Then I was alive once more, and like the last time I slowly came to, it took some time. In the distance I could hear talking, followed by singing, and then more talking, this time slightly subdued. Throughout it all, I felt my reserves refill, and eventually reach the same level as they had during the first Sunday service.

The only difference was that I heard a few new voices joining the choir, ones I easily recalled. Those saved from the dragon raiding party were present, and though most added to the song some were quieter. A few only spoke briefly when prompted through their heartfelt thanks to me personally but still fueled me almost as much as the others.

It gave me the impression that they were perhaps a bit unconvinced of my divinity, but still appreciated what I had done. It was a nice affirmation that when I had secured a home for my little ponies that I could begin moving them to something more secular. I would still require thanks but by then I should have done enough to earn me such kind words without deification being necessary.

My senses only completely returned to me when things were beginning to wind down. Though when they finally did, I felt as though someone had planted an axe directly in my forehead. The pain was immense but thankfully brief, becoming only a dull throb at the back of my mind after only a few seconds of agony.

“And though she has been gone for nearly a week, we hold strong to our beliefs, and sing her praises still!” shouted the young preacher I had seen not long ago, the pony standing atop a tall wooden chair. “For she is our mother and the mother of all living things. Gaea!”

As the crowd cried my stolen name the last lingering cobwebs were swept away and I stumbled forward. The body I had borrowed was the same one I had left behind in the church from last time though it felt lighter for some reason. Looking around the room, I found that all eyes were on me and that a hush had fallen over the large crowd.

“I am sorry, my little ponies,” I began. “For leaving you for this past week.”

“No apologies necessary, mother. We live to serve,” exclaimed the foal.

“Regardless. I come bearing unfortunate news though first I must ask what has happened in my absence,” I continued, glancing expectantly around the room.

When no one immediately answered, the preacher cleared their throat. “The week has been unusually quiet. We spotted a dog search party but they did not approach the mountain, nor ascend the steps.”

“Interesting. He must assume I’m dead,” I wondered aloud, only to realize the sudden shock I had caused amongst my followers. “Apologies, everyone. I did not mean to startle you all but that is part of the bad news I bear.”

Everyone sat patiently, watching and waiting for me to continue speaking.

“The ‘lord of the forest’ as he likes to call himself bested me,” I exclaimed. “I underestimated him and overestimated my own abilities. It seems as though I have not fully awoken after all.”

“Nevertheless,” I continued, stepping forward. “I have discovered how to breach the veil that surrounds Lakeside, and have located your missing neighbors.”

“Oh, thank goodness,”

“How are they?”

“Is Sun Dancer still alive? Is she hurt?”

I held up a hand, quieting the slew of questions thrown my way.

“I know not the specifics, only that they have had terrible things done to them. Things that after they were discovered drove me into a terrible rage,” I continued, clenching my fist so tight my fingers started to crack. “But that has passed and I’ve used my brief slumber to come up with a plan. One which I am certain will free Lakeside from tyranny and return your lost friends to you.”

Another round of shouted thanks and scattered yells of everlasting appreciation were heard. Near the front, I noticed the familiar shape of Crimson Heart, though the pony was draped in white fabric. She almost resembled a nun in a way, though the cloth had clearly been intended to cover a table at one point rather than a pony.

Her chosen garb was not what drew me to her, however, rather it was the fervent prayers she was uttering beneath her breath. It was an intoxicating sound, and I couldn't help but focus on it, drawing on her devotion without even trying. I stopped myself just as quickly, though I noticed that she seemed slightly fatigued after the event and swayed briefly before sitting straight once more.

“Apologies,” I muttered. “I cannot stay and speak to you all. Your friends and neighbors cry out for freedom and I must answer.”

“But what about us?” Crystal asked, standing amidst the rows of followers. “What happens if you were to fall again? What would we do?”

“Heresy!” spat the young preacher. “You dare question your mother?”

“Relax,” I quietly exclaimed, placing a hand on the child’s shoulder. “I encourage questions and discussion. Though I am wise and know much I do not know all.”

