White suddenly was on the mare, pinning her to the ground and growling at her. The mare shrunk under him, terrified by the sudden attack.

"Just what in the hell are you trying to play at!? It's bad enough skinning ponies. But raising the dead!? That is just low as you can go!!" The mare shivered.

"I-I swear, I didn't do any of that!! I wasn't lying when I said I wasn't good with magic! Let alone, Necromancy!" Zelori looked sternly at her.

"Even so, you shouldn't have been around that place. Do you want your soul to be displayed and used by other ponies when you pass?" The mare curled under the DJ.

"I-I-I swear! All I was trying to do was s-s-study up on the cult my grandmother was apart of!" White remained angry, but his brows rose in question.

"Cult? What kind of cult? And it better not be what I think it is." He said. The mare was hesitant. Candlejack rubbed his mane and sighed.

"Alright, lay off the kid, kid. You won't really get anywhere just by being a total ass." The mare looked over to him while the DJ balked.

"Just what are you talking about!? She almost killed us with those skeletons! Do you think somepony of that caliber should just be walking around?" Candlejack snorted.

"I could say the same for you and your sister. Whatever that brat has done, it put both you and her under the scope of a rifle. Do you honestly expect me to think that you two really think you can make it in this place without so much as being aware of your actions?" White eyed him cautiously while Zelori raised a brow that nipped Candlejack with annoyance. The stallion sighed. "What I'm trying to say is that no pony here is innocent of anything. And that seems to be a common case despite the few days we have been up here. It's like walking into a hotel and expecting food and services only to find that they keep the beds untidy and the rooms unclean." White arched a brow now.

"I... what?" he asked. Candlejack trotted over to him, forcing him to back away a little before he held out a hoof to the young adolescent.

"She probably didn't realize the situation she was dealing with is what I'm really saying. So let's just give her some space and let her speak." He then looked sternly at her. "I doubt she can really make it back without walking into the pockets of intense heat. So there is no point in running." The adolescent was stunned. She eyed his hoof before taking it and being helped up. She looked him square in the eye, her cheeks a tad red. She then blinked and fidgeted.

"Err... y-you're right." She said with a small sigh. "I was lucky enough to have made it here without combusting into ashes. And when I arrived, I was just entranced by what I saw." She nodded over to the direction of where the church had been. A tall sand dune blocking their view of it. "I eventually went in and explored the place, realizing that it was indeed the spot where the cult used to meet at." She looked over to the DJ who was eyeing her suspiciously again. "The Cult of the Eclipse." Candlejack stroked his chin in thought.

"And I assume this cult is the very same cult that you were a part of?" He then looked to White, who rubbed his foreleg and adverted his eyes. Candlejack shook his head. "So, explain why you think it was a good idea to study necromancy and the cult?" The adolescent shrunk again.

"U-uhh... well..." she bit her lip, hesitant if she wanted to continue any further. But meeting the orchid eyes of the stallion, she flushed. "I was... curious as to what the cult really did back in the days." She kicked the sand, creating a small dust cloud before continuing. "My grandmother said that they would gather with all the others and go over sermons and speeches about the princesses. How they used to be the saviors and goddesses for a millennia. How Princess Luna watched the dreams and sleeping ponies while Celestia rose the sun and partook in most of the conflicts that plagued them during their uprising." Candlejack smiled.

"Sounds pretty neat. But that can't all there be to it, is there?" The adolescent blushed again, trying her best to calm her rapidly beating heart around the pegasus.

"W-well you see... the cult may have talked a lot about the princesses. But there... was one thing my grandmother talked to me about." She glanced towards the unicorn DJ. "In her dementia, she stated that the dark magic used in rituals for the princesses weren't intended for them. And afterwords, she said strange things had happened to the cult when one of those ponies decided to bring in this magic they had dubbed 'Necrotics'." Mr. Yaba frowned.

"A drug? I don't recall that ever being relevant to necromancy, let alone the cult." He said. The adolescent mare rose her hoof up.

"That's what I'm trying to figure out." She said. Candlejack frowned.

"So why were you studying necromancy in the first place? That seemed like something your grandmother would tell you not to do if she made it sound like it was a bad thing." The mare kicked her hoof bashfully.

"I-I... well..." The mare sighed and bowed her cloaked head. "Remember when I said I wasn't good with magic?" The four waited patiently for her to finish. "I... the only magic I could ever do was change my voice projection and alchemy. I mean, projecting your voice does have advantages, but... is that really all a unicorn can do?" She tapped her hooves together. "Unicorns know the basic magic. Telekinesis, the art of moving objects with your mind. It's a second nature for every unicorn. But I..." she seemed to have faltered and teared a little. "The only thing I can really do is know potions, herbs and their effects. My mother is a medicine mare in Aretilla." White balked.

"Aretilla? You are from Aretilla!?" The unicorn shook her head.

"Not entirely. I was born there, but my father and mother... had their disagreements. When my dad wanted to refuse living a life underneath sprite-drones, Zillex Security and the A.S.S. muscle they have on speed dial, he decided to file papers for leave and we ventured out." She rubbed her foreleg. "That's all I'm going to say... the rest is..." I don't really wanna' talk about." White was about to speak up when Candlejack held out a wing to stop him, causing the mare to flinch at the sudden movement.

