What is the world like without the hero or one wishing to save a land of sand and dust? Simple it’s like every other land without the hero you see a simple bustling city. A pregnant mare was saved from the enclave walking the streets like a normal citizen. She glances at the stalls of the marketplace.

“Madam, can I offer you some fresh bread?”

The mare smiles, glancing at the stall owner.

“I sadly don’t have any money or anything to trade. I am searching for a job to get enough food for me and my family.”

The stall owner chuckles

“Madam, we camels will always give jobs to those in need. I feel since you’re pregnant I don’t want to push you to work. So how about this? Do you have a place to stay?”

The mare shakes her head.

“I don’t sir.”

The camel smiles

“I do have a basement within my home don’t worry, some would be worried if I am some monster or a killer. It is the land after such a war that ended the world. In this basement, you can grow anything down there. I would be happy to share it with you but just your family.”

The mare is confused tilting her head towards the camel.

“Why though? I am just one of those former ponies freed from the parasites.”

The camel smiles

“Unlike the others of my species Madam, I don’t hate ponies. I have no issue with them because of the past and the war. Now get your children and your husband.”

The mare frowns

“My husband died before the enclave came here and it’s just me and my foals.”

The camel frowns, nodding.

“I will do what I can for you and your family. So please go ahead and get them. I will make sure you’re treated like a treasure.”

The mare trots away and the next set of markets yell their goods to those souls looking for goods and food.

“Fish get fresh fish from Kludetown, some from the various fishing boats. I have some freeze-dried fish as well as fresh fish. Just a simple few coins have some fish meat today.”

A mare offers fruit and vegetables at her store.

“Fresh fruit from the various jungles of our lovely world. It’s expensive, it takes so much money just to get them here fresh. There should be more fresh fruit in a few days.”

The next stall holds treasures of old and some weapons.

“This stall holds weapons of old don’t worry I don’t have any ammo for them and I made sure they can’t fire. You need to find the parts for them to fire again.”

The world even without one fighting for it will always move on. The world is strong without those trying to save the world. The world will always try to find a way. A simple young creature just trying to make a difference while some see her as a hero. When she is not she now wakes.
____________

Hard Rock Hospital

The sun shines through the window. It hits my eyes. I look around feeling very weak grunting buzzing weakly. I see Dunealker and Inyanga talking since I can’t talk or do anything I can just listen.

“I am not one of the most respectful camels. I normally really dislike ones like you stripped witch. But I am willing to work through my issues with your kind.”

Inyanga rolls her eyes.

“There is no need to be rude and call me stripes unless you don’t have an issue with me calling you a dust eater.”

Dunewalker laughs loudly.

“You got guts girl keep it up I might respect you more hmm?”

Inyanga smirks

“So let me guess you’re one of those types who will insult and belittle and call them a cunt and still treat them better than your enemies?’

Dune chuckles

“I would say right and some of our kind would feel they have the right to say worse and treat you like trash because of the zebras during the war. This is no longer the war, the time of war is over so the time of hatred it’s time to move on.”

Inyanga sighs, stroking her head.

“Then may I ask why you are here?”

Dune swings her head to me.

“To talk to the bug I need to talk to her since.”

She lifts the sword I named Spitfire. I could tell Dunewalker knows something about this sword. She sighs deeply. She pulls the sword out of the scabbard and a smile weakly forms across her face.

“The metal of this sword was given to the ponies from another Dunewalker. It was to be made for Spitfire's retirement then… What happened to her was still made and was going to be used to bury her. But it wasn’t made in time. It looks like this sword holds the spirit of the former captain.”

Inyanga nods

“I doubt the bug will be awake anytime soon. They had to double the iv of magic last night just to keep her from crashing. She lost so much blood and they had to reopen her wound since the zebra's doctors didn’t know how her body works. I care deeply for that little bug. She is so kind to a zebra-like me.”

Dunewalker sighs.

“At first I didn’t understand why that little bug was so strong. So willing to risk her life. I had to get Tick Tock to talk to me about it. The stories I was told of what she did. I am sure those killings and the war back on that island give her nightmares.”

I buzz weakly enough the two stares at me Dunewalker comes over to me looking into my eyes

“Oi, you fucking weak ass piece of shit is awake?!”

She sees the anger in my eyes and she laughs loudly, smirking.

“Relax Ruby you have guts and I have now learned you’re more than you think you are. But you need to heal before you even start going on your journey and I made a choice I am going with you fully.”

She places the sword next to the dagger.

“You deserve this more than I do. Allow the spirit of the former captain to guide you through the right path. I need to go talk to Pinda about me leaving a little bug.”

Inyanga strokes my head.

“Cranberry is worried about you little one she was going to lay on you and rest. Sunny and she found empty beds in the hospital to sleep. I am going to go get them so you may be alone for a while.”

I grunt trying to speak. I can't because of the mask and the tube going down my throat to help me breathe. I am hoping I get it out of my throat soon. It's causing a lot of pain and causing me some problems. Inyanga torts off to go find Cranberry and after a while Tick Tock walks in Waterspout, not with her.

“Ruby.”

She stares at me. I can see our friendship is very strained after what happened between us, our hatred growing for no reason and her hitting me. She just stares at me looking the way out like she doesn’t want to be there.

“I can’t do this. I can’t tell you my feelings without losing my temper. I care for you Ruby but I can no longer consider you a close friend. I agree with Hawk and Roll Roll you have burnt too many bridges with us. Don’t worry I will still follow you on your journey. I will trust you but our friendship will never be the same.”

Tears fell from my eyes. It hurts hearing people speak like this. I want to hug her so much that I try to reach for her and the Clockwork mare smiles.

“No Ruby, you need to accept this. I can tell in your emotions you can’t accept the breakdown we had. It’s something that has been building for years. I saw it in your eyes. Our friendship wouldn’t have lasted.”

I groan, I want to talk and I look over, reaching for a pen and paper that Cranberry left. Tick Tock Notices what I want, giving it to me so I can write. I quickly write down what I feel. ‘I never wanted to lose my temper like that towards you Tick Tock. If you feel this way, why still follow me and not go on your way?’ Tick Tock smiles sweetly.

