Prologue

Prologue

Since the end of the Discordian Era of Equestrian history the pony Kingdom of Equestria has come to be labeled as the most prosperous nation in the world. With fertile ground and near perfect geographical location there is little in the ways of hardships for agriculture, their magic allows them to advance in arcane-science and philosophy. Within a couple decades the nation had been built from the remains of Discords former territory into the civilization seen today. But they are not alone in this wealth, in the early days of the Kingdom pacts where made between the great nation with the Gryphon Reich, The Minotaur Empire, and recently the Buffalo Tribes. While each nation abides by the laws set by their governments they remain under direct influence of Equestria meaning shared resources and knowledge.

However, despite the seemingly communal nature of the ponies it is no secret that they are also highly selective of whom they share their wealth with. While the pact includes the four largest races it provides no aid nor security to the rest of the starved world. Unable to recover from the aftermath of the Discordian era a vast number of civilizations where left to crumble. Two of the original races of Terra faded as a result, the first being the Flora Fauna a species of sentient plantlike bipeds. Once in tune with the worlds natural magic the corruption left by Discord was inadvertently combined in the natural magics, corrupting them and leaving the species as a whole nothing but a rotten husk of what it once was. The second to be effected where Changelings, once creatures that gave and shared love where also twisted but not from the magic of Discord. After the war the Changelings pleaded to Equestria's rulers for help, but they refused claiming the sub-species to be just another manifestation of chaos. This slowly drove the Changelings to the brink of death, so they were forced to make the greatest change and soon began to steal and consume love.

All the while as the rest of the world tried to rebuild from what was left. While some managed to hang onto their way of life many more were lost either dead or changed.

---Badlands---

"A couple more hours and where home buddy." I said looking over one of my charts, the Komodo whom I sat on let out a light hum.

`Wonderful master Eli.` His voice rang in my head.

"I just hope the others are having and easy a time as us." I said thinking of my comrades whom I was separated from a few days prior in a sandstorm.

`Ms Noir and Mr Charon are well I am certain, they are as capable as you and I.` He responded still trudging over the large dunes.

"I know but we do have a habit of being reckless, the last thing we need is Noir coming back with another corpse or "toy" at least not one as loud as last time." I said rubbing the Bridge of my nose.

I know it was a bit rude of me to make accusations about her habits, but I liked to sleep. Anyway, her full name is Noir Leva she's a Panther and an ex-warlord, bit of a history I know. After her home was burned by invaders she took it upon her self to find those responsible for the attack. Needless to say she found them pretty quickly as they made no effort to cover their tracks. After killing a path through about two dozen raiders she found their leader, a unicorn outlaw from Equestria. Apparently from what she told us it wasn't much of a fight, the guy was unskilled in any kind of combat other than magic. Once she hung him from a pole by his entrails his gang decided she would be a better leader and decided to sign up with her. Annoyingly that's about as much as she told us though, Noir never told us what happened to her old gang.

`You let her get under your skin to easily I say, you know she's been better about her habits since we first met.` Kodo said.

"I can't tell if you mean that literally or metaphorically." I said rubbing arm where said cat once put a knife through due to some snotty argument.

`Any we both know Charon will be fine, there isn't a thing in this desert that could hurt him.`

Charon was a bit of an enigma, he's a drake warrior and as tough as they come. I met him as he was butchering his way through a horde of Necrons, which are zombies that act like vampires. I was returning from a job and I heard him before I saw him, I was good half mile away when I heard him roaring and shouting. I remember crossing over a dune to see the eight foot tall giant cleaving his way through the things. He was screaming like it was the end of the world, and he kept going for almost ten minutes. By the time he was done the whole area was covered in blood and chunks of what use to be people. I was going to just carry on my way but before he could even make another movement he collapsed. Turns out he'd been swinging away long before I got there, I had Kodo help me carry him back to town for treatment but other than exhaustion he was perfectly fine. Guess dragons are as tough as people say.

"I'm not worried about their safety I'm worried about what they'll do to other people's safety." I said rolling my eyes and scanning the horizon. "Off topic for a second, the Oasis should be a bit ahead we can take a breather there and be back at the Brink before night."

`We made better time than expected.` He noted.

"Well swiping a few documents from a poorly guarded and even poorer secure safe isn't that hard." I said patting my supply bag, said document tucked safely inside.

I had been assigned to gather intel on a Gryphon convoy that had been scouting the area for a while. True it would have been easier to gather the information via contacts and spying but a direct status report theft is much quicker. I had yet to read the document but I planned to soon.

I looked back at a few new backs strapped to Kodo's back as well, a cheeky grin spread on my face. I may have been a bit greedy in what I took but I doubt they would miss what I took... much.

`Ah I can smell the fresh water.` Kodo said as the sand turned to thin grass and small plant life.

The Oasis while simply named was one of three spots scouts and agents such as myself could resupply on water and usually find small fruits. The spring itself was nestled in a circle of trees protecting it from the sands and also making a small spot of life. I slid of my ride and felt my boots thump on the soft ground. I unhook the bags from Kodo, he wasted no time in bounding to the shallows and sinking in. I chuckled and calmly took off my shirt and cloak. I took a second to check my appearance noting a couple of cuts left from those Gryphons.My hair was a long and tangled mess of black hair, my skin had long since been tanned by the desert and even toughened up a bit as well. I was about 6"10 and I guess I was pretty in shape, hard not to be when you spend every waking moment walking in sand and fighting. My left eye was blue and my right was grey, this being the result of an old wound, I could still see out of it thanks to healing magic but they couldn't fix the color. I checked my back and sighed thankful none of the cuts really damaged my tattoos too badly.

Said markings where actually drawing glyphs, they took in the latent magic in the air and made it usable to me. I could still use magic if they became ruined but it wouldn't be as strong until I fixed them.

After checking each mark I jumped into the clear water, It chilled my skin but I made no move to surface. I swam under the water for a bit looking at small bait fish swimming around a single snake slithered near the water's edge. It was nice and quiet the only sound being the water that flowed out through a small stream, that stream was also the most Direct route to The Brink.

Feeling a tightness in my lungs I swam to the surface and gasped as soon as came up. I paddle back to shore and leaned against Kodo's side. "Ah nothin' better than this eh?" He just let out another content hum.

While I felt like taking a nap my time was cut short as I felt the water move in front of me and a shadow blocked out the sun, I opened my eyes to see a pair of bright green ones staring back.

"NOIR!" I yelp thumping against Kodo.

"Who else were you expecting?" She purred, I noticed she also had a distinct lack of clothes.

"W-well you but not this." I stammered, I wasn't dumb enough to look down I knew if I didn't I would be leaving the Oasis till tomorrow.

"Well I guess you can call it a bonus." She put her legs over mine and sat against me her head under my chin.

`Thank god I wear pants.`I thought, Kodo chuckled no doubt having heard me.

We sat there for a while the sun slowly began to give an orange hue and I knew it would be dark by the time we got back. I looked down to see Noir had only moved closer.

"You know if we aren't back by dark we're going to have to worry about Necrons and Grue." I told her she huffed and looked up with a pouting expression. "Look you can ride one of your friends when we get to town but we need to move, come on you can have Kodo carry you if you want." She huffed again but didn't bother arguing.

I quickly gathered my things and strapped the bags back onto Kodo, Noir hopped onto his back still not having bothered to dress herself. Before we left I reached into one of my bags, inside were my weapons and relics from home. The first a S&M .356 M686 caliber revolver the other, a genuine Winchester M1873 rifle the .44 variant to be exact.

I stuck the pistol into a holster on my leg but kept the rifle at the ready. I remember the looks on Noir and Charon's faces when I showed them what they could do, I swore Charon was about to tear it out of my hands.

After checking their ammunition we began the hike once more. This time however there was at least some company, although all Noir seemed to be interested in was her recent assignment. No surprise it was an assassination, a nearby group Yak were getting a bit greedy. I blocked out most the details but it seems like she succeeded in the end. As I tried to block out her and Kodo's conversation I kept my eye on the sun and the horizons. When the light was gone some of the worst creatures in the desert wake up, and never in a good mood.

But it would seem they wouldn't be a problem, in the distance I could see a bright glow. It was the towns signal fire for guiding any nearby scouts back to safety during the night. It's also what kept the place safe as the fire was dragon fire, and any monster with a brain living or not knew better than to mess with a dragon.

"Ah finally I can't wait to eat." I said my stomach loudly agreeing.

"I can't wait to get to my bed." Noir said with a yawn. "I hate these long distance jobs, they suck."

"Well so do you but I'm guessing you mean in a different way." I ducked under a swift kick.

"Dick."

"I know you're hobbies so you don't need to inform me." I chuckled dodging another swing.

We went at it for a bit longer but as the gates came into sight we could make out a very large and very armored figure standing next to the guard tower. As we approached the figure stepped up to us a large brown sack slung over his shoulder. We stopped just short of one another.

"I see you kept your armor clean this time." I said with a smile.

"You would be correct." Did I forget to mention Charon was not only a berserker but a gentleman/drake. He had a very refine and calm voice, if you saw him without his armor and in his usual clothes you'd hardly believe he'd ever been in more than a snotty argument.

"What's in the bag?" I asked.

"Evidence." He said as he moved the bag in front of us I noticed for the first time it was moving. "My friends I would like to introduce you to our new acquaintance, his royal highness Prince Blueblood." He pulled open the sack to reveal a pale white and blonde haired unicorn, the guy was still in his pajamas.

"Charon why the fuck do you have the nephew of the most powerful nations rulers in a FUCKING SACK!" I shouted, Noir and Kodo where stunned unable to take their eyes off the struggling prince.

"Do either of you know of my recent orders?" He asked but we shook our heads. "I was told to deal with a herd of rather unsavory Burrowers that were spotted by one of our lookouts. The task was fairly cut and dry but the situation was quickly exacerbated when a group of Equestrian soldiers were already engaged with the herd. I decided it would complicate things less if I let things carry out on their natural path. Sure enough the soldiers were quickly devoured and I was able to dispatch the creatures with no further effort." He tapped the bag with his foot, but with his strength it may as well have been a kick. "This whelp however had been hiding in a carriage, seeing as how his disappearance will be seen as nothing more than a wild monster attack."

I felt anther head ache coming on. "Okay did you at least make it look as much like an accident as possible?" He nodded. "Well I guess as long as that's the case everything will be okay. But what do you plan to do with him?"

Charon thought about it. "We could use him to study magic, you could draw small samples of his magic and tamper with it."

"It would be nice to know more about their magic, it could help whenever we get into skirmishes. Alright I'm convinced, what about you Noir?" I looked over to the cat but she only stared at Blueblood with a hungry look in her eyes. "Well it looks like we got a new roommate for a while." I knelt down next to the prince his mouth covered by ropes but his eyes where left to stare at me in panic. "Well prince you're in for a hell of a time." I tied the bag shut and Charon threw it back over his shoulder earning a few muffled shouts.

I lead on as we entered the gates the humble multistory shanty town that is The Brink sat in front of us. The night market was in full swing as the people wondered about looking at what the day had brought in, an open face bar had a bad playing an upbeat tune. To the left was the residential district where we were staying, it was usually still rowdy there even this time of night being a trading hub this town was rarely ever quiet. To the right was the business and catering district filled with all manners of contractors, brothels, restaurants, and just a pretty odd mix of places. Lastly straight ahead was the Baron's district an area much more organized than out here, while it was the smallest of the districts it also held the most power. The Baron himself is a very old and very very powerful creature, a Leviathan.

Baron Varkel one of the original habitats of the planet, the Leviathan, a small race only amounting to a total of about 20, they are a race said to have existed before even Discord. They have a type of magic even the Equestrian rulers couldn't stand against alone. Sadly though the Leviathan are very neutral in their views on the world. They don't really care for the beings of the world only that they be left alone, the fact that the Baron let a town be built around him was surprising. It didn't take long for people to begin worshiping him and bringing him offerings, guess that's also why he still lets us live here. And while the Baron may be the lead authority of the area he rarely gave any direct order, most agents like me, Noir, and Charon get our orders from the Baron's personal directors. It was also them we had to go to give our reports.

I let Charon lead on as most people parted the streets when he walked through, although it wasn't out of fear but respect. Most people saw agents like us as guardians, which we were but they would be hailing us so much if they knew how we got things done. We made our way through the market with no trouble and soon we were Baron's district, the massive fort that the Baron lived within was built against a large mountain with a cave large enough for the Leviathan. I was thankful we never had to go within the building as it was filled with the strongest soldiers we had, and each and everyone of them scare the shit out of me.

"Elijah." Charon's voice shook me from my thoughts. "If you wish to me and Noir can give your report for you, I see your wounds and it would be good for you to have them checked as soon as possible."

I waved a hand dismissively. "I'm okay I made sure to heal them as soon as I was safe, their nothing more than scratches now."

He sighed. "Very well, but after this you should have them treated as they could still get infected. Even the strongest warrior can be brought down by illness."

A few minutes later we were in the records building and thankfully Noir had put some clothes on, if you can call a short silk skirt and chest wrappings clothes.

Sitting at a desk in front of us was short little imp, he was our overseer meaning we had to report every mission to him as soon as we returned.

"So let me get this straight." His voice is tiny and kinda squeaky. "You find a bunch of Equestrian soldiers fight for their lives and let them die, only to then kidnap their prince?" He said through his hands which had been forcefully applied to his face.

"You didn't think to help them and earn their favor?" He asked peeking through his scrawny fingers. Charon was about to say something but stopped. "Course not. Okay okay look we can salvage this, do you have the prince with you now?" Charon scooted the sack forward. Good you didn't botch this too bad."

"Um sorry but how can we save this?" I asked.

"Well." The imp grabbed Blueblood by the head and a grey energy link the imps arm and him. "I can rewrite his memories of the past few days, so I can make it seem like Charon saved him just in the nick of time and instead of simply letting those soldiers die he fought to avenge them. This way we can have a direct favor to the Equestrian government for saving their prince." He said Blueblood was still a trance like look in his eyes.

"Ah I get it now, but another thought how are we going to cash in said favor?"

"Well your team will be going to return him yourselves." He said.

"I understand sending Charon but why us, hell Charon alone scares most people given he's a dragon so adding a Panther and me into the mix is going to cause an angry mob." I said but he just shook his head.

"It's for that reason you'll be sent, seeing the three of you saving their prince will look better on us as a whole and not just dragons." He said, the magic flow stopped and Blueblood fell flat unconscious from the ordeal. "There I'll have someone take him to the hospital and give him a rundown of what will happen, you three go home and prepare because you leave tomorrow."

"Tomorrow!" The three of us shouted.

"Yes the sooner we get him out of here the better it will be for all of us, having a high priority Equestrian here will drawn attention we don't need." He said with finality.

I wanted to protest but I knew it wouldn't get me anywhere so I just held my hands up and stood. The others did the same and we made for the door. "Foster! There's a letter for you in the lobby by the way." The imp called before closing the door behind us.

The two looked at me and I shrugged heading for the lobby. The secretary gave me a the letter, it had the Directors seal on it. I slid a knife under the seal peeling it of. Inside was three gold coins and a rather short letter.

Elijah Foster

We at the council believe your team has shown exemplary progress in your assignments, as such we believe you are ready to take on your first recruit. Given how you have shown to be capable in various fields we believe you to be the best choice in training your new teammate. We hope you will prove us right and we wait for you next report.

Best regards Director Nemis

"We can recruit people?" Was my only response.

"It appears so." Charon said.

I knew the Directors had personally made the three of us into one of their Divisions ours being Division 8 but I didn't know we could just up and recruit people on a whim.

"As long as they play nice I don't see the problem." Noir said. "It could be fun after all, we get to bring a new guy out on our biggest mission yet so it'll be perfect to show him how we do things." She said, I gave her a blank look.

"I don't think giving a rookie on the job training during a job that may spark an international incident is perfect." I said Charon nodded.

"Okay so maybe it's not the best circumstances but hey, we're going in looking like the good guys so it'll be easy." She said still optimistic.

"Not like I have a choice either way, but if something goes wrong I'm blaming you." I said.

"Are you going punish me." She said with a doll faced look.

"Yes and it involves my foot up your ass." I growled leaving the office.

I climbed onto Kodo's back and looked over the letter for any other information but there wasn't any. Noir and Charon walked alongside me towards our house, it's more of a duplex we broke the walls of but hey it worked.

"I wonder what criteria our new companion will meet." Charon said rubbing his chin whisker things.

"Well I cover infiltration, espionage, and subterfuge pretty well. You've assault down to the bare wires and Noir follows a more personal version of my work. So looking at the facts we could use someone who has a bit of a medical background or is capable of piloting some means of transport. " I said Kodo looked up in mock indignation.

"Asking either of a new recruit seems a bit unfair, after all such skills take time to learn and if they had said attributes they would probably seek professional employment and not mercenary work." He said with a more questioning tone.

"It's not impossible though I mean look at us. Noir has a background in acupuncture and alchemy, although just not in the ways of medicine. I'm a skill blacksmith and gunsmith, hell I hand load my own ammunition. Not to mention you yourself are a scholar, you can read stars like maps and pluck hidden messages from encrypted writings." Charon didn't say anything back and instead looked to go deeper in thought.

Entering the residential district our home was pretty easy to spot, it was a two story duplex building we had bought when the Directors made us into one of their Divisions. It was our safe house as well as our main base of operations, we would come and go rarely ever having all three of us there at once. The front of the building was marked with a large flag hanging down with what Noir likes to say is our calling card on it. It's a rifle and sword crossed in an X shape in front of a rune marked shield, in front of all that on a banner lie patter was our title Division 8. Now each part of it had it's own meaning to each of us, the sword represented Noir and her history and the rifle mine, the shield was added by Charon and it was the only clue to his past we had but none of us could read the symbols as they were in ancient draconian.

`Guess we may be adding a new image soon.` I thought remembering our latest news.

As we came closer I dismounted and began taking the bags and harness off of Kodo. Noir and Charon waited by the door not wanting to meet the rookie without all of us being present. After making sure Kodo was comfortable in his own little hut I unlocked the door to the building. Sliding the old wooden door open I saw a single blue light coming from the sitting room. I had my rifle put away but I was also ready to draw the revolver on a moments notice. Peeking around the wooden frame of the entrance I looked into the room to see our newest addition.

`A mage?`

Sitting cross legged in the center of the room was what looked like a Fox. It was obviously a young woman no older than Noir or I, she had a grey coat with thicker tufts of black fur around her neck, wrists, and shins. Her hair was a subtle dim red with black ends and it seemed to match the colors of her clothes. She didn't notice us and just sat there her hands steady and holding a mass of glowing water.

"Ahem." I coughed, the noise made her jump but she held her concentration enough to pour the water back into a canteen. She was on her feet in seconds an old wooden staff in hand, the edges had two sharp blades on each end.

Seeing the three of us she looked worried and quickly lowered her weapon. "I'm sorry I didn't mean that." She said giving a quick bow.

`Definitely not a dark caster.` I thought with a chuckle. "Don't worry about it, I take it your the one the Director's assigned us."

"Yes, I'm Finna Jera." She said bowing again.

`Nordic really.` It wasn't often someone from the northern territories made their way to the Badlands. "Right well Finna we're glad to have you on board another magic user is always welcome so long as you leave blood magic and necromancy at the door."

"It's a good thing I specialize in the primal forces." She said holding a hand out, it was quickly surrounded i water and bits of stone.

"We have something in common." I said holding out my own hand which I coated in fire and wind. "I'm Elijah Foster Division 8's representative to the Directors and also intelligence specialist." When it came to any official matters the three of us made it a point to be as professional as three mental cases can be.

"Noir Leva special operations." She did an odd bow which was returned by Finna.

"I am Sir Charon direct engagement specialist." The drake said putting a hand to his heart and bowing his head.

"It is nice to meet you all, I will try and learn as much as I can as quick as I can." She said.

I couldn't hold back a small chuckle. "Well you'll be having a chance to show us how well you can attest to that soon, you'll b going on your first assignment along side us tomorrow." The look of panic in her eyes was pretty funny. "You'll be accompanying us along side an Equestrian VIP, I believe you know of a Prince Blueblood." The poor girl looked about ready to faint.

I felt a large scaled hand smack the back of my head. "Eli enough you'll give the poor girl a heart attack." Charon scolded. "Don't worry young miss it's a simple escort and we most likely will be taken by airship so we won't need to worry about the dangers of the Badlands." He put a reassuring hand on her shoulder and she relaxed.

"Ah thank you Sir Charon, but regardless I will help as much as I am able where I am able." She said politely.

"I'm sure you will, now since you'll be staying here feel free to pick any empty room you wish and furnish it as you like. I recommend turning in early as we will be departing early, and that being the case I must bid you good night." He said before leaving to his room.

"Really it isn't that difficult around here,our overseer will see to it you're given assignments fitted to your level of expertise." Noir said giving the fox a quick hug and kiss, and I wish I could say on the cheek. "Good night."

The two of us were left in the room.

"Well we best get some sleep to, I look forward to working with you." I said holding out a hand with a minor flow of light around it.

"And I you." She said taking my hand her hand also sparking with energy.

It was something of a formality for those who practiced magic to greet one another this way as a way to get of feel for one another's prowess. "See you bright and early." I said before leaving to my bunk as well.

As I closed the door to my room I looked down to see a small spark of sporadic yellow energy.

`This is going to be interesting.` I thought with a Cheshire grin.

Chapter 1: Embarking

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Embarking

Even in the early hours the sun in the Badlands scorched the ground, even the shadow cast by the Baron's district did little to cool the area. But after living in it for years I grew accustom to both the heat and dryness, and the slight wind magic I kept coursing through my clothes helped a bit too.

"Where are they, we left together for Baron's sake." Somehow I had lost Noir and Charon in the crowd of people, I had let Finna ride Kodo as she was still partly asleep.

`They are coming I can smell them, they should be here in a few moments.` Kodo told me, and low and behold the two emerged from the crowd both wearing casual clothing.

"There you are come on the ship leaves in a few minutes." I said they just laughed and followed.

In the Business quarter there is a large sky dock, it is here that many airships dock and embark from The Brink. Trading ships took up one area beside the transport barges, facing the Baron's quarter were five massive war ships armed with all manner of weapons on their port and starboard sides, they were either ballistic or arcane. Our vessel however was a private transport ship lent to us courtesy of Director Nemis the one who had assigned Finna to our Division.

Kodo was lifted onto the ship by a small crane so I gave him a small pat as he was lifted up, the four of us stepped inside another smaller lift. The metal gears groaned as the turned hauling us up higher and higher. Only half way up to the docks most of the business and residential areas were in full view, and while The Brink was nothing more than a glorified shanty it was still rather impressive. Some buildings stood at ten stories tall others were built wide and low, the market was the most obvious as travelers and tradesmen went about their jobs.

"Nothing back home compares to this." Finna spoke up finally shaking off the last of her sleep.

"If you think this is amazing wait till you see Equestria." While I hold no love for the nation I couldn't deny they had astounding architecture and style.

"I've only ever been in the lands around my village and The Brink, seeing someplace like this is amazing I cannot wait to see Equestria now." She had a bright look in her eye, I couldn't blame her I was the same way when I first arrived.

I smiled remembering the day I was dropped here. I remember Kodo was the one who found me passed out in the middle of the Badlands, he took me to Oasis and was my first friend. I told him about my life back home as soldier, a 5 year veteran with a total of four tours of duty. He told me of the lands of the world having actually been around for a long time, being that he's a lesser dragon it still meant he was gifted longevity. I remember first being sad that I may never see my home again but he was a great friend and brought me to The Brink where the Directors and the Baron himself to an interest in me and my weapons. It was actually through my knowledge in gunsmithing that I advance some of their own technology. Their current working turrets and cannons are all based off of old human designs right down to the decorative marks, and even some technology to such as radios and electricity had been developed. The looks on raiders faces were priceless when they saw the Brink's version of the Gatling Gun and how quick our scouts were to spot and report them.

"Eli." I perked up when I heard Noir, I turned to face her. "Did the overseer give any instruction as to what we're suppose to do specifically, I get that this is a simple escort but are there any kind of rules we have to follow?" She asked.

I cleared my throat. "We're to escort Blueblood through the Badlands via airship and bring him back to the capital of Equestria unharmed and preferably with a pleasant time to remember, Canterlot. On other thing, an emissary of Equestria is suppose to be on board the ship right now to begin early contact between them and us."

Charon did not like that one bit as face darkened, dragons and ponies didn't have a great history so the fact that he had to now deal with two of them because of his mistake irked him.

"Hey big guy don't worry me and Noir can keep him company below decks along with whoever their sending, you and Jera will be working along side the crew to keep the ship defended. Now I can't stress this enough if you see so much as a vulture land on the deck eliminate it with extreme prejudice and vented anger. Under no circumstances can we allow either of the Equestrian officials to be harmed, am I clear?" I said with a strict tone.

"Yes sir!" They said.

"Good then let's get this pony home." The lift came to a stop and the door slid open.

`...`

"Foster." Charon said through gritted teeth, I could hear his claws crushing the metal grips of one of his axes.

Taking a deep breath I stepped out of the lift and looked around the main deck, 20 Equestrian Royal Guards stood at various points around the ship spears and shields in hand. The crew worked around them as they stood like statues only a few glanced at us as we stepped on board.

"Charon I don't see one stationed at the bow of the ship, so you and Finna stay there ignore any of them if they talk to you and send them to me." I ordered.

The drake let out a deep rolling growl as he trudged towards the bow of the ship Jera following behind making sure to keep a few steps between her and the berserker.

"Hello down there!" I looked up to the helmsman and saw who I could only assume to be the emissary. The first thing I took into account was that she was an Alicorn pony, one of the most powerful magic using races. She had a purple coat and mane with similar color but with varying shades. She wore a white and purple rimmed blouse, a black dress hung bellow her shins. At first glance she seemed ready to buy into a company, not talk about the return of a high standing royal.

"Yes hello you must be the one I was told would be preceding Blueblood's return, though I must say I was not expecting such a large detachment of Royal Guards to also be accompanying you." I said putting my hands behind my back ready to draw my .357.

"Ah sorry about that but my bother is the Captain of the guard and he wanted to ensure my safety when he heard I was traveling to the Badlands." She said rubbing her neck before giving a sheepish smile and holding out her hand. "I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle former student to Princess Celestia of Equestria."

I sent my energy to my hand and shook, but I received no feedback. "Elijah Foster, Division 8's standing representative as well as a representative for the Directors." I let go and place my hands behind my back again.

"Huh, I thought a member of your council would be discussing the return of Blueblood." She said.

`She doesn't know a formal handshake and she certainly doesn't have any kind of official etiquette, just how complacent has Equestria been that their royalty has become this lax?` I sighed. "I must apologize then, the Directors are the immediate voice Baron Varkel and must remain within the walls of The Brink in case of an emergency."

"I understand and I must thank you by the way, while Blueblood may be a bit of hassle as a noble sometimes he at least does his part in keeping Equestria going. So for all that you did, you have my thanks." At least she understands her duties.

"You're welcome it's our duty as agent's to maintain the security of our territory. Speaking of the Prince may I know where he is, my overseer would be concerned if I didn't unsure his well being?" I asked, the ship began to shake as it started it's departure from the docks. Clamps detached and cables were being pulled in by the crew allowing the the rotors and jets to carry the ship up higher.

"Blueblood is in his room at the moment, he's been exhausted and I can't say I blame him after hearing what happened." She waved for me to follow, I did and Noir made sure to keep a close step behind me.

She took a seat at a small table I sat across from her and Noir sat next to me, seeing the Panther Twilight almost jumped out of her seat. "Oh my goodness I'm so sorry I didn't see you, I'm sorry for being rude." She said putting her hands over her face.

Noir couldn't hold back a laugh. "It's fine your highness it's my job to be unnoticed, I'm Noir Leva." She made no motion to shake her hand so Twilight let it be.

"I understand you two as well as your friends are from The Brink, I've read a bit about it but I cannot find very much on it would you be able to discuss a little bit about it with me?" She asked pulling a small quill and a piece of paper from a small pouch.

"I don't see why not but I ask that you respect anything we wish to remain unmentioned as personal or a matter of security." I said and she nodded. "Very well ask away."

She gave a small clap. "Wonderful, okay first off I'd like to know a bit about you, what are you?" She asked.

"I'm a human male, my kind aren't very common around here as you can tell. I'm an operative under the employment of Baron Varkel and his Directors, my area is based around intelligence and the collection of it." I told her, a waiter came out with a few drinks and some food.

"Human got it. Alright what can you tell me about The Brink, what kind of city is it?"

I took of sip of the drink, it was mint tea. "It's more of a shanty town given how our only form of government is also our guard and army and there is no real design to the layout other than easy to traverse and named streets. As for what we do, we mainly set our goals on hunting and harvesting unique resources from the local monsters. Namely Grue blood and Burrower teeth which are used in many international products such as universal anti-venom and jewelry." I pulled our my revolver showing her the grip was made form sanded teeth.

"So your economy is based on trade in monetary goods, I guess growing things in this kind of place can be difficult. Oh also what is that you just showed me some kind of artifact?" She eyed the metal piece.

I shook my head. "It's a weapon recently introduced to the Badlands, tell me your highness have you ever heard of firearms or guns?"

"Why yes the Equestrian Ranger's use muskets and flintlocks. Though I have to say I've never seen one such as yours." She said inspecting the metal casing and carved designs.

"I'm not surprised in that regard, while this is actually a pretty primitive version of what my kind uses it's popular with Brink hunters. It's a revolver pistol and it holds six shots, it can fire six shots without having to reload, it also fires as quick as I can pull the trigger." I spun the cylinder a few times to demonstrate.

"That's incredible our pistols take minutes to fire off even a few shots and you can do so in seconds, could I see you use it?" She asked with stars in her eyes. You may think that is a metaphor but it isn't, her eyes actually sparkled with small stars.

I looked around and saw we we're far enough from The Brink for a test fire to be safe. "Alright I guess it can't hurt, alert your guards so I don't have them getting hurt." I said, she nodded but I don't think she caught the real implication of the statement.

I walked to the bow of the ship and stood just near the edge, hearing a weapon demonstration was about to happen drew the attention of the guard as well as Charon and Finna. Noir already had paper scraps in her ears Charon and Finna covered theirs.

Checking my sights I made sure none of the guards were close by. "Firing in three, two, one!" I saw a small bird a few yards ahead, with practiced reflexes and a bit of magic I aimed directly on it's head. The loud crack of the igniting gun powder rang out barely a heartbeat before the birds upper body was ripped apart and turned into a red mist.

I twirled the gun and holstered it. "Well what do you think?" I asked as I leaned against the rail.

Twilight had dropped her notepad and quill as well as her jaw, she tried to speak but no words came out.

"Yeah that's most people's reactions." I chuckled quickly loading another round into the gun.

"H-how...it can't...what?" she finally managed to spit out.

"When it comes quality work look no further than a revolver. Trust me you don't want to know what this does." I said tapping the Winchester.

"Thank you for the advice." She said before walking back to the table. "Alright I guess a change in topic would be a good idea." She said with a weak chuckle.

"Good idea." I said taking my seat.

"Okay, um I have a question for you Noir." She said drawing the Panthers attention. "I know of a few of the different factions in the east but what can you tell me about your home."

I had to hand it to her Noir managed to keep a calm smile on her face despite her usually knocking out people who asked about her past.

"Sorry but that's a rather touchy subject for me, all I can say is that the different families have a rather hostile attitude towards one another." She said, I could see her legs shaking and her fists clenched. I put a hand on hers but didn't look at her.

"Oh sorry." She said giving an understanding nod. "Okay I guess I have one more, who are these Directors you've mention?"

I was surprised she hadn't asked that sooner. "The Directors are the most active and commanding officials in The Brink's government. The Baron speaks, sees, and hears through them as he deals with other matters. They also command my Division directly if the matter is important enough, otherwise we receive our normal orders through simple Overseers." There was much more to it than that but I told her what she needed to know.

"So they act as parliament?" She asked.

"No the Baron still gives them orders no matter what they just see to anything the Baron himself cannot, they don't make any large decisions themselves. Now before you ask who they are I can't tell you, not only because it's against my orders but because I have only ever seen and spoken to one of them." I said, she look a bit disappointed but that wasn't my problem.

"If you have no further questions I should make sure my team knows their posts and the situation." I stood from the seat but she raised a hand and I stopped.

"There's one thing I should mention before we arrive in Canterlot, your dragon will have to remain on the ship." She said.

I had to grab Noir to stop her from pouncing. "And why is this?" I asked all friendliness gone from my voice.

"As you may know dragons and ponies are the least associative nations in terms of relationships, the sight of a dragon entering the castle as a delegate returning our prince would cause many scandals and uproars in the media." She said in a stern tone.

"Fine but he will be voiced through me via telepathy during the negotiations, this is not up for debate as he is the one who rescued Blueblood." I said and she nodded.

"That is fine as the meeting will be in private and limited details will be disclosed." She said, making no further notions to speak and simply going back to drinking her tea we decided to leave.

Me and Noir made our way to the stern of the ship were Finna and Charon were talking about dragons and their natural abilities.

"So your scales provide a resistance not only from magic and fire but hexes as well?" Finna asked looking curiously at one of Charon's scales.

"Correct, and because they are resistant to magic they are also resistant to foreign souls natural magic be it good or bad." He said with a lecturing tone, with a glance he saw us and moved to one side allowing me and Noir to sit beside them.

"I take it you heard the princesses demands?" I asked knowing he had probably heard the entire conversation.

"I did and I can't say I find it all that bad, it just means I can avoid contact with the ponies and still be heard at the negotiations." He said not letting the princesses words get to him.

"Alright, I just wanted to check. If you need it we have two cabins set aside for us, one for Noir and Finna the other for you and I." Reaching into my pocket I handed him a small key.

"Thank you I may retire later but for now I'll enjoy the wind." He said lifting his head to catch the breeze under his scales, it wasn't long before he fell into a deep meditation. Noir leaned against him and closed her eyes for a nap. I felt Finna tap my shoulder, I looked as she nodded towards a large open area on the main deck.

"Lead the way." I said quietly.

The crew and guards worked/stood near the edges of the ship and the doors so the center of the main deck was clear. We pulled a bench from the side, I removed my desert cloak and shirt and set them aside baring my tattoos for all to see. Quickly tying a bandanna around my head I took one side of the deck to stretch. Finna had also removed her shirt and cloak leaving only white bandages to hide her breasts. Unlike the Equestrians and their allies many habits and customs we considered normal were taboo in their eyes, one such taboo being nudity. It was common for women to go topless in The Brink and full scale nudity was accepted so long as it was not flaunted to an extreme. So the sight of her body didn't really throw me off all that much.

`Fluffy tail.` Was about the worst thought to cross my mind. Although the stares from the guards said they did not have such reserved thoughts.

