"Anyone who's been in battle would recognize himself in this. Most of us wouldn't care to admit it. It takes courage to look inside yourself, and even more, courage to write it for other people to see. I'm proud of you, son."

- Sisko, to Jake Deep Space Nine

When an army is trying to protect the exact home we want to take over. They’re just our people wishing for the same we want. When a king tells them to kill the freedom fighters then they have every right to do so. If the king and the army themselves are controlled by strange necromantic creatures then there is no way they’re fighting to protect the kingdom but to destroy us.

Written by Sterling

____________

Today

Shattered burning buildings and bodies in the streets of all those who fought to get the kingdom back and those who defended it. Some are not even corrupted by those monsters in the castle. Another building caught on fire from bombardment from the castle. Mirelurks break out of the ground to pull out anyone living in those burning buildings.

One firm push, one strong fight will get us into the castle. With a roar not far from us the mirelurk queen breaks herself out of the wall of the treatment plant. The other mirelurks who follow pick up the pieces and place them in a pile then charge with their mother. The poor queen sounds upset and angry. Not far from her is the little magic eater. The one is known as Topaz to many. I know the truth. I don’t know what she told the queen but she got her to lead the charge to the castle.

Maybe I am getting too far ahead. When a battle such as this happens in our lovely kingdom, let me start at the beginning of what happened a few days ago.

_____________

Two days ago Sterling

I have been getting ready for my next masterpiece of a newspaper I call it Nor the battle to the strong. I am hoping it will be ready to read after whatever is coming is over. I glance over at our hero captain. She is talking to the missing princess who started this war. I stand heading to the window notching a strange yellow dot coming from the castle.

“Mellow?”

Mellow looks up from the bar coming over to me and I point my claw out to the window and look back at the bug.

“Who is that?”

Mellow looks at the yellow dot which is coming closer. She quickly opens the door and goes to meet whatever the yellow dot is. When the poor creature comes closer she is disheveled and tears fall down her cheeks. Mellow pulls the yellow pegasus into the inn and closes the door, locking it.

“Shhh, it’s okay Melody relax, tells me everything that happened.”

The pegasus calms down so this is Melody the one Ruby is married to but why is she here? Mellow makes Melody some tea so she can relax and say anything. Tea is normally used in our society to help relax the hearts of those in great pearls.

Melody drinks from the cup relaxing and taking a deep breath. She looks at all those eyes staring at her and a gentle blush forms on her cheeks. I am amazed I can see her blush. It could be from the fact her fur is yellow.

“I am sorry I am Melody Glide, wife of Ruby. I have come to warn you all. Strange parasites have controlled the king, the queen, and most of the court all along. I think the army will attack at any time you need to be ready.”

Captain Celaeno stands on her crystal peg leg. She is not wearing her old captain outfit. She looks at her friends who survived the freezing and nods to them. The captain walks over to Mellow and pulls her from Melody for a moment. The magic eater doesn’t get upset at the captain but from the look on her face, she can tell what the captain needs.

“How fast can you fly Mellow?”

Mellow shrugs her shoulders.

“I can fly faster than most. What do you need me to do? I am not a fighter, I am just a cook.”

Celaeno smiles.

“I am not going to ask to fight little one. I need you to get to the other leaders and tell them we can’t wait any longer. It's time to fight and we don’t have time to make up a plan, it's time to fight.”

Mellow frowns nodding.

“I will be back Melody, keep drinking your tea and your wife is upstairs. She is in a magic coma because of the necromantic magic she ate.”

Melody shakes her head. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen this lovely pegasus. I see why Ruby married her. She turns her eyes to look at me and tilts her head.

“That is Sterling.”

I bow my head and Melody waves her hoof drinking from the cup.

“Don’t worry though Melody Amandla is with your wife right now keeping an eye on her. So you relax and I will be back as quickly as I can.”

Mellow flies out of the inn heading to speak to Gearshift first. I am sure whatever Mellow said to Gearshift caused her some great concern since she barges in here looking at Melody and she goes over to the pegasus.

“Tell me everything please.”

Melody sighs.

“It was pretty simple, many of us made friends there. I know the nurse I trained escaped at least I think she did. But the only way for me to get out was by a window. One of the court females I helped. She got me out and she never had a parasite. I looked back and they left her alone after I left. She told me to go and she will be fine. One last thing I heard is please come back my friend and save us. The king’s brother is alive in the court and the king and queen are parts of him.”

Celano sneers.

“So the zebra was correct that this would happen. She is waking up the others so they can help us with this fight. I think it even means they will wake the ponies who tried to stop them. I hope those ponies will listen.”

Melody smirks.

“I can talk to them if need be.”

Gearshift stares at the captain and Celaeno stare back.

“Can I help you Gearshift?”

Gearshift chuckles blushing to stroke the back of her head.

“No no, just it’s been so long since I have seen a hero Ruby doesn’t consider herself one anymore. She thinks of herself as a guardian now since so many things happened to her.”

Celaeno tilts her head nodding.

“I have met Ruby just for a moment. I didn’t know what to think of her but I learned she is pregnant and did what she did. I know she is a magic eater but I doubt that type of magic is healthy for a pregnant mother.”

Melody chuckles.

“Oh, she will get an earful from me. I know she wasn’t happy that I was there without her. Ruby will do anything to make sure I am okay. I am amazed she didn’t try charging back into the castle to come and get me.”

I laugh softly.

“Oh, she wanted to but we stopped her. I did what I could since I am still a new friend to her. Oh, forgive me. As the others said, I am Sterling. I am a reporter. I did my best to write about your wife’s exploits and kept her name out of it just in case someone from the outside world comes and wants to know what happened here.”

Melody chuckles and there is a knock on the door. Melody backs up to hide behind the bar. I wonder if she is worried. Gearshift opens the door to the zebra, Endless night trots in with other zebras, even ponies behind her.

“Fine, we will follow you, for now, zebra. You said you had something to tell us?”

Endless Night smirks.

“The one who helped wake us up is here passed out.”

Before she could finish her thoughts. They notice Melody walking out from behind the bar. The lead stallion looks at the yellow mare and then back at Endless Night. The zebra walks over to Melody and looks her over and a gentle smile forms on her face,

“Hello, wife of the little bug.”

Melody’s face brightens up and smiles.

“Wife of the bug do me a favor and tell these ponies the world ended.”

Melody sighs and explains to the other zebras and the ponies what happened. She doesn’t leave anything out, she even explains from the book she read about Little Pip. Who I just learned about recently myself. Gem told me she has a book at home on the island and will give it to me if we make it back there.

“That is how it happened and now you’re stuck in a world trying to heal itself. While some still wish for the world to be broken and dying. I would go on more but I worry the king will start attacking any time now.”

Endless Night frowns nodding.

“It may take a day or two for the king and the parasites he controls to gain the might to do so. They would have to gather as much as they could to get ready to fight. If we attack too soon it will be bad for all of us. The king is a monster wounded now because of the book. It would be easier to take them down, yes. But we would lose many in the fight. We need to get everything ready for the battle ahead.”

Red Bolt sighs.

“Then I guess zebras will be fighting together. I still have issues with your kind because of the war. But I am sure it is very normal for what we have been through together. Excuse me, yellow pegasus.”

Melody turns to look at Red Bolt.

“Have you been back to Equestria if so is it healing alright after this hero healed it?”

Melody smirks

“I don’t live in Equestria. I lived mostly in the big 52. I was brought to Widowmaker desert by Gem after she met me when I was a doctor for at least five years. Then lived with them near Peace Rock till Ruby was out and then found herself.”

I stood up worried about what was going on at the castle. I head out of the inn looking at the castle. The lights of the castle are on to show an alert and when that happens the ones outside in the city are worried. What is odd is that although the alarm turns on and off it makes no sound right now. I relax sitting in the chair outside the inn to close my eyes to relax.

___________

Today

Rhyolite charges through many others of my species. She leads Melody through the dead and the wounded. I sit and watch from above seeing many of the leaders of the gangs fighting in the castle. The wooden walls have been ripped out of the roots from the trained hydras and another hydra falls from the defending army.

Standing beside me is one of the court members who have a parasite in their back. They just stand by me looking at me. I look at them, not worried about them attacking me. I have a feeling not every one of these parasite-controlled upholi wants to fight.

“Tell me, cleansed soul what will you do if you win this war? How will you survive without any king, queen, or court to help?’

I shrug my shoulders.

“I think we will just do what we can. I have seen many of your kind attacking what are you?”

The upholi shrugs his shoulders.

“Most of us have been attached to these creatures for so long. We no longer wish to fight. I don't want to fight and fight with this foolish king. He is a fool that thinks this kingdom is his. He killed his brother and his queen. The fool did it out of revenge.”

I stood there sighing watching my friends fighting through. I haven’t seen Ruby again for a while I sit here writing my magnum paper.

“I see you just sitting here writing the news, why aren’t you in the battle?”

I glance at the Upholi, the parasite on his back seems weak and dying.

“I am more one to watch not to fight. I notice though the parasites are dying what happens to you when they die?”

The creature smirks

“I will die with it. I have had it attached to me my entire life. Soon most of us will die. We have no way to stay alive. Since these parasites need necromancer magic to live. I wish you luck in freeing your home. I hope without us you can finally be free.”