“It will happen someday, Ruby. When our journey is complete I am going to find a place on my own. I know Roll Roll and Hawk will be doing the same. We may be friends but we are no longer trapped on the island. We can now do what we have been wanting to do for years. Get away from each other.”

I sigh deeply. She is correct that we have been stuck on an island for ten years. The spell may have been down but it took that long just to get trade ships in the port at Cliffside I did so much to cause this strain pushing the issues and making things worse

I write again showing her it. ‘I am very sorry for everything. I know I am not the easiest to get along with. Do you forgive me at least for that?’

Tick Tock smirks stroking my head with her synthetic hoof.

“That is the best thing about you Ruby. You may not be easy to get along with but you’re still a gentle soul who has to prove herself. You already proved yourself to me that you’re a strong little bug. I don’t need any more proof.”

I smile writing again. ‘What happened to Waterspout, is she okay?’

“Oh she is fine she is out with Pinda right now trying to find a good path to the pure water you found in the sewers..”

Tick Tock turns hearing heavy hoof steps. We both see an angry red mare, her eyes full of rage but sadness. Cranberry has been crying and Inyanga and Sunny are right behind her. I fear I am talking with an angry mare.

“Ruby, you could have been killed!!”

I try writing quickly. ‘But I am not.’ I try being cocky, she snorts angrily Tick Tock shakes her head. She gets into my face staring right into my eyes

“We will be joined at the hip for this journey. We all will work together as one and we need to make sure one of us is not hurt or wounded. This won’t happen again got it?”

I try writing Cranberry grabs the pad with her mouth tossing it away in a huff.

“GOT IT?!”

I weakly nod

“Good now let's get this off you. Sunny, please help me.”

The two mares pull the mask off my face. They remove the tube from my throat and I cough loudly, feeling better coughing hard.

“Now you will stay here till I tell you otherwise the doctor's orders got it?!”

I try to argue.

“GOT IT?!”

I sigh deeply, nodding.

“I am going to go see if I can find a job at the bar for a bit to get some money for our trip. Take care of you two.”

Tick Tock trots off and Sunny sits beside me staring down at me stroking my head with her wing.

“We care about you little bug, you're a treasure to us. A treasure of knowledge we could learn so much from you and you’re so kind and gentle”

My cheeks turn bright red from the remark.

“Now Ruby you will sleep or I will knock you out, got it?”

I glance at Cranberry buzzing a bit.

“Okay…mom”

Cranberry stares at me like she has cogs working in her mind she smirks.

“I will be around Ruby if you need anything, call me.”

Sunny kisses my forehead and trots out of the room. Cranberry looks at Inyanga and they nod to each other. The two of them walk out of the room and I am still strapped down so I can’t move to close my eyes to rest.

_______________

Inyanga

“And to add more to injury they used the weapon Celestia one and. I wasn’t hopeful and well I lost everyone I knew during that war. I don’t blame the alliance or Scootaloo, I just wish I could have said goodbye to them. But anyway on a better note you have been living in that cavern for years?”

I haven’t had a conversation with ponies before. She is such an interesting mare and she is so open. I remember the old stories from the elders of old about how evil ponies were and many questions now since the war has been over so long.

“I was born there. Sometimes we bring the sand hooves into our and the black crystals of the forest. There are so many zebra tribes and they all know the way into our village and they know how to get into the training area pretty easily. For me, though I am of Sand hooves and the mixed tribe we call ourselves the Kuxutshiwe”

Cranberry chuckles.

“I have talked to other zebras before, most of them are trying to forget how ponies of old treated them. They agree the war went too far and of course, some can’t handle it either.”

I nod agreeing.

“I wish I could say the same but I can’t. I never dealt with ponies till now and the only time I left the cavern is when I trained to become a far-seer so tell me how did you meet the little bug?’

Cranberry sighs.

“She was trying to get help for Hard Rock so we can help heal the poor children there. Of course, when I first met her I was too focused on testing her body and everything about her. It took me so long to listen. She is much older than any of us but she is so young-minded.”

I nod and look around as many of the ponies wave to me respectfully. I am not used to this. I glance at the sign we are heading to the cafeteria to get something to eat. It’s been a while since I ate and I am unsure if I should trust pony food.

“Inyanga is something wrong?”

I look at Cranberry.

“What do you mean?’

Cranberry chuckles.

“I noticed when you are deep in thought your forehead wrinkles and you get an unsure look in your eyes.”

I stop and she stops looking at me. I look right at her and she can read my emotions that easily. I am amazed she can do that. She is not even a zebra and sometimes zebras are the only ones who can read another's emotions.

“I can fully tell you’re a former mother. Unless being a doctor helps with the showing of emotions.”

Cranberries' ears droop.

“Well yes, I was a mother, I'd rather not go into it yet. Being a doctor you learn to pick up on many things.”

She looks down the stairs leading to the cafeteria.

“Inyanga I have a question.”

I glance at her.

“Oh?”

She smiles sweetly at me.

“Do you trust me?”

That is a question I never thought I would be asked. From what I see of her only met her just a little bit. She is kind, gentle, and willing to drop everything to keep those around her happy. I feel that she is a kind mare who will do anything to make those around her happy.

“I may have not known you very long but you’re trustworthy, why?”

She sighs.

“See the last time I tried getting something to eat for a zebra. They felt I was trying to poison them and they got upset. It turned out though they were scared of the fact one of the ponies had a star cutie mark.”

Oh, the stars, yes I do have a problem with the stars myself. I do feel all three sides do try to control our fate and if we allow them to, they would force us to work under their heels. The stories of their judges and masks are legends.

“I can understand it perfectly. I am kind of scared of the stars myself. It's more that I am unwilling to learn about them because of the stories I have learned of them. Other than that I trust you with food and whatever else you wish.”

Cranberry smiles.

“If you’re up for it I wouldn’t mind giving you a physical if you wouldn’t care?”

