A hero must retake their journey to become strong again. A hero falls and sometimes comes back from a fate that is worse than death. They never fully remember much. Because they either want to forget or move on with life. That they have to be forced to walk the path again. In the case of Ruby. She had to heal her brain and memories for she lost so much after she was shot. I will do my best to get her ready for the tasks to come. I won’t be able to help her with everything. She will have to find that heart again.

Written by Beezen

It’s about two days and we are right over the water now. Gem told me the trip could take a year to get back. Because we will be going to two kingdoms and then Dream Valley when we find the map to get there. I have been spending most of my time talking to the door that Beezen’s magic paint brought back to life.

“Do you remember when you were built?”

The doorknob chuckles.

“Ah yes, that grand day I was born. I wasn’t meant for that base at first. They had other ideas for me. At first, they wanted me just for apartment buildings. I have been put in many doors and even many storage closets for many years. When the war started I was given away to those that could use me.”

I found this amazing. I have to wonder if Beezen will bring other creations to life here. I would love to hear more stories about everything they see and hear. I’m sure the stories will get to the point where I will learn so much.

“But why just a closet in a base? I am sure you couldn’t have learned much just by being right there. Unless that is the best way to learn and understand everything that goes on.”

The knob just gives a sweet smile.

“Sometimes just being in the middle of a place that not much traffic goes to is even better. I have seen many things happen before it all went down. I have seen a lovely couple use me to hide so they can profess their love for each other. The stallion even asked her to marry him and if I could have cheered I would have. The closet was used for much to even have private conversations.”

Private conversations? I was about to ask another question when my door opened. One of Beezen’s creations walks into the room. From what I learned there are a lot of old military suits and armor here. So to give us more security and defense just in case we run into something. Beezen brought them to life.

“What’s up Thread?”

The grey suit stood there. I could see the magic that gave it some kinda spirit and voice. Of course, I should be saying she is. The voice is female. I also learned that the one that wore her was female. So what Beezen told me is they sometimes take the personality of those they have been touched by.

“He is waiting for you to train Ruby. You need to be ready. On the way, I can explain to you what to expect in Abyssinia.”

I take a deep breath sighing. I feel naked without my armor. Beezen took it to the training room a while ago. He said I need to get used to being without it. Because sometimes a warrior relies too much on their gear.

“Alright, I am just worried about my friends and my mother.”

Thread does somewhat of a nod but it’s her entire body. I walk beside her waving to the doorknob. I didn’t know what to think but I was scared that I would never see them again. I am very sure I won’t

“As Beezen has told you, they will stay in hiding. The leadership of the towns that you have won the hearts of. The alliance and even the resistance will find their way into The good graces of Wheel Tread and the Storm King. It’s best to let things work that way so the battle will be less bloody. I am sure we will lose many when the battle starts. But it will make it easy to pin the judges and the King.”

She is correct when I get out to the main part of the ship that is bringing us to this land. It’s like a mini-city or what Gem called a flying stable. The crew keeps to themselves. I haven’t made any friends as of yet. Gem told me to give them the time they will talk with you. She told me a lot of them are from the island she lived on with Cranberry. I look over at the mess hall. The cook behind the counter is one of my species. She hasn’t given me a look or even wanted to talk to me. But she will give me nods now and then.

“Ruby after everything you did for Wheel Tread. Do you still expect others to accept you after that? I am having a hard time doing the same. Beezen asked me to try to get to know you. From what I have learned I am not impressed. But you’re a kind gentle soul. I just wish I met you before you got controlled.”

Deep in the core of my heart that hurt. She is not wrong but it still hurts hearing the truth. I did some pretty nasty things. I killed, I murdered. I even think I did most of it without control. I am starting to wonder if I enjoyed most of what I did.

“Yes, I understand that it will be hard for others to accept me for everything I did. I don’t even remember how I did half the stuff I did. I don’t even remember how I fired that crossbow or used my weapons. It’s all a blur. All I remember is my friends. Also, everything I did”

It didn’t take long but I finally made it into the training room. Beezen stayed here most of the time. From what he told me the last two days it’s the only place he can think of. Thread pats my shoulder with her left fore pant leg. I give her a nod while she walks out. Wait she didn't explain anything to me? All she did was berate me and act so high and mighty. I took a deep breath and buzzed my only easy way of showing anger. Buzzing like an angry be ready to sting.

“Ah, there you are Ruby. Tell me, do you know how to control the flow of your magic through your body?”

Control the flow of my magic? It’s something only larger magic eaters learned. It was more a way to make sure. They had enough magic inside them so they could take care of their task. For me, I was never able to learn without a queen.

“No, my brood queen or you could say, mother. She didn’t live long enough to teach me it. She lived long enough to show me how to use the magic out of my stinger. I had to learn how to eat magic and use the venom to paralyze the ones I attacked. So at least I remember all that but not everything else. I got to remember how to fire my weapons and use weapons.”

Beezen picks up my crossbow grabs a few bolts and sets up the target. This target he brought to life. It can move and it can taunt me. But he did promise me the target would only taunt if you want it to.

“Okay, Ruby. I am going to teach you to arm this weapon again and shoot it.”

