Rock ball it’s been around now for the last 30 years. Ponies felt sports needed to return to the land. But this land of harshness needed a harsh and deadly game. Rock Ball is a game that used to be a game to see if raiders could be strong enough to try to take over this land of the desert. But after the idea of being a raider came to an end it became a game of death. Now every year many teams of this desert gather around to fight to the death to beat each other. Those that live through it become either worse off or become stronger.

Written by Pinda.

"The avalanche has started, it is too late for the pebbles to vote."
Kosh, Believers

My eyes opened and I could feel that my entire armor was off. I looked around my vision fuzzy. I saw Cranberry and I smiled my brain was so out of it the mind control didn’t have full control over me I said what I have been wanting to say.

“Hello, mother” Cranberry stared at me. I still didn’t believe she was here. Then my vision went fuzzy again and I almost passed out again. Cranberry of course stayed by my side. Then I woke up screaming when they started to attach new cybernetic arms and hands to my right side. To replace the two I lost. Finally, I noticed Cranberry standing there and she looked at me like I was a ghost.

“Ruby?” She had tears filling her eyes. Oh shit, I ruined everything. I felt the chips in my head had been dislodged. It would take a while for them to work again but this is my chance. I reached up with one of my buggy hands and stroked her face.

“I don’t have a lot of time Cranberry. But you got to promise not to tell the others. You need to forget that I am here. What happens in the next few days you need to forget that I exist, you have to do that please.”

“Why?” I closed my eyes. I knew soon the mind control chips will take over again. I explained what I could to her. Each thing I said she had a look of horror on her face. Then I said I need to die. I need to be the one to bring the Stormking back. But after I said this Cranberry was stabbed in the back and I reached for her screaming. It’s only a dream I kept screaming to myself.

“Is it?” I opened my eyes staring face to face with Grogar. “Or is it real? Welcome to the future!! You’re nothing!!! Now” His face melted off with his eyes hanging out and just a skull. “DIE!!”

Finally, I woke up and looked at my arms being attached to me. I look at Cranberry for real this time. I wanted to say ‘it’s me. But I couldn’t but she was working on me and helping to get the cybernetic arms attached.

“You’re lucky to be alive Miss Topaz. I am sure if you didn’t have this exoskeleton you would be dead. But your team needs you so these two new arms will make it easier for you to last. Stronger grip and they put fuel in your flame throwers on your armor. So first have you seen my Ruby?”

She looked at me. I am sure her motherly instincts could tell I would be lying. I gulped even though I am under mind control and my stomach felt a bit nervous. So many lies went through my head. ‘No, she is dead. No, I think she went back to the island. No, I think she is cocooned’ Oh that works taking a deep breath.

“She died and she cocooned. So she will return as a warrior. But it may be a few years. Just know she won’t forget you; she will always be your daughter.” I gave her a reassuring smile.

Cranberry looks away tears streaming down her face. I could tell that lie hit her. I want to tell her the truth. ‘Mother it’s me please I need you.’ I look at my new hands on my right side. I focus on my brain to move the fingers. They do move and I try to move the two arms.

“You’re not ready yet Miss Topaz. I just need to place the batteries in them. Then I will explain to you how they work.” The medical drone grabs the batteries like Cranberry said and when they were placed inside the arms. I felt a charge go all the way up into my brain. I groaned in pain.

“Good that means it’s working now. I shall explain you could hurt others if you aren’t careful. You could also hurt yourself. But you could do almost anything. Just if you overdo it you can harm your body. We set up your armor so it keeps the arms powered. To recharge or charge. You need to take them out of the sockets and put them either in the moonlight or the sunlight. They will recharge either way from either light. It will be either many days or could be hours. It matters how you use it.”

I nod looking at my new arms and I noticed runes. “Did someone place runes on my new arms?” Cranberry nods. I look up seeing Dunewalker leaning on the wall. But before I could say anything Cranberry finally breaks down. She sobs so hard she misses me so much. Dunewalkler gently hugs the enclave.

“You’re Enclave. So be strong Cranberry.” Dunewalker held my adoptive mother close. Looking at me I could tell she wanted me to tell her who I was. “I am sure Ruby is closer than you think. I am sure she is watching you right now. Wanting to tell you how much she loves you.”

I did want to tell my mother I love her. The sense of not being able made me wish I could get upset. It made me wish I could scream to her. ‘Yes I love you please it’s me!!’ But all I could do was keep up this lie. The lie I am under the control of a mad pony that feels the world owes him. Closing my eyes and the coach of my team came in.

“Is she ready?” I flapped my wings floating into the air. I grab the hammer with my right side. Holding the hammer with all three arms. Make sure the cybernetics hold it tighter.

“I am ready to spill blood.” The coach smirks.

“Good answer.”

<00000000000>
Rock Ball Blood claws <30> Mudslingers <33>

I come out hearing the crowd. I didn’t fully come out yet till I was called. The world around me slows down. The cheers watching those on each team killing each other in the name of sport. The rush of seeing everything. It sounds so intoxicating. The smell of blood filled the air. Seeing the dead and the dying on the field. It’s amazing to me. I could scream for the love of the game.

“OH, the bug is back Rose. Come out and show them what you're made of!!!. IN the name of blood death and gore. KICK THEIR ASSES!!” I held the hammer tighter as the crowd cheered for me and to make a show of it. I turn on my flame towers.

“Oh look!! Rex she is going to show off!! Come on let her show off for the crowd!!” Rose yelled with Rex. Rose turned on hard rock music. I did loops shooting flames all over the place and laughing buzzing like a bee loudly. Turning my speaker on.

“ LET'S DO THIS!!” Then with the hard rock music words started coming through. “You follow a path. Through the very course of hell. Your blood boils it screams for murder.” I charge in like a rocket and take the hammer smashing into one of the hellhounds and their arm caves in.

