"We are all slaves to our histories. If there is to be a .. bright future, we must learn to break those chains."

Delenn, GROPOS

The idea of a legend and a myth is when most forget. There is a time when heroes and Villains never were needed. A time in my mind when we never needed them. In the story of Gusty the great. She fought Grogar but in real history, it wasn’t just her and her friends. Of course, my kind didn’t meet the ponies then. Our kind was extremely wary of them because of the princess. The hatred we had for Alicorns had still lingered. Even though we have that genetic memory. It’s a bit bothersome to a lot of us. It’s why some of us go into exile. My entire family line is exiled. We keep up the tradition so our wisdom and knowledge don’t get used for the wrong means. My family has even been in hiding since the war.

Written by The crazed historian.

I woke up on a wet pillow. I had awful dreams last night was it a dream? I sat up in bed looking around the room. No, it wasn’t I wished it was a dream. The guilt came back and I deserve it for what I did. I sniff something in here that stinks awfully. I look at the drink and food I was given last night by the Innkeeper. It looks like the innkeeper gave me food that went bad during the night.

I get out of bed putting on my armor to make sure I got everything. I make sure my armor is all clean no blood or anything. I head to the door and I hear it’s very busy downstairs. I take a deep breath taking in the air that the helm gives me. I don’t want to have anything happen to me today. Opening the door the voice and noise were very loud. I head down the stairs to try to sneak out if I can

When I go downstairs I had many ponies, camels, and Kirins looking at me. I looked at the wall and saw a sport called Rock Ball. The first game is today? I look at the Innkeeper who looks busy. I tried to sneak out but of course a large I think it was a Hell hound grabbed me and laughed.

“Oh, we have a new soul here boys!!” I was a bit scared, not sure what was going to happen. I looked at what was coming toward me. It looked like a team of hellhounds. They wore heavy armor and helmets and they had numbers on their jerseys. What looked like the leader came over to me. Half of his body is cybernetic. He leaned down to me and sniffed.

“Seems to be fresh meat for the slaughter. It seems to be a new member for Rock Ball.” I didn’t know what the hell was going on then the hellhound covered in cybernetics pulled me aside away from the others so they didn't hear.

“I know who you are. At least you have that scent of smell that I know. I’m Bowie, I'm the leader of my team the mud throwers. You seemed to be chosen to be part of us.”

I had no idea what he meant by that. I noticed Flame standing by the team and I excused myself respectfully flying to Flame.

“Um… what is going on?”

Flame used her magic to pull me into the closet we heard laughing and whistling. She uses her magic to lock the door and then lifts a strange device to make sure there are no bugs here. Other than me of course but the hearing kind.

“Okay, we are alone. Plans have changed since Rock ball is in town. I need you to be a distraction.”

I sighed, taking my helm off and Flame stared at me with horror.

”Your head.”

Blood drained down my head into my eyes.

“I tried to remove the chips last night. They’re deeper in there than I thought.”

Flame opened a bag and took a cloth to clean my wounds and I just pushed her away. It seemed, for now, the mind control wasn’t fully controlling me because me being in pain

“Why do you even care? I am just a stepping stone for your power.”

I added with such venom in my voice. I could tell my words hurt her deeply. But she didn’t let that stop her from telling me the plan.

“All the army are going to be at the game. Now we aren’t going to kill too many innocents along the way. What is going to happen? Wheel Tread is sending some of his ponies to break into the barracks and place a bunch of bombs. This will get the citizens to demand the election to go through and make me a leader. Since they’re going to be having all the leaders inside there but me. I have my defense.”

I shook my head, placing my helm back on. “I see so I must watch the game as a distraction while this goes on?”

“No, you must play the game. You’re allowed to use weapons they will be giving you.” I sighed oh wonderful I thought. “Then a day or so after the game. They will all go back in there. You will have to go inside yourself and find the switch to blow up the charges. It will be in the shower. "

Flame took my helm back off.

“I am sorry about this Ruby but we need to change your color. We can’t let anyone else know you’re here.”

She lifts a strange needle and jams it into my exoskeleton and I didn’t scream in pain. I just feel a strange fluid going inside me. She lifted a mirror making my color turn into a Topaz-looking color. I didn’t argue and after that, I looked nothing like myself anymore.

“But first are you going to explain how I play this game?”

Flame lifts an instruction book to me and we leave the closet as I go sit and she goes to order me something to eat. I was placed in a private booth so others can’t see me.

I open the book. ‘Welcome to Rock ball the game where there are no rules. The only rule is you win or die. First thing first the ball itself is a metal rock. Now what happens is the one who carries the ball has to make it to the goal. While the others either use guns, swords, and hammers to crush the other team. Some die, and some become robotic. The idea of winning this game is to get the most goals. We have the doctors and cybernetics enough to bring the dying or dead back into the game.’

I felt this game sounded very morbid. ‘To win you need to get the ball to the goal. In this game, everything goes even pulling out the arms or legs of the other. Even their heads we can just place it back on. It’s not that hard. Also, there is nothing to get for winning. Just the glee of knowing you beat the shit out of the other team.’