I notice the poor upholi dying standing and the creature fully takes over and his eyes glow brightly charging at me. I pull out my gun quickly and fire. The body of the upholi falls back, the head blown clean off and it falls to the ground. The parasite removes itself from the body and I stomp on one of the tentacles of the creature. I fire at it many times to kill it and after a while, it turns into dust.

____________________

Two days ago Ruby

I open my eyes, groaning, feeling a deep kiss on my face. I could feel a blush forming on my face. I look around getting face to face with my loving wife.

“Melody…”

Melody wraps her wings around me kissing all over my face. I don't fight her. I am so happy to see her and she pulls back, forcing me back down on my back and looking me over. I groan, feeling some pain.

“Ruby your little ones are fine but you have many cracks in your exoskeleton it will take for them to heal. I don’t think we have the time to heal them normally. Let me go get you some heavy magic food.”

Melody turns to leave and I grab her tail.

“Melody.”

Melody turns to look at me smirking.

“I will give you what you want after the cracks are gone.”

She winks and a deep blush forms on my cheeks. I need to connect with her again badly. I need her badly. I do want her that way but I want to know what happened to her in that castle. I worry she got hurt.

“We will also talk while you eat. I need you badly, my loving Ruby. I missed you, I missed being near you and I got so much to tell you.”

I weakly smile nodding.

I sat up glancing over at Amandla as she cleaned her armor. On the look of her face, she was blushing from the display. I chuckle weakly. She knows what is going to happen. I groan feeling so weak from everything which happened a while ago.

“Amandla, you don’t have to stay here. Unless you don’t mind Melody and I talking about what happened in the castle.”

The donkey laughs.

“Ruby I don’t mind being in here to watch you two talk and then have sex. It’s an everyday thing to see on the island. Most never do it in private and it wouldn’t be the first time I watched a couple have fun together.”

My pink cheeks turn bright red. I shake my head soon after Melody comes in with a large plate of meat and other foods, even tea.

“Mellow returned after talking to all the leaders. It’s getting crazy out there Ruby we might be at war soon and we will be fighting to help these creatures get their home back. I wish I could tell you what I saw. But one of the court females was very kind to me and she didn’t have any of these parasites on her. I hope we can save her.”

I sit up groaning and looking over to the food she sets the food on the bed I take the tea drinking it. I feel the magic working through my body. I worry about the others I haven’t heard from.

“Melody what happened to the others?”

Melody shrugs her shoulders.

“I don’t know, Beezen told me to get out through a window and come to warn everypony. So I have no idea what happened to the others they were running for a way out. I could do what I could and I had to find you. I had to hold you to me.”

I chuckle weakly.

“Melody I missed you so much but is it wise to have sex now before a battle?”

Melody smiles, kissing my cheek.

“Eat and then I will give you a time of your life again before you go risk your life to free this city and bring it back to the Upholi,”

I smirk eating the food and feeling the cracks in my body sealing and groaning while it seals. I feel my hard body mending. Each bite I take makes my body stronger. I feel the shield I held over my eggs getting stronger and my body finally growing stronger. You would think absorbing powerful magic would help me.

“Melody I missed you so much I know it was just a week. But I felt so alone without you.”

Melody sighs.

“Sweetheart, we need to learn to live without each other. I love you so much but what we went through with each other is not healthy. Gizmo told me it’s healthy to be away from each other. It’s why I want you to fight as much as you can to help these upholi get their city back, leaving no stone or trick unturned.”

I set the plate down and a gentle smile formed across my buggy face.

“I will do everything to make you happy Melody. When this war is said and done we head back on our journey. I promise to do what I can to stay in our room and rest for the battle ahead.”

Melody smiles looking over to Amandla.

“My dear donkey sister, will you leave and let me be with my wife?”

Amandla giggles, nodding. I noticed something. She takes part of the armor helmet and leaves an eye socket of the helmet there. I wonder if it is connected to something. Before I could ask about it. Melody forces me on my back. I feel her tongue sliding close to my buggy chest. I groan in pleasure from the sensation of my wonderful wife.

“Melody please give me everything tonight.”

________________

Amandla

I put on my helmet heading downstairs and I giggled watching the show. I wish I didn’t do this to my two friends. But I have to see how wild they get during sex. My cheeks glow brightly following the way downstairs with my other eye looking out of the empty helmet eye hole.

“Amandla, why do you have your helmet on?”

I shush Mellow swinging my head for her to come over and I take the helmet off putting it on her head. After at least a few seconds she takes it off her buggy face is so red she giggles. Mellow quickly flies back over to the bar before she saids something.

Sterling looks over to the two of us and walks over looking at the helmet.

“What are you planning?”

I glance at the helmet smirking

“Put it on.”

Sterling sighs, taking off his hat and putting on the helmet. He suddenly takes it off quickly looking down at me and then laughs.

“Amandla, how long will this eye of yours last?”

I just laugh softly.

“It will just last a few more seconds and the eye will go dark. I just wanted to see how bad these two get. I feel it is tamer than what I have seen on junk island since the home I am from many aren’t scared to have sex infront of others.”

Sterling sighs, shaking his head.

“I will never understand others wanting to do such a private thing in front of others.”

I smirk weakly

“Sterling it’s a status symbol on Junk island if you have the most amazing sex and give a good show. You will be given the best junk which is money from the island to pay for anything. Loxie will ask you to give a show in her brothel. It's rare for it to happen but it will.”

Sterling silver feathered cheeks turn bright red. He puts his hat back on his head and covers his eyes, sighing.

“I have never wanted to see Ruby and Melody have sex. I never thought they would be so wild like that.”

I smirk

“It’s amazing to me how in love they are. Melody is a former brothel slut so it’s why she is so good at the act of sex.”

Sterling sighs, shaking his head. He sits down in a chair. I am worried about how he is acting. I think he is worried about the battle ahead. He sets down the notepad for me to read, and I look at the title.

“Nor to the battle of the strong. The battle is ready and we are about to attack in two days. We can’t attack sooner mainly because the creatures will be ready for us. If we attack when they regain their energy we will fight and die in the name of freedom.”

I set it down looking up to the upholi. I frown knowing he is about to see his home and city burn in a battle to get back their freedom. To some, though they would already seem to be free and well off with the king and this court running things.

“Sterling I don’t know what to say or how I will say it. I am with you every step of the way. I promise I will do what I can to protect those who work with you. I give this promise as the walker of metal and protect you as well.”

Sterling smiles, laughing weakly.

“I thank you so much, Amandla. I worry more about the others. I don’t see myself joining the battle unless the need is dire.”

I smirk, nodding. I understand perfectly. I look over to my helmet the connection to the other eye dies and now no one else can watch the two lovers having wild sexual intercourse. I chuckle softly taking out the other eye to clean the inside of the helmet knowing soon I will be fighting in this armor.

“Sterling, I got a blunt question for you.”

Sterling turns his eyes to look toward me.

“Do you think your species is ready to run this kingdom?”

Sterling takes a while to speak back to me. He leans back into the chair to think. He takes a few seconds to even try to speak and each time no words come out of his beak. He sighs and finally can say something.

“I don’t know Amandla, I don't know at all. We have no kings or queens in our community. We have the princess and I am sure she will take someone to be her king. The issue is we need to be able to win this battle.”

I weakly smile.

“It’s going to be very hard to win this battle for anyone. Mellow told me Gem and the ones in the airship will come and join in the battle. They will mostly do what they can to fight.”

The door opens. It's been at least thirty minutes since Melody came in. Silver came in holding her cut arm. Rhyolite and Dust come in soon after. I stare at Silver trotting to her quickly looking at the wound. She has lost so much blood. I look around for Gizmo frowning. I see Dust and Rhyolite lay a knocked-out Beezen down on the floor.

Rhyolite looks over to Dust and then to me. She heads back out from the look on the raptor’s face and she is upset. Dust sighs, shaking his head.

“Gizmo stayed behind so we could get out. I worry how Wicker is going to take it. I am going to help Silver and clean up her wound.”

Sterling comes over and helps Dust clean up the wound and does their best to sew the cut-off arm and Silver lays back looking very weak. I am sure she is very weak from the loss of blood. I think she is weak from running so much.

“I am sorry Dust I wish I told you all the truth. I wish I wasn’t so blind and thought everything was fine. I…”

Silver stares at Celaeno and the lost princess.

“Our great heroes…Alive? I…”

Celaeno sighs, shaking her head.

“I wasn’t a great hero. I was just there at the right time and I became the element of love. We lost the prince and the others from the sounds of it. We need to be ready to fight. I will not sit by and let this city become lost to time again.”

Ocypete glances at me and the others sigh. The eagle upholi I doubt we can call them that anymore she pats Celaenos shoulder.

“I may not like it myself, my old friend but we need to get ready for a hard fight. The princess will need to be ready herself. She needs to take the throne.”

Zephyra sighs looking away. She has stayed silent for a time and she shakes her head stroking it. I wish I could say something but I can't. I have to stay silent. I look over while Dust and Sterling help the poor silver.

“I don’t have a right to become queen. Without my husband, I don’t have the right. Maybe if Ocypete and I both take the throne as the reigning queens we could do it. Until we both find a king, and then we marry and give the throne to those who want it the most.”

Ocypete chuckles weakly.

