There comes a time when the old royal family must step down for the greater of the people they serve. When a war breaks down communications, they can no longer be the royal family due to death or losing the battle. Then it’s time for a new royal family to be made from the remnants of those who survived. Such as one day in my home of Ornitha. Someday I will write it down on paper when I can talk about it. For now, the NCA asked me to stay silent on the matter.

A letter was written many years from now from Sterling.

_______________________________

Ruby

It’s been a week since the battle or what some would call a war ended. It wasn’t much of a war we would have left by now but our food stores got very low. So Gem did what she felt was right and gathered the crew including Mellow who didn’t wish to stay after almost dying in battle. Went back to Junk island. She said she would return in a week so she will be back tomorrow and hopefully we can leave this place behind us.

I spent most of the week getting the next Mirelurk queen ready to hatch and I had help from the Mirelurks who survived the battle. Sadly though they will perish and from what I learned about Mirelurk queens if there is no queen around they will grow very fast and get ready to lay eggs themselves.

I have begun moving the eggs from the storeroom they have been locked into all these years to fresh water. Grogar made these creatures to be very deadly if they touched the water. They began to hatch right away. I put the queen in the middle of the water treatment plant like the other queen. I am hoping with the queen being friends with the upholi…I mean Ornithine they will work together to help rebuild.

I felt a claw on my shoulder turning fully to stare into the eyes of Celaeno. Her gentle eyes had a look of worry in them. Not for the creatures which are about to hatch but for me. I could tell just from the kind gentle smile forming on her beak.

“Sterling is right, you're a beautiful creature. Ruby, I want to thank you for what you did for us. I have been told you blame yourself for all the deaths. Gearshift knew what she was getting into. They all knew don’t blame yourself for all the death it was bound to happen even if you didn’t show up.”

A weak smile creeps on my buggy face. I turn away to look down at the eggs to make sure they’re all ready and prepared to hatch. I glance at the remaining MIrelurks placing food and various other things to feed the hatching children. I have been able to talk to them like the queen but after the death of their queen, they have begun to die one by one. All of them have asked to have their bodies burned. Their bodies are still corrupted by the necromantic magic the queen before she died told me Grogar made failsafe in their bodies so that they can’t survive certain magics.

She did add she has been imprinting on her eggs a new evolution to remove those fail-safes and she said before she died she thinks this next queen will find a way to remove that fail-safe. I ignored the world around me again to focus on the eggs and finally after a week I got them ready to hatch. I turn back around, noticing Celaeno is still there watching me. My pink buggy cheeks burn bright red.

“Um sorry, Celaeno I don’t mean to ignore you. Just my motherly instincts are kicking in and I feel I need to help these eggs to get ready to hatch.”

Celaeno chuckles softly.

“Oh, Ruby, don't worry about it. I am just happy to have met you before you left. Silver hasn’t sugar-coated what you have done. I know you have been mind controlled by an old fool. I feel that you may have redeemed yourself for what you did for us. I have come to tell you the princesses are ready to become queens and they want you there.”

I am confused. I am not even a citizen of this community. I take a deep breath, blowing the air out after a while. I am worried they will turn on me if I do come. I can’t ignore their kindness to me, however. I did so much for them and now I feel they might betray me. I doubt they will, they're not the others.

“Celaeno I will be honest I am worried I will be betrayed again by you and the others. I had no right to be here as some told me recently. Some of Gearshift's gang blames me for her death. Am I welcomed or will I be used as an example?”

Celaeno stares at me, her eyes showing her anger after what I said. I doubt she thinks I am at fault for Gearshift's death. It could be me overthinking things again and thinking about what I expect I am hearing. Celaenos eyes softened and pulled me close to her hugging me tightly and all I could do but accept it.

“Ruby, no one should blame you for what happened. I have talked to Sterling about Gearshift and she knew full well she wouldn’t survive the battle. She even said to Amandla there was no way she was coming back. Amandla did all she could to defend Gearshift, Nova, and Joken. But fate had another idea. Take those three from us, but more died, dear Ruby. So many lost their lives.”

A frown forms on my face sighing.

“Alright thank you, Celaeno for one from the old world, you're very wise and able to look at things from the brighter way of things.”

Celeano laughs softly.

“No Ruby, I am not wise. I am a former air pirate. I did so many things in the name of the Storm King. It took six ponies to open my eyes and to show me peace again. Of course, having Tempest the commander of the Storm King's army showing up and blowing my ship up also woke me up. Because my ship was gone and I was sure to be dead. Of course, I never explained to my pony friends how we survived.”

A weak smile forms across my buggy face.

