The hybrid of an earth pony and minotaur stared angrily into the mirror, glaring at the helmet which refused to sit properly on his head. The boxy metal object would cover him from the tip of his nose to the nape of his neck, but was stuck on his horns. The two forward-facing appendages extended from both sides of his head and made the act of suiting up more difficult.

Thankfully a bit of wiggling managed to get the protective covering onto his head, where it sat securely. With that done, the male glared bitterly at his reflection, noting that his black mane had grown rather long. Individual hairs poked out from his helmet, and a larger lock fell over one eye, limiting his vision.

Grumbling angrily to himself, the hybrid stallion lifted the heavy visor and swept the irritating bit of hair out of his face. He then reached for his breastplate, but stopped in order to check the straps on his studded leather underarmor. The reddish brown coat made from the hide of a manticore covered the majority of his body, leaving only the ends of his hooves exposed.

Where his thick, unkempt brown fetlocks reached down to the floor. The sight irritated the male, and he made a note to go to the barber after he had completed this job and acquired more gems. To that end he needed to finish donning his armor and readying himself for what was to come.

Unfortunately, his plan had a wrench thrown into it when the door to his room opened and an elderly minotaur shambled in. He wielded a gnarled wooden cane, which he gripped tightly with a dark grey-furred hand. He wore only a scowl and a pair of jeans almost as old as the pony standing across from him.

“Dammit, Jack Hammer. Where do you think you’re doing?” demanded the old bull.

Jack Hammer sighed. “What does it look like, father? I’m getting ready for work.”

“Work? But what about that job I got you with the guard?” retorted the older male.

“They only needed me for a couple of jobs. It was never going to be permanent,” Jack Hammer replied, slipping his breastplate over his head.

“Poppycock. If they saw how good you are, then they would have hired you on permanently,” exclaimed the other male.

“Well, it's not like I had a lot of options to prove myself. I was a glorified security guard, dad,” Jack Hammer stated.

“Still,” murmured the minotaur, “no son of mine is going to spend his days as some bumb hiring himself out to whoever will pay.”

“We need the gems,” Jack Hammer remarked, pulling the straps tight about his shoulders. “Your medication doesn't pay for itself, and the little garden we have ain't enough for the two of us.”

The minotaur clacked his walking stick against the ground. “Then we’ll take some more gems out of the retirement fund. Your mother saved up quite a bit before she passed.”

“We used all those to cover the mortgage, remember?” Jack Hammer replied as he wiggled the breastplate into a more comfortable position.

“I…” The old minotaur’s gaze grew distant for a moment, and a confused expression crossed his wrinkled face. “I still don't think you should go. I need you to take care of the place.”

“Dad, if I stay, then we won't be able to eat,” Jack Hammer deadpanned, reaching down next to his bed and hoisting a large hammer over his shoulder. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a merchant to guide.”

Rather than move, the minotaur stood firm and held out a hand. “I can't do that, son. There has to be something left, something we can use while we try to find something else. Maybe John at the mill will be able to-”

“John has been dead for five years, ya old coot!” Jack Hammer exclaimed, throwing up a hoof. “I’ve made my guard pay cheque last for as long as I can, but I have to get back out there and earn some more gems or we’ll both starve!”

There was a long silence, and for a moment Jack wondered if his father would continue to argue, only for the older male’s shoulders to slump.

The minotaur wilted and let out a low sigh. “I’m sorry, son. I just don't want you to follow in my footsteps and end up useless like me.”

Jack Hammer sighed as his gaze briefly settled on his father’s wooden leg. “I know, dad, but it's in my blood. I mean, just look at my cutie mark. This is what I was meant to do.”

He pulled up his leather armor to reveal an image of a large maul striking and destroying a timberwolf.

“Aye. You’re definitely mine,” the minotaur admitted. “Still amazed you even got one of those things in the first place.”

“I’m as surprised as you are,” Jack Hammer replied, letting the studded leather fall back into place. “But now I have to use that talent.”

“I suppose ya do,” admitted the minotaur, who awkwardly shuffled out of the way. “Sorry I’m such an ornery old git. Your mother always did soften my harsher edges.”

“She just brought out what was already there,” Jack Hammer whispered, extending a hoof and hugging the minotaur as best as he could.

“You’re too good to me,” murmured the minotaur, who gently patted his son on the back. “Why do you even put up with me?”

“‘Cause I remember all the times you came home from the hospital with a bag of gems, some new scars, and another great story,” Jack Hammer replied, taking a step back.

“Aye, those were the days,” murmured the minotaur. “I wonder if the guild still remembers the name Iron Hammer.”

“They still do, dad, they still do,” Jack Hammer muttered before passing the minotaur by.

Trotting hastily down the aged stairs, the earth pony hybrid opened the front door, allowing a flood of moonlight to enter the home. He was about to step through when he stopped suddenly and looked back at his father who was smiling at him.

“Ya waiting for me to change my mind or something? Go on, git!” the minotaur exclaimed, waving a hand towards the exit.

“Love you, dad,” Jack Hammer replied before closing the door.

Iron Hammer’s smile slowly fell away as he stared at the exit for several long seconds.

“I love you too, son,” he whispered before turning and hobbling away.

Jack Hammer grumbled to himself as he continued to fail at strapping his weapon to his back. The finicky bit of leather refused to stay in place, and the stallion’s strong, square jaw tightened as he struggled with it. Thankfully it didn't take long before he was able to secure the thing, allowing him to finally go back to walking to his destination.

Only to realize that he was slightly lost, having wandered off down a side street while he had been trying to fix his hammer situation. Looking around, Jack tried to reason where he was from context clues, starting with the towering trees above him. Within their many boughs were numerous wooden homes, businesses, and covered walkways connecting them all.

Winding staircases made their way around some of the larger trunks, allowing the ground-bound population to reach their heights. Jack Hammer didn't concern himself with anything above his head however, as his destination was on the ground. Which was a good thing, as he adamantly refused to go more than a few stories up under any circumstances.

It was unnatural in his mind, and the vertigo he received was bad enough to make him vomit. Not like he needed to do so very often, as there were plenty of ground-bound people who shared his opinions on the matter. Nearly every minotaur, troll, and other non-winged species tended to stay on the lower levels, though that wasn't an indicator of class.

The minotaurs who had built most of the lower levels had prided themselves on sturdy construction and orderly streets. With the majority of the buildings made of stone, it was clear they were meant to last, while most houses above looked shabby. They had too few walls, too many balconies, and looked more like oversized bird nests in his mind.

