poor condition to start with. But as we chased the filly to get the gun back, I saw that the gun was looking brand new. I figured then that it was true as to what ponies said.” I levitated my shotgun out in front of me and aimed down the sight. “This gun is unique. Said to be enchanted long ago by Shining Armor himself.”

“Interesting.” Shining Star said rubbing his chin. “Shining Armor actually succeeded in enchanting a gun? I heard it could be done, but not without having to cast the spell for painstaking hours and live to tell the tale. Some ponies said Shining Armor died in the war. Some said he cast a spell that was too much for him and backfired on him.” I slung the gun back onto the plate.

“Well in any case. I did steal it. But… I stole it from a bad pony, right? That’s good, correct?” I looked to Goldenlee who seemed to dart her eyes in thought.

“Well.” She sighed. “In a way it was for a good cause. But it was a bad decision for you, Sixteen. You stole a gun and that is bad karma.” She said. I gapped at her.

“You have conflicting little ponies too?” I gasped. She arched a brow at me.

“What do you mean?” she said. My hope faltered as I kicked a rock with my foreleg away from me before speaking.

“Y-you don’t have a tiny horned pony or a winged pony giving you tough decisions?” I asked. My companions looked at one another, Comp spun his hoof at his temple and rolled his eyes, stating I was koo-koo. I sighed. “Nevermind.” I wiggled my nose and sniffed. “Hey, do you smell that?” My companions sniffed the air and Comp held a hoof over his muzzle and waved his other hoof.

“Ugh, it smells like butt.” he muffled. I looked over to see a pony dancing and whooping towards us. I exchanged a glance with Goldenlee before we trotted towards the stallion dancing with joy.

“Err… pardon me, sir. But pray tell, why are you celebrating out in the middle of nowhere?” Goldenlee asked. The stallion stopped and looked at us. He lunged and shook me by the shoulders.

“I won the lottery! I won the mother fucking lottery! Yeah! Smell that air! Couldn’t you just drink it like booze?” Comp arched a brow at him and spoke in a muffle.

“You think butt is like booze?” he said.

“What lottery?” I asked cocking my head.

“What do you mean ‘what lottery’? The lottery!” he cheered, shaking me again. I pulled away from him and shook away my daze before continuing.

“Calm down, fool.” I hissed. “What did you win from this lottery?” he ignored me as he galloped past me shouting and jumping for joy.

“I won the freaking lottery!” We watched his figure grow distant as he celebrated further and further down the road. I looked over to Tipson, which was about a five minute trot, and gasped. I could see smoke coming from the town. My companions raced after me after I had galloped over to the town.

When we arrived, I was horrified by what I saw. All around the town were decapitated heads of ponies on pikes.

“Oh, Goddess. What happened here?” Goldenlee asked horrified. We walked down the middle of the town and saw more gore. What had done this? What slaughtered an entire town? I looked ahead to see a group of ponies in weird armor. As we got closer, the gore being more unsettling as we went, I noticed that they were not ponies, but zebra.

“Courier, look.” Comp said with a gasp. I followed the colts gaze and saw that there were crucified ponies. They were still breathing. They looked at us as we walked by, some with fear, some with accepted looks of their fate. They seemed in pretty bad shape. Shining Star went to try to untie one before a disembodied stripped hoof appeared and tapped his shoulder. He yelped and backed behind Brick. I had my gun already drawn and aimed at the hoof. As it rose up, I could see a figure begin to form. A zebra looked grimly at us and said something in zebra before fully materializing. I noticed it was a cloak and he was standing on his hind legs. He repeated what he had said in zebra and glanced at us.

“Ponies must leave.” The zebra finally said. “No qualms. We finished.” I cocked my head.

“Not fluent in equestrian?” I asked.

“Of course not.” A voice said. We turned to see that the zebra group had made their way to us. “Most of the Ceaser Legionnaires are not fluent in equestrian.” The zebra with the stoic expression (I guessed as the group’s leader) said.

“You’re the Legion?” Shining Star gapped. The zebra glanced us over before speaking.

“Are you travelers?” he asked. I said nothing and gave him my blank look. He arched a brow at me. “The silent type are you? Then I assume you must be the group’s leader.” He said with a chilling smile. I pulled my hood down further.

“So I can assume you are your own group’s leader?” I said not really making it sound like a question. He nodded.