I tilt my head. I haven't ever had a doctor look at me fully. The doctors of my tribe never really look at us fully. There could be stuff in me or on me I don’t even know about. I could be in perfect health for all I know but always good to have another one mindful of health.

“I wouldn’t mind that at all. I may have been trained in medical ways. I doubt I am as good and able to see everything you do Cranberry.”

Cranberry chuckles

“I doubt I am that good either. Unicorns are normally the best doctors with their spells to see inside bodies. It’s amazing what they can achieve with that magic. I was hoping one of our unicorn doctors would have come to help us but she had to go home for a bit.”

I head down the stairs, the red mare right beside me. When we get down I smell the food hitting my nose. My mouth starts to water and I feel the hunger coming over me. I have never smelled such amazing food.

“Hmm, Rex outdid himself today.”

We both trot to get a tray and I get what is there. It’s a bunch of lovely veggies and salads. I look at the stallion behind the counter. I stare at the large red stallion and he looks at me and a smile comes across his face.

“We don’t see many zebras here. I am Rex. May I have your name?”

A smile forms across my face.

“I am Inyanga. I am looking forward to trying what you made here.”

Rex smiles

“Thank you. I will be on break soon. I would love to have a chat with you if you don’t mind.”

I nod to him going to sit near Cranberry and she giggles.

“I never thought you would catch Rex’s eye. He kind of was drafted years ago into the enclave. His dream is to get married to somepony and open an inn. So you might be the one he tries to court unless you see a problem with that.”

I chuckle

“As long as he doesn’t rush me into something, I will be fine. I'd rather he court me like a gentle stallion and not expect me to just get into bed and have sex with him. I have had to deal with that too much with zebra stallions.”

A mare comes over pouring me and Cranberry a cup of green tea and she smiles.

“Hello, you two I noticed you forgot to get something to drink. I am Tea leaf. I hope you have a wonderful meal.”

I nod to the mare watching her trot off and Cranberry and I eat our food. I relax feeling my body finally relaxing after being around so many ponies. I was worried they would do something to me or force me into some testing.

“Hmm, pretty good food. I have been too used to the food in the tribe. So why did you join the Enclave?”

Cranberry smiles

“Well up above before we thought of returning to the ground. We were all told those below are tribals and savages. But instead of joining the military as a ground pounder, I joined it as a doctor. I was very unsure about everything after we heard what was going on below.”

I sigh.

“I see so you felt at the time you were above those on the ground below?”

Cranberry sighs deeply, shaking her head.

“Stupid huh?”

Rex sits down by me and he sets down a tray of what looks like to be boxed food? I look fully at the food, finding it strange it smells so weird.

“Heh, you notice eh?”

I was confused at first then I finally understood. He made non-frozen type food for those who are new here. He must have run out or he saved it for Cranberry.

“You’re eating the older food?”

Rex nods.

“It’s harder to get fresh supplies here. With no fresh water, it’s even harder. So for the first thirty, I was able to keep the freshly made food. It was the last of the fresh food so yes you two got lucky.”

Cranberry smiles.

“Unless you saved it because of me?”

Rex laughs, shaking his head.

“You know how the leadership feels about saving fresh food for a specific pony. So yes you two got lucky.”

I chuckle.

“How hard is it to find pure fresh water?”

Rex sighs.

“Hard enough we can’t use our normal methods to find water. We had to have help from the water hunter. The water we found may have been fresh but it’s not enough to grow anything. If we could find a supply we could refill ourselves over time. It would be better if we could find a supply that can refill itself naturally.”

Cranberry sighs nodding.

“It’s been a struggle for a lot of the enclaves who agreed to come out here. Most of the reason we are out here is to try to contact the old enclave in Kludgetown.”

Cranberry sips from her cup of tea.

“Our leader felt it would be better to find a community to help. So we can connect ourselves to the rest of the desert land. I learned the desert Dwellers who don’t live in these cities would be harder to convince to help. We tried to invite them to talk with us, but no luck.”

She is correct that it's hard to get all the desert dwellers in one room. We are lucky if we can even get some sand hooves blood in our gene pool. All tribes of this land don’t all agree and with how xenophobic the Desert dwellers have become over time it’s harder to do anything.

“Now Miss Inyanga do you have anypony waiting for you back home?”

I glance at Rex with a smirk, my cheeks a bit red from his question. I try to regain my composure, shaking my head. It was harder said than done to regain it since he is so handsome. At least he is not forcing himself on me.

“I don't, are you willing to be the first to court me like a normal stallion and not rush?’

Rex snickers

“Sounds like a challenge, are zebras hard to court?”

I chuckle

“No, we just met good sir. So my first question to you is, can I trust you?”

Rex smiles as he eats. I can tell he is trying to think through his head. I have a feeling he is trying to say his words carefully.

“I am a former married stallion. I haven’t been married for the better part of five years. The mare I gave my heart to broke it off with me. She broke it off because I am part of the Enclave Military. After everything which happened ten years ago and the years before that. She doesn’t trust anyone in the military of the enclave. So because I didn’t quit she divorced me and I haven’t heard from her since.”

I frown. I have never understood why some would hate their military. Sadly I don’t know much about what happened in the last many years. I just know some pony named Pip caused a big stir and she caused a great deal of strife for some ponies.

“Okay, Rex as long as you don’t push me into anything questionable and you treat me like I should be treated like a mare and not a sex toy or an object then you will get everywhere with me.”

Rex smiles, setting down his fork. He takes my hoof in his magic gently kissing the hoof. My cheeks glow brightly. I didn’t expect that and I stared at him focusing so much on his gentle eyes. I gulp, why are my knees weak? I am not even standing.

Cranberry giggles.

“Rex don’t you have a question to ask her since. We have a dance to relax?”

My ears perk up in surprise at a dance?

“I am confused why they wanted to do this dance. After everything that happened over the last few years, morale is at an all-time low. So they’re hoping to fix that with music, drinks, and everything they could get from the enclave.”

I smirk, setting down the empty cup of tea.

“Well, then you're going to be a good stallion and ask me to come?”

Rex laughs

“I was just about to. Are you willing to come with me to the dance tonight?”

A gentle smile forms across my face.