He grabs the string of the crossbow. He uses all the muscles in his arms and pulls the string hard into the trigger. He arms the bolt getting beside me to aim at the target with the crossbow. He smirks

“Now Ruby has some targets if you sneak upon them. Not all targets will just sit still. I know full well that you didn’t use these skills very much on souls. Even though the stars wish for blood. They never said what type of blood. But these lands we are taking you You have to get over killing anyone.”

Gem comes into the training room after hearing the words You have to get over killing anyone.

“He is Ruby. You will have to do things you will never get over. I will promise you though I will help you daughter.”

Gem stroked my head and smiled.

“I um..thank you I am still not used to the fact. Cranberry pushed me into being her daughter. I had no choice in the matter either.”

Gem laughs.

“She told me that. I was amazed that she did that to you. She thinks very highly of you Ruby. I don’t fully see what she saw in you. I do see your kind gentle heart and soul though. But you do need to lose those for now.”

My wings droop to my sides. She is correct. I will have to become crueler. I wish I didn’t have to but to be a real hero you have to do awful things.

“I. I don’t know if I can. But if I have to free myself from the stars. I will have to do it.”

Beezen taps my head with the crossbow. He uses his finger to tell me to watch. I nod watching him aim at the target, for now, that is standing still. He fires and the bolt hits the target but not the bullseye.

“Do you remember how to shoot the crossbow now Ruby?”

I nod he sets down the crossbow to see if I got it. I arm it as he did and lift it.

“Now to make it hard for you. Hey, Bulls move and make sure to taunt.”

The target moves around quickly even running with its little metal legs. I just watch it like what the hell am I watching? All I am seeing is a strange target with a mind of its own. Doing my best to aim, I take a deep breath.

“Oh come on my grandmother can aim better than you!!!.”

I glance at Gem. I wanted to impress her and I did something that not even Beezen was expecting. I flap my wings to fly into the air and I quickly charge using the crossbow like a melee weapon and not even the target was expecting that. Smash the metal part of the crossbow into the target and with one of the metal parts, I stab it into the target.

“STOP!!”

I hover there turning my head and looking at Beezen as he comes over. He slaps me in the face and I drop the crossbow holding my face. He takes the crossbow and stares at me. He sighs, shaking his head.

“You don’t get it, Ruby. This weapon is a part of you. It’s a tool to get your part done. Don’t try to kill the target. Unless the target is not innocent. The stars may cry for the blood of all. But don’t become a murderer become a hero.”

Gem crosses her arms nodding.

“He is correct Ruby, I know a dragon saying this is odd. Thanks to Cranberry I had to learn that my species did things the wrong way.”

I look away sighing.

“Just I wanted to impress you two.”

Beezen and Gem look at each other. Beezen just pats my head smiling.

“You don’t need to impress anyone. Gem loves you like her own daughter. You don’t need to impress me either. Since the journey is going to take close to four weeks to get to Abinsinnya. You need to prove to them what you can do.”

Gem nods.

“Speaking of which, I came to tell you what Beezen told me. The Abyinsinnons got forced out of their kingdom. Rassie will be meeting us there but he doesn’t know you’re alive. He regrets how he treated you. But he told me ponies got upset that they didn’t join them in the war. Then they set off a bomb. The bomb did something to the city and they took the palace back recently. But they said something worse has taken over the entire city.”

Beezen nods.

“Yes, the ponies and zebras fought in the city. They got kicked out and the ponies took it personally. Whatever this bomb did it killed many and forced the royal leadership to get out who they could. They left a lot of citizens behind in a ruined city. They have no idea what is in that city.”

I am more confused about why the zebras and ponies would do this.

“What about Upholi city?”

Gem sighs.

“I have been there. They had a civil war and no one won. The palace is a tree on a mountain with a large city below. They lost the entire city to something and built a wall to keep whatever out and their citizens had to leave. All that is left in that castle are guards and the royal blood.”

Beezen nods, setting the crossbow back down.

“Now you used the wrong bolt. If the creature is innocent you will still give them pain. But this should be used.”

He arms the crossbow with a sleeping bolt.

“This will enter their bloodstream and knock them out at least long enough. Just only use this as a last resort. There are many bolts I am going to teach you to make. You will find a lot of various items and trash in these cities. You need to use whatever you can find. But first, we will do this.”

Beezen heads to a locker opening pulling out a large book. He sets it down and it’s the spellbook of runes for weapons and armor. I remember Dunewalker teaching me how to do this. But she didn’t go deeper into it.

“I know that Dunewalker taught you at least one spell. A spell I want you to learn is a spell for your armor. This spell will help your armor's battery to absorb sunlight radiation. So you won’t have to wait for hours. Now take the book and find the UV rune. These runes were never used during the war. They were mostly used for other things and I don’t remember what those things were.”

Gem pats my head leaning down and giving me a gentle kiss on my head.

“I will check back on you later okay?”

A smile forms on my face watching Gem leave. At least I won’t fully feel alone in this airship. Not everyone wants me around. I feel it could be because of my reputation for the things I did or the fact I am a hero. I grab the rune spell book opening it up. I look through all the spells to find the rune.

