The stars have a good and an evil side. To some of my kind, the stars are evil. To another, the stars bring us the future. To another version of my kind, the stars are whispers. To me though the stars are what we call our judges. They tell us if we die or if we live. I told this to a Magic Eater. When she came to Peace Rock. I told her the stars do have a path for her. But the balance is broken. It’s been broken since Nightmare Moon. At least that is what some say. To many, the balance has broken since the start. The stars that honor the words of the good. Have vanished and stopped caring for those that don’t listen. How do we know if they return or night? No one shall ever know. As one that fell for a pony, she was sent to kill. I have learned that the stars aren’t always right.

Written by Lotus of Peace Rock.

The airship leading away from Mount Aris the friends of the hero all in one willing to fight the battle. The future for them is unknown for the alliance is coming to join the battle. Inyanga is a farseer who stays away from the others. Even her close friend Cranberry, the power of friendship may be strong with them. Their feelings, their hate, and their problems have just begun. Friendship for those that break away and then get tossed away. Inyanga stares at the water below. She turns her head to look at Cranberry who looks back at her. Their friendship has been strained ever since that fateful day.

The peace between them is returning but the pain is far from over. The hate sickness is gaining upon them. Just the mention of their friend Ruby and the hate sickness builds over time. Inyanga closes her eyes and remembers that fateful day.

_______________________
Three years ago. Zebra cavern.

“Ngihambe ibanga elide” I spoke in zebra. Since we don’t just have zebras living with us now. We have translators for the ponies. Thanks to the judges of the stars becoming the ones that bring them to us.

“I have come a long way.” We all sat around the fire. I have so many bandages around my broken body. I only remember that I hit my head when the Storm King tossed me across the land. I use the potions and the music to bring a magic image to the fire.

“Indlela ibinzima” The fire shows my path with Ruby and the others. The path that had been so hard. The fact that everything was easy at first. Ruby and all of us together as one path. The path will always be hard. The zebra near me translates again.

“The path has been long.” She softly added looking towards me. A smile formed on her face. I don’t remember even waking up here. I have been told I have been in a coma for almost six months after I came. My mind, my brain was full of pain. I have some mental issues after waking up. Not easy to work through. The Storm King may have returned but hate and sickness are one.
I stood there going silent, the fire dims from my silence. A ring forms in my ears closing my eyes and fighting this pain that lingers. A hoof strokes my shoulder, opening my eyes I stare at one of the elders.

“Qhubeka” The elder gently added. He wanted me to continue and not allow the pain to get the best of me. I took a deep breath feeling my heart beating very hard. Glancing at one of the stallions he had a strange symbol on his neck. I have never seen that symbol before. He is some pilgrim I have been told.

I went on to show the path that leads to the bunker. Heading to Narik I had told the parents of the foals to cover the eyes of their children. But they didn't. I knew this day and age they felt that kids need to learn the hard way.

“Dood” The rock ball games show in the fire and the ponies understand the meaning of the world. That there was no need to translate. The meaning of what I said was death. In the rock ball part of the story, the fire glows a hot orange leaving nothing out. Then I try to bring up the last part of the journey but I can't as the fire dies and the story is over. I rub a hoof on my bandaged head. I hurt so much still after being in a coma for so long.

“Wonderful story..” I turn to look at the stallion. I know nothing about him that I am told we need to treat him with respect and give him what he wants if he asks for it. I bow my head to him in respect.

“It’s all true as well. Forgive me if I haven’t been very open to you. I don’t remember how I ended up here at all. Just every time I try to remember it’s like my mind and umphefumulo. Oh, excuse me.” I don’t know every word in pony. So I try to say it. “S S” It’s hard for some words for me.

“That would be soul. Don’t worry I have learned to speak like your species ages ago. So I can understand you more.”

A pony that wishes to understand my kind? My species wow that is very kind of them. Normally they expect us to learn to speak like them. Most of my kind refuse to learn to speak pony after the war. I for one feel I needed to.

“I am known as Cross. I am a pilgrim of the order of Mimic.” I lift an eye ridge at the name order of Mimic. I have never heard of that order. I have never heard of MImic at all.

“Forgive me but I have never heard of the order of Mimic you said?”

Cross nods as he shifts in his cloak into the light. I finally see him. His coat looks like it used to be brown. But now it’s fully sunbleached like it has walked into the sun and never came off the desert those are nomads.

“Most wouldn’t we only show up to those that need us. You need me well at the moment. You need your friends.” My friends, I don’t know why but when my friends are brought up. Hate fills my soul. My heart beats with hateful ideas. My eyes turn red because the hate builds so much that I could explode.

“PUH!! Friends treated me like some worthless piece of udoti. Ruby was the worst of all she pushed us into helping this land. That refuses us and now I don’t even remember how I ended up back home. I have been told by Pinda that the very land could be at war at any moment. The Storm King has returned.” I stomp my hoof hard on my medicine staff breaking it with a crack. The other Farseers this is a bad omen whispers sound around me.

“I..” The hate lifted from my heart. Tears fell from my eyes. I just said all those words? Did I feel this way? The tears hit the floor while Cross stares at me with sad eyes. The sadness is it seems he has seen this before.

“I was scared of this. There is a sickness that has been in this land for years. The war brought it out even worse back in the day. This sickness started even before Nightmare Moon. When Grogar controlled this world he cursed it. But not the entire world stayed cursed. Only parts of it did. Equestria did for a time so did the old tribes. But those were their faults, not the curse. The war didn’t cause it. Hope did.”

The thoughts I had for my friends. Then I thought of Ruby again. The hate returns and I remove her from my mind. I took a deep breath.

“I am sorry to say but even if you see your friends again. It’s going to take much longer for you to trust them again. But I need you to heal up. It may take a year for all your wounds to heal. But you need to start searching for your friends. The only way for you to learn is by talking to Pinda when you heal. But the first one you need to find is the traitor of your friends. You will find her in Hard Rock. Confront her and then tell her what you're doing. She won’t stop you because she can’t”

Who betrayed us then? I don’t remember at all. I don’t even remember how I got back here. Maybe I will learn about it sooner or later. I close my eyes tightly trying to remember. But I can’t even think of who it was.

“Who betrayed us then?”

He stares at me again and sadness fills his eyes even more.

“DuneWalker. She had been working for Wheel Tread all along. She is the reason why Ruby got mind-controlled she forced you all into a trap. But she is also part of the circle of your friends. You need to speak to her. You need to get her to understand. She can’t go on like this. She may not follow but she will help if you confront her.”

The question rings in my mind.

“What is in it for you if we fight? Why don’t we just give up? I have been told what the Storm King wants to do. He is not wrong you know Wheel Tread is not wrong. The time of heroes and villains has come to an end. It’s now time to move on from the idea of the west and become like we used to.”

Cross shook his head.

“The issue with their idea of progress is on the backs of the weak the dying. The order of Mimic is for the idea of getting the world back on track. The idea that the world will go back to the days of old is great. The idea of backstabbing and the idea of using the world as the old world did.. Needs to die. Wheel Tread and the Storm King brought it back. All dressed up in suits and hats of progress.”

