The universe began with a word. But which came first: the word or the thought behind the word? You can't create language without thought, and you can't conceive a thought without language, so which created the other, and thus created the universe? That is the same as the language of war.

Lorien Babylon Five.

The Stormking did so much to us when he had control of our lives. We allowed him most of the time to control us. Even though we tried fighting back. He took control of us so long ago most of us forgot where we came from. Most of us just called ourselves Storm Creatures I for one...don’t remember what we are called. I am descended from one that he captured years ago. I wish I could remember how it used to be for us. But all I see now is his anger and wanting to control the world. Control the world for one big storm. All I see here is either him losing this battle or we controlling the world.

Written by a minion of the Storm King

Early morning

I opened my eyes to the sound of gunshots and explosions. Going outside of the hut I couldn’t believe what I saw. I saw four armies fighting for control of Kludgetown. The lizard creatures or they called themselves the poachers couldn’t even get into the town. All four armories are at each other’s throats. As soon as the battle started though it ended and both armies retreated.

“See minion of Wheel Tread. There is no way for either side to win this war. This battle has been going as long as anyone can remember. We don’t even remember why the battle started. We live longer than ponies and zebras. So you would think our kind would remember. But still, we don’t even remember who used to own this city.

“So to stop this war you need to kill innocents.”

The king nods. “My mate is not happy with that idea. One they aren’t dragons. Two they’re innocent creatures thinking war is still going on after all these years.”

“Why not tell them the truth.”I look up to the king who is smaller than the Queen. He just gave me a sad smile.

“We tried many, many times. Even gave them proof. They refuse to listen because to them the war is still going on. I guess old hatreds die hard. But the real reason we want this city. It used to belong to creatures like us. The war chased them off.”

“I am sure I found the bones of some of the creatures of old out there. It’s not a pleasant desert. It’s even worse this land is cursed. So I am wondering if there is a way to lift the curse.”

Watching the town turn back to normal since most of the citizens that live there are coming out. It looks to be like the battles happen off and on. Then the citizens of the town go back to their lives but I am sure they’re waiting for a battle to start up again.

“See that is what this town is like. Lives are lost and then everything is ruined. You can replace food and other things. But you can’t replace lives. My kind is normally warlike. But after being out here for so long and watching this. We can no longer act like that. I changed after watching a little foal get murdered.”

“Then why act so warlike when you know it doesn’t work?”

“That is the issue my kind are naturally always hungry for blood and battle. Some just don’t have the brainpower to see otherwise. My mate is trying very hard to show them the truth. But it’s not easy. Some of the males of my species are too thick-headed. Same with the females there are some in both sexes who aren’t.”

I sighed softly looking towards the burning town. This town has been through so much. I’m starting to wonder if the biggest reason this is my last task. Because wheel tread would have a hard time doing this himself.

“I know you understand how to speak Zebra. The co-leader doesn’t speak equestrian. So if needed we can give you a translator.”

“I know some I only had a month to learn a few words. Even then it’s a lot harder to speak it. So I wouldn’t mind if you could get me one.” The king stares at me like I am crazy.

“What do you mean to give you a translator? If we could find one of those more power to you. But we can give you one of our kind who knows how to speak zebra. She spent most of her life learning other tongues.”

“Oh, when do I meet her?”

“When the meeting is set up that will be in a few hours.” He points to the big table in the middle of town. “The co-leaders got a cease-fire going between them. They don’t get along so we told them the only way to agree to this is to force them to have no weapons. If any weapons are on them the deal is off.”

I sighed deeply “ What do you need me to do?”

“While the talks are going on. We want you above on one of the tents watching and then if things go bad to kill them. But I am sure you won’t have to worry about her being a problem just those that follow her.”.

“I was told by a few zebras from the community I just came from. Don’t trust any zebra at all. Don’t trust any of those in this town. If they’re up to something it will be easy to tell. I am sure the zebra leader will have assassins.”

“Yes, it’s to be expected with zebras as well as Enclave. But the normal ponies aren’t that bad I think at least.” I looked towards the tent I had to get ready so I flew up to it and made a few bolts from as I remember. With one of them though I put venom on it. The venom I was told wouldn’t kill but paralyze just in case.

I kept my crossbow on top of the tent and flew down looking around to make sure I saw every shadow and tent. The ones that own this little camp didn’t seem upset about me looking around. I did see a few merchants from other races selling their wares to the lizard creatures and seeing them paying half of what they make to the raiders.

I heard of raiders from Star Shooter. Those willing to cause problems for their gains. You would think about how the world changed outside this land. You would think they would leave this desert to get a new life. I turn and then hear screams and gunshots turning back. I watch while a mare gets beaten for not having enough caps for the toll.

I heard in the back of my mind the stars want their blood. I grunted a bit. I wanted to help them but do I have a right? I felt a clawed hand on my back and looked at one of the lizard guards. He points with his spear to the outpost gate.

“Grr if no one does anything they grr... We will keep building up that outpost to a base. We watch them daily, only seen ten in there at a time.”

“Is it my right to do so though?”

“Grr, your right? What do you mean by your right? Anyone who had the guts and the will to do it should. We would do something but we aren’t strong enough to fight them. “ I look to see that I have my weapons on me but my crossbow. “You better do something they’re going to take that mare in there to rape her.”

I heard the word rape and I click the stealth chip attached to my helm. I vanished and sneak to the door hearing screaming and crying inside the outpost. The two guards one a mare and one a stallion their eyes so red and they looked high.

“Hmm listen to those screams. Butcher.” The mare laughs.

“Yes, it seems he is enjoying those mares.” I grab Spitfire and I could hear the sword guiding me again? Maybe it was because I am doing something in the mind of the spirit good. I took a deep breath. I grab a rock and skirted to the wall on the other side of the gate and smack the wall with the rock.

“Huh, I will go check it out, Butcher. Could be that zebra filly selling flowers again.” I move from the wall dropping the rock watching the mare come over to see. “ I see nothing..” She turned her back to me and quickly stabbed spitfire right into her back and her body collapsed hard to the ground making a loud thump. I stab the sword into her deeper quickly enough that she drowned in her blood. Pulling the sword out while she gasped for air. She made loud enough gasps and coughs to attract the stallion.

“Prick?” he asked as he looked and he didn’t see the rock coming from my buggy hand smashing into his face. I hit him hard enough that he is now dazed. I once again took a quick swipe with spitfire and sliced him good enough that his head is barely attached to his body anymore.

I put the sword back on my side. Taking the dagger to let the gem absorb some of the blood. The dagger needs its filling for its part of this task. I doubt I could stay hidden for long. So I had an idea: I cut the two heads of the ponies and took two spears from the lizard creatures.

I forced the two spears into the sand in front of the outpost and impaled the heads on the spears. I flew up between the spears. I didn’t know if I should do this. I am sure I would find my end from being this dumb. I turned off the chip and came out of hiding and yelled.