Jack didn't want to get off on an architectural tangent however, and turned his attention towards finding familiar landmarks. The first one of which he located was the Engels Academy for Combat and Military Strategy. The large stone structure was built more like a castle than a school, with a quartet of turrets surrounding the place.

The stallion remembered attending classes there after he received his cutie mark, and though there were few non-minotaur students, he had been treated well. Perhaps it was due to having horns bigger than most of the bulls, or his father’s reputation but the male remembered his time there fondly. Pushing such thoughts from his mind, Jack quickly realized where he was and what direction he needed to go.

Turning and walking down another side street, Jack idly observed his surroundings. It was only mid-evening at that point, so there was little activity, though as usual the guards were out in force. The atmosphere was tense, likely given to all the unpleasant news swirling through the great forest over the last few weeks.

Most of the arachne seemed unconcerned, as did the majority of the subterranean civilians who spent the majority of their time in the labyrinth below the city of Thicket. After all, they had the advantage of living out of the potential warpath that might be coming this way. Jack Hammer tried not to think about that however, reasoning that it was probably a rumour that had gotten out of hand.

Why would they fight another disastrous war anyway? Celestia held the majority of the world in her iron hoof, and resisting such influence seemed foolish to the hybrid.

Glancing down the long winding road, Jack Hammer noticed that he was drawing close to the merchant district and thus his meeting location. He also picked out a familiar face amongst the crowd, one whose attention was focused on a crossbow he was working on. The arachne was tall, lithe, with narrow shoulders and a big bushy moustache that clashed with his slim frame.

Most of his light tan fur was covered with an off-gold set of chainmail which was itself layered over a dark brown set of leather armor. His back was loaded with supplies, and slung under one hoof was a quiver of bolts ready to be used at a moment’s notice. He had yet to note the approaching hybrid, though that changed as Jack Hammer’s stomping hooves neared the other male.

Looking down, the arachne blinked rapidly before a wide smile crossed his face. “Oh Jack. I should have known it was you, given all that thumping,” he greeted with a slight chuckle.

“Well, it's not like I was trying to be sneaky,” Jack Hammer remarked before gesturing towards the bags on his friend’s back. “Did ya get everything?”

“And even had enough gems left over to get ya coffee,” replied the arachne, who retrieved a thermos from among the supplies.

“You're a lifesaver, Globe Trotter,” Jack Hammer muttered as he sipped the warm beverage lovingly.

The arachne chuckled. “It's only fair since you covered everything last time.”

Jack Hammer snorted. “You ever win back your gems, by the way? Or did those old sharks clear you out again?”

“For your information, I got it all back,” Globe Trotter exclaimed with a smirk. “Though I may have used my connections with the guard rather than my skills at pool.”

“So they were causing trouble, after all?” Jack Hammer inquired.

The arachne shrugged. “Just some minor smuggling, but they turned out to have a decent bounty on their heads.”

“Nice,” Jack Hammer muttered. “So where are we meeting this guy again?”

“You mean Mister Waddle?” Globe Trotter remarked.

“That's really his name? I thought he put up the ad under a fake one in order to avoid attention,” Jack Hammer exclaimed.

Globe Trotter nodded. “Yeah, that's him alright. And before you ask, no one I knew had any dirt on the guy. Seems like he just came from Cliffsdale and is known for making surprisingly quick runs to Ponyville.”

“That's… suspicious,” Jack Hammer exclaimed as he sipped his bitter beverage. “Did you find out anything else?”

“Other than the gems he’s offering are real and that he has a really dumb name? Not really, no,” Globe Trotter replied with a shrug.

“Guess we’ll just have to go into it head-first like usual,” Jack Hammer exclaimed.

“Speak for yourself,” Globe Trotter quickly retorted. “I always go into these things with at least a little bit of info while you barrel in, heedless of potential danger.”

“It's in my blood. What can I say?” Jack Hammer replied, emptying the thermos onto his tongue. “Come on. Let's go meet this guy and see if he's the real deal.”

“And on the way you are going to tell me what's gotten you so down in the dumps,” Globe Trotter remarked.

Jack Hammer grunted. “It's nothing. Just everything, ya know?”

The arachne hummed thoughtfully. “More trouble with your old man?”

“He's getting less stubborn and ornery, if you can imagine it,” Jack Hammer exclaimed.

“That sounds awful,” Globe Trotter replied in an exaggerated tone.

“It is. Feels like a part of him is slippin’ awa, ya know?” Jack Hammer stated.

Globe Trotter nodded solemnly but said nothing, his gaze growing distant.

Jack Hammer ignored his old friend and merely focused on walking the remaining distance to the market. He distracted himself by thinking of history, the usual defence he employed when his mind went somewhere dark. He wondered what it was like back when the town was first founded, and if the minotaur mercenary clans had trouble with their neighbors.

By all accounts the settling of the labyrinth below them had been a quiet and orderly affair, but there had to have been some issues that arose. Sure, the massive blood red trees that towered above them had been easy to dig around given that their roots grew almost straight down. There had to be other concerns though, like the local population of griffons, thestrals, and deer which likely didn't take kindly to the clans.

The text books all said they lived in peace and harmony, but you couldn't have a culture clash that significant without some strife. Jack Hammer made a note to visit the local library when he returned from this job, as it likely had the answers he sought. If it didn't, then he could always visit his grandfather, but that would be a last resort, as the old bull was half mad with age.

“Check it out. Total babe at two o'clock,” Globe Trotter whispered.

Jack Hammer blinked and looked up to find a small group of creatures clustered near a wagon piled high with various goods. In the driver seat sat a very old thestral stallion studying a map of some kind while holding onto a set of reins. The actual wagon itself wasn't that interesting, though the creatures pulling it certainly were, given that they were a pair of ghosts.

The creatures had once been trolls, though now they were little more than greenish-blue apparitions that sat idly in their floating harnesses. The stallion holding them looked about ready to join them in death as he was one of the oldest thestrals Jack had ever seen. Only a few scraps of hair dotted his mostly bald head, and thick glasses rested on his grey nose.

All color had long since left him, save for the sparkling blue of his eyes which were visible even at a distance. Cloaked in the finery of a merchant, the stallion didn't give any of the creatures standing nearby so much as a glance. Who in turn seemed to share a similar opinion of him, as they were chatting with one another or otherwise preparing themselves in some way.