I took a deep breath. Yes, I remember a few days after I woke up one of these ponies of progress showed up. They offered water and food to us. In the name that we give them lives to work on this progress as slaves. Since then we doubled the guard and asked Hard Rock to help us protect the water. Dj Mixer has been telling stories of water ending up poisoned crops being killed.

“Again what is in it for the order of Mimic? Why do you even care?’

Cross smiles showing his yellow teeth and some cracked

“It’s more what is in it for the world? You see if the idea of progress spreads in this form it will be bad. Scootaloo brought the idea back. The other heroes helped with that as well. But it could be in the path of the hardliners but by the judges of the stars. What the order of Mimic wants. Is the world to be at balance again. There is no balance without peace. There is no balance without hope. Someday the world will not need heroes. But this day is not today. Fight the sickness of hate.”

Looking down at my broken Far Seer staff. A sudden vision came to my eyes. I saw glowing black horns. Big red eyes. A smiling goat has a smile that could end a soul. He just stares right back at me. An evil laugh fills my ears and I finally look back up. I regain myself and nod.

“I shall form myself a new staff. I shall redo my combat training and then go on. I then shall confront Dunewalker.”

The stallion nods. He turns away to move along. His hooves had a golden shine when he moved. His tail was so wilted so dead. It’s like these of magic and power. It was time for me to go back to my training. I leave the camp a day or so later and stay alone despite my bones not fully being repaired. I cut a limb of a tree and with the help of a pack of timberwolves that live in this cavern. Help me by placing some of their magic within us learned ages ago to be one with nature. Even if nature is painful at times.

I fold and sit down near the branch taking a knife in my mouth and carving runes inside it. The old staff was made for peace and healing. Now, this staff is needed for the days ahead. My training won’t be simple even with my pain. I must fight and train till I am ready to confront Dunewalker. Carving another set of runes feeling the strain of my weak body. I can’t allow myself to have another failure. It made me lose my friends before. I should have seen what was happening to Ruby.

“Inyanga child.” I lift my head from my meditation. It's been at least almost a month since I have been out here. Standing up above my new staff some of the runes gently glow bright blue while some blue a light red.

“I know I can’t stop you from doing this. You’re lucky to be alive my dear child. I can’t stop you. If I do stop you they may try to take over this cavern and force us into slaves like those before us. Now do what you must. I shall bring others to help you with your training.”

I bow my head to the elder. I didn’t wish to be told right now what to do. I wish to move on and find Ruby. Then try to fight this evil. Then knowing the leaders of this land they will use Ruby as a scapegoat.

“Do you think I am focusing too much on revenge for my friend’s father?” The elder who is also my aging father sits beside me placing his hoof on my shoulder. I turn to look right at him. His left eye is blind and he can barely hear and walk anymore.

“The old stories of the war many fought for the idea of revenge. Many even fought for the idea that the stars told them to. The reason our family got placed here was to protect us. At first, that was the idea. Then another took over and then made us into targets. But that didn’t last long and then the bombs went off. So revenge for your friends? I feel that is a greater need for revenge. Just don’t let it consume you.”

He stood up and places his hoof on my new staff, bowing in respect and whispering a few words.

“Izinkanyezi'' He spoke the words stars and the staff glows brighter and then dims after a while. He said a word that many staff of my kind hate. But this burns for the blood and hunger of the stars. I know it may consume me. But I can’t allow this to happen again. I need to train because I will have to fight the camel and beat her to get her to understand.

He walks away from me while I walk deeper into the forest in the caverns to be one with nature for a year and then destiny.
------------
A year passes

A year later I finally come out of the jungle away from my village. I wore a cloak hiding my face only the end of my snout was seen. Many watch as I leave the cave. A sharp knife made from bone and teeth strapped to my leg. A large bladed claymore made from heavy metal and wood. Strapped to my side. On the other side my far-seer staff. It’s my journey my path I am not allowed to return till it’s done.

Before I leave through the old training lands that Ruby turned off a year ago. A group of elders and my family wait. One of the elders places a large bag around my neck. Looking inside the bag I see an old Rome uniform from the old days.

“Bring honor to Rome when even the soldiers of old forgot what honor was.” I didn’t care for the old armor of Rome. I must do what I can to fight and protect my home. But for now, I am exiled.

One of the older mare elders stands right infront of me staring into my eyes. This elder is the one that banished me. She didn’t care for the fact I want to fight in the name of Ruby. Every time I brought up the name.

“I may not approve of what you wish to do Farseer but if you feel that you need to fight this battle you will not return. After you leave we will close both ways and turn the training back on. We will allow those running to come in to hide. We will then send them to Peace Rock.”

I took a deep breath. I have been wanting to tell this elder what I thought of her. I have no right to do so. Closing my eyes tears fell down my cheeks. This cavern has been my home for years. Now because I wish to fight the Storm King and find Ruby I must leave.

“I understand elder. Now I must find Dunewalker. I am sorry to every zebra here if the fight comes to you.” When I say those words I walk away and hear panic whispers. A smile forms on my face.

“Inyanga!!” I stop looking over my shoulder at the elders.

“Yes?” A smile forms on my face. They should have known if I did get in the middle of this fight the fight would come to them. Many don’t like when another of another land or cavern fights for the hero. The female elder that banished me I could see the veins in her head throbbing. She wasn’t happy with my words.

“You can’t bring the fight to us. This is not our fight.” I quickly turn to stare at the elder. The cold calculating. I doubt she understands the fight will come here anyway. The Storm King is not just going to sit by and allow this cavern not to be under his fist or even his rule.
“You elders don’t understand. The fight is going to come for you anyway. The Storm King, The judges of the stars, and Wheel Tread won’t just sit by here. They will send minions here if they take over Hard Rock. We have a peaceful land and our water. They want to control the water and the food in the name of progress.”

The elders look toward each other. Their eyes are full of fear and they understand what I mean is true. I place the hood over my head again looking back to the elders a smile forming across my face.

“Now I shall return. When the battle is over.” I leave out into the desert. I know what I must stay hidden till tonight and make sure DuneWalker breaks.

______________
Later that night.

I had everything ready and planned. I let Pinda know what I was doing. I even warned him that Dunewalker betrayed us and is working for Wheel Tread. From the look on Pindas's face, he already knew. He told me a story about how the Dunewalker line has been doing stuff like this for years. Always sometimes joining the wrong side or the right side. Sometimes it’s been the right side. But later years it’s been the wrong side.

The moon shines over the sleeping town of Hard Rock the guards all went home leaving me and Dunewalker. It didn’t take long for me to find her in the bar. I sat in a booth on the other side of her. She drank from a pint of beer.

“You betrayed us…” I softly said. Her ears perk up the sadness in her eyes shows. She reaches for her sword and Goldie hides behind her bar and others get ready for a battle. She swings her large sword right at my table and I quickly dance out of the way while she cuts the table in half.

“Is this how you betray those that called you friends Dunewalker?” She lifts the sword staring at the broken table.

“Betray? I did what was right. Heroes are a threat to this land. I joined the winning side if you had smarts Inyanga you would do the same. The days of heroes and villains are over!!” A smile forms on my lips.