“Thank you, I will be there soon to see what I can do to help. I… feel the want to make my nest. I know it’s not even close to laying my brood yet.”

Celeano glances at my swollen stomach.

“You did all this for us Ruby and you’re expecting. I asked your wife about it and she told me what happened to you. Ruby I could never accept being just a carrier of some males children using me to remember me by.”

It hit me hard when she said the words remember me by. Yes, he never said those words to me. I am sure he had this conversation with Beezen before he mated with me. For so long I thought Scaled Wing loved me. Maybe he did once upon a time ain’t that how it goes love once upon a time?

“I am not fond of remembering what happened between him and me. It’s something I wish to never think of again. But I know I will lay these eggs soon and it may take years for them to hatch. For some species like mine, it may take years or months.”

The former pirate captain sighs. Before she could say anything a door opens and closes. I glance up seeing Silver come in. Over the week Gizmo used whatever she could find to make Silver a new arm. It’s not as impressive as Gizmo's arm but it’s enough for now. It’s enough to make her whole again.

“Melody asked me to look for you two. The two princesses are ready to be crowned the new royal family. Rhyolite is working on training the new military. She told me thankfully the old commander she trained with is still alive.”

I feel a smile creep across my face. At least some survived including some of them who had the parasites controlling them for years. I got worried the parasites would kill those who they controlled for so long.

“I am just talking to Ruby. She needed a good chat.”

I nod looking back to the eggs.

“Yes, just a good chat. While I worry about what is going to happen on my way home. A battle is waiting for me back in the desert but the battle ahead will be to get the stars of love and hope to return.”

The good former captain sighs, glancing at Silver. I am ignoring the world around me again, staring at the eggs. I am seeing myself laying these eggs and watching myself having to watch from afar as Scaled Wing and some new female of his raise them and I leave forever or be buried. I feel fresh tears falling from my eyes. It’s hitting me so hard I could have had so much happiness in my life. But no, some just have to go after guardians or heroes.

“Ruby?”

I turn my eyes to Silver.

“Have you ever felt your life is never going to be whole? I felt after marrying Melody my life would be whole and happy. I keep staring at these eggs and know my fate. My fate is to watch my friends move on without me. I was locked in a cocoon, eggs kind of like this. While the world moved on without me. I just changed my body and never changed mentally. So as the world changed I never did at the heart.”

A weak smile forms on my face.

“I am sorry I am just thinking about life. I should be respectful to those who have been frozen in time for two hundred or so years and I keep forgetting I am selfish, sorry my friends.”

Celeano shakes her head.

“Ruby after the coronation is over, maybe you could use a good chat with someone. I am not the best at these types of talks. Maybe talk to Catrina or Rep before they get to the other side of the map and head off before you do?”

I chuckle weakly.

“I would love to talk with one of them. Catrina, I remember her well, and Rep too. They both worked with or for Wheel tread and he did so much for me. But again I am sorry for being a big downer here. It’s a time to be happy and happy for a community that is finally free.”

I wasn’t expecting it but before I could do anything or even move a heavy arm hit me in the face. I groan feeling the smack finally opening my eyes after a little bit of the pain subsides. I stare into the eyes of Silver, the one who slapped me.

“Ruby I get it you’re worried about what will happen to you. But please we need you to stop for now acting like your world is going to end. There will be those who defend you to the last. I may not want to do it but I am going to. After what I did to you, helping the others lock you in that cage. It was my idea Ruby and the others went with it.”

I was about to lose my temper taking a deep breath to release my stress. I think my emotions because of these eggs are the reason for my depression. I have had these bouts of depression before. These eggs take a lot out of me and it’s even stressful.

“You’re correct Silver. Now, do I need to get into a dress or anything for this?’

Celeano stares at me.

“What makes you think you need to get into a dress?”

I laugh loudly.

“Oh come on, it's to bring two new queens to a freed city. Why wouldn’t you need a dress?”

Silver chuckles

“We have no dressmakers here Ruby. So it will just be us as we are now. I doubt anyone will be happy to go around dressing in perfect clothing. We don’t even have the resources for anything. We are lucky we got paper for Sterling's newspapers. So the queens will work on a new trading deal with Junk island.”

I nod and before I could say anything else. The keepers ring the bell. The bell witch has been rung many times now. They began to ring it after the power came back. To bring back hope now it’s being used to show it’s time for many things to come.

“It’s time.”

Silver heads out of the treatment plant. Celeano puts her claws on my shoulder and I glance at her smirking.

“Thank you for your kindness Celeano, it means so much.”

Celeano pulls me into a tight hug.