“I am one of Ceaser’s elites. We are out patrolling a campaign for the great Ceaser Legion.” I looked at his barding then back at him. I thought those clothes were familiar. I only saw them in text books in my history lessons about the Proditiors.

“You’re wearing New Roamian barding.” I said. “If you are from New Roam, why are you here in the Strip?” The zebra didn’t move as he spoke.

“Ah, very astute of you. For a traveler, you seem well knowledged on our culture.” He said. I smirked and motioned at Shining Star.

“Actually, he might fill me in later on your culture. I just know you are from New Roam based on your barding.” I said. The zebra rubbed his chin before speaking.

“Hmm… quite. Yes, we are from New Roam. It is an honor for this land of Equestria. For the great Ceaser’s Legion will take the Strip and the Empire and we will prosper as the new home for the zebra.” He said with a smile. I pointed my shotgun at him and just to be sure we were not going to be shot at, I conjured my three copies to surround us and aim at the zebras that began appearing around us.

“Not if I have anything to say about it.” I said. The zebra chuckled.

“Oh, you ponies are so foalish. So naïve. What makes you think you can take on the Legion and live to tell the tale?” he said.

“Sixteen, don’t do anything rash. I heard that zebra are well skilled in guns and martial arts.” Shining Star said as he glanced nervously at one of my copies aiming at the zebra that had appeared by the cross. The zebra met my gaze. I gave him a blank look in return. I squinted, then my eyes widened as I saw the fire of the bodies being burned behind him rise higher and higher around him. He narrowed his eyes at me as I began to feel that sensation. I knew now it wasn’t because I was a pyromaniac that gave me that sensation. I had a spirit of fire somewhere locked away in my mind. The zebra gasped and backed away.

“Y-you! You are a Maiden of the Stars?” he said. I smirked. I wanted to watch the flames dance around him. I wanted him to sing. I felt my eye began to throb. I could feel all eyes on me now.

“Sixteen? Are you alright?” Goldenlee asked putting a hoof on my shoulder. I rasped a chuckle.

“I want to watch the flames dance.” I hissed. I blinked and found myself again not in control of my body. I reacted by willing myself to take back control, but I could feel Din push me away as she tried to take my mind over. My body weaved a little and I dropped my gun, screaming in pain as my eye began throbbing.

“Sixteen!” I heard Goldenlee cry out.

“Goldenlee, get away from her.” I heard Shining Star say.

“Why, what’s wrong with her?”

“The maiden shows herself.” I heard the zebra rasp. “We are cursed! Kill the maiden!” he shouted. I saw that the zebra aimed all their guns at me. I screamed as I felt the bullets penetrate my body. I lurched to the ground. I saw a bloody puddle form. The zebra looked down at me, only to have his eyes widened and back away. “Impossible! How can you still be alive?” My body chuckled maniacally as I stood up. I could feel it. That growth at the side of my face. I ignored my companion’s cries as I focused straight at the zebra.

“I want to hear you sing.” My body said with an intimidating, blood caked step. “And the flames will dance as you sing. They will rise higher and higher as you sing louder and louder.” In my mind, I felt myself glued to the same spot. Come on, move! Don’t repeat what happened last time! I have to stop myself! I struggled as I watched the flames behind the zebra began flowing straight at me. I was soon engulfed in the flames and with my magic, I spun the flames around me, trying to mold something from the embers. More gunshots. I felt my body take most of the hits, but from a small glimpse in the corner of my eyes, I could see that Brick and Goldenlee were returning fire.

“Take cover!” I heard Comp shout. I found myself alone in the street, but my body stayed and continued to mold the flames. I watched in horror as Din manipulated the flames and with a sudden release of the magic, the flames spread into flares and set the buildings on fire. My body began laughing manically. No. No I won’t let it happen again! Not this time! I willed. I concentrated as hard as I could. I felt myself move. My bloodied body began walking slowly to the zebra who was frozen in terror.

“You’ve been a bad zebra. Very vile. Very cruel. Your punishment is to sing while flames dance around you!” my body began manipulating the flames. Come on! I have to stop Din! Move dammit, move! I gasped as I saw a road. It had suddenly appeared before me. Without second guessing myself, I galloped down the road. A light took over me and I blinked. I looked down to see I was me again. Only, I really wasn’t. I looked up to see me. Or my body that Din was controlling. I bit my lip and galloped towards her. Thank Goddesses that my barding is fire proof! With a deep breath, I leapt straight into the flames with my hooves spread apart in front of me. My body looked up to me and the eyes widened. I didn’t give time for my body to react. I wrapped my hooves around me in a tackle and we both flew out of the flames. I rolled with my body and smirked triumphantly down as I pinned it beneath me.