“Oh no, it’s not Dunewalker for you have become the villain. The day of Heroes and Villians has ended. But you have become a threat to this land. To my kind you allowed Ruby to die!!”

Dunewalker grips the hilt of the sword tightly in her cybernetic foot. It turns into fingers and she turns her robotic eye to stare at me. The hate the sadness in her eye. She didn’t want to do this. She never wanted it to go this far.

“Then if I am the villain what does that make you Inyanga? The hero with a self-important sense of fake justice? A justice that to others gets many killed? How many died during the Lightbringers battle? How many died during all the hero’s paths to conquest?!” She swings the sword again and I quickly got out of the way the edge of the blade cuts my cloak. It breaks the floor and she lifts it again.

“What does that make me? I am not a hero. I never wanted to be one. Neither did the rest of us Dunewalker. I am not some Lightbringer I am not some pony seeking justice for a wartorn land. I am doing what is right.” A sense of what is right and wrong? Sometimes what is right is to follow and allow the world to end.

“The elite of the past caused the war that brought this world to death Inyanga. The elites came back into power because of the heroes. Wheel Tread and the Storm King are bringing back a sense of balance to a world that needs it. A sense of balance to this land... A balance that hasn’t been here since Nightmare Moons curse.”

Reaching for my sword in my hoof. I created it like the warriors of old standing on my back hooves staring right into the eyes of the camel. She may have been larger than me. But I knew I was faster than her. Dunewalker lifts the blade and it smashes into lights as they send down sparks and the lights sputter.

“Don’t do this please Inyanga. I don’t want to kill you.” I stare back at her holding the blade in my hoof with the hoof hilt. I wasn’t going to back off now. I need to get through to her. If I have to kill her to get through to her then so be it.

“I can’t if I allow this to continue Dunewalker. My home will be next on the Storm Kings block. You betrayed this entire town. To the Storm King.” Whispers and gasps from the patrons in the bar. “You betrayed the hero. You could have saved her from her darkness. But you have a sense of being a slave don’t you?”

I must have struck a nerve. The word slave makes her shake the hilt in her cybernetic hoof cracks just slightly. The hate sickness invades her senses. I again see the goat not too far off. With an evil smile on his face. Dunewalker takes a deep breath blowing out steam. Some of her cybernetics inside her even overheated from her anger.

“I am no one’s slave. The camels know who will win this battle. They know who will win this war. The ones who control the water. The food others will know this. Others will get smart and join that idea. Water is but money and food is but power for lives. If I must be on that side to protect the world from another war. Then SO BE IT!!” She quickly swings her large sword our blades finally clash. Sparks fly from the blades of the swords coming together to form a sense of music. A piece of music that can bring forth death brings forth the end of lives and peace. Some would see this battle and be in awe. The sparks fly onto the wood causing small fires to break out.

“Get out!!” Gold screams to the others inside the bar while the Camel works to save her bar. I no longer cared about the others in the building my focus was on the camel that was racist to me and then backstabbed my friend. Dunewalker holds the hilt tighter her eyes glowing brighter. There are no longer any words between us.

Our two blades clash harder between us while the blades shine and sing. My blade is knocked out of my hoof and I quickly get out of the way of the many swings. She had me on the ropes I could die pretty simple here. If she didn’t do wide swings. Hiding under the bar and her large sword smashes right into it and gets stuck while she tries to pull it out.

I quickly out from behind the bar and before I could my sword she pulls the gun part out of her blade and shoots at me with a shotgun. A few of the buckshot goes right into my side. I scream in pain falling to my side. Groaning deeply she stares at me while she reloads the shotgun. I am not able to move. She places the barrel of the shotgun right on my forehead.

“I didn’t want to do this...but please say hello to Ruby for me.” Before she could pull the trigger Gold pushes me out of the way and the trigger is pulled Goldie’s head is blown right off and her body flops right to the floor. Dunewalker stares at the body of her friend whom she just murdered in cold blood.

I barely knew the bartender quickly grabbed the sword and stood back up groaning and limping outside to get out of the burning building. I wasn’t fast enough and look back to see Dunewalker smashing through the bar out of her rage and pulling the hilt out and placing the gun back into the blade.

I was able to finally get outside before she charges right at me and I buck her right in the face hard enough to make her bleed from the nose and she spits out a tooth. I look back up at her with fear in my eyes. I just pissed off the camel even more.

Lights turn on in all the town ponies and camels run out to watch us battle. I tried to strike again but with all her weight she forces me down on my side and with her metal foot tries to stomp down hard on me. I quickly get out of the way and dust flys up.

“Inyanga. You should have stayed where you belong stripes. Ruby should have never found you and brought you with us.” Her hate for Ruby means no bounds. The sickness is winning. Her eyes glowing brighter.

“I am not the one that sent Ruby on a mission to train in a death trap. You sent her to find me. Admit it you knew about her from the start. You knew what she was. You just didn’t care because to you she is not a camel. But a species lower than you.” Dunewalker gets angrier from the rage.

“A zebra has no right to tell me!!! What I can and can’t do. You and your Rome are the reason this world needs ponies like Wheel tread and creatures like the Storm King. You’re what the camels of the past called. A Kaffir” My eyes open wide at the racial insult of my kind. My eyes glow brightly showing the hate sickness getting to me now. I took a deep breath allowing the hate to go over me and then finally relax. Looking up at her I see the hate filling her and it’s for Ruby.

“I am willing to look away from what you just said. If you’re willing to drop your weapon and admit you just murdered an innocent camel to get to me.” Dunewalker stares right at me the hates building so much now that she lifts the blade holding it tight. I knew fully that I wouldn’t survive a strike if she hit me. I pray to the stars the good stars the star that hasn’t had a say for so long. The blade swings down hard I open my eyes a golden shield around me and the stallion I talked to a year ago. His bleached fur glows brightly.

Dunewalkers blade smashes into the magic shield. The runes on her sword glow brightly. She lifts again the mindless hate inside her and she smashes into the shield again. The stallion screaming in pain. With his might, he can extend the shield causing Dunewalker to back up

“In..” He coughs in pain from the use of his magic. I finally notice his head he has a makeshift magic horn able to use this magic. “In the name of Mimic. I shall protect this warrior of the stars. Release the seeds of hatred and the hate in your very heart.”

“You talk too much!!” Dunewalker smashes the blade into the shield again and it starts to crack along with the horn on the stallion’s head. He screams in pain he falls on his forelegs struggling to get back up. With the horror in my eyes and the hate in Dunewalkers eyes, I am starting to wonder if some of this hate is some she has had pent up over the years.

The poor stallion from the order of Mimic. Had one last bit of magic one last blast of the shield to expand it one more time. He caused Dunewalker to back up again and the shield broke and he forces himself back to his haunces blood draining from the broken horn. Dunewalker finally regains her footing and to all the horror around us she stabs through the stallion and his eyes go blank and the blood sprays all over me. She pulls the blade out of the stallion’s chest and while the stallion goes limp dying right on the spot.

Dunewalker steps over the body staring down at me panting hard. The hate in her eyes finally vanished she no longer has the hate sickness in her system. The hate in her eyes though still fully there.

