I had died. And then I lived.

I awoke in a dark lit room. I blinked. Where am I now? I rubbed a fore leg to my head. My head was killing me. I blinked more now. I looked down to my right foreleg and found that it was normal. I moved it around, testing it. I could feel. I could reach. I could swing. My leg felt like new. Then my gaze fell to a fore leg on a table. My eyes widened. A charcoal colored leg. My leg. I dropped my right foreleg and stared at the ceiling, dumbfounded. So it did have to be amputated. What I saw next, however, I was not expecting to see.

I saw something tall and canine in the corner, shifting through something. I saw my gear on the ground next to the creature. I looked around the room and my eyes fell to a bloodied saw that was laying on its’ side next to my right foreleg. I reached with my magic, levitating it close to me and quietly slid out of the bed. I wobbled, feeling that my right foreleg had been numbed and crashed into a side table with a tray of bloodied gauzes. The creature grunted and looked to me. I scrambled, stumbling more before steadying myself, lifting the saw I had dropped by the sudden feeling. The creature narrowed its’ slit eyes.

“Pony 'aughta think twice. Pony get hurt. Dogger won’t play nice.” The creature rasped. I blinked and lowered the saw slightly. The canine narrowed its’ eyes more and chuckled. “Smart pony.” I looked to my foreleg on the counter. “Dogger had to remove leg. Pony bit badly. Leg died. Regrew leg.” I stiffened and looked at my foreleg. This creature had regrown my leg? How is that possible? But to a more matter at hoof.

“You say your name is Dogger?” I asked. The canine smiled. “Are you a Snow Dog?” Dogger made a small grunt of annoyance.

“Dogger no wanted. Dogger left. Dogger hated Snow Dogs.” Dogger said. Judging by the voice, I’d say it’s a female. I took a step forward, only to stumble, dropping the saw and falling forward. Dogger chuckled. “Pony amusing. Dogger heard from others. You strange pony.” Others?

“Are you talking about my friends? Where are they?” I asked, rising from the ground slowly. Dogger shrugged.

“Dogger no idea. Dogger asked nicely. Silver one agreed.” She said. I blinked. Silver Iris agreed? To what?

“What did Silver Iris agree to?” I asked. Dogger pointed a long claw at my foreleg.

“New leg temporary. Sent ponies to find materials. New, new leg be permanent. Dogger wait for ponies to bring materials. Pony do same.” Dogger said. I cocked my head. So my regrown leg is temporary? And she asked my friends to find materials so they could save me. Materials…

“What materials?” I asked. Dogger snorted.

“Pony not listen? New, new leg be permanent. New leg temporary. Need materials to make new, new leg.” She said. I arched a brow.

“I understand that. But what kind of materials?” I reiterated. Dogger turned and pulled something off the counter and unfolded it. I narrowed my eyes. It looked like a blue print. I read the words. “Limb Regrowth Formula. Ingredients: One bloatsprite gland. Two snow wolf fangs. One radigator hide. Four snow lilies and one Killing Joke petal.” I blinked. Then balked. “Your making my friends go to get Killing Joke!?” Dogger shrugged.

“Dogger told ponies danger. Ponies no care. Said do anything.” Dogger rubbed her chin. “Been gone two days.” I sat down on my haunches. Two days? My friends have been out there for two days trying to find things so Dogger can make me a new leg?? I narrowed my eyes at my right foreleg.

“What’s wrong with my current leg?” I asked. Dogger scratched her head as she spoke.

“Bones fragile. Skinny bones. New, new leg no like that. Fix leg. Fix bone. Dogger knows how.” She nodded. I nodded with her.

“Great. Anything else needed for it?” I asked. Dogger rubbed her chin.

“Well, one thing. Need star metal.” I blinked. Star metal? Why something as rare as that!? I sighed.

“Did you tell my friends at least?” I asked. Dogger shook her head.

“It err… crossed Dogger’s mind.” She said. I face hoofed. Then I stood up.

“Well then, my friends are already out getting the others. Might as well chip in too.” I said as I limped to my gear. Dogger put a paw on my shoulder, making me wince as her claws dug slightly into my hide.

“Dogger told pony wait. Dogger wait for ponies. Pony do same.” She said sternly. I shrugged her off.

“Look, you forgot to mention about the star metal. So I am going to save them the trouble and go find it for them.” I said. Dogger grunted in frustration.

“Pony no listen? Pony stay. Pony wait for ponies.” She said. I shook my head.

“I don’t care. My friends are out there risking their necks to help me. I might as well do the same and risk my own neck so it could save them the trouble.” I said as I took my barding in my magic. Dogger swiped it away quickly, picked me up by the shoulders and looked me into the eyes.

“Pony stupid. Dogger says stay.” She said. I smirked and my copy I had conjure behind her tapped her shoulder. She blinked in confusion and looked at my copy. I then concentrated. I focused on the tray. Dogger looked back at me with an arched brow and my copy took the tray and swung it over her head. A loud clang sounded and Dogger began seeing stars. She dropped me and I landed, stumbling slightly on my regrown leg before giving Dogger an apologetic look.

“Sorry, Dogger. But I need to play my part in this as well.” I said. To my surprise, Dogger shook the attack off and growled at me. My copy and I backed away slightly as she stood. She rubbed the back of her head before speaking.