Never the less we each took a stance, I went for a simple boxer stance. Finna stood light on her feet in a stance I was unfamiliar with. The crew made a point to not walk close as we began to circle each other. Quick in her steps she closed the distance throwing quick jabs. Matching pace I redirected or blocked the jabs, swinging a leg I swept her left leg from below her. Throwing a hooked haymaker at her head she stumbled back gripping the side of her head. I lunged towards her taking her shoulders and driving a knee into her gut, she heaved and pushed me back. Retreating she stepped back her head slightly cut and her breathing ragged, she moved in again from the side this time. I swiped to jabs but one slipped past and caught my collar bone. The hit throbbed with pain and I could only block as she threw more each catching my sides or middle.

She drew close and began throwing quicker hits, when she was close enough I headbutt her jaw stopping her dead. Moving up I threw to heavy crosses at her ribs jarring her side to side with each hit. I slammed my heel into her stomach forcing her back. Trying for another swing she grabbed my arm and slung me over her shoulder and onto my ass. Jumped to my feet knocking her back in the process, with a roundhouse kick to her side she stumbled. I crossed her again this time in the chest. Taking my arm she jerked it away pulling the bone almost out of place.

Tossing defense aside I moved closer and pulled my arm away. I grabbed her midsection with both hands and lifted her off the ground, she tried to shove me off but I just pulled tighter. I took her by the ribs and slowly began crushing her chest next. She wheezed and wailed against my head throwing punches as quick and heavy as she could. Feeling lightheaded I raised her up stopping her punches in surprise. I ran forward and jumped putting her under me, with a heavy slam into the deck her head snapped back hitting the wood. She tried to move but the blow had set her senses spinning. Pinning her arms I threw my head into hers once more knocking the last of her coherence from her head. Her eyes fluttered for a moment as she tried to move but a second later she went limp, I sighed and put my head to her chest.

`Breathing faint, heartbeat steadily slowing, twitching. She'll be alright.` I thought before pushing off and sitting next to her.

The guards were stunned and Twilight had come to see the commotion, only to find the aftermath of the fight. She ran to us and looked over our bruised bodies.

"The Brink has high standards for it's elite, this is a pretty regular thing." I said before she could get a word out.

Seeing Finna's breathing had calmed I began drawing from my magic. My arm glistened green with ethereal leafs flowing around it, I let the energy flow out around me as the wisps of energy sought out our wounds and began mending them. Soon the purple and black marks faded from our bodies although it was hard to tell through Finna's fur. After the magic could no longer find any wounds I cut the flow causing the light to flicker out. Checking to make sure I was in good shape I then looked to the princess and grinned.

"You people are fascinating and crazy." She said with a chuckle before walking off to flustered to carry any kind of conversation.

I laughed before looking down to the fox girl and made sure she had no hidden wounds. `Girl's one tough mage even if her powers are devoted to the primal elements.`

Those skilled in magic can have their bodies physically effected by the type of powers they use, a primal user generally is the strongest in terms of physical strength.

With her wounds heal she slowly regained conscious, groggily she sat up and looked to me. "A fighter before a mage yes?" She asked.

"Before I came to The Brink I was a soldier in another army, although they may not be around I make sure I represent them well enough. It's because of them I have the physique you see now, so I figured the best way to represent them here was to keep at the top of my game." I flexed a bit making her giggle.

"Do you suppose they're serving lunch at the moment?" Finna asked looking towards the stairwell.

"No time like the present to find out." I said before helping her up.

Thankfully the Mess still had some food from breakfast ready and were prepping lunch as we entered. Deciding to spoil myself I took a large serving of hash browns, sausage, and eggs. Finding a seat was easy and we soon sat to eat.

"Foster if I may, where did you learn to fight like that?" Finna asked sipping a a cup of coffee.

"Before and during my time in the service boxing was something I found fun, it was competitive and challenging. Not to mention it was a greet way to meet people, because when is a better time to introduce yourself to someone than directly after a beat down." I said getting us both to chuckle.

"How did you serve your homeland as a soldier, you seem capable in a wide number of situations?" She said through hiccups.

"I was general infantry for a few years before I was promoted to Staff Sargent. At that point I saw a bit less time in active field duty and a bit more directing recently enlisted soldiers, it wasn't bad mind you I enjoyed helping people get on their feet even if it meant leaving some of my friends out in danger. But I never worried as they were all capable and I trusted them to come home at the end of the day." I remembered a number of me and my friends sitting in a large tent joking over beer after a long few months on duty. "After a while I was sent back into direct combat and was actually put in charge of my old squad, sadly our previous officer had been killed in the line of duty. We spent a while grieving but we always remembered him. It was also during this time I was trained a bit more harshly as I was soon to get another promotion if my commanding officer was anything to go by. I did end up getting a promotion to Sargent First Class and I was still in control of my squad, only now I had more eyes on me and higher things expected of me." I sighed and looked over to Finna who looked with dedicated attention.

"Sorry I'm talking your ears off aren't I?" I said taking a sip of coffee.

"Not at all, I'm just amazed is all. Your people's army sounds so organized and directed, it dwarfs what I've heard about those of the Equestrians and their allies." She said having nearly forgetting her food.

"Not to sound boastful but that is true, there is no army you can find as of now that could stand to our might. My weapons are primitive in terms of what my people could do, I have began working on making better weaponry but it is a slow process with the materials I have to work with." A nostalgic thought of basic training drifted through my had.

"I trust you will find a way, you seem to have the will and wisdom needed." I smiled and her words. "So you were saying something about expectations."

I laughed and once again began telling her little bits and pieces of my time in the service.

---3 Hours later---

The sun shined bright in the sky and the dry wind blew across the main deck, so far the ship had not been troubled by anything. Apart from a few birds flying in the winds around the ship we had seen little life in the sky. The ground bellow was currently occupied by a group of Sec Ceras or Sand Runners, a reptilian versatile biped that could run up to 80 miles per hour on sand and claw you to death in about five seconds.

`I'm glad we're flying.` I though staring down at the pack running bellow us.

I had to admit boredom was a serious problem, there was no talk among the guards as the just stood their and the crew was busy so there was no luck there. I thought about working with the crew in the engine room but decided against it. I looked around but none of my group were around, it was one of the few times I felt like taking Noir up on an offer if only to relieve the dull atmosphere. I stood to my feet and looked out over the sky, a few black specks were on the horizon but they didn't seem to be drawing closer. Making a note of it I turned to enter the ships hull.

Inside some kind of spell kept it cool allowing for a break from the sun. I walked past a few crewmen and found the door to Charon and I's room. Twisting the handle I pushed it open to find a rather funny scene. The room had a single bed and couch the a small table set up in the corner. On the bed was Charon clad only in his pants splayed out like he'd just collapsed and was snoring like a bear. I smirked and walked to the edge of the bed, I slid him to one side where he didn't even move. Laying next to him I put my arms behind my head and fell asleep.

---1 Hour later---

After a quick nap I once more found myself wandering the halls picked dirt out of my nails. I stepped up to the main deck squinting through the sun's light. After my eyes adjusted I made for the port side, looking out I saw the same black figures in the distance this time they were a bit closer. I tried to use my magic to see them better but the haze from the hear still threw me off. With a huff I began to climb the rigging careful to avoid any of the busy crewmen. A quick hop later I stood in the crow's nest the spotter looked confused when I landed next to him.

"I need to borrow your scope." I told him and he handed me the tool.

Facing the figures I extended the scope and focused on them using my magic to help. About a mile away I made out the dots, they were pegasi. Lowering the scope I handed it back to the crewman and pointed him to the figures.

"What do you see?" He looked for a second and I watched his expression change from confused to suspicious disdain.

"Sir are those-" I put a hand over his mouth.

"Tell nobody, I'll deal with them." I said before jumping from the roost.

Hitting the deck I gave a sharp whistle drawing the crew's attention. "All hands on deck!" I bellowed, the the guards looked confused as the crew quickly tied up their work and took defensive positions. Some manned cannons others retrieved rifles, in less than 30 seconds the whole crew was ready for battle. "Prep cannons on port side!" I barked the gatling guns were quick to spin up and the three arcane cannons began to hum as energy grew in their barrels.

Twilight at this point had teleported onto the deck a worried look in her eyes. "Mr Foster what's going on!?" She said as she saw the crew armed and readied.

"A group of possible bandits have been sighted on our port flank, they appear armed and have been keeping pace with us for a while now." I signaled for the gunners to prep for fire.

"Wait hold on a minute they could just be travelers." She said taking my arm.

"Your highness I understand in Equestria things may be easy to brush off but out here people don't travel without either a caravan or an airship, free flying is either a death wish or a way to sneak up on someone." I raised my arm ready to signal fire.

"B-but what if you're wrong?" She asked even more worried.

"Our spotter says they are armed, I've seen them already earlier today. They are not hear on good terms." I pointed directly at the pegasi. "Fire all!"

The deck came alive with gunfire as the bullets and magic were blasted from the side shaking the ship. I watched as the group quickly scattered, I saw two of them go down one hit by a beam and having no doubt been vaporized. The second however jerked mid flight no doubt hit by a bullet. The rest managed to escape.

"Cease fire!" I ordered, the bombardment ended almost as quick as it began.

The guardsmen slowly picked themselves up letting go of their ears and picking their weapons back up.

"Two confirmed hits, good work gentlemen!" I shouted earning a few cheers from the gunners.

I felt a hand slap the back of my head, it was weak and didn't do more than get my attention.

"How could you, those could have been good ponies out their!?" Twilight shouted tears in her eyes.

"Now how did you know that." I said with a suspicious glare.

She shut her mouth but still fumed before stomping off. The guards crewmen seeing them still armed and ready.

"As you were!" I shouted, quickly putting their rifles away and securing the turrets the crew was once more back to work.

I saw Noir, Charon, and Finna had come up from the hull they walked to me looking to where the broadside had occurred.

"What was all the ruckus about?" Charon asked rubbing his ears and eyes, I sighed and manipulated the wind around us to form soundproofing.

"Earlier today I saw a group of flyers, and just a bit ago I saw them again but closer this time. I went up to the crows nest to get a better look, turns out the group were a bunch of light armored pegasi. From what I could tell it looked like some kind of stealth gear, my guess is they were either a second underhanded attempt to keep an eye on us or they were ordered for a something a little different." I told them crossing my arms.

"This cannot go unanswered!" Charon roared, I was thankful I had made the bubble. "I knew these ponies shouldn't be trusted, we should just kill them now!" He said a deep growl coming from his chest and fire licking at his lips.

"If we do that now we'll have the entire Equestrian military after us, we may be strong but not that strong." Noir told him while rubbing his spines, a little trick to help him calm down.

"She's right even with you technology you don't have the power to stand against them." Finna said, I noticed one of her hands had lighting still crackling around it. She had been ready to fight as well.

"So what we just let this go?" Charon said but quieter.

"No we wait and bide our time, you forget we'll be in their capital for a few days remember. Between the four of us we could gather some useful intel and maybe get our hands on something valuable that could help The Brink." It was fighting dirty I know but the only way to beat a cheater is to either cheat them or just get better at the games they play. In this case I planned to do both.

"Charon I want you to fly about the area around the ship and keep an eye out for more, if you see any kill them and report to me. Noir see what you can find in her highness's room about this second squad. Finna you and me will be working on finding something inside these guards' heads." They all nodded and went to follow orders, I dropped the bubble and headed for my room Finna right behind me.

---Noir---

The panther moved quietly through the halls, as she moved right past guards and crewmen alike their eyes drifted right over her. Her kinds natural magic being the distortion of others perception at will, their eyes would see her but their minds would not. Like a breeze she slid into the princess's room, while the pony in question was absent her papers were not. Sliding to a large table Noir began looking quickly over the papers, many useless journal entries or random documents with pointless information about taxes and such. After glancing through the table she made her way to the nightstand by the bed. The table top had a pair of reading glasses and a book on magic resting atop it, peeking inside the shelves reveal a much smaller book with the royal symbol stamped on the front.

"Well well what have we here?" Noir hummed, checking the door quickly the panther moved to the shadows of the room becoming nearly invisible.

The first few pages of the book were other rather important operations being conducted by the other two princesses, it wasn't until the end of the book that a few newer pages had been made.

"Blueblood's secure return remains the central priority, gather information about activity in the Badlands, uncover the identity of, Baron Varkel!" Noir's blood ran cold as she looked over the line again and again. "Find the source of the The Brink's weaponry." Noir quickly moved to the table and found a blank sheet of paper. After copying down all relevant information she placed the book back exactly where it had been and fled the room leaving it as if it were never touched.

Making her way as quickly as she could to Elijah's room she made sure no guards spotted her. After having pulled such a move any inclination of suspicion was to be avoided.

"Charon you may be right, this has to end." She whispered vanishing down the halls.

---Charon---

The drake flew proud in the sky his armor strapped tight and his axes at the ready, his slick red scales happily gathering the warm sun. With trained eyes and natural talent he scanned the around the ship, everything seemed quiet and only the normal birds flew by the ships rigging. With his blood burning the warrior was ready to fight only waiting for someone to throw the first strike.

"Ancestors damn these ponies!" He grumbled unable to fully calm down. "I hope this mission is worth it Foster." He said gliding higher above the ship.

The wind was calm and the skies were warm, with visibility as good as it was things seemed pretty clear. The occasional cloud hear and there but nothing more. To many it would seem too perfect, but to one such as Charon he knew things really were as perfect as they were. The day was good the sun was high filling him with energy, and there were ponies on the way. Charon licked his lips as a sudden scent was caught on the air, it was subtle and faded but it was a pony. The smell of moist fur and feathers a clear indicator of pegasi.

`Charon can you hear me?` Elijah's voice spoke in his mind.

`I can what is it?` He responded.

`You need to get here as soon as you can, we found a few things that the Directors are going to want to worry about.` Elijah said, Charon saw flashes of papers and documents in his mind.

`I understand I'll be there momentarily.` The dragon said before the link was severed.

With a crooked grin he flew back to the ship quickly making his way below deck.

---Elijah and Finna---

A quick ward later and I had the door to the room sealed and multiple sensors around the room. Finna sat at in the center of the room on her knees her arms wide as they coursed with a pale energy. It was mental magic, a rather complex power but also a very useful power. It allowed someone to enter another's mind and do as they wished with it, I had seen plenty of Manipulatists who are people skilled in mental arts. They can cripple an entire platoon with either fear or insanity, some can go as far as tearing another's mind to bits slowly and very painfully killing them.

Finna and I however were planning on using that power to draw any recent memories from the guards as far back as a week. Then we would search for any information as to the return of Blueblood, Twilight Sparkle however would be a bit tougher to crack and so we would focus on her last. I sat across from Finna and sat in a similar manner.

`Finna can you hear me?` I tested.

`I can are you ready to begin?` I got back

`I am, remember we must not pull anything from their minds in case they are scanned later. We must find and copy only information related to us and The Brink.` I already began reaching my mind out and to those aboard the ship careful to avoid Sparkle.

I saw images of families spending time together around a fireplace, another forgot to pay his rent and was on a final notice, one seemed to be escaping some girl trouble back home. Overall none of the guards seemed to have any further orders than to protect Twilight and Blueblood. One however caught my attention, a blue energy surrounded his mind.

`Finna are you getting this?` I asked, she didn't respond but I felt her affirmation. `Why would a grunt have a ward.`

Slowly I began to unwind the magic around his mind, after securing an access point I reached out and into his mind. I saw two figures the guard and the other was one of the princesses of Equestria. Seeing the moon on her dress and blue coat I had no doubt this was the infamous Princess Luna, the former Nightmare Moon. The guard was actually no guard at all, he was a royal spy a thestral. His armor was enchanted to make him appear as a royal guard but he hand no ties to Twilight or Celestia. He was ordered to spy on us and report to Twilight, she while not wholly informed did know of the second group of thestrals that had been following us. They had been hiding in the storage level of the ship and gotten out through a side panel. They were also planning to use the same panel to get back in should their princess give the word to attack.

`Alright we got what we need draw back.` We slowly pulled from the guards minds, I made sure to repair the ward on the thestrals mind before drawing back to my body.

I opened my eyes to see Finna staring back a look of understanding on her face.

I reached out the Charon and Noir, Noir was already on here way with info of her own.

`Charon can you hear me?` I asked

`I can what is it?` He responded in a somewhat grumpy tone, I would have to make this up to him later.

`You need to get here as soon as you can, we found a few things that the Directors are going to want to worry about.` I ordered.

`I understand I'll be there momentarily.` He said and I drew back.

"Finna Noir and Charon are on their way, explain the situation to them and tell them to wait here. I have to do something about that entrance for the thestrals." She nodded and I left.

As I quickly walked to the lower decks I felt Noir's presence pass by, a shadow also passed by the window of the hall. Knowing both of them were safe I made my way to the storage area. Inside only a single light bulb illumintated the area. Using the guards memory I found the panel I was looking for. The bolts had been removed and place on the exterior of the ship allowing the thestrals to remove the them and put them right back as if they were never moved. Using a bit of magic I removed the bolts letting them plummet to the ground bellow. Using a bit of matter from the surrounding munitions I molded new bolts and fastened them to the inside now preventing the thestrals from entering.

A subtle noise snapped me from my work, I immediately rolled to the side dodging three thin needles now on the ground where I had been. Looking in the direction they had come I spotted one of the intruders. He was about my height and clad in what looked like transparent armor that made him nothing more than a shimmer. Seeing he was spotted he ducked behind a crate and hid.

I sealed any possible entrances from the room trapping us both inside. I took cover behind a crate as well listening, I heard his steps lightly moving around the room. I drew my combat knife from it pocket and sunk it into the floor. Using the wood as a sensor for my magic I found the thestral closing in. As he got closer I vaulted over the crate and landed in front of him, I gave a few quick slashes but he avoided hem all. He dropped his needles and I quickly kicked them aside.

"I'm so going to enjoy this." I chuckled at him, he growled back before drawing a short sword.

Charging static in my hand I sent a wave of it at him, he stepped to the side trying to dodge but I sent it after him. The wave connected and shorted out the enchantment on his armor. No fully visible I moved in swinging again, this time he had to stop me with his blade. He stabbed at my chest and I jumped back, seeing a few metal crates around I drew on a large segment of my magic. I stomped on the ground sending a grey ring out, the crates began to loose their form letting packs of supplies fall out. The metal molded around my body in flexible but dense armor.

The thestral flew at my his wings propelling him forward. I sent metal to my knife making it into a sword that matched his. I parried his swing and gave one of my own carving into his upper torso. He stepped away gripping the bleeding wound, it was nothing vital so he recovered quick. Taking a different approach he began darting around me using his speed to his advantage. He swung quick and accurately striking at areas with veins and tendons. The metal covering my body stopped him from doing any damage but his hits did start throwing me off balance. I managed to get my eyes on him at last and saw him coming at my side. I threw my arm out quickly catching his neck and sending him sprawling on his back. Turning on my heel I sent a sharp bolt at him but he rolled, the bolt managed to catch his shoulder this time.

He looked at me with fury and charged, we traded blows as fast as lightning each either being blocked or dodged. I sent electricity into the metal around my armor and allowed his next swing to connect. As soon as his blade hit the metal lightning arced between us causing his whole body to spasm. Since most of my magic was focused on my armor the energy wasn't enough to kill him. I thrust my blade into his gut as it had the least armor, the blade sunk in deep. He dropped the sword and grabbed at the blade trying to pull it out. I twisted the blade and spiked the end causing dozens of smaller spines to puncture his intestines. He stopped moving, he shook and coughed blood splattering my armor.

I took him my the neck using my armor to hold the blade in place, I also sent healing magic into him just to keep him alive. "You're going to tell me why you're here and what your plans are, or so help me I will make sure the next few hours of your life are in complete and total pain." I twisted the blade causing the spines to tear at his insides only to have my magic fix the wounds, but not the pain.

"To Tartarus with all you damn low lives." He chocked spitting blood.

"That's what they all say before I'm done with them, now listen and listen good. You have threatened my team and my people, you also expect to deceive us and then lie right in front of us. You call us low lives but here you are an assassin and spy stalking those who have saved you prince, we had only good intentions in the beginning." I was honest and he knew it.

"You vermin, we are above you. You savages have no order only chaos, if you expected anything other than a thanks from Equestria than you're wrong." He spat.

I heated the metal in him burning his entire body from the inside out, I tore the blade down to his waist where I shook it carving him more. He howled in pain blood pouring from him as the magic kept giving him more.

"We expected nothing other than a good impression you blind simpleton!" I shouted in his face. "We saved your prince unknowing of his identity until our leader told us who he was. We planned to return him regardless and here you are calling us savage while you only see the truth that fits you best." This time I just punched him in the neck.

He coughed and glared back at me. "You killed my team don't forget, you gave no second thought to it. You saw us as a threat and decided to act without thinking how is that any different?" He smirked.

"I fired because I knew who you were, I knew you had no place here. We were sent on this mission as a show of good faith only to find liars instead. We only asked to be told of those who accompany us, and your superiors decided to lie first. Had we been told we would not have fired, your princess had a chance to tell us who you were but she didn't. She was so set on keeping you a secret she let your friends die, if she had admitted to your presence they would still be here." I pulled the metal from him and fixed his wounds.

He looked up confused. "W-why."

"We'll see what your princess has to say, if I don't like her answer you and the rest of your squad including the mole disguised as a guard will die. I'll also see to it your bodies are dumped overboard and left as scavenged meat for the Sec Ceras." I made the metal into a club and beat it against his head knocking him out cold.

Using the metal on my body I bound him and left myself a nice little grip to help me drag him.

`Report.` A simple yet deep message was sent to my team.

`We've looked over their plans and what they have waiting for us at Canterlot.` Was Noir's response.

`Good I've also got a bargaining chip for us hear.` I said sending them a mental image of the thestral. `Meet me on the main deck, and have Princess Sparkle join us as well.`

`Understood.` Was her reply.

As I dragged the thestral through the halls the crewmen and guards looked stunned none of them knowing why he was here.

As I stepped onto the main deck I saw Twilight demanding answers from the others. They were silent only staring at her, their gaze turned to me and my new friend. Seeing their change Twilight looked back next, her eyes went wide and her lips trembled at the sight of the bloodied bat pony.

"It looks like I have a few questions for you." I said with a deep chuckle.

Twilight's horn began to shimmer, Noir however was too quick and clamped a draining ring around her horn. Her magic cut off the princess' spell sputtered out, a look of fear spread across her face. I motioned for a crewmen to bring the chairs from earlier to me. He set one in front of me the other in front of Sparkle, she sat down without needing to be told. I sat in front of her keeping the now conscious assassin next to me.

"So first question, do you know this stallion?" I asked, and she shook her head.

Shrugging I raised my knife and stabbed at his neck missing by an inch, but it had the effect I wanted as Twilight let out a whimper and stood from her seat.

"Do I need to ask again?" I leaned back.

She looked down tears flowing and her fists clenched. "No you don't. He's one of Princess Luna's elite guard." She said not meeting my gaze nor the elite's.

"Why is he aboard this vessel?" I asked, she said something but it was too low to hear. "What was that?" I asked putting the knife on his chest.

"He's here spy on you!" She cried now fully sobbing.

"Is he alone?" I asked.

"No." She said.

I sighed and grabbed his arm and putting a boot on his chest. In a single pull I tore the limb off blood and flesh ripping with a squelching sound, he screamed in pain trying to nurse his wound but he was still bound.

"Alright there's more, there are four more aside from him!" She was on her knees a this point, I saw her looking at the guard wanting to help him.

"Why did you not tell us about them, we asked who would be accompanying us and I tolerated the guards you have now despite never being mentioned!?" I barked causing her to flinch back.

"T-they're here t-to steal knowledge about your p-people." She chocked out between tears.

My face remains neutral as I nod. I stood and walked to her, she tried to crawl away but I put a hand on her shoulder.

"And why would you go and try and do something like that, after all isn't Equestria the great big shining light of the world?" I asked calmly.

"Because a trader told gave word of the weapons your people have, we had to make sure you wouldn't use them against us and that if you did we would have the same power." She said in a quiet tone.

"Tsk tsk princess. The Brink was one of the few places in the Badlands that doesn't have a direct hatred or interest in conflict with Equestria. So let me tell you what I'm seeing right now." I sat next to her and put an arm around her shoulder. "I see a giant standing over the world, it sees a small animal. It thinks that small animal may one day attack it. So the giant goes and tried to find another of the same animal to fight it with. Problem is once the animal the giant find attacks, the giant finds out the animal only wanted to be friends it even had a present. Are you getting this metaphor or am I just talking to myself?" I asked, she nodded understanding completely. "Good, very good."

I stepped away from her and walked to the elite. "You my friend may be lucky yet." I sent another wave of magic into him and reattached his arm. "Princess I have one last question." I held out my arms in a manner like I was waiting for a hug. "Do you accept this animals friendship?" I asked, she looked up. The afternoon sun was directly behind my head just like I'd hoped casting a warm glow around me.

"I do just please stop this." She begged bowing at my feet.

"Alright cool done deal." I said in a chipper tone. She looked absolutely stunned as I let the elite out of his binds.

I walked over to the disguised elite, he looked confused. Pulling back and arm I threw a metal coated punch into his head knocking his helmet off and his lights out. He crumpled like a bag of rocks as the illusion faded.

I turned to Charon. "Please apprehend the remaining thestrals over there." I pointed to the port side and used my magic to create light beacons on the thestral's backs.

His face turned into a twisted grin as a deep chuckled came from him, soon it turned into a thundering laugh. Drawing his axes the large drake blasted from the deck at sub sonic speed towards the group.

I turned to Noir next. "Ms Leva please escort our friend here." I said nudging the elite. "To the brig and ensure he is stripped of all personal effects and he is also bound." She nodded and took the stallion by his arm leading him bellow.

Finally I turned to Finna. "Ms Jera please see the princess back to her quarters." She nodded and lead the tear soak princess back inside.

Looking around I saw the crew had stopped and the guards were unable to comprehend what had just happened.

"Back to work!" I barked and the crew went to it, the guards straightened themselves out and went back to being statues.

With a smile on my face I to made my way bellow decks, although not before hearing Charon's vicious battle cries and the thestrals normal crying.

`Not a bad day at all.` I said before closing the hatch the lower decks.

Chapter 2: Red Sky At Dawn

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Red Sky At Dawn

It's been two days since the confrontation with the thestrals and Twilight Sparkle. It's also been two days now that the thestrals have been locked up in the brig as POW's. Twilight was not happy to hear she had fail to not only secure Blueblood but that she also lost her ace in the hole. Speaking of the prince here's something that's hard to believe, he's been sleeping. Through the entire ordeal on that day the guy was asleep the entire time, through the broadside, the fighting, the shouting, and even Charon going berserk he was asleep. He woke up at noon the next day to top it all off. After he was given a different explanation as to the situation he went about his days in his room doing something. Twilight on her part had slowly eased back into working mode, she made a report to the princesses explaining everything although I saw to it a few things were left out for her sake.

Their response was a bit mixed, on one hand Celestia was sorry as she had no idea that the thestrals were even dispatched. I couldn't tell if she was honest by the letter alone but it seemed sincere. Luna was on the opposite end of the line, livid could not describe the tone of the rather hateful letter I received. Something about dishonor and shame along with a challenge to a dual. Charon wanted to take my place but I told him it was my fault and so it was my fight. He relented as he had let all of his anger from that day out on the poor bastards that followed us. Two were brought back with broken bones, the rest will no doubt be crippled for life. No wonder I was challenged.

I was on the main deck overseeing the crew who seemed to just not care about what went down. The captain of the ship also had no part in anything, he simply wanted no part in the battle between us. The captain was currently charting a course around a large storm headed our way so I had been left in charge to order the helmsmen and crew while he planned his course.

"So it was 30 feet tall?" The helmsmen asked. He was a Naga about 67 years old, he was dressed like a sailor and acted like one as well.

"Yep and ten feet wide, the damn thing was longer than I could measure but I can tell you right now it was easily longer than this ship." I was telling him about one of my more interesting fights with a burrower, whom I dubbed Old' Sandy.

"I find it hard tah' believe that lil' stick ah yers could kill a burrower 'specially one like that." He said scoffing.

"Hey you don't believe me go check with the reports back in the customs office, I had to bring in it's part through them and they tell you the same." I took a sip from a bottle I had been given, no idea what was in it but it was good and strong.

"I'll do just that." He said taking a sip from a bottle of his own.

The day in terms of weather had started out well enough, the sky had been painted orange and red early on causing some worry among the crew. While I wasn't too superstitious I did know well enough to take caution at the sings of danger. For the most part the weather had held up until recently. Just a bit after dawn clouds had slowly began to form, now a few miles ahead of us laid a roaring wave of black storm clouds. The crew having been preparing for such an event had altered their normal routines to take action for the oncoming winds and rain.

The sound of footsteps made me look to the captain's door, he leaned out and waved me inside. Stepping into the room I saw the Kobold standing next to a round navigation chart with various strings connecting points to points.

"Mr Foster it seems our journey will be brought to a halt for a time." He said pointing to a row of black pegs marking the storms edge. "With no visible means around the storm we will be forced to take shelter till it passes." He pointed to a large outcrop on the map a small ways ahead of us. "We should try and take port their, the shelf will provide protection from the rain and a natural spring should allow us to find water and maybe fresh game."

I looked over the chart and the weather patterns detailed on it. "If you think it best I trust your judgement on this, you have more experience that I." I tapped on the outcrop. "While we're there we should also see how the aftereffects of the storm will effect our progress, with the pressure and temperature change our progress will be effected." The Kobold nodded.

"Well if the weather can clear up quickly after the storm the front should bring in high pressures, if this is the case our flying will be a bit easier." He pointed to a red marked area just after the front.

"Good hopefully we can make up for lost time." The brake would most likely cost us a few days in our journey.

"Aye, with the north winds blowing these storms right against us it's like something's giving us a sign." He chuckled.

"Superstition aside it is still our job to see to it these ponies get home safe, no matter how much of a pain they are." I said rolling my eyes.

"They ain't that bad, sure a little up tight, but can you expect them to act as we do?" He moved the little ship piece towards the crop and the line of pegs towards it, the demonstration showed we could take shelter maybe a few hours before coming into contact with the storm.

"No, but at least a bit of honor would be nice. Hell I would have been happy if they had just attacked straight of, at least then things would have been complicated" I sighed rubbing a hand down my hair. "Regardless you should see to it your men get their orders in buckling down the ship, I'll see to it my team begins setting up a safe area for the crew around the ship." He nodded and dismissed me.

A quick mental pulse later and I had my team quickly assembled on the main deck. "Alright so it looks like we've got a bit of trouble coming up, we're going to be taking shelter from the storm in a nearby outcropping. While the ship is docked we are to resupply on what we can, but that is a second concern for us. Our number one priority is to have a perimeter set up to keep the nastier habitats away, we are to erect bonfires and wards to keep things like Grue and Necros away before the storm hits, this means we have two hours of working time." The three of them looked a bit stressed to hear the deadline.

"How will we be dividing the work?" Charon asked.

"You and Noir will assist the crew in setting the fires up, Finna and I will take care of the warding. Now remember we only have two hours, one we reach that time the storm will hit and we won't be able to get anything else done." They nodded. "I know you may not like it but we must also see to the safety of the Equestrians and not just the prince and princess." They nodded again although Charon bit hesitantly

The ship picked up speed, setting a direct course

The ship was flying at full speed causing the already strong winds to feel even heavier. The guards now made a point to drop the statue act and assist the crew, some seemed to thankfully have experience with airships. Finna and I stood on the bow of the ship trying our hardest to redirect the oncoming wind as best we could, sadly nature is the true master of the primal forces so our powers did little more than slow the wind. Noir was busy tending to a few wounded men who had been injured by lines and beam that had flung loose from the winds. Charon was busy supporting large beams the crew were working on trying to keep them stable until the men could secure the lines. Twilight and Blueblood were inside but I had no idea what they were doing.

"Captain!" I called over the wind.

"Aye!" I heard him called back from somewhere behind me.

"Land the ship, we have to before it's blown apart!" I shouted back feeling my magic begin to give out, Finna seemed to fair no better.

"We can't if we land out in the open it will only be worse!" Was his reply.

I felt myself sliding back as the wind began to push through what magic I had left. I felt a searing pain on my back as the magic whip lashed, I was sent rolling across the deck before crashing into the wall of the inner decks. Seeing my fault Finna dropped her magic and instead hunkered down using her claws and magic to anchor herself the to the deck. With no protection from the wind the ship swayed side to side and the frame began to groan and creak with strain. Panic spread quickly as the crew became disheveled, some trying to tie down lines only for their shaking hands allowing it to come loose.

I saw Charon slowly sinking to his knees, the battering winds and shaking were making it hard for him to support the beams. Large portions of the rigging began to fall causing a number of crewmen to fall with it. Order was gone and those still standing did all they could to not be ripped from the ships deck. A few of the Naga crewmen held others with their arms and coils, using the combined weigh they were secure. With no one left to man the it the rigging was flailing about dangerously, the ropes nearly sending a few people overboard.

A bolt of blinding white lightning struck the ship's mast sending splinters in all directions, I could only watch as those near the strike were thrown into the railings of the ship. A loud crash boomed as the mast creaked and swayed from side to side soon to fall. The crew hurried as quick as their battered bodies could to secure the lines, and keep the ship from coming apart. The winds tore at the hull of the ship tugging at the armor plating, moments later the armor of the hull was pulled from the ship. It was all coming apart and there wasn't enough will left in the crew or guards to hold it together any longer.

"Captain!" I screamed hoping he could hear me, hoping he was still okay.

I got no response from him but the ship slowly began to descend instead, the wind still whipped at us but the ship made less noise as we got closer to the ground. Our shelter was not far off and even from it distance it was providing some protection. I couldn't tell how long it took but we managed to eventually anchor the ship inside the outcrop cutting the fury of the storm to a fraction of it's previous strength. I gasped as the rain became less than a drizzle, I felt my drenched cloths hug my body along a damp cold setting in.

I managed to pick myself up after a few minutes, my first instinct was to check the crew. They lay scattered on the deck most on flat on their backs exhausted while some slowly set to work tying up the last of the rigging. Charon sat against the mast his breathing heavy and strained. Noir still tended to the injured along with a couple other medics. Finna tried to use the railings as a support but she had used to much magic and was now suffering the results.

"You okay down there." I looked up to see the Captain leaning over the edge of the helm.

"As good as I can be." I tried to stand but I could only get as far as leaning against the wall.

"Good, that storm moved in much faster than it should have." He said looking out at the thundering black clouds that now blanketed the sky. "I've seen all kinds of storms out here, but that one seemed to have a peculiar anger to it." He hopped down and helped me stand.

"We'd better hurry and get everything set up, our landing probably drew the attention of every creature in this canyon." I said trying to move but he held me still.

"We can worry about that after you get a quick bite to eat, you ain't doing anyone any good as worn down as you are." He said and sat me against the rails. "Wait here a moment." He quickly scurried off.