Such as the slim, towering brown and gold dragon who was sharpening his claws while staring off into the distance. Standing a good head and shoulders above everyone else present, the dragon had a narrow torso and a large snout filled with sharp fangs. Though at first it looked like he didn't have any weapons, Jack noticed the dragon had a pair of longswords on his hips. He also wore a suit of rusty scale mail that looked like it hadn't been maintained properly in a good number of years.

Beside him stood a bored female kirin who wore a disinterested scowl and the heavy spiked steel armor of a berserker. Her curly crimson mane was larger than most and wrapped around her neck like a wreath, nearly hiding the helmet strapped to her side. Her eyes were gold, and her fur was an almost sickly brownish green color that was shared by the scales which ran down her face.

Speaking animatedly next to her was a reindeer who looked almost as old as their employer, though unlike him, she wore only a thin red shawl. With a pair of large faintly glowing antlers atop her head, she sported a pair of reading glasses that somehow rested on the bridge of her nose without falling. The teal and white furred relative of the deer ran a hoof through her two toned cotton candy mane as she continued to talk.

The reindeer’s conversation partner looked to be a priest of Luna, as the bipedal black-furred cat wore dark blue vestments adorned with images of the moon in its various phases. Her bright golden eyes seemed to glow faintly in the low light of the moon, and she clutched a wooden staff atop of which was a large pearl. The Abyssinian was tall, lithe, and nearly reached the dragon’s height with the addition of the silver tiara atop her head.

“Ew, she must be like sixty,” Jack Hammer replied, elbowing his friend.

“What? No not her, the kirin,” Globe Trotter retorted. “Just look at her. Have you ever seen such a beautiful creature in your life?”

Jack Hammer raised an eyebrow and glanced up to his clearly enchanted friend. “I didn't know you were a fan of kirins. I thought you didn't like anything that can shoot fire.”

“That was before,” Globe Trotter quickly dismissed. “Now I’ve seen the light, and if you’ll excuse me, I think I’m going to introduce myself.”

“I’ll go check in with our employer- and he's gone,” Jack Hammer remarked with a sigh. “Figures.”

Muttering bitterly to himself, Jack Hammer walked past the group as Globe Trotter announced his presence. Cantering over to where their employer was waiting, the thestral still buried nose deep in the map while a hoof remained on the reins.

“Mister Waddle?” Jack Hammer greeted.

The old stallion blinked and looked up. “What is it? Can't you see I’m busy!”

“The name’s Jack Hammer. I responded to your request for assistance,” Jack Hammer replied, biting back an angry retort.

Waddle’s eyes narrowed briefly before recognition flickered past them. “Ahh, young John Mallet! Good to meet you!”

“It’s Jack Hammer,” corrected the other male as he shook the offered hoof. “I assume you still require my help?”

“Oh yes. Yes, indeed,” Waddle replied. “We’ll be leaving soon, so please feel free to introduce yourself to the other guards.”

“Speaking of which,” Jack Hammer interrupted. “They don't look like they’ve seen much action. What schools have they trained at?”

“Schools?” Mister Waddle replied, scratching his head. “I don't know. They seem strong enough though.”

Jack Hammer sighed. “Do they have any experience as caravan runners?”

The old stallion shrugged. “I didn't ask.”

“You didn't…” The hybrid ran a hoof down his face. “Do you know what skills they have?”

“The pretty one with them big fancy antlers is a mage of some repute, apparently,” the thestral began, gesturing to the reindeer. “The cat thing is a practiced healer, and the other two are fighters, obviously.”

“Kind of lacking in the ranged department…. thankfully Globe should be able to handle that,” Jack Hammer murmured, stroking his chin.

“What was that, sonny?” Mister Waddle inquired.

“Nothing. I just have a few more questions if you don't mind,” Jack Hammer exclaimed.

“I suppose I got time for a few more, but after that, I gotta get back to planning,” retorted the thestral.

“Of course. Now what are you hauling exactly?” Jack Hammer inquired, gesturing back to the cart.

“Oh, just some weapons for the night guard and some foodstuffs for a grocer in need of a restock,” replied the other male. “Nothing to concern yourselves with.”

Jack Hammer hummed thoughtfully. “And where are we going again? Ponyville, right?”

“Oh yes, and it shouldn't take long at all. You see, I’ve devised a way to get there in only three days,” proclaimed the bat-winged pony.

“Three days… Let me see that please,” Jack Hammer offered, extending a hoof.

“It's quite simple, really,” Mister Waddle replied, turning the map around and displaying it to the other male. “We start at Thicket obviously, but after going around the Endless Scar and past the town of Willow Wood, we can take a short detour through the Clouded Quagmire. Then just like that, we are there in only three days.”

Jack Hammer sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose with a hoof. “We can't go that way.”

“And why not, young man?” Mister Waddle retorted.

“Because the Clouded Quagmire is home to creatures that we are not equipped to deal with,” Jack Hammer answered. “Creatures like Nazoth, the four hundred year old hydra that's almost as big as the redwood you’re standing next to.”

The thestral glanced up at the towering tree, following it all the way up until where it nearly brushed the clouds. “That is quite large, but I’ve done this before. And what are the chances of us actually running into such a beast?” Mister Waddle replied.

“High enough that we will be avoiding it,” Jack Hammer retorted. “And trust me, you want to avoid it. That monster is tough, smart, and nearly killed me on one of my first jobs.”

“Now look here, son, I-”

“No,” Jack Hammer interrupted. “Whatever you’re about to say, no. If we go that way, Globe Trotter and I will walk, and when we do, I’ll alert the guards to your plans.”

“So?” the thestral retorted.

“So they’ll probably detain you for one, and then if you’re lucky you’ll have your merchant license revoked, but you could also be arrested for reckless endangerment,” Jack Hammer answered.

The older male frowned for several seconds before reluctantly sighing. “Ya made your point. I’ll take the long way ‘round.”

“Good, now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go introduce myself,” Jack Hammer remarked.

“You do that, sonny,” replied the thestral, who waved a dismissive hoof at him.

Sparing one last glance at his employer, Jack Hammer walked over to where the others had grouped up. As usual, Globe Trotter was already laying on the charm and was busy chatting up the kirin, who seemed even more bored than before. As Jack Hammer approached, Globe Trotter’s ears perked up, and he turned around with a wide smile on his face.

“And this right here is my dear friend Jack Hammer. He graduated top of his class at Engels Academy, you know,” Globe Trotter exclaimed.