“Pony is stupid. Pony die by self.” She looked at me and I glared determinedly at her. She then sighed. “Pony not know where metal is. Dogger know where metal is. Take you to it.” I blinked.

“W-what? You want to come with me? Just like that?” I asked. Dogger nodded.

“Star metal in Snow Dog cave. Snow Dog no like ponies. No like Dogger. But they ignore Dogger. Not ignore pony. Pony die before reaching cave. Dogger know.” I beamed and then threw my hooves around her in a hug. Dogger stiffened.

“You have no idea how much this means!” I said. I pulled away and blinked, rubbing my chin. Then, I smirked. “I have an idea. Maybe I can pass off as one of the Snow Dogs.” Dogger blinked before laughing. I furrowed my brows. “Well, what am I supposed to do there? What are you going to do that will make them ignore me?” I asked. Dogger stopped laughing and rubbed her chin before shrugging.

“Crossed Dogger’s mind.” She said. I face hoofed again. Rubbing my face, I stomped my good hoof on the floor.

“Well then, let me try.” I winked. “I’m an illusionist after all.” Dogger gave me a skeptical arched brow before looking at my copy. She sighed.

“Pony stupid. Fine.” She said. I nodded and stood up tall and straight. I concentrated. I imagined myself as a Snow Dog. Mimicking their walk patterns from the way Dogger walked. Mimicked their eyes. I imagined myself like Dogger. And when I opened my eyes I exhaled. I blinked. I don’t… feel different. I looked down at my hooves and saw stuffed claws. I arched a brow and then looked at the rest of me. I saw a stuffed fur hide that covered my entire body but not my legs. I saw two more sets of stuffed wolf claws at my hind hooves. I blinked and reached for my ears. They were still there, but then I felt something furry. It wasn’t my mane, however I could see the bangs of my mane. I felt something choking my neck slightly and looked down to see a collar that read in scratched handwriting ‘Courier’. I looked at Dogger who held a paw to her muzzle, stifling a noise. Then my gaze fell to my copy… and I balked.

I was a snow dog. But I wasn’t an actual Snow Dog. I was a pony in a wolf’s costume! I groaned. This was definitely not what I had in mind. Dogger burst out in laughter. Much to my chagrin, I had indeed made myself a Snow Dog. But more for Nightmare Night. I bit on the stuffed wolf claws and pulled, but they weren’t coming off. I groaned and stomped my hoof, hearing a small squeak that made Dogger kick her legs up in the air, dying from laughter.

“Ha, ha, ha. Laugh it up while you still can.” I said sarcastically. It took a long moment for Dogger to calm down. When she did, she was still chuckling every now and then. I tapped a stuffed hoof claw patiently, waiting for her to finish. When she finally calmed down, she finally spoke.

“Pony made Dogger day. Dogger like pony.” She then gave me a studying look before smirking. Oh Goddesses, what was going to happen now? Dogger bent down and scooped up some dirt and threw it around me. I coughed as some of the dust went into my mouth and I looked myself over. I was now covered in dirt. I smiled. See? I prefer the dirt and grime than worrying about the actual dirt and grime itself. I blinked. Wait? Did I just call myself a dirty mare? ‘Cus I know for damn sure that I am a mare. “There. Dogger know Snow Dogs. Snow Dogs no smart like Dogger. We go now. Take brace. No risk.” She said as she went over and threw a cloak around her. I nodded and went over to the counter she was at and found a brace. Strapping it in to my newly regrown leg, I gave it a test. Sure it felt normal. But if anything happens, I don’t want to risk myself being crippled. I checked my status and saw that the cartoon unicorn looked slightly worried and a bar above the right foreleg was at half. Everything else was fine.

I also noticed a holster.

“Do you mind if I take a few things with me? I hate being unarmed.” I said. Dogger grunted in annoyance.

“Only bring small. Sword and big ones stay.” She said. “Snow Dogs be suspicious of pony if carry big weapons.” I shrugged. Fine by me. I hated going out unarmed. I lifted up my saddle bag and furrowed my brows. If I took this with me, the Snow Dogs might get more suspicious. Then I smirked. I scooped up some of the dirt and threw it on the tattered bags before putting it on. I frowned however because the only side arms I have were Sinful and Malice. These magnums were loud and pack so much recoil. I bit my lip. But I hated going unarmed. Ah, fuck it. I put the two into the holsters and trotted next to Dogger.

“Ready.” I said. Dogger nodded before taking me further down the cave. I had to admit, I was impressed when we came to a clearing after walking for a while. When we did, I gapped at the countless holes that littered the place. What’s even more impressive are the countless gems and crystals embedded in the walls, floor and anything that belonged to the cave. “How long have you and the Snow Dogs lived down here?” Dogger looked ahead as she spoke.

“Long time ago. Snow Dogs once Diamond Dogs. War started. Ponies wanted gems. Exhausted our gems. Ponies got angry. Kicked us out. Diamond Dogs no longer. Sand Dogs, Hellhounds, Snow Dogs. Only Diamond Dogs stay. Snow Dogs journeyed far. Found castle of gems. Pretty pony showed us caves. Snow Dogs been here since.” I looked around when she finished. Pretty pony? I guess they mean Princess Cadence.