“It will not be easy to find. But it will be called an Ultraviolet light rune. Just look for it, say the spell, and put your hand on the armor. If it works the rune will form over the armor and then vanish. Are you ready for that?”

I look up from the book. I hope I am ready for it. Taking the book to the armor. I put my buggy hand on it. Reading the spell.

“O sol magne. Da mihi potestatem radiorum tuorum.”

I said the spell at least once. It works. I gasped deeply screaming in pain after the spell was placed on the armor. I fall to my side groaning in pain. Beezen chuckles stroking my side. I feel that the magic in my core has been almost drained.

“It looks like someone forgot to eat something. Have you talked to the chef about making you a magic meal?”

I groan deeply, shivering finally after a while I can get words out.

“No, she told me she refuses to see..a travesty of her species. A species that made our kind look like a threat to others.”

Beezen sighs standing up and leaving the room to go talk to her. After close to twenty minutes of me lying there like a pathetic baby. The chef comes in with Beezen. I finally get a good look at her. She is pure yellow with light green eyes. She hovers over me looking down at me. A weak smile formed on her buggy face. The mandibles click a few times.

“So you heard me talk about you? Ruby, I may not have a lot of respect for you. But I can’t talk like I haven’t been in the same situation you have been in. We are both magic eaters. We have to work together. Now you can move?”

I groan getting back on my buggy legs. Feeling my body tense from the lack of magic.

“I’m Mellow. So please come get something to eat and then get back to your training.”

I follow Mellow out of the training room. By mistake, I swear I was watching but a mare walks by me and we bounce off each other as some do by mistake. I turn around to try to say sorry and she bucks me quickly and I fly into the wall. I have a dent in my exoskeleton. The mare stares at me her eyes open wide.

“Oh, Dear!!”

She trots to me looking me over. I could tell from my fuzzy vision that she was worried that she hurt me. It did hurt but it wouldn’t surprise me if I have a bruise on my exoskeleton I try to smile but it’s hard.

“Quickly go to my office and get some med-x.”

The stallion nods. I finally get to see her name on her coat. Dr. Melody so the doctor has a great kick. A smile forms on my face.

“Hello, Doc.”

Melody smiles

“You’re the one called Ruby? No pony told me how cute you are. I heard so many stories about all the evil you did. But I didn’t hear stories about how cute you look and how sweet you are. I have heard you talk to living objects and listen to them. No one with an evil heart would do such a thing.”

My pink cheeks turn bright red.

“I um even though I did do some evil things you’re willing to look past them?”

Melody chuckles.

“Sweetheart no pony in this world is innocent. Many stallions and mares here act like they are. I know the truth that everyone has a heart. As long as they show it and do good. Then I will see them in a good light. What I have seen from you, you're a sweet creature.”

Melody leans to whisper to me.

“Even though I know you’re taken. I am going to give you the time of your life. So you’re mine the entire time we are on this airship.”

My cheeks burn brightly she giggles taking the med ex in her wing and jabbing it in my side kissing my cheek. Then trots off back to her office turning to me to give me a wink. I just stood there flabbergasted. What just happened?

“Well, it seems Melody claimed you. Before you say you’re taken to her that doesn’t matter. She is what her species call polyamorous. So she will push you into a relationship with her and knowing her it will just be you. Heh, she told me herself she is looking for the one and I am taking it you’re it.”

I have seen zebra mares back on the island like this. Even some ponies did the same thing on the island. It’s not rare, I just didn’t expect it to happen to me.

“Okay that happened um...can I have something to eat please Mellow?”

Mellow nods going back behind the counter to cook for me. I sit on the stool sighing a bit.

“Ruby I know it hurts you that I don’t trust you. But many might start trusting you. Melody claimed you as her next lover toy. She will do everything to make you happy. She is one of those that doesn’t expect it to be one way. When I told her about you and told her what you did. She didn’t see a monster, she saw a lost soul.”

A smile forms on my buggy face and my mandibles click. It’s the way we show we are happy. Even though we can smile, our emotions are hard to read.

“What kind of drinks do you offer?”

Mellow smirks.

“I will give you what has the most magic inside it. You and I aren’t the only magic eaters here. We have a few working on the bridge. All of us are females of course we are all from a brood. We live on the Island Gem and Cranberry live. Our queen doesn’t lay many male eggs and when she does. She uses them as guards for Cranberries hospital and she made us the workers for all places on the island. So we all got pulled into this.”

That is amazing. I have heard of brood queens doing this. Mostly it was turning the males into workers and making the females into guards. It’s not rare to see them both. But sometimes a queen will focus their might on whatever they feel is correct.

“That is normal but I never got to know my queen that well. The queen murdered her and almost half my brood to force mind control crowns on us.”

Gem comes over and sits beside me.

“So Melody likes you. She told me she claimed you.”

A deep red blush forms on my pink cheeks.

“I told her you may have been impregnated by a male of your species. But I also told her that you don’t fall in love. It’s rare for them to be correct?”

Mellow nods.

“Yes, it’s very rare for our kind to become mates for life. So that means Ruby you’re going to have a wife before we get back.”

The yellow magic eater smirks.