“I can tell you now I will feel better if it’s you and I and our kings running the kingdom. All four of us or more than four of us running it as one. I feel it’s the only way.”

The door opens Wicker trots in and looks back at the door. Rhyolite is nowhere to be seen. I think she went back to the airship to either relax or rest. I haven’t seen Rhy look so upset Wicker looks at me and then the others.

“I just saw Rhy she…wait where is Gizmo?”

Dust sighs.

“She stayed behind so the rest of us could escape. I am sorry Wicker.”

Wicker stares at Dust and then at Beezen on the ground she looks like she is trying to stay calm she takes a deep breath.

“I am more worried about how Oil is going to act. How Gizmo is very close to the camel on the airship. It means Gunpowder and the other camels are going to declare all-out war right away to get Gizmo back. So I won’t say anything to Oil.”

I nod as well.

“I won’t either, my king of Junk island warned me not to anger a camel. They will go to war over anything and they will win harshly because of the tactics they will employ.”

Outside we hear a scream of anger and roaring. I look outside seeing Rhyolite attacking and kicking old trash cans and tossing them around. The poor creature is losing her temper. I have a feeling she wanted to be there.

I open the door and Wicker shakes her head.

“Don’t please Amandla. I doubt she will want to talk.”

I turn my head to look at the kirin and a gentle smile forms across my face. I know she doesn’t want to talk but this is hitting Rhyolite harder than she wants to admit. I take a deep breath opening the door to head outside.

Rhyolite paced around the poor raptor and had the look of just anger and hate. I stood there watching her and I took a deep breath again. I exhaled, not sure what is going to happen when I speak to her.

“Rhy..”

Rhyolite turns to look at me with anger in her eyes. I could tell she has been crying. Tears are stained her scales and it’s rare to see something like this happen with a creature like her. I try to speak to her without being rude.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Rhyolite stares at the water sighing.

“Amandla you know full well if I talk about it I might hurt someone. I don’t want it to be you. You have been so kind to all of us and you have done everything for us. You have for a short time been with us. Have kept us from falling apart when things go bad.”

I sigh softly.

“Rhy it’s not your fault what happened to Gizmo.”

Rhy’s tail and claws stand on end. Just saying Gizmo’s name upsets her. She turns her eyes again to look at me. I could see the rage in those eyes of hers. I think she is fighting herself to not harm me. She charges at me suddenly and jumps over me ripping apart another trash can and screaming. It’s not only anger I hear, it's pure sorrow. I wonder if Rhyo and Dust were closer to each other than I thought.

“Rhy please talk to me. I know I haven’t known you real long please don’t let your anger control you.”

Rhy sighs looking back at me.

“Amandla, I could have stayed to help her. I could have been the one who stayed but Gizmo stayed and I have no idea what happened to her. She said she would be behind us. I waited for her. I waited there in the tunnel for her. I stayed for an hour hiding just in case they came for us. She didn’t come.”

I sighed, sitting down and looking at the poor raptor creature.

“Rhyo you did all you could. She is a strong old gal. You need to let her save herself if she can’t then we save her. I know it’s not how you wish to do things.”

Rhyo sighs.

“I fought Gizmo on the battlefield back in the day when I never fought Dust. I am sure if I did I would have died. The issue is though I grew to respect Gizmo and to see her wanting to stay behind when two love her so much, if I told her camel girlfriend what happened all the camels in the airship will lose it and want revenge.”

I shake my head. I don't know much about camels. All I know is if one of them or one close to them gets hurt or a lover of theirs is killed. They will go so far as to make holy war on the entire community who caused it.

“I don’t know much about camels but I have seen how much Oil and Wicker love the large turtle. It’s beautiful but Wicker knows and we all know Oil will know sooner or later. Oil is out in town helping others and Gunpowder might be around here as well. I worry big time just in case they learn and ask their entire airship family to join into their holy war.”

Rhy smirks.

“We had camels come to deal with us years ago back in my home. They came for us because of something one of us did. They told us if we didn’t give him up they would have fought us for the one who caused them problems. It was so long ago the one they wanted was about to die anyway. So they took him and the family member of the one he harmed. They killed him and then said revenge is over.”

I gulped deeply, sighed, and turned back to the door. I put my mouth on the door handle to open the door looking back at the raptor smirking weakly.

“Come in, I will order some food for you from Mellow.”

Rhyo smiles nodding and follows me inside

____________

Today Amandla

I fire my min-gun at the army while I stand by many wounded on both sides. Gearshift hides behind me while she uses my armor to hide and she is coughing. She is wounded and I am doing my best to defend her.

“Amandla, we need help. I don't think we can hold this spot anymore.”

I feel bullets and arrows from the army attacking us hit my armor. Thankfully the bullets don’t get into my skin but they do cause some problems with the armor. I fire as much minigun ammo as I can while I am standing over some shells.

“We need to hold the line!!”

A large upholi from the opposing side comes out from the side of a burning building and swings a giant hammer to hit me. I fell to my side. I groan loudly, the upholi smashing the hammer down on me again trying to break through the shell. I feel it hit a vital spot in the armor and it groans and creaks.

Gearshift stands up taking out her hammer despite her wounds she fights back with a large hammer with a gear connected to it. She smashes her hammer into the hammer of the upholi and the angry bird stares back at her. She is so hurt and weaker from the loss of blood.

I pant hard, unable to hear what is going on in the world around me. The sound is fading. I think I hit my head when I fell and now I can[‘t keep my eyes open. Gearshift gets hit hard in the stomach by the hilt of the upholi. She falls to the ground after getting hit in the face hard by the blunt part of the hilt.

Another comes out with a sword and stabs the broken and dying gang members of Gearshift. The one with the sword stabs a sword into the side of the diplomatic female Nova. I could see the pain in her eyes and she gritted her beak. I try to lift myself. I can't any longer and I have come to accept my death. The hammer-wielding upholi stands over me while the others stab the wounded Gearshift gang. Before Gearshift could get back up she gets stabbed herself.

He gets ready to swing the hammer down on me and a strange magic spell hits the hammer. The hammer gains eyes and a mouth on the bloody part and it controls itself and attacks the upholi. While a group of chairs and tables, even suits of armor fight and kill the upholi who are stabbing the others.

I see Rhyo and Melody finally come into view and Melody removes my helm. I still hear nothing, I just smile weakly at her. Beezen finally comes into view as well, helping Gearshift and Nova. I move my eyes seeing Dancer crying over her bodyguard.

Beezen pats her shoulder and grabs Nova’s claw. She has tears falling from her eyes. I could see her beak when I read what she was talking about. ‘I am dying, please Beezen help me.’

Beezen just holds her claws tightly and tears fall from his eyes. I think he knows full well he can’t help her. I feel my world going fully dark and I have no idea what will happen. My entire world goes black.

________________

Two days ago Dust

I sigh waiting for Rep in an empty room in the inn. After a while, he comes in and I look over to Rep coming in with Catrina. I stare at the old foe of my people and I don’t lift my blade like I have been trained to do. Catrina stares at me. I could tell she is worried I am about to kill her. All I do is take my hood off.

“I am not here for you Catrina. I didn’t even know you would be here. My question is are you going to fight to help these creatures get their home back?”

Catrina sighs

“I have no choice, I got enough potion to fight with you and the others. Bumble and I have no choice. We are judges. It's our duty to fix the balance back in the day. Our balance is the evil the stars wanted, now it’s the balance we need.”

A smirk forms across my face.

“You have been lost from our home for years Catrina. We have no idea what happened to you and I had the spell put on me because I had to find you. I was gone when the Storm King attacked. I was gone with most of the battles our people did. The battle was caused by the ponies of old witch they lost.”

Catrina sighs.

“What I was doing turned creatures named Bushwoolies into slaves to give me power. Rep did all he could to get through to me. But he failed and it took a young lady named Williams to change. Then I was turned into a judge by the stars and they demanded we help Grogar. So we did all we could to kill the ponies of old and Willams some escaped but Willams didn’t. I wish she was still alive so I could hear her talking to me.”

Rep nods.

“I tried to stop the others from listening to me. The only one who would is Beezen. My worry though is your friend, the turtle creature we left behind. I worry they might brainwash her and use her to fight you.”

I smirk weakly.

“It wouldn’t be the first time I fought her species. I am not happy with the prospect of fighting her. It won’t stop me from helping the upholi get their land back and we know full well it’s going to get harder when we get to dream valley.”

Rep sighs, stroking his head. The look on his face he didn’t care to talk about Williams and I don’t think it’s good to push into their past lives. My life has always been like this and never thought I would do anything.

“Maybe you can tell me about Dream Valley Catrina. You left seeking it for its powers and now you destroyed most of those ponies and whatever this Williams is who lived there. Are you willing to express the hatred you felt?”

Catrina stares at me for a few moments, her tired old eyes show she has seen much. She waves her hand for Rep to come over to her. Rep nods and she whispers to him. I can’t make it out and he nods.

“Let’s have a cup of tea before we talk about it. It will help me talk about the past, a good cup of tea, and an old enemy made to hunt me down in the past. Is your master dead and gone now since I heard stories that our old home recently got taken back from the cult of the witches?”

I smirk weakly

“Rassie is no longer king. We now have a council of three species living together in harmony. I feel without Ruby showing up it would have taken longer for us to agree. The order formed to hunt you down well I am all that is left.”

