There are stories of a building deep in the desert surrounded by salt dunes. I have found an old map leading there. I am too old, but my search for this map has ended me. When you grow up my daughter. Find it and save us to find clean water. Find the hope that you can bring. I may be dead when you get this letter but I have found the path to this building holding clean pure water. I love my daughter, please do this to remember me. A note to Yanari from her father to be given to her on her 20th birthday.

It’s been three years since the death of Ruby. I found a husband and have many helping me in this lovely tower. I walk through the halls of the tower building. It's been cleaned up since Ruby and I came here. A bunch of griffin mercs has become family to me. Since they learned about Ruby and how she worked so hard to protect this land from those that wish to harm it.

I have laid many eggs that another group of griffins is protecting for me. One of the tenders is the leader of these griffins after the stories she heard about Ruby she told me there is no pay. After all the stories of heroes, I have told her she feels she needs to help.

I sit at the desk in front of the microphone. When the music ends I click on many buttons to turn off the music. Clicking the mic as it whirs and comes on. I lean up to speak to it. Closing my eyes to what to say.

“Hey everyone Dj Mixer is here. I have been getting questions about my life. I feel since we haven’t heard anything about those that went into Mount Aris. It might be best to tell those that want to know the story of your Dj.”

I take a deep breath not wishing to lie. The truth is if I told them an alliance has been formed and that the heroes are getting ready to leave. The only thing I could fully do though brings up the interviews I had with the heroes and those in Aris.

“Before I do my story though, I got some interviews from the hero's friends. One of my probes even found Dunewalker. Dunewalker the betrayer…”

I don’t believe that Dunewalker is a betrayer. Everyone to me has their paths and she has hers. Even if the path was not the right path to some minds of this land. My path led me to this station. To find clean water to make a family protect one of the sources of clean water from the Storm King. I am sure sooner or later they will raid this place and I will be in trouble.

“I will first bring the interview of Dunewalker. It wasn’t easy to get an interview with her. This interview I got from her a few months ago. My probes found her and her wife. I have been asked not to give the location out of protection for their adopted children.”

I work on getting the interview ready. Clicking a few buttons, taking a disk out of one of my drones, and placing it into the system takes a while to load since this system was mostly used for spying on the zebras and other non-pony races of this land. I had no idea what was wrong with these ponies.

“I am here with Dunewalker to protect her new family. She won’t allow me to tell the area she is in. Now Dunewalker you have been banished from the others of your species. Do you regret a lot of what you have done?”

It took a while for Dunewalker to talk. There are sounds in the static of her paws shuffling on the sand.

“I don’t want my adoptive little ones to know about what I have done. I do regret a lot of what I did. I regret hurting Ruby. I regret allowing Wheel Tread to brainwash the little bug. I also wish I never owed him anything back then. I am now free of him even if I am still the Dunewalker.”

I feel bad for her. I didn’t want to push but I had to ask the right questions at least so others could understand her point of view.

“I would like to understand why you’re called Dunewalker. Also, I am sure your adoptive little ones will learn who you are or what you have done sooner or later. I am sure the one you married had to admit that you’re a traitor to your kind.”

The camel didn’t care for the words I just asked. It took a long time for the interview to continue. She is now shooting her gun at a strange creature from the distance it roars and screams.

“The issue with the curse of the Dunewalker is that it's a deserving curse. Ever since the lunar rebellion, my family line has been betrayed. I don't have my family to follow this path. I will do whatever I can to break this curse. I never want another member of my family line to suffer this curse.”

I took a deep breath, closing my eyes. It hasn’t been the same in this land since Ruby was killed. My husband is worried that this station is going to get attacked. Mostly because of the pure water. It’s so pure you can see in it and we use what we can to clean ourselves and drink but we don’t use what we can’t.

“I have one last question for you. This area you’re in now, how is the water situation?”

That is the worst question to ask. If she answers truthfully the ones trying to take over this land in the name of progress. They will destroy everything just in the name of this idea of progress. I like this idea of progress myself but not the way they wish to do it.

“I am sorry dear Dj. I don’t wish to answer this. You and I both know if I did it wouldn’t be wise to do so. Now I need to protect the town. We have another issue with the eels. So if you don’t mind me I must be going. Thank you for hunting me down to talk with me.”

“Of course Dunewalker. I hope others will start trusting you again.”

I click the console sighing softly and it’s heard through the mic. It’s been hard for me to want to keep this up. But the fight for this damned desert must be won. Even if it means we fail to learn from it.

“We have another interview with Flame, the leader of Nirik. She called me over a few days ago. I have no idea why but she had a lot to speak of.”

I take a disc out of another drone or probe. Putting it into the machine puts the other disc back into another probe. Sending it back out to be my eyes and ears in this wasteland so I can do the news with no problems.

“We have a surprise interview with the leader of Nirik. Now is it true to the rumors that Ruby was sent to help you win the election? If this is a true rumor do you plan on stepping down anytime soon?”

It took a while for the mare to answer this question. With so many ears listening I am wondering if she is worried if she speaks out of line. Even though this interview was a few days ago. I still feel that she was being watched for what she said.

“The rumor is true I used her to get me power. But I got to know the sweet little creature. Her questions on love. Her questions many things and how she is so young. I know she is young. To her kind, she is older but still such a child-like wonder in her loving bug eyes. It..I..”

The poor mare sounds like she is holding back tears. I know the feeling of everything the heroes have gone through. Has made me cry myself. But what hit me harder is the fact the poor creature didn’t even want to be a hero.

“Are you okay miss Flame?”

It didn’t take too long to get an answer from the interview.

“No, I am not. I played a part in this little game with her. I even changed her look and got her into rock ball to become a leader. I had to break the entire city. When I came clean about this the city was upset and pissed. But they realize that I have helped this town as I promised. But I still regret what I did to get this power. I know sooner or later when this is all said and done. I will be removed from power and put in jail or exiled.”

I shift on my chair. I know when they hear my side of this I lose my temper. I know when this is heard I am sure most won’t understand. I loved that little creature even if I didn’t get to know her as I should have. I just asked her to help me to find my father’s dream. But I got to like her because of her personality.
“I wish I could go deeper into this interview with you miss Flame. I am sure you have things you need to do. I hope whatever happens that things go better for you. I know that is much to hope for since this battle might end this land.”

The interview ends. I take a deep breath exhaling and turning the mic on again.

“That is the second interview. Now my friends I am going to go away just a bit. So there will be a few songs playing. I was given a new one called Bourbon moon.”

I turn off the mic and turn to the music. I grab the disk I was given by a pony from Wymarnic. From what I learned this was recorded many days ago. This detective was interesting. I even have an interview with him.

“I've been living in sin for about a month
Something turns me round it's something that I just
Can't understand, the way I behave
Some ponies you can never save”

Getting up from my seat I turn to look at the ponies from the stable going back and forth through the halls with turrets they found deeper in the building. I follow a few of them while they and the griffins work together to build the defenses of this building. There may not be a lot of room but we have been building further underground since we found a makeshift bomb shelter and are trying to turn it into a home.

“Yanari.”

I turn my head to look at the leader of the Griffin mercs. The female griffin comes over to me and puts her paw on my shoulder. The griffin has become a big part of my family. She even performed the marriage between me and my husband.

“What's up Goldie?”