“Fascinating. I’ve heard good things about their courses,” offered the reindeer.

“A shame they don't include any religious studies in their curriculum,” added the Abyssinian.

“Ah, and where are my manners, this is Dru’ Valar Malesh, Aurora of the Borealis herd, and finally this beauty is…” Globe Trotter blinked. “I just realized you never mentioned your name.”

“Just call me Seven,” remarked the kirin in a dry tone.

“And don't forget our resident dragon, good sir Barry,” offered Aurora.

“Sup?” greeted the dragon.

“Not much. Say, you guys don't happen to have any experience running with a caravan, do you?” Jack Hammer opened.

“Dude, not cool. We gotta learn this stuff on the road over an open fire. It’s tradition,” Globe Trotter whispered.

Jack Hammer ignored him. “I myself have done so a dozen times, and have taken on a good number of similar jobs in the past.”

“I have done so several times, and as the moon is my witness, we made it just fine every time,” offered the bipedal cat. “Oh, and please do call me Valar. No need for formalities among comrades in arms.”

“Have you ever had to fight during these trips?” Jack Hammer replied.

“Err, only once. I’m afraid my expertise lies in healing and the proper rituals one must know when treading over sacred ground,” answered Valar somewhat reluctantly.

“What about the rest of you?” Jack Hammer continued, looking around the group.

“No caravans, but I’ve been in plenty of fights,” Seven offered.

“That you’ve won?” Jack Hammer inquired.

The kirin shrugged. “Mostly.”

“Wonderful,” Jack Hammer murmured.

“Well, I’ve never lost a fight before,” Barry offered. “And I’ve been hired on for several caravans.”

Jack Hammer’s eyes narrowed. “The same one each time?”

“Nah. Different caravans. They couldn't handle my skill, ya dig?” Barry replied.

The minotaur hybrid released a withering sigh and turned to the lone reindeer of the group. “What about you, grandma? Run with many caravans in your time?”

The older creature snorted. “Not exactly, but don't you worry about me, youngun. I’ve been protecting people since you were just a twinkle in your daddy’s eye.”

“What kind of spells do you know?” Jack Hammer inquired, stepping forward.

“What don't I know? I got a dozen or so shields, all kindsa illusions, plenty of enchantments, as well as a whole host of abjuration, transmutation, and divination,” she replied.

“And evocation?” Jack Hammer pressed.

The reindeer sighed. “I’m afraid not. Something to do with my blood. No one in the herd can cast anything stronger than a magic missile, I’m afraid.”

Jack Hammer sighed. “That could be worse, I suppose.”

“Hey now, what gives you the right to come in here and judge us, huh?” Barry interjected, jabbing a claw into the hybrid’s chest.

“I’m just trying to come up with a plan and estimate our chances of survival. Most of these roads are pretty well-maintained, but with the guard mustering for war, the usual militias haven't been out as much,” Jack Hammer pointed out. “Furthermore, the forest has been acting mighty strange lately, and there’ve been plenty of monster sightings.”

“I’m sure it's nothing we can't handle,” Seven exclaimed.

“With the night mistress’ guidance, nothing is impossible,” Valar added.

“Yeah yeah. Just be ready for when things go sideways, and we’ll get along fine,” Jack Hammer exclaimed as he walked away.

Globe Trotter quickly skittered after his friend and caught him by the shoulder. “Dude, what was all that? You were going in on them really hard.”

Jack Hammer sighed as he glanced from the small group towards their collective employer. “I just don't know about this, Trotter. Something doesn't seem right here.”

“Well, that's no reason to alienate everyone,” Globe Trotter replied.

“I’ll make it up to them when we stop tonight,” Jack Hammer replied, jabbing a hoof into his friend’s chest. “Just keep an eye on Waddle, alright? Especially when I hit the hay.”

“I will, I will. You can count on me,” Globe Trotter replied, brushing his friend’s hoof away. “So long as sexy number Seven keeps her hooves off me.”

Jack Hammer rolled his eyes. “Good luck with that, man.”

“So you’re saying there's a real honest to goodness necromancer in Ponyville?” Aurora inquired.

Globe Trotter nodded as he walked next to the cart. “And not one of those ones that can barely bring back your pet hamster. I’m talking about real resurrection here.”

“That's a load of bull,” Seven remarked.

“No way. Cross my heart, it's totally true,” Globe Trotter exclaimed. “This Twilight chick even brought back a unicorn, but she's a skeleton now.”

“Seems like a load of bunk to me. Didn't you also say she was a unicorn from Canterlot?” Jack Hammer pressed.

“She can be both, ya know,” Globe Trotter pointed out.

“Still doesn't seem real,” Aurora added, tugging at her shawl. “The great aurora above claims all our souls once they leave our bodies.”

Valar scoffed. “It is not some light show that takes ownership of our souls, but rather the moon which shepherds us to the next world we are most deserving of.”

“You’re all wrong. We just rot,” Barry declared from his spot on the back of the cart.

Jack Hammer held up a hoof. “Hold on a second. I think I heard something.”

Mister Waddle pulled back on the reins before leaning towards him. “What did ya hear, exactly?” the thestral asked in a low tone.

“Snap of wood and the sound of bark rubbing against wood,” Jack Hammer whispered.

“Timberwolves,” remarked Globe Trotter.

“Be ready. They’ll probably try to encircle us before-” Jack Hammer’s ears perked up. “Too late. Everyone fan out around the right side of the cart and don't forget to watch your flanks.”

All eyes went to the forest which pressed tightly around them on either side as they assembled on one side of the cart. In front of them, the road extended for nearly a mile before turning sharply while the path behind them was also clearly visible for some distance. It wasn't all simple however, as large bushes and tall leafy trees obscured most of the sky while also offering plenty of cover to creatures lurking just out of sight.

A few seconds after Jack Hammer had yelled for everyone to stand ready, the surrounding forest exploded with motion. Six wooden wolves burst from the underbrush and made a beeline towards the vulnerable cart. Before they could reach their target, a crossbow bolt fired by Globe Trotter pierced the lead wolf’s head, causing it to stumble to a stop and go cross-eyed as it stared at the projectile.

Jack Hammer raised his signature weapon and readied himself for his first opponent before giving a quick glance to his side. Where Aurora waited patiently, her antlers glowing a soft teal color. Beside her stood Globe Trotter, who had ditched his ranged weapon in favor of a mace he had pulled from a bag. Beyond that was Seven who was already sprinting directly at the pack, her mane having turned into a wreath of blackened fire.