Catrina frowns, sighing.

“Then the spells I made to keep you and yours from dying of old age are now gone for good. I am sorry Dust I wish I didn’t turn evil with power-hungry thoughts. I would still be at our home trying to save it.”

A smirk forms across my face.

“No Catrina I don’t blame you for leaving you saw the writing on the wall. It was so far in the past now I wasn’t even born then. I was born and given this ability to stay alive before the world ended. I was just trained my entire life to hunt you and bring you home. But we no longer have a home. So what remained of the order became the royal family’s bodyguard.”

Catrina smiles.

“I see I haven’t been to our home since the ponies of old. What can you tell me about it.”

I stroke the back of my head unsure what to say.

“Our home it’s going to take years for it to rebuild. The ponies and zebras hated that we refused to join in their war. So both set bombs in each area these bombs thankfully didn’t have the world ending as others did. What it caused was sickness and caused us to leave.”

Catrina sighs.

“I see so Rhyolite and Gizmo are from our home they took over while our species left?”

It’s not that easy from what I have learned. Gizmo told me they have been there for years in the forests, same with Rhyolites race. I wish I could go back in time and meet them. So I can understand why they wanted to take over our old home.

“The bombs used to force us to leave. Caused the mutations in Rhys species. They just used to be everyday species you saw in the woods. Gizmos species lived in the water and they didn’t get the mutations that most believe. Her race has been living in this world longer than any of us.”

Catrina nods.

“Rep should be back soon and I promise you, Dust. I will be fighting with you and your friends. I will not go back on that promise and then go back to finding Dream Valley again. I hope Ruby has no issue with me getting the other part of the map and heading on ahead of her.”

I shrug my shoulders.

“I have no idea why you want to return.”

Catrina goes silent for a moment. She has so much on her mind. I am sure the reasons for her wanting to return to Dream Valley aren’t going to be all pure and happy. I think most of it she wants to retrace her steps.

“I am going, to be honest Dust. I want to go back and fix what I caused before the time calls me to fight. When Grogar returns all of us judges will fight the heroes who fight Grogar. It will be our calling to try to retrace our old steps to fix what we caused before evil takes full control of us.”

I sigh, stroking my head. I have been told when the time comes for Grogars return my kind will fight with him. I don’t have the heart to tell Ruby when we meet again after all this is said and done we will be fighting each other.

“Rassie and the others know we will all fight the heroes in the name of Grogar. We may not be creations of Grogar but we know who will win the coming battle and I don’t look forward to fighting Ruby.”

Catrina smiles weakly.

“It will be an all-out war because Grogar demands blood from us all. The stars have told many of us that Grogar will win and we must win. If Ruby brings back the other stars and they sing in grace. The battle will not be as one-sided as many think it will be.”

Rep finally comes back with the tea. He sets down the cups on the table beside us holding his own and he gives out a very tired sigh.

“The tension downstairs is very bad. The magic eater known as Mellow told me Gem, the captain of the airship, is going to join the battle. I will join the battle with Catrina. I know you told me, no but it’s time for me to do so.”

Catrina sips the tea.

“Rep the main thing I want you to do is to break into the castle during the battle and try to take care of whatever the upholi is protecting. Bumble told me there is some strange monster in the basement below.”

Rep frowns nodding.

“I will do what I can Catrina. I doubt the battle will be easy. I worry many will be lost before the battle is said and done. I promise Catrina I will fight like my life depends on it and I will not allow anyone near me to die.”

I frown, nodding.

“I know many won’t survive this battle. It wouldn’t surprise me if many of the crew don’t survive. If they do, I will be amazed. I will do what I can to defend them and if I fall I fall. It will be a treat to see the others in the next life.”

Catrina smirks.

“I got enough magic to make sure no one else dies. If others do die because of my failure then it’s the will of the stars. I wish I could otherwise but these days we have no idea and it’s going to get harder to make sure it’s the truth.”

I chuckle weakly.

“The story about you is the true Catrina. You haven’t changed at all, you're just like the wizard most of us were trained to take down. But you have a powerful spell that could do so much. It’s odd to me though why do you need a potion to make magic in your blood? Most of our kind have magic naturally.”

Catrina sighs, drinking the tea and taking a moment to answer. I don’t know why she is waiting to answer. She looks over at me her eyes are not only empty like there is no soul. But she is tired and wants to sleep.

“The old day's Dust only some of our species were born with magic in their blood. I was one of the lucky ones and got the magic. When I left and went on my journey to find the powerful land of Dream Valley or some would say pony land. I found my magic doesn't work and after living there for so long the magic left my blood. So I had to make a drug-like potion known as witchweed potion to use spells.”

I stare at her confused. I have never heard of our magic leaving our blood if we weren't near our home. Then it hit me it wasn’t just that in the old times many had spells in their DNA or their lifeblood to show what rank they were. Catrina used to be one of the wizard teachers back in the day and in that day things changed so much because of the ponies.

“Catrina I think the reason for your missing magic is the Alicorns of old.”

Catrina sighs.

“The Alicorns of old when I was around weren't as numerous as they were back in the day. During the old Grogar war I wasn’t there. I showed up at Dream Valley and learned Grogar tried to take over that land. The one known as Gusty and her friend including Wiliams defeated it’s why so long ago he hired us to kill them.”

I frown.

“You were going to tell me about the one known as Willams and those ponies of old, what can you tell me?”

Catrina chuckles.

“There are many stories. I knew so many of them and they let me live with them in Dream Castle for a long time till Rep and I moved on. What I am about to tell you though never tell Ruby. When the time comes she will see the graves of the old ponies herself.”

I am unsure what to think. Ruby is going to see the old graves of these heroes of the past. She released Omega to hunt another one of these heroes of old, a queen is known as Rosedust. I worry about what is going to happen when we meet Omega again. I am more worried about what is going to happen when the time comes and Ruby has to face her foes, her pain, her monster.

“Well, then I shall explain.”

Catrina takes a deep sip from the cup of tea.

“Many years ago.”

__________

Today Catrina

The battle is not going well. Many of the defenses have fallen and the west side is about to be overrun by these troops we learned were frozen under the castle. Gem stood beside me. I had no idea what to do. The poor dragoness had many deep wounds and gashes in her body. She stood proud like a dragon-like they always do.

I only had one potion left and I have no idea what to do to save these wounded and dying. Mellow, not even a warrior holds a weapon. She is covered in blood from her many battles and I watched as we got overrun more and more the troops from the castle broke through our lines.

“I think this is the end, Catrina. We have nothing left.”

I stood there leaning on a cane. Gem is correct, we have nothing left. Gearshift's gang and the lost citizens were not even ready for this attack. Mellow fights off one of the upholi attacking her and she is shot back by a large energy gun she vanishes below into the water and the camels of the shipping charge try to fight back.

Oil stood as defiant as she was a good fighter. While holding a large weapon in her mouth while other camels use their sand magic to try to fight back. I groan watching the camels break through the lines but the upholi are stronger. Oil fights one of the upholi soldiers and she gets stabbed in her side she screams in pain falling to the ground.

These creatures fight like they’re no longer living. I got one shot at this and before I could do anything I heard many gunshots in the air. The gun makes the group from the castle stop attacking just to look at who fired. Standing on a box is Captain Celaeno. When she gets the eyes to stare at her and the eyes of the attackers focus on her they all gasp.

“I am going, to be honest with you, I was frozen like the rest of you. I don’t understand what you’re fighting for but these ones out here are fighting for freedom and to give the kingdom back to the real Princess and royal family. The one you’re fighting for now is not the real ruler of this kingdom.”

Ocypete and Zephrya stood on crates beside her.

“I am the real Ocypete and this is the real Zeph. Her husband, the prince, is dead. So please stop fighting these innocent creatures. Your main foe is the fake king and queen.”

The commander of the formerly frozen upholi comes up with heavy armor adorned on her body; she kneels putting down her hammer with a loud thud and bows. The blood-drenched female doesn't say a word at first.

“Then my queens, what shall we do?”

Zephrya smirks weakly.

“Try to get the message to the others fighting. We need to stop as much death as we can before it’s too late. “

The large metal-adorned female upholi takes off her helm. She looks like a brown eagle who stares up at the princes and the captain.

“I fear it might be too late. We are being led by someone else and not me. Your friends are running into a trap.”

I was concerned I remember the Kirin Wicker fighting ahead and making it into the castle by going through the hidden way. We haven’t heard from her since I wonder if that trap is what has stopped her from ringing the bell in the castle. A bell that would before I could finish through the bell in the castle began to ring loudly.

We all look up at the castle. The princess and the captain know what this means; they all look as the bell rings. We see Melody and Rhyo running back to the tent to help the wounded. I took a deep breath when I saw that one of them is that donkey. She is out of her armor and is badly wounded.

Another being carried in Gearshift she is knocked out cold and the last one to come in is Nova. Her eyes were empty and she died from the shock of horror. Beezen comes over with another Dancer's bodyguard, Joken. He lays him by Nova. I stood over to the dead lifeless upholi souls. I am sure there are many more.

The bell rang again and I took a deep breath closing my eyes. I have to sing what the ponies of old sang to fight Grogar. It will bring peace back to their hearts. Gearshift opens her eyes after being laid down she holds the lifeless claws of Nova.