Unable to relax I looked around the area we had landed. The spring he mentioned was a few yards to our port side, tall reeds and small plants grew around it and I could even see small critters running around. Ahead was the exit tot he canyon were a wall of wind and rain was easily visible, behind us was the same making any kind of scouting outside the canyon impossible. Off the starboard side was a other half to the outcrop which was flat and void of any large monster burrows. The area seemed surprisingly safe, meaning it probably wasn't.

`Charon can you move.` I voiced in his mind, he looked and me and nodded. `If you can try setting up smaller fires around the spring and ship, I'll tell the crew to build them up once you done and they can move.` He nodded and stood his legs shaking.

Seeing him hop over the side Noir was quick to follow, she gave a quick nod as she jumped off behind him. A sudden thump made me look down, Finna had crawled over and now sat against the rail under me.

"Are... the Badlands... always like this?" She panted.

"No, most storms a ship can sail over or through. This storm was different there's no doubt about it." I felt no trace of Equestrian magic in it, but there seemed to be something that had invoked the primal magic inside of it.

"We... should get to work." She tried to pull herself up but failed.

The captain came from bellow decks followed by one of the few crewmen spared by the storm. "Here you two, get yer energy back before doing something stupid." He said with a grin, we laughed before eating.

The food and drink was quickly gone and we thanked the crewmen before he took the dishes. Using a bit of magic I recovered I managed to get us back on our feet. We jumped off the ship and landed in the damp sandy bellow, I saw Charon and Noir had set up a few fires around the ship. I looked back up to the ship and called out, a few heads poked over the edge. Pointing to the fires those who could also came down and began to tend the fires and huddle around their warmth.

"Come on we have to hurry." Finna said already moving to one of the fires.

Setting the wards was a fairly easy task, it was a matter of blessing the fires with white magic. The white fire's light would then kill any Necros that walked into it, Grues would also burn in it's light but they would avoid any light in general. Within the hour we had a ring of light on and around the ship. After the last fire was blessed the crew cheered some tossing off wet clothes and either jumping into the spring or sitting around the fires. After making sure the last of the crew and my team we well I climbed back on board the ship. The captain sat around a large fire in the center of the ship along with a few personal friends, the fire was held in some kind of large bowl with a mural carved around it's edges.

Seeing me the Kobold waved me over. "I have to thank you, if it were for you and your friends I doubt we would have made it through that storm." He held out a claw.

I took it and shook. "I'm just glad no one was killed, we may be stuck here but things could have been much worse."

He nodded. "True, though tah say everyone made it out just fine is an overstatement. Some of the crew will be bed ridden for a while."

I sighed. "Sorry to hear that, we'll do what we can to help when ever you need it." He smiled and thanked me before moving back to the fire.

The sound of the lower deck's door closing and hoofsteps let me know the Equestrian's were okay.

"Foster." Twilight called.

"I take it those bellow deck are alright." I said.

"Yes they're fine, I came to tell you Blueblood wanted to speak to you." She said.

"I'll be with him in a moment, I have to check a few things on the ship first." I told her, not in the mood to deal with her.

She nodded but made no move to leave. "I'm sorry."

I barely heard her over the sounds of the crew and the storm. "About?" Was all I gave back.

"About not helping everyone, if I had been up here I could have stopped people from getting hurt." She said looking over the bloodied bodies.

I gave an exhausted groan before staring at her. "You should know that we don't control the weather in the Badlands, it is free to do as it wants. When we say it coming we had a choice to either retreat to safety, or we could push forward and take shelter without losing progress. We made the choice to go forward so there's nothing we can do about that, we knew the risks and we came out on top. Had you been on deck in the middle of all that you'd have only made it more difficult, it's my team's job to make sure you get home safely and we couldn't have worried about you and the storm at once." I took a deep breath, already panting again.

She stared down at her feet. "I could have taken care of myself, I just don't want to sit by and do nothing if we're all in trouble." Her fists were clenched tight.

"It's over, there isn't anything to do about it now. I suggest you return bellow and make sure no one is injured down their, I'll see Blueblood after I'm done here." She didn't respond, instead she slowly walked back inside.

`Please let there be no more storms.` I prayed.

After making sure that the ship wouldn't fall apart and I made myself presentable, I went to find Blueblood. The door to his room was open wide, his room was a mess with various items scattered everywhere. He was at a desk writing something down in a journal. Hearing me enter he looked up and gave a polite smile waving me in.

"Elijah Foster, I'm glad to finally meet you in person." He said standing.

`If only you knew.` I chuckled mentally.

"And I you, your highness." I said giving a small bow. "I hope you're alright after what just happened."

He chuckled in response. "Of course, a little wind is nothing for one such as I." He said putting a hand on his chest.

"I'm glad to hear it. I apologize for being blunt but is their something you need your highness?" I asked.

"Yes I was curious if you had any indication as to when we would be crossing the border into Equestria, with these delays I worry it will still be a while yet before we arrive?" He asked sitting back down, he began writing again.

"Well this storm will no doubt be adding a few more days to our trip, but after that we should be crossing into Equestria rather soon." I estimated the time but if the weather changed to our favor we could make it sooner.

"Good I look forward to returning home." He sighed relaxing back in the chair.

I wanted to leave I wanted to remain ignorant, but I had to ask. "Your highness I have one question for you, what were you doing in the middle of the Badlands with such a small regimen of guards that day?" It was the largest question I had about anything, why was the prince of Equestria in the middle of wasteland.

"Well were else can someone find Grue oil in such large quantities, it is a key component in our more quality fuels." He said like it was common sense.

"T-that's it?" I tried to find any reason not to shoot him on the spot.

"Of course, with imports being so taxed and disorganized, it's easiest to simply hunt down the beats yourselves. I had been thinking of keeping one as a trophy." He said waving a hand dismissively.

"I... understand, thank you." I took a deep breath. "If you'll excuse me I need to make sure everyone is tended to." He just waved and kept writing.

As soon as I closed the door to his room I bolted from the ship. Running to a small shrub and heaved, the sheer insolence of that stallion made me sick. Had I known why he was here any sooner he'd have been a dead man, to think someone could so casually walk into one of the most dangerous places on the continent made my head spin. I spat the last of the bile from my mouth before taking a sip of water from my canteen.

"Elijah." I turned to see Charon standing behind me. "Are you well?" He asked kneeling next to me.

"No I'm not, but it doesn't matter." I sat back in the sand I said draining the canteen.

He sat next to me. "It's Blueblood isn't it, I heard Princess Sparkle talking to you about him?"

I tried to keep my mouth shut. "That bastard is the most pretentious, arrogant, white-collar jackass I've ever met." I punched the ground putting a crater in the sand. "The son of a bitch came all the way out here, got all of his men killed, all over some blood he didn't want to pay for."

"What did you expect, royals are the same no matter where you go. Give someone a title and power and they loose themselves in it. They act as if the world is bellow them. You can't think men like him will act like us, we are just to different" He took my arm and pulled me up. "Come on, we should stay in the light." I followed him to a fire close to the ship.

Everyone else sat around the other fires, Noir seemed to be messing with at a different fire and Finna was meditating.

"Here, courtesy of the captain." He handed me a bottle of the same drink I had when I spoke to the helmsmen.

"Thanks." Popping the cork out I drain a fourth of it in one go. As I took a breath I saw Charon smirking at me trying to hold back a laugh. "Shut up I'm tired." I said before taking a smaller swig.

He shook his head and did the same. "I can't argue with that, who knew a single storm could cause so much trouble."

"Especially one this far from the sea, you'd think it would have died out but look at it." The rain and wind had only picked up outside the rocks. "It's practically a hurricane."

"It's perfect weather for Grue, the dead will be unable to hold together in the winds though." He said taking another deep drink.

"At least we managed to set up the fires before any showed up." I said staring into the pale flames.

"It's the small things that make trips bearable." He said, his voice had a bit of a hum to it. "I mean if not for Noir and Ms Jera I doubt things would be as enjoyable."

I looked at him in surprise, the normally polite and refined drake was beginning to sound like a normal mercenary.

I grinned as I watched him try and take a sip only to end up spilling some on himself. `How many drinks does it take to intoxicate a dragon.` I thought, slowly forming a plan to find out.

---4 Minutes later---

"Way hey and up she rises!" To answer my earlier question, it only takes about three full bottles of powerful rum to get a dragon drunk.

Charon and I had managed to empty a combined total of five bottles, by this point our fire had been surrounded by other sailors who to had joined the shanties. The entire crew watched from either their fires or the ship, especially once their captained joined in.

"What do we do with a drunken sailor, what do we do with a drunken sailor!?" The group sang with slurring words.

As soon as the liquor was brought out and the fires had been raised, the mood did as well. The whole of the ship took part in the drinking and many tried their best to sing. Noir and Finna danced with their own group to the drunken voices, they were cheered on by a quickly growing crowd. Circling the fire I couldn't help but laugh while also trying my best to keep up with the lyrics. Charon was almost dancing in the fire itself as he felt no pain form the heat, the men watched as he was soon dancing with the fire. The whole scene looked like a dream but no one seemed to care, the relief from the storm was welcomed by everyone and I was no different. Once things were in full swing there were no enemies only friends. No one cared if they were Equestrian or a Wastelander it was just a time to get shit faced and probably make bad choices you wouldn't remember.

It was also within that time that Finna approached me, her steps wobbly and her breath smelled as strong as mine.

"May I have a dance." She said in relatively sober voice for someone who had probably drained a couple bottles herself.

"You may." I said holding out a hand.

The two of us tried our hardest to keep on our feet, but like the rest we always stumbled eventually only to get back up and keep dancing. I heard band start up and play along to the singing, this only made the festivities grow. It seemed ridiculous to be celebrating so quickly after a brush with death. But the men didn't care, they had cheated death and walked away with the winnings. I looked over to the fox dancing next to me.

`Guess I got part of the winnings to.` My swaying mind thought.

Well into the night the celebration went on, and as it did my head became more and more clouded. Through my inebriated state I made out Finna and me as well as many of the crew returning to our quarters, after that everything just became a mesh of sweat and not so bad choices.

---9 AM---

If you've ever have a shotgun go off next to your head while it was being slugged by a boxing team you know the pain I was in. I didn't bother opening my eyes I knew it would only get worse if I did. I was in my bed I knew that from the cool are and soft mattress, I was also not alone in said bed. I felt a fluffy figure laying next to me, I froze up remembering last night. I slowly opened my eyes squinting at the light coming through the window, looking to my side revealed a sheet covered lump of black and grey fur.

`Oh.`

Slowly peeling back the sheets made my breath catch in my throat. Finna lay naked cuddling against my side, a content smile on her face.

`Oh shit, Noir and Charon are going to kill me.` It was a bit odd really, but not long after we formed Division 8 we made it a point to avoid getting too personal with one another, for many reasons. The fact that I had absolutely destroyed that rule meant their anger was inevitable.

I lay back down my motion causing her to stir and moved closer resting her head on my chest. I closed my eyes and tried to think but the thundering hangover I had stopped that right away. Deciding to simply let things play out I pulled the sheet back up and waited. But before I could get back to sleep I hear the handle to my door creak. Quickly faking sleep I closed my eyes and slowed my breath. I heard the sound of heavy clicking steps meaning it was Charon who had come in. I heard his steps go quiet after a second no doubt having seen us.

"Heh, good for her." He said as though someone had just won a prize.

`Now I know what they talked about the day we set out.` I thought.

I heard him collapse onto his the couch making the wooden legs snap, his snores quickly following. Sensing his mind was in a sleeping state I sat up carefully nudging Finna. She gave a little sniff before opening her eyes only to shut them again.

"Where am I?" She asked holding her head.

"My bed." I said, she jumped at the sound of my voice nearly falling off the bed.

"Elijah! Wha... why am I in your?" She sputtered barely able to form words.

"Hey hey calm down." I put my hand on her lips pointing to Charon who stilled snored on the couch. "Come on let's head to the hold I have to check on Kodo." I had been unable to make time to see the Komodo yesterday and as he was unable to roam the ship he was unable to come find me himself.

We quietly left the room making sure Charon wasn't woken. In the halls the crew had already shaken off the effects of the previous night, they had begun the preparations to set take off. From out of the windows I could see the storm had become less that a tropical storm, while thunder and lightning were still present. The wind no longer shook the ship or it's rigging making things easy for the crew to work with.

Stepping onto the main deck I saw just how badly the ship had been damaged. Some of the metal plating on the ships hull had been torn off completely and much of the rigging had been brought down as well. The Crow's Nest was gone to, thankfully no one was stationed inside it when the storm hit sparing someone from a long fall. I saw the helmsmen talking to the captain and they both gave a knowing wave and smug grin.

`Guess I'm the only one to not know about this.` I though trying to remember as much as I could from the previous night. Finna, Charon, and I danced for about two hours before getting back on the ship. Once aboard we talked about something for a while, Charon left to do something a part of the way through that. After that we started getting tired and I offered to let Finna stay in my room, on the way there she said something that I guess got my interest. Last we got to my room there was a bit of pillow talk, then a whole lot of pillow talk past that it was all a blur of pleasure and pain.

Speaking of the fox she had been quiet the entire time we walked, even as we entered the Kodo's private holding area. We dropped from the hatch on the main deck into his sleeping area. The Komodo was still curled up on a large pile of blankets but his eye opened hearing us drop down.

`Good morning Elijah.` I saw his nose twitch. `Ah I guess for you it's a very good morning.` He snarked a humorous tone in his voice.

"Yeah yeah laugh it up scales." I sat next to him and pat his head. "How are you holding up?" I asked handing him an apple I grabbed on the way.

`Apart from the storm things have been peaceful, the crew has been helpful in assisting me when I need it.` He responded munching on the small fruit.

"Good to hear it, we'll be on our way again soon. We only have a couple days before we enter Equestria, from there you'll be allowed a bit more moving room." I stood back up.

`I'm glad to here it, while the luxury of peace is nice I do wish to get traveling again.` With his last statement he closed his eye and went back to sleep.

Motioning to jump me and Finna lifted ourselves back onto the deck.

"I take it you've got a few things to get off your chest?" I asked her.

"Yes I do, follow me please." She said pulling me towards the stern of the ship.

A small porch like area hung on the rear of the ship usually used by sharpshooters, but it would suit our needs. Finna and I sat on a small wooden bench for a moment, she looked away trying to think of something to say.

"I want to apologize for my actions, I know they weren't very professional especially in the current situation." She said finally think of something.

"I should be saying the same, it was stupid of me to get like that. We're suppose to be protecting a high ranking official and here I am getting wasted in the desert during a storm that nearly killed us." I laughed looking back at the sheer idiocy of that night. "Even if we were stressed out we shouldn't have gone that far, not say it's anything bad it's just, we should have waited for a better time."

I could see her blush through her fur. "So it wasn't that bad?" She asked looking down at her feet.

"It could have been worse, I mean with us being drunk like that way worse things could of happened." I told her with a laugh.

"Oh you mean that, yes of course." She said looking even harder at her feet.

"Well yes what else would I be-" My words caught in my throat as my mind processed what she actually meant. "Oh that... yeah it was great!" I quickly responded only cringe at my choice of words.

I could feel her magic resonate as her blushing grew, if not for her fur she would be as red as Charon.

"That's not-... hold on." I stammered getting her to giggle, I just sighed and smiled.

"It's alright I understand what you're trying to say. I just wish I could remember what happened." She sighed looking out over the calmed storm.

"I guess it'd nice." I said trying my best not to fall over myself.

We sat there for a few minutes before she spoke again. "So about us, what... should we do?"

I had been thinking about that, Charon didn't seem to mind and even congratulated her. Noir would most likely not care as she wasn't one to judge my choice in partners. Then there were my own thoughts, one one hand it's not like I hadn't thought about her in a few different way, I just never thought to act on them. On the other hand the whole reason I never sought for a long term partner was because of my occupation, it would be devastating to get close to someone only for one of us to perish.

`But she and I both took this job knowing the risk and so did she, if she's fine with it I see no reason to oppose either. I like her she likes me and we know what we're getting into.` I turned to face her and put a hand under her chin.

"What do you want to do?" I asked.

She looked unsure for a moment before taking a deep breath. She grabbed my head and pulled my lips to hers, I wrapped my arms around her and brought her closer. Lying on the bench we held our kiss and each other. We broke apart panting as we looked each other in the eye.

"That." She said before resting atop my chest.

I smiled pulling her closer. We sat in the wind keeping the other warm, both of us not saying a word as none were needed.

"Hey, if we're going through with this, it may be a good idea to take things a bit slow." She nodded. "After last night I think a bit of time to get to know one another is a good idea."

"Agreed, I know so much about you and yet there is still much more I don't." She said moving closer the wind making her shiver.

"After we arrive in Equestria let's take some time off there. I know Noir will be wanting to gather as many interesting things she can find, and Charon will want to see what weapons the Griffon traders have for sale." While Charon had no love for ponies he did find the Griffons to be a kindred people, their love for battle and skill in smithing making them kin in spirit.

"How long will we be in Equestria?" She asked.

"I don't know, the Directors want us return the prince and try our best to make relations at least stable enough to prevent further hostility. After that we'll have to find another means to return to The Brink as this ship we depart after we arrive." I had yet to think of a safe way for us return.

"When we get to Equestria could we pay a visit to an old friend, she is a very skilled shaman and alchemist. I have been hoping to see her as it was with her help I became adept in magic." She held out an arm conjuring a small purple wisp of magic, it was one I had only seen a few times, Zebra Hoodoo.

Unlike most form of magic Hoodoo was based more around the spiritual side, meaning communication with the dead and things many would consider old witchcraft. But the two are pretty different and it was hoodoo that inspired witchcraft if I remember right. So to see this obscure and largely rumored magic being cast was shocking to say the least.

"She's a hoodoo priestess?" I sat up Finna taking a place next to me.

"Yes and she's very powerful, when we first met she showed me her powers by calling souls to manipulate puppets. I had never seen Hoodoo magic before or even heard of it." She twirled the wisp around her fingers like a small insect.

"Finna have you told anyone besides me about this?" I turned her to face me interrupting her spell.

"No why?" She sounded nervous.

"I may know what Hoodoo magic really is, but most people in this world do not. If people see this they will only think of you as a necromancer or hexe." Her face fell as she looked at her hands. "Hoodoo is illegal in Equestria, your friend should have told you this. The fact that you found her so openly willing to not only teach you but to show you is amazing." I hugged her seeing her worried face. "Listen around me and the others you won't have to worry, we know the truth about magic and we know you aren't a bad person. But when we're around other people you are only to use that kind of magic if your life is in danger."

She nodded as tears came to her eyes. "I will, I just never knew it was bad. Zecora told me it was just understanding the world." she said trying to hold back her fear.

`Zecora huh?`

"It is don't think it is not, but the people of this world don't realize that. Without being able to understand it's origins Hoodoo just looks like black magic." I held her tight trying to help her calm down.

"Thank you, thank you for understanding." I kissed her head and sighed.

"Don't worry about it, everyone has their secrets." I felt the ship rumble as the engines fired up and we slowly began to ascend.

"What's your secret then." She said through a sniff.

`She's feeling better.` I thought and kissed her head again. But seeing as how she just reveal her darkest secret, even if she didn't know it, she still had a right to here one of mine.

"Would you believe that I'm an alien?" She moved away and gave me a deadpan look. "It's true."

"Prove it." She hummed.

Putting my hands up in mock defeat I reached into one of my pant's pockets, I pulled out the most important memory of home I had. It was a picture of me and my family standing at in Times Square on New Years. Finna's eyes went wide at the sight of the grand city center, she took the picture looking at all the lights and people.

"It can't be. You really aren't of this world." I took the picture and pointed to the people.

"Hear on the left is me in my old uniform." I was in my formal uniform as I had been in a presentation earlier on that day. "On the right is my sister Claire, she was 18 at the time of the photo and I was in my early twenties I think I don't remember which year this was taken in." I didn't remember much of home anymore. "On my left is my dad Thomas and it's his last name Foster I take after, one his right is my mother Charlotte Mavory."

Finna looked over my family before a sad look came over her. "Do you miss them?"

"Every day, but I don't morn their loss as I hope they don't morn for me. I always told them if I were to pass that I wanted my funeral to be a celebration rather than a time for grieving, why cry over someones death when you can celebrate their life?" I remembered me and my father planning all ridiculous things that would happen at my wake, we wanted to hire a band and make sure the place was stocked with booze for the adults and music for the kids.

"That is a good philosophy to have, my people have much the same outlook. When one of us passes a small time of silence is held before a grand celebration is held to honor their name." I could here the nostalgia in her voice.

"Do you miss your family?" I returned.

"Yes but I can see mine if I take the time, in your position something like that is not so easy." Before she could get sad again I gave her a small kiss.

"Like I said don't worry about it, I know I'll see them again one day. Don't ask me how I know but I just feel that I will, maybe when I better understand this worlds magic I can find a way to communicate with them." I said shrugging.

Finna smiled. "I think that's a wonderful idea, magic can do many things and so maybe it can reunite you with your family."

I just nodded before looking back out over the horizon. "Alright enough sappy stuff let's check up on the others, with things quieting down I think we can finally make some progress."

The two of us stood and hurried back to the main deck, we were quick to begin working with the crew and soon the ship was flying straight headed for Equestrian lands.

---The next day, 10 miles from Equestrian border town.---

The sun was bright above us the remnants of the storm gone and the wind helped our pace. With the Crow's Nest repaired our spotters had continuous sightings of the buffalo tribes stampeding bellow us, as well as a few pegasi ponies flying in the distance. I stood alone in the roost looking down a scope at the distant figures of the ponies, while I couldn't make out any defined buildings shapes did slowly come into view.

"Mr Foster!" Looking away from the scope towards the helm I saw the Captain waving me down. Waving to the next crewman to take over I jumped from the nest and onto the deck bellow the helm.

"Yes?" I called up.

"Can you meet me in my cabin?" He called back. "I need to speak with ya." I nodded and headed inside.

I waited for a few minutes before the Kobold entered, he took a seat at the navigation chart and popped the cork on a bottle. "It's been a long ride son but it looks like its coming to an end." He said taking a sip and handing me the bottle.

"Well it's a bit soon to say goodbye, we have another day at least before we reach Canterlot." I said taking a drink.

"'Fraid not son." He said as I handed him the bottle. "This old girl has been flying for 40 years now, I've been proud to be her captain fer that long." He said looking around the room. "But just like me she's wearin' down. That last storm really took it outta her, we managed to make due with the current condition but we need to fix her up proper." He took another drink stopping as he looked down at the chart. "I won't be able to take ya any further unless ya feel like waitin' for a good three months."

I was a bit disappointed to here that, the captain was an eccentric and odd person but he was also very wise. Over the past week he had been a good man to sail with. "I'm sorry to hear that, I really am, but I understand. You've got ties with this ship and it has ties with you, I can respect that." I held out a hand and he took it with a firm shake. "I'm said to say farewell but I do hope to see you again soon."

"And I you lad. Now go on and get your friends ready, we'll be docking in the hour." He said, I gave a light chuckle and a salute before leaving the room.

Outside I saw Charon talking to Twilight, hearing part of their conversation he was repeating what the captain had told me. Seeing me the two came over.

"So it seems we'll be leaving the good captain's company." Charon said first.

"Yeah that's right, the ship was barely holding out on the way here after the storm." I looked around but I didn't have the trained eye needed to see the deeper problems.

"Well as sad as it is I am thankful for the captain's help." He gave the captain's room a quick bow before excusing himself.

"I guess avoiding the public is going to be out of the question." Twilight said rubbing her temples.

"It may make things more difficult but I doubt there will be anything to problematic for us." Even if their was it wasn't like anyone could stand in our way.

"I hope you're right about that, on the bright side we'll be passing through my home town, Ponyville" She said with a relieved sigh.

"Can't say I've heard of it, although I have heard on of the Apple family lives in the area we're going through. You wouldn't happen to know them would you?" I asked.

Twilight looked surprised. "I do, in fact she's one of my best friends. Her and her family run their own branch of the Apple Family Farms. But how do you know about them?"

"The Apples are one of the few groups any of the Badlands' merchants trade with inside Equestria." I told her, she quickly wrote that down.

She put the notes away and gave me a concerned look. "I don't know the best way to say this so I'll be direct. I'm sorry for betraying your trust before, I was just going along with a plan and I never meant any harm. I had hoped the trip would have been peaceful and not as tense as it was. I should have just told you first hand, I'm just use to things going smoothly." She bowed her head.

I had heard many people try to apologize for things far worse than what she did, but for some reason I had a harder time forgiving her. "Princess I don't know what to think about you, you're a variable that's constant. I've tried t figure you out but I can't, you try to be friendly but if someone doesn't follow your line of thought you become aggravated. You hold other's lives with respect and yet you put them in needless danger. If it were up to me I would have just handed you Blueblood at the docks in the Brink and been done with it, but my superiors wanted to build relations with Equestria. We thought a peaceful diplomatic approach would be met with open arms, instead we found backstabbers and liars."

With each word she shrank back. "You're right and I understand if you don't forgive me, but please give us a chance to make it up to you." She begged.

"It will take more than kind words and promises to get me to trust you again, I made that mistake already. But should you hold true to your word, I will be willing to give you another chance. Only one more chance." She smiled and held my hand in hers.

"Thank you, and I will keep my promise." She gave a little squeal before darting inside to retrieve Blueblood.

"It's almost funny how things fall into place, no?" Finna asked.

"Let's just hope that keeps up. Come on we should help the crew get Kodo out of the hold." I said leading her to find a few helping hands.

---Appleloosa Airspace---

The last of the storm had begun to part leaving only a few stray clouds in the sky. Charon, Noir, Finna, Twilight, Blueblood, and I stood on the main deck ready to depart. The border settlement didn't have an airdock so the ship lowered to an open a few yards from the town it'self. The gangplank was lowered off the port side as the ship deployed its anchors, the engines slowly began to power down to barely a hum. With the a crewman giving us the signal to disembark we filed down one by one. Before leading Kodo down I looked back and gave the helmsman and captain a wave, they returned it along with some of the crew.

"Come on buddy we still have a ways to go." I said as me and the Komodo walked down to the rocky ground.

`Ah it's good to be on land again.` Kodo said, he raised himself up and trotted around for a moment his joints popping.

"While your in an active mood let's get moving, I think the locals are eager to meet us." I said looking to an oncoming group of earth ponies.

The two leading ponies were dressed very similar, both wore long brown dusters and brown work pants. The one on the right had a sheriffs hat and star while the one on the left had a more iconic cowboy hat on.

"Braeburn, Sheriff Silverstar!" Twilight called in delight.

Seeing the princess the two both smiled an ran forward.

"Well I'll be Twilight." The yellow one named Braeburn said pulling her into a hug. "I ain't seen you nor cousin Applejack in months, how ya'll been?" He asked smiling at the shorter mare.

"As well as we can be." She said lightheartedly. "I just got back from the Badlands actually, it's a long story but it's why these five are here." She said turning back to us.

Braeburn walked up to me giving Kodo and me a once over. "Well if yer with Twilight I don't see no reason to hold ya'll up."

"I appreciate the hospitality, Braeburn?" I asked and he nodded. "It's good to see the first people we meet are as kind as you, Id explain our situation if I could be we are on a bit of a deadline."

He tipped his hat. "That's not a problem at all, when me an' the sheriff done saw yer ship fly in we thought the worst."

I laughed wondering what they would have done had our warships flown in. "I'm sorry for the scare then." I held out a hand and he took it. "I'm sorry to cut this short but we had better get going."

Twilight and Braeburn had a quick goodbye before we headed into town. The town it'self wasn't anything impressive, it had a few stores and restaurants like any place but that was it. There were no defined road markings and the town looked as if it had just been built around the Town Hall in a loose jumble of buildings.

"Braeburn is another of the apple family, in fact he's Applejack's immediate cousin." Twilight said looking off in her own thoughts, she had been talking for a bit but I had tuned it out.

"I've heard their good people, I guess it's true." I noticed a train station just a ways ahead, I knew it from the captain's maps. "I take it once we get on the train we'll have a straight ride to Canterlot?" I knew Kodo wouldn't be happy to be penned up again, but at least on a train I could see him regularly.

"I wish that were the case, but it's not." She said, she jogged up to the station platform and pointed to a map of the rail lines. "We have to stop in Ponyville and there we'll meet my brother, he'll have a private transport that will take us to Canterlot."

"Why not just take the train directly to Canterlot?" I asked not seeing the point in changing our means of transport yet again.

"Do any of you have passports?" We shook our heads. "All foreigners are required to have official documents if not escorted by a direct member of the crown."

"So since we don't have a few pieces of paper we have to walk there?" Noir piped up looking at the map.

"Unfortunately yes, on the bright side the train ride should only take a few hours." She said trying to lighten the mood.

I slapped my hand against my face and groaned.

`Something tells me it's going to feel a lot longer than a few hours.`I thought as I watched the train pull into the station.

"Ms Twilight!" We all turned to see the sheriff running up, he had a letter in his hand. "The came in at the post office as soon as you arrived." He said panting.

"A proximity spell?" She said taking a look at the seal. "Oh it's from the princess! Thank you so much for getting this to me Sheriff."

"It's not trouble at all ma'am, have a save trip." He said before heading off.

She quickly opened the envelope and pulled out the letter. Her eyes scanned the paper growing wider and wider.

"Is something wrong?" I asked I was at the breaking point with complications.

"No not at all, in fact the princesses will be meeting us in Ponyville." She said a wide smile splitting her face.

`Yay.` I thought trying not to slam my head against Kodo's saddle.

Chapter 3: Stigma

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Stigma

I had only ever ridden on a train once before, while that trip was very unpleasant, I find that this one as of now was rather pleasant. Twilight had procured two private carriages, one fer her, Blueblood, and the guards. The other was for me and my team, it had a large open space in the back that fit Kodo perfectly. Said reptile had quickly taken the spot to once more lay down. Me and Finna took a booth together while Charon and Noir took one beside us.

"I remember taking a train on my travels to the Badlands." Finna said looking out at the passing landscape. "While it wasn't this quiet it was still a comfortable experience."

"I'm just glad we don't have to deal with anymore delays." I said looking out as well.

I felt her lean against my side. "Company like this almost makes me wish we could stay longer." I smiled and leaned my head on hers.

We talked for a while shifting from subject to subject not really having a rhyme or reason. While I kept up the conversation I couldn't help the part of my mind that had been plotting over the up coming dual. Since both princesses were to arrive in Ponyville it would also mean that the dual Princess Luna had challenged me to would be happening that much sooner. I could already see the distant town, the most pronounced landmark being Twilight's castle. The large crystal structure was about the same size as a small skyscraper, it's tree like shape gave it a very natural look if not for the constant glow. As the train ride brought us through a tunnel the small town was now only minutes away.

"Elijah." I looked over Finna's head to see Noir leaning against the door frame.

"What's up?" I asked perking up.

"I wanted to know if you had given your challenge any thought, normally I wouldn't worry but you are going up against one of the Princesses of Equestria?" I gave an understanding nod.

"While it hasn't been on the front of my mind I haven't forgotten. While she may have strength in magic I doubt she's had much real physical combat in the last thousand years, hell I doubt any Equestrian within the borders have." Equestrians weren't known for their combat prowess, since they deal with most of their problems with magic. It's actually quiet a large problem that leaves them vulnerable when something too complex rolls around.

"Don't underestimate them Eli, Princess Luna wasn't called the War Princess for nothing. In her history she was the toughest fighter Equestria had ever seen, she could stand against platoons of soldiers at a time. While she may have gotten soft, I doubt she's lost too much of her knowledge." She said narrowing her eyes.

"She may be famous here but, I've seen real warriors and they don't scare me." I said a number of memories coming back.

"I don't doubt it, just be ready and expect anything when the time comes." She said.

"I will and I appreciate the concern, also can you ask Charon if he brought any spirits from the ship?" I asked, she looked utterly confused.

"Is now the time for a drink?" She asked barely able to form words.

"Sure is." I said giving her a cheeky smirk until she left.

Me and Finna sat in silence for a few minutes before she spoke.

"Do I wish to know what you have planned?" She asked shaking her head.

"Well if I've done my homework enough then I know how Equestrian duels work. They are fights to submission or knock out. So my idea is to use a rather unique means of fighting to win." I said my grin widening.

"You plan to intoxicate her into submission is that it?" She asked with a sigh.

"In a way, the only thing is she doesn't have to drink a drop." I said chuckling.

Finna didn't say anything else, she just sighed and leaned further against me. Noir eventually came back with three, four pint flasks of Naga Rum. Moving to the other side of the cabin I put the flasks into my bag. The rest of the train ride was uneventful with only a few breaks in the silence. The trip had taken a bit longer than planned due to some complications with the engine, so by the time we arrived in Ponyville, as a large welcome signed announced, it was late noon the sun an hour away from dusk.

After the conductor announced the arrival Twilight entered our car.

"Well here we are, the Princesses will be meeting us in the town square which isn't to far from the station." She informed us.

The door clicked before sliding open a station hand ushering us out, he tried to speed Kodo along but the semi-dragon trotted out at his own pace. I gave the area a quick look as I was accustom to doing, I wasn't impressed. The town it'self seemed very rustic with the only defining signs of electricity being a few old streetlamps. The roads were worn dirt paths which the townsfolk were currently strolling along. Even with the large number of residents the town was quiet, no machinery clanks and grinds, no hums of airships, not even a light up sign. It was humble but borderline medieval.

Charon and Noir's thoughts seemed to be the same as they looked around, bored expressions on their faces. Finna however had a small smile, seeing my look she laughed.

"This place reminds me of my home, quiet but busy and full of traders. Not to mention I now have a chance to see Zecora again." She said holding her staff a bit closer.

The sound of armored hoofsteps drew my attention before I could respond. Coming up the road were five armored guardsmen, four of them wore the common gold plated mail and held spears. The fifth however had blue and purple embellishing, he also had a large blue tassel. Twilight ran from us and jumped into the decorated one's arms.

"Shining! What are you doing here?" She asked excitedly.

"What, you thought I wouldn't come and welcome my favorite sister back from a dangerous trip?" He asked before hugging back.

"I'm you're only sister." Twilight snarked.

"That doesn't change a thing." He laughed before turning his attention to us. "These must be the ambassadors from The Brink. It's a pleasure to meet you all, I'm Captain Shining Armor the Head of the Royal Guard." He gave a bow which his guards mimicked.

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, my name is Elijah Foster and I'm here on behalf of The Directors." I said giving a bit of a less flourished bow, the other did the same.

"Once this is over please extend to them my gratitude, even while Prince Blueblood can be difficult he is vital to Equestria." He turned and gave his men a wave to about face. "On that subject we mustn't keep the Princess waiting." He said starting for the center of town.

As we followed Twilight grew a puzzled look. "Shining you said Princess, I thought both Princess Celestia and Luna were coming?"

Armor's expression darkened. "No, Princess Luna is staying behind to prepare. Mr Foster I expect you know why?" He said not turning to face me.

"I do and I think nothing less of her for doing so, she has not only her honor but her men's honor to avenge." He gave a tired sigh.

