Chapter 14

As The Prometheus neared Ponyville, I had been pondering which town Flash and I would liberate next. I would like to go for a big target like Manehatten but I’d rather not attack such a large target with possibly thousands of slaves or brainwashed males. So for now we would only focus on the small towns and free them one by one. Ponyville was now in sight and I could already feel Twilight being worried for me despite me telling her I’d be fine. She’s a worrisome mare, that one, but that’s just what I love about her. As The Prometheus landed beside the Castle of Friendship the crew all lined up in front of me waiting for me and Flash to address them. We both flew down from the crows nest and landed in front of the crew as they stood up straight.

“Alright you lot I’m gonna go and meet with Princess Twilight, meanwhile you all stay aboard and await further instructions understood?” I command.

“Yes Captain Lock!” They all salute.

Captain Lock…I like the sound of that, I think while smirking.

Flash and I lower the gang plank and walk off the ship. As we walk up to the entrance and I was about to open the doors, they are covered in a magenta colored magic aura and swing open. Next thing I know I’m tackled by a lavender blur a few feet from where I stand and onto the ground. I groaned as I looked down and see Twilight look up at me with tears streaming down her face with a very happy yet very upset expression.

“OH SWEET CELESTA THANK GOODNESS YOU’RE OK!” she shrieks and proceeds to pepper my face with kisses. I was about to say something until she captures my lips with her own and kisses me hard while hugging me close. I gently grasp her shoulders and pull her away much to her reluctance.

“Well good morning to you too, honey,” I said, making her puff her cheeks and glare at me with a cute pouty face.

“Where the hay have you been?! I’ve been up all night constantly worrying about you and all you have to say is good morning?!” She yelps.

I sigh and pick myself up sitting cross legged so Twilight is sitting in my lap as I wrap my arms and wings around her. I then rub the back of her head along her mane and she immediately relaxes in my embrace. “You’re right, I’m sorry for worrying you,” I said softly. “The liberation of Cloudsdale took longer than expected, I’m back now and safe and sound.” Twilight wraps her arms around me and nuzzles into my chest as she whimpers but is still happy I’m back by her side.

“Please don’t scare me like that again…” Twilight said into my chest as I continued to stroke her mane.

“I won’t, I promise,” I said, making her look up at me while cupping her chin. She smiled through her tears and leaned up as I met her half way and our lips meet. I can still feel the tears streaming down her face as I kiss her as she melts in the embrace of my wings. Eventually we break apart and she stares into my eyes lovingly as she cups my cheek.

“I love you Lock, so much I always worry for you…” Twilight said, making me smile.

“I love you to Twilight, I’ll try not to be such a worrisome man for you,” I said.

I pick myself up as I furl my wings behind my back, though as I was about to stand Twilight keeps her arms wrapped around me. I chuckled as I put one arm under her legs and the other behind her back and stand up while carrying her bridal style. Twilight nuzzles into my chest as she holds onto my neck and I walk back to the entrance of the castle. Flash stands at the doorway with a small smile and I roll my eyes and we both walk inside.

“So,” I said looking down at Twilight. “Did you notice my new ship?”

“Yes, can you give me a tour later? I’ve always wanted to examine one of those large airships up close, even if they were used for such atrocious things,” she said still nuzzling in my chest.

“Come on Twi, I said I was sorry, do I really gotta keep carrying you?” I ask.

“Yes, I want to be carried by you for the rest of the day. You owe that much for worrying me sick last night,” Twilight said sternly.

“Very well,” I chuckled as I held her close. “Since when did you become so clingy?”

“You’re my coltfriend, Lock. It’s only natural I want to stay close to you and besides,” she said looking up at me. “I always love it when you wrap your wings around me, it makes me feel so safe.”

“Heh, you’re adorable you know that?” I said leaning down to kiss her on the lips.

We eventually make it to the throne room and Twilight opens the doors with her magic and we’re met with the rest of the Elements including Bow and his wife which makes me smile seeing how he made it back here safely.

“Hey Bow,” I called out, gaining his attention.

“Lock! It’s good to see you son,” he said as he walked over along with Windy and Rainbow Dash. “I see what my daughter said was true, you and Princess Twilight sure do look happy together.”

“That we are, Bow, I’d shake your hand but they’re both a little preoccupied at the moment,” I joke.

“Don’t worry about it,” Bow said waving his hand. “A stallion must always make sure his mare is happy, take it from a married stallion like me. Now then,” he said looking over to Rainbow Dash. “I believe you have something you’d like to say, young lady?” Rainbow winces and looks away and Windy pushes her towards me.

“Rainbow Dash, you give Mr. Lockdrom a proper apology this instant,” Windy scolds.

“But Mom, I already did!” Rainbow defends.

“Well you gotta say it again since we’re here now and we wish to hear it in pony,” Bow said. Rainbow sighs and looks up at me and Twilight with a guilty expression.

“Um…Mr. Lockdrom?” She said.

“Just Dimitri is fine,” I said.

“Right…well Dimitri, I just want to say again how sorry I am. I acted like a stupid mare and lashed out at you because I was too mad how you talked to us and treated Princess Celestia. I know you don’t trust me for what I did before you left but I just want you to know I’m willing to do whatever it takes to earn your trust back, especially since you saved my parents and liberated Cloudsdale. You’ve done so much yet I feel like I won’t be able to repay you for all you have done but I’m willing to try if you’ll give me a chance,” Rainbow explains. I stare at Rainbow as her ears droop and she looks down to her hooves. I then put Twilight down, much to her reluctance, and rest my left hand on Ymir’s hilt.

“Seems like your folks managed to properly set you straight,” I said, earning a confident nod from her parents. “You really wanna do whatever you can to earn my trust back?” I ask.

