> Fallout Equestria: Mountain Mystery.
>  by Megaskullmon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

            "And so they say... crack."

200 years ago they say? I was there you could say. I am known as Smoke Pipe... Yes my mother wasn't a smart mare... She slept with whatever stallion would give her the time of day. Every stallion that walked into my life was father to me... Never cared for me. I watched her ruin her life with drugs and endless sexual intercourse. It's something that I wasn't happy about to learn..That I am a bastard you could say. But eh that is life it seems. I live in what is known as Wymareinc. I lived in Buffalo's hoof. A small part of Equestria in the mountain's that just had five little cities some big one's some smaller ones. When I got older 20 you could say... I became a private eye. I was 50 years old when the war started... I had a lot of mysteries under my belt. A lot of ponies here were starving it was already kind of wasteland out here... Kind of hard to grow things out here.

So the one known as Fluttershy and Applejack even though they didn't normally help... They would try to bring us food. Since we never ate the meat around here... and flower's and many other veggies are very very scarce out here. We had to rely on the government to bring us food... So each month... We would see the two mares.

I waited in line to the store to get our monthly food store. I wore a trench coat with a brown hat yes... I had the cliche outfit and the little pistol at my side. Being a unicorn it was pretty simple to carry the damn thing. But lucky for most of us. The food was free I stood with other ponies near the farmer's market. There were many soldiers and the law that protected the two mare's and only allowed us to take what we could. I was behind a mother and her young foal. I calmly heard Fluttershy speak.

Oh... hello... little one... are you hungry?" The filly nodded with a smile as she giggled. " I love you miss Fluttershy."

Fluttershy giggles and a doped up stallion cut in front of me and pushed the two out of the way and the mare was pushed into the wall and the filly sobbed softly.

"Oh... dear... that wasn't nice sir.." I looked up from the brim of my hat staring at the stallion. His eyes bloodshot. As it was easy to tell the soldiers didn't care about the little ole us... we were too backwards to them... But these two mares cared... The law here was more like you pay them they will help you. He pulled out a knife.

"Give me it all.."

I rolled my eyes and spoke in a deep voice. "Hey... Punk.. there were two in front of you before." I just kept looking down like I didn't even see the stallion and he turned to me.

"Who the fuck are you?! Are you some cop or something?"

I chuckled softly and shook my head.

"No... I am much worse... punk... I am somepony that cares. Now how about you sit your little ass down... Let the Mare and the filly get their share and then you go after the rest."

Of course, he attacked me and I used my magic to stop the knife that was in his mouth. I pulled it out of his mouth and smiled pushing my hat up with a hoof... Showing my yellow eyes. "Now punk... are you willing to wait in line?" Then the stupid stallion attacked me and I moved out of the way... he was so doped up it was easy to fight him.

I walked over him as I took one hoof and smacked it across his face and he spun and table shattered from his body and he was knocked out. I brought hoof cuffs out of my pocket and cuffed him and then looked to the Cops. "All yours." I helped the mare up and her filly

"Thank you... Smoke Pipe." She smiled at me... I could see that she was poor her teeth were bad and her clothing ripped. "Not a problem miss." I gave a nod and got back in line and they did too. Fluttershy was hiding behind the table shaking and Applejack sighed.

"I'm sorry about that..." She lowers to her friend and tries to coax her back up.

"Sugercube... we need to help these ponies." Fluttershy shakes, nodding and stand back up and smiles.

"Here... little one... " She gives a large box of food to the filly and the mare and they look back to me and smile. They walk out and I just watch them. I walked to the next in line.

"Oh hello, again Detective..." Applejack said with a gentle smile. "Hello, Miss Apple, Miss Flutter's." I bowed my head in respect. "After you two get out of here for the night how about some cider hmm, on me?"

Applejack smiled and nodded Fluttershy smiled. "We would love to Detective... besides... I don't... like hurting ponies." I nodded carrying my box of food out of the store and looked up to the sky the sun was high up. I went back to my home more like an apartment. I went in and placed the food on the stand...

Made myself some dinner. I removed my hat and coat. My mane was a light blue same with my tale my body dark grey. My cutie mark an old Detective hat. I ate an apple and heard a knock on my door.

"We are closed..." Of course, this when she would walk in... A mare a purple mare with large wings in a dress of beauty and hat with a feather. Her eyelashes long the beauty to me... was normal for one in my line of work. I noticed that she was one of the rich from Sherlidan. One of the big rich cities in our little area of Equestria. She came up to me her left hoof limping just a bit... her movement's like music, though. The muscles in her body seeming to have been used for many a run. She removes her hat, her eyelids a darker colour than normal... She sat in front of me... Those eyes staring into my soul... I just stared back... As she spoke in a soft melody like voice.

"I need your help, Detective..." I stared at her waiting for her to speak.

"Go on..." She smiled and leaned against me putting her right leg over me that had fishnet stockings.

"I have a job... for you... my sister was kidnapped by this stallion." She placed a photo of the stallion. I looked down seeing him... one I have been chasing for the past 20 years. I get him he gets away...He gets me I get away. His name... oh what a name. A Pegasus that runs all the gangs in this little part of Equestria... He had... one of those mustaches that would be called a wife beater one... He was brown and wore a tux all the time... His name...

"Rolex... The owner of the casino in rocky pass..." She nodded with a sweet smile. "Hmm, I shall head down there tomorrow and try to bring him to justice."

I tried to stand and she pushed me back down in my chair.

"Oh, Detective it would make me very happy that you're doing this for me..." She started kissing my face and I just sat there not caring. I pulled a pipe from my desk and lit it and took a few breaths deeply and blew out smoke.

"Of course... miss..." I looked at the time and I gently got her off me and I smiled at her.

"I shall see you tomorrow then." She pouted and I smiled at her and winked. She chuckled as I walked out it's always an interesting job. Some mares think they could be all over you. I went to the local jazz bar. There on a table were the two mares I was going to meet. I set down my hat and sat at the table.

"Ladies." Applejack smiled softly.

"Detective... I see you're still well known here..." I chuckled softly. It was a calm smoky night... The smell of smoke all over it was so black and white..that as the music played I sat with my two friends drinking Cider. I smiled at the two I knew these two for most of my life... Since they came here all the time to help this little part of Equestria that was forgotten.

"So....Detective....I... I am wondering..." I looked at Fluttershy with a gentle smile.

"Would you like... to join the Ministry of peace?" I sighed and smiled softly.

"Fluttershy I am sorry but I don't care about this war... It hasn't come to our areas of  Equestria. We wish to just live..." Fluttershy nodded and Applejack smiled.

"I agree I wish I wasn't part of what I was..." She blinked and her beeper went off and she sighed.

"It seems they need me to return." I chuckled.

"Be careful with Elevators." I winked at her and she snorted at me with a smirk and I stood up giving her a hug. She walked away and It would be the last I ever saw my friend. I looked down to Fluttershy and smiled sitting back down.

"I am sorry Fluttershy that I don't wish to become part of your ministry , I don't trust them... I just trust you two." She blushed softly and smiled. She helped me through so much pain... When my mother killed herself... She helped me become what I am today... A pony that you can count on.  Fluttershy drank from the cider and I smiled gently at her and we hugged.

"I sadly need to go..." I frowned and gave her a hug. As she yellow mare smiled to me and she slowly left as well. I drank the rest of my cider and Got off the chair leaving some money and heard the jazz playing... Oh it was amazing looking towards them and smiled. Then I went home to get ready to take on Rolex.

It was the next morning and I was at the Rocky pass. I went inside the casino and soft music played. I walked into the back smoking as I was making sure I could find this sister I got in the middle of a large group and many guns were cocked and the mare that gave me the job stood up there with him and I chuckled.

"Hmm bringing one of your whores now mister Rolex you know better ways to get me here than sex appeal." Rolex flew down and chuckled and he had a tommy-like gun strapped to his side.

"Ah... but Detective... if you have the money... why not use it? Maybe this game between us will finally end. Back and forth for all these years." I chuckled and just stood there not even getting my gun...

"Hmm but I always had fun chasing you Rolex." He chuckled and lifted his wing for ponies to get ready to aim. But the area began to shake and groan like a giant earth-shattering Quake... Most of the ponies fell off the side's and fell down. The mare flew away quickly and Rolex and I stood there we heard the warning alarms We both looked at each other. He lifted his gun and started running away firing at me. I got out of the way and fired at him with my pistol as I chased after him.

We ran into the sewer's firing at each other and he was trying to find a way out. I rushed far after him. My old bones still able to chase him. As we got in the middle of a large sewer and he laughed.

"We will be doing this for all our lives, Detective... I can do it all my life... Can you?!" Suddenly there was another explosion and I was engulfed in radiation. He vanished in the smoke. I followed him and I was in the middle of it all I started to breathe hard seeing my home burning around me ponies screaming. I coughed I was dying and my world went black.

I woke up many days later my body changed... A lot of the ponies around me changed. It was the end of the world you could say.

I spent the last 200 years in this little hole. I am what ponies call a ghoul... But I am a respected one... I made a name for myself as a Detective my skills are still needed in this day and age... I haven't seen Rolex in 200 years... I doubt I ever would... But saving ponies from raider's and watching the gangs build up from the lawlessness of our land... The only spot not taken over by gangs... My home...

Apparently, there are old stables that opened up here... The lucky ponies got into them. I walk along the road of Buffalo Hoof to help these ponies... For it's even harder now to find food. But I do what I can for them. I am Smoke Pipe... I am dead... I am a walking Zombie walking the wasteland... That's what they called it yes...

I am walking the wasteland... not understanding why it all went wrong. We were never in the war... We stayed out of it. Welcome to my story...

Calm jazz music played.

Fallout Equestria: Mystery Mountain

Writer: Megaskullmon

Editor: rainbowscoots1
> Chapter one: The lone Road.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

     "The walk is something that will not happen easily."

200 years it has been. Calm jazz music in the background. I live above the bar... Old newspaper clippings and treasures of my mysteries. I sat there on the old chair. How most of my place stayed in one piece impressed me. The music kept playing and soft music played. As a mare sang.

"Ooooh, under the blue... moonlight... You dance with me... as we walk along the beach... In the moonlight as it's blue." Another pony plays the Saxophone while I looked up to my bed... Seeing a mare that I allowed them to room here. Since I don't sleep and she pays me. She woke up stretching, she was a dark purple earth pony mare with long green mane and tail. I took her in when... She lost her family to raiders. "Good evening Sleep head." The mare chuckles softly.

"Hmm, that stallion was amazing..." I snorted as I drank down some whiskey not feeling the burn. "I heard you two in my study..." She chuckles softly and gets off the bed and gives me a nuzzle on my decaying body... She wasn't scared to show her happiness of being with me. I felt happiness? Could a ghoul be happy? I wasn't sure really. The jazz kept playing below us... So calm. The world may have ended.

"Under the moonlight so calm and gentle night... OH, luna's blue moon romantic it is..." The song keeps playing with the mare singing. Our small area of Wymarnic didn't get hit as hard... The only part was close to the Casano were I died you could say. Smiling at the mare who was a young adult.

"You have any jobs Smoke Pipe?" I looked up and chuckled.

"I have been asked to find an old food caravan from 200 years ago. So I have to walk along the lone roads. To head to Casperen. So I have to walk the old highways." She frowned, sighing.

"Do you need me to go with you again?" I stared at her

"No... Root I need you try harder to get food growing... Ponies are getting hungry." She nodded her name was Root, an odd name for this mare... Her Cutie mark a Root. She sighed looking down and nodded.

"I will ask Zoonie see if she has any more Brews that could help." I gave a nod and put on my Coat and hat, looking to Root. "Make sure you take some water to the guards. It's getting hot out there and guarding those highways is not going to be easy with it being this hot."

She nodded. I headed down to the bar level seeing a lot of new ponies today... The mare singing oh what a doll she was... Her name was Goldribbon. If I was still alive I would enjoy a night with her... But I needed to remove myself from that... I sat at the bar a moment. In an old Bartender's outfit was a mare and she smiled.

"Good evening Detective... Out of whiskey?" I chuckled at the red unicorn mare. "No Moonshine I am wondering if my client gave you any more information on the location of the caravan."

She thinks a moment I swear I could hear the wheels turning in her head

"Ah yes, she said... It's on the way to Blue Stone forest... So that's a long walk. You need anypony to come with you?"

I shook my head and the jazz music played so calmly. With the mare singing another song.

"Oh... we hold our hooves together... As we look into each other's eyes... Ooooh." I looked to the singer and smiled.

"Now... I shall be heading out... If any more clients come looking for..." I went silent as I saw a drunk stallion getting very abusive of his marefriend... My eyes were calm as he was surrounding her with many other drunk stallions.

"Excuse me..." I stood on my hooves and walked to the group who were harming the mare and trying to forcibly rape her.

I looked at them under the brim of my hat. I softly spoke.

"Hey... boys." They stopped and looked at me... I was a bit smaller than them. I just stood there as they held weapons staring at me as the mare was crying.

"What do you... want tiny?"

I smirked and softly spoke

"Treating your marefriend there... very harshly.... hmm?" The stallion laughs

"That's what mares are just sex objects to... be used for sexual intercourse..."

I kept my cool and I looked at their joints it seems they have been on their hooves most of the day... Now the leader of them tries to get me away.

"Now.....how about you mind your own business and let me enjoy my night."

I chuckled...

"I can't let you do that...son..." I kept looking down from the hat and the stallion laughed.

"Look at us we are stronger then you... Do you have a death wish?" I gave a soft chuckle. They started to surround me.

"Boys....boys... I don't think that's a good idea..." I said with a smile. Yes, I had an ego but... I was trained to fight worthless ones like this.

"First.... who are you?" I chuckled keeping my hat down.

"That boy... is what you will learn..." My horn flared and I picked up four chairs and smashed the three beside me knocking them out cold as another attacked me with a large knife and I got out of the way part of my coat getting sliced. I then turned around and did a buck right in his chest making him fly and the leader watched all this and more came at me... As I used my hooves to smack them in the face. ..More falling to the ground and I turned to the leader.

I know I won't win every fight... But when it comes to fools like this it was cake...

"Who are you?"

I chuckled lifting up my hat with a smile.

"Someone who gives a shit about the other ponies in this world." I smiled and he attacked me quick and smacked a hoof across his face quickly and then forced him against the wall with my magic.

"A mare... deserves to be treated like a treasure... a jewel... They aren't meant to be treated like toys and made worthless..." I tossed him out the broken window as the rest of his ponies ran. I removed the mane out of the eyes of the crying mare she looked pretty beat up and Moonshine rushed over. The mare hugged me tightly and sobbed. Again I have made a name for myself in this little town... These ponies were out of towners. We have had a lot of ponies... From other parts of Equestria invading... The reason why the gangs formed because of this...

Their Xenophobic of what they call un-mountain ponies... Only ponies from the mountain range... can live here... Somepony would have to deal with them sooner or later... But it wouldn't be me. One of the guards walked in it was a large stallion... I know extremely well. He spoke in a deep southern draw.

"Detective... we all heard sobbing and crying." He looked down to the mare and looked at how beat up she was... I looked up to him.

"Take her to Zoonie to fix her up." He nodded and helped up the mare as he placed her on his back as she held his neck sobbing softly. I looked to Moonshine and smiled.

"I guess I will buy a bottle for the road." Moonshine smiled and trotted back to the bar as I went to the bar placing down some caps down and I smiled softly at her.

"Please stay safe Moonshine." I walked out of the bar and looked around seeing Buffalo hoof in a bowl of mountains. The mountains nothing really changed. I pulled out my corn pipe from my pockets and started to smoke some... As I headed down the road... To Blue stone Forest.

The roads were very odd basically, there were barely any towns along the way... Just bare wasteland. Of course, sometimes you did past other ponies who have been walking. The caravans that brought food to us now and then to trade... It was rare... But it did happen. The wildlife here didn't become very harsh and didn't normally attack. They normally stayed to themselves. So much wasteland for them to run... You could see herds of creatures always running over the road.

This walk would probably take half the day. Since no working ways to get there... Unless one of the few taxi ponies still used were coming down. Another nice thing about this... No places to hide for ponies or for raiders... But that didn't stop them from making camps... But lucky for me I didn't need sleep but the ponies needed to eat... I can't allow them to starve. Thanks to how this part of Equestria is... I never understood why it was so hard to grow food here...

Zoonie and Root have been trying everything. But she is not giving up... But most time her bed is what sees more fun... Gave myself a chuckle at that... At the last time, I walked in on her enjoying herself with a stallion. Eh, girls got to make money somehow I guess. But now I noticed something not far off. Steel Ranger base made in the middle of the field... I haven't been down this road in a few years. So it's interesting to see them building a base here...

But I just kept going... I am sure they would ignore me and...

"HALT!!" I blinked and sighed.

"Lovely..." I turned to two walking towards me, keeping my hat down.

"How can I help you metal fellas?"

The leader spoke with gestures of their front left hoof.

"Destination and reason of being on the road?"

I chuckled softly.

"That is my business and that is my business... now I am going to go." I started walking ahead of them and I heard their guns and I sighed, turning to them again.

"Look... I don't care who the fuck you are... This place has been fine without your kind here... So now I am going on my way... Go ahead, try to kill me... the bombs didn't kill me 200 years ago... I doubt you could too... Now go back to your commander and suck their balls for me." I gave a sweet smile to them showing that I don't give a shit about them.

The steel ranger's growled and their commander came out and looked to me and removed his helm.

"Ah, detective." I gave a snort...

"Oh, it's you... But will you let me pass? I need to find food that my client is looking for." The commander ..., nodding

"Forgive them they never lived out here like the rest of us... They don't understand."

I gave him a smile..he called himself Paladin Soda Pop whoever named him... was drunk... But he knew me... I knew him... I was there when his mother birthed him... That's how respectful ghouls are in this part of Equestria but truthfully... I haven't even been outside of this area. He has for many years.

"Soda Pop why are you building a base out here?" He looked up to me and sighed.

"We want to try to remove the gangs... I know you're going to say... Good luck with that... I do agree with you... but orders are orders." I nodded

"What gang are you going for first?" Soda Pop looked to me and sighed.

"The Lavender gang... Since they hold Caperin or however you say it... But they hold the factories and mines down there." I sighed shaking my head, I knew it.

"All this for the old factories down there and the mines? Soda you and I both know those Mines are clean..." Soda gave me a nod.

"Yes I know... but who knows... we might find something if we find food... I will call for you to come and get it... Since... I heard what is going on in my old home..." He looks down.

"How bad has it gotten?" I sighed and chuckled.

"We had traders come through a month ago... They gave the ponies there enough... I am heading to find an old Caravan that has food in it..." Soda nodded and he looked at his soldiers and gave them a talk.

I heard him say if he comes back let him through... In fact, if any pony comes through here let them through... He may be a steel ranger but he still had a good heart in him. Normally Steel ranger's don't care. I went along the road seeing a lot of old Pegasi waggons that were used to carry stuff. I started to look through them if I could find any food.

I heard sounds and I looked to see a mare hiding behind a seat. She brought her gun out and seemed to look at me...

"Whoa... I'm not a threat miss... I am just a detective." Suddenly guns started to fire at us from the outside. I looked up to see The Black aces... Ponies that dressed like cards. They fired many weapons at us and I sighed. I brought out my pistol and started firing at them. The mare started firing as well.

"So... I take it they're after you." The mare grew angry and nickered.

"Shut the fuck up and shoot!!" I smirked and kept firing at them and a few fall dead. This mare had a good shot... After awhile from a few shots... The Black aces never really cared to just stay and fight... So I watched some of them run. Why would they chase a mare all the way here? They don't even normally come out this way. I stood back up looking towards the mare finally getting a good look at her.

She was a pegasus. She was in Enclave armour and she had trouble with these ponies?

"So... what's an Enclave pegasus doing out here? Also alone?" The mare looked up to me and gave me a hateful look.

"My armour is broken... I can't work it..." I gave a nod and noticed she had a compartment to hold something in it

"Welp later miss." I walked back out and looked through the bodies of the Black aces gathering their ammo and whatever else from them... She trotted out to me.

"You're just going to leave me out here?" I looked to her from the brim of my hat.

"A pony from the great powerful Enclave doesn't wish to be on her own?" She looked at me looking down then looked back up to me.

"I have something important... that I need to give to the military." I blinked, looking at her.

"The Miltary is dead... girl... look around us..."

She nodded.

"I know.... but this group... is not... ever heard of Blue hats?" I blinked. The Blue hats rumour has it... they're a group of former Miltary ponies that lived in a bunker made to be like a stable. They live deep in the mountains. Near the old camp grounds... But no pony has ever seen them and lived.

"The blue hats are a myth. Nopony has seen them since the war..." The mare grew very angry.

"I have been in contact with them. They want this." She opened the compartment and set down a large box that looks like it would hold a memory orb. I opened it and looked at the orb... I have never seen an orb this big and black and glowing so evilly.

"You want to give them this?" She nodded.

"I found it.... in one of the mines..that the Lavender gang was allowing The Black aces to mine in. I was on a mission for the enclave to learn if... we could help this part of the waste."

I chuckled.

"You mean give them food to force them to be loyal to you. I know how you are... So now... What is on this orb?" She looks up to me and she looked like she was thinking if she should and she sighed.

"It's secret's that during the war... that Equestria itself sent missiles here to attack their own ponies because they refused to take part in the war."

I blinked.

"I highly doubt that Equestria would do that... But they did hate the fact that we never got into the war. But eh..." I gave her the orb back and head out... But she followed me anyway.

"Um... what are you doing? Sir?"

I kept walking towards the way to Blue Stone forest.

"My job miss... I am a Detective trying to get food for the ponies in my town... It's been this way for 200 years. Back then Equestria didn't even care about us and just had to send food to us... because we refused to be part of their war."

She blinked and kept up with me flying calmly beside me.

"How do you know all this?" I pushed my hat up she finally noticed I am a ghoul... My voice was already deep... so it stayed...

"I was there..." She gasped and nodded... As she kept following me flapping her wings... to keep up with me... I never thought I would gain what some would say a follower. She calmly didn't speak but she just looked around her eyes were easy to see. It was so easy to tell she is a mare because of the body shape and the eyes.

We got half way and she stopped panting from flapping too much and I looked down to her...

"It's ten times hotter here than most parts of Equestria... The cloud cover keeps the heat down here... But even before then... This place was a wasteland... Very hard to grow here... So... tell me something... Why is that orb so big?"

She looked to me and sighed.

"From what the Blue hats told me... It holds more than just memories it holds the reason they fired on this part...of Equestria... they want to know... Why Equestria pulled out of this area... and left them in a sorry state."

I chuckled.

"I can tell you that part... We refused them... we kicked them out of every part of this area... The only ones that would come and give us food... were Applejack and Fluttershy... They would come every month and bring us food.." She looked at me and sighed.

"The war didn't bother us... we had Zebras here as well... We still do... They belong in our lands... Even if their war and the pony war was pointless... Oh, look we will blow up in our world... Because of oh look Coal..."

I shook my head and kept walking she stayed by me as quick as she could... I looked towards her..Why is she following me?

"I got a question miss? Why are you following me? I am just a Detective really." She looked around and chuckled weakly.

"I um... don't know... where to go... I am lost..." I sighed, great I have a lost dove following me...

"You want to follow me? Then you have to do what I say... how it say it and what I do you do not question deal?" The mare stared at me and she seemed angry and then sighed.

"Deal..." I nodded and walked along the road and it would just be another few hours before we even got closer.

"What's your name sir?"

I chuckled and looked away for a moment. I looked at the armour it hid how her body was... But I could tell she was just of age to be a mother. She could have been made into breeding for her family. But I moved my hooves and they made soft sounds as we walked along... It was a minute before I spoke up.

"I'm Smoke Pipe..." She blinked looking towards me

"What kind of mother would name their foal that?"

I laughed softly.

"A mother that slept with any stallion that she brought to her bed... I have no idea who my father was. Just to say every stallion that came into my life... Was some sort of father to me... So I am what you say a bastard. But she did love me she did so much for me to make sure I had enough to eat... But when she died I took it hard... But a young mare known as Fluttershy helped me through it... Then I met Applejack... Made friends with them..." I looked down sighing

"Now they're dead... and I died when the world died... but I woke up like this." The mare turned to me and removed her helm it was still connected to the armour... I finally saw her... She was a white mare a pure white mare... She had calm gentle pink eyes and her mane White like her fur.

"I'm Blossom..." She smiled softly and I just chuckled.

"Nice to meet you, Blossom." She seemed to be scared of the world below and walked closer to me.

"How... do you live like this? Why do ponies... not just ask for help." I looked at her with a soft smile.

"Blossom... ponies have been doing this... for years... if they asked for help... like The Enclave they would expect things like pure respect... if the gangs helped... They would protect the ponies from outside... You are an outsider here in this part of Equestria... The gangs won't respect  you."

She looked down and sighed. I looked at her and sighed. We kept walking along the path and saw a large broken caravan. It was on the road heading to Blue Stone forest.

"Ah, here we are... Let's see if we can find food."

Blossom looked up at me and blinked.

"How... did this client of yours know about this?" She asked with a calm nicker.

"There are a lot of old invoices that they found recently... Looking through them found one... head down this way."

There was one large caravan to hold the food, I opened the door and went inside along with Blossom.

"What... are we looking for?"

I thought for a moment.

"Anything that is canned... A lot of that would have survived." I opened a few boxes as she did the same. Opening two of the boxes I found an invoice and what they were used for... Inside canned food.

"I found more..." I blinked nodding.

"Blossom do me a favor... could you find or make a small wagon for me and hitch it to me so we can get all this back?" Blossom nodded and went outside... I heard her using her Armour to break something apart as I gathered most of the boxes and I blinked I then found a message to one of the soldiers. {Remove yourself from that area... a branch of the military has taken control of the silos and fired on them, get out of there quickly!}. I blinked at this and folded it up to keep for later.

I walked out with four of the cases with me and she had created a metal wagon for me to hitch to. Looking around to see some of the things from the wagon. I set them in.

"Get in Blossom." She blinked and got in the wagon and sat in it.

"When I ask you to, lay down."

I hitched myself to the metal wagon and slowly started the trek back. It was going to be night time before we fully got back. Blossom looked around as I just kept my eyes on the road to make sure we got there safe. All there was is flat plans. Some rocky mountains but no way's a sniper could get us. It's so open and she gasped as she saw the beauty of this land... it was always like this even before the end... Now some of the creatures just stayed clear of ponies...

They were more scared of us then we are of them. Raider's didn't really come out this way as much... Not much for them to do out here. In fact, if they ran into the gang's they would be dead pretty quick. We watched as another wagon came through. It was a group of ponies.

"OH, Detective." The pony stopped and I smiled to him.

"I see they still have you taking the mail back and forth, you old fool."

The stallion chuckles as he has large packs of mail.

"Yes..." He was a ghoul as well.

"I guess they still need me... hmm?" He smiled.

"How's everything in Buffalo hoof? I am taking food to them." I asked with a calm stare.

"It's peaceful it seems the gangs want it to stay that way... So they refuse to fight over it. since it's a peaceful little town."

I nodded.

"Well you better get going the mail will not deliver itself." The stallion laughed and trotted off. Blossom nickered softly.

"Who was that?" I looked behind me to see her.

"An old mail pony... Ponies give him letters and such and he just walks these roads day and night... Till he's done and collects more... he has homes in every city in this area of Equestria. Basically, I see him hmmm maybe every two months. A lot of ghouls live out there... They feel more welcomed here and the gangs protect them... The Black aces...are very protective of them... The Black Stripes is a Zebra gang... that doesn't really harm anypony they live most in Gelletrot. It's an old mining town. The Black aces live in Sharldin. The chain boys live in an area I have never been to... I don't remember the city and back behind us is where The lavender boys live... The lavender gang normally patrol these roads."

She sighed.

"I was told that the blue world is full of mindless ponies that kill each other." I chuckled.

"Oh that is not far from the truth... but in this area we are family... we try to work together but there are some murders and such to keep... the peace... The gangs don't just murder and kill. It's sadly how things are in this part of the world."

"I heard there... is a sickness that makes ponies raider's." I stopped quickly and turned to look at Blossom staring at her enclave armour she still had on.

"Excuse me? Are you trying to tell me that your Enclave feeds you that load of bullshit? There is no sickness that turns a pony into a crazy pony... It is a choice, there is no such sickness... That's the stupidest load of propaganda I have ever heard from a Pegasus pony... and no you aren't the first one I have met."

She huffed and humph as I kept walking. I could tell it was getting late. As we passed the old caravan that I met her in. I softly whispered.

"Okay... Blossom I need you to lay down and don't move..." We were getting close to the Steel Ranger's she blinked and tried to press why.

"Why..." Then a loud voice.

"HALT!!" She ducked quickly as the Steel Ranger's trotted up to me.

"Ah hello again... I am just head back home I got what I needed." The two look at each other and sighed... They remembered who I was.

"Now can I go or will we have to get soda pop back out here hmm?" I smirked. I could tell I angered them and I loved it. The just grunted and allowed me to keep going... As we got farther away I laughed softly. Blossom stood up and looked back at them.

"Wait... why did they let you pass... They never let anypony pass." I gave a laugh.

"Eh, I don't care who they are... they're just ponies in high tech armour that think they're all that and a bag of hay." It was getting to be the middle of the night... The bugs buzzed not far from us but left us alone.

"So Blossom do you buy everything the Enclave said about the world below?" Blossom seemed insulted.

"Of course... not... I mean.... yes.... yes I do..." I looked at her with a gentle smile.

"I can... tell you none of that is real... child... They probably brought some ponies down here... and then saw all this and they made it up... To keep them in power. Look, Blossom, you seem to be a smart mare... Don't let them control you like that... You need to prove to them that you're better than that... We need to move on from all this propaganda all this worthless hate... All of that is the reason the war lasted how it did... and why it ended like it did.."

She sighed and layed back down she slowly fell asleep... I looked up at the sky seeing the clouds... As if I could remember the past. I closed my eyes for a moment and started to remember. Oh, the days I could just enjoy a moment a mystery and now... not much need for a Detective but I still used my skills for kidnappings and other things... Oh, the taste of whiskey, the taste of anything I missed...

Then I was brought out of my dream as I walked with Blossom wrapping around me and seeming to lay on my back. I looked at her, she had her armour off... I got to see her cutie mark a Rose blossom. Her wings soft white feathers. She wrapped around my neck. I don't know why she did this...

"Blossom what are you doing?"

She hmmed and nuzzled my neck.

"I'm enjoying the company of a ghoul that is very sweet and kind. But also a bit of a jerk... But I am alone down here and need a friend."

I sighed I knew I would make a friend... After awhile we finally made it back... It was starting to get light again. As I came down and the guards stood up and they had smiles on their faces...

"Get everypony out of their homes and let them know I got food for them." They nodded and trotted off and I stood by the bar it was just opening up since... Moonshine lived in the apartment beside mine. She came down the stairs and opened up the bar and gasped

"Your back!!" She rushed out and noticed the boxes and then looked at the mare on my back and she chuckled softly.

"Oh... Smoke Pipe are you hitting on mares again?" She giggled, I rolled my eyes. "Funny Moonshine funny... Be careful of what's in the back."

She blinks and walked to the back gasping seeing the armor.

"She's... Enclave?!" I nodded

"Don't worry, she helped me." Blossom woke up and got off my back.

"Moonshine, will you take her in and introduce her to Root... if she is not in the arms of some stallion." Moonshine nods and walks to Blossom with a soft smile.

"Come miss Blossom... It seems you get to stay with Smoke pipe for a while." She blinked and followed Moonshine taking her armour with her.

I leaned on the wall taking out my corn pipe and lit it to start smoking...Waiting for all the families to get here. Moonshine got into the cart and when the sun came up from behind the clouds. There was a long line of ponies. Moonshine gave each family one can. It sadly is all we could do for them until we could grow food. After a while, all the ponies got what they could.

Moonshine took the extra box in for patrons that would come into her bar. I walked through the road watching ponies go into their homes. Some old stores were turned into apartments, some homes were shared. It's how this small area was... We all worked together. I went to go see Zoonie in her office. I walked into to see the Zebra mare who oddly wore glasses. She looked to me and smiled.

"What do I owe  this meeting Detective?" I walked to her and removed my hat setting it down to bow my head to her... She deserved it, she helped so many ponies in this little town.  I looked at her she didn't wear anything like the others did... I saw every stripe on her body... Her beauty and she caught me staring at her and she spoke gently...

"Smoke Pipe your staring at me again." I blinked and chuckled if I could blush I would be, I coughed and smiled

"I wish to know how the formula is coming along." I asked with a gentle smile... Zoonie frowned and looked to the brew.

"The brew works... but only for Carrots... I made it to the point that... it will only grow carrots and grow them every two months... I doubt that will really help... But it's all I can do... Unless somepony could find me seeds... then maybe I can make it so all the seeds will grow every two months..."

I nodded and she blinked, giving me a hug.

"Thank you Smoke Pipe for making me feel welcomed here... when I came to town." I nodded and walked out as I did I saw a group of Steel ranger's passing the guards and moving down the road to head to another one of the towns... I am hoping they don't even try to stay here... I went inside and sat at the bar. As it started to rain.

I watched as the ponies carried their gardens outside to get them to grow. Root brought hers down and Blossom stood beside me watching. As Zoonie used her brew to help grow what she can... As they did this they just sat there in the rain watching. I looked to Blossom who had tears in her eyes.

"Their suffering... How long has it been like this?"

I sighed.

"For 200 years blossom... The military forsake us because we refused to be in their war. The princess abandoned us... because we stopped calling them Goddess and they just left us to rot here... We have been like this way before the war even started and they never cared... if they cared they would have helped us all."

Jazz music softly played.

"I am from one of the Stables... we were taught at birth that the Princess abandoned us... along with the Military for we are just worthless to the outside... just that we are still suffering but we will live on... Even if we have to find more ways to get food." Moonshine calmly nickered and said.

As the Jazz played, Gold started to sing.

"Oh... Luna.... why did you forsake us... Oh Celestia... why did you abandon us... We see our sorrow in the rain... That comes from the sky... Oh please show us... that you care... For you have given us no hope Princess... We see that your blessings are for nought... We see that our path has lead us to here... A war that made us forgotten... a land... That barley grows... but we shall endure till the sun... rises again... and we see our hearts... Grow."

Blossom started sobbing in my coat... She was starting to learn I thought... That this place of sorrow is how it was way before the war... Even during those six mares, that tried to save the world. Fluttershy tried so hard... So did Applejack to get help out here... But all we saw was politics the war is more important than helping some ponies in a forsaken place in Equestria... I am sad to say... if they're dead... I hope they're not... but if their dead... They deserved their fate.

I wrapped my hoof around Blossom and gave her a hug and let her cry. It was hard to see ponies suffering yes... everypony in the world suffered but just to see it like this... Would break the heart of any heart cold heart... I saw a Steel ranger bringing out a garden as well. He removed his helm. It was Soda Pop's other rangers of his brought gardens and they sat with the ponies.

We normally disliked the Steel rangers and I watched as Zoonie used her brew on their gardens... She then went back inside and the Steel ranger's I could hear them speak as I let Blossom go so Moonshine could hold her.

"Why.... don't they just leave?" One of them asked.

"There is more out there... then this..."

Soda Pop softly spoke.

"This is their home... Even the gangs will have gardens like this... The Goddess forsake them in their minds... I feel if we do this... they may let us pass here more often and we can rest here... But not set up a base here... I would never allow it. These ponies are suffering, they would suffer more if we set up a base here."

"They didn't even fight in the war... Why did they get hit then?"

Soda Pop shrugged

"I know one who was in the middle of that... he was the Detective you allowed to pass along with the Mail carrier there are more ghoul ponies in this area... Since they're welcomed here..." Root blinked and stood up.

"Soda...." Her eyes fill with tears... Soda stood up seeing her... They rush and hug... As she seemed to sob softly.

Blossom walked to me and nuzzled me softly... "What happened?"

"Soda and Root are siblings... They haven't seen each other in a long time. They haven't seen each other since this city was seized by a raider gang... Lucky for us The lavender gang came to our rescue and pushed them out and helped us bury the dead... They said we owe them nothing just to call them again if something like this happens. You see Blossom your Enclave can believe what it wants to... This area of Equestria... is all family..."

She seemed sat by me sighing... I looked at her with a gentle smile removing my hat. I was not like every ghoul I still had flesh and all that... I didn't crack as much... I still kept my charm... Blossom looked at me and smiled.

"Smoke Pipe... I want to stay with you and Root... I can't go back... I need to see this through. I need to find the Blue hats. But... I will do it when you can." I gave a smile.

"That's not going to be easy, getting up there will take some time... and it will be a long walk... But for now... I feel we need to stick around here... Unless that Orb brings unfriendly folks around here." I put my hat back on and set down some Caps for Blossom.

"Have something to drink and eat..." Suddenly the new band showed up one was a Zebra and on Saxophone was a Griffin. We didn't have many of them here but they were welcomed another unicorn on the horn and mostly just played jazz here... Gold was given another song... As I sat there watching her but I kept look at the outside as The Steel ranger's started to leave... leaving their gardens in the rain... Soda and Root hugged as she came back in and sat beside me.

"Root I got a question for you." She looked to me with a weak smile.

"Do you care if Blossom stays with us?" She blinks looking to the Pegasus. Root leaned into to me to whisper something.

"Do you trust her?" I gave a nod and Root smiled.

"Then I trust her as well." I sat there watching the band and the singer... The song was calm and soothing it reminded me of the past again... But I kept looking at the Gardens and the ponies staying there... We didn't even get the news out here... But at times we would see traders that would tell us what is happening.

Not really much to do during this time Blossom sat beside me as well Moonshine brought me my normal whiskey and I drank from it.  The two looking at each other I wanted them to be friends... But Blossom seemed a bit shy. But my client finally showed up. She was one of the rich of this little town... I stood up and went to her.

"I got as many cases as I could." She smiled and nodded.

"Thank you, Detective..." She gave me a bag of Caps. I knew this mare very well she didn't like being rich... But she used her influence to help this little town... She wanted to build a wall around it. She set it down in front of me and I looked up and smiled.

"I am happy to help." She nodded and she offered her hoof I took it and gave it a gentle kiss.

"Thank you kindly Ribbon." She smiled and walked out as she spoke to the townsfolk and reassured them that she will make sure they stay protected.

I knew her as well... Another one from the stables that used her mind to get rich and then used it to help this little town. Moonshine was the same... she was a teen when she came to this town... I offered her the bar and she used the old whiskey that we stored here so long ago... To keep ponies happy. It was something I was hoping to see more of... Ponies helping each other... I walked back to Root and Blossom. Root taking the bag from me and looking through it.

"Hmm we got enough here... to see if I can send out the Lavender gang to find some seeds for us." I looked over to her, nodding.

"I think we should use it to help Moonshine with the bar... But if you feel that getting more seeds will help." Root gave me a look.

"What you what to keep your stock of Whiskey going? Then we better be growing the brewery may have ponies looking through it... But they won't be finding whiskey and such forever for you or others... We need to start growing food." I nodded. As I looked back to the band and the singing and I felt a tap on my shoulder... I looked up and it was the mare I saved from those stallions the other day.

"Ah excuse me..." Blossom whispered something to Root and they both giggled.

"Feeling better?" I calmly asked the mare. She nodded.

"I am going to head back home... tomorrow... I just wanted to thank you for dealing with my Coltfriend... he normally is a nice guy... But when he's drunk he starts trying to hurt me... So I am going to move on and find another..." I gave a nod.

"I agree with you on that... You take care the inn is open. I am sure old Lady Fruitberry is still awake..." She nodded and walked to the inn. I went to the bar and got a cup of whiskey and started to talk to Moonshine.

"Moonshine, I got a question you have ears in every part of this area... Have you heard of the Blue Hats?" She blinks thinking a moment cleaning cups.

"Ah yes... I have heard some things... That they send ponies strange messages telling them to find artifacts of the old world... Military to see if they can find out what went wrong at the end... I do know that some of them live in rock edge mountain. It's a mystery why they would live in there... Maybe you could head up there sometime... But I could send out one of my birds with a letter to the other bars and see what we can find for you." I gave a nod. She started to write a letter with her magic and went to the back and a large strange ugly bird was on her hoof.

"Please take this to every bar alright?" The bird nodded and spoke...

"If they write back, send back?" She nodded...

"I will try to remember." The large bird creature flew out. I forgot it spoke... I forgot that freaky thing used to be a parrot. I chuckled.

"That thing always gives me the creeps... I forgot he can talk as well. What do you feed that thing?" Moonshine gave me a smirk.

"Meat... of course there are a lot of rats in the basement so I give him all those he can eat because he does this stuff for me." I sighed nodding and looked back out to the gardens some ponies just staying there... I figured it was time for them to go home... I went out and softly whispered.

"Okay... go home, rest, and dry up, these will be here tomorrow." They all nodded and I looked at a little filly who stayed by hers and her mother nuzzled her. As they both stood up and went inside. The sorrow of our blight is full but we would never stop ourselves from loving the world. I may be bitter about what happened in the past... But I am sure down the line we will learn what happen to us... For it is a Mystery and I love them. It was getting late I sat at the bar again watching as it got dark outside the guards stayed and guarded the gardens...

It's all they had food is a scarce thing... I wish I could help them more... But I do what I can do... I looked through the reports that Moonshine writes up for me.

"Hmm, another kidnapping a meeting of all the gangs... Hmm normal, normal... huh?" I looked through it and found something interesting.

"Moonshine what is this?" I showed her one of the reports...

"Oh that is from Soda Pop, he was telling me that the old war memorial ponies are vanishing he sent some of his ponies in there and they vanished. He said that ponies live in there and he wanted to make contact with them. But he heard nothing. He is wondering if something is wrong..." I gave a nod and looked through it more. A good amount of caps, oh my food enough. The caps a look again and nodded.

"Let him know I will do that tomorrow, I need to make sure Root doesn't take another stallion to her bed tonight." Blossom and Root were speaking as they giggled and laughed drinking from the whiskey. It seems Root made a friend. I smiled but then felt that something bad would happen...

"Hmm, I got a question Moonshine, has Root ever flirted with you?" Moonshine looked up to me very surprised look.

"No.... why would she? She basically sleeps with every stallion she can wrap herself... around... Hell, she would sleep with you if you weren't a ghoul." I laughed.

"Oh I know but I am sure I can get her mind on other things." I drank another cup watching them and a stallion sat beside me and I knew his voice...

"Hello, Detective... I see 200 years have been kind to you." I looked to the Pegasus.

"Rolex..." He chuckled.

"Now, now... I am not a gang leader anymore, I am more of a nothing. I just came to see you... about something important... I heard you wish to go to the old war memorial." I nodded.

"Please do... there is something going on there that has interested me... as well. I feel it has something to do with why our area of Equestria was given no help." I looked at him blinking.

"What makes you say that?" He looked to me and sighed.

"Let's just say some of my boys saw the Military go in there with strange machines and blocked it off from ponies. Some of my boys think there was a mega spell set off in there. But I am not truly sure... Our chase was wonderful Detective maybe again someday... Because we will be living forever... But for now... this mystery is something that is needed. Also keep an eye on the Enclave mare... They can't be trusted... I know you my old friend... I know you well..."

I snorted laughing.

"Yes, old friend... I know what you mean... The chase was fun... and amazing the long nights of trying to kill each other... Oh, how fun that was..." He laughed.

"Oh, I am sure it will happen again... But you have a mystery to solve Detective..." Root stood up looking to Rolex and she backed away from him she knew him well... From my stories.

"Root what's wrong?" Root hid behind a table as Blossom went to her.

She tried to help her and see what was up. I heard them both say.

"It's him..." Blossom looked over to me.

"Him who?"

Rolex chuckles and stood up.

"Ah yes... everypony..." The band stopped patrons  looked up to him.

"I am Rolex... The former gang leader of the purple coats... I was just talking to my old friend the Detective... who chased me for over 50 years and then lost me the day he and I died... Our chase was so much fun in the past... Sexual intercourse, death... murder and mystery. Oh, textbook poetry you could say."

I just watched him.

"But sadly those days are over... Now ponies get back to your gardens so you can enjoy your life..." He smiled and paid Moonshine and walked out of the bar. Ponies went back to what they were doing finding it odd.

"Soooo that was the great Rolex?" Moonshine giggled.

"Oh, Smoke pipe he seemed to be a fool." I smirked and laughed.

"Oh you would think that but he did some pretty nasty things to ponies... But the past is the past... and the fun may come back someday... So we start our hunt again. But for now, I got more important things to do." Root came out of her hiding place. As her and Blossom came over to me and Root hugged me.

"He has a bigger ego then you said he did Smoke..." I chuckled and just patted her back.

"You will be fine Root, I won't let him hurt you." She nodded and rushed out to get her Garden and she carried hers back upstairs. Blossom sat beside me and looked to me...

"Smoke Pipe... I got a question for you... you can say no..." She looked down.

"But I was talking to Root she said you and her are like partners, may I be one too? I don't wish to go back... I wish to help." I thought about it for a while and looked to her.

"Yes you can I am going to need you both tomorrow so please get some rest... I will be down here for a little while longer." Blossom nodded and headed upstairs. I went outside and did my rounds in the rain... the lights came on since we did have some power I still have no idea how we had power... But we did in some parts of the streets... I walked along the path were the guards normally went and found nothing out of the ordinary

I calmly walked back to the bar and I sighed feeling that this night would be peaceful. But then like clockwork...Those stallions from earlier came back... With more... I sighed looking at them all there was like ten. I sighed.

"So back for more boys and you brought friends... I see." Moonshine came out and watched shaking her head.

"We are going to kill you... ghoul." I laughed and smiled.

"But you're just ten... now if there was more of me then you would have a chance... But there is just one." Blossom landed beside me in her enclave armor.

"Make that two!!" Root came and broke through the stallions and stood by me...

"Make that three." I chuckled. Oh, a good ole fashioned brawl... The guards were near us as well. They would probably put a stop to this.

Then Rolex landed beside me...

"How about you make that four Detective... and this is the only time I will be helping you." I laughed softly and started to run my mouth off.

"Listen boys... you will be fighting two veteran fighter's two mares one an Enclave and one a former guard of Friendship city. Now are you willing to do so?" Suddenly Zoonie dumped one of her brews on the stallion and he screamed falling to the ground thinking he was burning and rolling.

Rolex rushed into the fight and used his wings and hooves to hit and smash into the stallions it was an all out brawl and it was amazingly fun the ones that he went after didn't take long for him to take them down and he would keep smashing their faces with his hooves and he laughed enjoying it so much.

Zoonie was not just a doctor she was also trained fighter some went after her and she was able to take them out with no issue at all because well they were just thugs and thugs never trained their skills to fight... She kept doing interesting dances to get out of the way of their attacks and she giggled she may not be young anymore but she could hop around like a dancer... Smashing her hooves into them and making them fall back.

Root may be an earth pony but she was a former guard... She fights dirty. She grabbed a chair with her mouth and smashed it across one of the stallion's face and knocked him out and then kept attacking with the chair trying too hard to get them to run away from her... She had so much happiness on her face. She likes to fight even more than having sex it seems... But still, I am sure she would bed one of these stallions later. If they forgave her for beating their ass.

I watched blossom fly into the air and smash into them with her metal hooves on her armor she didn't wish to kill them but knock them out. She was enjoying this laughing with Giddy as she never had fun like this before. She kept into the air and we all danced in the fight... The jazz music playing... it was like a music movie... Oh so lovely... Just the pure art of old ways to deal with things... Hooves in the face... It was something I missed most of all.

Then I removed my coat and hat and they were on the ground getting soaked as I danced around the gun strapped to my side... As I laughed and kept dancing on my hooves loving this fight and then after a while all that was said and done... We all laughed and after the fight, Rolex flew off.

"Later Detective..." he flew off and I laughed as the guards came and arrested the stallions dragging them off. It was so amazing and fun... I was watching Blossom who was so happy and Giddy she rushed up to kiss me in the moment and she planted a long kiss on me... I was surprised I could oddly feel it but she just kissed a ghoul she opened her eyes and backed away.

"Oh... my I am sorry.... Smoke Pipe..." I laughed and patted her back...

"No harm done... my friend... It was the moment it happens." She nodded with a smile and flew up back into the room. Root giggled.

"You sure it wasn't more Smoke Pipe?" She gave me a wink and I rolled my eyes. Moonshine laughed softly and shook her head... I walked back into the bar after picking up my hat and coat with my magic looking to Moonshine.

"If you find any info on the Blue hats let me know please." Moonshine nodded. I went upstairs and hung my wet coat and hat and Root went right to bed so did Blossom I sat in my study taking out one of my books. I started to read... it was a good day... I found my hunting partner again Rolex I made a new friend and I helped the town heal a little more...

All and all... for a ghoul of old... In a town that suffers it's all we can do... just to sing...

Jazz music softly played.

"Oooh, the blue moonlight... shines through the clouds... as we see the night... In the darkness of our hearts... Oh, please Moonlight come and free us from this pain.... For we see the night... and all we can see is our hope."

Hope yes hope is what we have... and hope will be needed for the journey ahead... For a mystery is a hoof.
> Chapter two: Hidden Secrets.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"There are many lost souls..in this world..."

It was the next day it was still raining and the town was calm and the smell was gentle and normal. I was in the bar before it was open since... I did help with tending from time to time. Lifting dirty glasses that of course, Moonshine forgot to clean. In my magic lifting them with a cloth and slowly cleaned them. Looking outside to see a few ponies trotting around. But these ponies seem empty this part of Equestria is forgotten dead... Maybe someday some hero will come and bring the sun back. But I don't see that ever happening. But yes I had a job to do today. Go to the old war memorial. Ponies live there but there has been word of pre-war gear found there as of late. But that's not the only thing... Ponies that live there have vanished. So being what I am... it's time to find them... But of course, I needed to wait for my friends to help me. Moonshine left some info of what has been going on in this little city for the past few years. It was called Memorial city. Even if the dead are buried there they removed some of the dead and made homes down there. They have big commerce of weapons and they sometimes sold mostly grown food in a greenhouse that they built. But it's interesting to see that things started to go bad... 

When they all saw a blue hat walk inside and ask if he could look around. Why would the Blue Hats be showing up after all these years? I don't get it. It's something I was worried about. But of course, not everything is all black and white. In my mind, most things are black and white. But of course, that is just me.  The band and the singer slowly made it to the bar. The band started to play soft jazz without signing at the moment. Everypony in this town is just so empty so full of darkness in their heart's. It's something I never expected to see, but it's always something hopeful MoonShine finally woke up she looked like hell..Bu.of course, it's what happens when you drink too much.

"Ah, morning Moonshine.." I smiled at her and she nodded to me as I left the bar and went back upstairs to see if Root and Blossom are awake. They seem to be talking about the garden. I leaned on the door and listened to Root.

"You see...the issue with the Gardens... Is that even if we get enough rain... We will never get them to grow unless... We use Zootie's brews. Hopefully, it grows. Then when it does we give all our food to the town and we take our share. The food that you and Smoke Pipe brought will only last a few months... Unless another caravan comes through from the other towns. But that can take days to sometimes months... Because there are no faster ways."

Blossom blinks, listening as she has sadness in her eyes. I have never seen an Enclave well I have seen a few... But they were Dashites... They didn't stay around here long... The ones that did tend to become part of the gangs. The gangs the only police and army that protects our area of Equestria from Red eye. They don't care for Red eye. But they allow these strange little bots to come through I heard stories of ones talking to ponies about becoming heroes but sometimes... I come across the bodies of these so-called heroes. There are no heroes in this waste... No heroes one bit. I don't even think of myself as a hero. I listen more to Root speak about how dead this land is... It's always been this way even before the war.

"Yes...it was." I softly said... As the two looked at me. "The princess had forsaken us... The only two ministry mares that helped us was Applejack and Fluttershy. But that was every month. It's because we refused to allow their little war to come to our lands. We protect every Zebra that wishes to get away from the war. So the army forsakes us... Nothing was ever right for us. Every grows bed we had back then would be destroyed by the visiting Military that tried to force their will on us." Blossom blinks staring at me and then Root nods.  "But a lot of the stable's filled before the end happen. Ponies didn't trust Equestria anymore out here... So yes they filled quickly but I wasn't chosen. I didn't ask to be."

Root nodded.

"But yes I need you two to get ready but...make sure to wear clothing like mine." Nods calmly as I went into my study put on my coat and hat and then head outside to get to the road that leads to the Memorial. It's going to take half a day to walk there... I strapped myself to a cart so I can help the other two get there without walking. Stood there waiting, the rain didn't bother me at all. I watched the ponies walk through the town. Seeing some of the gang members walking through as well. Only a few ever came through but this one... Was carting some metal through to get to another town. This town was used as a way to gather and sort the good from the bad metal. We kept the bad metal to work and fix things. It's always how it worked... The metal is used to fix our homes or weapons... But using bad metal caused us to repair more than we need to... But sometimes we got lucky and they left some good metal behind and it was used to build up our defenses. Watched as my two friends finally came out. Blossom in a lovely outfit as well as Root. Her long mane shows her beauty. I smiled as they got in the back.

"Welp, time to go ladies."

{HR}

It was close to the middle of the day. Looking towards the empty lands. There was a sign on the way saying War memorial. I sighed softly dust coming out of my nose. But I looked over to see a group of mutated pronghorns. They ran like nothing ever happen through the fields. This land was full of beauty even for a waste. Looking in the back to see my two friends asleep. Good for them to be asleep since. It was going to be hard for them to be up so late. Had no idea what was going to happen. But I heard wings flapping and looked up to see Rolex flying alongside me.

"Ah... I see you have a stake in this Rolex." I said calmly.

"Ah, detective something is happening in the waste... There are stories of some Lightbringer... Some crazy ghost... A mare called Security something is going on in Equestria. It seems our little area of Equestria is still lost in time. So I think it's time for the clock to move. There are even rumors of a strange wolf creature showing up in areas... Then along with a Zebra with metal hooves... But I must say... If we must stay behind the times... Then Detective how...can we become normal?" I blinked a moment and wanted to speak but I didn't know what to say at the moment. He landed beside me and then looked at me. I finally was able to speak.

"I think now it's time to move on in our little time slot... But we must do it right... Without the gangs leaving the mountains and trying to take the pie... We need to make sure whatever happened in the past here... would not happen again to the rest of the land. But yes Rolex... What do you have to gain on this little mission of ours?" Rolex looked at me calmly.

"What will I get from this Detective?" He chuckles. "Oh, maybe the glory, the fame? No... I just want life to move on... After 200 years of traveling around this wasteland... Seeing the world die more and more. But why Detective? There is something I must do before...we go back to our chase and hunt." He smirked laughing softly.

I blinked, looking at my friends still asleep... Happy that they're asleep. But we stayed silent for a while. The two of us watched as caravans came through heading towards our little town and sighed. Looking over to Rolex and sighs.

"How is the rest of Wymarnic?" Rolex looked over at me and he had a frown on his face.

"Barley alive... Detective, that's another reason... I am doing this... I am hoping to find what is causing the land not to grow. I know way back in the old days of the Princess. Plants and food used to grow here. But during our lifetime something happened. I was told stories by my grandfather and I felt I had to do something... But I wasted my life getting chased by you... I think the two of us...missed the real threats. The very army itself. The army that started to take over our lands... The fact we all had to hide Zebras from them. The fact....they disliked that Applejack and Fluttershy helped us."

I gave him a look nodding calmly. Granted I felt the same way. I knew something wasn't right with how some of the armies got stationed here. I only knew one of the leaders of the army that was here. A pony from ponyville I forgot his name sadly. But I do know he was stationed at the War Memorial. Sighing looking at the sand storm slowly forming... But the nice thing about our area of Wymarnic is we never had the crazy sandstorms as other parts did... Rolex stood beside me calmly, we watched the clouds parting a bit. But, interestingly, we never had any of those silly towers that were made during the war. But even after it parted the clouds seemed to be stitched back up. Maybe someday we will see the sun again.

"Rolex...do you remember the sun?" He looked at me a moment through his hat and nodded.

"Ah, the sun...the warmth...just to see it again...it would be like seeing Celestia."

I smiled softly and sighed.

Another hour and we will finally be there. I was happy that my hooves never tire of my body. The idea of being like this is odd of course. But I do miss my old life. The taste I could have... The feel of the breath of a mare along my body. Just to be able to touch a mare would make my day... But Alas I must see the ending of that.

We got to where we needed to go finally and when we got there. We saw tents full of ponies that seemed to live here. A large guard looked at us and walked toward us she was a large mare I could say. She asked a soft question. "Detective?" I gave a nod, the mare looks back the way into their home.