“It’s now time for you to admit to something Inyanga. Join with the Storm King and Wheel Tread and follow progress.”

“So it is true then.” Dunewalker finally notices where she is the entire time. She is in the middle of the town looking over at the burning bar. Pinda stands right behind her. She finally sees the horror of the citizens of the town. She looks back to the bar and tries to run to get to the bar but she is held back by the guards she trained.

“GOLDIE!!” She screams at the burning building. Tears fall from her eyes she is finally remembering what she did. The guards force her down and force chains around the ankles of all four legs.

“Take her to a cell till I decided on what to do with her. Inyanga?” I had no idea what was going on anymore. The adrenalin going through my system finally ends. My heart gently beats and my vision blacks out feeling my entire body falling onto the sand of the city.

______________
The next day.

I woke up in a familiar-looking hospital around and saw nothing right now. Thankfully I got no iv in my legs and got out of the bed. Looked to my side seeing that the bullet wounds have been sealed and some of my cuts have been healed up. The door opens and in comes Pinda.

“Inyanga what happened last night you could have handled that better. But we are rebuilding the bar and we buried goldie. Dj Mixer is honoring her and the bar. But that is not what I want to ask. I would like your advice on what I should do with Dunewalker. The town no longer trusts her and she has told us everything. This is hard for me than you think Inyanga. My genetic memory I grew up with her family before her. It’s harder for us when someone betrays us.”

I give a quick nod.

“May I go speak to her?” Pinda looks up to me he sighs deeply looking back to the window and then outside to the rest of the desert. I look outside noticing the wall being built that would in a way block anyone from being able to come into this village unless the gate is opened.

“We started building this after Ruby was confirmed dead. We feel it will be the only way to keep out the Storm King. But Inyanga these are trying times are you sure you wish to speak to her? She may not be the Dunewalker you remember in fact. I feel I never knew her myself.”

I start to remember the pilgrim from the order of Mimic that came to my rescue. I felt bad that he died for me. Looking back to Pinda.

“I won’t be long when talking to her just please take me to the cell.” Pinda lead me through the city looking towards the old bar. I saw flowers and a photo of the Camel goldie and the words we miss you. I wish I knew him for now though I need to speak to Dunewalker. I am led into a very old prison made during the war. Standing beside the large cell holding the camel I am led inside and another door closes a large light turns on and I am left alone.

“You shouldn’t have come.” I turn to the shadows out of the light seeing the camel I called a friend locked in this very room. I had to know if she hated me.

“Dunewalker. The hate you felt for me. Was it real?’ She opens her eyes staring right at me. The pain in her eyes of that question. She shifts onto her paws and looks back to the wall sighing softly and looking back at me.

“I have been raised all my life and during the past lives of a Dunewalker to hate and belittle the weak. But...Ruby changed that idea to become friends. When I first contacted Wheel Tread about Ruby. He didn’t want me to get close to her and just train her. Then I saw the determination in her. The willingness to make friends with those she barely knows. All to forget the past.”

I felt bad for her and I didn’t understand fully but someday maybe I will.

“But to answer your question Inyanga yes alot of that was real. You got to remember my species have genetic memory. That is still not warranted for what I did or those I killed. But even though I started liking you. I could never get over the racist feelings for you. The fact I believe what Wheel Tread and the Storm King stand for. Now I am going to be killed and the Dunewalker line will cease to exist. Then we will be free.”

I look back to the door and back to Dunewlker.

“What if I can save you?” Dunewalker lifts her head and her ears perk up looking at me. A frown formed on her face.

“You’re willing to save the soul of one that tried to kill you and that helped destroy Rubies path and her reputation? I have no right to be saved Inyanga. I have every right to be killed for the two innocent souls that are dead because of me.”

I took a deep breath I have to say it to her then I have to bluntly say it.

“Then what about the souls and lives that will die if you keep following this so-called progress of The Storm King and Wheel Tread.” Her eyes just blink and then she tries to speak but her mouth refuses to say the words. Closing her mouth and then after a while tries again her ears pinning to the sides of her head.

“I...never thought of that. I have been listening to Wheel Tread all my life every one before I listened. He was there raising me when I was very young. He drilled it for years in my head. Telling me the ponies can’t be trusted and neither can the zebras be trusted with the world. He said only the villains of the past can become the heroes of the past. Over the years his mind and wants for this day got worse and worse. It got even worse when Ruby showed up.”

I shifted on my hooves and the door opens up Pinda walked in. Looking back at him and I sigh I know this is not going to end well for anyone. I stand on my hooves knowing it’s time to leave. I have to try.

Six hours later we spent that long arguing about this situation. He kept giving me every reason he can’t let her live for what she did. The only way I could think after the six hours of arguing this. I did it the zebra way.

“Then take everything from her. Allowing her to only keep her weapons and armor and completely banish her from your species. Exile her to the deserts spread the word that she would never be welcomed in any town in this land again or at least camels trusting her ever again.”

Pinda stares at me in horror. I don’t know camels that well but from what my family told me they’re very prideful and when it comes to family it’s the biggest treasure friends are the next treasure. It’s like I am asking him to kill her.

“No, I can’t do that to her. I would rather kill her after the murders she caused. If I remove her from the species of the camel and erase her and her family line she might as well be dead. I can’t do that to her!” The door opens and comes in the former glass princess of Glass. We both went silent looking over to Princess Porcina walking towards the two of us.

“You may have to let your pride go Pinda and do just that. She is still a hero to many of this town. Like Inyanga said take everything from her. Her home her trinkets and a place to sleep her money. Give her weapons and armor. Maybe some means to make food and cook and hunt.”

I left soon after she came. The two of them needed to talk about what to do with the bar anyway. I overstayed my welcome. It was time for me to go myself. But one last thing to do and that was to find a way to the Water hunters. I did hear a few things before I left fully

"Banishing Dunewalker is worse then death to our species. It would be a mercy killing her in a hanging or beheading. that way her honor is not only intact but those who are still part of her family line are also intact. Doing so could harm an entire family line connected to her through blood and marriage."

I stop at the door after hearing that I close my eyes tightly. Did I just cause Dunewalker to suffer something worse then death? I sigh feeling I did the wrong thing but what if we need her for the battle ahead? Maybe she can redeem herself another way. I feel in the pit of my stomach I just did something awful. I grab the door knob with my teeth heading outside. To get some rest at the research station.

__________
The next day.

Pinda did what I asked him to do. Dunewalker was brought to the edge of the city gates. Holding nothing but her weapons and whatever they allowed her to take. Pinda with the entire town as well as me watching he didn’t want to do this. A gentle breeze from the morning came to us.

“Dunewalker you’re accused of betraying us and murder. In normal times I would have sentenced you to death. But I can’t do this to you. You’re no longer a camel you’re a manafaa. No other camel will see you in a romantic light. No other of our species will give you heel. You’re completely erased. Take the family that came before you with you. If I ever see you again I will end your life. Go join your masters or become a nomad I care not.”

