I began pacing in thought as my friends looked at me. Their expressions as grim as mine.

“So, someone is going around as your younger brother and you think that whoever this pony is, will do something terrible and the blame will be on him?” Star asked, rubbing his chin. “That is quite a predicament. Even I wouldn’t have seen this.” I sighed.

“Because a certain clown I know is the cleverest bastard I’ve met. He warned me about it. He even made a message with an illusion spell. He did it because he knew that if he took it up with Post Box, Post Box would just tell him off. He knew that Post Box would at least listen to me. He’s our guardian after all. And it worked.” I shook my head. “No wonder he became Courier Five. I thought he just lucked his way up. But if I had known that he was so damn clever, I would have thought otherwise.” I smirked. “Cheesy Chester knows what the hell he is doing.”

“So, he acts like that to be a clown, but he’s smart?” Silver Iris asked rubbing the back of her head. “How does that work?” I stopped and looked at them.

“Deception. Cheesy Chester is an illusionist. Illusions are caused to deceive ponies. I’m an illusionist myself.” I smiled at Goldenlee now. “I guess I did make a friend without even having to see eye to eye.”

“But then why your younger brother?” Comp asked. “Why not you? Or your sisters?” I looked at Stall.

“Stall knows every courier that comes and goes. Bell is still in training as a full-fledged courier and doesn’t like to handle a gun. Heart is always constantly checking up on us. And I never trusted any pony other than my siblings. So the pony went after the identity of a pony who trusted the friends he made. Knew what he does.” Stall rubbed the back of his head.

“I had a stalker? Creepy.” He shuddered. I nodded grimly. I didn’t like the thought either. Somepony had been watching us. Studying us. This pony knew the way we acted. The way we communicate. So the pony picked the smallest stick. And Stall was the unlucky candidate.

“This pony studied us. He knows what we are capable of. And whoever this pony is will soon realize the commitment couriers have.” I stopped and then sighed. “That is if Post Box exposes him out of the blue.” Stall nodded.

“Knowing Post Box, he won’t act right away. He will take his time until the true culprit is revealed. And when the culprit does reveal himself.” He looked at me. “He would already know about it and will be one hoof step ahead.” Star seemed utterly amazed at this.

“Are you couriers always this clever?” he asked. Me and Stall exchanged glances before laughing and turning back to him.

“You remember how I acted with LittlePip? She has the similar mind set as me. She could be the Empire’s new strategist for all I know.” I said.

“But I think Five has her beaten. Don’t you think?” Stall asked trotting over to me. I smiled. True. Me and LittlePip may be smart. But damn, who would have guessed a clown would be cleverer than us?

“The clown? He is a funny character. But he is wise all the same.”

Mother Dandy had said that. I gasped slightly.

“We also have a damn clever zebra we know too.” I said with a nicker. I looked to them.

“Now for the next course of action. I remember back in Stableton when I first came across Bud and his lackeys. He had been charmed to look like my brother. Before he began controlling Alicron, he mentioned that some pony by the name of Chryxal gave him the figure of my brother.” I stopped and my eyes widened.

“There is one thing you neglected to mention. Changelings have the ability to shapeshift."

“Wow, I’m so glad I was there for Ms. Cheerilee’s lesson.” I said with a blink. My friends looked at me.

“Are you talking about the Empire’s own private tutor Ms. Cheerilee?” Star asked. I nodded and reached into my bag and pulled out the memory orb.

“I’ve only gone through three of these and two were both about Ms. Cheerilee. The first one I saw was her on her way to the Crystal Empire without realizing she was being assigned as a private tutor. The second was a lesson.” I looked at Shining Star. “You ever hear the word changeling?” Shining Star rubbed his chin.

“I believe I have heard it somewhere. But I don’t know anything about it.” He said. Okay, now it was time to go over the lesson.

“A changeling is a creature born of corrupted magic. It is neither pony nor insect. They are creatures that act like bugs because they travel in swarms. They feed themselves from ponies.” I heard Goldenlee gasp.

“They drink the victim’s blood?” she said. I shook my head.

“No. They feed on the love of their victims.” I explained. They looked at me funny. I sighed. “I know. It sounds crazy, but trust me. Ms. Cheerilee knew what she was talking about. A changeling feeds on the love of their victims. They can either eat it or manipulate it. By manipulating the love of the pony, they can shape shift to a pony tied to that love.” I waved my hoof in a circle. “They can maintain it by constantly feeding from their victim if their love is strong enough. That example was explained through the wedding day of Princess Cadence and Shining Armor. The changelings had a queen known as Chrysalis.” I saw their reactions. A multitude of shock and awe. “Chrysalis was able to maintain her shape shift powers because Shining Armor’s love for Princess Cadence was strong. Stronger than any love, as Ms. Cheerilee says it.”

“So you think changelings are behind this?” Stall asked. “A changeling is disguising myself?” I looked at him and gave a good Ms. Cheerilee bop on the head.

“Don’t interrupt the teacher while she is speaking.” I said. Stall rubbed his head where I had bopped him and blinked with confusion. I turned back to my friends. “Now to answer that question. Maybe. It could be a unicorn who mastered charm magic for all I know. But I’m not ruling out the changelings.”

“But there is a big chance that it might be a changeling, you mean.” Star said. I went over to him and gave the Ms. Cheerilee bop on the head.

“Yes. Now quite interrupting the teacher.” I said. He looked at me with the same confusion before nodding.

“Yes, Ms. Courier.” He teased. I turned back and began pacing.