"Something is wrong inside... Some of our ponies are missing... As well as the Blue hat that walked in there a few days ago." I calmly nodded and looked to the opening to the way into the city. That was a large tomb back in the day before the end of the war. Now it's a large city underground. It's very well protected, we never had to deal with the hellhounds like other parts of Equestria did... All we had to deal with underground were the diggers. The digger strange mutated creature with heavy metal shells and used in the past here... To dig up the ground for crops. Root seemed to hate her outfit... But this is one of the cities that demand that you wear clothing. Looking at Blossom seeing that she is wearing my mother's old pearls on her neck and leg. Looking back to the guard my mind finally came back to the matter at hoof.

"Did you hear anything? See anything or did anypony else?" The guard looked at me with a calm sigh, nodded, and looked back inside. The guards' eyes calmly looked back into the doorway leading to the tomb and then back to me

"We heard a strange machine turning on and then gunfire and screaming. So please detective we need to go save the rest that refuses to leave down there. Some didn't want to leave some just vanished. So please Detective enough with the questions."

Looking to Rolex, he gave a nod. It was time to go in and see what was wrong here. I sighed and looked at my two friends Blossom and Root nodded they seemed ready. We slowly go inside.

<HR>

Inside we see a lit-up city. It's larger on the inside. A strange machine that some pony gave before the war ended. It was turned into a makeshift city with metal and whatever stone or wood they could find. When we walk in Root looked around calmly her eyes studying everything. She has been here before... She has family here. Blossom looks around with sadness in her eyes.

"How...can ponies live in a tomb?" Blossom said with a calm voice.

Rolex replied. "Miss Enclave, the world is dead...but even before then. The ponies of this area of Equestria got forsaken by the Princess and we got no hope... When many tried to call us traitors here... Before the end, I may have been a criminal. But I couldn't stand seeing fillies and mares getting hurt from that silly war. But of course, Smoke Pipe and I always had a game we played... But one of us was going to fall. But for now, my fun of games is over... It's time to help this part of the world."

Blossom's eyes looked so sad and looked down as Root gave her a nuzzle and spoke gently to her but I didn't hear her. She seemed to smile nodding. But the air wasn't stale. The air came from the opening the way in. It was never closed... Because we never had to deal with raiders just mostly the creatures here... More than raiders. The raiders never made it past the gangs...if they did they probably would be very wounded. Some of the guards in Buffalo hoof used to be raiders. Root stood beside me and whispered.

"Blossom is not understanding that the world below is as bad then she thought... But from what you have told me this part of Equestria was always this dead way before the war." I looked over to Root giving her a nod. Not many even knew that Wymarnic was always this way before the war. The Equestrian army even treated us like a threat. But forced to give us food because we didn't pick a side... We accepted all from their little hateful war. Some of the Zebras here are from those that escaped and wished to fight no more. Most of them lived here. This was turned into a city ten years after the bombs fell. Thanks to the machine that gives more room inside. Many ponies could live here.  But they didn't care for ponies outside of our little area. If they came from outside of Wymarnic they weren't welcomed... But they welcomed an Enclave pony and a former Friendship city guard. I looked to Root amazing to me that she didn't wish to be one anymore..it took us a year just to get her accepted in our area. You have to get citizenship in a little area. It's not that hard... Just takes time.

But, of course, enough of this speaking to myself. Looked to the others.

"We stick together and look through every inch of this place. No stone unturned..it is a bad idea to split up something bad could happen. Now we will look at the first level than the other levels. Now all the dead are honored so if you see any casket messed with, place it back into their tombs. There was one rule before building in here. Never remove the dead from their home. Some did get the ok to build a house around it and then they would honor the dead with flowers and some food. So please remember we are here to find the lost."

The others gave me a nod. It wasn't going to be easy or welcome to do this either. I have been here many times even before the war got so bad. I paid some respects to friends who died and got buried here... Some of us may have left our little area to fight... But they never came back alive. Those that did could never live normally again. That's why we built a home for them far away from Buffalo hoof and no pony has been in there for 200 years... I refuse to walk in there... Too much history. The history was something I never wished to come back to from what I have seen lately. Looking to my friends and Rolex, I felt that it was time to move.

"Alright, come with me." The three nodded and we looked through the top part. The top seemed to be mostly stores and places to eat even a bar. I went into the bar first and the others looked at each other and blinked following me in. As I went right to the bar grabbed some whisky from behind the bar and drank it.

"Alright, now, I am ready."

I smirked, Root faced hoof and Blossom had looked of amazement on her face, and of course, Rolex rolled his eyes. Root, of course, hates the fact that every time we are on a mystery I have to get whisky.

"Alright...let's search in here first...then the other parts." Giving a nod we started to look through what we could. I opened up the back finding more whisky and some....ahem...ponies enjoying themselves down here. So It seems even though some are missing... Some are also drunk and rutting. I closed the door but Root opened it back up and she had the biggest blush on her face and closed it back up.

"Yes...it seems some of the missing are down there...breeding." I laughed softly, shaking my head. Blossom seemed to find something and brought it to me. Lifting it with my magic it was a letter.

"Hmm let's see." I started to read it out loud. "I don't want ponies to know... I am part of the Blue hats. I'm trying to find these black orbs... That holds the secrets of the past. I need to get them away from prying eyes. The ones before us told us never to give up all of the orbs. Or it will open." I stopped reading as the last part was smudged. But I had a feeling we needed to find these orbs. So we can finally understand why we got attacked by our side. The orb we have seems to be part of a puzzle. A puzzle I wish to bring together.

"It seems this mystery has gotten even more interesting. So shall we keep going?" The others nodded and I smiled and we walked towards one of the stores this was a weapon store. It seemed to be made to protect part of the town too. But something was odd I noticed Applejack's cutie mark on a hat and then... I looked at the hat. It's a hat that ponies used to buy to show their respect to her when Big Mac died... I sighed closing my eyes tightly and of course, flashback.

<HR>

200 years ago Wymarenic outside of Buffalo hoof. It was a calm sunny day like always here it was pretty dull. I was making my rounds seeing that the military was here again. Noticing that they were guarding some pony of course it was Applejack. I knew her many years back... But I never got to know her. But she was talking to many young fillies who had no family... They ran away and ended up here... It wasn't an easy journey, so many could have died on the way here... She was just here to watch them. I on the other hoof had to make sure that the Zebras of this part did get harmed. We the Zoonies family before they went into the stable. I sighed calmly knowing they were targeted seeing that some of the Military aimed at them and I stood right there.

"These Zebra aren't part of your war... So leave them be or you will have to answer to me." But of course, they didn't listen and Applejack herself stood in front of them and stood there.

"Stand down...now..." They look at Applejack and blink.

"But...miss Apple they're the enemy."

She nickered angrily and turned around, bucking the guns away from the Military that aimed at the Zebra.

"No, the hay they aren't." She had great anger on her face and turned to look at me and smiled. "Sorry Detective." I smiled and chuckled.

"No worries." I gave her a gentle smile. As I noticed the Blue Hats would become a big part of our mystery in the future. They lead the Zebras up into the stable that was meant for them here. But one of the Military picked up their gun and was about to pull the trigger and fire on..one of Zoony's great grandparents. With a quick pull from my magic... I pulled out my magnum and fired right into the ponies head as he fell to the ground with a meaty thump.

"Come on...the rest of you try to make my day... I am not part of your little war... I have no issue with removing you as a threat to my part of Equestria." They just stared at me. Applejack didn't seem bothered or angry at me. They were just here in order to protect Applejack and to keep the Zebra threat from harming ponies. But a pony would harm ponies. I cocked the gun again and aimed at them.

"I am a detective. I don't care about this little war. Again your hate is not welcomed here." They start aiming their guns at me. During this time we had none of the gangs but all kinds of ponies aimed their gun at the military and they looked around. I knew the army hated this part of Equestria because we didn't wish to be part of their war...

"Lower your guns...or allow the entire pony population of Buffalo hoof to shoot you." They dropped their guns. I watched them and the ponies of Buffalo hoof rushed overtaking the guns and giving the army hateful looks. But they respected Applejack and Fluttershy but the others who are their friends... They wished to hurt a lot. Because of Twilight, we have many Diamond dogs in our old mines that some use as their homes. But they have been removed or integrated into our little area of Equestria.

<HR>

I finally opened my eyes. After I heard somepony trying to wake me up. I looked over to Root and I smiled softly.

"Don't worry Root just remembering the past. Let's keep looking."

We left the place of eating of course to most it's always another word. But I feel my brain doesn't wish to say it. But of course, we kept looking through the stores. But all we see is what is left over from... The ponies. But we felt it was wise to go even deeper. Blossom stayed with us. Rolex looked around calmly Root just seemed to be fully relaxed. But as we walked through to the bottom of the city. We started to get to the part of the city that was owned by the rich. But we did find some old tombs that were still readable. But it wasn't wise to just stare at the past for the time being. We had to learn what is going on... But I finally found something.

I walked to one of the tombs and looked at a symbol it was of the Blue Hats.

"It's the Blue Hats." I calmly said the others came over and we started to notice something there are more symbols of the Blue Hats. I knew these as a group of ponies that didn't care for the war but tried to protect the pony way of life... Through taking everything from Equestria and taking it into the mountains. But something was bothering me. But I had something like pulling me to follow it to the bottom. Looking at the others and with my head, we moved down to the bottom. We finally found the ponies of the town. They were frozen by some strange guns. They seemed ready to attack something but it caused them to be frozen. They were so angry and pissed off at something Rolex looked around seeming worried he knew some of these ponies Root seemed pretty upset... She knew some of the families. I noticed a strange red light aiming at Root and I lifted my gun aiming where the light was coming from firing and the pony falls from the spot they were at and hit the ground with a thump.

I cocked my gun again aiming at the pony. Seeing they had a blue hat on.  The mare looked up at us. She seemed calm even for one bleeding. She didn't even have fear in her eyes. She spoke in a soft voice.

"You will never get anything out of me..." I blinked looking at the blue hat and then noticing a tomb that had the symbol of one of the dead leaders of the Blue Hats. It seemed it has been moved.

"Rolex keep her here... I need to check something." Looking to Root and Blossom they both nodded to me as we moved the tomb. Going inside seeing bones and the dead everywhere. All of them wearing Blue hats and old army uniforms. Walking to the computer and I saw a strange device that had many holes in it including one large one that could hold something extremely big. Blossom gasped.

"Pipe, the orb in your pocket it's glowing." I blinked, bringing the orb out and it glowed. It has a number on it number four. looking to one of the holes and inserted it. As a voice spoke.

"Now that everypony knows that's the biggest reason why our part of Equestria is not allowed to be given water or able to grow food. Now let's explain our project. The Blue Hat project." It brings up a blueprint of a strange weapon. "Now this weapon could be created to be focused on a single DNA. If any pony ever got their hooves on this... They could destroy the Zebra's or so forth. Mainly we must get this built and threaten to use this... On both to end the war. This war is a farce by both sides. They don't understand the truth. Now if this doesn't work and the war becomes worse... You will need to escape to our many bunkers. But..." Suddenly it ended. As the orb was now locked in place. I looked up seeing the words The Blue Hat Project. Making Equestria Pure again without the need of the princess and this war. I sighed and went outside to see the mare still under the guard of Rolex. I left Root and Blossom in the room to check what they can out. I walked to the mare and stared at her.

"Now Miss." I looked to Rolex and he nodded and went inside the room as well. I stared at the mare. "I know the Blue Hats didn't care about the world we had in the past. They didn't care about the Princess they didn't even want our little area in the war. Now tell me... I was given one of the Orbs that held the Blue Hat project." Her eyes open wide and sighed looking down.

"It was ideas to end the war. But it may have been the reason why we got attacked ourselves. But I have been asked to come here..to remove the unpure. But then I see the families and the hope these ponies had and I was asked to remove it... So instead of doing that... I froze them for a time... So I could get inside and try to destroy everything inside. But I couldn't. No pony must know what we did in the past."

I listened to her as I looked at the ponies who were frozen. Maybe I can finally understand why the ponies of the Blue hat's vanished as they did.

"Miss... Why didn't the Blue Hats help us?" She looked at me with tears in her eyes. She looked away and sighed finally speaking with a crying voice.

"We....wanted to... But it was our biggest mistake. Our leaders, the cowards caused so much anger in Equestria that they could be the reason... Why did we got hit? But... I never was told the real reason... Why do our leaders hate the princess so much? They wished to find ways to end the war. That they even wanted to use our little area of a home to stop the war. Remove it from Equestria and then become our lands. But...even my family has no idea... We are all over in every part of this land... To protect it from outsiders. Every guard of every town is one of us. Detective, please protect them protect my family protect Zooni. Stop searching for this mystery it might lead to the death of someone close to you."

I calmly listened to her and sighed softly watching her calmly as she spoke. Looking back to the ponies that were frozen.

"Listen miss is there a way to unfreeze these ponies here?" She looked at me nodding.

"It will wear off soon. But please don't let them hurt me... Maybe I can help you find the rest of the orbs... Because I thought about it... I feel it might be best to find. But I am sure you need to finish your mystery... There is a reason I am here... To stop the gangs from finding orbsrb's and finishing the project. They wish to remove this land so no pony from the outside world can get here. They wish to break it off the other parts of Equestria." I blinked listening to this we lived fine on our own for so long... But if a mass of Equestria is removed it would cause many issues for the other land masses near it. Including the fact that part of our land is bordering Caldonia. It will cause issues for them as well.

I sighed and nodded to her she stood up and limped into the room. I went in and noticed that Blossom and Root found weapons that were made for ones like them. Root found a strange knife... That she holstered and then found a pistol named The Flower. Blossom found a machine gun and a small pistol. The machine gun is named Flyer's grace and the pistol is named Fire bullet. For Rolex and I nothing. But the mare calmly stood guard at the computer seeing one of the orbs has been placed in.

"My name is Blue shell. I have contacts in other Blue hat companies that don't wish to follow the old ways. So they might come here and help protect the ponies here and this computer and the orbs. But it might be best to get back to Buffalo hoof. But I wish you to be at the frozen ponies." I gave a nod and watched my companions along with Rolex talking about what is going on. This is a giant mystery why would the Blue Hats do all this... Maybe they are the reason we lost our rights in Equestria and why the princess tried to invade us once? I have no idea but I went to the frozen ponies. Watching them unfreeze I started sending them outside so they could tell others. But I made sure the leader stayed with me.

The leader is an old friend of mine. I watched her grow up and she knew if I was here... Then something was wrong. She looked at me her features full of kindness and a soft smile.

"Detective... I see that you have been asked to find us... Now you don't normally show up... Unless you need something so how can I help you?" I chuckled softly and smiled.

"Miss Bow, the blue hats have something in the tomb that needs to be protected... Keep your ponies from coming down here but make sure if any of the gangs show up they aren't allowed in that room." I pointed my hoof to it and she nodded.

"I need to get back to Buffalo hoof. I need to see if Moonshine has any leads for me." Bow looked toward me and shook her head.

"Stay please Pipe we have a lot to talk about... There have been a lot of interesting things that you need to know that has been happening as of late. So please stay we need to speak and it shall take a while." I gave her a nod, looking the way into the room.

"I need to check on the others... I will have them get my payment and then get something to eat. As I speak with you." She nodded as I walked into the computer room.

"I need you to get my payment. Rolex does me a favor. I need you to try to find more of these orbs... There is a mystery here..and we need to find out what it was." Rolex gave me and nod and simply left without any say. The two mares looked at me and Root looked to the Blue Hat.

"What about her?" She said with a calm whisper.

"She will be fine, she is on our side." Blossom nodded and Root sighed they both trotted out and I followed Bow to her chambers. It was in a large room. She had many trinkets. But she seemed to need to talk to me about something.

"Detective... I was given something by my grandfather before he passed away. He told me if I ever found you. To give it to you... So you can learn this mystery and why our land was forsaken." I blinked looking at her. "Please." She pulled out a memory orb. It had a note on it. It said. 'To those that wish to try to understand...why we the .' I have always been wondering... Why did the Princess forsake us... Why did we do such things to them? I thought it was something older in history. But it started mostly when I was ten... I remember when I was younger when there was so much rain... Even crops grew like normal. Then something happened we started to be forsaken even before the war started.

I lifted the orb into my mouth and placed it in my bag.

"I shall look at it when I get back home. From what I will learn from it... But there is something else... You seem that you want to tell me." Bow sighed and poured herself some tea. Looking back towards me.

"Yes, the gangs have been recruiting. They seem to be getting ready for raids on the outside again. They wish to steal so they can protect us from the Enclave and the steel Rangers. I need you to go to the Chain boys and try to convince them in the name of us to leave the outside alone. They will be going after the ponies in Caldonia but... We both know the walk to Sand river is not a fast trek. On hoof, it could take days... On a wagon, it could take less time. But I need you to do this... When you can. Speak to them first then to the others." I nodded calmly as she spoke I haven't seen her for many years. After I helped her gain the ability to become a leader. It's something I never expected to understand. But I do help as much as I can in the long run.

"I will do what I can Bow. But that Blue Hat will be gathering others to their cause. They don't follow the ways of the former leaders like the others do. So be prepared the gangs are searching for these orbs as well it seems. Just remember to keep the ponies away from here."

Bow gave a nod looking towards the tomb. A tomb made for the dead and the broken. Amazingly, it was also made to hide the secrets of why we got attacked... Even if we never got into the war. Maybe after finding all these orbs... I will learn why... But it may take longer to know why it's something that I never will understand. Studying most of the tombs. I noticed that a lot of them are also fallen warriors of Equestria but... Some of them are part of the blue hats. But it's something I will never understand at all. But yes hopefully, the walk home will be calm. I sighed calmly closing my eyes a moment and looking at Bow with a gentle smile.

"Call the other leaders of the towns. Bow, tell them it's time for a meeting. I will be back here in a few days to become part of it." Bow blinks her eyes going wide. A meeting it was rare to have them. She rushed into her home. Bringing out a tamed mutated bird. She wrote a note with her mouth as quickly as she could. She sets the pencil down Looking at me her eyes full of fear and unsure.

"Detective, the leaders haven't had a meeting in 100 years. That would mean we need to stop all our plans for the reference festival for the moment... To honor the long dead." I gave a nod as the bird flew off with the note strapped to its claw. "I sent him to Shadalin first...saying to bring the others as quick as you can."

I gave a nod and smiled as I slowly trotted up watching the Blue Hat close the door of the way into the computer room. To protect it for the time being. I smiled finally something is happening in this part of Equestria it's been so boring after so long. Now I got a mystery that could lead me on an adventure around our little home. Maybe even outside of Wymarenic. Maybe Someday I will see the rest of the world again. But I am not sure I am hoping I see how the rest of our little area handled the past 200 years. I slowly walked up the path watching the ponies going back to their lives. Standing there a moment. These ponies are of many different races; unicorns and Pegasi that lived a long time even earth ponies. All working and living together as things should be. In our little bowl of mountains. I felt I was back in the past again. Seeing our families loving each other again... No pony killing each other no pony starving. When I finally got outside there was a trader. Root was speaking to him Blossom was keeping her wings hidden under her coat. While Rolex was out checking on the others in parts of the world.

I hitched the cart on me to get ready to go. Watching Root get some seed food. She seemed tired it was easy to tell on her face.

"Heh, you look board Root." Root smiled with a tired look on her face and laughed.

"Well, there is no good hot stallion here offering me some fun." She gave a wink and I just rolled my eyes and Blossom of course blushed. Looking at the seeds and food it was enough... To help our little area of Equestria. For the time being of course. Root layed down and calmly fell asleep. Looking to Blossom who did the same. She didn't speak much lately. But being who I was it was easy for me. I looked back seeing the guard's now in their heavy armor and ready to defend just in case. Calmly going back along the long road. Just to get home.

<HR>

It's been six hours since I walked along the road. It was just as calm as it could be. A bit boring along this lonely road of mostly nothing. Soon. I might rest to relax and try to find what is next to be learned. But I am hoping that most would understand the idea of how this road was made... Back in the day, it took ponies a year just to build the entire road along here. It's slowly falling apart sadly... But it was how some found their way here to learn about this little lovely land. Looks to the side to see it's slowly getting dark and the creature's calmly trotting along. Then I heard a gunshot and it hit the side of the cart. I removed the hitch from me quickly and got behind the cart. The two mares woke up getting their guns and getting behind. As we heard ponies trotting up. A voice spoke.

"Detective... I know you're there." I sighed knowing the voice and left the side of the cart seeing the leader of the Chain boys. A large earth pony stallion. Chains strapped all over his hooves and body. He had a suit of chains as well. Chains even pierced into his nose and ears. His name was also.

"Hello... The weak link." I said with a mocking smirk as chains wrapped around me from a unicorn mare. Who was somepony I have dealt with before? She wrapped around me and calmly walked to me. Speaking in a soft voice.

"Now...detective... We only wish to talk. Now, please listen to the boss." She said kissing my decaying face... If she wanted she would even have sexual relations with me even for being what I am. I stared at the leader of the Chain boys. He started to speak again.

"Now there has been rumor's detective that the Blue Hat's and the Enclave has returned... But also It seems the Black ace's found something. But lost it recently. We some of them dead near The Blue Stone forest. You know everything about the area of our land. So please Detective what do you know?" I gave a smile thinking of a clever lie.

"Ah, no Weak link. I haven't heard anything. Now I am just heading home with my two friends. We got some food from a trader to give to the ponies of Buffalo hoof." I gave a nod. "But if you allow the three of us we shall be going." Weak link sighed and clicked his hoof the mare removed the chains from my body and they walked off heading down the street. I smiled, of course, I had to lie... I couldn't allow them to know why... Both are coming back but I don't know why the Enclave is back... We don't even know what is going on in the world. Since we have no control towers. The ponies that had Pip Bucks removed them to use them for something more important around here. I looked to Root and Blossom and they got back to the back of the cart. Re-hitching myself on it and we calmly walked along the road. But it was getting a bit late.

<HR>

The sun went down behind the clouds. We stopped for the night so...I could allow the others to move instead of just staying in the cart. Root was calmly cooking as Blossom seemed to be homesick. But I finally wished to ask her.

"Now... Blossom why is the Enclave coming back?" Blossom looked at me and smiled.

"They wish to help the ponies of Equestria." Root snorted laughing and snickering as she smiled.

"The Enclave wishing to help us? Right...sorry Blossom I don't buy it." I just sat there reading a book as the two mares cooked food hearing Blossom get pretty angry.

"They wish to help you why can't you accept that?!" She was getting angry and I calmly looked at them both and lifted a stone with my magic between them and they looked at me.

"Enough we need to work together... I do understand why Root has issues with them and I understand your point of view Blossom. But you need to understand... They left us to die down here. So you have to understand the view on many ponies... That still remember the past. It's something that you will see a lot but it's not going to be always so many bad... Now we have no idea what is going on in the rest of Equestria we are blocked by the mountain it's amazing ponies make it here anyway."

Root seemed to be cooking veggies it seemed to keep her calm as Blossom snorted and sighed. She never thought of it that way. It's something I was hoping she would understand but... She will maybe down the line... But it's not always going to be extremely easy for her to understand. Because being taught your whole life... The enclave tends to make you think everything they say is right. I calmly watched Blossom stay away from us... She seemed pretty upset and fuming. Her anger seemed to be upsetting how some of the things have been for her must have been hard. It's new to her. Her eyes had tears fall down her face. She was calmly crying. I sighed softly and went over to her lay beside her and put a hoof over her back.

"It's okay. Blossom, you have to understand many ponies of this land... Don't wish to have help from outside forces. Even more so in this little area of Equestria. After what happened to our area of Equestria they were taught so much in the stables to hate anything of the army of Equestria, the princesses, the Enclave, and the ministry mares. Even the steel rangers. It's something that most would have to accept it's not going to be easy for most of the things that are happening here. The Enclave doesn't understand and you have seen the first hoof."

Blossom looked toward me with sad features on her face. Her ears wilted down to her head. It was clear it seems... That is her idea of how life is... Is so different from the rest of us. But I am going to do my best to help her feel happier about being down here. I do hope when she returns she will be able to get a better way to help the enclave. She just laid her head back down. Living like this seemed hard on her. Maybe she is waking up and learning that it's not easy for every pony in this land. It's dead it's wounded it's barely alive... Hell, we are lucky that the world didn't just fall apart because of what the past did to it. A silly war over nothing and then how it's bound to become known as the craziest time.

I stood back up and calmly watched the sky. All I could see was cloud but I remember it was like back... Then able to see the moon able to see the very sun. Maybe someday I will see it again. if some pony got brave enough to bring it back. But I am not sure how this would happen it's something that I always wanted to see again. I heard the two mamaretarting to speak.

"Look... Blossom... I am sorry for upsetting you... Just I don't trust anything out of this area of Equestria. I am more into pleasure and growing food for my home." She chuckles softly. "Alright mostly pleasure from being in a romp with a stallion even if I like mares too." The Pegasus mare just seemed to giggle softly. Then she sighed I could hear the fact that the two were trying to at least be friends. It's something that I have been wanting. "But I'm an earth pony that simply has to use her mouth to do anything.."

Blossom laughed and she giggled.

"Well, wings can be an issue at times Root. If you hurt them right they could break. Our bones are extremely hallowed in some spots of us it's how most of us know how to fly. But I am not truly sure on how most things work." I had a smile on my face the two mares trying to fix their issues with each other. I stood up on my hooves to allow them to speak. I went off to start smoking and a strange orb flew beside me and I looked towards it.

"Watcher..."  The robotic voice speaks.

"Hello, Detective... I know I said to you... I would speak to you again. But yes that was many years ago." I looked at the robot and sighed.

"I am here now as you can tell... Please tell me what is going on? I have been hearing rumors that... The gangs are leaving Wymarenic and heading into another area of Equestria searching for something." I gave a nod

"The Blue hats have resurfaced Watcher.., We found a black orb that holds the information of why we got attacked here. Why did this area of Equestria got hit as well? I say it's time Watcher we need a hero. But I doubt I would be able to find one... You need to find one. But I am sure you already have found one...if the Enclave is returning."

Watcher went silent for a moment hovering there and then spoke again.

"Yes, I know the Enclave are returning... Also, there is a hero...trying to bring hope to the wasteland... Detective... I do hope she does good. But I hope you find what happened here... Because it's time for your land to get a break." I nodded calmly looking towards the ground and taking a few drags of my pipe. "But detective I'm also speaking to another small hero... A strange wolf-like being... She seems to be trying her best to find something... Called the Howling dance... But... It might be awhile before we speak again." I gave a nod and watched the orb go silent and then fly off with music playing. I sighed looking up into the clouds. Remembering the Princess and how they got treated here. But then I remembered the orb. I brought it out of my bag. Placing my horn on the memory orb and my world vanished.

<HR>

I was in...a mare? I saw that the tomb was being dug out and I looked down at my yellow hooves... Wait yellow and I had wings... Oh, my I am in Fluttershy. I saw myself this was the time... I became a detective and I was here to guard her. Oh, history then the eyes of Fluttershy looked towards the one building the tomb. It was that strange pony that gave the tech and around..us the Blue hats seemed very upset about something. Fluttershy watched more around her than I did it was getting to the point... I started to see that the Blue hats were pulling strange devices inside the tomb. This brown pony with the hourglass as a cutie mark seemed to have caused this. But It was bound to happen that some pony else was in on this. A pony came up to the side of Fluttershy and they spoke.

"Miss Fluttershy...everything is ready. Now, all we need is to allow the Blue Hat's to set up what they wish to, and then we can move on and you can bring food to the rest of the town with Applejack." She gave a shy nod and she looked over at me. OH, I was so young then. So full of life. My eyes looked at her and I gave a soft smile.

"Detective...would you please go inside with me?" I didn't speak much during the time. I was silent and felt something odd seeing my younger self. Like it's days gone by. I just nodded I was pretty shy about the job. Not sure how to work. As we went in wait...this is new. I don't remember this. Inside I was going inside that secret room with her. I don't remember this at all. Fluttershy was given a tour as there wasn't much talking but just ponies working. She looked at me and I smiled. Then she looked to one of the leaders of the Blue hats. She leaned in and whispered.

"Please allow Smoke Pipe to keep his memory of this place." Then there was a sound of ponies smashing something in my head and I watched this through Fluttershy's eyes blinking. She had tears falling from her eyes. She was shaking of course. While some pony hits her in the back of the head and before...

She fully passes out, she hears: "Remove the memory of this place from both of them. We can't allow the Princesses or the Zebras to learn about this place. We must keep our plans to remove ourselves from the Equestrian way of life... To make our owy of life."

Then it all went black.

<HR>

My eyes opened up seeing the orb. But I felt a gun to my head. looking to see the claws of the creature... Oh, wonderful a Griffin we haven't had Griffins here in years a gruff voice sounded out.

"Now...now... I see the ghoul is awake... Now ghoul. Tell me where I am." I smiled softly not speaking as the Griffin poked into my head harder. I laughed softly.

"So...threatening to hurt me...with an empty gun?" The Griffin blinked as he pulled the trigger. Since I knew it was my gun and it clicked.

Fuck!!" He said and then I stood up quickly and bucked him hard in the chest and he coughed and then smashed my other hoof into him. As he tried to attack me with his claws trying to take me down and I smashed my entire weight into him and caused him to fall on his back and he was breathing hard. Smashing my hoof into his face and then knocking him out. Pulling him back to the camp. I noticed Blossom and Root were talking and eating dinner and laughing as they saw me with the Griffin. Root's eyes went wide and got on her hooves quickly She rushed to me looking down at the Griffin.

"Is that a Griffin?!" I gave a nod and she giggled and laughed. "I wonder how he is in bed." Staring at her with an unamused look. Her ears wilted. "I mean...um how did you find him?" She gave an awkward smile. Rolling my eyes looking to Blossom who stood up cocking her machine gun and placing the knife on the end of it. As she aimed it down at the Griffin and seemed to get the idea of what I needed I gave her a nod. Root rushed back to get hers as well waiting while we waited for him too. It took a while for the Griffin to wake as he looked at the guns and looked at me growling.

"Listen, Griffin... We mean you no harm... Now you're in Wyomarnic. I know it's not a part of the wasteland that is well known... But how did you get here?" The griffin blinks and looks around at the two mares and sighs.

"I flew here and something strange in the air here...makes it hard for me to fly. I have never been this far out. But I was told there is some land... That even other Griffins have never been seen around here. But there is something in the air that is ruining my ability to breathe and to fly,"

I sighed and smiled.

"You're higher up in the mountains. Not many can handle it... But why did you come this way? We have never had Griffins come here in years. The last one that came here... Tried to cause a small war. But was killed by the gangs." The griffin looked at me and the two mares. He gave a weak smile.

"I am here...because there are stories I found of an old weapon that was made...here that could be keyed to a DNA of a species. But either it was never made or the ponies were destroyed... I am trying to make sure the Steel Rangers or the Enclave don't find it." I blinked looking at Blossom she seemed to have a look of the same thing in her eyes.

"You knew about this too didn't you Blossom." She gave a nod not speaking. If this weapon was real. It would have been kept with the Blue hats. It can't be allowed to be found. Even if the Blue hats are using it. I gave them both a nod and they moved their guns from Griffin's head and he stood back up and rubbed the back of his head. He sighed and closed his eyes. Then opened them.

"I'm known as a Silver feather." Points to the only silver feather in his wings. "That's the reason... Now... I guess I will go with you...till I can get used to the air here and then...head on my mission."

Gave him a nod Root and Blossom went back to their conversation and eating. Silver Feather sat near the camp as I went back to the rock picked up the memory orb placed it in my bag and went back to smoking. Allowing the night to go by. We would be home the next day but for now, it's best to relax and enjoy ourselves.

After a while, I watched the fire dim and noticed the three are asleep. I just stood there on watched as the night goes by. Looking up to the sky remembering the past and the best days that are behind us...if only we could see the sun again.
> Chapter three: The short way.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The idea of a shadow government is another idea...in the wise."

It's  been a day since we got back to Buffalo hoof. The town ever so calm  and seems to be relaxed. It's rained since we got back. So the gardens  are back outside to get the water. Sitting in my home letting my two  friends rest. I heard a knock on my door and I noticed it was Moonshine.

"Ah,  Moonshine, come in," I said in my ghoul like voice. Shifting on my  chair. I looked towards the lovely mare who ran the bar downstairs. Who  kindly allowed me to stay in my old home... Without paying. "So what  brings you here?"

She sets down a note her features seeming  scared. I blinked, looking down at the note. It's from her contact in  Sharaldin. 'More ponies from the outside have been showing up. They have  been asking questions about this land. They seem to be searching for  something. It's gotten to the point that the gangs. Are now protecting  the leaders of the towns. We need to know what is going on. Hurry, they I  have heard talks of bringing a large force... To find what they wish  to. I did get a name of these ponies. They call themselves  exterminators, I don't know what they wish... But some zebra in Detrot  angered them. It sounds like their exterminator's of non-ponies'. I  blinked after reading the note. I looked up at Moonshine.

"Tell  Miss Ribbon to double the guard. Give her this note. Tell her it's time  to build that wall. Tell her if she has the use the ruins of the old  farm's down south for it. We can't allow ourselves to be caught off  guard." Moonshine gave a nod trotting downstairs. Not even a leader of  this town like Ribbon is. But most do respect who I am. But we need to  protect the Zebras of our little area of Equestria. It's something  always to see and how it's how I am seen. One of the longest living of  this little land. It's how some would see. Going to a window the glass  old and some parts of it broken. But I looked outside. Seeing the guards  putting on heavier armour. Some being sent with other guards to the  farms to the south. I heard another knock and heard heavy steps. Heavy  metal hoof steps walking in not looking away from the window.

"Soda Pop," I said. A robotic emotionless voice came from the helm.

"Detective.  I heard what is going on... Does it have anything to do with the Blue  hats and their strange device?" I looked towards Soda Pop.

"I would wish to know how you knew that Soda... But what of it?" Soda sighed, removing the helm and set it down.

"I  am going to tell you the real reason I am here detective. I'm part of a  small group. That hasn't heard from our leaders for many many years. So  I brought us down here... To protect my old home from the threats  outside. You have to admit detective. It's time for our little part of  the land to get with the times. Make no mistake detective. War is coming  with all its glory and all its horrors." 

He said that so dreamily and I  rolled my eyes, staring at him.

"I get it Soda but talk to  Ribbon. We need to learn why the blue hats are so bent on protecting  this secret. It's something I need to learn and to know. But I think I  know where to start. I need to talk to the leader of the Lavender Gang."

He gave a nod and walked out of the room. Looking back out the window, I  noticed how everything was moving. Some Zebra's helping Zoonie with her  brew. Ponies just going to their little small jobs to make food.  Farmers everything that is just calm. Two group of the blue hats what  ones can I trust?

I have no idea in the long run. I gave a calm sigh  looking more out the window. I noticed something interesting to I  noticed a steel ranger placing up a speaker. Pulling in some wires into  the bar. I went down stairs to see what's up and the pony connected it  to the mic for the singer. 

She started to sing and the entire town can  now hear it.

"Oh...our hope is fading... Oh, ponies rise up and  regain your hearts. Oh, regain the heart of the land... Oh, in the name  of Luna..." Blinking again looking over to Soda and he smiled.

"Now  they can hear the music all the music." Giving a smile sitting at the  bar and drinking a cup of whiskey looking to Moonshine.

"Moonshine  we will need the short way to get to Sheralidin." She looked at me  blinking and rushing outside. Blossom, who was sitting there already  blinking looking at me.

"What do you mean by the short way?" I laughed softly and gave a gentle smile.

"You  will see." I noticed that Root was kissing her recent stallion she  slept with and he walked off winking to her and I sighed. She walked  over to the two of us and she ordered herself some water.

"Root,  we will be going to Sheralidin the short way." Noticing after saying  that Root's ears fall back and she gulps softly. Blossom blinked and  Moonshine trotted outside to get everything ready. Root rushed back  upstairs she then came back down in her outfit. Along with a few bags of  caps and some food.

"Okay Blossom, meet us on the outskirts of  the town." She nodded. I headed out leaving Caps on the bar heading to  the outskirts of town. There is a strange track and on the tracks is a  large mining cart that can hold ponies. Attached to the mining cart a  strange device. A stallion that seemed to be a miner was placing a spark  battery into the machine as it powered up. Placing my bags into the  cart and got in myself. Root did the same giving the old buck some caps.  He smiled nodding to her and Blossom got in after she placed on her  clothing.

"I...um what is this thing?" I chuckled softly.

"The  short way. Just hold on to something as this will be going very fast."  Blossom stared at me for the moment. The machine was ready to go.

Blossom  started to panic. "I will fly...there... I will..."

It started up and  in the back of the mine cart the device turned on and we flew along the  railway. Pretty quickly on the end of the device, a large endless stream  of fire shot out. Blossom ducked into the mine cart closing her eyes  and scared to death.

As Root and I just sat there, seeming to have no  issues with this one bit. Of course, the tracks are old and worn down.  So there was a lot of shaking and at times it took awhile to stop but  Root laid down to get an hours rest. I laid down closing my eyes as well  just to think of the past.

Because this would take awhile. But I have  no idea why she was so scared of this... But I could understand being  scared of it. The fact that this is the shorter way to get there and  back... Since this was the only one made. Getting to the other cities  will mean a walk and the walks will take awhile. My mind calmly went to  black another memory of course.

<HR>

I was just  starting out. On my first mystery. I have gotten myself into some pretty  deep shit. I mean it I am standing in a sewer going after Rolex for the  first time. The smell I remember it so much. The faces of the ponies  that were near me. Standing over a dead pony that recently went missing.  Many years before the war so things like this were pretty normal.  Looking close to the body. Studying it closely and an officer near me  spoke.

"It seems Detective the body of the mare was just tossed  down here to keep us from the trail. But a unicorn was walking her dog.  They found a piece of clothing and noticed the body down here. So they  called us... So I am not fond of the fact... We had to bring a newbie in  to help with us." I looked up from the body, sighing. I didn't know  what to think... I still was new at this. Looking through the clothing  of the mare. Pulling out a packet of matches. It is from the Rolex  casino. I walked away from the body and the police started looking and  sniffing. Maybe this is where I must be going. I always thought it's too  simple that I find these on some of the dead bodies. I looked towards  the cops all grey in my eyes. The entire world was grey. To my mind and  eyes.

"I got a lead. I am going to see where it leads me." Taking  one of the matches out lighting my pipe while taking a few drags. The  cops just looked over to me like I was crazy. I just have a small packet  of matches... How does that mean anything? To me, it means a lot.  Walking out of the sewers. The rain calmly fell along my body as well as  my coat. I could hear the Jazz playing. Looking over to see that this  little town is full of jazzy music. I calmly sighed, feeling a knot in  my stomach. It's not going to be easy to do this. One of my first  Mysteries, Helping take care of these murders. I sighed calmly finally  getting to the Casino. My hooves trotted through the muddy streets.  Finally getting to the casino and looking around. Seeing many ponies,  All kinds of sin and evil to many minds. Moving along walking to a pony  at the counter softly speaking.

"I wish to speak to the owner sir." The pony looked to me. He seemed to pick up a phone and called nodding.

"He  shall be right down... If you wish, please sit and wait." Sitting down  calmly on the couch sighing looking around. I was so new to this. I  never thought I would even have this as my first job. Just the fact I  trained so long to be in this first mystery sighing again. Then, I  looked up seeing Rolex with many ponies. He was in a pinstriped suit. I  stood up onto my hooves and he smirked.

"You wished to speak to  me, sir?" I gave a nod and he gave a strange gesture with his wing. As  his goons left us for the time being and sat down. While I sat beside  him. His maid poured wine into glasses.

"Yes...do you remember this mare?" I brought a photo from my pocket and offer it to him. Rolex looked at it and smiled.

"Ah,  yes, this mare was searching for a job. But she lost too much money and  couldn't pay me. So I gave her the job to pay off her debt." I nodded  and not sure how to say it but I sighed.

"She was found dead..."  Rolex blinks giving me an odd look and I heard a gulp from one of his  goons. I looked over to them. Rolex stared at the goon. Because he knew  who did it and then looked back to me.

"So what brought you here sir?"

I lifted my badge wallet. showing my name and that I am a detective. His face grew angrier. But he then calmed.

"I  think I know who did it." He said with a soft nicker. "I will take a  look and I will call you when I learn it." But I felt something shaking  me. Wait I don't remember this? The memory finally vanished.

<HR>

Opened  my eyes and noticed we are in the city. Getting out of the mining cart,  Blossom was already out she vomited all over the ground and seemed very  sick. I sighed and looked at Root.

Take Blossom with you to speak  the local brew maker. See if Heni has any brews." Root gave me a nod  and calmly pulled Blossom along with her. Sheralidin a town full of rich  ponies. But these ponies treat the poor town's with respect and try to  bring as much food as they can give. But the only ponies walking the  streets are the guards. The ponies of this land have become extremely  xenophobic of ponies outside our lands. Two guards walked towards me and  I nodded to them. One of the guards spoke up.

"Detective...we are  here to take you to the Gang leader of the Lavender ponies." I gave a  nod following them through the town. The town is normally ten times  busier. Looking towards it seeing how empty the streets are. This city  never looked so empty. After the bombs fell, of course, the entire city  was empty. Till the ponies from the stables near it opened up.

"Why is the city so empty? Are ponies of the outside really upsetting everypony?" One of the guards gave a nod staying silent.

The  other spoke. "Yes...it's something that we never expected to see but...  We have some our workers building a wall from the empty buildings. It's  getting to the point. We need to stop the outsiders from getting into  our cities and ruining our lands again." Sighing softly. I knew sooner  or later this would happen. Sighing more looking at the town and hearing  the wind calmly blow through it. Seeing that the city is growing  again... But some of the buildings have fallen and gotten old from no  pony repairing them. Looking towards the guards as they lead me to a  former train station.

The guards stopped half way having me walk  further in. Getting into the station and noticed the Lavender gang  cleaning food for the masses outside. At the desk was a mare. She had  lavender fur and outfit. Her eyes glowed green as she looked to me and  with her hoof called me over. Trotting over to her and calmly sat down  in a chair and smiled.

"Ah, Detective... I haven't seen you in four years... Since you had to search for the kidnapped foals..." I gave a nod

"Now I am sure you know why I am here... Lav." She gave a nod and got off the chair and sighed.

"I  have something come into my possen as of recently. A black orb... I  don't dare touch it. But it had a note..." She set the note down and I  started to read it. 'All Blue hats. It's time to move and time to end  this silly war.' Staring at the note, looking back up.

"The chain  boys and the black Aces want the orbs... To have their secrets. I have  been told by many the gangs wish to leave and cleanse the outside of our  lands." Lav looked to me with horror on her face.

"Dear... I  might lead a gang... To protect our lands and do some awful things...  But that's too much even for me... But that's not the problem... These  ponies...that came here. They call themselves part of a gang known as  the black hooves. A gang out of Detrot that came all the way here." I  blinked. I heard of them in passing. Leaders former Equestrian army  members before the war. Looking towards her.

"Lav, get more guards  around the city. We need to contact the other gang leaders as well."  Lav sighed looking to the others in her care.

"It's not that easy  detective. The gangs never worked together we just stayed in our own  areas and lands." She sighed and looked towards the windows seeing the  empty streets looking back to me. She seemed so tired and sat back down  sighing. "I could try just it would be the first time in many years  since we haven't even tried talking to each other since then." I gave a  nod. "Please, come with me, Detective." I stood up and followed her.

She  lead me through the station and went into the safe and pulled out the  orb. It was the same size as the other orb. Taking the orb placing it  into my pocket.

"Is it true Detective? The Blue hats have shown  back up?" I gave a nod and she looked down. She knew she was related to a  Blue hat. A lot of this part of Equestria had family in the Blue hats.  Why would every pony in the blue hats hate what was going on? It made no  sense to me either.

"Now, I am going to go meet these outsiders. Do you know where they are staying?" Lav nodded.

"They're  staying in the Prancing Mares Inn." I gave a nod and started heading  out. But she spoke again and her voice was soft. "Detective. Another  reason I asked you to be here." I turned to look at her. I noticed  another orb. Blinking and going it and it has another note. 'Smoke pipe  remember.' I blinked staring at the orb placing it in my bag. How did  these ponies find these? I was going to ask when she finally said. "This  orb was found in many areas you used to trot dear Detective... Before  the bombs fell. There could be more. Maybe it will help you  understand..." I blinked I was about to speak but I felt I needed to be  going. I left the station my mind had many things going on at once...  Why would these orbs just suddenly show up... When the Blue hats came  back... Could someone be dropping them here? Sighing softly to myself.  Maybe I will learn soon. But first, I need to learn what is going on  around here first.

I walked to the inn and noticed the bar is open. Sitting at the bar.
"Tender...whiskey."  The tender nodded setting down a bottle of whiskey, lifting it with my  magic and drank it down. Looking towards the ponies that didn't seem to  fear the outsiders. Looking back to the tender and leant in to whisper.  'Have you seen outsider's here?' The tender pointed with their hoof to a  table in the darkness... These ponies seem to be talking. I calmly sat  at a booth near them drinking listening I could hear a few hushed words.

"They...don't  like outsiders...here. We can't stay here long." They seemed to  understand that outsiders are barely trusted here. Drank more from the  whiskey. Another spoke that sounded female.

The boss is trying to  find the best way to Buffalo Hoof." I blinked my eyes go wide. They  wished to go to Buffalo hoof... I had to find out why.

"Why do we wish to go to that place again?" Another male didn't seem to understand why.

"I  don't know the boss wants to go there to then get to the mountains to  find the hidden base of the Blue Hats." I can't let them get to the  mountains and try to find the old base. Staying near the ponies, I saw  the boss come back and sat down.

"Boss...did you learn anything?" The boss sighed

"Well,  the Black hooves beat me to the one that would give the info of how to  get there. They were told that the only way to get to Buffalo hoof is  walking the roads and they said all the roads would take months just to  get to there. So we will need to go back and gather ways to get there." I  had to warn them. I had to find the leader of Sheraldin. All the  leaders of the towns and gangs needed to be told. I got up and went to  the tender leaning into a whisper.
'Get Lav and the leader of the town Big bags.' The tender nodded and yelled out.

"Ponies  the bar is closing early please leave.' The ponies groaned and the  outsiders left but the ones who lived in this city stayed and started  whispering to each other. The tender rushed out to get the leaders and  the others of the town looked outside. A mare spoke with great anger in  her voice.

"These outsiders don't belong here..." I looked to the mare and when she saw me her anger subsided and gave a weak smile.

"I  agree...with you..." I said. "But if we kill them, some how the outside  will learn and will try to find them. We need to make sure they don't  learn the secrets of our lands. I would say do what you can to keep them  away from your stores your homes everywhere. We can't let them get to  Buffalo hoof and then get to the mountains to find the Blue hats' base."

All the ponies of the bar gasped at that. The mare that spoke before spoke with even more angry voice.

"Everypony  knows that the blue hats had their secrets. But we can't allow  outsiders to find these secrets if a lot of them are true... The stores I  was told as a foal. Then we need to find a way to stop them!"
I gave  a nod it wasn't going to be easy to stop these ponies. But Lav finally  came in and then a large stallion walked in with a rich cloak the rich  were very respected in our part of Equestria.

They both sat as the ponies started speaking to them. " We can't allow them to be here!"

Another spoke. "What will you do about them?!"

I sighed and used my magic to make a loud sound and they all looked over to me and I spoke.

"Now,  now, allow me to speak. Listen, we need to bring the leaders of the  gangs and the leaders of the towns together. We need to bring them to a  neutral part. Buffalo hoof. We can't allow them to get there. Some that  are coming here are exterminator's and killers of zebra's." Ponies  gasped the war has been over for years. But the hate for Zebra's never  subsided. Lav sighed and spoke again. Her voice sounded soft and again  strained.

"We will try detective. I have sent some of my ponies to the other towns."

I  spoke with a chuckle. "I sadly had to kill some of the black aces...  They attacked an enclave mare... That was protecting one of these black  orbs that..she some how found. But it seems some of the gangs want these  weird weapons the blue hats made. So we can't fully trust the chain  gang and the ace... But we need to try." Big bags sighed. He had a deep  voice and spoke.

"Listen, detective, it's going to be hard to get  everypony that leads down to Buffalo hoof but we will try. If we need to  protect our way of life... From the outsiders then we do what we must. A  wall is being built around all the cities now. If we have to, trading  will be shut down for awhile or if we do trade they will be heavily  guarded." I Blinked feeling terror in my former soul. If trading stopped  what would happen to the smaller towns. What would happen to Buffalo  hoof? We barely have any food at all. I sighed.

"Alright, we  need..." Everypony went silent when one of the outsiders walked back in.  The pony looked at all of us. The tender locked the door to keep him  inside. The ponies stood up and Lav and Big bags couldn't stop what was  going to happen next. But instead of hurting him they bought him drinks  and softly began to speak to him.

"Listen...sir..." One of the  mare's started to say. "We don't trust outsiders... Take it from  us..trying to hunt down the secrets of the Blue hats is a bad idea...  Going into those mountains... No pony has been there for years. Just the  ability to get up to them is not easy. So please go back home don't  allow your lives be ended so easy. Buffalo hoof is full of ponies and  other races that will not be happy to see you." I gave a nod and looked  out the door to see if any of the other ponies he was with are looking  for him.

"It might be best to let him go... Before his friends  come back for him." The crowd of ponies nodded and they allowed him to  go and get his hat. He bowed to them.

"Thank you for your kindness... I will talk to the others about it." The pony trotted out and Big bags stood onto his hooves.

"I  am going to get ready to head to Buffalo hoof the long way. We can't  allow them to find the short way." We all nodded as the ponies started  to leave but I stayed there was Lav. Sitting down looking at her.

"Lav...these memory orbs... How did you find them or who gave them to you." Lav looked up to seeming very confused.

"Smoke  pipe... I don't know...but I do know... These orbs have been showing up  in a lot of areas and most of them have your name on them. So they're  being sent to your place. So you can learn what is going on. Some of  them have been put in safes set to open many many years later. But the  bombs broke the timer." I blinked, thinking to myself. Maybe some pony  set them all over for me to see. To know what is going on. I calmly  stood up and head back outside. Leaving the two leaders behind. I went  on a calm walk I wasn't expecting anything to happen.

It's been  almost ten years since I have been here. Walking along the road, Seeing  the ponies finally walking out of their homes. The stores opening up and  everything turning back to normal since the outsiders seemed to have  left. Thinking of the two orbs. How did so many come across theses black  orbs? I am going to have to find them and try to learn what is going on  here. Looking to an older bench. Sitting down on it watching the ponies  walk along slowly. Some looking towards me waving with their hooves.  It's easy to tell I am not an outsider. Since the ghouls of this land  are far more respected than in the outside.

Giving kind smiles,  pulling out my pipe again and calmly smoking. Watching all the ponies go  by. It's like the old time's but without the sun. Looking up into the  sky. It's such cloudy day for me. Since I'm a detective and not many  things have happened here... Since Rolex vanished and I was being used  to. The world around me slowly passing me by. Being a goul, I can allow  time to pass me by. It's not going to be easy to find anything to bring  me back. But maybe I will go find the others when I can. I doused my  pipe and got off the bench. Looking around calmly seeing the other  ponies and went to the stores to see what was being sold... So I can get  them back to Buffalo hoof. Walking along the stores calmly and looking  at everything they are selling. Some selling fabric and some are selling  food and crops. Looking through my coat to look at my bottle caps. I  found a large bag of them and nodded. Thinking what I should get for  Buffalo hoof. I'm thinking the crops are a better idea to get because  it's food for the ponies. It's better to get and a good idea to get them  because of it.

"Sir." I looked up to the voice and it was a mare selling the crops. I gave a gentle smile.

"Ah, yes sorry miss. Do you have any large boxes of crops that you could part with?" The mare smiled, nodding.

"Yes  I do sir...from the looks of you, you're from Buffalo hoof. All of us  can understand that growing crops can be pretty tough here. But we have  had a good harvest this year..." I gave a nod she placed a large crate  on the counter. Opening it quick, seeing carrots and other veggies. The  fact they were able to even get this is amazing. The land is so dead  it's been hard to just get something to grow even before the war. I gave  her half of the bag of caps and lifted the crate.
"Thank you, miss.  Have a good day. " I waved to her with a hoof and trotted off to find  the brewing store. The only reason we are able to grow things is because  of these Zebras. The sky above still so cloudy.
Bam bam!!

I  blinked setting the crate down and looked toward's the sounds. Some  ponies were shooting into the store. These ponies are outsiders. One of  them screamed.

"Come out Zebra!! Face what your kind did to us!!"  Oh... I know who these ponies are those so called exterminators. But the  sounds were attracting other ponies of this town. They all had weapons  and ready to just kill these ponies. They started to surround the  exterminators. Some of the ones in this group are Zebra's as well. A  mare speaks out.
"Leave....your hate back in your area of  Equestria..." The mare that seems to be a former raider. She had a large  shot gun strapped to her side. " These...ponies welcomed...me here  after... I gave up my time of being a raider. Now...leave." The  exterminator's looked at each other lifted up their weapons and that was  a bad idea... The ponies of the town rushed them not even shooting  them. They used their weapons to smash them with like melee weapons.  They started screaming and after awhile they moved away and the ponies  were broken in pools of blood. One is still breathing but in so much  pain. As the ponies backed off to them all die and to be eaten by the  dogs. I brought out my pistol aiming to the one that is dying. But...he  spoke.

"Y...ou...meessed with the wrong...ponies....more will  come....your ..land..will not be peaceful...w..war is coming." I sighed  and lifted up my gun and fired. After all that is said and done some  ponies came and took the clothing off they had whatever was in their  pockets and their weapon's. Most of the ones who did this were foals.  It's a normal thing here if you're dead, all is fair game. Watching the  foals dismantle some of the guns that the ponies had on them. But if war  is coming... We need to be ready. But then I realised something all the  windows of the zebra's home are shattered and busted I rushed to the  building to get inside. When I got inside. I noticed some of the ponies  made it in here. But they were dead and riddled with bullets.

I heard an angry voice speak it was Root. "Get out of here you worthless haters. Or we will kill more of you dead!" I sighed.

"Root...it's  fine..." Root gasped and rushed to me Blossom looked from the door way  she had blood on her face. She looks like she got hit by a bat. Root  nuzzled into me hard and then backed off.

"They...just suddenly  attacked out of nowhere they heard that Zebra's here are respected... So  they wished to make an example. Zeni got shot.." I blinked and rushed  into the bedroom seeing Zeni laying there so much blood draining from  her. Just then Big bags and Lav rushed in to see Zeni laying there  dying. I wrapped my hooves around the dying Zebra's hoof.

"Zeni..."  I calmly said the mare looked to me. She was half blind and old. One of  the few that knew these brews. She did teach others. But they were hard  to make. The mare..weakly spoke.

"Sm..oke Pipe...please....don't  hate...Them...for..what..they did ...to me.." She coughed up blood tears  falling from her eyes. This was too much one of the creatures of our  land... That helps us find hope. Hope is all we had here... But hope was  slowly dying if this started happening. Watching the old mare die in my  hooves. She gave...a few last words...
"R..ecpie..written...for next....in line....please...." The poor old zebra died in that very bed.

<HR>

It's  been close to three days. The outsiders have been chased out or killed  on sight after these three days. The streets were filled with the blood  of the outsiders. The zebra's our land...wanted revenge. Even with the  help of ponies of this land...They found every single outsider that was  still in town and killed them. Big bags found the next Zebra to follow  in the hoof steps of Zeni. She was a young mare Zebra. How this worked.  They took the home and everything as theirs. There is a calm funeral no  words. Just ponies soft crying and the family of Zeni. But the word of a  Zebra getting murdered by ponies of the outside. Stories of ponies in  different parts of our area building walls looking for weapons. Even  Buffalo hoofs getting ready for this. It takes ages to get from place to  place... But news travels fast. During this funeral, the casket was  lifted to place into the ground then cover it with dirt. She was being  placed in an unmarked grave. Zeni left me all her caps. So I used it to  buy more food and fill up the mine cart. There was nothing more here  it's time for us to get home. Blossom had a bandage wrapped around her  head. Root had tears streaming down her face. Every pony did even the  gang members. Zebras are the most respectable part of our land.

It's  been almost a few hours since it happens. Blossom and Root have had  enough of being here. This land is no longer peaceful. They want the  blood of outsiders. So Soda was right..war is coming and it can't be  stopped. Unless I find out why every pony is searching for the Blue  hat's base. I need more of these orbs. With my magic, I lifted up the  black orb. Speaking to myself.

"What do you hold?... Why were you  made...? Why are you being sought for?" I sighed, placing it back into  my pockets. Then I heard a pony land beside me looking over to see  Rolex. He had a sad look on his ghoulish face.

"I heard...  Detective... I was in Gelletrot. The news spread, so fast walls are  being built up the mines, are full of defences now. The gardens are  under tight protection. We need to find out..what is going on  before..the war that is engulfing the outside makes it in here. It's  going to be a bloodbath and both of us can't stop it." I gave a nod.  Rolex flew back up.