“To the leader of the raiders. I have killed two of your members here. I will no longer play this game. I demand you come out here one on one combat. If you don’t then you’re a fool and a coward. So you better come out here. If you don’t come out I will take out every single member of your pretenders than you as well.”

The door opens up and what comes out is a large group of ponies. Then I saw a camel. A camel in raider armor and the camel looked like he knew what he was doing. He didn’t have the drugs in his system from the look of his eyes. He had one of those large gun blades. A lot of his kind used those.

“You demand hmm?” The camel is so soft-spoken and not like these monsters. “I would say I make the demands. I am not a fool like these ponies here. So easy to control with drugs. Just look at them. Their brains are nothing but putty. Give them drugs to make them under your control.” He just stood there and I knew I was in trouble. Each camel had the skills passed down from its ancestors.

I gulped, I just watched the ponies around us cheering. I looked behind me to see the king and Queen they stayed away from this. Looking back at the camel. I am sure he knew better than to do this. But I am sure from the past of those that came before. What caused him to be this way. All those memories.

“How could you do something like this? I know of your kind they have lifetimes of memories to teach you.”

“Oh come on are you for real? I did this by my own choice. I could care less about those before me. What did they do for me? All they did for me was give me these memories. Memories of the sins of their failures. Look at the world around us, little bug.” I did what he told me. All I saw was a desert and not the land of Equestria. Then it hit me. I know what he is talking about. The curse that Luna did.

“The curse. The rebellion..” I softly added.

“Got it in one. I am saving the land my way. Now I may not care for the rape and murder. But you do what you must to keep the money flowing. Even if it means selling slaves. You do what you must to save the world.”

“Then why can’t you do it like the other of your kind do?”

“Because this is the will of the stars and the universe. The universe has forsaken us years ago. It’s what caused the war. The stars have their little hands everywhere. I am doing what the cards of the universe gave me. Some say the universe is a dealer. But it’s a golem that makes us puppets for the universe. It molds us even now.”

The universe brings me to another. The universe and the stars are folding me even now. I grab my sword. I ain’t backing down from this. From the motion of me grabbing my sword. The camel grabs hold of his gunblade. It’s a weapon that I have seen many of his kind use.

“If that is how you wish it. Then so be it.”

“I have come myself in the name of the stars. I will allow the stars to pass judgment on me or you” The camel stared at me. I could see the fear in his eyes. But he smirked after knowing that we both fight in the name of the stars.

“If we fight for the judgment and praise of the stars. Then so be it. Let’s allow those that the zebras fear to honor us.” The judgment of the stars and we get praise from them. I am hoping my praise will be a more lean judgment of me. But I doubt that will happen.

“I shall do what I can in the name of the stars. Even if it means fighting one that rapes.”

“Ah, those screams you heard. Again these ponies are too dumb to know the truth. I was helping the merchant they almost murdered. She screamed because they broke two of her legs. Of course, these ponies again are too high to know the difference.”

“You know they can hear you say all this right?” I look at the group of raiders still cheering like a battle is going on right now.

“Again like I said give them drugs and add a little something to them. Their brains can’t tell the difference and make them think the world is still like it was before Pip. They don’t see the sun, they don’t see anything. Just see the blood, the guts and that's it.”
“So no matter what if I win this. I will have to kill them. To save them from themselves.”

“Yes, ironic ain’t it? You try to be a hero but you’re still a murderer of innocents. Well Innocent in the way of raiders of course. You will still have to kill and murder. Even if they have done the same. But to be a hero it seems you need to do the unthinkable. Come let's fight.”

<00000>
Battle of stars

More and more eyes start watching us. Merchants gather more of the lizard creatures gather. My battle has even triggered a cease-fire so those in Kludgetown can watch. I held tightly on Spitfire since this was a battle of swords.

“You see little ones we have eyes watching. A hero, a villain who is the real threat? Me or you? You see this is a set of words and eyes. Look in their eyes and see the fear for you.” I look at all the eyes. The zebras looked indifferent. The ponies I couldn’t tell since most wore masks to hide their eyes. I was tricked and the camel's sword smashed down. I moved away quickly as I could lift one of my cybernetic arms to block the attack. The runes on my arm and his blade glowed.

“Ah, Dune walker.” I didn’t care if he knew her. I attacked him even though Spitfire never had a rune placed in it. Then when he chanted a spell and took a swing to try to shatter Spitfire. The blade glowed bright showing the name of Spitfire. The rune slowly vanished now I know why the sword lasted all these years. I charged right at him and his sword cut right into my bags. Before the bags could be repaired the venom-laced bolt dropped out to the sand below.

This battle is hard for me than I thought. Since the camel is so much bigger and I am just a simple worker. Our blades kept smashing together. I didn’t notice the bolt. He cocked the gunblade and I felt the ozone and noticed the glow. He forced me to the ground and got ready to fire.

Grabbing sand with my buggy hands tossing it into his eyes, He screamed and aimed up to hit a bird above us and it fell to the ground smoking and sizzling. I noticed the bolt and grabbed it tightly in my hand. I didn’t want to use tricks or this venom. I didn’t know how it would affect a camel.

Quickly swung my sword at the camel and he lifted his hoof to smack me right into the helm. I dropped my sword and groaned and kept ahold of the bolt as tight as I could. The camel stood over me and reached down with his hooves.

“Let’s see how I have been fighting this entire time.” He tried to remove the helm and I had to act. I lifted the bolt and jabbed right into his leg and the bolt broke off. He groaned and I was able to move away. He fell paralyzed and I didn’t know what this venom would do to him. I grabbed my sword and got ready to kill him.
“Daddy?” I lowered my blade staring at a little camel coming to her father. She had tears falling from her eyes down her cheeks wetting her face.

“No. you didn’t need to see this little one.” He smiled weakly unable to move. “Your daddy is facing one that feels their sense of justice is the right justice.” I didn’t know what to say I was about to kill a father. I felt my guilt getting to me again. I was going to kill a father.

The young female camel looked at me with hate in her eyes. I have a feeling she would have grown up to become the leader of his raider gang. She would have done worse but the hate I saw. It made me sick and made me wonder. Am I the hero or the villain?

“Click the button on my leg hero. You have won the battle without killing me. But the guilt will still affect you.” I had no idea what he meant by that. I clicked the button and the little camel closed her eyes. I heard beeping from a strange device on the ponies' necks. Every head blew up and the entire outpost caught up and flames.

I watched in horror all this happening and the smoke blocked my ability to see the young camel and her father and when the smoke let up just a bit they were gone. The piece of the bolt that was in his leg on the sand. I turned to see the camel on top of the rock.

“When the time is right, hero. We will return to come and help you on your journey. But for now, we vanish to Peace Rock. You won in the name of the stars. Enjoy the guilt of giving them blood.” I had no idea why but I had no guilt for what happened to those ponies. The families of those ponies may use their deaths. To help with the trial to make sure I am guilty.