With a warcry that sounded more like an incoherent scream of rage, the nirik leapt at the first wolf with hoof raised. The confused creature tried to backpedal out of the way, but could not escape the enraged kirin or her spiked hooves. A left cross knocked its jaw loose, before a devastating hook took its head clear off its shoulders.

Seeing one of the defenders break off from the group, the wolves quickly moved to surround her, clawing and biting at the armored kirin.

“Stars, damn it. Globe, Barry, support Seven. Aurora, stay back and shield the cart!” Jack Hammer shouted before charging in after the berserker, not looking back to see if his command had been headed.

Running in, he noticed that the nirik was quickly being overwhelmed, though despite this she continued to fight with the same ferocity. It was like she didn't even know that one good bite, and she would be dead. Either that, or she simply didn't care. Either way, Jack was determined not to let that happen and brought his hammer down hard on the closest wolf.

Who didn't notice his assailant’s presence until it was far too late and its body was shattered utterly. With two of their number down, the wolves regrouped, forming a wall of wood three wolves wide while the last disappeared. Thankfully the sneakier member of the pack didn't make it far before they ran into a grinning arachne.

“Gotcha!” Globe exclaimed as he swung his mace in a wide arch.

The wolf turned out to be faster still though and dodged to the left before raking a claw across the arachne’s side. He didn't manage to land a second blow however, as several rapid strikes of Globe Trotter’s mace drove him back. With both opponents having gained a new appreciation for the other, the pair eyed one another curiously, neither attacking.

Unlike the fight happening a few feet away which was a chaotic melee of swinging weapons and slashing claws, Jack Hammer did his best to drive his attacks home, but the nirik to his right kept charging out of line and getting surrounded. Sprinting after the mare, he struggled to keep up, though thankfully he had managed to land a few lucky hits.

With one of the wolves sporting a freshly shattered leg, Jack Hammer was able to bring his hammer down atop the creature’s back. With another wolf exploding into a shower of half-rotten wood, the number of opponents had lowered enough that the hybrid could relax. The pack seemed to realize that things had turned against them as well, as the remaining creatures turned tail and ran off.

Seven seemed intent on following them and released a guttural challenge, but was stopped before she could sprint away. Jack’s hammer caught the nirik around the back leg and tripped her into a mud puddle. The still enraged nirik swiftly leapt back up to her hooves and spun around, her fiery gaze immediately landing on Jack Hammer.

Who raised his weapon and readied himself for the possible fight ahead.

Thankfully that never happened, as the nirik slowly returned to normal, her temper bleeding away to nothing. Now a kirin once more, the mare released a long sigh as she passed him by.

“Thanks,” she muttered.

The earth pony hybrid merely shook his head as he turned and followed her back to the group. “Any injuries?”

Globe Trotter grunted as he wiped the sap from his mace. “I got a couple nicks I’d like looked at, but other than that, I think were good.”

“Great. Valar would you… where’s Valar?” Jack Hammer exclaimed.

“Oh, I’m, uh, right here,” offered the Abyssinian who peeked out from behind the other side of the cart.

Jack Hammer sighed and seemed ready to raise his voice, only to notice another curious absence. “Wait, where is Barry? Quick, everyone fan out, we need to look for him.”

“Don't bother,” exclaimed the dragon in question, who hopped out from the back of the cart. “I’m right here.”

“Where were you?” Jack Hammer demanded. “We needed your help.”

“No, you didn't,” Barry replied simply. “You made it out just fine, didn't you?”

“That's not the point. There could have been more of them!” Jack Hammer shouted, jabbing a hoof into the dragon’s chest. “If there had even been four more of the things, we’d likely be in a lot worse shape right now!”

“But you aren't,” Barry pointed out.

Jack Hammer released an annoyed groan. “Augh, you are an absolute child.”

“Sorry I wasn't more help back there,” Aurora offered.

“No, it's fine,” Jack Hammer muttered. “If there had been more, you would have been all that stood between Mister Waddle and his grave.”

“I must say that was a bit too close for comfort,” exclaimed the elderly stallion from his perch atop the cart. “I thought you said you were good.”

“I am good, but you need to vet your guards better!” Jack Hammer shouted. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to take a nap. This entire debacle has given me one helluva migraine.”

“Don't worry, Jack. I’ll take the next watch,” Globe Trotter offered.

“Thanks, Trotter. All this anger is really getting to me,” Jack Hammer muttered.

The stallion jumped up onto the back of the cart and laid his hammer down next to him, ignoring the glare he was getting from Barry. Jack also pretended not to hear the discussion centered around his actions happening only a few feet away. After two days of problems like this, he was beginning to lose what little patience he had left, and he had a feeling more issues were coming.

“Thank the stars we haven't run into more monsters,” Jack Hammer whispered to himself. “We’d all be compost by now if we crossed paths with a hungry starbeast.”

The hybrid rolled over and pulled an unused bedroll under his head, not even bothering to remove his helmet before closing his eyes. As he drifted off, he silently wondered what fresh hell would be waiting for him when woke up. He just hoped they wouldn't get lost, as with the militias distracted with the spectre of war, they wouldn't be able to count on a prompt rescue.

Jack jolted back into wakefulness after briefly becoming airborne, the wagon having hit a particularly large bump in the road. Immediately upon opening his eyes, the hybrid felt like something was off, and he looked up to find vine-laden branches hanging down above him. Sniffing the strangely heavy air, he quickly detected the potent aroma of rotten eggs which now hung over everything, fouling his mood even further.

Pushing himself off the cold, damp floor, Jack Hammer scooped up his signature weapon and placed it in its holder before standing up. After cracking his back and shaking off the last dregs of sleep, he gave his surroundings a much more thorough inspection.

They were in a swamp, that much was obvious, not only due to the smell and the trees, but also the bumpy quagmire that was the road. Likely not repaired or maintained for quite some time, the craggy dirt path was overgrown and pitted with the occasional small pool of water. On his left, there was little land to be seen, with a marshy lake stretching far into the distance while on his right was a veritable wall of vegetation.

“About time you woke up,” Barry remarked dryly.

Jack Hammer looked down to where the dragon, reindeer, and Abyssinian were all walking behind the cart.

“How long was I out?” Jack Hammer muttered while rubbing his eyes.

“A while. It's nearly the sacred hour of midnight,” Valar exclaimed.

“About eleven thirty to be exact,” Aurora declared.