"I am going to go check on things in Casperin  and check the rest of the towns like Jackrabbit and pronghorn runs. Oh,  and you might find this interesting. The reason why the lavender gang  took over Sharldin. Is because the Black Ace's are now fully in control  of Jackrabbit. So it seems power has shifted." I gave a nod and he flew  off. I sighed Proghorn runs ran by all the gangs. Jackrabbit the town is  run by The Black Ace's now? Huh, I have been out of the loop for too  long. Since its hard to keep up with the news. I got into the mining  cart. To wait for Root and Blossom. Then I remembered I had the memory  orb. Bringing out the orb and focused on it closing my eyes. Then, the  world around me vanished.

<HR>

The body I was in..it  was me? I was older and I was on a... wait... I am on a mystery I don't  even remember. Looking at a piece of paper. I was searching for a  missing Zebra mare. I followed the trail to this Blue hats ware house.  Inside, I heard screaming and crying. Then I saw that they had more than  one Zebra. They had all kinds of creatures. I sneaked through and found  a desk with files of what was going on. Why would any... Any  pony...whoa... I read the files. 'Top secret DNA testing.' Looking  through I saw the blueprints. For a weapon that key's to a certain race.  Why...would any pony make this? I kept looking through it seeing that  more of these weapons are being made. Weapons that focus on a key DNA. I  didn't see their plans but why would this be out in the open?

I  suddenly turned and smack!!! All I could see was the butt of a gun  smashing me in the head and I passed out it seems. Then suddenly because  of this, the memory ends?

I woke up and wait... I wasn't in the  mind cart. I was tied up as well. Looking around coming face to face  with many of the Blue Hats. I looked around and I still was in the ware  house. Wait... I am still in the memory orb. How did it seem so  fragmented? One of the Blue hat's spoke a pink mare.

"Listen. You  don't have a right to be here. Now don't give us a reason to cut you  open and... Oh, Detective, it's you.." The mare seemed very angry and  disappointed. I spoke up in my voice..of course, I normally speak to  myself and hear myself in my own head... You would to if you well did  this all day.

"I was given a mystery of a missing Zebra... And now  you can tell me what is this weapon focusing on a simple DNA?" The mare  called over a unicorn.

"Sorry Detective... but we need to make  sure you don't remember any of this. rumours are rumours, dear  detective. Nothing is ever real." She gave a cocky smile and the unicorn  started using the spell to force my memory into an orb and made me  forget. My vision vanished as I passed out.

<HR>

I  finally woke back up for real this time. Getting up looking around it  was getting dark and I saw that Blossom and Root were placing all the  brew's that were made before Zeni was killed into the mine cart. I  smiled sighing. Sitting up and looking at the orb. Placing it back into  my pocket with my hoof. It's never going to be easy to go through those.

"What took you two so long?" Root chuckles.

"I  was showing Blossom how to flirt with a stallion." Blossom had her face  bright red and I laughed. "But sadly he saw her cutie mark and realised  she is Enclave so...he didn't want her anymore. But oh well. But  Smoke... Things are getting worse here... We better leave. The guards  are getting ready to search for more outsiders."

"I wish I could  go back and let the enclave know you need help down here... But of  course knowing you two..I would be told that's a bad idea." She didn't  understand how much the ponies hated outsiders here. But it was now time  for us to get back. It might be the last time this town would ever be  open without walls. It's becoming the time to be empty. So many issues  have happened lately. I hope no pony is going to cause issues. I noticed  something out of the corner of my eye. Then I heard a shot and it  passed me...

"Get in!!!" Root and Blossom got all the supplies and  then got it lifted my gun and fired along with Root and Blossom. I  could make out what was attacking us... The Black Hooves. They found  away from the guards... But then there was more shooting from inside the  town firing on the ones firing at us.

"Root, get it going we need  to get out of here and then destroy this!!" She nodded using her mouth  to grab a metal apple. The machine on the mine cart started up and we  rushed away as we are being fired at. Bullets hitting the mine cart but  not causing any damage. With my magic I grabbed the apple pulling the  pin and tossed it. Blowing up half of the track no one should be able to  use it. We can't allow them to be there too soon. I need to find what  is up with this Mystery before more ponies die.

It seems the Black  hooves want to get there first..So attacking us to get to the mine  cart....as their idea. It seems they know the way to get there now. We  will have to be ready it's going to be something that we will never  understand. It's going to get harder for the ponies here. Soon there  will be no peace...But it will turn into a police state. I feel this is  sadly going to be needed to protect the ponies of our lands. I need to  talk to the leader's when the meeting happens. Buffalo hoof is the only  town that has a path up into those mountains. We need to protect it more  so nopony can make it to it.

Being the town that is sadly in the  middle of it all is a harsh thing. So many will never learn..But now it  will take an hour or longer..to get there...The mine cart got shot up  pretty bad. So the battery might be unable to get us fully there if it  does it will be slow. Root laid down keeping her gun near her..Blossom  kept the look out just in case somepony was following us in some way.  Laying down myself and sighed trying to relax. It's hard to relax when  being a ghoul. I felt that most of this was my fault. It's something in  the past. I have to find out what it was. But first I am going to need  to place this orb into the machine back at the memorial.

Opening  one of the crates I see that most of it are the brews. I had a gentle  smile forming. The last rite of Zeni. It's going to be hard for the next  one that takes the place of Zeni. I sighed and allow the ride back home  to let my mind wander.
> Chapter four: Blue Hats secrets
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Secret's are never to be known."

It was late that day when we returned from Sheraldin. The tracks are now closed off so no pony can use them for the time being of course. But Holding the orb in my magic. I felt it's odd that I found another one. Maybe I could take it to the machine but first the seeds and the food. When we got into hoof the ponies and Zebra's morning the loss of the Zebra. A wall was being built to keep the outside out fully. Only those of this part of the Equestria are now allowed in. We went to the bar and started to give out the grown food. Ponies were hungry so hungry. It's something that was needed to do. But at times we never know what will happen in the end. Blossom was tired and Root wanted to start growing more seeds.

I wanted to get to the machine so we could see what this orb held. But again that would take time. " There is enough food for every pony. Don't fight don't crowd come one come all. You will get what you need." 

I smile at the fact I got everything I needed to do. Ponies came in putting down caps for food. But it was free. Some wanted to pay us for kindness. It was going to be hard to get more for them. Since this part of Equestria barley could grow anything. But getting back there would be hard. But the meeting would start in a few days. Since it would take a long time for most of the leaders to get here so we can try to figure out the plan of protecting. Protecting the secrets of the blue hat's Protecting our lands. it's our lands no pony else has the right to steal from us.

But of course, that is never a good thing to say. After an hour the last of the food was gone. I watched Root and Blossom going from garden to garden to help the ponies plant. I just sat there watching. I felt maybe I did a good thing. But a looked at the memory orb in my bag. Who had been placing these around? Maybe I will learn that another time. It's how most never understand the way of how it's seen in the grand idea of the end. But the end shall always be the same and nothing shall be known. What shall it be? Did I do this myself or did I get help? But when I went up to my room I found a box.

Lifting the box into my room opening it I found a note. It was old and I knew the horn writing it was a doctor friend of mine who vanished before the war ended. He went on some boats. But I'm not sure but it read as followed. ' Dear old friend. I'm dying but I have placed orbs at your request around the land. I need you to find them now. It's a matter of the future. I'm sure we will meet again someday old friend. But I hope you're alive to read these. But if you do read this. Your idea's to make sure things would be right. Something is wrong Equestria and maybe another war is starting. A war that will end the world in fire and death.' Looking in the box I saw another memory orb. It had my cutie mark on it and it said with a paper watch me now. I felt it was time to learn what the hell has been going on as of late. Lifting the orb up looking at it closely I could see how empty it looked. But it had my memories in it.

I had to see what would be in it. Closing my eyes for a moment I felt a knot in my stomach. How can a ghoul one who is dead feel this? Maybe we do feel some pain. But I am never going to be sure till I learn the truth of the matter. The truth is that we have never learned how it shall be. Looking again at the orb. I felt it was time to learn. Putting it to my horn my world went back.

<HR>

I was in my own body. This memory was in a strange part of our land. But what's odd Dr. Slice was there my old friend. We were placing memory orbs in different places he of course was in a wheelchair.

" Smoke pipe my dear friend we should place it no pony would find it not even you till the time was right. We need to keep the secret of the Blue hats from falling into the wrong hooves."

My host who was myself nodded. It's gotten to the point the war has gotten so bad that we had to start hiding stuff around the land. Too many secret's ways too many secrets have become known. The Blue hat's weapons that would destroy Zebra's and bring ponies in line. Every time I saw one of the weapons it always said to preserve the pony way of life. But why would we need to do it with deadly weapons that had DNA seeking in them? It doesn't seem right at all.

" I understand Slice. But I am unsure how this war is going to end it has bothered me to no end. I feel that the ending will be so bad that we will all die in fire and hell. maybe we will know down the line. But what do you think my dear friend?" Dr. Slice was about to speak when ponies wearing blue hat's surrounded us. We knew this would happen to us. They found us.

" There you are, Detective. You seem to have a knack for finding our secrets. We need you two to be good little stallions and give up. It's how we never will know and how we seek it." The unicorns of the group lifted memory orbs. Taking the memory away.

<HR>

When I woke up I heard a voice.

" So now you know." 

Lifting my head up I saw her the mare from the memory. A Blue hat. She was a ghoul. " You know our biggest secrets are being sought after we need your help now Detective. I know this is going to be hard for you to do. For what we did to you in the past. But what do you have to lose my friend what do you have to lose?"

I thought of this when she spoke. I wasn't sure what to think at all. It made me unsure. But again I found the fact that she was a ghoul too. I had to ask of course so I did. " So how did you become one with the dead hmm? I noticed you're a ghoul too."

The mare snorted looking away with anger in her eyes. " Frankly I feel I deserved this for what I did to the citizens of our lands. I look back at what I did to the Zebra's and the ponies just to stop a war. But I look back now it would have made the war even worse. I'm not happy about what we had to do. But I never thought that one of the experiments would destroy the soil of the land."

I cock my eyebrow. That's what happened even before the war. " This happened way before the war even started. Are you telling me this happens because the princess wanted us here to be in line to bow to her and listen to her?"

" No.. It was the Blue hat's fault. We hated both the princess we wanted to rule. But then the war broke out. So we used that to make more power for us. But there was a giant mistake. A fluid fell into the ground and destroyed the soil of our land. It was just our land too. The rest of the Equestria is free from this. I am not sure how happy I am about that." Sighing a bit I knew that happen. It's something I never want to hear again.

Bringing out the other black orb from my pocket. "What are these for? I have put one in a machine already. But what’s the point of this?" The Blue hat I never got the name of her of course. The memory of her name could have been removed from me. But the mare rushed to look at the orb she gasped backing away quickly.

" If those are being found...then it's going to happen."

"What is?" I asked placing the orb back into my pocket.

"There was a rumor that a bunch of seals had been placed around Equestria by Luna and Celestia to hold back an awful creature. A creature that is not someone you really want to name. But I will. The name is " She said the name my eyes went wide. I heard the name register in my head. It just made me grow in fear. But I calmed down. Standing on my hooves.

"But what about these orbs?"

"There was a secret base hidden in the mountains. That these orbs talked about. You find them all you find the hidden base. But I warn you if these Black Hooves want it... Then it will be bad. So I am going to go get ready for war. I am going to find the other's of my troop and I will contact you again." The mare calmly went a way out I never knew I had in my room. It was a secret room that leads to the sewers. Looking closely at it. I noticed it was made so only a Blue hat could go through it.

Using my horn to open the door to the bar down stair's I called down. "Root, Blossom, Moonshine I need you three up here." I sat back down in my chair closing my eyes sighing. After a while, the three came up. "A Blue hat was here."

Moonshine looked around in fear. "Really?! Why would they be here?!" Root wrapped her foreleg around Moonshine.

"Relax Moonshine I doubt they wish to hurt you again."

"Forgive me...For being an Enclave but...again who are they?" Blossom asked.

I sigh " The Blue hats is an offshoot group of the Equestrian army. They did many things to harm this land. But they hated Celestia and the fact the war was going on. I learned from one of them today. That their the reason's for why nothing really grows here."

Root's ear's droop. "Why would they do such a thing?!"

"They did it because they felt that Luna and Celestia were trying to remove the freedom of the ponies right's here. They also disliked the outsiders that were allowed in. But that's not the only thing. There is a secret base in the mountains I was told. But the only way to know how to get to it. Is to place all the orbs inside that machine we found."

Moonshine sighed. " I am going to go warn the guards and tell them to hurry on the wall. Oh, and a meeting will be taking place here in a few day's Smoke. The Gang's know we have Steel Ranger's here and the leader is a former member of this land. He needs to make sure his ponies don't get in the way of anything."

I nodded. " I will speak to Soda Pop."

Moonshine turns and then looks back at me. "Do you remember a pony named Dr. Slice?" My eyes grew wide that name ringed a bell. "From the look on your face, it does. Well, a package came for you last night. With his name on it saying to you to open it. So I will go down and get it."

Root had the look like she was thinking. "Pipe is Slice that pony you told me about. That had that sickness that was making his skin and fur peel off?"

I nodded standing up looking at an old photo of him and a mare named Mimic. "These two I haven't seen for 200 years. But after Mimic joined the Equestrian army I never saw her again. Maybe this will give me idea's about what happened to them both."

Root nodded. "Come Blossom lets go get you a stallion."

Blossom blushed deeply. " But....what about going to...."

"We will help him later. But we need to get you so unscrewed my friend."

"But but I don't want...to mate with a stallion."

"Come here you." Root pulled Blossom down the stairs. I rolled my eye's Blossom and her wants of stallions. I sat back in my chair looking down at my violin and lifted it up in my magic. Closing my eyes calmly playing an old song that Dr. Slice created for me. it was called the winter breeze. This song always made me feel calm before the war fully hit us. it was the only music that could calm me down.

After awhile Moonshine comes up from downstairs. She has a bottle of scotch in her magic along with the package. "You're going to have to tell Root. To stop trying to get Blossom to sleep with stallions. She seems to be one of those Lesbians" I smirked.

"Oh, those Lesbians Oh Moonshine I know you are as well." Moonshine rolled her eyes.

" I am but I know what kind of mare I want. A strong mare who is not scared to tell me what she wants and how to live. But eh. A mare can dream can't she?" She said with a large smirk.

I rolled my eyes. " Oh, you mare's haven't changed in 200 years. But why did you bring me the scotch?"

Moonshine sighed. " I felt since you get upset. When you read something from Dr. Slice... You well needed something to calm your nerves." I smiled shaking my head.

"That was when I started finding letter's from him when we met Moonshine. The fact he left so much behind upset me. But thank you. Oh, and do you have any jobs for me?"

Moonshine thought a moment. "At the moment the only thing I know of is ponies vanishing around the town of story. Even the aces don’t know what is causing this. So maybe when you have time head down there to see what ups?" Giving a nod.

"Better head back down there Moonshine it's almost Lunchtime so. You might get a big rush today." Moonshine nodded.

" I asked Blossom and Root to get into their gear to help me guard the place. Just in case some of these ponies that hit Sherladin."

": Hmm Blossom in her enclave gear and Root in her old friendship city guard outfit. Go ahead. " Moonshine nodded heading back downstairs. I sighed looking at the package. Opening the cork from the scotch bottle drinking it quickly and then opened the package. Inside it was a note and a memory orb. Looking at the note it said. 'All will come clear.' Looking down at the orb and softly said to me. "Oh, Dr. Slice what did you get yourself into?"

I sighed looking at the orbit was dusty and looks like it's been in the water for years. I wonder what happened with it? Looking in the package again. It was made of a paper that could float on water. But that's it also had old bird talon imprints in it. Looking back to the orb closing my eye's taking a deep deep breath.

Placing the orb to my horn letting it take me away.

0000

The mind of Dr. Slice.

I was in my host he got bad enough that he was now in a wheelchair. But this is strange while he looked around I saw the words on the wall. Project Mech, Project Stopwatch, and Project Mouse. He looked to be working on something beside him was a robot it looked like a mister gutsy. I saw another walk in that I knew one of the scribes to the ceaser. A very good friend of Slices that was one of the Zebra's that joined us during the war.

"Dr. Slice...my friend is it time?" The head of my host nodded. He looked towards the wall again and I saw something of a legend. A legend that has the look of many other races. " Are you doing this because of what Mimic did to her friends?"

"Since we can never return to the mainland and that it's been ten years since the war ended. I felt that I need to send this memory orb back to Equestria. Just in case my friend Smoke Pipe lived through it. No Majesty was going to win easy. The fact...this happens we..." An alarm rang.

Scribe quickly trots to the screen. Turning it on. "Project Stopwatch is going crazy." The pony screams a bug creature stares at the screen.

"You ponies did...this to me...." The bug had a stopwatch lodged in his chest. "We shall find you ponies for what you did to us." Another voice spoke.

"Brother... let’s get out of here."

"What about the mouse?" The flying dragonfly-like bug hissed.

" Bring him..Leave Cliffside alone."

"Slice...SLICE!!" The Scribe rushed to my host.


"It's too late...." Dr. Slice said... He set down an orb. "Get this to Equestria.. by using the window."

" I can't do that to you!!"

" You have to..." His horn glowed clicking the machine and I felt his mine being sucked into the robot beside him. It starts screaming in his voice.

While this happens a Balefire bomb went off outside of the bunker.

"QUICKLY!!" My host yelled and before the vision fully vanished from Slice I saw the Zebra trot out. Only hearing the screaming of the robot beside him die down with the last word's. "Forgive me.......Smoke Pipe."


00000

Opening my eyes blinking shaking my head. "Oh, Dr. Slice what did you get into you damn fool?" I now know what happens to him. But what happened to the rest that went with him? What did Mimic do to her friends? But I stood up heading downstair's. It was already way past lunch so things were calm now. Root and Blossom were talking to a stallion. Blossom was hiding behind the earth pony mare. Her face is so bright red.

I sighed walking to them. The stallion looked up. "Oh hello, Detective... talk to you later Root." He quickly trotted out. Root turned to me she had the look of anger on her face. I had no idea what she was angry about. She stood in front of me. You don't want to anger earth pony mares. If they want to enjoy a good plow then you let them. I just stared at her with a smile.

"So what did I miss?" I asked.

"Blossom almost got lucky with that guy." Blossom hides behind me whispering.

" Thank... thank you." She said softly.

"It sounds like she doesn't want to be with a stallion Blossom." I simply said while observing the scared Pegasus behind me.

"Oh of course she does. But any way you must have a job if you're down here after almost five hours." I blinked looking at her. It's been five hours since I was looking inside that orb? I faced hoofed sighed. I always wished they would warn you how long those damn things are.

" I found a memory orb left by Dr. Slice. He got himself into some pretty nasty things. So whatever happened to him I have no idea how to find him. But from what I learned they knew the war ended as it did. But I feel we need to head to the war memorial seeing what the next orb will give us."

They both nodded. "Hey Moonshine we are heading to the memorial if it starts raining please get the gardens outside." MoonShine nodded while she had a cloth wiping along the bar top. I sighed. " This is going to take a while to get there you two ready for a long walk?" Blossom nodded spreading out her wings with a smirk.

"Eh, you know me Smoke pipe I am always ready for a walk. It's just a good as being pleasured by a stallion." I face hoofed hard. I needed to talk to Root about keeping her ideas of pleasure to herself. The three of us walked outside of the bar. The town has changed so much. The guard's had heavy gear. We had some Steel ranger's patrolling the roads. Some even helped with the gardens. I saw one of them protecting an entire garden.

"I'm happy to know that the enclave didn't cause this blight on the soil." I turned to Blossom after she spoke. Giving her an odd look. She blinked. "Oh well, The enclave has done some questionable things in the name of peace. I don't really understand it myself. But I don't question it." I gave a nod not sure what to think of the Enclave if they did things in the name of peace.

'” Then why don't you stand up to them?" Blossom looked at me while we walked she had a sigh come from her. flapping her wing's to protect her hooves from over walking.

"Well allow me to tell you this way. The leaders tend to do whatever they can to keep control of their soldiers. They found that orb I gave you and well since my family is a lower standing. I was forced to come down here to poison myself. But if I don't find anything they told me not to return." I sighed shaking my head.

00000
-Old War memorial- 

We made it back to the memorial it looked to be that all the ponies that vanished had returned. One of the young fillies turned to me waving." Hello, there little one." I smiled trying not to look scary to her. Her mother lifted her up in her hooves and looked at me.

"Hello, Smoke Pipe."

"Rainfall," I said softly. " I see that she is growing. But...what happens to you all? The last time I was here the entire thing was empty." Rainfall sighed.

"A group of Blue hat's showed up and shot us with some frozen ammo. They couldn't get all of us though. They left some downstairs. Then we found a room. But we didn't do anything with it since we were told you had something to do with it opening up."

I nodded. "Alright, I will go back down there." Blossom quickly hid her wing's under her dress to make sure she doesn't upset any of the ponies here. We go inside and everything is back to normal. But with it being so busy the three of us slowly walk down to the bottom again. There were two guards standing near the door and they saw me coming standing aside to let the three of us in. When the door closed I sighed.

"Alright," I said pulling the next orb out of my pocket. " Looking to see that the only holes left is the large hole and four others that hold the orbs. Lifting up the orb and set it out of my magic and it floated into the number one slot. The Screen turned on. A voice came from the screen.

"Since this is still a phase. We have a new idea for a gun. The gun can be used to kill anything with the DNA it's selected let’s say you want to clear a group of Zebra's you just shoot one. They get sick and spread it to the other's or wish to use it on Princess. Like its being made for. But there is something that we need to talk about. One of our bases in Story is under attack. I have set up the security to capture any pony or creature that passes it." But that's not all we saw.

We saw the gun itself and how it could be used. Blossom gasped looking away covering her mouth. Root blinked. "So...this is what they made?"

"Yes,” A voice said. I turned seeing the ghoul mare and the two guards knocked out. "This is what the enclave and the ponies from the outside are after Detective. I don't even know where it's hidden. Getting the rest of the orbs might tell you. But one of them is in Story. Getting into that building is not going to be easy. But since you and I aren't really what we call living. So we can sneak in and see what we can find. I do have a way to get there. But I need to know if you are willing to do this with me."

I gave a nod. "But when will this be?"

"In a few days. It will be after the meeting but there should be more on that orb." The mare clicked both of the orbs turning them and then more come's up. The project that was used to destroy the soil." Oh....." She sighed. " It's been so long now. I don't even know why we did this."

Root stared at the screen. "So you caused this? We have been blaming the princess for years. But now...this come's out we have to.."

I spoke up. "We can't tell any pony. if we did they would try to murder us Root. The Blue hat's got what they wanted this area of Equestria forsakes the princess now. Nothing this old will change their mind's on that. it will only make them angry. Because the Blue hat's started this stuff because of the war. But one question."

The Blue hat mare looks at me. I wish I knew her name But I pointed my hoof at the large orb. "What goes here?" She looks at the hole and her eyes open wide. Backing away sighing.

"That orb will be shown when you get the rest. But that will show what we have hidden in that bunker. The bunker to be ready for.."She said the name again and Root gasped so did Blossom."

" I thought he was just a legend." Root said.

"No, he's not. There is more to worry about then a war going on. The seal's holding him in place is falling apart and it's all because of your heroes. In fifty years something worse then the war is going to happen. But that's the thing. Getting to where we need to go will not be hard. But it will take time. if we go my way it would be faster. " I gave a nod.

" I don't know how I feel about this," Blossom said.

"I'm sorry to say enclave you have to deal with it like you little bunnies do." Blossom blinked staring at her. "You wonder how I knew? it's simple we saw you fighting the ace's to get that orb. It's not easy to hide from us."

Root whisper's in my ear. "Watch her be the only Blue hat left alive and she found out by pure luck." I laughed softly to myself. Looking to the mare.

"Many families in this land had at least one that was in the Blue hat's. Are you the only one left alive?" She turned to me blinking. She had a smirk on her face. " I have a feeling that smirk means I can't tell you or I would have to kill you. Am I right."

The mare nodded. "Look I want to help you three. But I can't. if I helped you three right now what would be the fun in the mystery. Because well you are a detective are you not?" I sighed closing my eye's and my world went grey again just for a time. I spoke to myself. 'Well, she is on to me then. I do wish to know more. But I can't help but think that she is hiding something.'

Blossom looking over to Root and whispers. "Why does he look like he can only see black and white?" She asked not far from my earshot.

Root giggles whisper back. "It's because he speaks to the crowd that is in his mind. He thinks there is a play going on in his head. It's the only thing that kept him sane all these years being a ghoul." They both laugh softly. 'I do feel that this mare is hiding something I don't know how to catch her in the act.' Shaking my head my vision went back to having color and then I looked back to the mare.

"Thank you for your time." I calmly said. But I didn't want to leave right yet. "Come you two let’s see if we can get any food in you two."

"OH, I am so hungry. From all the stallion flirting. "Root said laughing. I rolled my eye's Root was getting strange since that's mostly all she thinks about. Blossom however just had a glowing face that made me smirk. I shook my head. Ah, the pleasures of the body. What I wouldn't give to be able to do that all again. But I doubt right now it would be wise.

I lead us upstairs and we sit in one of the diners. I noticed they had a sign saying no ghouls. But when they saw me. They welcomed me with open hooves. "Thank you. My friends would like to order here. I will find a seat for us." They both nodded to me. I sat down sighing rubbing my temples. All this is starting to get on my nerves and my brain is racking what is going on. The fact the Blue hats are the reason for the soil being like it is.

I sat there thinking closing my eye's trying to remember the past again. But I had no more memories I could find in my thoughts. It's just gotten very bothersome that I don't know what to do anymore. But when I got this way before the war. I always had a good long smoke on my pipe. Opening my pocket leaning back bring out my pipe. Gently lighting a match to light it. To calmly smoke watching the calm ponies walk by and greet each other.

Blossom and Root were talking. A knife was being..pulled on Blossom...Wait a knife was being pulled on Blossom. I tried to quickly get my gun but I watched Blossom turn around and smash one of her front hooves into the stallion’s face and then turning quickly on her back hooves and making the stallion fly into the dirt wall. The ponies around us cheered and stomped their hooves at the display.

The stallion groaned. "Damn you Enclave!!" The ponies gasped.

"It’s fine she is with me." The stallion turned to look at me...and then fear crept into his face.

"Oh...hello Detective."

"Hello, Jewels.." I smirked I knew this stallion well I always was able to tell when he was trying something I haven't need to arrest him yet. Jewels quickly rushed out and Blossom still got a cheer. She bowed her head letting her wing's come out. They still even cheered more one pony yelled.

"Not all Enclave is evil. Thank you for showing us that!!" Blossom's ear's drooped she forgot she was in a land that hated the Enclave. But she ordered her food and sat down beside me. But I wrapped a fleshy foreleg around her. She looked at me surprised. I didn't treat her like this before. But I could tell she needed to talk to some pony.

"Blossom I know it hurts knowing that not all lands are going to be friendly to the enclave. But you have to understand this land. Even treated Root like that for years." Blossom blinked looking to the earth pony mare that looked like she could take on any pony. She was pretty strong and in that hat, she wore she looked pretty impressive with her long green mane.

"What do you mean by that Pipe?" Blossom calmly asked.

"Well, Root used to be a guard for friendship city in Manehatten. She left after a while. Because well they didn't care about her lifestyle and well she is the only of her family left. Most of them got killed by Raiders. I met her when I was in the hoof gathering info on a case. I found her beating the shit out of raiders with her bare hooves." Root carried the strange tray of food in her mouth setting it on the table.

Blossom stared at it. The food looked very badly made it look like roots mostly and the drink was pretty dirty water. "I..." Blossom sighs. "I keep forgetting sorry." Root smiled.

" No, it's fine Blossom. It's not going to be easy for you to eat all this. Since well I'm sure you used to whatever they feed you up there." Root said lower her head to eat her roots and whatever else they gave. I took a look at the food myself. It looked like a species of mushrooms that would have been used in Zebra's brews in the past. I sniffed one of them.

"Root keep a few of these. I think we need to show them Zoonie she might be able to use them in her brew. It might help the gardens to grow." Root blink looking at them sniffing them nodding placing some in her bag. Eating the rest of the roots. She looked like she enjoyed them. But still the Root's she was eating looked like they haven't been well kept. But it's not easy to do living in an underground like this.

Looking over to Blossom who tried eating the roots. But she had issues. But even so, she didn't want to upset the mare that got them for her and Root. She waved to the mare. Looking to the mare who had a beauty mark on her left cheek and... wait. I know her..I stood up going to the bar.

"Blue Rose?" Rose looked up to me a large smile formed on her face.

"Oh hello, dear.." I smiled Blue Rose used to be the old bartender back in Buffalo hoof when Moonshine bought the bar from her. She left and came here it seems.

"Haven't seen you in years." Blue Rose smiled nodding.

"Well, dear. "She gave me a motherly smile like she always did. " Since Moonshine bought the bar from me. I hope she still allows you to live up in your old home. If she is not I will go down there right and speak to her."

"Oh no don't worry she is even my secretary when it comes to my cases. She didn't want to kick out a ghoul that has been living in that building for two hundred years" Blue Rose smile sweetly with her hooves she sets down a bottle of Whiskey and laughed softly.

" Good good also this is in the house. Also, Root is here." Blue Rose blinks looking over to Root she gets out from behind the bar and smiles.

" ROOOT yohoo." Root blinks looking up a smile forms on her face and she stands up.

"Big Aunt Rose!!" The two mare's hug.

"Big?" Blossom asked.

"I used to be the size of a fat mare. Oh, what fat does to a complexion like mine. " She swishes her hips." But I lost all the weight and now I'm now known as Blue Rose again. Now stallions can't stop wanting me for when it's breeding season."

Root blinks a bit taken aback by that. " This town has a breeding season. You aren’t allowed to enjoy yourself randomly?"

Blue Rose shrugs. " Look at this place Root. It's full of ponies its going to fill up if we keep breeding when we don't need to. So yes I better get back to work when I get off work lets meet somewhere dears." She looked to Blossom who looked very down and sad. The Blue mare gently wrapped her forehooves around Blossom nuzzling her. "How can mamma Rose help you?"

Blossom blinks feeling scared of this mare then. Seeing she looks so motherly Blossom had tears stream down her face.

"Oh oh my.." She turns to her husband who is behind the bar. " Dear Black clock. I have another I need to take care of. She seems very upset about something." Black Clock looks up and smiled.

" I will take over love go talk with her. Take them with you. Because maybe they haven't been treating her right." Blue Rose nodded. "Come on you three to my place." She leads us down to a large stone home formed by so many old tombs of the dead.

0000

Blue Rose home.

Root and I followed them inside the home. It was pretty lovely looking. It looked like a normal house made out of large bricks but also some parts of the tombs. But what is causing Blossom to cry I wonder? But I knew Rose very well getting the middle of this would anger her greatly.

"Now please tell Mama Rose what is bothering you?" Blossom blinks sighing

"I have been getting nasty look's ever since I came here...I am Enclave after all. Just I have never seen ponies so upset. The enclave comes in peace. But every time I try to help some look at me and say get out of here Enclave. But non of us have ever been here before."

I softly spoke up. " That is not true. Five years ago a group of Enclave came down here to this area of Equestria. They searched for something. They were searching for old tunnels that the Blue hat's created. During their time here as well the Zebra's got attacked by outsiders. A group of outsiders came as well trying to find the same thing."

Rose nodded. " Yes, It got bad enough that the outsiders were murdered in their sleep by some of the ponies of this land. Then they went after the Enclave. Now the enclave warned if this happens it would be war. But the ponies said them just being here is already an act of war."

Root sighed. " That's the thing about this land Blossom. The ponies here are so protective of their own and feel that the mountains protect them from the outside. The only way to get here now. Since most of the old tunnels are destroyed. Is to climb those mountains. Flying over them is not a good idea at all." Root calmly said.

"But what happened to the Enclave? Because I never heard of something like this before." Blossom had a worried look on her face.

Rose sighed trying to look back on it. "We don't know all we know is that a group of Blue hats showed up and the took the enclave with them. We knew there was a fight because there were so much blood and parts of their armor on the ground. Before we could take it a Blue hat foal picked them up and ran off never to be seen again."

I blinked a moment I felt like we were being watched. I looked around slowly the Blue hats have been known to bug places. Since he was a ghoul some of the Blue hat's bugs could never find him. Because there is no life in him. That was a big flaw with the Blue hat's. Even though some of them are ghouls as well. I slowly stood with the others watching me. I mouthed 'Keep talking.'

"Well, dear this land is very hateful of outsiders. You have been welcomed in Buffalo hoof. But other areas you wouldn't be. You would be killed on sight if they saw you. Here is neutral. But it's still best to hide your wings. Now we have some of our own Pegasus's here. But most of them are runaway's from the enclave or from stable's." Rose said.

Blossom sighed smiling weakly. "Well, Mamma Rose thank you for the talk. Just it's not. I feel I need to be going through. I doubt it's wise for me and the other to stay here." Root face hoofed. Blossom blinked didn't understand what is going on. Blue Rose got up from her seat closing her door.

"No dear you will be staying here along with your friends. You need a good hearty meal." Blossom blinked. "So you stay right there and I will make the meal."

Blossom looked at Root and I. "What just happen?"

"You tried to leave when Rose was being motherly now you will get overfed and then sent on your way." Root said with a smirk. "

Rose called from her kitchen. "It's read Root and Blossom come and eat." I watched them leave to go eat. I looked through the house for bug's and all I found really was old marks and some old wires. So I doubt there was a bug. Just had to look and Rose came out of the kitchen lifting a bottle of Scotch. "Oh Smoke Pipe," I smirked and shrugged following the fact she was going to give me a drink.

0000

After the wonderful meal, my two friends had their meal. My two friends lay on the old run-down couch. I sat in an old chair that Blue Rose found for me to sit in if I ever came. I smoked from my pip. "Hmm thank you, Auntie Rose. I needed a good meal. Since the gardens haven't been growing.. at home." Root calmly said.

"Yes, It's been getting worse. But lucky for us, we found a patch of soil deep underground here that is perfect. But we don't tell many ponies about it. If we did they would all come here wanting some of it. So we guard it and..I'm guessing the blue hats did this so they could control the ability to grow food. I wouldn't put it past them" I nodded sighing softly.

"Yes, the Blue Hat's did many thing's that would be questioned. They wanted this entire land of Equestria to be broken off from Equestria and live in our own lands. Now their wishes never came through. But the Blue hat's have been around since Luna turned into Nightmare Moon. So these ideas are from so long ago. That they don't wish to remove them." I said drinking from the scotch.

Root nods stroking her stomach with a hoof. "It's amazing to me how they bugged ponies homes. I remember when I first came to this land. Every time I went to bed in Pipe's bed I found bug's on the stands or some in the walls and how they do that to a detective's home is a bit strange to me."

Blue Rose smirks. "Oh, Root honey have you gotten married yet?" Root blinks staring at Rose trying to think of a lie I knew her well when she came to talk to Rose.

"Uh, no Rose. I have been enjoying sleeping around too much...Sorry.." Rose frowned shaking her head.

"Root dear sooner or later. Doing that will lead to something you don't want. Like with me and Black Clock. Because of my sleeping around, I ended up with foals. So I got to be the mother I always wanted to be. But we had to go through falling in love first. " She sighed shaking her head.

Root shifted a bit uncomfortably at the word love. She looked to not like that word and getting those disapproving eyes. from Rose. Those eyes looked like they could burn the paint off the walls. The poor mare couldn't keep how she felt away from the old mare. "Look I am sorry Auntie Rose I just don't....know how to find love. All I can think of is pleasure.."

Rose softly laughed. "It's fine dear. Sooner or later you will meet Mister right. He could fall out of the sky one day and drop on you." Blossom laughs softly.

"That's how..my mother met my father... He just fell out of the sky during training and broke her wing. Then when he went to go see her in the hospital he said. I am sorry I must have fallen for you. So now since I have fallen for you. Want to go out?" Rose laughed softly.

"Oh, that is sooo Romantic.." I rolled my eye's but Root giggled at that as well. I have lived for 250 years being born getting to age fifty then dying turning into this. Then living 200 years. But still, I don't understand mares at all and their ideas of romance. Rose then turned to look at me. Oh no...

I took a deep breath I knew what was about to come. "Yes, Rose?" I didn't know what to say. But those eyes of hers bore right into me...Or they felt like they did. I shifted a bit myself. I lived for 200 years and this bothers me?! But I kept my cool. Because If I got upset with Rose. I would be getting upset with the kindest mare in the world.

"You need to protect these two mares. I feel they would be lost without you dear. I don't want to hear from Root or Blossom here that you have been mean to them because they get in your way or because you wish to have peace. if I hear any of that. I will come and force Moonshine to get you out got it?" I nodded coughing a bit.

"I think the three of us better get back Rose. The meeting will be in a few day's and we need to get the town ready." Rose nodded.

"Alright, I might come during it to see if the leader's need any food." I turned to her before leaving I feared for her if she came I opened my mouth and she yelled. "Smoke Pipe!! I will not be told I can't come mister. if the leaders need food they need food. I will not be told by a ghoul or one I consider my son to tell his mother no!!" I gulped. Root backed away she knew when Rose got angry it wasn't pretty. I nodded.

"Yes ma'am." Then Rose went back to a happy smile. I walked out of her home taking a deep breath like I needed to. Root laughed loudly.

"OH, good job Smoke Pipe you almost pissed off Rose." When Root said that the ponies in the town turned to us and looked at us with great fear. It seems her temper is well known here. From the looks on the faces of the ponies when we walked by they looked so freaked out of their minds. I hoped I would never see her husband because..I had no idea how he would act if he heard I upset his wife.

"So you upset my wife hmm?" I turned to see the Black stallion near the way out of the city. He had a smirk on his face. "Amazing how hard that is to do ain't it and when she loses her temper you don't know if she will do anything. Her first husband cheated on her." I blinked whistling at that.

Root had a smirk on her face. " I bet that went well for her former husband. Do you know what happened to him?" Black Clock looked around and leaned into the three of us to whisper.

"She took a knife and well took something off between his leg's and then told him to get the fuck out. Before she feeds it to him." The three of us looked at each other. I shuddered at that. Root laughed Blossom...Had the look of horror on her face.

"But why would she do that?" Blossom asked in horror.

"That's how the wasteland works Blossom." I softly said. "It's a sad thing but it's a true thing to some ponies. Anyway, take care, sir." He nodded to us and we walked out. We didn't talk to each other the entire walk home we had so much to think about. Since the meeting was going to be in a few days and the others looked very tired after that large meal they had. So I would think in the next few days we need to get ready...for a war.
> Chapter Five: The meeting
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The rain slowly fell from the sky. It's like this area of Equestria knew what was going on. I heard stories from outsiders that came in to get away from a war that is spreading here. I heard stories about the hero’s fighting back what they could. I also heard stories of the Enclave returning fully. When I told Blossom this and what they were doing she broke radio because she didn't care for what they were doing. She was just sent to get these devices and learn about the Blue Hats.

More and more of the outsiders have told the gangs what is going on in the outside of Equestria. In fact, this has gotten to the point that the meeting has been pushed to sooner. More stories that these outsiders are coming to find way's to defend themselves from the enclave and from the steel rangers. But non of them have found this town yet. I'm sure that they will find a way here. I hope we are all ready for it. The ponies and zebras of the town have been getting ready they have been joining the guards in defending the new wooden fence. Later today the meeting will happen and I have been told the Blue hats open their tunnels to allow the gangs to get here peacefully.

In fact, I was in one of these tunnels it was under my home that made me feel they did this to keep an eye on me. The first gang that came in was The black Aces. The leader Ace had a smile on his face beside him were two followers of his a mare and a stallion. A stallion I met on my journey to the hoof. He called himself Flame Thrower and He helped me with a case that lead me to take out a slavering. 

The mare a mountain mare she was named Sugar I have known her very well since I used to have to deal with her before she became part of the gangs. She smirked at me.

"Detective."

Ace stared at me with a great deal of anger in his eyes.

"You shot and killed some of my ponies. But we will talk about that later Smoke Pipe. I heard that this war on the outside is getting worse I don't wish it to end up here."

I nodded.

"It might end up here. But I talked with the Blue hats to allow us to sneak past the outsiders. "

Sugar chuckled her horn glowed holding a rope on the other end of the rope a stallion.

"Why sugar did you find a toy again?" I asked with a smirk.

"No he's an outsider he found his way in here and we brought him to you. Maybe you could get something out of him. Of course, he has been calling me beautiful and everything to try to get in my heart to make me feel sorry for him."

I looked back at the stallion. I didn't know this stallion he had no features of the others on them.

"Take him to my room and I will talk to him. I need to wait down here for the others. Will you stay with me Flame Thrower and humor this old ghoul?"

Flamethrower nodded.

Ace and Sugar left taking the stallion up the tunnels. It was amazing how I felt I felt my world was falling apart again. It was the start of the war all over again in the past. I'm starting to see why so many of us are worrying that another war would start.

"So I take it you have been called to go back home again Flame Thrower?"

Flame laughed.

"Yes, I have been asked to come back and deal with some crazy white mare that has been doing some crazy crap there. I just said yeah no thank you enjoying the peace here. Of course, I have a feeling the peace won't last if the Enclave finds it's way out here you would think they would already be here because of how much it rains."

I sighed nodding.

"So how did the rest of the town take it when  they learned that the Blue hats are the reason why the land here is dead and not able to grow anything?"

"They didn't take it well. But when they learned the real reason why they did it to try to start a coup during war times. I doubt it would have been wise to even try that. Many of the zebras wanted to deal with the Blue hats even if most of them showed up as ghouls lately. They have been explaining why they did what they did."

I sighed softly nodding.

"I understand the strange ways of learning. Most of the time I don't know what to think of all that. I even had a personal talk to one of the Blue hats that found their way into my home. I was pretty upset with her and she wasn't happy that I started to remember what they did to me. I got to thank Dr. Slice for hiding the memory orbs along with the many areas. I am sure I will find more so I can finally learn what I will be able to find."

We heard hooves coming towards us and we saw the Lavender crew Lavender had heavy armor and she smiled sweetly at Flame Thrower.

"Well, there is a Handsome buck." She winked at him. "Hello, Flame Thrower are you here to welcome me?"

The others behind her rolled her eyes these two always hit on each other and sometimes slept together I should know the smell from them got pretty strong.

"Ahem.."

Lavender turned to look at me a smile formed on her face.

"Hello, Smoke pipe I hope all of them are here?"

"Just you and Ace right now."

Lavender sighed shaking her head.

"I hope he still is not upset at you for saving that Enclave mare. The stories I have been hearing lately has been getting worse there. If there is a Lightbringer out there. Then why did it take us so long to hear about her? Well since we are so closed off here It’s understandable."

I gave a nod.

"Well, I feel we deserve what we get. You know how it seems we brought most of this upon ourselves. I feel that this is karma telling us we failed."

Lavender smiled weakly. Looking away sighing.

"I will talk to both you and Flame Thrower later." Lavender with the rest of her guards left. Heading up into my apartment the fact that they found a way to make these tunnels under my apartment bothers me a lot. I will have to talk to the leader of the Blue hats to ask why did they do put tunnels in a place like this? I doubt there would be many threats that come from here. Since It's Buffalo hoof of course with it being Buffalo Hoof they didn't trust the zebras we had here. It's something I knew that sooner or later would... I heard chains.

A large yak walked through the halls with chains strapped to her horns. Beside her other yaks with chain weapons strapped to them but on behind her with a giant chain machine gun.

"Greetings Vona." Flame Thrower smiled at the Yak.

The yak just snorted.

"Detective... this better be worth my time.." I forgot about the fact that Vona and the other yaks were raised by ponies so they didn't speak like normal Yaks and they were a bit smarter and didn't smash everything if it wasn't perfect. A weak smile formed along my decayed face.

"It is yes.. outsiders wish to bring their war to us. I know you learned about the outside world in the Yak stable."

Vona rolled her eyes.

"Yes yes. I remember now are the rest here or you waiting for more?"

Flamethrower sighed.

"We are waiting for the Black Stripes."

Yona's face turned from a smile to horror the black stripes the gang that protects the borders and when they protect the borders they tend to kill with no remorse. But if my name is said they allow them in if they know me or about me they let them in. Now as of late from what I have learned many of them have been killed by the outsiders. I heard hooves walking down the hall. Coming down the hall is a large zebra mare wearing a Roman armor and helm of her people beside her. A bunch of zebras with spears and guns attached to them.

Vona backed away along with her guards they all looked scared and worried. When the mare got to me she removed her helm with her hooves and smiled at me. I could tell she was old older than most of us. No one ever asked what tribe she is from or part of. Most are too scared to even talk to her. But for me? No she and I are very close friends I'm the reason she is even the leader of the black stripes.

"Hello Diamond."

Diamond smiled putting her head on my back.

"Hmm hello, grandfather... I'm sorry for being late. We had to deal with another group of refugees running away from the battle."

Vona and her guards quickly left Diamond smirked she loved that the other gangs feared her and her minions. She looked to Flamethrower who winked at her and she rolled her eyes.

"Flame Thrower, can you please leave along with the others so I can talk privately to grandfather?"

Flamethrower gave a nod. He looked to me smirking leaving the tunnel and the large old mare sat beside me while I sat down beside her as well the rest went on ahead. Her smile vanished then I could see her old age has been getting to her. She didn't hide her weakness of age to me at all. I have been there for her so much I watched her being born I was there when she became leader. I was there when she even got married.

"Grandfather. I don't know what is going to happen after my children take over. This war outside of our land is getting worse from what I am told. I don't know what I will do if this Enclave comes. We may need to convince the Blue hats to give us their weapons so we can counter all this."

I sighed nodding. I didn't know what to think the fact that the Blue Hats allowed us to use their tunnels took awhile. I'm happy though that the tunnels will be hard for the outsiders to find unless they have read up on what the blue hats used to do in the past. I know too well that they used to do.

"Well, Diamond I understand that you feel weak from the age but do you think your foals well older now could take over for you?"

Diamond smirks.

"My daughter Gem wants to take over she is just as large as I am and she put her brothers in their place since they wanted leadership to. All she has to do is impress her father by being able to make the brews for the gardens. If she can do that she will fully be a leader."

I gave a quick nod. The fact that zebras rely on their brews to help the rest of the land to grow their gardens is what makes them the most valuable part of our land. The fact that they even are started to teach ponies to make it just in case a threat comes that tries to cleanse the zebras from our lands. I do fear to see that myself there is still hate for what happened in the war.

"I have met some of them but...I feel it's time the meeting will start soon and then we will see who will protect my home while I and my friends go search the mountains for the rest of the orbs that will tell us what in the world is going on here in our wonderful land. Most would look at us like my new friend Blossom is from the so-called Enclave."

Diamond stared at me with a bit of an unhappy glare. But then she smiled and shook her head. I could tell she wasn't happy with me but she never could stay angry at me.

"You care too much about those that come here, grandfather. But I did learn how to lead from you and didn't try to be too much of an evil mare. I wish those around us could understand that. I know they're all scared of my gang but that is a good reason for that. But I agree with the time of the meeting."

Diamond slowly moved out of the tunnel and then I looked back down the hall seeing Blue hats decked out with armor and guns. I gave them a nod they started to trust me again. But I saw their weapons one of them has an experimental shotgun that focuses only on outsiders of the area. How that works I have no idea.

0000
The meeting

The building we are in is an old office building. Thankfully the walls are all well kept and thanks to the ponies that have been living here for so long they helped rebuild what they could. But that's not what I'm worried about these gangs don't always get along. But when it comes to outsiders the outsiders come first before the battle between each other. Now only the gangs were allowed in this meeting but they wish me to be here too. Since I have been a thorn in their sides for years and they grew to respect me.

The first one to stand up was Lavender since she dealt and lost one of the zebras that worked on the brews because of the outsiders. She stood up there sighing looking away a moment not sure what to say. She looked to me and I gave her a nod.

"The outsiders came into the town looking for the secrets of the Blue Hats. I have a feeling sooner or later when the Enclave learns about the blue hats they will come and try to find the weapons that they created. But that's not what we had to deal with. We had to deal with a group of anti zebra fighters running under the name of the Black hoof. They came in and killed our zebra that worked on the brews. Thankfully she was able to teach another. But it's getting harder to protect them. What they wanted though is to find a way to this town. To get up into the mountains to find the secret base."

Lavender didn't seem to want to be up there I could tell. But I knew she was going to tell the others that Blossom is an Enclave.

"I learned though that not all the Enclave is evil." She looks to Blossom with her hoof asked Blossom to come up to the podium. Blossom gulped walking up and Lavender backed up letting her speak.

"I may be part of the Enclave and bought everything they said about the ground level. But I started to learn that it wasn't real. I was asked to come down here to find the secrets of the Blue hats and these orbs that have been found in the minds. The enclave wants the power to fight the land. They never knew this area was still around. All the clouds above there are non of us up there. I wish we could help you remove them but it would be hard for you to trust us."

"How can we trust you now?" I looked over to Ace who had a good question asked.

"Yak agrees...I mean sorry I agree." Vona said with a chuckle. "Eh hate my kind sometimes. But yes we agree."

Diamond stayed silent I could tell she was waiting for something to happen.

"You have to choose to trust me or not. I disassembled my armor and gave it to the blue hats. I am sure I am not a traitor to them because I haven't even called in. So if I will be a target. There is something worse though I was able to get one last thing about the outside. More refugees are heading to the Hoof here and other areas. I'm sure you understand that it will bring ponies you don't want. But there is one more thing." She looked over to me and I gave a nod.

She closed her eyes sighing.

"There is an attack force on their way here right now. They will be here in a few months they don't know the short cuts and they don't know how strong you're. They wish to take over this town because it's the middle of the entire land. They feel if they do they can control the rest of you."

Diamond laughed loudly.

"Ah just like back in the war my kind tried the same thing. They learned trying to take over a town like this was the worst idea. I'm from the young that survived the slaughter. Then they were placed in one of the vaults."

Blossom sighed.

"I wasn't there or understood the war. I have learned about it from Smoke Pipe from what I learned I hate the princess now. I understand it's not fully their fault. It's mostly the fault of the rich ponies that wanted to use their greed to get what they wanted but caused more problems than they even thought. I do hope we all learn from this mistake in the future and that future will not be pleasant."

She sighed looking over to me and Root. She closed her eyes tightly looking away a moment thinking of what to say. Then she looks back to the group of ponies and other creatures.

"When I was young I was told stories of the surface of how crazy it was. I came here myself to this land and they never even thought this area was even around. When I came here thanks to the strange elements in the ground. I couldn't even contact them again. Something ruined my ability to use the suit. Then I was told by the Blue hats it was something they have turned on since the war. It was used to try to stop an attack but it didn't work after what happen to Smoke Pipe there.."

Blossom looked to the others

"What I am saying is.. The enclave will come to your land and try to clean it out thinking your gangs are a problem here. Like I did at first when I caused the Black aces to attack me. Smoke Pipe had to save me from them he told me that the Black aces won't miss some of their ponies."

Ace looked to me he had an angry look on his face. But he sighed he knew I wasn't part of either gang and I am what most call the law in this land. Well, most think of me as the law. I don't of course but I am always called the one that. She was about to speak when a mare rushed in panting.

"A balefire bomb was set off in Equestria a large group of Enclave is unaccounted for and thanks to this they will step up their attack. They will be here in a month. If we don't get ready we will be wiped out!!"

Fear filled the crowd.

"There will be a large battle between all the ponies trying to get here. From what I learned a commander that told Blossom to come here is coming here himself to find the secrets of the blue hats. We need to get some pony to go up into the mountains and find these weapons. Before they do!!"

All the creatures looked to me I blinked looking at them.

"Um, why are you all staring at me?"

"Grandfather I think they wish you to go find this place. So we can find out what they're hiding up there and what this fifty-year count down is."

Fifty-year countdown to what? I read what it said. ‘In 50 years project, Stormwatch will take effect. The Stormking Shall rise!’ After a while, it finally changed from that too. ‘The one with red eyes shall return the father of monsters.’

"What Fifty year count down. Also ain’t the Storm king kind of dead?”

Diamond sighed.

"After you put in those orbs a strange single pip-buck started to play.” She turned on her pip buck a voice came over.

"To those in the Wymarnic area, there is a warning for you. Something we Blue hats has known all along. This war was going to end badly. But that's not the worse thing. Something is going to happen in fifty years. Something bad we have left secrets behind so you could find a place to be safe while this happens. How do we know all this? Allow me to explain the best I can. Many things are coming into place that most never would have seen. Heroes fighting creatures devices projects. All these are tied to one thing."

As the recording goes on the voice sounds more and more scared.

"I wish I could...tell you more. But he is ..he is.." There is a roar and then the sound of the recording ends.

I sighed there is more to this mystery then I thought there would be. I'm not proud of the fact that this is going on. But if we don't do something we will be overrun by outsiders some I need to speak to that outsider that Sugar brought into the cell she and Flame are at.

"I need to learn more about these outsiders before I head up in the mountains. "I said with a soft sigh. "Root Blossom stay here and finish the meeting. I need to take care of this"

I slowly walk out but before I do I turn to look at Diamond she is worried about me. She knows I have been alive longer then she is but when we talk she normally always worries for me. So I know before I leave she will talk to me again. Going outside I watched as the zebras and ponies trotting around getting ready for the battle ahead. They had reinforced wood coming to the Steel rangers did what they go to help when I ended up in the prison I saw Sugar kissing the stallion.

"Soooo what happened to want to kill him?”

Flame shrugged.

Sugar pulled away and smirked.

"Well, It seems I am married now since well." I sighed I knew this would happen I thought it would happen better then it did. He was injected with a brew from one of the zebras that I wouldn't have the heart to tell her he wouldn't be left alive very long. So I had to tell them.

"Sugar Flame.. leave this land find a place or a stable to be there forever be happy away from here."

Sugar sighed nodding.

"I have been thinking of leaving ever since all this with the Blue hats has been found.." She pulls the stallion out of the cell and they waited till it was dark to leave. I watched them leave under the cover of night. I didn't know what to think but it was time for me to go finish this Mystery.

I sat there watching them go into the tunnels of the Blue hats I do hope they find happiness where ever they end up.

"So when have you been a romantic grandfather?"

I turned to look to Diamond who watched everything but she just had a smile on her face.

"Diamond. I don't know what to do so much is going on... I worry that my land and home will be gone in a month."

Diamond sighed nodding.

"Who knows I know I might not live through this battle but grandfather. Get going your friends have all the gear they need and all the food they need. They all want you to leave now. Because you might not be back in a month since we all know searching those mountains take forever."

I nodded I stood up knowing that I am going to need to relax before all this. I need to think before I head up to my home I turned back to Diamond.

"Promise me Diamond if things get bad you will leave with your family and find a new home."

Diamond stared at me and smirked.

"Sorry Grandfather but this is our home we will die for it."

I sighed heading home I felt that is what will be what happens here everypony dying.
> Chapter Six: Return to the lone road
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was the morning after the meeting. The gangs have taken up residents well most that are left. Diamond along with Lavender stayed to help. While the others went to go back to their towns to get a group of their best. Diamond didn't wish to remove any of her gang from the borders it wouldn't be wise. Lavender couldn't since most of the outsiders stayed in her area looking for more zebras to kill. I feel sad that most of them that come here want to hurt the zebras but the others that come just want to get away from the war that is going on. Rolex went on ahead to see if he can find anything I don't trust him but if he can find the bunker before us then that would be great.

A group of ponies and a few zebras wait on the road to the mountains for us. We gathered all we needed. But there is more then I have on my mind. I heard the speech of the pony we consider the leader of the town. But all I can think of was what Diamond and I spoke of when she woke up this morning.


0000

Talk between Smoke Pipe and Diamond

"Grandfather I know you don't like the fact that I wish to stay here. But you're all the family I have now. I may have my children, my gang. But you're the only one that took me in when I needed someone. You took the time from your cases to just sit with and teach me what my parents refused to all they put into my brain is anti pony hate."

I sighed nodding.

"I did what I could for you Diamond. That's all I could do for you to remove your hatred for ponies. I understand that you went through the teachings that the stars are evil and trust me anything unknown can be evil. The idea that stars can talk about is a normal thing. Sea fairing ponies zebras and so on using the stars the find their way around. I know before the world ended. A barge was on the way in how do I know this? It held a project that the Blue hats made. A project that could have been used in the war to harm both sides."

Diamond sighed looking away for a moment looking up to the clouded sky.

"Did I ever tell you how I felt trapped in the stable? It was open for us to go where we wanted in there. But trapped well metal walls all around you. Because of a war? It’s a matter of how some minds can handle it.”