"I can understand that. In any case, you still didn't answer my question." Candlejack remained stoic. "Why do you think it was a good idea to study necromancy?" The mare bit her lip, failing to stand her ground as her heart rate increased when the stallion got a little closer out of curiosity. Candlejack thought this mare was a little out of the ordinary. Assuming he knew exactly what he thought was "ordinary" here. But he had a hunch that this mare might be a little clue as to getting what he wanted. For that, his mind remained silent and focused on trying to gather as much information as possible. The mare gave in, moving a little closer to Candlejack, who cocked a brow in confusion at the sudden advancement.

"I just thought that maybe learning necromancy would be a good way of finding out who I am. But maybe... perhaps I should start looking a little more closely." Zelori suddenly bit Candlejack's ear and drug him away from the crowd. Hissing and rubbing his ear as she let go, he turned on her with a frown.

"What the hell, Zelori?" Zelori arched a stern brow in response.

"She is much too young to be in that situation." Candlejack snorted and waved a hoof.

"I don't understand what you mean, but dammit, I am trying to gather information. Isn't that what we agreed on back in Detrot?" Zelori rubbed her muzzle in frustration.

"And what makes you think flirting with a teen can help us with that? May I remind you that your habits need to be kept under control." Candlejack rolled his eyes in annoyance.

"What habits? The only thing I"ve ever done was-."

"Being curious?" Zelori finished for him. Candlejack smiled and pointed a hoof at her.

"Exactly!" Zelori face-hoofed.

"My brother. I am only going to say this once and I do not want to repeat myself. Is that clear?" Candlejack smirked.

"Hit me." He said. Zelori obliged by quickly striking a hoof over Candlejack's head, causing him to hiss again in pain and rub his sore spot. "It was an expression!!"

"Curiosity is as much a vice as it is a virtue. I want you to keep that curiosity in check. Treat this place as if it were an expedition." Candlejack shook his head.

"No way, Z! You are missing the bigger picture here." He expanded a wing and motioned over to the vast expanse of the desert. "This place is just dying to be picked! Perhaps we can find another house up here." He cleared his throat and motioned towards the three ponies looking as if they were trying to understand what was going on. "Company excluded. This is a chance for us to start a new life! No more ETG! No more expeditions! We are free to do what we want! And so..." He smirked and beat his hoof to his chest once. "I plan on picking every nook and cranny I can find worth of value." Zelori made a small motion that made Candlejack flinch and retreat a bit. "C'mon, sis! You hated that place as much as anypony! Brilliant Mane can suffocate in there with his cronies and we are free to do what we want without his watch!"

The zebra gave a tired sigh.

"It seems you are also forgetting where you came from." She retorted. Candlejack arched a suspicious brow. "There are ponies down there that deserve a better life as well. And who was that pony that told me that over and over during his drunken depression?" Candlejack stiffened.

'Crap... cornered..." he thought dreadfully. No escaping the nail now.

"Exactly. The way you treated the adolescent is not really out of curiosity. It was pity and acceptance. She is as much a stray as when DD had found you." She nodded to the three who were watching intently. "Company included." She put a reassuring hoof on his shoulder that Candlejack mistook for another strike over his head. Easing when it wasn't the case, he met Zelori's eyes. "I know we have taught you better than what you are being now. All those expeditions can take a toll on anypony. Including me." She sighed. "I don't ever want to witness the fate of my brother like all those others that we have seen. DD... may its soul rest... only wanted to see you smile. And all I want for you is to have a better life and lead a proper example of it." Candlejack rubbed his foreleg.

"But I..." he said. Zelori hugged him.

"Being a leader isn't just a sole responsibility of managing those. It's putting your faith and doing your best to make sure that you all come out on top." Candlejack darted his eyes in thought before Zelori pulled away from him and trotting over to the three. Mr. Yaba suddenly found the two teens ducking behind him, witnessing the aggressive reaction Zelori had displayed towards Candlejack. But she only smiled.

"Now then, I believe we will discuss this more at the mechanic's place. Perhaps then we can figure out what to do about this dark magic's reign on the youths." She glanced over her shoulder, seeing Candlejack stroke his chin in thought and then beamed at a silent idea that came to mind. He then trotted back over and flapped his wings once.

"Perhaps we should ask the ex-cultists." He looked to White. "You were probably young when the cult disbanded. But I bet that some of the cult leaders and generals might still be living around here. If we can get their insight, then maybe we might find another way in dealing with the ghosts." White sighed and rubbed his mane.

"Well... it was bound to happen eventually..." he motioned for the group to follow. "C'mon. I know exactly where we should start. But do keep in mind, they won't be happy. They spent a decade trying to bury any remains of the cult." Candlejack smirked.

"We can handle a few retired generals." He said. White shook his head.

"I wasn't talking about the cult leaders. I was talking about A.S.S."

Aurora, Spotlight and Manic walked through the market area of the community. They figured after that incident, Manic really needed to get out of the house. Aurora eyed the filly, who was bowing her head and twitching at every move in her peripherals. There was at one point when they had lost track of the filly and asked around. When one pony motioned behind them, they turned to see her standing in front of an old antique shop. Manic darted her eyes, contemplating whether she wanted to go in or not.