“So, Princess Cadence gave you the caves?” I asked. Dogger scratched her head in confusion.

“Who Cadence? Dogger talking ‘bout Mirror.” She said. I blinked. Wait? Mirror? Crystal Mirror? Princess Cadence’s and Shining Armor’s daughter Crystal Mirror? I darted my eyes in thought. Wait a minute… so does that mean that the Empire had fallen during the heir of Cadence’s and Armor’s kids? Then… what happened to them? I thought back to my enchanted shotgun lying with Compassion back at Dogger’s room. I narrowed my eyes. What did happen to them? A noise broke my concentration and I saw something dart from my EFS. I looked around.

“I think we are being followed.” I said. I wasn’t sure where to pinpoint it. The blue bar kept appearing and disappearing. Dogger shook her head.

“Is only Snow Dogs. Dogger’s home.” She said. I gapped when we entered another clearing, only this time, it expanded out below us. Gems littered everywhere. But what’s more impressive were the gem houses the Snow Dogs were living in. An entire community of Snow Dogs were living beneath the Empire. I saw pups playing, the mothers cleaning and some of the fathers were playing or working with their young. Dogger chuckled. “Welcome, pony, to Dogger’s home. Europa.” I darted my eyes, taking in the sights.

Below us seemed to be the working ones. Snow Dogs hauled carts overflowing with gems and crystals. Some mined them and put them in the carts to be hauled. I noticed some taking small bites of the gems before tossing them in the pile. Where the carts were heading was a strange looking structure that resembled like a jagged castle. In the middle parts seemed to be more miners and diggers. I saw three Snow Dogs dig simultaneously into the wall and disappeared and some coming back out with some dirty rocks and going back in after dropping said rocks down below where the miners began breaking open the rocks, discovering small bits of gems and crystals. Above the middle must be the town part. Jagged structures formed houses where Snow Dogs worked around.

“An Empire under an Empire?” I asked. Dogger narrowed her eyes.

“How pony know Empire of Europa?” she asked. I blinked and pointed a stuffed claw hoof at the giant jagged structure and heavily armored Snow Dogs patrolling openings. What was also obvious were the banners that some of the armored Snow Dogs were carrying on their backs with E.O.E. circled around a crystal. Dogger scratched her head. “Oh.” Dogger led me across a bridge to the first section of the town. I glanced nervously around, seeing if any of them weren’t as stupid as Dogger thought. To my relief they didn’t pay any mind.

“Halt!” we stopped and I groaned quietly. I spoke too soon. I looked up to see two armored Snow Dogs step in our way. “Dogger, state business!” the one on my left said.

“Showing cousin home.” Dogger said, looking at me. They looked at me and narrowed their slit eyes. I crouched low slightly, ready to move. Their nose sniffed the air and then looked at me.

“Dogger’s cousin fine. Dogger leave. No longer wanted!” the left one said. Dogger narrowed her eyes. I had to act fast.

“Dogger stay. Show cousin home. Cousin new.” I said in a rasping growly voice I could manage. I gulped quietly but stood my ground as they looked at me.

“What name?” the guard asked. I darted my eyes quickly before coming to the collar on my neck. I wanted to make something up, but I’ll take this gamble.

“Courier.” I rasped. The guard scratched his head.

“Strange name for Snow Dog. Why dog not stand?” the guard asked. I felt the sweat form, but I kept my ground.

“Courier no good. Courier terrible.” I said. “No stand. Hurt too much.” The two looked at each other and then themselves. They must have realized something as they fell onto all fours, holding spears in a paw. Dogger looked at them with a questioning look.

“Very well. Dogger stay. But only for cousin. Dogger must leave when done.” The guard held up a claw. “Stay away from Empire. Understand?” We both nodded before they turned and returned to their patrolling. Dogger looked at me.

“Smart pony.” She whispered. I smirked.

“I’m a quick learner.” I whispered back. We continued walking though the town. Apparently, they housed four sectors of the town on giant crystal stumps. The true entrance to the Empire of Europa castle is a towering fallen stalactite and a bridge at the top that connected to the jagged colossal structure. Guard dogs patrolled each and every part of the sectors. “So, who’s running the Empire?” I asked. Dogger snorted in disgust as she spoke.

“King Scruffy.” She said. I arched a brow. Snow Dogs have weird names. Although Courier is also a strange name. I don’t know why my parents thought they would name us like that. I honestly thought Quiet Fire captured more my character. It was either that or Lucky Seven. I winced at that. I don’t know why, but I didn’t think I was the luckiest pony. I have two small ponies that constantly nag at me when I had to make a choice. Karma isn’t lucky. And having to be called Lucky Seven just made me feel like a number and not a pony. So I stuck with Courier. Hmm… maybe I should start calling myself Quiet Fire. I mean, I like the way it sounds. It also captures my character too. Quiet because I have of my knack for observing quietly and thinking of plans while Fire just seemed to be like that cause of my fire colored streaked mane.

Being called Lucky Seven didn’t fit at all. I wasn’t lucky. I never was. Wherever I went it was always bad luck. I’ve been in more situations than I have been getting out of. So when I was born, they gave me the name Courier, as a sort of joke between them. I remembered when I had asked my mother why she named me that.