I turned to look at her with a weak smile on my decaying face.

"No all I remember is a little filly needing some pony to take care of them. I did what I could to teach you Diamond I watched you grow up I watched you fall in love with that gang leader of the zebra gang and had foals with him. I remember how angry you were when he passed away and how much you cried."

Diamond sighed nodding.

"I understand that you worry for my safety grandfather but I am a grown mare now. I know you're older than dirt." I looked at her with a smirk.

"Ah ha ha ha."

She chuckled and Lavender sat beside us.

"I remember you coming to my town once Smoke Pipe to find who killed a zebra you looked to me and said these words. Don't allow the pain of this world to control you. Don't allow the hate from the past to control you. Protect the zebras protect yourself don't allow the pain from a long-dead war end peace. Bring forth what is there and seek it."

I smiled and remembered my words to her. Have I been that big help to this land? I felt I was just a ghoul living in the past of my detective days when I sought mystery and ideas of what did this and who did what. Ah, those days would have been amazing to me. I miss them so much I miss the past but I understand that it's time to move on.

"I look back at the past and see how this land never changed. The fact there is rumors that Equestria fired on us and caused this part of the land to be dead is no longer true. I learned that the Blue hats did it. They set off one of their bale firebombs on their ponies. They wanted to stop an attack from Equestria but it never came."

Lavender and Diamond stared at me.

"So you mean to tell me the reason there is a balefire crater in the wasteland is because of the Blue hats? How do we know we can even trust them? I know they didn't trust my kind at all. After capturing them and using them in experiments to find out how to kill them. If you wonder yes I demanded one of them to show me what they were working on. They even said this weapon was created."

Lavender gasped.

"This is not good if that weapon was made maybe that is what many are trying to find it. Please Smoke Pipe find these weapons and destroy them."

I blinked looking to Lavender.

"I would think you would want me to bring them back here? But I do get it if these weapons were ever used we wouldn't be as good as the ponies that came before you. I remember everything of the past even some memories I lost are returning to me thanks to Dr. Slice. I do hope that I will find out what happened to him. But I know he is stuck somewhere."

Diamond sighed and stood on her hooves.

"I need to get back to my family Smoke Pipe to tell them I will be staying here but I will bring some of my family to help guard this town. Take care Lavender I hope everything will go smoothly."

I wasn't sure what she meant by that.

"I am getting married Smoke pipe. I want to finally have an heir to follow the path of my gangs like my father and mother did. I wish to do what I can to make sure the future protects our land. But I do agree with Soda Pop that we need to open ourselves up. So we aren't alone any longer. Maybe someday we will learn what is going on in the outside world. I am sure some of Equestria runs here and never had any idea we were here. I'm starting to wonder if we need to open up."

I watched as the sun slowly went up behind the clouds.

"I agree with you, Lavender. I do wonder at times if our land what would have happened if something happens. Like the Blue hats caring more what the princess thought or what the others thought. We needed so much help here. I worry so much now I need to get going Lavender the road is the lone road again. It's a road I never thought I would go down again. Many places to check."

Lavender nodded.

"Please come back soon I don't wish you to come back and see your home ruined."

I nodded slowly standing up the memory ended.

0000

After coming out of the memory of what happened I started to notice that Root and Blossom stared at me.

"Do you think he is still there?" Blossom smirked.

"Oh, I am sure he is he is just talking to himself in the third person again."

I turned to look at them.

"How long have you two been watching me?"

"Oh for about thirty minutes we even bet that you would be in there for an hour and if I won I would get Blossom in bed with a stallion." She smirks.

Blossom’s face turned bright red.

"But I won and she promised me she would buy me a dress."

I sighed rolling my eyes my two companions were betting on things that didn't seem that important to me anymore. Of course, the idea of sex is great but I doubt any mare would want to sleep with something that is decaying. It's impressive to me that they would even try to sleep with something like me. But in the past, I remember all the times of pleasure I had.

"Come let’s get going it's going to be a few days before we even get to the first area. Now I don't know what it's like up there now. I just know that getting over the mountain to get to the lands on the other side takes months. So it’s not something I wish to do. But we need to find this bunker and maybe we will find the rest of the black orbs."

"Smoke this Mystery has been longer than most of them. But are we right to not allow these outsiders to come in and just hide from the war outside our land? It's getting worse by the day. Blossom doesn’t even know what the Enclave wants. She knows what they wanted here though. The secrets of the Blue hats to understand why they created these weapons. I fear what they would find if they beat us to it."

Blossom nodded.

"I agree I fear they would try to clean out this land. A lot of the Enclave doesn’t understand the surface land. They feel it's full of brainless ponies that can't think for themselves it's how most of us learned. Then I met Root and you Smoke pipe you were kind to me you did so much to defend me you even explained the past to me and how this land was treated during the war. The fact that we are about to get into another war a war that you didn't even want to get into is a bad thing."

I nodded sighing so many close to me will die in this war my grandchildren well-adopted Grandchildren and their family. I am very worried that what will happen to my home here. I remember it burning. I remember some of the survivors that didn't turn out like me. But they respected me for who I was and what I did for them.

I looked in the cart to make sure there was enough scotch for me and food for the others. There are a few tents for us but the wind up in the mountains is not wise to bring these. I miss the old days when many ponies came to these lands just to go up into the mountains to find the Moose lands. The Moose is a race that I haven't seen come back down from the mountains in years. They're a wonderful race but they stopped coming down to talk with us after the war started. The zebras tried to use them to attack us but they refused and blocked off their lands to us. So maybe we will find them again and then we can learn from them what happens up here after the war ended.

"You think we will see Antler?" Root asked me.

"Antler?"

"Antler."I started to say. "Is the home of the race of Moose that have their homes up in the mountains. Antler is the biggest city of theirs that is in the mountain. They protect the forest from creatures like us. They used to come down and speak with us before the war and traded with us. Then the war started and they got worried that the raciest ponies would start attacking them for not trading fairly with them."

Blossom blinked.

"So the war destroyed everything of this land just because the ponies felt they deserved everything and that Friendship didn't even work."

I laughed.

"Friendship the ponies used friendship on the creatures that went to that damn school to teach. The school was used to help creatures learn friendship to stop this war from happening. Most ponies feel the school was used to teach the non-pony races how to use friendship to attack us. I doubt that's what it was used for. But thanks to the attack of the Storm king most of the pony race was ready to fight whatever wished to come to attack us again."

Blossom sighed.

"I wish I could have been there in the past. The Enclave won't let me come back. Since I haven't called in for a while and I am sure if they found me here. They would think I am part of the toxic environment. I do wish to know what will happen to the rest of the land because of them."

Root snorted softly.

"As long as they don't kill any of the good stallions I will not care." I blinked turning to look at Root so did Blossom. She blinked. "Hey I have to have sex with some pony I don't want the good ones to be killed so I can keep my pleasure." She smirks.

Blossom rolls her eyes.

"You concern me sometimes Root. I'm amazed you haven't become pregnant with all the times you sleep with stallions. Unless you found a way to make sure you don't"

Root shrugged.

"If I get pregnant it happens. I will marry the stallion that knocked me up. But it’s hard to find love in this wasteland you never know if the one you wish to be with might already be with some mare or some guy or the other way around. That's why you do what you have to. To keep your pleasure up and going."

I sighed I didn't know what to think but I knew that they would want to rest soon. I saw another caravan coming from the other side of the mountain. Normally they don't come but it was more than the mail. One of the mares stopped looking towards me with a weak smile.

"Smoke Pipe... stay away from the other side of the mountain there is a large battle down there as well. The entire land of Wymarenic is surrounded. Do you think they would accept us in Buffalo hoof?" I sighed looking at the large group of ponies. I knew the leader of the town they came from. It was known as Singing roots. She was an old unicorn mare and blind.

They stopped with the old mare getting off the chair they had her on she walked to me and put her old hoof to my cheek. I just smiled. She was another I was there to watch born now she is slowly dying.

"Grandfather...I see you're fine. Don't go down the way. The Stripes allowed us through. All must be warned ponies on the outside are getting upset and desperate to find places for them to relax and to be safe. Please don't keep going."

I sighed.

"I'm not Choco. I'm heading to find the base of the Blue hat or whatever they left behind. We need to find something to fight off the ponies who wish to harm our lands. It's going to get worse before it even gets better my dear friend. Go get ready to help fight for us. We will be heading up into the mountain and see if we can get help from the Antlers."

The old mare gasped at the words she then nodded she is helped back into the chair. She was strapped in the chair and the ponies lifted it. She couldn't walk very well on her own. Now the only reason this town was welcomed is that they used to be part of Wymarnic and they went to be part of a town of ponies that wanted to get away from the gangs. Of course, that was many years ago. Now they’ve welcomed back thanks to the fact most of the creatures in that town were Zebras.

We went on and it was going to take a while to get to the first part of the mountain we needed to go to search for the town Antler. Antler was very well hidden I found it once when I was younger. Just the fact the memory was gone. I don't remember much of why but I remember finding them with a group of ponies.


0000\
Memory

It was way before the war even started. I was deep in the mountain doing a case trying to find a lost mare. The mare was last seen talking to a moose. The moose creatures of this land are very highly xenophobic they do trust the zebras more than the ponies. I don't blame them my kind can be extremely racist and It's normal for that fact. I'm following a group of blue shirts to find this mare so they can arrest whoever it was that pony napped her. The place we went to was called crazy mare canyon it was named after a crazy mare that used to be a powerful mare of the land. But since her husband left her for another mare. She became very crazy and caused a  lot of issues in the past. Thankfully I wasn't alive back then to see that happen.

While we walked through the canyon we found cows and I was forced to ask them if they saw any of the Antlers. I went up to one of the pregnant cows.

"Excuse me miss."

The cow turned to look to me an unsure look on her face.

"How may I help you, dear?"

I sighed not sure what to say. These cows from what I was told are easily offended so I must find a way to not anger her while asking if she has seen the Antler. Now the word antler is very raciest to other species. I took a deep breath and started to speak of how I felt I needed to.

"I'm searching for a moose. He kidnapped a young mare have you seen them at all or has it been calm here?"

The cows looked at each other. These cows never agreed with ponies on anything. On how we treated them. We treated them like a beast of burden and they were very smart beings. I look back on them leaving many of our lands because of the war starting. But some herds left way before then.

"No I haven't Antler has been very closed as of late. We normally go there to give birth to our little ones. But they don't wish to open up their doors because of what the princess is doing to the zebras. I heard the talks aren't going well. Now we plan to go to smaller cities. We plan on going to their smaller town velvet in Sourdough."

I sighed I might have to follow the path that they will be following because my experience with Velvet it's where some of the low ranking leaders live. Maybe I can get in good graces with them. But I need to find this mare and find her quickly.

"Look could one of you lead me to the gates? I need to find this mare she is pregnant and her husband wants her back." The cows looked at each other their leader the one I was speaking to I never got her name. I doubt they survived the bombing but I don't remember seeing them since I haven't been up in these mountains for years.

"I can take you yes. It will be hard for us to get past their bird scouts. So The best way is for you to come alone without your friends."

I turned to look at the other ponies who came with me I gave them a nod

"I will be back. I know this is not what you want. I know that you want to find your wife." The stallion that came with us was the husband of the mare. He just looked at me smirking.

"Of course she has my child in her of course." He gave a smile that made me dislike him. I didn't know much about this stallion but I knew his name. I thought I knew his name. But I remember him the last time I saw him he wore a blue hat. The leader of the cow's lead me to the Antler I don't remember much the memory slowly vanishing from my mind. I wish I could remember more. I heard my name

000

"Smoke pipe!!" I finally came back We had stopped and made camp in the middle of the road. I was smoking on my pipe. How wonderful I am named Smoke Pipe and I smoke a pipe how ironic is that. But my friends had been calling me. I hope they aren't too worried since. I talk to myself a lot. I looked over to Root and smiled.

"Sorry I was thinking of the past. What’s wrong?"

Root sighed.

"I was telling you that I trade with that caravan. I was given an old Antler weapon." She lifted it in her mouth. In her mouth was what the moose used as a weapon. An antler blade they placed these blades on their horns and it made them extremely fierce.

"Did you ask if they have seen any?"

Root nodded.

"It sounds like Antler still exists. But something happened to the others. They found this in the ruins of the other towns. She said it looked like a sickness went through and destroyed them all."

It hit me was that what was in the mare? A sickness is that why she went there? Maybe I will learn then Root found another orb. She placed it by me

"She also found this there. From what I was told, unicorns tried to open it. But it seems to be only meant for one pony. Maybe it's one of yours maybe it's not. But just maybe check?"

I nodded lifting the orb in my magic looking at it closely. Putting it to my head nothing happens. Then I felt a charge of pain my head. I screamed in pain I felt a memory being forced in my brain.

I heard voices.

"Dr. Slice are you sure this is wise to do to him?" A female sounded worried.

"Sadly yes. After what happened to Hawk he hasn't forgiven me for it. He will be happy to know that she will come with us across the waves"

"Then why are you removing the truth from his mind? Why are you removing what happens here?"

"He will learn when he finds this orb. But if he dies the orb will wake to others. This war all of us are going to die. I have a feeling that I and my friend are going to see the end of the war before we chase the prisoners"

Then the orb finally took me over and my world went black.

0000
The full memory

I was following the Cow into the woods. I felt a static feeling in my mind. While I was watching this orb. The spell was being removed. I am sure my body outside of the orb is shaking and in pain. Memory blocks can be pretty harsh even without blockers. Using spells to block memories is the worst idea ever. The fact that most will never know what happens to you. if it happens then it happens. But that is the sadness of it.

The past is not something I wish to know. But I am forced to live this to understand what happened. Maybe it was something with the Blue hats? But while we made it through the forest. The pregnant cow stopped and looked into the darkness of the forest.

"We will be there soon. Please talk to them let us in. The war is getting bad on the outside. We are worried it’s going to start coming up here. If it does what will happen to us?"

I could tell she was worried. Maybe I should try to tell her it won't come up here. But back then we had non of the gangs to keep us safe. We had the army and the army didn't respect us at all.

"Now keep going and you will find the gate."

I nodded and went through the dark forest. My horn glowed I felt I was being watched by whatever was here. When I got deeper into the forest I heard a voice.

"So you have finally come. I felt that sooner or later I would see you again." I blinked looking over into the darkness seeing a group of moose and a pony in a wheelchair. Wheel tread and beside him in another wheelchair Dr. Slice.

"Wheel tread..." I said in anger. "Why are you here?" I knew who he was. I knew what he used to be. He will never change. But he needed the help of the Antlers for something. In his lap was a brain in a jar. I looked at it closely I knew that brain. I knew what was in it. I knew who was in it. It was Hawk it was the mare that died or maybe died from the project Stop Watch.

"You are the one who killed Hawk. I know that you have her brain somewhere.”

Wheel tread sighed.

"Look why are you here? We are here to get the parts of Project Mech. Now, why are you here?"

I sighed.

"I am here looking for a mare that was pony  napped by a moose."

"Ah, then they should let you in." He gave a nod to one of the guards. Wheel tread was very well known by the Moose his former life he was pretty toxic towards them but after he changed his life and his name and how he looks. He became calmer. All this over a school of friendship.

I sighed and I finally was let in but I looked back to Dr. Slice. He gave me a nod we used to be good friends. But down the line, he started hating the fact that I got in the way of the Blue Hats. He didn't like that at all and the fact that I ruined some of his experiments with some of the zebras he was working on. I can't allow death to happen during a war just because they want to find an easy way to kill them.

The door opened up. I went inside the darkness and went through a dark hall on the other end had a light shining. When I got through I looked up seeing a magic sun over a wooded roof that blocked the outside. I could feel the heat and warmth of this magic.

I looked at all the Moose and other creatures that were allowed in here. I didn't understand why they welcomed other creatures but not ponies. But I had to find the mare. I walked to a guard smiling.

"Excuse me. I am searching for a pony Napper did they come in with a mare?'

The guard looked at me blinking.

"I'm sorry the only mare I saw was a mare that came here willingly she is in the hospital."

"Can you  lead me there sir."

The guard sighed.

"If you leave me alone then I will."

The guard leads me through the town every creature stopped what they were doing to watch me. I even saw dragons in here. They didn't care for the fact I was here. But I stopped turning to look at all the creatures.

"I am not part of the army. I am part of the anti-military that wishes they would stop trying to start a war. So don't put me in the same area as them." The creatures started to whisper to each other as I went on.

"That was pretty silly to do. We know that not all ponies are for the war." The guard added while he leads me to the hospital. When I got there he leads me in and took me to the room. In the room, the moose that kidnapped the mare was there stroking her head. As she lay there looking very ill.

"You have come to take her back?" The moose didn't look up at me. "Maybe you should hear her side of the story and find out what is really in her stomach."

I walked up looking at the mare she looked very badly sick. I looked at her stomach I could finally see it. She had been cut up and something was placed inside.

"What happened?"

The moose finally looked up at me. He was what they called well what his kind called A seeker a rare warrior of them that could get in and get out without being seen. So how he got seen was because whoever was watching this mare could see him.

"They placed a bomb inside her. She does have a baby its the bomb. The baby is a creation of a zebra that they killed for the Blue hats. This is all because the Blue hats wanted the mother’s womb. So they placed the baby in this mare. Along with a sickness that if it explodes will kill every zebra around. But the problem is it’s killing her and the baby. It’s mutating to harm ponies. It's why I took her its why I wish to free her it's..."

I was suddenly hit in the back of the head. But I was awake to see what was happening.

"It's the sad truth of the matter of this war." It was Dr. Slice. He was the one operating. He started to work since they had to place anymore for her. He sliced once and the sickness went all over him. His body started to burn and decay he screamed in pain. The wound sealed but it had its target. From that day forth he would do anything to search for the cure. The memory ended as it came.
> Chapter Seven: Welcome to Antler
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The memory was very hard on my mind. I woke up inside the cart that I brought with us. I lifted my head and looked around notching that we are in sourdough. Slowly standing up on my hooves seeing that the tents have been put up. The mares had a tent to themselves and I had my tent.

"Root? Blossom?" I didn't hear anything I looked at the tents and found they have been ripped open and that hoof prints with something being dragged into the forest.

"So the failure of a Detective has returned." I turned seeing one of the Moose. In fact its the guard I met so long ago. They live longer than ponies.

"I came with two mares. Do you know what happens to them?" The Moose sighed looking at the dark forest. The trees look very different then they did in the past.

"Ever since that mare brought that sickness my kind have been slowly dying. But Antler has become more and more Xenophobic I am part of a group that left. They consider us unclean since we don't allow them to just leave this land and take out the ponies. Maybe we could find a way inside and you can help."

I sighed shaking my head.

" I am searching for the base of the Blue hats. There is a war outside of our lands. The enclave and others are coming they want the secrets of the Blue hats. We need your help."

The moose sighed looking away towards another town that is deep into the forest.

"We have too much to deal with right now detective. The city of Antler is full of the sick but also xenophobic. The one's that were kicked out were the leaders and his army. If you wish to have help to get into the main town then you need to come with me."

"Before I go with you what happen after I was knocked out and the memory taken from me?"

The guard looked towards me again he sighed he knew this was coming.

"Dr. Slice wanted all the memories taken from you about what happened there. The fact about what he and Wheel tread did to us. The fact that they both used us as their test subjects. If we all knew that the mare wasn't pregnant well she was but the foal she gave birth to became the problem. Who is now alive and the leader of Antler."

I blinked how did a little one become the leader of Antler. It makes no sense to me at all but I'm starting to wonder if this experiment had something to do with taint.

"I wonder does this child look like I do?"

The moose gave me a once over.

"Like a decaying zombie,” He nodded. "He wasn't born that way at first. But after a while, he started releasing strange magic from him that caused the area around him to become mutated. Why do you ask?"

The fear hit me they were using what is known as a taint on the poor mare and her baby. I felt it was my fault but more at fault to me was Dr. Slice. I'm starting to see why he left to go to his prison so to speak. I don't understand all this anymore. I need to get this Mystery solved before the battle ahead. I doubt if I do get it solved what doe they mean by this fifty years from now I wonder what will happen if this happens without this thing we must find. But first I must find the two mares. I wonder where Rolex is.

"Come with me Detective I need you to meet with the leaders and we will think of a plan to get your friends back. I know this is not something you wish to do. But they need to know what is going on. If you can help us get our land back then we will be able to help you fight them off and find this base for you. I know it's not much but it's all we can do for the moment."

I sighed taking a deep breath.

"Deal just I heard that more of your cities have been dead for so long. Are there ones that we’re immune to this sickness or taint I call it?"

The Moose sighed nodding.

"Most died and when they died they became the minions of the creature that the child became. Some are mindless some aren't. He glows this sickness around him this sickness did so much to them that some have kept their minds and they follow him like a puppet. For the leaders, they made it out with a lot of us. But my family wasn't so lucky. Wheel Tread promised then he went to some desert called Widow Maker and I learned he made a pact with the devil. Some Projects called Storm watch."

I heard of this project in passing It was an interesting Project that the old foes of the past and some never heard of before. Would be found captured and put under a spell to force them to work with us. I never understood what it meant until now. But all I heard was from the passing the Blue hats. They knew something they always do. I am sure they have ways to get out of this land and into Equestria proper. That is not what I like to think of though.

"I lost many of my memories during my younger years before the war got to bad. The war turned into something awful. I'm sure you had a war yourself that got even worse before it got better for you. But now we got another war that we need to take care of before our land is harmed any longer. The rain still won't come and it will never come if we don't find a way to make it rain and we need it to rain."

The moose lead me away from the camp we made into another forest farther away from the one Antler is inside of.

0000
New Antler

We made it into the lighter forest. On the way, we ran into some nasty creatures but they left us alone since a Moose was with me. These creatures looked to be mutated did the Blue hats do experiments on some of these creatures or did they just turn in this way?

"Why are these creatures mutated?"

The Moose sighed.

"It was our fault we experimented to find defenders for our home. Instead, we created nasty creatures thankfully they stay in the forest and don't try to go down the mountains. At least we keep them fed. We feed them our terminally sick. I know that seems barbaric we have a lot of terminally sick at times. But one of these creatures can eat their full for months."

I did agree thankfully they never would come for me or my friends. I just wonder why the creatures of Antler took my friends.

"Do you know why they took my friends?"

The Moose sighed and smiled weakly. "He is searching for a mate. So those two mares will be treated like breeding stock. So we will help you get there sooner. But sadly it may be a while before we can just rush in there. We need to gather our army and then we can help you. if we can clean out that creature we can save our kind. Most have gone underground since it happened. Thankfully we last a long time. But we need to get you there"

I sighed at the fact that I am now very worried about my friends. It's not something I was expecting. Finally, though after the trek, the gates of New Antler opened up since were Moose creatures some ponies that have been on the run from the outside. They somehow found their way here and a few dragons. These dragons looked at me and didn't even give me the time of day. But I noticed some of them looked beat up. Something is happening and I am very sure of that.

I was lead to the main building asking to ignore the rest. While ponies that were refugees of whatever is going on. One mare walked over to me looking weak and hurt.

"Can you help me please?" I stared at her looking worried about her.

"I'm sorry I can't but maybe you can be lead to Buffalo Hoof. But how did you get past the gangs since outsiders aren't welcomed here."

The mare looked away she looked mutated on some spots of her body. It made me wonder what happens to her. I sighed softly patting her shoulder looking at the guard that is leading me.

"Can you help them?"

The moose looked back to the mare and the ponies. They were segregated by the other guards kept them far away from the other creatures that had no love for the ponies. I didn't enjoy seeing this but I am starting to understand how zebras felt in the past. I never understood this either now I do..

"I wish I could but we need to save your friends first but we need to talk to the leaders about it first." I nodded and we walked into the main building


00000
Leadership building

I was asked to wait for a while before I was allowed to go speak to them. I sat in a cushy wooden chair and looked at out pre-war books. These books had lasted for years some of them even seemed to be rewritten and these books never got touched by Rarity. Lifting one of the books up in my magic. It was an old history on the zebra. Opening it up and I found it interesting. It wasn't hateful to the zebras it oddly explained how they looked at the stars.

This book though was not written by a zebra if it was it would make more sense. Some things didn't seem normal to me. My grandaughter Diamond didn't act like this of course she was raised by ponies. I set down the book lifting another one that was an old journal written by a pony that found their way here after the war. I spoke out loud as I read it.

"I know no pony might be alive to read this. I will explain myself. I'm a mare that was attracted to other mares. During this time it was looked down upon. I don't mind that my way of life was thought to be evil. But something has been bothering me for along time. Ever since my brother went to war. During this war I have seen many families broken apart thanks to it. I have learned through during my job is one of the first female guards of Cantorlot. Yes, a mare in the royal guards I know that is very hard to understand for some."

I blinked I remember mares in the Royal guard I don't remember them being so odd. I turned the page reading on.

"I have been watching these stables being built. Thankfully I will be having a vacation soon to get away from all this war. I am tired of this war and tired of seeing how toxic the ponies of the land have gotten. When I go I think I will go visit my sister in Ponyville if she is still there of course. I am worried that she won't be I do wish to know what will happen. I wish this war would end it's getting to me. It's getting to so many of my friends to the point that MOM is coming to meet others. I don't know why but it's starting to upset me more. I have seen them watch me even because I have been very open about disliking this war and thinking that we should make peace."

I sighed I didn't know what to think I never had to deal with the MOM here. But I did have to deal with the fact that the Blue hats did a lot of crazy things. I lifted the book back up it went on.

"The world ended.. I got lucky and I was on my vacation from Cantorlot and I never thought it would end like this. I don't know if I am lucky though I do feel sick. But I have to find a way to get out of the area. When I found my way into the mountains of Equestria. I found myself in a place called Wymarnic. I was upset and angry at what happened to the world. But I never thought I would find what I did. I found a creature called a Moose when I made it to a strange place called New antler. I learned more about this land and they told me how xenophobic this land can be with outsiders." Then something hit me hard when I saw the next part.

"I met a Detective named Smoke Pipe. He was a ghoul that was helping a young mare to find her foul who later died of the bomb that was released by a group called The Blue Hats. I didn't know much about the Detective but I had been here for almost three years and had a family myself. I hope my family will last and become part of this lovely land."

The Moose Guard came out of the room noticed I was reading the book and he smirked. "You're reading the founder of the pony citizens that live in new Antler."

"I take it they don't have the same rights as your kind do?" I set down the book.

"No they do but they're deeper in the forest and a different part of the city. It's more to protect them from the newer ponies coming in and the dragons that normally come here to relax. The dragons haven't forgiven the ponies after Ember’s death. They still blame them for what happen to her."

I sighed I didn't know what to think.

"So why did you come out to talk to me?" I didn't know how to be kind to this Moose I didn't know his name but he lay on the ground his weapons falling to the ground since what I noticed he seemed relaxed around me.

"The leaders are taking their time to accept who you are. I'm known as well Big hoof. Yes, not much of a name but I have one big hoof." He lifts up his left hoof that it's a large hoof. "But yes I am sure you can understand that it's hard for a lot of my kind to trust ponies from the outside. The fact we welcome ones that came from a mare that risked everything to come here. Now I am sure the leaders have something to do for you to well to prove your worth to them. That's the issue with them though. Some of them have been around at the start of the year."

I sighed shaking my head.

"I can't wait I need to go find my friends. I tried to stand off the chair but I was forced back into it by Big hoof.

"Look I understand as well but you can't just rush in there You have no idea what will happen. The fact that we know there is a time of year that he mates with those that he kidnaps. So don't worry your friends will be fine. Unless he feels he needs to start breeding right away but of course he could find a way to start it up."

I got off the chair and started pacing. These two mares I have grown very close to. If I was still alive and not decaying like I was I would herd with them since I am extremely Lonely at times. But I can't hear anymore. I have once but nothing came from it. It's gotten to the point I am not sure what is going to happen to them. I am very worried about them Root being so sex hungry and Blossom being so shy. He might try to hurt them.

" I am sorry for being so worried just these two mares are good friends of mine. Root I have known for years. Blossom is an Enclave mare and I am sure if this stallion learns this. I am sure he will try to hurt her for being part of the Enclave. Have you ever delt with the enclave?"

Big hoof nodded. " They tend to find their way here now and then. But they have been told they don't get much respect here. They came a few times trying to find that Blue hat base. I am sure someone will find it but I am sure that's why you are out here?"

I nodded.

"I need to find it we have an army of outsiders coming to attack us in a month and we don't feel ready. If they win they outsiders will find their way to your home and they might try to destroy you."

Big Hoof frowned sighing shaking his head. "I knew sooner or later the outsiders would find their way past the gangs. I know it's not always wise to expect much from the gangs. But at least they tried to keep these ponies from entering the area. I do hope that someday we will know. Hell, we might even help you if you ponies trust us to."

I nodded. "That would be wonderful we could use the help since most of us have been looking for help. I don't think everything will be easy since the Enclave will be coming not far behind them. We don't know who will be attacking. But maybe if they do attack then maybe we will know what will happen along the way."

Big hoof was about to speak then a mare walked out.

"They will see you now mister Smoke pipe." The mare wore large glasses and a suit.

"Thank you, miss."

0000
The leadership

I went into the large room seeing a large group of Moose leaders. They didn't have their names on their counterparts. I just found them to be full of themselves but I didn't say it to them. I wanted to know what they wanted from me. The older one in the middle of them looked through their notes.

"You wish for us to help you go into our old home to find your friends? How do we know we can trust you? I know you want to find your friends but you have to do something for us first."

I sighed deeply looking away from them. "I am going I am not going to be your toy or anything."

The leaders looked at each other they felt insulted but I was a pony and to them, ponies didn't respect them. The only ones that did were the ponies that were born in the very town. The older leaders stood up and walked to me staring down at me.

"Listen Smoke Pipe-we need your skills."

I had no idea that they needed my skills as a detective.

"Go on."

They sighed the main leader speaking to me didn't want to tell me about it.

"I am sure you read that journal that we have outside. Well, the remains of that mare have been stolen from her grave. She is one of the few ponies that helped keep the ponies peaceful here. Her family is very upset that her remains were taken. I hope you can help us."

I sighed.

"I will do what I can but what was her name?"

The leaders looked at each other.

"Her name...her name one of the first mares of the guard her name was Firefly."

I blinked I knew that name a powerful mare that somehow from what I learned about her didn't age but that wasn't true she really did age. But most of the stories about her told that she never did age. Maybe it's time for me to learn what really has happened.

"If I do this will you help me get my friends back?"

The leader nodded.

"You will be asked to wait a day or so though before going in. The ponies here don't trust a lot of the outside because of what happened in the war. Also, it's to make sure the new ponies that came in don't get in the way." I gave a nod. "Big Hoof show him to a room to rest for a bit. We will call you in the morning."

Big Hoof nodded and lead me through the large building into a room.

000

Guest room.

I was lead into the guest room that looked like it was made for creatures of the state. It looked very well kept and made. I didn't know what to think at all but Big Hoof stayed in the room for a while.

"This is the room that she stayed in while she was here. She did so much for our kind even helped us found this place. They have three elders unicorn earth pony and Pegasi all three will be wondering why an outsider of Wymarnic wants their help."

I sighed more xenophobic ponies.

" They better help before the Enclave learns there is a group or more ponies in this wooded town. They would know the Enclave or stories I have heard will do what they can to subjugate the ponies and try to lead them. it's how some of them have always been."

"Who knows they might help you. So It might take them to trust you but they could help you protect that town of yours. Maybe they will but I don't really know myself as it is."

I nodded looking around the guest room seeing more and more of the firefly mare. Seeing her armor on a stand looking it over.

"Odd to see this armor here. I am surprised she took it with her. I doubt it would have been easy to carry it or wear it all the way here."

Big hoof nodded.

"Yes it wasn't a pleasant trek for her during that time everything was confusing and it didn't help that the flyers closed up the sky and of course they did because they felt they were better than the rest of us. I remember screaming up at them saying. If you can't handle being down here never return you damn birds."

I laughed.

" Yeah, I know how that is. I used to see them every time in the past now it's harder to see them and when you do you don't know if they will do something that will cause issues or drama. The fact that they wish to destroy so much now and try to control. The blue hats did the same for a while."

I sighed looking to all the photos that she brought with her.

"How did she get all this here did she move out of Cantorlot?"

Big hoof laughed sighing softly.

"No she didn't live in Cantorlot she lived in a town not that far from she just flew into work when they needed her. But she was one of the lucky ones. She was on vacation away from everything that went on she was near the mountains to lead into the way of this land."

I nodded and lay in the old bed.

"I am going to rest Big hoof thank you for the help."

He nodded.

"I will be on the outside I will let you know when the ponies wish you to come in. it’s going to take a long time these ponies are crazy when it comes to trying to get others to go into their home. It’s like they need to write so on I don't understand it."

I sighed nodding watching him leave and I closed my eyes falling asleep to have a dreamless sleep to finally relax.
> Chapter Eight: Firefly the great
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stories of the past always tell you of the history of many greats. Sometimes the greats have done something that could help many others. Some even have said this mare or this stallion could have been great for what they have done. History sometimes can be faulted. But not for all creatures the history of the ponies of the war. Even the stories within the dead buildings of the former war.

Time's never have been easy for all. But those that wish to see the future and understand the past. We can't allow ourselves to be ready for that. This Firefly is one of those greats now I don't know fully about her. But while I have been walking through the area of Antler that mostly has ponies within it. She is honored all over the place along with many others. The ponies of the future honor the past. There are stories that she built this entire pony town by herself. Even though some have said that didn't happen just the ponies don't seem to be able to be told the difference. I never thought I would learn how Now I finally made it to the tomb.

The tomb was a normal pegasus tomb and kept everything very respected most of the items of their lives kept in cases. Looking into the tomb I could see the coffin was broken open and the remains removed. I needed to talk to the leaders of the clan that kept this tomb protected.  Normally in my experience with Pegasus clans, mares lead them and they did most of the marriages to stallions. So the head of the clan was a mare named Fireflight. She is a pure red mare that had firey hair and eyes.

"Hello, Detective I'm Fireflight. I am to be giving you all the resources of the clan. If you need our guards or anything we will give them to you. Just please find the body."

I gave a nod. "Now tell me what you can about your clan?”

Fireflight nods. "Well, we have been part of the leadership ever since the founding and other Pegasus clans have issues with that. But I doubt any of them would go this far into stealing remains of our founder. We doubt it was one of the Moose’s but I can leave to let you find some clues."

"Please do." The mare left I wasn't sure what to think. I never liked these big clans. It was rare to even find them out here outside of Cantorlot or other big areas that would have them. Always so full of themselves and able to do more. Now many things to check there are more laid to rest here than just the head of the clan. Maybe If I opened the others I could find out what there is about them. Looking up at the statue of the mare that was made. She wore a type of guard armor that she didn't bring with her and she had wing blades. Oh those things that I used to see powerful guards or ones from the training that had them.

Looking through the tomb and the golden coffin. The lid is not broken but it is cracked. Looking side the coffin of Firefly I noticed a few scratches. Looking closer at the marks. The marks looked deep and cut in the stone. I know Griffins can do this or hell hounds but I'm very unsure that any of them did this. In this tomb, only the heads of the clan would be buried here. So I went to check another of the head of the clan. Opening it up I noticed that this one's body was still whole and didn't even decay. On the side, her name was Singsong huh interesting name. From the looks of her, she wasn't a fighter like a founder but more diplomatic. Looking around her place it’s mostly meddling and how she did amazing things with race relations.

Looking at the next tomb lifting it. My eyes went wide again the body didn't decay. Looking at what he achieved. He was a doctor and helped others make medicines to help the sick ponies after the war. But why would anyone steal the body of this mare? I walked to see if I can find another tomb and I stopped on a loose stone and stairs opened up for me to go down to. Slowly going down the stairs. I looked through the tomb and when I got deeper into the tunnel it leads to a casket that was wood with the words. Our greatest mistake and failure looking around I saw what this one did. He tried to kill the other ponies and control the area. he ruined the reputation of their clan. Then there is writing.

"I curse my entire family. To when the anniversary of my death. Others will finally learn that the mare before us was a faulty leader and will take action in removing her and bringing me back from the dead." Before I could read on a felt a gun in the back of my head.

"I'm sorry detective but you have seen too much."I didn't know the voice and I could even look behind to see. The voice sounds robotic.

"I take it you helped take the body?"

The voice chuckled.

"Oh, that wasn't me.You just have seen too much and our failure. I am sure I know who took it but why would I tell you? The clan needs to fall they control too much and they need to free more for the other ponies."

I sighed.

"So you wish to harm." Before I could go on I was hit in the back of the head and my vision was very fuzzy while I was lead to a patch of dirt already dug up. I could see there were other ponies in cloaks and wearing a mask. The mask of their clan so they could hide who they were I tried to speak and move but I was tide and gaged. I was forced into the case now I am sure I was going to hear them talk about being villains and their plans.

"Lock him inside and dumb him and I know the best place to. Crazymare Canyon. We can't allow him to stop us from our plans." Before anything could happen I heard hooves on flesh smacking the masked ponies and something lifted me and my vision finally went dark.


0000    
Secret Room in Firefly clan house.

I opened my eyes groaning a bit. A mare sat at the end of the bed.

"Ah, you're awake."

Slowly getting off the bed and I turned to stare at the mare.

"I have a feeling you're wondering what is going on?"        

I nodded slowly groaning I may be a ghoul and many other things but I still get pain easy. I looked at the mare seeing who she was. I never saw her before

"I'm the real head of the clan. But I had to go into hiding since there is a civil war in my family. They feel that the bloodline of Firefly is long dead since I refuse to do the test that would allow me to become a leader. The elder's wished to start it but my family started doing this crazy civil war."

I sighed nodding.

"Do you know what happened to Firefly's Remains?"

The mare smirked. "She wasn't ever buried her body was never found. She went off before she died and they have been searching for her remains for years."

Great I thought to myself I needed to look for the remains but now there is no such thing. Now maybe there is a way that I can help her become a leader.

"Okay, where are the elders of the clan at?"

The mare nodded and clicked on a button that leads us down another set of secret tunnels. "The rest of my family doesn’t know that these are down here. If they ever found their elders they would try to force them to make them the leaders of the clan."

I have been through clan wars before. But I never thought I would see a clan war after the war ended so long ago. But of course, these ponies have never been in the wasteland before. I am sure they never even heard of it. I had to make sure of this and understand if this mare knew.

"You know the world ended right?' The white mare I was finally able to see her fur color and turned to look at me. Her orange eyes looked at me in horror.

"What do you mean the world ended?"

I sighed looking away from a moment.

"When we get to the elders I will explain to you."

She lead me through the rest of the tunnels I could hear the different factions she is talking about what they would do with their power. I stayed silent for the moment but I could tell I shook up the mare and I made to the room that protected the elders.

"Ah, there you are Snowfeather. I see you found the detective that was hired to find Firefly. Only we know what happened to her.”

"Now I shall explain the world ended after the bombs fell and are these ponies trying to take control of this clan realizing that there is a war on the outside? They should just stop this and help with defending my home town. I doubt they would even care if their power is taken away."

one of the elders sighed. "That's easier said than done. One of the mares that want power is a decedent of a former enclave. Of course, she has no idea how to work the armor to even contact them. The other is of a cult that worked their way into the family known as the cult of black clouds. A cult that found a way to decay the clouds to make them rain acid and destroy as much as they can."

Cocking my eyebrow a cult that tries to destroy clouds? I don't get it why would they try to destroy clouds.

"They're linked to a cult called The pact. A group that is getting ready for the return of." The elder said the name and that name made me sick a moment.

"I know that name...but it's best not to talk about it. We need to deal with this first so I can go save my friends from the ghoul in old antler."

The elders sighed nodding. "The only way we can stop them from taking power is forcing Snowfeather to the test. It's not going to be a very easy test for her. She has to go through three tests. The test of Wisdom. The test of might and the test of endurance. That would mean we need an outside influence to make sure to watch."

"I know just the ones. SnowFeather can you get out of here and go to the leaders of Antler?"

SnowFeather nods. "I should explain to them what is going on?"

I nodded. "Yes, then I will go deal with the two groups and try to get them to listen to reason. By explaining what I have seen and what happens during this time. So hopefully they all will listen and if they don't. I will try to take them down."

Snowfeather nodded and went outside of the building through the secret rooms and I looked to the elders and smiled.

"Do you have a sound system in this building?" The elder nodded.

"Follow me."

I was lead by the elder to an office that held a PA system that was used to help the clan get information and other things. I sat in the desk using my magic to lift the old Mic and started to speak into it.

"Testing testing. This is the detective that you just tried to murder. Now, how about you learn the truth." I took a deep breath. "Firefly died years ago. The fact that the journal that I found in the building of the leaders was written by a mare known as Firefly. The fact you all think she is still alive. She died so long ago how do I know this? She died in the old land before Equestria was founded. Now you're part of her clan. Whoever this mare was that came to this land that used her name wasn't her real name. But that's not it the world on the outside is dead. The war ended in horror and death. All you can think of right now is power.”

I turned off the PA then the elder looked at me.

"How did you know?"

I chuckled. "Because I know who you are.." I stared at the elder. I could tell the face of the elder knew she was caught.

"Just one question. How did you do it?"

She sighed.

"Before Firefly died she transferred her soul to another. It was a forbidden spell to do this. Each one that came to an end her soul kept transferring. So...I am Firefly and after all this... I want to finally rest."

I nodded. "So did Celestia know?"

The elder nodded weakly sitting in a chair her hooves had cracks and her body looked weak. "My soul is weak I can't transfer to another." She sighed looking to the floor. "I formed this clan way after Equestria was founded. But then I noticed. As the world went on. I followed the world along the way. I didn't even know what to think anymore. The younger guard that I was housed in. I found my way to this land after the bombs. Thanks to that my soul started to weaken. I no longer feel that I can move along. But I must watch the next one take over without these fools to control the clan."

The door of the office was smashed in by the two other leaders of the clan the ones that wished to take over. I looked up to them seeing the mare Fireflight and looking to the stallion who I didn't know. They all had weapons ready to kill me. I just chuckled.

"So you wish to kill me in front of Firefly?" The two looked at me than the elder. "Yes, she is the founder of your clan. I a sure you have gone and said by Firefly's teets and all this stuff."I chuckled. "But the fact she has been here the entire time watching you fail at getting power."

"I doubt she will care if we kill you, Detective." Fireflight pointed out. She lifted her wing blades.

"Oh, I have much to live for Fireflight the fact that the Enclave has returned."

I saw the horror on Fireflight’s face along with the stallion.

"There is a battle going on the outside of our land. Outsiders are coming to look for the Blue hats are you going to keep this up with wanting power? Your clan is the most respected clan if you did this without doing it right you could lose your standing in power. I'm sure many other clans would love to take over your spot in power."

The two sat down. I lifted the Mic to them. "Now tell your followers that the war is off. I am going to need your help to break into the Antler of old, to get my friends back. But before I go on... what happens to your remains Firefly? I heard your body never decayed and was carried from the old land to Equestria what happen to it?"

Firefly sighed she stood up in her weak body. "The body never left the clan's homestead in Cantorlot. So a casket was made to show that I was taken away when I was dead. But it seems I failed in showing my clan."

SnowFeather walked into the room looking at the others. "They're here so we can finally get this done and Detective I want you to join me in this. But I need to get my body ready."

The two sighed. "Fine, we will tell the others to stand down and allow SnowFeather to take over." She lifted her head to the PA system a sigh filled her lungs. "This is Fireflight stand down my friends.. my uncle will do the same. We will be accepting Snowfeather to be our next leader of the clan. Also, the enclave has returned from what I have been told. The world on the outside is in another war. We can no longer sit back and wait."

They left and they left me with Firefly who sat back tears ran down her face. I could tell she was close to dying but I had to ask. I had to ask what the past world was like before Equestria. But I can't fully tell if she was willing to tell me. The old mare couldn't walk from the stress. I could tell her heart was slowly beating.

"You kept up with a lie for so long Firefly. That you never thought it would be broken? I do hope that you have learned something from this. I'm sorry for what is going on with you and the fact that you did this and why did you do this?"

Firefly looked to me for a moment I felt the other elders come up from behind me and with their wings, they held me there Firefly went to the door closing it and locking.

"I can't just die, Detective, my clan needs me." I was tide up and a magic blocker was placed on my horn. "So I need to find a body and your body is all I can think of."

They brought in a unicorn for the spell and I sat there closing my eyes I had no idea this would happen. But I smiled weakly. "So this is what the great Firefly resorts to? Stealing bodies? You're not the hero of the past any longer you're no better than the Enclave. So what you said before was a lie." I just lift a pipe with my magic since the blocker is faulty. I just let her keep up with the image that she has me trapped.  Of course, she is too hysterical to know the difference anyway. Then suddenly as if it was fate the blocker works and I drop the pipe out of my magic biting down on the end. So I can keep smoking trying to not show fear. Even though right now I have a great amount of it. 

The unicorn starts casting the spell. Many words are so old ponish I don't even know what they mean.

"Normally I get a willing body that will allow their soul to be destroyed by me so please I need to see this through." I could tell she was desperate to find a body that she could use to help rein in her clan. The spell started slowly started to slip and wave around our bodies. I could feel it tugging into me to put her soul inside me.

"Firefly if you do this. I will not be able to save my friends and you will be thought of not only one to allow murder. But you would also be one that allows rape.” The ponies of old never really cared about these types of things. From the stories, I have read. They just cared for image and status the normal of the times.

Firefly stomped her hooves on the floor. The floor breaks she didn’t care any longer. "I need your body so I can make sure the new leader has my wisdom. They need my wisdom!!!” Tears stream down the old mares face.

Through one of the secret doors, Snowfeather broke in and flew into the air grabbing the book of the spell and ripping it apart. The old body of Firefly couldn't even move but she screamed in anger.

"How dare you do that to me?! I need to be there for you. I can't just allow the clan to go on without me!!" Snowfeather just stared at the elder.

"If you're the great Firefly then why would you try to steal the body of the detective? You founded this clan to bring honor to the princess even when your clan refused to join Luna. Are you willing to destroy all that because you need the body of a ghoul? If the princess could see you now. They would say you fell so far."

Firefly sighed. "Majesty gave me that spell before she was banished by Star Swirl. Now that I look back I can no longer even do this. The spell would end the life of the unicorn that did it. Magic is no longer strong enough to do spells like this. At least that's what I have been told thanks to the war." She closed her eyes I could tell that she was lost and unsure how to handle it. But even though the unicorn was knocked out and the spell was ripped apart. The spell was still taking its course. I started screaming as the soul from the elder mare that housed Firefly started to seep into me. Snowfeather pushed me out of the way and it went into her. The elder turning into bones and dust.

I was pushed so far away in the chair that it broke and I stood up onto my hooves and felt the pulse of Snowfeather she was alive even after the pain of the soul going inside her. She opened her eyes and it was her same eye color bright white. She stood up on her hooves weakly I could tell she was fighting inside herself and then it looked like she won.

"Forgive me Detective for what I have tried to do. Snowfeather is here and she wishes to have her body back. She wants me to pass on. I doubt I could give her the wisdom she needs. My time is gone...it's time for me to go on. Please forgive me, detective."

I nodded.

"I will forgive you Firefly go with the old world and become one with Elysium. Tell your story to those that went there when you should have gone before." The old soul nodded her eyes looked weary and ready to go. She closed her eyes and a strange light left Snowfeathers body and it flew into the sky. Snowfeather passed out from the pain of having the soul leave her. She wouldn't wake for a while it will give me time to make sure the two groups stay peaceful.

Lifting the Mic to my mouth I spoke into it.

"Come to the office and if you still want violence I will leave and tell the leaders of Antler to destroy your power. To allow another clan to take over the leadership of the seat." The two leaders of both groups came in and they looked at Snowfeather and then to me.

"Firefly has gone to the endless path of happiness to tell her story. Now before I do this sit.. I got a deal for you two." The two finally sat down and I sat in another chair putting my four hooves in the chair opening my pocket to get my smoke pipe with my magic and smoke it.  I took a few breaths of smoke blowing it out.

"What do you want detective." I could tell Fireflight was upset along with her uncle. They both wanted the power so badly but they’re more blind then I thought.  They need to follow the paths. Fireflight looked at her uncle. He looked back to her and they both nodded. "So again what do you want you have stopped us from our goal.  You have ruined our chances to get power. But you told us the truth how would we be taken seriously if a coup happen when we needed a leader and with an election going on that could lose us the seat and power."

"Is that all you ponies care about power? Ponies are dying outside of our lands and I have two friends trapped in old antler and they could have already been killed by that Stallion. Now, are you willing to do my deal and this is my deal? My deal is I let you get this done and you bring some of your warriors to defend Buffalo hoof while my friends and I go find the Blue hat bunker. So I can find weapons and the rest of the black orbs so I can make sure to understand what is going to happen fifty years from now. Are you willing to let me go to do this?"

They looked at each other. I could tell they had hearts and their hearts would either be taken by this or not care. The fact that the mare had tears in her eyes and the uncle nodded.

"We need to talk to our followers Detective if you're willing to let us go."

I gave a nod and they left the room SnowFeather slowly stood up after everything that happened she groaned in pain. I helped her to the couch and I said beside her still smoking from my pipe. She looked like she saw a lifetime of memories and didn't even take them well. I wonder how many of them were painful to her and how many of them were old friends that firefly lost so long ago. Maybe she will know maybe she won't but it's will be easier to tell.

"Detective I saw so much and everything she has done. She did good and evil. The evil was to keep her clan from falling apart. She did so much to those under her she forced many stallions to breed with her. But she regretted this life and only felt that she could go on. I don't know what to think anymore." I wrapped my left foreleg around her gently patting her back.

"Be happy you never knew my mother. She was what you call a big slut and I was born after a stallion took advantage of her and to get back at me she called me Smoke Pipe but later in her life she loved and me and started to raise me right. She told me she never wished me to turn into what she did. I was there watching her die from consumption. After everything, she had done. She paid the price and I held her and her last words to me were this. Please forgive me for what I caused my dear Smoke Pipe. Don't remember me like this remember me as the strong mare that loved you so much."

Snowfeather smiled. "Your friends must care for you. You're what most call a zombie detective. What are they like?"

I sighed. "One of them is Enclave but she was on the run and she was so unsure about living in this land. Root a former guard of Friendship city I lied about where she came from and said that she was part of this land all her life. But she is a horny mare that sleeps with any stallion that is willing to get in bed with her. I am extremely amazed she hasn’t gotten a foal yet. if she has she sure hasn’t told me but I am sure I will learn sooner or later that she did."

Snowfeather nodded. "Are you going to be here to see the clan make me their leader."

I shook my head. "No, I have been here too long. I need to get to the meeting with the leaders. So I did this for you first so I could go see them. I need to make sure they're willing to help the Moose to help me get my friends back and then get some to my home. They will be attacking in a month."

"I see when I become the leader of the clan I will be sending them and ask if Antler can do the same. But I don't know what they will do."

I nodded. I watched the two leaders walk back in and they sat in their chairs.

"It's done they will stand down and help Snowfeather become the leader. I wish it wouldn't have happened this way but the clan is not happy after what I told them about Firefly. She did so much to all of us and never told us that she was still alive. I wish we knew so we could learn about the past."

The stallion finally opened his mouth to speak.

"I agree I looked up to her myself but the fact she would try to steal bodies to stay alive as long as she did. But I hope she learned all she could to when she took her wisdom to Elysium. I am sure she will be there for a long time to speak every story and will be remembered as Firefly the Great."

I smiled nodding.

"That's what she deserves. Even if she did evil and so much. She did live during the old times before Equestria was found. I am sure sooner or later we would have learned what fully happen to her. I do wish I could have gotten to know her more. But all I know about is in the story of Gusty the great. I wish I could have met Gusty as well. It's something we all want to see."

The two ponies looked at each other I could tell they had questions I am a ghoul that has been alive for 200 years and so many things I have seen I am sure they will ask me the questions they wish to ask and I can ask them before I go. I wish I could be gone now to meet with the clans. I no longer wished to be here it brings back to many memories seeing pony lives like this peaceful and even willing to take power away from another since that's how the old world was and it made me smile.

"All three of us seem to have a question for you... But I am sure we all think about it."

SnowFeather nodded. "What was the past like?"

I smiled and I told them all the stories of the six mares. That fought Discord who fought Nightmare moon who did so much for us. I didn't leave anything out and then I went to the war and how sad it got. The war started because of coal and gems. How toxic the world friendship had become since it turned to greed and they all looked at me with smiles. Even with how sad the story was getting I went on with the storytelling them everything not removing anything.
> Chapter Nine: Meetings and the truth
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was time for the meeting a few days after I told the story to the three. I came to be part of the court. I sat in one of the chairs to wait for my turn waiting for the three to take their seats. The three chairs one was made of clouds for Pegasi the earth one was made of heavy stone and gems found through the digging that they could use and some plants since it was earth pony built.

The unicorn throne it's crazy it's gold with a crystal within it and there was a crown for them. The Pegasi didn't wear anything from an old helm that they used to wear in the past and the earth ponies. No hats at all they just had seeds to eat while they waited to talk. The first to come in was a unicorn this unicorn looked very full of herself she wore a long gown and when she sat in the chair I could finally see what she look like. She was a pure pink mare with a red mane her eye's glowed bright gold. She looked like a beauty. if I was still alive I would find a way to join her herd.

Oh come on even a ghoul can dream, can't they? The next one walked in an earth pony stallion he was large and something that I never thought I would see again he looked so much like big mac. He sat in his chair and he was pure orange and he wore an outfit fit for gentlemen and coming in behind the Pegasi were many guards in the old armor. The pony was a mare part of the firefly clan. She had a bright blue-furred body and her eyes were firey I could tell she was one of the warriors of the family. if I remember right the warriors lead the leadership on the chairs.

A pony came out and lifted a horn blowing it. "The first six hours are of the court. Please make sure what you wish to talk about won't take to long. We need to make sure we get everypony done." The pony backed off and the earth pony stallion spoke.

"Alright first one.." He looked at the first in line a poor mare that looked very sickly but she came up they all looked at her like she was about to die but they knew they needed to treat her with respect. Then I looked at this sighing politics something I hate so much of. I could speak to myself in my mind since its the only good conversation I got for the past two hundred years.

"Forgive me..but my farm hasn’t been able to grow. I was hoping that I could get permission to leave and get one of the zebra brews to help my garden grow. I know how you all feel about Zebras but do I have your permission to head down to Buffalo hoof if it's still there after all these years and get it?"

The three looks at each other the unicorn mare gave one nod the pegasi nodded. So did the earth pony.

"You will go down there with three guards. Whatever you learn about the town bring it back to us. If they're still worthless ponies that don't understand the finer things in life then come back after ponynapping the zebra." The mare nodded and left the room with three guards.

"Alright next."I got into the next chair the next was a warrior mare that had many scars on her body. She looked like she was training and her body just went through hell.

"Greetings I had a mare steal from me. She is here to. To keep her life from being ended for what she stole from me." I thought oh great this is an old-world court and now I am going to be stuck here longer then I wanted. Since its not something I have been wanting to do with my day. The other mare stood up she looked like a worker earth pony.

"She is lying your honors. I demand a duel for what she did to my name." I blinked duels they didn't even happen  "Also I demand to know what that smell is." She turned to look at me and screamed along with the others in the line. "A Zombie!!"

I sighed and since they moved out of the way I stood up and went in front. "Greetings your honors I am Detective Smoke Pipe a ghoul."

The leaders looked at each other and the stallion spoke.

"A ghoul so you're from the outside then. What brings you here?" Finally, I was getting somewhere I had to choose my words carefully. Looking at the others that were in line and I smiled weakly to them. My looks made them sick. But I had to ignore how they felt.

"Yes I am from the outside but that is not why I am here. I was brought here by the leaders of Antler to get the okay from you to get some ponies and them to break into old Antler and get my friends from it so I can get back to finding the Blue hats bunker." When I said the word blue hats I heard whispers. Of they were real? How could this be and I don't buy it. "Please my friends are stuck in old Antler and I need to get back to my home before the outsiders since the Enclave has returned and there is a large war on the outside and outsiders are draining it to find weapons to kill the zebras."

Ponies gasped they heard stories of the war of the past and how the zebras were treated. Many of the ponies here if I knew them they would defend them but that is not why I need them.

"Look you could just sit there and watch and wait for the Enclave to come to you. But I need to get to Antler to save my friends. Then find the bunker, you can act like the ponies of old. You can act like the world around you won't harm you." I lifted my pistol and I knew some of these ponies never seen it. "This is the type of weapon they will use on you. and you won't be able to fight back."

I aimed for a vase and fired it shattered with shards flying all over and I could tell that made them scared to death. Putting it back into the holster I looked at them. "They also have weapons that could turn you into dust that's how nasty the war got. Are you willing to help me or sit back and do nothing?"