“Scream for murder, my children. Sing for the soul as you bring forth death!! Decay music and then hoping that the goddess sorts them all. HA HA HAHA.” The hellhound I hit laughs in pain. Not allowing it to stop him. He holds a very sharp broadsword and Our weapons smash into each other. My newfound power is because of cybernetics. I lift my new flame towers and burn the Hellhound and he laughs more screaming in pain. Not allowing himself to fall.

“In the name of our raider god. All skulls shall come forth. In the name of blood!! In the name of the Goddess, murder kills rip apart!!. Rape murder death!! It is the will of the pact. Bring forth honor in your leader’s name. Ransack pillage brings death!!”

The music sounded at my helm and through the stadium the feel of the rush of the game. The smell of burning on this hellhound. It was intoxicating. I could feel the want of killing again. I need to remember deep inside though I am just a distraction for the greater good of my master. I took the hammer and he blocked it again.

“Bring death to the pain.” The guitar rings out. “Don’t give up because death is the only way. For this is our way. The way of the raiders. Come dance with us if you dare!!. Sing with us in hell's light. For we are the winners you’re the prayer!! DEATH!!! Come sing for it to come. It’s getting closer…. And the closer it’s coming. Let it come!! Let it drop allow your rage to take you!!” The song played like it was telling me to live. I took the hammer and smashed it down into the hellhound's head and it caved in. I laughed and charged at the others on the other team. I felt a Railway spike hit my cybernetic arm with a ting. I didn’t see who had the ball anymore. It could have been my side. I didn’t care about it. The rush was too much.

“Then when our song is done dear raiders. Our path is clear that only leads to death and to our way of life. Oh, raiders rise, rise, and never allow yourselves to fall from the path of destruction of Equestria.” The song ends and the horn sounds.

“Half time.” The ref screamed and I panted softly and sat on the bench. Taking my helm off the desert madness was getting to me again. The coach gave me some water and I noticed blood in it.

“Sorry for not cleaning the water. If we had clean water it would be easier. But we still got to take it from the dead. I’m Metal Face by the way.” She taps her cybernetic face. I nodded drinking the water.

“Topaz.” I wanted to say my real name but the mind control did too much. I would have hopped the charge going through mine. I look at my new two arms. I could use these to try to break the master's control over me. Just I would have to find a good time to do so. A letter was set beside me. Opening it up.

‘Your friend Tick Tock is asking a lot of questions about you. I need you to get her accused of murder and don’t worry she won’t get killed. Just it will keep her out of my way. I will make sure she gets out before anything happens to her I promise you. Dunewalker will make sure of this.’ Signed anonymous.

Looking at the back to see who my target was. “Your target is Captain bubbles. She is running as one of the leaders. No matter what the plan must go through. This means killing those that will get in the way. Looking down at a strange symbol when it hit my vision. The mind control fully told me if innocents get in the way and end them to add to it.

Looking up the Halftime show just started. I looked at the stands of Tick Tock and Captain bubbles left. I got off the bench and went to do my job.

<00000>
The halls

I flew around in secret. Make sure I am not seen by Tick Tock. She is smart enough to know who I am. I leaned on the wall listening to the two speak.

“My questions are rumors and Hawk told me this as well. That a creature like Ruby is here. After watching how Miss Topaz fought she fights too much like someone I know. I need you to help me find her and let me ask her some questions.”

Captain Bubbles nodded. “I have spoken to Miss Topaz. I even asked her if she had seen Ruby. She said she hasn't. She told me she has been in town for almost a month. I don’t buy this and sometimes it takes years of training to get into one of the Rock ball teams.”

“I see so that means this Miss Topaz is lying or she knows what happened to Ruby. Do you think you could help me find her?” I turned on the map on my hud. I noticed there is an off-limits area that leads to some underground caves. Now just to lead them there but I had to do some ideas first. I slowly flew away and I smashed into the janitor.

“DAMN IT BUG!!” Oh, wonderful I just gave away myself. “Help me pick this up.HEY!!” I quickly flew following the map with the two mares chasing after me. If I stopped I would have been caught but I need to find a way to do this murder and get Tick Tock accused of it. I had an idea and I quickly made it to the guard office.

“Hey, this place is off-limits!!” I used my hammer to break into the locker to get some weapons. “Did you hear me?!” I turned around using my hammer and swung right into the face of the guard making his neck twist is a sickening crack. I made sure to close the door so the two would run by. I went to the security system took my hammer and smashed it. Smashing everything to make sure I am not caught.

Hiding the hammer in the locker and grabbing a pistol and a couple of ammo. I sighed I didn’t like the fact deep down I am doing this. I looked back to the body of the pony I just killed. If I had my mind to myself. Arming the pistol and again took a deep breath.

I left the room and looked around since my hud won’t let me track them. Looking at the map again. I doubt I could make it to the caves. But I will use it later. I noticed a little filly wandering alone. ‘Don’t you dare Ruby!!’ I screamed in my mind. Flying very slow to the filly trying not to make a buzzing sound.

“Excuse me can you help me find the bathroom?” ‘No ruby this filly is young she has no part in this.’ I took a deep breath and am I going this far into it? I lifted the gun aiming at the filly fear filled her face and eyes backing away. I could hear liquid splashing I think the poor filly just wet herself. I fired, closing my eyes, and the filly screams. I kept firing until I used the clip. Opening my eyes and I missed Oh thank goddess I missed.

“It was this way!!” I heard Tick Tock and the captain coming this way. I quickly flew into the locker rooms. The filly was crying and sobbing. I peeked over the corner and the captain held the filly. I noticed it was just her? Did I do a big number on the guards of this town? The filly sobs and her mother holds her tightly. She points to the locker Tick tock and Bubbles trotted to the locker room.

I quickly opened one of the old lockers and hid inside.

“After what happened a day ago. All of my guards refused to come in. This is not the first time this has happened. But we need to find this whatever it is that is causing this problem.” I armed the gun again taking a deep breath. I noticed Tick Tock right in front of the locker I am in. But her butt facing me. I didn’t want to do this to her. But I had no choice. I charged the door and it smashed into her and she smacked right into the bench tripping and looking like the wind was taken out of her.