I sat there watching while the outpost went up in flames. Looking over the bodies of the dead. I didn’t kill them, I just did what I thought was right. Looking back at the flames, am I in the right? I have no idea anymore. Too many thoughts fill my mind making me unsure of this entire thing. The guilt filled me because these ponies could have had families.

I felt a hoof on my shoulder looking up to see a zebra. She wore the headdress of a leader. Beside her is a smaller mare. But all the mare did was smile.

“Iqhawe ka le izinkanyezi wamukelekile”

“Warrior of the stars welcome.” The little mare translated for me. “Greetings I’m Diamond this is my mother Iliva. She enjoyed your little fight. She is impressed with you.” Impressed with me, the leader of the zebras of Kludgetown is impressed with me? I had no idea what to think of that. I look back at the bodies. The zebras lifted the bodies and went deeper into the desert with them.

“We heard that you came for Wheel Tread. We know Wheel treads intent for this town. But for us, we just want lasting peace. We know you have been to Peace Rock. Those zebras are right. There is cancer in our zebra community. Find them, kill them in the name of the stars.”

“Do you have a list of who you wish me to take down?” Diamond whispers up to her mother. Iliva nodded, speaking in a strange device that looked like a zebra made in her ear. I could understand lists and names, that's all I could understand.

“She is getting the list ready for you. Our tribe is called kuxutshwe. Meaning we are a mix of all tribes. So we call ourselves that. So you will see all types willing to harm within.” I had a feeling that those wish to harm from within. Are those zebras I have been told about from Hunter. Those zebras need to be given to the stars.

“How will I be able to tell? Are they wanting to kill your mother?”

“No, they don’t wish to harm my mother. They don’t want peace, they want this town for themselves. They will attack the other leaders. I know you were to meet the co-leaders of each race. But I convinced Wheel tread no other will try to take my mother's place.”

I sighed to myself finally I won’t have to kill the leader of the zebras. She is so kind from what I can tell in her eyes. I’m sure it was hard for her to be here. But I think she has a lot of protection hidden around the area.

“Now I don’t trust the other co-leaders with my mother. I’m sure they have attackers waiting in the shadows. So please keep an eye on them.”

I wanted to know if these two knew mares as Lotus and Hunter. “Do you two know these two mares Lotus and Hunter?”

Diamond smiles. “Yes, we trade as much as we can with Peace rock.”

“Hunter helped me learn some of your tongue's words. Of course, she only had a month to teach me.”

Diamond nods and speaks to her mother. “Umzingeli i-lotus wakhe abangane” Diamond pointed her hoof to me. Iliva has a large smile form on her face bowing her head concerning me. I think those two are close to her.

“Hunter and Lotus are honored by my mother. Even if they have no tribe she still respects them. So they both trained you?”

“Yes, they did. Hunter trained me to hunt. Lotus told me never to trust a zebra with things to hide.” Diamond nodded.

“Yes that is true, never trust one that hides the truth from you. Most always will though. Even some zebras have secrets. It’s always best to allow zebras to have some secrets. But the ones that hide everything don’t trust them.”

I never thought I would hear that from the daughter of the leader of this tribe. But maybe she is right it’s not going to be easy to learn more about their kind. Since many of them might hide too much and not speak Equestrian. I know full well though you can’t force them to learn. It’s not right. It’s best to learn to speak as they do so you can talk to them.

“Now your name is Ruby?”

I took the helm off and showed my face. My color is back to pink and I nodded. “Yes, I have been in hiding for a while from my friends and family. But how could you tell?”

“It was very easy to tell Ruby. We don’t see many females of your kind. The fact that you came from Narik and we heard what happened there. I hope your innocence hasn’t been taken from you. We both know what you have been forced to do. Before the return happens. Do you wish to have the control removed?”

I stare at Diamond. I could tell she cared about how I felt. I didn’t know what to think about that at all. To be free but I haven’t felt Wheel Treads control for a while. Maybe that one piece that left my head. I will never know.

“You know what Wheel Tread wishes to do then?”

“Yes, we do. We know it’s going to be bad so. Mother is to lead our tribe to Peace Rock before it happens. She knows what Wheel Tread wants. It’s not something our tribe wants. The only ones that will stay are the ones who hated my mother. After all of this is said and done. The army will be given a list for those that need to be taken care of.”

“If you’re leaving then why do you wish me to take care of these zebras?”

“It’s the will of the stars. Sometimes you have to give the stars their blood. Even if my kind is not wise to listen. But sometimes the stars are kind to us. My mother is a big worshipper of the stars and I am as well. We know their path will lead us to death someday. But for now, they’re needed.”

Closing my eyes, putting my helm back on. I have a feeling that I am now too deep into this. I know when it comes down to it. I will have to fight for my life. I am not looking forward to fighting for my life at all.

“I will do my best to fight in the stars. I know full well what is going to happen to me. I am not fond of the idea of what is going to happen to me. But I promise I will fight for my life. Thank you so much for your kindness.”

“Zebras will always be kind. We can’t allow ourselves to focus on the past. We understand that our kind got overly. Ahem, holy warlike during the war. It happens because of Luna and her deal with the moon.”

“I think the meeting will be soon.” Just as I said this the co-leader of the enclave that is holed up in kludgetown lands with two guards. Their armor looks so much older than the Enclave I have met recently. The mare in the armor bows her head to the two zebras. I could tell she was trying to be respectful to them.

“We should go.” Diamond nods to them pulling her mother along with her to the tents. I have a feeling they don’t trust these Enclaves. The guards leave the side of the leader and she walks up to me.

“I watched you fight that camel. I wouldn’t let the deaths of those raiders get to you. I am Skysong. I wish to try to bring peace to this town. It’s harder to do when my commander is a bit too warlike.”

“I guess that is normal for Enclave. Even though I have been adopted by one.” I could tell Skysong didn’t like it when I brought that up. I couldn’t tell if she was studying me. I have been warned that the Enclave in Kludgtown thinks just like the other Enclave used to.

“Maybe you can explain something to me. What happened outside of this land?” I didn’t know everything but I do know what has been told to me. I went into what The Lightbringer did and how she risked her life to fight the Enclave. How she brought back the sun and the stars. Then I brought up what happened in the hoof.

“Wait so you mean to tell me a unicorn. Well, just a unicorn put the old enclave in their place?” I nodded. “I see so that means they’re more open to the ones below? Of course, we have some who wish it still was like that.”

“Yes, I am not from this land though. I do know the Enclave is not trusted after a war ten years ago.”

“Ten years ago?” The mare tilted her head.

“Yes,” I explained about the hardliners and what happened. I explained what happened like the war getting bad enough. Then I brought up Celestia one and the mare removed her face mask. I was told she never showed her face. What I saw was a light blue mare with one of her eyes missing. It looked like her eye was ripped out of the socket. I could tell it happened years ago. She placed the face mask back down.