"While I don't bare any grudges against you, I can't say I'm all to thrilled with the courses of action you took." His guards were tense, their hands gripping their spears tight.

"I ordered my subordinates in the manner anyone else from the Badlands would have. Our people don't have the luxury of subtle approach, with pirates and monsters every few feet you grow to take less chances." I told him.

"That's why I don't hate you, I've lost men to the Badlands in the past for similar reasons. I just wish things hadn't become as serious as they did." He wiped something from his face.

He didn't say anything else, and Twilight didn't seem to keen on speaking either.

"Were you aware of the deceit against us Captain?" Charon asked.

He shook his head. "No, the Night Guard are under the command of Captain Nightshade. Until Twilight sent the princess the letter on their detection I had no idea they were ever dispatched."

Charon accepted the answer and nodded.

A few moments later we turned into the town square were a large pavilion sat in the center. Inside sat the Solar Diarch herself Princess Celestia. A gentle smile was on her face as she spoke with five other ponies, one a unicorn, two Earth Ponies, and two Pegasi. As we reached the stairs the five noticed us for the first time, smiled lit their faces as they each ran to greet Twilight.

Stepping back from the massive group hug I could barely make out a thing they were saying. From what I could understand they were friends of hers. As they clamored over on another Captain Armor took a seat next the the princess while the guards each took a position behind them. As the Alicorn looked at us I could feel her gaze look through me, she motioned a hand to the now open seats. The four of us sat at the table while Kodo simply slid one of the chairs away and sat. Seeing the half-breed drew a small look of surprise to her face before being replaced by her previous serene look.

She didn't say a word, using her magic she poured the five of us each a cup of tea before taking a sip of her own. Not wanting to offend we each took a sip as well, holding a small bit in my mouth I let my magic wash over it checking for anything unpleasant.

"It's a nice day, is it not?" she asked look over the residents going about their day.

I gave Charon a quick glance, he nodded. "Indeed your Majesty, it's a shame it will soon be rather... grey." He said his formal dialect taking over.

She nodded. "True it may, I would at least like to prolong the serenity of it. So I would like to begin by thanking you for bringing my nephew back to me."

I felt the crackle of energy as Blueblood appeared in a quick flash of light. Seeing us he gave a nodded and took a seat next to Celestia.

"Dear nephew do you having anything you'd like to say before we begin?" She asked.

He nodded. "I do, first of I wanted to thank you personally, Sir Charon correct?" He asked, the drake nodded. "I cannot thank you enough for saving my life, while I am mournful of lose of my guards I won't let it keep me down."

"I am to blame for that your highness, I saw they were in danger and yet I took no action. I was more than surprised by their presence and it caused for a more lethargic response." He said looking away.

I couldn't help but be impressed by his acting, knowing what really happened made it clear he was happy with his deeds.

"Do not blame yourself, were it not for you I would be dead. Your actions are admirable regardless." Blueblood stood. "Well should you ever find yourself in Canterlot do feel free to visit Sir Charon, I owe you a great debt. Now if you'll all excuse me, I must set a few affairs in order." With a nod from Celestia the Prince disappeared.

Immediately after his departure the princess's face took a solemn but guilty look. I took all of the copied documents from Twilight's book and what the captured guards had told us about their attempted espionage. I tapped my finger softly on the table as she looked them over, she looked more and more exhausted as her eyes scrolled down the pages.

"You hate us, don't you?" She asked, unable to look up at us.

"Me personally, no. But my opinion has no effect on those of the ships crew or The Directors." I took the documents back and pretended to look over them, I had already done so a dozen times. "While I can't say you never had a reason to be cautious of us, you never had a reason to double cross us either. As far as I know no manner of official or documented hostilities have ever been taken against Equestrians by the residents of The Brink."

I looked her in the eye. "I understand." She said.

"While I may know the intentions behind your actions, I still must know why you thought stealing our knowledge was your best course of action. You thought you could infiltrate and deceive a people you know nothing about, and get away it... why?" Crossing my fingers I rested my chin on my hands.

"Because we needed to know if you were a threat. I will never allow my little ponies to be harmed if I can prevent it." She said looking at us directly now. "When we received word form an unknown source telling us they had our prince, my nephew, I felt I couldn't take any chances."

"I can understand your reason to uncover more about our people, but why try and take the information involving our technology?" I let my magic slightly grip my guns, making sure no one was touching them.

She looked down a bit before returning her gaze to us. "Equestria is a prosperous place, but our fortune has also led us into a point of stagnation. We have cumulus amounts of resources and nothing to do with them. After hearing of the marvels your people have made in such a place as the Badlands, the temptation was too great. It shames me to tell you that but I won't lie either."

"Then why not discuss the terms of trade in a civil manner such as this. I am no economist or politician, but even I know the rules of fair trade." I held up the documents again. "And I also know how to strike a bargain." That caught her attention.

She moved up a bit more. "You have an ultimatum?" She asked hopefully.

"In a way I guess. It doesn't need to be said that aggression towards one another would be very smart." I heard a faint snort from Charon. "So here's my idea, we mull over a bit of a more civil distribution and trade of goods and services and I," I held the papers out and made a tiny fire just under them. "burn these up so neither The Directors or anyone knows what happened. I'm not in a hurry to be deployed in a needless fight, I know you don't want to send your ponies either. So how about it, a clean slate and a fresh start?" I inched the fire a bit closer.

She looked at the papers once, and then to me. "Done."

With an award winning smile I extinguished the flames an held out a hand, not before also casting a visible binding spell as well. She took one look at the purple glow of magic, and shook my hand.

With a flick of my wrist the papers were incinerated not even ash remained. "Well that could have been much worse." I chirped as I leaned back in my chair.

Celestia also relaxed in her chair her gentle smile back again. "Indeed and I thank you for it Mr Foster, many of the other nobles are much less forgiving for far less." She summoned a sheet of paper and a quill. I waited for her to finish and took when she handed it to me.

"A trade and non-aggression pact." I hummed immediately looking over ever line. "I understand you are the peak authority but is there no council you must clear this by?" I said still reading over it.

"The Council of Five can over turn my authority should they unanimously disagree, but I may open trade as I please." She responded.

I passed the paper to Charon, then he to Noir, and her to Finna. After they each checked over ever line a few times they agreed. We each wrote our names and our division number.

"In that case we accept. On behalf of The Directors and Baron Varkel I grant safe trade and passage from Equestria and The Brink." I handed her the paper.

She smiled. "I'm sure in time we can grow to be invaluable friends."

The five of us slowly moved from the topic of trade to more friendly topics and we continued to simply chatter for a long while. It was surprisingly pleasant, so much so that even Charon seemed to be truly interested in the conversation. By the time anyone had noticed the sun had begun to cast a strong orange glow, noticing the time Celestia stood.

"Well Mr Foster it appears I must attend to the suns setting, I'll be sure to keep in touch with you once you leave as well. As for the organization with the trade system, I believe Princess Twilight would be perfect for helping you set things up." I had not noticed that Twilight and her little group had left the room, I could still hear their banter echoing through the halls meaning they were still close.

"I'll speak to her as soon as I can, but before that I think it would be best to find a place for me and my team to stay for a while." I could hear Noir give a faint mewling yawn, even Charon seemed to be a bit weathered.

"Might I recommend an inn close by, it's called The Silver Coach and I can personally attest to it's quality." Celestia said, she moved to a window and looked for a second before pointing to a building a ways down the main street. "The owners are wonderful ponies and I'm sure you'd enjoy your stay."

I gave a small nod and smile. "It's sounds perfect your highness, we'll head their now and return tomorrow to speak with Princess Twilight."

She nodded and gave a final farewell before vanishing in a flash of light.

Before I could say anything to the others Noir already had me by the arm and was pulling me to the door. "Come on Mr Ambassador we have some warm beds with our names on 'em." She said still pulling.

Finna and Charon chuckled while Kodo simply began sauntering after us.

The walk to the inn was quiet as most of the vendors had packed up for the day and only a few late night businesses were open. Fortunately the inn was one such building as the lights in the lobby were still on. A few other patrons wandered around inside, we wasted little time in going to join them. Opening the door a small bell jingled drawing the attention of a thin mare behind the counter. She had a brown coat and a darker brown mane and tail, she had on a long black dress and blouse,

"Hello sirs and madams, I am Warm Cot. Welcome to the Silver Coach, how can I help you?" She asked warmly.

"Good evening ma'am, I was wondering if you had either two double rooms or a single double room?" I asked, Kodo had opted to sleep outside as he didn't like sleeping indoors.

She quickly looked over a large book on her desk. "I have one room with two beds and a large sofa if that is acceptable?" She offered.

"That will do just fine, also I was curious if you knew of any restaurants in the area?" I dug into bag looking for the Equestrian currency I had been given.

"The room is ten bits a night. As for dining, there is a very good diner a few blocks down the street." She said.

I handed her the ten coins. "Thank you very much." Taking the key the four of us headed up the stairs to the rooms.

Finding the proper door I opened it, the room itself was better than any in The Brink. Two king sized beds lay parallel against one wall with a large dresser between them. Against the far wall and window was a long black sofa, beside it was a round table and lamp. I also made note of the very primitive radio in the corner. Noir and Finna made a beeline for the beds, Charon slumped onto the couch causing it to sag under his weight. With a chuckle I gathered our things in an empty corner, I checked the radio next.

It was a simple thing really, two knobs one for volume the other for the station. Two thin short antenna stuck from the top and the speaker was covered by a brown mesh grate. The Victorian looking machine made me feel a bit nostalgic.

`Just like home, just like then.`

I shook the thoughts of home from my head, I had buried them long ago and I had no intention of remembering them. I quickly turned the volume knob, it clicked and the first station came on.

"....ack to K-Colt Radio!"

"Panic in the streets of..."

"...news from Stalliongrad suggests..."

After switching through a few station I found one playing a more suitable song.

After adjusting the volume I sat next to Finna on our chosen bed.

"I'm rather surprised at how things went today." She said looking through a book she found in the dresser with an image of the Two Sisters on the front.

"I didn't really know how things would go to be honest. From what I gathered the Equestrians are suppose to be a very powerful people, but so far they seem so... green." I leaned against one of the thick pillows, it cotton mass caving under my head. "Our reports said Celestia was the proud and noble leader of Equestria, but today she seemed so down to earth and personal. Not to mention their soldiers aren't all that strong in appearance or prowess."

"You think there's a gap in our intelligence?" Noir asked sitting cross legged on the other bed. "As a former member of the Intelligence Bureau I can tell you something like that doesn't just happen."

"An inside agent, perhaps?" Charon added.

"No way, every member is hand selected by the higher ups and put under a deep mental and magical scan. The higher ups choose people they watch carefully and have personally met with. Only after mental scans and checks for magical wards is someone cleared of being a sleeper agent or double agent. Unless someone turned after they had been accepted." Noir said looking deep in thought.

I waved a hand in front of her breaking her concentration. "Don't work yourself up just yet, all of our other intel suggests their position as a super power and their advancements remains true and intact. Chances are she's just been through a few recent situations that have caused a changed quicker than our intel could adapt to."

She didn't look convinced. "You heard her today, she sounded shaken up. We may have come at a time when she wasn't fully prepared, and so we just happened to catch her off guard." I assured.

"But what could have made someone like her stumble? Even after the whole deal with the changelings she was the same." She protested.

"Well what's the most recent and critical piece of news we have?" I asked.

She thought for a moment. "Tirek, his whole episode happened a little over a month ago."

I clapped my hands. "That could be it then! After having someone like him show up, and then knock her aside so easily couldn't have been the proudest moment for her." I gave her a grin. "We both know what happens to nobles when something hits them where it hurts."

She sighed but, grinned back. "I guess your right, but as soon as we get back I'm contacting the IB and seeing when their dispatching another agent."

"You do that, I on the other hand have trade routes to plan. I didn't expect things to go so quickly, I thought she would have a few conditions to lay down. Guess the threat of war was enough to shake her up to." I checked our current funds. "We should also get something to eat, we've got enough Bits to last us a while so lets make as much progress as we can on this trip."

The rest of the night went smoothly, after discussing a few things that needed to be done such as finding Finna's friend Zecora. We decided to split up in the morning, Noir wanted to see what strides the ponies had made in technology, Charon wanted to find a griffon smith he heard was in town. I would speak to Princess Sparkle about the routes and then meet up with Finna inside the forest where her friend was. It was a simple schedule, but I learned long ago to be ready for anything and everything.

I just wished someone had told me to be ready in my dreams.

---Silver Coach 10:43 PM---

It felt like hours had past as I stared at the ceiling of the room, watching the small fan spin round and round. Finna lay against my side her chest rising and falling slowly, every now and then she would mumble something I could not make out. Noir was curled up in a mass of blankets and sheets on her bed, looking uncharacteristically cute. I remembered the first time I saw her do that, I also remembered the beating I got after making one too many cat puns. Charon lay on the sofa half of his body hanging off the edge, its weak crumbled frame looking oddly comfortable for him however.

I on the other hand could not sleep. Too many thoughts ran through my head, this was not a rare occurrence either. With Princess Luna's challenge drawing closer, and the expectations of having to plan the mass trade between two major cities, sleep was a distant thought. Feeling the warm body next to me shuffle I tried to lure my thoughts away from the troubles that plagued them.

I held Finna closer hoping to find some kind of solace in the fox's sleeping form. For the hundredth time I looked down at her, the newest member to our team. I stilled smiled at the thought of our quickly formed romance, most people tend not to stay with someone they wind up in bed with after a long not of drinking. But the two of us one the other hand, we seemed to be very close. We decided to take things slow after that night, after the idle time on the ship we got to know one another.

I found she was the daughter to a shaman in her tribe, and that she left to see the world. After traveling on her own for a while she discovered The Brink, as well as the Divisions. Hearing about a loose stringed job that provided paid travel to new places, it was too good an opportunity to pass up. After speaking with our Overseer about an open position she was quickly assigned to our Division. She also told me she hadn't expected much to come of the job, but after meeting us she had opted to stay.

In turn I told her more about my past before arriving in the Badlands, I did however leave out a few things for various reasons. What I did tell her, was mostly about my past as a soldier and some of the history of Earth. She was quickly taken to the thought of another world full of humans and culture, the thought of technology also seemed to be a point of interest for her. When she learned that it was me who introduced firearms, engines, and airships to The Brink, she asked me to teach her how to make them as well. I accepted and told her when we returned I would show her how to make a standard Scatter Gun.

I ran my fingers through her red mane like hair as I looked over her again, she gave a gentle hum as she hugged me closer. I pulled the blankets closer and curled up with her hoping to find some semblance of rest.

---The Dock ??:?? AM---

The calm sound of small waves slapping at the wooden legs of the dock made a gentle and soothing rhythm. A thick fog surrounded the dock as I could not see the shore or the horizon, the rising sun gave the area a warm orange glow. I could smell the salt from the water and I could feel it in the air and on my skin. I sat back on a simple wooden bench, looking out into the shining orange fog. Everything was exactly as it had been all those years ago.

I reached down into a small white cooler and pulled out an unlabeled bottle. Popping the cap off I took a quick drink, the drink fizzed as I set it down and the clinking of glass rang like a gun shot. I glanced at my bottle to see it had tapped a decorated drinking glass, it was filled with some kind of red wine. I didn't have to look at who held the glass to know who it was.

"You seem in a hurry to settle the score." I said staring back over the foggy waters.

"Do you have any idea how many hearts I had to break after reporting to the families of the ponies you killed?" Princess Luna asked.

"I imagine it was more than you'd ever want, but don't forget you share some of the blame for their deaths." I retorted.

"I won't deny your words, but I can hold contempt for your choice of action." I heard her pick up her glass. "I don't understand what my sister thinks we have to learn from the likes of you."

"Enhanced technology, new fields of science, as well as the collection of rare resources." I said with a smirk. "And that's just naming a few."

"Do you think yourselves superior?" She said with a slight hiss to her voice.

"In some way yes, and others no. We have managed to advance certain areas of our infrastructure well beyond yours. However we are limited by our lack of reliable resources. We have rare and expensive goods, but they serve us no purpose." She huffed.

"So you see this entire venture as no more than a means to put yourself at an advantage?" She replied.

"In a way yes, but I do it more specifically for the betterment of my community as a whole. Should our home grow and secure it's future, then that fortune will in turn be passed to me." After finishing the last of the bottle I tossed it out into the fog, there was no splash.

"You seem rather protective of others for being little more than a mercenary." I heard her knuckles pop.

"A mercenary fights for wealth and self preservation. I am a soldier, I fight for those closest to me and for that which I believe. This is how I have always been and I shall be this way until I die." I heard a flag whipping in a contained breeze. The Princess sat up and turned to look at the flying colors.

"Is this the symbol of your city?" She asked dryly.

"No, it's the flag of the one of the greatest and worst nations to ever exist. That flag has more history, great and terrible, behind it that this planet has not seen in the past or present. That is a flag that has been seen as a beacon of hope and strength, as well as a stigma to a peoples selfish and short sighted views. There is an entire civilization under that flag, one that carries a might made from generations of mistakes and accomplishments. Should you ever see that flag fly against your own, you will know its terrible message." I was not ignorant about my own culture, I knew that my flag was one of both pride and shame. But it was a mark that I would wear to the day I died, it was what defined me and my home.

I had thought that the Princess would have had some respect for history, but her actions made it clear I was wrong. With a flick of her horn the flag quickly went aflame, I watched as it fell from it's pole and into the water where it crackled and with tiny embers.

"I have seen many things, many more than you. I was there when Equestria first arose, I helped build it into the proud kingdom it is today. Do not speak to me as though you understand what it means to bare the power of a symbol." She said, without looking back I heard her slowly begin to walk away. "I will see you tomorrow Foster, I wait to see this power of yours." As soon as she finished I felt her presence recede from the dream.

I stared at the shared remains of the flag, the only part spared from the fire was the submerged blue and white stars.

I took a deep breath and sighed. "You may see your ponies again sooner than you think Princess."

Chapter 4: Symbols

View Online

Symbols

By the time I woke up the sun was just touching the horizon still obscured by clouds, a dim blue glow filled the room as a result. With a quick look around I saw that Noir and Charon were gone, by the sounds of it Charon was just outside the room talking to someone. I felt Finna laying next to me but I couldn't see her face through her frayed out hair. With a quick kiss I slid out of the bed, picking the rest of my clothes up as I did. Just as I finished adjusting my coat I heard the door to the room open. Charon entered first but was followed by a rather thin Equestrian man. He wore a black three piece suit complete with a black top hat.

"Good morning Elijah, I was hoping you were awake." Charon said quietly as to not disturb Finna.

"Morning to you as well, may I ask who your friend here is?" I asked giving the still man a nod, which he returned.

With a simple wave from Charon he stepped closer and held out a hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Foster, I am Gentle Quill lV and I will be traveling with you while you'rein Equestria." He sounded younger than he looked, not sure why but it was a bit unnerving.

"And what is the reason for you're company, I thought we had cleared up any previous issues with our occupancy in Equestria?" It didn't really bother me that we had caretaker but I still wanted a reason.

The man chuckled and grinned "There is no problem with your presence directly, however many of the citizens in this area are not use to foreigners. Much less a band of well armed messengers as yourself."

I nodded, it was understandable that we would be seen as strangers given our appearance. "Fair enough, will you also be a witness to the duel between me and your princesses?"

He nodded again. "You are correct, Princess Luna should be arriving at dusk. I do hope you know what you're getting into." He said with a smirk.

"Don't worry about me, I've seen more open combat than most. This will be an interesting fight no doubt." I returned.

"Well I hope to see the two give it your all, I let you and your mate get ready then. When you're ready to leave I will be outside" He gave a quick bow and quietly left.

I meanwhile sat against the bed my face slightly red. I could hear Charon holding back a laugh as his snickering was the only sound in the room.

"I don't smell do I?" I asked him unable to look in his direction.

"While your kind may have impressive predatory skills it seems evolution decided not to gift you with a sense a smell." He gibed.

Being a human meant I was unable to smell certain pheromones, that includes long lasting ones resulting from more intimate actions. While Finna and I only been together once it was more than enough to leave a mark.

I sighed and began to collect the rest of my things, with a few quick checks on my holster straps I was ready for the day. I gently woke the sleeping foxkin before helping her get ready as well. Once the three of us had our gear ready we left the inn to finally go about the plans we had made on the airship. Noir had already gone to wander about the town, Charon and Quill departed to find the local smith as well as Noir leaving Finna and I to find Zecora.

As it turned out Zecora was a rather popular source of herbal remedies and spiritual advice. She was a common request by anyone who had some sort of illness or other pestilence. From what Finna had showed me she was also a very powerful shaman, I was very interested in the possibility of learning a few things from a soul weaver. I was also impressed that none of the townsfolk knew about her powers either, from the level of recognition she got it was a surprise she managed to hide such a big secret. While she was at first seen as a scary witch doctor a young girl of the Apple family managed to get the town to realize she was actually a nice person, even if their first impressions weren't far from the truth.

Getting the location of said shaman was also very easy as the locals were more than happy to recommend the talented Zebracan. She lived in a hut a good mile into a forest known as the Everfree, recently a lit path was made to the shelter as the wildlife would be dangerous otherwise. While I wasn't really intimidated by monsters it would be nice just to have a peaceful walk in the forest. I'd had enough trouble over the past month and I was ready for the downtime.

"It's been ages since I've seen these trees." Finna said as we approached the start of the path, she placed a hand on the trunk of a tree.

Just the contact of her magic seemed to cause a recognition in the forest as the branches ever so slightly leaned in a sort of embrace to her. No doubt the latent magic of the area remembered her, it was not uncommon for spiritual people to leave an impression on an area they've spent long periods of time in. The entire scene was actually rather touching, the seemingly wild and harsh forest welcoming back and old friend. I doubt we would even have need of the path.

"Seems the forest agrees." I gave back, she moved away and the tree shifted slowly back.

"Come on I can feel her presence already, she must be meditating for it to reach this far." She said as she started down the path.

Quickly falling in step beside her I felt her take my arm. I tried reaching out to see if I could sense the shaman's magic but the forest seemed to have a haze of magic that stopped me from being able to reach out very far.

"How can you know she's close, I can't pick up anything?" I asked still reaching out.

"The first thing Zecora taught me was how to communicate with the forest, once I finally managed it there wasn't a thing that could hide from me in these woods." I saw he looking at things in the darker parts of the forest, things I was obviously unaware of.

"How long exactly did you spend out here?" I had never seen someone use powers like hers and not be a devout shaman.

"I don't really know, I spent most of my time meditating or training and I never bothered to keep track of time. I wouldn't say more than a year and a half though." She said playing with a small bit of magic.

"You've spent a year practicing not only Hoodoo but Soul magic as well, remind me never to make you angry." I said jokingly.

She looked at me with a pouting frown, her eyes sparkling. She didn't say a word and that just made it even creepier.

"Alright sorry, knock it off." I chuckled but she just smirked and tried even harder. "Don't make me carry you over my shoulder." I teased again.

She immediately stopped and smiled. "Well since your offering."

Placing both hands on my shoulders she nimbly climbed on my back and held on. Thankfully she was very light and I was able to stand without much difficulty.

"When did I become a stage coach?" I deadpanned.

"When you decided to take a talented släkt räv as a lover." She said whimsically nuzzling the top of my head.

The Släkt Räv translates to fox kin as far as I could tell, it also seemed strange that their cultural name is derived from a lesser evolved ancestor.

"Lucky me." I hummed and kept walking feeling her cuff the top of my head.

The walk was rather uneventful beyond that moment, with Finna's very presence keeping any dangers away I allowed myself the time to relax. I listened as Finna went on about some of the details of the Everfree, she at one time lived with a horde of Manticore to better study them and she even went on to write a book. She also informed me about various medicinal flora in the area and what they cured, a couple of the given plants sounded very familiar.

"There it is!" She chirped nearly making me trip.

Just coming into view beyond the trees I could make out the definitive shape of a hut. It was surrounded by torches which lit up the clearing around the structure, at the edges of the light were a number of detailed totems. I couldn't tell if they served as any protection from the things in the forest, but they would most certainly scare off any Equestrian. The decorations didn't scare me as I had seen far worse, and Finna seemed to find them welcoming.

As we got closer I could here the shaman within chanting something. Before I could knock Finna hopped off my back and put a finger to her lips. Following her lead I kept quiet and let her lead, she checked the door handle and it's hinges before slowly pushing it open. With the door open the chanting was much clearer, it sounded like Swahili but I knew how deceiving this worlds languages were in contrast to my own. I watched as Finna quietly stepped closer to the shaman, she wasn't making a sound and she moved to a side so little of the light was disturbed. She reared back taking a deep breath, but just before she could shout the zebrakin launched her elbow back into her gut.

I watched as Finna let out a loud gasp before crumpling over. "I taught to many of the tricks you know, did you think I would not notice you?" The shaman said before turning to face the two of us.

The first thing about her I noticed was her eyes, one was a pastel green while the other was grey and marked with a scar tracing from her grey coat past her nose. She was far more toned than other shaman indicating she kept up her physical strengths as well as her mental ones, a trait not many other magic users shared. Under her cloak she wore a beaded long skirt and short beaded top, around her neck, wrists, and ankles were two golden bands as well. Overall she wore the look of a shaman well.

She took Finna by the arm and picked her up from the ground and into a tight hug. "I am most happy to see you again young one." Finna smiled as she returned the hug. "And who is the gawking one you have brought with you?" She asked focusing her gaze on me.

Finna quickly slid from the zebra's grip and back onto my shoulders. "Zecora this is my mate Elijah." She said hugging my head.

I chuckled and held out a hand. "My name's Elijah Foster, I'm a citizen of The Brink." She shook my hand and I felt a bit relieved as she sent a formal ping of magic.

Zecora's face brightened with a mischievous grin. "After so many suitors you finally decided, and on a man of high status no less."

I gave a small grin but I couldn't bring myself to laugh at her statement. "How might I be of high status Ms. Zecora?" I asked with a friendly chuckle.

Her grin turned more knowing as she began to stand. "I may spend most of my time in the Everfree but events in the world around it still make their way to me. I know who you are and I know why the Directors sent you to Equestria."

My hand was at my gun and if it wasn't for Finna holding me I would have had it drawn. "Who are you?" I asked, this time in a more acknowledging tone.

"I am Zecora, daughter to the high shaman Imamu." She said leaning against a staff.

I lowered my weapon and sighed. "You should have said that from the beginning, the Directors would have my head if they saw me pointing a gun at an Ascended."

"Maybe you shouldn't be so gung-ho." Finna giggled, looking down at me with a smug smile.

"Don't fret my friend, I wouldn't expect you to know me. I left my home at a young age, much sooner than my sisters and brothers." She waved for us to sit by the fire. "Tell me askari, how is it my student came to be under your wing?"

I felt my cheeks heat up a bit at the though of the night we spent on the ship, I felt Finna wiggle next to me as she found interest in the crackling embers. "Well, when me and the other agents of my Division returned from our assignments we were told we would be taking on a new recruit. It was then we first meet her in our bunkhouse, for the first few days we were only associates, but during our trip to Equestria via airship we got to know one another and... went from their." I said hoping my face wasn't as red as it felt.

"Oh, that seems rather mundane for two unique individuals such as you." She pulled a small deck of cards form her cloak.

`Damn it!`

Finna and I watched as she shuffled them around before throwing three down in quick succession. I recognized the three quickly, the first one was The Fool this one was know doubt my sign in the fortune. The second was The Empress, this one signifying the fruition and idea of what I only assume was our relationship. The final one was The Lovers, it's meaning was pretty self explanatory. As I looked over the cards I could feel a very strong magic emanating from them, this meant the fortune was almost bound to happen unless hindered by a more powerful force. And from the splitting grin on the shaman's face it meant she knew exactly what happened between us.

"My my, you couldn't have chosen a better suitor my friend. Such a passionate one." She hummed before collecting the deck.

I tried to think of something to say, but I was never very good at bluffing psychics of any kind. Finna on the other hand gave a mocking pout.

"You know I hate you peeking into my private life like that." She said slumping her chin on my shoulder and huffing.

"Apologize my friend, I just wanted to make sure you were being taken care of." She shot me a killing glare. "You are caring for her aren't you?"

"I wouldn't be here if I wasn't." I said with a nod.

She smiled. "Good, it is always a pleasant feeling seeing those closest to me enjoying the wonders of life." She waved a hand as she brought up here magic, a pot and a few cups floated over. "If you two are staying a while would you care to trade tails?"

"We have plenty of time." Finna said scooting closer.

I nodded and set my things on the floor beside me. "If you wouldn't mind I had a few questions about you training as a shaman?" I ask with a hopeful smile.

She smiled and nodded.

---Noir Leva ~ Market Area---

After spending years in the deserts of the badlands and those of her homeland, Noir had built up a tolerance to the heat. In the dead of summer should could wear heavy clothing and barely be bothered. But this natural resistance had a down side, any areas lacking the blazing heat felt far too cold. As a rather pitiful result in the mountainous regions of Equestria, the proud cat now sat huddled in a coat in the corner of the busy market.

`What kind of market doesn't sell weapons or trinkets.` She mulled.

Having been to the outer cities of the rich country Noir's experience of Equestria was only founded around it's lawless and unregulated side. A smaller and more residential town like Ponyville however, held absolutely none of these qualities. The most interesting stall belonged to the apple farmer who gave her a free pie as it was her first day in town. Noir knew the mare as Applejack the Element of Honesty and the most famous member of the Apple Family. Noir knew plenty about them as two members of the Intel Bureau were Apples. It was thanks to them the Divisions had any information on the Elements of Harmony at all.

Being so close to the bearers homes gave her more than a few ideas, although she knew better than to act on some. She quickly decided to gather information as disarmingly nice as she could. This involved going to the prime element herself, Twilight Sparkle. The castle took the place of the old library after it's destruction, so what better place to learn about Equestria and it's protectors.

The walk to the castle was quick as the streets all lead to a large path that lead straight to the crystal building. With a quick check of the door Noir walked inside a small bell jingling as it opened. Inside the front room was a large round table with a slightly smaller book on top of it. Seeing it was a check in and out book the panther signed her name and looked towards a side door labeled `Library.`Noir looked around to see if the princess was even home, with the quick deduction she was not Noir entered the library and began looking over the shelves.

"Theory on Teleportation, 111 recipes for pasta, Starswirl's Guide to Harmony?" The last title drew her attention, she pulled it from the shelf and brought it to one of the smaller tables. Carefully opening the book she scanned it's pages for useful information and any hidden intentions. Apart from a slight description of each element the book had nothing of real use. Putting it to the side she began her search again, this was a repeated process almost an hour until the sound of the large doors opening drew her attention. Looking up from another book Noir saw three different figures enter the room. The first was the princess but beside her was the Element of Honesty, Applejack. Beside her was the young wyrmling known as Spike.

Once the three of them noticed the cat they stopped, Twilight was the first to speak. "Ms. Leva correct?" She gave.

"Yes Princess, I apologize if I'm interrupting something." Noir more charming accent in play.

"Oh no, in fact I was hoping to see you again before you and your friends left." The three of them sat around the book covered table. "I wanted to ask you a few questions if you wouldn't mind?"

"I'll and answer what I can." Noir chimed giving the other two a quick glance. "May I ask you're names first thought?" While she knew well enough who they were it was best to get a judge of their character.

"Name's Applejack hun, I work the orchard down the main road. I was jus' here to grab books for the farm, but if'n you wouldn't mind I gotta few questions of mah own." She said politely, although there was a slight undertone of skepticism.

The youngling spoke next. "I'm Spike, I help Twilight run the library section of the castle as well as the kitchen." He said giving said alicorn a cheeky smirk which she shied away from.

"Well was there anything you wanted to know immediately?" Noir asked with a warm smile.

"Well I wanted to know a bit about you, I've never seen someone like you before. Were are you from?" Twilight asked.

"I was born far to the east in the city of Cen'Quetal, the city itself holds the largest majority of my kin, Panthers." Noir looked out from the window remembering her homeland.

"I ain't never heard of a place like that in Equestria." Applejack said.

"That's because it isn't in Equestria, it's across the ocean and on a continent that has no name as no one rule has ever been established." Noir said, she took a small pendent from her cloak and handed to the apple mare. "Do you recognize the language on the back."

Applejack stared at the symbols on the back, but they meant nothing to her and so she shook her head.

"Cen'Quetal is one of many cities in the east, it has it's own language due to it's age and it's things like age and size that give cities in the brink their individuality despite their proximity to one another." Noir said taking the trinket back.

"How many cities are in your homeland?" Twilight asked enthralled by the vast number of cultures to learn about.

"Within the region I'm from there are about twenty and I'm not sure about the rest. The deserts that make up my home are also inhabited by Lamia, Dragons, Snake Kin, Orcs, and Merfolk." There were more Noir knew that very well, but they were little more than tribals.

"We have dragons in Equestria are they different in the east?" The purple mare inquired further.

"Very much so, you've seen Elijah's fiend Kodo yes? The scaly one." The two mares nodded. "His kind are very rare, and very powerful. He may seem little more than a means of transport and labor but that's because he chooses to be as such. Kodo's race are the precursors to the modern day Komodo dragons, Kodo himself was considered a deity to the tribe he once looked after."

Applejack sat back contemplating her previous thoughts of the dragon when she saw him sitting outside Twilight's castle. Said princesses was having to restrain herself as to not begin throwing a slew of questions.

Seeing their faces Noir laughed. "Look if you want to talk with Kodo feel free, he enjoys telling young people about history."

Twilight at this point was gone, by no magic other than her own two feet she had disappeared.

"Ta' think somepony so... strong was right outside our door." The apple mare stood and held out a hand. "Well thank ya for yer time Ms, stop on by Sweet Apple Acres net time yer in the area, my little sister would love ta meet ya."

Noir shook her hand and nodded. "That sounds nice thank you very much Applejack." With that the mare left leaving Noir once more to her books.

...

`Dammit I never asked about the Elements...` Noir quickly left the library and ran to find Twilight.

---Charon and Kodo ~ Somewhere outside Ponyville---

Having the wisdom to avoid such a pondering scholar like Ms. Sparkle, Kodo had earlier decided to relocate to a small sunlight grove outside of the town. Along the way her had come across the Berserker Charon who had been disappointed in his hopes of finding a decent smith or craftsman. The dragon had decided to follow his friend to his seclusion, the two currently found themselves sitting in the grove Kodo sunbathing on a large rock which Charon was leaning against. The two sat in a mutual silence neither wanting to break the piece and quiet, the sounds of the encompassing forest allowed for a natural melody to wash over the area.

Kodo stared off into the sky simply pondering over his single existence, something he did quiet often. Having once been a mighty deity the dragon knew the life of the empowered and respected. But such luxury came at the price of humility, after his inevitable departure from his people the dragon was unable to adapt to common life. Of course that changed when he meet Foster, a young man who cared not for his title or his power. A young man who did not fear him or worship him, he simply understood him. It was because of this that Kodo decided to follow the young man and help him on his journey in a world he did not know. During their travels the Komodo had made many adjustments to his normal life and in time, he had found his humility as just another soul on their planet.