"Manic, hun. Are you okay?" Spotlight asked as the two trotted up to her. Manic said nothing and looked at her tiredly. Aurora noticed the filly's brain waves at unstable levels. Clearly, she wasn't okay. Aurora thought back to that encounter. Her personality chip registering all kinds of negative emotions from the anomaly. It made her feel... sick. Never had she experienced anything like it. M0K units and other things she can manage. But how can she even begin to comprehend the supernatural? She wasn't equipped to understand nor combat it. But for some reason, she ignored the logical aspect and assumed that whatever was going on was indeed an "anomaly". Something that was out of the ordinary and had unusual grasp of powers.

And living in a world where machine and magic coincide, anything could happen. Manic turned and entered into the antique shop. Her mind muddled with thoughts and flashes of her nightmare. She just wanted to curl into a corner and hopefully no pony would find her. Manic figured if she can lose the two in the shop and sneak out, she might be able to accomplish that.

'I'm so tired... so very tired...' she thought as they entered. The shop was quiet. No pony had seemed to walk in here for years. In fact, some of the display cases seemed like they were moved, as if a struggle had occurred. Aurora took one step forward and lightly stepped on something metallic. Looking down, she could see pieces of armor scattered throughout the store.

"Oh dear. I hope Mr. Yaba is okay." Spotlight said. Aurora studied a jar of eyeballs. Apparently labeled as "Newt Eyes". The eyes looked back at her. Turning her head and missing the moment when the eyes suddenly blinked as one, Aurora moved over to the next display. A shelf full of oddities and trinkets. Old necklaces and brooches lined the shelves. There was one brooch that was labeled "Alicorn Amulet". Aurora plucked it in her hoof claw and examined it. This amulet must have been very powerful in its time. Her scans showing no trace of magic whatsoever. Putting it back, she looked over to see Manic glancing nervously around the store.

She gapped, a flash image of Tom appearing. She smiled and went over to the filly.

"Find anything you like?" she asked. Manic said nothing and continued to act like she was interested in a small piece that looked like it belonged on the foreleg. Aurora watched as the filly tapped her hind hoof rapidly as she put it back and continued on browsing. The android frowned worriedly. "Manic? Do you want to express what's on your mind?" Manic shook her head.

"Nothing to concern yourself about." She said. Aurora rubbed her chin and beamed at an idea.

"But I have to be worried for madam's health. It is my duty to make sure you are comfortable." She said, doing a courteous bow by crossing her forelegs and bowing. Manic blinked in response.

"Very funny." She said with a tired frown. Aurora stood up and smirked.

"Then perhaps you wouldn't mind telling me? I'm sure whatever you have on your mind, I can keep a secret." She pointed at the filly. "You do have control of my programming anyway. You can just delete this conversation whenever you want. Just, don't hold it all in, it's unhealthy. You are a growing filly and it's natural to go through these changes." Manic arched a brow.

"What are you talking about?" she asked. Aurora tapped her hoof claw stub under her chin.

"Well, puberty makes ponies feel all kinds of feelings. Your body is going through changes and you are confused by the sudden outbreak of pimples and going through a heat cycle. It's okay to have these. It shows you are growing. There are ways to ensure that you are well protected under these conditions as well as certain herbs and stuff to help you keep it under control." She gave a sly smirk. "Perhaps a colt catches your fancy?" Manic was mortified by this thought. "Or maybe a filly is your preference? Again it is okay. So long as you don't hold it all in."

"Just shut up already! What the hell are you talking about!?" Manic exclaimed, her face a tad cherry color. Spotlight overheard the conversation and caught the small mischievous glint in the android's eyes. She smirked.

"Hun, when you finally find that special somepony, you will understand entirely." She put a hoof to herself as she continued. "Why, when I went through puberty, there were a few things even I didn't understand. The same with your brother. But eventually, through teenage hormones and angst, we found a way to keep it under control. So please, don't hold it in. It is unhealthy for a lady such as yourself to keep it bottled up." Manic fell to her stomach and covered her face with her hooves as best as possible. But there was no escaping the sudden burning feeling in her cheeks.

"I don't give a crap about that!! I'm not ready for that kind of thing and I don't want to start now!!" she exclaimed. Aurora clicked her tongue.

"But madam. If you do not express your rebellion like every other teen has always done, then you will surely not be able to find a colt or mare to spend time with." Manic shook her head.

"Just shut up about that! I don't care about no colt nor a filly!" she stood up, growling at them. "I don't know what's going on with you two, but I am getting tired of wherever this confrontation is going! If you want to know what's on my mind? Fine!" She turned in a huff and took a moment to calm herself. She then sighed when she was ready. "For the longest time... I thought I was responsible for her death." The two exchanged glances before looking back to the filly. "When momma passed, we were told by one of the A.S.S. that found her. Mangled, horribly beaten. Almost as if somepony had a sheer hatred for her. I don't understand who would, but before she passed, she and I had... well..."

Her eyes started welling up. But Aurora wanted to follow Tom's example. Sitting down next to the filly and putting a reassuring hoof around her, the filly continued.