“So somepony finally put the Enclave to the task but she failed. Maybe if she never forced a war as she did. She would have been loved more by the world. I am sure there is another universe out there where she is the leader of the world.”

I nodded. “I got a question..for you miss SkySong.”

“How. Oh, I see Peace Rock. They know everything about those in Kludgetown. So what is your question bug?”

I took a deep breath. I didn’t want to seem rude asking this. I knew full well that enclaves kept to themselves. I wish I could have learned more about them. But I didn’t have a chance to learn. Again I knew what I was about to ask was over the line.

“Do you have a list of the ponies in your faction? That..” I went silent for a moment.

“Of ponies, what?”

“That will get in your way from peace?”

“No when the leader dies they will all listen. He has pissed off everypony even his wife. We always said no children. He took out children and. That was the last straw. There will be a power vacuum some may try to take his spot. But I already have everything set up.”

I nodded I knew I would be the one to kill him. I knew full well that I would have to do it. SkySong bowed her head and headed into the lizard creatures' camp. I still wish I could understand what they fully were. Just the name poachers seem insulting. I sat down on what a bug has for an ass. I didn’t hear the hooves come up behind me. A hoof was placed on my shoulder. I looked up seeing a unicorn mare.

They had a gun aiming right at my head. I have a feeling this is one of my judgments lifting my many legs high in the sky.

“I don’t trust you...bug. I heard what you did in Nirak. Give me a good reason why I shouldn’t shoot you.”

I just turn to face her and reach up to grab her gun placing it on my head. She stares at me in horror. I didn’t think she expected that.

“I have done worse than that. When I was mind-controlled by the Queen. But you think you have the right to fulfill the souls that died under my deeds? DO IT?! What are you waiting for?!” I think my willingness to face my judgment scared this mare.

“I…” She lowers her gun. “I didn’t expect you to face that head-on.” She didn’t expect it? She didn’t expect that?! I have been going around controlled by Wheel Tread and I should face judgment for it all.

“Alright now, why are you here? I was just watching the last of the fire. Since there is nothing else for me to do.”

“I am just the leader of the ponies fighting the zebras and Enclave. I’m Galaxy.” I stare at the dark red mare. Who had diamond eyes? I never understood why some ponies have diamonds in their eyes. Maybe I will learn that someday but I am not fully sure.

“Alright, are you the co-leader or the leader?”

“I am the Co-leader. My leader knows about this meeting. She is fine with stepping down. All her terms are. If she is allowed to be exiled. But there are some that you might have to fight.”

‘I will have to fight? Oh yes, I remember I am doing Wheel Treads dirty work. I have no choice. Since I am sure he could tell the control didn’t last on me.”

“Aren’t you a race that is easily controlled though?” The mare tilts her head.

“Yes sadly. I am sure when I get near him again. I will be fully under his control again. I am not fully sure. But I am hoping these talks go decently.” Turned back to the fire to just watch. Galaxy wanted to speak. But she didn’t and left. All I could think of while I watched the fire. That was what I did.

“In the name of the Queen.”I softly spoke. “All in the name of the Queen.”

I lifted to my feet and I turned to see a merchant looking at me and the fire. I didn’t know what this merchant would do to me. But I couldn’t tell if he was happy or unhappy. The stallion looks down at me.

“So you removed the raiders. I don’t know if I should be happy or unhappy. I’m wondering what happened to your senses of judgment when you understood. The leader was never really evil. But the ponies around him were. But I won’t judge you for what you feel was right.”

“Are you trying to tell me that? What I did was wrong or that I did right?”

“That is how you see it yourself. Now we can pass after the fire goes out. When you’re done with this meeting. I would like to sell you some things.” I sighed nodding and flew off to the camp.

<00000>
The meeting

I took a quick nap and I was woken up by the sounds of talking and the sounds of a feast. I wasn’t allowed any of the feasts at this moment. I got up onto the tent and went prone with my crossbow. Thankfully voices did carry in this area.

“So tell me, Diamond. What do you wish to gain from this peace treaty?” The young zebra mare just shrugged her shoulders to the enclave mare.

“My mother's gain is just peace. Then when the time comes. We shall go to Peace Rock. The storm king's return will bring ill tidings.”

Skysong sighed nodding. “I am not fond of them having to bring him back. But we all know what Wheel Tread wants. I just know it won’t be good for this land. But I sadly have no choice. Everypony follows him. So much he has promised.”

Diamond nodded. “Yes that is the problem mother and I see. Too much to promise. We all know that shall never come to pass.”

“Yes if all his promises did come to pass. I mean giving us what we all want? I know what I wish to have. Knowing that all heroes will be held. For their crimes.”

Diamond frowned. “Yes.. all the crimes the heroes have done. All their sins even though we have had our own. But every hero, every path they walk.” Diamond looked up at me. “Every sin they have caused. Judgment will come for them. All the lies even we have done. Everypony will get their due.”

“In the name of the stars?” Skysong added.

“Yes so say the stars. For every being under them. Every being will get their due justice. Even I will one day. My judgment for following my mother's path. Her judgment for forsaking our kind and leaving them in the past.”

Skysong sighed, nodding taking off her helm. I got a good look at her entire face now. It was just her eye. There was an entire scar going from her right eye down to her neck up to her forehead. Her neck had cybernetics just to keep her face together.

“Yes, all sins will come to pass. Even the sins that gave me this. Killing one of your kind and thinking I had the battle won. Then taking their blade and taking my eye and almost killing me.” Diamond just gave a gentle smile.

“Yes, It seems all our sins. I for one will not sit and wait. Exile for my mother and me to Peace rock.” Skysong sighed looking up at me. They seemed to all know I am up here. I think they have been told just in case.

“That hero that is here. I noticed what she did.” Diamond nodded. “ What gives her the right to be a judge?”

Those words stung me hard. I never thought Skysong would say these words. I already knew Galaxy had issues with me being here. A strange bird landed beside me and I looked towards it. It looked like most of the birds I have seen flying. Something was odd about this. The bird lifted its wing. Like it was pointing at something.

I looked over to what it was pointing at. I noticed a wandering drone looking through the crowd and asking questions.

“Excuse me, I am a Dj mixer mind telling me what is going on here?” The drone asked one of the Enclave guards. The guard turned to the drone and looked over at Skysong. She nodded to show it was okay to answer.

“Alright, there is a peace treaty in the works. We feel the battle has gone on for too long here.”

“Really… Forgive me if I don’t think that is true. Stranger things have happened lately. Just a peace treaty? What is going to happen with those not willing to listen?” Skysong nodded to Diamond and quickly trotted off to help her guard.

“I can answer that. We have a guardian willing to do the work of the stars. To those that won’t listen. Our guardian will ransack whoever won’t listen.”