“Ruby, you proved to me you’re a strong little creature. I wish I could join you on this journey. I promise you I will help clean this city up and soon we will be joining you in the final battle with the Storm King. I can’t promise this Ruby but if I can I will bring many.”

I followed the former captain out of the water treatment plant. I turn back to see the eggs again. The remaining Mirelurks work to get the eggs ready to hatch. One of the weaker ones turns to look at me. The creature chitters softly.

“You have something to do, Ruby. We will make sure you’re remembered by those coming and that you’re honored.”

I weakly smile.

“I don’t know if I deserve that. I just did what I felt was right. The fact I can understand your species. Because well my creator has a hateful streak maybe it’s the best I can do. So I could ask, ``What do you plan to do before you die?”

The dying Mirelurk chitters.

“I will follow the path of those who died. I will go into the sea below and tell the Mirelurks in the salty sea a new queen will be in the treatment plant. To bring the other queens to help her and teach her.”

I look down, sighing I am sure sooner or later they would have found a way to fix this without me and my friends. Like I was told after the battle was over even if we didn’t show up. They would have still done this fight. They would have either lost or destroyed the others and themselves.

After the bell rings again I follow the others to the castle. I head into the castle landing on one of the pillars while many stand in the bloodstained throne room. The two new queens are to be sat in the blood-stained thrones; it will take time to clean it up. Two of the keepers of the bell hold both of the crowns. While the new leader of the keepers is a female just as old as the male who died.

“My friend's new queens will take the place of the old. It’s been so long that we have lost the history of the line of kings and queens. From this day forth the old history of the kings and queens will be erased and a new history of them will be made.”

The female keeper opens an old book. There is so much writing in the book of all the history of the kings and queens.

“This is the book of history. It was lost after the true royal line was broken.”

The keeper gives it to the other keepers and they take it.

“It will be locked in a room never seen again. The stories will tell the history is gone. Everyone here will need to accept that the old history needs to be gone. I am sure no one will argue with what happened.”

Another keeper comes over with another book, an empty book, and the leader of the keepers takes the book and opens it up with a quill pen writing in it. She goes silent for a few pregnant moments. She looks at me and my friends.

“I would like you, the heroes of the hour, to write your names in this book. You will be part of this history for your reasons for this day.”

The crowd stares at me and my friend Wicker pulls me down in her magic as I hover beside my friends. Looking over to Melody who looks so beautiful in this light. I look back at the keeper she walks towards us, opening the book again.

“Please.”

Gizmo looks at the others and shrugs, taking the pen.

“What would you like us to put just our names?”

The keeper smirks

“More than that my turtle friend. I want you to express why you did what you did so future generations can learn of those who brought this land back to the rightful family of royal life.”

Gizmo nods writing in the book it takes her a while and after she is done she gives it to the next one beside her. The next one beside her is Dust. Dust holds the book and he sighs looking up from the book. In the crowd, I notice the ones he is looking at Rep and Catrina. She is standing beside Bumble and those who remain in her hive.

“I must be honest about why I came on this journey. I hope future generations look upon me with respect rather than disdain for what I have done to get the traitor in your midst.”

Dust turns his eyes to look at me and he writes in the book. While he writes he looks up to Catrina like he is asking if it’s okay if he writes certain things and all I see from her is nods and she uses her mouth to say ‘I deserve whatever they read.’

After Dust is done Wicker floats it over to herself. She holds the pen and book in her magic looking at Gizmo

“Can I explain how we met?”

Gizmo chuckles.

“If you leave out a lot of it.”

Wicker smirks, nodding writing into it as she keeps it into her magic and floats it over to Beezen. Beeze puts it into his hands looking at the book he sighs shaking his head.

“I do not deserve this. Someday I will be one of the monsters they read about in these books.”

The keeper smiles.

“Oh, judge of the stars, this is now for the future. I want them to remember you as you are not what you will be.”

Beezen takes the pen writing the living pen in his pocket and comes out to write as well.

“Ah, it seems my friend here wants to write too.”

The pen looks up at Beezen and then at us.

“I may have not done much but I feel at least I have done something.”

Beezen nods, handing the book to Sterling. Sterling stares at the book and then at the keeper.

“I haven’t done anything since I was born in this city and all I did was keep the news.”

The keeper chuckles.

“Sterling you have done so much more. You gave the lost children home and jobs. You even made news to keep us from losing our minds.”

Sterling sighs, shrugging his shoulders and writing into the book. He lowers the book to Amandla, nodding to her as the donkey looks at the book. She is still healing like the others. I am still the only one of my friends who didn’t get hurt that much.