Flame came back with drinks and food. I look up to her taking my helm off and sigh deeply.

“So tell me since my little rampage the election was put on hold?”

I grabbed some of the food and ate. I shouldn’t be eating because of what happened but it seems pain removes the mind control for a time.

“It was a bit of that but I think Wheel Tread forgot to tell you the election was going to be held after the leader of the raiders step down and said that elections will be held again. It’s why so many are trying too hard to get elected. It’s the first time so long we had elections.”

She sighed while eating the food in front of us.

“So I told him we will use Rock Ball to start up the bigger gambit and this time no more deaths unless there are those who are still there.”

I nodded shifting in the chair. I leaned back and I knew that Hawk would be coming in a day or so. I leaned back eating what I could and I felt the wounds heal from the powerful magic in the food. I could feel the control taking over me again.

“Is the master angry that his plans are placed on hold?”

Deep in my mind, that is not what I wanted to say. ‘He is not my master!!’

I couldn’t fight any longer again.

“What are we going to do with Hawk when she comes?”

“If you noticed on your helm we changed your name to the flamer. We just need to attach flame throwers to your armor. We also will need to hide your other weapons. So we will be taking them to a blacksmith and a gunsmith. All of them will change how they look.”

Looking at my helm it had the name the Flamer. Deep in my thoughts, it made me feel strange that I am now known as the flamer.

“Is she coming to just watch things?”

Flame nods I worry about what I must do in this game. At least it’s a good way to make a distraction

“Rock Ball has been a normal thing in this town since the Raiders took over. It was an old way they could take care of traitors and hardened criminals. The old leaders of these raiders killed anyone who harmed children or was a pedophile. They said the parents will always get justice no matter what.”

I don’t think Flame is telling me the full truth the pain went away and I felt the control over me again it’s something I am going to have to learn to deal with. I take a deep breath again and slowly relax.

“Now Hawk is just going to be able to watch things. She won’t be able to do anything else or have any rights. Outsiders and heroes aren’t welcomed here. It’s also the fact she is an old war creation. The raiders are pretty scared to death of stuff from the old war and she is a heavy old war creation.”

An angry buzz comes from me and Flame uses her magic to stop me from buzzing. She stares at me with an understanding look. I had no idea why she stopped me from buzzing but it’s making me wonder if folks would know that I’m me because I buzz I could make up a story. But before I could place my helmet back on an earth pony mare came over to see us.

“Oh, Captain Bubbles how may we help you?”

The mare stares at me and then looks at Flame.

“I wanted you to know that Hawk is on her way. She will be here tomorrow. Security for the game is doubled and is that Ruby sitting with you?”

I had to think of an idea quickly and I knew that there are others of my kind that had my color and body look.

“No, she.”

I cut her off.

“No, I am of the same brood as Ruby. Some of us were either killed or sent into exile. I was one of the lucky ones that escaped before the hero showed up on the island. I came out of hiding after I learned that another of my kind showed up. I’m Topaz. Besides, I am a different color than she is.”

I smile trying to scream at her. ‘I am Ruby’ But my mind didn’t allow me to say anything. It made me angry deep inside.

Bubbles just looked at me closely seeing the cuts on my head and then looked at my eyes and my wings. She looked at me like I was lying. Then I noticed my helmet and the flamer name on it. I was worried that she would see through everything.

“Greetings to you Miss Topaz. I have heard that you’re on the mudslinger’s team. You will be facing the other team. The blood claws do you have anything you wish to say about that? To the drone?” What drone? Bubbles moved aside and what stood there was one of Yanaris drones. It looked right at me.

“Greetings miss Topaz I am Dj Mixer are you willing for an interview?”

I took a deep breath blowing out heated magic air. I didn’t know what to think I just wanted to run but It would look bad if I did. So I thought in my mind about how to do this. So I just winged it.

“I wouldn’t mind.”

I smiled weakly not sure what to do anymore.

“So how long have you been on the team, Miss Topaz?”

I flapped my wings flying into the air knowing that I wouldn’t get a video recording of me so the others wouldn't see me.

“I am new to the team, I haven’t ever played this game before. But since I joined maybe like a few days ago. I am ready to kick some Blood claw butt.”

I can’t believe it. I am lying to a friend I made and helped gain the ability to be a DJ.

“I notice you’re a Magic eater and you look like a friend of mine named Ruby. The only thing different from you is the scars and dents on your forehead.”

Closing my eyes, sighing deeply. I want to tell her. ‘Yanari it’s me please tell the others.’

“Yes, I am of a brood that is connected to Rubies that ended up here ages ago. We have been in hiding for years and the fact another of our kind came here brought me out of hiding. Since the rest of my brood is dead. How our colors work it’s the idea of the Queen. I don’t know why she wanted me to look like this.”

These lies started to get on my nerves but it was all I could say right now.

“I had been meaning to ask. I am sure my listeners have been wishing to know. How does one like you become a queen or a warrior?”

My eyes open wide. That is a question: how do my kind become brood mothers or warriors?