“And where exactly are we?” Jack Hammer pressed.

Barry shrugged. “How should I know? The forest?”

“The forest is in all things. It welcomes the holy into its bosom,” Valar murmured, clutching her moon pendant tight against her chest.

Jack Hammer sighed and hopped off the still moving cart. “Hold on a second. I need to have a talk with our boss.”

“I’ll be waiting with bated breath,” Barry exclaimed with a smirk.

Jack Hammer merely rolled his eyes and trotted up to the front, where he found Seven and Globe Trotter walking side by side.

“-And then I said. That's not my lunch, that's my mother!” Globe Trotter exclaimed, throwing his hooves up in emphasis.

Seven chuckled politely. “Not bad, Trotter. I liked the Mighty Python reference.”

The arachne’s eyes lit up. “You’ve seen Mighty Python?”

Jack Hammer cleared his throat. “Pardon me, but did we go straight or take a left at Willow Wood?”

“What? Oh, I don't know,” Globe Trotter exclaimed with a shrug. “I wasn't paying attention.”

“Left,” Seven answered.

Jack Hammer growled. “Excuse me, you two.”

The hybrid brushed past the pair and stomped his way up to the front of the cart, where Mister Waddle sat, reigns in hooves. Upon noticing the guard’s presence, he smiled and patted the empty spot next to him invitingly.

“Come on up, sonny. Plenty of room up here,” Waddle offered.

Jack Hammer grunted as he clambered up onto the seat, placing his hammer across his lap before turning to the other male.

“Now I’m only going to ask this once. Did you, or did you not agree to avoid the Clouded Quagmire?” Jack demanded.

The thestral snorted. “I don't see what the big deal is. We haven't seen a single timberwolf this entire time. Haven't even been bothered by a regular beasty neither.”

“That's not what I’m worried about,” Jack Hammer growled. “Traffic has decreased, wards have been left to fade, and the monsters have not been pacified for some time. Meaning that the wildlife has likely moved back in and claimed the roads usually traveled by merchants. This is incredibly dangerous.”

“Poppycock,” spat Mister Waddle in a disbelieving tone. “With nothing to rile them up anymore, I bet most of the creatures out here are all asleep by now.”

“I don't give a damn about your theories,” Jack Hammer exclaimed. “We are turning around. Do you hear me? Right bloody now.”

“Woah, what's going on here?” Globe Trotter inquired.

“This young man just threatened my life!” Mister Waddle shrieked. “Remove him from my presence immediately.”

“I did not-”

“Woah, Jack did what?”

“Does this mean I get to throw him out?”

The front of the cart crowded with confused and agitated creatures, each one shouting over the other. Barely able to get a word in edgewise, Jack Hammer felt like the situation was quickly slipping away from him. Though he tried to argue, Mister Waddle’s shrieking tone of voice cut right through any attempt to offer a retort of his own.

That was until Jack heard a sudden surge of water to his right, the noise triggering alarm bells in his head. He quickly turned. to see a dozen arrow-shaped heads as large as a house begin to breach the greenish water of the strange lake. The many pairs of bright emerald eyes stared intently at the group as they slowly weaved their way towards the shore.

“Shut up! Everyone out, now!” Jack Hammer bellowed.

The hybrid didn't wait for a response and leapt from the cart, his hammer tucked under a foreleg.

“Hey, get back here, I haven't… oh my,” Mister Waddle muttered.

The rest of the group turned and gawked as the many heads of a great hydra loomed over them, its enormous bulk now mostly above water. For a moment even the light of the moon was gone, blocked out by the titanic creature’s many heads from which dripped a great slurry of saliva. The monster eagerly inspected the tiny morsels that had dared venture into its domain.

“Get over here!” Jack Hammer shouted.

Globe Trotter was the first to answer the call, his crossbow already raised and ready to be fired. Aurora was second, followed by Seven, while Barry was waiting at the water’s edge and Valar was nowhere to be seen.

“What is it doing?” Aurora whispered.

“It's inspecting us. Trying to figure out if we are food, or if we are going to offer it tribute,” Jack Hammer replied as he looked around. “Where is Valar? I need everyone to work together while I come up with a way to scare it off.”

“She's behind the cart, I think,” Globe Trotter muttered, gesturing back the way they came.

Growling to himself, Jack Hammer ran back to the cart and grabbed a furry black tail poking out from under it. Yanking the bipedal cat out of her hiding spot, Jack Hammer shot her a glare that could have melted ice. For her part Valar at least looked apologetic, though she was also eagerly looking over the hybrid’s shoulder.

“Oh, uh, thanks? I was, uh… stuck,” Valar muttered.

“The team is going to need you right now. So the way I see it, you have two options,” Jack Hammer began, grabbing the Abyssinian by the shoulder. “You can either sprint off into the wilderness and pray to your god that you don't get lost or eaten. Or you can stand and fight with us.”

“I, err, don't know. Can't I just sit back here where it's safe and cast healing magic when you need it?” Valar whispered.

“If someone gets hit, they are dead, and last I checked, you can't heal corpses,” Jack Hammer retorted. “Now what's it going to be? Are you going to shame the moon by showing it your tail, or will you stand by those in need?”

“I…” Valar gulped. “I’ll do it.”

“Good, now get out there and do your god proud,” Jack Hammer exclaimed, roughly shoving the Abyssinian out of cover and following close behind a second later.

The hydra had yet to attack and was sniffing the air above the group intently, its many heads drawing close. Ignoring the great beast entirely, Jack Hammer hopped up onto the cart and banged his hammer against his chest, grabbing the attention of everyone.

“Now, I don't need to tell you what’s at stake here,” he began. “In a minute here old Nazoth is going to figure out that we don't have anything for him, then he’ll eat us. That is unless we all work together.”

“Screw that, I’m out of here,” Barry muttered, only to be caught by Globe Trotter.

“I wouldn't do that if I were you. If you run, it will assume you are the offering,” exclaimed the arachne.

“Which is why you all will be doing exactly what I say when I say it,” Jack Hammer firmly declared. “While we keep the creature’s attention, Waddle here is going to mix the lowest quality alcohol he has with the most fragrant spices he's carrying.”

“What, and why would I do that?” Mister Waddle demanded.

“‘Cause this guy got poisoned by saranide about three hundred years ago and hasn't forgotten the smell. If we can scare him off by dumping this mix into the lake, then we might get a chance to escape with our lives,” Jack Hammer answered.