In under a year after the two of them set out the dragon had become accustom to life as a laborer. The two did many jobs to that required dirty and difficult work, it help them both become stronger and gave them a sense of perspective for the working class. Seeing the honor and gentle pride in work Kodo had made it his goal to work with the young man for the rest of their days. For every task and every trial the two endured they found deeper and deeper meaning in a humble life.

Beside the philosophical komodo Charon sat with his eyes closed his mind ever battling with it'self. His violent and primal dragon instincts were constantly trying to break forth into his mind and overwhelm him with the desire to horde and feed, while the intelligent and calculating side repressed these urges. During their times of peace and tranquility the large dragon sought to strengthen his mental self as much as possible. However this was all but the case in battle, when blood must be shed his primal force won out and all who stood in his path would be cut down. This constant struggle left the dragon desiring nothing but solitude. But after a time spent with Noir in one of the more quiet settlements in the Badlands, the dragon began to see more of a reason to coexist with others. He had wanted to tell her since that day, but his mind simply wasn't made for conversation outside of business.

He made it a point to watch her back constantly and even when his mind was fueled by anger, the thought of her always brought him back. He attributed his currently lasting sanity to her, and he would do anything to see his debt repaid. At her word he would always follow without question or hesitation. It was for this reason the two would often be sent on the same contracts, any he may have shown mercy to on was in no such luck when the panther was at his side. Where as Charon was honorable and fair, Noir was willing to complete any contract to it's fullest. He admired her and her feared her, she was perfect in his eyes.

The two sat under the sun for a time longer before Charon's stomach broke the silence with a loud growl. Sitting up he gathered his axes and shook Kodo awake, opening one eye he looked at Charon.

"Hungry?"

The Komodo nodded and the two set off deeper into the forest towards the sound of a flowing stream.

Chapter 5: Engagement 1 - Princess Luna

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Engagement 1 - Princess Luna

Finna, Zecora, and I had decided to take our visit to the hut's garden. It was quiet the sight I had to say, the outer area was filled with vibrant and wild flora. Large bioluminescent plants hung from branches and dotted along the sides around the path, while other plants used the light to bring out their own colors. The whole area looked so surreal it could have been a dream, but by the gods it wasn't. Finna immediately darted of into the garden giggling like a child, with a playful shove Zecora followed throwing a teasing glance back. With a grin I ran in after them.

The glowing plants lit the entire area with multicolored light and the thick vegetation made the chase a very abstract game. As I ran into an area I would hear the two of them laughing, but their voices came from each direction. When ever I saw them I would quickly follow but they always disappeared, as I ran I never grew tired and only more determined to catch one of them. I spotted Zecora's cloak flash around a corner and I quickly sprinted towards it send a portion of my magic into my legs. As I turned the corner I saw two cloaked figures dart down divergent paths. Following the right figure I didn't let it out of my sight, when they turned I did to never losing ground. With a grin I forced the gravity around me to surge forward launching me into the back of the figure.

"Not this time doll." I chuckled before grabbing the hood.

Before I could pull it back I felt a sharp pain in my side, I couldn't help but fall back letting the figure vanish into the plants. I gasped for breath and I looked to see a small dagger in my side, quickly pulling it out I set to work healing the wound. I looked up to see no trace of whoever that was. Hearing a noise behind me I saw the girls both running onto the path from the bush, they're smiles dropped at the sight of my blood.

"Elijah!" Finna gasped rushing to my side and pouring as much magic into the wound as she could. Zecora rushed a bit down the path looking for the attacker but she found nothing.

"Come we must get somewhere safe." She said helping me up as Finna continued to patch the wound.

Wasting little time inside the hut Zecora checked for any poisons or toxins, thankfully whoever that was hadn't planned on killing me then and there. Finna looked over the blade trying to find an imprint or mark of ownership, but the blade was unmarked and too new for the owner to have made a connection to it.

"Where you able to make out any details on who may have assaulted you?" Zecora asked handing me a small mix of herbs.

"Not much, mainly physical traits. Most likely male or a masculine female, I felt a tail but I couldn't tell more than that through the cloak. Come to think of it the cloak was probably enchanted to hide them as I could get a smell or reading on them." I said drinking the thick soup, I felt the pain in my chest subside a bit more.

"So we're dealing with somebody who can completely seal their identity." Finna huffed resting against my good side.

"I'll be honest, I though they were one of you two so I didn't bother trying to look for details. Brown cloaks are pretty abundant and damn near ever species on this planet aside from me has a tail, I hate being in the dark about shit like this." I groaned frustrated at letting myself get hurt like that.

"Don't put too much thought on what happened Foster, keep your mind focused on the present and look for anything that draws your eye. I'd also recommend keeping your friends a bit closer for a while, at least until you're all home." Zecora said.

I looked outside and saw the sun passing it's noon position.

"I'll keep that in mind, and be sure to heed you're own advice that spy could have been here for you and not us." I said and the shaman nodded. "Well it looks like it's time for us to head back into town, it was a pleasure to meet you Zecora." I held out a hand but she instead moved closer for a hug.

"The pleasure's all mine, I'm just glad to see someone stand with my student." She said before hugging said fox. "If you wish I would be more than happy to see the two of you out of the forest."

"You don't even have to ask." Finna said returning the hug.

Smiling at the two I headed for the door. "Come on the other's should be meeting us at the inn."

I noticed Zecora put a few bottles and various bags into her cloak, but I didn't say anything about it.

The walk back to town was much quicker as Zecora knew a much quicker route and all of the wildlife avoided us. Once we left the denser forest I noticed the trees reaching out to the duo ahead of me. Finna rested a hand on one of the trees and they receded but I could still feel a sense of longing in the air.

"You two must have spent a lot of time among the trees for them to act like this." I knew how long Finna had spent in the forest, but with Zecora being a more permanent resident she had almost made the forest apart of herself.

"Indeed we have, when I was younger I couldn't help but wander through these woods." Zecora said looking back into the denser forest. "After a while I could feel every branch and every leaf speaking to me, after days and days of listening I finally understood... everything."

"Then you must have a deep connection with this place?" I didn't really need to ask, I could see the forests natural magic circulating around her as it did with every other plant around us. She knew this as well as her only response was a wink.

As the edge of the town came into few I began to feel less of the forests voice, I hadn't even realized I was staring to hear it to. Shaking the feeling off I continued into town headed to group up with the rest of my team.

Charon, Noir, Kodo, and Quill were all waiting on the deck of the inn, seeing the three of us Quill quickly stood and hurried to us.

"Ah Mr. Foster just on time." He said waving the others over. "Her majesty will be meeting us in the fields south of town, if you would gather your belongings we can meet them their." He said.

"Then we may leave now." Charon said while he and Kodo carried our bags. "No point in keeping them waiting."

Chuckling at the two of them I agreed and let Quill lead the way. The walk took us through town and past the library, I could see the sign read closed and no lights were on inside. The bakery also seemed to have a longer line than the previous day to, an entire stall was obviously missing from it's spot in the market even. Odd details aside I followed our caretaker a ways out of town and into a place called White Tale Woods, the trees here were old but lacked the same loose feeling as those in the Everfree. Many of the trees also held either birdhouses or rodent houses, the entire area had a much more settled vibe and it was almost creepy.

Almost a half an hour later into the forest we came to a large open area that looked like a soccer field. Standing in the center of the field was Twilight Sparkle along with her friends, they were talking to a large imposing figure dawned in thick blue armor. The Equestrian Moon Emblem in the chest piece made it clear who was underneath all the metal. As soon as I stepped onto the field the armored princess glare directly at me, I could see her piercing green eyes just through the slits in her helmet. Twilight and her friends turned to face us and I could see their worried expressions, it looked as though Twilight had been crying.

Stopping just a few meters from them I noticed two other figures partly hidden behind Princess Luna. One was a female soldier wearing a lighter seeming version of the Night Guard's armor, beside her was a much taller male and he seemed to be a Unicorn if the horn coming from his helmet was real.

"Your highness, I have brought the representative as requested." Quill spoke up drawing her attention.

"Thank you Master Quill, is our guest prepared?" She asked her tone firm and cold.

He turned back to me and I nodded to him waving for the others to step back. "He is your highness, are these your witnesses?"

"They are, my sisters protege and her friends have agreed to vouch for the honor of this contest." Luna replied, she looked back to my team. "I see he has gathered his witnesses as well, then there is no further need to postpone this match."

"There is not your highness, please take your position." I raised an eyebrow at that, but I watched as Luna moved to the middle of left field. "Mr. Foster please take your position there." Quill said pointing to right field.

Making sure the flask Charon has brought was strapped to my belt I moved to the center, Quill lead the other to a row of benches were Twilight and her friends now sat. Seeing Finna cast me a worried look I smiled back and nodded before fixing my gaze on my opponent. Once everyone but Quill was off the field he raised a hand.

"Princess Luna of Equestria do you swear to uphold the honor of your nation and face Elijah Foster of the Brink unaided in single combat?" Quill called to her.

"I swear to uphold the honor of my people!" She responded.

"Elijah Foster of The Brink do you swear to uphold the honor of you nation and face Princess Luna Of Equestria unaided in single combat?" He calls to me.

"I swear on the honor of my people." I called back.

`Not that it counts for all that much either way.` I chuckle in my head.

"Then by the powers vested to me let this duel being!" In a flash of magic he vanished from the field.

Celestial Valkyrie Princess Luna

A bright blue light covered Luna's hands and began to contort and stretched, as the light dimmed I squinted to see she now held a long shimmering spear the crackled with power. Flaring her wings she launched into the air, she swung her spear wide sending an arc of wave of ice down. Quickly bringing up a wall of earth I cringed seeing numerous icicles sticking through, with a hard shove I sent the wall flying up at her but she dodged it with ease. I quickly drew my revolver and fired rapidly towards her, her brought up a shield of her own stopping each shot but not without a few cracks.

With her shield up I drew my own blade and covered it in fire. Running below her I sent a flurry of fire towards her but none made it through her shield. With a smirk she dove down spear poised to strike, quickly firing another volley of bullets I landed two into her shoulders forcing her to divert course and miss. Seeing blood pouring from her armor I noted the astonished look on her face, quickly wiping it away she glared and me and dove again. Firing again I she moved one again but this time she landed beside me and jabbed with her spear. I moved as quick as I could but I still felt the bladed tip dig into my skin. I could feel the electricity coursing through it and my muscles tensed, giving her time to take another swipe this time her spear bashed into my chest sending me flying across the field.

Before she could send another swing I back away, but she was close again in seconds. She grabbed my arm and I felt my flesh and blood freezing at her touch. She jabbed the head of her spear into my stomach, I cough sending blood all over her helmet. I sent out a strong pulse of lightning pushing her back and scorching the front of her armor. Not letting me get another volley out she sent a blast of ice and wind out once more throwing me around. I had to put all of my magic into closing my wounds just to stay conscious.

---Spectator's Stands - 3rd---

"Come on Princess show this nobody whose boss!" The rainbow haired Pegasus cheer as she watched her princess send the outsider into the air.

"Come on now princess send 'em packin." The orange Earth Pony mare cheered along side her friend.

The rest of the ponies remained silent but they didn't try to hide their hopeful expressions.

Noir glared at the back of their heads wanting nothing more than to shut them up, but instead she huffed and turned back to the match. She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked to see Charon smirking down.

"Come now you know it's going to take far more than that to put Eli down. I doubt he's really even stared." He whispered

"I know but I still don't like to see him hold back, he could end this whenever he want's." She said running her paw through her fur.

"And so could she." Finna said not looking away. "I can see how strong she is, and it's obvious why she and her sister lead this country." Charon and Noir looked at their friend before looking towards the armored princess. "Let's just hope Elijah can stand against her if she get's angry." She was silent after that and her eyes never left the fight.

---Elijah---

I coughed as I quickly picked myself up, I saw she was running this time instead of flying. Taking the sign I pounded my fist into the ground and sent a concussive wave out tearing the ground from under her. She stumbled for just a moment before using her wings to takeoff from the ground, once she was airborne I put my blade and revolver away and drew the rifle. Taking aim as she tried to right herself I fire two shots into the bone of her wings, she cried out in pain as the bullets tore through bone and muscle making her drop from the air. When she landed I hit the earth once again sending another wave, this time the impact slammed into her forcing her down and allowing the churning dirt to bury her. Wasting no time for her to recover I fire the rest of my shots into the mound each sending large plums of dirt up. Slowly moving back I pulled my magic back and focused on healing the gouge in my stomach and side.

With a loud crack the dirt was blasted away and a wave of frigid air whipped around the field creating a small blizzard. I felt the magic in the wind as it tried to dig into my skin, I was thankful that my natural element was fire. Luna stood in the center of the blizzard a dark look in her eye.

"Your weapons, what are they?" She growled, I saw the blood had stopped pouring from her armor.

The two of us paced in a circle ready should the other move.

"Their called firearms or guns, a recent design of the brink. But a long standing tradition to my kind." I kept the rifles sights on her.

"You say your people made these weapons, why? Why bring something so destructive to these lands, what are your intentions here?" She demanded.

"I want my people, the people of The Brink to live with the same privilege as yours do!" I shouted over the wind.

"I have been to The Brink, Foster. It was not but a crowded villa of criminals and degenerates, why should such people be granted what they desire?" She spat.

"A lot can change within a few years your highness, I've seen to that. Even so doesn't everyone on this planet deserve a chance at a better life?" I retorted.

She glared at me and stood still. "Then prove it, show me how much your band of cutthroats has changed! show me why you deserve a peace we fought for over the course of a century!" She roared before stabbing her spear into the ground, the dirt began to freeze and spread out from around her. Quickly falling back I drew my revolver and replace the rounds inside, coating the casings with fire runes I let out another volley this time the each shot shown brightly and cut into her armor. Without even flinching she poised her spear and stabbed at me a much large spear of ice shot forth. I felt it jab into my arm before being ripped back out, the edges had been barbed and I could feel my magic struggling to close the jagged edges of the wound.

I sent two more volley back trying to put as much distance between me and her as possible. I could feel the blizzard growing stronger and I felt my movements slowing down. Gathering as much earth as I could I pulled it around myself and compressed it into a makeshift armor, once it was hard enough I began to heat it up until I began to turn red. I immediately felt the cold vanish replaced with a blanket of warmth. Seeing her aura wasn't working anymore Luna went on the offense again stabbing rapidly at me with her spear. Controlling the earth armor I moved quick enough to avoid each strike or parry them with my own blade.

Sparks flew each time our weapons clashed and the blizzard grew more and more intense. Catching the edge of her spear head I stabbed the weapon into the ground jerking Luna forward. With a propelled gauntlet I rammed my fist into her gut denting the metal and making her heave. I stomped on the spear forcing it from her hands, I grabbed her shoulders and slammed her head into the mine. The impact knocking her helmet off, with her face unprotected I brought it back again and again each time a sickening crunch was heard. Shoving her back I grabbed her leg and swung her over my head and into the butt of her own spear, I heard a much louder crack this time. Seeing her try to stand back up drew my revolver and put a round in each of her knees. I could hear her gurgling on what was probably her own blood, but I wasn't finished.

Reaching back around I parted the earthen armor and grabbed the flask. Grabbing Luna by her wait I brought her to her feat and locked her arms and legs in stone. Flicking the lid open I drained the contents of the flask the burning sensation of the alcohol was stronger than anything I had ever tried before. It was mere seconds after that and my head was already spinning and had it not been for my armor I would have fallen over. Grabbing the alicorn by her head I made her face me, her nose was crushed and bleeding heavily and both of her eyes were dark and swollen with bruises, gashes and tears marked her face. She barely had the strength to look at me, but even still I could see her resistance still held.

"Never... insult... my... home." I gasped, link my mind to hers I began wreaking havoc on her mental walls causing all sorts of flashback and repressed memories to surface. Once her mind was in turmoil I forced all the pain I currently felt onto her, as well as the dizziness and nausea of the alcohol.

Letting her go I released her from the stone, she crumbled into a shaking gagging heap. From the look in her eyes I knew I had forced her into a personal hell.

---~~Celestia Valkyrie Princess Luna~~---

Seeing the match was over the two Night Guards ran to their princess' side, the unicorn set to work healing her his magic strained to close her wounds. The earth pony took out a medical kit and began to apply a number of ointments and bandages. Quill sat on his bench his head in his hands, his shoulders shaking every now and then. The rainbow haired mare and the orange mare were silent, each with a look of horrified disbelief. I noticed the yellow pegasus was weeping into a pale unicorns shoulder, the unicorn herself barely keeping her tears back. Twilight however was nowhere to be seen.

The sound of running footsteps drew my attention to Finna and Noir running towards me, the two of them went to work patching me up as well. Letting the stone fall from my body I got a look at how badly wounded I was. A large purple spot marked where the spear and caught my stomach and even more infected lines were scattered all over my torso and head. Finna and Noir were saying something but the ringing in my ears made it hard to make out anything they were saying. I could feel my head getting light, and this time it wasn't from any drink.

---Ponyville General Hospital---

The annoying beeping sounds in my ears slowly pulled me back into the waking world, slowly and subtle other sound made themselves known. Voice from outside of the room, a low humming from the lights, and shuddering breathing from beside me. Opening my eyes I squinted at the light, I peeked around the room and found myself in a hospital bed. Took my left Finna sat on a puffy red chair while she lay sleeping against my lap. I could see the fur around her eyes was matted with dried tears and when she breathed she shuddered. I gently ran my fingers through her hair a soft smile on my lips. She shook and groaned before waking up as well, seeing me awake made her shake off any weariness.

"Elijah!" She cried and leapt on top of me pulling me into a tight hug. "Thank the gods you're okay." She cried into my shoulder.

"Good to see you to." I chuckled hugging her back. "How long was I out?" I asked gently pushing back onto her chair.

"A little over a day, the doctors were certain it would take you longer to wake up." She said fresh tears running down her cheeks, but a happy smile on her face.

"Having a guardian angle with me help in times like these." I said with a grin. "Well maybe angle isn't the right word, but it doesn't matter. Speaking of help where are the others?" I asked seeing their Noir or Charon was around.

"Noir's talking with Princess Twilight about something and Charon is currently talking with Princess Celestia outside." I had to admit to being worried when she told me that.

"Is everything okay, I know I went overboard with that fight and I don't want any of you getting caught up in my mess?" I asked sitting up a bit more, but Finna eased me back down.

"Everything is going about as good as it can, Twilight went into a panic after the fight thinking you killed Princess Luna who is alive by the way. She sent a letter to Princess Celestia saying that causing her to come back from Canterlot, thankfully the doctors and Charon were able to explain Luna was okay. Although she has refused to say a word to anyone since she woke up." I sighed in relief.

"Well that certainly is better than I though, you said Charon and Celestia are outside right now?" I asked and she nodded. "Can you tell Charon it's okay for her to come in, I need to speak to her?" She nodded again ans stood, she quickly kissed me and left the room.

Once I heard the door close I looked at the palm of my hand, growing from the center of my palm was a now slightly large black rune. It was my accursed blessing, a mark that kept me alive at the price of my humanity. While I regret ever making it, I don't regret the good it has helped me do.

Hearing the door I put my hand back down and looked to see Finna, Charon, and Princess Celestia enter.

"Why doesn't it surprise me to see you awake?" Charon joked as I grinned at him.

"Because this isn't the first time I've been put into critical condition." I gave making him laugh, still chuckling I look at the princess. "I believe you need to have a few words with me."

She sighed at took a seat to my right. "I do, sadly. I know your duel against my sister followed all of the regulations set down by our laws, but I must ask. What did you do to my sister." Her tone was cold, but she couldn't have looked more broken.

"I don't have a name for the spell other than it's function, Control. I knew if that fight went on any longer neither of us would have made it, I nearly died and so did she so I ended it before either of us could go all out. Seeing no other option I sent the full force of my mind against hers break down and mental walls or repressions she had. It pains me that I had to do that, truly, but it's better than the alternative." I didn't lie, there was no reason to and no reward for it. I hated invading another mind, it was wrong and makes me disgusted in myself every time I do it.

Celestia choked up but didn't look away. "I see, now I understand. Mr. Foster do you know of my sister's past?" She asked.

"About Nightmare Moon" She nodded. "Yes I do, which is why I am so sorry for what I did."

"You put her through a century of pain for a second time, I used the time she was asleep to arrange and suppress parts of her memory so she could wake up and not be driven to madness. On top of her mental injuries, I've haven't seen my sister in such a terrible state since our confrontation with Discord." She tore her gaze from me and looked down her fists clenched.

I sighed pinching the bridge of my nose. "I am deeply sorry for the trouble our arrival has brought. But I could not deny your sisters challenge or it would have only brought a worse retaliation later on. possibly at a more delicate time."

"It is a delicate time." She said in a low whisper.

That caught me off guard. "Pardon?" Was all I could think to say.

With a deep breath she looked back to me once again. "For the past four months the nations we have aligned ourselves with have begun fighting, for a cause we have yet to see. At a recent summit to discuss a rise in international crime there was not a moment of civil discussion, the delegates of each nation were at one another's throats."

Finna and Charon were both looking at Celestia, I as as well seeing as this was news to me. I hadn't heard any information to suggest a divide within the nations' pact. This was more missed details Noir would not be happy to hear.

"You said there has been a recent crime wave correct?" I asked, hoping to gather anything useful.

"Yes, over the past year crime has been at an all time high and it's only getting worse." She said with a hollowed tone.

"Is there a possible connection to the crime and the hostility between the delegates?" I fished.

"Not as far as I can tell. While the increase in crime is international, all of the crimes are committed by the natives of where they occur. Minotaurs starting fights in Minos, Griffins in their empire, so on and so forth." That was rather odd, problems like this only occurred back home due to political choices and upset citizens. The problem here sounded like the opposite, with politicians getting upset over social problems. The solutions available to these people are drawing thin, if nothing was done I doubt martial law would be far off.

`We have to help Elijah.` I heard Charon's voice speak in my mind. `Should something happen to Equestria so soon any hopes of support to The Brink goes with them. I propose we offer our services for a political investigation, we should find the source of the crime rise and remove it. Once we accomplish that we need to follow it's wake back to each nations ruler and see why such crime would cause aggression to foreign dignitaries.`

I heard Finna's voice next. `Charon's right, our efforts to establish trade will be worth nothing if we do not help. As unstable as things are even the slightest offense may turn the other nations against us. You said it yourself that the princess seemed unwell, with a chance to aid her right in front of us this could have a tremendously rewarding effect for us.`

`Don't worry I agree, however we'll need The Directors permission before we can sign anything. I doubt they'll be to happy to hear of the current situation, and my scrap with Princess Luna will but me on the brunt end of their anger no doubt.` I responded.

Clearing my throat I drew the princess' gaze again. "This may seem a bit sudden your highness, but would you be willing to allow my team and I to preform an investigation into this recent uprising. Something this serious might be made a bit easier to handle with a fresh point of view?" I let the offer hang there for a moment.

She looked surprised at first, then a face splitting smile grew over her features. "That would be marvelous!" She cried clapping her hands together. "Being a recent addition to the Equestrian Trade Pact none of the other leaders should have any reason to be hostile towards you. This would mean you could investigate under the protected title of ambassadors, and should you find the source of this trouble the relaxed tensions should make negotiations of far more malleable in favor of restoring peace."

I couldn't help but chuckle at her pacing and clapping. "We would be glad to help you're highness, but we shall need to clear our assignment through our Directors. Though I doubt they will disagree with our plans, it is vital we contact them regardless."

She happily nodded. "I understand, I'll send word to the postal office in town you are to be given use of our dragon fire mail system."

"One more thing before I forget, may I speak with your sister later on. While I doubt I can ever make up for the torture I put her through, I can at least take away the pain." I held out my hand and allowed a small wisp of healing magic to gather.

Her smiled dimmed. "I'll speak with her, if she'll allow it you will have my permission."

"Thank you, I'd rather not let troubles of the past fester." Her smile brightened.

"I am sorry for everything as well, I should have made better arrangements for our meeting. I hope we can move past this, I have no doubt our people can learn much from each other." The chime of a clock drew her attention. "If you'll excuse me I must lower the sun." With a polite farewell she was gone.

"Somethings tells me we won't be returning home within the month." Charon said with a fake pout.

"Sorry big guy but personal leisure comes after global crisis, even if we had never undertaken this mission it is vital we don't let the worlds superpowers grow violent. Any resulting wars would find us in some way or another,and I'd at least like to be on the winning side should it come to that." I looked at him and saw he was looking at the crest on the handle of his axe.

Finna perked up. "Um... before we go on any further assignments, how would we travel? We have no ship or mounts."

"..."

"Damn it!"

---Noir---

Twilight Sparkle, the former student of Princess Celestia is many things a scholar, magical adept, alicorn, and windbag. For a consecutive five hours she pelt Noir with question after question to the point of where she each question brought her off into a completely different tangent. All the while the unfortunate Panther had to endure the ramblings of an eccentric princess. To top of the horrid train wreck that had been her day, the strangest sensation to strike Elijah crossed her mind.

Chapter 6: Aggression

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Chapter 6: Aggression

True to her word Celestia had allowed us to send our request back to The Directors via stored dragon fire. A detailed and decorated response was quickly received, along with our pay and some angry words. They were more than upset to hear that an unknown catalyst was causing social unrest, and jeopardizing the largest stride in advancing The Brink since the formation The Directors. They seemed to either ignore or not care about my confrontation with Luna however, and instead of any form of punishment the letter contained their blessing. The blessing was a ring stamp with their crest carved in gold adorning it's top. The mark was very similar to a debt card in that all fund requested and purchases made were paid directly by the treasury. However I doubt any debt card back home had as much value as what I held in my hands. I had access to billions so long as I sign any check with it and my blood signature, it made me a bit nervous to bring it with me seeing as anyone could use it.

"The higher ups must be really steamed if their giving us enough gold to start our own army." Noir said taking the ring and looking over the gold seal.

"Whatever happens in the future is up to us I'm afraid to say, we're the only overt agents the Directors have outside the Badlands. The return of Blueblood and the establishment of an alliance was the foundation for spreading The Directors and The Baron influence." Charon said.

I didn't bother voicing my thoughts, the two of them summed up everything in a nutshell. This entire operation would change everything for for those in The Badlands. It would determine if we stayed a slum state of ex-bandits and scavengers, or if we would become something greater. But any Utopian futures would have to wait as we were being called back to The Brink for a reassignment debrief and provisions for our new assignment. We were to report back to the first Equestrian city we arrived in, if I remember correctly the sign said it was called Appleoosa. From there we'd be retrieved by a mobile unit, a note from Director Nemis was scrawled on the back of the letter. It said the first automated mobile unit was going to be our escort.

`They finally got the Jeep design to function properly? Can't wait to see the finished result.` I thought, before noticing Finna looking at the side note as well.

"What's an automobile?" She asked, hearing the word Noir and Charon immediately went quiet.

"An automobile is a motorized vehicle that is based around one of 8 major functions. The types being driven by our new mobile units are similar to a previous human design called Jeeps, which have been built to fit the Sports Utility Vehicle design with martial adjustments. They're meant to preform all sorts of heavy duty tasks such as towing, all terrain maneuverability, supporting heavy loads, and so on." The very design while simple on paper was oddly hard for our engineers to grasp.

"I must say Elijah I wasn't really expecting your designs to work." Charon said, when I first told him how cars functioned he didn't have the highest hopes. he never thought a small motor could move a much large frame.

"That's what you said about our guns, farming equipment, engines, electricity, and telegraph system." Noir teased, earning a pouting huff form the dragon.

"Hey don't worry about it much. To anyone who hasn't grown up around it, most human designs seem like they shouldn't work." I chuckled to him.

He just sighed and grinned before shaking his head. "Humor aside we should see about procuring tickets for the train ride to this Appleoosa. The local station runs almost directly to it, and with The Directors funds we should have no trouble affording passage."

"Right then let's head that way." As we left the post office I could see Twilight and company hurrying towards us.

At the base of the steps to the office Twilight crouched down gasping for breath, her orange and rainbow friends giving her knowing smirks.

"Are you okay?" I asked hoping the poor girl didn't have asthma.

"F-fine, just not... use to running so far." She said standing up, looking past her I saw her castle was little more than two blocks away. "Celestia wanted me to give you this." She said holding out a letter.

Flicking it open I scanned down the page. "Equestrian ambassador... requested passage for Princess Sparkle and co." Looking up and the back to the letter I sighed. "Seems we're going to be traveling together again, hopefully with less consequence this time."

"Yes that's correct, Celestia received a message from a Baron Var-Cal." She said having trouble pronouncing the name.

I couldn't help but snort, trying to hold back a laugh. "It's Varkel Ms Sparkle."

"Sorry, the letter stated your Baron asked for me personally as he had something to give me." My surprise was very apparent as was the rest of my teams.

"I've never in my life seen the Baron give permission for an outsider to meet with him. Any and all orders he gives are relayed and put in motion by The Directors." As much as it surprised us it was true, the Baron's seal was attached to the letter.

"Then let's not keep him waiting." Noir said tapping my shoulder.

"Right, if you and you're friends will follow us our passage through The Badlands will be meeting us in Appleoosa." I noticed the orange mare's eyes widen. "From there it will be a four day trip to the city itself."

"Four days? But it took much longer than that to get here, how is it the trip back is that short." Twilight said puzzled.

"That's because we're using a more direct and none stop method. A mobile ground unit will be meeting us and from there we're going on a straight shot to The Brink." I explained.

"How can something on the ground go faster than something that flies?" The rainbow haired mare spoke up.

"Unlike airship our ground units can travel for almost a week through any conditions apart from aquatic, and they're speed is unaffected by things like wind, turbulence, and storms." I didn't want to tell them how we'd be traveling as I knew it would be uncomfortable and I'd rather not have them complaining before we even got there.

"I guess we packed heavy for nothing." Looking past Twilight I noticed her assistant Spike, the young drake looking annoyed at a rather stuffed pack.

"Had we known prior we would have told you." Charon said. "But this is the second time we've been given unexpected orders, and unexpected baggage." I could feel the underlying disdain in his voice, and from Twilight's cringe she could to.

"Anyhow, we should be on our way." Ending any further discussion I headed towards the train station Kodo treading along side me.

As we walked Twilight gave us more insight towards her friends, Noir quietly began writing notes as she talked..

The orange mare's name was Applejack, a member of the well known apple family and heir to their most popular farmstead. She was also the bearer of the Element of Honesty, one of six pieces of the Elements of Harmony. Her element gave her a deep intuition as to when she was being lied to. She also was the towns strongest resident, right next to her brother apparently. Apart from that there wasn't much the mare had to say, she was friendly enough but a bit respectfully reserved.

Next was Rainbow Dash, Ponyville's speedster and the only one capable of preforming a 'Sonic Rainboom.' She represented Loyalty and had an unwavering determination to stand by anyone she called friend. While she had no large name recognition like the Apples her family was apparently very well set in with the owners of the weather factories. Something I could see Noir writing every detail about. But I couldn't say I liked her as much as the apple, she was brash, accusing, hasty, and all around impatient. I doubt I would ever get along with her.

Then there was Rarity, seamstress and Element of Generosity. Noir seemed to recognize her, as her clothes were rather popular among the elite. While she was kind and considerate, it was clear as day she tried as much as she could to act like a noble. Where Charon spoke with a refined and proud tone, her was gaudy and vain. While she wasn't unpleasant, I doubt she would be welcome in many places within the city.

Bouncing around the cabin and asking six questions a second was Pinkie Pie, Element of Laughter and baker. I had to admit, I never could tolerate bubbly people but her smile was rather infectious. She was very down to earth but also kept her head in the clouds, she would fit right in.

Sitting silently next to Applejack was Fluttershy, Element of Kindness and druid. I swear every mouse and small creature on the train seemed to be cuddling next to her. Unlike any Pegasi and many Earth Ponies I'd seen, Fluttershy had a direct and sun forged connection with nature. I could feel the very magic of the earth filtering through her very being, it would explain her pleasant persona and reserved nature.

Lastly there was Spike, Twilight's assistant. I honestly felt a little bad for the guy. He was barely a teenager and already crushing hard on Rarity, poor kid probably wouldn't even known what to do. But when he wasn't fawning over the magi he was as quirky and chatty as any child, he had a deep interest in comics and dragons. Having been raised by ponies he was using his time to ask Charon every question about dragon he could think of. He was more than happy to give him the full details of his heritage, he always did enjoy teaching his wayward kin.

"So you mean I might get my wings in just over a year!?" The young drake asked excitedly quickly throwing his shirt aside and checking his back.

Charon chuckled. "Indeed, a steady diet of minerals will do you right. While I may be no fan of gems myself I know much about their effects on us." I couldn't quiet make it out, but it felt as though Charon was sad for the young dragon. It was a subtle but present tone in his voice that caught my attention.

"Is there anyway I could get them sooner?" He asked hopefully.

"Possibly but I wouldn't deviate you from your current path, as it seems to be working quiet well." Charon assure patting him on the shoulder.

As Spike cheered to himself we came to the platform, a simple wooden and metal structure with a single ticket booth. Turns out as political figures we were all to be given free passage, and with tickets in hand we bored the train. We found and empty cabin and quickly situated ourselves. Charon, Noir, Finna, and I took one section of bunks while the girls and spike sorted out their own.

"It's a shame we couldn't stay longer." Finna said packing her things above her bunk. "I had hoped to spend more time with Zecora, she seemed to like you." She said sitting on my bunk next to me.

"Next time we find ourselves in Equestria we'll try and set aside more time." I turned to Charon and Noir. "Speaking of did either of you find anything interesting in your free time?" I chuckled as Noir cringed.

"Sadly no, you'd think for being so in tune with magic the ponies would have more trinkets or charms. But all I could find were cheap knock offs or very poorly carved runes. Guess I should have expected as much seeing as we never got the chance to see, Canterlot was it?"

It was then that it clicked. "You're right the princesses both meet us halfway, wonder if that has anything to do with the whole revolution thing?"

"More than likely." The panther huffed. "I was really hoping to get some more vivid documents to take back with us, but I guess we got what we came for."

"Even if we cut it close." Charon chimed hopping into his bunk. "This entire operation was to be direct and clean. Instead we've been turned right back around and into further conflict."

"At least we're going home." I climbed into my bunk as well Finna following quickly behind. "Hopefully we can get a few days of R&R before being sent back out." A week is too long for me to go without a Sand Runner BBQ.

`I have indeed missed the sands.` Perking up I saw Kodo lazily wander into the room and climb into the empty bunk bellow.

"Not that I'm not glad to see you buddy but I thought you'd been given a personal cabin?" The station master had said Kodo was to be given an entire car to himself.

`A cattle car is not exactly comfortable.` He huffed before curling up.

"They put you in a what?" I could feel fire being to form around my fingertips.