“I won’t let this happen!” I said coldly to myself. My body just grinned wickedly and chuckled.

“Foalish child. You can’t be rid of me! I am a part of you! If you kill me, you will be killing your own body!” I gave her my cold blank look.

“I wasn’t planning on dying anyway.” I reached with my magic and plucked a memory orb from the saddle bag. My body’s eyes widened.

“No. No! I won’t go back! I have taken control! You can’t!” my body shrieked. I just smirked at me and put the memory orb in between our horns and the world faded away.

This body felt different. Healthy, athletic and to my surprise, intelligent! And more to my relief, I found I was in a mare’s body. My host looked like she was on a train. She looked out the window, feeling bored before going back to reading a book with numbers and equations.

“Is everything alright here, Miss Cheerilee?” a voice said making my host turn. She gasped with surprise as a young looking orange pegasus mare with a lavender mane grinned at my host.

“Scootaloo! How very pleasant to see you. My you have grown so much.” My host, Ms. Cheeilee, said. Scootaloo rubbed the back of her head.

“You’re not bad yourself, Ms. Cheerilee.” Scootaloo said taking a seat next to her.

“Oh, you. So how have you’ve been? I hope you and the Crusaders aren’t getting into too much trouble now?” Cheerilee teased. Scootaloo gave a hearty chuckle before speaking.

“Actually, I’m heading to the Empire to meet them.” She said sighing. “Though, I sometimes wish we had more time for each other.” Cheerilee patted Scootaloo’s shoulder.

“Well, I’m sure you will get some time for each other. You three were pretty much inseparable.” Cheerilee said. Scootaloo gave her a small smile.

“Well, I guess that’s easy for you to say. You’re a teacher after all.” She perked up. “So, did you get the job!?” Cheerilee sighed but nodded.

“Yes. I just couldn’t stand to work anymore at the Ministry of Peace. So many things have happened, I almost lost touch in what I always did best.” She looked out the window. From her reflection, I could see the magenta pony with a faded bubblegum stripped mane. Scootaloo was right. Ms. Cheerilee couldn’t have looked prettier despite her age.

“Well, that’s great news! I’m sorry it didn’t work out at the ministry.” Scootaloo said. Cheerilee smiled. “But hey, you get to teach at the Crystal Empire!” Cheerilee flushed a little.

“Well, Twilight was kind to tell her brother about me. But, I’m not sure I am that great.” She said.

“Non-sense! If there was anypony who could teach and still look pretty in the end, it’s you, Ms. Cheerilee!” Scootaloo gave her a warming grin that put Cheerilee to ease.

“Thank you, Scootaloo.” She said. “And how is it over at Stable-Tec? I heard you were made vice president.” Scootaloo sighed, but nodded.

“It’s not really all that great.” She frowned. “Would you believe my boss had me escorted to the VIP cart? I have four body guards that are in there, thinking I’m discussing business with my boss.” She nickered. “Little do they know that the top of the train is a very good exit. I had to make my way back here.” Cheerliee seemed baffled.

“That’s very dangerous, Scootaloo. Why on earth would you want to do that? You have protection, you have comfort.” Scootaloo smiled at her before speaking.

“You know me, Cheerilee. I was never into all that fancy, smanchy stuff.” She rubbed her chin. “I’m not sure how Applebloom and Sweetie Bell handle it. It’s just too overwhelming.” Cheerilee smiled.

“Always the dare devil.” She said. Scootaloo chuckled. Then, Cheerilee frowned and bopped the side of Scootaloo’s head with the book she was reading. Scootaloo blinked in confusion, rubbing her head. “That still doesn’t excuse you for doing something like that. You could have been hurt or worse!” she said sternly. I had to hand it to Cheerilee, she knew how to handle students. Even her old ones. Scootaloo sighed.

“I know. But, when I saw you boarding the train, I just had to get away and talk to somepony that isn’t all business. You know, like old times. Not have to worry about work or being constantly watched because it’s for my “safety”.” Scootaloo made a disgusted face at the word ‘safety’. Cheerilee smiled before unrolling her book and went back to reading, adjusting her glasses.