Many guards came in and arrested me I was lead into a jail cell that was set up so they could be the court. They removed all my bags and cloak even my hat and I was forced into the cell and I sighed. Sitting on the bed I knew these ponies would be this crazy. Beside me was a unicorn mare who was asleep in the bed next to my cell and the other side was a stallion that looked old and weak.

"So what are you in for?" I looked at the cell in front of me my eyes went wide. I couldn't believe what I am seeing.

"Rolex?"

"Guilty I guess." He chuckled. "So what got you in here hmm?" I sighed I didn't want to say since. I have been chasing Rolex for so long and now it's me that is Jail along with him. But I needed help to get out of here. Maybe Snowfeather has become the leader of the clan so she can talk to the one that put me in here.

"I was trying to get help to get Root and Blossom out of old Antler." I shifted on the bed. But when I said that I could tell that Rolex was worried. It was odd for him to be worried.

"They put me in here for asking if they ever have seen the Blue hats bunker. They refuse to help outsiders because they feel that the outsiders will cause them to lose their wonderful blind dreams. I told them if they keep acting like this sooner or later the outsiders will find their way in here and the Moose won't defend you."

I sighed and the guards came back to get me and Rolex. They opened both cells. "Come on you two."

We were lead back into court and forced to sit in the chairs.

"Now for your punishment for ruining our way of life." Rolex rolled his eyes but for me. I was about to lose it but Snowfeather charged in with a bunch of guards and the Antler guards seized the ponies that ran the court. It wasn't wise to do this but Antler has had enough of this old world stuff from what I have learned.

"How dare you! I am the daughter.." A moose smacked the unicorn mare.

"Don't care you almost judged two heroes that dared to ask for your help." Snowfeather brought up. "They came to ask for our help. But this is what we show them? We treat them like worthless beings and below us? I am starting to see why the zebras went to war with us. If this is how we treat our species then we deserved everything we got."

Those words made the entire room gasp. The fact that in their heads she was ruining their little fantasy that they were better than the rest. These ponies were lucky their ancestors would be upset at them for what they did. So Snowfeather took the Pegasus spot after she yelled at her family members. Another unicorn took over the unicorns spot and a younger Earth pony sat in the earth pony spot.

"Take those three to cells release all the ponies they placed in there over the years. Then we will give them the punishment that they deserve. Now Detective please come forward." I walked forward sitting in the chair in the middle of the floor. "Now explain your reasons for what you need and why then we will talk to the leaders of New antler. Leave nothing out Detective tell everypony here what is going on and why you need us. Maybe if the old leaders listened they wouldn't have put you in a cell." Closing my eyes I had to think of what to say to not make a fool of myself in front of these ponies. I shifted in the chair to think. My body felt odd without my coat and gun. I also missed my hat.

"Before I do any of this can you please get my coat my gun and my hat. I can think better about what to say with those." Snowfeather nodded and the guards went to go get my coat hat and gun. I put the gun holster belt around my body so I could get to the gun faster. Getting on the coat feeling now that I am myself again putting my hat on. Feeling so much better after all that.

"Now Detective I am sure you feel that you can tell us now. I know everything but you need to tell the rest of us here. I can't just be the one that knows. Since you saved my clan and did so much for us." She turned her eyes to stare at the former leader that represented her clan. She had a great amount of hatred for that mare.

I sighed "I'm yes a Detective and the world on the outside of this city you live in. But your ancestors ran here from a war that didn't last. The zebras hit us with bombs that made the ending look like a story out of a book. A story that is still told. I'm known as a ghoul. Along with Rolex here. Ones that died and came back like this. It's not something most like. But I have been living since that faithful day. The princess is long dead the six mares that saved us from Discord and Nightmare Moon. I am not going to go any farther my home needs help. Rolex and I have been searching for a bunker of the Blue hats. But first I need to save my friends from old antler."

SnowFeather nods. "Speak loud enough for the old leaders to hear Detective. Express your views on them and tell us what we should do."

I smirked. "Force them out into the wasteland force them to agree to give up everything that many had to. Force them to fight for their lives unless they can use their powers to help. Or just sit back like the worthless Cantorlot ponies they're. Then I don't wish to be here any longer. I got work to get done. I need to find a bunker. I need to find my friends. I need to save my home. I will destroy this entire city to make sure these fools realize that I am not going to sit down and allow corruption."

Rolex laughed softly. "Now you know I felt in the past Detective. Now you see why I started my life of crime in the past. Of course, I no longer wish to have that life of Crime. I am more trying to understand what I can do. Now before you answer the Detective. Is there a secret tunnel in this city or did the Blue hats never make it here?"

Snowfeather shrugged. "That's the issue the Blue hats never came here. If they did the citizens of Antler refuse to tell us. But there is a rumor that is there a strange metal box deep underground in Crazymare Canyon. Now we have no idea were in that area. But be careful there are rumors also of Hydras and Ursa Majors in that area."

Rolex nodded. "Thank you now I will be going. Good luck Detective." He flapped his featherless wings and flew out of the window heading to that area. I felt that one thing was done. But now I need to know what I can do for my friends. It's not something I wish to end. I need to find them. I need to and I can't just sit there doing there. Shifting my body I finally found the words.

" I see your help and I need you to talk to the leaders of Antler to help me get my friends back. Then I shall be on my way and you will never have to help me again. I know for one that if you try to help me it will not end well. It's how the world is. It's how Equestria became. One needs to do something we can't just sit back and wait. That's what happens in the past. Most just sat there and let the zebras get hurt. Then they watched as the six mares that did so much for us. Turned on us well in many minds they turned on us. They did what they felt was right. Even though to some it wasn’t. To our land to our area. They did nothing Fluttershy and Apple Jack did as much as they could for our area. I miss them I am sure I will see them again when its time for me to go up there. But for now, I won't.. for now, I will seek and learn."

SnowFeather nodded. "We need to talk to our clans and then see what we can do. It may take a while but not like days or anything just a few hours. There is a park not far from here were the magic sun shines down. It's a lovely part of our land. Even though we are always in the darkness of Antler. It's the only way to protect ourselves from the outside. Now please let us think."

I sighed and nodded standing up and slowly went out of the door to go into the pony city.

0000
Pony City.

The pony city of Antler I never got the name. But It looked so much like Cantorlot. High stuck up mares and stallions. But they were more respectful then most were. They treated me with kindness they waved and helped me find the way to the park. Some even asked me questions. I told them what the outside was like. I told them they're too lucky to not see that world. All of them had sadness on their faces. I never thought I would see that. But these ponies had hearts More so then I could say about the rest. Finally after an hour of walking. I found the park a park of green grass pure green grass and flowers all over. I sat on the bench near a mare.

"Hello, Detective." I blinked a bit turning to see a blue hat ghoul. "I see that you found your way to me. I'm very sorry for what you went through. But we aren't very well respected in this city. After breaking our way in here. We kind of brought a creature with us. We had to kill it before it killed them. But I  know you're searching for our lost Bunker. Not even the living Blue hats remember where it is. But I was asked to give you this."

The earth pony mare opens a bag with her mouth bringing out one of the black orbs. "I have been holding on this ever since the end. I don't know what you will find in this. You might find a weapon or the truth about what we did. I hope it has the truth about why we did what we did to our land. I don't remember the truth sadly my brain has slowly lost many memories it's a sad thing yes."

I lifted the orb to my eyes with my magic looking into it like I did with the others. This orb didn't glow like the others. But I am sure it had what I needed to learn. Looking over to ponies who didn't even have homes here they laid in tents and some looked sick.

"So you brought a sickness in here not a monster." The Blue hat mare nodded. she looked very sad at the fact that they did. Placing the orb in my pockets. I didn't know what to think at the moment. I should be very upset at them for this. I watched one of the ponies slowly pass away and guards coming over with a mask to burn the body. Pulling them away from the crying family. "Have you been trying to find a cure?"

She nodded. "Yes, we have been trying to find one. But...detective the tunnels from here lead to old Antler. We could let you use them to get your friends. But one issue we blocked off the tunnels to Antler. it's full of nasty creatures so while you have the army break their way into the other area. us Blue hats can help you but we need to make sure the ponies here and that the Moose are wishing to help you as well."

I nodded sighing. "My friends could be hurt already. But like I have been told his mating season is not ready yet. We need to rescue all the ponies he has captured or ever else he has found. What kind of creatures that he has with him?"

The Blue hat mare looked away. She looked like she was upset about something. "He used the projects that we gave him in the past. He still uses him because at the time. We felt he would change the power of this area and now we look at it. We failed to see that he will turn on us as well. I was in the story area building more of our tunnels before the war ended. We didn't get the tunnels to some of the areas of our land. But I did find that orb off the bodies of one of our leaders."

I knew the Blue hats tried to cause issues with the ponies of this land. But I never thought they would even try to help those that cause issues in this land. Maybe to my mind, they felt they owned everything and they had a right to do this. Looking up the world around me turned black and white again. The idea of how the world is so black and white to me is what I never understood. It's the fact I talk to myself most of the time maybe it's not the wise idea to do so all the time. But I am trying to learn why I am going to need their help.

"Detective I want to let you know I am sorry for what happen to you. The fact that many of my friends and well others used you to get your memories so they could continue their weapons. The enclave could find one of them and use it to murder all the souls of that one race. All they need is the DNA of a pony and so on. The fact that we made a weapon that could do this. It's not what I wished either."

I wanted to be angry at this mare for the reasons for what they did. Looking towards another of the sick. The sickness looked like one that has been dead since the old world. The cures of the old world would be very hard to find now. Maybe if they allow I can get some of Diamonds brew makers to come here to see if they could find a cure for this.

"I have been following you Blue hats for years to stop you from using these weapons and learning how to make these weapons. We can't allow you to make them. I felt that way in the past. I promised Apple Jack after she came here long ago that I would stop you. I failed."

I look back on that memory a memory that made me feel awful.

0000

It was years before the war got worse and along time before Miss Apple almost died by the Elevator. They could come here all the time though. it was rare for them to come here but most of the leaders came to this land. But the one that spoke to ponies were Apple Jack and Fluttershy. But this time it was just Miss Apple on her own. I waited for her caravan to come into Buffalo hoof. I still was pretty young and new on the job. I have a few Mysteries in my belt and I met her during the funeral of my mother. Since Fluttershy somehow knew her. I guess she was from Ponyville and changed her name and moved here when she was pregnant with me. I'm starting to wonder if my mother smoked while she had me in her stomach.

"Detective she is almost here." I looked at one of the Blue hats. This Blue hat worked with the army. Of course, during this time the Blue hats didn't allow anypony to know why they did what they did. I am not sure what to think of the ending of this light. Before the war ended the clouds started to form here. I was told it was needed to make sure the sun could be used for some strange weapon that they used during the war or they were going to use during the war. It's not the idea that made me wonder. It made me wonder why our land didn't get treated as kindly. The only time the princess came here is when issues happen. The last time they came. They came to meet me once along with the rest of the land.

"Ponies Salute." I watched the army stand like they always do. I sighed knowing I wouldn't be able to speak to her at first. Apple Jack came out of the caravan door looking to me I could tell she didn't want to be here but something called her here. I remember the look on her face when she saw the Blue hat. The fact that the Blue hat was even here upset her. Apple Jack walked towards me the Blue hat coming to her.

"Get the hay out of my way." She stared down the mare in the Blue hat who backed up in shock. "Don't let me ask you again. if I see any of you ponies around me.. I will demand you be placed in a cell." She walked to me sighing.  We walked into a private area that was a unisex bathroom.

"I'm sorry for that show Detective." She shifted on her hooves. I could tell that she was stressed from being in a moment of leadership. The moment of leadership always gets to those who aren't meant to lead things like this. It's something that will always destroy their ability to think.

"Apple Jack you need a break or a vacation from your job. But why did you lose your cool with that Blue hat?" Apple Jack looked away and looked into the mirror her eyes looked Bloodshot. It started to worry me a lot at the fact that I don't wish to see her hurt. I put my hoof on her back gently. "You can tell me what is wrong. I am surprised at the fact you came here you don't normally come here unless something is wrong."

Apple Jack opened the door and let a guard come in nodding to them. The two earth ponies looked through everything. With strange magic and strange sticks that glowed. She stayed silent for a moment looking back to me whispering in my ear.

"Bugs." Bugs? I thought to myself why would she be looking for bugs? I don't see any bugs. I never thought I would see her turning crazy. But then it finally hit me. I remember when I was talking to a Blue hat they did the same. They put strange bugs in strange devices to make sure that they could listen to whoever was in there. The two guards looked back at her shaking her head. She took a deep breath and breathed out.

"Alright Smoke Pipe." She nodded to the guards and they left the bathroom. "I need to talk to you. It's something I have been hearing for a long time here. I learned about it first from Twilight but she can't come down here. She feels that this area is the backwater of Equestria and she wouldn't be able to talk to any ponies seriously."

Twilight thought we where the backwater of Equestria. Great and lovely I never thought I would hear that. But it's been a while that I have talked to her as well. She didn't enjoy her stay here at all. She just stopped here to go to some strange lab that had something to do with wolves.

"What do you think these Blue hats are doing? They have been very respectful to us even though the army refuses to be. I never thought I would. But do you wish me to go check on something or see what they're up to?" Apple Jack nodded.

"I will be leaving.. so please find what you can." I nodded She left with her guards and I went to go clean my face with the water. I heard another walk in and looked to see the blue hat I was talking to. She had more with her.

"Detective.." I had a bad feeling about these two large stallions then I remember the face of the mare. The large stallion started attacking me and I was knocked out with me being dragged by them and removed from their problems. My memory finally stopped.


0000
Back in the present.

"I remember you now.." I looked to the mare beside me who smirked weakly.

"I felt you would since.. You seem to be remembering a lot of what happened in the past. Look I'm sorry for the reasons why we did what we did to you. We felt in the past that we can't let anyone stop us from gaining our ability to make the weapons we felt we needed for the past. So to keep the princess and the army from coming to help we destroyed the soil and paid the Pegasus to cover the sky. We needed to make sure that the war never made it to our land. But that failed when some of it started coming into our land."

Some would think I would just attack this mare for what she did in the past. But I can't I thought I would think of it but I feel bad for this mare. She had a job to do and she felt she was doing the right thing. I can't argue with that. It's something I can never argue we all had a job to do and that was to protect ourselves. Finally, though Snowfeather came to me smiling I looked up to see her and the Blue hat mare vanished to hide.

"We will help you and the Moose will help you as well. Also who was that mare that you were talking to?"

I sighed. "She showed me the tunnel to get into the old Antler just she said I should have you go in the other way so I can take down the creature quickly before."

Snowfeather nodded. "I will let them know." She walked away.

"Well, Detective you have the battle to start. We will give you a weapon to deal with the creatures in the tunnel and hopefully the charge will last." I watched them both leave it was time for me to get my friends back. I looked at my gun and ammo I had enough ammo and now I had to get ready for the battle ahead.
> Chapter Ten: Old memory
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A sign said to join the future join the Blue hats. Join a group of ponies that wish to protect our land from the outsiders that wish to harm it. How could they protect the future? Maybe the future will never become the right thing in the ending. The ending of our world. It's not what most would see at first. The fact this first tunnel I was brought into shows a training room. It has so many webs all over it like no pony has been here for years. I was pulled into this training room by the mare I met in the park.

"I wish I could be more helpful with this but I doubt our leader will be happy that you are in here. I have to make sure it's alright for me to open up the tunnel." I watched the poor mare leave to talk to her leader. Looking through this old room. I could see the same type of training I went through to be able to become a Detective. Now since there are no longer any cops. I feel I am the only law around here these days. Maybe someday when the world is back to normal we will have the law back. I doubt I will live long enough to see it. Maybe I will be. I am sure sooner or later my brain will turn me feral.

Finally, after an hour of being down in this room, a large ghoul stallion stood in front of me. I knew him he was the leader of the Blue hats, well one of them. Not the main leader I think the main leader died too long ago. But I stood there while he had a team with us. I could tell all of them didn't seem happy that I was here.

"Detective." The large stallion spoke out as a large creature does. "I'm unhappy that you have been showing all the gangs our tunnels. But these days it's badly needed. I have seen the force that is coming down on your home. It's bigger than I thought it would be. To the point that all the Blue hats are coming out of retirement to help. Meaning you will see us at the battle. But now you have something else you need to talk care of. Going into old Antler and finally killing that creature that harmed many mares and females."

I nodded. "I was told just getting that tunnel open is not going to be easy. I guess you all did something to it that caused the door to stay shut forever?"

He nodded.

"Yes, we had to make sure that nothing could come out of there. The creature had some strange ghouls follow him. He is not like any other ghoul we have seen. The experiment that was placed on him causes many things to decay that he touches and half of them are just bones along with half of his family. He can breed with mares and females that's why we have such issues with him. If he ever gained an army of his family then we wouldn't be able to stop him."

I sighed greatly this experiment that was placed on that poor mare is nothing I ever thought would happen. I respected Dr. Slice. I didn't want to lose that respect for him. He was a great pony when it came down to it. But there are times when we can't just keep how they're. I do hope sooner or later I will see him again. Maybe I won't but I am sure there is something going on that he has to take care of. I am not sure what that would be but it's a sad thing. It's very sad.

"I know the experiment well, it's what Dr. Slice used on a mare. and it's not going to be easy for anyone to understand the fact that a mare gave birth to the poor child that turned this land into that. It's just one creature if he could come out and destroy the rest of the land. He would have had a battle on two fronts. We need to take care of him here and now am I going to be alone in this?"

I watched the Blue hats look at each other, they looked at their leader or the one that called himself leader. It's not going to be easy for either of us. I can go to it alone. I think I can at least fight this creature. But how would I? I wonder if I do know that the army started heading there now. I need to get to the tunnels and open the gates for them so they can storm in.

"I need to get there before the army does both sides. I was asked to open the very gates that haven't been open for 200 years. Somehow they find a way out of the land. I have been told they think they use the tunnels that you blocked off from them to get out. Maybe you missed one or you have a Blue hat that is working for them."

The leader sighed looking away. "That is our fault. We thought we could get help from this creature and we offered one of our mares for him to mate with. But instead, he turned her into his personal helper and she never forgave us. She is now no longer a pony but a monster that still has a hatred for us. I do wish I could help you with this. But I doubt it will be very easy for any of us to stop her. But I do think she is the one that found your friends and then made sure they didn't want to leave. She would have found a way to scare them into following her. Maybe she threatened to kill you and maybe you're lucky that these two mares care for you."

I sighed. I knew they had been wanting to get to me before the creature got them. But why would they give this creature a mare? The mare must have a great amount of hatred for them. if she is willing to help this creature with her own life. I'm starting to wonder if I should even trust the Blue hats. Maybe I should ask should I even trust them?

"How can I trust you? You Blue hats did so much to me in the past. You stole my memories you tried so hard to hide everything even from me. I started to learn what you were doing to the kidnapped creatures. Making a weapon to focus on the DNA of only these types of creatures. Again how can I trust you?"

The large stallion looked to the others and then to me. I knew it would be hard for them to even talk to me about it. So I knew I would never get the answer I wanted. All of them left even the stallion. I could hear them talking but I think they were trying to find a way to lie to me or find ways to say they're sorry for what happened. They did so much to me and my friends in the past. The stallion returned.

"That's the thing you can't trust us. We can't even trust you, Detective. You have told everypony and creature about the tunnels again though the war is happening the tunnels are needed for that fact. The fact our land will end in war or thrive after the battle. Might as well get going Detective after this we will lead you to the bunker. So you can find out what is going to happen fifty years from now."

Fifty years from what is happening then? I have no idea what would happen. It's not something I want to know. I'm worried about it too. But why are folks so worried about what would happen 50 years from now? I haven't ever wondered this myself. I'm starting to feel I should ask.

"What is going to happen in Fifty years?"

The stallion turned to me "Come along we will tell you along the way." I nodded and followed them through the tunnels to get to the one that sealed. "The so-called Heroes that have been showing up are going into areas where the princess put up seals. The seals are slowly being broken. You broke one of them recently Detective."

Did I break a seal recently? "When did I break a seal?"

"You broke a seal when you connected the first black orb to the machine to read the orb. Don't ask me how some of the seals work. Some of the seals have been in place for years and some absorbed into whatever was built on top of it. I wish I could tell you more but when all the seals have gone. ... Shall return."

My eyes went wide. There is that name again. I never thought I would hear that name again. I don't understand what is so wrong about him. But maybe if I find the old books I could learn more about him. But that would mean I need to go to Canterlot and find the old books. Finally, we make it to the sealed tunnel, and the looks like it have roots and all kinds of spells in place to keep it from being open. The Door is rusted shut the spells are strong and even deadly from the spikes on it and the roots are deep in the metal.

"This may take a day or so Detective we will be taking you to a cleaned up area of the tunnels so we can get you ready for the battle ahead. The creatures in these tunnels will not be the creatures that you have faced in the wasteland. I do wish I could help you but I don't wish to go in there myself."

I sighed and felt upset that the one leading me is a chicken. Then who would go with me? When I went into the room that I was led to, two mares that I have met before are getting dressed in some strange power armor that the blue hats created. Now, this armor is nothing like the steel ranger armor. It doesn't have the heavy armor as they do. It looks more like a scout armor than swords and small pistols they can use.

"Ah, Detective." I turned to look at the Blue mare who knocked me out and Fluttershy back in the day I never got her name. But I also saw her during the zebra weapon. Her name is BumbleBee I could tell that she used to have a striped body of Yellow and black. 
"It's nice to see that you mares have guts to follow me."

Bumblebee laughed. "OH come on Detective you and I used to date. I know you don't remember but of course, I would help my old colt friend." She smirked. I started to remember that. I forgot I was dating one of the leaders of the Blue hats. But I did love her in the past but she used me before the world ended. She is the one that helped me find Rolex and wished me to harm him and capture him. I knew sooner or later that I would remember.


                                                0000
Memory

It wasn't much of a memory but I do remember the fact that I loved this mare. I wanted to marry her even. But I have a feeling she was using me during the times we dated to make sure I stayed out of the way of the Blue hats. I don't blame them for that really. I did do a lot and got in the way a bit too much. I went to go pick up my date for the ball since It was a ball that Dr. Slice wished to hold. I just started my training to become a detective. I have been dating this mare for years now. I didn't know a lot about her other than she was in some secret thing.

I wanted to marry her even from the memory but I am not sure how that went when I asked. Most of this memory is kind of broken. I just remember picking her up in a pegasus drawn machine and we went to the ball. The memory is so jumbled that I don't remember much and then... I scream waking up from the memory in my mind.

                                                           0000                

The memory ended and I looked at Bumblebee. Who looked at me with a weak smile. She knew that I didn't care for who was anymore. I stared down at her sighing, looking away with a great amount of anger on my face. I had a chance to be with some pony and all I remember is the pain and heartbroken ideas.     I could tell that she wished to speak to me. I don't know what to think after all she did to me.

"D...I mean Smoke Pipe-we need to talk." I looked at Bumblebee nodding. She led me to another room and she sighed. I could tell she didn't want to talk about this. But she brought out an orb, a memory orb. "We need to talk about this Memory a memory that I wish I never took from you. But I sadly had to. I will never wish to do it again.. But I want you to know that Smoke Pipe you made me happy. I still want you to know that I want to be happy with you again if we live through this."

I had no idea what she meant by all this. I looked at the orb and I put it down with my mouth and looked at her with a great deal of anger in my heart. But I wished to calm my mind for a second looking down at the orb. Then looked back at her. Why do I still feel like I have nothing to say to her or want to?

"We must have had a wonderful life together. I don't even remember half of it. I do wish that I would remember it. Maybe this orb will tell me all about it. But I wish to know why you do this to me? Why did you Blue hats try every time to Destroy my life? I was trying to learn why you kidnapped Zebras and other creatures even children."

Bumblebee closed the door with her hoof locking it. "I don't want to talk about Smoke Pipe. It's hard to talk about to somepony I was deeply in love with and...who I still love. I don't want you to hate me for the fact you feel that I used you in the past."

Finally, my temper after all this time was about to break. Turning back to the former mare that I think I had a marriage with and a wonderful life. I stood over her staring right into her eyes. I started to remember one thing. I remember I loved looking into her eyes and all I see now is fear. Fear that I am going to hurt her. I remember that fear. It's not the type of fear I wish to bring onto others. But these Blue hats did so much to me hell maybe I will learn that one of them even poisoned my mother and then I will really go all out on them.

"Smoke Pipe you're not this hateful stallion you used to be a loving stallion that cared so much about others and why I fell in love with you and why you became a detective at the start. So you could protect me and our.... foal." Foal? I had a foal with her? Then how come I don't even remember that I had a foal with her. Now I started to lose it. The room was full of clean chairs and tables.

"You.... removed my memories of a happier life?! You didn't know how I would act towards this?!" My anger started to really get to me. With my magic, I ripped apart a chair and took my gun firing into a couch. Bumblebee backing up I could see she was scared to death. I could still see the beauty in her ghoul-like body shaking. The door was wide open and the others looked in. I turned to them. "You.. told her to remove my memory of my happy life."

The stallion blinked backing away with the others closing the door. I tossed my gun away growing even angrier. I sighed, falling on my butt and sobbing softly my mind finally broke and all the stress of the fact I might never see my friends again and I am not sure what type of tears are coming out of my ghoul’s eyes if any. Just the sobs make me feel ruined and empty. Bumblebee didn't even come close to me and she allowed me to empty all this pain. But after a while, she nuzzled into me.

"Oh Smoke Pipe-we are still married I would never remove that from you. Just... I wished I could have never been part of the Blue hats. Our little one had a wonderful life. She even had a family and the family still lives today. Just I can't tell who they're. I know you turned into the grandfather for a zebra family. Please keep that in your heart that you still have a family still. Please find it in your heart that you can love me and trust me again please."

I sighed weakly looking at her with a weak smile. "I don't know if I can Bumblebee. I want to trust you but I need to know.. Why did you do it all to me?"

She looked away from me. I could tell she wasn't happy about what she did to me at all. "I had to Smoke Pipe you would have learned all the evil things I have done in the name of the war. I didn't want you to forget the love and happiness we had but the spell caused you to lose everything. I wanted to give it back to you and be with you. But my leaders refused."

I sighed nodding. "I see so much pain knowing I had more in my heart. That I can blame the Blue hats for taking everything from me. I didn't even think I would find any life at all. Now that you tell me that we got married."

Bumblebee smiled. "Please take back your memories. Smoke pipe. Please. I want you to remember me as the one you loved. Not a mare that you hate. I need you to remember me and the life we had. The life that I took from you."

I had a question that I need to ask. I need to know how they removed the fact the foal and the marriage even existed.

"I have one question. How did you remove the Marriage and the fact I had a foal from the outside world?"

Bumblebee Frowned I could tell she didn't want to talk about it. But she had to, to understand why. She got on her broken hooves and she went into the light. Her ghoul-like body glowing even I could find beauty in her decaying body even to her that I still deeply was in love with her.

"It was hard to do it. But you really didn't have many friends or family left alive or family at all back in the day and my family was mostly Blue hats so they kept it all secret. We had to kill the one that did the wedding since we had no idea how a memory orb didn't work on the mare that married us so yes and it happened while the foal was very young. So she didn't know about her father. I told her that her father died a heroic death as a detective."

I sighed and stared at Bumblebee.

"If we live through this and well I remember the memories I still feel in my heart that I am in love with you. Do you wish to remarry?" Bumblebee looked at me with a weak smile.

"Oh, Smoke Pipe I would love that. Without the war.. I no longer feel that I will steal your life away from you. Maybe I can show you our decedents. Just we can't tell them who we are. If we told them who we are they would wish to know and have questions for a long time and I doubt you want to deal with all that."

I nodded and looked to the orb. Before I did I looked back to BumbleBee. "Do you still have the ring I gave you?"

Bumblebee chuckled, nodding. "It's in my tunnel home. Since we don't want to be seen, most of us live in these Tunnels so I have a tunnel home not far from the story. It's a house that I was born in. I have left everything that you had in there. Maybe after all this, we can go there and enjoy our lives." I could tell she wanted to continue along with our lives. I don't blame her at all for what happened. She had her orders and if she had to destroy my life for the orders then she had to.

I looked back at the orb and sighed I knew I had to learn what would be the next of memories. I don't wish to know. But maybe I am forced to. The fact that these orbs can sometimes cause too much pain for others to know. The pain will destroy my mind if I allow it. My pain never will come forward. I blinked hearing myself in my own mind. Damn, I sound like I am an edgy pony for what I am saying. All the darkness all the evil all the craziness in my life. I must be Edgy. I laughed softly to myself.

Bumble smirked. "Talking to yourself again Smoke Pipe? You did that for hours to just find a way to do your cases. It was the only way you could keep your mind from losing it. It's what I loved most about you Smoke Pipe. You always learned how to make sure you loved me with all your golden heart. I just wish I didn't ruin it all by forcing you to lose it. The silly war caused so much to happen. This war ruined so many lives. It's not what I hoped and I always hoped that the war would have ended with families alive. Then we learned what happened and we knew what was going to happen."

I sighed, shaking my head so many knew how the war would end. Looking at the orb these orbs are all that remains of the old world along with buildings and old stories that ponies wrote down when they could. It's what is coming and what will happen. I am never going to have that happy life again. I do wish to have it. But there are times when I wish I could go back in time and fix everything that happens. But that is hoping too much and the fact the zebras I knew never wanted this war either. It's never going to be easy to tell others of the past if you did go back to never fight this war. The war wasn't something any of us wanted. The war is only something that the elite wanted to prove themselves.

Finally, after much thought, I looked down at the orb lifting up into my magic. Putting it to my horn and I felt it starting to work but I screamed loud enough that BumbleBee got very worried. I screamed feeling so much pain as the memory was forced back into my mind.


                                            0000
The memory of the past.

I was in my early 20's and just got out of school. My mother had set out a set of clothing for me. She wanted me to go to something called a job fair day at the fair. I put on a suit and went to the fair. Looking through and I have seen so many jobs. Backing up I ran into a mare turning around seeing the earth pony mare. She looked so beautiful as she stared back at me. Her cheeks glowed bright red. As she pawed her left front hoof on the ground.

"Um... hello sir.. I'm Bumblebee I am here.. to join the Blue hats." She said with a shy smile. The Blue hats I thought were a group of Military that was formed years ago in this land. Of course, it was normal for it to be formed in this land. Since this land had always kind of been ready for war. Even though a lot of ponies war was strange to them. But not to this area. It's kind of broken off from the rest of Equestria hell its normal for the army to be here. Of course, this army did much behind the scenes in fact. They didn't like the Princess and tried much to break ourselves off from them. We don't even worship or bow to them.

"Hello, I'm In love...With you... Wait no I mean..I am Smoke Pipe." Bumblebee laughed looking away blushing deep red. Damn, I thought to myself I just ruined my ability to ask this mare out. But I should take it slow. Since I wished to be a detective, I have been wishing to be one for years. Slowly I looked over to the stand for Detectives and then back to the lovely mare.

"Ahem, I am sorry miss Bumblebee lets go get a smoothie later." I smiled at her. "Then we can get to know each other." Bumblebee nodded her cheeks still bright red. We went our own ways and the memory vanished to us a few years ahead of our lives. She and I have been dating for five years so far. I was almost a full-fledged Detective a few more days of training and she was already a full Blue hat. She couldn't tell me what she was doing. It was the time I was going to ask her to marry me. It wouldn't be easy for me to ask this. Since I didn't know how much time she had to get married to me.

"I have been sent to Antler many times for Smoke Pipe. I have learned some amazing things from them. That they have more than one lover. That they don't stay with their lover even after the child is born. They seem to be a race that cares more about making sure the race is up to snuff. Now smoke pipe are you listening?" I was looking at the ring box in my pocket and I looked up to her with a weak smile.

"Yes, my dear. Just thinking of my first case. I have to find a missing mare that vanished without a trace recently. A zebra mare of course. It seems she is connected to many other zebra mares vanishing. I don't really get it. So I am trying to wonder what is wrong."

The memory went forward again. It seems we have already gotten married. It seems some of the memory is corrupted so I won't remember everything. Not even our wedding. But I am holding my love BumbleBee close stroking her swollen stomach.

"Hmm, Smoke Pipe thank you for all you did for me. I love you so much."

I was about to say the same but the memory has been corrupted beyond anything. It went back so quickly that my memory was destroyed by what happened. The memory finally ended

                                                    000

I woke up after a day and Bumblebee nuzzled into me. I looked at her weakly smiling. The memory orb was corrupted. I didn't have the heart to tell her. But I could only remember some things. But it's a good thing that I didn't learn what happened fully.

"I am sorry BumbleBee the memory was corrupted. So I think putting a lifetime worth of memories in the orb caused it to fall apart. I am not really sure about it. But I will maybe learn what happens. But I realize I still love you. If we all live through this my dear I will remarry you and the fact we are ghouls. We don't need to worry about much. Unless we somehow find a way to end ourselves."

She chuckled. "Good good now the door is almost open. I will come with you even the other mare will maybe you could learn about her. Maybe you like her just like you liked me."

I sighed. "I know her well."I stood on my hooves. "She is the one that was kidnapping the zebras to make that DNA weapon. I am not sure what to think anymore about it. Now I am sure I can trust her since you told me I can. Now let's go get going."

Bumble Nodded and we both walked out to the door that was slowly opening and inside the tunnel looked destroyed and rotted many bones all over the place seem to be littering the ground. Me and Bumble along with the other mare. I forgot her name sadly. Slowly we walk into the tunnel.

"We will close the door behind you. We will join the army and make sure you get to the door as fast as you can. Good luck."

The door was closed up behind us as we started to go through the tunnel. I never would have thought it would be like this. But we have a trek ahead of us and that's all we can do.
> Chapter Eleveen: Tunnels
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The old Blue hat tunnels. What can I say about them? These tunnels somehow got secretly made and some just allowed them. But none of us have been too old Antler in years. The old city didn’t even get hit by the bombs. Just something else effected it a creation an experiment gone wrong. An experiment that tries to go outside of this land to find those to extend its gene pool. The issue though no pony or creature survives the mating with it.

Whatever this creature did or was some back then defended it. I was one of those before the war ended as it did. It’s sad how things work really. We go back and try to fix things for everypony then it becomes harder to know. I was stopped though by Bumblebee I could tell that she had a look of horror in her eyes.

“What’s wrong?” I titled my head looking at the blue hat.

“These tunnels have been used recently. I think the creatures of old Antler found them and started using them. If this is true then we opened part of it up for them. That means we need to kill them all.”

I shook my head. I didn’t like this idea of killing a species because we didn’t understand it. Even though it ponynapped my friends. Knowing Root though she would love the idea. Blossom is to Enclave for her good.

“How bad has the outside gotten Bumblebee? I know the blue hats have done so much to defend the borders but there must be a reason you’re falling back.”

Bumblebee looks back at me and then to the dark tunnel we both stopped walking and she looked back to me sitting down. I am thankful that there are more blue hats ahead of us. She took a deep breath. I could tell from the look on her ghoul-like face. That it wasn’t going to be something I would be happy to hear.

“It’s gotten very bad out there. So-called heroes have started showing up. A creature that calls herself the wolf. A mare that some call the toaster repair pony.” She snickers at that. “A mare named Security and other heroes out there. All these heroes are causing us problems. They’re causing ponies from the outside to find shelter in the mountains.” She shifted a bit on her rump when she spoke. I have a feeling she didn’t like talking in these tunnels.

“That was bound to happen sooner or later. Heroes will always show up to cause more problems than help. Sometimes even a hero will cause more problems then they know. It’s the sad truth about stuff like this. Heroes come heroes go heroes cause problems then those like us get hit.” I shook my head I hated the idea of heroes. I am just a simple detective I will never be a hero. I will just be the Smoke pipe.

We just stared at each other after that. All we did was stare memories flooded back to me on how much I cared for this mare. I loved her I still do and she with those she worked with took my memories of my life.

If only I could get them all back. I look back up to stare in her withered eyes. All of us have seen things. This world wasn’t always peaceful even in this land. The war may never have ended up here. But we did have our share of those threats. Old folklore of the past that somehow turned out to be real.

“Remember those creatures we used to face before the war started? Those beings of the mountains that are I am sure died out. The brownies and those called the Goblins. I am sure we will never see them again. If we do we may never wish to again.”

Bumble laughs.

“Yes, I remember those battles with those little creatures. I miss those days before the war. When we all had a normal life and we didn’t have to worry about gangs and when you just had to worry about petty crimes.”

I close my eyes remembering those days. The days that gangs didn’t exist and the zebras were treated more like beings of honor and wisdom. Those days we didn’t have to worry about one getting killed because of hatred. Those days I miss and I wish we could go back to those days. But I have been alive for so long. I now only see things in black and white. It’s how my mind always will be from now on.

“The past I miss the peace of the past. The war pushed us to be so xenophobic and hateful of zebras. I remember how they were treated like speakers of wisdom. Without that wisdom, we would have been lost in this land.”

We have sat here too long that the others went full-on ahead and we haven’t seen any lights or heard any screams. I just know these tunnels aren’t as protected as they used to be. I pulled out my gun from my pocket. I had a bad feeling about this the two of us moved on to follow the others through the tunnels to get to Antler it took a lot longer then I remember. But I do remember that old Antler is deep in the forest of the mountains. Hidden so far into the forest that no pony could ever find them.

“Bumble how are we going to handle this? Are we going to go in guns blazing or will you let them talk to them?”

Bumble sighed shaking her head. 

“Well, the idea was to well yea go in guns blazing get your friends back, and then well run?” She smirked at me and I rolled my eyes. That idea is how most ponies get themselves killed. I know somewhat of what we are dealing with. This experiment somehow can breed more of itself and it’s not pleasant for the female. I wish I could remember more of it though. All I remember is that Wheel tread did so much to protect it. 

All I remember him saying that many years from now. A threat bigger than the war will come and it will destroy whatever peace we somehow gain in so many years. Oh Dr. Slice I will never understand why you helped him either. While we kept walking through the tunnels plants and roots started to take over and I looked down the hall of one of the tunnels. Seeing an old symbol I haven’t seen in years. The dark military group is known as the black hooves. I don’t know much about them just what they tend to do.

I remember stories of them ponynapping a zebra mare from ponyville after they thought she killed her own family. Then rumors of them even grabbed a buffalo, another mare, and a diamond dog. I haven’t heard anything about that since. Of course, I doubt I would since news rarely comes to this land from the outside. 


I was about to ask Bumblebee if she has heard anything about it. She was to far ahead of me so I didn’t have my chance to ask her about it. Since I just stood there thinking to myself. I trotted to her as quickly as I could. Of course, knowing me I am lost now and I can’t find her. 

“Ah, there you are.” I quickly turned around to see her come out of a large set of roots. “Come slowpoke. We need to get there before he wakes and tries to take one of them as his mate.” Yes and that is going to happen soon. I just wish we could get there now. I am really worried about my two friends. He could be hurting them for all I know.

“The last mares he took. Did you find their bodies?”

“We haven’t seen any bodies from this area in years. The last body we saw was from years ago. He didn’t even mate with the mare. She just looked like she was weak and died from hunger. I am guessing it’s old hatred we feel for this thing. Since the blue hats have been wanting to kill this thing for years. Sometimes we never even see the bodies at all. Just we hear from Blue hats that have a heavy grudge on this monster.”

I stopped on my hooves again. Have all the stories about this monster been faults then? I remember stories of Blue hats getting to hateful of zebras and nonponies. It’s gotten so bad that I had to deal with a group of them. It’s even the cause of that zebra killing weapon they created. 

“Listen Bumblebee how many of the blue hats hold old hatreds still?”

Bumble turned to me and then back to the tunnels. I could see she was not happy with the question. I am sure she still has some of those old hatreds herself. She didn’t care for zebras even back then. I had to defend them from her as well. But I am hoping that she grew out of that hate. It’s a matter of how things go. If we never understand the moment that we fail. It’s when our hate controls our lives 200 or so years later.

“This cycle of hatred is going to keep going if we can’t stop it here and now. I understand that is not easy for many to do. I am sure even many zebras still feel that hate. It’s not going to stop till ponies and zebras and whatever creatures still feel this hate. Move on from it.”

Bumble sighed shaking her head. I look at the old posters that hang on the walls of these tunnels. ‘Join the Blue hats destroy the stripped enemy.’ I looked at the others they were even worse and I shook my head. The old world is gone and we must accept it. The others came back to check on us.

“Bumble we need to get going or those two might be dead before we get there.” Bumble looks to another blue hat and they all look at me. I could tell they didn’t want me here. It was easy to tell in their eyes. The hate for me for stopping some of their plans in the past. It’s not something I was happy about. 

“Look I know I am invading in what you feel is right. But let me do this my way. There could be more to this then what Wheel Tread told us. Wheel Tread lied about many things and caused about as many deaths as the war.” 

They all stare at me the anger in their eyes when I brought up that name. Wheel Tread did many shady things. Even when he brought in the idea of Project Stormwatch. Bumble shook her head the anger when it came to Wheel Tread was larger than most things they hated.

“Smoke Pipe the others and I need to talk privately on how we go about this. It’s not going to be easy for all of us to get over the hate for this creature. But we understand what you mean. It’s the only way we can move on and get this land back to normal.” 

I sighed and went inside one of the old rooms in the tunnels. These rooms haven’t been used in years. Inside there are old bones and partly caved in by roots and plants. This room had been used for many guests and even leaders. I am guessing the ones dead here are those that were left behind. 

Many got left behind in these tunnels when they needed to leave them. I remember that the Equestria military tried to hunt down these tunnels since many of them hated how the blue hats but in the way. The blue hats tried to hard to get in the way of the army and tried many things to stop them from coming here.

But they failed and it’s why we had the war end up here. It’s not something many of us of this land had been very happy around. Because of the Blue hats, it’s why the army came. Looking through the suitcases. I found an old dusty memory orb. Along with an old recording, the note by the recording was. Last will and testament. I shook my head I don’t wish to learn how these ones died. I shook my head curse my want to learn. Pulling the orb out of the cabinet. I lay on the bed and lift the orb to my head. I felt the magic of the orb starting to work while my world went fully black.

<BR>0000000<BR>
The memory.

I open my eyes and I am in a young mare. I swear I have seen this mare before. My host looks in the mirror and I see I am inside the mind of a light blue mare. While she combed her mane. The door opened up beside me and I saw a blue hat.

“Excuse me, Robin. We will be heading to Antler soon. We just need you to understand what you’re getting into.”

“I already know what I am getting into. I understand that he took over the leadership. I feel if this is the only way. To make sure that he won’t attack us out of fear. It’s never going to be normal. All of us seem to forget that he feels our kind hate nonponies.”

The blue hat nodded. They wore a mask but I could tell one behind it is a mare. The look of their body and their eyes behind the mask. But they’re going to talk to the creation? I don’t remember him taking over the leadership. Maybe there is something I forgot maybe the blue hats didn’t understand this creature. 

Finally, after all, the cleaning up and getting ready. A group of horns sound. She walked out into the hall to meet the new leader. But something is wrong I can’t see him I think the orb is corrupted I see nothing of him but his moose guards and the others around him.

“Thank you for coming. I hope this can regain a new idea of peace.” My host smiled and I swear I could hear the creature speak. But it was all muffled and the others around him laughed. The rest of the memory started to get really fuzzy and ruined. Everything started to not make sense anymore. 

I swear I could hear screaming and gunshots and the mare running back into the room to hide. It’s so strange this happened. Finally, the vision gets back to normal and my host sobbed in a dark room.

The door opened up and I could see what came in. A moose with red antlers. I remember that moose. The moose that threatened violence on ponies if they even tried to make peace with his kind. 

“Why?” My host softly asked.

“Because…. You don’t deserve peace for what you did to my kind and the zebras. I will do everything to give this land back to my kind.” He lifted his gun getting ready to fire and he screams being pulled back into the halls by something. The power goes out and the door locks her in. The memory ends.


<0000000000>

Opening my eyes looking around in the darkroom. The door is open still thankfully. Standing up on my hooves. Walking into the hall looking around. I couldn’t find anypony I think they were still talking. Bumble finally comes out of the darkest of halls. Her eyes go over the room I just came out of.

“Smoke Pipe. It took some doing but we will allow you to do it your way. Just if you fail we will go all out and destroy them. Thankfully for you, no guards are guarding the way into the old city.”

I sighed shaking my head. I don’t understand why it took so long to get them to agree to this. Bumble lead me through the old tunnels. I noticed while we did the other blue hats got their old armor ready and weapons. I didn’t like what I was but I couldn’t say anything about it because mostly this is what we have to do.

“Bumble. After all, this is said and done. Would you like to restart our lives together?” Bumble stopped on her hooves and turning to me. I could tell that surprised her. I think it surprised her more at the fact. Well, she is the reason I lost a lot of my memories of our old lives.


“I don’t know Smoke Pipe. I want to forget everything that happened. I would love to just go back to our old lives. It won’t be that easy though. You and I both know that I took your memories. I remember everything about you. I know you don’t remember anything about me.”

I took a deep breath.

“Look it’s best to talk about this after. Just I feel it would be the first time we didn’t allow ourselves to go the way of killing.” I laugh softly. I was finally able to stop some ponies in this land from trying to kill each other. 

The two us finally got to the old tunnel door that leads to old Antler. The door opens up and roots snap and break. The door fully opening up and the way out is pure darkness. My horn lights up and going into the room and it’s an old dusty room that hasn’t been used in years. 

“Now a plan on how to do this.”

It is going to take a while to come up with a plan. So now we wait. I hope my friends still have time before anything happens to them.
> Chapter 12: The monster of Antler
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It’s been a couple of hours since we found the right tunnels to get into the old village of Antler. The tunnels start showing their wear and tear from old age and not being well kept. Of roots breaking through the walls. That is not it though there are old bones from the old battles of many trying to escape from the monster of Antler.

“Bumble I don’t remember any of this… How bad did it get?’

The mare stops a moment to turn to look at me and she smiles weakly. I knew from that look that she took a memory for me to make sure I wouldn’t remember anything that happened in here. Just that I remember coming here and then waking up back home it was strange to me back then.

“You got badly hurt. We failed to fight the creature. You said to me the next time we meet them. We would talk to them and try to learn a way to take care of it peacefully.”

I sigh, removing the pipe from my pocket and lighting it. It was the only way I could think while I breathed smoke out of my nose. I am unsure how to handle all this. 

“I got an idea Bumble if you could for me find one of his guards and tell them we come in peace. I know this may surprise them. But I will wait here if you don’t mind.”

Bumble just stares at me. From the look on her face, she is not impressed with me. Her horn glows pulling me with her. It didn’t take us long and we finally made it out on the other side of the tunnels. Looking around the run-down village of old Antler. The creatures roaming around are the children of the creature that has been living here for years.

They turn to look at us but they just keep moving on ahead. I took a deep breath blowing the smoke out of my mouth as these creatures just stare at us like we are not even there. The poor creatures of Antler though look like they have seen better days.

“From the looks of it, the creatures here look close to their deaths. I take it the monster is dying and that he feels he needs to expand his seed again to stay alive am I correct?”

Bumble quickly nods.

“Even though it won’t even work anymore. If we attacked we could win. But you said you want to talk to him this time. Are you sure about this Smoke Pipe?’

I quickly nod.

“Yes, I am sure. There has been enough death in the past. You and the other Blue hats along with Wheel Tread are the reason for this poor creature. So yes we all know the best way to handle this and you know that well.”

BumbleBee sneers at my idea. She hated my ideas. It was her idea to get married. It was my idea to have kids but we got married but never had kids. I have no idea what is up with that. I will still never understand what I saw in her.

“If you feel talking to him will save your friends then we will do so. Just if I die because of you I will haunt you in the afterlife till you scream and cry.”

I roll my eyes, not sure how to handle this. I walk along a path that heads to the main old city hall that had been built in large trees. The guards turn to look at me and Bumble they try to lift their weapons but. Their bodies are so weak from the power the creature releases, unable to give them the energy to fight us. I turn my head to look at one of the guards.

“We are just here to talk to your leader. Is it on his throne?’

The moose creature grunts trying to move to nod as it could. I feel very bad for these creatures. A creation made by Wheel Tread and the Blue hats to try to fight evil zebras. Just it turns out to be a worse weapon than ever.

When we get to the main hall trees grow to try to block us. But soon after they slowly die and fall to the sides. I look at the trees. The poor creature is not only close to death it takes all it could from the trees around this village. The energy of the forest has kept it alive. That many of the trees around here have no more to give. 

“I will stay behind Smoke Pipe. I will come in to shoot the creature if you fail.”

I nod going up the stairs and before I could fully move ponies made of roots and leaves talk to each other. I look close to it and see it is a memory of this creature. 

“How can we do this to this poor creature? I know the species of Antler have no issues with harming their own for weapons. Just why do we have to do this?”

I turn my vision to stare at the other pony who is in a Wheelchair. My eyes focus on him finally this is how he looks. Neighsay who I remember him as and who used to be such a good pony after everything that he went through. The war starts and he becomes a racist stallion again. This time trying so hard to blame the zebras and not the non-ponies this time. 

“Like many things my dear. We can’t allow the zebras to win. I may have been kind to the ponies at Twilight's school but these creatures wish to start a war. A war that could harm our way of life my friend. Your land is so far out of the way from others of Equestria that you don’t know what's happening in front of your nose.”

A voice comes out of the halls. A voice I haven’t heard in so many years.

“Smoke Pipe..” 

The creature breaths weakly.

“I thought the war ended you, detective. My dying heart soars in happiness to know that you’re alive. Maybe this time you will be smart and not try to fight me but talk to me?’

I stood looking at the ponies that are the memories of this poor creature. Lifting my hooves on the steps to walk towards the halls even more. More memories formed from this creature, the moose and deers of Antlers speaking and whispering to each other.

“How could they do this to this poor creature?”

“They don’t seem to care about life since this war has started. The ponies only care what is to come and to win this war.”

“Have they lost their wits?”

I took a deep breath of smoke in my decaying lungs. I didn’t know what to think anymore since I was here at this time but I don’t even remember anything of this past. Maybe I will fully learn everything that happened.

“I see you don’t remember what happened the last time we met. Those Blue hats that helped Wheel Tread or. Should we say his real name.. Neighsay? Stealing the name of Wheel Tread and murdering the older stallion to get the glory for project Storm watch.”

When I hear Project Storm watch I close my eyes remembering it. Taking every villain or creature the ponies have run into or dealt with. Trying to control them and using them just in case the zebra war gets even worse. So many creatures and death.

“I haven’t seen Neighsay since what went down. All I know is stories of a pony in a wheelchair calling himself Wheel Tread. He has been seen from what I have been told but no one has done a thing to him”

The creature laughs weakly.

“Yes. I have changed detective I am not the creature that I once was. I don’t even remember what race I used to be. Just remember being captured and used as this project to fight zebras. You’re the only one that tried to help me even if it meant killing me. Do you want to know the truth of why you were stopped?’

I was stopped? I remember it the other way around that I was fighting him and he knocked me out and tried to kill me. I move more into the hall seeing more of the past but this time I see myself Wheel Tread and Bumble Bee.

“How could you?! This is an innocent being that you took from their home and changed into this monster. I am going to go talk to him to see if he even remembers who he is. “

The memory of me walks away from the roots that kept my hooves in place as this memory walks off and vanishes into leaves and sticks. I remember that the creature is now connected to the trees around him. He could use the trees to watch and consume 

“That husband of yours Bumblebee will never understand. If he tries to kill the creature and the creature requests it. Then you must be ready to destroy your loving marriage to him.   If that means destroying your love for him then you must in the name of Equestria my dear.”

Bumble Bee shook her mane. I remember back in the day she and I didn’t always see eye to eye even though we have been married for so long. I am just a detective. I am not trying to protect or win a war, I make sure those are brought to justice. 

“Normally Wheel Tread you would have no right to tell me what I can and can’t do. But my leaders want me to do whatever I can to make this creature ready for battle. So if I have to hurt my husband then I will do so.”

I shook my head not liking this at all. I go more into the halls. Turning my head to look at a broken door. I remember this door leading to the old lab. I go into the lab and when I remember Dr. Slice and his wife MRS Slice I never got her name. 

The creature is on the table. I stare at them working on him, the poor creature. I felt so bad for him. When they open him a strange mist enters both the bodies of the two ponies and DR Slice screams in pain and his body and flesh start to decay and melt. So that is how he got that sickness. MRS Slice had more of a mask on to stop that from happening but I have no idea what happened to her at all.

“They hurt me detective at first I had no issue being a creation. I had no problems with it then I saw how they treated the zebras and how the zebras treated them. I wasn’t being created to win a war. I was being sent into murder in the name of a broken sense of justice for those little ones that got murdered at Luna’s school.”

He is correct that is what started most of the war from what I remember. I don’t fully remember what started it fully though. I took a deep breath and finally relaxed. Taking a few steps to the main hall.

“Why did you kidnap my friend’s old friend?’
The creature went silent for a while and finally spoke.

“I wanted someone to talk to you after all these years. Just after they’re here for so long they become the creatures around you. If you’re here to save them then you have time. It has to be almost a month and they need to eat the food the others give them. I told them no matter what, don't eat anything.”

Then everything I was told about this creature is wrong. When I woke up that time later I was lied to. The reason many vanish then is that this creature wants to talk and learn of the outside world and not breed with others.

“Then the stories of you stealing lives to breed with them and to expand your might are faults.”

The creature laughs weakly.

“Even if I could gain my strength back Detective I would have to feed on a new forest and live through that. But the trees have learned from me and keep me from absorbing anything in them. I can no longer feed. If I knew these mares were your friends I would have come to you and asked you to do the job again.”

The job again? 

“You want me to kill you this time and make it stick then?’

The creature laughs.

“Yes but I'd rather it was not from a gunshot  You see I want to sleep, my old friend. I want to finally sleep and let the forest take back what belongs to it. If I sleep I can finally see my family again. I can finally see those that died so many years ago.”

He wants to sleep from talking then. I feel it would be wise to sing to him then. I could try my best to sing again as I did in the old days. 

“I will be in your throne room soon my friend. I wish to say this before I kill you with words. I am sorry for what the ponies of the past did to you. I wish I could help you fight them but you and I both know we can’t always get what we want anymore.”

The creature chuckles.

“Yes, but there is something else here with me. A strange orb that I am sure interests you, it was inserted into me as a way to protect it. This was so long ago after the war ended. A blue hat came in here and I don’t know why it did nothing but give me this. Said if someone comes for it. Give it because if you don’t it will be the end of us all.”
It must be one of those orbs I have been finding around that started that strange countdown. This must be a smaller one or a big one. I am unsure but I am hoping it will bring to light more of what happened here. 

“How have you felt all these years? I am sure you felt the end of the war.”

The creature stays silent. When I finally get into the throne room. I see Root and Blossom sitting on the floor in front of a large throne with a creature infused into the trees. When I finally get closer and sit by my scared friends I hush them before they say anything.

“Hello, Detective. I am happy to see you again with these old eyes.”

I didn’t remember what this poor creature was before all this. I just give a weak smile trying to remember what this creature used to be. Root sits next to me leaning into me. I turn my eyes to look at her.

“You didn’t have to come. He said he would release us when the end comes. When we told him we know you.  He knew you would show up with the Blue Hat that has been feeding you lies not only lies because her memories have been taken as well.”

Before I could say anything. The creature finally breaks through the leaves and trees that grew out of it. Being lowered to the floor below is a large dragon with a large tree sticking out of its back forcing fluid and blood through the stump. 

“Now we can talk Smoke Pipe. Before I die I need to tell you something about why I was created.”

I sighed, shaking my head. I hated not remembering why these projects were made.

“I was created because the Blue hats didn’t trust the citizens of Antler. I was created to absorb the poison that the Blue hats placed in the soil of this land. I have tried… Detective I have tried hard. The poison that the Blue hats put in the soil will go away after many years.”

The poison that the Blue hats put in the soil. I remember the orb that I placed in that machine in the memorial explaining about that. 

“I understand why gardens in this wonderful land are so protected now. But do you have any last request before you die, little dragon?”

The dragon whose colored scales have vanished over the years from being absorbed into the project looks around his tomb finally relaxing sitting back on his throne.

“I want to hear singing in these halls again. I want to hear the songs that many who lived here sang before I was changed into this creation. Please detective my body is shutting down. I want to at least hear the words.”

I stood on my hooves looking to Root and Blossom leaning down to them.

“Sing for him, please. I need to go speak to a mare.”

I turn to see BumbleBee who is standing not far from the throne I go over to her sitting down. While the two mares talk to each other about a song to sing. 

“You and I both are going to need a long talk Bumble.”

Bumble nods at the look on her face. She wasn’t happy.  I bet after hearing everything she heard about what the Blue hats have done to this land as well as causing it that rain comes less and less. She leans into me to try to relax her mind.