The kid rankled a bit under the condemnation but quickly relaxed.

“That is a good question, Crystal,” I continued after a short pause. “Though I am certain of my coming victory I would ask that you prepare to receive many wounded, and desperate ponies in need of help.”

I glanced to Crimson Heart expectantly and shared a small, knowing nod with the mare.

“The suffering done unto your fellows is great, but not insurmountable. They will require care, and compassion from you all but I know you can do this,” I pressed on, stepping forward. “You are strong and resourceful, but above all, I know the flame of compassion still burns hot inside each of you.”

There were some smiles, and a few nods and the majority of adults present were seemingly aware of what I was referencing.

“But first I must return and finish what I started,” I declared, raising a fist. “Now go, go and be merry. For soon you shall receive your lost brothers and sisters.”

The crowd cheered briefly before setting off, flooding out the back in an orderly, but still quick fashion.

“Wait a moment,” I whispered, clutching Crimson by the shoulder. “I would like to speak with you.”

“And me?” asked the young preacher.

I smiled and knelt down to his level.

“Soon we will discuss the messages I wish for you to bear unto the world, but that time has yet to arrive,” I whispered. “Hold fast, young one, and be patient.”

He squirmed briefly but nodded after a moment of indecision. “Okay, good luck mother.”

“Thank you, dear,” I replied, patting him lightly on the back.

I watched the child go, and rose slowly from the ground while at the same time Crystal approached me.

“I don't like this,” she remarked nervously. “You were gone almost an entire week.”

“I am sorry to worry you. It was a failing on my part. One I hope to rectify rather quickly,” I replied.

“Because of the dogs?” Crystal pressed.

I nodded. “They have little time, and if we were able to gain them as allies we would further cement our place here and free more of your friends from their agreement.”

Crystal sighed and rubbed her temple with a hoof. “I know this is what's best, but I wish it was unnecessary. Why must people be so cruel to one another?”

“Not all are so blessed that they walk the path of love,” Crimson Heart whispered. “Some have let fear, and greed into their hearts.”

“That is true,” I agreed. “But not the whole story. Many of the dragons under the forest lord’s sway may be simple cowards and be no more evil than you or I. Time will tell how deep the corruptive influence of their master goes.”

Crimson Heart bowed her head. “One may hope.”

“I suppose you’ll be leaving then,” Crystal offered.

“I will, but not before I speak to Crimson, alone,” I added.

Crystal glanced at Crimson and then nodded. “Right. I’ll leave it to you then. Best of luck, mother. We hope to see you again very soon.”

I watched her go briefly, before glancing back down to Crimson. “I see you have donned the cloth as it were,” I pointed out.

“Oh um, yes,” She muttered, grabbing at the fabric. “I know it's silly but after everything the feeling of people looking at my nude body. It…”

“You need not explain yourself to me,” I interrupted. “And for what it's worth I approve. I also had hope that you could perhaps offer a sympathetic ear and warm company to others who may have been placed in similar situations to yourself.”

“I understand completely mother,” Crimson Heart murmured, bowing her head. “I will endeavor to create a space where we may heal from our wounds in comfort and seclusion.”

“The others, have been through terrible things but they will not understand. Not completely,” I continued, my tone solemn. “Treat these new arrivals as you would your own flesh and blood sisters, or brothers if you find any stallions who suffered similar fates.”

“Of course,” Crimson Heart declared.

I nodded. “Thank you Crimson Heart. In time I hope to get your siblings more help but for now, a place and a sisterhood will be a great boon to them.”

“Just being here has already lifted my heart considerably, mother,” Crimson Heart exclaimed.

“That is wonderful to hear. Now I must go, but please work with Crystal to prepare everything for what is to come, they will need your perspective,” I added.

Crimson Heart nodded. “Your will be done.”