I heard a gun cock beside me turning to see Bubble. “Topaz you have no rights in this land. No pony has any rights in this land. You will be brought to justice.” I turned to look at the mare. I had to find a way to do this cleanly. I lay down my gun and reached up for the skies with all my hands. I even removed my railway rifle setting it down and the mare came closer to me.

“Don’t move if you move. I will shoot.” Tick Tock slowly started to rise. She found it hard since I think I broke something in her body. When Bubbles got even closer all I could think of was the stinger. I am sure she is not looking down at my ass area and my stinger came out.

Before I could use my stinger Tick Tick smacked her hoof in my face. She hit me hard enough that I flew into one of the lockers and I groaned bouncing off and falling flat on my back and shaking my head. The two mares walked to me. It wasn’t easy for me to move fast enough.

“If you try moving again Miss Topaz I will shoot you.” I was trying to find a weapon but I had no luck. I had to move the mind control was going crazy in my head. I finally flapped my wings and with the moment of my wings. BANG it was loud enough to hear through the entire building. I felt the bullet break through my exoskeleton.

“That’s it you’re under arrest if you move again. Now if you try moving again your life is forfeit”

“Now let’s not get too hasty Bubbles. I am sure she feels threatened.” The earth pony mare looks at the clockwork mare. I could tell they don’t agree on anything. I tried to move but I couldn’t thanks to the spot the bullet went in. I groaned. It hurt so much.

“I am sure she is the reason for what happened last night. She shows up and so many souls die.” The earth pony mare lifts her gun to fire at me. But I heard my railway rifle and the spike that was shot off hit the gun and the earth pony mare stared at Tick Tock.

“I can’t allow you to hurt this bug. I need to talk to her to make sure she is not who I think she is.” I could tell Bubbles didn’t care she seemed to be by the book mare. Slowly flapping my wings to do what I can. Then Bubbles turned around and bucked me right into the lockers.

“You have no say in what I do here Tick Tock. You asked me to help you find Ruby. I am sure this is her. But she needs to be brought to justice for what I am sure she did last night.” I was too hurt to move my wings crippled thanks to the lockers. The earth pony mare charges at the clockwork mare. I couldn’t tell who was going to win this. But the railway gun discharged and a spike was shot and it hit the lights above causing them to short out a bit and then fall.

Thanks to how old the light fixtures are. Adding a railway spike to the mix causes its holding to the ceiling to be released and it swings down with a mental groan. The two mares are deep into their fight. To stop the earth pony mare from getting hit. The fixture smashes right into her side and the glass shatters some of the sharp glass that goes right into her body.

One of the particles of glass jabs right into a spot of her heart and goes deep inside. Then another gets into an artery of her neck. No matter what even the fact that Tick tock is doing what she can to remove the glass. The mare slowly bleeds out and gets weaker from every loss of blood.

I have no idea what happened after since my body went into hibernation mode again.

<000000000>
The medical room again.

I opened my eyes quickly sitting up and I looked at my wings and flapped them. They worked and then I noticed Dunewalker came over to me after she closed the door. Oh, she looked very upset.

“What has gotten into you?! Thanks to you Tick Tock might be in jail for a very long time. There is nothing I can do to get her out of it. She even saw your eyes and she knows you’re here.” I sighed and tried to speak.

“Tick Tock won’t be in there long. When Flame takes over leadership she will release her. Then you will be long gone before she can learn what happened. No one is calling for her death. Because Bubbles wasn’t a Kirin and she may have been loved. But how this town was made. If a non-kirin is murdered no pony cares.”

“Wheel Tread this has gone too far. Release her, let her go back and.” The door opened up and Dunewalker turned, seeing Wheel tread come in. He heard the last few words she said and she knew she was in trouble.

“DuneWalker I still own you like I own your entire family line. If I told you this was enough then it would be enough. You still owe me like every single Dune Walker. Now we are going with the plan and we are going to get it done. Oh and Dune walker if you try to mouth off to Rubies friends. I will set my minions on you. I am sure you don’t want that.” He smirked.

“No… master.” She softly said looking at me. Wheel Tread nodded.

“Since this happened all the army is heading back. So your distraction is over. Since these games can go onto the night. So do whatever you can to get every outpost every part of the army removed or killed.” Wheel Tread leaves looking back to me. I noticed that the madness in his eyes vanished. He left and the door closed.

“Alright Ruby, do whatever you can to destroy the army I guess. Just…” Looks away from me. “ I am going to tell the others the truth. I can no longer lie anymore.”

“Dune I am not sure that is wise. Because he would use them to get to us. So right now Tick Tock is safe where she is. Just where is Tick Tock being held?”

“In the caverns below us used to be a jail. So they’re using that to get her out of the way. But get going. Do what you can and soon they will learn the truth, Ruby.” I nodded and slowly flew out and grabbed my weapons from the armory and when I went out I flew into Waterspout.

She stared at me. Then at the knife, it may have changed but the gem was never covered. I have no idea how well she spoke Equestrian.

But after a while she ignored me. Trotting to Cranberry pointing a hoof to me whispering. Then pointing to the knife with the gem. I had to get out of here placing my helm on so no one sees my eyes.

I tried to fly out but I knew it was too late.

“My daughter.” I stopped right there turning to look at Cranberry. She knew the entire time I had a feeling she did. I took off my helm and, staring into her eyes she looked into mine. Just the two of us looked at each other. I wish I could scream to her to save me. With her wing, she pulls me down to look right into her eyes.

“I know those eyes. I know that soft gentle look. “ My emotions took control of me. The chips in my brain are trying to keep control over me. But it was no use a mother can break through any control tears just stream down my face.

“Mother. Don’t stop me, please. I must do what I am hired to do, please. I must help my boss get ready to bring this land to heel.” I tried to get away but she did everything in her power to keep me there.

“What do you mean by that Ruby?”I didn’t say anything I had to find a way to get out of here. I didn’t wish to become a victim of all this. The control on my brain screamed a threat to deal with the threat. I grab Spitfire holding the blade in my hands.