Amandla takes a second to even write. She takes the pen into her mouth and begins to write whatever she is writing. Joona lifts the book into her wings and looks through it and nods beginning to write. After Joona is done she holds the book like a stand setting the pen down for Melody. Melody looks over at me smiling. A gentle blush forms on my cheeks. I shake my head looking over to the new friend. Rock Back the stone back I have been told stories about his race. I will learn more another time.

Melody takes the pen into her mouth and writes. Joona brings the book to me. I hold it in my many hands. I look at everything Gizmo and the others wrote. Looking up from the book a weak smile creeps on my face looking at the Keeper.

“May I read this but not out loud?”

The keeper chuckles.

“You have the right Ruby. It shows you’re willing to learn about those close to you. Look at your friends and your wife. They all care for you; they may not like your personality at times. You will follow your mind and never listen fully but they will always love you as family. In Melody’s case, she will always love you as her wife.”

I will not take too long to read what is here. I look at Gizmos first. ‘There are stories I could tell who read this book. But all I can say is I am old. Older than the ones I journey with. When I came to your home. I saw a broken land like many before. Ruby didn’t wish to leave; she was many things. She is a silly bug; she allows her emotions to control her. But she is the only one I would follow and she protected my Wicker. It’s all I can do to be happy she protected the one I love and her in kind.’

A weak smile forms across my buggy face. I don’t deserve this praise at all. Someday I feel I may deserve it but there will be days I won’t. Time will tell if I ever do deserve it. Today to my mind is not this day.

I look at the next set of writing from Dust.

‘I never told Ruby the truth of why Rassie sent me with her. He sent me to keep an eye on her and to make sure Melody and Ruby get married. There is more to this. I also followed Ruby mainly to hunt down Catrina and Rep. The stories and the idea of songs will never allow me to understand. I see these gentle creatures as my family and now after this battle to free your lands oh Orthanins, it’s time to see the future as you see it now. Peaceful and with freedom in your hearts.’

I look over to Dust. He gives just a gentle nod. He came to make sure Melody and I get married. I don’t understand why it would matter if I marry Melody. Maybe it’s a message from the stars themselves to be at peace for once. They got much of their blood during the battle even though I didn’t spill it. Still, they got their blood.

I look at Wickers next.

‘I don’t have much to say about myself. I am just a simple former sea raider. I met Ruby after she saved my life from my stupidity. I lead a group of sea raiders to find an easy hull. We didn’t know Ruby and her friends were under the protection of sea ponies and sea monsters. If I knew non of my crew would have died. I connected my soul and my heart to Ruby through a blood pact with her adoptive mother. I learned over time Ruby is a gentle soul but has much to learn about life.’

She wrote a lot. It's impressive.

‘Truthfully at first, the little bug pissed me off a lot with how she just rushed in. But I saw the love Melody has for her and it showed me this little bug there is more to her than meets the eye. I got to know her and I see her as my sister now. A sweet little bug who is lost and is trying to be a guardian of a world that sees her as a threat. Now more about me? How I met Gizmo I met her through Oil and we got to know each other through drinking and then after Junk Island, I slept drunkenly with both of them. But focus on this lovely city we saved. I will never forget Gearshift and the others who died. I will never forget the peace we brought. I am just Cannon Wick, a simple Kirin.’

Before I read on, I noticed Rhyolite hadn't written anything. I look around and Ryo is standing far in the back behind us. She is standing on her feet asleep. I sigh weakly Sterling chuckles heading to go wake up the raptor.

“Rhyolite.”

The raptor opens her eyes.

“Oh, I am sorry I haven’t slept well since we arrived. What’s up?”

Sterling explains to her about writing in the book. I fly over to her to give her the book and the pen. She holds the book looking at what is written nodding to Sterling and me.

“I don’t know what I could add to all this but if you feel I should then I will for the future for the past to see the future and for the honor.”

Rhyolite writes in the book she takes a moment to look at me after reading Melody’s lines and she smirks at me.

“Ruby, what Melody said about you is amazing. I agree with every word of it.”

A deep blush forms on my buggy pink face. I shake my head to try to regain my composure. I take the book back after she is finished writing and then I read it.

‘I don’t deserve this treatment. I am just a simple Ingwegwe or the words of a simple creature raptor or other old dinosaur race from the past. My race has been alive for so long that it took the world ending to give us brains. Turtles like Gizmo have been alive longer than us. She told us when we became friends her species helped us learn to speak after the time came. But more as for Ruby I respect her. She gave me the ability to care again. I am just a simple warrior of my species. I never cared if I lived or died. I never cared bout the sex I had with my husband I look at her I see the care in her eyes I want to follow that care. She is the one who convinced me to show kindness to your species.’