`Do not worry yourself Master Foster, I made sure to correct their mistakes and requested a transfer to this car instead.` He assure flicking his tongue across his lips.

Climbing down I sat against him and pat his back. "Sorry I haven't been close by the past week, they don't make traveling easy when the passenger is a three meter long dragon."

He gave a gritty chuckle. `I understand your job is demanding so you'll get no grief form me.` He turned his focus to Charon and Noir. `Master Charon. Mistress Leva, I hope you have been well as we haven't gotten a chance to speak since our departure.`

She smiled and nodded before hopping from her bunk and to the komodo. "I've been fine, and if you ever want me to remind Eli of your existence... just let me know." She giggle as I took a swipe at her.

`I shall keep that in mind Ms Leva, but it's not his absence that is trouble more so the fact that he keeps finding trouble.` He chuckled.

"I know, I know I shouldn't keep running off into whatever looks fun just to end my boredom." I huffed before patting his back and climbing back into my bunk. "Let's just take it easy for a while, we'll need to be as alert as possible for the trip across the sands." As I lay back with Finna a tapping at the edge of my bunk once more draws me up.

"Um, excuse me." A tiny voice says.

Looking out form the bunk I see Fluttershy gently peeking from around the corner, I was rather surprised to see she wasn't with her friends.

"Yes, how can we help?" I asked leaning form the bed.

"Um, I was just wondering if I could ask you something?" With each word she shrank more and more.

"You may." Noir asked warmly, although I could hear the agitation in her tone.

"Well... will we be safe... out there I mean?" It was difficult to hear her, even with enhanced senses.

I chuckled and nodded. "We will miss, with us around there isn't anything to be scared of in The Badlands." I said confidently, but she didn't move.

"I know what's out there." She said in rather morbid tone. "Please be honest."

All of our smiles dropped. "What do you mean?" Charon asked sitting up now.

She looked up at us, her timid features replaced with a longing and hateful mask. "My father was a guard at the border of The Badlands 5 years ago. We would write messages to each other every week, he would tell me about all the things he saw and the people he met. But as you may have guessed, the letters stopped one day. I wrote a few more thinking maybe he just didn't get them. A month after my final letter, I get a response." She began to tear up. "I was so happy to see the letter thinking it was from my father, I remember thinking what his response would have been if it was silly or scary. But I only had to read the first two lines to know it wasn't from him, it was from his Captain. He and his garrison had been reported missing for a while, before their bodies were found. Something violent and evil had done, terrible things to them. His funeral was closed casket, I didn't even get to see my fathers face before he was buried." Shy collapsed into a sobbing fit unable to hold it back any longer.

Noir had a hand over her mouth and I could see her eyes slightly turn red. Charon's expression was hidden as he held his head down, me and Noir knew how important family was to him. Finna and Kodo both held the young mare in a silent embrace. Climbing down once more I ran a hand through her hair, she faced me with a heartbreaking looked.

"I know how painful losing family can be, and I promise on my life that you and you're friends will all come back from this journy." I said looking into her eyes, beneath the grief and the pain I could feel the very will of the land guiding her. If not by my power, then by her will alone she would bring them back.

After almost half and hour the poor girl cried herself to sleep against Kodo, the drake protectively wrapping his tail around her.

"She really is something." Noir said returning to her bunk. "I hadn't expected any of them to have any real trauma, but this poor thing." She laid back down but never took her eyes from the Pegasus.

"If she were more like her earthen kin, she'd make a fine warrior." Charon said finally speaking. "With a spirit like her's there is no doubt that she would valiantly draw a blade to protect those close to her heart."

"I take it she's not that bad for a pony huh?" I teased trying to lighten the mood.

He chuckled. "No I guess she isn't so bad. She has heart, pure and true."

Applejack and Rainbow Dash came to us a few minutes later to retrieve their friends, we just told that she exhausted herself and they both seemed content and brought her back to her friends.

"She's an interesting one alright." I said laying my head back down. "I'm surprised The Baron didn't call for her, none of her friends seem to have any connections with the Badlands."

Noir huffed. "And Princess Sparkle certainly doesn't seem like the leading type does she?"

"I take it you don't like her?" Finna asked.

"It's not that I dislike her, I dislike her resolve. You saw how she was on our flight here, all bark and no bite. When one of her own men lie bleeding on the ground she froze up, and when we fired on those pegasi Eli saw she let it slip they were with her and never even tried to play it off. She just another politician, not a nation leading beacon of hope." With a deep breath she flopped onto her back. "For her sake, let's pray The Baron has her life in his best interests."

"Is he really that cruel?" Finna asked with a look of trepidation.

"No not really, while he can be demanding at times he does generally care for the well being of his followers and those aligned with them. But it is strange that he would call one such as Ms Sparkle." Charon said.

"Be that as it may we all know his lordship isn't one to do things on a whim. I just hope whatever plans he has in store for her and us, don't keep us from home for much longer." Noir groaned twisting in the bunk. "I miss my bed."

"We'll know more when the mobile unit arrives, so lets get some rest because once we're in The Badlands we won't be stopping until we reach The Brink." Using a bit of magic to pull the blinds down I rested my head on my pillow. With a few deep breaths, I let sleep take me.

---Appleoosa, 4:38 PM--

The sounds of the conductors voice ringing form the intercom slowly roused me from sleep. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes I saw the others getting up as well, from down the car I could hear the ponies getting their things together. Quickly gathering what little we had we joined them at the cabin doors, just outside the busy streets of the western town greeted us. The whole place reminded me of an old 80's movie, right down to the cliche saloon and bank.

Walking down the dusty streets we caught a few odd looks, but not as many as I'd thought we'd get.

"The people here seem to be more indifferent to outsider, compared to those in Ponyville." I said to Twilight.

"That's because a lot of griffon and buffalo traders come through quiet often." I could see her looking around. "Normally at this time of day their market stalls are out, but I don't see any."

"You shouldn't be surprised for delays this close to The Badlands, just a few miles east and you're in Grue territory." I said pointing to a small range of rolling hills. "When we flew over those on our way here I remember seeing their presence disappear entirely."

"What's a Grue?" Rainbow asked hovering closer to us.

"Grue are sometimes called Nightmares or Night Monsters as they can only exist in the dark, no one knows what they really look like as anytime their in visible lighting they either vanish, change shape, or eat you. The most important things to remember when fighting them, is don't" She raised an eyebrow. "Fighting a Grue head on means you have to be in the dark, and when they're in the dark they become omnipresent meaning they are literally everywhere at once. It's impossible to hit a target that has no physically form, and can't be affected y magic. If you must kill one for whatever reason it's best to lure them into a trap, a sealed cage and exposure to direct or artificial sunlight should put em down." As Rainbow drifted away nodding, I saw Twilight finish scribbling on her notepad.

"What other monster are out there?" She asked ever curious.

"More than I could say in breath that's for sure, but a key few to be aware of are the Grue, Burrowers, Necrotic, and if we're very unlucky Wyvern." I said listing some of the most problematic creatures.

"There are dragons out there?" Spike asked.

"Not dragons." Charon said looking down at the little drake. "Wyvern are little more than feral beast that act purely on instinct, they have no ability to reason or communicate. To compare a wyvern to a dragon is to compare a trout to a shark."

Looking a bit disheartened the little drake still held onto his enthusiastic demeanor.

A few paces behind me I spotted Applejack looking around with a confused expression.

"Something up?" I asked falling in pace next to her.

"Maybe, mah' cousin Braeburn's usually the first to greet us when we get here. But I ain't seen him once." She said only glancing at me.

"Maybe he's busy, can't greet people all day." I shrugged, she didn't respond but she did stop looking.

We finally stopped at the edge of town next to sheriff's office, inside I could see Sheriff Silverstar looking over some papers at the main desk. The cells were unsurprisingly empty and rusted, one the wall behind him was a bounty board with only two fliers on it. One was a missing cat and the other about some large wanted earth pony stallion, but he had a low bounty so it wasn't my problem.

"Elijah." Finna said tapping my shoulder, following her finger I looked out towards the desert.

She pointed out into the far horizon of the sand, at the edge of my view I could make out the rumbling dust clouds made by the four large transports coming to retrieve us. It was less than a minute later that they were clearly visible, four full metal bodied behemoths. The variants made by our engineers were much larger than human Jeeps, as was required with the differential in parts. They stood at a towering 8 feet tall, their chassis 12 feet long and 6 feet wide. While the design showed human origins, almost everything beneath was new. Instead of a combustion engine in the front, there was a Gravatic Core which used latent magic and energy in the atmosphere to work the electronic and mechanical functions.

Twilight and her friends stepped back as the four slowed to a halt in front of us. When they were up close I was finally able to appreciate the final design. Their frame and body looked structurally similar to a 1997 Jeep Cherokee. The additions from Brink engineers consisted of thicker metal plating, metal grated windows, a roof mounted gunner seat fitted with a 8×57 mm gatling gun, a large set of roof mounted flood lights, thick off road tires, and a subtle finish of dust brown paint. These things could handle just about anything The Badlands had to offer, and maybe more.

"W-what in Equestria?" Twilight whispered in awe.

"I'd be shocked to fined one of these in Equestria seeing as their of our design." I said patting her shoulder, I stepped ahead and addressed the drivers. "Elijah Foster of Division 8, 3-7-E-1!" I called out, giving them my digits.

The leading Jeep's driver side door clunked open revealing the helmet covered head of a Brink Soldier rising out.

"Sstaff Sergant Ssymbiote of 1st Infantry Divison, 7-5-H-9" She hissed through the her mask.

"Staff Sergant it's a pleasure to see you again, but what are you doing out on a escort operation?" I asked waving for the ponies to comer over.

"You're overssseer requested that I personally oversssee the operation as I am the only foot ssoldier familiar with you're more, advance designs. We had a few delayss getting our of the city thankss to these greenies." She hissed lightly cuffing a solider as he climbed out of the gunner seat.

"Don't be to hard on em', the only experience they've had with this stuff is in books and lectures." I chuckled. "You're the only one who's been allowed to see these designs before they were ever put into full production, it's to be expected you'd be chosen to show these guys how it's done."

"You say that now, just wait until ssee how nervous they get." She cackled, I could see the soldier cringe.

"When it's you staring somebody down, they have every right to be nervous. There's a reason it's you're face they put on all those enlistment posters" I poke as I began loading my things into the back.

"Don't be mean just because you're jealous, how can anyone not love this beautiful face." She laughed removing her helmet with an exaggerated flourish.

"CHANGELING!" Twilight shouted before all six of them took a fight posture.

`Oh yeah I forgot, their xenophobes.`I thought with a chuckle.

Chapter 7: Scorched Earth

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Chapter 7: Scorched Earth

As soon as I saw Twilight and Rarity's horns ignite I raised a barrier between us and them, Finna quickly beside us adding her own magic to it. Charon had both axes draw and Noir had vanished from sight. The sound of the three other gatling guns spinning up very quickly had them backing down. As soon as their magic dissipated I had my knife and revolver in hand before stomping up to Twilight. She shook like a leaf as I place the barrel of the weapon under my chin.

"If you ever raise a hand against one of my brothers or sisters, I will put a hole in that dense skull of yours." I pressed the barrel harder. "Am I clear?" She nodded.

With a grunt I walked back to the Jeep.

No one else said a word as we packed our belongings into the storage compartments and loaded in. Me, Twilight, Spike, Symbiote, and the Gnoll Pvt named Shank packed into the lead vehicle. The Noir, Charon, and Finna loaded with the others into the following units, Kodo opted to instead keep pace outside. I took the wheel as Pvt Shank manned the turret and Symbiote road shotgun, Twilight and Spike sat in the back looking at all of the equipment.

Turning the ignition on the engine roared to life with a deep rolling hum, hearing the other three start up I shifted into gear and speed off into the sands. I could barely contain my excitement as I drove over each dune and mound, it had been years since I was last behind the wheel of any kind of transport. The ride was smooth and there seemed to be no control or electronics issues, it was a notch above any human model. Looking in the rear view I saw Twilight and Spike clinging to the sides for dear life, behind us the other three transports took a similar approach and speed over each little bump and mound. To the left of us Kodo was finally able to stretch his legs as he easily ran at pace with us, while he was older than all of us it didn't show when in the desert.

"I take it these things didn't have any issues getting out to us!" I called to Symbiote over the wind.

"None we're aware of! Apart from a few minor sssetback at the departure, they covered more ground than any of our airships ever could in so little time!" She called back.

Falling in pace with the other drivers I looked to them and they each gave a thumbs up.

`Never doubted the boys in R&D for a minute.` I thought to myself.

"T-this kind of thing is normal for you people?!" Twilight whimpered as she watched the dunes zip past us.

"It will be if these things pass their final inspections, then mass production and distribution can begin. As for the excitement of it all, it comes standard with the job." I chuckled as Spike lost his grip and was sent scrambling in his seat.

Noting the radio in the dashboard I flicked it on and tuned to the cities one music broadcast, the signal was still to far but I could faintly make out the sounds of drums.

"They ever manage to get FM radios working?" I asked Sym.

"Not in the time you've been gone no, they've managed to increase range on AM and have made civilian radios properly functional but that's about it." She said tuning the station.

"I'm really impressed at how quickly The Brink has picked up things that took my people decade to understand." I smiled knowing it was slightly because of me.

"The theories and science existed before you came along, but without the designs you made it would have taken just as long." With a sharp pop the station's frequency rang loud and clear.

"To all the folks out there in the wastes, we here at S&CB radio wish you the best and wait for your return to The Brink. Today's broadcast is brought you by Long Haul Trading Co. "For all you're shipping needs." And now, time for some music to ease those nerves." A roaming band of musicians found their way to us a few years back, and to my infinite pleasure they had slightly modified covers of Glenn Miller. I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me as Moonlight Serenade played over the speakers.

Twilight and Spike had forgotten their fears as they looked in awe at the radio and listened to the music. Sym had here eyes closed and gently rocked her head to the rhythm. I couldn't help but gentle swerve through the dunes as the song played, the rolling waves of sand and gentle music almost made me forget I was in a different world than my own.

We road on listening to the various songs and rants played by the DJ, Twilight and Spike had calmed down and resigned themselves to watch the passing landscape and various creatures. The sun had passed it's height and had now begun it's decent, I gave a quick check to make sure the rest of the caravan was still with us. Before long the sun had shifted to a yellow hue and the tall rock formations of the Badlands cast their long shadows. I didn't like staying out in the open and had hoped to spot an outpost, but when one of the drivers pulled in front of me with his lights flashing those hopes were quickly stomped out.

Once he fell back I diverted our path for one of the rock formations, circling it a few times and making sure there were no nest we tucked ourselves against it's still illuminated side. With the rears of our Jeeps all facing the stone we filed out. Stepping out onto the sandstone ground I stretched wide and felt a few joints pop. I stopped Twilight and Spike doing the same, Sym and the other couple of changelings took a quick stretch flight around the perimeter. Twilight and her friends gathered in the middle and began assisting the other soldiers in setting up a few barricades between the Jeeps as well as a large fire pit.

A pair of fluffy arms draped around my neck as Finna hung to my back.

"Well what'd you think of the new units?" I asked as I carried her towards the middle.

"Their amazing, I've never seen something so heavy and bulky move that fast. These are common in your homeland?" She asked star eyed.

"These and more." I said placing a few prevision logs into the fire pit. "We have some that are smaller and more for luxury and class, other like this that are made for heavy duty work, and some that are made specifically for thrills and stunts."

I quickly halted the topic as I spotted Twilight and Rarity make their way to us.

"Um Mr. Foster I don't mean to be a bother but, where will we all be sleeping? I didn't see any camping equipment in those, things." The white unicorn asked.

"Well the seats collapse out into beds and we have blankets, we planned on fitting you all into the jeeps as well as our soldiers if we have room. Me and my team will be sleeping out here and taking watch with the Staff Sergeant and other officers." I frowned as she soon as she did.

"Oh well, yes I guess that's understandable. Sorry to bother you." She quickly walked off.

"Sorry about her, she's not one for roughing it." Twilight said quoting with her fingers.

"It's alright, I drew that conclusion when we meet." I said, with a snap the logs were set ablaze. " It doesn't bother me too much as long as she doesn't start bothering the soldiers. I'm also a bit stumped that we had to make a stop here, originally we had planned on staying at one of our outposts, but do to some technical difficulty we had to stop."

"We'll still make it there out of the desert right?" She asked with hesitation.

"Of course, the repairs are already almost done, but with the mobile units still in their prototype phase we can't run the risk of night movement or protection from certain natural events such as sandstorms and rad-storms."

"Rad-storms." I could almost hear her heart sink.

"Yeah, due to a lot of mining from Diamond Dogs and various creatures, large amounts of radioactive minerals have been brought to the surface. The large deposits of magnetic, magical, and reactive minerals that are found in the region can sometimes create a unique atmospheric conditions which allow for radiation to spread into the upper atmosphere and spread in a manner similar to fog and rain. Thus large sandstorm like conditions carry heavy amounts of radiation across the Badlands, but I wouldn't worry about it too much." Her head tilted deeply.

"How can I not worry, something like that could easily kill us all in a matter of minutes!" She hissed so as not to alert the others.

"Well first off the Jeeps have an in thick lead plating in between the inner and outer hull, this combined with a little arcane shielding will provide ample protection from the effects of such storms. Second Rad-Storms only occur maybe twice a month, and one passed through about a week ago." I stood up and cupped her cheeks, causing her to huff. "So quit worrying and take a look around, there's a lot of plant life and mineral deposits around here you won't find in Equestrian land."

"Fine, but you promise we'll all be safe." She said looking dead into my eyes.

"I will personally see to it you pass safely and intact into the gate of The Brink." Content with my answer she took our her notepad and quill and wandered off to the large formation that was our shelter.

After a few final check everyone had settled down around the fire with a few soldiers standing guard at the camps perimeter. Twilight was busy talking with Rarity about a number of gem deposits she wasn't familiar with deep within the rocks. Rainbow and Applejack were talking with one of the officers about his training and how strong he was because of it. Pinkie and Pvt Shank were busy cooking up something on the fire, it would probably taste good if the smell was anything to go by. Fluttershy in the meantime was content to sit against an old fallen tree cuddling a small Desert Mouse, the mouse itself seemed to find immeasurable joy in being held.

"With the plugs changed and the oil checked the Gen 1 should be riding just fine in the morning." Symbiote said showing a sketch of the problem, the Jeep's glow plug had overheated due to the energy gem providing too much power through the system. Our mechanic, a Gryphon named Dust Beak, told us we had dodged a bullet. If the crystal had forced the entire system to much it would have cause a full meltdown, and we would have been dead in the sand.

"Make sure you tell the Cpl. to ease up on the accelerator for the rest of the trip then, we'll have to remember to watch our speed until we can get R&D to work out the kinks." I said leaning back with a relived sigh. "I knew there'd be a few hiccups with the designs but I never thought about the added variables that arcane components would introduce." There were no human blueprints for how to add a crystal with the power of a small nuclear blast into a Jeep engine.

"At least we caught the problem, better it happen now as oppose to us being chased by something and one of our squads engines give out." She said folding up the papers and handing them to a passing soldier.

"True, just wish the problems didn't happen at all." I laughed, she chuckled and shook her head.

Before I could say anything else Finna tapped my shoulder.

"What's up?" I asked standing back up.

"We have something you need to hear." She said, looking past her I saw Charon and Noir standing at the edge of the camp.

"Alright." I gave Sym a nod which she returned before following Finna to the others.

Noir waved me over and I saw she had a letter in her hand.

"More orders?" I asked, she shook her head and handed me the paper.

"No, that message was sent to us directly from Baron Varkel. He says he knows what's been causing the disturbances in the other nations." I quickly scan over the letter, with every letter I could feel my blood boiling.

"Damn Ponies!" I growled through my teeth, I didn't need to see Charon's face to know it was holding back a storm of anger.

The letter was short, barely a paragraph, but it got the message across. In the each of the area's Celestia had asked us to investigate, a large Equestrian population was either located in the immediate area or very close by. It didn't take a genius to realize that the revolts were cause by the simplest flaw of sentient minds, racism. In the eastern nations of the Gryphons, Yaks, Beastkin, and Alpaca each of the larger riots and protests were in the middle of heavily Equestrian populated areas. It was the same for the west, south, and north. Any country or province outside Equestrian influence was perfectly fine apart from a few smaller occurrences such and general crime and civil dispute.

"We've been played." I huffed dropping the letter.

"Princess Sunbutt doesn't even realize her problems, are her own citizens." Noir said grabbing the letter and tucking it away.

"We're nothing more than fodder to them after all." Charon seethed. "If we know the causes then why are we still hear, we should be dropping those seven." He pointed to Twilight and her friends. "And drop them at the edge of the Badlands."

I paced back and forth for a good minute, scratching my head and taking deep breaths.

"Why not use this opportunity for ourselves." The three of us looked directly at Finna, she began to draw a small chart in the sand. "If the princess has given us full access and and support why not use it for our own gain. With their fund and the Directors' we could easily travel to more places to gather information and branch out our reach. Along the way we help resolve Equestria's more neutral partners problems in our own name rather than in the princess'. In doing so we could spread word about The Brink and put ourselves in the forefront of other nations good graces and slowly edge them away from Equestria while appearing innocent to the princess. So long as we can maintain an obedient soldier act."

We stared at Finna and her drawing, shocked at how quickly she spelled out what would have taken us months work out.

"That's perfect." Noir said kneeling next to the charts. "All we'd have to due is send Sunbutt the reports of our success in quelling any trouble and she won't think twice."

"We're already obedient pawns no matter how you look at it." I said grinning.

"Not to mention the more people who take interest in The Brink, the more the city it'self will grow." Charon said, he looked up and scratched his chin scales. "Should wealthy lord and noble take interest in either goods or services our economic growth could expand quickly, and with proper management large scale development and and improvements could be made. The list of complaints and construction issues would vanish rather quickly."

"Then it's a plan, as soon as we make it back we need to contact Director Nemis and give him a full report. If we're given the green light, we can make some real change for The Brink." I quickly began scrawling down our report as the others began to work out the finer details.

`The Jera girl really is something.` I heard Kodo's voice echo in my head.

`She sure is, I'm glad to stand by her.` I had to stop writing as I glance at her, her hair and eyes glimmered in the fire's light. Her crimson hair hanging limply in front of her deep blue eyes. `Deep blue?`

Sitting straight I blink just to make sure it wasn't a trick of the light, sure enough here eyes we a deep ocean blue.

`Her eye's are green, no wait teal.` I shook my head, calmly walking over to her I made sure Charon and Noir were busy.

"Hey Fi." She smiled up at me, her eyes a deep, deep blue.

"What is it." Her smile dropped as she noticed my flat expression. "What, what's wrong."

"You're eyes, they're blue." She looked confused before she glanced into one of the Jeep's mirrors. "Oh I never told you, my sight is link to my surroundings." It was my turn to look confused. "Depending on how I feel and what kind of magic is resonating near by my own magic reacts to my heterochromia."

"I thought that made a persons eye two different colors?" I asked.

"Normally it does, but not when half of my sight is formed around magic." I flinched as I realized what she meant.

"Fi, I'm sorry." I scratched my neck. "I just noticed and wanted to make sure you were okay."

She wrapped her arms around me. "It's alright, you were worried.I should have told you I was partially blind."

I shook my head. "I should just not be paranoid." I tilted her chin up and gave her a short kiss. "Come on it's late, Charon and Sym have the first watch."

Finna and I said goodnight and Charon and Noir and made our way to our sleeping rolls, we had them tucked under a small alcove in the rocks and quickly settled in. Finn wrapped her tail and arms around me as I threw my coat over the both of us.

"There's so much happening so soon, it makes you wonder when we'll really have time for ourselves." She whispered.

"This whole trip has been a lot more hectic than it should have been, to many stops and reroutes. Not to mention we never even made it to Canterlot as we had planned. But at least our main goals were achieved and now we have a new objective in line for us." I sighed, a little disappointed that things had managed to stray to far.

"Speaking of unfulfilled plans, you never told me why you needed drinking spirits to assist you in your battle against Princess Luna." I flinched.

"Eh, ha ha about that. I never expected her to go all out like she did. I had planned on using a rather unorthodox manner of fighting as a bit of a joke, but she didn't seem to go along with it." I weakly chuckled.

From her expression I could tell she was having a hard time believing what I had said. "You had planned to fight the War Princess while intoxicated, that is the most outlandish thing I have ever heard in my entire life. You are a crazy fool Elijah Foster." She sighed and hugged me closer. "But you are my fool."

I smiled and fell into her embrace.

---4:00 AM, Badlands---

A cold touch against my ear slowly roused me awake, Noir and one of the officers stood over me and Finna.

"Come on, it's our turn." She whispered as her and the soldier stepped away.

With a simple stretch and drink I carefully crawled from under the coat, I made sure Finna was still tucked in. Lazily I made my way to Noir who was currently sitting on top of her Jeep. Climbing up next to her she handed me a cup a light coffee. Smiling I took it and quickly drank half of it.

"Anything worth mention?" I asked looking out across the sand.

"A couple of Striders passed by, but they never cause any trouble." The Dune Striders are a reptilian creature native to the Badlands, they have long legs ranging from 10 to 15 feet that are as thick as Oak trunks. Their bodies are similar to that of a buffalo, but replace the fur with six inch thick scale plates. Their heads have a more narrow and insect like appearance with a long feeler like tongue hanging down constantly. Despite their rather horrific stature, they are the gentle giants of the Badlands and have been know to protect smaller creatures and even people from some of the more hostile inhabitants. But should one ever become hostile, it would take at least a full Division team to stop it.

"Is it already time for another migration? Last I heard they were still mainly near Salt Bed Canyon." With a bit of scrying I manage to see the large tracks of the the Striders. The deep four pronged craters were unmistakable, and from the number of tracks at least three passed us by.

"No this looked like a group of younger ones, probably off trying to find their own territory." Noir said shrugging.

"So long as they don't get to close I guess it doesn't matter." I could feel the sun begin to grow warmer, it was time to go.

Turning back to camp I saw Applejack and Pinkie were already up and eating, Fluttershy and Twilight were slowly beginning to shake themselves away, Rainbow and Rarity were still dead asleep in the back of the Jeep. Shaking my head I waved for the soldiers to start loading up, the two of them would wake up when things got bumpy or during pack up.

It took a little less than an hour to pack, Rainbow and Rarity still asleep in the back of their Jeep. I noticed the driver looking and me, I gave him and knowing grin and nodded. As the rest of the gear was loaded and everyone was filed in the sound of multiple engines roaring to life earned us all two loud shrieks. As the driver laughed he took the lead and sped out into the desert, we followed as he took point the radio now playing a dancers tune.

---

The winds had picked up about an hour after we got back on the move, and from the winds and loose sand a small dust storm had kicked up. Visibility was pretty low and the Jeeps' fog lights were useless in the dust as it was too dense for the light to be anymore than an inconvenience. Twilight and Spike looked out from their window trying to see the lights of the other vehicles. With frequent radio chatter I assured them we had not lost the others nor our course.

"Mr. Foster?" I glanced back to see Spike had moved to a seat closer to me.

"Something on your mind?" I asked shuffling around to face him.

"Kinda, I was wondering if you could tell me a bit about your home." He asked nervously.

"Sure what do want to know, the Brink isn't that big but it has a lot to offer?" I chuckled leaning against my seat.

He shook his head. "That's not what I meant, I meant "your" home." I felt my smile shift to a sad grin.

"Ah that, I guess it's okay. Just nothing personal or related to The Brink." I glanced over to see Sym was talking over the radio, Twilight was still gazing out the window, and our Pvt Shank was passed out in his seat.

"Well what was it like, was it more like Equestria or the Badlands?" His eyes were fixed on me.

"That's a bit complicated to answer, you see I'm not from this planet at all but that's pretty obvious." He nodded. "My world is pretty similar to this one in terms of climates and geography. This world has far more variety in plants and animals thought, where I'm form things like squirrels, raccoons, cats, and dogs and what have you are common. But we don't have things like Manitcores or Ursa Majors, at worst to known science we have Grizzly Bears. We also don't have magic or arcane science." That caught him off guard

"No magic." He whispered making sure Twilight didn't hear.

"That's right, nothing but tricks and careful deceit. And before you asked my people didn't control the weather or the sun and moon." The little drakes eyes couldn't have gotten any wider. "If you follow the modern accepted version of evolution then it is to be believed that my people evolved over a few thousand or so years from stone hammering apes, to space breaching intellectuals."

"You've been to space?" He asked in wonder.

"Not me personally no, but a number of people have gone to our planets outer orbit and even to our moon." His jaw was rolling along the floor. "Since we came from nothing my species has always had a habit for change, be it good or bad. We've had our low points just like any civilization in history, and just like others we've had our grand moments."

"What about your people, are most people like you?" I chuckled and shook my head.

"I won't and can't even begin to explain humans, to put us in a simple context. We're all different apart from what makes us human, whether we get along or hate one another is all reliant on one upbringing and personal traits."

"Wow, I wish I could see your world." He sat back thinking deeply.

"Well when we get back to The Brink I'm sure you'll see a number a things I've brought over and adapted. I know the Directors and the Baron are certainly interested in Equestria, so they'll no doubt be giving you all an up close look at our more interesting developments. After all, it's not everyday and outsider is given a direct summons by the Baron himself." I smiled and turned back to the howling storm outside.

A while later received a radio ping form an outpost, it was a beacon post. In an array like pattern around The Brink eight radio outpost had been erected as an early warning system and welcoming point for returning agents. The ping was a series of Morse Code that indicated the city was within 50 miles. The stations also operated as distribution points for anyone in need of supplies or just a place to rest. Deciding it was best to give everyone a bit of time to stretch their legs Sym and I signaled for the rest of the convoy to regroup.

The facility itself was nothing to impressive to us, but I couldn't say the same for our seven passengers. The radio tower was about 8 floors high and rested on top of a two story communications center. Two bunkhouses and a mess hall surrounded it with a bathhouse in between the bunks. The grounds themselves were surrounded by a 10 foot concrete wall and a single guarded gate. As we pulled up I spotted to Gnoll sentries wave to us then to one another. With the throw of a switch the large metal gates slid open allowing us inside.

With the engine off I hopped out of the window and stretched against the side of the Jeep.

"I had hoped the boys in R&D would have tried to make the seat a bit more comfy for long drives." I said as Sym walked around the side.

"If they made everything perfect they would run out of reasssonsss for ussss to come back." She giggled.

"Well we'll only have to put up with it for a few more hours, once we get back I'm hoping for a little downtime before we get sent back out." I let out a deep sigh. "This will probably be our longest mission to date."

Sym just nodded and shrugged before going to check up on her soldiers.

As the local crew went to work on the Jeeps I located Finna and the others.

"I cannot wait to return home, I miss my library." Charon sighed looking at a small book he had long since finished and re-read.

"I miss Le Fatale." Noir huffed laying across the hood of a Jeep. Le Fatale was a rather popular high society theme lounge in the upper districts of The Brink. It was a place where you could find a bounty on a very wanted person or loose all your money on an excessively large variety of alcohol.

"I miss my damn bed, spent an entire paycheck on that mattress and I've used it all of two times." Don't judge me for not having anything better to do.

"I suppose I don't have much waiting for me there." Finna said jokingly.

"That's right you've only stated at our HQ for a couple days at best." Noir said rolling over to face her. "I suppose you'll be moving in with Eli however." She grinned like the cat she was.

"I suppose so." Finna happily replied leaning against me.

"I have no complaints, I just hope you don't mind mind the monster in my closet." I laughed, she did to. "But for real don't go in my closet, it's a pain in the ass to get the little shit back inside once's it's moving around." She stopped laughing.

Chapter 8: Life on the Edge

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Chapter 8: Life on the Edge

Within a few hours of stopping for a break the dust storm had died down to small gusts of sand and silt. Our convoy was quickly on the move again with our arrival time being slightly before noon. This time however our group was rather silent, apart form the odd to sentence jokes between the soldiers. It was rather obvious Twilight and Spike were nervous, both of them were quietly talking the back of the
Jeep about how they should present themselves. Looking out from my window I could see Charon was riding on top of his assigned unit, he wore a strained expression as talons scraped against the roof. I looked into the Jeep to see a pink blur that could only be Pinkie bouncing around inside, the driver was taking quick glances at his door every now and then.

I couldn't help but feel pity for the unfortunate man, I could only imagine how hard he was trying to maintain his composure and not simply leap from the moving vehicle. I thought about swapping with him to give him a break, but I wasn't really one to empathize, I only recognize others' plight and laugh about it later.

Apart from a desperate call from said driver for a transfer, the rest of the ride was uneventful. Due to The Brink's constant mobilization of armed forces the presence of local hostile entities within the relay outposts' perimeter was kept at a constant low. The only real threats this close to the city were Grue and Burrowers, but both were easily kept at bay with arcane light wards and seismic prevention methods. In no time at all we began to see the local guard patrols made up off mounted units or aerial recon teams. Many of them kept pace for a time to greet us and see the newcomers, and while none of them were too thrilled to meet the ponies they welcomed them none the less. No one in the entire city apart form the Baron or the Directors had any real say as to who comes and goes, it was part of the cities original decree that no one may be denied access based on nationality or history, so long as they agree to a three week observation period and set aside any racist or oppressive/judgmental behavior.

While the entire idea sounded inviting it did lead to a lot of trouble early on, at first the city was little more than an sanctuary for criminals such as serial killers and crime lords. But when the Directors came to power and began to do the Baron bidding the city was quickly changed, laws and more detailed regulations were set into place. A local militia became the local law enforcement, and many of the previous mercenaries and thugs were reformed and put into therapy were they would then either join the Guard or the Military. Once a large scale government and council was formed the city's infrastructure grew and a more civil way of life developed. Within two years the city had seen it's largest shift until the introduction human technology, it had grown from a lawless shantytown into an orderly but accepting society of diverse cultural exchange. It original intended purpose had come to be.

You are free to hate and criticize anyone in The Brink, so long as you do not take action to actively oppress another's beliefs just because they do not follow yours. Many religions and traditions all operate within the city but no violence has ever occurred between them, just as the Directors had first intended. A mutual understanding of one another's beliefs, and an acceptance of one another's differences too create a harmonized coexistence. While it's far more complex than that I'm just too damn lazy to really explain any deeper, it's a functional system of acceptance and I'm not about to question it now.

"Home sssweet home boysss." I hear Sym hum into the radio.

The towering walls of The Brink quickly grew as we approached, the mountain that surrounded the Brink now a towering over us. Using a pair of binoculars I could already make out the large portcullis at the far end of the city which lead to the Directors council and the Baron himself.

"And it's not even lunch yet." I chuckled before shifting back to our guests. "A few quick things, when you're in the city it would be wise not to question anything okay. Nobody's gonna mess with you but if you so much as give a dirty look we'll have to fight our way to our HQ got it." Twilight and Spike nodded looking nervous. "Lighten up, it's not bad at all. Some things may seem weird to you but to us and them it's normal, and you most likely won't see anything too extreme." I chuckled as they just nodded still panicked.