“I can’t let you stop me.” I sob why am I doing this to my mother? Why do I dare do this? I want to scream please help me. Please help me, mother!! The music slowly plays on my helm. No, not now not a song.

“Please leave me…” I turn to get away but there is music playing at my helm oh goddess a song why now? Curse you whoever does this strange music. But I did what I do best. I put the helm back on and turned off the speakers. Now is not the time.

I flew away from Cranberry who I am sure would send someone else after me. I made sure I was far out of her sight peeking around the corner. She trotted after me because she is doing what a mother does. Finding a daughter in need. I swung my blade and spitfire it cut right into her side. With how sharp the blade is it cuts through her like she is butter.

She screamed in pain and fell on her side and tried to get away from me. I saw the horror in her eyes. Dune walker and Inyanga got in the way. Now Dune walker was betraying me?! The control fully made me in defense mode. Then my emotions finally took control again and I saw the blood dripping off my blade looking at the blood pooling under Cranberry she looked very weak. NO!! I screamed in my mind and I tried to get away. Dune Walker went to go help Cranberry Inyanga chase after me. I dropped Spitfire leaving it behind and I quickly flew off to hide in my room at the inn.

<0000000>
The inn.

I finally made it to the inn and my room closing the door and locking it and sliding down to the floor I wanted this to end. I noticed a note saying do your job rest and wait till the middle of the night. Wheel Tread will take care of your friends. He is not going to force them to be kicked out of town and he is going to make up a story on why you hurt Cranberry. Maybe a lie that it’s your mating season and you lose all sense of self. Yes, they know you’re alive now. Your friends will not get harmed by any of the minions or the monsters. Keep with your bargain with Wheel Tread they will be fine.

Get a few hours of sleep and at midnight there will be a knock on your door. We will get your supplies. We will give you a set of bombs to help you take care of each outpost. But if needed look for souls down on their luck willing to end their lives for the name of the common good.

I know this is morbid but it’s better than nothing. I am sorry for what happened between you and your friends. We will also make a lie that your weapons have been stolen. Tick Tock already agreed to go with it after Dunewalker explained to her that you haven’t been herself since the bunker. They want to see you but the town won’t let them search for you.

I had many hours to think about everything that happened. I took my armor off and my helm. I wanted to cry but now is not the time. I hurt someone very close to me. But all I could do was sing.

“I.. have failed. I have become a broken shell.” I sigh. “I have hurt all that are close to me. I feel that my heart is slowly going to die from all this pain.” Looking at my cybernetics. “ I am now a shell of my former self. All I see now. Is the emptiness of my soul.” Looking away the music stopped after I heard a knock on the door.

Then opening the door I saw Wheel Tread and coming in with him is Cranberry.

“Here she is. I am sorry she hurt you. Just like I told you she has a mission to do for me. The mission is to remove the corrupted army from this town. They act as if they care about what goes on here. But they haven’t done a thing in years.”

Wheel Tread whispered in my ear. “I made a deal with her that she wouldn’t tell the others. Also, she has no idea you’re mind-controlled I will leave so you two can catch up.”

I just flap my wings not sure what to say. I noticed that she has herbs jammed into her wound. All she did though was grab me with her wings and hold me close. I noticed Wheel Treads' eyes and he has a great deal of remorse for what he did to me.

“I forgive you, Ruby. I wish you could tell us. But after what happened to Tick-Tock we don’t feel welcomed here. Flame is trying to get her released but the issue is she said she needs to win the election first then she can get her released. But after this and how ponies treat outsiders here, we don’t feel welcomed. Hawk has already headed back. Pinda and Porchina want us to protect Hard Rock.”

“I wish I could tell you all I was alive but. It’s not easy with these problems in my head right now. I have a task to do soon, mother. Please leave, it's not going to be safe here and please tell Inyanga I am sorry.” Cranberry nods letting me go from the hug and looking over to Wheel Tread.

“When she is done with her task I will give her back to you. But for now, she has this and then Kludetown. So if you wish Cranberry we could have some dinner to talk about the enclave hmm?”

Cranberry nodded. “Goodbye my daughter, stay safe.” She left the room and Wheel Tread closes the door and he looks at me so mournful

“I don’t have the heart to tell her that I expect the Storm king to kill you to remove the hope from the races of this land. Get some rest Ruby and again I promise no one will harm your friends.” He smiled and left the room closing the door. Deep down I didn’t trust him to keep his word.

But I am happy I was able to talk to my mother. It made me feel better about doing all this. Now I just need to rest and forget. I helped with the murder of Captain bubbles and caused Tick Tock to be in jail for a while. Laying my head on the pillow and closed my eyes letting my mind go into a dreamless sleep.

0000
The night
I woke up a few hours later after hearing the knock on my door. I opened the door seeing straps of bombs and money. I looked at the note and read it. ‘Find some souls down on their luck and make them use the bombs for you. Also, many ponies would do anything for money. Even give the guards something hot and wild to watch.’

So check to find a soul down on their luck. Find those willing to fuck their brains out in public somewhere. So I can get a distraction and get inside. Placing my armor on and flying out into the night. I found one of the army mares that I needed to take down. I put my knife to her neck.

"If you're here to kill me then go ahead. little creature. My entire family is dead, my husband walked out on me, and my foals want nothing to do with me. So please make it quick." I stopped for a second. Was it wise to kill some pony so down on their luck? Then I had an idea.

"If you don't mind dying, maybe You could help me." She turned to look at me. "I need to destroy all the outposts and every area the army is at. Since the guards won't defend the town anymore. Maybe you could strap these bombs to yourself and go to a place you feel that you have been wronged." The mare had a smirk forming on her face. She took the bombs and wrapped them around herself.

"I will go to the south outpost that is where most of my comrades would be. Along with the slut that stole my husband from me." She tossed me a strange key. "Use this key to get into the barracks. if you have any more bombs there would be a boiler. Kill all the leaders and the army will run leaving the town defenseless. I know you haven't been here that long strange creature. You don't know what the army has done here; they deserve every bit of death they have coming to them. When I blow up that will be the single for you to go into the barracks and take care of the leaders."