I watched while the Camels stabbed their weapons into the ground and turned their back on her. She is now an exile, a manafaa they say. I felt so bad for her. But she kept strong and walked through the desert and vanished in the coming storms of sand. I look at the storm that is still forming on the edge of this land. It starts to gently block the sun. I have to find them and water hunters are the first to go. Pinda walks up beside me I look up to him as he watches the path that Dunewalker went. The prints are already being filled by the sand storm. I felt bad for this entire town one of the protectors is now fully gone.

“If it was another time another past. My family would have agreed with her idea that Wheel Tread is right for this land. I am sure many camels feel like she does. Till they understand the great price for it.” I glance up at Pinda. Back in the day, zebras would have agreed with Wheel Tread or the Storm King. But after the war, it’s hard for the zebras to agree on anything but survival and that is all we can do.

“Pinda that stallion that gave his life to protect me. Was there anything on him that could help me start my journey to find my friends?” Pinda just stares at the desert where the hero of his past \left. He sighs looking down at me.

“It seems he knew he would step in to protect you. He has had contact with the Water hunters. He wrote a way to find them. They’re doing all they can to protect something. So if you see a room in one of their cities or storage rooms. Stay away from it they say it’s the future…”

The future? What would be the future? Pinda walks away from the gates I finally heard the DJ mixer after so long.

“It’s been a year to the day. That Ruby was taken from us. The news is not good my friends.” The poor DJ sounded depressed and not sure how to be happy. She went silent for a minute or two. “I am sorry just to those that knew her. Before we learned what happened to her. Just I hired a group of griffins to protect this building. They have become part of our family here. We don’t even pay them now. After they heard the story of Ruby they wished to help protect… to protect the pure water.”

She went silent again the sound of sniffing from the radio. Another voice comes over the radio.

“I am sorry Yanari is having a problem controlling her emotions. I am Razor tail a species like she is. I am also her husband. She is pregnant and about to lay her eggs. But when she thinks of her former friend. She breaks down so for now, music will take over. Till she can take control of her emotions.” The voice goes silent for music to start playing.

“Oh come on away to the city” I walk fully away from the music while the song plays. I need to gather supplies to get ready to travel to the Water Hunters. I am not looking forward to this I will be alone. Hopefully, I find some kind souls along the way, and maybe I will learn more about this land. But one problem was I didn’t have the caps to pay for anything. So I had no idea what to do.

Before I could think of anything else a brown female camel set down a bag of caps. She wore a strange hat that covered her face. But not her eyes. I didn’t understand why she wanted to do this. Then I finally noticed the symbol on her shoulder. The order of Mimic she winks her left eye at me.

“Follow the path of Mimic. She will lead you down the road of gold. Look for us and we shall guide you. But for now, let the honored blessed caps get you what you need.”

I quickly stood up to try to understand why.

“Why and how did you know?!”

While the camel walks away she stops in her tracks. Looking back at me I could make out part of her eyes under the hat. From the look of the mask that covered her face, she was smiling. All I could think of is this camel has been part of the order for years.

“You live in a cavern that is a former… training center my dear zebra. I doubt there are many ways to get gold coins there. But you have a journey that from what my friend told you. The order of Mimic is happy to see be done.”

I watch while the Camel vanishes around the corner of a building. I didn’t trust this order or why they just suddenly start showing up after Ruby dies. It makes me feel something more is at play here. Of course, I can’t think of that right now. Liftin the bag of caps in my mouth. I went to each store to get everything I need. Pinda was even kind enough to help me. I think he mostly did it to keep his mind off of what happened to Dunewlker.

“Pinda what happens if Dunewalker finds a mate and has an offspring? Because I doubt every camel is going to listen to the fact that you in a way kicked her out of your species.”

Pinda took a deep breath nodding.

“Yes in fact that is why the Dunewalker name exists, to begin with. Way back in the days of Nightmare Moon. The first Dunewalker is what got us to join Nightmare Moon at the start. He lied to us about the truth and was cursed by all of us to never have a name again. To always be called Dunewalker the exiled one in our words. The untrusted one so this is not the first time. But if she doesn’t find a mate and make young. Her lines curse will be broken.”

I stare at Pinda. Sadness fills my features and my heart. I didn’t know Dunewalker that well. But she did her best to ignore her hatred for me and others. I didn’t even though she was cursed and had to live like this her whole life.

“Is there another way to break the curse of the Dunewalker?” Pinda turns his neck down to look at me fully. I could tell he was thinking hard in his head about what it would be. Pinda from what I notice is a smart camel and a great leader.

“Yes, it’s something that wouldn’t be easy either. She would have to risk life and soul for something she cares about. If it leads to her being a hero or her death. The entire curse on her family is gone. But death… is something she has been after her entire life.” I watch while we talk a large group of camels in robes and large bags walking out of the gate.

“Pinda what are they doing?” Pinda took a deep breath closing his eyes. I could tell he was stressed and the Storm king not helping. He shifts on his hooves. He was having trouble with all the stress in his mind and body. Just looking at the muscles on his shoulders they’re so tense.

“They’re heading to the very spot. That we got our curse. To us, it’s a very holy place. No other race knows about it. Every year around this time we all go there. But I can’t I have a town to run. It’s time to get fully ready for the war to come. Also Inyanga you better get ready to leave. I heard rumors of bounty hunters being hired...to hunt you and your friends down.”

I have bounty hunters after me now? I get it that Ruby brought hope to this land. Just I am amazed it took a whole year for them to even hire some to come for me. It was time to go and find my friends. I have a feeling it might be best to wait till night.

“Inyanga. Please leave with the pilgrims they will be heading to the Water Hunter lands. It will keep the bounty hunters from finding you. I will ask one of the group leaders to wait for you. I have a feeling you need a little more sleep after that fight the other night right?” I gave a quick nod.

“Thank you, Pinda. I will go to the research center that you gave Ruby. I...I am hoping memories won’t come back. We stayed there as much as we could. But I am worried I will see things there that bother me.” Placing my hood over my head. I slowly walk up the steps remembering everything and closing my eyes. I didn’t stay here long with them. After I got to know them I spent most of my time with Cranberry.

Walking up the stairs my hooves clicking on each time. It was hard to walk up here. Because I just kept seeing memories of when I was with them. I turn to remember when I first got to know Dunewalker. It’s like I was there all over again.

“Listen Miss Inyanga if I get racist towards you please don’t get offended. You got to understand during the war here. The zebras kind of turned us into slaves. Even the ponies did the same. They did so much to expect us to fight their war for them.”

All I could do was nod. I wasn’t around during that time. I was about to speak when Ruby calls out to us.

“Hey, I found some information about Project Storm watch!!.” Dunewalker and I look at each other. We didn’t take any time and rushed up the stairs. Opening my eyes staring at the stars again. I just wish she was here with me Dunewalker. Without my friends, I feel alone and empty inside.

Walking more up the stairs I look at one of the stairs closely seeing Hawks' heavy footprint lodged in the stairs. I remember this she got very angry at Ruby. Hawk has a temper and she cared for Ruby. But she hated being told what she is going to do. I remember it well I wasn’t far from the others just I had to keep to myself at times. I came out of my meditation at the sound of loud stomping.

“I will not be told to help a village I don’t even know Ruby. I am only helping the young. So if you fucking think I won’t stomp on you for asking me to bow to some fucking elite you got another thing coming.”