“Ring out the old.”

Cealno stares at me as I sing. While I sing Mellow comes out of the water groaning and flies up her wings barely holding her aloft. She lands on Gunpowder's back. I stare at them as I know one will start singing with me. Beezen stood up;

“Bring in the new.”

Celaeno lifts her sword for the others to see.

“Listen to that song. It's a song of freedom, no more death in the name of a faulty king. No more allowing a hero to help us get back our home. Look at those who died, the one's Nova and Joken. Many more of my friends are going to die if we don’t do something. I know many of those in your army won’t stop fighting. For I am sure it’s almost all they know.”

The heavily armored female nods.

“Most of our brothers and sisters are criminals and just want to kill. I will lead the way to get you into the castle.”

I smirk weakly and before I could do anything I feel myself getting weaker and falling to the ground being caught by Beezen as my world finally goes dark. I think I overdid it by defending the airship crew.

__________

A day before Bumble

I sat on my throne sighing worried if I should fight or not. I am told the magic eater known as Ruby is coming to convince me to join in the fight. I eat the honey flowers. My fat round stomach makes it hard to move on the throne.

“My Queen, the one known as Ruby, is here.”

I look over to Pointer nodding to him. I lean up on my throne putting my many hands together, sighing. I am not ready for something like this. If it’s true they’re heading to Dream valley. I am going to ask them to give me the map. I close my eyes, opening them up, and see Ruby is not alone. My eyes open wide seeing a Panna. I haven’t seen a Panna in years. I thought the squid killed them all.

“I have come to speak to you Queen Bumble and I brought Joona here to offer a deal.”

Joona nods coming forward.

“I have a part of the Dream Valley map in my mind. When the battle here is said and done we will be searching for the other side of the map here. We will give you the map and you will be able to head back to your land, Bumble land.”

I smile weakly.

“Bumble land? I am going, to be honest with you Bumble land died years ago. I am sure it’s back to normal without me and my swarm there. We have been away from Dream Valley for so long that we left because of those we killed.”

I sigh, closing my eyes tightly.

“Then I am going to need your help when we get there, Bumble. I need you to help me convince Rose dust to fight for Dream Valley.”

My eyes open up. Rose dust is still alive? I never expected her to be alive. I thought without the Sunstone she would have died with Flutter valley. I thought the witches would have ended her. I am sure she is lost without the Sunstone. It's time to wonder if I will be able to tell her I am sorry.

“Ruby tell me something why are you heading there? You know full well when Grogar calls for us to come to battle you will be fighting me and the others. We are all judges here, you're a threat to us. Are you willing to fight with your former allies?”

Ruby takes a while to talk. She looks over to Joona. I wonder what she is going to say. Is she going to say she doesn't want to fight us? Joona shrugs her shoulders and looks over at me. Joona lands on her bird feet.

“I will speak for Ruby since Ruby is the one who is going to charge in and take on the fake king. I want you to understand Ruby knows what is going to happen. Beezen has told her many times. Beezen even told her when the time comes he will fight and she will be forced to put him down.”

Ruby nods, looking away. I think she is sad to know. Sad to know she is going to be fighting a friend.

“I don’t want to fight him. I don't worry so much about what others will think of me when the time comes. I know full well though when I get back to Widowmaker. I will be in a war to take back the land from the Storm King. I don’t think many will want to defend me. I even know Beezen will not be defending me.”

A frown forms on my face. So she is going to be betrayed by everyone? I doubt her wife will betray her. I am sure she will be forced to betray her and Ruby knows it. If she knows what is ahead. Then it’s time for her to tell her I can fight with her.

“Then I will do it. I will let you use my swarm to fight with us. One thing though I need you to convince the Mirelurk queen to join in the battle. The only way for us to win is to use that weakened Queen. If she wants her brood to survive she needs to be ready to give her life.”

Ruby frowns, nodding.

“I am going to go meet with her later and try to help find uncorrupted eggs.”

If that is true then I will ask the others here to help them find some. I look over to Pointer and nod to him. The bee with the goggles nods looking at the drones he walks to them and gives them orders and they fly off with him.

“They will go and help you. Sting here will come with you as well. I will stay here and get my armor ready to fight. I may not look like Ruby but I can fight. I may be fat and out of shape. But I can fight like many and I will fight to the bitter end even if it ends me. The stars will keep me alive if they wish.”

Ruby sighs as she strokes her head with her many hands. I see two of them are cybernetic. I look at her closely. She has been through much. I see that the two witches are only connected to her while she wears the armor.

“Ruby, take off your helmet. I want to see the eyes of the one I wish to offer help.”

Ruby took a second to take off her helmet and she sighs, taking off her helmet I see her beauty and those eyes of a young soul. I reach for her with my many hands and look into her eyes. I see she has been through so much and I sigh.

“You have seen a little Ruby Glide. I can tell from the look in your eyes your brood is dead. You’re the last one who is even around and you’re pregnant?”

Ruby smiles weakly.

“I'd rather not get into it, please. I will do what I can for this world even if it will turn on me later. I am what I am a guardian I refuse to become a hero again. I thought being a hero is to help those in need after the punishment I went through with the Storm King is not worth being one.”

A weak smile forms over my buggy face. I never understood the want to be a hero. I remember the great Williams doing so much for the ponies and then all we did was kill her in the name of power. I took a gentle breath leaning back and drinking honey from a flower.

“I am going, to be honest with you Ruby. I can't tell you what to think. I am not your brood queen for me though I want you to think of me as your brood queen and stay alive. Stay alive when we meet each other on the battlefield when the time comes. I want to fight you and see how strong you have become.”

Ruby places her helmet back on. She looks over to Joona and nods. She flies off toward the direction of the water treatment plant. She leaves the Panna behind all I can do is sit back staring at the beautiful creature.

“Tell me, Miss Panna, are there more of your kind alive?”

Joona took a second to answer and she nodded real fast.

“Yes, some on Junk island. I have been told one attacked Ruby back Widowmaker. I am told many are alive back in Dream Valley. I worry though our greatest foe is out and about. I will keep following Ruby and her friends and later. I will be asked to betray her in the name of peace and love.”

I let out a gentle sigh and nodded.

“I have a feeling the NCA will ask me to come to do the same. I heard stories of an army in their ranks called the NCR who is ruthless and will do anything to expand the NCA. I worry sooner or later they will try to take over everything.”

Joona looks away nodding.

“I need to get back to the airship. Gem asked me to help her with some things before the battle starts. Take care Bumble it was an honor to speak to you. I wish I could tell you what it was like during the days of the Alicorns but I can’t.”

A gentle smile creeps across my face.

“Bzzzzz sorry tell me after this battle is over. Intend to survive this battle and when the time comes we will fight together.”

Joona smiles, flying off back to the airship. I lean back into the chair again, closing my eyes to rest.

_______________

Today Bumble and her hive.

Sting defends the wounded Pointer. The battle is not going well for either of us. These upholi are stronger than we gave them credit for. I stood there bloody and in my royal battle armor. We have to give Joona time.

“My Queen the hive is not doing well.”

I glance at another drone with many cuts on its body. I pat his head and turn to see my hive losing ground.

“Sting we need to get to the castle by any means we can. Do you think we can do it with no problems?”

Sting stood up from tending to Pointer looking towards the castle. There is only one place we can go through. There is an alley and he turns to me and smiles weakly.

“My queen, the only way we can is if I risk my life for you and the hive. If I do this I will be able to finally see Morning Glory again.”

I smile at Sting grabbing a horn and blowing into it while the hive still left with us turns.

“Come my friends we need to break through. We need to find where these formerly frozen upholi are coming from. Then we need to destroy the doorway leading here.”

I flap my wings. We need to give Joona time to get into the area below to stop the upholi army from being unfrozen. It’s the only way we can. I never knew there were so many upholi in the castle. I am guessing most of them went there forcibly and then told what they were doing.

I follow Sting and the rest of my hive to the alley and it’s not as easy as I expected it to be. More upholi come out of the buildings to stop us. Then the children of the lost as they call them come out of their hiding places to stop the army.

“Go, we will hold them!!”

A very young upholi male nods to me. My hive does what it can to help the lost children and I follow Sting to one of the entrances leading to below. We need to cave in or close the door and it won’t be easy.

“Sting. No matter what we do it will not be easy. I need you to stand by the door till I find the code to close the door leading below here.”

Sting nods and we both head inside into the way below. While we fly down the stairs we see one more door and it’s the one we would have to close. Sting stood by the door leading down even more. I go to the computer that is so old I have never used anything like this before. I remember the code Silver gave me before the battle started.

“Sting, I don't know if I will be able to do this. If I can, I need you to stand there as long as you can. We need to make sure Joona does what she needs to.”

Sting smirks

“Well my queen, does this change what happened back in Dream Valley when I betrayed you?”

I chuckle weakly while I work on the console. It's not as easy as it seems. I work quickly messing up a few times and returning the main console screen. Sting fights a couple of Upholi trying to break through.

“SHIT Bumble quickly!!”

I groaned all I can think about is breaking the console and maybe it will cause a chain reaction and force the door to close.

“Sting, get back out of the doorway. I need to do this.”