“For a brood mother or Queen. We need a mate for life. We breed and then after the breeding the female goes into a cocoon for a year. It takes a while for their bodies to change. To become a warrior we need to have either a near-death experience or die. If we are stabbed or killed and our body not burned. A cocoon will form over us made in blood. Then we have to wait either two to three years.”

I didn’t know what else to add to that. But maybe it wasn’t wise to tell them that. But maybe no one that wants to harm me will know.

“My next question: have you run into Ruby Glide the other that is like you?”

That hit me hard in the gut. I looked at Flame. I didn’t know what to say. I had to make up a lie. Looking back to the drone. I want to say. ‘It’s me I am here.’

“I wish I could tell you. I have been told rumors that she has been killed. I doubt those rumors are true. I even doubt her friends would agree until they saw her body. The best way to tell is to follow the steps again to search for her. But I doubt it would be wise. Just keep hope that she is still alive.”

I swear I could hear Yanari crying but she kept herself strong. She didn’t want it to be true that I was dead. I wish I could just console her and tell her I am here but I can’t.

“Are you okay, Miss Mixer? It sounds like you were very close to the hero?”

I didn’t wish to hurt Yanari anymore so I kept it on the down-low to make sure I didn't say anything that would upset the poor gal

“Yes excuse me. The buzzer is a really good friend of mine. Now I have no more questions thank you. Your interview will be on later.”

The drone left the inn and I sigh, closing my eyes.

“Now miss Captain Bubbles, have you found the little one that got kidnapped last night?”

The earth pony mare had light blue fur and she nodded.

“Yes, we found the little one. The camels have her. They said it’s the will of all species of camels to protect the little one till the parents are willing to leave this town with them. So her parents will be leaving the town. That means less protection for the election.”

A smile forms on my buggy face. I am happy I found a way to get the families away from this town so they don’t get hurt more. Closing my eyes but I had an issue. This rock ball game. I am not sure how to handle it. I am worried it could either kill me or well really break me.

“Now if you excuse us captain I need to get the flamer here to the blacksmith and gunsmith. So she can be given her weapons.”

The Captain gave a nod and walked out of the inn.

“Go get your weapons, you won’t be needing them for the next few days.”

I nodded like a good little drone. Deep down it pissed me off that I had to listen to these ponies and Wheel tread himself.

___________

Mid-morning Nirak Zocalo

It’s the first time I have been here without trying to kill anyone. I look around the various stores selling their wares. I heard the various screams.

“Fish get your fresh fish!!”

“Fruits come and get your fruits before they go bad.”

“Come one come all take a look at the crazy pony. He has one eye.” I look at the pony in the cage who is deformed and looks like a slave. Look to the next cage and see a broken hellhound that has a club foot. Then next to it sees another pony that has blotched fur and looks very sickly.

“Flame why do they allow this to happen?” Flame looked at me then to the cages. I am sure I wouldn’t like the answer.

“Things may have gotten better in Equestria and other areas of the world like the hoof. But that happiness will never be here. It’s one of the reasons Wheel Tread wishes to save the ponies from themselves here. They will never move on to using others that they feel are below them. It’s a sad matter that progress never made it here. Because we are too far out of the way. We even called for help here. No pony came or cared. All we got was Enclave trying to help.” Flame had a type of anger that made me feel sorry for her.

I got close to one of the stalls and they forced their wares in my face. I turn quickly to look at the pony.

“Come, darling, want some meat? It’s fresh meat just butchered.” He wasn’t kidding, blood was still dripping from it. The unicorn had that smile of a business mind.

“I uh…”

“No, don't get that monster's meat.” I look at the stall not too far from his. Then I turned to see a pony in a cloak I had no idea what was going to happen next.

“Hey, miss may I interest you in some drugs.” The stallion opens his cloak and all over the cloak are various drugs and chems. I was stunned that I couldn’t see Flame anymore since I lost her in the crowd. I am starting to wonder why ponies and Kirins look so much alike it’s uncanny.

An aura of magic wrapped around me to pull me away from the stalls I could finally see Flame again. She laughed gently to herself.

“So enjoying the sights or getting lost hmm?” I didn’t wish to be rude and tell her that I think all her kind and ponies look alike. It wouldn’t be kind or respectful. Kind of hard to want to be kind or respectful when you’re mind-controlled.

She pulled me into the blacksmith-gunsmith shop. I guess whoever runs this place does both on the side. Looking at all the weapons on the wall. I swear some of the weapons here are very old. Some might be new but not all of them. I look at the owner of the shop, it's a camel. A female camel.

“Hello, Gizmo. I brought her and her weapons.” Gizmo looks up, her eyes have goggles on and her leg is robotic and it shifts into a blow torch to do some sealing on a weapon. One of her eyes looks at me then at Flame. She stops her work and then walks over to look at my armor and weapons.

“You wear those weapons wrong You wear all that wrong bug. Let someone fix all that and show you the best way to wear it. How you wear it is a joke.” I wanted to lose my temper but again it was hard when you had to hold back your feelings because of the control. I took off my armor and my helm.