“We thought it would be cute.” What was so cute about it? I’m named after the job I’ve been assigned to. “Well it was either that or Lucky Seven. I mean honestly though, why would you want to be called a gamble number?” So mom convinced me to keep the name Courier. Dogger must have been studying me while I thought because she gave me a strange look. I blinked and gave her a sheepish smile.

“Err… sorry. I tend to think a lot.” I said. Dogger said nothing and looked back at the towering fallen stalactite. I followed her gaze. “So, where is the Star metal?” Dogger pointed to the jagged structure of the Empire. I rolled my eyes. Of course it would be in the care of the Empire. Something rare like that has to be under watch. “So, anyway in?” I asked. Dogger nodded.

“Dogger made holes. But Dogger get caught. Holes guarded now. Other way through door.” She said as she pointed at the tall crystal doors of the jagged structure that ended on the other side of the stalactite’s bridge. I rubbed my chin and my eyes fell to the carts. But Dogger shook her head. “Too many Snow Dogs try. Many never return. Dogs take gems to furnace. No take castle. Area heavily guarded.” I furrowed my brows.

“What about from above?” I asked. Dogger pointed up.

“Stalactites crush Europa. Destroy everything.” She then pointed at a far off fallen stalactite and I noticed the ruins of a town underneath it.

“There was a fifth sector?” I asked. Dogger nodded.

“Long time ago. Earth rumbled. Stalactite fell. Killed dogs and homes. Left to find new home. Made Europa.” She explained. I nodded. So, I guess that the bale fire bombs hit somewhere above the caves to make it fall down on top of the town.

“Was there a way to get in to the Empire?” I asked. Dogger rubbed her chin.

“Dogger think so.” She then pointed at me. “But area off limits. Strays stay there now. Snow Dogs no go there.” I looked at her.

“Do you want to create that regrowth formula or not?” I asked. Dogger blinked and was about to speak when I cut her off. “You sent my friends out for ingredients. Don’t tell me to back away when they are risking their lives for it. So I think we can call it even if you come with me.” Dogger looked baffled at me and I smirked. Dogger rubbed the bridge of her snout before looking at me.

“Pony stupid. Kill us both.” She said. I smiled.

“Like I said. I’m a quick learner.” I trotted past her as I continued. “I’m also a good improviser.” I heard Dogger groan before following me.

We made our way through the sectors. The fourth sector was really confusing to find. I never expected this place to be a sort of a maze. I was feeling agitated by the time we found the fourth sector. We crossed the bridge, fast talking our way through guards before making our way to the fifth sector. The most frustrating part was when we had finally found the fifth sector, the bridge leading to it got cut down. The bridge that once connected to Europa and New Europa (as Dogger calls the fifth sector for some odd reason) laid on the side of the stumps and a giant chasm expanded below us. I peeked over and saw stalagmites at the bottom and skeletons impaled on said stalagmites, sending a chill down my back.

“Well, this is just fantastic.” I groaned. Dogger grumbled something. I turned to her. “Say again?”

“Pony should listen to Dogger. Pony stay back. We stay. Wait for ponies.” She said. I sighed and shook my head.

“I’m afraid that’s not an option. They are risking their lives for your formula. And so shall I.” I looked to the jagged structure of the Empire. “Even if I have to convince the king to hand it over.” Dogger bust out laughing again, much to my chagrin. “Now, what’s so funny?” Dogger wiped tears away before speaking.

“Pony mad. Pony think to take king. King Scruffy very powerful.” She said with a snicker. I narrowed my eyes. Well, I guess she could be right in a sense. I mean, I haven’t really taken on a Snow Dog in my life. I’m lucky to even pass off as one in a stupid wolf costume. And Dogger wasn’t kidding when she said that the Snow Dogs were idiots. I blinked. Then that’s why they hate Dogger. Dogger is the only clever Snow Dog in Europa. I looked at her and she gave me a suspicious look in return.

“Is that why the others hate you?” I asked. Dogger blinked before saying with a growl.

“Dogger smart. Snow Dogs no smart. King Scruffy kick Dogger out. Dogger found new home. Dogger comes home. Gets told to leave. Dogger hate Scruffy.” She said. I rubbed my chin. Figured. They hate her because of her intelligence. I smiled at the thought. And that’s why Scruffy had her kicked out. Of course!

“Dogger. You ever thought about running the Empire?” I asked. Dogger looked baffled by the question.

“What pony mean?” she asked. I looked over to the jagged structure.

“If you are hated for your intelligence, then that means King Scruffy is afraid of you.” I said and looked back to her. Dogger rubbed her chin in thought. “You say the Snow Dogs aren’t clever at all. But you are the only one here with intelligence. King Scruffy is afraid of you!” I began pacing. “King Scruffy had you kicked out of Europa for your brains. He only wants brute strength. Because what’s a king if he can’t have an entire army at his command and not be told what to do. He believes that you might get an idea to overthrow him. To take his place.” I looked at her. “So he proved that brute strength is better than intelligence.” I smirked now. “But we are going to show him just how powerful intelligence can be.”

Dogger narrowed her eyes. “Pony smart. Dogger sees now.” I nodded.

“But of course, since you are being treated differently, they won’t let us in because you are smarter than the average Snow Dog. And I’m being played off as your cousin. But if I can convince the guards to have an audience with King Scruffy and then convince him that you aren’t planning on overthrowing him, he’ll let you back into Europa.” I looked at her. “And probably into the castle since I’m your ‘cousin’ and could put in a good word for you. Once in, we find the star metal, take what we need and leave.” Dogger nodded to what I had told her.