“Yeah, whatever it is I’m willing to do it,” she said with conviction. I smirked and reached out with my other hand for a shake.

“Then join my crew,” I said, earning looks of shock from her and her parents.

“Your crew?” She repeats.

“You lack discipline, order, and responsibility. You think with your fists and gut instead of your mind and soul. If you join my crew I’ll show you what it truly means to both earn and give trust. The ponies aboard my ship are also willing to do the same and they too are gonna be put through the ringer with my training and guidance. You want to be a better mare? You want to have your chance to take back what the Caribou have stolen? You want to earn my full trust? Then join The Prometheus and join the fight against the Caribou,” I said.

“Lock are you sure that’s a good idea?” Flash asked. “You’d be putting her on the front lines with us as we travel around Equestria. Not to mention she’s still The Element of Loyalty.”

“That’s exactly why, Flash,” I said. “The ponies need to see that even someone who’s one of the Elements can take up the fight in this war. When the day comes we make our move against Lust at the Crystal Empire, and we finally break their brainwashing, they’ll see that the Princesses along with the Elements are still standing and will never give up hope.” I look back at Rainbow who was staring at me in awe. “So what say you, Rainbow Dash, will you join the fight for Equestria?” Rainbow looks back at her parents expecting them to protest her from going along with me but they just both smile and nod, giving her more confidence. She then looks back at me with a proud smile and nods.

“Sign me up, Dimitri! I’ll be sure to kick their sorry flanks and prove to you I’m a worthy pony of your trust!” Rainbow said confidently.

“Then welcome aboard,” I said as I shook her hand. “And for the record, whenever we’re on The Prometheus, it’s Captain Lock to you.” She nods and I look to Bow who was still smiling at Rainbow. “Bow, are you sure you’re ok with your daughter joining my crew?”

“As a father I’ll always worry for her whenever she’s out there fighting but since I know she’ll be under your watch I’m confident she’ll be in proper hands,” he said. “You will look after her, won’t you?”

“I promise nothing bad will happen to your daughter,” I said. “By the way, where’s Posey Shy and his family?” I ask, realizing he and Fluttershy weren’t in the room.

“He and his family are in one of the guest rooms that colt, Zephyr Breeze, is staying in. When their daughter saw them she burst into tears and didn’t let go of any of them and they her. If you want to check in on them they’re down that hallway on the second room to the right,” Bow said pointing in the direction of the room.

“Ok thanks,” I said and looked back at Flash. “I’m gonna go check in on them, when I get back we’re gonna discuss which town we’re gonna hit next.”

“Yes sir,” he said with a salute.

“Twilight,” I said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Can you please prepare the map for me? I’ll be back in a little bit.”

“Well…ok, but as soon as you come back you’re gonna keep carrying me for the rest of the day like you promised,” she said wagging her finger at me.

“Yes ma’am,” I teased after kissing her cheek. She smiles and walks off to the map room as I walk in the other direction towards Zephyr’s room.

After a few minutes of walking down the hall I make it to the room where Posey and his family were in and I knocked on the door.

“It’s open,” I hear Posey call out. I open the door and see him and his family all gathered around the bed and Zephyr awake, sitting up and leaning against the headboard.

“Good morning, everyone,” I greeted them.

“Mr. Lockdrom!” Posey said happily. “I’m so glad you made it back safe and sound. We were just filling Zephyr in on all that you’ve done for us and Cloudsdale.

“Glad to see you in higher spirits,” I said as I stood at the foot of the bed. “Hey kid, you ok?” I ask Zephyr.

“Yeah…I’m fine I guess,” he said, a little depressed.

“Poor Zephyr has told us what that awful stallion, Wind Rider, did while he was kept as his prisoner. If it wasn’t for you we would have never seen our little colt again…” Gentle said, trying to fight back the tears.

“C’mon Ma,” Zephyr said trying to smile. “This guy saved us and we’re ok now, I’m ok now,” he said trying to reassure his mother.

“You look a little more healthy, Zephyr,” I said, noticing he looked less malnourished. “And you look like you’ve gotten a decent night's sleep, I’m glad to see it.”

“It’s all thanks to you, Mr. Lockdrom,” Zephyr said with a kind smile. “If it weren’t for you I wouldn’t be back with my family and besides poor Flutter Butter here.” Fluttershy looks up at me with a few tears streaming down her face as she stands up from her chair and walks over to me. She smiles and wraps her arms around me and sobs into my chest.

“Th-Thank you…you s-saved my family…thank y-you so much…” she said repeatedly. I smiled and patted her head as she cried in my chest. Gentle and Posey also had tears of joy and Zephyr looked happy as well, though when I glanced at Zephyr I noticed he had a bit of a guilty look in his eye which made me quirk a brow.

“Uh hey Ma, Pop, sis, can I speak to Mr. Lockdrom for a quick sec?” Zephyr asks. Posey, Gentle, and Fluttershy look at Zephyr and each other but nod as they all exit the room. Fluttershy glances once more to Zephyr and he smiles and waves making her nod and close the door.

“Was there something you wanted to talk to me about?” I ask.

“I heard you did a lot for my folks and sis,” Zephyr said. “No doubt more than I ever could for them,” Zephyr sighed sadly.

“Don’t beat yourself up too hard, kid,” I said as I sat down on the chair beside him. “It’s not your fault this happened.”

“No, but I wish I coulda done more for my folks,” Zephyr said. “Before this whole Fall, I was nothing but a freeloader. I never really took things seriously and leaned on my parents whenever I could. Flutter Butter always scolded me for taking advantage of my folks but I just brushed it off as some dumb big sister routine,” he explains. “I was actually thinking of doing mane therapy since my square cloud idea was a bust,” Zephyr jokes. “But then this all happened…”

“I see,” I said now remembering the episode he was talking about from back home. “Look even though things are bad now you shouldn’t give up on your goals.”