“Bud had said that a pony named Chryxal had given him the magic to disguise as my brother. If I remember from the lesson, I believe Shield mentioned that they were killed. But Ms. Cheerilee says that they weren’t, but overfed.” I said. Star suddenly perked up.

“Of course! Now I remember.” He looked at us. “On one of my relic huntings, I remember coming across a small ruined book. But it wasn’t just any ruined book. It looked different from the others. So out of curiosity, I read what I could manage. I remember seeing the name Chrysalis and the word changeling.” He rubbed his chin. “You said they are neither pony nor insect, but they act like bugs? Bugs in the winter time hibernate as well. Like bees in a sense. They stuff their hives with honey and sleep once over fed.” I nodded.

“So what you’re saying is that the changelings, on the wedding day of Shining Armor and Princess Cadence, which was two centuries ago, weren’t defeated but over fed. And now after two centuries of hibernation, they are starting to wake up?” Silver Iris asked. We looked at her in shock. She blinked at us and flushed with a frown. “What? Just because I don’t know much about history doesn’t mean I don’t know what’s going on.” She said with a snort. I rushed up to her and hugged her, making her stiffen.

“You pass the test!” I teased. She looked at me with an embarrassed smile and rubbed the back of her head.

“Err… thanks?” she said. I pulled away and trotted over back to my spot in the middle.

“Now, the next thing. I am going to ask Kingpin if I can talk with Father Pride.” I said. There was silence. I arched a brow at them. “What?”

“I thought you weren’t going to affiliate yourself with gangs?” Comp said. I sighed.

“Look, I know what I said. And I can be a hypocrite if I want to. After the stuff I’ve been through and the things I’ve seen. I can tell you this is much bigger than gangs. My brother is on the verge of being framed for something and the only pony who can give me the answers was the pony who Bud was affiliated too. Father Pride might not know about it, but I’m sure he could have had some sort of thought on it.” I began pacing. “I need to find out if it’s changeling or not. And if it is a changeling, then The Empire and the Strip are in for a big surprise.” I smiled as my companions smiled in agreement. “I’m doing this to save my home. To save my friends and family. And I can’t do it without you guys.” I tapped my hooves together bashfully. “Will you… help me?” They all nodded. I beamed and suddenly felt all my tension leave.

“Friends help one another.” Goldenlee said. “Mr. House can wait.” She smiled at me.

“I know she is still out there. And I won’t give up on finding her. I know we will find her eventually.” Brick said with a nod. Shining Star cleared his throat.

“I’m am going to stand by my word. I will do everything I can to help you uncover what your father has been doing.” He said. Silver Iris did a small flip in the air and smirked.

“And I finally get to go see other places! And kick some flank in the process! Changeling or not!” She looked at me as I smiled at her. She flushed. “And you know… be pretty cool I guess.” I turned to Comp.

“And we will have more opportunities to find out who you are.” I said. Comp smiled and nodded.

“I trust you, Courier.” He said. I looked to Stall and arched a brow. He was giving me a look of pride.

“Wow. My sis is growing up.” He said with a small tear sliding down his cheek. I looked at him with a smirk. He blinked and drooped his ears in a wince. “Uh-oh.”

“Uh-oh is right, mister.” I said. “You are going to so get it from Heart when you get home. I’m sure she will love to hear how you were on the radio talking about us.” I said. I scooped him up and with my free hoof and playfully ruffled his mane. He laughed as he struggled to get out of my hold.

“Aaah, okay sis! Okay! I get it!” he said laughing. I let him go and he threw his hooves around me. “Just be careful. Otherwise we will both get it from Heart.” He said. I smiled at him and hugged back.

“Don’t worry. I’m a courier just like you. If I ever get into a situation, you know I will always get out with it.” I said. He gave me a small smile now.

“And this time, you don’t have to be alone to do that. I’m glad you made friends, Curry. I really am. You were always the loner.” He stood up and trotted to the door. “I’m going to go find LittlePip. I have to tell her about Ms. Cheerilee’s lesson.” With that, he exited the room.

I looked at my friends. “Now, to Kingpin.” I said.

Kingpin leaned back in his chair in thought. We had told him what had happened and the possibility of who is behind it. He looked to Bucky who was rubbing his chin in thought as well.

“So, you think Father Pride might know something about it?” Bucky asked finally. I nodded. Kingpin chuckled.

“You would have been a damn good Omareta kid. You could be our head strategist.” Kingpin teased. I took it as a compliment before speaking.

“So, can we get an audience with Father Pride?” I asked.

“Whoa baby, not so fast, ya’ dig?” Bucky said. “The Family is run by three gang heads. Father Pride, Kingpin and Stiletto. We all have different views on how to run the business. And let me tell you, they can be as stubborn as a mule.” Kingpin nodded.

“You see, kid? Omaretas are like the mafia. We rule the streets. We organize in crimes and we take out whack jobs who cross our line or provoke us. We are ruthless. Some call us Saints, but others just see us as criminals.” Kingpin said. “I prefer the term, well-organized rouges.” Bucky nodded.

“The Whitehoof Society is more of a cult of bigots.” Bucky said. “They want to turn the Strip into a “well-mannered” utopia. But there’s the problem, see? As long as you have the caps, you can stay in their utopia. If you don’t, you either become a puppet or die out in the Wastes.” Bucky nodded his hat to Kingpin.

“And lastly, there is The Pride. They follow a messed up religious ideology.” Kingpin explained. “They believe that ponies must worship the celestial being, Orion, and carry out his voice. Father Pride believes he is the “voice of Orion” and tricks those under his rule to eradicate the unjust and purge the tainted blood of the corrupted.” Bucky made a circular motion over his temple.