“Dogger sees. But one problem.” She pointed to her forehead. “Star metal on Scruffy. Scruffy keeps metal close.” I blinked and rubbed my chin. Okay, so it’s a plan. But the only problem is is that it is on Scruffy. Scruffy keeps it with him. I hummed in thought.

“Alright then, I’ll try and convince them to let us stay in the castle for a day or two. Do you know when my friends will be back?” I asked. Dogger shrugged and I rolled my eyes. Right, because they are risking their lives to get the ingredients for my new leg. I looked around and then back at the jagged structure. I blinked. I was feeling strange. I looked back at my body and I gapped when I saw the fur hide begin to fade. My disguise was running out. I quickly closed my eyes and rethought of myself as a Snow Dog. When I opened and looked back, the costume solidified itself. “Best we get started now.” I said with a hint of worry.

I didn’t want to have my disguise go off and have an entire Empire of Snow Dogs after me. That will end well. Making our way back to the second sector that had the entrance to the jagged castle, I looked up in awe. Geez, these caves must be older than the Crystal Empire! No way would these things be this big! Before we could even reach the gate however, four big brute looking dogs in armor pointed halberds at us.

“Dogger no wanted. Dogger must leave.” One growled. I stepped forward.

“Dogger not here for trouble.” I rasped. “Courier wanted to see king.” I looked at them as they narrowed their eyes at me.

“Courier? State name.” one said. That almost threw me off. Do they have couriers themselves? I shook away the thought and spoke.

“Courier. Dogger cousin. Dogger show Courier home. Courier want to see king. Courier like king.” I rasped. A second jabbed the halberd tip a little too closely at me.

“King Scruffy have no time. Dogger and Courier leave. Punish Dogger and Courier if stay.” The second growled. I arched a brow.

“Courier request audience.” I said. They looked at each other. They kept their halberds at me as a third spoke.

“Want audience? Talk to Scribe. Scribe put you on list.” They growled more when I didn’t move. “Dogger and Courier leave now. No wanted. Go!” I grumbled quietly before turning and walking away with Dogger. Dogger looked at me as she spoke.

“Dogger warned pony.” She said. I gave her a determined smile.

“I know. But I’m not done yet. Do you know where this scribe is?” I asked. Dogger nodded.

“Follow Dogger.” She said. We made our way to the busily town and made our way to sector three. Dogger led me to a small two storied cottage made of dirt and gems. It was so strange to see houses like this built out of raw materials. Dogger and I entered the house and I was greeted with a dimly lit room. Candles flickered on shelves and on a table that was once a stalagmite. Books stacked up to the ceiling and shelves littered with scrolls and books. The scribe here must spend a lot of free time reading. And when we did enter and I took in the sights, there was a scream and a sound of a crash. Sinful and Malice instantly came out.

It sounded like it came from the second floor. Dogger nodded as I bolted up the stairs. When we entered another room full of candles and bookshelves, I gapped as my gaze fell onto long and slithering tendrils flailing wildly, knocking over whatever they could swipe at. I noticed a cloaked figure being lifted up and swung wildly around. Think, Courier, think! I followed the tendrils and saw that they ended at a clay pot at the base. I entered S.A.T.S. that made me take aim at the cloaked figure. But I moved it down to the pot and with a loud bang that sent me back into Dogger, Malice’s bullet aimed straight and true. The pot exploded and the tendrils dropped the cloaked figure to the floor. The cloaked figure looked over to us.

“Kill it with fire!” the voice said. Without a second thought, I felt the warmth cover my body and taking the candle fire around the room, manipulated them around me and with a flick of my head, I released my hold on it and the fire blasted the tendrils, covering them in flames. They jerked and flailed until they withered to a wrinkled charred corpse. I canceled my magic and felt a bit light headed. Okay, not doing that again for a while. The cloaked figure stood and gave a sigh of relief. “Thank you. I must have made a minor error in the formula.” The figure said. I blinked. It sounded female. And nothing like a Snow Dog. I found out why when the figure threw the hood back.

The scribe is a pony! Not a ghoul. Not a zebra or Snow Dog then what I had thought of, but an actual pony! The small yellow mare in the tattered cloak trotted over to the withered creature and frowned. She ruffled her red mane in frustration before taking it up in her teeth and threw the creature into the garbage bin next to her. An actual earth pony amongst an entire community of Snow Dogs??

“You’re a pony?!” I balked. The mare blinked and looked at me with an arched brow.

“And you are one too. Surprise, surprise.” She said with a small smile. Then, she looked over to Dogger and beamed. “Auntie Dogger!” she said before galloping over to the Snow Dog and they hugged. Auntie?

“Dogger is your aunt!?” I asked, ruffling my fur dog head in confusion. Dogger gave a small smirk to me.

“Pony funny.” She said. The mare looked at me.

“Of course she’s my aunt. She took care of me my entire life.” She smiled at Dogger before trotting over to the table. “So what brings you around, Auntie?” Dogger pointed at me.

“Pony want star metal. Pony need audience with king.” She said. The mare looked at me with a studying look.