“I see. You do know they will hear this broadcast. They will know you have someone gunning for them.”

“Oh, we know. We know full well we will be fine.”

“I see what else can you tell me?”

“I can’t tell you why this is going on. I can just tell you what happened in Narik. It Will happen here as well. We will not be stopped and the rise of judges will clean this land.” Dj mixer went silent for a moment.

“I see that you’re here Ruby.” I turned to look at another drone. But this one is different compared to the widowmaker ones. This one is less armored and looks like it’s been through hell

“Who are you?”

“Watcher. I found a way to get out here. You do know right that things outside this land. Well, ponies are getting scared. Many towns and cities outside of here. Are building up their defense after what Dj pon3 has been told.”

“What have they been told?”

“That the Storm King is returning. That something bad is going to happen here. Some are trying to get here. But many of the storm king's followers are stopping them. No matter how many die more keep coming. It’s like they’re endless.”

I didn’t know what to think. Endless though that is something I never thought of. Maybe there was a machine that brought more of them like an endless stream. I didn’t know what to do. But I felt maybe this is my fault.

“Yes, I know. I am sure you have heard what I have done.”

“What do you ...wait you’re the one that left that wave of death in Narik?”

I didn’t want to answer but I nodded. “Yes, Watcher. I haven’t been under my control. I was bug napped or however, you say it. Then put it under mind control. At this moment though I don’t feel it. But the guild it’s hard to cope with Watcher.”

‘Every hero in the wasteland goes through this. I’m sure things will get better for you.”

“No.,” I explain to him what is going on and why the Storm King is coming back. I didn’t leave out who Wheel Tread is. This is the only chance I had to tell the truth. Maybe he will warn someone but I fully doubt he will be able to.

“Well, I sadly can’t warn anyone. Those that knew Neighsay are long dead. The only one that might remember is Fluttershy. But if this is true. He has had help from many. Since things like this happen over time.”

“Yes, the universe...is watching me even now. I ..” I went silent looking back to the peace talks. I noticed the talks were normal but by the tents. I saw a zebra mare slowly sneaking to stab Skysong.

“Excuse me, Watcher, the stars need their blood.” I aim for the zebra and hold my breath. Got right on target and fired the bolt right into her side. She screams falling to the ground. She screams in great pain.

“What did you place on that bolt?”

“Rock Viper venom. I hunted some with Hunter. Back at Peace Rock. A deadly viper that if it bites you. You will turn to stone. I wish I didn't do this to her. But the stars need their blood.”

“I have a feeling you’re under the control of something Ruby. But it’s not Wheel Tread. I know fully what it is.”

“What?”

“These stars you keep talking about. I know next to nothing about the stars. But I have a feeling.” I lifted my hand to silence him again. Lifting to Watcher staring in the eye of the bot.

“Watcher I think you overstayed your welcome.”

“Ruby.”

“No, I mean it... You have overstayed your welcome.” I lifted my crossbow.

“Ruby, you need someone..to talk to please. What would your adoptive mother think?” Before I could strike the bot. He said the words that made me pause, what would Cranberry think? What would she think about all this? Before I could speak to Watcher another voice came from the watcher robot

“Hey hey. We need to talk when you get done with the talks.” I didn’t know what to say but this voice sounded deeper.

“Uh excuse me Watcher your voice has changed.” I heard another voice, a female.

“Okay stop acting stupid bug. Look through your crossbow scope to the city you will see us.” I did what they said and looked towards the city. I saw a black cat-like catrina and beside him a green feathered female parrot. But they weren't alone, another was with them. A griffin? Now not a griffin this one had a griffin body but a pony body at the back.

“We will be waiting in town. Look for the inn no one will attack it. It will be thought of as a safe zone.”

“Alright um. Thank you, sir.”

“Alright see you soon and don’t worry. No more are coming to disrupt the talks. We took care of that.” All three waved to me and left my sight. I didn’t know what to think about what I have just seen. It made me think that this was going to get odder. This was going to get stranger and more silly. I am not sure what to think right now.

A few hours went by and I didn’t see any more after that first one. But the talks finally came to an end. It seems the talks went well. They singled me to come down. I took a deep breath and they gave me a large list.

“These are buildings you will find the Enclave leader and Galaxy’s leader. Do what you wish. They’re too big to just burn them down though. You will have to break into each of them. One is a large old motel. The other is an old casino. So we will get what we can for you in supplies. Then you can leave to fight.”

“But first Diamond's mother is leaving for Peace Rock. She wants no part in the battle ahead. Taking the city won’t be easy.”

“I have a question about that though. What about the strange cat and parrot I saw?”

“Oh, the Abyssinians? They don’t leave their home as much. But if you see them or a parrot. That normally means an ill omen. Both kingdoms closed off their borders during the war. Nopony has heard from any of them since. But they only show up in this area. If things are bad.”

“When was the last time they showed up here?”

“Oh about 100 years ago? They both came here looking for something and rumors of building a base at mount Aris. That is just a rumor of course. No pony has been able to get in there. The hippogriffs are very closed off.”

“If I may butt in Skysong.” I turned to Diamond.

“They have normal contact with us. But if they’re here now. They only show up once a year. They show up to trade. But if they’re here now again to my kind. Not good.”

“To either of us, it’s not good.” SkySong butted in. I sighed Diamond's mother put a hoof on me and pulled me away from the others. We went into a tent and Diamond didn’t follow us. I wouldn’t be able to understand her.

“I am sorry for the lie that I don’t speak Equestrian. It keeps the others on their hooves.” Iliva looked around to make sure we weren't being watched. She leaned closer to me, a gentle smile forming on her face. She took off my helm and whispered in my ear.

“When you get to the inn. I want you to meet up with friends of mine. Diamond and I know why they’re here. I can’t tell you why. The Storm King has eyes everywhere. He may be dead still. But eyes watch and the ears listen.”

“Why won’t you tell the others they’re here?” I wanted to know if it was strange to me that she kept it for the others. She looks away again to the entrance of the tent and then back to me. I could tell she was very worried about all this.

“I can only tell you this once. So please remember it. There is only one weapon. One weapon that will defeat the Stormking. Diamond has a piece of it. You need to give it to the Hippogriffs. Because it’s a piece they created. The next two pieces need to be given to others. The only way to fuse this weapon.”

She went silent when a guard walked past the entrance. She looks out to see if anyone else is watching or listening. She then closed the flap again and came back to me. Her eyes and ears look everywhere like someone else is already there.

“Is a powerful forge in Abyssinia?”

“That could be easy enough.”

“ I’m sorry that’s all I can tell you. Now I need to go to Peace Rock. if I stayed in Kludgetown and the king returns. I will be the first on his list to kill.” She puts a hood over her head.

“Wait. Why is this weapon the only way?!” She turned to me and a gentle smile formed across her face.