“This will take me a day you’re welcome to stay here in my guest room till it’s ready. The game is tomorrow afternoon.” I looked to Flame and she nodded.

“You look tired, Topaz rest.”

I had no will of my own anymore. I could tell from just heading to the bed and closing my eyes. I fell asleep allowing this day to pass me by.

0000

The walk of a Hawk

It was the middle of the night and I looked around the land. I have been walking for almost one night to get to Nirark every movement with my Cams. I try to see if I can find her. I can no longer be angry at her for what she did. I understand that she just wanted to help and I felt angry. I'm just a brain in a jar of legs. Maybe I was too harsh on her but I can say this. I have never seen a mare so upset. She loves Ruby and I never thought a mare would. As an adopted mother as a mother? I remember what it was like to be one. Holding the little one to term gives birth to a new life.

Now I see myself as just the brain of a pony in a jar walking looking for a friend who is lost. knowing that my friend is lost and I am heading to a village that has been under attack by something that looks like a magic eater. I am wondering if some pony found her and got her under mind control again. I do wish I could find her and make sure that she doesn't get hurt. I heard the music of this lovely land and I felt maybe it was time to express myself. I haven't done this since I became a creature like this. I opened my side a radio came out. The fact I am alone and I feel I need to sing. The music started to play from wherever that music comes from during the singing of ponies.

"Lost in the desert of life. I'm unsure how to find the way."

My legs moved along with the music. I felt that this will keep me from losing my mind. From losing my very heart. The idea of music is all that is here for us. It's music, it's like the fact that I feel that my heart if I had one, would be beating. In another part of the land. Ruby woke from her sleep and felt lost. She went to the window and started to sing along with the music.

"We are all lost. In this desert. Seeking for all those to find us."

"I am lost in a dream. I am lost at the sea of the music in my heart."

"Lost in this dream that is all I have left. To see for me at night."

The music flourished into a bright loud song of music. It filled the air of love and the dreams of both hearts seeking one another friendship is another form of love. Friendship, a form of love that most never endlessly seeks for love is another seeking moment. The dreams that we see in the ending night are all we have. As an end to the next path is what is here. I do wish I can see my friend right now, the fact that Ruby is the fact that she is. I swear I could hear Ruby singing to the point we start singing together.

"I am in a daydream." Ruby sang.

"We are all in a dream." I sang.

"We seek the same path along the way." The two of us sing.

"Oh please bring forth the dream." I sang.

"Bring forth the dream." Ruby sang.

"If we can save ourselves from the darkness to come." I started to sing.

"Oh, poor souls they don't know what is coming." A voice sings in the darkness.

"They think they're full of hope full of a dream. I shall show them otherwise."

"Heroes have broken the seals. Heroes have started to free me from my prison. Their darkness is coming. A war to seek an ending to war that has lasted for years. I am their end!!" The voice in the darkness with glowing red eyes ended the song.

The music ended and my speaker went back into my robotic mech body. I didn't know what to think any longer. The song did make my brain feel good I guess. But is it something that I should know? I wish I knew that Ruby was still there beside me. The fact that she risked so much on the island to join us and to fight for us. I do wish that someday I can see her right here right now. As I walk along the desert I see in the distance the town I wish to see. I looked at it with my cam I see the eyes in the darkness as they stare back at me. At least I thought I saw them. I looked at them more but it turned out that the eyes were staring at me. Are nothing but smoldering rocks.

0000

The next day.

I spent most of my night singing. So I just stayed in the room and I heard the heavy stomps of Hawk. I stayed hidden in the guest room opening the window to watch her. She has her body back and looks good as new. One of her cams turns to look at me and turns to me.

“Did I wake you, Miss?” I didn’t know what to think I wanted to scream at her. ‘It’s me, Ruby!!’ But I couldn't. I had to allow the control to take me again. I just smile very sweetly flapping my wings and lifting into the air.

“Not at all. Also, forgive me are you one of the Buzzer's friends?” Hawk just nodded a cam to show yes she is. “Ah, I am from the same brood that she is. But my brood is a bit older than hers and we ended up here years ago. “ Smooth brain smooth. I wish I could just facepalm so hard right now at this stupid I just said.

“Hmm well, Ruby never has gone into her family line. So I wouldn’t blame her for not telling me about another brood that is connected to hers in a way. I am here to add security to the game and then be on my way. I was going to search for Ruby. But no one has seen her for almost three months. I hope she is okay.”

“I am sure she is. Forgive me if I don’t stay and talk with you Miss Hawk I need to get ready for the game. Since I will be playing in it.” Hawk just looked at me I could tell Hawk was studying me. I didn’t know if she found out who I was.

“Of course take care.” I quickly got out of the room heading downstairs breathing heavily forgetting that I am Topaz colored now and looking to see all my weapons and armor are done. The knife has had a chance; it looks more curved than it used to look. Spitfire the blade is sharper and Gizmo changed the hilt. My other weapons just got painted. My pistol is a darker color. The SMG is pure red. The armor had flame throwers installed on it.