I nodded once more and turned to depart, walking back out into the caves and amongst my little ponies. I wanted to stop, talk, and play with the little ones, but I urged myself onward, all while I sent out another pulse. This time I was seeking a particularly dense mineral vein, one that would help create a rather unique body for a rather unique problem.

By the time I reached the cave exit, I had located exactly such a deposit further down the mountain. Bringing my placeholder form down there, I summoned my power and reached deep into the earth. Clutching it tightly, I molded a squat, four-armed form around the mass of rock I had specifically chosen. It took more power than any of the other bodies I had created, but in the end, it came out exactly as I had desired.

Emerging from the stone, it clambered out of the shallow pit with its four long, gangly arms. Its main body was round, almost circular, and it had only a small bump for a head at the very top of it. Standing not quite as tall as my previous incarnation, this body had a nearly perfectly smooth exterior, save for several shallow holes it sported seemingly at random across its front.

Dividing my attention between bodies both new and old, I sprinted the smaller one back to the church. While I waited for it to reach its target, I finished crafting the internal workings of the new form, taking great pains to get it right. By the time the previous statue was returned to its spot, I had finished my work and fully inhabited the new form.

My first step was slightly awkward, as my center of balance was a little weirder than the others. Regardless, after some slightly humorous waddling, I figured it out and was able to walk without looking like a newborn. I then paused, and flexed, causing a dozen spikes to shoot out from my hands, arms, and torso, each one of which was long, metal, and barbed.

I stood there, silently inspecting them for a moment before withdrawing them with a clunk.

“This will do,” I muttered to myself.

Finding my way back to the hole I had punched in the barrier wasn't difficult, though I found it had shrunk slightly. Likely healing after my rather forceful entity, I had to duck to get past it without damaging it all over again. I didn't want to spend so much as a single ounce of unnecessary strength though so I took my time.

I also spent several hours winding my way through the woods and going on a wide, circuitous route around the lake. Once on the other side, I peeked out from amongst the branches and confirmed that I was where I hoped to be. Sure enough, my sense of direction had been correct, so I slowly walked into the water, my incredibly dense body sinking immediately.

Soundlessly, I plodded across the lake bed, observing all the confused fish that passed me by. I also took note of how clear, and fresh the water though there was the odd piece of trash that grabbed my attention. Discarded skins from some fruit, a cracked barrel that was no longer useful, or the occasional bit of driftwood slipped by on the current.

Clearly, the dragons were making no effort to properly maintain the lake and were using it as an oversized dumpster. This annoyed me, but I pushed that feeling deep down inside with the rest of the rage I already felt. Pushing further on, I soon found myself swallowed utterly by darkness, my body compressed by a surprising weight.

I was a mound of metal and stone so it wasn't like it bothered me, though it was a bit of a shock. I hadn't thought that the lake would be quite so deep, yet here I was, trudging through the blackened depths with little to guide my way. That didn't concern me, though brushing against something very large, and very scaly did.

I froze, and felt the shape glide past me a second time, before rubbing against the other side of me. That seemed to satisfy the creature’s curiosity, as it soon swam off, leaving me alone with my thoughts once more. Whatever that had been, it had been big, very big, larger than even me and that was an impressive feat.

A thought for another time. I mentally reminded myself.

Trudging onward, I made slow but steady progress towards my target on the other side of the lake. It took a while, but eventually, the ground sloped upwards, and I was able to see clearly once more. It was also rounded, and not altogether very large, signaling that I had indeed reached the small island just off the shores of Lakeside.

Peeking my head just barely above the water, I saw two dragons standing near the water’s edge, neither particularly alert. Armed, and armored, the creatures leaned on their weapons or squatted while speaking to one another.

“By my father’s bones, this post sucks,” one of them murmured.

“If I had a ruby for every time you said that-”

“You’d have a horde bigger than the bosses’, I know,” interrupted the first one. “I just don't get it is all. This spell thingy is supposed to be super strong right? Why does the boss need us looking after it?”

“Cus the boss doesn't want anyone touching it. Especially after that stupid rock thing came outta nowhere,” muttered the second one.