“We will after we watch our adopted son die.”

Those words hit me hard. I now remember we adopted him after his family was killed during the war. I close my eyes tightly not enjoying the fact I am watching someone I helped raise die. I lean into Bumble needing to feel relaxed before I watch him die.

Root begins to sing as the strange music starts to play around us. Every time a pony sings the magic of music comes from anywhere and it’s strange how it works. I have never understood this.

“Oh, little dragon sleep… Sleep. The world has ended and it’s time for you to rest. Allow your heart to rest and sing with the forest of life.”

Blossom flies into the air joining into the song.

“Life will never become normal again. Life shall go on even if the world has ended. So please sleep and bring forth your soul. Bring your soul to the endless stream of magic. So please sleep.”

The dragon slowly falls asleep from the song. The two mares sing together.

“So please close your eyes and please sleep, little heart. Don’t let this pain control your soul, little one. So end your pain with the world of endless sleep. So please sleep and please become one with the world so sleep.”

The song ends and when the dragon finally dies his body breaks open and the energy he has absorbed all these years goes back into the ground. The energy from what I can tell is going through the soil to at least try to help remove the poison. The trees around the area of the old Antler start to fully die. My horn glows, taking the memory orb from the broken body of the creation. 

We walk to the entrance of the old city while the trees die and twist around us. The others go out as I look at the poor city dying and decaying. The only thing keeping this forest alive was the creation. Life will return someday just not when it should. When we fully leave Antler the entire old city folds into the forest and the forest goes dormant to heal.

“Come let’s go to new Antler and tell them.”

I look back to the dead city following the path as the trees around us slowly decay. When we leave the forest I look back seeing roots wrap around the entrance of the forest to keep anyone out. Turning to the other forest many miles away that is full of life. 

“And so. The war has taken another life. So is the way of war and the way of death.”
> Chapter Thirteen: Return to new Antler
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The four of us walk under the afternoon sun as we walk back to the new Antler. I look back at the dying forest. I felt my heart sink from the fact I had to allow my adopted child to die. I took a deep breath as the others stopped and waited for me. 

“I am sorry. I had to remove the memory Smoke Pipe. It was the only way to stop you from going on a killing spree to get our child out of there.”

I turn my head to look at the ghoul mare. I am starting to see why our love didn’t last. I do feel love for her still. Just I wish she would have been truthful to me. I can understand why she wasn’t truthful to me.

“Root, Blossom can you go ahead, please?” 

Root and Blossom look at each other. They didn’t argue and went on ahead of us. I watch them leave to head back into the forest to get to the new town of the moose. I turn my head back to Bumble Bee. I didn’t want to lose my temper with her. I took a deep breath feeling my lungs fill and I empty my lungs with the air of my decaying lungs. 

“Bumble you could have at least been truthful to me. I understand you think I would have gone crazy and harmed the ones doing this to our power adopted child. Just I would have never killed anyone. I just would have tried to make a deal to get him out.”

Bumble sighs looking away from me and sitting down on the dry ground. While it dies I watch while the field dies as well. I am hoping that the forest leading to the new city doesn’t die as well but as it stops I look back at the dead forest as the wind slowly blows a bunch of dead spores and dust fly all over.

“We know if he would have died this would have happened. We felt we could turn him into a weapon then he fused himself with the forest and look at this. With him dead that forest is now dead.”

While we sit there we watch animals like birds and many other creatures slowly walk and fly over us as they head to the living forest looking for a home and food. I felt bad that many lost their homes. 

“Sometimes the world must heal on its own. That forest will heal but it will take time Bumble. The war changed ponies so much that a lot of them forgot what friendship was. Even you forgot what that was. You were so focused with the blue hats that you and they made weapons to fight the zebras but harmed the zebras of this loving land.”

Bumble leans into me. I didn’t know what to think after that. I felt my hate and anger for the mare drift away. It’s been so long since I felt her close to me. I remember it well and I wish I could have had her as my wife. I wish I could remember 
“There are times I wish I never signed up for the Blue hats. I feel I had to protect this loving land. But look we killed most of this land. We even forced a poison into the soil thinking oh if the zebras win this land they would never be able to grow anything. Now look zebras are honored heavily in this land and are heavily protected because of the gardens.”

I nod lifting the orb into my magic staring at it. I wanted to put it to my horn to see what I would find in this memory orb. I sigh putting it back into my coat standing on my hooves helping Bumble on her hooves.

“We have to tell the leadership of Antler the truth. You do know this correct?”

Bumble sighs looking away.

“If we do are you sure they won’t try to harm me for being part of what happened to our adoptive son?’

I look back to the dead forest. The decay of the trees brought a smell of deadwood. It would take many years for the forest to grow back. It might never grow back and the damage will never be fixed again. Before we leave the entire sky rumbles and rain comes down from the sky drenching me and Bumble. 

I took a deep breath into my decaying lungs. Blowing out air from my lungs. I feel stress in my decaying body. I don’t know why I haven’t felt this bad in years. I have a feeling it could be because of being near my former wife.

“Come let’s get back.”

She nods and the two of us walk away from the dead land. I turn my head to look back at the dead forest. I didn’t get a chance to bury our son. I am hoping through the decay of his body will feed the soil. Dragons’ blood and scales tend to be good for nature. Just it’s too much to hope.

When the two of us get to the gates of new Antler Root and Blossom are speaking to one of the leaders of Antler about what they say and happened. 

“It turns out that the creature was never evil. It just couldn’t control what powers it had and then he was a dragon. It seems he was forced to become this way to fight the zebras. Of course, it backfired like almost everything for the war does.”

The moose turns her head to look at me and Bumble. When she sees Bumble her ears pin to the back of her head. I have a feeling that she knows Bumble from past stories about her. Then she looks at me a smile forms on her face.

“I thank you for what you did.. Just it seems it caused more problems than helped. Our old home and the land back there are now dead. From what Root told me at least for now since some strange magic went into the ground.”

Strange magic going into the ground. I look back at the forest I could see through the trees. I wonder what is going on over there. I turn back to the leader I could never get her name. Now that I am sure ponies helped the citizens of Antler they might be more respectful to them. 

“The other leaders will want to speak with you Detective. The guards will give your three friends our best. I can’t promise it will be a quick talk. The other leaders aren’t exactly in a good mood after what they saw happen.”

I look at my friends who are surrounded by guards. Of course, they didn’t have weapons on them this time. Root looks at me with a very worried look in her eyes. I just give her a smile trying to be my way to say it’s okay. Bumble and the others are taken by the guards to a place for them to be. 

“They will be fine. After you helped us we will be helping the ponies of our city. Just some rather have them all kicked out. Don’t make me agree with them Smoke Pipe so please come along and explain why to everything.”

I sigh and follow the moose through the city. I turn to see the ponies finally get the treatment from the sickness that has been spreading in the pony area of Antler. Just it’s amazing to me that a pony helps them and they finally help the ponies from being sick. I can’t say I blame them though these ponies to them have invaded their land for many years. 

“I guess your kind finally had the heart and guts to do something.”

I knew those words would anger this female moose. She turns to me right on the spot. I have never seen such anger in anyone’s eyes before. I just stood there like really not caring what I just said. I have been around for so long now that I no longer give a shit about the feelings about creatures that tend to look down on others.

“I for one wanted to do something for years detective that is a harsh low blow but..”

She takes a deep breath and relaxes her anger.

“You aren’t wrong really. Many of my species and the deer don’t trust ponies because of the war. Of course, they allow zebras all over the place. They had a hoof in the war as well. But some feel ponies are the bigger of the sin.”

She is correct every creature that took part in the war is part of that sin. Even if the zebra took part in it and the ponies. Not all zebra and ponies are part of that sin. The idea that one race is the cause for every problem in the world is not how life works. Ponies didn’t start the war zebras did but the rich wanted more and more and more. It’s why this land broke off from the rest. I took a deep breath unsure what to think after all this.

“Look I am sorry for the words I said. You have to understand how it looks to me. I have helped your species for many years. I am always welcomed around here even though I am a pony. Just the stuff I see makes me think you don’t care about moving on from the past.”

The moose just stares down at me and she shook her head to try to keep herself from losing her temper again. I think I struck a few nerves just from my words. I walk into the meeting hall all the leaders are there. Of course, the one leading me sits in her spot. 

“Smoke Pipe you have known all our grandmothers and grandfathers. For that, you’re always welcomed here. But this is a big matter to which most will not agree. I am sorry for what you have seen as of late when coming back here after so many years. For now, though there is something I wish to ask. What do you know of the creature that lived in old Antler?”

I don’t remember much about the creature that lived. I took off my coat and then my hat sitting in an old chair that I sat in before when I was asked to come to these meetings. I didn’t know how to start it.

“Well allow me to start this way. A lot of my memories have been removed from me. I have been finding random memory orbs that hold memories that I was forced to forget many years ago. Going through old Antler I learned that the creature was a former dragon that my former wife and I adopted many years ago.”

I shift a bit a little worried they might blame me for this. So I go on.

“My former wife and many other ponies. Even some citizens of Antler helped Dr. Slice and his wife. From what I was able to learn the ponies wanted to turn him into a weapon. But the citizens of Antler wanted him to be a creation to enforce the magic of the woods. Of course, I didn’t learn that but it felt that way. I am wondering if many knew that even before the war the forest was growing old and sick.”

One of the female deer. A doe that is pretty young for a leader. She looks like she just hit that age stood up from her chair.

“If that is true then what the moose and others of old said was right all along. That our interference with the magic of old Antler is the reason that it slowly decayed and died. It’s why we did a better job at taking care of the magic in new Antler.”

The other older leaders stare at the doe and she sits down slowly. I have a feeling the new minds are very heavily controlled by the older minds. It wouldn’t surprise me ponies kind of did the same thing back during the war. 
“Now that this is all taken care of. I need a request from you. I am sure you don’t know what is going on outside our land. Just we have invaders from the outside. They went to Sher and they murdered one of the zebras.”

The moose stay silent to listen more to what I have to say. I could tell the deer wanted to speak but the moose tend to stare at the deer to keep them from speaking. The deer are more open to express their minds and the moose dislike when others express their minds out of turn.

“But that is not the worst of it. Since the Enclave really can’t fly here that well. But the thing is they want to take over this land. They don’t know the shortcuts and they don’t understand the best way to get to areas. Buffalo is in the middle and they’re coming to take it over. I came here to find a way to the base of the Blue hast and to get weapons. I found nothing at the moment and I got a few months before they come. So do you believe you could give us some troops and weapons to help fight them off?”

The moose and deer turn to look at each other. I shift in the old chair sighing. I know the moose normally don’t even help ponies. But we are all part of the same land. If we ever fail to protect each other we will fail to do so.

“Look I don’t expect you to just do this. I understand your species enjoy being away from others. But think about it. If we lose the battle at Buffalo they will spread out and find your home. You could do a lot to fight them. But they have heavier weapons than you and they might have more to take you on.”

The room went silent for a moment. I didn’t know what to say for a while I just felt I said my peace before I ask them about the blue hats bunker to find the weapon that I need to find and hopefully I need the rest of the orbs.

“Detective we will talk to the others. If they learned what is about to happen then we can get our army there. Thankfully you said it would be in a few months. Just getting through the other towns won’t be that easy for them. But I worry about the zebras and ponies they hurt along the way.”

I glance at the female moose nodding to her. I took a deep breath now it’s time for that question. I am sure they have seen the bunker or heard of it. I close my eyes and opening them everything turning black and white for some reason. Is this how it is in my head? I wonder if I do ask them about the bunker. I think it is a good idea to tell them.

“One last thing you have had records going back to many years. Have you ever seen a bunker in these mountains that the blue hats created years ago? We are searching for a weapon that could take on the Enclave.”

They look at each other and the female Moose is the one to speak again. She tends to be the one to speak the most maybe because she can answer this. 
“There is a bunker in sheetrock hights. No one has ever been in it. We refuse to do anything with the blue hats. The fact they even were allowed to build tunnels in our town of Antler anger a lot of the older souls of this town. We kept them though just in case we ever got invaded by ponies or something worse.”

I got out of the chair and got my answer. I put on my coat and my hat. Pulling out my pipe to smoke it since I never had them get angry at me for doing so before. 

“Do you have anyone that could get me and my friends there?”

The moose and deer look at each other.

“We do but after this is said and done. We will want to talk with your former wife. It may be best to take her Smoke Pipe but after this battle in your town is over. We will talk with her you have no issue with this?”

I shrug my shoulders.

“She took my memories from me. She helped turn our adopted son into a weapon that destroyed old Antler. I could care less what you do. I am sure sooner or later I will forgive her. But I can’t for now.”

They all nod and leave the meeting hall the one left here is the moose I talked with before we came here. I have a feeling that I know her she walks up to me. I look up to her and I see her eyes her gentle eyes.

“I want to thank you before you leave Smoke Pipe. I want to thank you for raising me like you did Diamond and the others.”

I tilt my head and finally remember. She is one of the little ones I adopted many years ago. I remember when the detective market was slow. I helped raised little ones that lost their parents either from war or radiation that caused problems in the mountains.

“Diamond would be happy to see you Choco. All of them will be a lot of them live still and they all will be at Buffalo. Now I need to find my friends and you will get us a ride you said. We will wait by the gates of Antler.”

Choco gives a quick nod.

“Wait by the gates Smoke Pipe. We will give you our strongest warrior and. Weapons for sheetrock is not safe anymore.”

I took a deep breath blowing the air out of my mouth great. Sheetrock mountains have never been safe at least back then it was full of deadly creatures and some ponies even wanted to live there I don’t remember why.

I walk to the gates smoking from my pipe.

“Detective the game is afoot.”

I turn my head a bit to look at Rolex it seems they let him out.

“So they let you out hmm?”

Rolex sighs and folds his decaying wings to his side. He shifts pulling a cigarette from his coat, Taking a match lighting the cig and takes a few deep drags blowing the smoke out of his mouth turning to look at me.

“Yes, they let me out just for me to go with you and your mares. They don’t trust me here so they want to make sure you keep an eye on me. To tell you the truth detective for now since our home is under attack the game is on hold.”

I took a few drags of the pipe while I walk beside the criminal of the past Rolex. I look at him as we always had the game of the chase. But for now, the chase shall be put on hold. At least he didn’t go too far and murdered anypony. He did do kidnappings but I remember he told me that he would never harm a foal.

“We are heading to Sheetrock mountain you sure you wish to come along Rolex?”

Rolex laughs.

“Oh come on detective adventure or staying in a cell? I would rather have an adventure than stay in a cell and watch while the Enclave tries to break through our home to take over it. If we could find a weapon to fight them then let’s do so.”

I nod as the two of us laugh and we get to the gates Root and Blossom are waiting. They still wore their old clothing and Rolex stares at them and then back at me. He chuckles softly shaking his head.

“So Detective you have them dressing like many used to back so long ago? I like it.”

It didn’t take too long for the cart pulled by a large armored moose. In the cart are many weapons and a Tommy gun that belonged to Rolex. He lefts it up and attached it to his side and I look at the side of the Tommy gun. ‘Gamble.’

“I am Rocky. I shall be going with you to the bunker. The others will be sending weapons and troops to Buffalo. Hopefully, you find what you need in this bunker.”

The four of us get into the large cart since it was going to be a two-day or so walk to get to Sheetrock mountain. From what I was told before we left no one has been to Sheetrock for at least the last 30 years. 

Rolex sat beside Blossom and the two talk. I couldn’t hear what they were talking about. But I could tell Rolex was trying to learn about the changes to the Enclave since we haven’t seen them in so long. Root lay down to sleep and I was to myself I open my coat pocket and bring out the memory orb.

I lift the memory orb to my horn and the world vanishes into a memory.

I don’t know what body I am in. I feel like I am in a mare’s body. I am looking in a mirror but I can’t see my face because of a gas mask. My host turns and I see BumbleBee and she hovers over a black orb.

“I need you to hide this in a place that nopony would ever find it.”

From how my host felt she was pretty confused.

“What would be the best place to hide it then?”

Bumble took a second to think.

“I know just the place. My husband is out on a case. Go to his office above the bar and you will find a jar full of his late mother’s ashes. Place it in there and he wouldn’t be the wiser.”

My host nodded and did what she could to get into my office. I could only watch as this was way before the war ended. That she went up to my office my home and when she got there she lifts the lid on the jar putting the orb in the jar and closing it up and she turns to the mirror taking it off. 

I finally saw who it was. It was Mrs. Slice formerly known as Speedy. A mare that got married to Dr. Slice after I introduced them and this was the day I introduced them. Then many months after they rushed to marriage and then Dr. Slice left and I never saw Mrs. Slice again. All I have been told is she went to some desert looking for a cure and never returned. 

Before the memory fully ended though she went downstairs and sat at the bar.

“Whiskey I am worried about my mission.”

Whiskey looks back at the mare the large stallion smiles.
“I understand this war has made monsters of many ponies. The only few that have stayed are the detective and maybe a few ponies but sooner or later we all become monsters. If this meeting with you and Dr. Slice goes well promise me something please leave the blue hats and never return to them.”

My host nods and the memory ends.

I wake up after the memory is over and beside me is another wagon with a female moose and in that one is Bumblebee she is not happy and I turn to her smiling weakly.

“We have a lot to talk about Bumble but when we get to the Sheetrock we will talk deal?”

She turns to look at me as our carts are close to each other since I notice the two moose a female and male are married and want to stick close to each other.

“Of course and… yeah they didn’t trust me so they sent Rockies wife and brought me to keep an eye on me. I am sorry for Smoke Pipe you won’t be happy with what you see in the bunker. I am sorry for what you do see.”

I look away sighing and shaking my head. It won’t be easy to forgive her. I might never love her again but I still remember or at least try to remember the love I had back before I lost those memories. I look back and start my pipe blowing out smoke as the night sings to us.
> Chapter Fourteen: Sheetrock and it's monster
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am running as quickly as I can through the sheetrock stones. I have been running for I don’t know how long. I am all alone as well. I lost Root and the others as soon as we got here. Bumble Bee told me stories on the way up here of the monster of SheetRock her and the others created it.

They created it to keep travelers like me and others out. What she didn’t tell us though was that it could talk and had a bone to pick with the blue hats for turning it into what it is now. I wish I could understand what it is. I know they said back then they used to be a mare. 

“Oh come out. I won’t hurt you. I just want to talk. I know you’re a detective and a ghoul. I can smell you.”

I found a dead-end in the mountain of sheet rocks. I had no way to go as I saw her coming towards me. How in the world did I get into this mess?!

___________________________
Three days earlier 

We have been on the road for a while. It would take another day at least to get to sheetrock. It’s a bit strange that nopony has been on these roads for years. I remember the last group that came up here to mostly hunt for mushrooms. They talked about a nasty creature that attacked them. It didn’t kill them though. They just screamed at it and the creature left.

I wonder if this creature even can understand ponies. Of course, if this creature is near the bunker. I am sure the Blue hats created the damn thing. Root and Blossom are talking about stallions again. I took a deep breath shaking my head. Root is trying so hard to corrupt Blossom. I am sure I am going to walk in on the two having a stallion with them. 

“You know Root someday you will get pregnant.”

Root shrugs her shoulders.

“If I don’t then I do. Even though I will keep having fun. I am going to live dangerously and make sure Blossom does as well and if I do get pregnant when I will demand whoever planted the foal in me to marry me.”


Blossom giggles.

“I will do the same. I have been told I am too stuck up. My commander always told me to relax have some good sex maybe that will untighten me a bit and let me relax. Just I haven’t been able to get into the mood to want to flirt. Root helped me through all that.”

Root laughs. All I did was roll my eyes. These two are going to be the death of me. Even though I believe I am already a walking zombie. At least that is how some see ghouls. Using my magic to pull out the smoke pipe lighting and taking a few drags. Rolex went on ahead and he hasn’t returned. He said it may take him a while to return since the last time he was up there it was hard to find what he needed to. 

I could hear the couple arguing Rocky and his wife had a lot of arguments. But it went from them arguing to them laughing.

“You four are pretty silent in your carts. I can understand why Bumblebee is silent since my wife doesn’t trust blue hats at all.”

The female moose chuckles. I got her name like a few miles away from Antler. Her name is Ember and it’s a rare moose name. From what Rocky told me she was raised not only by a dragon. But a pony married to a dragon.

“So tell me something, Ember. How did your mother and your father meet? I mean I know you’re adopted and they’re a mixed-species just how did they meet?”

Ember snickers. 

“Well, my mother used to be a diamond hunter. My father was also a monster hunter; he hated attacking beings that could talk. He was hired to attack my mother. She was after the same treasure as some nut. Instead of them killing each other they gave the treasure hunter the treasure. They then found another treasure and got married a few years after. Now it’s rare for mix breeds to happen. I do have a sister but I was adopted to keep her company.”

A story like that is heartwarming. It’s like the story I know of many zebras that got married to ponies not only to protect them but also to give them a family since zebras were so hated. War does some stupid things to others. Thankfully many didn’t get that way here; only a few did. It happens though because ponies never really had a war before. The zebras always fought each other.

“What is on your mind Smoke Pipe?”

Looking down to Root. I shrug my shoulders. I am unsure what is really on my mind. Maybe I could be worried about what is ahead? I could be more worried about if we will win this battle that is ahead. I think it’s more that we have no idea what is going on outside this land.

“I think the bigger issue we have is we can’t get radio singles from the outside land. It’s like we have no idea what the hell is going on out there. We don’t know why a war suddenly started. But..” 

I take a deep breath sighing. I don’t want to say watch a hero showing up and causing these problems. There are times that a hero will rise and do whatever they do. He or she will cause whatever problems around them. It’s why they didn’t care for the elements being here. Because anywhere they went problems were caused.

“I am sorry just remembering what happens when a hero shows up in an area. It’s not the first time even in the old world a hero shows up. A lot of problems start to crop up. I have been called a hero for what I have done. I am not a hero. I don’t expect the world to change around me. I don’t expect the world to conform to new life because of freedom taken. I am just a simple detective.”

Blossom lifts her head looking at me. I could tell what I said didn’t sit too well with her. Even though it’s sad, even though it’s the truth. The truth is not happy either. Times never have changed then. 

We spent the last three days trying to get into Sheetrock. Most of the time it was harder to do so. We didn’t talk to each other after what I brought up about how I feel about heroes. Bumble and I didn’t even want to talk. The two moose didn’t sleep at least till we stopped for the third day. We had to because of a pack that has been following us. 

I made a campfire and sat in front of it. The others were asleep. I heard a strange noise lifting my magnum. Standing on my hooves looking around for what I just heard. I told the others it might be best for me to look like I am alone. 

I heard howling. I knew this was something I would have to deal with. I felt the only way to make the rest of the path for us safer is to kill them. Most of the time you want to deal with wolves you sing to attract them.

“I had a banjo on my knee. I played it during the funeral of my dear love. Oh, we sing together on such warm days. I see her eyes staring at me, those cheeks glowing oh so red. I see and feel her lips on mine.”

The pack from what I could tell is getting closer and from what Rocky told me while the others were asleep that it’s strange for wolf packs to be out this far. That normally means that there is a creature in their hunting grounds making it much harder for them to hunt for food or there are too many of them. Too much overbreeding, not enough hunting.

“Our lips oh so soft touched each other. TIll the end of the night. Oh, little moon please on me.” 

I finally saw the first four of these wolves. I lifted my magnum as well and a second pistol I had in my pockets. I fire at them while I sing.

“Oh, we shall always sing under the moon.”

I fire and bullet hit a wolf in the side of the head and the poor creature’s head blew up. Another bullet flies from the chamber of my magnum hitting the wolf in the leg and it falls. I fire the pistol to kill it, the last two charging at me.

“The moon looks so much like a bourbon sky. Just the taste, just the night. It’s under the blues of the night. Oh please little darling bring forth my moon whiskey sky.”

I fire another bullet out of my pistol hitting the wolf in its chest. I couldn’t get the other fast enough so I twisted on my hooves bucking the wolf in the chest. Using my decaying left foreleg smashing and crushing the skull. I use this time to reload my two guns.

“Oh, the sky is on fire with the whiskey moon. It tastes so good it brings out the nature of us all. It’s never time for the moon to shine.”

I know full well soon they may come faster and more of them. I have to whistle to call the others since I know they’re awake waiting for it.

“Oh, my darling, our little one is dancing for you. The whiskey sky calls to her. When the moon is shining we all wish to sing this song. Oh, for you to know that we are the shining misty moon.”

I heard a louder howl knowing that the pack leader was coming. I am starting to wonder from the sounds of the howl that this wolf might have mutated from migration or a set of water that is corrupted by magic.

“There is no hope to ever sing. The song is all we have and the color our lives have gone. Shall we burn the entire world? OH my darling yes, we should yes we should. We should push the button to release the hell that comes for us.”

I finally saw another group of wolves but that was much bigger than before. Just like three this time I wonder if they’re waiting to send the entire pack all at once. Normally they all attack at once. I wonder if this one is smarter than the others.

“Oh, the magic of the bourbon sky has brought forth the magic. Oh, my darling shall we kiss again? Oh, such a kiss is to dance... Oh, your blushing cheeks it’s but a wonder to see. Oh just to see your face so red. It’s full of life and wonder.”

I start to dance spinning and twirling. When I stop the spin I fire my two pistols aiming for two wolves as one gets close to me. The two fall and struggle to get back up from the pain of the bullets. I wasn’t quick enough with the last one. It pins me on my back grunting as I try to fight it. I am forced to drop my guns as I use my magic to try to break the wolf’s neck. A hoof smacks into the head of the wolf’s head.  I heard the skull shattering. I pant grunting, breathing deeply to fill my decaying lungs. 
I turn my head seeing Bumblebee helping me now. I stood back on my hooves grabbing my guns again with my magic. Bumblebee held a sniper rifle in her magic. I look at the name and it’s called ‘Bourbon song.’

I look at the name of my magnum ‘Bourbon street.’ We named our weapons after our first date. I remember this well. BumbleBee joined in with the song and she sang first.

“Oh, my darling. My darling lover oh mine. My cheeks are so red from your eyes. You’re a stallion of my dreams. Under the bourbon moon. The bourbon song in our hearts. Oh my love I love you so much. For our whiskey dance has become the moon in the sky.”

A smile forms on my face. I feel that I shouldn’t have been treating her so poorly the last few days. She gets into a position to get ready for the next set of wolves. I have no idea how many more are coming.

“Oh my mare the song is coming.. Our dance shall become part of the moon.”

I lift my hoof and she wraps her hoof around me. We dance. Looking towards the sound of wolves now coming from the left and right side. Each group of four so I spin her and when she stops she fires as quickly as she can. As I do the same with how strong the rifle bullets are each of their body parts that got hit fly off. The bullets that hit the wolves I aimed for a hit but one that got hit kept running towards me. 

“Come let’s bounce, let's dance.”

Root comes down from a rock not far from us landing on the wolf using her large earth pony body to crush the wolf. She dances to the song as we all sing together and get ready for the next set if there is any more.

“We all dance to the bourbon sky. In the city of color, the color is gone. For we all live in the grey. The grey sky, the grey moon. It dances for us and it’s for the way we learn.”

A large wolf finally shows up. It was time for us to fight but we had nothing really to fight this big wolf. Blossom comes sweeping down from the sky quickly. She has strange blade wings on her wings. I have no idea when she got these. It looks like she either made these or bought them recently. I don’t remember seeing her with anything of course she hides her wings in her outfit. She slices the wing blades into the side of the wolf flying back. Joining into the song with her verse.

“The clouds are made of the whiskey in the sky. Oh, dancers of the sky. We are all here to bow to you. Oh, dancers of the sky bring down the whiskey and let us dance together. Let us sing to the whiskey bourbon moon.”

The wolf howls in pain Root being a large earth pony charges at the large pack leader. She uses her heavy hooves to attack the wolf. Bumble and I use our guns to fire and with each swoop from the sky Blossom do what she could. But we all sing the song together to keep our minds focused.

“Oh, the last bourbon has been drunk by the mare on the moon.”
 
I sang, firing my two guns and the bullets into the wolf that howled in pain. It’s having a harder time staying up on its paws. It swipes at Root and she quickly backs away. Even if she gets a few scratches on her chest. It doesn’t slow her down.

“Oh, my darling our kiss shall lead to our sex under the whiskey sky.  Oh please my darling please lead me to bed under the bourbon moonlight.”

Bumblebee aims with one of her last bullets. She hasn’t had to reload since her sniper rifle has a big chamber. She takes a deep breath after her verse from the song closing her eyes. Keeping one open to stare at the head of the wolf. She fires the bullet that leaves the burning chamber. It flys spinning around quickly. The bullet speeds up and hits the wolf right in the jaw. The wolf’s jaw breaks apart in a mess of gore.

“The dance shall always be there under the whisky burning sky. Just hop and dance it shall be there.”

Root after her verse quickly swings her large right foreleg into the face of the wolf causing it to fall to its side and it tries to get up whining and crying. It wants to get up to run but we can’t allow it to. It will just be in pain and die somewhere that would attract worse things. Blossom lifts into the air, her wings spread out covering the moon itself. Her pegasus body over the moon makes her shadow form on the ground. She quickly dives down to get to the dying wolf.

“The light will never return under the bourbon moon. For the fire has gone out and we are all figments of the bourbon. The whiskey has been dry and the endless waltz has ended. But in the shine of the moon. The shine of the sky and the ending dreams. It’s always within the ending of our hearts. For we have come to the end of the whiskey moon.”

The song ends and she slices deep into the body of the wolf; the last attack kills it. We didn’t waste time putting the bodies of the wolves in a pile but before doing anything too crazy. We skin them, take out eyes, hearts, and other parts we could give the zebras back in Buffalo. I then catch the bodies on fire as we watch the bodies burn.

“Are you sure we did the right thing?’

I glance at Root shrugging my shoulders.

“No pony has been in this land for so long there might be too many here. Not enough food I am sure it doesn’t help. That most of what they hunt might be from old Antler and the forest around them. It’s a bit sad, yes.”

Root and Blossom went to go clean up and then get to sleep. I look over to Bumblebee and I sit down to relax. Bumble sits beside me and leans into me. I feel that I will never be rid of my love for her. The love for her is going to be hard to ignore.

“Bumble tell me the truth..”

Bumble turns her head to look at me.

“Hmm?”

“Was the love you had for me real?”

It took a while for Bumble to speak. I have a feeling she would never have to answer this question. 

“It was real to me, Pipe. I wish I could have given you foals. It’s a problem I never thought I would ever think of. I took the memory of telling you that I can’t have little ones. The sadness on your face. I didn’t want you to remember that pain. It’s why we adopted our little dragon.”

The memory returns of how I felt. It hit me harder than I felt it should. I stand on my hooves.

“Let’s get some sleep, Bumble. I have a feeling we will be seeing that creature tomorrow.”

We went to bed when it was the morning we put everything in the two carts and went on. Root and Blossom were still sore from the fight last night. The two moose didn’t help us; they felt we could handle it ourselves. 

When we finally got into sheetrock a heavy storm hit like out of nowhere. I was tossed away from the cart and knocked while the others moved on.  When I woke up hours later the storm was over. I stood pushing a bunch of leaves and twigs off me. I turn my head to come face to face with the creature.

The creature has many bug eyes. Spider legs and looks just like a normal spider. I just stare at it and slowly try to back away.

“Are you okay?!”

The creature ask and didn’t stay to answer I quickly ran. I run as quickly as I could. 

__________________
Trapped in the dead end.

OH!! So that is how it happened I was dumb and foolish and didn’t listen to the camels when they said to stick together. I couldn’t because of a dumb storm!!

“Oh, the detective I see you.”

I finally see the nightmare and the creature just stare at me and pulls its leg to me.

“Hey Smoke pipe please don’t be scared I am here to help. Your friends were just as scared as the others that came. But one stayed here and helped me learn how to speak like you. Don’t worry I won’t eat you. Pony bones hurt my mouth and well I don’t like when they scream.”

I took a deep breath. I didn’t want to trust this thing.

“Does it bother you that one of the ones that are helping me is a Blue hat?”

The rage fills the spider’s eyes and quickly goes away.

“Yes, she told me that. Just you’re searching for the bunker up here? Look, I would be happy to help you get there. Just do me a big favor set of the self-destructs so no more of their creations get out. I was created to stop the other creations from getting out. I want to see the world. I don’t want to stay here like a bum.”

I was confused about this. I slowly come out and the spider pulls me into a tight hug. It felt very strange that this creature was so kind.

“Um, question. Are you this kind because somepony took the time to talk to you and teach you rather than set you loose?”

The spider thinks while she thinks she strokes the tip of her leg on her chin. I swear I could hear the gears turning within her head.

“I would say yes the stallion spent his entire life talking to me. I did all I could to keep him alive so he could explain to me everything. Why I was created, why the bunker was made. War I am sorry for how it ended. I heard it from others I talked with that came here.”

I had a thought then why was I told about a monster?

“Tell me then why do ponies tell a story about a monster here?”

The spider shrugs her shoulders.

“I think it was more because of the wolves. They could have seen the other creations that I fought with. Now come with me to the others at the bunker. Oh and forgive me. My name is Spinner. He named me and told me never to eat a pony. He told me never to eat even zebras. He said ``life is full of wonder, don't let the wonder die.”

I like this creature already. I took a deep breath and followed the spider to the bunker. It took a while because of all the sharp rocks. The reason it’s called sheetrock. The rocks could cut any hoof if you step wrong. It took an hour to get there and the others were waiting.

“Found him!!”

I walk to the others while the two moose are talking to the spider after she returns. I can’t fully hear everything but more about the war that is happening and the spider has a worried look on her face. 

“Hey, I am sorry for not hanging on, how is opening the door coming?”

Root and Blossom hug me tightly. While Rolex is helping Bumble open the door.

“So you’re the mare that married the detective? I knew I remember you when the wedding was in the jail. I found it funny he wanted all the ones that he put in jail to see it. Thankfully none of them hated him that much. They wanted him to have a peaceful life.”

Bumble nods, hitting a few codes on the door. Spinner walks over to me and pats my shoulder with her leg. I turn and gulp back up a little kind of scared of her still.

“Oh sorry about that. I keep forgetting but the two moose told me about a war?”

So this spider knows then. I wonder if it’s wise to ask Spinner to come to Buffalo and help fight off the Enclave. I would think so, yes. Since this is her home as well. 

“A group of ponies that call themselves the Enclave. They’re trying to take over the entire land here. They’re heading to my home that is in the middle of the land. It’s like the hub to the rest of the area. So we are going to fight them off. If you’re willing to go there and help just yell out that you’re my friend.”

Spinner nods, turning to leave, then turns back around.

“Um, I don’t know the way.”

“I can show her the way”

Rolex lands beside me.
“Besides, I am not cut out for an adventure. I think I better head back and tell the others you made it.”

I glance at Rolex smirking.

“It’s not because you’re scared of my former wife is it?”

He looks at Bumble and leans into me whispering.

“She scares the living fuck out of me.”

I laugh nodding.

“Go ahead.”

Rolex nods and Spinner and Rolex leave. I watch them leave while the two Moose lay down to wait for us while we are inside the bunker. 

“Got it”

I heard the door open up and Bumble had to have her DNA tested. If the door wasn’t open how did things get out there seems to be no way to break out here.

“Bumble question, how did things get out of here? I saw no holes in the sides.”

Bumble turns to look at me.

“The security resets every 20 years. So for six to ten months the security turns off and that way the cages or whatever opens up and the door opens here and they can waltz out. But we aren’t here for creature creation. A weapon one that I hope we don’t find.”

The four of us head into the door. I look back out to see the two moose. Watching Spinner and Rolex leave. I wonder what we will see here? I go inside the door closing behind us with a heavy lock going in place. 
> Chapter Fifteen: Blue Hat bunker
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

There are stories of creations waking up and becoming problems for the world. Old war creatures that suddenly find their way out of their pens. The Blue hats try too hard to find a way to protect Wymarnic. They don’t seem to understand the bigger issue is they caused more problems than helped. They tried to cast a spell to make more rain form above the land. But instead, they made it so it rains only a certain time a day. They even destroyed the soil of the land. Just in case the zebras took over the land. Most of the Blue hats removed their memories so their secrets could never be taken from them. The memory block didn’t last forever so now they’re starting to go around destroying everything they created.

Written by Paladin Soda Pop

We finally made it into the bunker. But Bumble Bee couldn’t even remember the code to open the door leading down into the lab. We have been sitting here in the lobby for almost a few hours while Bumble tries to remember all the codes. Root paces around while Blossom is on one of the older couches fast asleep.

Bumble tosses her books away growling in anger trying to break the keypad now. I stood up from the chair using my magic to stop her hoof from smashing into the keypad. Leaning down beside to help her. I just look at her as she looks back at me. The look on her face made her very angry and disappointed that she couldn’t remember. 

“Allow me to try to understand this Bumble. You all removed your memories of being Blue hats and someone finding those black orbs brought the memories back or did the spell fall apart?”

It took a while for Bumble to even answer. I don’t wish to push her. I glance at the keypad. It’s one of the older keypads that hasn’t been seen in this area for a long time. Since many try to take them apart for the parts inside the keypads.

“The spell was used to keep us from using the weapons on the zebra population. Since we started to notice after the war started slowing down and the bombs fell. We saw that the zebras became a big part of keeping these mountains alive. So all our work is to make weapons to attack just them. It caused us to see that we worked to fight the wrong enemy. But I know full well we can turn the weapons to harm pegasi.”

I glance at the sleeping Blossom.

“Then I can’t promise her that those she knows won’t die from the attack.”

Bumble turns her head just a bit to glance at Blossom.

“Can we trust her not to backstab us? You know how pegasi are. They have no idea what is going on here. So they could have sent her to infiltrate us and then backstab us. I don’t know about you Smoke pipe but I can’t trust her.”

I snorted laughing.

“That’s what many say about a Blue hat. Then does that mean I shouldn’t trust you hmm? Wasn’t it you and the other Blue hats who turned our adopted son into a plant monster or did I forget about that hmm?!”

Bumble's ears pin to the back of her head. I didn’t want to be this rude or mean to her. But she knows full well saying stuff like this. I am going to give it back to her even harsher. I don’t want to do it but sometimes you kind of have to.

“Pipe please, you know I loved our son. You also forget he volunteered. It was our stupidity that made him connected to that forest. So I had nothing to do with it. So don’t you dare blame me!! I didn’t want to do it!”

Tears stream the ghoul mares cheeks. I just stare at her while she cries. The poor mare sobs softly and deep enough that it’s loud. I hear heavy hooves coming up and Roots hoof smacks the back of my head.

“How dare you do that to your wife?!”

I stare at Root.

“Can’t you tell Smoke Pipe she is trying hard and you just turn around and accuse her? Why would you do that? Maybe she deserves it but she is still your fucking wife. She doesn’t deserve this treatment.”

I stood up, turning around to stare at Root, my eyes full of anger for a friend. I don’t even remember why I had such anger for Root. I could see that her eyes were glowing bright red. I turned my head just a moment to see a large blue goat and his horns glowing bright red. A large smile formed his face.

“This coming from the mare that is a fucking slut!! How dare you tell me what I should or should not do?! I fucking care for my wife how dare you!! I love her so much but I am not going to forgive her for everything she did.”

I didn’t hear Blossom move but she forces between the two of us her wings spreading to block me and Root. She turns her head to look at me. I could see the soft pegasus mare not happy with me or Root.

“You two need to calm down. Before you allow the hate sickness to take full control of you. If you relax now it won’t take over you. So please and Smoke pipe you should know what I mean. With how your eyes are glowing you have seen him.”

It finally hit me. My mind flashes to what I saw. Grogar the seals that held him back are weakening. He can release the hate sickness he used so long ago. The stories about him using hate magic to make the land around him weaker and docile are coming true. I turn my head back to the spot I saw him. There is nothing there but I knew he was there and I feel the hate sickness leaving me.

“Root...I am sorry.”

Root stood there, tears falling from her eyes. 

“I know you are Smoke Pipe. But those words you said hit hard. Even if it’s true lately. But with everything going on it’s the only way I can cope with being taken by a stallion. Please don’t think of me like a slut Smoke Pipe. It would just break my heart in many places.”

I take a deep breath, Blossom backing away Root and I hug each other tightly. I wish I didn’t treat her like that. Then I realize how I treated Bumble. I turn to look at her. I wasn’t under the hate sickness when I spoke to her.

“Bumble..listen we got a lot to work to do with how we see each other. I am very sorry for how I treated you.”

Bumble sighs nuzzling into me.

“I wish I didn’t do everything I did to you. I wish I didn’t use our marriage to stop you from getting in the way of the Blue hats. I wish I could remember the codes I used to get this door open. I don’t remember any codes at all.”

I glance over at the computer on the desk. I head over to the desk to see if the computer has any power. The computer has been on all this time and still has the power to work. Using my magic to look through the files. Root sits beside me. I glance at her. I have never gotten so angry at her before. I regret what I said to her. I wish I could take it all back. 

“Do you think the computer would hold old files of the codes?”

I shrug my shoulders.

“If it does it would be kind of funny. That they removed all their memories but they forgot to delete every file from their systems. You can say much about the Blue hats but their ability to delete old files is not easy for them to remember. I know from being married to Bumble she lost many files.”

I look over to Bumble Bee

“No offense sweetheart.”

Bumble laughs.

“No no, I deserve that after losing our marriage license”

I chuckled. I forgot about that. I remember my mother hating my choice of mare to marry. I remember what I told her. That I refuse to have a foal that is fatherless like I was. A foal with both parents becomes better than what happened to me. Calling every stallion she brought home daddy for a time.

“You’re doing it again Pipe.”

I turn my head looking at Root.

“Doing what again?”

Root giggles.

“You’re seeing the world black and white. Because your detective mind has to talk to itself. Then sometimes you say words out loud. Now it might be best to find these codes. This place is starting to bother me.”

She would be correct. I do see the world. I was about to finish my thoughts as I turned my head to look at a strange falcon on the top of a file cabinet. It’s a Maltese falcon. I remember stories about an old detective searching for it. I use my magic to pick it up. Wow, it’s the real thing turning it over to find the code written on the bottom.

Is it that easy? No, that is too easy. I would think the code is for one of the files. I go through the files trying to find one that needs the code. I find a file that needs a code looking at the number again. It’s one, seven, nine, and five putting in that code. I found the file and I read it out loud.

“To those trying to remember the code for the keypad. That means you found the code for this file under the falcon. Can’t allow you to get the keypad code that easily. But I don’t have the time to make a crazy clue hunt for it. So look at the desk for a blue baseball hat. It should be inside the rim of it.”

Root rolls her eyes.

“Really?! The blue hats made it that easy? There are no traps, there are no random robots? It will be that easy and we don’t get a knife or a bomb in our butts? I don’t buy it, this is the same group that almost killed me.”

Oh yes, I remember that Root was going to go meet with a stallion. The stallion turned out to be a blue hat. He then tried to take blood from her and she thought it was an easy lay. Of course, it was just a way to get her killed.

Opening up the desk I find an old baseball hat. Looking through the rim I find the code. It’s a bit faded. I can read the first three numbers.

“Okay Bumble it’s nine, ten, four, and hmm try zero.”

Bumble did the numbers I said and it opened. I found it funny that the faded one is a zero. Unless the pad was more screwed up than I thought it was. The door opens up and we all look inside. There are many claw marks on the door and walls. Dried blood all over the walls.

“Well ain’t that lovely it looks like somepony had a party of insanity. So Bumble, do you remember what is down here?”

Bumble turns her head to look at me shrugging her shoulders.

“I have no idea. I have a feeling though that we won’t like what we see down here.”

Blossom and Root stay behind me while Bumble and I go ahead. The stairs haven’t been used in years and they creak and groan. The metal stairs feel a bit weak as well. It’s gotten to the point that if we aren’t careful we would have to find a safer way out.

“We need to be careful though the pens could be open. They will leave us alone but Blossom might want to eat her. Because we created some of these creatures to go after the pegasi.”

Blossom’s ears pin to the back of her head.

“Why would you do such a thing?”

Bumble turned her head to glance at Blossom. A weak smile forms on her face. She shrugs her shoulders.

“We have no idea we even had pegasi in the Blue hats and they told us that their species of pony could backstab us so we need to be ready. So yes I am sorry Blossom.”

Blossom shakes her head.

“The enclave is correct, a lot of you ground ponies are insane.”

I glance over to Blossom a smirk forming on my face. 

“Well, Blossom, do you blame us? We have done well for ourselves for 200 years and many of us haven’t even caused a problem for the Enclave for so long. So I feel it’s not our fault unless there is something I am unsure of.”

Blossom stays silent. From just looking at her and the emotions on her face. I think she wasn’t expecting me to say that. Of course, I am sure someone did anger them. I was expecting another war to start up because of stupid ponies.

“I have been meaning to ask Blossom what is the reason that the Enclave came down from their little home?”

I stayed silent after Root’s question. One would think she would have asked this question already. Since she has pushed Blossom into sleeping with stallions like she has been doing a lot of the time. But I can’t help but think there is a reason for this.

“It’s because a mare that some call the toaster repair pony has been causing some problems. We don’t know what she wants. But we know she is gathering the hearts of the wasteland to fight us. From what I have seen here.. We deserve all the treatment we get. We are too full of ourselves. I felt that way when I met Smoke pipe. Till he showed me around.”

I knew that somepony was causing problems. I am sure it’s more than just one pretending to be a hero. I am sure they have a sense of trumped-up justice. I am a hero. The world must conform to what I think because I wish to change. When it is the reality it takes those around the hero to cause the change.

We finally made it downstairs. It all seems to be situated in one big room ahead. The other rooms are locker showers and sleeping chambers. The door to the lab is removed from its frame and laying on the hard floor.

“Wait for a second this is a lab. It’s just one room?”

Blossom’s question was a reasonable one. All old war labs and weapon labs have had more than one room. I wonder if the Blue hats didn’t understand what they were doing. Well with how the rain has been coming and how they destroyed the soil I am not surprised at all. Bumble sighs

“Yes.. a lot of the Blue hats didn’t understand what was going on. So they made just one lab for everything. All our weapons are in this lab. It is why we have to make sure we destroy this bunker. We don’t want any of the gangs finding these weapons and...Smoke pipe no one was following us where they were?”

I shrug my shoulders.

“Who would want to follow us in the middle of nowhere just for weapons that might not even work. Now that would either be the dumbest or the stupidest idea I have ever seen.”

Before I could say any more a creature screams.

“The Storm King rises!!”

Coming down the stairs are a bunch of the Storm King’s old minions. There are more of them than there are of us. A Mr. Gutsy with them floats down the stairs. 

“Oh, he is raising my children, oh praise the words of the king. Now ponies can do this the easy way or the hard way. All we want here is all information on the project Storm Watch and the locations of all villains if you let us by and let us do what we want. We will leave you be and go on our way.”

I took a deep breath and I knew it. Someone did follow the idea of project Storm watch. The enemies of old have been in lockup for so many years. That it wouldn’t surprise me if a Blue hat had a hoof in the creation of it.

“Project Storm watch?”

Blossom and Root ask.

“Project Storm watch is brainwashing or mind controlling enemies of old to get the world ready for the return of Grogar. I was told that the project was scrapped before the end of the war. It seems someone kept it going in secret and… if I may ask a robot. What will you do with this information?”

The robot turns its many eyes to look at me.

“That is the question most don’t understand: we need to find these villains. The world is not peaceful like many want to believe. Heroes are running rampant; they are forcing their views of heroism on a mindless world. We wish to bring forth a real world even if it means by death and real justice.”

That is all I needed to hear. I shift to the side nodding to the others to do the same. 

“But..”

Root wanted to argue. I shook my head. Bumble agreed with me that the idea of heroes didn’t even work in the past. The heroes of Equestria allowed the war to corrupt them. So there is no way I am going to step in their way.

“You’re smarter than Wheel Tread gave you credit for Detective”

I smirk.

"So Wheel Tread still lives eh? One question though what happened to the two moose waiting for us outside? Did you kill them or chase them off?"

The robot turns heading into the open lab room. A few of the storm king minions follow them. There are no sounds of battle but soon after the robot yells. I could tell if it was in anger or from something else. Soon after the robot comes back out.

“All the info on Project StormWatch has been transferred like the day the bombs fell to a land called Widowmaker. Oh and those two Moose we just chased them off. I may be a crazy robot Detective but I won't kill innocent creatures ever again.

My ear’s pinned to the back of my head. That desert is hell on earth. If these creatures head there to find the project then I can’t stop them. All I can do is give them directions. 

“The best way to get there”

The robot lifts its weapon to stop me.

“I already know the way. Now we must go. He has risen the Storm King's return will bring forth the world that we need a world without heroes. A world that is willing to make heroes and villains into Legends and myths.”

I didn’t say a word. After they left Root and Blossom stare at me with disappointment in their eyes. But when I turned to look at Bumble she agreed with me. I am no hero myself, I am just a detective trying to solve a mystery. A mystery that is leading to a weapon that could save us.

“I know what you two are going to say. I am sorry that I didn’t fight them. Heroes didn’t save us even during the war. It caused us more problems. Problems I don’t wish to talk about because most never understand.”

I head into the lab. The other three are behind me. Looking around noticing that in the cages all the creatures are dead from hunger. There are no weapons at all in this room. Bumble sits at the console.

“Okay, the weapons are below us. Just the security has gone insane and it will take time for us to get down there. There is only one thing I can do.” 

Bumble clicks a few buttons a compartment opens up a weapon to fight the security comes out of the wall. I go over to pull it out and read the side of it. It’s called. ‘Robot smasher.’ I read further on it. ‘This is the only way to take down our security if they go out of control. It takes time to charge and if you’re a unicorn it will take the magic from your core to use it. So use it wisely.

“We will all go. But we should rest a bit before going and then go.”

Blossom and Root put up a makeshift tent for themselves and I already hear them snoring. As Bumble is getting ready to fall asleep herself. From what I noticed she couldn’t stay away from staying up for so long.

“Smoke Pipe, why are we waiting? We could go down there and charge.”

She yawned before she could finish.

“We can’t overuse a lot of our magic core to just get here. We haven’t even taken the time to rest our cores. I have been having issues carrying my gun. I haven’t allowed my core to rest since old Antler. Root and Blossom need their rest. It took us so long to get up here. Even though we’re just in a cart that causes more problems since we couldn’t sleep in the carts that easily.”

Bumble nods and lays down on a cot. I just look at the others and look at the weapon. There is more of a reason I am worried about that. This gun will use the magic of all races. Each magic is different in the core of a pony. Earth ponies’ magic core is connected more to their body. Pegasus is connected to their ability to fly. But unicorns it’s their life force, at least that is how I was told about it.

I lay on my cot closing my eyes to relax. I am worried that allowing the storm king minions and whoever that robot was the info of project Storm Watch. I worry that whoever has to deal with them someday won’t be able to. Before I fall into a dreamless sleep. I just keep thinking about why this bunker is so freaking small and why almost every creature made here is dead.



I wonder why they made extra areas just for the weapons? Maybe they felt it was the only way to protect them? I will never know I take a deep breath unsure what to think. It's something I am not fond of thinking about. This weapon could hurt us all and these weapons could cause more problems and could be best just to destroy them. I finally let the memory fade, closing my eyes to sleep.
> Chapter Sixteen: Blue hat weapons [Part one]
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recording from years ago. A mare sits in a chair looking into a camera. She looks at the list that is in front of her tears have been streaming down her face. It’s like the world has just ended for her and the rest of the world.

“So many dead. The world has ended like so many said it would. I wish we listened to the others in Wymarnic and stopped with our tests of weapons and tried to help stop the war. I am sorry to all that see this if anyone still lives. Please destroy all the weapons that are down here. We have destroyed our land to spite the princess and the zebras.”

The mare sighs looking at the list.

“This list I have with me is all the weapons we created. If you are searching for any of these weapons please don’t use them. If you use one of them and don't use them on any souls it would cause more problems and you will regret every moment of it.”

The mare sighs again, shifting out of the seat. She takes a deep breath and salutes with her hoof to the cam.

“To all that survived we are sorry.”

She bits into some strange pill and after a few seconds she dies struggling to breathe and lets out her final breath and the recording finally ends. I look at the screen looking back to Bumblebee who looks on in horror.

“You can’t expect all the other Blue hats to just accept this fate, Bumble.”

She turns her head to look at me smiling weakly. Root and Blossom are gathering our gear to get ready to go down the halls of the weapons. I agree we should try to destroy these weapons. I am sure it’s the only choice we have now.

“I know Smoke Pipe. Just I wish things went a different path. I am sure we would have screwed ourselves over. Just to spite the princess and their minions. It’s the sad truth of the matter that we will never know if we would have survived or not.”

I chuckle getting off the chair looking at the others who are finally ready. Root and Blossom look down the hall. I can see the fear in their eyes. It's the fear that I have in my heart. We have no idea what will be found there.

“Are you sure about this Pipe?”

I stand by Root looking towards her smiling.

“If we don’t do anything Root and find something to scare the pegasi into at least wanting peace. We have to at least try. It’s the only thing we can do my friend. You and I know that if we don’t. The entire land will fight to the death.”

Root nods.

“True.”

Blossom stood on the other side of me.

“I don’t want my friends and family to fight to the death with your home. Is there anything we could do at all?”

I shrug my shoulders. The only thing we could do is try to explain that something worse is coming. I doubt anyone would believe it without proof. I wonder if the Blue hats have information on Grogar returning. The magic keeping him at bay must be slowly breaking. I have noticed the hate sickness that he spread so long ago. The sickness opens the rage centers of the brain.

“What are you thinking, Pipe?”

I glance at Root and a weak smile forms on my face.

“We need to find something to convince us that something worse is coming. The only way is to try to get proof that Grogar is returning.”

Bumble taps my shoulder with a hoof. I turn my head to look at her.

“There is one way. You have been collecting those orbs. There are two more one is here and you get them all you connect it. Then it might send a warning to them about what is going on. The issue is only one can get this information. Are ones with Pip-bucks or find a computer that can get the information. So not everypony will believe us even so”

I sigh she is correct.

“I have been meaning to ask.”

I turn to look at Blossom. Bumble does the same to look at Blossom who is about to ask some questions.

“Well, how I learned about these black orbs. It’s why I was here to get them. The Enclave captured a blue hat. She left this land she said and went to live in a community that accepted ghouls. They were about to kill her then she said I am a blue hat. It made some pegasi a little upset because. They don’t like ghouls and the stories of the blue hats aren’t very kind either.”

Bumble sighs.

“I am not surprised the stories of the Blue hats even here are hateful. We deserve it for what we did to our land. So they sent you to get the orbs? They do understand right the orbs have nothing to do about weapons. It shows what we did to ourselves and then getting them all triggers something we built for the battle ahead. It was meant for the war if it came this way. Then we were told by a zebra that the demon goat necromancer will return.”

Blossom sighs.

“They won’t even listen to me. They were already on the way here before I even came. They just wanted to find these weapons the blue hat talked about. So I am unsure what to think of all this. Are we ready to find these weapons or orb?”

Bumble leads on ahead; she is wearing her hat now that has her name on it. A bunch of cameras watches us. I turn to look at one of them. As I swear they are alive I am sure knowing the Blue hats are alive.

“Don’t touch anything. The security will not do anything unless they realize you aren’t one like me. So if they see any of you without me. It might release the security robots to take you on and try to kill you or force you out.”

We go down these crazy halls on the walls, dried blood, and bones of creatures the blue hats created and blue hates themselves. Getting to the first door looking at the sign near the door. It’s not even a weapon. Its seeds for gardens looking at Bumble she shakes her head.

“Those seeds won’t survive what we did to this land. We tried to mutate the seeds so we could help them grow here. If you feel you want to take them and give them to a zebra to work on. Then do so but I warn you. You might not like what you learn about these seeds.”

I nod and we follow her into the seed room.

“How many of them can we take?”

It is a good question. Anything we can grow would be great.

“You can take them all. The security I doubt will care if you took these. It’s not a weapon, it's just mutated seeds we experimented on. There should be at least oh here.”

Bumble floats over a bag for me to put all the seeds inside it. I quickly do not open the empty bag taking every seed I can. I don’t care if these are mutated or experimented on, if we can find any way to grow these it will be easier for us to give food to the land. I hover the bag in my magic putting it around Root’s shoulder. It’s pretty heavy and she is the strongest of all of us.



“Heh, sometimes it pays to be an earth pony.”

I laugh nodding following Bumble while she leads us through the halls and we find more weapon doors. She stops me from even looking at them and she shakes her head to the others.

“These weapons are locked here for a reason. None of these weapons would even harm the Enclave.”

I glance at the name Little lady. A frown forms on my face, noticing this door has been broken into.

“Bumble, this one is gone.”

She glances at the door, sighing.