I chuckle weakly at all she wrote. Rhyolite is extremely simple and that is the best thing about her. It’s something I have been expecting. I glance at Rhyolite who stands there now with the rest of us. We are being honored just for reasons I don’t care for but I will not speak about how I feel. I then look at Melody's words.

‘Hello, those who read this in the future. I am Melody Glide. My real full name is no longer mine. To a pony when they get married their full name is taken from them to take the name of the one they love. When I met my wife I saw her as just another conquest. But I saw her eyes during my first time in bed with her. I saw a gentle soul a loving bug there is more to her than just sexual love. I see the one who is my dream, my love, my hope.’

I look up from the book and stare in the eyes of Melody. She knew I was reading her writing. She puts her good wing on my face. All I see in her eyes is pure love and not lust when we first met. She pulls me into a deep kiss. My cheeks burn bright red and I hear awws and giggles. She breaks the kiss gently leaning into me to whisper.

“I mean every word, Ruby. You’re my rock, my dream in this broken world. I will walk with you to the end of the Equus if I have to just to be there for you.”

I smirk pulling away from her and looking back at what she read.

Enough about my personal life. Ruby is many things. I see her as a creature who needs a guide. I am that guide but I know full well she is mine and I love her with all my heart. I do know soon she will be lost and she will need me. We came to your land with the help of silver and it’s going to come soon when this journey ends.’

I sighed, closed my eyes, opened them, took the pen, and wrote down my words. I wrote what I felt was right to right. I wrote down every single word I had a page to myself and I felt whatever I wrote it would take me a while to express my mind. I think the idea of what is to come will be heart. I take a deep breath looking up at the keeper.

“Miss, could you please give me a copy of what I wrote?”

The keeper looks at me confused and nods

“Alright, are you going to read the rest of them?”

I nod sighing looking at Sterling's next.

‘I don’t know why I am writing here. I am not a hero, I am not a hero of nothing. All I did is what the old world did. I kept the news going. I gave homes to those who needed them and jobs to those who wanted them. It’s a typical way of life like the old days. It’s how most of us knew what it was like back then. Life always is simple, the castle took what they wanted from us and we just lived. Then suddenly outsiders one of them a magic eater, a kirin, and a donkey in power armor. We just tested them and then they helped us. I did nothing but watch as those around me died. So I am no hero, just a reporter.’

The next is Joona.

‘I met these nice kind gentle creatures when they woke me from a tube of sleep. When they told me the world changed so long ago. It’s not something I was happy about. But I got to know Ruby and her friends. Ruby to me is like the creatures of old trying so much to bring honor to life. Now I am no hero either. But I did what I could for you and those of the future.’

I read Amandla’s writing next.

‘I never told Ruby the truth. I am more than a simple creator of armor and weapons. I used to be a guard at Jumper's court. I failed to help those in need and he took the job from me. He left me to stay in the castle though as a way to respect my family and friends. I told him to prove to him I can have my old job back. Let me go on an adventure to help. I got to know them and I love them as my family. I know full well when the time comes I will return to my king as a hero.’

I look at Beezens words and I look up at him after I am done reading it. I feel so heartbroken that what he said hits me harder than the others.

“Keeper, can you please give me a copy of Beezens as well?”

The keeper nods, taking the book and walking to the two queens-to-be. She opens the page for the two queens. The queens read what we put down and look at me with what I said. I could see they felt bad for what I put down.

“Now it’s time for you two to write in the book of history. The book will tell others who you are and what you did in the past. I know this is too much for you ahead of time. But when it’s done the song and your crowns will be given to you.”

Zephyra stares at the book, she closes her eyes tightly taking the pen and writing into the book. She gives the pen to Ocypete she writes in the book looking to the other queen now. She sighs they both know without a husband it’s going to be very hard to keep the royal family going. So they will have to get married soon.

The keeper takes the book, turning the book to Captain Celaeno.

“Oh, great Element of perseverance. I am sorry so many mistook you for the element of love in our old history books. Please ole captain of the new military please write your name in the book and it’s all you can do.”

Celaeno sighs, shaking her head.

“I doubt I could replace the old leader of the military. I am told he is alive but he won’t be trusted with the military ever again. Why is this?”

The keeper sighs.

“Most don’t trust any of those who have had those parasites on them. Wilt one of the courts never had any of those parasites in her or controlling her. It’s time to move on and this former captain will be your advisor.”

Celaeno takes the pen she looks over to me. From the look in her eyes, she is lost and unsure of what to do. I think she is trying to tell me she needs some advice. All I could do is with my buggy hand tell her to do it. Celaneo seems to understand what I mean she writes into the book and the keeper closes it.