“But you don’t understand, Mr. Lockdrom, I could’ve done something for my family before I was taken,” Zephyr said.

“But Zephyr-”

“I should’ve done something!” He cries. “But instead I just gave myself up!”

“Wait, you gave yourself up?” I repeat a little shocked.

“When the Caribou invaded Cloudsdale I saw them rounding up the mares all over town. I even saw them and some other stallions start attacking mares and rape them in broad daylight which scared the buck outta me. When I ran home my Pop said to hide with my Ma but they came and almost found us. I managed to step out from hiding before they discovered my folks and when they saw I wasn’t one of them stallions who went crazy or one of them who joined they captured me and took me to Wind Rider. That bastard of a stallion figured if I watched him rape and torture mares right in front of me I’d join him as well,” Zephyr explains.

Well it’s a good thing the bastard is burning for his sins, I thought to myself.

“But you stayed strong Zephyr,” I said. “Despite all you’ve been through you kept your mind straight and didn’t give in.”

“Maybe, but that’s not all he did,” he said, confusing me.

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“Wind Rider, he sometimes brought other mares, mares who had one of them red collars on, and he…made them do stuff,” Zephyr said, shocking me.

“Zephyr…did they?” I wonder. Zephyr looks away with a small blush and frowns as he nods.

“I didn’t enjoy it…not one bit,” Zephyr said now in tears. “Wind Rider said that if I joined I could mate with as many mares as I want,” he looks back at me with a pained expression. “But he took away the one thing I wanted to save for my special somepony I would one day find! And when that didn’t work he beat me, starved me, and kept making me watch as he defiled Ms. Flare! So you’re wrong, I wasn’t strong! I was weak! And I’m still the loser I was before this nightmare!”

I was silent at Zephyr’s confession, all the while I was trying to keep my rage at bay. To think that Zephyr was forced to mate with mares by Wind Riders command, at least the Heat had some justification to it but this was just plain cruel. Zephyr buries his face in his hands and sobs at the painful memories of his torture.

Poor kid, I think.

“The boy has been through a lot,” Lucifer said appearing next to me. “It seems he has lost his confidence, I doubt your power would set him at ease.”

Sometimes using my power isn’t always the answer, Lucifer. Words can have more of an impact, I tell him.

“Zephyr,” I said, making him look at me. “May I tell you a little about me and my family?”

“Your family?” He asks.

“You see back where I’m from I was a military man, I fought for peace and served for my home against my enemies so that the people could rest more easily. However the army wasn’t my first option,” I said.

“It wasn’t?” Zephyr wonders.

“No, to be completely honest my old dream was to open a pastry shop,” I said making his eyes widen a bit.

“You? A badass warrior who cuts down Caribou like it’s nothing?” Zephyr asks.

“As hard as it is to believe, it’s true,” I said. “I spent hours in the kitchen with my mother making all kinds of pastries. Though she was all for the idea of me following something I was good at, my father wasn’t too keen on the idea,” I explained. “He always told me I should do something more masculine instead of wasting time in the kitchen. So I put away the oven mitts and pursued other things to do, which I wasn’t able to find any. All I could do was finish school without a single degree to my name. I was disappointed that I couldn’t do what I loved because of my dad, in fact I was mad at him for making me quit baking. So mad I moved out and enlisted just to prove I could do anything and not need his approval. But despite how well I had done during my service it didn’t wipe away the guilt I felt. It was only after I was discharged I realized I shouldn’t have cared what he thought about my culinary pursuit and stuck with baking. Before I came here I had lost touch with my family and friends because I tried to shut them out and barely contacted them.”

“Why are you telling me this?” Zephyr asks.

“Because if there’s anyone here who’s the weak one it’s me,” I said. “I gave up on my passion and let someone else dictate what I should or shouldn’t do. I took the cowards way out and acted of my own accord to rebel. I sometimes wonder what I would’ve been like had I kept baking with my mother. Now I’m a hardened veteran, sent here to liberate an entire planet, yet I still think back to what I would’ve been like. But you, Zephyr, you kept yourself from turning on everything and everyone you love. They tortured you, starved you, and had mares rape you but you still held on to your mind. If anything most would either go mad or give in to the temptation but you didn’t, which makes you stronger than you realize. And I bet your family is proud of you that you managed to stay strong all this time, I know I am.”

“You’re…proud of me?” Zephyr asks.

“Yes, and if you still wish to pursue mane therapy after all this then by all means go for it. Don’t let others, and even yourself, cause you to have doubts. You are your own stallion and you are who you choose to be. Take it from someone who hasn’t really had a choice most times in his life,” I said as I stood up. “So ask yourself this, Zephyr, who are you? And what do you wanna be?” I asked before I closed the door.

I made my way back to the throne room and saw the others talk with each other. I was about to join them when I heard a knock on the front doors. I walked over and opened them to see Spitfire and Soarin and they saluted me.

“At ease,” I said. “What do you need?”

“We found these three in the cargo hold of The Prometheus,” Soarin said, stepping to the side. To my surprise it was a trio of fillies who I recognized as the CMC, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. They looked up at me in awe, more so from Scootaloo as she was gawking at my wings which made me chuckle. “What should we do with them, Captain?” Soarin asks.

“I’ll take them from here, thanks for bringing them to me,” I said. They salute once more and walk off leaving me and the CMC.

“So,” I said kneeling down to meet them face to face. “Care to explain why the three of you are stowaways on my ship?”

“Well…” Applebloom trailed off looking a little guilty. “We just wanted ta see our sisters. When we heard they were back in Ponyville we snuck on yer ship when no pony was lookin’.”