"Momma and I had a disagreement. I... really don't know if it was puberty or not. But it was after I had gotten my cutie-mark." She leaned against the android, nuzzling at the feel of warm and soft texture of her maid outfit on her chassis. "I wanted to show her that I had gotten it. My brother and father were proud of me, so why shouldn't she? But... when I did show her... she was under the influence of alcohol." Aurora stroked the filly's mane. "She stated in her drunken stupor that somepony had it out for her. That they wanted her out of the picture. And when she turned to see me, she suddenly stood up and frowned disappointingly at me. She said 'Quit strutting your ass around like it is a badge of honor. You don't deserve any kind of special treatment for a sorry excuse like you." Spotlight gasped.

"Oiseau said that? B-but... that isn't like her!" Manic nodded.

"That's something I am still trying to figure out. But when she had said it, I protested that everypony else was happy for me and how come she wasn't. She thought I was a no good strumpet who deserved every pounding of a stallion against consent." Spotlight was mortified.

"No... no I refuse to believe Oiseau said that." She said. Aurora caught the brain waves of the pop idol increasing. The anger clear on her face. "How can she say that to her only daughter!?" Manic remained motionless in the android’s embrace.

"I just figured she was too drunk to understand her own grasp of vocabulary. But I wanted to tell her that I had gotten my cutie-mark and she insulted me for it. Then, we started arguing after that. I don't think momma remembered what she said to me and was trying desperately to figure it out when I showed signs of disapproval towards her." She rasped a chuckle. "Didn't help that I was too stupid and stubborn enough to not tell her. But I just felt... that she deserved to be treated as such since she was so mean to me." Manic rested her head tiredly on the android. "And when she passed... I felt like I did something to make her leave... I... I was the one that made dad go insane. I was the one that killed momma. I... was the one responsible for where we are now." Aurora looked to Spotlight, who was darting her eyes. She then nodded to herself and suddenly pulled Manic to face her, grasping her shoulders.

"Manic, you listen to me now. None of this is your fault. It was a series of unfortunate events. Your mother loved you. She always told me how bright of a child you were. How you always made your father proud with your little inventions. How you managed to fix her old record player. How you practically made their home more tolerable to the weather. They were thankful for you. Both of them were proud to have you as a daughter." She looked sternly at the stunned filly. "Your brother knows this too. He was jealous of you that you always seemed to get their praise more than he did. But when you fixed his broken record table and his obsolete gaming console, he was wrong about having you as a sister. They loved you more than anything!" Manic shook her head slightly.

"But... that sounds like they only loved me for fixing their things..." Spotlight shook her head.

"Nonsense. That broken record player Oiseau loved so much. She was planning on selling the thing. And when you fixed it, she was impressed you brought back something that was on the verge of no return. Do you still have that wrench she bought you after the fact?" Manic eyed Spotlight. She sniffled a bit.

"I-I use it for fixing up Kiwi Bot and machines." Spotlight smiled and hugged the filly.

"That right there should tell you more than enough that she cared. She knew your passion for inventions and robotics would lead you to greatness. And when I heard you were accepted to be the new GM Mechanic for Aretilla, I'm sure if your parents would have heard it, they would have been just as proud." Manic stiffened at the mention of her title. Did her idol just praise her for it? No way that a star like Spotlight would even care for such a thing being so busy. Manic was speechless.

"M-momma..." she hiccupped. The tears streamed down her cheeks. The sound of the door opening made them look to see a pony walk in. Aurora cocked her head, seeing that it was a very muscular zebra that had a scar and flesh wound on his muzzle and face. He looked through a glazed eye at the ponies before him.

"Spotlight Glitter. To what honor do I have for you to be in my presence?" he then looked down to see the teared filly. She wiped her face and muzzle. The zebra arched a brow. "It is not everyday I see a child cry in my store." Spotlight stood up and bowed courteously.

"Mr. Yaba! Looking as well as ever." She said with a smile. Mr. Yaba snorted proudly.

"Such manners. I wish every brat on this street followed your example." He said. He then looked over to see the maid dressed android. "I don't mean to be frank, but that outfit shows off more than the legs, my dear." Aurora balked, her cheeks turning crimson. She brushed her bottom piece, making sure that it would cover whatever was exposed. Mr. Yaba sighed, causing Spotlight to look worriedly at the buck.

"Is everything alright, Mr. Yaba?" she asked in a very polite tone. Aurora had to hoof it to the pop idol. She seems to have everypony's number in her hoof. Mr. Yaba trotted behind his counter.

"That troublesome brat and his friends are difficult to manage." Manic blinked once.

"You mean... my brother?" she asked. Mr. Yaba eyed the filly.

"Yes, your brother is once again causing more trouble than he is worth." He frowned and looked at Spotlight. "You are certain you want to spend your life with him? I'm sure there are plenty of others that are more than capable of protecting you." Spotlight giggled.

"I appreciate the thought, but White isn't really a bad pony. In fact, I've been meaning to ask have you seen him?" Mr. Yaba nodded.

"I had just left his presence." He snorted. "That damn brat and that pegasus threatened my product in order for us to go to an abandoned church to get a prayer from the sisters." Aurora, Spotlight and Manic exchanged glances.