“This is all I have for you. I will let whoever remains in the court sing the song for you. Wilt and Robin will sing the song for you two. It would be more but no more of the court survived the attack.”

The keeper backs off Wilt and Robin come out of the crowd wearing beautiful dresses with some rips in them. The strange music of our world begins to play. I look around and wonder how the hell this music shows up.

“Oh, my queens welcome to the seats of old. It would have been a peaceful giving of power. But these times have lost so much. The story of those who came before has been lost. Some remember the past only to scorn it.” {Wilt}

“I wish I could bring a happier note to my friend Wilt who helped me with the help of Melody. We have done so much in such a short week we still haven’t been able to get all the blood out of your thrones. But we did what we could for you, our new leaders, our new queens. Many you reign till the time comes for your children to take over.” [Robin]

I take a deep breath. I feel the song taking me over so I do what I should I join in.

“Oh forgive me my friends for I am butting in. The music is too much for me to bear. This is but a chapter in history. So I must sing to honor the heart of the matter. It’s all we can do to bring forth peace and the dreaming night. I did all I could for you but now it’s time for me to give my sword as in giving my will of a guardian to Celeano.”

Melody sighs and joins in.

“For it’s time for us to move on when the airship comes. We will say goodbye to the new royal family. The new military will bring forth the protection you deserve.”

I close my eyes looking back at my friends. I was told they sang a song like this.

“It’s time to move on. It’s time to go our separate ways again.” [Dunewalker in my head.}

I open my eyes and Gizmo joins in.

“I shall be heading back out of the castle. My memories of what I did here are too much for me. I am sorry for what I did and it’s time for me to show my heart. I shall return someday when the journey is over.”

Gizmo waves turning around to leave. The next to sing is Wicker.

“I wish I could stay by myself but my dear Gizmo needs me before she breaks down. I am happy about what you have become. But it’s time for us to move on and we will stay in town till the airship returns. It’s now time for us to move on and sing.”

Wicker’s magic glows, taking off her pirate hat and bows. She puts her hat back on following Gizmo out of the room. Beezen sighs and smirks as he begins to sing.

“I am sorry for their rude words. But they’re correct, we have outstayed our welcome. Remember if anyone comes to learn what happened here. Tell them the truth just a traveler with the heart of a guardian came through. Tell them the name of the guardian is Topaz and she came through on her way to Dream valley. I shall return someday to see how things are going. When I return though I will be the judge again.”

Beezen bows in respect to the new leadership heading out of the castle and Rhyolite shrug her shoulders and joins in.

“Oh, great and powerful leaders. I am heading out as well I have outstayed my welcome there is not enough sex in your brothels and your males don’t last long enough.”

I take my buggy hands and facepalm.

“Even though the city has been wonderful, I am happy I was able to train those who survived and when the time comes. I will leave my friends to go back to my home. It will be after the battle is said and done. So now it’s time to move on.”

Ryo bows her head cheering for the new queens and walking out of the hole of the castle. Being what kind of species she is she jumps down the side of the castle with no problem. I never understood how her species can jump like this and she doesn't do it all the time.

Melody sings next and she pulls me close with her good wing. She smiles sweetly at me before the words come out of her mouth. I stare into her eyes and she just shows her love for me. I just stare at her. I love her singing voice.

“I will be leaving after I give enough medical supplies to those who need them. My nurse in training is now your doctor. I know she is not here but she will learn this when I leave. She will be better than I am when the time comes. It’s time for me to move on with my friends and my wife. It’s time to continue our journey to Dream valley.”

She turns looking to the others and she smiles.

“Goodbye and good luck my friends. It’s time for my hooves to leave and I will return someday to see what has changed.”

Melody turns to me, winking at me walking out of the throne room and heading to the city below. Joona sighed, closing her eyes and flapping her wings hovering over the new royal queens and the new captain of the military. She shifts her body into a glowing crystal ball letting the sun shine through her and glow through the entire room. She begins to sing, her gentle voice soothes through the blooded halls. Before the song comes through she nods to Rock Back who leaves with the others so he can write up the other part of the map to Dream Valley.

“Oh, gentle souls, I am lost in this new world like you. I have a story to tell you I have the alicorns of old and I watched the alicorns create and destroy many things. Within the old world, many things changed and the new world was lost. This new world forsakes the will of friendship and love. The will of love is all we have now and when the time comes it’s all we might have. The time that comes within the end must come.”

Joona takes a moment to stare down at Catrina and Rep. She nods to them Catrina leans into Rep whispering to him. He leaves. I am sure to get the next part of the map. Catrina glances back up at Joona as she continues.

“My species is well known for being the enemies of a squid, a powerful monster. The heroes of my species Now it’s time to return to my friends. Thank you for all you did for me and the others Goodbye…and please stay safe!!”