I nodded and flew to the barracks itself. I noticed several stallions and mares just sitting there talking. So I had an idea of making sure I could use them for my task. I flew down to them and landed. I noticed how the mares have been very heated. I ignored the smell of their heat and they looked at me. I gulped not sure how to handle this. I set down the money in front of them and they looked at me.

“I need to get into the barracks could you go to one of the towers and well have sex? For all this money?” Two of each having fun in the same tower would be a good show. A green mare leaned down to me looking right into my helm.

“You want us to just have sex in those towers? I got news for you little bug we do that every day. But the fact you want the four of us to go in there and have sex and for money. Eh why not it’s that time of the month anyway.” Time of the month for ponies? What did she mean by that? I thought it through then it hit me. Oh, I get it the fact that they’re at their breeding cycle at least I think that was it.

“Forgive this question is it that time of the month when you spread your seed to expand the species?” The two mares looked at each other and the larger stallion laughed. The green mare's cheeks glowed bright red.

“Eh, you could say that.” A mare added. “It’s the time we have sex wildly and spread the want of breeding more. It’s kind of normal for us. But normally we don’t need the excuse to have wild sex.” She giggles.

I guess I would be one of the few that said it. These ponies are insane. First, they start a war with zebras over something I am not so sure of. Then I see they never fall in love and always have wild sex to try to spread the species. No, I take it back after my dealing with Wheel Tread ponies are psychotic.

The four trot off heading up to one of the towers. I turned on my stealth buck and flew up to the roof. I got to the area the sniper is but I finally was able to see what they were doing with the four ponies. I stared at them. I watched the stallions shove something deep into the mares and them screaming in some kind of pain? It sounded more like pleasure. I had no idea why I was watching this.

I felt my cheeks burning hotly watching the stallions lose themselves with this. I got closer to the tower to make sure I wasn’t seen. I kept the stealth buck which I remember being told is not a wise idea. Slowly getting into the tower looking back hearing the screaming of pleasure reading its peak. Seeing the stallions switch the mares and their strange one-eyed snakes covered in some strange substance force themselves into the other mare near them.

There are two stallions on the tower and one of them is watching the show through the binoculars as the other looks through a sniper scope. I could smell their heat for these mares between their legs and I saw their one-eye snakes poking out between their legs.

“It looks like citizens are having sex in tower A again. Should I go stop them this time?” The two stallions laugh at that fact. I doubt they want to stop this show. The smell coming from them made it harder for me to concentrate.

"Na I am enjoying the show." He was looking through the scope at the four still going at their moments of pleasure. My wings lifted me slowly into the air grabbing the knife and grabbing the guard with my legs and slicing deep into his neck. He gasped and tried to get air. The blood from the cut goes into the gem and it glows brightly, the blood soaking into the gem and I pull the knife out of his neck going for the next stallion and with a swift movement slicing into his throat letting the gem of the knife drink its fill. Looking back up to the group having sex. Their faces were so bright red that it was amazing what anyone would do for money.

I went to the next tower even though I should turn off the stealth chip might not be wise. I saw a pregnant mare and sneaked up on her coming out from the stealth and put the knife to her throat but I am sure I could keep myself from ending this one's life.

"Listen, miss. You won't be able to see me. But Wheel Tread is here and he wants his deal. I feel it might be wise if you just walk away and let your baby be born." The mare looked around for me but when I said the name Wheel Tread she gasped and gulped.

"I will go. if he is the one causing these issues. But please... My husband is in the barracks. Can you tell him to leave too? I don't want my foal to live without her father." I smiled happily to hear this since I didn’t want to kill a pregnant mare.

"I promise What does he look like?" She lifted a photo of the stallion. He is a red-furred stallion and he has a few scars on his face. His name is Fireball. I will be on the look for him.

"I will tell him now to go, please. I don't want you to get hurt. Just drop your sniper rifle and whoever asks. Tell them Wheel Tread is back and he is coming to collect his deal." She nodded dropped the sniper rifle and went on her way. I watched and I took the gun and I noticed something this Sniper has an upgrade I could put in my pistol. Oh, wait I could connect parts from this and put on my pistol and make my pistol a Sniper rifle. leaving behind the butt of the rifle. I went back to the other tower and placed the bombs in the towers but not the one with the four having their sex.

After thirty minutes there was a giant explosion and the alarm started to ring. I looked down seeing ponies running to the area the mare went to. But I noticed it wasn't just that outpost that blew up but all of them started to up in flames. I am guessing that Sprocket and Flame helped me with this job or some of Wheel Treads Minions placed in some bombs as well. Now it was time to sneak into the barracks, it's a large building. I have no idea how long it's going to be but I am sure there will be some ponies I will fight in there.

I look back to the four and they left after the explosions and I noticed them going into a house or a building to keep up with this pleasure they wanted to keep up I guess. I remember I had a key given to me. I went down to the door it could be used on. But before I got to the door the door opened with a heavily armed pony coming out. Putting the key in my bag I feel that the window is safer. I flew up to the window and did something dumb. I flew into the window break through it to get into the barracks despite the pain of the act.

0000
The Barracks

I ended up in the General's office and he was already there and I could tell he didn't even want to move. He turned his chair to look at me. He had a weak smile on his face. He was a griffin and I could tell he knew who I was and he didn't even seem to want to put up a fight.

"I know why you're here. I can't fight Wheel Tread. I have tried all my life and so have my family. I think it's time for me to let the war end. The way to end this war to finally allow my family to have peace is to shoot me. I can no longer fight it. He has won the battle and the war."

I nodded. "But maybe it's best that I use this knife and kill you that way and then before you do is there a way to make every pony here drop their arms."