"Why on earth did he want to go to that old place? It certainly can't be about the cult, can it?" Spotlight asked. Mr. Yaba nodded.

"It is now. Realizing that it is going to take more than prayers to solve your 'ghost' problems, the boy took it upon himself to meet up with the previous cult leaders in order to figure out how to destroy that book." Manic blinked in realization.

"A book?" she asked. Mr. Yaba narrowed his eyes.

"A familiar memory, is it not?" he asked her. Manic had another flash of the nightmare. Her father holding the book in his magic. She shook her head and suddenly looked serious.

"What did my brother find? And where is he now?" she asked. Mr. Yaba tapped his hoof on the counter.

"On his way to speak to Mortimer Monocle as we speak." Manic darted her eyes in contemplation before turning on her hooves and marching to the door.

"Manic?" Spotlight asked. The filly put a hoof on the door before looking over her shoulder to them.

"I'm going to help him find out how. I want to put it all behind us. I want to... help momma find peace." Aurora smiled at this. It is amazing as to how pony's can suddenly find the determination to put their thoughts into actions. It made her feel a little envious at the thought. Ignoring the breeding program that had come up when the buck had entered (a big zero percent of chance) she stood up and trotted over to the filly. Spotlight smiled and bowed courteously again to the zebra.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Yaba. I hope I can count on you to help with the set up for the stage tonight?" Mr. Yaba nodded.

"You have my muscle, my dear." He said with a toothy flesh smile. And with that, the three trotted out of the store. Mr. Yaba sighed quietly and looked over to a small framed picture. The image faded, but it reminded him how he acted back then. As much as he hated to admit it, the unicorn and his entourage made him miss his old comrades. "To what I wouldn't give to relive those times again."

White lead Candlejack, Zelori and the mare who had told them her name was Starbreeze, down another road after seeing Mr. Yaba off. It was much more quiet down this road than the central part of the suburbs. A cul-de-sac with the houses at the end were renovated with metal scraps and anything technological in A/C. White took them to the center house and knocked on the door. They waited a few moments awkwardly before the door suddenly slid open and a young colt peeked his head out.

"Who is it?" he asked. White smiled.

"Light Feather. It's White. Is your grandpa home?" he asked. The colt, a grey coated unicorn pony with an orange and blue colored mane, perked up and smiled.

"White!" he said. White ruffled the colt's mane with a smile before nodding.

"The one and only." He said. Light Feather trotted happily in place.

"Oh gosh, I can't believe it's you! Are you here to teach me more of those sick DJ drops?" he asked. White chuckled.

"Not today. I was wondering if your grandpa was home." Light slumped.

"Aww, are you really here for him?" he asked, puckering his lip in a pout. White gave him a cool look.

"C'mon now. I gave you front row seats. What's better than seeing your very own DJ up close?"

"Or better yet, have the DJ talk to you right now." Candlejack spoke up. Light Feather suddenly ducked behind the doorway and peeked out.

"W-who are they?" He asked. White shrugged.

"Just some ponies I am showing around the town. They mean no harm." He smirked towards the pegasus. "My sister made sure of that." Candlejack winced while Zelori did her best to avoid eye contact. They won't admit to being captured by a filly and then had their brains literally poked at. There was too much pride and dignity lost in that moment. But changing back to the topic, White put his hoof to his chest. "I figured, since I showed them everything else, why not show them my number one fan's house? After all, they say you save the best for last, right?" That seemed to do it. The colt was starry eyed before smiling and getting low, his tail swaying in the air.

"I'll go get him! Be right back!" He suddenly turned, cantering away from the door while shouting. "Grandpa! Grandpa! DJ White wants to see you!" The door slid closed and Zelori snickered.

"Reminds me of somepony I know whenever he got starry eyed." She glanced at Candlejack, who saw the bent and rustic mail box to be more interesting than the constant prodding at his pride. White shrugged.

"Everypony here just wants to live a peaceful life. We do what we can to make sure everypony is happy." He smiled. "Even the ones who haven't been a part of the Eclipse." The door slid open and an old buck with a metal cane ambled out of the house with the young colt laughing as he went to stand next to White. The mint green buck with a white disheveled mane and reading glasses studied the group.

"Well, I'll be. If it isn't White Osieau. I've heard a lot of praise from my grandson about you." White rubbed his mane awkwardly at the compliment. "I have to thank you for giving him the chance to enjoy his life." He grinned. "I bet young Manic is at that point in her life too. My grandson seems to take quite a liking to both of you." White rubbed his chin with a grin.

"Really now?" Candlejack and Zelori saw a mischievous glint in the pony's eye. He then turned to Light Feather. "So, my sister strikes your fancy, huh?" Light Feather cocked his head in confusion.

"What do you mean?" he asked. White brushed his hoof against his chest.

"Well, I don't mean to brag, but Manic says that she has had her eyes on somepony for quite a while now." He cast a sideways glance, seeing the colt perk up.

"O-oh, really? Umm... did she say who?" he asked. Candlejack could sense the anticipation. Zelori eyed her brother suspiciously.

"You better not be thinking what I think you are thinking." Zelori whispered to him. Candlejack chuckled.