“Now I made it right, put it on, and wear it like art.” I had no idea what Gizmo was saying. It was very confusing. I got into the armor and put my helmet on and Gizmo helped me to wear it in the way of art. Flame came into the shop soon after and set down some caps for Gizmo and she walked over to me.

“Alright, we have some time before the game starts. So Wheel Tread wishes us to meet him. He’s outside of town” I nodded and followed Flame.

0000

Outside in a deep part of the desert away from the town.

Flame and I made it to some strange camp close to an area outside of Nirak. Wheel Tread wore a suit and a top hat. He is in his wheelchair he is playing golf and offered me a club. I took the club and he smirked at me.

“Hello Ruby, welcome to what I consider the future.” He hit the ball and it flew not far from us. Beside us on a stump is a Chessboard. I was in the middle of all his minions again. I joined in and hit the ball looking back at him. I noticed around us all his minions wore suits. Then I looked at him and took off my helm.

“What do you need from me, Wheel Tread?” Maybe he will finally tell me what he wants from me. I looked at his minions carrying wood down to an area not far from there and others digging for water. He led me to a telescope.

“Look through there Ruby to see the future.” I looked through the telescope and then saw a city being built and then noticed a lot of what is building the town is slavers, raiders, and many other threats of the old world. Turning to look at him “What are you building out there?”

Wheel Tread smirked moving his hat and bit and the two of us went down to the town Flame not far behind us. I looked at how the town was being made in the blood of the former criminals of the past. Blood and bodies litter the landscape as they die. The robots bury the bodies and then plant seeds on them.

“Welcome to the future Ruby. The future is built on those that stepped on the weak the lame the infirm used them for their gains.” I watched seeing a raider die from hunger and lack of thirst. “This is a way to save pony kind from themselves using those that hurt others to build the future.” I wish I could counter this. Hard to do so when the one doing all this mind controls you.

“I am sure you don’t agree.” Finally, I can speak my mind. Well as much as my mind allows me to. “So please Ruby give me that fake sense of being above all justice and wisdom hero words.”

“What gives you the right to do what they did to others? You’re just being as bad as they were.” All the minions stopped watching to look at me and they came over to aim their guns at me. They cock their weapons and aim right at me ready to fire. Wheel Tread lifts his hoof to stop them from looking at them.

“Go on Ruby expresses that sense of fake heroism.” Looked at the guns aiming at me then back at the dying and the dead Raiders slavers and others that took advantage of the ponies before. Even some of the rich ponies.

“What gives you the right to do what you’re doing? Things may have been bad before Sunshine and rainbows. But I doubt you don’t need to do this, why?” Wheel Tread laughed softly; he shook his head as the other minions laughed with him.

“You don’t get it, Ruby. You don’t get it. This is not before all that this is during even before that. Zebras ponies and every race deserves this fate. There are groups in each race wanting those to be held in accord with what was done to them. The zebras wish for their freedom. The ponies wish for theirs the camels so on even your kind. It’s a matter of giving them justice even if you use that justice to get what you want.”

The guns got closer to me as It was getting tense. I felt my life was being threatened. I reach with one of my many hands to my weapons just in case. I had to be careful what I said now so I took a deep breath and tried my best not to get shot.

“So you’re using their want for justice to get what you have been seeking?” I tried to say with a gun jammed right in my back.

“Yes, force them to build, find water grow food. Use every bit of desperation that these souls need. Control lives by controlling the flow of water and food. Giving them some and then maybe giving them non. Use their fake rage for their fake sense of justice. Take it to use it and mold it into what you feel is right. Of course, they wish to change the world. But just use them to get what you want. It's a way to save them from themselves. They can have their freedom but as long as they follow my will and the will of my friends. Then the world shall be theirs under my rule. It's the way of things and the way of the smart ones. Using rage and lies to control them."

He chuckles he wasn't done.

"Using their so-called hatred for what happened in the past. Lying a little twist there is a little screw. Maybe changing history. Like maybe telling them since some don't understand the past. That Twilight and her friends were in the right or that the zebras got attacked first. Just lie to gain the power of the world. First this land then all lands." He chuckles. I swear the 230 years of being alive for so long has screwed the mind of Wheel Tread.

I looked over to Flame who had a look of horror on her face. I am sure she never thought this was what she is becoming a leader for. To give this monster what he wants. It was tense. I could feel the control not fully over me maybe because of the guns in my back. WHeel Tread moved his hoof and they left me alone.

“But what does this have to do with Project Stormwatch?”: That’s a question I have been wondering. I am starting to wonder if Project Stormwatch has lost its meaning. The meaning is to be ready for the greater threat coming and it’s just started to become for power.

“Their due is getting this land to heel along with bringing back the Stormking to turn on Project Rainfall. To block off this land and bring every part of this land to heel. Then getting this land ready for the real threat Grogar. But after this land is brought to Heel with the Stormking you and him will be at an end. I just need you two for that and then heroes will be no more and villains will just be a thing of the past. I will make the world hate both. The real world is moving on for the need of needing help.”

I just listened to the words of a madman.