Joona shifts back into her real body flying out of the castle. The next they stare at Dust he is taken aback by all the eyes staring at him. He looks at me and then back at the group staring at him including the new royals. He sighs deeply, closing his eyes and the song gathers in his heart.

“I have never known friendship, I have never known peace. I am a hunter in the shadows. I am the dust of the wind. I was named Dust by my family. It was time to use the name to bring forth the hunt to find Catrina. Now that I have found her I know the truth and it’s a lie. She didn’t betray my species, she didn’t betray any of us. She did what she felt she had to. She had to get her magic back and bring forth the dreams.”

He looks back at Catrina lifting a strange ball in his paw.

“It is now time for me to move on. My task is complete but my journey is not over. My journey continues till Ruby wins or loses her fight. Whoever wins this battle I will leave and go back home to give the news to my king. The words of friendship are in my heart.”

He tosses down the bomb and vanishes into the smoke leaving. The crowd claps and they look at Amandala after the weeks she has healed but she hasn’t put her suit back on since she is repairing it. She smiles sweetly sitting on her haunches, the gentle motherly donkey bows her head in respect to all the crowd.

“I am not much of a singer if you feel a song will help you all. Well, I will be honest all I can think of is mainly telling you the best way to lead. I can’t do either. I hope Junk island will make a trade deal with you. If they do then please say hello to my king. I will do whatever I can for you when I return. If I return, I may find a family home at Widowmaker desert.”

Sterling smiles.

“Sing for us Amandla, give us your beautiful voice.”

Amandla blushes gently. It’s easy to see it through her black fur. She stood on her hooves and her beauty returned to her even with some of the cast on her body. It will take time for all of my friends including Melody to heal. A gentle voice comes from her mouth.

“This is the last time we will see each other. I shall return with my friends to the Widowmaker desert. When the time comes I shall return home or find a family. I shall make a family with a stallion of my species or a pony. When the time returns I will never end my song. I shall walk my path and it’s time for me to go to my dear friends. Goodbye, and it’s time to move on.”

The motherly donkey turns to the door and Sterling is next. A smile forms on his beak. He takes a deep breath sighing.

“You all know me or those who knew me are long gone. I have a reason to return and it’s Dancer. I gave her my heart and she will wait for me to come back. When I return I will give what I promised. News and to explain what happened during the journey. I hope you all can wait for me. I have trained the lost children to do the news while I am gone.”

The music plays again and it fills Sterling.

“I am just a species like you my friends, a simple upholi. A simple reporter I will always be what I wanted and I will always remember my old friend Gearshift. I will always remember the song she gave me. I will never forget her and I will always see her smile. I will remember the day she told me she couldn’t have hatchlings. I remember the time she and I broke our marriage because of her broken heart. I am the one who broke the marriage because I didn’t want her to be depressed anymore. She took over for the gang on the west side and it changed so much she changed so much.”

Sterling goes silent closing his eyes and tears fall to the floor below. He opens his eyes, turning to leave.

“I leave you now and it’s time for me to move on. I will be in the tavern for the last few days. When the time comes I will leave and I will be saying goodbye to everyone. Goodbye, my friends keep the magic of friendship in your hearts.”

He heads out of the room and I am the final one of my friends. I close my eyes coming over to the new queens. I bow to them and turn to Celeano, a smile forming on my buggy face. I sang many songs. I have moved on and I know my friends in the desert will always move on without me. I hope when I return they will accept me again.

“We will be here till the airship returns. If you need to talk to me and Bumble.”

Bumble comes out of the crowd and the queen of her hive stares at me.

“Can you help get us a place to stay at Dream Valley?”

Bumble smirks

“I knew Majesty back in the day before I became an evil judge. I could try to talk about allowing you and your friends to stay at her castle. It would mean you have to accept being in the same place as your old creation.”

A frown forms across my buggy face. She is correct if I want to be in a land like Dream Valley. I need to accept help from the one who created me. I close my eyes, sighing. I feel the music filling my soul. I flap my wings flying into the air.

“The magic of friendship is in my heart. It’s time for me to move on, it's time for us all to go. We will be in the city below. If you need me for anything I shall be watching the sea. The sea is all I know now. I see the dead, I see them calling me. I wish I could move on by myself. I wish I could stop seeing their faces. I wish I could stop seeing the smile of Gearshift when I told her I stopped the necromantic magic.”

I notice my body begins to glow with the magic of friendship. It dims soon after I have heard stories of the magic of friendship doing this. I wonder if the way to fight the Storm King and Wheel tread is to use the old words the magic of friendship. The Flame of truth hit me again. I take a deep breath shuddering after seeing the images again. I stop my song bowing my head to them.