“Yes. I remember before falling asleep. That he won’t be able to defend me if the leaders of each faction turn on me. So he filled me with his seed so I can make a brood and I could be remembered by that brood if they kill me.”

Mellow frowns.

“So the rumors of that are true then. They will use you as a scapegoat for everything? I don’t see what is so fair about that.”

Gem nods.

“I can’t do anything to save you either Ruby. You will save them then they will turn on you. You will be blamed for everything Wheel Tread and the Storm King did. It’s the only way the leadership will save face. I am sorry.”

I sigh softly.

“No, I knew it would happen. I was expecting it even. Wheel Tread even told me as such. He said heroes will be forced to become myths and villains the same. You will just be a stepping stone in the pages of history to bring back real progress.”

Gem pats my back. Finally, the food and drink are placed on the counter. I don’t let this bother me. Taking the meal and drink back to my room. I could hear at least one or two words from Gem and Mellow.

“Is there anything you can do for her? She just seems so depressed.”

Gem takes a while to speak.

“No I can't, the only one that will be able to help her is Melody. She may be my adoptive daughter. But I can’t help her with anything.”

Tears fell my face feeling the stress of everything. I finally got back into my room. The doorknob notices how I feel and locks himself.

“Ruby?”

I sit at my table to eat.

“I don’t feel like talking about it, please let me eat and I can get some sleep.”

The doorknob goes silent for a bit.

“I have given myself a name.”

I didn’t turn to look at the knob. I just quietly eat.

“Oh, what did you call yourself?”

The door laughs

“Umnyango”

That hit me he just named himself after the zebra name for the door. I turn over to look at the knob and a smile forms on my face.

“You gave yourself a name from the zebra tongue? I am very impressed and I am sorry for being rude. Just I don’t understand some things. I was claimed by a mare named Melody. But that is not it. I was told that Scaled Wing. just impregnated me to use my brood to remember me.”

Tears streaming down my face I sob hard.

“Am I just an item to be used?!”

I toss the empty plate and cup at the wall they shatter. With all my rage and sadness I grab what I can and toss it all over the room. Umnyango stares at everything that is happening and tries to find someone on the other side of the door.

After a few minutes, everything in my room was destroyed. I even destroyed the bed itself. I lay in the middle of the heap sobbing. Everything finally has come breaking down to me. I never got to break down back when I was in the cage. I never got to defend myself during my trial. All I was allowed to do was accept my death.

Umnyango opens the door and standing there are Melody and Gem. Melody sits in the heap of the mess with me holding me in her hooves and wings. I cried into her chest, blubbering as she could understand me.

“I don’t think she will be able to do what you want her to do Beezen.”

I can hear them but it doesn’t bother me.

“I know she can but. She never had a chance to allow herself to break down. She didn’t know that Scaled wing didn’t love her. He just wanted to mate with her to give her a brood. Maybe we should let her stay with Melody for a while and we can do more training later.”

Melody looks up to hush them.

“I will be staying here with her. I will be even going with her to her training. I am not going to allow her to break down like this again.”

Beezen nods.

“She needs someone. I can’t give her what she wants. Gem can’t either. All I can give her is my training and being there for her during the journey.”

Melody moves from me and I slowly stop crying Melody and I take a few hours cleaning my room and getting a new bed and everything else in there from an empty room. The bed is big enough for the two of us.

“Now I will be in bed with you every night.”

She smirks and my cheeks just turn bright red.

“Don’t you have a job as a doctor Melody?”

She nods.

“I do but we are in a sealed ship. I doubt many would get sick that easily. If we can avoid storms or random attacks from pirates we will not need me. You need me more.”

A smile forms on my face.

The first week goes by very quickly with Melody in my life. The first week nothing happened that was that harsh. We had to land on the water a few times though. We wanted to do some fishing. We took maybe a day to fish on the water to fill our stores with fish. To give us variety.

The training I did was crossbow training and sword training. I did my best to do all the training and each time I did the training Melody lay there watching. When Beeezen got on my case about overdoing it.

“Oh don’t worry she wants to impress me.”

Beezen laughs.

“That can be a problem but if she wishes to impress a mare I can’t blame her.”

A lot of it was training and getting to know Melody, getting to know everything about her. I learned how badly she wants me. I have never had that much pleasure in my life. The doorknob even had to have his eyes blindfolded since a lot of it was not kosher to him.

I opened my eyes and the first week was over. I turn to look at Melody fast asleep. I look outside. It was night. I figured I would get on the deck of the ship and relax in the cool air. I walk through the sleeping flying city.

A few guards walk the halls and wave at me. I have finally gotten some respect. When I get on the deck I see Beezen sitting near the edge of the deck looking at the moving water below. We aren’t going that quickly.

“My training to teach you everything again. It’s almost fully complete Ruby. But I will be going with you. Gem will and now Melody. We will make sure you stay on the true path. “

I sigh. I notice not far away from us is a storm. We look to be heading into it. Over the PA system, Gem speaks.

“Up ahead of us is a storm we don’t know how harsh it will be yet. Keep yourselves away from anything metal and keep an eye out for heavy winds and heavy rains.”

Beezen and I looked at the storm and he stood up tossing a sword down beside me he grabs his sword.

“Now to show me your training.”