The other drivers pulled closer to us as we reached the gate, I could see two soldiers from the far left and right Jeeps stand from the gunners position and signal the gate guards. We slowed our pace on approach to let Twilight and her friends watch the gates. Two slabs of compacted granite standing at ten stories high and thirty feet thick. Both slabs had a mirrored image of a large dragonoid creature, this was the most realistic image of the Baron most people would ever see. Through the gap of the gate I could see the familiar market hub, the stacked buildings and connecting bridges and arches. I hadn't been able to enjoy them before being sent off to Equestria, but it felt nice to be home again without the hustle and hurry of having a foreign dignitary in a sack. I was able to wave to familiar faces and even greet a few friends as our slow pace now allowed them to keep up at a walking pace.

I could see Twilight and Spike looking out the windows at the tall but old buildings.

"This place is incredible, the structure shows care and precision but the buildings themselves look thrown together. And I've never seen so many pon... people living together, I mean there's Griffons, Minotaur, and..." I drowned her out as I watched the crowed, a group of children hung from the sides of the jeeps giggling as the lumbering metal frames bounced and rocked on the rough roads.

After leaving the crowded market the roads opened a bit more and we easily made our way back to the soldiers barracks where the Jeeps were stored and maintained. Standing in the doorway to the barracks was our Overseer. As I climbed out the Jeep I waved for the others to come over. The ten of us, as Kodo had opted to simply sunbathe on the hood of a jeep, stiffly walked over to the waist high imp.

"Overseer." I saluted.

"Foster." he saluted back. "I see you've successfully returned the prince as well as escort these emissaries back safely." He gave the ponies and young dragon.

"Yes sir, apart from bad weather on the venture there we had no real trouble. However during our stay in the desert a small group of Striders seems to be migrating from their normal path, it may be a good idea to inform our scouts and put out a notice to any hunters or traders." I said handing him a small report I had written on the drive back. "I'll have a more complete record in by tomorrow morning, I've had little time to document as other matters have kept me occupied."

"Very good Foster, the Directors will be happy to know operation was a success. Also, I shall be in a meeting with Director Nemis tomorrow so leave your report with my assistant." He said looking over the paper.

"Understood sir." I saluted once more and he left back inside.

"Um Mr. Foster." Looking back to Twilight nodded. "The Princess said we would most likely be staying here for a time while we work things out with the new trade system, but there wasn't anything about where we would be staying?"

"Odd, but not a problem. Not to far from our home is the foreign embassy building, it's a larger sized building with rooms for any temporary officials. Follow us so we can get your things squared away and you can head there for your accommodations." Normally most VIP guests would stay in the bunks where the operating Section lived, but our home was too ill equipped to comfortably host all seven of them.

"Then we'll follow you." She agreed.

The walk to the Embassy from the Barracks wasn't very far and our home was only three streets over. The basic structure of The Brinks roads weren't very organized and had been made to work on the very minimum, they curved and were poorly maintained to put it plainly. The ponies kept to themselves and when any of the residents would greet us or walk with us they made a point not to engage in the conversations. Spike on the other hand was the total opposite, he would openly but politely ask questions. I could see Charon grin from time to time at his antics.

Climbing the steps to the entrance of the Embassy quickly cleared the gathering however, any locals knew a fence wasn't needed. While the building was only slightly cleaner and had a more presentable appearance compare to most of the cities buildings, everyone knew what is was. The mark of The Directors was the only warning needed. Anyone who had been in the city longer than a week knew what would happen if you caused trouble near that mark. It was an unwritten and unspoken rule that unless you had a reason to be there you never went near a government or official building.

Inside the building took on a much different look. The floors were a clean and waxed redwood and the walls professionally painted with either murals or vibrant warm colors. Each room had different furniture to accommodate different races, we even had a lower dungeon area for our more grim allies. The hostess at the front desk immediately stood straight when the doors opened.

"Hello sirs and madams, how may I help you." She said.

"Hello to you as well Amelia." Alice was a sheep, or this world equivalent as she stood on tow hooves. Sheep in this world like ponies were one of the sentient natives to the planet, they lived further west across the ocean in the small island nation of Ram's Peak. "We're looking for lodging for seven Equestrian emissaries, do you have any rooms available?"

She flicked through her ledger before marking several checks. "Yes we have the appropriate space with adequate furnishings." She rang a small bell next to the large book and a tall lanky figure strode from one of the hallways

"Yes Ms. Lots?" I didn't recognize the man, but I knew what he was immediantly.

"Would you mind escorting these ladies and sir to rooms 23 through 29?" She asked.

He nodded before turning to Twilight as she was closest. "Shall I carry your things." She nodded and handed him her bag, as he turned to the others all but Rainbow handed him their things. They seemed shocked her could carry so much so easily, but I wasn't surprised. "Right this way." He said before ascending up a flight of stairs.

As the the group began to leave I called out. "We'll be back here in two hours to show you Trade Departments, if you need us our home is three streets to the sound of here with our mark hanging out front." I barely got a wave before they were out of sight.

"I'll make sure they have an escort anytime they should need to leave the premises." Alice chimed.

"Thank you Alice, I'd take them myself but our Overseer wants a complete report and we still need to stop by requisition to order replacements for somethings." I sighed thinking about the paperwork.

Her woolly hair bounced as she laughed. "It's no trouble Elijah, I'll make sure to keep an eye on them while you're busy."

I gave her grateful nod before turning to leave.

As soon as we were outside I checked the rounds in my revolver, with the cylinder loaded I turned to Noir.

"He's not one of mine." She quickly stated.

"One of what?" Charon asked.

"The tall guy in there." I nudged my head back to the building as I started down the steps. "He's the western region's version of a Necron, but their scientific names are Necrotia Sapiens were as ours are known as Necrotia Neanderthalensis."

"With that in mind, how are his kind connected to Noir?" He asked looking to said panther who was trying to avoid his gaze.

"Years back when I was a different cat, I had a number of them serve under me. Many of them still bare a grudge towards me for simply abandoning them and the rest of my clan back in the savanna." I could see her claws clenching into her hands, but they relaxed as Charon put a hand on her shoulder.

"Regardless of your past you need not worry, so long as our group is strung together we have little to fear." He said, I could see a hint of a smile on her face as we continued towards home.

Finna leaned against my shoulder as we walked and the four of us quickly found ourselves walking at an even pace down the now busy streets. A few acquaintances stopped to greet us and relay the latest interests of the city, not much of real note apart from further development of phone lines. I hadn't seen many since we arrived as phones were a rarity and were simply more compact radios that utilized landline, and had few channels of communication. From the main road I could see a number of new poles erected in the Business and Baron's Districts, the Residential and Marketing Districts had as few as ever. Once we crossed into Residential the welcoming sight of home was the first thing to greet us. Our banner flapped in the slow breeze that filtered through the city and I could see Kodo had made his way back and was now napping happily on the roof.

With no ceremony at all I kicked the doors open and stumbled inside, the cool dry air a much needed blessing. I could hear Charon unstrap his armor and the quiet thump of Noir falling on a couch in the main room. I slung my coat over a large rack and kicked my shoes into the corner.

With a tired shamble I made straight for the kitchen, the tile floor and stone counter tops were clean and dusted and the Icebox had a few bottle of water and fruit missing.

`Gotta remember to leave a note and some cash for our janitor.` I smirked as I took a mango from the box.

I noticed Finna had wandered in looking around at the mix of items Noir, Charon, and I had collected over the years.

"You've been to many places yes?" She asked looking at a large bone wind chime.

"We often get sent out all over the continent, our operations are usually short in nature but the trips are long and give plenty of time to take in the local aesthetic." I pointed to a small painting next to the door. "That is a genuine painting from the famous Zebracan artist Serwa Everstar, I was by myself for the mission as a bodyguard. To this day the country is still at war with itself, most people think all of the fighting and rebellion had ended when Councillor Gamba stepped down. But if you believed that you'd be wrong, things got much worse." I twirled the half eaten fruit in my hand.

"I had heard of the conflict within the Zebra's country but I know little about what has occurred." She said sitting in the chair next to me. "My people are close to the Yaks and in the past the Crystal Empire, but it is not enough to gather decent information about the world outside our cities."

I cleared my throat. "Well the conflict has been pretty much on going for years before my arrival, things are just more low key and kept out of sight these days. The tribes that made of the Zebra's home country never got along well to begin with, so when a central government was established and pretty much forced them together it created massive tension. One assassination led to another and before you could say genocide the country was at war with it'self. You had thirty different tribes all going at each other under the same flag, confusion and fear made up the first few years before warlords began to take control. Some tribes grouped together or took over others to form larger clans to fight with. This went on for ten years before the Equestrian Allies had enough, their intervention was the only thing that stopped the country from tearing it'self apart."

"If the Equestrians and their alliance ended the fighting then, why is it continuing occurring today?" She asked.

I gave a halfhearted chuckle. "Well that's were I came in, you see after about a year of forced peace the more intelligent clans took over and made themselves the ruling government under sight of the Equestrians. But they weren't completely clear in the end, the Griffins took notice of the changes in staff in various departments of government. They had no choice but to watch as the warlords legally set themselves into positions of elected power, their numbers were so great and their influence so wide spread they didn't need to kill to take power. The democracy Equestria tried to help establish folded in on itself, the only good thing they ever really accomplished was swept away so fast it was barely kept on record." I had to stop for breath, Finna looking slightly worried.

"With the Warlords able to use the rules Equestria had set to their advantage they became able to do whatever they wanted under the appearance of political decree. All they had to do was list those they wanted to get rid of as criminals or terrorists and they had complete authority to execute them. And the Equestrian Alliance couldn't do a thing without starting total war, and if things came to that the country would collapse for good." I looked back at the painting, the warm colors of the savanna landscape did a good job at hiding the evil that inhabited it.

"And this Serwa woman? What role does she play in this.

I grinned and shook my head. "Sorry for the history lecture. Anyhow, due to the rampant corruption and murder more and more rebel groups sprang to live. I was a first hand witness to this due to my mission, Ms. Everstar was a large supporter to the resistance movement and thus a large target. I was hired to protect and escort her out of the country, she was famous for making landscape and portrait paintings. Once the rebellion began she began making "anarchistic" and "seditious" propaganda, the country's new leader Councillor Gwandoya had her labeled as public enemy number one."

"I assume it was the rebels who asked you for help in saving her." Finna said staring at the small piece of art.

"Correct, they anonymously contacted one of the Directors who then sent word to the Overseer's building where I was chosen as the most suitable agent for the job. I was sent out to the eastern coast of Zebraca where I took an armored train one hundred miles inland, the train was actually on it's way to provide support for a larger battle thus making my trip one way. I first met Serwa in a small encampment a few miles from the station, she was calm and collect despite having just fled an active war zone. It was so surreal looking back, here I was a guy who had only been in this world for a little over a year helping a runaway artist escape a massive civil war." I couldn't help but laugh remembering our first encounter. "I found her in the command tent covered in dirt, bruises, and tattered clothes while having tea with the commander, she said I looked lost when I just stared at them for a good five minutes."

"I take it she was nice." Finna said smiling again.

"She was, she was polite and made time to talk with the other soldiers to cheer them up and motivate them. They said she was like and angel bestowing them with fortune and courage. This woman had crossed through hell and somehow managed it with a pure smile and positive outlook on life, if you were to enter and rebel controlled area you would see her face to be their greatest source of morale." I waved at the painting. "That is the last piece of art she made before the war, there isn't a zebra alive who wouldn't trade their mother and wife for this. She told me to take it and keep it safe, she wanted her last pure work of art to escape that place. It has greater sentimental value than anything else in the building, and I say that over my last trinkets of home." I sighed before continuing to eat my fruit.

"She wanted to be safe, to be untouched by war and hate. To be looked at as an expression of her emotions and not just another image to be lost in war." Finna said taking a much closer look at the humble piece.

"Pretty much, that's probably the most valuable painting in the world right now. " I said tossing the last bits of mango in the trash.

"So you put it in your kitchen?" She turned back with a questioning stare.

I looked back trying to think of something to say, but I had no words. A small smile spread across my lips as I began to fall into a fit of giggles, I felt my chest shake as I roared with laughter. I had never thought about where I had put it, the sentiment seemed more important than the presentation. I fell to the floor as I rolled around gasping for breath, my was head light and my cheeks were sore from laughter. I was barely able to make out Finna's giggling face through the tears in my eyes. I hear the thumping of Charon's feet as he entered the kitchen.

"Is something the matter?" He asked looking between the two of us in confusion.

We simply waved him off trying to get our wits back together, it took a while.

---Division 8 Residence---

After relocating the painting above our central fireplace I showed Finna around our home, while large in size it had many empty rooms. The only places of note were our rooms, the kitchen, main room, the cellar forge and workshop, library, yard, and bathroom. The bathroom was two rooms converted into restrooms with the original bathroom becoming a large bathtub.

"You home is quiet large, a dozen whole families could live hear." Finna said looking into another simple bedroom.

"The other Divisions are much larger than ours with numbers comfortably fitting into homes such as these, Division 8 is the smallest of them all and was intended to grow. But you're our first new member since Charon." I said leading her back to my room.

`Guess it may be our room now.` I thought glancing at the dark furred fox.

My room was a bit of a mess.

My bed and the side table next to it were clean if a bit stacked with books, the shelves and desk however were covered with stacks of papers and schematics. The smooth wood floor had been stained darker by countless burns and chemical spills, and the constant smell of roses for reasons unknown to me.

"My brother's home is much like this room, disorganized but navigable." She said walking over to one of the bookshelves. "Are these all books from your home?"

I chuckled. "Kind of, I've written down as many things as I can remember about my home in these journals. Some of them are important events others are instructions on various devices and machines and how to build them."

Before I could go off on another tangent a sudden knocking sound came from my closet. The two of us look to said door, it's frame covered in sealing runes and a large desk.

"I didn't think you were serious." Finna said backing away from the door.

"I wish I was joking to, that little pain in the ass has been in there for months. I've been searching for a way to get rid of it but I've had no such luck." I huffed, another knock came from the door. "I just slide an ice rune under the door when I want to sleep, put's him out for a about eight hours and leaves him dreary for another two."

"What is he?" She asked sitting on one of the many chairs.

"A Salamander, pretty small one but tricky enough to keep getting back in here. After he snuck back in the first two times I emptied this closet and fireproofed it, now it's his room." I scrawled a small run onto a small bit of paper and lid it under the door.

Panicked screeching and clambering could be heard before a deep boom rang out and a light frost poured from under the door.

"Was that necessary?" Finna asked peeking her the door.

"As much as I don't want to torture the little thing it's the best I can do until I can find a way to keep it from coming back. I've tried flying out to the Dragonlands and leaving it there but it found it's way back here before I did. Can't kill it because it's a fae and it would come back later pissed off. Not even Charon or Kodo can speak to it, I tried and nearly got burned to ash." I ran a hand over the seals to make sure they were still good.

"If we happen to find ourselves cross paths with my clan we may be able to ask our scholars for help, all manner of sprites and goblins live in the forests surrounding our mountains." She said standing back up.

"Chances are we'll meet them as we'll need to cross those mountains to reach the Frozen North, in fact it may be our first stop as the nomadic dog clans of the north are one of the may who have reported issues with their equine neighbors. And given that we're supporting Equestria we'll have access to their trains which lead straight by their land. It will be the simplest location to reach as all others required less efficient means of transport. I'm not looking forwards to crossing the sea." I shuddered at the thought of the various creature that inhabited those waters.

"We'll be leaving the continent?" Finna asked with no small amount of surprise.

"Yep while the surprisingly the Dragonlands here in Equestria are rather remote and rarely has any interaction with Equestria, however on the eastern continent of Serefall is the real home to dragons and their capital Ember's Peak. The kingdom and Avalon has also asked for help, King Oberon himself apparently went to Celestia to ask for the removal of ponies from their land." I looked over to my desk were the letter from the Overseer detailed our mission. "I don't know why he asked for them to be gone but it can't be good, Faefolk are pretty well know for their patience and tolerance. I can't really imagine the ponies being able to cause them trouble enough for their king to want them gone."

When I looked back I could see Finna looking out the window.

She gave a wistful sigh before giving me a gentle smile. "While the conditions won't be as ideal as I'd like, I believe it's safe to say we shall be seeing much of this world, yes?"

I chuckled and scratched me head. "As much as I don't like dealing with other people's problems, this is going to be one hell of a ride." Giving a few good stretched I took Finna's hand and stood her up. "We're going to be away for a while so let's enjoy some time home time until then." She giggled as I lead her out the door, leaving the room empty of all but the sound of a snoring salamander.

---Charon and Noir---

The two had decided pretty quickly upon returning home to catch up on what they'd missed over their two previous assignments. They had also decided to it in each others company, one platonic the other wishing not so much the same. Charon had never been one to express himself in the past, and that had not changed in the present. This made any social interactions take on a very one sided tone, usually in the form of his engaged acquaintance doing most the talking while he put in little input here and there.

It also meant that anytime he tried to engage himself in conversation of a social matter, it was rather awkward. His comments would usually be sudden and short or even off topic. It did little for his confidence when around the only person in the world he had feeling for, and it hurt even more when she asked him why he was "always so quiet" even if it was a harmless jab. To him it may as well have been a train.

The two were currently accompanied by a friend of Noir's another cat, a tigress, named Amelia. Currently her and Noir were gossiping on about the sudden presence of more ponies. It hadn't taken long for word to spread in Equestria about a new exotic city in the desert, having gone from a handful suddenly whole airships had arrived dropping of tourists, researchers, explorers, and any who found an alluring presence in the Badlands. While they were pleasantly received and many of the local businesses were booming, an air of uncertainty hung over the two. They knew full well it was only a matter of time before even the smallest spark set off those who held disdain for these new invaders.

"You wouldn't believe how busy the shop has been lately. Before it was about ten customers a day picking out this and that, know I have whole shelves going. I've even been able to close early a few times because I could't keep up with demand." Amelia laughed, she was a well known jeweler and made all products by hand. But only having two other partners to assist her the sudden flow of business had left the trio bought out daily.

"I'm glad to hear you're doing well for yourself Amy, you should think about expanding. The room next to you're shop has been vacant for a while now, why not buy it and make it an addition? More space and a few more workers to keep up and you'll be set." Noir proposed.

"I might but I should see if this will be a constant thing, if after a month things die down I could be out a lot of money after so many large investment and more employees. Not to mention if I couldn't afford the bills I'd loose the entire shop." Amy said giving a dismissive wave. "But I will keep it in mind I can hold a constant larger income. But seriously enough about me what have you two and your friend Elijah been up to, I heard it was you three who set all this up after a being sent on a diplomatic mission of peace." She said with a jokingly haughty tone.

"Actually it was the four of us, a new girl recently joined up with us." Noir said holding up four digits.

"Oh really, it's about time you stopped being the only gal in your group. I can only image having two big brutes for company." she laughed giving Charon a small nudge, the drake tried to give an honest chuckled but it came out as a scrapping groan. "Still as grumbley as ever." She laughed giving his arm a quick hug. "Oh speaking of brutes need to get back before my break ends. Are we still on for tonight?" She asked as she began to head off.

"Yeah! I'll see if I can't drag my brutes along to!" Noir called before Amelia was lost in the crowded street.

"Are we really so brutish?" Charon asked, trying as best he could not to sound genuinely hurt.

"Of course not and you should now, if she saw how we really operate she might flip her views on the two of us to be honest." Noir laughed mercifully not picking up the drakes downtrodden tone.

Slightly uplifted by her comment the pair continued their way trough the city to their previous destination, the requisitions office. It was located in the business district of the city and just centered enough to the edge to be easily accessible by the other districts as well, this was key as all other divisions as well as the local soldiers used it as the main center for supply distribution for any and all missions.The pair were currently on their way to turn in their request orders as well as drop off their dirtied equipment. Charon had taken the liberty of bringing Finna and Elijah's personal effects, not just to be kind but to have something to constantly occupy himself with so Noir would not notice his rather rigid behavior.

The office it'self was four stories high with a larger underground storage vault bellow, it was a fairly remarkable in appearance. Tucked between two larger buildings bordering the market and business streets, it was painted a dull sandy yellow and natural wood brown. It was a rather easily unnoticed location as no signs were present and it did not have the Baron's mark, even many local residents didn't know the buildings purpose. This was all however intentional, as within the vaults lay many of The Brink's vital documents such as blueprints of various weapons and machines, as well as the structural layout of the entire city. It was the third most guarded building int he city as within the walls and even under the floors of the vault lay in wait a small army of automated sentries, ready to defend the city's most important source of information.

As the two casually strode closer to the building it became quickly apparent how guarded the building was, anyone with a quick eye could see a number of rather inconspicuous individuals quickly focus their gaze towards them. A shop hand sorting inventory just so happened to move to a more convenient shelf, a beggar ever so slightly lifting his head, and the kind lady hanging her laundry having trouble getting a clip to hold. All the while to the normal passer by nothing would have ever noticed a thing.

At the sound of the doors to the office closing the light clicking of a revolver's hammer could be heard.

Once inside the atmosphere took a rather sharp turn, cool air washed over the two as their feet clack across cold linoleum floor and blue florecent lights lit the room. A number of employees walked past, one in a more formal attire while the other was covered whole by a protective environmental suit. At every door stood two modestly armed guards, the main lobby had two rows of benches lining the walls with random potted plants dotting every so often. The main desk near the far end of the hall was circled by protective glass, behind the glass sat a thin figured Changeling. Her eyes and membrane skin were a dull amber and contrasted the blue glow around her.

"Lady Noir Master Charon, I'm pleased to see you two have returned from not one but two mission safely." She said sliding closer to the opening in the glass. "I do wish the tow of you and your friend would follow procedure a bit more and stop by here every time you return from and operation, as it is stated in every briefing." She said with a small growl.

"Sorry Mimi, but the last one was sprung on us the last minute and we didn't have anytime." Noir said scratching the back of her head.

The changeling sighed before shaking her head. "Anyway, I take it you two are here to drop off your orders?" She asked already twirling a pen in her fingers.

Charon slid five orders through to her. "We recently received a new agent to our Division. A fox kin named Finna Jera from the Northern Clans, she's most likely filed under and enlisted but she should be sorted in with our files." He said tapping the fifth sheet.

"A fox huh? I'd heard they never really left their clans, they always went out for about a year or two before returning home." Mimi said checking off a number of items. "I know for a fact they don't take active roles in any other problems but their own, they prefer solitude to work on their weird sciences."

"Weird science?" Noir asked cocking a brow.

"Yeah, from what we've gathered their actually pretty advance despite their appearance. Where we use more logic based and material science, theirs is heavily based around magic and logic. They use systems as advance as our but due to the use of arcane involvement it only looks primitive. They have functional electrical grids and even their own sort of radios that operate using gems to send and receive audio." With every word Charon and Noir could only draw more and more questions about their new companion.

"Where is any of this documented? I've worked as one of the top field agents for years now and I've never heard a word about this." Noir demanded almost pressing her muzzle against the glass.

Holding up her hands with a sigh Mimi looked back to the fox's order. "You know as well as I that information isn't distributed as it's received, unless you directly asked for it you would have never been told out of necessity. Our partner ship with their architects and scientists is pretty out of site, but not for any real reason. The Directors took interest in their methods and though to combined them with our own, and it's worked well for the past two years. The light in this building are powered using sapphires, the blue light isn't for show. The entire building is kept cold by that light to preserver fragile physical documents." She said waving a hand around.

"What about Elijah, he's provided the largest amount of technological support this place has ever seen. We wouldn't even have half of some of our simplest luxuries like plumbing and air conditioning, for fucks sake most of our weapons to." Noir wasn't the easiest individual to rile up, but when someone did it never ended pretty for somebody.

Pinching the bridge of her nose the changeling sighed. "You'll have to ask him yourselves, I don't know who was given a direct report of our dealings with every foreign policy we instate." She stamped each of the papers before sending them through into the processing room. "If you're curious enough I suggest you speak with Eli, he can point you to who told him about it and they can help you more." Sliding a metal pane over the gap the Changeling slid back to her previous project leaving the two in silence.

As Noir seethed she felt Charon's massive claw on her shoulder. "Come on, Elijah and Ms Jera are expecting us to meet with the Equestrians in a little while."

Noir tensed up for a moment before letting out a long sigh. "You're right, and I have more than a few questions for him myself."

With sulking steps Noir made her way towards the door Charon close behind on their way to join back up with their now enigmatic companions.

Chapter 9: The Brink: Part 1

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Chapter 9: The Brink

The streets were normally pretty busy around the Market District, but now that the gate were more open to ponies and the like, things had become even more hectic. It was a constant butting of shoulder to shoulder and side to side, and even the occasional odd grope. Finna and I had managed to stick close to one another as we made our way to the Baron District again for the tour we were suppose to give to Twilight Sparkle and her friends. I knew Charon and Noir planned to meet us their and I'd have to make sure Charon kept his cool, lest he burn one of them for saying something that might offend him.

Thankfully things cleared up as many tourists had no business in the Baron District and we were able to move quicker. By the time we arrived at the embassy I could see Charon and Noir sitting just outside, Noir seemed to have changed into a more sensible clothing. She now wore a deep aquamarine dress that hung just bellow the shins and had layered frills on each arm and around her neck, she also now had on one of her pairs of black knee high boots. Charon had simply decided for a deeper red button up and dark pants complete with a belt, it looked oddly contrasting to his usually formal wear.

"What's the occasion?" I chuckled as we walked up on the two.

"I thought we may as well look nice if were going to act nice." She dug around in a small bag and threw a change of clothes two me and Finna. "You're going along with this whether you like it or not." She said with a smile.

Looking at the new clothes I shook my head and sighed. "Alright let's head inside and while Twilight get's her friends we'll get changed."

As Noir and Charon spoke the the receptionist me and Finna went to get changed. "Does she normally pick your wardrobe for you." Finna teased nodding at the rest of my clothes.

I chuckled. "Sometimes when she's out she'll come back with whole sets she bought for me and Charon, then force us to try them on as show off for her." I grimaced at an earlier memory. "It's best just to go along with it, unless you like ending up bathing with chili covered soap." Her smile immediately vanished and she hurried along.

Rather than waste time on waiting for each other we decided to share the small restroom. I placed my jacket and shirt into the new clothes' bags, as I undid my belt I could help but spare a glance at Finna. Her slim figure and radiant coat looked good in any lighting, and the present dim glow of the single light made for a great accent. With a grin I shook my head and went about figuring out my new clothes. using the larger body mirror the two of us appraised our new apparel. Finna wore a dress similar to Noir's but it was instead a scarlet red that matched her highlights, a matching pair of amber earrings and ornate necklace had come with it. I had been given a pair of loose black cotton slacks and a scarlet dress shirt with cuffs. Mercifully Noir hadn't tried to guess our shoe sizes. With our old clothes tucked away we stepped back out into the hall.

"Your dress fit's very well, I know Noir has a good eye but it's still always impressive how well she can size things without physical reference." I had to really try not to stare, I didn't doubt Noir got such a close fitting dress intentionally.

"Your clothes look nice as well, I can certainly appreciate her fondness for coordination." She gave a small twirl and rested against my shoulder. "We'll need to remember to thank her."

"Absolutely." I smiled `Right after I hang her by the tail.`

In the main lobby Noir was talking with Twilight and her friends while Charon chatted with Spike. Hearing our steps their conversations stopped.

"Sorry about the hold up, we had to clean up a bit." I said.

"Darling you were so right about that dress." I managed to hear Rarity whisper to Noir who simply grinned.

"It's fine Noir and I we talking about the city and where we're heading." Twilight said waving it off.

"And we should be off before things get too busy." Noir said waving for Charon and Spike.

Noir had decided on our route and destinations, first was the Research and Development Labs away more into the BD. From there we would be heading to a more prestigious restaurant near the edge of the Market District. Lastly we'd be off the the very top of the city, the Director's Council and from inside, The Baron's Hall for Twilight's meeting with the man himself.

The R & D building was close enough to the embassy only about a few blocks,the outside gave onlookers view of about five stories. The inside however stretched all the way through the mountain and exited out into the Badlands. It is from the larger bays on the other end that the majority of our mobile forces are deployed if a civilian cover is not needed. The rest of the complex was an almost three miles long, and half a mile wide, with about 8 separate floors. Each floor was assigned a work project that would then be focused down by each rooms specialty such as construction and design or testing and analyzing. The walls were made form a steel alloy and the foundation was a mix of bedrock and granite, both ever limitless in the Badlands.

The front entrance was surrounded by a three foot metal fence, four armed soldiers were on constant patrol with regular swaps every six hours. From the roof two sharpshooters would swap every five and rotated around four hand picked soldiers. I had to grab Pinkie Pie by the collar of her shirt just before her face touched the fence.

"If the massive amperage and voltage didn't kill you the soldiers would." I scolded. "Even with us you have to be careful with sudden movements, this facility houses some our most important equipment. The snipers on the roof can take the wings off of a fly from 200 yards, they'd get you before the electricity did if you even tried to touch it."

When her expression sunk I gave her a light pat on the back. "Come on, just remember to stay close and don't touch anything unless you ask first."

I didn't have to show the guard any kind of ID, a quick scan revealing me as me and we were all allowed pass. The ponies eyed every detail of the complex, it's chrome walls glaring back. A simple memory rune acted as a hand scanner, and with my clearance entry wasn't a problem. Inside we were greeted with an immediately cooler and inviting environment, the complex's individual heating and cooling system for each room allowed for ideal conditions with any and all experiments as well as comfortable working conditions for the various races within.

Even with no glamorous fanfare to our arrival the ponies capability of being in awe was once more demonstrated, it was obvious they never expected a facility as advanced as this. It was somewhat my fault for the more advance appearance, from the various times I aided in the design and planning for many of the buildings in The Brink, I had attempted to give them as much of a sci-fi look as possible, the end result was a satisfactory cross between space age living and steampunk simplicity. The R&D building in particular was a favorite of mine, with it being the forefront of technology on the continent it had every modern appliance you could think of. Despite what many would think of us for our militaristic reactions, we put a large amount of our time and focus on increasing the quality of life for our citizens. Things such as plumbing and electricity were essentials and had already been in development upon my arrival, with a few simple pointers and some reverse engineering it was only a month later The Brink had it's first power station.

Twilight and Rarity took a quick interest into the electric lights and appliances, as much of Equestria's technology was solely dependent on magic and therefore unicorns. Applejack amusingly took an interested in the small scale hydroponic gardens lining the sides of the lobby. With a whistle I had their attention as we approached the secretary.

"Good day Foster." The middle aged dog said setting down a steaming cup. "I assume these are our guests?" She said waving a massive paw towards them.

"Good day to you as well Mrs. Pawsworth. And yes these are the representatives from Equestria, me and my associates were informed there was a tour appointed for today." I responded politely.

"Yes you're right on time, Dr. Gail will be with you in a moment." She push a button on an intercom behind the desk. "Will Doctor Gail report to the lobby, Doctor Gail."

I gave her a small smile and nod before letting her return to her drink.

Turning to the others I waved them closer. "Once we get into the lower levels I ask that you mind your volume, many of the experiments and testing being conducted here are rather volatile. The first few levels will be rather low risk so don't worry about it too much at first, but any time you pass by a red marker line you are to use total caution until you leave. If you have any questions as either Dr. Gail or a scientist who isn't in the middle of an experiment, please also keep in mind many things here are classified so you may have some questions we cannot answer."

Before any of them could as me a question I heard the ding of an elevator, on the left side of the lobby the the door slid open to reveal a tall and rather lanky gryphon. He was currently wearing an oddly clean lab coat and slacks, the feather on the tip of his head looked as though they had been singed not to long ago.

"Sorry about the wait everybody, a colleague of mine was having a rather difficult time stabilizing some compounds." He said wiping away some of the soot from his feathers.

"It's quite alright Doctor. My name is Elijah Foster and I am here representing Division 8, these are my associates Sir Charon, Noir Leva, and Finna Jera." The three of them saluted. "Behind us are the representatives from Equestria. Princess Twilight Sparkle, her assistant Spike, Ms. Rarity, Ms. Applejack, Ms. Pinkamena Diane Pie, Ms. Rainbow Dash, And Ms. Fluttershy." I had to stop for a breath.

"Well is a pleasure to meet you all, and you in especially Mr. Foster. Much of our work would not have been possible without you." He said reaching out with a claw.

"The pleasure's mine. Now, where would you like to begin? I can't imagine there is much time in you're scheduled to show us everything, so we may begin wherever you like." I said shaking his claw.

"First I thought we might begin with labs 1,3, and 4 as they show the majority of our infrastructure and culture in terms of our living conditions." He waved for us to follow him.

The first 5 labs were accessible on the main floor, these 5 were mostly focused on bringing ease to industry and home life with things such as AC, electricity, appliance, shipping, and such. Dr. Gail lead us into Lab 1.

"As you can see every scientist, every engineer, and every laborer gives even the simplest task their all. We pride our selves not only on our efficiency but our ethic as well, everyone you see around you steps into this building with the knowledge that their work will make life easier on those around us. This entire laboratory is devoted to find new and innovative ways for improving life at home and on the job. Simple appliance's such as dishwashers, ovens, and even beds can be made much more efficiently and still maintain quality with the machines we create here. Various resistor cables are made for our more specific electrical needs, depending on the amount of current that is needed for more complex devices such as drill for mining, or coils for boiling coffee. No device can simply be pumped with electricity and not risk hazardous detonation" Gail said as he pointed to there workers running some manner of test on multicolored wires, some of them popped while the others remained in tact.

"Each and every product is thoroughly tested and checked before their finalized designs are cleared and distributed to larger manufacturers. Should any design not meet their required specifications they are sent back to their designated design teams for reanalyses and redesign."

Twilight cleared her throat and raised a hand. "What is the main source of power anything on the small side such as lamps or "drills", I am aware that your larger machines use the power from "substations" but surely a simple desk light can't utilize that much energy without risk?"

Gail glanced at me and I nodded. "The majority of our handheld and operated appliances use what is called a lithium battery, which is a small power cell that uses the chemical reaction between lithium and a caustic solution to produce electricity is smaller amounts. The larger quantity of rare earth metals in the Badlands leaves us with no shortage of components for the casings, and with deep earth mining lithium is found in large quantities as well."

That seemed to satisfy her curiosity, and as it was the only question the rest of Lab 1 seemed rather dull. Many of it's inventions came from plans I had given them, so none of it was really new to me. It wasn't until we reached Lab 4 things took a more interesting turn.

"Awesome." a quick comment from Dash summed up the lab pretty well. Massive wind turbines where being spun by five larger gryphons who each wore wing extenders to give them the ability to whirl up large swell so of air. The combination of wind runes and electric stimulus allowed for an astounding output of force, without excessive taxation on the users body.