“A real nut job, ya’ dig?” he said with a smirk. Yeesh. I didn’t think they truly had different views. But the way they described the others, they made it sound like they were the only sane ponies ever to be in The Family.

“So, if you have different views, why are you called The Family?” Goldenlee asked. Kingpin leaned forward.

“Because Father Pride and Stiletto are my cousins.” He said casually. I snorted. Go figure. “And being head of The Omaretas, we don’t agree with one another. My daughter is to take my place when my time comes.” He looked at Bucky. “And if she decides to have children, then my grandkids take over when it’s her time. And so on and so forth.” Bucky rubbed his chin in thought. He then blinked and looked at him with a hint of shock. Kingpin nodded to him.

“Well, ring-a-ding-ding.” He said with a smile. I cocked my head. What the hell were they trying to imply? I shook my head.

“I need to talk to Father Pride. He may know something about what’s going on. My home and my brother is in danger.” Kingpin and Bucky exchanged glances before looking.

“If you want an audience with Father Pride, you are going to either have to join their freakish religious crap or get his attention another way.” Kingpin said. I smirked at him.

“Not a problem then. I’m Courier Sixteen. The Savior of the Roads. And the mare that got two gang heads to come to a truce against Father Pride's wishes.” I said. Kingpin tapped his hooves in thought, exhaled and leaned back.

“Very well then. Just take it easy when you are there. Do anything that goes against Pride’s word or that of Orion, we won’t be able to help you.” He said. I nodded.

“Thanks Kingpin.” We turned to exit the door, but I stopped and turned back. “And whoever said to give Compassion to me. Tell that pony, if you see him again, I said thanks.” I said. Kingpin nodded as I left the room.

We stood outside of the Cathedral Casino. One of the Omaretas told us about a certain casino The Pride own. And in Pride’s down time, he would be here. I looked up at the ominous castle looking casino.

“Lovely décor.” Goldenlee said with slight disgust at a gargoyle head that loomed at the top of the casino. I had to agree. Even the building gave me shivers. We walked up to the door and was stopped by a pony in a black cloak.

“Halt. Thou must surrender thine arms if thou arst to enter thy sacred cathedral.” He said. I cocked my head at him.

“What are arms?” Comp asked.

“He means our weapons.” Star said. They looked at me. I blinked. I suddenly realized my companions didn’t have their weapons on them. I was hesitant about giving up my gun and Compassion to some cloaked weirdo. I levitated them to him.

“Orion shall be pleased with thine cooperation. Do not fear. Thy arms shall be safe within thine care. You will receive thy arms again when you leave thine sacred cathedral.” He said and stepped aside. And I thought Chester was creepy. We trotted in and gapped in surprise as we found neatly dressed ponies having a good time in the casino. They didn’t seem to mind the cloaked ponies that watched the crowd. I was even more surprised to see the mare behind the counter wear pre-war clothing and looking over a guest ledger. She beamed as she saw us.

“Welcome to the Cathedral Casino. How can I help you?” she asked. I was about to speak when Comp butted in.

“Yeah, can you tell us why they speak like that?” he asked. I glared at him and he gave me shrug. “What?” The mare chuckled.

“Oh don’t mind them. The Pride are just in character.” She said with a smile at the young colt. Then, she furrowed her brows. “Now just a second. Children aren’t allowed in casinos.” I was about to explain to her when Star butted in this time.

“He’s older than he looks.” He said. The mare arched a brow and looked at Comp. Comp gave her his best convincing smile before looking back at us.

“Alright then. Just keep him away from the bar and the slot machines. Now, how can I help you?” I opened my mouth, then closed it, waiting for one of my companions to but in. When none did, I spoke.

“I need to see Father Pride.” I said. The mare looked at me.

“I’m sorry. But only those with reservations or are current affiliates of The Pride maybe able to have an audience with our gracious host.” She said as if she had said it many times. I shook my head.

“I’m a courier.” I said. She looked at me.

“I don’t remember ever hearing about expecting a courier.” She said.

“Well, yes. That’s because it’s for Father Pride’s eyes only. This is tip top secret. And my orders are to see it delivered to him personally.” I said. She gave me a skeptical look.

“Care to show me the package?” she asked. I shook my head.

“Like I said. It’s for his eyes only. Maybe we should get Father Pride into this and settle it with you.” I smirked as I saw her face lost color. “But hey, I’m not the one going against The Father’s word. Or Orion’s for that matter. But when Father Pride hears that an attendant questioned the will of the messiah,” I arched a brow as she shivered. “Let’s just say, let divine judgment be given to all naysayers.” She said nothing but shakily walked out from behind the counter.

“R-r-right this way.” She stammered. I looked to my companions in triumph. But they gave me looks of awe in return. I blinked at them.

“What? I’ve dealt with head gangers before. This is nothing.” I said casually. I trotted after the mare but not before hearing Silver Iris speak.

“That's kind of scary.” She said. The mare led us around the casino lobby and into an elevator. She pressed the up button and the elevator let out a ping before opening. A cloaked figure waited as we stepped in. I pressed the top floor button to the suites. I looked at the still scared mare. I smiled.

“Orion will be pleased with thou decision.” I said with a wink that made the mare quickly turn away as the doors closed. We waited awkwardly with the cloaked figure, who sat quietly looked ahead. Organ music began playing as the elevator reached the suites. We stepped out with the cloaked figure who turned the other way. I narrowed my eyes at the figure before turning back and following the red carpet hall. There was a sign that read:

“Sheesh. Talk about creepy.” Comp shuddered as he rode on the back of Brick. Red velvet curtains covered where we needed to go. I trotted up to the cloaked figure who looked at me.