I stood up and tried to go stop this but I was stopped by Tick Tock and she shook her head.

“I just asked you to be a bodyguard just for one of them. I didn’t mean for you to bow to them. Why would you even think that?” Ruby sounded very hurt the entire time. I could tell Hawk didn’t get along well with the others.

“I don’t care...Ruby, you know how I feel about the elite… But...if you feel that I need to protect them. I will. “ Hawk turns her cams to look at me and Tick Tock. “I… Um. I am sorry Ruby. I didn’t mean to lose my temper with you.”

Ruby turns to look at us and her cheeks turn brighter pink. I felt bad for the little bug. She tried so hard back then. But all I could do then was smile. I just shook my head and the memory ended looking up more to the stairs. Tears falling from my eyes now so many memories hitting me harder.

I close my mind to the rest of the memories of getting up to the research station. Looking right at the building its security guns turn to look at me and it takes a moment to notice who I am and they stand down.

The door opens to let me inside. I take my time to go in more memories will start there. I can’t allow this to stay in danger because of me. I took a deep breath and walk into the opening and the door going deep into the dark building.

_________________
Research bunker

Walking into the Bunker the light turns on. Ever since I returned to this city I felt for some reason drawn to this place. I just never wanted to come here. Taking in the old air I could still smell the scents of my friends. Ruby’s scent was kind of strange. It smells like old magic and bug. I guess I will get used to it. Now I just had to find a room for me to stay in till then. I walk through the halls and I notice something out of the corner of my eye. Turning to notice a sign. ‘Zebra weapons research. Head of research Glyph’ I knew that name I heard old stories of a traitor that helped the ponies in the past learn our weapons. I am starting to wonder though if she was a traitor. I didn’t pay any mind to it till I walk past the door.

“Zebra DNA detected opening pony-proof locks.” I turn to the door hearing the old locks struggling to unlock the door. It may take a while if it’s the type of locks I think. A spell would need to be broken as well but first, the metal locks would need to break off from what is keeping this door locked. I sat on my haunches chanting a spell to try to ease it along Reaching into my herb bags and looking for my potions and brews to see if I can push the spell along.

The metal starts to screech and groan from the spell trying to break. Bringing it out with a brew I made before I left that is normally made to cleanse wounds. I pour it on the hinges of the metal door. Thanks to the brew the joints slowly start to open. Each lock cracks and unlocks very slowly. I am starting to wonder if this door was never meant to be locked this long along with the spell being on it for so long.

After about an hour the door finally creaks open with a thunk on the wall. I cover my nose because of the stale air filling the room. Walking inside the lights struggle to come on. After a while, they finally come on. In the middle of the room is a glass container with a zebra-made sword inside it. I walk towards it and look down to see the bones of Glyph. Looking over at a large computer.

On the computer are the words for the zebras of the future. I walk to the computer sighing. I feel very bad for the zebras and ponies of the past. Looking at the button that is calling for zebra DNA. I open my bag again and bring out a small sharp knife. I cut a part of my leg and let the blood drip onto the button and it fills the hoofprint. Then I place my hoof on the button.

Looking up to the computer. The words ‘Testing the blood testing… testing. Zebra DNA found. Welcome, brother or sister.’ On the screen, an old zebra mare looks at the screen. There are sounds of her metal door being smashed into by heavy hooves.

“I failed to stop the war in this land. I heard that Megaspells got set off and now...the world is in pain. I wish I could have done more to stop them. But all I can do is with the last bit of my life. Since I have enough food to last for many years here. I will build a weapon to help the future fight for its freedom. I am sorry to any zebra watching this that we failed you. Our kind is too prideful” She went silent for a moment looking away from the screen and looking back to the door.

“I went and cast a spell to keep ponies out and it may keep zebras out for the moment. I ain’t sure but I hope the future finds this place first. Good luck to those in the future.” The screen turns off and I look to the dome holding the sword. Got out of the chair walking to the dome. I grab the dome with my hooves and gently lift it. The sword glows in the darkness and the screen comes back on. I turn to see Glyph again she is much older and doesn’t look very healthy.
She is breathing very ragged and her left eye is completely blind. “I finally finished it. I made a sword. A sword that will only be named for the right one that picks it up. A one that is a true hero that will save this land from itself. I have been able to leave this room now and then. But..” She removes a hoof from her chest she has been shot. “A part of this land is overly mutated thanks to the Mega spell in the salt flats it caused some of the water under the land to get worse.” She went silent again closing her eyes tightly.

“I am sorry to those watching… I can’t help you. The stars will give your weapon a name. This sword is made from zebra brews and magic and bathed in pure water. It can be used to fight anything under the stars.” The screen turns off and once again goes dark. I look at the sword I took a deep breath I didn’t feel I had a right to take it.

Looking at every inch of the sword before I grab it. It’s made for those that are trained to fight on their hind legs like a far-seer or a storyteller. I place my hoof in the hoof holding hilt and lift it off its home. The blade glows brightly while it names itself ‘Umboni kude’ it means farseer. I swing the blade and it sings in the air. A powerful blade is used to fight those that work for the stars.

Pulling the other sword out of its home in my robes. I look down at the remains of Glyph. She deserves a proper burial. I can’t do that for now but for the remaining time, she will stay here. Leaving the room shutting the door and the locks are too broken so the door won’t even lock again.

I went to one of the bedrooms to relax. I lay in one of the dust-filled beds and relax even though the been wasn’t clean. I learned ages ago you can’t always live in a clean world. I didn’t let it bother me long I close my eyes and finally fall asleep.

______________
Dreams

I open my eyes looking around. The world itself is extremely dark. Many eyes stare at me in the darkness. I click a light to turn it on and all I see are my eyes. All the eyes come closer staring at me staring into my soul.

“The blood...shall rise from us. The blackness of holes. In the endless death.” I turn to look at the stars the evil stars and the beholden stars deep in the back. I try to run to them to see if they will turn around to face me.

“Please stars of good help us.” One turns to look right at me. Its eyes are full of pain full of dread. The poor stars of the past used to bring peace and balance. The real balance of this universe is of the stars. I finally turn to see one of the stars sitting in a strange chair and it lifts p a hoof.

“Take the hoof. Veins’ blood muscles are all part of the universe. We are the blood of the universe. You’re the dust of the universe. But the universe is mostly the idea of what came before. It’s understanding that. The future is never in stone. The future is never in writing. To those that fully understand. The war is the beginning of a voice will suddenly and so it begins with death. Some will die for a hero. Some will die for the villains. Most never understand the balance fully till the end.”

Taking a deep breath I didn’t understand what the star meant. The balance is broken we need to fix the balance but how do we bring back those stars? It’s not going to be easy to bring back the balance that the order of Mimic has said to do.

“Just how would I go about this balance?” The star finally looks at me. It’s surprised to even see me like it didn’t even know I was there at all. The other stars that some would consider good turn to look at me as well. Some of them look very sick and some don’t even look like they wish to speak to me.

“You have forgotten about us. Our brothers and sisters of evil are always feared and talked about. But you never speak of us. You never speak of the stars that bring luck peace and hope. You just use us as a problem in life.” Do the stars wish to be honored as well? I never heard these stories before myself. But I am starting to wonder if the stories of old are at fault. Maybe they will always be faults. I try to think but my dreams never allow me to think.