“I would love to know when the dance is?’

Rex smirks

“Tonight I need to get the food ready for it. So I look forward to seeing you there Inyanga and looking forward to dancing with you.”

Rex trots off to go into the kitchen. I shake my head. What just happened?

“Heh heh, you’re smitten?”

I turn my head, smirking.

“Heh, I guess I am, at least he didn’t force himself on me.”

My ears perk up. I sense some powerful magic in the hospital. I quickly stand looking up the stairs.

“What's wrong?”

I stare up the stairs.

“I was trained to sense various types of magic. There is something wrong with the air in here.”

The air feels wrong, the smell of it feels like there is power electricity magic in the air. Gunshots sound off with screams. Cranberry and I trot up the stairs with a couple of ponies behind us. I am worried. I heard stories of this magic. If it's who I think it is, this is bad.

_________________

Zeb, Erebus, and Somnmbula and her canary Kyrie[G1 version]

One of the guards helped me get out of the binds, keeping me strapped to the bed. I had no weapons but all I see is a zebra in a strange outfit holding a satchel. There is some powerful unnatural magic coming from the bag. My stringer comes out and it begins to glow as I get ready to defend myself.

“Hmm, so you’re the one my employer is scared of. Hmm, I am not impressed. Now I wonder how powerful your shadow is?’

Shadow? He opens the bar and strange magic dust quickly comes to engulf me. I am pushed out of the way by a pegasus mare and the mist engulfs her. She stands in the dust, her eyes full of shock. The dust rips the shadow from the poor mare and the mare sits down looking depressed staring at the floor like she has no life in the world.

I watch this in horror. The magic could destroy my core. It’s the type of magic my body can’t absorb if I even tried it would either kill me or destroy my ability to consume magic. Making me just an everyday bug that can talk.

“Now just sit there as all heroes do. I am sure you will come up with some comical I won’t get away with this!! Then if you don’t want me to get away with this, attack me.”

He wasn’t looking up while he was saying this and when he looked up I came at him quickly enough he was surprised by this and he tried to block me with his hoof. I stab my stinger right into his leg and he groans lifting it. He then smacks me back with the large bulky bag. I am forced back. He smiles but he is now surrounded by many Enclave soldiers.

“Master!!”

Master a strange lightning bolt comes through the power system and a cloud monster forms. I stare at him. He is like Reaver but he has a strange red nose and he laughs. Did both of them just bring music with them?

“How about some Shadow harvesting master?”

Erebus laughs at the music growing.

“Capital idea capital”

The music begins to play despite the zebra getting his front leg paralyzed he is now standing on his back hooves like this is normal for them and they both dance. The others stare at each other. It's like we are stunned by this display. The first one to sing is the cloud monster

“Ha ha!

Hee hee!

Do you see what I see?

A bunch of lovely shadows for the satchel and me.”

The zebra laughs, opening the satchel as the other ponies and I try to fight them off. I fly right through the cloud creature not able to harm him. The others go for the zebra and he opens the satchel getting more shadows laughing and dancing. He is next to sing.

“Ha ha!

Hoo hoo!

There are more than just a few

I see some pony shadows plus a pair of heroes too!”

I stare at the other ponies getting their shadows taken. Even though they stand back up and try their best to fight. Erebus laughs, shooting them with his magic causing them to fly back. I quickly fly to check on them after they hit. They’re still alive but too weak to get back up. The cloud monster sings again.

“I'll bet they're tasty shadows

They look so dull and gray”

Zeb laughs, opening the bag for him to feed and they scream as he grabs the shadows. I stare in horror trying to grab the shadows but I just go right through them as each shadow the cloud creature grows in size he laughs louder. The zebra sings again.

“There's nothing quite like shadows.”

They both dance and the zebra can hit back at those trying to attack him. When he is around the strange wizard cloud he cannot be harmed by a strange invisible storm shield around and he grabs one of the mares who attacked. She was able to get through the shield with a knife and stab his shoulder. He laughs at the pain-causing his adrenaline to speed through his system. I also think the song is doing so as well. Both sing as I charge with some ponies who have no shadows and we are hit back by the powerful magic of the wizard. I groan, falling to the ground trying to flap my wings. It's getting harder to do so.

“To brighten up your day.”

The two laughs and a group of pegasus force the two back with weapons now. The two don’t seem scared of this as the weapons go through the wizard and hit the zebra; it doesn't bother him as part of his ugly clothing smokes.

“HA HA”

The cloud creature laughs. He quickly floats at me and before he could hit me Inyanga hits him back with the strange staff she has been holding. The gem on the end glows brightly and she stands on her back hooves ready to fight the two.

“Tra la!”

The zebra sang and they kept laughing despite how many times they were hit and attacked. The zebra is starting to look worse for wear though but is not allowing himself to fall; he holds tightly onto the satchel getting ready to open it up again. The two start singing again. I can tell this is starting to weaken them from the constant attacks.

“We had been feeling blah

But seeing all those shadows makes us want to shout "Hoorah!"

The two laughed and they finally began to end their silly song

“Yippee!”

The cloud sang laughing. I can see him shrinking from overextending. Inyanga waits for his chance to attack the cloud. I have a feeling she knows a spell to get the shadows out of him and I watch the zebra he is trying to open the satchel. It's harder since he is weakened.

“Hoorah!”

The zebra yells getting back open but unable to aim. They finally get to the last set of their song.

[ARABUS and ZEB]

Sis boom bah!

[ARABUS]

Yippee!

[ZEB]

Hoorah!

[ARABUS and ZEB]

Sis boom bah!

Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

The song ends and before Zeb could use the bag again I stab my stinger into it slicing through the bag and releasing some of the shadows he wasn’t able to feed to the cloud and they go back into the ones who got hurt. They may get them back but they’re still wounded.

“NO!!”

Zeb screams in pain as he falls weakened. He holds tightly onto the bag and I sting into his side forcing deep in to at least paralyze him enough so others can deal with him. The cloud wizard stares at what I just did and he charges his magic before he could do anything Cranberry charges in with a group of pegasus who help parts of the weather they use their pegasus magic to mess with the cloud creature ripping him apart and weakening him enough for Inyanga to finally strike.