I look into the eyes of the golden-eyed brown feathered griffin. I could see some of the stress she held in her eyes. The stress affects many of my family and friends lately. I took a deep breath exhaling hot air. I shift a bit on my big club feet since I am a turtle race. I never understood my species.

“Most of the turrets are ready. The ponies from the stable are very helpful. I am happy you allowed them to live with you like with me and the others. I do hope you understand that when all this is said and done. I expect that you will pay me with money.”

I laugh softly. I loved the fact that even though she is family to me now. That being a griffin and their greed always comes first. Of course, griffins want money and other trinkets. It's pretty normal.

“I will pay you when this is all done. Just please stick with me longer Goldie. I know it’s rare for your kind to be open to making a family with those you don’t know that well. I thank you all in the same.”

Goldie laughs.

“Eh again I am your hatchling's godmother so I will play the part and even protect them to my death if I need to. I am hoping I don’t need to at all. I want my own family when things calm down. I hope things calm down. I may be bred for battle and war like this. Just seeing what it does to children breaks my heart.”

This land has been through so much. Most forget the children I remember going to Hard Rock and seeing the children dying in the streets from hunger. I even argued with the guards. One of them said it’s hard to round up all the little ones. It’s very hard since they run away from them.

“I need to get back to the studio Goldie. Before I go, how are the gardens holding up?”

Goldie leads me to the gardens we made near the water in this building. We keep the water very clean and it’s so pure that there is either some spring that keeps the water from emptying or there is magic in this building that keeps this water pure and very clean

“Everything is going great. But my kind needs meat. So we will go out and hunt soon for some meat.”

I nod heading back to the studio. I sighed, closing my eyes and stroking my old leather face. My kind can live for years. It's just hard to remember all the times I had children. This is not my first clutch. It’s been rarer and rarer for my race to have children. It hasn’t been the same since we left our homeland so long ago.

Walking up the stairs back into the studio I sit down as the final song ends. I click on the mic again looking to see if anything new is going on. Things seem very calm right now even in the town that these villains are building.

“I have returned, there is no news right now. No news is good news for these times. If I see anything I will let you all know.”

The next interview thinking of the next one to do. I will do the one of Gem talking for her wife. I feel so bad for CranBerry; she hasn’t been the same since Rubie’s death. She won’t even open herself up to anyone else but her wife.
“The next interview is with Gem. It would have been with Cranberry but she hasn’t been very open to talking to anyone. If you ever do see Cranberry around please don’t just walk up to her and crowd her.”

Taking the disk out of the probe. Clicking on the prob to send it back out. I wish there was an easier way to do these interviews. I could maybe find a way to do interviews then cut the middle probe and just do it live. That may cause more issues like when I did it with Silver Gunner three years ago. This one takes longer to load since it was a pretty long interview.

“I am here with Cranberry and her wife Gem. Now my first question to you. How did you two meet? Are you willing to tell the listeners how you met?”

It took a while for the two to talk about it. The listeners would hear that they were talking and whispering to each other. I may be able to see them through my probes. But I would never be able to tell them the look I saw in Cranberry’s eyes. A mare ready to just leave and go back home and live her life.

“I am sorry my wife doesn’t wish to talk. So I will do it for her. I am Gem. We met on an island off the coast of the mainland. An island that was used as a prison by ponies. I was placed there for well other reasons. I don’t wish to go into it. How we met though I saw her lying in the sand. I took her back to a makeshift hospital.”

Gem went silent at the moment Gem is trying to gently push Cranberry into speaking. I wish I could tell folks how loving Gem is to her wife. Every time I see them from my probe she is holding Cranberry to her scales trying to help her through her issues after what the Storm King did.

“Forgive me for not speaking. I am not as open as I used to be. It’s hard to even talk to my friends. Inyanga is doing what she can to help me through this. We won’t go into much about the island. After all, this is said and done I will be going back there to live. When Gem found me I was broken and unsure how to handle things. I fell in love with this dragon soon after and we raised those that have no parents. The others got adopted but we adopted two zebra fillies who have been such a great help for me. Right now they may be young. But they’re helping run the hospital back home.”

Now I have to ask a few more questions. I am very interested in the fact that these two are not even of the same species. Their love is so impressive to me. I have never heard of a dragon and a pony getting married. Two of the same gender no less. It is not unheard of these days for that to happen. Just seeing different species do it?

“Tell me what it is like to be in love with a dragon?”

That question hit Cranberry like a magic bolt. I have a feeling she didn’t even expect it. She laughs giggling.
“Well, think of it this way. The sex is amazing but she keeps me from falling apart. She has done more for me than just giving me love. She has given me what I need a rock to lean on. Before we left I told my children that we will be gone for a while. It might be months or even a year or two before we return, I told them. This battle is not going to be a simple one after three years... I am sure the Storm King and judges are very entrenched in the land now.”

I took a deep breath. She is correct from what I remember. There are only a few cities still free from the Storm King. It’s not going to be easy for many wanting to just ignore this battle to come. Just she is correct it is going to take longer than most battles do. There are stories that without allies the war might be a loss.

“Gem and I have a question for you Dj. From how you talk you have had a deep respect for Ruby. My question: what did Ruby do to help you? Ruby never really went deep into what she did with others. We only knew she went on some mission. She was very private and even I hated that. I adopted her to hope she would be more open to me.”

That question hit me like a truck. I don’t think it’s wise going into why I wanted to find this place. So I did my best during this interview by telling them to listen later.

“I will explain later on the radio live. Ruby helped fulfill a dream for me. I just need to finish a few more interviews with your friends and the other leaders that are here if they wish to answer my questions. Now that is it for the interview, thank you for taking your time to answer my questions.”

Gem or Cranberry didn’t speak for a while. They were busy whispering to each other about how they say goodbye to everyone. I just sat there laughing to myself at how these two are so cute together.

“Goodbye, everyone. My dear Cranberry will do her best to help fight for you all.”

The interview ended and I pulled out the disk. The interview is saved into the system. Taking the probe that the disk came from and inserting it back into it. Letting it go back out to get some news for me of it can. Looking at the screens see the camel pilgrims heading to their area of remembrance.

Taking another disk looand king at it. This is one of these old discs they used to place what is called advertisement on it. Maybe that will give folks another thing to listen to for the moment. I need to find the other interviews.

“We will be listening to something from a blast to the past. I need to find the other interviews before we go on so enjoy listening.”

I put it in the disc and set it up to let it load. Then while I listen I go look around my studio to look for the interviews. It takes a while to load these in. I am sure these were going to be played before the world ended. Put the disc in and the first one played

“Tired of having sex and having a mare getting pregnant with those pesky foals? Tired of not being able to play around and not get a mare pregnant? There is hope!! At Canterlot Gelding farms. Just ask your doctor if it’s right for you.”

Another voice speaks up.

“Our doctors will make sure it’s a non-painful experience and with that, you can have all the sexual intercourse you want. There is no pain and you will enjoy the feeling of being free. Listen to those who have had it done.”

A stallion’s voice speaks up.

“After my wife left me. I started doing everything I can to make myself happy. I did work and all I could to stay happy. Then I heard about the gelding farms. I went to get gelded and now I have endless pleasurable sex. Thank you Canterlot gelding farms and to stallions everywhere looking to be happier.”

Finally, a final voice sounds out.