I was confused about this. Why does he want to fight me on the deck? The storm is close. I pick up the sword holding it tightly in my buggy hand. Beezen goes to the main door that leads to the deck. He blocks it with a strange spell and then turns to me.

“This is a battle that could lead to your death, Ruby. I hope you’re ready for that because I won’t be gentle.”

I had no idea why he was doing this. It confused me but I feel I am ready for this battle. Holding the blade tightly and rain slowly falls on the deck now. It drips all over me. I took a deep breath, closing my eyes to relax.

“Now Ruby I need proof that you’re ready for the task ahead. Show me!!”

He charges at me and I hold the blade tightly in my buggy hands. I block the attack with a problem. Since he is stronger than me with some attacks. While we force our blades on each other I flap my wings and with a swing of my butt, my stinger stabs into his left arm. I force the venom deep into his arm to paralyze that arm. He backs up holding his arm groaning.

“Ruby.. why didn’t you do that before?”

I shrug my shoulders.

“You trained me. I am also a magic eater. I will use my bug body to fight you.”

I flap my wings even though the wind is picking up. I charge at him and he tries using the sword to block. Our swords connect and I stare into Beezens eyes.

“This is not about training at all, Beezen. You just wanted to see if I was even holding back.”

Beezen nods and looks to the door.

“They will come out here soon. So just tell them we are training.”

I look at the door seeing that someone is trying to get it open.

“Who do you think it will be?

Beezen smirks, dropping the blade from the pain filling his body from my venom. “I am guessing Gem and Melody.”

The door opens up and Gem comes out. Melody is not far behind and the pegasus quickly pulls me inside. Gem pulls Beezen inside and I expect an earful from Melody.

“So my love for being brave, hmm?”

I just smirk.

“It’s more that I came out there to relax and Beezen wanted to see if his training worked. So I would say it did but. I didn’t feel like killing myself with this storm outside.”

Gem brings in Beezen and Melody checks his arm and sighs.

“Oh, Ruby, you gave him a bit too much. He is going to be out of it for a while. I hope you don’t overdo it. I need to please you tonight.”

Gem carries Beezen off too. My cheeks burn brightly and I sit with Melody by the door as she holds me close to her. I lay my head on her chest enjoying her heartbeat. I have never felt so relaxed I took a deep breath.

“Ruby, you’re mine you know? I am going to make you my wife before we even get back to the desert.”

I laugh.

“I am sure I will be. Because I won’t complain about being your wife. I look forward to it. Just you’re willing to deal with all my problems and shortcomings?”

Melody didn’t say a word and I just shared a deep kiss. But the storm is getting worse so we break the kiss and quickly get ready to help the wounded. Melody goes back to her office and I go help take care of the important gear. I tie a lot of it down so it doesn’t hurt anyone.

I glance at the main gunner that normally controls the guns. She looks at me the large bulky always having the tips of her fur on fire bulky camel. She smiles at me she has given me a lot of respect since I have been around. It's not rare for camels to show respect.

“So the hero finally got out of the hooves of her lover. Have you come to help me with a task, Ruby?”

I quickly nod.

“Yes, Gunpowder.”

Gunpowder chuckles and tosses me some rope to help her. I didn’t say a word. The two of us do what we can to tie up the guns and whatever else in the gunner room. I have gotten to know Gunpower over the last week. Her life story is an amazing one. I learned that her family comes from a long line of gunners. Mainly I don't know if it's fully true since camels never tell the full truth.

“So Ruby, do you know that I used to Be Melody’s lover? It didn’t go well for the two of us. I was too focused on weapons and she wanted someone she could coddle. Someone that can’t always be strong. She knows you will not always be strong and show your softer side.”

I laugh softly.

“She told me a lot of her former lovers are in this airship. She told me she was sadly a heartbreaker when she heard about me. I just won her heart and she refuses to allow that side of her to ruin it for her.”

Gunpowder laughs.

“From what I have seen you going through. Yes, you need her more than I do. You’re a nice but broken soul Ruby. I will be there for you too. No matter what you have done, no matter who you killed. You’re still a creature and need help.”

I was about to agree with her when the lighting struck the gun I was working on. It goes through my body. I feel it go through my magic body and my wings burst into flames I fly into the wall and I shake my head groaning.

“WHOA, Ruby you okay!?”

I shake my head grunting.

“Magic eaters can survive it. But it’s not pleasant for us because it supercharges our magic cores. If we aren’t grounded correctly we tend to either die or get knocked out. I got lucky I guess.”

I groan a bit and get back on my many legs. I go back to helping Gunpowder even though I am in pain like I am. Over the PA system, Gem speaks.

“Everyone brace yourselves, we are going to use the wind of this storm. To fling us faster to our destination it will work and take a few days on maybe even two weeks. Everyone bolt or lock yourselves in your rooms.”

Gunpowder nods and pushes me out of the gunner room.

“I will be fine here get back to your room.”

I weakly walk back to my room. I make it back before Melody does and I sit on the floor grunting in plain. When Melody comes in she stares at me sighing with a gentle smile forming on her face.

“Did my little hero get hurt again?”

I smirk weakly grunting.

“It was just a little strike of lighting. I am sure I will be fine.”