“You’re the human guy who freed this town, right?” Sweetie Belle asks.

“That I am,” I said. “Though if you three wanted to come along to meet your sisters again all you had to do was ask. I would’ve been happy to reunite you with them.”

“You would?” Scootaloo asks, surprised.

“Well to be honest I think you should’ve stayed in Canterlot where it’s more safe but since you three went so far as to sneak aboard my ship I suppose I can oblige by letting you stay,” I said. All at once the three fillies lept forward and wrapped me in a hug leaving me a bit surprised at the sudden gesture.

“Thank you so much!” They all said together. I smiled at their cuteness, since I kinda always had a soft spot for them from the show, and responded in kind by gently wrapping my arms and wings around them.

“Your wings are so warm, mister,” Apple Apple Bloom said.

“And they look super awesome!” Scootaloo chirped feeling the muscles of my wing.

“And they have very pretty feathers,” Sweetie Belle said admiring the crimson red color.

“I’m glad you three admire my wings,” I said. “Let’s continue this inside, shall we?”

They nod as I stand up and furl my wings back and we head inside. We make it back to the throne room and once they notice us, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity gasp and quickly walk over to the fillies.

“What in tarnation are y’all doin’ here?” Applejack snaps.

“Hey sis,” Apple Bloom said sheepishly.

“My crew found these three stowaways in the cargo hold of my ship,” I said, making Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash give each of them the stink eye.

“Sweetie Belle, how could you?!” Rarity shrieks. “Do you have any idea the amount of danger you put yourself in?!”

“But Rarity, we all just wanted to see you again!” Sweetie Belle pleads.

“Yeah, we didn’t wanna be cooped up in Canterlot anymore. When we heard Ponyville was free again and you all came back we hitched a ride on Mr. Lockdrom’s ship,” Scootaloo said.

“You know, even though I may not have a say in this, they did do it out of care for the three of you,” I said, making them all look at me. “They’re your sisters after all, family should always look after each other and stick together. True, they could’ve at least come to me but there’s not much to be done now that they’re here.” They were all silent for a moment until they each gave their defeated sigh and hugged their little sisters.

“Ya coulda just sent a letter, sugarcube,” Applejack said. “But Ah’d be lyin’ if Ah said Ah wasn’t glad you’re here.”

“Next time please ask for permission like a proper lady, Sweetie,” Rarity said.

“Thanks for going through all that trouble, squirt,” Rainbow said. I smiled at the warm reunion until I noticed something, or someone, was missing.

“Hey Applejack,” I said, gaining her and Applebloom’s attention. “Where's Big Mac?”

Both of the Apple sisters frowned making me arch a brow as I noticed Apple Bloom art to tear up.

“We’ve been askin’ that ever since the start of the Fall,” Applejack said, placing a hand on Apple Bloom’s shoulder.

“He’s not in Canterlot?” I question and she shakes her head.

“Before all this, Big Mac went to Appleloosa ta visit some family. But when tha Caribou came we heard that Appleloosa was one of the first towns to be taken. Me, Apple Bloom and Granny Smith have been worried sick about what could’ve happened to him,” Applejack said.

“He’s been missing for almost 4 months now,” Apple Bloom said on the verge of tears. “What could’ve happened to mah big brother?”

I glanced at Flash and he had his own frown of pity, if Mac was still in Appleloosa and hopefully not brainwashed like Bow and the others then he must be going through Hell at the moment. Not bothering to ponder on the matter I walked up to Applejack and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“So he’s in Appleloosa, right?” I repeat and she nods. “Flash! Inform the crew that we’ll be resting here for a few days but will be leaving soon after, we have our next destination.”

“Yes sir!” He said and ran out of the room.

“You’re goin’ ta Appleloosa?” Applejack asks.

“I am, and not only will we bring back Big Mac I’ll also bring home the rest of your Apple family members,” I said with a comforting smile. Apple Bloom whimpers happily and hugs my legs as I pat her head.

“Please…bring him home,” she said.

“I aim to,” I said.

“Y’all are doin’ me this kindness yes Ah still need ta do somethin’ ta make ya trust me again,” Applejack said, wiping her eye for any tears.

“We’ll discuss that at a later date,” I said as I stepped back. “For now my crew and I have our new destination.” Twilight walks up to me and hugs me and I hug her back.

“I don’t like the idea of you leaving so soon since you just came back from Cloudsdale, but since it’s for Applejack I couldn’t possibly complain,” she said with worry.

“I know, hopefully this won’t take too long as Cloudsdale,” I said, stroking her mane. “In the meantime would you like a tour of my ship?” Twilight smiles widely up at me and nods as she kisses me on the lips. I then scoop her up and carry her bridal style again as I glance over to Rainbow.

“Rainbow, it’s time to show me that loyalty of yours,” I said as we walked out of the room. She pumps her fist and runs up next to me as we exit the castle and walk up the gang plank of The Prometheus. When she saw Spitfire and the other Wonderbolts were part of my crew she freaked out like a fan girl and looked more eager to prove her worth. When Twilight stepped on my ship she was running all over the place asking a variety of questions as to how such a large vessel like this could fly in the air. I even gave her a tour of the inside and showed her around the different quarters. As I showed her around my mind trailed off to what could be happening to Big Mac. If he wasn’t brainwashed like Bow and his group then hopefully he’s hiding out somewhere but if he is brainwashed, God forbid, then I would save him and bring him home.

Hang in there, Big Mac, I thought. You’ll be back home before you know it.

After a few hours of flying I look through a spyglass I found in the Captain’s quarters. I saw the town of Appleoosa in sight and I could already tell it looked like a shadow of its former self. I just hope Mac is doing alright despite everything. If Bow and the others weren’t brainwashed then maybe Mac will be the same. I motion for the crew to have the pegasus ponies gather a bunch of clouds to hide The Prometheus. As they do, I walk over to Flash who was gazing at the town in the distance.