“I’m slightly surprised that they haven’t figured you out yet.” She said. “That costume is way too obvious.” I blinked and flushed.

“W-well, I tried making myself into a Snow Dog!” I furrowed my brows and dangled a stuffed hoof claw to her. “But my spell didn’t turn out exactly as I had thought.” The mare looked me over again.

“Are you saying you tried transfiguration magic?” she asked. I shook my head.

“I can’t do transfiguration. I’m an illusionist. I was planning on making myself look like a dog with illusionary. But the spell didn’t turn out like I had thought.” I said. The mare blinked.

“You’re an illusionist?” she asked. I blinked and she suddenly zipped up to me and began asking me all sorts of questions. “Ohmygosh! Does that mean you can make yourself disappear? Can you make ponies think you are levitating but you really aren’t? Can you make animals out of anything? Is it true that most illusion magic is as easy as they say it is?” I was utterly baffled.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Slow down there.” I said. The mare blinked, before giving me a small sheepish smile.

“Err, sorry. I just never actually seen a unicorn pull off such magic.” She rubbed her chin. “I just thought they could only levitate things.” I frowned a little. Of course every basic spell that a unicorn should know is telekinesis. Everything else is either studying or training the mind.

“Okay, first off. No, I can’t make myself disappear.” I said. “But everything else is self-explanatory. Illusion magic comes from the mind. If you can think it, you can make it. And no, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Most can be a real killer on the head. Some deplete our magic instantly.” I said. The mare blinked and rubbed her chin.

“So… what can you do? Was that fire trick an illusion? Or was it arcane?” she asked. I shook my head.

“Neither. It just something that err…” I tried finding the right words. “Happened to me a long time ago.” I lied. She was about to say something else when I quickly changed the subject. “But I can make copies of myself.” The mare blinked.

“Copies? As in clones?” she asked. I smiled as I quietly conjured one right behind the mare and made her tap her shoulder. She looked over and gapped as she saw my copy smile at her. “You can? You can!” She put a hoof out and beamed even more. “And it’s real too! So awesome!” she made more giddy noises as I conjured up the other two clones I could manage. “And can even do three of them!! Even more awesome!” The mare gave a little happy jump for joy around my copies, much to their confusion before I canceled the magic and they faded.

Dogger snickered. “Cream.” She said. The mare blinked and looked at us, sheepishly smiling again.

“Ehehehe… sorry I ah… tend to get carried away.” She cleared her throat. “Well, first let me introduce myself. I am Scribe Cream. Archivist and librarian to the Empire of Europa.” She smiled at me. “Nice to meet you.” I nodded.

“I’m Courier. I’m a courier of the Crystal Express in Pleasant Town.” I blinked and sighed. “I’m also known as the Savior of the Roads in the Wasteland.” Cream looked worriedly at me.

“You don’t sound too happy about that.” She smiled again before heading over to a small burner. “How about we talk over a cup of tea?” I looked at Dogger, who nodded at me. I sighed.

“Alright. I guess we still have time.” I said.

I had just finished telling Cream the whole story of what had happened to me and why I had become a courier. Then, I told her about my friends, taking a sip as she listened politely. Then, I told her what had happened to me to get the title “Savior of the Roads”. She smiled before saying “You have a knack for trouble.” I ignored the comment and kept talking. Dogger seemed to find my story interesting as I talked about Rex and Silver Iris’s story.

When I was finished, Cream gave a small sigh.

“Wow. To have survived both a timberwolf and a snowwolf bite is amazing. Both have a nasty side effect that could kill a pony if they survive being eaten.” She pointed at my braced leg. “And you should be thankful Auntie Dogger is helping you regrow a leg back. Normally, she just throws them back out or puts them out of their misery.” Dogger made a grunt of agreement.

“But pony had others. Ponies convinced Dogger.” she said. I nodded.

“My friends are out there trying to find the ingredients for Dogger’s formula. They are risking their lives for me.” I stared down at my untouched tea. “So I thought I would help them so they wouldn’t have to risk their lives any more than they have.”

“I see.” Cream said. “You speak very highly of them. No wonder they would risk their lives for you.” I nodded. “But what you are trying to do is completely foolish.” I blinked and looked at her. She looked sternly at me. “Having to go through all this in the state you are in. You’ll be lucky if you manage to get away just with your tail. King Scruffy is one not to be taken lightly.” She took another sip. Now it was my turn to speak.

“Really? Then why is he afraid of your aunt?” I said. It was Cream’s turn to look at me with confusion.

“King Scruffy is afraid of Auntie Dogger?” she asked, looking to Dogger. Dogger shrugged and then nodded. “Why do you think that?”

“Otherwise, King Scruffy wouldn’t have gone through the trouble of kicking out the only Snow Dog with brains.” She looked surprised.

“Really? I just thought Scruffy hated auntie because she brought me in when I was a foal.” She said. I looked at her. “I was found by Auntie Dogger twenty years ago in a buried snow dune. She took me in and cared for me ever since.” She smiled at the Snow Dog. “She taught me everything she knows about herbs and medicinal recipes that even zebra themselves have trouble mixing. And when I threw myself into studying, I’ve kept a big knowledge of the Empire’s past history.” She motioned to the shelves of books and parchments around her. “One day, King Scruffy found out about me and stormed our home. I convinced him to spare auntie as long as I remain here and keep records of the Empire’s history safe from prying eyes.”