“Well, I appreciate it Scootaloo. I can agree, work is stressful at times. But that’s the biggest part of growing up. You’re not a filly anymore.” She looked up and frowned as Scootaloo had found a rubber band from the floor and pulled it back from her hoof and let it fly, hitting a pony in a business suite and glasses in the head. The pony turned and looked around. Scootaloo ducked her head and Cheerilee watched as the pony rubbed the back of his head before trotting to the next cart. Scootaloo peeked up and smirked.

“Think I could have had a cutie mark in rubber band flinging?” she asked. Cheerilee shook her head, giggling.

“I guess you are right. Having to think about work all the time can do a number on somepony. And I know all of it is going to be more stressful as I have to teach college level.” Cheerilee said. Scootaloo blinked in confusion.

“College? I thought you got accepted to being a private tutor for Shining Armor and Princess Cadence’s kids?” Scootaloo said. Cheerilee blinked.

“Private tutor? I was told to be teaching scribes in training at the Empire?” Cheerilee hastily pulled out a piece of paper from her saddle bag and unfolded it. I read to myself as her eyes darted from word to word.

It is with heartfelt honor to have you work with us, Ms. Cheerliee. I’m sure the kids won’t mind having you as a teacher. I know it sounds crazy, but they already know everything from elementary to advanced studies. You will be teaching these children college level studies here at the Crystal Castle’s archives.

Cheerilee read it over twice and then gasped silently as she saw there was a folded end that blended with the back of the paper. She unfolded it and read the last two sentences.

My children, Shining Sword, Crystal Mirror and Relic will be happy to have you as a private tutor. I hope they won’t cause you too much trouble. – Princess Miamore Cadenza.

“Is everything alright, Ms. Cheerilee?” Scootaloo asked. Cheerilee sighed and folded the paper back up.

“I should have brought more text books.” She groaned. Scootaloo was about to say something when she stopped, gasped and ducked her head. Cheerilee arched a brow at her before looking up. She saw two of the business suite dressed ponies in the next cart scanning the seats.

“Looks like they finally noticed. Sorry, Cheerilee. It was great talking with you. I swear, I could have lost my sanity if it weren’t for you.” Cheerilee smiled.

“Becareful, Scootaloo. And tell Applebloom and Sweetie Bell I said hi.” She said. Scootaloo smiled and nodded before sliding quietly out of her seat, crouched low and made her way to the back of the cart. Cheerilee rolled her eyes before sighing and rubbing her temples. “Something tells me this is not going to go very pleasantly.” She said.

When I came too, I felt different.

“Well, look who finally came too.” A voice said. I groaned and looked up to see an insectoid armored pegasus looking at me. I cocked my head. Enclave? I thought they disbanded twelve years ago after the war for the Wasteland. I looked around to see that we were (to my relief) not in a cage, but in the back of a wagon. I saw Comp and the others sitting on the far side, looking at me in concern.

“What happened?” I drawled standing up only to fall back to the floor.

“Easy, Sixteen. After what you’ve been through, I doubt you are in any condition to move.” Shining Star said with worry. I glanced between them. Why were they all looking at me funny? Then, I saw why. I looked down at the lump right next to me and saw…

Me. My blood caked body curled into a ball next to me. I peeked under the hood to see the eyes were pupiless. I balked and backed away.

“W-w-what is this? What’s going on?” I swayed, feeling light headed only to have Goldenlee catch me with her shoulder.

“Easy there, Sixteen. I’m not really sure what had happened.” She said.

“I’ll tell you what happened. She went bat shit insane and nearly burned an entire town to the ground with everypony along with it!” Comp growled. “Maybe I was wrong, Courier. Maybe you don’t fully know how well your situation is.” I felt like a knife had struck me in the heart. I looked down to my hooves.

“Watch your mouth, young colt. It is not polite to swear at a lady.” Goldenlee said firmly. Comp rolled his eyes.

“Yes, mom.” He said sarcastically. I shook away the dizziness and looked to Shining Star.

“So… what really happened?” I asked. Shining Star sighed before speaking.

“I’m not quite sure. You were antagonized by Ceaser’s Legionnaires and I guess you wanted to do justice. But then you suddenly went crazy and began manipulating the fire to your will and nearly set the whole town on fire. You were… shot repeatedly after that.” He shuddered. “Then… your body healed itself. You stood back up and almost burned the zebra when out of nowhere, one of your copies tackled you and dug out a memory orb, using it to stop whatever was going on with you and you’re copy passed out.” Goldenlee finished for him.