“You may suffer some pain between the legs. Think of your uncle a bit too much. Wonder why you were even born. There are no refunds after you’re gelded. Sponsored by the Ministry of Morals for a better happy future. Remember Pinkie Pie is watching you and hates that you touch yourself.”

I was very confused by that ad. I didn’t understand why anyone would do this thing called gelding. I have no idea what it means either. I am hoping that the next one is better then. Closing my eyes and the other one finally comes up.

“Ponies seem to be losing themselves, my friends. This is Gouda Cheese. I want to take you on a journey of our founding. A founding before the war. So follow me my friends this very Sunday as we all look back on the ponies that started the power of friendship. We will talk to the princess that made the school of friendship. We need to save face my friends we need hope in our lives.”

The music swells to show that this pony means to bring happiness back to the land. This Sunday though I am guessing it was a day before the world ended before he could even do this. I feel bad for these ponies.

“Come and meet the princess, the mares of harmony, and many others. We need hope back into our lives my friends. We will follow a journey to bring everything back to our hearts. Come watch on the magic screens of our homes. We shall all follow this journey this Sunday and become one with the lives of the mares of harmony.”

The ad quickly ended. Wow, that was a short one. I wonder why these ads even existed? It could be that the war was getting that bad that they had to do everything they could to keep the morale up. The next one comes up. I am hoping this one is not as bad as the first one.

“Do you feel that your neighbor is working for the zebra? Do you feel that a teacher is trying to brainwash your foals? Do you feel that the coffee shop far from you is run by a zebra spy? Well if you said yes to all these then you’re in luck. For the toilet, bots are for you. As they fight the evil germinates. The toilet bots are here to help you fight the enemy”

I roll my eyes. It's taking me a while to get everything ready for the next set of interviews. So I have to put my listeners through one more. I am not enjoying the fact they used to allow these to be played.

“Toilet bots, we are fighting for the freedom of toilets everywhere. Transform and clean up for we must fight the evil of the germinates Megagerm. I am a great and powerful fighter for your freedom my friends. I am the great Duck soap. We shall fight them and bring peace to the universe!!”

Oh geez, this is getting dumber.

“One shall stand Megagerm and one shall be clean!!”

It finally gets close to the end.

“Toilet bots are not toys, they're cleaning supplies for the various bathrooms in our lovely world. Sold in every bathroom aisle. Just come to the store and tell them the germinates need to be defeated so we can have a clean world!!”

I turn off the ad for just a moment, turning the mic back on. I took a deep breath speaking into the mic.

“I am sorry, my friends. I had no idea how silly these ads of the past were. There are two more to come. I am hoping that these last ones aren’t a joke. When we fully return we will be interviewing Inyanga and then after her the water hunter. So please I am so sorry for this.”

I turn the mic on and let the next ad go. I take a deep breath.

“Hello, I am Carrot cake owner of sugar cube corner in ponyville. You would think with this war going on it would be harder to keep up with orders. But you would be wrong, it's been easier to keep up with these orders. How do I do it? These new magic computers were created by those that wish to win this war. But there is more to them for an old stallion coming up to his age. It keeps up with the bits I have used and helps my wife with keeping in touch with our kids. To get these computers installed call the magic computers hotline. They will come as soon as they can and they have a lifetime guarantee”

A female voice comes over the radio now.

“As my husband has said, it's useful to keep our shop open. As for me a mare growing in age. It’s a way to keep me from forgetting my task. It’s been so helpful that I have been able to keep in touch with my husband when he is out delivering orders. You can get an addon for your cart so you can keep in touch and make sure he remembers where to go. I want to take magic computers to make everyday life easier.”

I like this one because it explains more why these computers became a big thing during the war and why they last so long. I am sure many companies did these computers back then. This one could just be the smallest of them all.

“Hello, I am the owner of magic computers. It’s a simple name for a simple item. I am known as a computer chip. We would do so much to make you ready for the future. This war may be causing more problems than we want. So to keep things simple a computer that can help you with your everyday life. This is a way for us to get our way of life back, my friends. Come and enjoy the everyday life of a computer system. Just a little cost and you will get your life back away from this war”

Another voice came up after the owner spoke his peace.

“We are located in Canterlot we will only go to ponyville or if you pay us enough we will go farther. To find us, come and look for the computer chip in the window. What package you want will depend on how long your computer system will last. It could be a lifetime or a simple 100 years maybe. All money will go to the broken families of dead soldiers. We want to thank you for your support to protect our land.”

I enjoyed that one. Sitting on my chair grabbing the disk that has the interviews just have to wait for the last one to finally go. Looking at the disc reader it saids it should be uploading to the system soon then I can finally remove the disc and use these ads if I feel like I need to go away for a bit.

“Hi, I am the one known as Fluttershy. Do you know of the animals of our world that have been forced into the crossfire of this war? Well, soon I am going to be going on a drive with many other ponies. We are going to go find areas of the world that have gotten destroyed by this war. We will use the hats left or whatever is left on the battlefield as a place for creatures to live. We did the same for reaper fields back at the start of the war. There was no way we could get all that cleaned up. We left everything behind as a sign of how bad this war has become. I left a sign at the poor fields.”
Another voice in the ad.

“Like Fluttershy has said we need to do everything we can to defend and clean up the land. The creatures of the lands are now standing in the crossfire. The reaper fields used to be lovely land. Now it’s just an empty graveyard of death and whatever is left. There will be a meeting about this in a few days. So please come and join us about how we can protect our lands. We can’t stop this war with protests like in the old days. So we must heal the damage, that's all we can do now.”

The ad ends and now it’s time for me to return. I place in the interview with Inyanga taking a deep breath. I remember this one didn’t get heated but she didn’t hold back punches on how she feels about everything after the last three years.

“Hello everyone I am here with Inyanga, a far-seer from that cavern of old training located near Hard Rock. Not many ever went in there and ever found them. Of course, I would say don’t go in there because it is not safe. Now my first question: Inyanga the battle you had with Dunewalker, how did you feel at the time?”

It took a while for the zebra to speak. She sat there drinking a cup of tea not allowing herself to lose her composer.

“It was odd to me at first when Dunewalker just gave up and told us all to give up. I was told by someone else that she betrayed us. I am guessing they heard somehow or someone has been following her. Just how I feel. I was trying to defend Rubie's honor. Ruby may have done some awful things. She may have had her mind controlled or she may have done it to protect us. Just fighting a friend that didn’t like you because of past problems with what my kind did to them.”

She sips before continuing.

“You see I understand perfectly what she went through. She even insulted me in a racial slur in my launges to get me. I have a feeling though from the look in her eyes she didn’t want to. Just so much has gone on that we forget that even my kind is a problem for what happened in the war. It’s not easy to look away from what most did. The hate my kind still has for the ponies is heavy. But we have no right to say they attacked us or they were racist to us. No, we caused a lot of that ourselves. But I am rambling about how I felt about fighting her? I felt that my heart was breaking. They wanted to kill her but I talked them into banishing her.”

I took a deep breath remembering the next question I asked her.

“My next question is how did you feel about Ruby when you first met her?”

I took the zebra again a while to even answer. I wish I could show those listening to the look on her face. It wasn’t a pretty nice look. She was upset and it would show in her voice. She takes a deep breath.