“And they didn’t trust you at first?” I guessed. Cream nodded.

“King Scruffy finally came around and claimed me his Archivist. His Scribe. Then he gave me a big ledger and said that if any poor fool wanted to speak out against him, they should go to me.” She looked sad now. “I’ve sent many dogs to their deaths because they came to me and asked to have an audience. Even families that just wanted the king to spare some gems so they can find the work. King Scruffy executed them. He even made me watch…” I saw tears well up in her eyes and Dogger scooped her into a hug. I said nothing. This mare is innocent. And she had to watch as families were executed in front of her. King Scruffy had kicked out the only family she ever had and was forced into something she had no choice to do. They would have killed Dogger if she didn’t convince the king to spare Dogger.

But that meant having her kicked out of her home and had to live under the watch of the Empire and having to decide who comes and goes. Even to be there to watch innocent families be executed. I saw the hurt look in Dogger’s eyes. She didn’t want the pony she cared for like a daughter to go through so much. My heart ached for the both of them. It’s strange. Sometimes I wished I wasn’t as smart. Having to understand the pain or even catching on to what had happened through stories can be real hurtful. I sometimes hated myself for being so astute.

So I know now what to do. I looked at her.

“We have to get into the castle.” I said. Cream sniffled before pulling away and sighing.

“Didn’t you hear me? You better turn back while you still have a chance to live. Even with a flawed leg.” She said. I shook my head.

“Not an option.” They looked at me. “I have to get the star metal. I don’t want my friends to have to go through all the trouble and end up getting caught and executed by a king. They are already risking too much.” I narrowed my eyes. “This is a battle between brains and brawn. Once we get into the castle, I’ll find a way to get that metal.” I smirked. “Even if it means fighting or strategizing. I’m hoping for both.” And I also hoped that I can find some way to overthrow the king and have someone take over. Someone with a better outlook on the Empire. And to do that, I need to get into the castle and find that certain person. If not, I’ll figure a way to make the throne Dogger’s.

But at this moment, Dogger is a likely candidate. Cream gave me a questioning look.

“You really think you can convince the king to just hand over something that is not of this world? The very thing that keeps him in power?” she said. I smirked.

“Why not? I took over an Enclave prison carrier and made it into a base to be.” I rubbed my chin. “In fact, that’s the very reason we wanted to find the Snow Dogs.” I looked at them. “Said carrier is out in the coast of a fisher town called Glaciale. Star says that the Snow Dogs have the materials needed to fix it up and have it in working order.” Dogger nodded.

“Star pony told Dogger. But ponies say you are important. First come first serve.” She said. I flushed. I have such great friends. And I didn’t get the chance to pay them back with my help. Well, I’m going to. Starting now. Cream arched a brow.

“The King Scruffy won’t work with ponies. I’m an exception, but your friends would be executed on the spot. And auntie won’t be able to save them when they do get captured.” She bowed her head. “And I’ll probably would have watched them being executed too.” I smiled and put a hoof on her shoulder.

“That is why a pony like me is around to protect her friends. They are risking a lot for me already. I want to repay the favor to them and help you both at the same time. And I’m going to do just that. If you can get us into the castle, I’ll have a way to knock out two birds with one stone.” She looked at me skeptically. I winked, making her ease a little before she trotted over to a podium and flipped open a giant book. I watched her scan the book before taking a quill in her teeth and scribbled something down before closing the book shut and putting back the quill. She trotted over with the parchment and gave it to me.

“I’ve put your name on the list, Courier. I can’t do much other than just tell the king about you.” I nodded to her when there was the sound of knocking at the door.

“Pony open door! Know Dogger here!” a gruff voice called from down the stairs. Cream gapped and quickly took our cups, dumping out our tea except for hers before putting them back.

“Take the back exit. I’ll keep them distracted.” She said in a whisper. She looked worriedly over to Dogger. “Becareful, auntie.” She said. Dogger smiled before giving her another hug.

“Cream careful too.” She said. Cream smiled before pulling away and quickly leading us to a back entrance behind a book shelf. I got to hand it to Cream. She had covered up any traces of us being here. Before I stepped in, Cream put a hoof on my shoulder and I looked at her.

“Courier. If anything happens to her, I won’t forgive you.” She looked at me seriously. “King Scruffy is not a tyrant to be trifled with. He will do anything to make sure auntie is taken care of.” I smiled and patted her hoof.

“Don’t worry. Dogger and I are smart people. If we put our minds together, we can get out of any situation.” I said. Cream gave me a worried look before nodding.

“Just… becareful. She’s the only family I have.” She said. I gave her a reassuring smile before jumping in after Dogger and Cream closed the hidden exit shut. We crept around the side and I peeked out from behind the house. I saw five Snow Dogs in armor banging on Cream’s door.

“Pony better open! We coming in!” the tall one growled. He lowered himself before rushing the door with his shoulder out. To his misfortune, Cream had already opened the door and stepped aside as the dog crashed inside her house.

“You idiot!” she groaned. “You only had to knock! I was reading over the ledgers!” she quickly looked our way before trotting in with the other four. I looked at Dogger.