“Heroes and Villains are now just a myth, a myth that shall end in death. The downfall of heroes will be your death. For when I lose my need for you Ruby you will die.” All this is just to prove that Heroes and Villains are just myths and legends. I will be put down just like an animal because I have a sense of honor in my heart. Sighing the truth has come out.

I look away knowing there is no way I can stop this. No matter how much I want to try. I go silent knowing I just lost the argument. For he is to set in his ways of removing the need for heroes to get his world. A world without heroes. A world without the need for heroes is something I would fight for as well. But trying to force it? I don’t think that is wise to do.

“Now Flame go head back and get ready for the game. I think our friend here needs to think a moment. Oh and Flame don’t tell anyone that I am out here they will know my true intent when the Storming returns and that won’t be too long now” Flame nods looking at me

“Coming Ruby?” I look over at her sighing.

“I need to do some thinking. So I am going to rest a bit before the game.” Flame nodded heading back to town and I went to sit on one of the rocks not far from the two and cleaned my helm. I didn’t know what to do anymore. I felt so many things were going too fast for me and I had no idea how to fight it anymore.

“I see you don’t understand what to think anymore Ruby.” I looked up seeing Dune Walker looking away from her. I thought she was just a figment of my mind. I just ignored her and she smacked me hard enough making me fly off the rock.

Finally, I noticed she was there. “Why are you here?!” Then I felt that I knew right on cue my hate for the camel was in full swing. I no longer needed a hate viper to show my hatred for her. I come to the desert. She wants to train me. She gives me a knife. Her name is Dunewalker I flew up getting into her face.

“How could you?!" Dune Walker's ears fall flat on her head. I could tell my anger got to her. I trusted her now I know this has been planned since I came from the island. Wheel Tread had been there. I remember Doc telling me he had to place something in my head ten years ago to make sure I don’t get mind controlled again.

“I told you before Ruby we follow the path of the Dunewalker before us. Even though the Dunewalker before has been searching for a hero to bring the water back in the name of Nightmare Moon. The Dunewalker became a minion of Wheel Tread back during the war. I must follow until the curse is done. But Ruby I didn’t think he would ever take a shine to you.”

Tears streamed from my face. I sob hard wanting to get away just wanting to stop this. I never wanted to learn that I have been used. It was hard to even learn that I was used and that I am just expendable when all this is said and done

“Will you hurt them Dune? Will, you hurt our friends?” Dune looked away from me and then back to me with a weak smile.

“No, they're family to me. I will never hurt them. I even told them that I have seen you and I came here to find you. I am going to tell them that I lost track of you. That you have your mission that you need to prove yourself. They miss you though Ruby. I didn’t tell them what happened to you.”

“You promise me that when the time comes you will tell them to let me go?” Dune stared at me. I could tell those words made her raise her ears in surprise.

“What do you mean by that Ruby?”

“I have a feeling when the Stormking returns I will be made an example of in front of the entire world. I will be killed and die in the sand. I will be used to bringing the entire land here to its knees. I gave them hope. The hope must be removed by removing the one who started it all.” I looked away and she knew what that meant: Tears fell down her cheek making her fur wet.

“I had a feeling that would be what happened. It seems the path must end one way or another. But Ruby I shall defend our family when the time comes. When you’re put to the sand I shall protect them while everything falls apart.”

I nodded, noticing the time, and hearing the horns. It was time for the game. I turned back to Dunewalker and gave her a tight hug. That surprised her I could tell and she hugged me tightly. I didn’t know what to do anymore but gave her the hug I felt she deserved.

“I need to get to the game Dunewalker. Thank you for everything. I will see you when the end comes.” Dune walker and then I flew off.

<0000000>

The stadium

The sun is up high and the stadium looks like a former arena used for battle. They have been changed to use as a sports game for this. I look at my team of many Hellhounds, some of them looking fully cybernetic. The coach, a mare with half her face cybernetic walks along us looking at us all.

“I don’t have to tell you that the Mudslingers have lost almost every game this year. We have new meat boys. This is Topaz” They all look at me like I was meat. Fresh meat that’s all I am to them. “Now she knows the rules. We all know the rules either get 100 points or knock out or kill the team. Ah, the opening ceremony has started.”

Looking outside I saw what was going on. I could see various leaders of each town. I saw Pinda and Porchina I had to do what I could to hide. I watched Hawk stand behind them to defend them. There is heavy security since they’re all here to watch this. The leader of Narik is a large Krin I have never seen before. He looks like a former raider. Spikes all over his body and he has bodyguards with heavy miniguns on their sides.

“Greetings Citizens of Narik. I come to you with a heavy heart of all those souls lost last night. We learned that some children got caught in the fires. Over ten children died and many adult kirins died.” I heard the number. I didn’t kill any of them. Oh no I thought to myself I wasn’t the only one here then doing a mission. I am sure others have been doing. I am sure Wheel tread had one doing a mission on the side taking out those. To make it easier for me.

“My time as leader has come to an end. When I freed this town from my family who forced all of your families into slaves because raiders are raiders I guess. I wish to allow whoever takes my place. To bring whoever did these crimes to justice. Now for the anthem of the widowmaker.”