“Once thing’s settled, the Legionnaires retreated and we had to lug your copy and you away from the town. That’s when we came across the Black Talons who were just wandering by when they saw the smoke coming from the town and saw us emerge from it.” She looked over to my lump of a body. “After that, we waited. And now… I’m not so sure what to think anymore. We were expecting the copy to disappear and you to come to.” She looked at me with worry now than concern.

“What? Tell me!” I said, panicking a little.

“Well, we were expecting your body to come to. Not… your copy.” He looked at me. I looked down at me. I looked the same. I acted the same. I could remember my past. But I did feel… different. Shining Star rubbed his chin. “I’m not sure what to make of it either, but I do have a small theory.” We looked at him, eager to know. He cleared his throat. “Well, since that is your body and you are a copy, I can only think of soul transfer.”

“Soul transfer?” Brick arched a brow. Shining Star nodded before continuing.

“At some time during your episode, you somehow subconsciously willed your soul to one of your copies. Which is why you, the copy, woke up and not your actual body.” I looked back at my limp body.

“So… should I worry that I’m inside one of my copies and my body is soulless?” I asked.

“Well, the natural thing to do would be to panic and run around screaming.” He rubbed his chin. “Though, I assume you aren’t that type of pony. If you willed your soul to transfer to a copy, then without the soul, the actual body is just a husk. A shell to be precise.” I groaned and rubbed my face.

“Well, fan-freakin-tastic.” I said with a low growl. Then, I stopped and looked back at my body. A shell… My soul is in here, but my actual body is right in front of me. It felt… strange. I almost thought of myself to be an alien, but when Shining Star mentioned soul transfer, I remember that a recent published book from long ago had an entire chapter about souls. Out of curiosity, I focused my magic onto the shotgun that was still on my back. I was surprised that my magic actually levitated it away and towards me. I looked at Shining Star, who was giving me a study look. “I-if I’m a copy with my soul… then how can I do magic still?” Shining Start arched a brow.

“You said yourself that you mastered the illusion spell of cloning. And from what I saw in your previous encounters, you’re copies seemed to have the same strength, magic requirement and physical abilities that your original body had. So, figuratively speaking, you are considered a “perfect copy.”. I winced at the word ‘copy’. I limped over to my body and turned it over, peering into my pupiless eyes. Taking a moment, I dug around into my ‘copy’s’ saddlebag. I frowned when I realized that even though I can make perfect copies, I couldn’t make the same items that I had. Without a word, I unclipped the bag and my body’s bag and switched them. I sighed shakily. This was just so much to take in. How had I pulled off a soul transfer? Shouldn’t there be like some sort of penalty for being out of your body for long? Without taking my eyes off my body, I addressed to Shining Star.

“Isn’t there a penalty for being out of one’s body for too long?” I heard Shining Star clear his throat before speaking.

“Well, yes. There is always a risk with handling souls. To even cast the spell would be torture. But if successfully casted, the soul must return to the original body by a certain deadline or else it will decay and there will be nothing left of you. You’ll pretty much vanish from existence.” He said grimly. I shivered now. I had done it to stop my body, to stop Din, from hurting anypony. And I done so recklessly. Without realizing it, I had just started a timer that counted down till my soul will no longer be a soul and will just vanish. I put a hoof to my chest, feeling tears fall from my cheeks. Goldenlee hugged me. I was going to die. And not only will I die, I wasn’t going to die being me, but a copy. No Courier. No life. Just gone. It was Brick’s turn to take action.

“Star. If you say a soul can be transferred through a spell, than there must be some counter spell.” He said sternly. Shining Star nodded to the stallion.

“There is. But it is even more painful than casting the soul transfer skill.” He said.

“How long does she have?” Goldenlee asked. He rubbed his chin for a moment.

“Well, by my estimation, she has three days to return to her original body before she no longer is around. Probably less.” I wiped my tears away and sniffled.

“Then we have no time to goof off.” I looked up to them. “We have to find somepony who can get me back into my body.”

“What’s with all the racket in there?” the Enclave pegasus asked as she peered from the back of the wagon. Shining Star trotted over to her.

“Well, it appears that a friend of ours only has a certain amount of time to live. Do you, by chance, know of anypony that is nearby that has a specialty in dealing with souls?” The pegasus rubbed her chin for a moment before speaking.