Sting pushes the upholi back down the stairs I grab my weapon and break the console and it causes an alarm to sound and the door closes down hard and before I could move the console explodes causing me and Sting to fly into the wall and I groan feeling my body in pain. I look down, seeing my sword on my side. I groan looking over to Sting who is knocked out. Maybe this is the end for me?

I groan standing up and heading out the door leaving Sting behind. I look out seeing the battle is calming down on the outside. Many have lowered their weapons. I hear a song over a microphone.

“Ring out the old.”

I see my hive coming fighting through some Upholi who won’t be stopped by the music and Pointer helps me back to the hive and they carry Sting out I wonder what is next please Joona please be alright.

_______________

Day before Joona

Silver spent most of yesterday drawing what the bunker under the castle looks like.

“I have been in this bunker before. The king showed me it just in case a battle ever broke out. He never understood why they were all frozen down there. I am sure we will understand I am hoping the ponies and zebras find ways to help us during this battle. Sadly I feel the only way you will be able to help us in this battle. There are controls to stop the freezing and it sadly may cause most people there to die.”

I sat in the chair next to Silver when I heard the words they might die. I didn't care for it. I understood what it is to be frozen and waking up to see the world has changed so much from you. I take a deep breath feeling unsure and relax.

“Silver, am I the right creature for this job?”

Silver laughs.

“Joona, you're the only one who could sneak in there and turn the console off. I know you don’t want to kill anyone but this is the only way. If some more upholi die it will be sad of course and some might be frozen down there longer. But it’s the only way.”

I stroke my head with a wing.

“Silver I am not a fighter I am part of Ruby’s family now yes. Just I have no reason to fight unless the need is very dire. Are you telling me this need will be dire because of frozen upholi? What can you tell me about them?”

Silver sighs.

“Some of them are cybernetically enhanced, some refused to have them. At least it’s what I read from the old information. They have enhanced just in case the ponies war came to our shores. Some of them can be mind controlled. You will be going alone I am sure you aren’t going to be happy about that either.”

I sigh deeply again, great I will be alone. I am unsure if I should even do this but I have to it’s the only path now. I didn’t like this idea in the first place and I know full well if I wish. I know things will be harsh when it comes to it.

“I need to go talk to Gem about this. Maybe she can help me.”

I turn to fly out of the tavern feeling the claw on my shoulder. Turning back to Silver unsure what she is going to say.

“I am sorry you have to go through this Joona.”

A weak smile forms on my beak.

“No, it's fine. I was expecting to go to battle. I was hoping it would be much later in my travels. The only path I feel is now to talk to Gem and devise a plan.”

I roll up the makeshift map and head to the Airship seeing they’re busy gathering weapons and GunPowder unhooks her cannons and gets them ready. I hold in a breath blowing the breath out when I finally get into Gems office. She is looking out the window.

“Gem…”

Gem turns her head to look at me, a weak smile forming on her face.

“I never thought I would be going into battle again. Last time before we found you. I never really went into battle. I was more worried about staying in the airship but now Ruby begged me to help fight. So now I am going back into battle. I can’t even fly anymore and it’s harder for me.”

She turns fully to look at me.

“Sorry I was speaking out loud. Now how can I help you Joona?”

I put the map on her desk. Gem takes a look and whistles.

“So there is a large bunker under the castle? I wonder how many of these Upholi survived down there.”

I explain what I need to do and she just stares at me growing.

“So you wanted to make a plan with me? Joona none of us here have the power to sneak through. It would take you a long time to get down there and you’re not even sure you would be able to take care of it.”

I frown.

“I know I just don’t want to be alone and I know I have no choice.”

Gem chuckles weakly.

“Joona, I understand how you feel. I have been away from my wife for almost a year now. It will be a full year when we get to Dream Valley. It will be another year before I am even able to return home. It may be longer for all we know.”

I didn’t know it’s been that long for them. All I know is they're going through a journey. I know Gem has a pony as a wife and she has been away from her for a very long time now. I worry about Gem and her emotions if missing her wife so much.

“I hope we get back sooner so you can get back to your wife Gem.”

Gem smirks.

“Oh don’t worry Cranberry will be in for it when I get home. I miss her so much that I will do anything to make her happy. I just worry about the stories she told me. She told me Grogar came to her and told her he is going to make her scream. She has been alone for almost a year and I am scared he is going to break her.”

I groan Grogar; he is known for breaking many. He will get the results he wants without even doing anything. I remember old stories about him during the war. He destroyed many Alicorns just with his words alone.

“I need to get some rest. I don’t know what I will be in for Gem. But do me a favor, don't die, please. You need to get back to your wife.”

Gem smirks

“Don’t worry about me Joona. You worry about yourself, go enjoy your sleep, the battle will be a glory and full of blood and gore that I wish to see.”

A weak smile creeps across my beak. I worry I am going to lose another family. I lost the family I had before because of being frozen for those to come next. I turn around to head out the door standing in the doorway.

“Gem, I worry when the battle is over we will lose many of this crew.”

Gem doesn't say a word for a while.

“I have the same fear Joona, we will do what we can and then help them rebuild. Then move on to Dream Valley many told their families they wouldn’t return and I hoped to make sure they do return.”

I head to my room feeling tears streaming down my face. Why must I wake up in a world so close to dying again? I haven’t felt peace in my heart since I came back to this world. It’s no longer the soul of the world I wish to save. I can’t give up now it’s time to give what I can to my new friends.

I get to my room laying on the bed feeling my heart throb as I slowly fall asleep.

____________

Today Joona

I don’t know how long I have been down here. I feel it could be hours. I am in the shape of one of the upholi who came from down here. I even made sure to wear the armor of one of their captains. I get some odd looks while I head back downstairs like I am retreating.

So many stairs and I notice when I finally get down to the end of the stairs. I see a large room of technology. Wait this ain’t Upholi technology this is alicorn technology. I look around and notice what this is.

“So one of the Pannas of old is alive?”

I turn to the voice staring face to face with an Alicorn. My eyes open wide, my beak agape. I am forgetting I am in the body of an upholi. I groan, staring at the mare she smirks at me waving her hoof in my face.

“Wait, why? Who are you?’

The alicorn smiles she shows her teeth. On her body is various cybernetics and I look at her blue mane and her cutie mark. I know this alicorn.

“Majesty?”

The alicorn puts her wing to my beak to silence me.

“They don’t know I am here. I came here to help my creation by destroying this place.”

I am confused and the alicorn leads me to a computer room not far from the other room. Connected to the room is non-alicorn technology.

“How did these creatures find Alicorn technology?”

Majesty chuckles.

“At first it wasn’t alicorn technology they built this place to hold their worst criminals or freedom fighters. They found Devil's due and being kind gave them the ability to make this place. I am starting to see that it was a mistake. I warn you Panna whatever I do here will kill the remaining criminals or freedom fighters.”

Hearing that hit me harder than I expected.

“Majesty, I have a question: do you know what Ruby is about to face?’

Majesty turns to look at me frowning.

“A creature who pretended to be the king's brother. A creature following the path of a monster. Neither is Grogar or the monsters of the past. This monster is something worse. I am sure you have seen it. In the darkness, a spider shape flies above you when you least expect it. It will scream. This thing found its way here years ago and crashed, part of it still exists.”

I groan what is she talking about? Creatures of the past from other lands? I don’t get it. I then notice something strange. I see a name-tag taking the name-tag looking at the name. I don’t know what it means and then I look over to Majesty.

“This is not from this world is it?”

Majesty turns to look at the tag nodding.

`` I wish I had time to explain it but I don’t. We'll meet again at Dream Valley. Maybe I will be able to explain. When I click these last few buttons you will need to run. Don’t look back don’t allow the screams to stop you.”

I feel I have to ask this question.

“Why are you helping now? You’re the one who got Ruby in trouble on Junk island. You’re a monster in her words. What are you down here I could have done the work. I remember every password of alicorn technology. Why are you risking your life?”

Majesty chuckles

“That is the story I could tell but look at it through my point of view. I have been down here for at least the last few days. I got my magic back and I had to study this technology before I could use it. They changed so much of it and I doubt you would have been able to do this before those above died. It’s bad up there my little bird friend. Your new family is on its last legs. It took a powerful captain to stop most of them.”

A frown forms over my beak.

“I wish I could trust you but again you haven’t answered my question. Why are you helping now?”

Majesty sighs, turning her head to look at me using her magic to work the console.

“I know any answer I give you won’t be enough. I regret everything I did to Ruby and I feel the only way to make up to her is to help. She will talk to me when the time comes. When the time comes in Dream valley I will be either fighting her or joining her in her journey to get the stars back. Now.”

Majesty engulfs me in her magic lifting me to her eyes and staring into them. I remember those eyes I have spoken to Majesty before. She didn't say a word for a while and we stared into each other's eyes. I shift back to my real form and she smirks

“Run quickly young Panna”

She opens the door and tosses me out and an alarm sounds.

“Alert power being removed from life pods. In twenty minutes there will be a cascade of power causing an explosion to get out quickly.”

The alarm sounds over and over as I quickly fly out. It’s going to take too long. I am lagging. I close my eyes, groaning. I don’t think I will make it. I am slowing down and before I could do anything I felt something in the darkness grab me helping me get out.