“When I first met Ruby I didn’t know what to think of her. I didn’t care for the fact at first she wanted to help heal this desert land. She of course never understood the issues between the ponies and the zebras. But she said she didn’t care, she didn’t care about the past. She focused on the future. It made me happy that she was like this. Just at first, I didn’t care for her; she was a creature I couldn’t trust. Now I look back on how I thought of her since she is dead and I regret it.”

I break into the interview for a bit.

“Now to those listening the next question breaks the zebra. I want you to understand again everything that happened to the heroes that broke them. So when you see her please hug her and try to tell her to keep fighting. I know how she feels. I have been in many battles myself. It is normal for my kind.”

I let the interview start up again.

“Tell me when you saw Ruby get shot and then be punished for being a hero. How did that feel watching her get shot for wanting to heal this land?’

Inyanga tried to keep her composer setting the cup down. She closes her eyes if those could see the look on her face, the sadness on her face. The tears fell from her eyes down to the floor below.

“That little creature didn’t deserve what she got. Then I said I hated her. I felt the hate sickness take over me. I said so many harsh things about her over the last three years. I never caught myself. I just feel that someday I will regret saying everything I have. I loved that little bug and when. I saw that I wanted to fight for her. I wanted to fight for my life to free her. But I believe Dunewalker knew if we did we would have all died.”

I took a deep breath and exhaled. It was hard to get used to these interviews. They’re harder to do since most of them are getting sadder and sadder. I can’t keep myself from falling apart and sobbing.

“That is all for the questions. I want to thank you Inyanga. I would ask more but like with Cranberry too much has gone on for you all to want to talk more. I am sorry if any of my questions hit hard. I do hope that you beat this battle if you don’t please leave this land and find a place to live.”

It took a while for Inyanga to speak again. She was regaining her composure and she shivered from the crying but took a deep breath again to relax.

“Thank you for talking to me Miss Dj. Maybe someday we will have a land that is peaceful enough to raise children. I am hoping that day comes soon. I know it might not come soon since this land may never heal after the coming battle.”

The interview ends with taking out the disk doing what I have been doing the entire time. I insert it back into the probe, sending it back out. But before I do I program it to search for magic eater blood. I am hoping it does what it can to find her. I didn’t know how to do this at first but the ponies from the stable did a very good job helping me.

“This next interview is with Water Spout. Now, this interview is pretty impressive. We learn a lot about her. She knows how to speak camel and ponish now rather than very old ponesh. She is also a mother and she left her family to fight to bring back this land for the ponies that wish for it. But the bigger problem is that she knows this land sees her as an enemy. Heroes are the enemy to this land and that is the sad truth.”

This disc takes longer to load since it’s a longer interview than most. Water Spout said many things in the mind of a water hunter that has grown up over three years. The poor creature has done something she is not happy about. Of course, most of the heroes aren’t happy with what they did.

“Sorry, my friends, this interview will take a while to load. She is the longest next to Hawk. Now I shall explain a little bit about myself. My race is known to have many clutches. Now sometimes our clutches fail to survive. The clutch I have from my new husband is the only one that may survive. I will go deeper into this when we talk about my life.”

I click a few buttons to keep the interviews saved into the system. I don’t fully understand why it’s asking me to save these things. But I am guessing this system was going to be used to either spy or be a big file gatherer I will maybe understand someday.

“Alright, my friends, the interview is finally loaded into the system. I don’t know why it takes so long to get interviews in this system. It’s gotten to the point I wonder if I need to clean out some of this system. I haven’t been able to clean it up.”

The interview comes up on my screen. Water Spout wore a large brown cloak. Some strange throwing knives floated in your magic. While they floated around her and she set them down just in case she loses control and tosses them into the probe.

“Here I am with the most interesting of the heroes. Water Spout is a water hunter and water hunters are known for normally attacking groups for what is called water in the bodies. If they get a hold of you from what many have learned they will drain the water from your body and then kill you. Of course, that’s if you survive the draining. My first question to you Water Spout what is it like to be a water hunter can you go deeper into the story of them?”

It didn’t take long for Water Spout to answer at all.
“The water hunters are what is left of the followers of Luna. My ancestors followed Nightmare Moon to this land and after she cursed it. She told us to stay here till we find one that can bring the water back. A knife that held the eyes of one of her followers had been stolen from us by a camel. When I saw Ruby with the knife. I felt she would bring the water back. It turned out it didn’t bring the water back, it brought the Storm King back.”

I wasn’t expecting her to answer it so clearly.

“What do you mean former followers of Luna?”

The water hunter on the screen that I am watching looks up to the probe and smirks.

“Most seem to think of us as dumb hunters that just want your water. There is more to us than you know. We keep what we do to ourselves. We are called water hunters because we want to bring the water back to this land. It’s harder said than done, most attack us on sight for how we have done it. When we could work together to try to find water. But most of the leadership are too closed and treat mares like breeding fodder. Since I refused that I am an outcast to them. So they made me a warrior to see if I will die on the field.”

That surprised me. Do they want to bring back the water to this land? I took a deep breath. I wanted to ask what she considers progress.

“You said progress, what do you consider real progress, forcing it by bringing money and whatever else to this by turning villains and heroes into myths and legends?’

It didn’t take long again for the water hunter to speak her peace.

“I don’t blame many for feeling that the Storm King's way is the only way. The fact that Wheel Tread and he are using this idea of progress is the only way to bring back peace. Is away but it’s not the right way. If ponies forget history the reason the war started. Was more because we ponies felt we had a right to everything in the world. If we allow them to do how they wish to do it. Then we might as well just give up here and let them control our lives in the name of water.”

I was taken aback by how open this gal is. I had no idea a water hunter had such a way of speaking. Maybe it took learning how to speak like everyone else to express her views. I took a deep breath and tried to think of something else to say. Then I finally thought of it.

“When you met Ruby what did you think of the little bug?”

It didn’t take long for Water Spout to even speak her mind about Ruby. I still remember it like it was yesterday since this interview was like six days ago.

“You want the truth? At first, I didn’t respect the little bug. I just saw her as something very weak and blind to the real world. Then I got to know her through her friend Tick Tock. She told me that Ruby came from a brood that was all murdered during the battle of the island. The queen killed her brood mother and the entire brood was killed by the hero that they fought. In the name of the Queen. The truth though I started to consider her family. When I saw her get killed I cried for days.”

I took a deep breath and this is hard for me to listen to. Since it was the same way for me. It took me a long time just to stop crying from Ruby dying. The ponies that helped me take care of this place got so worried that they had to help me through it.

“Yes. I did the same. I didn’t know her that well but she brought the hope into my heart I haven’t felt for years. I feel that she did this job to find this place for me. It was a dream come true to find it. But I will go into that another time. My next question to you is I heard you’re married and have children. What is it like to be married to a camel?”

Water Spouts cheeks go bright red. I just wish I could show everyone how she is so cute from her blush. It’s amazing to me that she loves this male so much. I wish I could meet him someday after I can finally feel this station is not going to get suddenly attacked.

“He is more than a male to me. He is a friend that did so much to make me happy. He made sure I was able to understand him before he popped the question. I am still learning some of the words of a camel but poenish came pretty easy. But he asked me to marry him during a session of teaching how to speak like him. I told him that he had to prove to me that he didn’t want me just for sexual reasons. He told me stories of how his family line had been used as sexual slaves by a group of zebras in the past. So he added he knows how it feels and he wished to make me as happy as he could. It was on the island that we met the others. I can’t go deeper into this island. Since we don’t trust those listening to try to take advantage of the community there.”