“That was weird. Ya hear it killed Scorch? Tore him apart with its bare hands,” remarked the first.

“Aye, I heard,” replied the second.

“Whatever. I’m just glad it's dead. I had to do a shift of clean-up duty and nearly hurled after I found a bit of the guy dangling from the ceiling,” exclaimed the first dragon.

The larger, more grizzled dragon stood up suddenly. “Look here, new guy. The best way to make this shift go by is to bring some dice or cards but since you screwed up we can't have that so why don't you just sit there and watch the lake or something?”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever,” muttered the younger of the two red dragons.

Dunking my head beneath the water, I watched and waited until I saw a confused-looking face gaze down at me. Then I sprung, surging from the water and grabbing the dragon around the throat with my claw-like fingers. His buddy heard the splash of water and turned around just in time to get his throat grabbed like the first guy.

Hefting the two from the ground, I watched with grim amusement as they choked and sputtered. They pounded their arms against my own, and flailed wildly, their efforts utterly useless.

“Alright now here's what's going to happen. One of you is going to die, and the other is going to warn your boss of my arrival. Who gets to live I hear you asking?” I began. “Good question. You see the worst of you will perish.”

“Who among you has killed a pony before,” I began, studying their features closely.

The skinnier one didn't look quite as guilty as his comrade but he did still wince.

“Were they fighting back, did they deserve it, were they innocent?” I asked.

The younger of the two began sobbing and had gone limp while his ally simply stared at me impassively. In those scarlet orbs, I saw neither guilt nor shame, only a deep longing to kill me and destroy all I held dear.

“Well then, we answered that,” I remarked.

I dropped the skinny one, twisted my grip grabbed him around the midsection, and threw him before he had a chance to gather his bearings. I watched him soar through the air for a full second before splashing only a few feet from the docks of Lakeside. I then turned to the heavier set dragon and began to squeeze, cutting off his oxygen and causing him to panic.

“You've been bad. I can sense it,” I remarked, reaching down and grabbing his right thigh. “In the afterlife, you will drown in your sins, but before you get there you will simply drown.”

I grabbed and squeezed, snapping the bone before repeating the motion with the rest of his limbs in rapid succession. His cries of agony were like music to my nonexistent ears, the shrill scream carrying over the gentle waves of the lake. Then with a heave, I tossed him as far as I could, only this time I aimed in the opposite direction.

Weighed down by armor and a longsword, the dragon sunk like a stone, quickly disappearing out of sight. Bubbles rushed to the surface in waves, once, twice, and then finally after several seconds, a third time. After that, there was nothing, no movement, no more bubbles, only quiet broken by a distant commotion.

“Now then,” I muttered, turning to the chain-bound tree. “How to free you?”

If you want to read the next updates for my biggest stories at the begining of the month rather at the end, or want to get a commission from me as well as access to patreon exclusive content, and the chance to submit story requests every month, head over to my patreon!

Join me over on patreon and get instant access to exclusive content and early looks at new stories, patreon only stories and other great stuff! Check it out!
Or just join the discord to ensure that you dont miss an update.

This update was made possible by the wonderful support of readers like you: Ech, Tailsic, Chrisb32, Nightwing, Tonoz, CoreyPeters, Thane, Renegade, Sunset Flash, Kyokimute, Monsterkittie, Louts Petals, Tacocat, Tom, MestreJ, Aang Slyver, Canary in the Coal Mine, Ceepert, Starless, Vi Watch, Facinus, M, Nfreak, Venerable Ro, Blade Tech, Cryil Shadeclaw, John Gonzales, Nightwing, Peter Coulthard, Srgtartman, Thane Kull, Victor, Dale, Dragons' Sheppard, Egery007, Gear change the earth pony, Ivar, James, Kali, Lich Lord Krosis, Menthol Qtip, Midnight Serenade, Mop Hop, Nathan Brown, Octavia Lowbar, Pacsik, Soundtea, Hannibal, Fiamgoku, Grub, Matias Duran, and Steven.