“Egameni lamaponi e-Flutter adedela lezo zithunzi ozitholile”

Erebus's eyes fill with horror; she says something he is in fear of and strange magic comes out of the stone. When it hits the cloud monster twists like a tornado and shrinks all the shadows leaving his body and going back into the ones who attacked him. He quickly hides behind the zebra who is trying to get back up. I notice the gem on Inyangas staff cracked as we surround the two creatures.

“This was a bad idea master..”

Erebus looks around with a great amount of fear in his eyes.

“Somnambula help!!”

Who? A strange haunting song fills our ears. I look around seeing ponies screaming in pain like something is attacking them. Inyanga screams, she rolls around like she is on fire, and Cranberry stares at the ground. She is acting like she lost her wings.

As for me I look at my buggy hands as the skin melts off them and the room begins to twist and turn. I fall to the ground screaming in pain. I can see the cloaked figure in purple fabric again. I stare up at her when I get a chance. What in the world is she? She has pale skin hair on her head. She has pointy ears ..wait Majesty told me stories about Dream Valley it had a race known as Elves

“I can’t believe I have to save you two fools.”

On her shoulder is a yellow canary. She turns to look at me. The creature has no soul. Her eyes are pure darkness and I can tell she looks gaunt like her flesh is falling off her body. The poor creature she killed years ago.

“The spell will only last as long as she can sing along.”

Zeb and the cloud monster follow the elf out of the building, the music keeping us at bay and after the music leaves us. A lot of us can’t move Inyanga and Cranberry nod trotting off to chase after those three and all I can do is lay here like a weakened bum.

I try to get up but I feel I might pass out. I was told if I tried to help this land I would get hurt enough to pass out. I guess It will become a thing where I can joke while in pain shows…Oh, there I go. My eyes roll back and I pass out.

________

Many hours later

I open my eyes quickly looking around. I try to get out of the bed and I see Dunewalker and Inyanga talking.

“So you ran into some of the villains of old? Hmm, I guess someone found Project Storm Watch.”

Inyanga tilts her head.

“Excuse me?”

Duneawlker chuckles

“I don’t know much about it. Some foolish pony in the past felt focusing on war would weaken the world to the world's former master. Just if it's true I just read old files on it.”

Inyanga sighs.

“So the stories about him are true?”

Dune nods

“I wish it wasn't a true history of the past. the only ones who know are his children. Like the naga.”

“Ugh..”

Dunewalker looks over at me

“Well look who is awake I heard what you tried to do. I am going to say this once, are you a fool?!”

I blink, buzzing a bit looking up at Dunewalker. What does she mean?

“You fought villains from a land long forgotten, the land known as Dream Valley. A land of ponies of old. Powerful magic, powerful allies, and one who was strong. I don't know much about her, just her name, Williams.”

I tilt my head to remember that name. Majesty told me and many others about creatures with that name. I figured she was talking dumb like she used to back then. But I guess she was very scared of the creature.

“Is everyone okay?’

Dunewalker shakes her head.

“There were at least two who were two wounded to live. After they got their shadows back their bodies shut down from the shock of the shadows returning, some got some broken bones and some burns.”

I grunt, shaking my head.

“I guess I am the lucky one?”

Dune laughs

“Inyanga even told me you fought a strange creature in a purple cloak? She had pointed ears right?’

I nod

“An elf I thought didn't exist.”

Dunewalker paws the ground with her metal paw. I hear scraping from it and it hurts my ears a bit.

“They do exist or they used to. They mostly lived in Dream valley and a great evil killed most of them. This one who is called Somnambula is some powerful being. I don’t know anything else about her. I hope we don’t face her again. Oh and one last thing…Hawk and Roll Roll has been reported as missing.”

Are my two friends missing? What happened to Tick tock and Waterspout?

“What about Tick Tock, Waterspout, and Cranberry?”

Dune sighs.

“Tick Tock is gathering a caravan. The only issue is that we need Pinda to agree to it. So It might be best if you talk to him about it. Unless you have other plans before this.”

I groan shifting a bit.

“I need to check the research center on this project, Storm Watch. Maybe there is more to learn about it.”

Dune frowns

“If you say so. Look I will be going with you so before we leave you to need to let Pinda know. So he doesn’t get worried and sends others to find us.”

I was confused, why do I have to tell him?

“Dunewalker, why can’t you tell him?”

Dunewalker turns to walk out, turning her head to look at me.

“Did you just ask if I could? Did you seem to forget to him and other camels I am a betrayer? Listen, I am the last one he wants to talk to after sending you through that cavern. Now go get your armor and weapons. Make sure you’re ready for the trip.”

Dunewalker walks out I look over to Inyanga she smirks

“I would help you, Ruby. But I have been asked to dance tonight. I am sorry, take care little one.”

I sigh watching the zebra leave. I look at the counter near the bed I lay on. I don’t see my weapons anymore. I look at a note on there. ‘Hello, Ruby Sunny Day here I am sorry I took your weapons to the research station. I came back after I heard what happened. It’s a good thing I wasn’t there I doubt my body would have survived losing its shadow’

I groan, buzzing angrily, flying off to the research station.

_____

Hard Rock Research station.

I get into the station noticing we have been given a room for ourselves. On a door meant for me, I can tell Tick Tock made the sign for my room. It saids. ‘The Room of Ruby Glide be wary of the bad smell.’ I roll my eyes oh thank you Tick Tock you’re still upset about me after eating that bad food.

I head into the room looking around. I see my armor fully charged and my weapons on the stands. I put on my armor and connect my weapons on the sides. Make sure I got everything and wait until I got a note in my bags? I take out the bag to read it. ‘Hello, Ruby I am sure you have already been told. Roll Roll and Hawk are now missing. I am worried about them and we both mean I need to get over my issues with you. I can’t promise anything, take care, Ruby.’

I crumble up the note, feeling upset about all this. I take a deep breath and try not to worry about it any longer. Since I know I won’t be leaving anywhere anytime soon I need to find out about this project Storm Watch.