“A courier. We have been expecting you.” He said. I blinked, my mouth open as I was about to speak.

“Ah… oh?” I cocked my head in confusion. This was unexpected. Then again, Father Pride did order Bud to send a message on me. And I guess he did hear about my daring deeds around the Empire and the Strip. The cloaked figure stepped aside, pulling back the curtains with him. I looked back at my companions who shrugged. We entered and our jaw instantly dropped.

The room was more expansive than I thought. A gothic atrium design. The circular room practically looked like a stage. Small steps lead down to a desk. Next to the desk stood a pillar designed podium. I looked to my left and noticed a strange glass case in the middle of a built in stage. The curtains mixed with crimson and black. I looked up and felt a sense of vertigo. The ceiling domed with a moral of the constellations. If I knew my astrology, I believed the constellation of Orion centered at the dome. The walls behind the podium had stained glass pictures of ponies. On the left was one where cloaked ponies bowed before a shadowy figure. The window next to it showed the shadowy figure pointing a hoof at a pony who had horns and small fire around him. The centered showed the shadowy figure with multiple hooves with different instruments in each hoof. The lyre being the center. The next two showed a pony who (from my thought) rose above the clouds and then meets the shadowy figure, bowing as the shadowy figure in all his glory before bestowing a gift from the shadowy figure.

“I was not expecting this place to be an actual cathedral.” Iris squeaked. We all nodded in agreement. I looked ahead and noticed the pony at the desk. How had I not noticed him? I checked my EFS. Only my companion’s blue bars and the blue bar ahead of me. I trotted down the steps, my friends staying behind in case something goes down that involves us having to be creative, and walked up to the figure. The pony looked up and beamed.

“A child from the snow. Welcome!” the buck said. He stood up and threw his hood off. A vanilla colored buck with a well groomed black and grey mane. He wore glasses that seemed too small for him as they kept sliding off and he adjusted them.

“Child from the snow?” I asked. The stallion nodded and trotted around the desk and to me.

“Let me take a look at you, child.” He said. His eyes narrowed and he looked me over. I blinked as I let the buck judge my looks. Then, he finally spoke with a small warming smile. “Ah yes. There is a fire in you that burns brighter than Celestia’s sun. You are not only from the snow, but you are a child of the stars.” I gapped. Did he know about Din? I bit my lip and tried to think of something to change the subject.

“Err… I’m here to see Father Pride.” I said. The buck smiled and adjusted his glasses.

“That would be me.” He said. I looked over to my friends who waited for me to speak.

“You’re Father Pride?” I asked. He nodded.

“Have no worry, child. Are you here for guidance or are here to bask in Orion’s knowledge and power?” he asked as he sat back down in the desk. I shook my head.

“Neither. I need to speak to you about a certain matter.” I braced myself. If things get messy, we at least have an escape plan. “It is about Bud.” I said finally. His face suddenly darkened. I winced and quickly stated. “I need to ask you if you knew anything about the pony that supplied him with my brother’s figure. He charmed himself to look like my brother and tricked me into beating a message into me that you ordered.” Father Pride looked at me for a moment before speaking, his look still dark.

“Bud was a naysayer. Orion was pleased about the smiting of the traitor.” He then blinked. “Are you saying that you are the one Orion sent to punish the naysayer?” I rubbed the back of my head and nodded, playing along. He now smiled at me. “I must thank you then. Orion has answered our prayers and sent Orion’s own paragon to bring divine judgment.” He then narrowed his eyes. “But I see that you are a child of the stars. Perhaps you are a child of Orion himself?” I tried finding the words, but something told me to just go with the flow.

“Err… yes. I was err… sent by Orion’s own words to uh… punish a naysayer that has done his children wrong.” I winced, but Father Pride seemed pleased by this answer.

“Tis a glorious day indeed.” He said as he stood and up put his hooves on my shoulder. “The Pride is honored with the presence of a child of Orion. For your deeds, I will be glad to answer your question.” He sat back down and put his hooves together over his muzzle as he spoke. “You ask of the naysayer’s allegiance?” I nodded. “Yes. Bud was my most prized pupil. I was proud to have him in our ranks of The Pride.” Then, his look darkened again. “Until a young mare, new to our ranks, discovered a blasphemous message about The Pride and of our god Orion. I feared it was too much. A certain courier had committed a deed that brought two souls to a truce. One that should not have happened. Those two were prophesied to certain damnation. Orion had prophesied the two soul’s fate. And a child with golden eyes and hide of black night forsake the prophesy.” He arched a brow. I gapped. Oh no. I turned to see my companions being held at gun point. So much for an escape plan. I narrowed my eyes and looked back at him.

“Alright, yes. I did it. I brought Bullhorn and Razor to a truce. They will honor it to the end.” I said. Father Pride sighed.

“Tis troubling times, child. Why would a child of Orion forsake the prophesy of thine creator?” he asked. I darted my eyes in thought.

“I was traveling home when I was caught up in their little war.” I explained. “I was lucky to make it out alive. But then Bullhorn recognized me and forced my hoof to get both of them to agree to end the war or they both die by one or the other’s paws.” Father Pride arched a brow.

“You certainly have the judgment of Orion. Your eyes say you are from the stars. Yet you forsake a prophesy and spared two souls that were headed for damnation.” He said. I flinched. Well, so much for asking about Bud. I looked back to my companions still held at gun point. Then looked back at Pride.