“I sadly can’t tell you that Ruby.” A strange sound outside made her ears perk up and look outside. Seeing the poacher's training for the battle ahead. She bowed her head and left. I looked out of the tent and Diamond hugged her mother and trotted to the tent I am in.

“Here.” She reaches into her bag bringing out a strange hilt from a sword. I looked at the name it was in. I think it was called the old poneish?

“What is this name?”

“Neomeniam iustitia.” She whispered to me. She didn’t tell me any more about it and quickly left and I nodded. I wasn’t very sure of all this. I watched Diamond leave and watch as troops got ready to fight for Kludgetown. I didn’t know if this was a wise idea or not. But a weapon? A weapon that can only defeat the Stormking?

From what I can tell from looking at the hilt nothing is amazing about it. It’s just a simple old rusted hilt. I stared at the name of it again. I wish I could understand what that means. I sigh deeply. I need to get some rest. Diamond put a cloak on as well after she gave the list of zebras to the captain of the troops. She bows her head and meets her mother on the walk to Peace Rock. They didn’t even walk; they trotted away as fast as they could.

I floated in the air watching them leave through the pass Hunter and I came through. Diamond looks back over her shoulder. Stopping even though her mother went on. She waved to me and then followed her mother.

I watched the sun slowly go down and sighed deeply. I am not sure how to work on this. I tried turning on the radio to listen to DJ MIxer but I heard something else. “Tower has been destroyed. Rebuild the tower. Repair the tower.” I look into the part of the city I can see. A large building is one of the towers used for Dj MIxer to make it out here. Half of it is blown apart and it looks like it happened years ago.

I remember DJ Mixer telling me that Kludgetown would be able to hear her. I wonder if she didn’t even know. Yanari didn’t even know how to use the system when I met her. Skysong flew into the air beside me.

“Ruby you should get some rest.”

“I don’t know if I will be able to Skysong.” I turn my head to look at SkySong. “The stress of everything that is going on. I feel the only way I could rest is if I am dead.”

Skysong sighed since her face was down. It sounded like a robotic sigh. “Ruby please, you're a hero to the children of Kludgetown. Most of them already know their lives are going to end during the night.

“They know what is going to happen then? They don’t mind that their lives are going to end?” Skysong lifted her faceplate. She looks at me with one good eye. I look deep into that eye. I see hope but also a great deal of fear.

“They knew their lives would end. To have peace here some souls need to die. It’s the sad truth of battle Ruby. All we know for a hero to win the day is for those to die. Even though to me you’re no longer a hero.”

“I know I am no longer a hero. I wish I was but I failed at that. I’m only now Ruby. I am me, I am just a simple Magic Eater.”

SkySong smiled. “Now you’re a hero. You no longer wish to have fame or glory. You have learned the truth of being a hero. Remove the want of glory. The cheering fans those words spoken about you on the radio”

I stare at Skysong. What did she mean by that I am now a hero? I shrugged to myself unsure. I went back to my tent and lay on the bed. When the time is right they would wake me up and let me know when the battle is ready to start. Laying my head on the pillow remembering Skysongs words. So a real hero is to save and maybe allow some lives to die for all to be saved. I close my eyes falling asleep with those thoughts in my head.

<00000>
The night

The sun fully went down and I woke up when it was time for the battle. It was just about midnight the moon was up high giving us some of the light. The troops are of each faction in Kludgetown. My task though was to get to the Inn at any cost. They brought me over to show me a map of the town.

“I don’t know why you need to get to the inn. But here it’s called Capper’s dream. But we have been given the list the entire base of zebras needs to be taken out. Diamond said she feels the stars will be complacent after that much blood is shed.” I didn’t like how SkySong said those words. I took a breath sighing and nodding.

“Ruby.” I turn my head to look at the pony Galaxy. “Will you be alright harming little ones?”

I didn’t like the idea of harming foals and teens. But from the sounds of it. I would save them from a fate worse than death if I didn’t do it. But my first task is to get to the inn and learn what I need to do.

“Maybe I won’t be the one taking any of the little ones down. But I have a feeling many will die. When we invade the bases. But like I was told my first task is in the Inn. So you must get me there. I must allow blood to be drawn. I can’t stop you from harming young ones.” I took a deep breath and was not happy with the next set of words.

“To have peace some must die to bring it. Even if they’re young and know their time is coming.” I look away tears falling from my eyes. So many young minds are going to lose their lives because of this battle and I am powerless to stop it.

“Ruby.” I look at the General of the lizard creatures. “I wish we could bypass the young. But too many have been trained. They have been trained to fight. More have died because this war was allowed to go on.”

“Before we leave. I have been meaning to ask. What is your species name?” The General looks at me and smirks showing his sharp teeth.

“We have no name but the zebras call us Isilozi. So we have taken that as our species name. We have been called poachers or dragon hunters for the longest time. It’s about time we used that name.”

“Okay General. What’s your name?”

“Okujway is what I am called.”

“Uh mind if I call you Oku?” He laughed and nodded as I looked at him more. His scales are a dark blue. He wore strange bone armor. I look at his weapon, a heavy stone mallet. He gets in front of the troops of each faction.

“Troops of all kinds and creeds. Of all walks of life and sins. Many of us here are what some would call evil. Some of us have given ourselves to sex. Have done things we aren’t proud of. Some are even here. As pedophiles knowing their punishment for that deed will end in their death.” He stares at a few ponies. “I will make sure of that.”

The ponies he stares at a gulp comes from them. “We are the cannon fodder. Our lives are meaningless. For all our skins for all our creeds. We are nothing but fodder to bring peace. Whatever gods you pray for. You better hope they let you live. I for one will kill you myself if you sin. Fit death as a crime.”

He looked at all groups taking a deep breath.

“Many of us know that not all of us will return. We will be fighting for peace. Just for another monster to take over. I for one hope death takes me. So I don't have to live under his rule. We have no heroes here. Ruby calls herself a hero. But she has fallen like us. She has sinned. Her sins will be her end. When the stars say.” He walks along the line closing his eyes.

“I have children and a wife. But they know the truth if I don’t die for them my queen will kill them. I have no choice but to give my life.” He stares at me. “We all have to give our lives to peace. Even if It means falling because of our sins.” He lifted his hammer in his claws.

“ Allow me to give a poem before this battle.” He took a deep breath, tears falling from his eyes. “We walk into the valley and shadow our deaths. There will be no songs sung for our battle. It’s nothing but our sins. Blood will drain. The stars will sing. For they scream in the sky for blood. Listen to them. Let them scream for your blood. For their justice is all there is in this land.”

He went silent for a moment so they could hear the stars screaming. ‘Bring us blood!!. Bring us justice!!’

“The stars of peace have gone silent. Our need for a hero has been lost.” He looked at me” She is no hero. She is like us going to be part of the tongue-shrilling music that will take us. Take us to whatever afterlife there is. I for one won’t let her sins stop me!! Let's do this!! For the Storm Kings return!!”