He shook his head. "Sadly no once I am dead they will hunt for you. I am sure you're here to blow this place up? Well, kill me the alarm will go off and some will run scared. We already know that one of the ones running for leadership of the town died in the explosion to the south. Rumor has it a mare came in with a bomb and went right for her." So that's why the mare wanted to go there. To kill that leader I am starting to wonder how much more will die before this time is over. I grabbed my knife and lifted it into the air with my wings slicing into the neck of the Griffin

I looked at the desk. I knew not all the leaders were at the outpost. I am sure some of them are here. I looked at a note on the desk. ‘To get the detonator for the bombs that I helped place in here go into my shower. I warn you though don’t use it yet. You want to make sure you destroy Bullet, he is the last of his family line. When he goes, all the knowledge of what every family did over the years here will be gone.’ He left a map for his shower it’s near Bullet's office.

I nodded looking at the gas bomb so maybe it’s not wise to release it now. I went through the halls of the barracks looking for the stallion known as Fireball. I found a room that has various names on it. One of them was him. I went inside holding up my cybernetic arms since they make louder sounds, unlike my normal arms. Looking at the names of the beds I saw one of them is Fireball sighing softly.

I tapped him and he woke up looking down at me. He looked ready to scream. Quickly I cover his mouth with my leg. “Listen I am here to destroy the place. I sent your wife on her way with your unborn foal. So please be smart and make sure the foal has a father.” I softly whisper to him. He looked at me and I could tell he was very unsure about all this.

“Thank you I will do as you say for her.” I nod and he got off the bed and trotted out of the room. I think the morale is so low right now in this town that no one wants to risk their lives for this town. I am starting to wonder how much I have broken these ponies. Now I can drop the gas bomb, setting it down and it releases a deadly gas. The smell would be like normal carbon making them sick and die in their sleep.

Now I needed to find the camel Bullet. Taking a deep breath I didn’t know if this was wise. But I had no control over what I do anymore. I focused too much on what was going on in my head to focus on this.

Then in my helm, I heard a com come on. “Ruby the basement is on your right, go through the door and you will the stairs. We will be using the distraction to take out the last few that are running for office. We will clear the way for you to get to the shower room. In the name of the Storm king, he shall rise. For all shall come and bow to him.” They start to preach in the com. All I could hear now is the storm King rising and what he shall do when he returns.

I sighed I knew it but I knew I had to search every room to make sure I got every mare and stallion in here. I try to sneak through the building. Hard to do when you go buzz when you fly. Some rookies were held up scared about what was going on. I sadly needed to end them if I didn't Wheel tread would do worse to them. I lifted my gun and aimed at them. I fired, killing them in cold blood moving along to do it to the rest I found. Went from room to room on the top floor and found nothing. Heading down to the next floor it looks like a training room. I saw no one there. It's very weird. Have I removed everyone here?

I got to the next floor and I still didn't see anyone else. I turned the com on.

"I don't see anyone..." Before I could finish what I was going to say six bullets went right through my armor into my side. I felt a needle from the armor go into my side to repair the damage and got behind the wall to fight whatever attacked me. It was a large group of ponies. I grabbed my machine gun from my side-firing back at the ponies. I tried to do what I could to shoot back at these ponies and Kirans but it was no good.

“I am pinned down I repeat I am pinned down.” After I uttered those words in the radio communications. He is rising robots smash through the wall and take on the ponies and Kirians and each one they take down they spout their silliness or well silliness to ones hearing them spout it.

“He is rising, the truth is out. The king is returning to take over this land again. The king shall come to praise my brothers and sisters. He shall rise and bring this world back the normal way of life.” They just kept spouting that it drove me nuts.

“Get your ass in gear bug. Cozy Glow has been sent to get the last piece of the king. His brain, Tiria's heart is not on fire just to get his brain. Your hero is being heavily protected but it’s no good. No place will be free from his wrath!!. The Storm king rises!!”

Star Shooters’ home is under attack by these robots? I wish I could stop them but I have a job to do. I finally made it into a large room that led to Bullet's office and the griffin general's shower. Standing in the middle of the room is that camel Bullet. He removed his gunblade from his side. I looked at the gunblade just like Dunewalkers. The runes on his blade are the same as I have on my arms.
“So it’s true the minion of Wheel Tread has finally shown herself. I should have known that you were here when I saw Dunewalker. I am of the desert storms. But my family line is not cursed like Dunes. We are allowed to say our names.” He closed his eyes and I looked at all the knowledge of books around him. I never knew that camels wrote down their knowledge. But maybe it’s just in case they never find a mate.

“Look at what you want to destroy the minion of Wheel Tread. The wisdom of the past. The wisdom we must keep to learn from it. If these books could talk they would tell you that your path is faulty.”

I can finally now ask why they betrayed the Alicorns like Majesty. It wasn’t going to be easy to ask. I am sure it’s too painful to remember. “Why did you camels betray the alicorns? What did they do to cause you to betray them and to curse you?”

Bullet closed his eyes looking back at his memory. It took a while for him to dig through his many memories. I could take him down like the programming in my brain told me to but I need to learn. He finally opens his eyes and he looks at all the books around him.

“The reason for the betrayal is how most would see it. The alicorns were not peaceful and kind like most thought. They joined forces with Grogar during a war. Back then Grogar wasn’t a threat. He was a good honest being. What changed though is the bell they found. A bell created by an old race. We still never understood its name. He took the bell and it changed him.” He took a deep breath.

“Our betrayal came when he stole the magic of dream walking. When he became king of Tambalion. It was my kind that did the first betrayal and then the curse was placed on us. So we can never forget. The battle went on and then he was beaten back. Placed in his city and left there to rot since this day. Luna and Celestia knew that they placed spells and runes on his prison.”

I was very intent on listening to him. I felt relaxed that he didn’t want to kill me as most would. But I am sure he wasn't done when he paused. He breaths in some air and then relaxed-looking towards his gunblade arming it.

“You deserve the final moment. You heroes of this world. All you heroes even you little bug. Destroy projects and spells. Some of these projects and buildings absorbed the magic. For your heroics in this land. He is coming and there is nothing to hold him back. Thanks to all the wars this world is going into. We are weak to fight him.”