“That one got broken into before the bombs fell. A mare named Mimic took the weapon then she and her friends left Equestria to never be seen again. She was a Blue hat herself and her friends convinced her to leave. One of her friends is a griffin. I don't remember his name and twins. I suspect they died.”

I am sure they did.

“What did this weapon do exactly?”

Bumble kept walking with us not far behind. It took her a while to remember what the weapon did. I don’t blame her for not remembering what the weapon did. It’s going to be hard to remember everything since most never write it down. I know some ghouls like me who wrote everything down. I did the same when I had the chance to do so.

“Oh yes, I remember. The weapon was a mistake. When you shoot something with its special ammo it would explode inside them. Then the ammo breaks up and goes into others. If you’re not careful it could go into you. There are only a few boxes of ammo ever made for it. It can use ammo from other guns. It would just overheat it more and it would be harder to use it later on.”

I have a feeling that a lot of these weapons are gone. I glance at another door while we walk down the hall. I see the sign that says zebra pistol. The door is opened just a bit and Bumble refuses to go inside. 

“Another weapon of yours gone.”

Bumble nods.

“We know where that one ended up though. I doubt we would ever get it again though. That weapon happens to be used by some wolf creature. This wolf creature happens to be some small-time hero and that’s it.”

I have a bad feeling that many of the weapons have been missing for ages. One more door we passed has been broken into as well. The sign has been ruined behind the ability to read it. While we walk we are getting deeper into the bunker going down the stairs seeing more scratches on the wall dried blood caked all over the walls.

“Careful, we have no idea what we might find down here. The room holding the orb should be down here. I hope you understand that the security might not be working down here. So get all your weapons primed and ready.”

I nod, pulling out my magnum from my pocket with my magic. Make sure that there is ammo inside the chamber. There is ammo looking at the others with me priming their weapons to be ready. We get down the stairs and we are fully at the bottom. There are so many bones and bodies of just recently killed creatures down here. 

“Blossom be careful. Stick right beside me I will be your shield.”

Blossom smiles at Root.

“Thank you Root.”

Root nods, turning to look at me and Bumble. I nod while the four of us go through the halls. We hear creatures skittering around us roaring and howling like they’re near us but they could be pretty far away. 

“Okay, you three follow me. I know just the right path to get to the orb. Then we will set the self district and destroy all these weapons.”

I look around to make sure that we don’t get snuck upon while we walk through the bone-riddled floors. Each time we step on a bone though there is a loud crack. We hear more skittering roaring of anger and rage.

“Whatever is down here is not happy we are here. Just we told everyone we would be back with weapons. What are we going to tell them that we couldn’t find any weapons?”

Bumble glances at me.

“Tell them the truth. Maybe we could try to make a truce. Maybe Blossom could do something for us. Maybe she could go to whoever the leader is asking them to meet with you at the computer that holds the orbs. I doubt it will work though. I am sure we will have to fight hard to keep them from harming more in this land.”

I sigh it’s not going to be easy at all. The only way it will be easy is if they’re willing to talk. I highly doubt it. Before we could go on, more and more creatures slowly came around and they walked by us. One of them looks at me. With its head, it swings like it wants us to follow. I nod to the others while we follow the wolf creature through the halls.

“Are you sure about this Smoke Pipe?” 

---------

A few minutes later the wolf leads us through halls into a large metal door from the looks of it. This is a created forest that the blue hats made for these creations. The door closes and before I could say anything a naga comes out of the forest. A real naga I haven’t ever seen one. But these are creations of Grogar. At least that is the rumor I heard over the years each time I have met one.

“Don’t worry, these creatures are safe and smart. I am one of the nagas from Widowmaker desert. I was on the journey to becoming an adult then stumbled here and found my way inside. I have been here for almost I believe 20 years now.”

I felt it was right to ask.

“Why would naga stay here?’

The naga shrugs her shoulders.

“Well, why not learn and to understand why these Blue hats created these creatures. These creatures are creatures who just want to live. If you leave them alone they will leave you alone. Before you ask how I survived down here? This forest grows food and thankfully I am not a meat-eater. So I survive on the fruit and whatever else grows down here.”

It was hard for me to stay silent.

“Listen, Miss, we are here to find a black orb that holds information on Grogar. Have you noticed any of the weapons down here?”

Naga nods.

“Yes, I have made sure all the weapons are fully sealed. What do you plan to do after you get this orb?”

Bumble stood high on her hooves. She stood right in front of the Naga and looked down at Bumble. I worry about what is going to happen after what she is about to say. I hold my breath, closing my eyes worrying about what will happen.

“We want to set the self-destruct up above. But since it seems you have the bunker well protected we won’t do so. What do you plan to do? Do you plan on heading back home when you have a chance to?”

The naga shrugs her shoulders.

“I am thinking maybe in a few years I will head back. I am known as Salt scale. I have been away from my kind for too long. I was hoping to find something to remove the nightmare moon curse. So please find your orb and leave. Oh and warning there are worse creatures in here than what you see here. So please get that orb and try not to cause too many problems to the order of things here. Just being here has caused a lot of problems with that order. I will send one of my friends here to go with you. But first, it might be best to rest at least. During the night, the creatures of the night are more active.”

I think we already rested a while ago. Maybe she is right though it’s best to rest. It took us a while to get everything out and after an hour with everything ready even our cooking supplies. Salt scales made us a meal of the fruit and veggies that she has been able to grow in here.

“So are you just here for the orb? I have a feeling you aren’t telling me the entire truth are you?”

I felt it’s time to say the truth. I took a deep breath again, blowing hot air out of my mouth. Watching the others eat.

“We came here for weapons to fight the Enclave. I feel though it’s a bad idea to even bring any of these weapons out of the bunker.”

The others ate while I was speaking.

“Ah, I see. Well, I highly doubt any of these weapons would help you. I read up on most of them. A lot of them are mostly land-destroying weapons. Now I will be helping you get to the orb. Just please don’t set the bomb that would cause the bunker to get destroyed. These creatures even though they have been created deserve to live as well.”

I nod going into the tent that Root had with her. Since she can use it now since we are in a place like this, Root and Blossom sleep in bags outside. I have a Bumble feeling and I need to have a long talk sometime. Maybe it will be a time.

“Bumble after we wake up before we go. You and I need to have a long talk, are you willing to do so?”

Bumble nods laying in the sleeping bag to fall asleep. I do the same laying in the sleeping bag using my magic to watch the creatures guard us. I have a bad feeling that these creatures Salt Scales spoke of sometimes walk inside here. I close my eyes feeling myself drift into a dreamless sleep. Of course, a strange sound makes it so I couldn't fall asleep. I open the tent just a bit. Salt scales is talking to Blossom.

"I wish I could understand your species you fly and from what you tell me they want to cause more harm than good. If you feel that me helping you will work then I will do so. Now please rest Blossom I will talk to you more about this later."

Blossom nods and Salt looks into the tent she bows her head to me knowing that I am awake. I just give a very weak smile nodding closing the tent flap. I close my eyes going into a dreamless sleep.
> Chapter Seventeen: Draco [part two]
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

there are many stories from the past. The Blue hats have done so much to cause harm to this land. Just to keep the Princess from learning what their plans are. Their plans? No pony knows. Most think the Blue hats betrayed us. I wish I could warn everypony about what they’re working on. I am being heavily watched and I am sure if they learn what I know they will kill me. I am on the run with my family and all I know is something is going to happen in many years to come.

Written by an unknown pony many years ago.

I open my eyes after a dreamless sleep. I find it odd that I even still sleep for being a ghoul. I am sure someday I will learn I don’t fully need sleep unless I do need it. I stood up from my bedroll turning around to see the mare Bumble sitting waiting for me to wake.

“Pipe I see you’re awake. Why are you even sleeping? I didn’t even think ghouls needed sleep. My question. Before we do this though..”

I nod, putting my hat back on my head.

Bumble looks around to see who is around. Salt Scales is sleeping with a bunch of creatures and relaxing as she seems to be in a deep sleep. Bumble looks into the tents to see if Blossom and Root are still asleep. She uses a magic spell to keep the zipper from being able to be moved and opened.

“You have seen him, haven’t you? A blue goat with dark red eyes and releasing a strange sickness which makes many around you hate you or you hate them or you fight each other for many times.”

I take a few drags from my smoke pipe, smoke flying through the room. So she knows and I am sure she has been told what is going on ages ago. Many are starting to see him and I saw him as well. My magic forms around the pipe pulling it from my mouth to let it hover not far from me.

“Grogar I am sure you know his name. The father of monsters. I am sure sooner or later you will see him wise. I ran into many minions of his who are trying to destroy the image of heroes. I don’t blame him for wanting to do so.”

Bumble sighs.

“I figured it was Grogar.”

She shifts on her hooves. Her face looks like she has seen some awful things. I bet Grogar has been showing up to those who have problems are depression filling their hearts. I will never understand why they didn’t just kill him in the past. Maybe they couldn't, we will never know.

“Many don’t remember him but this is not why I asked you to talk to me Bumble, my dear wife. I noticed how you’re upset that Salt Scales asked us not to even go for any of the weapons and just the orb. But before I go on, how long have you been seeing him?”

Bumble sighs sitting on her rump.

“I have been seeing him ever since I started remembering who you are. I heard stories that I am not the only one of the Blue hats seeing him. He can break through the spell for a time and use his mind-control like magic to make us turn on each other.”

I take a few more drags from the pipe blowing the smoke out of my mouth. Closing my eyes to think for a moment. So we can’t go for any of the weapons. I wonder if I can convince the weapon to be destroyed after we are done fighting the Enclave.

“I see I am sorry if I don’t trust your word Bumble. When It comes to Grogar though I will trust that. I don’t even know if you truly loved me during our marriage.”

From the look on Bumbles’s face, she looks hurt. I think I struck a nerve. I wish I wouldn’t act like this towards her. What does she expect though? Does she expect me to just welcome her back with open hooves after she took my memories?

“I deserve that Pipe but you have to admit you need to allow me back into your heart even if you can’t trust me anymore.”

I shrugged my shoulders.

“There are so many things happening, Bumble. Heroes are showing up and they’re causing the runes who are keeping Grogar at bay to break. If we don’t stop the fake heroes they will cause Grogar to fully come.”

I felt a claw fall on my shoulder glancing to my side and seeing the naga.

“So you have been seeing him too then? I figured he would only show up to his former children. As you can see I am one of the creations and so are the rest of my species. I think someday even his children will rejoin him and fight you to take back this world.”

Bumble tilts her head.

“Wait, is your kind part of his creations? Why don’t you try to bring him back since he is your father?”

Salt Scales shrugs her shoulders.

“Many of his creations just don’t remember him or don’t care about what he wanted and we just want to live in peace with ponies. Even if your kind is very racist and doesn’t always trust those different from them.”

A weak smile forms across my decaying face. She is not wrong, ponies got to the point a few times they almost caused wars because of their unwillingness to trust other races around them. The pony I know very well changed his name to try to remove what he did in the past.

“Salt Scales I got a request for you.”


The pure white naga stares at me.

“Are there any weapons we could take from here? I promise that after we fight off the Enclave we will destroy the weapon.”

Salt scales shake her head.

“Do you think about telling them that they’re falling into Grogar’s hooves? I have a feeling this Enclave is too full of themselves and too high and mighty in their minds to even listen, am I correct?”

I gave a quick nod.

“I am not the only one down here with a brain. There is another race from the desert I am from that is here. Who is trying to help the savage creatures who will kill anything on sight? I have spoken to him. He doesn’t wish for our packs to battle even though he saids he can’t control the pack leader.”

I am confused, why are so many creatures from that crazy desert coming here? Maybe they’re coming to see if they can find more water?

“Why are you and the others leaving the desert? I know it was a normal thing for you to prove you’re an adult but what race is this male?”

The naga smirks.

“A Ferrum.”

My eyes go wide oh no not them. They’re not easy to deal with, they will always be hard to talk to and always want to upset others. I sighed, shaking my head. I am not going to enjoy dealing with them.

“Alright I will wake up the others and we will go get this orb. I hope we can make an understanding with this other pack of creatures and this Ferrum. I don’t want to take a weapon that could kill us all knowing the Blue hats.”

Bumble sighs.

“We tried not to make weapons which would hurt ponies or even zebras. Of course, I couldn’t say it for everypony in the Blue hats. Some captured zebras even used the citizens of this land to experiment on them. Smoke Pipe almost lost his life because of this so they had to remove his memories.”

I let out a very soft sigh. I was unsure how to talk to her about this.

“Anyway, are you willing to try to get a meeting with the other pack? I know it’s not easy to make peace with Ferrums but I would at least like to try.”

Salt Scales growls speaking softly to one of the wolf creatures beside her. I don’t know what she is telling them. But the creature whines and she just opens the door and the creature slowly leaves as she closes the door.

“I told them to go make contact with the creatures. Don’t expect anything if he agrees he may not be happy about ponies being here.”

 Not every creature is happy to see ponies. Ferrum I remember being created by ponies to fight zebras. I don’t fully remember how I learned about it. Just remember reading something about it in a paper a long time ago.

“I don’t blame half the races created by ponies or Grogar for not trusting ponies. Ponies didn’t represent themselves very well during the war. It’s why the princess got so hated in this area of the land.”

Salt Scales shifts on her tail looking at the other creatures walking through the halls. She opens the window blinds to see the halls are clear of the other creatures who normally hunt and kill others on sight.

It was an hour before Root and Blossom woke up making something to eat for themselves. We heard a knock on the door. Salt Scales opens the blinds outside the Ferrum. She opens the door and he quickly gets in closing the door.

“I wish I could have met you better.. Oh hey ponies. Anyway, I was told you wish to have a meeting with me?’

Salt Scales swings her arm for me to come over.

“Yes this is Smoke Pipe he is here to take one of the weapons but not just that the orb that both of our packs worship.”

Ferrum sighs.

“The orb I wouldn’t worry about you taking but the weapons?”

I shift a bit unsure of what to say.

“You see we need the weapons because the Enclave is going to attack my home. We want to protect our land from them. We feel the weapons would be the best way to take care of it. I know you have misgivings about ponies taking weapons.”

The Ferrum shifts on his many legs.

“I have no issue with you taking them. I have an issue that you have a Blue hat with you. Yes, I know who she is and I know what they are. I was created like the others to read and understand what is going on. Can you promise you would destroy the weapons?”:

Bumble shifts a bit and stands beside the three of us.

“I can promise we will destroy it after we use it. I know how to destroy most of the weapons here. If we can’t we would put it into a place no pony would ever find it.”

The Ferrum shifts a bit. I finally got a look at his name. Well, it’s a number since most of them from a long time ago were numbered. I doubt he would like it if I used the name of his number.

“Before we go on do you have a name?”

Ferrum nods.

“I am called Blood Bag. My mother, the queen of the Ferrums, got a bit high on some strange drink the ponies created back in the desert and called me that. My mother and those that were created with her are named after the first ones. I also see you notice my number. It's something a pony did to me when I was captured and placed here ages ago. I don’t know why they had an issue with me. But this was like 20 years ago I was stuffed in here.”

I tilt my head.

“Why would you be placed here?’

He shrugs.

“I guess the Blue hat who was living here before she got killed by the creatures didn’t trust me being out there. She told me before she was killed she was here to guard everything. She told me some of these weapons should never leave this bunker. If any of them are taken I should press the self-destruct button.”

This meeting is not going how I wished. I look over to Root and Blossom.

“Excuse me mister Blood Bag.”

He lifts his head to look at Blossom.

“I know you don’t trust ponies but if you don’t let us take at least one weapon. The enclave will come in here and try their best to wipe you and Salt Scales out. To the Enclave, you’re a threat to them just by existing. The Enclave is like the ponies of old, very racist and full of themselves. I am still kind of that way myself but I am learning.”

Blood Bag nods standing up and walking towards the door. Looking back at me and the others.

“You would have to speak to the alpha of the predators. Before I came here he already knew how to talk and even communicate as I do with the creatures here. He told me he used to be a pony till someone turned him into what he is now.”

Blood Bag opens the door and a large creature larger than even him comes in. A large lizard creature with long sharp claws and a Gecko-like feature. He has sharp teeth and he looks at me with a smile on his face.

“Well hello Pipe.”

I stare at him. My worst fear has come to pass. I know this creature is the mix of a Gecko and a pony who almost died from overdosing.

“Draco..”

I softly said.

“I know I said when we meet again I would get revenge on you for what you did to me. But I no longer wish for it. I think my revenge is you living as long as you have. Now I have been listening. Why not just ask me and my pack and the others here to help you with the Enclave?”

I shift a bit, sighing.

“Draco I can’t promise you would survive, they're a nasty army. I know there is a weapon in here that could short circuit power armor.”

Draco laughs.

“Oh but Pipe you seem to forget not all of them would be wearing armor though. The issue is that the other pack here is a lot worse than mine. Salt scales took the outsiders and the leader of this pack can’t be reseasoned like mine. At least we could try to talk to her. She used to be a dragon now she is what they call a Claw Walker.”

The meeting went on for hours on how we should handle this. We finally made headway. It took too long and everyone started to get sleepy again. The days must be getting shorter.

“Alright, you all get some rest. I will send a peace request to Globe eyes. I doubt she would be willing to listen. But I could at least try.”

Draco heads back to the door looking back at me and the others.

“The only one I feel she should talk to if she agrees is you Pipe. Now get some rest and it may take a while for her to agree.”

Draco leaves and I sigh leaning on the wall watching the others fall asleep again. Bumble and Salt scales leave to talk to each other and Blood Bag leaves with Draco. I am unsure what to think now. I think we are running out of time now. I hope we can reach an agreement before things go south.

I take out a flask and open it to see if there is any more whiskey in there taking a deep swig. I sing softly to myself to help me fall asleep.

“Oh, great bourbon moon, please shine down on me on bourbon street. For we must be ready for the trial ahead. Oh, great bourbon street please sing to me and my love for we are here to swim in your greatness. Oh, wonderful Luna spilled the great whiskey on our heads.”

I close my eyes, drifting to sleep wondering what is to come.
> Chapter Eighteen: Claw Walkers [Part three]
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Claw walkers: The Blue hats have been doing some nasty things to the creatures of our world. They take those down on their luck or criminals. In their recent creation, they took an outcasted female dragon and fused her with strange DNA. They called her kind the Claw Walkers and they made her the queen of them all. How do they work? They mixed them with Lizard and bug DNA. The claw walkers look like a mix of ants and lizards. They’re called Claw walkers with claws on their bug feet.

I wish I could stop them myself. They found me while I was spying on them, my friend. I wish I could tell you what I have been seeing dear Smoke Pipe. But.. I am being used as food for them dear friend. I wish I could come and warn you. But I can’t

Written by unknown to Smoke Pipe

I look up from the old note an unknown friend left. I wish I could understand what is going on I look over at the sleeping Bumble and it’s been almost another day since Draco left to go speak to the dragon or whatever she is now.

I stood up on my cracking decaying hooves moving away from the others pulling out my pipe to take a few drags of smoke. I lean on a wall to relax and Salt scales curl up beside me. I glance at her.

“I have been told by your friends you had your memories taken from you. I wish I could understand what it means to lose memories. I can live for so long that sometimes we have to write what we have forgotten, unlike the camels I am sure you have met them.”

I sigh softly, shaking my head.

“I have dealt with the camels of your land, even camels who have moved on from that said land. I don’t understand how they can handle holding the memories of all those who come before them. I will never understand it myself. I have heard that your species is respected heavily in the land of the desert.”

Salt Scales nods.

“Yes, we are. My queen Emerald I am hoping to return someday and it’s going to take me longer than I think. It may take me about four years if I even think of returning. I doubt I will since many need me in this lab. I am hoping to stay here. Maybe someday I will leave if they no longer need me.”

I nod shifting while I smoke the pipe.

“Sooner or later I may not be part of this world any longer myself. If somepony ever removes radiation. I know it will happen someday and my body will slowly die. It's why I smoke like I do. It has what I need to keep me going. As well as just do it because I get stressed out. But someday I will be just a memory and maybe that would be a wise thing.”

Salt scales chuckles.

“I have a feeling that after everything is said and done we will vanish. I am sure my kind will go fully underground. I know full well that sooner or later the ponies will start hating everything that is not like them ever again. It’s something very normal and sometimes I wish it won’t happen.”

I laugh softly and she is correct.

“I know full well how my species are. We could be the strongest of every race on this planet. Then we see creatures like you and oh our pride takes over or those in charge think they’re above everyone.”

Salt scales laughs.

“Yes, even though my kind is not much better. The warriors of my species tend to look for strong females. Of course, Emerald broke many male warriors from that way of thought. She thinks the way to expand our kind is by not caring about how strong our species are.”

I half-heartedly nod. It’s not something that is just a pony issue. It’s no longer a problem for us. I know full well many races have these problems. It's gotten to the point I watched camels attack zebras and ponies because of what they did in the past. I take a deeper drag from my pipe and we hear a hard knock on the door.

Scales slithers over to the door opening it up and Draco comes in. He looks like has many deep scratches and gashes on his body.

“So how did it go?”

Scales smirks.

Draco laughs

“Oh, it was fun. We talked like how we always do angry lovemaking.”

Draco  laughed loudly and all I could do was face hoof.”

Draco smirks looking over at me and sits beside me. I look up at the former pony turned into a gecko-like creature. He did tell me one day he would find me and get revenge on what happened to him. I think over the years he has changed at least I hope he has changed.

“I have been wanting to tell you, my old detective friend. I wish to thank you for what you did to me. I know many years ago I would demand your death for what happened. But now I see what you did, in that case, was not to ruin my life but to help me.”

I chuckle gently.

“Well to me the case was to get drugs off the streets. I am sure you look back and saw the drugs you sold and what they did to ponies and others.”

He nods.

“Oh yeah, I see now. I wish I knew what I was doing till my punishment.”

He looks at his claws and every feature of a pony but his name is gone. I am starting to wonder if he is using this new body to become something he never could be a leader.”

“Anyway, she is gathering some fabric from the long-dead bodies here to make herself something to look presentable. She may no longer be a dragon even so she will always act like one. Now her race will eat whatever and they will eat before they come here.”

I sigh deeply watching Root and Blossom be led to the showers not far from this room. Salt Scales leaves with them she is holding a large sword. I wonder if it’s dangerous. I glance at Bumble who sits by me and Draco.

“So how in the world do the showers work here?”

I glance at Bumble and she is asking this question? I thought she helped build this bunker. Of course, she lost her memories as I did so maybe she forgot as I did with many things. Draco chuckles. I have a feeling he will explain.

“Simple this bunker was built over a deep deep underground spring. Whoever built this place kept some strange robots below to keep the pipes repaired and after all these years some of them still work. Sooner or later though they won’t work anymore.”

An hour goes by and Bumble goes to get a shower herself since the smell of our decaying bodies might bother the poor creature. Me I just get back into my coat and put my hat on not caring about how I smell or not. Blood Bag opens the door and behind him is a strange bug creature with a dragon-like face and many buggy eyes and her head is attached to a lizard body with spider legs and claws at the ends of those legs.

Globe eyes look around her many eyes closed but her dragon eyes stare right at me. I have a feeling she knows me from her past. She skitters to look right into my eyes and a deep growl comes from her mouth.

“Hello, Pipe, I never expected you to be alive after so long. I felt what happened to your son and what you had to do for him to have a peaceful life. I. I am sorry you had to go through that with him. I wish I could have been there for my son.”

I remember now she is the real mother of Bumble and my adopted dragon son. I weakly smile, lifting my hoof and patting her shoulder.

“I wish I could have had that help. It took so long to even remember what happened to him and you. I forgot you even existed. The Blue hats removed a lot of my old memories. It took a long time to just get them back.”

Globe eyes glance at the two mares Root and Blossom, a weak smile forming over her face. Then looks back at me.

“I was told our little place in Equestria is under attack by a group called the Enclave. What can you tell me about them?’

Blossom flaps her wings and lands beside us.

“The grand Pegasus Enclave. The pegasi closed up the sky when the bombs fell and have been on their own since the end of the war. I came down here to get the black orbs so we can learn the weapons of the blue hats. When I met Pipe here he told me Blue hat weapons are a threat to everyone, even to those who use them.”

Globe eyes sigh.

“The eyes will never explain anything about the weapons. Mostly about how they failed and the time Grogar will fully return at least I overheard this years ago. I was told you wanted this meeting so you wouldn’t have any problems going for the orb. I will tell you that many of the creatures here won’t have a problem with you taking the orb. It’s the weapons they will have an issue with.”

Draco nods.

“Like I told you, many of these weapons are an issue and problem. Some of them even had families be tested with them. Now like you said you wanted the armor-destroying weapon. If you promise to destroy it after you use it, we will let you take it and will convince the others here to let you.”

Globe eyes nod.

“It won’t be easy to convince everyone. You may have to fight through to get to the orb as well. Since many are so braindead from inbreeding so much that my kind and Dracos had to go outside of this place to breed with creatures outside of here.”

Draco chuckles.

“So it may take a day and a half for us to get back to you. But we can promise you will get the orb. Just the security blocks us from getting near it while some do worship it. But it takes a pony to be able to take it. Now before I promise anything else. Bumble make sure you don’t have any of your Blue hat gear on.”

Globe eyes nod.

“Many of the creatures here don’t trust ponies. But when it comes to the Blue hats they hate them even more. Now I need to get back to my pack and we will try to convince the others. Take care Draco.”

She leaves the room looking at Salt Scales and before leaving pulls her into a tight hug and she leaves. Draco nods, waving to us and leaving as well.

Root shakes her head.

“Why must we wait so long? All we could know is that our town is under attack.”

I glance at Root and then at Blossom.

“It may take longer than you think. It took me a while to just get my armor to work in these mountains. It’s weird like there is some interference in the air of this place. It’s why I gave up on the armor.”

I need some air. Heading to the door and knowing I would be in danger if I went alone. But I need to get out of this room. I open the door and walk through the bone-littered halls. Noticing the creatures ignoring me, some of them just stare at me and I see myself in their eyes.

It took an hour or so but I finally made it back outside the bunker leaning on the wall of the bunker. I glance at the door leading inside the bunker and the door is not only ripped apart but it will never close again. I am guessing those friends of Wheel Tread ruined the door.

“Can we talk?”

I look over at Bumble.

“Bumble, we haven't had a deep conversation for ages. The last time we did we argued and that was before the bombs fell a day before.”

Bumble sits beside me leaning on me.

“I regret our arguments. I regret caring more about what the Blue hats wanted than about your needs. I am also sorry for what they did to your ability to have foals. I tried to stop them from sterilizing you but they wouldn’t allow me to stop it.”

I quickly nodded.

“Yes, it’s why we had to adopt. I know we adopted more than just our dragon boy. I just wish I could remember them all.”

Bumbles shifts and I look right at her. She uses her magic to pull my hat off my head.

“I look at you now, Smoke Pipe. I see the stallion I fell deeply in love with. I don’t see a hateful stallion trying to make sense of a world in black and white to his detective mind. I see a strong stallion hoping to become strong again.”

I crack a smile.

“I doubt I was that strong. But I do tend to see the world in black and white when it comes down to my brain. Just I need to get into my heart to forgive you for it all Bumble and I think I can do so. As long as you will stop keeping secrets from me like you have been doing.”

Bumble shifts a bit.

“It’s hard to keep secrets from you when you cannot even remember those secrets. I will do my best. Please do one thing for me, Pipe.”

I look over at Bumble. She uses her magic to look into my eyes and I look into hers.

“Kiss me please.”

It’s been so long since the two of us just kissed. I don’t fight the want to do so I push close to her and our decaying lips lock together and it feels right. I don’t remember much that night, just the fact we kissed and spent the night talking and trying to remind each other about our love.
> Chapter Ninteen: A song between lovers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Most know of the memory orbs. What if you make a crystal-like memory orb then you place it in a computer created to read these orbs. I wish I could warn them all to warn them about Grogar. I have been dreaming about him these past few years. He just stares at me and makes me wonder if he is thinking of something.

I can’t warn anyone. All I can do is remember what he tells me in my dreams and put everything in the orbs to remember and to make sure those that come after me remember as well.

The war is over. The world ended and. Am I the only one he has been showing himself to? Many of the runes and seals holding Grogar in place have been seeping into the creations of the war. What will happen if those that come after us start turning them off or destroying the creations? Will Grogar return no pony or my mental state knows.

Written by the crazy one.

Bumble and I spent the night outside the bunker. It was a calm peaceful morning with the sun shining from behind the filling cloud-filled sky. We didn’t sleep but just watched the sky and listened to the creatures around us.

“The last time we sat like this Smoke Pipe it was days before the war started. It was a peaceful night and you convinced me to join the Blue hats so I could fight for our country. I will be honest before you ask. I wish I never joined them. We would have had a normal life and been able to have foals.”

I take a long drag from my pipe. She is correct. I am unsure about most of this. She and I will never be the same again.

“If I could go back in time, Bumble, I would do what I can to make you happy and give you the time of your life. The war stopped all that just because it was fate. I am sure though fate is all we can think of when it comes to it.”

I put the pipe back into my pocket shifting back onto my hooves, sighing softly, and shaking my head. I look up at the clouds while it starts to rain on me and Bumble. I don't know how long it’s been. I am worried about my home and worried the Enclave fixed its issues here.

“Pipe?”

I turn to look at Bumble, a soft smile forming on her face.

“Remember the song?”

The song she and I fell in love with? I close my eyes trying to remember the words. I am unsure of the right words and trying to think of them. I feel the song filling my heart and soul hearing the music around us starting up again. That wonderful magic music filled up the world like many times before.

“I will forever love you. Oh, I will forever dance in the steps you walk. I will always look into your eyes. I will always sing to you. To be there for you. You’re the one to whom I belong. I will sing to the sounds of your laughter.”

Bumble smiles as the music swells for her to start singing.

“I have fallen in love with you again. I watch you dance to the music. I see you before me and your heart is fulfilling me. I see what I have lost over the years. I see the great Smoke Pipe in my heart. I see the detective I have lost. I wish we could turn back time and see for ourselves what we would have become.”

It’s been so long since I felt this way. I wish I could remember how much happier I was in the past. I start to wonder when life will ever get back to normal for me. I miss the time when things were so normal for me. Someday I might know and someday I might not know.

“I wish to fall deeply in love with you again my wonderful Bumble. I miss those beautiful eyes glowing as your cheeks blush. Those days may be over but now I see us in a new light. Trust will not be easy but love will never end.”

Bumble giggles I doubt she would ever blush again from the decay in our bodies. I feel my soul for her growing my heart for her beating. It is now time to end this song maybe? Bumble gets on her back hooves. I get on my back hooves and we connect our hooves. Our hearts sing while we dance to the song in our hearts. We both sing at the same time.

“Oh, how did we ever become lost. How did we know the song in our hearts? I see you in my soul and my eyes forevermore. I will never let you go and we will sing our hearts together.  It’s never going to end between the two of us.”

Bumble sings.

“My dear Smoke Pipe, I wish to remarry you again when this is all said and done. I wish to see you as my husband again. Please forgive me for all I did to you and those we adopted so long ago.”

I didn’t know what to think and I softly smiled knowing that If I said no it would be hard to deal with her over time. It’s our last trek I am sure to the end of this battle. When we learn what will come we will learn what has come to the stories of our hearts.

“I forgive you for everything. I will ask you to remarry when all is said and done. Then we will dance at the sound of each other’s laughter and we will dance in the tears that we cry.”

We both sing together again.

“I will be there for you.”

She softly sings.

“I am looking forward to  every moment of it.”

We lean into a kiss and the music ends. We hear hooves stomping on the ground and cheers as we look up to see Root, Blossom, Salt Scales, and Draco.

“Good show you two but Globe got a deal going. Come back in with us we will explain what needs to be done to get to the orb.”

I glance at Bumble

" You go ahead, I need to relax a bit more."

Bumble nods following the others inside. I sit back alone pulling the pipe out of my pocket again. Lighting it one more time Just to feel a little rush of smoke inside me is a need these days. I look around this lovely land seeing what many fought for and what the Blue hats could have destroyed years ago. I do wonder at times if I am fighting the right battle and not allowing the Enclave to fully take over.

I take a drag blowing smoke out of my nose and mouth letting the rest of the moment go by. Before I could take another drag, rain began to come down from the sky. It douses the pipe and I look up to see it coming down. Putting the pipe back into my pocket to head back inside. Using my magic to close the door. I turn my head back to the door when I hear the faulty security kick back in to lock it so no one else can come inside.

Then I follow the others to lead what is the future of this land or the future of what is to come. I fear what is to come may be a bigger threat than the threat of the Enclave. In the future we shall see for Grogar’s prison is failing. It is time to try to make peace before it is too late.
> Chapter Twenty: It's time to move on
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

These last black orbs with the larger one start something witch will be ready for those who know the goat is returning. It’s our fault he is returning because of the damn war. The magic holding him in place has weakened and seeped into these weapons we created. The prison the ponies of old placed him in is weakening because we had to start a war with the zebras and the zebras did the same we did this to ourselves, my friends. The last of the orbs will be locked in a weapons bunker. If anypony finds them please use them and start the countdown for our salvation—project Castle.

Old recording from the dead leader of the Blue Hats.

We are running out of time. All I can think of is that the battle could have already started and I wouldn’t have known. Maybe the Enclave is willing to talk? I am unsure I follow the others back inside after I have a bit of time to myself. Draco waits for me looking down at me, smiling weakly.

“We learned something about the area housing the black orb. We have never been able to open it up the entire time we have been here. I have a feeling your wife will need to open it up and go in there to get whatever is in there.”

Bumble sighs.

“I wish I could remember the old codes or anything from my days in the Blue hats. I just remember some things but not everything. It’s kind of started to bother me that so much has been removed from me like my memories”

Draco sighs.

“Smoke Pipe you don’t understand Globe Eyes and I just learned from an old file. When the orbs are removed this entire bunker is going to self-destruct which would mean we all have to leave. I doubt the ponies would welcome creatures like us.”

I shrug my shoulders.

“You two do know this is a large land of mountains and many places you could make your homes right? The fact you have been living here this long is not something you should have been doing from the start.”

Draco stares at me. I think he agrees with me though. I could tell from the change of emotions in his eyes. They have been locked in this bunker for years and I worry so much they will not be able to handle the outside. Root and Blossom look at me and I give them a nod. 

“Maybe I could find a way to turn off the Self-destruct?”

I glanced at Blossom. She could do it but is it the wise thing to do? Draco shakes his head.

“No, It’s about time we all left this bunker to destroy all the weapons so they will never be used for war. I am sorry you ponies came here and found nothing to stop the Enclave from attacking you.”

I chuckle

“No, I think I know what needs to be done.”

I look over to Blossom putting my cracked hooves on her face. She looks into my eyes as I look into hers.

“Blossom I don’t ask much of you but I need you to do this for me. You’re the only one of us who can fly. Fly ahead and try to find the commander of this army of the Enclave. If you can find them and tell them we should talk peacefully before any blood flows.”’

Blossom stares at me. I could tell she was scared she would shake. I hold her face tighter, staring into her eyes.

“You can do it Blossom you’re stronger than you think you are. You need to explain to them what you have seen and learned since you have been here. You need to tell them this is a peaceful land witch doesn’t even want to fight the Enclave and just wants to live.”

She took a deep breath sighing.

“Should I also tell them who I have been seeing?”

I tilt my head. Has she been seeing Grogar too?

“Have you been seeing the old goat as well? The old goat who is known as Grogar and his prison is starting to get much weaker and will soon fail. I worry we might see him or his minions sooner than we want.

Blossom nods.

“I will do this, I will do my best, I promise you Smoke Pipe. Then maybe after all this is said and done I can settle down and make a family in this land. If I do that will you be their godfather of my future foals?”

So many emotions hit me at once. Me a godfather of foals who isn’t even born or convinced yet? In my black and white vision which normally always sees color but deep in my brain of a detective, I see black and white. I am honored. 

“I am honored Blossom now fly as fast as you can. Don’t let your wings stop you. You need to return as fast as you can. If you get tired, rest, and make sure you find safe spots to rest. We need to make sure the Enclave understands this is not like the other land and the gangs are needed in this land most of all. This land every gear works together and all these gears make this community survive.”

Blossom sighs looking away.

“I promise Smoke Pipe I won’t fail you.”

I watch while the white pegasus mare gets out of the clothing she put on during this journey. She looks back at me and Root. We both look at each other worrying about her. Root quickly trots up to Blossom hugging her tightly.

“I promise you myself Blossom when this is all said and done I will find you a husband and find one for myself and we will make families and raise them together please stay strong my dear friend. My sister in the mountains.”

Blossom stares at Root tears streaming down her face hugging Root tightly 

“I promise.”

The pegasus quickly flaps her wings and flies out of the bunker as fast as she can. We got to say our goodbyes for we may never see her again if fate wishes to screw us over like fate is known to do. I turn to look over to Draco nodding to him.

“Let's get everyone out and tell our naga friend it’s time to leave. Tell Globe eyes the same. Root please go with them.”

Root sighs.

“I know if I go with you I might get trapped. You two being unicorns have a chance to get out.”

Root salutes me with her hoof trotting off with Draco not far behind her and I follow the halls with my wife beside me. I look back on all the memories that got me here. My vision turns black and white while I hear the words in my head.

“It’s just another detective job, not world ending or anything. I am hiring you to find something detective.” 

I remember what I said to the mare.

“It’s Rolex ain’t it? Then the game might finally end.”

I remember as many ran past me getting ready to leave. I focus more on myself and forget what is at hoof. I look over to Bumble remembering our vows.

“Now for your vows what do you say to each other for this is your wedding.”

I remember every single word I said to her. 

“I love you Bumble I may not be fond of the line of work you found yourself in but life is not always going to be easy for you or me. It’s what we do with our lives witch counts for something. I am a detective who will find those who are lost. You’re part of the Blue hats formed to try to find a way to stop Equestrias war from reaching our borders.”

My mind finally comes back when we are standing by the door which leads down to the vault holding the orbs and some of the weapons. Globe eyes stand in front of the door this door has been sliced into and many have tried to get in.

“So we are forced to leave our home. I may not like this idea Smoke Pipe but you’re right and Draco and I learned something. If we don’t leave there would be a generation full of inbreeding. I regret not taking my kind out and convincing Draco to do the same. Just do me a favor: Smoke Pipe when you get in there destroy all the weapons you see. We already did that to the ones out here.”

I nod.

“There is no way we can show up with any of these weapons. It's not a good idea or the right thing to do. If we want to come in peace with the Enclave we can’t use the weapons. We have to prove to them what we have seen.”

Bumblebee gets to the door looking at Globe eyes, a smile forming on her face.

“It was great to see you, my old friend. I wish I could have kept our little one alive. But I am sorry I couldn’t”

Globe eyes turn her gaze to the mare, a smile forming on her face.

“You took the little dragon from me when I couldn’t raise him any longer. You two made him strong and I don’t hate you for what you put him through. He did it of his own choice. I am sure the death you gave him did something for the land too. I may be upset that I never got to say goodbye to him. But it’s my own choice what I did to become this. I can’t regret it’s time.”

I hear the music from the land slowly rise as we hear many of the creatures singing with Roots voice and the naga.

“It’s time to move on.”

Globe walks away singing those words.

“It’s time to find a new home. It’s time to give in, for we are never alone. It’s always time to sing for our hearts.”

Root is helping Salt Scale get her gear together and she places a large bag back on her back. Salt slowly sings her lines.

“It’s time to return to the desert which is my home. It’s time to move on but I shall help this land before I do so. It’s time to bring what I have found to my home and dance with my new friends. It’s time to go and leave what is to come.”

Root sighs looking at the wall and seeing old posters of zebras of what they used to do to them and many other ponies.

“The war has caused so much hardship. It’s time to move on from the past and forgive our forefathers for the world they gave us. It’s time to not allow the goat to win. It’s time to bring forth the ending curtain.”

Bumble Bee and I watch while they all leave. We will know when they fully leave the PA system will sound when the door is closed and locked. I close my eyes feeling my heart ready to sing and I finally let it out.

“There is always room for love. Always room for the song if we have forgotten our hearts. If we forget to move on. We no longer see the future ahead of us. I see you, my dear Bumble Bee. I forget the hatred I have for you. I see the love I gained with you. It’s time for us to move on.”

Bumble has tears form in her eyes and the last of the creatures leave including the mindless dog-like beings. After a few pregnant pauses, we hear the pa system.

“Security system locked in place.”

Bumble opens her eyes and gets into the doorway a robotic eye comes out of the side and a needle stabs into her eyes she groans as the eye keeps scanning. It doesn’t stop her from singing her heart.

“We have never moved on from the past. We have lost ourselves, we have never seen ourselves sing in this matter. For we know what is to come and it’s time for us to know it’s now time for our hearts to be one. It’s time to move on.”

The door finishes its scans.

“Blue hat welcome Bumble Bee, one of you has been expected by the director of the Blue hats.”

The door opens up. She and I walk into the vault and we see the last three black orbs. Two small ones and one big one. We look at the weapons on all the pedestals ready to be used and I glance at Bumble nodding.

“It’s time to move on. It’s time to forget what we come to forget.”

I go close to a few of the weapons taking out my magnum putting in new ammo and firing into all of them. I fire into parts of them to make sure if they’re ever found they will never be used. I hear heavy smashing behind me as Bumble does the same. To make sure they’re never used I use my hooves on them too.  The two of us sing.

“It’s time to move on. For we are now one in our hearts. It’s time to forgive for we have come far. It’s time to sing, it's time to dance. It’s time to bring forth the ending curtain.”

We both got to the orbs and we gathered them into our bags. A screen comes on before we leave it’s the face of the leader of the Blue hats.

“My friends. I am sorry for what I have done to all of you. But now you know why. No matter what we have done we have destroyed ourselves. We gave the windows or Grogar’s return. That is not all an old friend to all of us Wheel Tread as most know him as another name. Is still out there. Before all this happened. He came to me wanting to live forever.”

The pony sighs, stroking his head.

“I gave him one of those life support wheelchairs. So he could last forever. His last word to me was this. I will get Project Stormwatch working. I will do what the ponies of old couldn’t do. Bring the villains of old to his sway and get them ready to fight Grogar.”

The pony sighs, lifting a gun.

“He doesn’t know they won’t listen to him. Sooner or later they will listen to their real masters. The stars. Yes, I have heard them myself and they tell me their time for blood is soon. When the orbs are taken you only have a few minutes to get out with them. For the self-destruct will be sounded. I am sorry my friends. But these weapons can’t fall into the wrong hooves.”

The screen goes dark and before it does a gunshot is sounded and the alarm starts to blare and the door locks behind us. We are now locked in here. There is only one chance we have; it's an ability many unicorns haven’t used in years. Twilight never learned it herself. It’s called winking, an old teleport ability many have never been taught it took me years to learn it, and Bumble herself. We put our horns together as our magic cores glow brightly. All we can do is sing while our magic builds.

“It’s time to move on. It’s time to forgive. We can see the future ahead of us. It's time to move on. It’s time to forget and we are no longer lost.”

The alarms ring louder.

“Ten nine.”

We sing as we watch the place fall apart.

“It’s time to move on, it's time to show our love.”

The fire slowly comes to engulf us as our bodies vanish into the world between worlds as our winking magic takes us through the land of winking to get used to our friends. We crash land on the heavy ground looking around seeing an old village run down and smoke flowing through the land.

Standing right infront of us is a blue goat with red eyes glowing showing his sharp teeth the smell of him. Yes, it’s the necromancer goat.

“Oh don’t worry my friends. I don’t have the power to keep you here. Like I did with the ponies of old. Just listen before I let you go.”

He walks around us. I feel the shiver of his evil sliding on me.

“Many won’t believe you that I am returning so I figured I would look at what I am up against.”

He put his hoof on my chin.

“Hmm, weaker than the ponies of old, much of your magic is gone. Even if your Twilight was still alive she would never be as powerful as she was.”

Bumble and I look at each other.

“As who was?”

Grogar smirks.

“Williams”

I have never heard of that name before and the winking power forces us back into the other world as we crash in front of our friends and they cheer seeing we have gotten out. I groan feeling spent and all my magic in my core is gone for the time being. Our friends cheer lifting Bumble and me into a makeshift caravan to let us rest.

“It’s time to move on…It’s time to forgive, it's time to fight for our freedom.”

I feel the sleep coming to take me. I wish I could warn them and tell them what Grogar told me. But I don’t remember what he said to me. I don’t remember the name at all he said to me. I close my eyes feeling sleep take me and before I do I hold Bumbles hoof with my own to feel her as I sleep.
> Chapter Twenty-One: The long road back
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

There are many stories of the long road. A road on which many tend to lose themselves and try to find themselves again. These days everypony loses themselves on those roads and most never wish to return. The times are coming when we need to fight on those roads and never end those fights.

Written by a Zebra commander. 

Roots journal it’s been at least two days since we left the bunker. Smoke Pipe and Bumble are still out of it but at least they’re breathing alright. We have many with us including Salt scales. Draco and Globe eyes and their race. But we are worried since many are running away from Buffalo they didn’t come from it though. They’re saying the Enclave made a camp not far from Buffalo but no battle or attack has happened yet. 

“Root we need to make up a plan before we get there. If we have to run, We should get our guns ready just in case.”

I glance at Globe shaking my head.

“I trust Blossom to do her best. I am sure she is in a meeting with them now.”

Globe eyes sigh.

“I know I know I just can’t seem to trust pegasus after what they did to me and Draco. They’re the ones who pushed us into becoming these weapons to fight for them then we got trapped in there.”

Draco nods.

“Yeah, it wasn’t a pleasant first few years. Since we had to learn to become these creatures and it took ponies to help and they started vanishing over time. Then we heard bombs were dropping and we thought we would die but we lived through the entire time.”

I am worried about Smoke Pipe, he has used up his magic core before. But he has never been out this long. He is normally out of it for an hour and then gets back to it. Oh goddess I would love to have some bourbon or something to drink to wake him up.

“Does anyone have any liquor?”

Salt Scales stares at me opening her bag bringing out a flask

“I make my own. Is this the time for a drink?”

I laugh, shaking my head.

“No open it up and put it near Smoke Pipes's nose. It may wake him up if not then he is really out of it.”

Salt Scales shrugs her shoulders, slithering her body along with the caravan we made from the remains of what was left of the bunker. She opens the cap of the flask by putting the open flask by Smoke Pipes's nose. After a while Pipe opens his eyes grunting, opening his mouth for a drink.

“Drink please.”

Salt scales just hold it in front of him.

“Use your magic.”

Smoke Pipe struggles while magic doesn’t even form on his horn he pants as it seems to hurt him to try to use his magic. Salt Scales helps him drink a long sip as he laughs after the drink is over. 

“Pipe what in the world happened?”

Pipe smiles weakly looking like he is about to pass back out.

“Did the spell called winking?”

I heard of the spell called winking. It's a lost spell from the ponies of old. Only some ponies know it and if they use it without training they could lose their magic for days or even forever. Their magic cores get so drained they could even die.

“Now if you excuse me.”

He lays his head back down, passing back out. I sigh, shaking my head.

“What is winking?”

Salt scales close the flash after she asks her question. Placing the flask back into her bag. She looks at me and the others Draco shrugs his shoulders. Globe just doesn’t answer. I am sure she knows but she doesn’t want to worry any of us.”

“Winking is an old unicorn spell many unicorns knew in a land called Dream valley. Now many call Dream Valley a legend but so many books and old spells come from this so-called land of legend. If you don’t train enough or get used to it. It could kill you or deplete your magic core forever.”

Salt scales stare at me with a look of horror on her face and in her eyes.

“What is it with ponies and making spells which could kill them and others around them? I will never understand your species.”

I just shrug my shoulders and laugh loudly enough for the others to hear.

“Trust me I will never understand unicorns and I have known Smoke Pipe pretty much my entire life since I moved here after leaving the place I used to live in. I have tried my best to keep him from doing something stupid like this. He told me years ago he knew the power called winking and how if a unicorn is not trained it could kill them.”

We head down to New Antler to at least get a day's rest. Before we even get close to the dirt road that heads down into New Antler a bunch of guards stands in front of us to stop us. One of them looks at me and then at the others. She then heads to the caravan seeing Smoke Pipe and Bumble Bee.

“Did you find what you were after?”

She looks at me then at the other creatures.

“Yes, we did. Now we need a day’s rest at least before following the path back home. Can you at least let my friends here join us? You can let them stay outside the city at least.”

The guard sighs.

“We were told to allow Smoke Pipe and whatever he finds come into the city. Oh, the leaders are sure going to love this. Oh, I got news from Buffalo. The Enclave made camp and from what many have said it’s a lot less than they thought. I guess from what the commander told them. Most of them crashed in the mountains heading this way.”

I feel horror wash over me. A bunch of ponies is dead because of the mountains? I don’t understand why they would bring their flying vessels to this land when the mountains could cause a lot of problems for them. 

Salt Scales sighs.

“I think I know where I will be staying. I will become a citizen of this place here. If I will be welcomed.”

She looks at the female guard. The guard shifts a bit looking at the naga and a weak smile forms on her face.

“I heard stories of you desert dwellers going anywhere to find water or enough water to help your community. Why do you want to stay here?”

Salt Scales smiles weakly.

“The words you say are true. But I haven’t fulfilled my duty. To protect my community and to keep the water fresh and pure. I need to find a way to break the curse Nightmare Moon placed on the Widowmaker so I can help the rest of the desert. I doubt I will find it in the lifetime of many of the ponies there. But I could find it in the lifetime of the camels and other races.”

The guard nods.

“Come with me then we will take you to the leaders. Root the others will take you and your friends here to the inn. I doubt they will be able to house every single one of your friends here. I am sure most of them won’t care about staying outside?”

Globe eyes chuckles.

“I don’t mind staying outside with my pack.”

Draco nods.

“I don’t mind either. We will put the mothers and their cubs in the inn with them. So they don’t get nasty looks from those who have problems with creatures like us.”

The guard nods.

“I understand perfectly. I am known as Flower Horns.”

She sighs, shaking her head.

“My parents thought I was going to be a male Elk but I was born a female Elk. So yes the name is strange when you don’t have antlers like the males.” 

She chuckles. Flower Horns escorts Salt Scales to the leadership of the community while the other guards bring the rest of us to the inn. We do get some nasty looks from moose, other elks, and deer. Some of them do wave at the creatures and me but from the stories Smoke Pipe told me about old Antler, it was normal for their xenophobic ideas.

One of the guards looks at me when we get to the inn.

“We will carry the detective and the mare into a room. Don’t worry about paying for the rooms the leadership will pay for them. Now if any one of these creatures causes problems it will be on them.”

A weak smile forms on my face watching the moose and elk guards lift the two other ponies out of the caravan heading to some empty rooms. I turn my head to see Globe Eyes and Draco talking to mothers of their species. The mothers nuzzle or kiss their husbands heading inside. 

Draco glances at Globe Eyes and shrugs his shoulders.

“I hope we can leave soon. I don’t feel safe here at all.”

Globe Eyes nods.

“I don’t either, we will have to get used to this feeling if we want to become citizens or part of the community of these mountains. At least we will have each other and our species will work together to find a place in this land.”

I felt my stress leave me after the words they said. I haven’t been this stressed since I met Smoke Pipe for the first time and it was during a heist. I chuckle to myself remembering he thought I was the one who stole all the money from the bank vault. It turned out the banker just misplaced it.

I head inside the inn looking at the bar full of citizens of Antler they’re being very respectful to the females and the children who came in here. From what I see they’re buying them food and water and talking with them. One of the children looks crippled and her left leg is lame. I come closer to listen.

“Is your daughter okay?’

The claw walker looks down at her daughter. The creature is a mix of her race and what looks like a pony. I am wondering if this female found a stallion to sleep with. The mother coughs to speak, coughing out a bunch of dust.

“Sorry, we don’t speak much to outsiders. So our voice pipes without our tongue tend to hurt.”

She coughs again, shaking her head.

“Her father was a stallion pony. He left soon after she was born. A stallion like him invaded our home and then expected me to raise this little one on my own. I got pretty upset with him but Draco and my pack leader Globe Eyes didn’t want me to hurt him.”

The moose looks at the little creature. She has soft, gentle eyes. The moose smiles leaning down to hug the little creature. The bug dragon creature chitters using her many arms to hug the moose.

“Friend?”

The little creature spoke up and the moose chuckled.

“Yes, I am a friend. Maybe I can convince the leaders to help build another community in the forest just for you and the others.”

The large claw walker stares at the Moose.

“Why would you do that for us, sir?”

The moose weakly smiles. He bows his head to her and the little one. He brings out a card to them.

“I am the blacksmith of this community. I tend to have a big pull in this place. Oh, and before you go, is there anything you want from this. I haven't seen too many families broken and lost these days. It’s happening even more now with the war outside of the mountains.”

The mother looks down at her daughter.

“So you’re doing this out of the good of your heart?”

He nods.

“I do not need to lie. When I was younger I was a pickpocket and did many awful things in my past. It took the detective you came with to sit with a young moose full of anger and hate. A chip on the shoulder thinking he was a worthless piece of trash to everyone around him. But the detective showed me otherwise. So I cleaned up took up the job from the sick blacksmith before me and he showed me all he could before sickness took him.”

The creature smiles weakly.

“I am known as Lava Heart. I was told the name is because of our lizard, Dragon, bug mix creation. So It’s strange I have to have a dragon head with bug lizard features.”

The moose chuckles.

“I am Anvil, please come with me and bring your daughter. I will go talk with the leaders.”

Anvil turns leading the two out looking at me and he smiles.

“Root please tell Smoke Pipe thank you for what he did for me. I will never forget the kindness the ghoul showed me.”

I smile and nod to him heading to a room to rest. I went into the room where Smoke Pipe and Bumble are in. There are more than two beds. I lay in the empty bed to lay down hoping our home is peaceful and not under attack.

I fall asleep feeling my world drift into the darkness.

__________________

Smoke Pipe.

I open my eyes, noticing I am on a bed. I have no idea where I am at getting off the bed and getting on my hooves. I need a smoke focusing on the magic in my core and my magic brings out the pipe. I light it heading outside of the inn and seeing Draco and Globe Eyes sitting with the others of their species.

“Well hello.”

I sit beside them smoking from the pipe.

“Hey Smoke it seems a blacksmith convinced the leaders of Antler to help us build a community just for us. They’re giving us another part of the forest and they will let us build whatever we want. They also offered to let our community be part of Antler. We told them it will be till we can get our government going.”

Wait what happened when I was out? Speaking of which I have no idea how long I was out. I look around and wait. I am in Antler and why can I use my magic? Huh, I must have been so out of it that I didn’t think my magic core would ever come back. 

“Sooo how long has it been since Bumble and I did what we did?”

Globe eyes chuckles.

“Oh, almost four days. We got here almost ten hours ago. But we need to talk to you about your home. The Enclave built a camp and on the rumor mill, most of the army coming died because of the mountains. Also, I guess zebras cast a spell on them in Story and destroyed most of their troops. They came in peace at the start and the commander was almost killed when he came with a flag of peace.”

I took a deep breath feeling the air fill my decaying lungs. Then why did they not stop the ponies from hurting other cities? I wonder if most of the enclave that was coming didn’t come for peace they wanted to come for the weapons. 

“I wonder what changed. I remember Blossom telling me they were coming for the weapons. I wonder how this land made them change their minds. Maybe we will know when we get back home.”

Draco leans to look at me.

“Smoke only I and Globe eyes will come with you the rest of the way. The others will be staying behind to help build our new community. Globe eyes and I worry about bringing them all the way and having children with us. I am sure you agree.”

I nod.

“I agree, what about Salt Scales?”

Globe smiles.

“She will be living here too.”

I take a deep breath sighing.

“I need to go for a walk to get the kinks out of my body.”

I stand up on my hooves heading out of the town. I need to think to myself and I know I can think more on my own. I have a feeling my journey is close to its end. At least this journey is of many but this one changed me more than others. I stop in my tracks feeling I am being watched. Hearing creatures around me howl full of anger and seeing a dark red mist floating around me.

I turn to stare face to face with the old Goat. I just stare right into his red eyes. How is he able to break out of his prison so easily? But while we stare at each other I see the magic seep around me. I feel anger and hate taking me over. I take a deep drag from the pipe feeling the anger subsiding.

“What brings the father of monsters to a lovely forest like this?’

The goat snickers.

“I want to thank you for helping to give at least a tear into my prison. You and that wife of yours using the winking magic put just a little tear that I can play with to do things at least in your area. I am sure sometime I will find a way to break into more lands.”

I snorted smoke flowing through my nose. I watch the hate sickness spread through the land hearing more creatures howling in anger and creatures around me killing each other. I did my best to stay relaxed.

“Now now detective you’re not going to accept the praise? I see of course I don’t expect you to accept anything.”