“You raised her right.” I said with a smile. If Snow Dogs could flush, then Dogger must have been doing it. We crept into the crowded town before making our way to the second sector of town. We were again greeted with halberds pointed at us. But I pulled out the paper from my bag with my teeth and showed it to the guards. They narrowed their eyes before looking at us.

“Courier have audience. Dogger must leave. Dogger cannot go.” One said. I looked at Dogger. She nodded.

“Agreed.” I rasped. I felt the spell wearing off, so I quickly activated it again as I left Dogger to watch me be escorted by the guards up into the towering fallen stalactite. It served as a barrack as well as an entrance. Once reaching the top, they led me over a long crystalline bridge. I gapped in awe at the towering jagged structure that is a castle. What’s even more impressive was when we entered the lobby of said castle. The place is colossal! The ceiling rose higher than I could even see. The windows and the furniture were all made of crystals laced with gems. They finally led me into a room where I saw a group of other Snow Dogs that looked like they were from the town sitting and talking amongst themselves.

I saw guards stationed at the pillars in the room and by the doors.

“Audience wait room. Stay to be called. Scribe be here in hour.” The guard said. I watched them turn and leave me to stand by my lonesome self. So I sat down on my haunches and leaned back against the wall and waited for me to be called.

When an hour had passed, I blinked when I saw Cream trot in, looking grim as she trotted by with a big book on her back. She saw me but made no reaction. I said nothing and let her pass. When she passed the chatting dogs, they grew quiet into whispers and gave her disgusted looks. But Cream ignored them and trotted into the room down at the end and closed the door. It was another hour before she began poking her head out and calling names and Snow Dogs entered the room. I reactivated the disguise at least four more times. I realized it takes an hour for the spell to wear off before I have to redo it. Another hour passed and I did it again before she finally called my name. I stood up and walked into the room.

“Where’s auntie?” she whispered once she closed the door.

“They sent her back home.” I whispered back. We walked down the hall as we spoke.

“Remember, Scruffy is not meant to be trifled with.” She said. I smiled.

“I’m sure I can handle a king’s brain.” I said.

“Yes, but can you handle his brains?” she said. I blinked.

“Plural?” Judging by that look she was giving, I felt myself instantly shivering a bit. A mutant dog? One with more brains? We entered into the throne room and I gapped. Ooooh, plural! Three heads watched us enter. Each one giving me a studying look. King Scruffy wasn’t a Snow Dog. He’s a cerberus!

“Speak your claim!” One head barked.

“Don’t waste our time.” The middle spoke.

“Speak now!” the last said. I looked at Cream, but she ignored me as she went over to stand next to the giant three headed dog. I gulped and looked at the three heads.

“Err… King Scruffy?” I asked, almost forgetting to put on my Snow Dog voice. I saw them sniff the air.

“This one smells different.” The middle head spoke.

“Yes, smells delicious.” The left one spoke.

“I’m hungry.” The right one spoke. I quickly recovered.

“Honorable errr… king!” I said with a rasp. “Courier comes with statement. Courier asks for shiny metal.” They growled.

“This one speaks of the star.” One head said.

“The glorious star.” The other said. The middle one narrowed his eyes.

“Why does dog speak of shiny star?” the head asked. I had to say something. Come on, Courier… think!

“Uhm… Courier is err… working on new hair growth formula.” I said. I lost the voice completely, but I figured if I stay in third person, I might pull it off. The heads narrowed their eyes more. “Courier has full proof plan. Courier make king’s hair grow shiny. Beautiful hair stay forever!” The cerberus seemed to ponder this.

“Dog says hair shiny?” one head asked. I nodded.

“Hair stay forever?” the other asked. Again, I nodded. The middle head rubbed a paw under his chin in thought.

“But why dog need star?” the head asked.

“Missing ingredient. Shiny star. Makes formula complete! Star still be in king’s paws. In hair formula. Stay with king forever! King look better than all Snow Dogs.” I gave him my best smile as the heads looked at each other.

“I like this one’s idea.” One head said.

“This one sounds true.” The other said. The middle nodded.

“Scruffy want formula. Give shiny star once formula is brought before us. Use castle lab. Pony show dog lab.” They looked at Cream who seemed a little startled before nodding. I bowed before the three headed dog.

“Courier will not fail king. Make hair better. Shinier. Stay forever.” I rasped. The heads watched me go with Cream down to a hall behind the dog’s throne. Cream looked back to make sure we were out of ear shot before turning to me.

“You have no idea how insane this is.” She whispered. I smiled. “But you don’t even have one. Eventually, he’ll catch on. You better get the metal before he does find out.” I nodded.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be in and out before he notices.” I said. Cream looked at me worriedly.

“Do you even know where the star metal is?” she asked. I pointed at the top of the wolf mask that covered my head.

“Dogger said on his head, right?” I said. She shook her head.

“It’s in his chambers. And he already knows your scent. If he finds out you’ve been snooping around, you are going to be his next meal.” She said. She reached in to her bag and pulled out a parchment and handed it to me. “This is a concoction that should hide your scent. Just follow the instructions. Good luck, Courier.” I smiled.

“Thanks a lot, Cream.” I said. She gave a nod before trotting back to the throne room. I turned and entered into a room with beakers and ingredients that littered the table and the shelves. I sighed. Time to get to work.

Footnote Max Level Reached!