“I’ve heard some very troubling things about this town,” Flash said. “You think Big Macintosh is ok?”

“There’s only one way to find out,” I said as I unfurled my wings. “Spitfire, Soarin, keep the ship hidden and don’t move until Flash and I return, I don’t want there to be any unnecessary casualties,” I order as I look over my shoulder to them.

“Yes, Captain Lock,” they both salute.

“Can’t I come?” Rainbow asks.

“Unfortunately I’d advise against it, Rainbow,” I said. “I know you wanna help but this is something that takes time and patience and you’d be a bit of a liability.” Rainbow looked a little disappointed after I said this. “Tell you what though, once we know what need to properly take this town back, you can help Flash and I free the slaves.” She perked up a bit and smiled to which I nod and Flash and I jump in the air and fly towards Appleoosa.

As we fly closer I can already sense the feeling of misery from any slaves from the town making me frown but keep my resolve to help free them. We soon land on the far side of town and we hide behind a building and peer around the corner and I do not like what I see. As usual there were Caribou and stallions walking around, some with mares on leashes, but there were some Caribou riding these strange looking massive doglike beasts. They had grey fur and dark hair going along its back, these things stood on four hooves and had a pair of horns on the side of its head. I heard Flash gasp and I saw some electricity spark from his shoulders as I could sense his anger spike.

“War Beasts…” Flash hissed.

“War Beasts?” I repeat. “What’s a War Beast?”

"War Beasts are fire breathing creatures with the strength of twenty earth ponies and are immune to magic blasts. I heard these things are some of the Caribou's main source of strength since no attack spells could harm them, not to mention their hide is especially tough, which is why towns like Appleoosa fell so quickly. And…” he trailed off clenching his fists. “I also heard that these buckers allow them to rape slaves, sometimes for entertainment or to breed them for more War Beasts.”

That last part made my eyes widen and clench my teeth at the sick fact I was just told. These fucking sick bastards let these disgusting hulking monsters rape mares for sport? Even having the audacity to force them to breed with them? All I wanted to do was march out in the open and go on another wild killing spree like before, until my eye caught something hanging on the wall beside us. I reached over to take it off the wall and I saw something that surprised me but smirk a little. It was a wanted poster of me and the image was when I sent out the broadcast and I had my flames covering my body but my face was covered by my hood, despite my eye glowing red.

“Well that was quick for them to take me seriously,” I said. “Only 30,000,000 bits? Can’t help but feel a little bummed that it’s not higher.”

“Holy buck that’s a lot of money,” Flash said in awe of the poster.

“What, you gonna turn me in for the bounty?” I tease.

“What?! No of course not!” He said.

“Relax Flash, it’s just a joke,” I chuckled while tucking the poster in my pocket. “However it does make things a tad more difficult.”

“What do you mean?” Flash wonders.

“I wanted to do this without drawing any attention but since those posters are already plastered all over town, and probably soon the rest of Equestria, I can’t walk around as a human,” I explain.

“So what do we do?” Flash wonders. I scratched my chin in thought trying to think of something until I got an idea. It was a long shot but if I can somehow disguise myself I can walk through town no problem.

“Flash, I’m gonna change my appearance right now so please do me a favor and don’t attack me,” I said as I took a step back.

“Uh ok, why?” Flash wonders with a quirked brow.

I didn’t answer as I closed my eyes and began to focus. I felt my wings retract into my body and my physique begin to change. I felt fur grow along my skin and my face stretch into a muzzle. My height shrunk a few inches as I felt something grow from my head and my hair grow out longer than it was. When I opened my eyes I saw Flash look at me in total shock. I glanced over at a window and saw my reflection making me raise my eyebrows. No longer did I see my human form, but me as a Caribou with reddish brown fur with darker brown nose and a pair of amber eyes. On my head was a pair of large antlers and my hair had grown into a dark grey mane, along with a small tail that poked out from under my jacket.

“Well now,” I said, examining my new appearance. “I expected it to work but not this well.”

“Holy buck, how did you do that?” Flash asks. “You look just like them.”

“Quite impressive, Dimitri,” Lucifer said appearing next to us. “It pleases me your Zoan abilities work just as well as your other powers.”

“Zoan?” Flash repeats.

“I’ll explain later,” I said waving my hand. “Now that I look like them I can blend with the crowd.”

“What about me?” Flash asks.

“There’s no wanted poster for you so I think you should be ok. Right now we need to work on freeing this place and finding Big Mac so I need you to do some recon while I gather information,” I said.

“Got it, but how’re you gonna do that?” Flash wonders.

“I have my ways,” I respond vaguely. “Now get to it.”

Flash nods and runs off in another direction while I take a breath and walk out of my hiding spot. As I walked through town the Caribou and stallions didn’t pay me any mind since I was a Caribou myself. Some nodded to me and I nodded back, much to my reluctance, but I had to play the part since I wanted to at least try and be more subtle about this. Though as I walked I noticed some Caribou and stallions had holsters on their belts and could see a six shooter in each one. I reminded myself of the rifles back in Cloudsdale which only confirmed my suspicions that the Sins introduced weapons from my world to the Caribou. Only question is, how long were they manufacturing this weaponry before the Fall and what other weapons do they have at their disposal?