“I never heard of the stars that bring hope and dreams. I have only heard of those to fear. That have never been any good stories about the stars. Does it have something to do with Nightmare moon and the day of rebellion?”

The star that I have been speaking to just seems not to understand what I mean. Looking towards one of the older stars. None of the older stars seem to wish to speak to me. I have a feeling I am not going to get anywhere.

“That is the issue. The older stars refuse to fight the ones that cause bad luck and war. They feel forgotten and some have based beyond the darkness of the universe. So the balance in the world below needs to be fixed first before we even think of returning. I...never even heard of the stories of old. The older stars forget about us and the stars that wish to bring the pain are stronger than us. We have no means to win a war or battle.”

Closing my eyes hearing that song again in my head. The one that played while Ruby died. I try to blot out that song. It’s engrained so heavy in my mind I can no longer fight the tears. I didn’t even cry when she died. I didn’t even get the chance to tell her goodbye. When she was taken from us. The sorrow is so much that I wake up.

__________________
Morning

I wake up deep sobs come from my broken soul and lungs. I feel finally the sorrow of watching someone close to me get shot. Overpower judgment. She wished to bring forth hope. Someone must have been walking in to check on me. I felt large forelegs wrapping around me I didn’t even hear who it was I didn’t care. I sobbed so loud that it echos through the entire building.

“Miss shh. I have been asked by Pinda to come for you. Now please stop crying. I understand you have been through so much. But it’s the best time to get going before the sun gets too far into the sky.” I finally allow myself to relax and when we get out the entire sky is covered by very dark clouds.

“The king finally made his storm” I turn to look to Pinda who is looking up at the sky. “From the looks of it, the Storm won’t last long. But he is gaining the power to keep the story and keep us trapped in this desert land.”

I took a deep breath the air is humid from the heat being stuck in by the clouds. I remember hearing the old stories that Equestria and other parts of the world used to be like this as well. Putting my hood over my head. Following the Camels out to the gates and they get me into the back of a wagon and place many bags over me.

“I am sorry to do this to you. Miss Inyanga many bounty hunters are looking for you. Also, some creatures of the desert are blaming you and your friends for what is going on so we need to make sure they don’t just suddenly attack you. We will drop you off at the well-known Water hunter lands. It will take two days to get there. It could take longer since creatures are starting to come out and attack others.”

I had a feeling that the environment is changing. The creatures in the caverns have stayed the same thankfully. The only ones that may feel the change are some of the hydras locked in that cavern with us. Even though the cavern is not locked anymore many of them have lived in that cavern for too long to move outside. It may be safer for them in there as well.

“Now we will be leaving. Just in case we have a private tent for you. It will be placed in the middle of the camp. We might have bounty hunters following us so be prepared for just that.” I gave a nod and I felt the caravan move through the sand. Looking back through the packs of food and tents. I finally see the town or rather city that I have just got to know. Lived my entire life in that training cave. Now that I fully see the town. I am starting to understand the wonder ponies can build.

During our walk through the desert. I lay my head on one of the pillows that they brought with them. I could hear them sing,

“Follow the old path. To our home. Follow the path to become part of what we used to be. To remember what made us have this curse. This genetic memory of our past. We always wish to forget what happened. The curse will never leave us. Our dreams aren’t our own our thoughts will never end.”

The song sounds so sad to my ears. I will never understand how to live with the memories of the past and have the genetic thoughts of those that came before. It’s so strange even to me. Closing my eyes allowing the song to take me away into dreams.

_______________
That night.

I woke up after we stop at the campsite. From what I learned when I woke up this spot has been used ever since it started. I sat beside the leader of this group a coming-of-age female. Her tribe of camels is known as the gentle steps. When they walk or battle they never make a sound. They’re trained to be ready forever comes.

“There is a story in this land. Years ago the great mountain back in the land of Dream valley created Crunch the rock dog. Most of us remember that land but the issue our memories had the full story of that land purged. All remember is the story of the one known as the rainbow of light. A powerful weapon was given by a strange creature in a mushroom forest. “

During the story, the cook works very hard on the food. Since I am a guest he wanted to make every meal for me the best thing I ever had. The poor guy has been worrying about what I will think of what he makes. Everyone’s ears perk up at the sound of something strange we all look up seeing one of Storm King’s airships and they slow down. A spotlight turns on I quickly place my hood back on. I try my best to stay silent and deep in the group of the camels.

“Hey down there. Have you seen any rebels come down this way? There was a big battle at the normal trade paths. We stopped them from stealing from the great Storm King.”

“You mean they tried to protect the shipments from you.” We all turn our heads to the youngest female in the group. She stood up tall and did not want to back down. “You’re the threat to this land. You stole it from those that wish to protect it.” That hope that Ruby brought it’s spreading and now I am sure this young one will either be taken in and brainwashed or others will protect her.

Whoever spoke on the airship stays silent for a while after all that.

“The Storm King will forgive whoever said that. If you give us the one who said it. If you give us the one who said it we won’t take you all in for spreading the words of the faults hero. For you see none of you know any better. Wheel Tread and Storm King wish to bring you back from the brink of death. All you need to do is be a good mindless drone in their cogs.”

These creatures sound like just every other leader of the past. Wanting just pure loyalty and no one to think for themselves has become a norm in this land. Too many are using it to get their way and that type of thinking needs to end to bring the balance back.

Another camel covers the mouth of the young camel.

“That wasn’t meant for you, my lords.” The older camel smiles. “Remember we have genetic memories and we remember the old ones that controlled us the zebras. We don’t have an issue with you of course. Your Storm King is powerful we shall worship him till the end of death.” The old Camel smiles.

Those on the airship went silent again. They didn’t speak for at least ten pregnant minutes you could feel the air vanishing from the lungs of all those within this group. I found it hard to breathe because I was feeling stressed and worried.

“Alright, we will let it slide this time. If you see the rebels please keep ahold of them and give them to the king. Take care camels.” The airship spotlight turns off and flies off towards Nirik. As if the entire group was underwater and unable to breathe every camel including me exhale.

“I could have taken them.” I turn to see the younger camel arguing with the one that kept her silent. “We can’t just allow them to get away with this. Ruby wouldn’t allow them to get away with it.”

I stare at the camels I was worried that saying her name would bring hate sickness. A rock smashes onto another rock all their eyes including mine turn to the leader. The old leader of these camels lifts her foot.

“We will speak of all that later. But now is not the time. Ruby may have brought hope. But she brought pain. She is the reason for a lot of these issues. But she is not at fault. It’s time to relax and eat. Then get our friend here to the water hunters. So please young one silence or be punished. The punishment for you will be ruthless and swift. Now we need to get our friend here to the water hunters.”

The leader stares at all the followers and they go back to their things.

“So Inyanga does a pretty thing like you have a stallion waiting?” My cheeks turn bright red from that random question.

“I um. I am interested in a pony stallion named Rex. I haven’t seen him for a while. I am hoping I run into him. Just my question is how big is this rebellion and how strong are they?”