“None that I can say.” She said. I bowed my head, drooping my ears in defeat. “But, their maybe somepony that does in Las Pegasus.” My ears shot up as I stared at the pegasus with new found hope. Star nodded.

“Thank you. Are we near Las Pegasus by chance?” he asked.

“Nope. We are just now reaching its’ gates.” She said. I looked out to the front of the wagon and gapped as we saw the tall makeshift gate of Las Pegasus towered before us. I squeed, feeling more hope in me than I did when I had thought I found friends with the ponies of my town. I rushed over to the pegasus and pulled her into a hug, startling her.

“You are a life saver!” I cheered. The pegasus pulled away from me, making me lose my balance only to be caught by the back of my hood in Brick’s teeth. I gave a sheepish smile at the pegasus. “Err… sorry.”

“Listen, kid. I’m a mercenary. I get paid for heroics. Or villainous deeds. Depends on the pay I guess.” I blinked at her.

“Then, why are you dressed as Enclave?” I asked. She scoffed at the word.

“I will have you know, I am no longer affiliated with that bunch of lowly bigots. But I didn’t want to be branded Dashite either. So I just left.” She said.

“You abandoned your covenant?” Goldenlee gapped.

“Wouldn’t you if you realize that the new higher ups are just being big pain in the asses and acting exactly like the M.o.M? I say good riddance.” She said.

“Yet, you are still wearing the armor.” I said. The pegasus shrugged.

“Better than none. It was all I had on me when I left.” She said. We felt the wagon stop and I noticed a griffon in black power armor, a red stallion with a black mane and with an eight bit heart as cutie mark and a strangely quiet pony with a cloak walk past the wagon and over to the gate. “Well, you ponies better get out of here. Before we change our minds and charge you for the help.” Brick smiled.

“Thank you kindly for helping us, miss…” The pegasus’s helmet retracted and I was expecting to see a scarred face or something. But I was glad I hadn’t when I saw a pretty face of a young mare smirk at us. Her spiked back tufts of a mane had bright and normal silver stripes. Her eyes are what made me envious as they had the sparkling silver around a determined look.

“Silver Iris. But you can just call me Iris.” She said. She noticed me staring at her and arched a brow. “See something you like?” she grinned. Realizing I was staring too much, I flushed and adverted my eyes. Iris nickered. “Don’t worry. You’re not the first.” I balked, flushing more.

“W-what? What are you talking about?” I stammered. She seemed bored as she spoke.

“I have both mares and stallions going for me. But I’m keeping myself to only myself. So don’t think to try anything.” She said. I just bowed my head and nodded. “Now git.” She motioned. I looked back at my shell of a body. I felt relieved when Brick trotted over and slung my body over his back. He smiled at me. We jumped out of the wagon and I smirked as my companions gapped in awe at the bright neon lights that littered the streets and buildings. Ponies dressed in fancy attire and sometimes wasteland attire mingled amongst each other in outdoor casinos, roulette tables and poker games. As we trotted into the central hub, we were hit by blaring vintage music. The trumpets played happily as the catchy beat of the vintage drums played along and a low voice sang out. I turned to my companions.

“First time?” I asked arching a brow. I couldn’t help but surpass a laugh as they nodded past me with gapped jaws.

“Well, let me be the first to say, Welcome to the glorious vice city Las Pegasus!” I turned and my look went dark. A familiar stallion in a checkered plaid suite and a white fedora trotted over to us with that charming smile. “Please, enjoy your stay. We have everything a pony could want. Luxury, gambling, drinks and if you prefer mares or stallions, then you are in the right place.” He looked to me and grinned. “Hey hey, long time no see doll, ya’ dig?” I knew what was coming.

“I haven’t come to a decision yet.” I said. It was true. So much had happened that I hadn’t even gotten time to worry about the dangers of gangs and the decision of aiding the Omaretas once I reached Las Pegasus. Bucky shrugged.

“No rush baby. When you feel you are ready, ya’ dig?” He turned and motioned for us. “Let me give you the grand tour.” Nothing much new to me was what Bucky was describing to my baffled companions. You have the Lucky 38, a tall skyscraper that was a casino on the first few floors to business at the middle floors. Mr. House is supposedly residing at the top floor. Then, you had the Suite Stable Deluxe hotel that housed The Whitehoof Society. Then there was the Roulette Casino that housed the Omaretas. The last hotel, Hoof of Luck, to house The Family was where The Pride were, where I knew with a vengeance that Bud was somewhere in there. Other than the main hubs for the gangs, there were other buildings such as apartment complexes and small casinos that are always open to the public. Bucky even mentioned the Maretyr Strip Road that housed all the nightclubs and sex bars. He was kind enough to mention some places that were gang controlled and can tell by the way they are dressed. “And whatever you do, avoid Coltington Way.”