“All I want to know is who Bud was working for. You must have some idea of who might be behind it? Some enemy of The Pride?” I asked. Calm and collected. One hoof step at a time. Father Pride stood up and trotted over to the stage, forcing me to follow him.

“Do you see the case?” he asked. I looked over to the glass case in the middle. I narrowed my eyes as I saw a lyre inside. I arched a brow.

“Yes. There is a lyre in it. Why do you ask?” I said. He seemed baffled by this. his look went from dark to minor worry and confusion.

“You can see the sacred instrument of Orion?” he asked. I cocked my head. Okay, they must be pulling a joke. I looked back to the case and saw the lyre clear as day.

“All I see is a lyre. Does it have something to do with releasing my friends?” I asked. I looked past him and saw the window with the shadowy figure with multiple hooves holding different instruments. The lyre clearly glowing in the middle of the figure. Oh great. This won’t end well. “Look, I don’t play instruments. And I certainly will not play it for your own twisted amusement. All I wanted to know was who Bud was supplied to with the charm.” I said. Father Pride rubbed his chin.

“Tell you what, child. If you want us to release your friends and save you all from damnation, then play the instrument.” He said. I groaned.

“I said I’m not going to-.” I heard the guns being cocked. I sighed. “I don’t have a choice, huh?” This was going to suck. I have never played an instrument in my life. I’m a courier. I do deliveries. Not play with strange things that made music. Although music was nice, I had never seen myself playing one. And I heard that the lyre is a difficult instrument to play, even for a unicorn. I looked back at my friends who gave me a worried look. “Alright, fine. But when I do, don’t be surprised. I’m doing it so I can get answers and free my friends.” I said. I hopped up onto the stage and nervously advanced on the case. I levitated the case up and took the lyre from the velvet pillow. I turned back and made my way to the middle of the stage. I gulped. Okay, this was weird. If this is what they called stage fright, then it sucked. Big time. I sat down and took the lyre around one hoof. I plucked the strings with a hoof. A small note sounded. Why am I doing this again? I looked over to my friends. Right, them.

Come on, Courier. Do this for your friends. Just play the instrument. I looked at the winged pony nervously. He just said to play it, is all. Now, close your eyes and reach with your magic on the strings. And just play. That is all you have to do. I gulped. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. Calm and collected. Ignore everything and just focus on the lyre. Focus on the strings. Play. I strummed a few notes and was surprised to hear them play out perfectly. I kept going. I thought to one of Sweetie Bell’s songs. But I imagined it as a more soothing and calm tone. And as I did, I heard the notes rise and fall perfectly. I eased my mind and just focused. I concentrated onto the string and with my magic, plucked and strummed to a harmonious calm melody. Wow, I didn’t think I could manage it. I finished the last note and listened as the last note hung there. I opened my eyes to see the baffled faces of Father Pride and my companions. I blinked and looked at the lyre. I felt funny.

It was as if the instrument itself was guiding me along. I studied the instrument and saw an etched in name at the bottom. Lyra Heartstring. I narrowed my eyes. Lyra Heartstring? I have never heard of that name in any of my pre-war text books.

“Fantastic.” I heard Father Pride rasp. I looked up to see him looking at me with pure astonishment. I frowned.

“There, I played your damned instrument. Now let my friends go.” I said. Father Pride nodded to the cloaked ponies who withdrew their guns.

“I can’t believe it.” He said. “You’ve played the instrument of Orion.” I cocked my head. Then, I shook it.

“The name of the lyre says Lyra Heartstrings. I don’t know where you got the idea that this was Orion’s.” I said. Father Pride looked shocked.

“Don’t be so rash. You truly are a child of the stars. You have played the sacred instrument of Orion.” He said. I was getting nowhere with this guy. I hopped down the stage, lyre in tow, and trotted over to my friends.

“Are you guys okay?” I asked. They nodded.

“Courier. I didn’t know you could play a lyre.” Goldenlee said.

“I don’t.” I leaned in. “If anything, I felt like the instrument had a mind of its’ own.”

“Really? ‘Cus you seemed liked you knew what you were doing.” Comp said. Star examined the lyre.

“Lyra Heartstring?” he arched a brow. I looked at him.

“Do you know the pony?” I asked. He rubbed his chin.

“It sounds familiar…” Star racked his head, trying to think. I turned and trotted over to Father Pride.

“So, tell me what I want to know. Who supplies you with the charms?” I asked. Father Pride looked at me and then to the lyre.

“If you must know, we do not know who supplies us with the charms.” He said, studying me. I said nothing as I waited for him to continue. “All we know is that our supplier contributed greatly to the Cathedral and honored us in the light of Orion.” I darted my eyes. This still wasn’t going anywhere.

“Do you at least keep a record of the donations? Or call your supplier?” I asked. Father Pride trotted over to stand in front of the center stained glass window.

“We do not speak of our business.” He said. I groaned. “I say it for the protection of The Family. I do not know where this pony had come from. Where the pony had gotten such power. All I know is that when Bud saw it, I saw his light die and replaced with the eternal fires of damnation.”

“Bud gave a name though. Does the name Chryxal ring a bell?” I asked. That must have done it because Father Pride turned on me with anger I have only seen when I’ve become possessed by Din.

“You speak the name of the servant of the devil.” He hissed. “We do not deal with the devil’s underlings.” He then gasped and pointed his hoof at me. “You have also been touched by the devil himself! I can see it. I see it in your eyes!” the earth pony shivered. Then, he did something with his hoof and I stiffened as I heard the sound of rock grinding on each other.