A young mare stands to the mic.

“Friendship has forsaken us years ago. A friendship made us blind. The idea of friendship used to make us slaves. We used our pain to destroy what caused the war. Even though we have forsaken friendship we learned to accept it in the end. For we have forsaken friendship. But it never forsakes us.” After the song, they all yelled. “BLOOD!!!!”

My helm turned on and I heard an announcer.

“Welcome Mares and Gentlecolts to Rock Ball.” A mare yells.

“I'm just looking forward to some teeth flying and blood and guts Rose! Let's do this!!” The other announcer screamed. I was starting to think this was a bad idea. I followed my team out onto the field and then I finally saw the other team. A group of hellhounds just like what I am with. Before the game started I had to give my weapons up. So I have what is called a railway rifle and a giant hammer.

“It seems we have new blood on the Mudslingers, a magic eater known as Topaz. What do you think of this Rex?”

“I don’t fucking care. All I want to see is blood guts and death!! Come on stop with this wimpy shit. Let's do this!!”

“Is there anything I should know, coach? Like any idea to do this right?” The mare looked at me and she just smiled.

“Don’t die.” I watched two larger hellhounds get ready to pick up the metal ball and a heavily armored stallion stood between them tossing up the ball and a horn sounded off. It all started so fast that I saw blood and teeth start to fly each team smacking each other with hammers and railway rifles.

“Ooooo The mudslingers lost the ball again their best teammate is out already. They need to pick up the ball.” Well, I guess I should go do this. I grabbed my hammer and went after the one on the other team that had the metal ball.

“I see that the wimpy bug is heading after Klang. Look out little buggy for that one is going to rock your world!!” I had to prove myself and one of the others got in front of me and tried to use its claws on me to stop me and I took the hammer it had a rocket in the back and I smashed the hellhound's head caving it in and blood-splattered along with brains all over my armor.

“YES!! One down on the Blood Claws. MORE BLOOD GUTS!! LET'S DO THIS!!” Rex yelled I could swear to look to the announcer's stand seeing the mare beside him face hoof. I could feel the adrenalin go through me while my team punched Klang to finally get the ball and I charged to get the ball myself and lifted it upholding the hammer in another buggy hand.

“The little runt has the ball. Is she going to keep it?!” I didn’t know what to do or to go so I went to their side or tried. I felt one of the hellhounds on my team grab me and punch me making me fall to the ground dropping the ball.

“OOOOO” The crowd went.

“YES, fucking betrayal has happened come on to put that little bug in her place!!” I flew up into the airlifting my hammer staring at the one who is the betrayer. He growled standing up to me.

“Oooo her teammate is demanding they fight.” A whistle sounded to show the game to stop to let us fight. “It seems you’re getting your wish Rex a fight!!” I held my hammer tightly while the others around us screamed fight fight fight.

“YES!!! Put that bug in her place. Do it now!! Rex screamed. I found it so lovely that all the odds were placed on me. I looked over to Pinda and Porchina who even betted on me?! How dare they do such a thing. I looked to the side seeing Hawk watch. I didn’t know what she thought of this. Then oh no… Cranberry my mother is here. The rest of my friends are here too?!

“Hey, the bug I am going to teach you that the warrior is going to stop you. We just need to find a rocket ship and load you in it and then shoot into space!!” He snorted. What is this guy a crazy insane nut? Then I heard a whistle for us to get ready to fight the two of us circled as the crowd chanted blood.

“Blood blood blood blood.” They kept going as that is all I heard. He charged at me and parried with my hammer and it made a loud ring that caused us both to vibrate. Our bodies shook and our insides and organs danced.

“OOOOO She is stronger than that little bug looks like Rose!”

“Yes, come on Topaz show that dog what a female can do!! Ladies of the stand show this lady some praise for standing up to a hellhound.” All the females in the stand cheered and I looked at the praise. It was odd to me. But I kept hearing my name being chanted by the females on the stand.

“Topaz Topaz Topaz” They all yelled and I charged again smashing into the arm of the hellhound and he screamed. I could hear the bone break and his arm fell to his side, blood draining from the wound as I heard cracking as he kept up the hammer with his good arm. He growled deeply showing his blood raze to kill me. I felt the blood rushing through my body. This is so amazing and fun.

Of course, I wasn’t paying much mind, enjoying the praise and he took the hammer smashing me into the side and I flew into the wall. I groaned prying myself off it as the hell hound charged at me. I held my hammer tightly and the two of us attacked when we struck each other. Dust comes up and then when the dust clears. I am still flying and he falls.

I had a deep gash on my arm. I lift the hammer in a buggy arm and the other with the deep gash falls off. I didn’t even notice. I had too much adrenaline pumping through my body to even feel it or even notice. I did look down finally to see the arm. But I had a feeling I better not worry about it for now.