I then came across a familiar building I recognized as the Salt Block so I decided to try my hand there. Only as I was about to enter the saloon I saw a bunch of mares sitting in front of the saloon all wearing collars and little to no clothing. I clenched my fist as small embers sparked from my hand but I took a deep breath to calm myself down as I approached the doors. Some of the mares who had black collars looked at me in fear while the ones with red collars gave me very lustful looks and opened their mouths as if they wanted me to do something to them. I ignored them, despite my anger starting to boil and walking through the doors. There were Caribou and stallions, even some brainwashed stallions here and there, all drinking and laughing as if there wasn’t a care in the world. I scoffed and walked over to the bar and sat myself down. The bartender walked up to me and I looked up to see someone I didn’t expect. It was Applejack’s cousin Braeburn and I noticed his eyes were glowing a sickly green which meant he was brainwashed.

“Howdy partner, what can Ah get ya? A drink, some food, or a bitch to buck?” He asks while pointing over to the corner. I looked over and saw more mares sitting in a group as one of them was grabbed by a Caribou and forced upstairs. I almost got up to stop him but I reminded myself I needed to play the part, for now…

“Disgusting…” Lucifer growled, good thing no one else can see him.

“Just a drink is fine, scotch if you’ve got it,’ I said. Braeburn nods and reaches under the table and pulls out a bottle and a glass and pours it for me. “So tell me, I’m new around these parts, is there anyone here in charge?” I ask.

“That’d be old Grind up in the mayor’s manor,” Braeburn said pointing out the window and I saw a large house in the outskirts. “He runs the breeding pens and manages the War Beasts. That stag always makes sure the War Beasts breed with the dumb bitches so he can add more of them to the pack.”

“I see, “ I said taking a shot. “I noticed there was a bunch of wanted posters around town, was that for that guy who appeared in the screens around Equestria?“

“Oh yeah, quite tha scary sight, he was. Ah heard some of the other Caribou talkin’ and they said Overlord Lust had sent out an order to hunt down that feller. Ah even heard ever since he took over Cloudsdale, ponies and Caribou have been running around all over trying to find the bucker for that sweet bounty he’s got on his head,” Braeburn explains.

“I suppose one would be pretty set if they got that much bits on them,” I shrugged, taking another shot. “By the way, you seem like a pony who knows a lot of folks, does the name Big Macintosh mean anything to you?” I ask.

“Ya know my cousin, partner?” He asks.

“In a way,” I said vaguely. “I heard he was the bitch of honesty’s brother,” I said while cursing myself in my head for calling Applejack that.

“Ah see ya also know mah stupid bitch cousin, well if yer wonderin’ if he’s here he ain’t. I do recall him headed off to Manehatten some time ago but Ah haven’t seen him since,” Braeburn said.

“Manehatten, huh?” I repeat taking another shot of scotch. Damn, of all places for him to be, I think.

“At least we know of his location, Dimitri. Now you can focus on freeing this town.” Lucifer said.

“Well it was nice talking to you, Braeburn,” I said pulling out a sack of bits from my pocket. “Thanks for the drink,” I said standing up. I was about to leave when a drunk Caribou hobbled over and brushed passed me hitting my shoulder but I just continued to the door.

“Oi you!” He slurred making me look over my shoulder. “Wha kinda mannerz you have? You bumped inta me an thass all ya do? Juss walk away an not say sorry~?”

“You bumped into me, pal,” I shot back. “Not my fault you’re too piss drunk to even pick your nose.”

“You buckn’ buck!” He snapped, slamming his hand on the bar. “You cannot talk ta me liek tha! An juss for tha, I’m callin’ you out!” Soon the whole room got quiet at this drunk asshat’s challenge. I then turned my body around and crossed my arms.

“Buddy, you really don’t wanna do that,” I warn.

“Buck ya I do!” He said, slamming his hand again. “And those fancy swords of yours ain’t gonna cut it!” He said pointing at Surtr and Ymir. “Unless yer too scared ta get shot by me!”

“It seems stupidity is an expected trait for these Caribou,” Lucifer sighs.

“Even if I did accept your stupid challenge, I’ve got no firearms to use,” I said.

“Hey mister,” Braeburn called out and tossed me something. I caught it and looked down to see a well crafted six shooter with a black handle tucked in a black leather holster. “Y’all can use mine, Ah don’t really know how ta use it anyway.”

“Much obliged, Braeburn,” I nod as I hook the holster on the right side of my belt beside Surtr.

“Great! Ya got a piece, now get yer flank out here so I can kill ya!” The Caribou slurred as he hobbled out.

“Well this should be entertaining,” Lucifer chuckled darkly.

I stood in the middle of the road about a dozen feet away from the drunkard who looked at me with a smug smile. I glanced at the clock tower and saw it was about two minutes until noon. I also noticed that we had drawn a bit of a crowd as the residents gathered around to watch us duel. I saw Flash on one of the buildings hiding behind a chimney but I ever so so shook my head signaling him not to do anything and tilted my head a little to tell him to keep doing recon. He nods and runs off while I direct my attention to the drunk Caribou.

So much for keeping a low profile, I groan in my head.

“Ya got any last words, bucker?!” He slurred.

“Yeah, last words are for fools who haven’t said enough,” I said as I readied my hand over my six shooter.

Everyone was silent as the two of us waited for the bell to chime, no one said a word as I kept my gaze on my target. Despite him being drunk he had a bit of a sharp eye, which meant I shouldn’t take him lightly. All that could be heard was the distant breeze through the town and the snorts from the War Beasts every so often. I drowned all them out and focused on my heartbeat and waited for the bell to chime. My senses were dialed to eleven as my hand kept still over my gun, my fingers twitching every so often as I continued to wait. I breathed in slowly and exhaled to try and slow my heart rate and the hairs on my back stood up a bit. Silence, nothing but silence and my heart was all I heard as time seemed to slow down with each passing second.

…

…

…

BONG!

BONG!

BONG!

BONG!

BONG!

BONG!

BONG!

BONG!

BONG!