"Me? Noooo. I definitely don't want to embarrass the brat about her love life. Definitely not that." Zelori could have sworn she saw a halo pop up over his head when he said it. White leaned forward.

"She didn't give much detail. Buuuut she did say it was a pretty happy unicorn colt." Light Feather fidgeted a little.

"Huh... okay then." Zelori sighed.

"If it is not spilling blood, it's damaging pride." She said quietly to herself. The buck then looked past them and saw Starbreeze slowly shrinking behind them.

"You there!" he said. The adolescent squeaked and stiffened. "That cloak... where did you get it?" All eyes were on her. The mare slowly turned her head, giving them her best smile.

"I-I-It... belonged to my grandmother?" she said, hesitant if it was the correct answer. The old buck narrowed his eyes before darting them around.

"Ahh, of course. That cloak belonged to your grandmother who was a traveler, correct?" The mare blinked in confusion.

"N-" she then caught his look. He was smiling. His kind old green eyes looking at her. But it was also something else. Candlejack narrowed his eyes. This buck was telling her something. And he grinned as he knew what was going on. Candlejack cracked his neck before speaking up.

"Why yes. We found her heading down the road leading to Detrot. Thought she was going to die of exhaustion. Poor soul has been walking for days." He put a wing over her, making her flush brightly and adjust her cloaked head. But Candlejack shot a look that told the buck he understood, much too a flustered confusion of the mare and the suspicious understanding from the zebra mare and the DJ. The buck turned and waved a hoof to his grandson.

"Come along, Light. Let us get a pot of tea started. And perhaps some lunch as well." He motioned for them to follow. "Please, come in. It's been too long since I've had company to talk too." The colt cantered into the house next to White, who was trotting casually along and helping the old buck into the house. Candlejack looked stoically at Zelori, who was darting her gaze between the two.

"C'mon, Zelori. It's rude to turn away the elderly." He said as he trotted ahead. Zelori gave a once more quick glance at the young mare who seemed to be struggling with a thought.

'I hate it when he does this.' she thought with a frown before leading the mare in with the rest of them. Improvising is another habit the pegasus had developed. And she worried that one day, that improv will get him killed.

The house is a cozy little place. Not much for decorations other than old world stuff. The walls lined with veteran memorabilia and the place had a unique vintage for being something technologically developed. The cool A/C breeze never felt so welcoming to the ponies. Candlejack unfurled his wings as to air out the burning itch that seemed to irritate his side.

They entered into a small living room. A metal coffee table surrounded by peeling leather sofas and couches. Which were quickly preoccupied by the ponies that soon turned the cramped living space to a more claustrophobic state. Candlejack sat down with the mare, only to have Zelori take a seat in between them. The mare seemed a little upset by this gesture, but Zelori figured it was for the better that this adolescent doesn't fall victim to the oblivious stallion that was admiring the old display case with porcelain dishes and statuettes.

"Flutter! We have guests!" the buck called out. There was a brief moment before a pretty yellow mare in a bee colored mane appeared from a bedroom. The mare had her mane tied in a ponytail, one that immediately caught the attention of Candlejack. Her chrome colored eyes widened in surprise.

"Oh my. That is quite a lot of guests." She said. Light Feather trotted up to her and the mare smiled before petting his head and moving behind the kitchen counter. "I guess I'll get lunch started then." She met the staring orchid eyes of the pegasus. She returned it with a friendly smile before opening the fridge and ducking her head in it.

"Now then." The buck said, making Candlejack blink out of his stunned state and focusing on the conversation. "I would like to ask what you are doing with a cloak like that?" All eyes focused on the mare, who shrunk again in her seat.

"W-well. My grandmother used to own this cloak." She locked a hoof around the edge and lifted it up. "I mean... it's a little rugged. But it protects me enough from the rays." The buck stroked his chin before looking grim.

"Do you want to know why?" Everypony leaned in on interest. The buck took a deep breath before speaking. "I know you all aren't here for a meet and greet. But to avoid any..." he looked to Zelori and Candlejack. "Unwanted attention. I must ask that you please strip yourselves of your suites." The two estranged siblings exchanged glances.

"Umm... okay then?" Candlejack said. He stood up and unzipped the jump suite, pulling it off of him with his wings while Zelori was quick and graceful in removing hers. Their bodies fully exposed, the buck studied them and sighed in relief.

"I'm sorry about the precaution. But I had to make sure you weren't branded with the heathen's mark." Candlejack felt the cool breeze on his coat to be welcoming. He sat back down and gave a small hoof wiggle.

"Meh, it's okay. The suites were a little too tacky if you asked me." White smirked.

"Manic did have a terrible fashion sense when it came to stuff like that." Zelori sat back down in between them, glancing to see the mare suddenly bleed from the nose. She quickly caught her look and wiped it.

The buck sighed tiredly.

"So... The Cult of the Eclipse. Are you here to tell me that they have returned?" White shook his head.

"Actually... it has to deal with my own family. Particularly my sister." The buck studied him as he continued. "You see... ever since mom died and dad... well... vanished. It has always just been me and her after that. But the things we have seen from our father... it left a big scar on her." He reached into his saddle bag and withdrew the book. The room became colder than it should. Candlejack shivered a bit and was tempted to put the suite back on. "Manic has been sleeping poorly and I worry that the toll on pulling all-nighters while trying to avoid her sleep is going to kill her." Light Feather balked.