“OOOOO The female did it, girls!! That showed that dog!!.” Rose cheered. The females in the stands cheer and I don’t think Hawk and my friends cared about this. I could tell Hawk was looking at the arm and then at me. Some medics ran into the field to pick up the hellhounds that fell

“Wait!!” The one I took out yelled.” Let me speak to her.” They bring the hell hound to me and I look down at him and with his good claw calls me down.

“They will be gunning for you now. The other team So watch it.” I nodded and they took him off and I was placed to grab the ball. The ball was huge and it wouldn’t be easy for me to carry it. But I had no choice. I looked at my team and my friends. I felt I had to do something so I remained strong to make sure I don't fail.

The horn sounded and I charged into the other and it was a mess. I smashed the ball into the fall of the other hellhound. I had the ball and one of the others was not far from me. I could toss it and I backed up getting behind my line and they were all fighting. I thought had an opening many of them were charging at me to stop me.

I took a deep breath and tossed the ball it smacked into one of the hounds coming after me and bounced off his head making it cave in. Then the ball made it to the one I tossed it to. Then I noticed they still were after me. I flew away from them grabbing my railway rifle and firing at them. Railway bullets smashed into their arms and bodies.

“OOOOO The blood and guts!!! Rex yelled cheering. Little did I notice that another came up to me from the side and smashed their hammer into me. Even though I was hit I was able to stop myself from being thrown into the wall. I grabbed my hammer again. I lifted it and attacked the one that hit me. Our hammers smashed into each other. As we heard the crowd cheering.

"The Mudslingers made a goal. But can the other team get it back to their goal!!" I didn't care this Hellhound pissed me off. I attacked with my hammer smashing into theirs. Our bodies shook causing pain in both of us. The others just stood by cheering us on.

"Oo it's another battle to the death let's see who wins this time." I was hit down and pinned by the shaft of the hammer on my throat making it harder for me to breathe. I took my ass and my stinger came out and I jammed right into his stomach. He gasped as he became limped and I lifted my hammer and smashed down onto his body over and over. The blood splattered all over my arm and my teammates. I looked down at the creature I turned to mush. I feel bad for what I did but I had to do it to keep myself alive.

"Ooo she used a stinger to get the upper hoof I like this gal." Rex laughs.

"Yes she has so many things up her sleeves but will they keep falling for it?!" Rose added.

I groaned feeling so much pain filling my body since it was getting harder to carry this thing. Looking at the others and we had to get back to our spots. A whistle sounded while the stallion made a gesture and the crowd cheering went insane. I didn't know what was going on till I heard the announcers.

"Oooo now it's time for the fire and sword chains." Fire pits and sword chains? I looked around seeing flame throwers come out of the crowd in spots to shoot an endless flame all over the field and then poles with swords swinging. I saw one of the other teams get their head cut off because they didn't get out of the way in time. I did what I could and my body just started failing I was getting weaker. I heard the wind of a hammer coming lifting my hammer to block it and the vibration shook. Making my entire body shake. I had no idea why it was getting so much harder to do this. All I could think of was absorbing magic.

I did a movement of smacking the hammer in a way of the hell hound and quickly took my helm off jamming my stinger into the hell hound. The hell hound was paralyzed after I stung him and bit deep into his neck. He starts to scream and the crowd cheers.

"Blood blood blood blood." The crowd yelled. "Blood blood blood.

"Oooo Rose is that in the rules?"

"I don't know Rex I don't see anyone trying to stop her. Maybe that player pissed someone off. Let's see what the crowd saids when she is done." The poor hellhound slowly melts from the magic being removed from him. It wasn't pure magic but it made me able to last longer. I didn't want to kill him removing my teeth from his neck and putting the helm back on.

"What does the crowd say, Rex?!" The crowd just cheered.

"KILL HIM!!" I looked down at the weak hellhound he couldn't even move did I have a right to kill him. The buzz of all this the glory of the blood. I had every right to kill him. I could smell the blood and the hunger of wanting to kill. I felt my old programing from Majesty take over. I lifted my hammer and smashed down into the broken hell hound. Heard the crowd yelling Blood blood.

I turned my armor having more blood staining all over the armor. I stare at the others of the other team and my team. I didn't see what was coming and I felt a railway spike hit one of my other arms on the right I only have one arm left on the right and I look to the wall seeing it lodge and dying from being removed from my body.

"OOOOO two arms!! More blood!!" Rex laughed.

I was now in shock and I turned to look back at the other team and a hammer came right for me smashing me hard enough. That it shook and dented my exoskeleton. I felt my organs jumble up and I flew into the wall and my armor kept me from getting hurt too much. I slid down to the sand below and blood pooled under me. A whistle blew getting medics to get me out.

"She will be out for a while Rex. She will be back they are going to need her. " My vision went fuzzy and finally everything around me went dark as I was carried back into the stadium to be ready again for the slaughter.

Footnote level up.

A new perk was added.

Rock Ball: You have learned the game Rock Ball. You have gained the ability to carry 20 pounds of your weight when adrenalin fills your body. But your sense of judgment is lost and your ability to see things around you has lessened.

Next Chapter: Chapter Fourteen: Dead Hearts Estimated time remaining: 40 Hours, 45 Minutes