I finally see the light and I am tossed to the ground inside an explosion shakes the ground and it dims. I groan, opening my eyes to see who helped me. I lift my head and a gasp comes from my beak. I stare at what is standing right infront of me. A stone backs the former enemies of the furbobs. The stone back has cybernetics over most of his body. He chuckles weakly as when he speaks I hear roars and a microphone attached to his neck makes real words.

“That was close to Miss Panna. I am Rock Back. What year is this?”

I chuckle weakly, I gap worrying about my friends, I get the Stone back to follow me, and the two of us head back to the airship hoping I can help the others.

________________

A day ago Wicker

It took me at least a day to tell Oil what happened to Wicker. Rhyo hasn't told her I feel as part of their love circle it’s my right to tell her. I head down to the core taking a deep breath. I don't know Oil well. She is the one who had the idea to get Gizmo drunk and pull me into this relationship.

“Oil?”

I look around the camel and she comes out from behind the core wearing a stained outfit. She sets down her tools looking towards me.

“Is something wrong Wicker my other love?”

I sigh.

“Gizmo she didn’t make it, she was captured by those in the castle. She did what she could to save the others and some of the citizens in the castle. Most of them didn’t make it.”

Oil stood there a moment she just stood there in shock. She tosses her tools to the wall taking off her outfit. I am scared of what she is about to do. The look on her face is pure rage. I didn’t know what to expect. I just know from the stories camels get very upset and angry.

“'iidhan hum yakhtatifun hubiy ya rafayqi? wakayf yaduruwnaha ?! sarihim 'iiradat alraml !!”

I gulp she is speaking to the camel loudly enough for the other camels to hear. One of the crew I haven't met yet who is one of the guards comes down and stares at Oil.

“man aladhi tama aikhtitafuhu? Bitrul?”

Oil stares at the male camel, the anger in her eyes shows everything he grabs his weapon in his paw lifting it.

“Gizmo alati atakhadhaha alhamqaa ?! thuma nuqatil nuharib !!”

Oil runs off with the male to rile up the other camels in the airship. After a while Gem came down to the core staring at me. I have never seen such an upset dragoness before. She leans on the wall crossing her arms.

“So Wicker, what did I tell you not to do?”

I smirk weakly unsure what to say.

“You said never anger the camels correct?”

Gem nods.

“Then you tell Oil her girlfriend has been captured by the upholi. She loves you as well Wicker and now you just showed her that love you feel for both of them. Trust me it’s good you showed it but we don’t need a camel war on our claws.”

I sigh, shaking my head.

“Now Wicker I got a request for you. I need you to go with the Zebra Endless night into the secret path back into the castle. The ponies and other zebras will go with you. I want you to go there and see if you can get to the king and try to talk with him to step down.”

I just stare at Gem like she is crazy.

“No offense Gem I doubt he will listen. I doubt even his queen will listen.”

Gem smiles

“We have to try Wicker, we need to have as few deaths as we can.”

I shake my head. Why would the king listen to a former raider? I don’t get why anypony would listen to me. I have killed and I have done many things most here would hate me for. I told Oil what I did and she looked past it.

“I will try Gem.”

Gem smiles nodding.

“I am sure you will. Go meet with Endless Night she will be at the tavern. I want you to be respectful to her. She is from the past and the ponies and zebras with her are from the past. They won’t understand this world.”

I sigh, shaking my head.

“So take off my pirate garb and get it.”

Gem laughs

“Yes.”

I roll my eyes heading to my room on the ship and taking off my pirate garb. I grab my holster to make sure I have my flintlock pistol with me and then I look at the candles. I use my magic to light one closing my eyes to kneel and pray.

“Oh, the great demon of the sea. I have come to pray to you to help me stay strong in the days ahead. Give me your wisdom please give me the wisdom.”

A few water forms into the head of the demon of the sea.

“I am listening to your questions, my minion of the sea.”

I open my eyes to see the demon. His face this time is shaped like a kirin. I shake my head. I have no idea why I even started to worship him. But he is the only one that controls the weather of the sea.

“I need your wisdom to speak to the king of this land to get him to step down without a battle.”

The demon’s head floats there in the water. He looks to be thinking and shifting his head too many different looks.

“I don’t know if I can help you. We aren't sea minon of the sea. We need to be on my domain for me to give you full advice. The only advice I can give you is to talk to him about the world around him and maybe step down for the good of all. It’s my only advice and sadly all I can do for you.”

I groan standing up.

“Such big help you are.”

The demon laughs.

“I told you before that I only have power when it comes to the sea. If you think I would help you on land. You got another thing coming. There are rules and you need to accept these rules.”

I sigh leaving my room after blowing out the candles and the waterfalls to the wooden floor and seeping back into the sea below. I head out to the tavern unsure what to say. I do worry my gun will give me away. I stand by the tavern door sighing, opening it, and heading inside seeing the zebra Gem spoke of.

She is talking with the ponies and other zebras. I come over pulling up a chair with my magic and I get many odd looks.

“Greetings, I am Wicker. Gem asked me to talk to you about going with me into the secret escape path to get to the king and talk to him. Are you willing to go with me?”

Endless Night chuckles.

“Right to the point I see Kirin. Are you trying hard not to show me you’re a pirate?”

I stare at her, my mouth a gap.

“It’s the smell which comes off you, Miss Wicker. You smell of booze and seawater. It’s not an easy smell to get off you, it stays with you forever. Now before you ask again my bodyguards will come and two ponies will join us. They will fight the battle which will come. We will head to the spot and rest there.”

The zebra stood up and I sigh following her and the others who are coming with us to the hidden door. Silver leads us there to us the way to get back in. The door is far away from the main castle wall. It’s close to the sewers. I look over the side seeing water going into the sea.

“I will be joining you heading through here. I doubt you will meet anyone here. Just I warn you the king is not the king I knew. His queen is not the queen I knew either. I doubt they will listen.”

Endless Night sets up the camp to get ready. We are far away from the sight of the castle. I see them getting ready for the attack. I hear horns and bells ringing from the castle. I swear I see a turtle shadow hoping to see Gizmo.

“Searching for your lover?’

I glance at the Zebra nodding.

“She has been in there for at least two days now. I worry they are hurting her or doing something worse to her.”

Endless Night chuckles. I look over to Silver. She has been healed somewhat because she has just one arm and from what she told us she trained to fight with just one arm. I worry so much about the day to come I doubt I will be able to sleep.

I close my eyes tightly thinking of Gizmo. I wish I could find her. I wish I could see her right now. I swear she is calling me to help her. I open them seeing the others fast asleep and Silver sleeping. I am the only one awake but I see Endless Night looking into the fire.

“I haven’t had a good night's sleep since the war started years ago. I feel the only sleep I ever got is frozen in time. Maybe I thought the sleep I have shall be enough. I will sleep when I am dead and I know full well I will.”

Before I could close my eyes a horn sounded from the castle. Silver opens her eyes and gasps.

“It must be morning..”

She stares at the sun coming up.

“We have no time to go now.”

________________

Today Wicker

It took at least an hour to get in through the sewers looking around. I hold my weapons as the others come in behind me. I swear there are no guards here and I look around seeing many objects destroyed. It’s the creations that Beezen brought to life to help them escape.

“There are no guards..”

Silver exclaimed she heads to a window and looks out the battle is already going and there is smoke and already the smell of death. Tears fell down her cheeks. I look out worried about all my friends.

“You can mourn later.”

I look at Endless Night nodding to her. I put my hoof on Silver's side smiling weakly at her and she nodded as we followed her to the throne room. As we go through we don’t see any guards. We notice many bodies of guards and dead parasites.

A door opens and a upholi peaks her head out. Silver tries to get them to come out and she shakes her head and points her claw to the throne room.

“The king and queen and the court are there. Please be careful Silver tell me did Melody escape?”

Silver smiles.

“Yes she did, she found her wife too. Wilt, aren’t you a member of the court how come you don’t have a parasite?”

Wilt chuckles.

“They have no more. I told them I would never tell anyone. Since all, they wished to do in life but now the old king. Wants to destroy everything to keep his kingdom. You need to stop him, the old king is crazy.”

Silver smirks.

“I will try are there any more survivors from the castle in there?”

Wilt nods.

“They won’t harm us since the king refuses to allow them to. Please Silver stay safe.”

Wilt closes the door and I sigh deeply. I follow Silver to the throne room inside the throne room. Many upholi of the court are dead, their parasites dead. Sitting in their thrones are the king and queen. Standing in the middle of the floor is Gizmo. She turns to us and says she has six parasites on her body. The old girl has a smile creaking over her old features. The king is weak too; he groans Gizmo killed them all.

“It seems… We failed to stop your friend. The older king has taken full control of her. I am sorry.”

Gizmo’s fist turns into a mini-gun and fires on the king and queen killing them both and she turns to look at us.

“Welcome to my home.”

A deep male voice comes out of her mouth with many different voices. I hear chittering and look to the side to see strange shadowy creatures coming out of the darkness. They hiss coming towards the turtle.

“Masters fell years ago. We took control of the weak and used them in the name of our masters. Let the spider scream.”

There is a loud screech but not loud enough to hurt our ears. The sound dies quickly as the shadowy creatures scream in pain. They’re connected to whatever screamed and they vanish into the darkness.

“Don’t listen to it, everyone. It’s a figment of the monster they bring out your worst nightmares.”