"Manic is going to die!?" The mare behind the counter looked worriedly at them. But White continued.

"I hope not. She's been through too much already to have a fate end her so early." He frowned and looked at the book. "We've been to the church." The buck was quiet. He then leaned forward, balancing his head on her cane and hooves.

"So you have. And what did you find there?" Candlejack pointed at the mare.

"Somepony and a whole lot of skeletons that came to life." Candlejack rubbed his chin. "I never thought fighting the undead would be pretty fun, now that I think about it." He caught the stern look from Zelori and he quickly changed his thoughts. "Buuut, the undead coming to life was indeed a danger for everypony. Aside from the bounty hunter out to get White and the brat." The buck suddenly stood up. His look grim and stern as he eyed the stallion DJ.

"Family history of necromancy and wanted by bounty hunters. Something tells me you did more than your fair share of trouble." White returned his look with a frown.

"If I wanted to put me and my sis in danger, I wouldn't be going to the lengths of trying to destroy this thing." He said as he levitated up the book. The buck eyed him.

"And what makes you think destroying the Necronomica will solve that?" Starbreeze balked.

"I thought that book looked familiar!!" she blurted. She quickly flushed as the many eyes focused on her. "Err... s-sorry..." The buck shook his head.

"You have every right to call it out." He clicked his tongue. "I was a fool for even allowing such a thing be placed upon the cult since the leader before me decided to put it in the sermons with the princesses." He rubbed his muzzle. "The Cult of the Eclipse was dedicated, proud members and followers of the sisters. Their power were far greater than us mortals and we wanted to tell the world that their grace and power had no bounds." He then growled at the book on the table. "At least, that was the teachings when I was a colt. But as I quickly became a general and spent more years at the gatherings, I began to see the change of my brothers and sisters."

He looked out the window, pulling back the curtain with his cane. "Their eyes weren't unique. Only a sickly green. Their minds entranced in the power of dark magic. That was when they began the volunteered sacrifices." He bowed his head. "I... I stood by and let it happen. That poor... poor filly... she had no ideaâ€..." The room's atmosphere indeed turned dark. "I did everything I could to try and steer those that haven't been influenced back into the graces of our goddesses. But Cult Leader Constance was hell bent on making sure that this magic would spread throughout the cult. He was drunk with power and his sermons were utter nonsense."

He turned to face White. "You are smart to come to me, boy. I... do not have anything that can help destroy it. But I do know a way to make sure that the dark magic no longer affects you and your sister." He was hesitant at first as he picked up the book in a shaky hoof. "I never thought I would see it resurface. Where has it been all this time?" Candlejack rubbed the back of his mane.

"I err... found it when I was cleaning the backyard." That elicited strange looks from the buck. Candlejack soon found himself shrinking into the couch when the buck towered over him.

"Did you read any of it?" he asked. The stallion was a little disturbed by the sudden hostile tone.

"Err... only a few paragraphs. But it was all gibberish to begin with. Somepony had basically scratched out the original writing and wrote over it." The buck was quick to respond.

"Melancholy." He looked to White. "Your father was tempted by its power." White balked.

"H-how do you know my father was responsible?" the buck glinted threatingly at the book.

"Because I heard that Mr. Yaba had his store broken into when he was the one that volunteered to keep the book under lock and key." Zelori rubbed her chin.

"But accepting dark magic for my people is a curse. What made him decide that?" The buck sighed tiredly.

"Because he was the one along with his expedition team that helped my grandfather from an illness that I never thought would have a cure. Mr. Yaba has done so much for this town." He grinned. "He may not look it, but the buck is older than you think. It's why he gets sentimental around our new generation." Zelori was baffled.

"Impossible... has he achieved the grace of Gaia?" The buck shrugged.

"I am afraid you are going to have to ask Mr. Yaba yourself. He doesn't like talking about his personal life. But in any case, he was there when the A.S.S. suddenly raided a gathering one night. One that I was lucky enough not to partake in as I was helping out my daughter handle the house during her seven month pregnancy." His expression darkened. "I heard from one of our scouts that the church had been abandoned and anypony that had fought against them were apprehended." He looked to White. "After that, the cult disbanded and we remained quiet about it for a decade. Your sister was born not long after along with my grandson."

White darted his eyes. This must have been a little too much for him to gather. Candlejack rubbed his chin.

"So, after the cult disbanded, Mr. Yaba secured the book before A.S.S. can get their hooves on it. I take it that kind of power shouldn't fall under them?" the buck nodded.

"How astute. Aretilla may be a HUB for opportunity. But it is as corrupt as any other society out there. Especially with Zillex holding the reigns."

'That name again... so they really do exist.' There was a knock on the door. The bee colored mare smiled.

"I'll get it." She said. She trotted down the short hallway, only for them to hear a scream and a loud clatter. Everypony except for Candlejack stood up. Before anypony could move, three ponies in strange glowing suites entered. One of them held a solarium knife in her magic under the mare's neck.

"Sorry to barge in. But we have been told that there may have been a secret gathering here. You all wouldn't happen to know about that, would you?" one of the helmeted ponies asked. Light Feather stood up.