“Courier!” I heard Star cry out. I gasped and looked up to see a massive figure land in front of me. The bat like creature stood, dust falling as he did, and unfolded its’ wings. I looked into its’ left claw and saw a halberd. “Gargoyles!” I heard Star cry out again. I looked back and saw two more had jumped down from their perch and advanced on them. Gargoyles? I’ve never heard of them! There were no signs of them being recorded in the Equestrian Beastiary!

“You have been touched by the devil. You are a corrupted child of the stars. You must burn in eternal damnation! Orion save you in his almighty power!” Father Pride said darkly. I hopped back in time to avoid being crushed by the halberd. Great, I didn’t have my weapons on me and now we were stuck in a room with creatures that were never recorded in Equestrian history. I looked back at Silver Iris who saw my look. She nodded, put a hoof to her mouth and whistled loudly. There was a slight pause before the middle stained glass window broke and Rex came crashing down on the gargoyle that almost swiped at me with its’ halberd. I noticed that the gargoyle sparked when Rex landed on the back. Robots made to look like gargoyles. The Pride must know more shady characters than I thought. I hopped up and slung myself over Rex’s neck. Locking my hooves around the handles, I steered Rex toward the other two and gave a good paw swipe that knocked the one gargoyle into the other. I lowered Rex and my friends climbed on. I smirked.

“Some escape plan, huh?” Star said as I steered Rex down the hall and to the elevator. I commanded Rex to rip apart the door and the timberwolf easily slid the doors open. I looked up to see the elevator rising up from the next floor and stopping.

“Hang on, everypony!” I said. I steered Rex down into the elevator shaft. Rex’s claws gripped to the side of the wall and slid down, leaving claw marks in his wake. When we reached the bottom, I led Rex to open the door and with a single swipe, hopped through and crashed down on a poker table. Ponies started screaming and rushing out the casino. I hopped down. “Iris, take over!” I said as The Pride members rushed, baring rifles and machine guns. Iris flew down and took hold of the handles.

“What about you?” Comp asked.

“I’m getting my stuff back.” I said. I rushed over to a small flight of steps, my barding taking some hits from the fire. Once I reached the top, I pulled out a health potion and chugged it. I looked over to the caged window counter and a frightened mare look at me. I galloped over. “I need my stuff!” I said. The mare tossed keys onto the counter.

“J-j-just take the whole thing. Please don’t kill me.” She whimpered. I blinked in confusion, but took the keys and rushed around into the room. I found a safe and with a quick twist of the keys, unlocked it. I beamed as I saw my shotgun and Compassion laying inside. I levitated them out and looked at my back and gapped. I hadn’t realized I had slung Lyra’s lyre onto my back. I looked at the golden instrument. No sign of wear or tear. Its’ owner must have taken better care of it. I slung my shotgun and Compassion over the lyre, adjusting so I can reach easily for them and bolted out of the room, leaving the keys with the frightened mare. As I turned the corner, I skidded to a halt as Pride gangers stood in front of me.

“Surrender, naysayer!” one cloaked mare said. “Bask in the light of Orion!” I smirked.

“Sorry, but Celestia and Luna are my Goddesses.” I said. I entered S.A.T.S. and fired at the two. One fell to the floor in a bloody heap and the other had her head decapitated. I blinked and looked at the mare I had decapitated. I have never known that guns can decapitate like that. It was almost too chilling. I looked at my shotgun, still looking brand new as the day I found it. This felt strange. I could swear I could feel the presence of somepony coming from the shotgun. Was it Shining Armor? I couldn’t tell. I didn’t have time to even think as I was being fired upon, forcing me to move back down the stairs. I hopped over the railing and took cover behind a poker table. They were blocking the entrance. I looked up and saw more coming out of the elevators. I brought up my three copies and nodded to them. With guns drawn, we hopped out and entered S.A.T.S. Me and my copies aimed at the ponies in front of us, one covered our left side and the other covered the right and last covered my flank. I pressed forward with my copies in their position.

“Devil spawn!” I heard one pony cry out. I looked back and gasped as I saw an earth pony pull out a Rock-It Launcher. The missile fired off and I took cover, breaking the formation I had made. My copies were obliterated. I peeked out and saw that the stallion had stupidly placed himself next to a propane tank that was connected to pipes. Oh Goddesses, forgive me as I piss off Orion’s followers ever more. Your faithful trouble maker, Courier. I entered in the last of my S.A.T.S. and took aim at the tank. I let the slugs fly. Exiting out of S.A.T.S. I saw the tank fume fire. I gulped. Oh this was going to hurt. I looked back to see more Pride gangers enter in from the sides. Without thinking, I bolted and dove behind the counter. The mare that had led us to the elevator was shivering underneath. She gasped when she saw me.

“Don’t worry. I’m not here to hurt you. Listen, we need to get out of here before the whole place explodes.” I said to her as I reloaded a drum.

“You are fucking insane!” the mare said. I smirked. Yes. Yes I was. I peeked over to see the tank spewing more flames and the pony with the Rock-It Launcher took aim at us. I darted my eyes and saw a container with a latch leaning against the wall.