Gizmo stood over us and the parasites made her faster. She charges at Silver and me as Endless her zebras and the ponies follow her to get used downstairs to the king. I try to get out of the way but I get body-checked hard by Gizmo. I fall on my back feeling a bone break and Silver quickly gets out of the way.

“Gizmo let us help you please.”

I groan, gasping feeling my left back leg broken and I use my magic to pull out my flintlock pistol putting ammo into it as Silver fights the large turtle with her sword. Gizmo is using her tonfas and grunts she is not strong enough. I aim my gun at the parasites trying to fire and I fire, hitting one of them off.

Gizmo grabs Silver’s sword with her cybernetic hand breaking it and she lifts her with the cybernetic hand crushing her hand she screams and tosses her away looking down at me. I try to rearm my flintlock. She stands over me smirking her cybernetic hand turning into a mini-gun.

“I want you to know your turtle is fighting hard not to let me do this. When you’re dead and gone she will be my new host till she dies. Say goodbye to all those you will see soon.”

She cocks the mini-gun arming it and gets ready to fire before she fires the wall crumbles and the Mirelurk queen roars spitting a strange spit on Gizmo the parasites scream and get off her body quickly and mirelurks storm in. The parasites get on other bodies dead ones and fight off the mirelurks

Gizmo finally looks around and I notice Ruby flying in and heading towards the basement the others went down to. Gizmo stands over me looking down at me, her eyes open wide. I think she finally realizes what is going on.

“I…”

Gizmo lifts me in her arms, holding me close she keeps saying she is sorry. She has done so much harm.

“I didn’t mean to hurt anyone.”

She sobs softly. I am starting to see these parasites do some nasty things to her. I smile weakly and chuckle.

“Gizmo…I..it’s okay. Maybe you can tell me why these things scare Mirelurks?”

Gizmo sighs, setting me down and sitting beside me around us a battle goes on and I can no longer stand the battle. The parasites use the dead bodies to fire on the mirelurks. Gizmo helps me and Silver me out to get in a safer area.

“I don’t know but whatever they’re from the mirelurks are their enemies and with the queen being weak. I doubt she will survive this battle.”

I smile weakly

“Then it’s up to Ruby and the others to put a stop to this battle.”

The Queen screams in pain as the dying mirelurks because of the magic of the necromantic energy fall taking the remaining parasites with her. The mirelurks die around her after the battle is said and done.

I smirk weakly leaning in Gizmo while she holds me close and I close my eyes feeling the adrenaline finally leaving my body.

_______________

The battle Water treatment plant Ruby

The battle starts outside and I stick with the queen of the Mirelurks while others like Bumble's hive help her look for non-corrupted eggs I groan we have been looking for almost a day and still no luck. Most eggs we find are either close to death or dying.

The bees left saying they needed to get to the battle and it was just me and the Queen. She was getting weaker and weaker.

“I don’t think I have the will or the might to help you in this battle Ruby. My remaining children are too weak and what I think is in the castle is true. Then we have no will to fight our enemies at all.”

I am worried I will lose all my friends and there is one more place I can look. There is a locked door leading into a deep part of the treatment plant. The queen can’t get through here and this door is magic resistance and I find a way to open it with a code.

When the door opens I head inside. When I go deeper into it I notice this is meant to be a bunker but it’s for something else. I open another door and stare at many eggs I look at these eggs they’re safe and when I go inside I see an old note.

“My old friend, I did what you asked before the war started. I gathered some of your eggs but I couldn’t get the queen egg. You told me when one is about to die my old friend will change into a queen egg. You’re in luck, there is a dormant one in here. Just one, keep it safe my friend. I am sorry I will never see you again.”

I close the door, lock it back up, take the note, and fly it to the Queen. She reads it and she sighs weakly.

“The queen before me had many friends and they did all they could for her before she passed. I was born after she died during the war. Now I know my future is going to be what is needed. Ruby, if my children and I fight we are going to die. I hope you understand this Ruby. I am sorry.”

I smile nodding to her and buzzing softly.

“Let's go then.”

______

Today the basement

We broke through the lines and the queen and her children killed many in our way and we made it. She broke through the wall for me. I fly towards the basement and standing by the basement are the zebras and the ponies.

“Endless Night are you ready to end what you and the others here started?’

Endless stares at me smirking.

“Of course. I don’t know what you will find down here.”

They open the door and we finally head downstairs I see the old King and Queen in tubes but they’re nothing but bones and sitting in a chair is a upholi the faults king. He turns his chair to look at me.

“I have nothing left of all the parasites who helped me thanks to the zebras. If you let me, I will surrender.”

I smile flying over to the upholi and before I could get near him a unicorn pulls me back and the unicorn sets me down.

“He is tricking you, Ruby. We see him truly as a monster.”

I am confused about what they mean and I focus on the creature. He has many eyes and mouths open up screaming. I smell something awful and stare at the creature. This is not a upholi these parasites aren’t parasites they’re part of this thing.

“Ruby say hello to the smooze.”

I stare at the slime creature. The creature must be old and dying because I heard stories of the old smooze from Majesty. This smooze is too weak and the creature laughs loudly.

“I would have my power if you didn’t turn off the spell. The flutter ponies years ago weakened me. I shall explain to you what happened if you wish.”

I groan covering my face to ignore the smell.

“I was winning by helping the witches and then an idiot girl named Williams found the flutter ponies. I was blown away into the volcano but I was able to toss a bit of myself on a flutter pony and I controlled her. She helped me escape and I made it here giving the brother of the king a choice to be my host and I will give him power. But now thanks to you he is dead and I have no power.”

The smooze lifts a sludgy tentacle.

“I surrender”

I get closer and before I could do anything the sludge creature roars and lifts into the air like a wave I get pushed out of the way and Endless Night gets engulfed by the old monster. The ponies and zebras back off. The sludge screams in pain like Endless Night is poisoned. She looks at me weakly.

“I am sorry I didn’t tell you the truth Ruby. We helped this creature by doing what it wanted. Now all I can do is make up for it. Now my friends.”

The zebras who came with us cast a spell and the unicorn's horns glowed. A hole opens up the smooze and Endless Night is sucked into the darkness and it closes. I close my eyes holding my cybernetic hand to my chest

“Goodbye Endless Night and thank you.”

____________

Gem an hour later.

I help the wounded while we are defended by the upholi the captain brought to our side. Our site is almost overrun. I stood up getting ready to fight and groan before I could do anything when a upholi got ready to strike me. Before she could she stops looking around and strange slime falls off her and dies.

“Where am I?’

I groan deeply when another upholi a male, takes off his helm looking around.

“Is the nightmare over?”

I smile weakly leaning on the weapon I hold. I am too tired to stand and the two upholi help me sit down as I watch the others break free from whatever holds them in place. After a while, Sterling comes over to me to help me.

“I think we won…But at what cost.”

I look over at Gearshift thankfully she is alive. Joken and Nova aren’t the leaders of the keepers. Many of the warriors on both sides are dead.

“We will count our dead later, it's time to rest.”

I stood back up heading to the airship to get back to my office room. I stood by the path heading up and looking back at the others. All of them are thankfully alive. I groan deeply holding my chest so many cuts and gashes deep in my body. I will live. I feel the others won’t live so easy though.

“Melody we won…I…”

Melody and Rhyo help me to my office and get me in my bed. Rhyo takes a cloth and they both help me.

“I know Gem but you need to get back to your wife. The battle is over.”

I smile weakly while they both work on me. I close my eyes to rest. I wonder what is to come next and all I can think about is what Sterling is going to write in his newspaper.

_________

Ruby

I come out of the basement alone to let the zebras and ponies mourn Endless night. I head out to see the dead and the dying. I fly to the west to make sure everything is fine and I notice many Upholi dead.

Mellow is in a line with the dead. It's because she is wounded but she will be fine. One camel is dead, a camel I never got to know and I fly to Gearshift holding her claw. I smile weakly at her looking at Amandla who is fast asleep.

“You got your home back my friend.”

Gearshift smiles and she is not breathing well. I hold the claw tightly. She is dying and I have to be there to help her.

“Gearshift..”

Tears fell from my eyes.

“You have to live to see your home become yours again. You can’t die, you can't, you have to live.”

Gearshift weakly laughs coughing up some blood.

“I figured I would die, Ruby. Please take care of Sterling for me and please tell him when he returns here. To find someone to love him and make as many children as he can.”

I hear from another upholi who whispers to me that the other gang leaders are alive. But many lost and died on both sides. They will be counting the dead for a long time and I just hold Gearshift claw tighter.

“I promised you Gearshift I would give you your home back. Your home is free, please don’t die on me.”

Gearshift smirks as I cry.

“I fear I won’t be able to do what you ask. Joken is dead Nova is dead. For the first time in my life Ruby, I am going to be free.”

Gearshifts final words she lifts her claw to my helm face.

“Take this helm off, please. I want to see the eyes of the one who helped free us.”

I take the helmet off, letting Gearshift her eyes.

“I thought so. A strong soul you will be a fine mother.”

She goes limp, her last breath comes from a laugh as she dies. I close my eyes sobbing softly. We won but at a price that always happens during a battle such as this. When the time comes we will leave them behind.

Footnote: Max level

No need perks

Next Chapter: Chapter: Fifty-Eight Funeral for the lost and the forge. Estimated time remaining: 8 Hours, 43 Minutes