She is correct; it seems that many in hidden communities don’t want others to know what has been going on. But maybe I can dig into what happened to her and how she handled herself over the three years.

“Since I haven’t gotten much from Inyanga or Cranberry about what happened to them over the three years. Do you think you would be more open about what happened to you? If you feel you can’t tell me that is fine. Just I wish to know.”

It didn’t take long for her to speak about it. I enjoyed this interview since she didn’t sugarcoat anything and didn’t hold anything back.

“When I was tossed like the others. I landed in a spot in the desert. I guess my body hit hard enough above them that they heard me I guess. I woke up and I didn’t understand how the nagas worked. I always thought they were run by a male. But I guess I was wrong the entire time. But Emerald did a lot for me. She helped me and even hid me of course it didn’t work. Since I got dumb enough to fight Storm King minions and I guess I won by showing honor and might to them.”

Before I could ask another question. The door opens up and the probe turns to see a Storm king minion walk into the room. I was about to set the probe to attack. Before I could think the Storm King didn’t even have armor on or a mask to hide their face.

“Ah, there you are. I am sorry for interrupting the talks that will be starting soon.”

The minion turns to look at the probe. I was confused while the minion grabs the probe staring into the camera. He looks back at Water Spout. I pause the interview for a moment. I am unsure how to tell the listeners what is going on.

“Most don’t understand that some of the minions of the Storm King have been in hiding since he was killed. Most of them just outright rejoined him. Others made friends with the ponies or zebras but stayed out of the war. Some defended Mount Aris, this one is the one that attacked Water Spout and felt that strength was enough to prove to him that the Storm King can be fought.”

I unpause the interview.

“Hmm, I know what this is. I would say my peace but I know he is listening. To those looking for hope don’t give up being your type of hero. Just don’t go too far and cause yourself some problems for your family.”

He lets the probe go, turns back to Water Spout and he kneels to bow to her because of how powerful she was in his mind. I was confused about this. Then what happened surprised me even more.

“My lady, when do you wish us to strike?”

It didn’t take long for Water Spout to speak.

“I want half of you to go to my home than the other half to go to Hard Rock and help Pinda. We need to make sure things stay peaceful on that neutral island. With Hard Rock I want you to get that place ready just in case.”

I was flabbergasted during this time. I couldn’t even speak as I watched this little unicorn take charge of the large creature. The large creature stood up and quickly walked out. I pause the interview again, laughing a bit close to the mic so I can be heard.

“Yes, I am sorry she will explain soon. Just when I saw this I was so confused that they would attack her. So I learned there are many creatures from the Storm Kings old attack that joined us so they will be fighting with us. At least in their way.”

The interview starts up again and the creature leaves. On the screen that I look at the mare is not even scared of what is happening. She seems braver than most would be when it comes to a big creature like this.

“I am sorry about that but I must be going since the talks will be starting soon. Thank you for talking to me Dj but. Before I go I have some things to say. If we allow ourselves to become sad about Ruby's death lose we allow them to win. We can’t allow them to even get a win. So we must fight everything we can. When all this is said and done we will be doing what we can”

The interview ends. I need to do the rest of the interviews before I explain thanks to everything. The rest of the interviews aren’t that long. I grab the next probe, this one has three interviews in it. The interview is with Pinda and that strange pig. Then the leader of the order of Mimic in that town. So I am starting to wonder if something is happening that is going to be worse. I am starting to see things connect. I am sure I am crazy if I see connections.

“The next three interviews will be quick ones. Then I will give you the last one of the heroes and then the final thing before I leave you all with some music so I can get some rest is my life story. I feel what I am going to tell you all will help me get over how I feel about what is becoming of this land.”

The first interview comes and the first one is the leader of Hard Rock the Camel Pinda. I don’t know a lot about him. Just that he is the leader of a historic gathering mission. When my probe went to go see him. I saw the armor that Ruby wore in the display case. With at least her crossbow. The armor has been ripped apart and the helm smashed; it will never repair itself again. The words the buzzer are barely made out on the helm.

“Excuse me Pinda. I am here to have an interview with you. Are you willing to talk with me?”

The large sand-furred camel turns to look at me. The stress in his eyes, the stress in his face. I could tell this male was barely holding together. I don’t blame him for all the stress that has been happening lately.

“I do have time. To speak to the Dj that is going around spreading the news and interviewing those that wish to speak. What is your first question?”

My first question wouldn’t be an easy one for him to answer. So I did it in the kindest way I can. It took me a while during the interview to even find a good way to ask this.

“My first question: do you think this town is ready just in case the Storm King tries to fight you head-on?”

Pinda shifts on his paws looking towards the case holding Rubies suit. Then looking at the probe. With the stress in his eyes, it’s amazing to see how things changed so much for him. I am hoping he will not break down anytime soon.

“I doubt this town will ever be ready for his attack. Many of our guards have been trained by Dunewalker and before she left she promised me that she never told Wheel Tread or The Storm King anything about the defense of this town. She even said before I banished her that she would never betray her kind.”

I felt uncomfortable even now even during this interview. I felt doing this a few days ago was very hard for me. I didn’t want to trigger something in Pinda that would cause him to lose it. Just the look on his face makes me worry about him more.

“I interviewed with Dunewalker. She has found love and married them. Just she wouldn’t go into what happened and she refused to allow those she adopted to become like her. She then added out of the interview and said to tell you this. She will prove you to you and the other camels she will break the curse of the Dunewalker. To get her real name back.”

Pinda laughs loudly.

“Oh come on Dj you should know better. The Dunewalker line has always been full of liars and they will always be liars. If one can finally prove themselves and show they will no longer backstab. Then I will believe that the first Dunewalker is the reason we got into the issues with the Lunara Rebellion in the first place. Of course, we do forget that she threatened to murder his family if he didn’t do anything. “

I wanted to argue with him but I learned arguing with camels is never wise. They always find ways to use their experience because their genetic memory makes it harder to try to one-up them.

“I won’t ask about the type of defense you have. I am just hoping you’re willing to allow Dunewalker to have a chance. I understand it’s hard for you to do so because of your genetic memories. Are you going to stay focused on the past? Is that all you camels are good for? You act as if you learn from the past but here Pinda you’re too focused on the past when will you move on?”

In the interview, I gasped and I look back at it now I was way out of line. I do feel bad that I lost it with him like this. Looking at the screen the rage building in Pinda’s eyes and the sudden trotting of small hooves rescued me.

“Father she is right.”

The probe went down to two zebra fillies.

“Yes, she is like you have told us, father. That it’s always best to move on from the past. Even though you try to find the past in your job. But you have taught us that moving on from the worst parts of the past is always wise. Allow those that can to change. If you can’t do that then everything you have spoken to us about wisdom and about moving on is a pure fault then. If you can’t do that yourself.”

Pinda looks down at his adopted daughters and looks back up to the probe. He smiles weakly, he knows they’re right and he can’t stop them from feeling this way. If only he could learn to be this way from the look in his eyes.

“I do admit camels do pretend that we have all the wisdom and are above other races. We do try to use the past that we gathered from the genetic memory to look better than everyone else but even so we fall hard into the hatred of the past and we forget to move on. I for one will try to move on, it’s not easy for one like me.”