“Is that fire proof?” I asked. The mare looked at me and then to the container. She nodded. Karma was giving me a break. I pulled it out and saw that it was just the right size. I saw a bunch of junk. Without a second thought, I dumped it out and motioned for the mare to get in. She looked at me. “Do you wanna be blasted to oblivion or do you wanna live?” I asked. She said nothing as she stepped in. This container looked as if it was meant to hold a shipment of supplies. I squeezed in. Thankfully my short demeanor let me fit in but uncomfortably with the mare who was squeezed to the wall. I closed the latch as I heard ponies shout for cover. Then, a loud explosion erupted. I felt my bones jarring as the shockwave traveled. I heard the explosion going higher. I felt the force of something knock our container over. Then, a rough clang as our container shook us and I felt the mare’s elbows press into my back. I felt ourselves come to a stop. I breathed heavily. The air was starting to get damp. I reached with my magic and grasped the latch. I heard a click and I pushed it open.

I gasped for fresh air and slid out, coughing. The mare did the same thing. I looked up to see the Cathedral Casino on fire. The Protect-a-Pony robots were already on the scene, spraying jets of water into the building. I stood up and shook off debris. Looking back up, I narrowed my eyes and saw a pony riding on the back of a gargoyle flee from the scene. At the same time I felt disappointed, I was relieved. I looked back at my idiotic idea’s damage. I certainly had caused The Pride a casino.

“Fucking insane I tell you!” I heard the mare shout behind me. I looked to see her galloping away in fear. I looked back at the container and saw it with dents and scratches. I squinted and saw the Stable-Tec logo. Again, whoever was working at Stable-Tec knew what the hell they were doing. Dusting myself off, I trotted over to find my friends. I found them looking shocked and horrified. Comp was crying in the arms of Goldenlee. Why did they look so upset? I trotted over, smiling.

“Hi everypony.” I greeted. They blinked and looked at me. I returned their surprised looks with a confused expression. “Why are you crying Comp?” Comp said nothing, but bawled as he ran to me and threw his hooves around my forelegs. I was utterly confused as to what was going on, but I smiled and stroked his mane. Then, Rex came over and nuzzled my face. I petted his head and he wagged happily. I was even more surprised to see Goldenlee, Star, Brick and Silver Iris crowd around me into a group hug. I don’t know what was into them all of a sudden. But it felt nice.

I later found out why they acted the way they did. And I admit, I was kind of embarrassed I had made them think I was dead. But I reassured them that I wasn’t going die anytime soon. Like I said. I’m a courier. I have stuff to do and ends to meet. Though, I couldn’t help but feel ashamed. We were trotting back to the Roulette Hotel, New Pegas on the radio, claimed that what had happened to The Pride’s casino was an act against a rival gang and that The Family will look into the matter.

“And like DJ Pon3 said. Gangs don’t mess around. That’s all for the news, this has been New Pegas, signing off for the evening.” Vintage music began playing, but I switched off the radio on my PipBuck and sighed. I was in big trouble. Not only had I provoked The Pride, I had cost them a casino as well. And before I knew it, I noticed that remaining Pride gangers said that a courier was behind it. It was like the Bull Horn building all over again only this time, it was actually me. I was hated by one of The Family. I wonder what Kingpin was thinking about this. The reason I felt relieved was because I had remembered that Kingpin said Father Pride and Stiletto were his cousins. They were blood and kin. And I was glad that Father Pride had escaped. But I was also worried. Dealing a blow to The Pride, I still haven’t gotten the answers I needed. When I had mentioned the name Chryxal, he immediately labeled me as ‘touched by the devil’ and sent gargoyles to kill us. When we entered the casino and to our suite, I secluded myself to my room.

I levitated out the lyre and looked at it. I read the etched in lettering. Why had they believed this to be Orion’s lyre? I reached with my magic and strummed a few strings. The notes came out as I had played it. I have never played an instrument in my life. And now I was discovering I could play it so perfectly? I looked down at my cutie-mark. The two white die that were on the face of one and six. I had always thought it strange that I had die as my cutie-mark. I remembered back to when I had received it. I remember being on a delivery. I was the rank as Bell is. A junior cadet. It was my third delivery and I was supposed to head to Las Pegasus and deliver a case. Post Box had said that I was not to let it out of my sight. And being the courier I was, I took it seriously. Reaching Las Pegasus, I was trotting down the colorful street when I was pushed and a pony had taken my package. I had chased him into a corner of an ally. I don’t remember the pony well, but I remember him saying that he hid the package in the alley we were in. But I had to guess which one. I had looked around and noticed that the places were rigged with explosives. I took a moment and studied the hiding places. One was a dumpster that had wiring trailing up to the lid. The next place was a trash can that held a satchel charge underneath the lid. The last spot was under a pile of garbage. When I studied it, I noticed that the charges were inside. He had made the game as a gamble. I looked back at him and asked if he was hiding it on himself. The pony showed me otherwise.

I had closed my eyes and thought. I thought long and hard. I had to make a guess. A gamble. If I picked the wrong one, the bomb would go off. If I picked the right one, the bomb would go off. And the pony didn’t hide it on him. That’s when I made the gamble. Karma must have been cutting me a break and I had picked the right one. I heard the beeping of the charge and waited. Nothing happened. I looked back to the pony who seemed nervous. I had picked right. I pulled out my package and stuffing it in my bag, I left the pony. I had won his game. I beat him fair and square. He had tried to deceive me. To discourage me from picking so he can make off with the package. He made it look like a life and death situation. He made it very convincing too. But I had made the gamble. I had won the game. And taking refuge in the hotel, I found that my cutie-mark had appeared. And for the longest time, I questioned why I had gotten die instead of something else?