They all cheer but me. I just watch all these soldiers here. Are nothing but cannon fodder. I guess that was bound to happen. I grab hold of my two blades. The dagger and Spitfire. I held them tightly in my hands. I didn’t like the fact that so many around me I see now will die.

Each general of the troops lifted a horn to their lips and they sounded the horns. The troops again cheered and I noticed troops forming at Kludgetown of the three vacations. I was told the Enclave wouldn’t fight. But I am guessing the leader Skysong told me about. Is threatening their families of them.

“Let’s go!!” They all charge with me not too far behind. A cloud of dust picks up from all the feet and hooves smashing into the sand. I saw drones watching from the Dj mixer. I am sure Yanari has seen me. I am sure she won’t be happy when she learns I am part of this.

<00000>
The pistol

I am just a tool used for hunting and battle. I have no feelings. I am normally used as a last line of defense. Wait. I am being lifted. I feel my barrel heating up. I feel the bullet escaping my housing. My barrel heats up as my food and my bullets are removed. The pony holding me uses me as another type of weapon. My body is smashed into the face of a mare. It’s hard enough that it causes bleeding. The desperation from those fighting grows. Blood runs no matter who wins this battle.

Just a simple item is known as a gun. I have no feelings. I have no hopes I have no home. I have only one task. To kill is it my time to be the killer? Is it my time to fall and become One with history and the dust? Is it my time to be? Wait I am dropped by the one holding me. I am picked up by another on the same side.

They quickly reload me and fire into the army coming. They get into the same battle as before. But I have no feelings. A tool is a tool I am used as a tool for either protection or death. I shall never know myself.

Finally, I fall into a growling pool of blood. I am not picked up again instead I am smashed broken. I am no longer able to feel. But have I ever been able to feel? No, I am just a pistol, a creation to be used as a last resort. Around me is a real last resort. For this is war and bodies fall around me. A mare struggles to grab a hold of my broken frame.

She screams she cusses. The desperation in her eyes As one comes up behind her with a sword and one swift cut all I see is her dead eyes. I am one with the dead for I have never been alive. More walk over to me to get their task. I shatter and break. To become one with the sand and dust as I lay around my former owner.

<00000>
The battle for Kludgetown

This was hell or whatever the ponies called it. I have already cut through so many my armor is splattered in blood. The sounds of screams and crying as I look at a mare holding her foal tightly to her. I look to her and to the way.

“The way is clear, please get clear.” The mare and foal nod they trot off and I turn but I hear a mortar falling and I turn to see an explosion fall right near the mare and foal. I hear crying and sobbing as I look to see the smoke finally clearing. The mare is dead; she shielded the foal with her body. No one even ran to help the foal they were going to let the little one die. If I had to do something. I had to save the foal.

I flew as quickly as I could to the foal. Please oh please, stars let this one live. I heard another mortar shell falling. I quickly swooped up the foal. Into my lower arms holding the little one to my armored body. The shell went off behind me and my armor and body got shredded. I felt shrapnel go into my back and I rolled, dropping my sword and dagger holding the foal tightly. Rolling with them trying to protect them.

I stopped the roll and looked at the foal. He was bleeding but alive no wounds. I laughed to myself. One is saved, and one is saved!! I felt a needle go into my side. A potion is released into my body. I feel my exoskeleton heal around the shrapnel. Even though it’s painful I can’t stop now. If I didn’t have the armor I would have likely been dead.

“Listen can you walk?” The foal nods he was covered in dust. I couldn’t tell if he was a zebra or a normal pony.

“But...but my mommy.” He cried and I held the little one to my bloody armor. I didn’t care if I smeared blood on him. He needed a hug.

“Look, your mother may be gone. But you will grow up to honor her won’t you?” He nodded tears falling from his eyes. “You need to be strong. Little one. Oh, and what is your name?”

“Cready.” I smile at him and stroke his mane. I look at his cutie mark. It's a shamrock I pat his head.

“Go to the camp down there. Tell them Ruby sent you they will take care of you. The little one nodded and trotted out of the town. Maybe he will live a long life. Maybe I will see him again someday. I am sure he will go to peace rock. But now for my task. I look to see the battle not going well for either side. A lot of the buildings are on fire. I see the inn not far from me. It’s one of the only buildings not on fire. I heard another shell and it went for the inn. I was worried that my task would end.

When the shell hit it though a magic shield shined protecting the entire shield. Now I just got to get to the inn through the battle. I heard hooves stomping toward me and I felt a sword almost hit me. I quickly dodge away and grab my two blades. Turned to see a zebra covered in blood. His eyes are full of rage. I have never seen such rage before. He gripped the hilt of the blade tighter in his mouth. Holding my two blades tightly. Looked down at my cybernetic arms. I had the dagger in one of them. Then looked up back to the zebra. I tried moving but a twinge of pain went through me. It was hard for me to move because of the shrapnel.

I felt a needle go into my side again. Even though the med-x tried to numb the pain. It didn’t work. I tried flapping my wings to get into the air again. But my dragonfly wings are too ripped apart. Fully bending my body more pain going through my pain. So I could stand on my lower legs.

The zebra charged quickly too fast for me to move. I felt the zebra smacking a hoof in my back. It made the shrapnel go in deeper. I screamed in pain groaning. I quickly rolled on my back and when the hoof was lifted again. I stabbed the dagger into the leg. The zebra didn’t even act like he was in pain.

I look deeper into his eyes. He is high on some potion. A battle potion Hunter told me I might run into some of these. If I did the zebra would fight till their last breath. The zebra backed up my dagger leaving the grip of my cybernetic hand. Quickly get back up on my lower legs. The zebra then spits out the sword. Opening and bag and bringing out another potion.

“Don’t do it!! Your body can only handle one of those at once, don't do it!!” The zebra drinks back the potion. His mussels expanded showing the veins within the fur and skin beating and flowing blood through his body. His eyes bug out, and his body looks like it’s about to explode. He picks up the sword again. Charging at me so quickly I didn’t have a chance to act. My sword jabbed into his side as he tried to slice me up with his blade. I did all I could to move and get out of the way of the attacks.

I use my little buggy hands to try to punch him even with the punches in his face. It did nothing and he tried to slice into me again. I even punched into his chest a few of the attacks hit me. Cutting deeply into my armor and exoskeleton. Sweat poured off his body but it wasn’t normal sweat it was blood.

He stopped very suddenly dropping the sword and flung his head back screaming. The scream of his rage and pain made my blood curdle. The scream went so loud that others joined in with it. I turned my head to see other zebras screaming. They all over did the potion. The scream went through the air. Blood, water, and bile escaped from their mouths; they sounded like they were all dying from within.

Then one of them not far from me exploded like a bomb. Blood guts everywhere but the one she exploded on lay there dead. I quickly tried to get out from under the zebra but I couldn’t. His body expanded close to exploding like a bomb. Oku the isililo the General I met this morning. Pushes the zebra off me and I quickly got up on my legs. I couldn’t get my weapons back so the best thing.