It’s going to take a while to look through this entire system and I can’t think of the best way to do this. I sit at a desk where one of the computers sits. The desk had something I could read. Taking off the helm so I can have an easy time. I grabbed the large book. It said on it. 'The fundamentals of hacking. From easy code to the hard.' Opening it up slowly reading since I would have to learn the best way to hack. But sometimes you come across a computer that needs a key with the code. These again are pretty easy to take care of. You just need to hope some pony near you has the key. Now'

I hear hoof steps behind me and I notice Cranberry.

“I figured you would be here Ruby. Are you here to see what you can learn?”

I shrug my shoulders nodding

“I doubt I would find anything but I could at least try.”

Cranberry chuckles sitting at another one of the desks beside me. She begins to hawk as I get to make sure I do this correctly. I try to hack the console I am on and it takes me a few tries of backing out and back in. I see some audio files? I click cone of them to listen

"Project Iron wolf. The scientist working on this. I wish to stay unknown. But he has claimed that Scootaloo herself has asked him with others to find a way to prolong the pony way of life. But with the help of an orb. That was found during the search for crystals. He took an interest in it. using the orb to turn ponies into wolf creatures.”

I could tell the voice in the recording is not happy about this. The mare sounds very upset and unable to do anything about stopping this. The voice continues soon after a silence.

“ The fact he had to get Fluttershy's got convinced to allow this testing is beyond me. Shows how crazy this was. How would ponies act if they learned? Those they loved have now become these things. They don't even remember who or what they used to be. I think it might be best to terminate the project."

Cranberry leans over enough to hear it all.

“Hmm. Project Iron wolf is an odd project. I have met some of the creatures from it. They’re odd and don’t trust ponies easily.”

I notice there is another audio file I click it

"We tried to terminate the project. But the doctor was ready for us. We are all now in a cell. He takes us one by one to be turned into these creatures. He kept saying the world is going to end. We must protect our way of life. This doctor is crazy. I hear...screaming I hear exploding corpses. I can see one of my friends formally placed into a cage. I tried to speak to her. She just stared at me brain dead. He's coming for me now..please send help!!"

"That was the last message from agent Rumble. It was to be sent to the Ministry of peace. But a great surge caused it to come here. Would you like to send it off?"

Cranberry stares at me. We both look at the computer in horror and wonder. Mostly a wonder for me because this is getting interesting. I closed my eyes, and let out a sigh taking my helmet off. It was getting hot with it on.

“Cranberry ain’t this Fluttershy still alive?”

Cranberry shrugs her shoulders.

“I ain’t sure it’s been a while since I heard anything about her. She might be hiding maybe or trying to stay out of the history of life and the history of what is going on. With how old she is I don’t blame her.”

I nod sighing

“I can understand but I wish we could keep the past in the past.”

Cranberry clicks on her console to look through it all. She stares at the screen she laughs giggling

“I found it!!”

She leans in to read and I fly over her shoulder to see.

“Project Storm watch. Gather former enemies of the past. Enhance them to use them as our minions. The villains in question. Tirek, Erebus, Beezan, The Storm King, Lavan, Flores, Crunch the rock Dog, and Catrina. Some of them didn't survive the process. The ones that did are now in stasis. If we need them we shall use them in this war."

The list of ones that didn’t survive. Somnambulas are on the death list. I can say that this is not true at all. The next ones are the raptorians and the last one on the list is someone called King Charlatan?. Oh no, wait it saids he is missing, not dead.

"Okay, that is the most stupid plan I have ever heard of. Why would they take these villains and try to turn them into things that can fight in this war? Oh wow, you ponies sure have the stupidest no offense stupidest idea ever. I can see why Star Shooter didn't speak much of what the ponies did."

Cranberry turns to stare at me. She looks like she was a bit upset at what I said. She smirks and laughs softly

“Sadly I agree with you the ponies of old did some dumb stuff.”

I sit back down on my desk clicking more and I see one more file. ‘Project Rainfall?’ I click on the file and it comes up with the creation. A giant metal platform in the sky. It’s the device that brought me and my friends here.

“Cranberry, listen to this.”

“Project Rainfall is a creation to bring..back the rain. Wait there is something else here.”

I click a few more files and my eyes open wide suddenly seeing blueprints for Hydroponics gardens. Cranberry looks over noticing them too and she quickly takes her pip-buck to download the blueprints.

“I will head back to the Enclave base. If Waterspout finds a way to get that pure water out of the sewers then we can use these. What are you going to do with Ruby?”

I shrug my shoulders.

“Maybe rest a bit unsure.”

Cranberry leaves and I see an old recording. I click on it and when I do the recording comes up from two hundred and thirty years ago.

A camera turned on inside the research station. The voice sighed and sounded very tired.

"It's been many years since this damn war started now. I can't wait for it to end. Ponyville should be having one of its...I don't know it's been so long since I have been away. I don't know anymore. " The camera just focused on one spot in the room. But the mare started to walk around the room. She was alone despite one earth pony in the room.

"Wheel Tread how's it coming?"

The stallion turned in his wheelChair and his fur looked dull so did his eye.

"Well, they just finished finding him and putting him back together. So now the project is in swing with him. But I'm a bit worried about the fact we have been asked to do this. It seems a bit risky."

A mare nodded.

"Yes, I agree. I don't even know who asked for this project."

Wheel tread shrugged. " I did at first but I didn't think this is what they would have in mind. Our old enemies? Why would we allow such a thing?" Wheel tread looked very upset. His emotions reigned from defeat to insure in the matter. The mare places her hoof on his shoulder.

"Look if anypony can do this right it's you. I want to get out of this war so we can get back to Ponyville. With.Glitter. So she and I can go on a double date again. Don't have to worry about a gun pointed at your head or waiting for Zebras to kill us." She sighed with a few sobs.

Wheel tread smiled.

"Oh-oh, I will be alright I.."

Another voice cuts into the recording.

"Wheel Tread go get everything packed. You have been transferred to a POW camp outside of Manehattan."