She giggles.

“Oh oh come here, my little hero.”

She pulls me into the bed and holds me tightly. Gem comes over to the PA system again.

“Okay everyone this will not be an easy flight brace yourselves.”

Gem clicks a button and the rudders keeping us in the air turn off a bunch of sails come out of a compartment and the crazy wind holds us tightly into the air and like a slingshot, we are thrown so quickly that it would be hard to stay walking in this ship. The airship groans and part of it start to peel off. I could smell smoke since the engine is starting to overheat from the wind and this craziness.

We make it out of the storm and then I feel that we are falling and we land very hard in the water. The airship groans and stays afloat but we sustained a lot of damage. It took us about three days to repair everything.

Melody has kept a very close eye on me. After I got over the shock of the bolt. Burns formed on me and she takes cream and rubs it all over me every night. She and I have been getting closer every day. I have never felt so happy before.

Finally, Beezen is better and he comes to talk to me while I am eating some of Mellow’s food.

“So Gem did it eh? She said she was going to find a storm and push us even closer. Want to know how close we are? “

I shrug my shoulders.

“We are a day closer. If it wasn’t for the repairs we would be there already. The engine needs to cool down and the sails are ripped and many are wounded. Including you Ruby I can tell.”

I laugh.

“Is it because I have this lovely black all over my pink bug body?”

Beezen sighs, shaking his head. He pats my head and smiles.

“That is no laughing matter, Ruby. You could have gotten badly hurt or worse. You’re lucky you got Melody looking out for you. If she didn’t care for you as she did. I am sure it would take longer for you to heal. Also, I am sorry about Scaledwing. He told me ahead of time his feelings for you vanished after three years. But I didn’t want to stop him from at least giving you some happiness. I even heard him say words make you his queen. I had a harsh talk with him after I couldn't let him get away with it. He didn't care from the sounds of it but you're happy now."

I sigh, nodding.

“We have mated. That means he and I are kind of mated. Just we don’t have love between us But we only made a brood together. I have a feeling I won’t be raising them or even seeing them hatch.”

Beezen frowns.

“Yes, I doubt you will be able to see that. I am sorry Ruby. I wish I could do more to help you. But I can only do one thing. You will see what that thing is when the time comes.”

I haven’t seen Gem in a while and she finally comes down to sit beside me. She looks worse than I do. She has many burns on her body. Her left arm is in a sling. I look over at her and tilt my head.

“Well, mom, it seems that crazy stunt you pulled hurt you more than it hurt anyone else.”

Gem laughs.

“No… I tripped on a tool and fell on my arm. Not my greatest achievement.”

I laugh weakly.

“I am sure you will heal faster than I will. Melody doesn’t want me to use magic to heal. She wants me to heal at a pace that doesn’t leave scars. I don’t blame her scares aren’t pleasant to see.”

Gem nods

“I got a gift for you Ruby. Come with me.”

I glance at Beezen and he nods. I follow Gem and Melody is helping the wounded and she looks over at me. She waves quickly and goes back to work and before I leave her sight she trots up to me looking me over.

“Melody, I am fine.”

Melody chuckles.

“Now now no complaining. I will not be back in our room for a while. I need to stick around and make sure no one else gets hurt. So I got to make sure my little hero is not too hurt and healing correctly.”

Gem just stands there smirking.

“Oh come on Melody just kiss her. Who cares if anyone watches just give her the love you want to give her.”

Melody giggles.

“Oh but that wouldn’t be public friendly. I want to make her scream”

My cheeks burn deep red.

“Ooo la.”

Gem laughs.

“Um….here you know.”

I weakly smile Melody looks at me and giggles kissing my head. Another deep blush fills my cheeks. I am starting to understand why many told me she likes weaker species. She likes to coddle and she likes to love them. But I was also told if she loves you enough she will claim you and show a way that you’re hers. On my left leg, she gave me a ring. From what she told me it’s a pegasus way to claim the one they want before marriage.

“We know you’re here Ruby. Just I need to hear the words from you. Do you love me?”

My eyes went wide. Did she just put me on the spot? I stare at all the eyes staring at us. Have they been expecting me to finally say the words? I look at Gem and she smirks, leaning to whisper.

“I know full well that you’re in love with her. If you didn’t accept everything she does to you. You wouldn’t be in love with you Ruby. . So please say it makes her day. Say in the sappiest way you can “

I took a deep breath. I didn’t like being put on the spot. But I have no choice now. I close my eyes and the only way I can think of is by singing. I try to feel the music of my heart to start the music. I feel the music building and I finally can sing the words.

“I have been lost. I have been an empty soul. I have been killed and then by my former lover impregnated with his eggs. I felt so lost and empty in my heart. Then I see your beautiful emerald eyes my dear Melody. Oh, every time I see you my heart beats harder. Every time you’re near me I feel that there is something to fight for.”

I watch Melody as I sing. Her cheeks are bright red. The others around us are stomping their hooves or hands. They’re adding to the music and Gem hums to the song. I will try to find another way to prove it.

“Oh, Melody I love you… I love you with all my heart and soul. Oh please never stop showing your love. Please always be there. I love you so much my dear Melody. I shall make you the happiest mare on the face of the Equestria or whatever our planet is called.”