“Thank you, I am heading back to the tavern. I wish to be out of the way and let you all move on.”

I had to leave before a couple of guards stop me.

“What?”

Celaeno comes over to me.

“I need you to come to my new room in the castle if you please.”

I groan and the guards make sure I can’t even leave. One of the guards grabs my wings, carrying me to Celaeno's new office. It took her a while to find it when she did she laughed at how long it took. I buzz angrily and I am pushed into the office when the door closes.

“What is going on?! Am I under arrest or something?!”

Celaeno shakes her head.

“No Ruby I wanted to give you something alone. I found it while looking through this office. I ask the queens if I can give it to you alone.”

Celaeno opens the desk bringing out a very old medal. I stare at the medal it’s made from pure gold. It’s a symbol of two upholies holding two swords and a symbol of the tree castle. It saids Ambassador and knight of the kingdom.

“Wait… I am being knighted?”

Celaeno smirks

“Yes, normally the royal family does it. They gave me the okay to do it for you. You will also be the Ambassador of our lovely kingdom. So how you act in Dream valley will affect us. How you act back at your home will affect us. So no pressure little bug.”

I take the little medal staring at it. She wants me to place it on my armor. I sigh weakly nodding I will do so. She grabs a sword.

“Please kneel Ruby.”

I am confused and I do what she saids. She places her sword on my shoulders.

“With the power vested in me given to me by the Queens. I knight you, raise lady Ruby and accept your honor.”

I rise like she asks if I am given two more things. I a sash to put on my armor and a knight sword. I glance at this sword. I can’t use it ever. It's going to be just something I hang up in a home I get someday.

“Celaeno I can’t do what you wish I can’t just be someone who can represent an entire country.”

Celaeno smirks.

“I know I just want you to understand that many are counting on you for you to bring back the balance in the stars. I knew about the unbalanced stars years ago.”

I sigh, putting the sword in the scabbard I am given and heading out of the room waving goodbye to everyone and I fly back to the tavern. When I get to the room Melody and I share I place everything I was given on a table.

“Love, what is all that?”

I chuckle, turning my eyes to look at Melody. I grab her cheeks with my many buggy hands kissing her deeply after a few moments I pull away and she giggles.

“I am a knight I guess. Before I get something to eat.. I need to think a bit.”

I fly off out of the window going back to the shore where all the caskets went to sea and got burned. I take a deep breath, closing my eyes tightly. I don’t know why I don’t have a good feeling about all this.

“Bits for your thoughts?”

I jump a bit so focused on thinking I turn to see Catrina. A frown forms on my face and the judge sits beside me.

“I have come to say I am sorry for being part of what Wheel tread did to you. I never knew he wanted to brainwash you and have you destroy an entire community. When I learned about what he forced you to do I left his good graces and left with Rep to find a way back to Dream Valley.”

A weak smile forms on my face.

“All the judges are at fault Catrina including Beezen but I forgave him. Even when Grogar fully returns I will have to fight you and him.”

Catrina smiles.

“No you won’t be fighting me or Rep. After I get to Dream Valley I am going to find a way to the land between lands and go live with those who left for that land years ago. I need to get going. Rock Back gave us the next part of the map. I will tell Rep and Bumble you said goodbye. We will see you at Dream Valley.”

Catrina stands up to get Rep and after many minutes I watch Rep, Catrina, and Bumble and what remains of her hive fly off towards Dream valley. I will be joining them. I stood up looking back at the setting sun. I look back knowing soon Gem will be back and I turn back to the tavern. I felt the song fill my heart again.

“It’s time to move on. It’s time to dream again. I will always be there for everyone. When my time comes I will protect those I love. It’s time to move on from this city of pain and death. With the help of my friends and I brought back peace to this city.”

I go into the room Melody and I share and on the table is a letter and food. I open the letter and it’s a copy of my writing in the book and Beezens. I put it in my bags while eating and I looked out the window.

“It’s time to move on…”

The keepers ring the bell adding to my song.

“My journey can end. And when I return I will use the magic of friendship in my heart. To end this hate between me and Wheel Tread…”

I stop singing sit the plate down laying in the bed to fall asleep closing my eyes tightly I let the world pass me by while I sleep.

Footnote: Max Level

Perk added: Knighted: You have been knighted by the great community of the Upholi or what they call themselves Orhtians. While you wear the medal and the sash. You will feel the love and strength of the Orathian people. When you hold the sword you remember Gearshift and the others who died. You feel great sorrow that you couldn’t save them. But you remember why you fought for them.

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