“So the stories I have been told are true then. But I have one more question before we fight.”

I lifted the dagger that had the gem on it after I put the machine gun back on my side and he stared at the knife. His face was full of horror. The gem was glowing and he lifted his sword. "I have a feeling you know what this is? Then tell me I saw a past reflection after a few drops of blood made it glow. So what is this dagger?"

He sighed. "To the Water hunters, it's to bring back the water. But what they fully don't understand is when all the parts of the storm king are brought back and put into the project. Project Rainfall he will be reformed and he will be able to make the storm he wanted. He will cut this land off from the rest of the world till he gains an army big enough to take the rest of the world. Now any more questions bug? Or is it time for us to fight?"

I had no more questions. I kept hold of the dagger remembering that I dropped Spitfire. I held the dagger in a defensive position. Bullet arms the gunblade and the barrel at the end of the blade glows bright blue. I knew I didn’t stand a chance if he hit me with that. But after dropping my sword I had no choice. I charged flying quickly at him and the air around the barrel heated and glowed brightly. He fired at me and I dodge but the heat burned into my armor and causes some wounds. He hit the wall behind me and wood stabbed into my back and sides groaning a bit I did what I could to pull out the wood. The wounds bleed dripping blood and my armor jammed a needle in my side. The armor rips to repair and the potion goes through my body to heal the wounds.

"Little Hero Princess Luna in the very heavens has judged you. You will die and then be held accountable and kept from the land of those that are of worth that would mean your hero's friend the wolf. You will belong to the worthless, the unhonored." I think he was trying to anger me. I don't get angry easily. "You're nothing but a pest little hero or should I say.. toy of Wheel Tread."

He said the words that hit me: I am a toy to Wheel Tread. I pulled the gun from my side and shot the lights vanishing with the darkness. My armor being black made it very easy to hide. I held the blade and put the gun back. Held the blade tightly lifting myself into the air and trying to come up behind the Camel but he knew I was there. He knew I was there and hit me with the blunt side of his sword. Causing me to hit the wall but I didn’t give up charging back at him using my cybernetic arms to fight him with the dagger.

While our blades smashed into each other. It started to cause sparks and I looked at the books as the floor caught on fire. I needed to save the books. “Hey robots, if you want this world to learn from history don’t let it burn, come down, and get these books.” I heard nothing but I had to do what I could to save this history.

"I shall beat you Camel and then lay you to rest with the rest of your kind. You don't deserve the curse that you have been given. I feel sorry for your kind. I just wish we could have met in a better deal and maybe we could have worked together. But you are in the way of my master." My blade finally cut into the armor of the camel and his blood coated the blade.

The blood seeps into the gem and he groans at the pain and the blood draining from his wound. It didn’t stop him from attacking me, our blades smashing into each other again. I looked at the robots showing up to gather the books. The camel noticed but all he did was give a gentle smile. I have a feeling he wanted to be free from this curse.

"You can try little bug." He knocked the blade out of my little hands and smashed me into the wall. He lifted his blade about to stab me. I closed my eyes knowing my end is near since I can't even move. But I heard a blade stop his opening my eyes. I saw that a strange figure stopped the blade. “No, It’s you.” I looked to see Dunewalker and she caused him to be very confused about why she was there. The Camel was confused. I grabbed my knife and stabbed deep into the heart of the camel and he fell to the ground I held his head stroking his head. I kept saying I am sorry.

“Cough cough don’t be sorry little one. To a camel if death.” He groans the knife absorbing more blood into the gem. “Take them, they're free from the curse. I will no longer close my eyes to see the horrors of the past. My family line is long dead. I am the last of the desert storms… and it will die with me.” He closes his eyes and dies from the wound. I pulled the dagger out of his heart and closed my eyes, sighing, and removed my helm.

“Your mission here is done, Ruby. But you will be happy to know I saved your relationships with your friends. But Ruby when the Storm king returns you know your friends’ lives will be at risk. I hope you understand this.’ I nodded. “I must be going and thank you for calling others to save the history of his family. I will be heading back to Hard rock with the others. Goodbye til the time comes Ruby.”

The Dunewalker left and I went to the shower and grabbed the detention device. I looked back on everything I have done. I heard that little ones have died because of me. I have done just as bad during the control by Majesty. I wonder if someday I will ever be forgiven for what I have done. I noticed that they couldn’t get every book. Since there are so many of them. I look at how much I could carry in my bags. I looked at all the books still left. I couldn’t carry any since I have so many things in my bags.

I turned to get back out seeing bodies ripped apart and following the blood and hearing sobs and crying. I went into one of the rooms I heard crying and then I saw a foal laying on its dead mother. The emotions took control of me again and the control went away. I lifted the baby but the dying father stopped me with his magic.

“Please find her… a good family. Please” He stared at me with hope in his eyes that I would find this little one a family. I knew who I could give her to. Since I know Wheel tread will be here I am sure those two mare friends of mine will be here. “I promise.” I flew out of the building holding the foal tightly to protect them and flew farther away and clicked the button. The entire building went up and flamed and I covered the little one’s ears then boom. The building blew up causing fire and pieces of the building to fly everywhere
I heard a horn sound off I followed the sound.

00000
The Emergency election

When I got there I noticed that the election started and I saw Wheel tread hiding in a strange new body hide and by him are the two mares I made friends with. I flew to them and the three looked at the little one. I just offered the little one to the two mares.

“Please protect her,” I whispered to them and they nodded, taking the little one. I knew these mares loved each other. I am sure they will act as her step-parent's Wheel Tread looked at me with remorse in his eyes. Looked up to the stage and I was in the crowd but no pony cared that I was there.

Flame had dried blood all over her body and burns. Sprocket beside her is just as bad. I could tell this wasn’t faked they were in the areas that blew up and got attacked. I didn’t like where this was going. I felt anger filling my heart but I couldn’t stop now. I had to be ready just in case.