I slowly stop singing and they all start cheering.

“Now can I please show her what I got her?”

Melody didn’t answer her and I stared at each other and she pulled me into a deep kiss. All I could think of for now was her. The others move on after the cheer and I break the kiss with Melody and my cheeks burn brightly.

“Now you may take her Gem. I need to go take a cold shower as I am burning.”

Gem rolls her eyes.

“You’re in love with a fucking bug!!”

Melody turns to look at Gem smirking.

“You’re in love with a mare.”

Gem laughs.

“But she is not a bug.”

Melody shrugs her shoulders laughing.

“Love doesn’t know species from what I can tell. You love your wife Cranberry I love Ruby.”

Gem smirks.

“Well, then I accept this. Didn’t need to prove much to me. You might have to prove it to Cranberry. But I am sure I can butter her up when I get home. I doubt you will need to prove much though. Since You and Cranberry are good friends.”

Melody nods and walks off her cheeks still bright red. Gem leans into me whispering.

“You just made her day.”

I follow Gem and sigh. I feel happier since I finally told her how I felt. I didn’t think I would ever tell her how I felt. I am led to a cargo bay and Gem opens one of the crates and brings out my old gun ‘Truth Seeker’ The weapon that the Storm King used to kill me. I stare at the old weapon. It needs a good cleaning.

“Gem. How did you get this? I was told The Storm King had it like a trophy.”

Gem smirks.

“A friend of mine saw it when she was doing a trade with him. She told him she would trade him an amazing weapon for it. She gave him a broken machine gun that she dolled up to look better than your gun. Just I felt it was a good gift for you. But I didn’t expect Melody to fall in love with you as she did.”

A blush forms on my face.

“You didn’t tell her to do it?”

Gem shakes her head. Then she did it all by herself. Tears fall from my eyes and roll down my face. She didn’t even need to be told to fall for me to help me through my pain. She did it because she does feel that way about me.

“Now Ruby we will be at our destination in a day. We will be escorted by one of their ships. Since we are in their territory, they will see us soon. They know we are coming so they will help us get the rest of the way. I destroyed the airship a bit too much and I doubt I can start the engine again without some repairs.”

Then what Gem did was destroy most of the ship. I was expecting that. I do wonder if she did it to save me more stress. The pa system turns on.

“Gem the king’s ship is docking with us. “

My heart sank.

“Does that mean Rassie is with him?”

Gem glances over at me.

“He never told you who he was, did he? He is the king of his people. Stay behind me. I don’t want him to see you yet.”

I follow Gem to the door to let the ship that is docking let the occupants come onto the ship. I do my best to hide behind a box. I look to see Rasse he is wearing the heavy long clothes of a king and guards stand by each side of him.

“Hello, Gem, we are ready to pull you the rest of the way. I will be staying here to make sure everything goes smoothly.”

Gem sighs.

“Rassie I got to warn you there is someone here. You have helped destroy the life of. I know you will go who it is this time seeking revenge on me but this is serious. You asked me to help you. You need to know who the help is.”

Rassie looks at Gem confused.

“Gem I trust you as I told you no matter who you bring I will accept.”

Gem sighs

“You can come out now.”

I come out from behind the box and Rassie stares at me and backs away. The guards grab their weapons. I stare at him. I am not happy to see him after how he treated me. Rassie lifts his hand to stop his guards. He walks over to me leaning down to place his paw on me.

“You’re real. Ruby. I am so sorry for what happened to you.”

I back away from him and turn away.

“I can’t forgive you or the Queen. But I am here to help you like I was asked to. Just wished you trusted me enough to tell me you’re the king of your people.”

He tries to walk to stop me but Gem stops him.

“Give her time, Rassie. You will be able to ask a lot for forgiveness since she will be helping save your people and your home.”

Rassie sighs and I can hear him when I walk farther away.

“She has grown into a strong-looking creature. I hope she can forgive us for selling her to the Storm King out of our fear.”

I lean against the wall to listen to them. I felt broken and hurt. Now I understood it wasn’t just the hate sickness. They did feel that I was a threat. The entire community of that town I helped defend felt the same way. The only ones who didn’t feel that way are the citizens of peace rock.

“She has been through so much Rassie. She couldn’t even see her friends. Now she has been told they may forsake her. Because there are rumors that the leaders of the desert are forming a court case against her.”

Rassie growls.

“They have no right to do that to her at all. But I won’t be able to stop it. Come let’s get you and this airship to the kingdom. We took back the docks and we finally learned what we are fighting. You will have to understand when we get there. You will see and now I see why it happened.”.

I head back to my room. I am now feeling better. In the room, there is a romantic dinner there with a candle with the door closed. Melody grabs me with her wings, kissing me deeply and pulling away.

“For you my love.”

We had a wonderful meal and a wonderful night of just talking to each other. We don’t want to have sexual intercourse too much and ruin it. We want to save it for later. I felt my heart beating and I fell asleep in her hooves. I don't know how long I was out. But I heard a loud voice yelling. 'Land ho.' Are we finally at the kingdom I thought? if so it's time to get ready to go. I untangled myself from Melody and head up to the deck to see where we are."