BONG!

BONG!

BONG!

As soon as the last bell rang I grabbed my gun and pulled it out as time still seemed to be in slow motion. I aimed my gun and brought my other hand over the safety hammer and picked out where I’d shoot.

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

Six shots echoed through the town as the mouth of my gun smoked a little. Everyone turned their heads to my opponent and saw that he had a shocked expression on his face since he was still aiming his gun but had yet to pull the trigger. There were 6 holes all over his body, two in chest, two in his crotch, and two in his head. I twirled the gun in my hand a few times and holstered it as he leaned backwards and fell to the ground dead.

“Dead center,” was all I said as I walked away and through the crowd. I ignored any whispers I heard as I passed by them and continued walking until I was on the other side of town. I turned the corner and leaned back and sighed after I had just killed in front of the whole town.

“You truly know how to wow an audience, Dimitri,” Lucifer said.

“Hope they’re not too sore for me killing one of their own, since I am one of them on the outside,” I said.

“Oh I’m sure they’ll get over it, it sure seems like this isn’t the first time this has happened around here. Otherwise you’d be chased all around the town,” Lucifer said.

“Perhaps,” I shrug. I hear someone run up to me and I see Flash stare at me all wide eyed. “Hey Flash.”

“Holy Celestia, Lock! That was insane!” Flash said as he glanced at my six shooter. “What even is that thing?”

“This is a six shooter,” I answered, pulling it out. “A weapon from my world.”

“Your world?” Flash repeats.

“Yup, there were similar weapons like this back in Cloudsdale if you recall. Which makes things a little more worrisome,” I said as I reloaded my six shooter with the bullets Braeburn also gave me.

“How do you figure?” Flash asks.

“The Sins no doubt outfitted Dainn and his army with these kinds of weapons, which is why he was able to take control so quickly. If he has weapons like these in his arsenal I can only imagine what else he’s got tucked under his belt,” I said as I holstered my six shooter.

“That is very worrisome,” Flash agrees. “Well you’ll be happy to know I finished my recon and I think this town should be an easy one to take. The slaves seem to be all kept in the War Beast pens at night while the males sleep in the buildings through town. I was thinking that maybe if we can get all the mares out first, we can focus on getting any brainwashed stallions out and clear out the rest.”

“Sounds like a plan, I’ll handle the mares while you clear the town. Once we’re done we’ll take care of the bastard mayor Grinder and place a barrier around town before we leave,” I said.

“Got it, by the way, any news on Big Mac? Is he in Appleoosa?” Flash asks.

“Sadly no, I heard from Braeburn that he headed to Manehatten some time ago which is inconvenient since Manehatten is one of the places I plan for us to take back last,” I said.

“Can’t we just go and take it back as soon as we’re done here?” Flash wonders.

“I know you wanna take back Equestria all at once, but we need to be smart in our liberation,” I said. “To be honest I wanted to wait a little before coming here but I suppose I jumped the gun when I heard that Mac was missing. Manehatten isn’t going anywhere and I doubt Mac will too, for now let’s focus on the mission at hand.”

“Yes sir,” Flash agrees. I nod as I transform back into a human and make my wings reappear on my back, never thought I’d miss having wings since I’ve had them out for so long. We both flew back to The Prometheus so that we could wait until nightfall to begin our liberation.

The sun had just set over the horizon and I watched from the crow’s nest as the last light from the town went out. I glanced over to a Flash who was standing next to me and even Rainbow since I promised her she could help free the slaves. We all jumped in the air and flew back to the town but made sure to be extra quiet. Once we landed in the same spot as before I motioned Flash to start clearing the brainwashed stallions out before all hell broke loose. He parted ways with Rainbow and I as we made our way to the pens while sticking to the shadows of the buildings. Every so often there’d be a patrol walking through town but we made sure not to draw his attention and pressed on. Soon we came up to what looked like a barn and we climbed the fence and walked up to the building. When I crept up to the window and peered inside. In each stall was a War Beast fast asleep and I even saw a mare or two in each one with one of the War Beasts legs wrapped around them as some whimpered in their sleep. I scowled at the sight and quietly climbed in with a Rainbow following. She gasped at the sight of the War Beasts but I motioned her to keep quiet since she looked like she wanted to scream and kill these monsters. I walked up to one of the stalls and slowly opened the door, careful not to wake anyone up. I looked down at the hairy beast and the mare beside him but I couldn’t help but let my flames flicker a little at the sight of the poor mare. It wasn’t the fact that her horn was cut off, or the many scars she had on her back, but the obvious protruding belly of hers which meant this fucking beast had impregnated her and there was a baby War Beast growing inside her.

“Fucking sickening…” I whisper.

There was nothing I’d like to do more than to slice this thing up but I didn’t want to risk alerting anyone nearby. After pondering it for a bit I for an idea and moved my hand towards its open mouth. Fucking thing’s breath made me gag a bit but I pointed my finger down and my hand became all liquidity as a purple slime like substance dripped down and on the War Beast’s tongue. After a few minutes of waiting I watched as the breaths of the Beast slowed and soon it came to a stop which meant the poison had done its work and ended its life. I pulled over my hood as I reached down to gently shake the mare awake. Once she opened her eyes she looked at me and was about to scream but I covered her mouth.

“Don’t scream,” I whispered. “I’m here to get you and the others out of here, I’m the one who was on the broadcast and declared war against Dainn.” Her eyes widened and nodded as I removed my hand but she immediately started crying as she looked down at her pregnant belly.

“That thing did this to me…” she whispered. “I always wanted to be a mother but not to some disgusting War Beast, I’d rather die than give birth to this monster…”

I frowned at the whimpering mare as I looked at her stomach. There had to be something I could do but there weren’t a lot of options, unless…

Boss… I think.