“Why run when we can kill it?” Seven demanded.

“Look at that thing!” Jack Hammer shouted, gesturing to the massive behemoth hovering over them. “Do you really think you have a snowball’s chance in Tartarus of doing anything more than annoying it?”

“Er…” Seven paused as a head loomed close above her, its nostrils, each of which were as big as the kirin herself, widening as it filled its lungs with air. “Point taken.”

“Good. Now does anyone else have anything stupid they want to say before the fighting starts? What about you, Barry?” Jack Hammer demanded.

The dragon awkwardly raised his hands as he was sniffed by a curious scaled head many times his size. “N-no sir.”

“That's what I thought. Now stick close, and-”

A deafening roar split the relative quiet, the many heads of the enormous hydra rearing back and glaring banefully at the group. It then stomped one enormous foot, causing the ground to tremble and swamp water to surge up over the bank.

“We’ll get its attention, and remember, don't spread out too much, but also try not to get in each other’s way!” Jack Hammer shouted, drawing his weapon and rising up to his back hooves.

A chorus of hearty agreements or whimpers of fear answered his call, and the group fanned out in front of the titanic monster. Which seemed to have just realized that it was not about to be given a meal on a silver platter. So it chose to make its own dinner plans and chow down on a group of impudent invaders too foolish to appease its titanic appetite.

A head immediately swept in from the right, attempting to consume a distracted Abyssinian whole before she had a chance to notice it. Jack Hammer proved faster than it and sprinted over to her and knocked the cat out of harm’s way. Tumbling to the ground, the pair narrowly avoided the snap of the hydra’s head, and in a flash they were back up once more.

“Watch your sides and stay further back!” exclaimed the hybrid, running back into a position before Valar could even stutter a thank you.

As this was happening, a second head moved to attack the sole dragon of the group, descending straight down at the scaled creature. Barry dodged at the last second, but was knocked clear off his feet by the resounding thud of the impact. The head didn't immediately recoil however, pulling back just enough to try a second, faster bite attack.

Barry had a moment to glance down at his pitifully sized weapon in disappointment as an enormous pair of jaws descended at him. Thankfully for him, he wasn't the only one paying attention, and before he could be eaten, a large stone was thrown into the hydra’s mouth. Confused, the head recoiled as it coughed, trying to rid itself of the foreign debris.

Glancing over his shoulder, Barry noticed that Globe Trotter was closing one of the pouches on his armor before reloading his crossbow. The arachne then turned and fired a shot into the cheek of a hydra head which had been swooping in from the left. Annoyed, but uninjured, the attacker recoiled, using its long tongue to pull the bolt from its flesh, inadvertently giving its prey the time they needed to regroup.

Seven rolled once, hopping back onto her hooves just in time to see another head swooping down at her. Ducking into a second roll, the kirin felt a wave of white hot anger begin to burn within her, yet she refused to give in to the feeling. She knew she needed to keep her thoughts organized, lest she end up as a bite-sized snack for her gigantic attacker.

Dodging and weaving around several lightning fast bites, Seven was able to get around the creature’s head. To where one of its enormous eyes stared at her, its gigantic pupil focused on the kirin as she cocked back her hoof. Yet she was unable to land the painful blow she had planned, as the kirin felt one of her back legs get pulled out from under her.

The hydra’s head recoiled, having realized its error, and what had likely almost happened to its delicate eyes. With her prey now gone, Seven hopped back to her hooves and looked around, trying to locate what had tripped her. Only to immediately notice that it was Jack Hammer, who had stopped her yet again.

“If we enrage him, he won't run even if he believes he's poisoned, and we’ll all die!” Jack Hammer shouted the second their eyes met.

Seven growled, clearly annoyed, but unable to offer a retort against the stallion’s wise words. It burned at her to leave such an insult unanswered, but the kirin continued to bite back her anger. Instead she focused herself on merely staying quick on her hooves, abandoning any attempt at a counter-attack.

A plan that Aurora had long since embraced, the reindeer’s horns glowing brightly as she fired off several spells. A bright teal shield kept Barry from losing an arm, while a burst of dazzling lights made a head stare dumbfounded for several seconds. Several illusionary copies of herself danced around in the shallow water, keeping the beast confused and on the defensive.

Despite how frantic the desperate melee was, the old reindeer could tell that they were coming together. Yes, this may not be a fight they could win, but it was one they could survive, and that was a victory in itself. To that end, she continued to aid her new comrades as best as she could, using the majority of her power to create shield after shield.

One of which protected Valar when she was busy offering a quick prayer to the moon, her hands positioned over Barry’s arm. The dragon had dodged a bite, but had still been hit by the side of the creature’s mouth, dislocating the limb. Unable to fight until it was fixed, the fighter resentfully waited as his shoulder was fixed with the power of holy magic.

A bright teal dome protected them from the gnawing of a rather irritated hydra head. Once patched up however, Barry raised his weapon and charged to the left, leaving Valar to deal with the head that continued to loom over her. For a moment she considered running, but quickly decided against it, instead choosing to conjure a blast of moonlight.

The bright silver flash knocked the head back and blinded it temporarily, causing the creature to panic for several precious seconds. Which was exactly what they needed, as Jack Hammer had been keeping a slightly smaller, younger head at bay with a flurry of strikes. The attacks did little against the hydra’s thick scales, but they were enough to drive it away, giving them some breathing room.

When Valar’s spell hit however, the sudden loss of vision startled every head, and the beast pulled back. Giving Globe Trotter enough time to fire a bolt into the creature’s mouth, where it stuck deep into the beast’s gums. Now confused and annoyed, the head pulled back as far as possible, using its tongue to seek out the irritating piece of wood.

Jack shot his friend a quick nod of appreciation before swiftly leaping to the arachne’s defence. Bringing his hammer down hard on a head about to bite the archer, Jack forced its maw shut, and made it rethink its dinner plans. The hybrid didn't have long to appreciate his success however, as he was already ducking into another roll.

Avoiding yet another toothy maw, Jack managed to drive the head back with a two-handed strike to its nose. The beast yelped and reeled in the injured head, lest it receive another rather forceful boop on the nose. Finally left without any immediate danger, Jack looked around, searching for someone who may need his help.

Only to find that his strength was unneeded at the moment, as his comrades were handling themselves quite well. Valar continued to use blasts of moonlight to keep the heads back, though it was clear that she was already beginning to tire. Much like Aurora, who held firm even while small trickles of smoke began to rise from her antlers.