I ran away from them and quickly hid behind a trash can. Covered me into a bend-like position and all I heard was the screams and then explosions. After all of that was said and done. It rained blood, Guts, and parts of origins. An eye fell right beside me. I just stared at it in horror. I take off my helm and vomit right near the trash can. After emptying the meal I had that day. I put the helm back on.

I got out from behind the can. I saw Oku still alive with my blades in his gut. I slowly walked toward him and he reached for me with his hand. I held it tightly as I looked at my blades. I didn’t know what to think.

“Is the order given?” What order? I looked down at Oku. “Do I have your permission to die?”

“Oku… You can’t die your wife, your children..”

He laughs coughing up blood and groaning. I doubt a potion could save him. He held my hand tighter as I stared down at Oku. I could see the sadness in his eyes. I looked up hearing screams and sobbing. Looked up to seeing so many fighting and not caring about one dying.

“Please Ruby, they’re already dead. Let me go to the afterlife. To see them please!!” He coughs and he is having a harder time breathing. I remove my helm tears streaming down my face.

“The…” I barely know him but I sob hard. “The order is given.” He reached up weakly, his claw stroking the tears from my face.

“Con...te” He coughs more blood draining from his mouth as he coughs more up. “Con..t..venue.. The fight.” He lays his head back taking his last breath. A smile on his face as he goes to see his family. I reach up and close his eyelids. Pulling my two blades from his gut. I stare at him a little longer. Putting my helm back on and slowly walked through. I heard a song playing from a radio on a blown-up counter.

“There's no time for us “

I walk through as the battle screams around me. An old run-down enclave ship crashes into one of the buildings as I feel my heart slowly beat. In front of me, a mare held an ax and she was on their side. I turned off my emotions and my feelings. All I felt now was emptiness and a thirst for the battle. Our weapons smashed into each other. As the song went on.

“There's no place for us”

I just didn’t have the will to want to stop this mare. My attacks didn’t even break through her magic. This unicorn did all she could to hit me. It’s like without my emotions I can fight better. But I think it was more than the song and the world around me is gone. All that is left is my task.

“What is this thing that builds our dreams”

“Yet slips away from us?”

I started cutting through the wood and the fear in the mare's eyes was growing and I saw her looking at a foal. Her foal I hit into her weapon harder and more brutal. The wood of the ax started to splinter more. She just stared at me like I was a monster. Her foal screamed for his mother. But I have seen too much. I couldn’t care anymore. The blade of the ax got cut from the wood and flew to the radio.

“Who wants to live forever?

Who wants to live forever?”

The blade hit the radio slicing right through and hitting the blown-out counter as my blades cut through the mare and she fell to the ground. But I didn’t strike any vital spots. I cut off her left forehoof and she cried. The crying finally got me to wake up. I saw her the mare. I finally saw what I was fighting. The cloud of what happened earlier really hit me hard. But I finally came back to my senses.

“Miss, can you walk?”

Despite the pain and the loss of blood, she stood on her three hooves. It wasn’t easy for her. I single her foal to come over.

“Listen get out while you can. Go to the camp outside of town. I promise you they won’t hurt you. They will help you.” She nodded and then went off but before she fully left she turned back to me. I could see her face full of happiness.

“Why? I am not on your side. You could have just killed me and my foal right here.”

“The stars have had their fill I think. But I feel it’s the right thing to do. Better get going before someone picks you off.” She nodded and trotted away even if it was harder with three legs. I turned back to the inn. It wasn't that far away but more battle is on the way. I had enough of killing for one day. I put my blades back into their homes. I looked at all the dead on both sides. The zebras blew up parts of them everywhere.

<00000>
The inn

I finally made it into the inn. The battle outside is silent here. I now see why zebras standing around chanting a spell in strange symbols of salt and other items I couldn’t even name. They glowed and a strange power came from them. To keep the inn from getting harmed. I look around seeing old paintings of the one who owned it. But that is not all I saw. I saw six mares.

They had names on their frames, ‘Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, and Princess Twilight Sparkle. Besides Twilight is a teenage growing dragon. I could see the war affected them. Besides them, I saw two Alicorns like Majesty. On their frames their names. ‘Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.’ I look at the other photos and paintings. One of them is a newly made school.

Another is a cat? Who is looking to be helping Rarity with writing books? The last thing I saw was a glass case with words inside. ‘I can no longer condone what the ponies have done in this war. I watch my former six friends lose themselves in this war. I helped them in the ways I could. But I saw too much and I can no longer call them my friends.’

“History.” I turned to see the cat that talked to me before. “Greetings miss Ruby. I am Rassie. This place belonged to a hero of my people. We try our best to protect it during their battles. So please welcome.”

“It’s too bad we couldn’t meet on better terms.” I look at the parrot. She had heavier armor than I saw last time. She held a minigun to her side. “Oh, my manners. I am Captain. Well, the former captain lost my ship. I’m SilverWing.” She lifts her silver feathers that clashed with her green ones.

I turned to see a HIppogriff. There are more but these three stood out. These three are leaders the hippogriff offered her claw to shake.

“I’m Queen Ocean wave.” She looked pure blue and the cat was brown. I didn’t know what to think of them. But they all had stories I could tell all of them did. “I am the last of the royal family. Mount Aris was destroyed 230 years ago. The desperate ponies and zebras. Cast a spell on my former home. Those that lived underwater survived all this time.”

“Why are you telling me all this?”

“Because Ruby we trust you. We trust you to find the weapon. To fight the one coming. But you look like you need some rest. Some healing as well. Head up to one of the rooms we have a doctor waiting.”

I nodded and went upstairs. Each of these creatures kept to themselves. But I wasn’t the only one here. A few made their way in here to hide. I went inside one of the empty rooms to wait. I took off my armor and set it down. It would take a while for the rips to repair. After a while, a parrot who wore a doctor's suit came in. She had bright blue feathers and smiled at me.

“Ah, You must be Ruby. I am going to have to knock you out to check you over. Are you alright with this?”

I sighed and I didn’t want to argue. I gave her a nod. I lay on my front as she asked me to. I felt a needle going into my side after she cleaned me. I felt dizzy and she held one of my buggy hands speaking to me.

“Shh speak to me, Ruby.”

“..B..” it was strange this dizziness feeling.” What...is your species name?”

“Oh we are upholi,” She said the words of her species name and I finally passed out from the needle that she placed in my side.

Footnote: Level up.

Perk got.

The warrior of the stars: You're now the warrior of the stars when you hear the name of a zebra named Desert Rose you hear she is the one that cursed you so long ago. She is the reason you follow this path when your paths cross she will finally face you.

Next Chapter: Chapter Eighteen: Battle for Kludgetown part one Estimated time remaining: 37 Hours, 35 Minutes