Wheel Tread looked up at the unknown mare, his eyes full of sadness. He went up to the elevator. He waved goodbye to the mare

"When the war is over. We will meet back in Ponyville."

He was about to say before the door closed. The camera turned off and a voice formed on the computer.

I click a few buttons when I hit a random button I notice a door leading to stairs heading downstairs. There is a basement here? I took a deep breath heading down it to see what I could find.

_______________

Hard Rock research basement.

A confused buzz came from me and a voice came over the computer.

"You seem to be interested in learning about the past. But before you continue, allow me to introduce myself. I'm known as a Watcher of course I shouldn't be telling you that since. The need for me has come and gone. But I feel it will still be helpful. Now I forgot all this was out there. But I recently learned the old broadcast station is up and running and the fact you're looking through these files. But I got a question, ``Who are you?"

I sighed it was going to take a while to explain. So I went through the Island. What happened there and how it was a prison. I went through what the Queen and her guards did to me and my friends. then I went into how Cliffside turned into a rape city on the island. I went into how the hero came to the island and that the spell trapped her there. I went through the entire story.

Everything that happens and then what happens to the hero at the end of the war. I sighed after a while.

"That's everything that happens. The hero is back at her home resting and well I am here because some machine tossed me and my friend's here when we were on our way to Equestria."

I go silent for a bit unsure what to say shrugging my shoulders. "Now I am stuck here finding these weird robots and something about the Storm king rising?"

The voice went silent for a moment.

"Ruby, I am going to have to get back to you. Do you have any way I can contact you?" Though for a moment I was wearing an EFS helm. I put it on quickly and looked at the radio code that I could give this watcher. Looked at it closely.

"My code for my radio is four, three, three, three, and double X. You can contact me that way. But what do you need to do?"

The watcher didn't say a word for a while. I got worried that he was not there anymore. But I heard a voice come over.

"I need to check some things. If what you're saying is true this is bad. I will contact you later."

He broke contact and I sighed leaning back in the chair. Now I feel alone and bored again. I need to go talk to Pinda anyway. I get up from the chair and put my helmet on looking back at the computer. I have no idea how I talked to someone who is connected to computers? Maybe I was lucky to get in contact with them.

Flying out of the station to find Pinda. I look around for a guard flying down to one.

“Excuse me, where is the Explores building?”

The guard stares at me. She turns her hoof and I turn to see oh gods I am happy I am wearing a helmet I am right beside it. I feel so dumb right now. Before I go inside I hear Dj Mixer on the radio

“Hello everyone Dj MIxer here I come to you with bad news. The water expedition has been found dead in the desert. The two known as Hawk and Roll Roll are nowhere to be found. I worry about those two since they didn’t wish to come to this land. They’re friends of the buzzer.”

I groan knowing I haven’t even placed that name on my helmet yet. Before I leave I will do so. I grunt angrily. I listen closely to hear more if there is any more.

“I am very sorry I don’t have other good news. I did get a strange recording though it was delivered to me by a crow. Trust me seeing a living crow in this desert is rare to see and one which is not dead. Anyway, give me a moment to get the recording to play.”

For a few moments nothing but static.

“Huh, a Dj? Never thought I would hear a Dj in this land again. Anyway, I got a message for the pretender hero. Go back home now before you get in over your head, little creature. I have heard you faced some foes of the past and didn’t have an easy time. But if you feel you need to keep pursuing this. This is all I am going to say a piece on the chees board has been moved. Are you smart enough to find and fight the pawn? I am sure you have the guts to try.”

The recording ends.

"Well, that's all I got. It seems we have a threat to this land. Bigger than the buzzer can deal with. I hope you can help little Buzzer but the desert is slow right now. So no news. Oh, also I got a new helper here to help me fix up the place. So I can play music. Say hi Cande"

A soft gentle voice spoke up.

"HI!!"

"She is a unicorn from one of the stables. An entire group from stable 50 came to give me help. So this place will be heavily protected. Now I need to be going to help fix this place up. So I can give you all the music. Take care."

After the Dj left music played and I ignored it heading into the Explores league building.

_________

The explorers league building

I flew inside the Explorer's building. Looking around I noticed many old books in glass cases with some old guns from the war. The guns don't look taken care of. But just place it in glass cases. Along with some old books that have the stories of some soldiers' diaries and journals. An old device that Star Shooter even had. A few versions of the Pip bucks in the cases.

I turn to see a sign ‘Vote for Pinda for the leader of Hard Rock.’

A smirk forms across my face and I look through more of the cases. I see old eggs, one of them a pretty large egg called a Roc egg, and looking through it, I see some old bones of some creatures I have never seen before.

“Can I help you, Ruby?”

I turn to look at Pinda.

“I want your okay to gather a group of camels or whatever can help us to go search with.”

Pinda sighs

“Go ahead Ruby you didn’t need to ask but I can understand why you did. I am worried Dunewalker is going to betray you like those in her family line did named Dunewalker.”

I need to learn what is going on.

“If you dislike Dunewalker, why do you care if she comes or goes? Is there something you’re not wishing to tell me?”

Pinda sighs, shaking his head.

“I will just say that it’s a camel issue. It will stay a camel issue, right?”

I nod.

“Alright, I am going to see if I can help the others gather others for the caravan.”

I head back out of the building heading to the gates. I see Tick Tock and Waterspout. Dunewalker is with them and they are talking to those who are willing to come with us. WaterSpout looks like she is wet from a bath.

“So is everything ready to go?”

Dunewalker turns to me.

“In a way, yes. Waterspout found a way to get water out of the sewers so we can start using it. I am talking to some I know who might wish to come. We just got to wait for the Enclave dance to be open and we will get going.”

Enclave dance?

_______

The enclave dance

It’s late and the sun recently went down. I don’t know what the others are doing but if they’re willing to wait for me and Cranberry to enjoy this dance. I come in wearing a long blue dress. My mane was combed and gold rolled into my mane. Gentle glowing gold earrings hang from my ears. I hear a whistle turning to see Cranberry. She is in a green dress.