“There is a way, but it is not a pleasant one,” Lucifer said.

What can be done? I ask.

“The power to manipulate souls, you must extract the infant War Beast’s soul from her womb and it will die and fade away,” he replied.

…Very well, I thought.

“I can fix this, but it won’t be pleasant,” I whisper.

“Please, I don’t want to be a mother to a monster. I want to find a special somepony and hold my own foal,” the mare pleads. I nod and place a hand on her stomach. My hand faintly glows as I can sense the young soul within as I begin to extract its soul.

You were never meant to be conceived in the first place, I think darkly. Consider this a mercy than what happened to your father. The bulge in her stomach started to slowly shrink as I continued to absorb the soul. Soon there was nothing left as her stomach become flat and I removed my hand.

“It is done,” I said. But before she could thank me I blew a type of knockout gas from my mouth and into her face. Her eyes glazed over as she fell to her side, completely unconscious. “Rainbow,” I call out from the stall and she sticks her head in. “You’re going to gather each mare and bring them outside,” I order plainly. She as I stand up and walk past her. I repeat the same process with all the other War Beasts and any pregnant mares, despite the somewhat guilty feeling I had. About an hour later, we had successfully cleared out the barn and it was filled with nothing but poisoned and dead War Beasts. When I walked outside I saw Rainbow pull the last mare with the others and see dozens of them all slumped under a tree.

“So what now?” She whispers.

“Now you stay out of sight and wait for Flash and I,” I said as I walked away.

“But I want to help with freeing the town,” Rainbow said, trying to follow me.

“Rainbow,” I said sternly, looking over my shoulder making her stop in her tracks. “I said you could help free the mares and you did just that. You already have another important job by keeping these mares safe, and to make sure that you do,” I said as I leaned down and placed a hand on the grass. My hand glows red as tribal markings circle the tree and Rainbow and I stand back up. “No matter what you see or hear, stay behind this barrier no matter what. Under no circumstances are you to leave this area, am I clear?” I ask. Rainbow is silent for a moment but nods and walks back to the group of unconscious mares. Without another word I walk back to the town and stand in the middle of the road.

I wanted to keep it all at bay, but after seeing the state of the mares and what they had gone through with the War Beasts was the breaking point. My fists clenched as my breathing became heavy and the flames started to flicker along my body. It’s been a while since I’ve been this pissed, more so than the Heat week. I wanted them to suffer, I wanted to make them rue the day they let those monsters have their way with the mares and even let them carry their young. The broadcast wasn’t enough, killing them wasn’t enough, I wanted to tear them limb from limb and burn their very souls. I saw Flash run up to me but then went pale as soon as he saw how angry I was.

“Um, L-Lock…? I got…t-the brainwashed stallions out…” he stuttered.

I didn’t have to say anything since he got the message to get the fuck out before things got messy. He nods and runs out to the outskirts of town.

“You shall all burn…” I hissed as my body began to change again.

“Man this stinks…” I said out loud. I looked over at all the unconscious mares and couldn’t help but feel like I could be doing more instead of foalsitting over them. I was glad Dimitri let me help him out with the liberation but I wanted to do more than just sitting around. Although at the same time I guess I couldn’t really complain since I still had to work on regaining his trust, Goddess above was I dumb to try and attack him. Suddenly, the ground began to shake and I heard a roar coming from the town which made me jump in the air. It spooked me so bad. I snapped my head in the town’s direction as I flew up into the air to get a better view and saw something that made my wings shiver.

A dragon, unlike any I’ve ever seen, flew up into the air and around the town while roaring as loud as it could. I’ve never felt so scared in my life as I watched it swoop down into the streets. I then heard screams coming from the town and loud noises that sounded like fireworks as the dragon rose up with something in its claws. It had handfuls of Caribou and flew up into the air and dropped them and the dragon breathed in and unleashed a torrent of flames, burning them to a crisp in mid air. I couldn’t look away from the destruction as it continued to fly around and tear its way through the streets while also destroying a few buildings. I could see the residents of the town all run around in a panic and I even saw a strange orange blur zip around at high speeds, even faster than me and that’s coming from me.

After about another hour of its rampage it stopped and looked over to a large house on the outskirts of town. The dragon flew over to the house and I slowly but surely followed behind as I saw some more Caribou run out of the house, some of them mounting those War Beasts I heard about. One of them was a fat Caribou and he was wearing fancy clothes and was yelling at the other Caribou, something I couldn’t hear. The dragon then rose its head up and unleashed a huge torrent of flames from its mouth, bigger than the one before and completely obliterating the house and the Caribou in front of it. Once it stopped its breath of flames it landed on the ground and raised its head to look to the sky. I thought it was over until it roared an ear splitting roar that blew me back a few feet in the air. Once I steadied myself I watched as the dragon started to shrink. I didn’t dare take my eyes off as it continued to shrink in size until I saw it turn into something, or somepony, I recognized immediately. It was Dimitri, and he was staring at the destroyed remains of the house not moving an inch. He then slowly turned around and walked back towards the town while I still stared at him in total shock. He seemed to notice me as he looked up in the air and I flinched as he did so. Instead of getting mad at me for leaving the group of mares, he just smiled and waved at me like there was nothing wrong as he continued walking away from the destruction.

“Holy buck,” I said to myself. “He’s…so powerful.”

I then flew back down to where the mares were and waited for Lock to finish whatever else had to be done in Appleloosa. All the while I couldn’t help myself from trembling at what I had just seen tonight. One thing’s for sure though, if there’s anypony who can end this nightmare, it’s Dimitri Lockdrom.

Author's Notes:

Careful you anger the Devil’s Hand, or your soul shall burn forever.

~WurkyWilk has left the building…