One of the fillies is lifted by her sister and the cam of the probe focuses on the little one.

“Camels are amazing creatures. Pinda here saved us after our mother died from desert sickness. We call him father now but we do understand the genetic memory. He tells us stories about the children those before him had. He said that he lost the ability years ago to have children. When he was captured by a group in Equestria they cut it off and now he is adopted.”

I was surprised at this. I felt it wasn’t my place to ask even now. But now I understand why he adopts.

“This is true I do have siblings but I will not be able to expand and give those that come after me my memories when I go. So I have to write everything down. So when I die no one will even remember me. I don’t have any issue with this. Now there are ways to give my memories to the fillies here. But it could lead to death if I do it. So they would have to be willing to want my memories.”

I enjoy hearing this all over again. It makes me happy that I got to learn this and the fact he understands that his memories will be lost because he Is unable to have children. So he adopts and teaches them how to write and to remember everything they did in life. So they look back and try to remember it themselves.
“Now I must be going to my next interview in your town Pinda. I thank you so much for your time.”

The interview ends and before the next one comes up I quickly pause to speak to those that would be listening since many use the radio over their pa systems.

“The next interview is from one of the former judges that will go deep into why she is no longer part of the evil side. Well to her they aren’t even just misguided of course evil has changed a lot since she came to this land.”

The next interview starts.

“I am here in the office that is run by Pinda. This is Princess Porcina the glass princess, the co-leader of Hard Rock. Now if I may tell you you're from the land formerly known as Dream Valley, correct.”

The creature is known as a pig? Didn’t take that long to answer; she didn’t even sound upset either.

“Please my dear just call me Porcina. I left the princess life years ago. But of course your question. Back during the time of Dream Valley. I had ponies kidnapped and stole their magic fur. I didn’t care for them back then either. The other villains took advantage of this and they all attacked at once. I’d rather not go into how bad it got. But many of the ponies ran and Dream valley turned into a dead land.”

I shift in my chair since the chair is starting to affect my body a bit. I have been sitting too long but I feel I have to get all this done and then express my life to those that listen.

“Now the next question is why did you come to this land? Equestria is so different from the others. I am sure you had a reason to do so?”

The creature frowned looking towards the window.

“Grogar, he offered us power. When we ended up here a magic spell through a song by Gusty and friends of hers banished him and then when the princess came into power they sealed him. Little by little those that worked for him found ways to put the seals on projects or certain situations. What’s the best way to do so? Put the seals on what a hero destroys. Because some heroes just focus too much on protecting or freeing those from a nightmare”

So that is something I never thought of. What happens here when the battle is finally over are we closer to having him be released? I am starting to worry that if the heroes fight and then break another seal that it’s too close to the release of the creature.

“The story of Grogar is pretty normal among my species since he is our father I guess. Now my last question since I know you’re busy. Are there any judges out there that shouldn’t be trusted? I know that Beezen has become like you. What can you tell me about the most dangerous ones?”

Porcina sighs deeply, rubbing her head.

“Lavan is one of the most deadly of them. The others I don’t know much about. I know a lot of Lavan since I was there when he went after the princess ponies. I watched him while he murdered them and killed the dragon Majesty raised. If things could be changed back then I am sure Majesty wouldn’t have lost her mind. After she lost her powers and became a normal unicorn then vanished from Dream Valley to run the prison.”

Before I could ask her another question she looked out the window.

“Listen DJ I am needed so please forgive me for cutting this very short.”

Before I could answer she left the office. The interview ended and before the next one comes I pause it for a moment.

“They had a problem with a camel spouting the Storm King's words. I tried to get the probe to listen but I got there when the leader of the order of mimic in the town. I warn you I don’t trust them I have a bad feeling about them.”

Unpause it and the interview starts.

“I’m sorry but spreading the fake words of an empty-minded creature of this world that doesn’t understand what Mimic has made for them. Now child please follow the guards and please keep your fake ideas of progress to yourself.”

It was all said and done and I tried to leave with the probe but I was stopped.

“DJ of the world. I have questions and answers for you. The order of Mimic wishes to express its ideas to you.”

The probe turns and I swear that sounded so brainwashed.

“I um sorry I have never heard of the order of Mimic until recently.”

I shiver still after seeing the camel smile.

“The order of Mimic follows that powerful unicorn and her magic horse-shoes. The order is here to help though. We have helped bring back the heroes. The order of Mimic has a lot riding on these heroes. We need the way back to how it was. It’s just simple of course. Many have heard of us from Equestria but we go where the order calls us to go.”

I wanted to say how I felt during this time. It just made me feel scared to death of how she was acting.

“Forgive me but my species doesn't trust fake religions.”

I didn’t see any rage filling the camel’s eyes. All she did was give me a fake smile. A smile goes in my mind oh what a blind child.

“I for one will not argue with you. Religion in this world is hard to come by. Most worship princess Celestia she is not a real Goddess the real Goddess is Mimic and the love she brought. Her great wisdom shall always follow you.”

I turn off the interview and shiver to grab the microphone shakily speaking to those listening.

“I am sorry for not allowing the rest of the interview to go on. The words this camel spoke got to me. I have no love for religions, even fake ones. I have been told the order of MImic has been around since the war. They never took interest in the war either; they just were speaking and then they vanished after the war ended.”

I pull the disk out and set up the next probe to do the same thing and look for Ruby to place the disk back in and I stood up from the seat.

“Before I do the next interviews. The next ones are Tick tock, Hawk, and Roll Roll then I shall explain myself as much as I can. But for now, I will leave you with some music to get something to eat. Maybe some rest and then I will be back in an hour or so.”

I click some buttons and put in brand new recorded music. When I put it on all there is calm violin music. The music is so soothing it will help me relax. I head to my bed and before I get there one of the worker mares from the stable stands in front of me. I have learned about her. Her name is Wrench and she is an odd rust color.

“Yanari, I am sorry for stopping you. Just I heard what you feel about religions. I am going, to be honest with you. I agree with you, it's hard for me not to agree with you. After thinking Celestia herself was a goddess. If she had all this power many said she had. then why did she allow the world to end as it did?”

I put my claw on the shoulder of the rust-colored mare

“For my species, it’s more a personal thing. We used to have our religion too. Because we never met Grogar after he created us and we formed a religion around and then after many fights and wars over his words. We had to distance ourselves from our creator. I am from the generation that finally got over it. I am at least close to 300 years old. My species is lucky to even survive since our eggs barely survive these days. If things don’t change, my species will be extinct.”

Wrench nods and goes to work on the system while the music plays and all I can do is go to my room. I eat a few apples and lay in the bed to sleep.

_________________________
Six hours later.

I woke up six hours later. I am shaken awake by Goldie the griffin. I will never understand why so many females have the same name. She smiles and then before I could say anything she slaps me across the face.

“Hey, Yanari wake the hell up.”

I quickly sit up and stare at her anger filling my features. I wanted to cuss her out and she laughs and all I could do was laugh myself.

“I guess I have been oversleeping.”

Goldie Nods.

“You have three more interviews and then it’s time to tell them about yourself. I am up for listening to that myself as well. Just my friend if you ever see anyone from the order of Mimic or the religion the pact please turn the other way quickly. I will explain to you when the time is right.”

I didn’t know what she meant by that. But it has been six hours and that violin music has been playing the whole time. I got to thank that mare for offering to come in and record all kinds of songs using that violin when I get to the seat I turn it off.