I am starting to notice the portal he has opened slowly closing and he struggles to keep it open. The red mist no longer flows through the land and the creatures stop their screams of hate and anger as everything goes back to normal and some cry in howls of pain and sadness for what they did.

“I see you can’t keep the portal open. I wonder if you’re just boasting. But I know full well I can no longer stay in this forest or Antler. You have an interest in me and just me for the moment.”

The goat laughs.

“I have an interest in you, dear detective, for how many times you have failed in your life. The one fails the big fail, never-ending your game with the one known as Rolex and never bringing him to justice.”

He is correct after so many years I gave up chasing him and he gave up on his game for the time being. He has told me how he misses the game, the chase, and the hunt. Maybe when all this is said and done. I can finally do the promise to him I did years ago before I died.

The portal closed. I quickly put out the pipe and trot quickly back into Antler. I see the guards on edge from all the creatures. I run full sprint getting back to the inn and finally getting back to Globe Eyes and Draco who look ready to battle.

“We need to leave now. I have no time to explain. I am going to wake up Bumble and Root, get to the road, and don’t look back. We need to make sure he won’t open a portal here and cause more problems.”

Draco and Globe Eyes nod they both run outside of Antler as I trot quickly into the inn heading up to the room shaking Root and Bumble awake the two mares wake up. They both get off the beds and yawn.

“Love what's wrong? I am finally able to move again.”

I smile and sigh.

“We need to go, '' Grogar opened a portal not far from here. We can’t allow him to find a way to open a portal here and release some of his sicknesses here.”

The two mares look at each other. We quickly ran out of the inn nodding to them to head outside finding the guard who helped us get in here.

“Listen I am sorry but we can’t stay any longer. You need to have your leaders use your magic creators to protect your home from Grogar.”

The guard stares at me.

“What do you mean Grogar is in his prison?”

I shook my head.

“He can open portals in his prison and talk to us and release his hate sickness. Don’t waste any time and we are going to leave hoping he will not hurt you or your new friends.”

The guard quickly gets out of the inn and I trot quickly back out of the inn and head down out of Antler to the road further from the forest. The others are waiting for me and I nod to them and we know we aren’t far from Buffalo now. 

“Globe eyes Draco can you take us the rest of the way on a caravan so we can get there faster?”

Globe eyes and Draco nods. Draco pickles me up and gets me on his back using his spines to keep me from moving. Globe Eyes lifts the two mares, putting them on her back using her bug-like arms to hold them. 

“Hold on.”

I look back at Antler seeing the leaders wasted no time. I see a magic spell being cast and a magic shield forms around the entire forest. When the shield stops glowing it vanishes. I am not surprised they didn't waste any time the hate sickness is not wise to have around. I watch the road ahead.

The two large creatures run down the long road known as the lone road. This road is only used when it’s needed I open my bag to look at the orbs in it and I sigh. I feel hope filling my heart knowing we are almost there.

It takes us at least an hour to get there. The two large creatures were getting winded and it wasn’t easy for them to keep running so they went to a short trot when we finally got to Buffalo the community is now surrounded by a mental walk. A gate leading into the town opens up and the commander of the Enclave army comes out with Blossom beside him.

Draco puts me down and I stand in front of the two.

“Is this him Blossom?”

Blossom nods.

“Yes, sir he is Smoke Pipe.”

The Enclave commander tosses away his weapon coming up to me. The stallion looks like he hasn't slept in many days. He looks into my eyes as I look into his. He looks at me a weak smile forming on his face.

“Well, Detective, you wish to sit and talk? I know you may not wish to talk since we did come here to take over. It seems this land had other ideas for us. So I am told there is a bar we can sit and meet at if you’re still willing.”

I nod.

“First your name.”

The commander chuckles.

“I am Blaze Storm. I was allowed to take at least a few troops to come this way. I wasn’t warned though about the magic in the air and how zebras have powerful spells here. Now is it true what Blossom saids he has returned?”

I silently nod. I lead him to the bar with the others following me. I am unsure how to talk to him about this. I can’t think though when I need a heavy drink before I can even think of how to tell him for now we need peace. I open the door to the bar heading inside.
> Chapter Twenty-two: Meeting with the Enclave.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

There are stories of many peace talks going wrong. When peace talks go wrong those around the ones speaking for peace tend to still keep the peace. It’s not always easy to understand why things never go well. It’s a time when the story will come to an end and so would peace. Maybe someday we zebras will forget the past and learn to have peace with the ponies? I highly doubt many of my species will wish for it.

Written by Jonon 10 years before she met Star Shooter.

I never thought I would be working to make a deal with the Enclave. With the gang leaders nowhere to be found at the moment, I feel it’s up to me to do what I can. I sit at the bar like normal. Like I am talking to someone who wants me to go on a mystery journey.

The music in the background of a young mare singing a song I know well.

“Oh, my love. Our moon glows tonight. Come dance with me we shall become one under the moon. While we drink our bourbon under the misty moon and make love to it as we sing together and drink.”

I glance at Moonshine who stares at the stallion. They both look at each as the mare leans on the bar staring at the pegasus, a sweet smile forming on her face.

“Hello, handsome can I get you a drink?”

Blaze smiles leaning into the bar to stare into the eyes of the bartender owner. I see the lust in their eyes. I wonder if it’s just going to be only lust. I light my pipe taking a few drags and blowing the smoke between them. Moonshine looking at me. 

“Get him what I drink Moonshine you two can go find a bed later.”

Moonshine snorts, turning her head back to the stallion she winks at him heading to go make us the drinks. Blaze eases back into his chair a smirk of hunger forming on his face. He turns his head to look at me frowning.

“Ahem sorry..”

I just chuckle.

“You act as if you have never seen mares up into those clouds.”

Blaze smirks.

“Not as beautiful as she is. As pegasus tends to be sometimes the parents make it so their sons and daughter get married to make the gene pool pure. Now not all of the enclave is like this, just a few groups are. I joined the enclave army to get away from the so-called fake marriage. We broke our marriage before then but I heard she died recently in a bomb going off at an old Ministry of Magic building.” 

I nod blowing smoke out of my mouth looking over to the door and seeing Root and Blossom come in. Globe eyes and Draco don’t seem to be with them. I am not worried about it but I do worry if this chance for peace will be hard to get.

“So I take it that the return of the Enclave is not going over so well?’

Blaze signs and Moonshine puts the drink down in front of him. He lifts it with his wings to take a sip. Setting it back down looking at me. His eyes are full of sadness and pain. I could tell they have been doing things he doesn’t approve of.

“I get many of those above me consider the ponies below savage. But allowing their troops to murder children. I heard stories of children lifting weapons to them. The Enclave killing them there are stories of a pony who took the ashes of a dead child putting them into a bottle holding it crying. After all these stories came to me after we came here. There are even more stories of the entire land over back in mainland Equestria rising to fight the enclave”

He takes a deep drink from the drink. While he allows me and the others to let what he said sink in. The stories are true then a hero rose to fight the enclave. Even though a hero rises they tend to leave more problems behind than they help. They will learn this the hard way sooner or later. There is no hero in this land, no hero at all. Each time a hero tried to rise here the gangs killed them.

“Heros are a problem. Heroes never help everypony they tend to help those who are on those below. At times those above need help as well. Even those who have mental problems. When the hero is done fulfilling her story something else will happen and It’s a sad truth.”

Blaze sets down the drink glancing at me.

“From the words, you say you don’t trust when a hero does anything.”

I sigh, taking my drink in my magic drinking from the cup. I look into the fluid seeing how I used to look. My young skin and my fur not decaying. I look happy. I don't look ready to get betrayed every turn and every time I see the next path of my heart. 

“If Twilight and her friends were those so-called heroes. Why did they allow this and not use their elements to stop the war before it got too bad? I am sure they had falling outs too. Every friendship has a falling out. Stories of friends always break from each other's ideas and hopes.”

Blaze sighs.

“I doubt we will ever know. After the loss of so many of my troops and the fact that only a hundred are alive after getting there and they’re tired of all the fighting. So I heard the gang leaders look at you with respect. If you tell them peace is the way to go then it’s a way to go.”

I chuckle softly. Most of the reason I watched most of them grow up. Lavender is the one I adopted and raised before she became the gang leader and renamed them the Lavender crew. I take a deep breathtaking drink from the cup.

“I have watched many of them grow up. I even adopted one of them when their life took a turn for the worst. So yes peace is always needed. So when I have a chance I will talk about getting peace.”

Root and Blossom look outside seeing ponies and zebras even rangers firing on something. Something was going on outside before I could say anything. I feel a strange device in the back of my head.

“Turn around slowly.”

I turn to see a troggle of the minions of Grogar I watch while many of them come out of a rip and it closes. The troggle backs away. I see a donkey dressed in a jester-like outfit. He smirks at me, taking my drink and drinking it. 

“Ah, detective, my master wants to thank you for leading us to your home. He wants us to make an example of you so his return no one will stop him.”

A smirk forms on my face.

“Oh, you must be his minion, Bray.”

I lift my pipe, lighting it again taking a few drags from it. I am doing my best to save face hoping they will not fire at me. I am scared to death deep down but I can’t allow them to use my fear to go after those around me.

“Yes, the master wants an example of him now. Kill him.”

The troggles get ready to aim at me. The window in the bar explodes open. The spider creature from the bunker charges in with Rolex on his back. He lifts his Tommy Gun and fires at the troggles killing many of them with his bullets as many go to hide. The spider fires acid from his mouth hitting a few of the troggles.

With everything going on I lost track of Bray. I stood up from my stool looking at the others. Rolex gets off the back of the spider creature. Rolex smirks.

“Just like the old chase hmm detective? Now before we go on and on. We need to fight back against this army. We need to plan to make it to the tear outside of town which is helping them make smaller tears.”

It’s time for the final battle of this land I am sure. Who will know who is the victor and become the winner we must do whatever we can to end this battle. I lean in with Blaze and the others to make a plan as quickly as we can., 
> Chapter Twenty-Three Grogar strikes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

How the fuck is this an idea?! I think the detective has lost it if he thinks using me as a trap for the troggles will work. I flap my wings staying high in the air to find the tear again. I watch while the town is having no issue fighting off the troggles. 

I doubt Grogar can send a larger army but using me how dare he. Blossom flies beside me. I glance at her sighing.

“I know he sent you with me to make sure I do my part of the mission. But why did he have to send you with me?”

Blossom shrugs her shoulders.

“He doesn't trust you not to chicken out and leave us in the dust. We do what we can to stem the tide of troggles and we close the main rip to make sure Grogar can’t send something worse. Now again remember the plan?”

I take a deep breath sighing.

“Yes, I remember the plan. We get into the middle of the invading army and take out as many of their leaders as we can. But why just the two of us?”

Blossom chuckles.

“I know a good way to handle it.”

She lifts a bunch of enclave bombs with her hoof.

“I drop many of these by the tear and we fight till Smoke pipe can gather enough magic to protect this place and fully close the rip.”

I feel bad for the troggles they didn’t ask to fight for Grogar he forced them to be his slaves. I may be a gangster but there are a few things I wouldn’t even want to happen to my worst enemy. When Blossom and I get closer to the main rip we look at the ground below seeing them release creatures from the realm of Tambelon. They’re flying creatures I cock my Tommy gun.

“I will cover you!!”

The dark smokey birds fly towards me screeching loudly as when they open their beaks souls Grogar has stolen over the years scream at me. Saying help free us. Blossom looks at me fear filling her eyes. I smack her with my hoof on her left cheek bright red from the smack

“If you let your fear control you now then you’re as good as dead. GO NOW!!”

Blossom nods as she flies quickly past the birds while they fly at me. I know I am as good as dead since there are so many of them. I get ready to fire the birds coming closer and closer. I hear shooting from beside me seeing an armored enclave fly right by me taking out many of the birds. One of them a mare stops hovering beside me.

“Where is Blossom?!”



When the mare asks Blossom to dive bombs the troggles she is being shot at and she finally gets to the tear dropping the bombs and when they blow up the troggles scream and their bodies fly everywhere and one scream in pain screaming as he slowly dies.

The enclave and I quickly land to protect the big tear just in case more try to break through here. We know they’re using smaller tears. An enclave technician puts up a strange forcefield to block the tear from being used again.

“We don’t have enough power to keep this up for long. We need to know what the detective's plan will be.”

I wonder what his plan will be. I hear shots fired at me and the others as the energy bullets fly right past us. We gather up as pegasus does and fire at all the troggles they’re now surrounding us.

“Come on detective, what is your plan?!”

__________________

Root

I charge through the streets in my old armor from the lovely community I used to be in. I didn’t use weapons most would have used. I used claws on my armor. I tear through the troggles while Soda Pop and his rangers help me.

“Did Smoke Pipe tell you his plan?!”

I shrug my shoulders.

“I have no idea what his plan is. I just know it has something to do with zebras.”

We quickly do what we can to break through the troggles and whatever creatures came with them. Globe Eyes and Draco are not far behind us breaking through each of them more tears form up. While we see buildings from Grogars land forming and vanishing. We know what that means: more tears are opening up and closing.

“Okay, I don’t know how much more we can do this.”

I feel a blast hit me in the chest I groan feeling part of my armor cook I fall to my chest screaming in pain feeling the fur on my body burning. The rangers protect me as I lay on the ground screaming. I feel the pain subside hoping never to feel that again.

“Careful they can break through your armor with one blast.”

I get back on groaning. My plan for me was to get to the other side of town and stop them from getting into town. Draco and Globe eyes get ahead of us and we stop watching them break through the lines.

“Good, I need to rest. Before we go on.”

I sit down hearing shootings everywhere. How did this peaceful town become like this? I groan, falling to the ground feeling whatever hit me slowly drain me of all my energy. I still feel able to breathe.

“Root?!”

My world goes dark feeling my world vanish.

___________

The gangs

The Lavender gang finally fully makes it to the town. After they heard something was going on all of them came with Lavender herself not far behind. Lavender and her gang use whatever they have to fight the troggles.

Many of the Lavender gang die in the streets while Lavender herself fights with them knowing if she dies she will be remembered for what she did. Vona the leader of the Chain boys gets in front of her before a blast goes into her. 

Vona stares at the mare.

“If you die now Lavender you’re weaker than I thought. Have you seen Diamond or Ace?”

Lavender shakes her head.

“No, I haven’t seen them. Knowing Diamond she will do anything to help her grandfather. I hope I can tell Smoke Pipe thank you before the end.”

Vona smiles.

“You’re not the only one he helped through life Lavender. He is the reason I am the leader. Come on, let's save our hometown.”

The Black Aces come out from underground using the Blue hat tunnels and Ace himself comes out lifting a giant hammer. In his mouth, he smashes into many of the troggles. Many of his gang members use chains and whips to break through the lines.

His second in command a mare is known as Spike stands beside him.

“Boss, let's get these gits!!”

The spike-covered mare charges through the troggles using her spike armor to stab them she laughs being a larger mare than most. Ace shrugs his shoulders charging through the troggles there are more of them than there are of them but they must fight to the end.

The Black Stripes finally make it to town after a long way from their main home. Diamond, the leader in her grandmother's Roman armor, charges into the town with many zebras tossing potions and brews at the troggles. When the brews and potions hit them they scream and some melt, some turn into chickens or other creatures. But the melted ones scream to the end.

Diamond looks around for Smoke Pipe and finally sees him going into the building where the zebra is working on the brews to make the gardens stronger. She watches Bray the Donkey follow close behind the ghoul.

“Boys use it.”

Two stallions nod they drink down potions and their bodies expand full muscles as they scream in pain, blood draining from some of the veins since the mussels are hurting them more than helping.

“Get me in there.”

The large stallions charge through the streets with Diamond not far behind. They get to the zebra's hut, look outside, and Diamond sighs, closing her eyes.

“I am sorry boys stay here as long as your hearts allow it.”

She goes inside.

__________

Smoke Pipe

Zoonie is at her station and she knew her job from the start. She turns to look at me, sweat pouring down her forehead.

“I did all I could now. All that is needed is to toss the brew into the sky and let it rain to close the tears. It will cleanse the area and make sure no more tears open up.”

I use my magic to grab it but I hear a shot ring out and I feel a bullet go into my side. I groan my magic fails as the vial falls to the floor Zoonie catches it and the gun hits her right in the chest. Close to the heart.

Zoonie falls, blood leaking from her wound. She must stay alive, her eyes growing weak from the loss of blood. I turn my head to see Bray. He smirks, firing into my shoulder. I scream in pain.

“You have pissed off the master detective and for that, you must die.”

He cocks his weapon again and Diamond quickly comes up beside him smashing into the donkey. The donkey regains himself and the two fight. I quickly stand up even if I am in pain limping a bit. Going to Zoonie.

“I must save you.”

Zoonie smiles.

“Save the town…”

I ignore her words, taking one of her potions and shoving it down her throat knowing it will try to heal her. But I might be too late. Diamond pushes Bray back as I stand up taking the vial. She smiles at me.

“Come let's.”

From behind a troggle a big one stabs Diamond from behind. She gasped as the knife the troggle held went right through her heart, the zebra I have known since she was a little foal. The one I watched became a mare. 

Diamond falls to the ground. I don't see her breathing. She lays in a pool of blood with a look of surprise on her face. The large troggle stands above her and Bray comes over aiming his gun at me. 

“Now shall we hear you scream?”

I felt anger filling my core. My magic goes haywire as I let out a magic scream of anger and pain and sorrow. My emotions. I lift my gun trying to fire on them Bray quickly backs up.

“Okay, I think we have lost this round. Come on, let's go.”

Bray quickly runs out with the troggle not far behind. I run after the cowardly donkey. I am not going to let him out of my sight after what he did. His master wanted to make an example of me. I shall do the same to him!!

“Come on everyone we did what we could we broke them and showed them our OW!!”

I fire into Bray's ass as he looks back at me. I fire again in the same spot. He screams falls in pain and passes out.

“Master, we could use your help!!”

Grogar for a second opens a tear himself and sends a powerful spell to blind me and everyone else. The troggles use the time to lift Bray. I can make a little bit out of it. But the blinding spell keeps me and others from doing anything. After the spell ends the tears vanish from sight.

Blossom lands in front of me after a while. I offer the vial to her. I am doing my best to keep my composure. The pain I feel in my heart is too much but for now, I can do more than just stand here doing nothing. 

“Blossom I need you to put this in the clouds and make it rain. There is something I need to do.”

Blossom takes the vial and with the help of the other pegasi, she makes it rain. I go back inside noticing Zoonie died from her wounds as well no matter what potion she took we had a loss I am sure we had many losses.

I look down at Diamond, the old zebra mare. I hold her lifeless body to me not caring if her blood gets on me. I sob softly, feeling sorrow filling every part of me. Root comes into the office she gasps seeing Diamond lifeless in my arms and Zoonie dead over a paper she was able to write before she passed.

We won, we have peace but at what cost? I will always remember what I felt every day. . The loss I have lost so much over my ghoul life. I have lost my memories and I have lost many friends. Now I have lost the only one who called me grandfather. I hold the mare close singing what I sang to her to get her to sleep when she was a foal.

“Hush little one.. Don’t cry, your grandfather is here.. To watch your every step. I shall be here to watch your every movement. I shall sing to you every day and in the end, you will be strong. You will be powerful. Oh please sleep my little darling.”

I shut her eyes with my bloody hoof and all I could do was sob. Sob loud enough for all to hear. For now, it is my time to show pain.
> Chapter Twenty-Four: The orbs and the future they hold
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It’s been at least three days since the battle in town. I stand with the others at our newly made graveyard. A larger grave has the name Diamond engraved on it. With the words ‘Grandmother, Mother, and leader,’ Many of her gang members decorate it with stripes, and her younger daughter Gem Cutter takes over putting her hoof on her mother’s grave

Gem Cutter looks at me. They consider me their grandfather and she gives me a nod. Leaving with the others of the gang heading back to their home. I look at the other grave, Zoonie. She did so much for us. Before she died she left instructions on how to find the best way to help the gardens.

Root comes up beside me most of her fur is burnt off her side and chest. I glanced at my friend who got shot through her armor and the magic looks like it destroyed parts of her nerves. She was told she may never feel anything again in those spots but she will get her fur back.

“Smoke Pipe will you be okay?”

I shrug my shoulders.

“I must move on. I got one more task and then maybe my simple life. Can go back to being peaceful again. These orbs need to be placed in their home and we can finally learn so much. Are you willing to come with me?”

Root chuckles.

“I have been with you on this journey since you found these orbs. Blossom and I are with you all the way. But I learned how many died during the battle.”

I look back at the graves. I know how many died; it was mostly the gangs who lost many of their followers. I don’t need to know the number. Blossom lands beside me and Root. She smiles weakly at the two of us.

“My commander is ready to follow you to the computer to understand what’s on these orbs. But Rolex gave me something. He said you would know what this means.”

She lifts a poker chip from her wing. I take it in my magic staring at it. I know what this is from and I know what this means. I place it in my pocket. I will follow up on it before my journey ends. Then I go back to being a detective and not a hero.

I walk away from the graveyard heading up the hill back to town looking down. Hundreds or more graves are lining up. So many died just for what to get at me? I highly doubt it was to get at me, it was to get at the community and it didn’t work.

I walk back into town seeing the zebras honoring Zoonie and another takes over. I glance at the new zebra who is going to take over for her. Her name is Sugar Mane, a mare who recently came here from the war in Equestria she offered to help.

Sugar waves her hoof at me. I walk over to them as the zebras move away. The mare looks at me, bowing her head.

“You don’t need to give me any respect Sugar. I am just a simple detective of this community. You do understand what this job will ask you to do right?”

She nods

“I think so I know from what I am being told. I am trying to find a cure for the sickness in the soil.”

I nod.

“It’s not going to be easy. It may never find a cure. It could fix itself through the years but you do what you can to heal this land. I wish I could say it will be easy for you. But it won’t be as easy. But I will support you as much as I can.”

The mare bows her head. She has jagged stripes and I don’t know what zebra tribe she is part of. But at this moment I don’t care. Each zebra to me is a zebra who wishes to help this land they’re fine with me. 

I gather the bags looking at those who are following me to the final path. One is the commander stallion Blaze Storm. Blossom, Root, and the ranger Soda Pop. I stop walking looking at the ranger. I am confused why he is following.

“Soda why are you coming?”

Soda removes his helmet looking at me. He smirks, laughing softly.

“I have been wanting to see what is up with these orbs you have been finding detective.”

I was about to say something and I hear a strange sound looking up. Seeing green lighting and the clouds slowly move away. The sun shines down on us after all these years. I finally see the sun again. 

“So I guess the attack I heard about was happening. Who would have guessed.”

Blaze Storm laughs, shaking his head. Maybe it can be explained to me what is going on. While we walk to the memorial which holds the computer the orbs are for. Blaze tells me what has been happening over the last few days

A mare he never got her name though he called her the Lightbringer and she caused a big stir with the enclave and promised to bring back the sun. He couldn’t go deep into what happened, just a battle happened and it was pretty big.

I am surprised a hero did what they promised. Of course, I see things getting worse for many. It took at least an hour to get to the memorial and standing outside it is Bumble waiting for us. She sighs shifting on her hooves.

“Seeing the sun again bothers me.”

I don’t blame Bumble for having ill feelings at seeing the sun again. The sun has been gone for so long just to see it now. I doubt it’s going to be easy to handle seeing it again and feeling how cold it’s going to get. Before I go inside Bumble stops me looking at me. She kisses my cheek but the look on her face is fear. I think she is scared of what we are about to see.

“Smoke Pipe we can do nothing, we have no idea what will happen if we put them all in.”

I smiled weakly. I would listen to her about this. But after what happened and all those who died for these orbs and Grogar wanting to come after us. I have a feeling these orbs are bigger than we know.

“We need to know Bumble. I am sorry I want to know what uprooted my simple life.”

Simple detective life I have been loving over the years. I may get jobs over the years but just relaxing and enjoying my life. Helping families grow up and finding stuff for them when they need me to. But when this happened I wouldn’t have seen all this. Draco, Globe eyes, and the spider creature left after the battle was over to head back to Antler.

Draco did his best to tell me he is sorry Globe Eyes just left after everything and the spider he left after the battle was over. My brain is drifting again to my granddaughter seeing her laying there dying or dead. I want to rage at Grogar but it won’t do any good. I feel a hoof on my shoulder looking at Root.

“Come on, let's go.”

I sigh deeply as we head into the memorial heading to the bottom of it while we are being cheered on by everyone. Before I could fully get down there Rose gave me and the others a hug. I smile weakly at Rose. All I can do is smile or I would finally lose it and sob my heart out again. 

Rose moves out of the way. I give her thanks with just a nod of my head. We finally made it to the control room. I see I have all the orbs now I place one in before I place them all in after I place one in. A voice comes over the computer.

“We have learned some worshipers of Grogar have infiltrated at least one of our military complexes and might be getting ready to aim their weapons at us. We need to work quickly, my friends. This is the last recording I may ever make whoever finds these orbs. I want you to know not to rely on the weapons we have. Grogar is going to return no matter what we do.”

I place the other orb in and it just brings up one of the targets. The target is the salt flats in the widow maker desert. A desert Luna corrupted years ago when she was Nightmare Moon, interestingly, Grogar’s minions are scared of it.

“Okay, the moment of truth is the bigger one.”

I place it in the orb when I do the screen goes blank and up comes a countdown. Fifty years from now. I look at the name of what is saids on the screen 

“Project Rebel.”

Words come up on the screen Bumble stands beside me to read them.

“To those who have come this far. I am sorry you couldn’t have been warned sooner. Our hubris and our war. Our foolishness would have never seen a threat coming. The threat of the real Grogar’s return. Most of us knew this but no one believed us since we focused too much on war and hate.”

Another set of words comes up.

“Some want to believe Grogar was the cause of this war. No, he wasn’t the hate between us was there all along. He just used it for his gains. The hate sickness is the hate we have deep within us. The hate we wish to hide he doesn’t need to use his mist to control our hate. It’s what we accept within ourselves.”

One last set of words comes up. I look over to Bumble as she reads it.

“Heed my warning my friends. Gather your friends and gather those you trust. If we don’t have friendship or the will to battle all may be lost. I wish I could say more. I wish I could have done more for everyone. But I failed, I failed.”

No name comes up and it goes back to the count down. I turn away the mystery is over now it’s time for the last and final thing I must do. Before I can go back to my life of nothing. I doubt even fifty years I am going to care about another war.

“Pipe where are you going?”

I look back at Soda and the others.

“The mystery is over, it's time to move on and I can no longer care about everything which happened. I have something else I need to take care of. Don’t worry we have fifty years to get ready, it's not like things are going to get worse.”

Soda sighs putting his helmet back on and he swings his head to the others calling some other rangers to come and guard the computer. I head back out with Root and Blossom getting in front of me to stop me.

“Where are you going in such a hurry?”

I glance at Root.

“Root I must do what a detective must do.”

Root stares at me and I look over to Blossom.

“I promise you both I will be back. I promise I will watch you make families. I will watch your children grow. I will stand there watching you two die as I never age. I will watch the world around me die. Till I am unable to live without the radiation of the world to help me stay alive. Then I will finally be able to die. I will be able to finally have the timeless walk with you all.”

They look at each other knowing what I mean. I walk by them lifting the poker chip. I hear the words from my past and remember that day. I went inside the casino and soft music played. I walked into the back smoking as I was making sure I could find this sister. I got in the middle of a large group and many guns were cocked and the mare that gave me the job stood up there with him and I chuckled.

"Hmm bringing one of your whores now mister Rolex you know better ways to get me here than sex appeal." 

Rolex flew down and chuckled and he had a Tommy-like gun strapped to his side.

"Ah... but Detective... if you have the money... why not use it? Maybe this game between us will finally end. Back and forth for all these years." 

I chuckled and just stood there not even getting my gun...

"Hmm, but I always had fun chasing you Rolex."

We ran into the sewer firing at each other and he was trying to find a way out. I rushed far after him. My old bones are still able to chase him. As we got in the middle of a large sewer he laughed.

"We will be doing this for all our lives, Detective... I can do it all my life... Can you?!"

The walls of the sewer blew in on us and the screams outside as we both lay in the burning rubble as the world around us ended. I remember waking up a few days after this creature, this ghoul. Then we gave up on the chase now it is time to end.

It takes at least a few hours of a walk to get up to the old run-down casino Rolex owned. The PA systems around the old casino blare on. I am amazed after all these years they still even work. I hear his voice trying to speak as it gives feedback a second. 

“So you did come. I don’t know about you but this life of endless torment is not fun. How about we do this my old enemy. We let the game finally end. If I win I will finally get to kill you and put you in the ground. If you win you finally get to arrest me for every crime. For everything, I did in the past. Detective, I am weary of the chase come on let's do it the game is afoot.”
> Chapter: Twenty-Five The game must end Detective
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rolex has been wanted by half of the ponies in Wymarnic for many things he has done. Murder, ponynapping, and many other things. The only thing he said he wouldn’t do is harm children. Children are the only thing he refused to do. He killed an entire slave drive back during a war and the leader who survived lied about it. I remember I had to prove he was innocent. I don't remember at all.

I look up at the PA system and I know he can hear me.

“Rolex, are you sure you wish to end the game? The chase ain’t it all you and I have now? We have been alive for so long now and everyone around us is nothing but dust. What should we do when the game is over?’

Rolex went silent for a moment.

“Honestly detective it’s all I have left myself. Every gang member I knew was every beautiful mare I could use to get to you. Are all dead? I refuse to harm any of these new mares. They know nothing but pain and hate. For the world, they’re born now.”

He is correct that the thrill of the hunt is gone. The chase is no longer the same. Our young lives are nothing but rotting flesh and watching those around us struggling to survive. So many wars have happened and now I am ready to fulfill my final path in my final journey. This could be my final journey. I could die here for all I know.

“Think about it, detective, there is little hope left in this world. I know the sun has returned. I know some mare known as the Lightbringer has brought it all back. But…”

He went silent and I could hear sobbing.

“I have had it living like this detective. I see you and how broken you are. The strong stallion who did everything to stop me. I look at myself and see I am becoming worthless. I have nothing left to live for myself Smoke Pipe. Look at the two of us, we are too old. The world we left behind has left us behind. We never moved on detective and I doubt you ever will since your granddaughter died.”

I felt the anger fill me again. I took a deep breath trying to not get upset. I remove the pipe from my pocket. Looking at the pipe which has kept me from losing it all these years. Is it wise to let myself run into the shell again? A shell I haven’t left since I became this creature of flesh and decaying death.

“Smoke Pipe for once in your life if you won’t listen to your friends. Or even your late granddaughter listen to me. Let's end this game, let's see who finally wins the game and then our old lives will finally end. I will no longer be a gangster and I will stay in jail as long as I need to. To appease the dead who no longer live.”

I put the pipe back into my pocket. He is correct. I can no longer hide by smoking. I sigh feeling the world around me turning black and white again. A horn gently plays over the PA system. He knows the music to fulfill the chase.

“Oh, such a powerful stallion. Coming down the way, look at how he dances. How he aims his gun. He turns me on hmm oooh. Just by his stare. I would go to bed with him and drink the bourbon from his mouth.”

I go inside and the jazz music gets louder as I go inside and I see Rolex standing above the catwalk in the area he used to be. The song gets louder as a harmonica with a saxophone plays beside it.

“Oh, a mare with a lovely voice. I shall drink the bourbon from you, my dear.”

The mare sings to the stallion in the song. As the world around us turns back time and we are back in his casino as I look over at the young stallion and mare singing together. They know we are here and they won’t leave or vanish.

“Oh, Big boy you make my withers flutter and burn. OOO Hooooo.”

Rolex smirks at me as he shifts laughing as he comes down from the catwalk. 

“Ah, the detective I knew you would come.”

The two of us have finally broken. We see the world as we did back then. A smile forms on my face. I look around seeing those who would join him in this chase. But he shakes his head at them and I shake my head at the police who followed me.

“I have mostly come for a hard drink. The chase is not on right now I am sure you have a good drink sitting behind that bar?”

Rolex laughs as he leads me to the bar. In my fantasy of a broken world. The bar is alive and well. The bones are those I would have seen years ago. He gets behind the bar letting the mare go on a break. He smirks at her and mixes a drink for me. The jazz around us got louder. The mare sings deeply to the stallion

“Oh oh hooo my withers are burning more for you stallion. Bop boop bop we dance as we make love tonight. Sing to me, show me that jazz!!”

The ponies around them who are in the band play their music loudly while the stallion and mare dance. The two are sweating and their eyes are full of lust. Something I have noticed happens every time a jazz song is played. They sing together.

“Our bodies heated for each other as we sang to each other. Our bodies slide along each other. As we demand our lust to control our lives and we never forget the rush of love and pleasure of our coming night.”

The song slowly ends. Rolex sets the drink down. I take a sip from it when the song ends and the world goes back to the dead world. He is sitting on the other side of the bar. Aiming his gun at me as I do the same to him.

“One last drink for us both..”

Rolex drinks down the cup. As we both set them down he fired at me and I hid behind the bar hearing the bullets go through the old wood. As he flies into the air and I fire at him with my magnum. The last moment of our chase will end the way we think? 

“Come on detective, come on!! Time for this farce of a life to end! Chase me like you did before the bombs fell the pain the rush. Don’t stop putting me down if you need to. But let's end this pain of a life we left behind.”

I fire at those figments of my life the two singing turns into the bones which are left behind. The bullets hit the wall, the color flows through the hole like its blood. My vision becomes color again to show the figment is gone. The past is no longer black and white. All the color returned even if the color was never in my life. 

I stood on my hooves finally rushing through the waitresses who turned into bones as I broke them trotting after him. I finally feel the last bit of my past leaving my soul. The chase of the game it’s finally going to end. The life witch was stolen from me because of the silly war. The bombs in the end came so hard and harsh I no longer wish to see them.

I break another set of bones looking down at them. I see the dress of the mare who brought me here so long ago. The mare who charmed me into coming here back then. A weak smile formed on my face. I remember the hunger for sex I wanted to do with her. Just for it all to end.

A bullet buzzes past me and Rolex laughs.

“Come on detective, your mind is too in the past to even fulfill the game. Come on bring me to justice my old foe. Try to force a win between us, try to put me in my place for once. As many times as you threatened each time you got me into court. Come on!! COME ON!!”

He fires at me more bullets buzzing past me and one hits me in my shoulder. I groan in pain. I lift my gun, firing at him hitting one of his legs and he laughs in pain. He flies on his decaying wings while I chase after him to the place it ended for us back two hundred years ago. In the sewers, I knew I would come to this path and lose myself. 

Before I chase after him I go through my pocket to find more ammo tossing the box down with another old box of empty ammo from the past. I chased him to the sewer door, smelling the smoke and hearing the fire. Looking towards the sewers, the place my life ended.

“Come on detective, you can do it. You can forget the place where we died and came back.”

I look at Rolex. He pants tired from the run. I feel my lungs burning. I am amazed I feel the burn. Maybe it's because my body remembers everything from the past and how my body used to feel every time the chase is on. I quickly ran at him, firing at him and running past the rubble we were stuck under. He fires back at me with all the bullets flying past me, at least one grazing me. 

We finally get to the dead-end of the sewer and both our guns are aimed at each other. The sun shines above us while we hear singing peace above us? There is singing of happiness and love? Wait, are we back to the normal world?

“Peace has come.”

We listen above us as Root sings.

“Peace has finally come to us. Come to me my friends, let's sing and fulfill our lives with peace.”

Soda pop joins in.

“I can finally remove this armor for a time. For the war is over for the time has ended. I feel the sun shining in my soul. I know it’s only a chance for peace, a time for peace. For we know it won’t last. But for now, the sun is shining to tell us it’s time to move on.”

I lower my gun hearing the words move on. But the chase the game must end, the thrill must end. I must bring him to justice. Tears fall from my eyes, my heart breaks, and finally, it all hits me. I haven't moved on once. So many around me have died since my adopted son. Diamond everyone, I knew in my past. 

“No detective, it must end.”

Rolex aims the Tommy gun at me and the gun clicks. He looks around for ammo in his coat and he finds nothing. Tears fall down his eyes too as we both finally break. The two old ghoul stallions finally see we haven’t moved on at all. The next to sing is Bumble.

“If only my husband could be here with me. To enjoy this day of peace. Maybe we can finally come home together and we can sing. He has been lost his whole life yearning for the past. Yearning to see those who went before him.”

I feel those words hit me harder.

“No. It must end.”

I lift my gun and it clicks. I put it in my pocket charging at Rolex as the two of us smash our hooves into each other. Tears falling from our eyes are two lost stallions. We have no peace in our eyes. From the looks of us, we are lost souls in a dead world.

“I have taken the next path of my journey. I have taken over for Zoonie and now I wish to be as strong as she was. For this is my home I have moved on. I have found the song in my heart. I no longer wish to run.”

Rolex hits me away from him and he huddles in a dark corner sobbing hard. He finally breaks down. I feel myself breaking down as I scream in pain. It's not loud enough to ruin the song though. I cry for Diamond who lost her life because of me.

“I have found my home. The Enclave will never take me back. I am named Blossom. I have found my home, my family, and my friends. I wish to have a family. I wish to sing to my friends. We have much cleaning up to do and our hearts can sour”

Rolex stands on his hooves offering his forehooves to me. I look up at him. It seems the chase is done and I have done it. At least I think I have. I take a deep breath standing on my hooves reaching in my pockets in my coat bringing in battered rusted cuffs. I cuff his legs leading him outside while the others sing.

I feel the song finally filling my heart seeing the color in the world and the beauty returning to me. I dance with Rolex behind me and he dances as I do. It seems we have new hope in our souls and hearts or whatever is left of our souls. 

“The sun is out, it's time to move on. The game has been won and I have brought Rolex to justice for once. How long shall he stay in jail till his guilt is gone? Those he hurt are all but dead. It’s time to move on.”

I take him to the old police station, opening the run-down cell and placing him inside. Looking up at him with a smile on my face. Closing the door, sighing deeply, feeling the rush of pleasure the game is finally over.

“I got a new idea for a game detective. I do my time and prove to you I can change. I will finally turn a new leaf, rebuild and open the casino again and then I shall do what I can.”

I lock the door singing and dancing with the others outside. I feel my heart sing with them for this is the only time I have ever felt this. I dance with Bumble while the mare from the bar who normally sings for us all places the system outside to sing to us all.

“It’s time to move on, the time has come. It’s time to bring forth a new sense of peace and hope in our hearts. The sun shines above us no matter what is lost. We see the hope in the light which shines upon us.”

She allows us to come up to sing our part. The first one to sing is Ace of the Black Aces. He lifts the mic in his hooves.

“The Black Aces shall go back to their job and bring peace to our community. We may have lost many but our hearts will flutter on. We shall always sing for our hearts here. Oh, it’s time for us to go, my friends.”

I shake the hoof of Ace and the hoof of his second in command as they both leave with who is left. Many of them have been taken out so they need to do a heavy recruitment tribe. The next is Lavender from the lavender crew.

“Oh oo hooo we have lost so much but we have gained as much as we have lost. Oooo oooo we have danced with our hearts and we have seen the future. It’s in the sun and the moon. We shall never allow it to end. We shall never allow the world to end us.”

Lavender gathers her gang of those who remained, she hugs me goodbye and they head back to the land they control. The next to take the mic is the yak Vona of the chain boys. She holds it in her hooves as mares with chains swinging around them dance with her. She dances and the ground shakes it hard for us to stay on our hooves.

“We have fucking won. We have fucking moved on I will get back up and sing again. This yak will not allow the world to keep down. No, this yak will not allow the world to keep her down. Come on with me my friends from the chain as we return to our home.”

Vona gives me a nod waving goodbye with the remainder of the chain boys. The last and final leader of the gang is Gem Cutter as she holds the mic looking at the zebras who survive the battle. She took a deep breath.

“I think I will sing what my mother used to sing to me before I became a mare.”

She closes her eyes singing into the mic.

“Follow your path my little filly. Never allow this world of hate to stop you from doing what is right. When my time has come you will be strong enough to follow my hoof steps and you will never be lost. The times have come when the story has ended. My story has just started. It’s time for me and the others to go back to the border.”

Gem Cutter puts the mic back coming to me. She gives me a hug smiling at me. I nod to her and she knows I am proud of her. I just wish her mother could see the end of this battle. She left to head back to the border of the land. 

Soda Pop takes over lifting the Mic in his metal hoof.

“When I was lost I was welcomed in this welcoming community. When I lost my chapter and I found my way back. This is such a welcoming community but it’s time to move on my friends oh it’s time to move on. I will be returning to my base with my friends outside of town and only show up when the gardens need rain.”

He puts the mic away. He didn't sing too well but it didn’t stop him and He nods to me putting his helm. Leave with the others who came with him. Root, Bumble, and Blossom look at me to sing. I sigh softly, heading to the mic and lifting it before I sing. I need to say my peace.

“I know I haven’t been easy to get along with over the years. I know I always talk about the good ole days and tend to ignore those around me. Those only who grew in my heart like Diamond I felt it’s the only way to be myself. Now it’s time for me to sing and it’s finally going to be the end of my journey. Then back to my life as a detective and not someone trying to save a community.”

I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and slowly feel the music filling my heart.

“I have been on this path for two hundred years. I watched the world around me die after the bombs fell. I watched this land try to struggle to survive after what the Blue hats did to the land. We never saw the sun again for so long.”

I offer my hoof for Bumble to come to sing with me.

“I lost my memory of those close to me. I forgot my friend Dr. Slice and what happened to him. I had my memory taken from me of the love of my life. My love, I see her beside me now and I remember the happy memories.”

Bumble smiles leaning into the mic to sing.

“I regret everything I did to my husband. I look back on our journey and what we did to our adopted child. What we did to him in old Antler. Now our journey has come to an end. I see we gather our hearts. We shall become one again in our lives.”

A smile comes over my face. Bumble backs up for me to fully sing again.

“It’s time to move on, it's time for this journey to end. I shall go back to my simple life as a detective and never become a hero again.”

Root, Blossom, and Bumble come to me and we start all to sing together.

“For once friendship has returned into our hearts. The power of friendship has returned to our hearts. The power of love, the power of friendship, and the power of our hearts shall never leave us.”

Root sings.

“The magic of my heart shall never be lost.”

Root leaves waving to us while she heads back home. Blossom leans in to sing her last line.

“I shall soar like every other pegasus while my heart sings.”

She flies off to go find a place to live or build. Bumble leans to kiss me and smiles at me.

“I shall go back to gather the Blue hats and get ready for the time to come. It’s time to move on and to bring forth our ending night.”

Bumble left and I was the last one left. I close my eyes thinking of the last verse I should do.

“The magic of friendship is back in my heart.”

The music ends. I put the mic back on the stand thanking the mare who sings for us. I go to the bar real fast to order a big bottle of wine. Moonshine nods giving my order and I head back up to my office. 

Opening my desk and writing the title of my journal. ‘Mystery Mountain.’ I sat down in my chair and began to write the journey I have been on. The twist, the turns, and what I did to move on. I feel maybe the only way to remember in the future what I did is so I will never forget.
> Epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear journal things have changed over the years. Root and Blossom have found stallions and they finally got married. My wife and I got remarried ourselves. Over the years our land has been slowly rebuilding everything which has been lost.

Newspapers have returned but sadly the land is still sick and unable to heal. We learned from a few creatures in the new Antler that it would take powerful magic to restore the soil to be able to grow like it used to.

I remember the magic witch went into the ground when my son died. The power went back into the ground and I wonder if the magic is slowly working through the soil to return the soil to normal. Big issues though ever since the land became normal again we have had issues from outsiders known as raiders and slavers.

I lower my journal after I hear a knock.

“It’s open.”

Moonshine opens the door.

“A mare is waiting for you downstairs,'' she said a group of raiders has taken her son. She tried getting help from the gangs but they were busy dealing with the slavers. What are your plans with this Smoke pipe?”

I put the journal down, putting my hat back on.

“I can handle it. From what I have been told about these raiders they’re too dumb to understand one like me.”

_______________

Nine years later

Well, I learned Scootaloo has been found and revived from a frozen tube. I worry about what is going to happen. The news coming to us is a few days old. But there is a new issue with the Enclave. A group known as the Hardliners is causing a big stir over an old weapon. 

I lower my journal seeing Blossom come in. She is beside herself from the look of her messed-up mane.

“Oh, the Enclave has upset me now. Blaze Storm told me to stay here and not follow the rest of them back to deal with this. It’s gotten bad enough that the Alliance used Celestia one on the pegasus.”

I look down at the book written by the one known as Little Pip. I just recently got to the part about Celestia one and what it could have been used for. A weapon like it and no way to stop it. The place we live in though it’s not my fight I can’t stop it.

“Blossom he is correct it is not our fight. Besides they don’t need a detective, they need a pony to play fake hero to use their hearts and minds and then vanish from sight when the time calls for it.”

Blossom snorts sitting in another chair I bought recently. Since Root needs to vent about how her husband tends to anger her. Of course, he angers her he is a stallion who is a ranger. Of course, he is not always going to see her.

“I can tell Root was here. She and her husband are having issues again?”

I chuckle.

“Na it was him this time. I told him you got her pregnant, you married her now you deal with it. I may have known her most of my life but I can’t read her for you. Blossom look I am very sorry but this fight with the hardliners is not our fight. Those who wish to fight can join in on it. But I had enough of it to last a lifetime.”

Blossom sighs, groaning, and strokes her head with her hoof.

“I am sorry Smoke Pipe it’s just I feel I have to do something. My family could be dead for all I know.”

I nod.

“I know but you left the Enclave you made yourself impure in the eyes of many of them for breeding with a pony on the ground. Granted he is a Dashite but still, he is a pony who some of the Enclave would say is impure. We got to let the real heroes do their job and then fail to keep up the facade of a hero.”

Blossom lays fully on the chair sighing.

“I will never understand  your issue with the hero's Smoke Pipe.”

I chuckle weakly.

“It’s from a lifetime of watching those so-called heroes break their friendship and many other heroes break their friendship in the name of peace. Look how about I buy you a drink and you can go back to your hubby.”

Blossom gets off the chair nodding and heads downstairs. I sigh deeply looking at the other book beside Little Pip's book. I have almost finished this one too. I lift it in my magic.’The Howling Dance Written by Silver Gunner.’

I set the book down heading downstairs.

____________

Twenty years later [The Story Rainfall.]

I am sitting in my chair reading one of my newspapers. The news hasn't gotten pretty slow over the years. Things have calmed some raiders are still around some slavers still find their way into the mountains. A knock sounds on my door. I pull my pipe out of my mouth.

“It’s open.”

The door opens and I see my earth pony friend Root and Blossom both of them now married. They help raise their foals and I take care of them when they need a foal sitter. Root closes the door and the two middle-aged mares sit in my chair.

“What brings you two here?”

I don’t even turn to look at them. The two don’t say a word at all for the longest time till Root speaks.

“The Storm King has returned. The news is making the gangs on the border gather heavier weapons and rumors of locking down the border again. But that is not the biggest thing there is a zebra ghoul in the bar downstairs. She said she wishes to speak to you."

I lift the letter Poison Rose sent me. I think I know what she wants from me. I put the letter in my pocket. Looking up into the sky as the rain falls into the gardens below. The gangs protecting the gardens. After the war 20 years ago we all agreed this area of Equestria will work together till peace is finally back in this world. The Lightbringer may have brought peace back to some areas. But not every area.

“I would ask how your children and husbands are. But I see them down there.”

I wave to the two stallions who fell in love with the former enclave pegasus Blossom and Root my dear friend. I turn to look at my two friends. I see how old they have become after the 20 years of our greatest mystery.

“As you say the Storm King returned. I am starting to see why the security of this land doubled. But first. I must talk to an old enemy and a friend.”

I head down the stairs a jazzy song playing while a blue mare sings in the microphone.

“There's a moon over bourbon street tonight

I see faces as they pass beneath the pale lamplight

I've no choice but to follow that call “

I sat down at the bar. Moonshine is still running this bar after 20 years. Her beauty hasn’t left her. The beauty of her dark moonlight fur. She has helpers now since many of the gang members of many towns are wanting to bring this land back to normal after 220 years. Moonshine doesn’t even ask what I want. She puts down a large bottle of Whiskey. I hear someone sitting on a stool next to me.

“I didn’t think you would show..”

I didn’t even need to look to know who it was. I know from her walk and how she presented herself. A mare of style, a former commander. The two of us have known each other since the end of the war. She told me one day she would need a favor from me. While the peaceful jazzy song plays in the background while the two of us talk. An old ragged hoof slides a photo for me to look at.

“This is a new photo of them. They call themselves the Sand-hooves. I need you to find them. I need you and any who can protect you to go to that desert the Storm King has returned. It may take you a year or two to get there. On how you go about it but I need you to find them.”

I didn’t look at her, just stare at the photo of a group of zebras that live in a desert wearing old war armor. I take a long drink from the whiskey the music slowly ends and just goes to jazz music with no vocals.

“Why are you so keen on having me find them?”

I finally turn around to look at the old ragged zebra ghoul. The poor mare has been through a lot so have we all. But she is wearing the old commander armor that I met her in. The armor is tarnished and hasn’t been cleaned for years. It looks like she lost her want to care to clean it up.

“I didn’t leave with them on good terms Smoke Pipe. The Storm King's return has caused a big stir over there. It got bad enough that the hero that they had over there. Got killed by him and he judged the friends of the hero. The land is under his rule now.”

So the Storm King got what he wanted. From the sounds of it but why me? Can’t someone else go that would do much better I thought in my black and white mind? It’s not even normal for a simple detective to even go into a war zone. Maybe there is more to this than she is letting on.

“You’re not telling me the full truth are you?”

The mare sighs looking back to the bar. I could tell there is more to this. I am not a detective for nothing after all. Even after Slice returned to say he is sorry for all he caused me. I didn’t let him off the hook even though I feel bad for what happened to him.

“My daughter and I didn’t see eye to eye. I know the leader of these desert-dwellers they call themselves is led by my descendant. I want you to go find them and fight with them to protect that land.”

I sip from the whiskey bottle looking up to Moonshine.

“Is there a deal you can make with the remaining Blue hats to get me into Windowmaker Desert in three years?”

Moonshine cleans the table. She takes the caps and other money that we use on this land. She then turns back to me looking at me like I am crazy. I know her history with the blue hates and everyone’s history with them.

The jazz gets louder while they play a song called paint it red, no singing just a mare gently tuning her voice in the song. It took a while for Moonshine to fully talk to me about this. I look over to Poison Rose.

“I will do this at no charge, my friend. I will not expect any pay. I will do this for you so you can see if they’re alright. I already need to go there anyway. An old friend wishes me to come for another reason. The deals I can make to get souls ready for battle.”

Moonshine finally comes back to me. I look up at her as she singles with her hoof for her helper to take over. She leaves the bar soon after to do this deal for me. She walks down the road to a home near Zoonies home. The zebras of this land are still heavily defended here. Since we learned after my adventure. That there is more to the poison that the blue hats did to the ground of this land. It may take even longer for the rain to cleanse the poison from the soil.

I get off the stool putting the whiskey bottle in my coat. Give Poison Rose a tip of my hat. She gives me a quick nod while I head back up to my room. I see Root and Blossom talking to each other while they look at me.

“How would you girls like to go with me on another adventure?”

The two mares look at each other. The adventure we went on was 20 years ago. We found out the secrets of the blue hats. We fought a war but more happened. The idea that we haven’t been on an adventure since then and allowed the world to pass us by.

“Well, it’s been 20 years. I can no longer randomly screw around like I used to. I am still a guard of this town even if I am married and have children. Soooo I wouldn’t mind going on another adventure.”

Blossom looks to the closet that holds their old clothing. The old clothing to hide in this land. Opening the closet brings out the old outfits and offers them to the two mares. They both look at each other.

“I am unsure my husband will let me go on an adventure. I will go talk to him real fast.”

Blossom flies out of the window to go talk to her husband. I sit down in my other chair smoking from the pipe. Lifting an old magazine that is the history of what is known about this desert I am asked to go. It’s old and not well kept like most of my old books.

“I will go talk to my husband.”

Root steps out of the chair and heads downstairs. Moonshine comes up after a while and sits in my chair. I look up from the book. The bartender is always being herself of course she looks drained. Of course, knowing her she had to go through harsh treatment just to get to see the blue hats.

“So what did they do to you this time?”

Moonshine snorts.

“They took as much blood as they could from me. To see if I wasn’t some changeling that would wish to use their tech of evil. Of course from what I am told by that wife of yours that it’s nothing to do with changelings just stupidity and some can’t get over that the world ended.”

Ah yes, my wife. Thanks to her help and learning more about myself during my adventure back 20 years ago. Looking back on what I can remember and I shrug just remembering that 30 years from now something will happen. Looked at that tablet I took with me and the time slowly counted down to something that will happen.

“Did they agree to help me get to widow-maker?”

Moonshine nods, tossing a note to me, taking it in my magic. I read what it saids. ‘In six days we will take the old railways to get as far as we can take you. It will cut at least a year off that walk and you would have to go the rest of the way on your own.’

“This is fair.”

It took us six days to get everything ready. Root and Blossom did come along with me. I told Rolex since he was in jail since I finally beat him in the game. I told him what is going on and he is worried about the issues this could cause for our land. I told him if I don’t return he is free from his guilt. He for one didn’t enjoy hearing that. I remember what he said to me.

“You come back, detective, we got a game to still play. When I am free I am going to prove to you I can change. I am going to reopen my old casino and clean it up. I will prove to you I am not a creature of habit. Survive detective, the game is not over yet.”

It would take us close to three years just to get to this land. We have time but for now, I must rest. I feel strange magic coming over me. The girls have already passed out from it. I don’t know why this magic is starting to affect me. Just I am warned this magic has been hitting anyone who tries to get to this land.

____________

Three years later Widow-maker Desert

I did my task for the zebras and now I have another task. To talk to an old friend I haven’t seen for years. Blossom, Root, and I did odd jobs for the Storm King's minions and some of the judges. Blossom worked at bars and Root did guard duty for them.

I did detective work for them like always. They wanted me to hunt down a rebellion and It wasn’t hard but the rebellion is small and I could have turned them in and all I told them was just kids hoping for a better life.

I was told though they don’t want to hurt them they want to convince them accepting the Storm King's way of life is the best way. After all this, I asked them if I could go to the Project known as Rainfall. With my two friends, we went on a small little ship. A ship the Storm King himself brought to us.

“So a former monster wants my help?”

The Storm King turns to look at me as he flies the ship up the creation known as Project Rainfall. We see a giant fiery cloud larger than a moon hoovering beside the big creation. I see many powerful runes float through it.

“Wheel Tread is doing things such as a summon of a powerful being as you can see. I don’t know his end game but he keeps saying the truth by flame. I worry about what he is summoning. It’s a powerful zebra spell he found.”

As we get closer we hear roaring inside the stormy orb and strange sword-like bolts jutting out of the orb and hardening. I take a deep breath unsure what to think. I look at Root and Blossom.

“You two don’t need to follow me if you don’t want to.”

The Storm King smiles.

“Don’t worry I will make sure nothing happens to them.”

I get a good look at his chest again. The orb in his chest is glowing brightly. I know from the stories that are the Howling Dance. It can hold the memories of those who held it before. It can do strange things to you if you’re near it for too long.

“Do you regret what you did in the past?”

The Storm King goes silent for a few pregnant moments and when we dock to the creation. He turns to look at me shaking his head.

“I do but I have a feeling I would have done it worse if I wasn’t so dumb into trusting a pony like Tempest. But after being near this orb in my chest. I am starting to see where I failed. Instead of taking over by force. I should have won the hearts to show I am on the real path.”

I roll my eyes great. He is becoming a hero like this Ruby I heard about when I came here who got her judgment. I have a feeling though when things are all said and done things aren’t going to go to his plans.

We get into the station and the Storm King stops in front of me while Root and Blossom look around. He looks down at me kneeling looking into my eyes.

“You don’t approve, do you?”

I shrug my shoulders.

“I have seen it all before. One who wishes to change minds and then those around them refuse to listen. But take me to him. I will try my best to stop him.”

The three of us follow the Storm King and he nods to a mare who is guarding the door into the main computer bay of the large device.

“Commander Rot, they're safe. I doubt the detective wants to cause any problems.”

I nod.

“If I wanted to, I wouldn't have offered help to you and yours. After we are done here we are going to leave and head back home. I have to try to talk to my old friend if I can.”

I look at Root and Blossom telling them with one look I better go in alone. The Storm King nods as the door opens. I walk up the stairs hearing the grumblings of a mad pony who has done so much in his life.

I walk up to the pony putting my hoof on his shoulder.

“Neighsay it’s time to stop this.”

The pony in the glimmer of the one formerly known as Wheel Tread. Freezes at my hoof touching his shoulder. He doesn’t say a word while I wait to see his reaction. He just stares at the computer, no words coming, just sadness in his eyes.

The end