The camel went from a smile to a frown she sighs looking down at the sand.

“The rebellion is not that strong and might not last. The hope that Ruby does bring doesn’t stop others from turning them in. But this is how it was back during the war. Many turned us in when we refused to join either side. That is why we have big issues with ponies and zebras. They were once our slave masters and now the ponies join the slave masters to enslave the rest of the land.”

Those words hit me very hard. I wasn’t there during the war. But the fact that many of my kind did this to the camels turned them into slaves as the ponies did. Just because they refused to join either side and only focused on their lives and not a silly war. Looked at all the camels and how some stared at me. I have a feeling that the hatred for zebras still affects them.

“I..am sorry.” I still didn’t ask the name of the leader but when I said those words she stares down at me and strokes my head.

“It’s the past little zebra. We may have a genetic memory but we learned ages ago that we can’t keep focusing on it. We are slaves to our past and our futures. We can break those chains if we move on from those futures and never allow ourselves to become that way again. Camels aren’t that innocent either.”

The rest of the night went just as smoothly. I got to try the food and I loved it. After a while, all the camels went to sleep but me and the leader.

“Now we can speak freely. I am known as Sandstone. I am part of the Dunewalkers family. But not all of us are cursed. My family never got along with them. In truth, we want to remove them from the family line. Doing so takes getting the elders console together. But that only happens once every 200 to 400 years. Now you must be tired young zebra.”

I yawn softly nodding. I stood up and turn back to Sandstone.

“Do you think there is any hope?” I softly ask the elder camel.

The camel smiled she stood up and gives me just a tight hug.

“There is always hope you just have to allow it into your heart. So sleep and we will get you to the water hunters and then you can go on with your journey to find your friends.” I went inside the tent and lay on the makeshift bed of pillows and blankets. I close my eyes allowing myself to drift off to sleep.

_________________________

The morning

It was a nice calm morning after a lovely rest. It didn’t take us long to get to the Water hunter lands. When we got there I was expected from the looks of it. When Sandstone and I came to the guards they look at me and nod.

“Welcome…” One of them tried to say. They open one of their trap doors and I am pushed inside the underground cavern. I am led through the tunnels to the underground city below. I sadly didn’t get to say goodbye to Sandstone but we need to get going. I need to find Water Spout. When we get into the underground city. I try to think of what words to say.

“I am searching for Waterspout. Can you lead me to her?” The cloaked pony stares at me. I didn’t understand a word he said but with a point of his hoof, he asked me to follow him. So I did and I was led to a building that from what I was told later for mothers to be forced to become one.

I am allowed in and a large pony guard stares at me and quickly a Naga that wore a suit like a water hunter. She pulls me into a room very quickly and looks back out into the room to the guard.

“Water spout is waiting for you miss Inyanga the leader had to put her into hiding. Because some of the males of this community want to force her to breed a strong foal. They will wait but some don’t wish to. They want to force her to have them now. They’re a small group so I am giving myself to them. Now she is in the back room and there is a dragoness named Gem getting cargo for an island. She doesn’t know that you two are the cargo.”

I nod going into the back room nodding to Water Spout who gave me a quick hug we left out of the back and found the crates soon after. I got into the food and she got into the water. It has been many hours and we felt ourselves being lifted.

_____________________
The island.

We get on the island and the crates are put onto the ground. The crates are opened up and the two of us slowly get out of them. The one that opened them was a strange mare that had a crystal ball on her hip and a mark of Mimic.

“Welcome let’s get you places to stay. You two need to be separated for now. We have a Water hunter doctor that wants to take a look at your friend here. You will be sent to somepony who is waiting for you who has been waiting for you forever.”

I sigh deeply I hated the fact that soon after we meet again I have to leave. I nod to Water spout who is taken away to the doctor. I am led to an inn and the inn is made from old Enclave raptor parts. Going inside it’s a calm inn and standing right at the desk is Rex. My cheeks glow bright red seeing that stallion again. He is talking to a dragoness.
“You have known Cranberry longer them me. Has she always been this stubborn?” Rex laughs.

“Well you married her I would think you would melt that stubbornness from her Gem.” He smirks looking at me and he gasps. He quickly gets out from behind the counter and takes off my hood my cheeks turn bright red.

“Hello, Rex...um. Please don’t tell Cranberry I am here. I am not ready to see her yet.” I look up to Gem who pats my shoulder.

“Cranberry is not ready to see anyone yet. I am Gem her wife and best friend well she keeps to herself. She is a mother a healer and does so much for this island. She told me so much about you and spoke highly of you.”

I was happy to hear that she is happy. Looking at Rex I could finally get to know him. After Gem left I spent the night getting to know Rex.

__________________________
Two years passed.

I have been on this island for the last two years. We have been told it’s not wise to let Cranberry know we are here. So Water Spout and I kept to ourselves and made a life for ourselves here. I became a brew maker I make the medicines that Cranberry uses even though she doesn’t know it’s me just knows I am some zebra that came here. Water Spout found a camel that has been here pretty long and she got married to him.

From what I have learned they’re the first camel and pony to fall in love. He is so kind to her he treats her with so much respect and she fell for him because he did something that males of her kind don’t normally do. He cared about her feelings and did so much to just make her happy. He pampered her and told her that she is his treasure.

As for me, I got to know Rex to the point I married him. I did tell him till this land is healed and things go back to normal. I won’t have foals with him. Rex agreed it was a calm day during the last two years and I spent most of my time with Rex making potions.

Water Spout walks in and she finally learned to speak poneish. She learned from the camel she married. I was there when he proposed to her in ponesh the look on her face when her sand brown fur had been so red I giggiled. She fell for him over the time and it made me happy she finally found someone who treated her like a mare.

“Excuse me Inyanga I am told from a mare it’s time to meet with the others. I am not happy I had to leave my husband and my children..” I sigh nodding.

“I have been expecting this and I ain’t looking forward to it.” We put on our old cloaks and say goodbye to our families. I told Rex I will return and Water Spout told her camel love she will return. We went to the new restaurant that was built around Hawk. I knew she was here but I was told she has been like this ever since she got here

We saw each other and we didn’t say a word I saw Cranberry and she quickly came to hug me and after a while everything that happened and the mare that brought us all together. I don’t know what happened but we all glowed like the elements of old and finally Hawk comes back to us. We didn’t have any time to waste from what the mare told us. We had to get going to mount Aris. It was the day after and Waterspout and I said goodbye to our families.

“I promise I will return soon Rex.” I look over to the mix of pony and camels they have their mother’s gene but from what I learned they have the camel genetic memory. So they remember everything both parents have been through. They kept to themselves and Water Spout and her husband held onto each other and didn’t need to say a word.

“Come on you two. It’s time..” I turn to look at Cranberry nodding and the two of us got into the boat and we left for mount Aris I held onto Water Spout while she cried she feels alone now I am as well but we have a mission to do. To find Ruby and to save this land.

Max level

Footnote: The Brew maker: You have found your calling of making brews for those around you. Each brew you make that your friends take. Gives them a healing buff over time.

Next Chapter: Chapter twenty-Four The Water Hunter Estimated time remaining: 32 Hours, 56 Minutes