“How beautiful Inyanga. I talked to Ruby before I came here. They got everything set up for us. I just told them they will have to wait at least a day for us to go. Ruby wanted to come but she got angry we couldn’t find a dress for her so she just went to get some sleep.”

I chuckle.

“What about Tick Tock and Waterspout?”

Cranberry frowns

“Ruby and Tick Tock got into another heated argument. It wasn’t as bad as last time but whatever happened before they just don’t seem to get along anymore. I am hoping this journey will change that.”

I nod

“I can understand why Waterspout is not here. Since it is being tasked to find more water. As for me, I am here because you know why.”

Cranberry and I walk into the main hall. There are many ponies dancing and laughing and drinking. They have a band playing heavy dance music and I just sigh never been to a place like this. Cranberry looks around smiling weakly.

“I met my former husband at one of these so long ago.”

I feel bad for Cranberry. I wish she could go into what happened. Cranberry trots off to get something to drink for us and I am unsure where Rex is. Like clockwork, he comes up behind and I roll my eyes feeling dumb

“Well hello, Inyanga. You look wonderful.”

A smile creeps across my lips.

“Thank you, Rex, you look very handsome.”

I notice Cranberry is up on the stage whispering something to the band leader. She nods and they both laugh. The mare's voice comes over the mic

“Hello, everypony are you all having fun and enjoying having at least a little peace in this broken world?”

The ponies cheer and Rex and I stand beside each other wondering what is going on. The leader of the band looks at the two of us.

“As a request from Doctor Cranberry this next song is for the young lovers of the crowd. You know who you are.”

The mare nods to the other ponies and one of them magically forms a saxophone and another gently hits drums and the mare holds the mic to her mouth closely

“The moon glows above us tonight. I see you in the moonlight and your eyes glowing on the moon. I stare into those eyes and all I hear are the words. I love you. We are here under the bourbon sky.”

I looked at Rex. He bowed and we began to dance. My cheeks glow brightly as I dance with the stallion. This is so romantic and I feel this is the best first step into getting to know him fully. I wish it was easier to fall in love.

“The moon glows in your lovely eyes. We hear the song of love all around us. Take the plunge, take the dip. Don’t let the song of love end for you tonight. The bourbon moon is above us as we drink and become one together in the dream of love.”

My knees are getting weaker as I hold onto the stallion. I stare into his eyes feeling a budding love, not lust. Not want for pure sex and pleasure. Just a little love to fulfill a dream it’s like a dream in the night, a song for both of us.

“Ooo hooo we shall kiss in the pale moonlight. Don’t delay showing your love. Don’t rush, let the love build over time and become closer to the point of the blast of love.”

The song ends with Rex and I kissing gently, my cheeks glowing brightly. It’s just a gentle kiss not one of lust. He takes me outside and I sit on a bench beside him.

“I am happy we won’t be rushing this.”

I chuckle

“Same with me. But why did you ask me to come out here?”

Rex smiles

“I would like to court you and maybe if it's in the cards, marry you. No rushing but if you break off from Ruby and you have nowhere else to go. I would love to get to know you more.”

I smile sweetly.

“I do need to get some sleep to get ready for the trip. But if it's in the cards and Ruby's journey is complete I will come to you and if we do it then I shall become your wife. But remember no rushing, no forcing anything on it will be all-natural.”

Rex chuckles

“I agree now. Get some rest, beautiful zebra. I shall see you again when you’re able to return from the journey.”

I lean in to give him a deep kiss standing up and heading to the research station to get to my room to sleep after I walk in, Cranberry comes in behind me giggling.

“I saw it all.”

I laugh blushing.

“We will talk about it when it’s not too late, Cranberry. Goodnight.”

Cranberry nods and leaves heading back to the hospital I head into the room. I take off the dress and the curls and rings. I lay on the cot to think of my future with a stallion like Rex. Pure hope it works. I close my eyes to fall asleep.

__________

The gates of Hard Rock

I was the last one to wake. I make sure everything is on and before I leave the research station I put the name the Buzzer on my helmet. I take a look at it closely and feel It might be a bad idea to place this on there.

Putting the helm on and making sure I got everything and I fly down to the gate Pinda is there to say goodbye to us and my friends are all here. I look at Tick Tock and she looks at me. I see the sadness in her eyes. WaterSpout looks at the two of us and sighs knowing she can’t fix our friendship.

“I am going to say this once to you all. If I see any arguments or fighting. I will force you in the sand and fuck you up got it?!”

I turn to stare at Dunewalker nodding.

“We need to work together. We can't always be at each other's throats so if you two can work it over then do so.”

Inyanga and Cranberry were talking about the dance last night and how Rex was so kind and gentle to the zebra. I smile loving how Inyanga is so happy. At least she looks happy she doesn’t smile much and when she does it shows she is very happy.

Cranberry had yellow first aid boxes attached to her armor and we headed out the gate. I turn back to see Hard Rock. I feel this will be the last time I will be stepping in here. When I turn around I see the camel from the order of Mimic standing right infront of me.

“So you follow the path of the order. Follow it, my little friend. I wish to humbly say I am sorry for putting you on the spot. Things have gotten worse here over the years. So the order is trying to find more help and it's not easy. I wish I could explain but the order has a great deal of interest in what you're doing. if you see others and they ask for help please help them."

She bows her head and I fly past the camel getting far enough to turn around to look at the gates of Hard Rock. I wonder what is to come in my journey.

"Ruby come on!"

I turn to look at Cranberry nodding and flying to follow the others. I will see what is ahead when it's time to know what is ahead.

Footnote: level up

Perk: Project Rainfall: You learn that Project Rainfall is why you’re here. You have an obsession to try to learn more about it and try to see if you can try to get the water to return to this desert land. When you’re obsessed with learning about this your charisma is - 20

The second perk added: Order of Mimic friend: The order of Mimic has taken great interest in your journey. When you're around them you feel a great amount of unease. There is something you're unsure about with them. You don't know what to feel but at least they're trying to help. When you're around one of their churches you are at peace for an amount of time.

Next Chapter: Chapter six: A choice Estimated time remaining: 48 Hours, 6 Minutes