“Sorry for taking so long. I guess I needed some rest.”

I look at the screens and notice that Kludgetown has another battle going on. I can’t make it out because the probes won’t go into active war zones and when I look at Hard Rock. I see that the walls they built are finished and a gate has been added.

“There is some news it seems Hard Rock is now ready at least I am sure they think they are just in case they get attacked and there is a strange battle going on in Kludgetown but as many would say it’s Kludgetown, not surprising and now the last interviews. Then I will explain about myself.”

I grab one of the final probes this one has been through much. There are slices in it by swords and it’s even been hit by weapons from Rock ball. I am not surprised that it got mistaken for a ball. Now it’s time to listen to Hawk. When I place in the disc Hawks interview comes right up. It’s of me following Hawk trying to get an interview from her.

“Excuse me, Hawk.”

The hydraulics of Hawk’s legs sound and all her joints screech from the turning. I gulped audibly during this it wasn’t easy to see if Hawk wishes to talk. Her cams turn to me as they make a wiring sound.

“Are you the Dj that has a habit of bothering others? But what do you want to ask or leave me in peace.”

I didn’t care for her attitude. I would feel the same way though if I was stuck in a machine like that and just a brain. I took a deep breath during the interview to finally relax and not feel like she would hunt me down.

“No, I just have questions for you.”

Hawk just stares at me. I still feel the anger behind that emotionless brain. Someone stops her from going where she is meant to go.

“I see so you wish to waste my time like the reporters of old and lie about what they learn and hear. Then ruin your life because you don’t support their little war. But of course, the war is over. Now please let’s keep this going and ask your questions. Before again I just walk away and shoot your probe for wasting my fucking time.”

I wanted to argue with her during this time. I again don’t blame her. She has had to live the entire 200 years and a lot of us were just born but for me, I know how she feels. Watching everyone you know die of old age when your species can grow older and older.

“My first question is how did you meet Ruby?”

Hawk laughs.

“I met her when she led a damn army into the town the great hero of legend took over. Oh, I am sorry does it hurt you to know that she used to be a mind-controlled toadie of a crazy queen? I fought the army that came with her. One of them was even Roll Roll. You gotta understand it was war and war is war. The hero refused to follow the path of those empty heroes of friendship that lead to the end of this fucking world.”
Before I could ask another question.

“Okay, I will make this easy for you. I was turned into this freaking machine because I was part of a terrorist group that had enough of the lies and I helped set a bomb in Mount Aris and then as a punishment I was turned into this. Then I spent the rest of my fucking life on an island for 200 years is that it or do you need to know the fucking time my parents fucked each other?! Are we done here you worthless DJ or are you going to waste my time even more?!”

The interview was over and I pulled the plug soon after. I mute before the others come on and sigh.

“I am very sorry about that. After the interview, she told me that she can’t express what is going on. She feels that the enemies are listening but she still doesn’t care for DJs. I don’t fully blame her but she could have been more respectful I believe. Anyway, on to the last two interviews since I couldn’t get interviews with Rassie, Silver wing, and the princess of the Hippogriffs. Now for the last two then my life.”

I click the button to bring up one more interview then the last one will be soon.

“Here I am with the Clockwork mare Tick Tock. But she is not alone; she is with her friend Roll Roll. They agreed that she would go first. Now my first question: what happened to you over the last three years?”

It wasn’t hard to hear Tick Tock’s headgears going for being clockwork; she is an odd mare. Her body wires and starts up fully as I hear clicking and it’s strange that the probe can pick up a lot going on. It’s crazy to me.

“ I ended up in a town called Hope. When I landed I met many creatures and they were worried that I was some monster since I am not flesh and blood. But what was going on they had this pure ponies movement going on. During this time I went to a meeting and I don’t fully remember everything that happened. But I was put into the leader’s home and then I shut down for three years. When I woke back up the kind gentle butler was killed and he gave me a gun and told me. To free the name of his family Wheel Tread from this monster pretending to be his family. I took on the leader of this movement and one of the minions of Storm King, a lava demon, helped. He said the Storm King will not accept these movements. So he judged him and killed him then I met up with Roll Roll and that’s it.”

Well, that was simple.

“Now Roll the same question. I am sure many are getting tired of the long interviews. I would like to know what happened to you and know that you met Ruby on the island. Just what happened to you the last three years.”

Roll laughs.

“Well, I am mated to one of my kind and a zebra. I gave her a big nest of eggs before I left. But that is one of the things that happened. But I joined Rock ball and we did everything to protect each other even if we tried to kill each other. But I am going to be honest with you because I helped take down a rebellion that wanted to kill more of my species. I was shot and half-crippled as an act of revenge the rebels attacked me turning me half cybernetic. I know they will still love me for who I am."

The interview was over and I took a deep breath closing my eyes tightly. I turn off the interview and let the record start as I know this is going to be needed for later. Just in case things go south that many need hope.

“My life. It wasn’t an easy life. I have told some I have lived 200 years but the truth is my kind is known as Ufudu. We can live a good life for 1000 or more years. I am 450 years old but I didn’t come to this land until 100 years later. We normally live on hidden islands that are pretty hard to find because of our magic. But if I came here with my father to my kind I would still be considered pretty young. But my father had a dream: he was trying to find water that was so pure that he could protect it from those that would ruin it. It was 250 years from today”

____________________
The life of Yanari.

I was still pretty young. So I didn’t understand what was going on at the time and we came to this land and it was before things got too bad. But it was his dream to find this water and he has been told there is pure water in lands so dry that you would have to dig for it. He said these words to me.

“Oh, Yanari. I am sorry for uprooting you from our home. But this needs to be done if the world keeps going how it has been so much evil taking over. We need to make sure this water is the last base of hope since it will grow food for those that need it.”

My father left me alone so much and I had no idea what was going on half the time he was gone. So what do you do when you’re on your own? You start writing books about your history. So what did he do while he was gone doing odd jobs? I spent most of the time at bars since our home wasn’t safe either. So I made friends with one of the bartenders. Her name was Candy. From what I learned she was a sexual star and she refused to dance when I was there.

“Yanari darling please head into the back I need to go dancing. I promise you I will come to take you home okay?”

I took up to Candy, a creature that looks like a shark and all I could do was nod.

“I promise I will stay out of trouble.”

Candy lifts a finger to one of the bouncers who I knew very well. She asks him to come over to me and points to the back.

“Take her to the back if any of these disgusting fools touch her sexually you have my okay to break them.”

The large cat creature nods and puts his hand on my shoulder and helps me into the back. I have known him since the first time I came here. He stands by the door since most couples have been known to come back here and have sex.

“Hey, Butch I am sorry for coming today. I didn’t realize that it was the day to allow the male dicks to get hard. I hate this day and I am surprised the owner even allows it.”

Butch turns his head to stare at me. He was a family cat and he didn’t like the fact that even though I am still older than him in some ways he is a kind gentle giant. But he is by the book when it comes to raising young ones.

“Yanari you’re lucky your father doesn’t owe anyone. If he did I would be taking you from him and raising you myself. Now is he still searching for that water of his? With that war starting and it ending up here. Are you sure it’s wise for him to do so?”

Yes, things went by so quickly that the war started. I remember when I was here when the Storm King was around and then everything happened and the war started. For the moment though the club was pretty protected from the war. To this day we heard a loud sound outside and Butch looks out the door.