The other three were not much better, with Barry grimacing as he recovered from a rather nasty fall he had taken after getting knocked off his feet. Despite the recent tumble, he rose quickly and stabbed his blade into another head’s nose, causing it to retreat. Mirroring the actions of Seven, who was backpedaling rapidly while a head snapped repeatedly down at her from above.

Seeing her opportunity, the kirin jumped in when the head had overextended, slamming an armored hoof into one of its teeth. The fang popped free and fell from its maw, the head growling angrily as it pulled back in defeat. A well-placed bottle of acid from Globe Trotter followed by a snap shot to the brow gave Seven the chance to kick it in the jaw.

Like a well-oiled machine, the group moved to cover each other's weaknesses, though it was clear that their time was quickly running out.

“It's done!” exclaimed the voice of a familiar and now much hated, thestral.

Jack Hammer immediately slung his signature weapon across his back before sprinting towards the cart. Where he could see the elderly stallion standing at the back, a rather large jug raised high above his head. So distracted by his small victory, the merchant didn't notice a head that had snuck up behind him and was about to make a meal out of him.

For a moment Jack considered letting the old fool perish before he quickly thought better of it and hefted his hammer. With a grunt of exterion, the half minotaur flung his weapon into the hydra’s mouth a second before it was about to bite down. Luck was on his side, and the weapon managed to wedge itself perfectly into the creature’s mouth, making it impossible for the hydra to close its jaws.

Confused and angry, the head recoiled before spitting the weapon into the lake and giving the adventurers the time they needed. In that time, Jack Hammer snagged the jug from the confused thestral’s hooves and was making a beeline towards the hydra’s main body. The creature saw this and tried to stop him, yet none of its heads’ attacks seemed able to hit him.

Jack Hammer jumped out of the way of one bite, before ducking under another, all while he continued to run. Leaping back to his hooves, Jack hefted the jug and threw it at the hydra’s torso, the glass bottle spinning end over end. Then, with a resounding crack, the container exploded, sending its pungent payload across the creature’s scales.

The effect was instant, as the hydra stopped, and one of its heads leaned down to sniff at the spot. Every pair of eyes went wide, and with a confused yelp, it began to backpedal into the lake. Its attacks abandoned, the entire group turned and watched as the hydra wailed while running away as fast as its enormous bulk could allow.

Receding back beneath the waves, Nazoth certainly didn't seem like the intimidating monster that it had been only a few seconds earlier.

“I almost feel kinda bad. Almost,” Globe Trotter exclaimed.

“It's just an animal. A really big animal,” Aurora added.

“Everyone back onto the cart!” Jack Hammer interrupted. “Waddle, turn this around and get those ghosts of yours moving.”

“Y-yes, right away,” murmured the merchant as his guards either piled into the back, or helped to maneuver his simple transport through the deep mud.

Only after getting turned all the way around and putting a good amount of distance behind them did the old thestral relax. Only for Jack Hammer to land in the seat beside him with a resounding thump, sending the elderly stallion’s blood pressure spiking once more.

“This is what's going to happen,” Jack Hammer began, settling a hoof on the old merchant’s shoulder. “You’re going to sell everything like normal. Only you’re going to give us all the profits. Then we’re going to return you to Thicket as promised. Once home, you will retire, having broken even.”

“And in return?” replied the thestral somewhat hesitantly.

“I won't tell everyone that you tried to get us all killed,” Jack Hammer retorted.

“Don't think of it as extortion. Think of it as a mandatory and completely involuntary bonus for having fought off Nazoth,” Globe Trotter offered.

Barry snorted. “I say we tie him to a tree and leave him as a present for that multi-headed jerk.”

“It would be better than he deserves,” Seven muttered.

“The night mistress may preach forgiveness, but even I feel tempted to agree with our scaled friend here,” Valar exclaimed.

Mister Waddle gulped and nodded. “You make a good point. Perhaps… perhaps I am too old to keep this up. I’m sure my granddaughters would be happy to see me more often.”

“And how sad would they be if you ended up in prison, or worse?” Jack Hammer pressed.

The thestral bobbed his head eagerly. “You made your point. youngun. You’ve got a deal.”

“Good,” Jack Hammer gave the other male’s shoulder a squeeze before falling back into the cart.

“That was awesome,” Globe Trotter remarked.

“We made a most proficient team!” Valar declared.

“Agreed,” Seven added.

“Maybe teams aren't so bad, after all,” Barry reluctantly admitted.

Jack Hammer raised an eyebrow. “It sounds like you guys wanna stick together after this job.”

“I don't know about everyone else, but I sure do,” Aurora declared, the reindeer placing a hoof on the hybrid’s shoulder. “You make for a capable leader. One I wouldn't mind following for a spell.”

“You are pretty tough,” Barry added.

“And smart,” Valar proclaimed.

“And quick,” Seven pointed out.

“Well, it seems like everyone’s in,” Globe Trotter remarked. “But if we are going to make it official, then we need a name.”

“What about… the Blades of Nazoth?” Jack Hammer offered.

“I like it,” Seven declared.

“Same,” Barry added.

Aurora simply nodded.

“Very fitting,” Valar proclaimed.

Jack Hammer smiled. “Then it's settled.”

If you liked this, you may also enjoy Queen Of The Wasteland, which just got updated!

If you want to read the next updates for my biggest stories at the begining of the month rather at the end, or want to get a commission from me as well as access to patreon exclusive content, and the chance to submit story requests every month, head over to my patreon!

Join me over on patreon and get instant access to exclusive content and early looks at new stories, patreon only stories and other great stuff! Check it out!
Or just join the discord to ensure that you dont miss an update.
This update was made possible by the wonderful support of readers like you: John, MestreJ, Starless, Gear Change, DioKyo, Tacocat598, Canary in The Coal Mine, Ceepert, Doomgoey, Tiwake, Vigilant Watch, Joshua, Nfreak, Facinus, M, John, Rhys, Corey, Blade Tech, Mephia, Peter, Apollyon, Nightwing, 浩民 簡, Hannibal, Dragon's Sheperd, BeenMcsqueen, Mop Hop, Dale, Xvos, Nathan, Octavia and Lowbar, Lich lord krosis, Prysm, Mike, Astor, Travis, Soundtea, Menthol Qtip, Craig, Mirvra, Ivar, Pacsik, Kali, Makani, Steven, Fiamgoku, free, GruB, Todd, Megatyrant.