I finally see the kingdom of Absinsinna. The city mostly ruins; there is a wall surrounding the docks and the palace. From what I see it’s very calm right now. I see guards on the walls and looking over to the palace its roof is half blown off and it looks like it’s been that way for years.

“We will learn tomorrow what we are facing. But there is one more thing you will be looking for. A weapon touched by the moon. A piece of metal that has been in space and crashed back down many years ago. But the bigger thing you’re here for is to remove the one that controls the city.”

I take a breath sighing watching a flying ship coming towards us to pick me and Beezen up. But before we fully leave Melody comes up the stairs to get on the ship. She has her doctor’s bag and she pulls me against her while we fly.

“Welcome, Ruby to what is left of the great kingdom Abinsinnya. I hope you’re ready to become a hero for real.”

I didn’t say a word. I allowed Melody to hold me close to her body. I don’t know what to think about it. But she made me feel that I can think. I feel that I can finally think through things rather than rush into things.

This is the first step on my journey to get my life back and forgive myself for what I have done. I look back to the airship that is floating on the water. Looking towards the area we came from. I just wonder what is going on back in the desert. I am worried about my friends and Scaledwing. Even though he and I aren’t in love I still feel I have a right to worry about him.

Watching the palace of the dead city coming closer. I feel relaxed. I will be on the first trek to find myself. I am hoping my journey will go on long to find myself and fix what I can with my soul. If it’s all I can think of. The ship with us on it lands on the palace grounds and Rassie is waiting for us.

"Thank you for taking the time to come and meet with us. I know I would have to take a lot to ask many forgiveness, Ruby. But we don't have the time please come with me and I will explain to you what we are fighting."

I glance over the sealed gate and the many guards standing in front of us. We are taken inside the throne room. I look up to the ceiling above I take a deep breath unsure of what to do. Rassie sits on his throne and strokes his head sighing deeply looking to his broken kingdom.

"We are dealing with a cult that calls themselves the pact. They have fully taken control of my city. The pact is Grogar worshipers. After the ponies set a bomb off and we left for many years. The city was left vacant when they came here. They're trying to use the magic to open and portal to bring Grogars city Tambalon to our very world."

So I am going to be fighting a cult. Rassie stands up pacing he looks stressed and I can tell there is more to this than he is letting on.

"You can never tell who the pact is. Because they rip the faces off their victims and sew them to their skulls. They use their likeness to infiltrate and try to do as much chaos as they can inflict and try to find more magic. I don't know how close they are to opening this portal. But we need to stop them just I don't know the best way how."

I wasn't sure and before I could say something a magic portal opens up and a face formed in it. I stare at it I know him it's Capper. Wait why is Capper alive and joining with the oh wait they use the faces of those they have captured and wait he could be dead. But I noticed something he is decaying oh no he is a ghoul.

"My my I see that the king is upset. Rejoice your highness you shall be a king still under the power of Grogar."

Rassie stands up finally seeing who is the one causing all this. He just can't believe it is the one he called the hero. The hero of his people is the one behind all this? The one that many have said died in the desert? Maybe there is more to this than he would let on.

"Why? Why would you do this Capper? You were a hero to us the best of us?"

Capper rolls his eyes.

"Amazing you think after everything that has happened and the ponies did to our world? Do you think I would still want to be a hero because of them? Soon I will start the spell to bring Grogar here and then we will cleanse this city. I am sorry but we need to make a new world. For those that won't become corrupted."

He laughs softly and the portal closes. I just stare at everything that has happened a hero turned evil. Turned evil because of the ponies of the past. I feel that I have no right to even fight this I have no right to fight this at all. But I know I will be asked to fight for the kingdom.

"Take. Ruby and her guest to a place to rest. I need to talk to my scouts my spies and my soldiers I need a plan of attack. There is nothing either of us can do now."

The guards lead me and Beezen to the bedrooms. Beezen gets his while Melody and I get our own. I just stare out the window watching the city.

"What are you thinking Ruby?"

I turn my head to look at Melody.

"My question to myself is. Do I have a right to fight this battle? This guy has been broken by the ponies of the past. It seems I fight with my buggy hands. It's time for me to either give up and go home or fight."

I look at Melody who just gives me a sweet smile.

"Whatever you choose Ruby I am with you a hundred percent."

Then my choice is clear I look back out to the city. I know I am not happy with this choice. I keep looking at the city thinking of what I shall do. I finally turn back to Melody.

"I will fight."

Melody nods and she sits behind me wrapping her wings and laying her head on mine as we both watch the city. I feel that I have the bravery now with her by my side. All I can think of now is how we will win this battle and stop the pact's plans to bring Grogar and his city.

Footnote: Level up

Perk added: Doctors love: Melody has professed how she felt about you. You have done the same with her after a week. It may be quick but in a world like this, you can never be too sure. When she is close to you. Your ability to heal increases when she uses her doctor supplies on you. She works harder to find every wound and broken bone. The feeling of love with her around makes you feel you will never be in fear.

Next Chapter: Chapter: Thirty-Eight: New friends same old problems Estimated time remaining: 23 Hours, 46 Minutes