"My friends.. for too long we have ignored the deal of Wheel Tread look what it did for us. A villain took us by surprise and we refused the help of Buzzer's friends. We allowed this on ourselves. All the others running for leadership died. I held them in my hooves as they wished the election to go on. We need to hold it now we need to give who you trust power to defend our city from any more invasions."

The families and ponies watched no one at the moment cheered but they all saw the destruction from the smoke and the bodies of the guards left for dead around them. This wasn't just a show of force it was of pure death and destruction. I landed on the roof watching. I didn't know what to think. But then I saw a sniper wait that's one of Wheel Treads minions, a Storm monster. He was aiming for Flame. I grabbed my dagger and quickly flew stabbing into him as the gun went off and hit right beside Flame missing her. The creature and I fell off the roof and to the ground he was dead. I looked up and heard Cheers. I was named a Hero.'

They lifted me and Flame smiled weakly. I had to say what I was told. "Vote for Flame. She will protect you for I will not be here much longer. I need to move along, please. She deserves it for defending you all from the foes that did whatever is going to happen here.” I flew back when the cheers sounded to grab the dagger and sighed.

"Bug." I looked at Sprocket. "Come with me." I followed Sprocket to the stage. Flame smiled down at me and looked at the crowd.

"This is a hero, a hero that saved us from the threats. We are going to let them rest at our place and they will be on our way." I lifted into the sky and flew off to the home of the two.

0000

I flew into the house taking off my armor, and tossing the helm. I was angry at myself for what I did. I had no right to do what I just did. The door opened and I saw Wheel Tread and the two mares walk in. They hold the little one close to them and never let her go. They’re now new mothers and very protective.

"You did good Ruby, you did well. They know that they will be under my rule soon. But for now, I need you to relax and talk to Flow and Pink Rose.” I nodded and went with the two mares to the other room. With them around I felt happier; they held me close and I looked at the little foal. I felt safer with these two.

“We want you to be part of our family Ruby. Not only a lover if you wanted but one that did what no one else would. Gave us the chance to raise a child. A child that has no parents any longer.” I smiled weakly. I didn’t deserve this looking down on the little foal. I could tell I made two mares not able to have their foals happy.

“What are you naming her?” I softly asked

“Topaz” Flow added and I cuddled tightly to the two of them. I felt so happy being with them. I wish I could stay but I knew sooner or later I would leave. I heard the door open and I moved to the door hushing my two friends and we looked outside the room.

"It's all taken care of Wheel Tread. I will be sending the water and the food to you when I get them to trust our reasons. It may take a while but It will be all yours before your plans." Wheel Tread nodded.

“Thank you Flame now I must go. Send Ruby on her way. The brain shall be here within days. I am sure Ruby would love to know they didn’t kill anyone and just went in and left. But some did try to stop them.” Wheel Tread came into the room and looked at the two mares.

“I free you two from my service. I will not allow a little one to grow in that hate. Let Flame find you a place and I promise you my world to come will make your new little daughter very happy.” He smiled and left leaving the two mares behind. Who couldn’t believe they have been freed for now anyway. They both kissed me and I just laughed.

“I didn’t do anything, I just gave you a little one that melted that rock-hard heart of his for now.” Grabbing my armor and helm putting them on. Floating in front of me is Spitfire the sword. I didn’t know what to think.

“Cranberry wanted you to have this back. You will need it, Ruby. Now you may go and please come back and rescue us.” I nodded. I took the blade and I could feel the spirit in the blade upset with me.

"I will return to free you when I can Flame. You and Sprocket."

“Wait, Ruby.” I turn to look at her.” Tick Tock, is freed she left with the others. They all know you were here. They want you to know they miss you and love you.” I smile I wish I could see them again. But I can’t I flew off to the desert for my next mission

0000
The desert

I was upset and I flew through the desert trying to find my way to the home of the other of my species. I followed the sight of his magic trail. I was upset and angry at the fact that I did all that and murder so many ponies and creatures. I never wished to do it. It was very calm in this desert. I didn't even see any creatures. Then if it was fate a large creature came out of the sand. It was a sand shark It jumped at me and flew in the air with its strange leathery wings. I didn't have the time to grab my weapons but he chased me and I didn't know what to do. I tried to hide and grab my gun and fire on the creature.

Some of the bullets hit but I didn't even see it coming. It was under the sand and caught me in the air and forced me in its mouth I tried to keep its mouth open and I dropped my pistol in the sand. I tried with all my might to keep the mouth open but it shook its head trying to weaken me and it spit me out into a rock my body felt the blunt blow but I didn't get hurt badly just the wind knocked out of me.

The creature roared and came in for the very kill. I heard the unsheathing of a sword and I looked around hearing it but I didn't know what to think and I saw knives being thrown into the creature and they blew up causing chunks of the creature to blow everywhere it roared in pain. This roar caused another to come to its mate. It targeted me while the other lay dying in the sand. I heard a buzzing sound and Heard the cutting of flesh and teeth seeing the other of my species in another type of suit he was larger than I am. He took on this creature with little to no issue. His sword was the same; it had glowing runes and one more cut he sliced into the creature killing it. He turned to look at me. He was breathing through the helm like he had a breathing issue but it was more he just had a good workout

He took off his helm and I got a good look at him. He was a blue-scaled bug of my species. I just watched and had no idea my face was so heated. Maybe it’s because it’s been a long time since I met a male of my kind but I shook my head removing those thoughts.

"Hello, Miss Ruby I am Scaled Wing. I have come to take you to my home so come with me if you want to live. If you don't want to come with me then sit and die." I lifted my buggy hand grabbing his.

Footnote: level up

New Perk added

Love and hope: You found those that love you. The two mares did everything to save your life. You have grown to have a very close bond with them. They're now free because of you and the little filly will have a decent happy life away from the life they grew up in. To keep your mind full of hope and your spirit from falling too hard. You think back on them and feel your hope rise each time.

Next Chapter: Chapter Fifiteen: Peace Rock Estimated time remaining: 39 Hours, 58 Minutes