I looked back at the lyre. I had played it so perfectly. What if my cutie-mark had been a package? I mean it would make sense that I was a courier and all. And I was damned good at my job. Now I’m finding out that I could play an instrument. I have never played one and I had played it perfectly. What if my cutie-mark had been a lyre? Or a music note? I enjoyed music. I loved listening to it. But I had never really played one that created music. Yet, I had done something that I enjoyed listening to. But why dice? And more importantly, why was one facing the single dot side and the other having six dots? It felt weird too that I had reached Courier Rank Sixteen after two years and found it convenient that I had decided to keep my rank at Sixteen. Most ponies would assume that the dice would equal up to seven. But what I had thought wasn’t math. No, there was something strange. My rank is Sixteen. And my cutie-mark had the dice with one on the single dot and the other with six dots.

What did my cutie-mark really mean? And why had it appeared in the form of dice with those numbers and not something like a magnifying glass because of my knack for examining the small details of the game? Or a package that seemed bland at first, but stated that I was a courier? And if I still hadn’t had a cutie-mark at all and discovered I could play an instrument perfectly, would I either have a lyre for a cutie-mark or a music note? No. I was told that our cutie-marks represent our destiny. But what kind of destiny were two dice with the number one and six? After questioning it for a while, I just gave up and ignored it completely. And it had been stuck with me ever since. But from time to time I still ask myself.

What did my cutie-mark mean? I sighed and trotted over to my bed. I climbed up and sat down on my haunches and levitated the lyre next to me. I closed my eyes and began plucking the strings. I strummed and plucked as the notes rose and fell. I wasn’t thinking of any particular song. I just played. I formed the notes together and began thinking about my past. What has happened to me. What I had done. Then, I thought of my family as I strummed the notes. My family. I had always relied on my family. They were the ponies I could ever trust. And then I thought of my encounter with Brick. His story about why he was out in the Wasteland, searching for a special pony that may or may not be dead.

Then, I imagined Comp. His unknown past. His thoughts and emotions of struggling to find out who he was. I softly plucked the notes now. I imagined Goldenlee. Her desire to save a childhood friend from losing a business. Her motherly tone as she scolded me. Lectured us as we say something stupid or do something wrong. But she cared. She cared deeply enough. I rose the notes to a harmonious melody. I imagined Shining Star. His adventures of finding lost relics of the past. His daring moments when he finds the relic. His years of being one being played out into the notes. His moments of death defying situations.

Then, I imagined LittlePip. I imagined her friends. Their story. Their lives, all being strummed out into the notes. The things they have accomplished. The moments they had shared. The agony they have experienced. The loss of a friend. I felt a tear run down my cheek, but I ignored it and kept my focus on strumming and plucking the strings. They blended perfectly.

I imagined Rex. The failed FEV project. From the story that Silver Iris told me about him. I strummed as his tale of pain of being a failure. His agony of years of being tested. His test of loyalty as I rode on his back and fought a bad pony that had hurt him. The notes rose and fell.

Lastly, I imagined Silver Iris. The beautiful mare with a cool personality. My heart beat and flowed with the notes as I strummed and plucked the strings. Her story about her days of being in the Enclave. Her daring stunts and exercises. Her yearning to be free. The pain of a pony she had once loved. A pony she had trusted with her heart. Only to have it broken and tossed away. Her sad departure as she left the Enclave. Left behind her home and Rex who she had befriended. I played the notes as I imagined her finally taking the skies. Her expression of that of pure joy. The joy of being free. Free to wander the earth as she flew through the clear sky. She flew higher and higher till she could see the entire world. Not the poisoned land, but a world that once was Equestria before the war. I played the tales of my friend’s, my family and my own. I could feel the previous owner of the lyre as I played each note. Guiding me as I played. I plucked the last note and let the note hang before it stopped.

I clasped the lyre to my chest and felt the tears fall. Why was I crying? I had just played an instrument. Was it because I played the tales of my friends? Or was it because the previous owner of the lyre was crying and she could feel my pain and sorrow. I had just played out each and every one of my friend’s pasts through the stories and experience I had with them. They meant as much to me as they did my family. They were my family now. I wasn’t going to die until I have finished helping my friends. I had to accept my past and move on so I could do just that. I laid down on my side, my eyes still closed and the lyre still clutched to my chest. I cried. I cried for my friends. I cried for my family. I cried for Equestria. The once beautiful peaceful land, now a land filled with poison and ponies only fighting for their own survival. I had to be a better pony. If I wanted to see the land in all its’ beauty and splendor, I had to do better. To be better.

I had to change my way of thinking about others. I had to act if I am to see the land as it was before the war. This land may be poisoned. But there was hope. And LittlePip planned to bring the land back, even if it meant her life should be given up. Her virtue was Sacrifice. She had sacrificed herself to save the ponies of the Wasteland. She had given herself up to bring peace. And now having to be woken up. She was ready. Ready to do it again if it meant the wellbeing of the land. A land once beautiful and ponies could be free from the terrors of the Wasteland. She wanted to see it. But she knew the price of such a thing. But she was willing to do it. In a way, LittlePip had inspired me. To do something better.

And I won’t be doing it alone. I had friends. Ponies I could trust. Ponies that I will help. A virtue. What was my virtue? When will I ever find a true virtue? I feel as if its’ too late for me, but LittlePip had given me that hope. And I was going to follow through even if it killed me.

Footnote Level Up!
Perk Added: Swift Learner (Rank 2): You are a quick thinker and know how to act in the heat of the moment. A 5% increase in bonus EXP.

Author's Notes:

Courier's walk on roads filled with strife and danger. And they fall victim to the road. However, it is one they have chosen to walk.

The same implies for both reader and author. And I thank you for staying with me despite the rocky start. But we are not done here. The road is long and perilous.

And only you can walk it.