“Oh no…”

I stood up and looked out the door, seeing ponies and zebras in the same room. They stare at each other as their guns primed their swords and knives ready to kill each other. Then a nightmare I hoped would never happen to anyone else happened. My father walks in and he was always peaceful.

“Now my friends come on, this place is a building of peace for drinks and everyone to get along. So come on, get a drink and…” Before he could finish his words and the nightmare that still haunts me happened a large stallion zebra wrapped his hooves around my father forcing him down on his chest with a mare putting a knife to his throat.

“Is he with you?!” The zebra screams.

“If he is with you then he dies!!”

The pony shrugs most wonder why I ain’t fond of the ponies or zebras but I am still willing to respect them. The shrug from the pony confused the zebra. They all look at each other. Why would they think my father is one of them.

“Who cares if he is not with you he is in the way.” The unicorn stallion lifted a machine gun and a mare behind him lifted a shotgun.

“Kill them..”

The large pony added and all hell broke loose the entire bar became a war zone and for now, my father was safe. After a while, it took a long time for the battle to stop and almost a lot of folks died Candy did what she could and she ducked as both sides took each other out before a zebra died he lifted his knife in his mouth and with the least amount of strength left tossing it into the head of the large stallion that started it all.

I quickly ran out with Butch and we tried to see who was alive. Many of them were but we heard something outside and when my father looked out he saw a large platoon of ponies and he tried to yell at them.

“We need help here!!”

The large mare stood there. Her platoon of ponies had giant mini-guns with them. I looked out the window and didn’t like this. I tried to pull my father away because I was getting worried that this wasn’t going to end well.

“Don’t worry sir, we will help you. Just tell us what happened and we will do what we can to help your wounded. Just let us call this in.” She lifts her radio to speak on it.

My father looked down at me, his eyes full of fear. He was worried that I was right. He doesn’t do anything though but I stay close to him to wait to see what happens. I took a deep breath feeling panic fill my chest. We could hear them outside speaking.

“But sir, they're just citizens. I doubt they’re working for the enemy. Okay sir I will do it and we will go through them later.”

She lowers her radio and the rest of the bar grabs their weapons because they knew I was worried. My father looks at me.

“My little Yanari, whatever happens, I will protect you, I promise. There is no place for you to be protected whatever happens. I want you to know I love you.”

After his words, a bunch of smoke pops were shot into the bar and with the smoke, the bar patrons start firing out there since they can’t see anything the ponies prime their weapons and some patrons hit some of the ponies but only like two.

“Go Yanari… go now…”

I quickly start to run. It felt like my life was starting to go in slow motion from all the tension and the miniguns started to fire and even though the bar patrons tried their best to shoot back all those knew were mowed down. I see Butch’s head get blown off and he falls to the ground looking at Candy mouthing run as she stands and gets shot. My father gets hit by many of these bullets and I do my best to hide in an area where they avoid shooting.

It took a great many pregnant minutes and when the guns were out of their ammo the ponies came in and I looked down the hall to see my father still alive barely. The mare that he spoke to lifts her gun to his head.

“Why? Why..can't there be peace?”

The mare frowns.

“Peace is not in the cards creature. Those in Canterlot want results and this is how you get them. Your deaths came from the highest seat in the land. The princess.”

“But...Luna would never do this...The camels speak so highly of her. Please..”

The mare sighs and shakes her head. She gets ready to pull the trigger and fires right into my father’s head. He turns what life he has in his eyes left and all he could do was smile. That smile is the last thing I see every time I close my eyes now. I quickly ran and while I ran I never looked back and I found a home with the camels and they took me in. Some would think I should hate on ponies and zebras but I can’t right there though my childhood ended. I would never wish this on anyone else.

______________
The present.

“Many years after the war I went to find info on this water my father was looking for. I found it in this studio that I found was built in the salt flats of this desert. Now I never told Ruby the real reason I came here. But when I met her I didn’t trust her till I learned so much about her. I am going to give you one that was the last interview I had with her before she went on her journey to get her friends back. I am going to end the entire session of this talk with you my friends and give you the last words I got from the real her before she became the monster many said she became.”

I took a deep breath feeling tears already falling down my face. It wasn't going to be easy for me to finally hear this again. It took me three years just to do this. I pull a disc from a stand and it’s covered in dust. I blow on the disc to remove the said dust, placing it into the machine. Closing my eyes tightly as I listen.

“Hi, we are here with the Buzzer or the one known as Ruby Glide. Ruby, could you tell us why the idea of being a hero speaks to you so much?”

Ruby laughed and that soft laugh made me smile tears falling from my eyes. I had no idea that the waterworks would hit me so hard.

“The idea of being a hero? I don’t know. I see so much hurting and I feel I have to do something. I am going to say some words I learned from a mare known as Star Shooter. She told me years ago. Oh, Ruby being a hero breaks your heart and keeps you from feeling your soul. If you do this my dear little friend. I took that to heart and now. I look at what I do as something that I have to do.”

She went silent a moment before she went on.

“Just a poem I think could work with this. I am a simple creature. That is just here to help who I can. I know most won’t care for what I do. But I do it to bring hope and happiness to those that need it. I see the blood in the sand from a war long gone. I just wish to help and bring hope to those that have none. I may just be a simple bug.”

The heroes sit around while they try to talk to Dunewalker about what is the best thing to do next.

“Hey, you guys better turn on the radio they have Ruby speaking.”

Cranberry turns on the radio to hear the speech before it goes to the poem.

“You may just be a simple bug Ruby but you have done so much. You even gave this land a second chance even if some don’t care for it. What would you say to that little creature?”

Ruby just chuckles again.

“I understand it’s like what happened on the island. The past is the past we can’t focus on. Yes, this pony was racist to the other and this was racist to the other. It’s not a simple path to move away from. The more we focus on the past though. It’s not going to be easy to move on.”

I start sobbing since I am unable to be heard now because of the interview. I sobbed hard and Goldie and my husband came to me holding me as they all listened. I am sure some in this desert are getting their hearts melted.

“Do you have any last words to say to everyone before you go on your mission to find your friends?”

A soft buzzing is sounded with her wings flapping.

“There is always a way to hold your heart in your very soul. If you allow yourself to break because the world tries to tell you it’s only that way then break that norm in this dead world slowly becoming alive again. Just if those that seek to make something better then do so. Never allow the world to tell you that you can’t do something. There have been many heroes but you don’t need to fight to be a hero. Be a doctor like Cranberry, be a leader like Pinda. Be a teacher like Dunewalker. If your heart tells you to do something, do it. Before the world tells you it’s time to die. For we can’t always be the seeker of our fates. We need to be strong in the battle to come. We must protect each other and never fall.”

Static fills the airways as the interview ends and no other sound starts in a land of widowmaker desert for the words that needed to be said. Have at least been said for now.

Footnote: Max level.

Perk got: The golden mic: You have given some of this land hope. The praises you give the heroes will help their morale tenfold but again you will give them the scrutiny they deserve when they fail and fall into the pits of evil. No hero is ever pure just give them a fair trial and a fair assessment don’t allow word of mouth to control what you think.

Next Chapter: Chapter: Thirty-Five: Friendship finally is magic. [End of arc three] Estimated time remaining: 25 Hours, 23 Minutes