"Mom!" he cried.

"Stay back, Light. Just do what they say.” She said, trying desperately to ease her neck away from the knife.

"Smart mare. Now, would anypony care to oblige us?" the pony motioned. "Search the place. Leave no stone unturned. Anypony that moves will be in violation of the law of accordance with Aretilla." The pony shoved the mare forward and the buck quickly hugged her with the colt hugging her foreleg. The pony then focused on Starbreeze, who quickly shrank back into her seat. "You! The one in the cloak. Remove it!" Starbreeze hesitated. "Now!!" the pony took a few intimidating steps forward, only to be stopped by Candlejack with a wing held up between them.

"Hey now. What gives you the right to barge in without being uninvited?" He asked. Zelori eyed her brother quietly. But she quickly shifted in a ready subtle stance. The pony held the knife under his chin.

"Wanna try me again, boy!?" the pony hissed. Candlejack glanced at the solarium knife before back at his reflection on the pony's helm.

"Not really. But if you are going to be rude about it, then I see no problems returning the favor." He then smirked and held up a wing. An obscene gesture was skillfully made by him. That caught the pony by surprise and in a blink of an eye, Candlejack snatched the knife out of the pony's magic grasp and to the utter shock of everypony except Zelori, he pierced the helmet of the pony. The blade searing into the visor and the pony screamed in pain as Candlejack let go and watched the pony stumble over the coffee table. One of the suited ponies cantered quickly out of the kitchen, only to suddenly be tripped by Zelori and had his sides jabbed.

The pony couldn't move. The paralyzes from the strikes restricted even blinking. The last one that was about to enter the bedroom cantered out after hearing the noise, only to have Zelori stand up in a bi-pedal stance, kicking up the rifle and spinning it in her hoof, she dashed forward and brought the butt of the gun across the pony's helm, making him stumble. Candlejack was quick to follow up by getting in low, punting the pony's chin and locking his hoof around the pony's helm and shoving his face to the floor, the pony's body following afterwards.

Confused, the pony that had the solarium knife pulled it out, revealing the searing hole that was probably her now missing eye, glared at them.

"You dare defy Aretilla?!" Candlejack smirked.

"More like question why you think you can strut your asses around and take things that aren't yours." He then looked stoically at her. "Or threaten innocents. Mercs or not, I will gladly take you all on." He shrugged. "Basically, I've had it with corrupt authority. And I'm really not in a good mood right now." The suited mare balked.

"What are you..." she then quickly put a hoof to the side of her helm. "We have a code pure on our hooves. I repeat! Code pur-!" Before she could finish, a loud thunk sounded and the mare suddenly fell to the ground. The old buck stood over her, cane in the air. With the dust settled, the buck hugged his daughter and grandson. White and Starbreeze were baffled. White arched a brow.

"You sure you think it is a good idea to attack the A.S.S.!?" he asked in a panic.

"He can strip me of my cloak anytime~." Starbreeze swooned a little. Candlejack kicked the downed mercenary lightly, taking a quick look at the suite.

"Stuff is pretty high tech. I could have sworn they almost looked like ETG." Zelori rolled her eyes.

"And that is the sole reason why you attacked them?" Candljeack shrugged.

"I was in the mood to stab something. So I did." Zelori face hoofed. She wasn't sure what spurred Candlejack on other than ETG look a likes and possible anarchy towards authority. Usually, he would just act all snarky and witty before attacking. This one was during the attack.

"D-dad... what should we do? Flutter asked. "They are bound to notice some of their crew missing! They will bust down everypony's door and will threaten for answers!" The buck hummed in thought before looking at the pegasus.

"You there. What is your name?" Candlejack dusted himself off before speaking.

"Candlejack. But if you want, you can just call me Jack." The buck stroked his chin.

"Jack, huh... then you wouldn't mind doing me a small favor." He put a hoof around the mare. "For the sake of my family and everypony here?" Candlejack eyed them before looking to Zelori.

"Well, we made it this far. Can't let it stop us now. What is it?" the buck nodded to the downed ponies.

"We need to make it look like they did a routine search. And we need to make it look convincing." Zelori sat the downed pony at their hooves against the wall. Candlejack smirked.

"I know that look all too well, gramps." The buck returned his smirk.

"Then by all means." Zelori wasn't sure what understanding her brother had of the situation. But she knew one thing. This society is in danger of corrupt protection and need to be helped. White and Starbreeze watched as the two moved the ponies and hog tied them with spare cable ties that the mare had in a drawer. Not sure for what as Candlejack thought, but it was enough to do the job. Stripping the two of the ones that weren't damaged, the two slid into the suites. Candlejack frowned as he tried to wiggle his wings.

"I kinda wished they had pegasi style. I'm tired of having to cut a hole in the clothes.” Zelori snickered.

"Bear with it, my dear brother. For we not done quite yet." This was true. As much as CandleJack hate to admit, a job is a job. And it is never done unless somepony is put six feet under or swindled out of trust. But doing it for free? Well, not entirely. The price was a more moral choice. And right now, Candlejack wholeheartedly believed that his morals were on the right track.

Author's Notes:

I apologize for the delay.