"In this lab more of our advance products come to life, the large turbines you see behind me are what power this entire city. 25 of them have been constructed strategically around the outer borders of The Brink and into the Badlands to provide us with power. Their durable design and alloy hull allows them to withstand the elements just fine, and much of the wildlife has no interest in them meaning they require little more than regular maintenance." He then pointed to the suited gryphons.

"A little further down and you will see the production of the Aero-Enhancement Suit, while not specifically classified their exact functionality is not within my grounds to give. I can however tell you that they provide our long distance reconnaissance teams with approximately five hours of additional flight, or alternatively a short window of enhanced speed and maneuverability." I couldn't help but grin at both Twilight and Rainbow's hungry expression.

"I believe that sums up the first part of our tour." I said as we filed into and elevator.

"You are correct, we will now move on to the more interesting aspect of our research." He said with a humorous grin. "We will now be moving to labs 12 and 13, more commonly referred to as our aviation department."

I was slightly worried I'd have to hold Rainbow back but Applejack seemed to take the initiative for me.

After a couple minutes in the elevator and a rising feeling the door opened to reveal a rather large hanger and and opening to the outer edge of the mountains that surrounded The Brink, the hanger it'self was the length of two football fields, as wide as one, and it's ceiling was a good eight floors above us.

"The avionics division owns the largest facility in The Brink, both testing and deployment of our advanced crafts happens in this vary hanger." He pointed to a row of doors on the left then right. "Each of those doors leads into smaller stations for more fine tune experimentation and development occurs. The finished craft are then store either hear or on site at two key outposts in the Badlands, they are kept on constant stand by and ready for a moments notice deployment."

As soon as he had finished talking the roar of four rotary engines filled the hanger, what had appeared to be a large platform was now seen for what it really. None of us could really comprehend what we were no witnessing, even me. The monumental form of a B-29 was now taxiing from the hanger and towards the runway outside, the massive bay door began folding up as every mechanic and engineer began cheering and celebrating. I had to steady myself at the site.

The manic form of a goblin dancing towards us dragged me back to reality, and before he could say a word I lifted him up and cheered with him. This went on for a few minutes as the others finally managed to bring their heads out of the clouds.

"Sprocket you mad little goblin! How in the holly hell did you manage... that!?!" I shouted ecstatically.

Sprocket a four foot high goblin with the body of a troll and the mind of Steven Hawking. He was the Department Head for avionics and with good reason, he was a genius plane and simple. During the first month I had spent in this world, Sprocket and I had become good friends and constantly spoke about the various things humans had made. Soon he fell in love with the idea of planes, but in both my civilian life and military service I'd had the least experience with aircraft compared to anything else. With a bit of magic I was able to draw up everything I could about the B-29, but it was only what I had learned from school and brief talks with the mechanics at the bases I had been stationed at.

But if what we had just seen was real, it was more than enough for him to make it work.

"It wasn't easy I'll tell ya that Eli, between a poorly made blueprint and some memories there were times I didn't think I could do it." He put his bulky little hands on his hips as he watch the shining metal frame begin to rise into the air. "Five years in the making, but it was worth it. For the past century the airship has been most revered achievement anyone has ever accomplished in terms of transportation." He let out a small chuckle. "I think I'll hold that title for a few years, whaddaya think?"

I could only run my hands through my hair.

"I owe you more money don't I?" Charon said from behind me.

I couldn't hold back my laughter, and pretty soon everyone was laughing and congratulating the little goblin. Still having work to do Sprocket excused himself and buggered off back into the hanger.

The Doctor straightened his suit before speaking. "I believe this demonstration has been more than enough to explain what this department is striving for." He waved us back into the elevator. "For the final part of our tour we will be descending to Labs 20 through 30, Armaments." I grinned.

As the elevator began to move down Twilight and her friends chattered excitedly about what they had seen. Noir and Charon struck up conversation with the Doctor.

"That thing was one of your designs?" Finna asked leaning against me.

I wrapped and arm around her and leaned my head against hers. "Yep, it's called the B-29 Superfortress. It's one of the most famous bomber class aircraft in my world, it sadly earned it's fame from on of the most horrible deeds my kind ever committed. But I'm hoping I can give it a more positive future in this world, with it being so far ahead of it's time it should have a long service life." I knew with its creation others would follow, but I did truly hope it would see more us than it did for humans.

"You're people are frightfully powerful, it is heartening to hear you wish to bring light to a dark place." She sagely added.

"I just hope we can make it happen, I honestly thought I'd never see something as momentous as this in my life. I always thought the plans I made and gave away would never come to fruition in my time here." I hugged her closer. "I wonder what else we can make happen."

"For now I believe our actions in the coming events will cause greater change than we can anticipate, it's best we ensure that change comes as we will it to be." She said as the door pinged open.

As everyone stepped out I made sure they noticed the red stripe that lined the entryway. As we stepped into the the lab I got a good look at the most recent prototypes. In the various enclosed chambers all manner of weapons were being tested and looked over. Gail brought us over to the observation window of a nearby chamber. Inside young drake stood in full plated combat armor and was rather eagerly and extensively testing what looked like a new rotary gun. The engineers on the other side scrawling notes and taking quick pictures. Gail took a small dossier from a cabinet attached to the chamber.

"The ARC-133 (Automatic Rotary Cannon) is an experimental alternative to the mounted rotary gun utilized by current Brink forces. The ARC-133 uses a smaller caliber round, lighter alloy frame, and has a noticeably slower firing rate than it's mounted counter part. The primary advantage and purpose of the ARC-133 is it's handheld utility. Should a physically adept unit be available the ARC-133 is able to function as a more terrain versatile area suppression and eradication weapon when compared to it's mounted counterpart." Gail read before returning to file.

"I want it." I heard Charon whisper.

Continuing down the line Twilight continued documenting everything she saw, not that it would do her any good.

The last display was one I had been waiting to see, a flamethrower.

Inside the chamber stood another dragon, he was fully covered by fire resistant plating. I could see the looks of confusion on their faces, up until the dragon pulled the trigger. A torrent of flame exploded from the the nozzle of the weapon bathing the other side of the chamber in a searing white flame. Even through the enchantments and tempered steel we could feel the nearly unbearable heat, the dragon inside quickly cut the fuel and stopped the fire. The rapid shift form burning to freezing made all of us shiver, apart from Charon. Looking back into the chamber I saw the drake was leaning against the wall panting heavily. The engineers look to him with concern, but between a grin and a thumbs up they sighed and went back to their notes.

With a grumble a some more singed feathers Gail took out another file.

"The TAS-104 (Thermal Area Suppressor) uses a combination of iron oxide, aluminum powder, and a few additional reactive compounds, to create a material recently named thermite. The body and tank are made from Pugneum alloy, it’s incredibly thermal and impact resistant.” I could hear Charon’s heavy breathing.

As Gail was about to speak up again the intercom pinged. “Dr. Gail and company, please report to Sub Level 6.” The voice spoke.

“Odd I wonder what this is about?” Gail said before slotting the paper away. “Well it’s best not to keep anyone waiting, come along.”

With slight disappointment from our group we headed once more to the elevator.

“What’s Sub Level 6?” Twilight whispered standing next to me.

“Heavy Containment, it’s where the most puzzling or troubling items are held. If something is deemed too dangerous or too much of an unknown it’s store their until we can at least get a handle on it.” I felt the elevator begin to slow.

“Members of Division 8 I believe you may already know this but to your guests, you are to touch nothing, no matter how ordinary it may seem.” Gail said with a serious expression.

“We understand.” Twilight said, a bit nervously.

As the doors opened we were greeted by a long concrete hallways with bright wall lights and multiple metal doors.

Gail lead us wordlessly down the hall, we passed by a number of observation windows each letting us view ever stranger scenes. In one we saw a hazmat group prodding a strange looking head, i didn’t recognize the creature. It’s face seemed to never rest on one form, it’s eyes and mouth constantly moving across it’s skin and it’s nose inverted again and again. Through another a stranger glowing ball gentle flew in orbit or a scientist trying to take notes on it’s various markings.

“This place don’t feel right.” Applejack hummed looking into a room containing a large plant that was currently biting at a guard from behind it’s cage.

“Not surprise,” Charon said never taking his eyes off the ground ahead of him. “this place is hold many evil things. Cursed cadavers, and haunted objects barely scratch the surface.”

“You are correct sir.” Gail said. “The feeling you all may be experiencing is no doubt coming from the Singing Bones.”

“The what?” It wasn’t often here was something in The Brink I didn’t know about.

“The Bones are an odd assortment of what we can only assume to be collar bones, the have been fused together from different species into a horn like instrument. It constantly makes noise even with no one playing it, even in a vacuum it can still take effect so long as you remain in it’s `range` of manipulation.”

“Manipulation?” I asked.

“The the uneasiness you feel means you are within range, should you then hear it’s sound, you would have seconds before it takes hold. Once you hear it’s true sound you will feel compelled to remove you’re own collar bone, where upon self removal it will appear on the instrument.” The ponies and Spike covered their ears. “Don’t worry, the object it’self is held within a metal safe half a meter thick with cotton padding.” The dropped their arms, but the weariness remained.

Taking a turn down the hall we came to the head researchers office, a one Dr. Steiner.

“Dr. Steiner, you wanted to see us I assume.” Gail said as a large chair spun around to reveal the lithe figure of a Merpony.

“Yes Gail, I had been informed about our guests by Director Takhama.” She said standing.

Dr. Steiner was about 5”6 with murky grey fur and segmented scales on her arms, legs, and face. Her tail was finned and wide and held a similar color. “I must speak are with your group alone, and then see them off. You are excused.” Her tone was curt but urgent, and Gail didn’t press the issue.

With a polite nodded he left.

“Charon.” Steiner said, drawing his attention.

“Ma’am?” He asked.

“Due to a number of quiet recent events, your groups plans have changed. You are all to depart to the Dragon Lands first and foremost on you’re mission.” She said before reaching into her desk, she pulled out a small gem that gave off a wisp like orange glow. “With a new Dragon Lord in power things have begun to the grow even more unstable as of late, and the conflict’s caused by a larger influx of immigration has not made things worse. Threats of war have already been made to Equestria, The Changeling Hive, and the Diamond Dog Operators.”

“That was fast.” I scoffed. “I know things immigration has been an issue lately, what with a large increase in the populations within the Equestrian pact. But war?”

“I’m afraid so Foster, the new Dragon Lord a youth named Ember sent a message request our immediate assistance. A number of clans have already begun preparations to attack the homesteads developing in their kingdom. Ember however wishes to find a more peaceful solution that won’t draw the ire of every race on the planet.”

“Not that we aren’t grateful for being kept up to date, but why were we called down here for this message?” Noir asked, a question I my self was wondering.

“Because I prefer to give orders to my agents in person.” I felt my blood run cold. I saw Charon’s posture straighten, Finna bowed her head, and Noir instantly realized who she was talking to.

“I don’t get it.” Rainbow asked glancing between us.

I straightened up quickly and faced them. “Girls, meet Director Takhama.” Their eyes widened.

She laughed. “I apologize, as you see I am both a Director for our Baron and the acting head of all of our cities studies into the unknown, and when I heard you had arrived it seemed like the perfect time to update you on our situation. Seeing as you are all to be traveling into a region largely unknown to us I have also taken it upon my side to accompany your Division.” She said once more sitting her chair.

I tried to find words but nothing came forward.

“As Ms. Noir was once a member of our Intelligence department and you yourself Mr. Foster are the acting Intel Specialist for your Division I see no group more qualified to accompany. What with you both having more than substantial training in one another’s roles the combination of mind and body.” She nodded to Charon. “Should ensure this operation goes accordingly.”

“Hang on, you’re both spies.” Rainbow asked pointing to the two of us.

“Kind of.” Noir said. “I use to work as a gatherer of sorts where as Eli here is more a an archivist, I get it he sorts through it.”

Be it rather plain for an explanation it seemed to be enough.

“So where does that leave us from here?” Charon asked.

“Well you seem to have been shown a large amount of the work we do here, so I believe it’s best we move onto the next part of you planned events.” She said looking to me.

“Well after our tour of the facility we had a reservation for diner before bringing Princess Sparkle to meet with the Baron.” I said.

“Wonderful, I was rather hungry myself. Let’s be off then.” She said once more standing and leading us out.

I certainly wasn’t about to ask anymore questions.

Chapter 10: The Brink Part 2

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Chapter 10: The Brink

Thankfully the Twilight and her friends were once more talking among themselves as Director Takhama lead us through the streets. With her being rather incognito we decided not to discuss our mission while in public. The walk was mercifully calm as me and Finna spoke, in the relatively short span of our relationship it wasn't often we conversed about things other than work or us.

“For as long as I can remember I had been told Equestria was the peak of civilization, a land of riches and development. But so many of the things I saw in that place, I begin to question that.” She said.

“For the most part they are ahead of us. True we have a lot of weapons and machines, but they are all still in the basic stages. Equestria has had time to stabilize it’s industry and Economy, they simply chose to remain where they are. But outside of their borders there is no choice to to advance, or be left to dwindle away. They live in constant prosperity, but we must work for our livelihood. What use do they have for machines and weapons, when they have tradition and peace?” I said before waving a hand around us. “Everything you see is powered by a primitive power plant that uses both magic and technology, it may look new and futuristic to you. But to me it still looks old and outdated. Many of the designs I gave to our development teams needs to almost always be reworked or cannibalize the ideas to simply make them function. And to make it worse this means they are using less or weaker materials to get the job done. Things may look new but they function as though they are antique, it’s all the same old book just with a new cover. Without the resources gained from the support of other nations our progress would come to a complete halt and collapse.”

It was a sad reality, for despite my best efforts to help move this place forward it always felt like baby steps. Generators used magic gathered from living sources and our machines and weapons required magic to temper the metal and shape the wood. The items exist but the methods still weren’t what they should be, and cannot replicate the normal means of human factory production. It all felt like cheating to me, and with the poor results to show it. Machines should be devolved not copied, methods should be improved not pulled back.

“To you things may seem old and dull, but to us. They’re incredible!” She said pulling my arm to her. “I never thought I would see the day a metal ship would fly into the clouds, or an element once though unstable and dangerous could bring light to even the darkest places. The reality may feel fake and copied, but it’s better than the suffering that came before.”

I smiled a bit at her words. “I guess, but knowing how well off we have it compared to other place, it still makes me feel sick in my gut. In time I’ve been here the cities way of life has changed little to none, kids still go hungry just under electric lights instead of candles, the sick still wither and die and all we have is a shiner way to watch it happen."

"And yet we all still move forwards, cast aside the thoughts that your contributions have done little. The wonder and gleam in the eyes of the people of this city cannot be found anywhere else. They understand they are poor, they understand they are still falling into the dark, but you give them hope. Your ideas bring them the light." She said hugging me against her side.

"I suppose, and hopefully with the new alliance with Equestria, we can make some real progress." We had to, or the city wouldn't last another few years.

We wandered steadily into the districts of The Brink as pedestrians watch in curiosity at our odd caravan of people. Any location that held food was usually the most packed due to the large diversity of cuisine, many would also agree our red light district has the same appeal but I doubt anyone would ever say it.

The warmly lit exterior dining area was the first sight to greet us as Takhama brought us to a rather casual but prim restaurant. Hand carved chairs and tables dotted the deck as various parties ate their meals and gossiped. Hanging lamps provided a gentle light and the slow percussion music kept the mood at a steady and rhythmic pace. There was however no name to the establishment, only the image of a dragon's silhouette with a pewter flagon in it's left hand and a ham leg in the other, hanging above the door.

The a lithe feline hostess stood at a small desk just a front the door. Her ears perked up as she saw us.

"Ah Ms. Steiner, you've arrived! We have you're table ready and waiting." She said before beckoning us inside.

I remained silent as we followed the girl through the restaurant, I was a bit surprised none of the patrons even glanced at us. But I wasn't about to question my luck so quickly.

We were leaded up a small flight of stairs and onto the second floor, it was obviously reserved for important guests if all the familiar faces were anything to go by. We were brought before a large banquet table already set and ready for us, not surprising one of the most powerful beings in the city had this planned out beforehand. Takhama sat at the head of the table and we each took our place along the sides.

Almost immediately another feline waiter was at the Directors side, pen and pad in paw. "What would you all like to drink?" He asked his voice as suave as could be, but I could see the slight shaking in his knees.

"Water for us all if you would a special liqueur was brought with us tonight, and I would like to try it for myself." She said waving her hand towards me.

"At once madam." He said before vanishing downstairs.

Everyone's eyes were on me after that.

"What?" Was all I could manage. I couldn't remember being instructed to bring drinks.

"At your side Foster." Takhama said and glance at my side.

Looking over my chair I saw my travel bag was tucked under my seat. With a questioning glance to everyone I pulled up and hung it on my chair, wondering more and more who she sent into my home to collect it. Thoughts aside I reached inside and felt the necks of two large bottles. I grimaced when I realized what they were.

The moment I set them on the table I could hear the seven gasps from our visitors. The obvious marks on the sides of the bottles made it clear, it was the same drink I had headbutted into the mindscape of their princess. Who as to my knowledge didn't recover too quickly from the small hell I put her through.

"U-uh ma'am, I don't believe this is appropriate." I choked out, she knew full well what this bottle meant.

"I believe it is." She said floating a bottle to her glass. "It is no secret the nations of this world have very poor relations with one another. Thus it is my belief that in order to overcome our disdain for one another we must work out the and deal with the issues we would otherwise bury and allow to fest. This seems like a wonder place to start, as it is certainly the most direct confrontation The Brink has had with Equestria in recent history. Congratulations Mr. Foster, you've made history." She says raising her glass.

I could see Twilight and her friends trying to avoid looking at me.

I sighed before pouring a glass of my own. They looked up at me as I stood glass raised.

"I would first of like to apologize to all of you for any offense I may have caused any of you. It was wrong and crass of me to simply turn to action rather than words at the first sign of conflict. And to you Ms. Sparkle, I would like to apologize for my stern behavior on the voyage we shared returning your prince." I could see her look away, but to my surprise she looked back with tears beginning to form at the corners of her eyes.

She poured a much smaller glass and raised it to meet mine. "I would like to apologize to you for being distant and... poorly forthcoming with information that would have otherwise avoided conflict."

Everyone quickly followed suit and all glasses were raised to meet the orange glow of the light.

"To a better tomorrow." Takhama said before the we tossed the drinks back.

`They really are too quick to leap at new friends aren't they? Even when beaten down and made to witness horrible things, just throw the word friend at them and they are all to quick to agree.` I heard Takhama's almost disappointed voice whisper in my mind, as I know it Takhama is one of the few Directors who saw using a mind altered Prince Blueblood to gain Equestrian favor a a bit over the top and almost cruel.

After our toast the girls were much more vocal and struck up conversation quickly. For the most part I tuned them out only answering when needed. I somewhat felt bad for tricking them like this, I never had a problem with Equestria as I am no native. I had only the Brinks word for their kind before going out into the world. While I still might agree that Equestria needs to change, I don't hold the same hatred the rest of the world they left behind does. Of course this doesn't mean I will stop my current plans, we are all still riding on the hope that the Baron and his Directors can pull and entire planet out of the a dark age.

"Eli." Finna's nudging dragged me from my thoughts.

I chuckled before and smiled before the wonderful scent off food drew my attention.

The girls were almost too forth coming after the Director's speech, telling us about every little detail and tradition they had. Noir and Takhama were all too glad to learn more and more, Charon pretended to be interested but mainly kept his conversation with Spike. Finna and I made small talk while I remembered to send word for some of the food to be brought to Kodo who kindly informed me he was napping atop our home.

The dinner went about as smooth as it could and before any of us knew it, it was time to meet the Baron himself. At the toll of the cities clock-tower Takhama stood and made sure to pay a more than generous amount for the dinner.

"A word of warning to you all." She said to the Equestrian's. "When inside the Baron's main chamber you will find your magic will not work latent or active, so you will not be able to fly, cast spells, or be as strong as normal. This is an unintentional side effect of the Baron's abnormal existence in this world. But do not worry no harm shall come to you while you are within these walls, our best and brightest will make sure of that."

It wasn't any secret how powerful the Baron was, one of my more vivid memories of our first encounter was the surprise of his disciples to my lack of reaction towards his presence. As I to am not form this world or plane our estranged powers cancel each other out. If anyone from this world saw his real body they would be torn apart body and soul, I however am the only one alive to have seen it. This was not however an honor, as simply looking at him made me feel more than I thought a human capable of.

The mood quickly fell back into nervous silence as the girls and dragon had no idea what was to come. Charon and Noir both assumed rather stoic expressions, they've had less interaction with the Director and the Baron in their whole lives than I've had in a total of 4 hours. Finna looked as nervous as our guest, I tried to reassure her but it did nothing for her more primal sense of fear towards the unknown.

As soon as we entered the Baron District the streets became nearly desolate, this was not a place one came without purpose. I could see the signaling gleam of sniper scopes as they honed in on us. There was one on nearly every roof top as is protocol, security hear was impenetrable to conventional means.

The closer we got to the Baron's hall I noticed Rainbow becoming more and more aware of the snipers. I was thankful she didn't know what they were as she no doubt would have panicked her friends over it.

I could feel a very powerful force as we approached the colossal archway gates that stood higher than any building. The two watch towers on both sides of the gate kept trained eyes on us the entire time. At the foot of the arch it's scale became breath taking, it stood nearly 20 stories high and almost 50 meters wide, the gate it'self was a carved metal image of the Baron's projected appearance with intricate woven patterns filling in the rest.

"I-i'can't..." I heard Twilight stammer.

"Is that a dragon?" Spike said beside her.

"That is the only depiction of Baron Varkel in the world." Takhama Said

The image displayed a reptilian like creature not too far off from what an eastern dragon would look like. However obvious differences would be his wings were feathered not hide, he had a large mane instead of horns, the tip of his tail was bloomed outwards like a flower made from bone. Eight long jointed arms were present near his upper body at even spaces apart.

At our approach the door groaned as it creaked open with a painfully slow pace. However as soon as enough space was present the Director waved us inside.

"Whatever our master has to say it is to all of you and you alone, it is best you not speak of whatever you discuss with The Baron to anyone but yourselves. This is for your safety as his words are sought after by many as they have always heralded great influence on the mortal world." Any tone of familiarity and warmth vanished from her voice as she spoke again.

We all nodded, not needing to verbally acknowledge her firm tone.

The main hall was even bigger than the door would leave you to believe and the light from the torches built into the many pillars were not able to light the roof leaving the space above a seemingly endless dark void. Even though this was not my first time in this place I would never be able to shake the feeling of sheer emptiness that captivated me within.

Far at the end of the hall I could see the swaying silhouette of a massive entity. The coiled shadow had it's back turned to use as eight massive claws dragged odd glowing symbols across various purple glowing screens, they seemed to be made from solid light and it was reminiscent of a computer screen. However they most likely served a far more direct in purpose if the repetitive actions were anything to go by.

I gave a quick glance back at our guests, I hurt my pride to know I wore a face similar to theirs. Eyes wide and breathing heavy, every little nervous tick and habit kicking in, every intelligent cell in your brain howling at you to run and hide. But no manner of instinct or will would help you in here. Inside these walls, your mind and body are at the will of The Baron. A being so immense in sheer presence it dwarfed any sense of bravado or freewill you may have had. You have purpose when you enter this building, or you had no purpose being here.

I felt my head ache and my sight blur as we got closer, the girls rubbed their eyes and tried to shake the feeling.

`Ain't gonna do you any good.` I thought remembering my first visit.

Charon, Noir, and Finna weren't fairing much better.

I knew The Baron's presence wouldn't have as much of an effect on me due to the both of us being from a different reality, but seeing the physical difference made me fell pretty lucky.

"Foster." Voice is the wrong word, speech is the wrong definition, intent barely qualified.

The so call voice of the Baron wasn't something anyone could describe, we can "hear" the words but there is no accent, no tone, no breath to it. We understood his words but none of us could really repeat exactly what he said. It was a strain for him to speak like a mortal, but were he to truly speak we would all be dead.

"Master." I intoned with a vacant breath, and knelt on both knees.

"Charon."

"Master." The proud drake wept lowering himself to his knees.

One by one The Baron took our wills and our thoughts with but a single word.

I couldn't even look to see if Finna or Noir were okay. The sounds of whimpering gave me all the information I needed.

"Your visits are infrequent and your points are short, I miss speaking with you young foster." He hadn't meant my name but my what he no doubt saw me to be. "Are you afraid of me still. We are different, but we are the same. Why do you weep." There were no questions, he knew all he needed the moment he saw us. As thought our souls were laid bare, shouting our every intent and deep thought.

"Y-yes I am sir, and being here hurts." I said forcing the grasp on my mind to loosen so I could speak. "But that is not why I have been absent, my duties have been numerous as of late. Otherwise I would rather like to understand what you are and how you can be." There were no half truths or dodging answers. In you answered is was the truth were you knew it or not. However I would always admit to being curious as to how something such as Baron Varkel can even exist.

"I should request your Overseer be more diligent in whom he admits simple errands to. Your capabilities as well as that of your team have exceeded every expectation thus far. It is why I have given you the task of accompanying these young mares across this vast world. Spread our name and show the world we are here and we are listening, spread our influence not as one of oppression or vice, but as one of knowledge. Fill the blank edges of the maps, unravel the unknowns, and let us all be brought to an elevated existence. Not as a crumbling dystopia, or zealous cult of assimilation. But an expanding and informed society built upon the foundations of knowledge and understanding." It felt as if storm was raging inside of my skull and my brain was rattled as I felt the Baron's every intent and hope for the future of the world.

I knew he wasn't lying, but I knew that it meant he would do anything to see it come true. I would do my best to see his ideals realized, as humans once had hoped I now knew that same hope existed here. This world would appear to many as a comically flawed and friendly place, but if anyone so much as peaked into the cracks. The ugly truth is called ugly for a reason.

The Baron fixed his gaze to someone behind me, I assumed it to be Twilight at the sound of her gasp. I heard nothing, as expected he had called her hear to speak in private and there was nowhere more private than in ones head. Barely a breath of a moment later I heard another gasp but this time followed by more, as I can only assume their conversation was over.

"We accept our mission Master." I said rising to my feet to salute, my team followed suit.

I could feel my legs burn as they tried to resist the urge to kneel again.

"Then go forth, I leave my ideals and my goals in your hands Elijah Foster, Charon of the Dragonlands, Noir Leva, and Finna Jera priestess to the House of Gold." I didn't look but I felt Finna's presence tense up.

"Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Equestria. My vassals shall assist you in bringing peace to this world, as you have long since set out to do. I understand their methods may follow a darker path than yours, but know I would trust no other to assist you. They will live and die by their blades and they shall live and die for your name should it ever be necessary." With his last words spoke he turned from us, a large mesh screen quickly cutting us off from him.

With the sudden disappearance of pressure we collapsed.

I felt tears streaming form my burning eyes and my lungs cried out for me to breath again. My body felt like it had been filled with sand, every movement was slow and heavy. I crawled to Finna who lie still on the floor, her ears were flat and her fur raised to its ends. I could hear the girls crying and Charon's heavy armor scrapping along the ground as he moved to help Noir.

Finally reaching the still fox I wrapped my arms around her and quickly pulled her close. She was shaking violently and her dead limbs flailed desperately to push me away. I had to press my weight against her to stop her form hurting me or herself.

`KODO!` I cried out across the mindscape of The Brink.

`Yes master!` I faintly heard among the collective concussions or The Brink.

I felt a warm aura cover my entire by as a deep blue light wrapped around me, Finna, and everyone else. The world was quickly sent spinning as I felt my body pulled across a cold emptiness. The sensation was harsh and fast, but lasted no more than a few seconds.

I felt myself falling.

Landing.

Soft.

Another.

Familiar.

Finna.

...

Bed?

Home...

Others?

Don't know.

`You're safe now. Are you well?`

Silly lizard.

`You're fine.`

---Division 8 Household--- 5:17 AM ---

My bones felt brittle and my whole body was pins and needles numb. It felt like a heavy fog was slowly seeping from my head as more and more of my sanity returned. Flashes and reactions of the previous day became clearer and clearer.

`This is why I don't visit.` The memories of the previous visit to The Baron's hall came back in waves. I didn't blame The Master for hurting us or anyone for that matter, there was nothing he could do about it, for any form of contact with the outside world he had no choice but to inflict this kind of over stimulation upon others so that he can speak with them. An other worldly consequence I was glad not to share.

I felt Finna's quivering form against my chest, and that hurt more than anything right now. I pulled her closer and made sure we were both covered by the warmth of the bed comforter. Still feeling her shaking I ran my hand through her hair as I laid on my back with her on top of me. Remembering and old song I began to hum what I remembered of the beat. As we lay their I took notice of the clock.

`Damn how long were we out?` I wondered seeing the time.

The cold of the desert night was still present as the building's heating seemed to still be off, as when we left it when going out.

`Kodo are you awake?` I gently reached out incase he was still asleep.

`Of course, I haven't slept at all to be honest. I panicked when I heard you call out like that, knowing the situation must have been dire to use such a desperate tactic. I've been up the past couple days to make sure no further harm came to any of you.` I felt my face pale.

`Days!` I panicked.

`Two at most, the first would be the day you left to accompany the Equestrians in town. The second was just the other day as of now. I tried everything to wake you, from magic to medicine, but nothing worked. I'm sorry I couldn't do more.` His tone fell.

`Kodo I owe you more than you know, I can't say as much as I would like at the moment. But when I get the chance I will pay you pack... thank you.` I made sure my feelings were shared. `Now please get some sleep, I can't imagine it's easy to still be awake.`

I felt his warmth in return. `Thank you, I will be bellow in my tunnels if you need me.` I felt his mind begin to haze over before one last message made it across. `Also be cautious for any adverse effects on your psyche.

Once more focusing on reality I say the time was now about six in the morning of what I believe would be thursday, if that same calendar had still existed.

I focused back on Finna who had stopped shaking and was now slightly humming along. I kissed the top of her head which finally seemed to wake her. Her eyes were now a dull clouded blue, but when she looked up at me they seemed to gain a bit more color.

As I tried to open my mouth to speak she spun around and planted her lips against mine. Caught a bit off guard I chuckled and wrapped my arms around her waist and kissed back. I could feels her hands on my back as she tried to press herself as close as she could.

"Is this my morning offering, your holiness." I teased as she took a breath.

"Don't say that please." She giggled before leaning her head on my chest. "I'm sorry for not telling you before but it's more an honorary title than anything. It just means i'm to take part in their sermons and clean the temple. I'm not really anyone special in that regard"

I can't say the though of Finna in a Japanese priestess outfit in front of an shrine didn't pop into my head, despite her being from an entirely different culture.

"Well you matter to me. And don't stress about it too much okay? I was actually offered a position in my home town's church as a priest due to having been through catholic schooling and a member a religious family. Although at the time I was more of an agnostic compare to my family, for a good while anyway, so I turn it down. Although after being sent here, I now fully believe in gods. Just need to choose which one to pray to?" I laughed back.

I barely caught a playful glint in her eyes. But I fully noticed her settling her weight on me as she straddled my waist.

"Does the deprived wish to lay bare his sins and and beg the gods of bounty for their blessing." Her tail swished back and forth hypnotically as her hands explored my chest and seemed to go lower and lower.

"This sad soul pleads for their grace." I played along.

_{`I warned you sir."}

`Huh?`

------------(M)-----------

With a grin only a fox could give she began to rock and sway, slowly and gracefully draping the sleeves of her dress down and off her arms leaving the rest to expose her bare chest. Carefully and with a flexible stretch she slid the rest down and off. Her chest and torso breathing the open air I couldn't help but run my hands through her soft fur and and over every gentle curve. She let out soft yips at every sudden motion and made sure to lean into every caressing touch. I pulled her down to me making her yelp with a gleeful smile.

Rolling on top of her she could barely hold back her giggling and ran her paws down my back. I nipped at her neck and shoulders making her giggle and writhe even more. I worked my way down to her breast and took a moment for each teat earning myself even more squeals and playful struggles. Down and past her belly I brushed my hands along her sides making her struggle not to cry out. At her waist I gently spread her legs and softly nuzzled the sides of her thighs.

I felt her grabbing at the back of my head as she pressed herself against me. With a smile I gently nipped and licked the edges of her lips, her squeal quickly turning into gasp. I made sure to tease her as much as I could, drawing out every lick and gentle bite. She pressed her legs closed locking me in place, and I was all to happy to stay.

I grabbed her by the legs and lifted her up causing her to yelp. With playfully furious laps I had her screaming, I couldn't tell why but her very scent drove me wild. Every little squeak and twitch drove the both of us on. I could taste her sickly sweet juices as she screamed. Feeling he legs go shakily limp I laid her back down and crawled over her. She grabbed my face and pulled me into for a deep kiss that I fully returned.

She wrapped her legs around me as I rocked the two of us back and forth, she could only moan and cry out as the two of us threw ourselves against on another. In waves of pleasure I could keep quiet and pounded her hips faster and faster, wrapped around my shoulders I could feel her biting my shoulder and the gentle sting was all it took on her part. The two of us howled as we reached the climax of our performance.

I felt my arms and legs loose all former will as I fell onto the bed next to my panting partner. With a ragged breath I dragged her back into my embrace as she kissed me again. The two of us stayed like that for a good while.

------------(T)------------

"I love you." I hummed as we broke away from our kiss.

"And I love you." She said back burying her face in my chest again, the two of us once more drifting back asleep. However it took me a while as an odd banging noise was coming from somewhere.

---Division 8 Household--- 7:30 --- Thursday-ish ---

The house was still rather cold as Air conditioning hadn't fired up yet, so I had quickly found myself a spot in the main living room, wrapped in a quilt, and nursing a warm cup of soft white coffee. I was keeping an eye on the oven in the kitchen just on the other side of the hallway when Charon stumbled into the room. He quickly slumped onto the couch next to my chair and stared at the dead fire place. A sharp spit of fire and it was quickly alive again filling the room with a comfortable warmth. Beyond the smell of burning wood I could make out an all too familiar sent. By some odd twist Charon and I glance at one another, see the others look we both nodded and looked back to the fire.

I held and a fist and he gently tapped it with his.

Staring at the fire for a moment longer I turned my attention to the radio on the the table next to me. With a soft snap of magic it flickered to life. The song was once again familiar, as though a tribute to it's human counterpart. The early morning song was a jive beat with few lyrics. Sounded a hell of a lot like my favorite Parov song.

"Breakfast?" Charon grumble, his face buried in the couch cushions.

"Meat?" I asked.

"Mmmh."

"You got it." I tumbled form the chair and childishly rolled myself into the kitchen to prepare for the day.

Still In The Dark

by Gold Cog

Prologue

Chapter 1: Embarking

Chapter 2: Red Sky At Dawn

Chapter 3: Stigma

Chapter 4: Symbols

Chapter 5: Engagement 1 - Princess Luna

Chapter 6: Aggression

Chapter 7: Scorched Earth

Chapter 8: Life on the Edge

Chapter 9: The Brink: Part 1

Chapter 10: The Brink Part 2