“What’s there at Coltington Way?” Comp asked. Bucky looked grim.

“I don’t know why a place such as it exists. But it is a bad place, full of anarchy.” He winked at us with a smile. “Best to avoid, ya’ dig?” Comp shivered, but nodded. “Now, since I gave you a tour of the city, how about I show you folk where you’ll be staying, courtesy of the Omaretas.” I snorted, but followed Bucky as he led us into a lively filled casino. I noticed that almost every roulette table was full and the slot machines were making arcade like sounds that began to annoy me. He led us to an elevator and when we reached the third floor, we were greeted by a serious looking pink mare with a lemon and lime colored mane. She wore a Pre-War Rarity dress. Her eyes darted between us then to Bucky.

“You best get them to pay up or it’ll be out of your pay.” She said. I had to admit, she looked pretty. But nothing could compare to Iris. I blinked suddenly at the thought and shook my head furiously. Why was I thinking about that? More importantly, why is my heart thumping like crazy when I think the name Iris? Okay, calm down Courier. Whatever is happening, just ignore it. I sighed quietly in defeat as the feeling continued. I looked up to see the mare giving me a weird look. “I sure hope none of these mares are with you, Bucky. You have no time to mess around. You are to meet us with Kingpin in his suite.” Bucky winked and smiled at the mare.

“No worries, baby. I got it handled, ya’ dig?” he said. I could have sworn the mare flushed slightly, but she maintained her look as we traded spots in the elevator to the hallway.

“You better not be late. Daddy is not going to be happy if you miss today’s business meeting.” She said sternly. The door closed, leaving us looking at Bucky. He tipped his fedora at us, keeping his charming smile.

“That’s Al Capony. Daughter of Kingpin IV.” He said. “And one fine looking dame, ya’ dig?” I agreed, but I bet she still wouldn’t beat Iris’s looks. I blinked and shook furiously again. Why, Karma, do you do this to me!? What are trying to do!? Haven’t I suffered enough!? “Well, no time to stand around. Got business to take care of.” He led us to a door at the end of the hall. When he unlocked it, we gapped as the room suddenly became expansive.

“I have never seen a room like this!” Goldenlee marveled. Bucky chuckled.

“This is one of our reserved suites. But since you are honored guests, make yourself at home.” He said. Comp was already bouncing on the round king sized bed. Brick took his time and looked through the bookshelves that towered to the ceiling. I assume he was looking to see if there were any paranormal books. Star sat on the couch and looked around, taking in the scene. Goldenlee was already at the dressers and beamed as she saw Pre-War Rarity outfits inside. What did I do? I looked over to my limp, blood caked body that Brick had laid down in a chair in the corner. I trotted over to my body and sat down in front of it. I watched intently, imagining my body to come to life and suddenly take on a new personality of itself.

I focused. I felt my head starting to throb as I tried to reach with my soul with my magic. I gave a gasp of pain as my head began throbbing. Rubbing it, I looked back at my body. Its pupiless eyes staring back at me. I looked back at my companions, who seemed to be chatting amongst themselves about what they had experienced. Me? I just sat there, staring at my body, longing to return. I was me. But I didn’t feel me. I glanced at my PipBuck and was surprised to see that all its functions worked still. I saw a tiny carton pegasus. I opened up the message.

Did you hear what happened to Tipson? Guess my delivery is canceled for now. I hope you are doing well, Curry. – Heart

I wanted to think I was well. But I couldn’t. I didn’t even have the courage to tell her I’m not Courier. I’m just a copy with my soul. And I had only three days to live. I couldn’t join in on the merriment my friends were having. I went up-stairs and found a separate room right next to the bedroom. I closed the door and locked it, throwing myself on the bed and curling up, crying softly. I was going to die. And I had so much to live for. So many things to accomplish. I couldn’t die now. But I had created a timer for me. And I put every ounce of hate into the fiery spirit that I knew was chuckling evilly as my time to live counted down.

Footnote Level Up!
Illusionist (Rank 2): You are seen as a magician to others, but only you know how to do the tricks.